Franklin School District names the principals for the new Elementary and Middle Schools

“Dear FPS Community,

I am writing with three important updates related to the implementation of the School Facilities and Educational Master Plan for the 2025-26 school year.  As previously shared, we conducted an selection process of internal candidate for the purposes of appointing principals for the 2025-26 school year. These changes do not apply to the 2024-25 school year.  

 

We are pleased to announce the appointment of the following principals to their new positions for the 2025-26 school year:

North K-5 Complex- Lincoln Street

• Mrs. Keri Busavage has been appointed as the principal of K-2 North Elementary
• Mr. Brad Hendrixson has been appointed as the principal of 3-5 North Elementary

South K-5 Complex - Washington Street

• Mrs. Stefani Wasik has been appointed as the principal of K-2 South Elementary
• Mr. Evan Chelman has been appointed as the principal of 3-5 South Elementary

Central 6-8 Middle School - Oak Street

• Mr. Craig Williams has been appointed as the principal of 6-8 Central Middle School

Each of these leaders brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the role. We are confident in their abilities to unify our newly established school communities, develop school culture, foster positive learning environments, inspire a vision for academic success, and support the well-being of our students, staff, and families.  Please join us in congratulating our new principals and extending our gratitude to all our leaders for their dedication and hard work. 

Please find more information about the Phase I, June 2024 School Facilities and Educational Master Plan Implementation Status Update. You will find information about completed, ongoing, and pending work here. We will continue to share updates as they become available.

We appreciate your ongoing support as we work together to create the best possible educational environment for our students with the resources we have available.

  
Respectfully,
Franklin Public Schools”

 

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1aSpWHYBjnWvUQbD/

Franklin School District names the principals for the new Elementary and Middle Schools

Tri-County Regional VTHS Names Dana Walsh New Principal

Tri-County is proud to announce the appointment of Dana Walsh as the incoming principal. With the retirement of Michael Procaccini, the school needed a new leader to continue its mission and values. Walsh has been a valued member of the Tri-County family for over twelve years. When she was first hired, she brought 20 years of professional experience as a social worker and college professor to the Tri-County community.  Her experience and expertise will be invaluable in achieving her vision for the school. We are excited for the upcoming school year and the new leadership Walsh will bring to our community.  

Dana Walsh

Walsh has a proven track record in leadership and management, adolescent development, family and community engagement, and honing a positive learning environment. Through her previous position at Tri-County, Walsh collaborated with the leadership team in an effort to develop a school improvement plan that incorporated school policies that encompassed the holistic well-being of students. She was charged with leading a weekly multidisciplinary wellness team meeting that helped determine interventions needed for at-risk students. 

Through her time at Tri-County, Walsh has connected with the students and their families as well as the community we serve. Her ability to build partnerships and lead the development of programming to meet student needs in the changing landscape of education has had proven results in our community.  

For years Walsh has spearheaded initiatives to help create a welcoming environment for our students. From building partnerships with community-based agencies to expanding services available to the students to developing and providing professional development on a variety of topics to support rigor and student achievement, Walsh has a well-rounded approach that will help shape the future of Tri-County.  

Walsh enters the principal position during an exciting time, where the potential that vocational schools offer is especially evident.  “Whether Tri-County students elect to pursue their chosen vocation or further education upon graduation, they are uniquely prepared with a skill set to navigate the demands of their chosen profession or education program,” stated Walsh.

“We are excited for Mrs. Walsh to step into the principal role. Her demonstrated commitment to vocational education and specifically Tri-County will benefit her in connecting with teachers, parents, and students. We know she will continue to create a positive environment for our community, and we look forward to her leadership,” said Dr. Karen M. Maguire, Director/Superintendent.

For more about Tri-County please visit them on the internet ->  https://tri-county.us/

School Committee welcomes new school administrators and hears of digital learning initiatives (audio)

FM #844 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 844 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Sep 13, 2022. The meeting was conducted in the Council Chambers. 

School Committee Chair Denise Spencer opens the meeting at 7:00 PM. 

The show notes contain a link to the agenda and to my notes.

The recording runs just under 2 hours minutes, so let’s listen to the Franklin School Committee on Sep 13, 2022.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-844-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-09-13-22

--------------

Agenda doc ->    https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_9-13-22.pdf

The meeting packet folder ->   https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/september-13-2022-school-committee-meeting

School Committee page -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee 

My notes in this ThreadReader PDF ->  

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S9cVoByG4IOWk4V6K6YvLXs6ahdxGHeT/view?usp=sharing 

Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one album ->

https://photos.app.goo.gl/pNainhZLLUeoL5DL7

YouTube video replay for this meeting -> https://youtu.be/eiLlFrwTX_U

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

 

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

School Committee Meeting - Sep 13, 2022 (audio)

FHS PCC - Letter from Mr. Hanna - FHS Response To Hate Speech Graffiti

09/28/21

Dear Franklin High School Community,

I am deeply saddened to inform you that last week, graffiti saying “I Hate Gay People” and additional insensitive images were found scrawled into an exterior door on the East side of our building.  The graffiti was promptly removed and an investigation was immediately initiated.  Throughout the week we followed leads.  Through an exhaustive search, we were able to identify these individuals who are being held accountable.  I believe it is important to note that this was not done by an FHS student.  We will take appropriate steps to remedy the negative impact of these acts on the school community and restore a sense of safety and support for all.  

The fact that this graffiti was found at Franklin High School is far beyond disappointing.  It is extremely troubling and highly inconsistent with the inclusive culture we are committed to creating at Franklin High School.   Franklin High School is no place for hate.   I pledge to you continued vigilance in promoting and supporting a positive, hate-free, and safe school environment.  Last week, I presented the Franklin High School school improvement goals at the FPS school committee meeting and shared our plans to thoughtfully incorporate areas of diversity and inclusion into our daily lesson plans and long term unit designs.  

In response to this incident, we have reached out to SAGA (Sexuality and Gender Awareness Club), the Diversity Awareness Club, and the World of Difference Peer Leaders, to offer support and invite them to join us in raising awareness and provide opportunities for critical conversations and healing among students. Counselors are available to talk to any individual student wishing for support in the current moment.

Lastly, I’d like to thank the reporters who brought this to our attention.  It takes courage to call out acts of hate and it is a critical part of our growth as a truly safe and inclusive community.   As we move forward from this incident, please know that we are deeply committed to the goals that all students are safe and that all students develop empathy and respect for others. 

Respectfully,

Joshua Hanna

https://t.co/h0M1oZ5cPA - Letter from Mr. Hanna

(https://twitter.com/FHS_PCC/status/1442970624129998848?s=03)

FHS PCC - Letter from Mr. Hanna - FHS Response To Hate Speech Graffiti

Return to in person school highlights

1 - 

"Thank you @HMMSLightning Kindness Club for the inspirational posters on our first day of school (again)". @FranklinPSNews @FranklinMatters https://t.co/pMYQ247KD3

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/CDonahue48/status/1381608000813686791

@HMMSLightning Kindness Club for the inspirational posters

2 - 

"Case High principal welcomes students back to buildings with 'Hamilton' parody" https://t.co/w93YCQS18a

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/MASCSchoolComm/status/1381574963635838978

Video link = https://youtu.be/xLTOjQ_r1JA

Panther TV: Q&A on the FHS hybrid model (video)

"Check out this Q&A with @MrHanna_FHS about our hybrid model. Lots of your questions answered here!"

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/fhspanthertv/status/1331218323376398337?s=03

Video link =  https://youtu.be/SLieuVHXY14

 

 

FHS Path To Return To Play/Perform

FHS Varsity Student Athletes / Performers, Parents / Guardians, and Staff,

We know that these past few days have been frustrating with the disruptions to the anticipation of both hybrid school as well as games / performances.

Understanding that out of doors events have been determined as safe by our health and safety officials, we are writing with a solution to allow for games / performances to begin on November 9, 2020.

FHS is in the process of looking to team up with a local healthcare provider to allow for large scale Covid-19 tests to be administered on site at Franklin High School. We are aiming to hold this on Saturday, November 7, 2020. Plans are still developing with the idea that students will be given the opportunity to take the test and upon receiving a negative test result would then be cleared to play / perform in upcoming scheduled events.

Because we are still working on the feasibility of this, the workaround (in order to get testing accomplished in a timely fashion -- Rapid Test results are back within 1-2 days and PCR tests take 4-5 days), student athletes/performers may obtain Covid-19 tests independently. Upon proof of testing negative, they would be cleared to play/perform in next week’s scheduled events.

We will also ask that players/performers complete one additional step of filling out a survey each day of play to assure ourselves and others that everyone is safe. This survey screens players/performers about Covid-19 symptoms and exposure to the virus, as well as asks participants to attest that they did not attend any large gatherings over the 10/30 - 11/1 weekend that did not practice social distancing or wearing of masks including the Halloween party that resulted in the 2 week cancellation of events. 

All school handbook rules regarding participation in extracurriculars still apply.

Here is a link to COVID testing sites in MA (if unable to attend 11/7/20 or if we are unable to host a testing site on the FHS campus)  https://memamaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=eba3f0395451430b9f631cb095febf13

We wish we could offer testing to all of our students in order to return to school in hybrid instruction. At this time, it is not feasible to test approximately 600 students each week. Additionally, the outdoor nature of these activities is being considered as compared to the indoor nature of school and other clubs and activities. We sincerely hope that more robust testing is available in the future in order to facilitate as much in person teaching and learning as possible.
 
We wish to extend our regret that the golf tournament was held on Monday and that the timing of the event did not facilitate participation of those players. Many aspects of managing through this pandemic are out of our control and require additional time for us to develop novel responses.

We wish to extend our sincere condolences to the students who had been scheduled to play and acknowledge this loss of experience for you and your families.

Sincerely,

Joshua Hanna 

FHS Principal

Tom Angelo
FHS Athletic Director

Sara Ahern 

Superintendent of Schools 

 

FHS Path to Return to Play/Perform

 

Franklin Public Schools: Power status Thursday morning

Good Morning

We hope you are all safe after yesterday's storm.  All of our schools have power, however, we are aware there may be sporadic areas across town without power.  If your family is without power, please call your child's school office to let them know.

Virtual Learning Academy (VLA) families, please call the Superintendent's office at 508-553-4819.

Thank you

Franklin Public Schools 

 

Franklin Public Schools: Power status Thursday morning

 

FHS Principal Hanna - Video Update - 9/11/20

FHS Principal Josh Hanna provides an update and responds to questions submitted since last week.

Link to video on YouTube  https://youtu.be/0zUWWFv3OQQ

Joshua Hanna (@MrHanna_FHS) Video update

Joshua Hanna (@MrHanna_FHS) tweeted at 4:56 PM on Fri, Aug 28, 2020:

Here is the weekly FHS update!  

@FHSSports @FranklinHS @FranklinPSNews   

https://t.co/1zWdNkRDye #PantherPride Have a nice weekend.

Video link = https://youtu.be/pOyBd8x_Frw

 

https://twitter.com/MrHanna_FHS/status/1299450753707380742?s=03)

New FHS video update from Mr Hanna

Video update for this week: https://youtu.be/yl9dWAQC3wc

In case you missed the "radio gang" interview with Mr Hanna, you can catch up to it here:  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/fm-323-welcome-fhs-josh-hanna-80420.html

 

FM #323 Welcome FHS Josh Hanna - 8/04/20 (audio)

FM #323 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 323 in the series. 

This is a special session as we have a ‘welcome’ conversation with the new FHS principal Josh Hanna. I am joined by Pandora Carlucci and Jay Horrigan for this special ‘radio gang’ interview. Our conversation was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We have a wide ranging conversation to get to know Josh and how he feels about his new role at Franklin High School. The pandemic has been challenging but he prepared for this role as principal and loves the high school experience.

In the show notes we provide links to the video updates Mr Hanna does. We also share the link to the Google form to submit questions.

Our conversation runs about 52 minutes, so let’s listen to the conversation with Josh Hanna, the new principal at FHS, as he is interviewed by part of the ‘radio gang’

https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HsMHLs8K

--------------

Link to the Week 2 video on YouTube  https://youtu.be/AVp7GU-P79o

The Week 1 video can be found here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTx2cca8NRg

Mr Hanna provides a Google form to submit questions

Click the link to offer questions / concerns to be shared in future updates. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdF9xbPGfZHC8RZZP2GdZCuek8nR1jW5WT9bfJMGblqIHhvQw/viewform

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

 

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

FHS Update: Week 2 (video)

FHS Principal Josh Hanna provides an update and responds to questions submitted since last week.

• Click the link to offer questions / concerns to be shared in future updates. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdF9xbPGfZHC8RZZP2GdZCuek8nR1jW5WT9bfJMGblqIHhvQw/viewform

Link to video on YouTube  https://youtu.be/AVp7GU-P79o

Week 1 video can be found here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTx2cca8NRg





Week 1 video can be found here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTx2cca8NRg

The mural referenced in the video

Weekly video update from FHS Principal Josh Hanna

Franklin High School Principal Josh Hanna writes:

Here is a link to a video update I plan on sharing on a weekly basis. Please click the link under the video and submit questions / concerns around our return to school. I hope you all are able to have a peaceful weekend.

https://youtu.be/YTx2cca8NRg




Click the link to offer questions / concerns to be shared in future updates.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdF9xbPGfZHC8RZZP2GdZCuek8nR1jW5WT9bfJMGblqIHhvQw/formrestricted

(Note the link to the form is currently restricted to those with an FPS email address. I expect this will change to enable parents and community to provide input.)

Franklin radar picked up via Twitter
https://twitter.com/MrHanna_FHS/status/1286803738041163777?s=09

New FHS principal schedules Google meetings

From FHS' new principal, Joshua Hanna

"I'm looking forward to meeting with Parents, Students and Educators throughout the month of July on Google Meets! 

For anyone interested use this link to sign up:   https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdU3c9KdaqkKHdqRn9SihhKhsWBuODfq_Rfu3hwbdIl7hvN6Q/viewform

Shared from Twitter: 
 https://twitter.com/MrHanna_FHS/status/1280913979456577536?s=09

New FHS principal schedules Google meetings

In the News: Updates on Peri, Klements

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

Former Franklin High School Principal Paul Peri told Weston School Committee members this week that he is excited to get to work as Weston High School’s new principal, replacing Anthony Parker.

Peri said he has “been thoroughly thrilled and impressed and pleased with the educators, the students, the central office administrators that I’ve met and have worked with in Weston. People have been incredibly kind and welcoming.”

A team of Weston parents, teachers and administrators initially reviewed over 40 resumes for the Weston High School principal opening, interviewing seven candidates and narrowing down to three finalists.

The two other finalists were Weston High School Assistant Principal Kelly Flynn and Somerville High School Assistant Principal Darius Green.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200703/former-franklin-high-principal-starts-new-job-in-weston

After four years at Franklin High School, Deputy Principal Bill Klements will not be returning to the district in September - and neither will his position.

The role of deputy principal was one of at least 19 positions cut from Franklin Public Schools after the School Committee recently voted to chop $3.4 million from its budget adopted back in April. Those cuts were approved on June 23, bringing the committee’s revised budget to $65,658,500.

The role of deputy principal was the only administrative position cut.

Late last month, Klements was notified by Superintendent of Schools Sara Ahern that the district had decided to eliminate his position due to the budget gap, according to an email he sent to high school staff in late June. His last day with the district was Tuesday, he said.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200702/franklin-high-vice-principal-victim-of-budget-cuts?

Graduation! It’s a Happening Thing

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 05/24/2020

"There are some things that just can’t not happen. High School Graduation is one of them. It’s an undeniable rite of passage, and our FHS Panthers will not be denied. Normally, we celebrate this milestone in the FHS gym for a few hours. This year’s graduation will happen in like manner, but it will take place over several days.

We are working with school officials to record each and every student’s moment. One-by-one, with safe social distancing, each student will walk the stage as per usual to receive his/her diploma. Each student, accompanied by his/her family, will experience that well-deserved, special moment of accomplishment. Their families deserve this celebratory moment of achievement as well.

This will take several days to record each student safely and edit all of their moments into the graduation program, scheduled to air on Friday June 5th at 7PM, and repeated several times thereafter.

Our 2020 Graduation may be happening in slow motion, but we hope and trust that all good things that spring from dedication and accomplishment will come to each and every student – not just in the fullness of time, but in the fullness of youth.

Even when we must be separately prerecorded, community television can bring us all together.

And – as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. And, thank you for watching Franklin.tv

Note: There is also a planned car parade for graduating students and families. We are in the midst of planning our coverage of this unique and fun event. As they say – stay tuned.

This event might become one memorable example of a new tradition – a new way that we can all celebrate the good moments in new ways, not just this year, but every year. I’m good with that.

Our heartiest congrats to all of our 2020 Panthers on Parade. Panthers rule!"

For the complete Franklin.TV and WFPR.FM radio schedule check out the program guide  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf

Additional updates will be posted to the FHS graduation page as they become available https://www.franklinps.net/fhs/pages/graduationsenior-end-year-info-class-2020

Graduation! It’s a Happening Thing

"It would be an honor to lead a school community with such a proud tradition"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Joshua Hanna, an assistant principal at Hopkinton High School since 2013, has been named the next principal at Franklin High School.

The announcement was made Wednesday by Superintendent Sara Ahern. Hanna was chosen from among three finalists.

“I’m honored to have been given the opportunity to lead such a fine institution of teaching and learning,” Hanna told the Daily News. “What really stands out as something I am looking forward to is getting to know all of the students, teachers and community members that make FHS such a special place. During the interview process many referred to FHS as a family - what a fantastic way to describe a school! No matter what current challenges face us, it’s clear to me the FHS community has the mindset to adjust and thrive.”

“We were fortunate to have three excellent candidates emerge as finalists from a rigorous and thorough search process,” said Ahern in a statement. “We look forward to welcoming Mr. Hanna to the Panthers community.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200508/joshua-hanna-named-principal-at-franklin-high-school

In case you missed Superintendent Ahern's announcement
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/franklin-public-schools-fhs-principal.html

Franklin Public Schools: FHS Principal Announcement

Franklin Public Schools: FHS Principal Announcement

This is a message that has also been shared with the FHS community, but we also wish to share it across Franklin Public Schools.

May 6, 2020

Dear Franklin High School Community,

I am very pleased to share the news that Mr. Joshua Hanna has accepted my offer to be named the principal of Franklin High School.

We were fortunate to have three excellent candidates emerge as finalists from a rigorous and thorough search process. Candidates were interviewed by an Interview Committee composed of faculty, administrators, parents/guardians, students, and two School Committee members. Finalists joined the district in a remote site visit to converse with students, parents/guardians, administrators, and faculty/staff in mid-April. Feedback from the visits was reviewed and considered carefully and references were checked. I want to extend my sincere appreciation to the members of the Interview Committee, led by Assistant Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Director of Human Resources Lisa Trainor. I would also like to thank members of our student focus group, parents/guardians, administrators, and faculty/staff members who contributed feedback.

Mr. Hanna has been serving as Assistant Principal at Hopkinton High School since 2013. Prior to this role, he was a Social Studies Teacher and Social Studies Department Head at Natick High School. While in Hopkinton, Mr. Hanna has guided work around social/emotional learning, founded the Passion Project Club for the Class of 2023, created the Top of the Hill Program, led the Crisis Response Team, and served as designated school official for the F1 International Student Program. Mr. Hanna received a Bachelor's Degree from Framingham State in History and he earned his Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from Simmons College.

We look forward to welcoming Mr. Hanna to the PANTHERS community. More communication from Mr. Hanna will be forthcoming as we prepare for the 2020-2021 school year.

Kind regards,

Sara Ahern
Superintendent of Schools

Franklin Public Schools: FHS Principal Announcement

School Committee meeting - March 10, 2020 - Recap

Among the key updates from the School Committee meeting of March 10,2020 were 

• presentation from Parmenter students on their "passion projects"
• Elementary school principals provided updates on their School Improvement Plans
• Superintendent Ahern provided an update from the FY 2021 budget discussion at the Town Council meeting the prior week
• Superintendent Ahern presented the first pass at the Student Opportunity Act (SOA) commitment required by April 1
• The consent agenda was approved without the Oak St trip item which was held for a future meeting
• The Committee entered executive session not to return to open meeting

School Committee actions taken:
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/scagenda_3-10-20_actions_taken.pdf

Superintendent's Report:
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/news/superintendents_report_to_school_committee_march_10_2020.pdf


Additional details can be found in my notes captured during the meeting

• Live Reporting: Information Matters through to Closing

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/live-reporting-information-matters.html

• Live Reporting: Discussion/Action Items - Discussion Only Items

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/live-reporting-discussionaction-items.html

• Live Reporting: Guests/Presentations

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/live-reporting-guestspresentations.html

• Live reporting: School Committee - March 10, 2020

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/live-reporting-school-committee-march.html

Elementary school principals provided updates on their School Improvement Plans

Parmenter students presented on their "passion projects"