Check out the "Lean In Girls" Program on Thursdays at the Children's Museum of Franklin

Check out the "Lean In Girls" Program on
Thursdays at the Children's Museum of Franklin

Free registration is open for Lean In Girls, an empowerment and confidence-building program for girls 11-15.

Register online -> 
Childrensmuseumfranklin.org/lean-in-girls

Shared from ->   https://www.instagram.com/p/DUN50VXkcB1/

Audio recording of the January 13, 2026 Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting in 3 parts (audio)

FM #1635-36-37 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 1635-36-37 in the series. 

This session shares part of the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 7 PM. All 7 members participated for this 4 hour plus session. 

 

• 1635 - covers the opening, Citizen comments, and everything else except  (approx. 1 hour 28 mins)

• FHS Program of Studies discussion (see 1636) 

• Teaching & Learning presentation & discussion (see 1637)  

• 1636 - segment from the meeting covering the FHS Program of Studies (approx. 51 mins)  

• 1637 - segment from the meeting Teaching & Learning presentation & discussion  (approx. 2 hrs. 3 mins)

  

Audio 1635 https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1635-fps-sch-cmte-mtg-p1-of-3-01-13-26/

Audio 1636 https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1636-fps-sch-cmte-mtg-p2-of-3-01-13-26/

Audio 1637 https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1637-fps-sch-cmte-mtg-p3-of-3-01-13-26/

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Additional notes on the meeting recap can be found ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/01/school-committee-approves-trip-program.html 

1-13-26 Superintendent's Report to School Committee

https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/2bffecf5-a348-467c-bf10-6b238a5d4577/1-13-26-Superintendents-Report-to-School-Committee.pdf?disposition=inline

2026-27 FHS Program of Studies Presentation

https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/9b101140-9f6a-41fe-aed3-7049f5df6797/2026-27-FHS-Program-of-Studies-Presentation.pdf?disposition=inline

Final January 2026 Assessment Presentation

https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/f93932c6-c93c-4de1-94be-d429f0ef6199/Final-January-2026-Assessment-Presentation.pdf?disposition=inline

FPS Child Care Presentation 1_13_2026

https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/05d7d3a4-1581-482d-8807-b0fe22ba8d87/FPS-Child-Care-Presentation-1_13_2026.pdf?disposition=inline

_SC Galapagos Presentation

https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/5fadd50c-2e04-4b19-8e85-df8622bc8aa8/Discussion_Action_A_-_Galapagos_Islands_Trip.pdf?disposition=inline

audio segment 1635 has this portion of the meeting

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

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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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 approves trip, program of studies, & hears updates on Teaching Learning, childcare (video)

The Franklin School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Jan 13, 2026 with all 7 members present in Council Chambers to cover a very full agenda in almost 4 1/2 hours.

Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaXy2prDrCI

Agenda ->  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01132026-2086 

Superintendent's Report

1-13-26 Superintendent's Report to School Committee

https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/2bffecf5-a348-467c-bf10-6b238a5d4577/1-13-26-Superintendents-Report-to-School-Committee.pdf?disposition=inline

II. Guests/Presentations

A. FHS Galapagos Field Trip

 _SC Galapagos Presentation  https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/5fadd50c-2e04-4b19-8e85-df8622bc8aa8/Discussion_Action_A_-_Galapagos_Islands_Trip.pdf?disposition=inline

B. FHS 2026-27 Program of Studies Update – Dr. Weber

 2026-27 FHS Program of Studies Presentation  https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/9b101140-9f6a-41fe-aed3-7049f5df6797/2026-27-FHS-Program-of-Studies-Presentation.pdf?disposition=inline

C. Office of Teaching & Learning District Assessment Presentation – Dr. Rogers

Final January 2026 Assessment Presentation  https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/f93932c6-c93c-4de1-94be-d429f0ef6199/Final-January-2026-Assessment-Presentation.pdf?disposition=inline

D. Franklin Childcare Presentation – Patty Gay

FPS Child Care Presentation 1_13_2026  https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/05d7d3a4-1581-482d-8807-b0fe22ba8d87/FPS-Child-Care-Presentation-1_13_2026.pdf?disposition=inline

 

Pictures of the slides shared captured in one album for 

• The Galapagos trip presentation ->  https://photos.app.goo.gl/amcYuXHUxJfRbu6Y7
• The FHS Program of Studies -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/p5zRxxEXyke76hV66
• Teaching & Learning update -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/LotQq5wCQJ8qJmUy9
• Little Solutions Childcare update ->    https://photos.app.goo.gl/JoMPxdB2v7a2TMV26

Meeting packet folder for all docs released for this meeting ->   https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/january-13%2C-2026-sc-meeting-packet/24614180

USA Facts lays out what programs immigrants are eligible for (chart)

Are immigrants eligible for government assistance? It depends on their immigration status.

Recent laws (including the One Big Beautiful Bill) have limited some immigrants’ access to government programs — but which ones, and for whom?

We broke it down in a new table to help make sense of this complicated system.

USA Facts lays out what programs immigrants are eligible for (chart)

The USA Facts page has an interactive chart, scroll over it to get additional info ->

https://usafacts.org/articles/immigrant-program-eligibility/

Franklin Recreation: Preschool Programs Are Back! Registration is Open !!!

We’re so excited to offer a wide variety of preschool classes this fall — perfect for curious little learners, active kids, and budding artists!

• Young Artists & Little Science Seekers – creative fun + hands-on learning
• First Friends & More Fun with Friends – great first steps into independence and play

• 

  https://franklinma.myrec.com/info/activities/default.aspx

  Themed Drop-Off Classes – crafts, songs, games, and seasonal fun each week
• Sports for Tots (NEW!) – try a different sport every week in a supportive, active setting
• Tykes Hikes (NEW!) – outdoor adventures, story strolls, and animal fun on the trails

Spots are limited — don’t wait!

Register now at https://franklinma.myrec.com/info/activities/default.aspx

Monthly payment plan options are available

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

Franklin TV schedule for Wednesday, March 5, 2025

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = WEDNESDAY

7:30 am Mental Health: Diane Plouffe & Jamie Barrett

8:30 am Millis Berfield Band

10:00 am Franklin Library Association: Role of the Library in American Democracy

11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Red Pepper Soup

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Tai Salad

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Monkey Bread

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Meat-Lovers Pt. 1

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer '19 Show 2

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 11

4:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Pete Smith

5:00 pm Concerts on the Common: Padula Band

8:00 pm Critical Conversations: Social Media

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel        (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = WEDNESDAY

7:00 am FHS Jazz Cafe 2024

8:30 am Public School Concert: Horace Mann Winter Music 2022

10:00 am SAFE Coalition: Woody Geissman

11:00 am All-Town Showcase 2024: Chorus and Orchestra

12:30 pm FHS Boys Varsity Hockey v Arlington 02-25-25

2:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Pete Smith

3:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Hockey v Canton 02-05-25

5:00 pm Track and Field: v King Philip 05-07-21

8:30 pm FHS Varsity Swimming v Attleboro 01-12-24

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = WEDNESDAY

8:00 am Town Council 02-26-25

12:00 pm Economic Development 02-26-25

2:00 pm Town Council 02-26-25

7:00 pm Town Council  CHAMBERS  860 2156 6300

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf   

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Creative Corner Arts Studio: Upcoming Events & Classes

The Summer Program has new exciting themes with our new team. Registration is now open for all our summer sessions. Programs are offered Monday - Friday for Ages 6-11 from 8:30 AM - 12 PM and Teens Ages 12-16 from 1 PM - 4 PM. We will also offer Half Day Sessions in June for the FPS half days.

We are now hosting Thursday Night with the Arts at Birchwood Bakery Monthly. This is an opportunity for adult community members to tap into their creative side. Our next event will be Thursday, March 27th 5:30-8:00 PM. We will be doing acrylic paint on canvas with a local artist. 

Thursday Night with the Arts

Cost is $65 which includes an up to 10 minute reading with nationally known medium Maria Saganis.

After School Creative Club Servicing both Elementary Schools in Franklin for the 2025-2026 school year. After School Art Programs with Transportation Options to and from the Franklin Elementary Schools. Registration is now open with limited enrollment.

We offer Friday Open Studio Nights for Teens ages 13-17 from 4-6 PM.

We host Birthday Parties, Corporate and Family Events in our creative space.

Register for programs at:  www.creativecornerartstudiofranklin.com

Board of Health designates agent for Tobacco control & appoints alternate for Metacomet Health (audio)

FM #1372 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1372 the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, February 5, 2024. The meeting agenda listed it being conducted via Google meet. However, the 2 members of the Board (Harris, Mu-Chow) (1 absent - Sweet) and Health Dept members apparently were present together. 

Quick Recap:

• Discussion on designation of Mass Health Office Association (MHOA) as the tobacco control agent for the town. Motion approved by 2-0 vote via roll call

• Discussion on the new MEtacomet Advisory Board oversight board and need to appoint an alternate contact in addition to Director Liberty. Motion made to appoint Kerry McKay as advisory board alternate board member and approved 2-0

• Healthy brains program for 2025. Kick off with a podcast to be scheduled. Increase awareness, provide resources, in advance of the onset of dementia and other brain afflictions. Focus initially at the Senior Center, Housing Authority, & Library. SAFE Coalition is close to getting their ‘mega brain’ display which can be walked through. Simulation dementia experience via hospital. Training possible for wait staff to assist with making that restaurant ordering process a less stressful experience 

• Health agent report, monthly training completed 

• COVID tests still available via the Health nurse at Senior Center, call to arrange pickup. Flu season; 80% of the cases occurred during January (folks actually getting tested, so still likely an undercount)

• Steve chimed in that he had a contact for the brain program will send info to Cathleen. Also the agenda doc link for the meeting was not clickable, it could be copied but wasn’t clickable

Motion to adjourn, second, passes 2-0-1 (1 absent)

The meeting runs about 26 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting Feb 5, 2025. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1372-franklin-ma-board-of-health-mtg-02-05-25/

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

The Board of Health agenda can be found ->

https://franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02052025-1543  

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

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 

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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"

Board of Health designates agent for Tobacco control & appoints alternate for Metacomet Health  (audio)