Showing posts with label reading. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reading. Show all posts

Friday, April 25, 2025

Caleigh, Erin & I had a blast talking about BLAST (audio)

FM #1434 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1434 in the series. 


This session shares my conversation about the origin story of BLAST - Bringing Libraries and Schools Together. We talk with Erin O’Leary and Caleigh Keating, the collaborators who start with “Yes” and then figure it out. We recorded this conversation virtually on Thursday, April 17, 2025. 


  • Caleigh Keating, Youth Services Librarian

  • Erin O’Leary, Reading Specialist at Horace Mann Middle School


We cover the following in our conversation

  • The origin story

  • A ‘free’ service but dependent upon the override passing

  • Middle school and elementary school coordination

  • How redistricting will simplify the operations

  • Summer reading kickoffs being planned for


The recording runs about 32 minutes. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1434-blast-fun-04-17-25/



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Franklin Public Library page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/233/Franklin-Public-Library 


Erin O’Leary email address -> olearye@franklinps.net 


Caleigh Keating email address -> ckeating@minlib.net 


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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!

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

 

BLAST is referenced in the Strategic Plan
BLAST is referenced in the Strategic Plan

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

2 FHS teachers on the joy of teaching & the hard things about budget issues (audio)

FM #1401 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1401 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of my conversation with Leah Wahrhaftig-Jeri and Katherine Kellett, both teachers at Franklin High School. We had our conversation at the Franklin TV Studio on Monday, March  3, 2025.  


Katherine Kellett, Teacher - English

Leah Wahrhaftig-Jeri, Teacher - World Language


  • We cover their road to Franklin and FHS

  • We talk about the joy in teaching

  • And the issues faced with continued budget cuts

    • Only one language to be offered at the middle school

    • Reduces the total of language classes High School graduates can carry forward to college

    • Text book & curriculum cuts challenge the appropriate delivery of curriculum

    • Loss of shared intellectual capital with colleagues cut due to budget

    • Language lab is a resource heavily utilized and will no longer available (per budget)

    • Struggle to attract and retain substitute teachers

    • Ripple effects for curriculum coverage that is lost and how that affects students and the next year’s teachers for that subject


The recording runs about 40 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Leah and Katherine on teaching in challenging budget times


Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1401-2-franklin-high-school-teachers-03-03-25/



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Franklin High School page -> https://www.franklinps.net/o/fhs 


Franklin School District budget page -> FY 2026 https://www.franklinps.net/documents/about-us/school-district-budget/fy2026-budget/728831 


Joint budget listening sessions archive -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/02/joint-budget-listening-sessions-fy-2026.html 



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


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"


A couple of Ben Franklin's gift books to the Town
A couple of Ben Franklin's gift books to the Town

ECDC celebrates "Read Across America" with Guest Readers

"ECDC celebrated Read Across America Day on Monday, March 3rd, with special guest readers from the community who brought stories to life for our young learners!   
Students enjoyed hearing from members of our FPS Central Office team, FPS Principals, the Franklin Police Chief, a Franklin Firefighter, and the Children's Librarian from the Franklin Public Library.   
It was a great day that highlighted the importance of early childhood literacy in a fun and engaging way!   
A huge thank you to our wonderful guest readers for sharing their time and enthusiasm!!"
ECDC celebrates "Read Across America" with Guest Readers
ECDC celebrates "Read Across America" with Guest Readers 1

ECDC celebrates "Read Across America" with Guest Readers
ECDC celebrates "Read Across America" with Guest Readers 2

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

Mental Health - Crisis in our Time: Joanne Spillane on reading literacy (video)

Dr Anne Bergen: 

"Welcome to Mental Health, the crisis of our time. 
My name is Anne Bergen. I am the host of this series of programs brought to you by Franklin TV whose mission is really to bring important topics relevant to the community out so we can inform the residents aware of issues that are very very important. 
The issue we have to address is mental health."

Video link ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQ32qDwIu3E

Mental Health - Crisis in our Time: Joanne Spillane (video)
Mental Health - Crisis in our Time: Joanne Spillane (video)

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Franklin Reading Specialist Presents Three Sessions at NCTE

Superintendent Lucas Giguere is pleased to share that Horace Mann Middle School Reading Specialist Erin O'Leary presented three sessions during the NCTE 2024 Annual Convention held recently in Boston, sharing perspectives on English education and reading in line with the event's theme of "Heart, Hope, Humanity."

The four-day conference held by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) is the largest event of its kind for literacy educators, drawing hundreds of teachers to share ideas and discuss successful practices for inspiring the next generation of learners, thinkers, readers and writers. The event, which took place at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, was highlighted by a keynote speech delivered by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson.

Horace Mann Middle School Reading Specialist Erin O'Leary presents a session at the NCTE 2024 Annual Convention called "BLAST: Bringing Libraries and Schools Together." O'Leary shared how she introduced a collaborative in 2018 at Horace Mann Middle School to provide students with a part-time certified librarian on loan from the local public library. (Photo courtesy Franklin Public Schools)
Horace Mann Middle School Reading Specialist Erin O'Leary presents a session at the NCTE 2024 Annual Convention called "BLAST: Bringing Libraries and Schools Together." O'Leary shared how she introduced a collaborative in 2018 at Horace Mann Middle School to provide students with a part-time certified librarian on loan from the local public library. (Photo courtesy Franklin Public Schools)


The sessions presented by Reading Specialist O'Leary and the conference on a whole offered encouragement for teachers to become bold, ambitious and innovative in their efforts to share the life-changing power of literature with the next generation of readers.

"There are a lot of teachers out there with good ideas," said Reading Specialist O'Leary. "The difference between those being able to execute them and those who don't is often fear and lack of administrative support."

Reading Specialist O'Leary presented alongside Mary Giuffre, a West Bridgewater elementary school principal and her counterpart from the "Crazy Reading Ladies," a spirited duo of teacher-trainers promoting the uplifting power of reading.

From left to right, Horace Mann Middle School Reading Specialist Erin O'Leary presents a session at the NCTE 2024 Annual Convention, interviewing authors Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin, along with Mary Giuffre, a West Bridgewater elementary school principal and O'Leary's counterpart from the “Crazy Reading Ladies." (Photo courtesy Franklin Public Schools)
From left to right, Horace Mann Middle School Reading Specialist Erin O'Leary presents a session at the NCTE 2024 Annual Convention, interviewing authors Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin, along with Mary Giuffre, a West Bridgewater elementary school principal and O'Leary's counterpart from the “Crazy Reading Ladies." (Photo courtesy Franklin Public Schools)


Their partnership as the "Crazy Reading Ladies" dates back to 2012, when the two both taught at Horace Mann Middle School. The pair started an interactive book club program called "All In!" at a time when a feature film based on "The Hunger Games" novels was about to be released in theaters, culminating in a field trip to the movies attended by 221 students.

The Crazy Reading Ladies, who are aficionados of young adult and middle-grade literature, presented a session called "Books Build Bridges," which expounded on the concept of social-emotional learning through young adult literature. Using an evidence-based social-emotional learning framework to guide a personalized approach to matching students with books to read, the program was introduced at Horace Mann Middle School after receiving a special grant in 2019. The grant allowed the Crazy Reading Ladies to spend $5,000 on books that are still being used today as part of the initiative.

"We've always known that children who are emotionally available to learn do better in school," O'Leary said. "What we didn't know was how to support the development of those critical skills. Let the books do the work. In our Massachusetts middle school, we have found that books are the best way to support social and emotional learning. The highly-individualized approach uses contemporary young adult literature to teach students about themselves and the world around them, developing their social and emotional competencies in a safe and comfortable environment."

O'Leary and Giuffre also presented a session on Bringing Libraries and Schools Together (BLAST), a collaborative introduced in 2018 at Horace Mann Middle School to provide students with a part-time certified librarian on loan from the local public library. Now, BLAST has spread to four of the district's other schools.

And the Crazy Reading Ladies also presented a session called "When History Meets Humanity: A Conversation with Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin," speaking with the co-authors of a recently published historical fiction called "The Bletchley Riddle." This session stressed the importance of reading regimens that include a healthy dose of both nonfiction and historical fiction, with Sepetys and Sheinkin sharing how their works of historical fiction are meant to open up a world full of secrets and fascinating facts.

From left to right, author Ruta Sepetys, Mary Giuffre, a West Bridgewater elementary school principal who formerly taught at Horace Mann Middle School, author Steve Sheinkin, and Horace Mann Middle School Reading Specialist Erin O'Leary. The four took part in a session called "When History Meets Humanity" at the NCTE 2024 Annual Convention held at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. (Photo courtesy Franklin Public Schools)
From left to right, author Ruta Sepetys, Mary Giuffre, a West Bridgewater elementary school principal who formerly taught at Horace Mann Middle School, author Steve Sheinkin, and Horace Mann Middle School Reading Specialist Erin O'Leary. The four took part in a session called "When History Meets Humanity" at the NCTE 2024 Annual Convention held at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. (Photo courtesy Franklin Public Schools)


"Their books are exceptionally well-researched, but they are also beloved," O'Leary said. "They turn students into readers and readers into thinkers, giving young people the courage to question historical events and decisions while nestled safely between the pages of a book."

Reading Specialist O'Leary offered a special thanks to Horace Mann Middle School Principal Rebecca Motte and Assistant Principal Jennifer Santosuosso, for supporting her work to promote a culture of literacy at Horace Mann Middle School.

"Not everyone is so lucky," O'Leary said. "Theirs is the kind of support educators dream about. They have consistently upheld and prioritized the culture of literacy I strive to build, and made me feel valued as an educator. They are thoughtful collaborators who offer the insight that helps me both reach and refine."

Sunday, September 29, 2024

All In Reading Author Visit features Steve Sheinkin on Nov 10 for all 3 middle schools

Via Erin O'Leary of The Crazy Reading Ladies:

"Hosting a #visitingauthor is one of the best parts of my job. Over the years, we have been privileged to welcome some of the very best - absolute legends @rutasepetysauthor @brigidkemmerer @jordansonnenblick @aishacs @christopher_golden @heyleslieconnor (and Casey Sherman and Doug Wilson, but I can't find them to tag them!)

I was so thrilled when @stevesheinkin said YES and agreed to come to Franklin! He will visit all three #middleschools on Wednesday, November 20. 
Thanks to the teachers and admin at each building who are making this visit possible. Let the countdown begin!"

All In Reading Author Visit features Steve Sheinkin on Nov 10 for all 3 middle schools
All In Reading Author Visit features Steve Sheinkin on Nov 10 for all 3 middle schools

Thursday, December 7, 2023

The Franklin Library Reading Challenge for 2024 can bring rewards!

Via Franklin Public Library 

"Here in the Youth Services Department we love our special reading challenges - whether it's Book Bingo or Bookopoly - and that's why we are SO EXITED to be bringing you a year-long reading challenge for 2024!! 
Readers of all ages are encouraged to participate!
.
For full details and to sign up visit https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/pages/2024-reading-challenge (link in bio).
.
Happy Reading!"

The Franklin Library Reading Challenge for 2024  can bring rewards!
The Franklin Library Reading Challenge for 2024  can bring rewards!

Saturday, November 11, 2023

What I am reading: "Making the Most of Uncertainty"

BIG Questions Institute Bi-Weekly Update

November 8, 02023, No. 159 (Read online)


Making the Most of Uncertainty

Making the Most of Uncertainty

Hey,

One of the resources we often cite in our work in schools is a piece titled "Our Brains Were Not Built for this Much Uncertainty" from the Harvard Business Review. The tl;dr version is that when familiar patterns in life begin to fall apart or appear less controllable, our brains react with a threat response, and the negative impacts on our mood and our productivity can be profound.

In liminal, in-between times such as these when so many narratives of how we live on the planet are breaking, uncertainty can become paralyzing. And as we're seeing on almost a daily basis, a common response is to narrow our gaze, to try to stop the bleeding of change, and to hold on more tightly to the remnants of what used to "work."

Even when it's obvious that much of what we're holding on to won't "work" any longer.

But might we learn to see uncertainty as an opportunity, not a threat? To use it as a spark to create new narratives that are more just and relevant and healthy for all living things?

What if, as mythologist Martin Shaw asks, we "reframed 'living with uncertainty' to 'navigating mystery'?"

As he says:

"There's more energy in that phrase. The hum of imaginative voltage. And is our life not a mystery school, a seat of earthy instruction?"

Arguably, nowhere do we need more of "the hum of imaginative voltage" than in schools. Nowhere is the narrative more uncertain and tenuous than the one that suggests that an "education" in a time of intense change and complexity is something that is delivered to students based on the past and not experienced by students in real life with a focus on the future.

And honestly, to suffer (as we must) through the liminal and not contribute to the creation of what comes next is indefensible, especially in education.

This is our moment to collectively write the next story of education, not out of a sense of fear, but with wonder, awe, and curiosity.

What will we imagine and create together?

Onward!

Homa and Will


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The newsletter was shortened for publication here. To read the full text, follow this link ->   https://ckarchive.com/b/xmuph6hrx5lw5trnppvnqc0w0ezll

Monday, August 21, 2023

Books to Go at Horace Mann Middle School - Aug 22 from 11 AM to 1 PM

Next Books to Go is August 22. Hope your summer is filled with good people and good books!

Books to Go at Horace Mann Middle School - Aug 22 from 11 AM to 1 PM
Books to Go at Horace Mann Middle School - Aug 22 from 11 AM to 1 PM

Monday, August 14, 2023

Books to Go at Horace Mann Middle School - Aug 15 from 11 AM to 1 PM

Next Books to Go is August 15. Hope your summer is filled with good people and good books!

Books to Go at Horace Mann Middle School - Aug 15 from 11 AM to 1 PM
Books to Go at Horace Mann Middle School - Aug 15 from 11 AM to 1 PM

Monday, August 7, 2023

Books to Go at Horace Mann Middle School - Aug 8 from 11 AM to 1 PM

Next Books to Go is August 8th. Hope your summer is filled with good people and good books!

Books to Go at Horace Mann Middle School - Aug 8 from 11 AM to 1 PM
Books to Go at Horace Mann Middle School - Aug 8 from 11 AM to 1 PM