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 ​ 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 Thanks for reading! If you loved it, tell your friends to subscribe. The newsletter was shortened for publication here. To read the full text, follow this link ->   https://ckarchive.com/b/xmuph6hrx5lw5trnppvnqc0w0ezll

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!

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

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 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!

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

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 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!

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

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

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

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

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

Franklin author to talk about “Cape Cod & The Portland Gale of 1898” on womr.org

Via Franklin author Don Wilding:

On Sunday, 7/9, "I’ll be Jim Freeman’s guest on his “Target Ship Radio” program on @womrwfmr to talk about “Cape Cod & The Portland Gale of 1898,” plus he’ll be playing some of my favorite tunes. 

Jim’s on from 1-4 pm; I’ll be on at 2. 

On Cape, you can listen at 92.1 or 91.3 FM, or worldwide at WOMR.org."

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CuKHnvWgY4p/

Franklin author to talk about “Cape Cod & The Portland Gale of 1898” on womr.org

Summer Reading 2023 Kicks off June 17

Welcome to the 2023 Summer Reading webpage! 

This year's theme is Find Your Voice! 

We are setting the stage for a summer full of fun adventures, and lots and lots of reading! Please enjoy this taste of what's to come!  

We will continue to add to this page as summer approaches! Summer Reading sign-up officially begins on June 17th!

Shared from the Summer Reading page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/pages/summer-reading-2023-0

Summer Reading 2023 Kicks off June 17

The Favorite Poem Project Reading for National Poetry Month at the Franklin Library - 04/29/23 (audio)

FM #1002 = This is Franklin Matters Radio, number 1002 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio of the Favorite Poem Project Reading held in the Franklin Public Library on Saturday, April 29, 2023. This was the second poetry event at the library for April’s Poetry Month.

Each reader introduces themselves, announces the poem and author, and briefly why it is their favorite (or among their favorite).

The reading runs about 30 minutes. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1002-favorite-poem-project-reading-04-29-23

—------------

Thanks to Camille Bernstein and jamele adams for conducting the workshop at the first April event.

Thanks to all the poetry readers who stepped up to share. 

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

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"

The Favorite Poem Project Reading for National Poetry Month at the Franklin Library - 04/29/23 (audio)

Celebrate National Poetry Month with 2 events at the Franklin Public Library - April 8 & April 29

Come celebrate National Poetry Month at the Franklin Public Library with poetry workshops and a Favorite Poem Recordings!

William Carlos Williams wrote: 

"The poem that each is trying actually to communicate to us lies in the words. It is at least the words that make it articulate. It has always been so."

• April 8, 12-3 PM

Choice of 2 Poetry Writing Workshops

1 - FOUnd POETRY with Camille Napier Bernstein

OR

2 - “I WRITE – You Do, Too”  with jamele adams

• April 29, 12-3 PM

Favorite Poem Project™  with Steve Sherlock  and Camille Napier Bernstein

Choose a favorite published poem that you have long treasured or recently discovered. Read it for a recording celebrating National Poetry Month for later inclusion on Steve’s podcast.

Note: Poems may not be ones you or family members or friends have written. 

Limit: Five minutes reading time.

Use the form here to sign up to read your favorite poem ->   https://forms.gle/yyrpREyk4BBFXGpr8 

Download and share the flyer with your friends & neighbors

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BCI2zFmVq07pmiBHU-8wnkPtuvhGxxkQ/view?usp=share_link

Two poetry events at the Library for April to celebrate "National Poetry Month" - Apr 8 & Apr 29

Franklin SEPAC presents a workshop on the science of reading and IDEA Law (virtual) - April 12

Reading Goals: Shining A Light On The Science Of Reading And Idea Law As A First Step To Valid Reading Goals

As a volunteer for over 10 years, Nancy Duggan is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Decoding Dyslexia Massachusetts. Most of this work is directly helping thousands of parents in Massachusetts and across the country with free information and advice concerning dyslexia and the IEP process, by reading and explaining student assessments, explaining IDEA laws, the IDEA essential components of reading, and the standards of federally defined scientifically based reading research to parents and educators. Work also aims at driving policy changes through legislative and grassroots engagement.

Register for this virtual workshop ->    https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfeZT1m7NwW2i0XOPpXTIvf5mha2hr2X4l3L_T8iIjo8xuHfQ/viewform

More about Franklin SEPAC -> http://www.franklinsepac.org/ 

Franklin SEPAC presents a workshop on the science of reading and IDEA Law 

Massachusetts Center for the Book has a 2023 Reading Challenge

• February: Read a book set in your home town/ city, or state

Do you have a cozy reading corner you’ve been wanting to spend more time in? 

Do you have a group of friends who like to select books together? 

Maybe a little constraint helps you choose what to read next.

If you are looking for a fun, unique reading challenge to take on in 2023, the Massachusetts Center for the Book has you covered.

Check it out today! https://www.massbook.org/readingchallenge

Massachusetts Center for the Book has a 2023 Reading Challenge

One book, One Community -> Kindred: A Graphic Novel Adaptation

What is "One Book, One Community?"

The goal of the Franklin Library’s One book, One Community program is to help build a better sense of fellowship through a shared reading experience.

What are we reading?

Beginning January 1st, 2023, we'll be reading Kindred: A Graphic Novel Adaptation by Octavia Butler, adapted by John Jennings and Damian Duffy. The novel, first published in 1979, is Butler’s most celebrated, critically acclaimed work and tells the story of Dana, a young black woman who is suddenly and inexplicably transported from her home in 1970s California to the pre–Civil War South. As she time-travels between worlds, one in which she is a free woman and one where she is part of her own complicated familial history on a southern plantation, she becomes frighteningly entangled in the lives of Rufus, a conflicted white slaveholder and one of Dana’s own ancestors, and the many people who are enslaved by him.

During numerous such time-defying episodes with the same young man, she realizes the challenge she’s been given: to protect this young slaveholder until he can father her own great-grandmother.

For more about the book and this reading  https://vbuchanio.wixsite.com/onebook 

One book, One Community -> Kindred: A Graphic Novel Adaptation

Join RIF for our Every Book is a Math Book webinar!

Thank you for partnering with Reading Is Fundamental. You are invited to join Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) for a special webinar for educators focused on how books can support math learning. Register today and tune in to Every Book is a Math Book on Wednesday, November 16, from 7 – 8 PM ET.  During this interactive webinar, educators will learn how to use books from their classroom library to engage students in math problem-solving. Picture books are an excellent resource that help students identify mathematical problems in everyday life, including number sense, geometry, measurement, and algebraic thinking.  We'll be joined by special guest and educational consultant Kelly Harmon, MAEd, who will model how to guide students through using literature to promote math learning and provide examples to illustrate the concept of math through literature. Register Now! Don't miss this unique chance to learn how to use books in innovative and creative ways with your students! This webinar is part of RIF's "Every Book Counts" webinar series, which is dedicated to the power of books across disciplines.  Happy reading, The RIF Team © 2022 Reading Is Fundamental | www.rif.org 750 First Street NE, Suite 920 Washington, DC 20002 LiteracyNetwork@rif.org | 1-877-RIF-READ View in Browser

The Nation's Report Card: Declining Reading Scores - Reading Is Fundamental

The Nation's Report Card: Declining Reading Scores Erin Bailey is Reading Is Fundamental's Director of Programs and Content, a former teacher, and is pursuing her Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction. In light of the October 24th release of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results, Erin shares her thoughts and expertise on how we can work together to ensure our nation's children have the support and resources they need to become passionate, lifelong readers.   The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results were released yesterday (10/24/22) and while the data is discouraging, I feel optimistic that we can unite and recover.  The NAEP results show that school disruptions caused by COVID-19 have returned us to reading scores seen 30 years ago. The number of children not reading proficiently has grown: 37 percent of fourth-graders performed below NAEP Basic in reading.  The achievement gap has widened, and the lowest-performing students have fallen further behind.  As a former teacher, literacy expert and parent, these results are disheartening to me, but I know that by working together, we can reverse and, in time, improve this trend. And I know that RIF is deeply committed to supporting educators and families as the key to this reversal.   While our progress as dropped back to 1992 levels, I do not believe it will take us 30 years to recover from this. Today, we know there are evidence-based practices, such as those identified by the National Reading Panel, for teaching reading that will help students to recover and excel. At RIF, we know it takes a village, and we are incredibly thankful that you – our families, educators, literacy advocates, and volunteers – share our commitment to supporting our nation's children in their reading education and success. Having worked in classrooms across the U.S. and internationally, I know what a difference it can make when educators and families collaborate to support their students. While I share your frustration and dismay, I know how dedicated you are to supporting your students and children as we tackle this national crisis together. Because of this, we are sharing some family engagement resources and educator tools from RIF that you can put to use today: Early Childhood Tip Sheet: Studies show that reading to children, even from birth, builds literacy. Use this tip sheet to help your child begin their reading journey. At-Home Reading Webinar: RIF has a wealth of webinars, including one on at-home reading tips, where we share strategies and activities that families can use to support literacy development. Read-Aloud Guide: Reading a book aloud with children is one of the first steps of putting them on the path to becoming proficient, lifelong readers and learners. Use this guide for tips in maximizing read-aloud time.  Vocabulary Guide for Educators: This guide helps educators determine which vocabulary words and phrases they should teach as they are encountered in books and text.  Rally to Read 100: This free six-month reading engagement program, aimed at inspiring a joy and love of reading, includes monthly read-alouds from beloved children's authors and a variety of stimulating reading activities, all tied to monthly themes. For nearly six decades, RIF has focused on partnering with educators and families to best support children on their reading journey. We believe that now, more than ever, is a critical time to come together and work to inspire a joy of reading for all children and support them to become strong readers and leaders. Together, I know we can make a difference on setting children back on course.   © 2021 Reading Is Fundamental | www.rif.org

Author Leslie Connor scheduled to visit Franklin's 3 middle schools next week

The three middle school reading specialists would like to invite you to attend one (or more!) of our upcoming author events next week.

We are proud to have kept the visiting author tradition alive over the past two years and are thrilled that Leslie Connor will be presenting at all three middle schools IN PERSON next week. She is also hosting a meet and greet at Escape into Fiction Wednesday evening.

Thank you for your ongoing support of this initiative; Franklin has a reputation as a town that grows readers and it's events like this that keep the spirit alive. 

• Pamela Allard
• Daniel Moriarty
• Erin O'Leary

Author Leslie Connor scheduled to visit Franklin's 3 middle schools next week

Author Visits scheduled for Franklin Middle Schools Oct 25-27

Horace Mann MS (@HMMSLightning) tweeted Fri, Sep 30, 2022:

Exciting news! We'll welcome @LeslieConnor29 to HMMS in October - this will be her second tour of the middle schools and our first IN PERSON author in two years! 

Be sure to read before her visit @EscapeIntoFictn @FrkPublicLib https://t.co/kl8A7N2HWK

Shared from Twitter -> 
https://twitter.com/HMMSLightning/status/1575881728249339910?t=lk2ltmsX3s4kaW7eMbUUyQ&s=03

Author Tour scheduled for Middle Schools Oct 25-27

Advances on the reading front: Library of Congress adds teachers; DESE changes screening rule

"The Library of Congress kicked off the 2022-2023 school year by welcoming two teachers to its Capitol Hill campus. Jacqueline Katz and Caneshia Mills will work closely with staff in the Library’s Center for Learning, Literacy and Engagement to make primary sources from the Library’s collections more accessible for teachers, students and families throughout the United States.

Jacqueline Katz, a high school science teacher from Princeton, New Jersey, will serve as the Library’s Albert Einstein Fellow.

Caneisha Mills, a middle school history teacher from Washington, D.C., has been named the Teacher-in-Residence at the Library. "

For more information on this program -> https://newsroom.loc.gov/news/library-welcomes-teachers-to-advance-accessibility-of-primary-sources-for-educators/s/3fd62620-9ae1-40d6-bd55-4d540d1a7cb5

Teachers to Advance Accessibility of Primary Sources for Educators

The State House News Service writes:

"Massachusetts schools for the first time will face a requirement to screen young students for dyslexia and other potential learning disabilities at least twice per year under a policy state education officials approved Tuesday. 

Taking aim at what Education Secretary James Peyser dubbed a "wait-to-fail strategy," the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education voted unanimously in favor of regulations setting statewide standards for districts to monitor student literacy progress.

Many Bay State schools are already performing some kind of dyslexia or learning disability screening, but officials said the existing framework is dotted with gaps. Now, schools will be subject to the same requirement to assess every kindergartener, first grader, second grader and third grader at least twice annually using state-approved tools to gauge their "reading ability and progress in literacy skills."

Continue reading about the regulation change 

https://franklinobserver.town.news/g/franklin-town-ma/n/122999/state-votes-mandate-k-3-literacy-screenings

Tracy Novick, Worcester School Cmte member and field director for Mass Association of School Committees (MASC), covers the full Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) board meeting held Tuesday morning (during which the above rule change was approved). Her notes and a link to the proposal can be found online

Section of meeting on rule change

http://who-cester.blogspot.com/2022/09/september-board-of-ed-amendment-to.html

DESE backup is here; regulation changes here

Note: this is an unfunded mandate. DESE provides some grant opportunities to obtain the screening tool and professional development for the tool but NOT for the actual implementation of the tool during the twice a school year period to be required. Why is that important? For this group K-3, and in particular for the K level, who manages the other 18-20+ students while the assessment on 1 is conducted? This becomes less of an issue for the students in 1, 2, 3 grades as they are more independent learners (or should be by that time).

"The Department is supporting schools with a variety of funding opportunities. The Department has offered a competitive grant twice in the last 18 months to support the purchase of early literacy screening assessments and the associated professional development, awarding over $471,955 total to 27 school districts. A similar grant will be offered again in the current school year to support schools that do not yet have an appropriate screening measure in place or are in need of training. The Early Grades Literacy Grant and Growing Literacy Equity Across Massachusetts Grants also provide funding to school districts to purchase an approved screening assessment and the associated professional development if needed. Student Opportunity Act (SOA) guidance identified early literacy screening as a key evidence-based practice, and the Department encourages school districts to use SOA funding to support this cost."

From the "backup" doc shared by Tracy  https://www.doe.mass.edu/bese/docs/fy2023/2022-09/item3.docx

Escape Into Fiction sets up teacher wish lists

"New #teacher wish lists in the store for our #localteachers. Come in or email to create yours!  

We love our #teachers. Mail@escapeintofiction.com 10 books/author, grade, school!  

#franklin #franklinpublicschools

@FranklinPSNews

@FranklinMatters

@TOFranklinMA

#wrenthamma #kpschools"

Shared from Twitter ->  https://twitter.com/EscapeIntoFictn/status/1562446370036142080

Where is Escape Into Fiction? 12 Main St in downtown Franklin or visit them on the web at -> https://escapeintofiction.com/

Escape Into Fictions sets up teacher wish lists

Franklin Middle School - Summer Reading Recommendations

Summer Reading

Middle School Summer Reading Recommendations

★ Franklin Middle School students are required to read at least two books this summer.

○ Use this log to record the books you read and return to your ELA teacher in the fall.

★ Students will share one of their summer reading books in the fall.

○ This is a great way to connect with new teachers and peers.

○ We recommend that students take brief notes on their favorite title to keep their memory fresh.

★ Acclaimed author Leslie Connor is scheduled to visit us in October!

○ Students should read or listen to one of her books this summer.

Continue reading the 2 pager ->  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/news/middle_school_summer_reading_2022.pdf

Franklin Middle School - Summer Reading Recommendations

Horace Mann Middle School "Books to go" open 11 to 1 Thursday

"#Summerreading makes a difference!  

If you need help finding a book, stop by Books to Go in the HMMS lobby Thursday 11a-1p."

Ms O'Leary has a brief video to promote reading during the summer

 

#Summerreading makes a difference! If you need help finding a book, stop by Books to Go in the HMMS lobby Thursday 11a-1p. pic.twitter.com/AtLETUlsho

— Horace Mann MS (@HMMSLightning) July 13, 2022

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/HMMSLightning/status/1547267299173928961

Horace Mann Middle School "Books to go" open 11 to 1 Thursday