From hydroponics to "Crazy Reading Ladies" all in one School Committee meeting

The School Committee meeting on Tuesday May 24 heard presentations from Parmenter and Horace Mann, reviewed three policy changes and received some updates from the Superintendent. The highlights and details follow.

• Parmenter School provided an update on their hydroponic gardens and how that is being used to foster education and collaboration.

• Horace Mann provided an update on the student efforts to help make transition to middle school better as well as the "All In" reading program. The reading program achieved major notoriety this year when the author heard of their efforts via Twitter, arranged to visit, and the brought along one of the surviving Coast Guard men who were part of real life "The Finest Hours." 

Co-author Casey Sherman and Coast Guard engineer Mel Gouthro with one of the "Crazy Reading Ladies"

• The School Committee started the review of three policy changes and moved them to a second reading. Most of the material change is bringing the language current with legal and regulatory requirements.

• Dianne Plouffe was announced as the new District Music Director replacing Nancy Schoen who is retiring after this year.

My notes captured live during the meeting can be found here

• Live reporting: Discussion items to Closing
• Live reporting: Horace Mann update
• Live reporting: School Committee - May 24, 2016

From the archives:

•   The post recounting the visit of Casey Sherman and Mel Guthro

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/03/it-touched-me-not-because-you-loved.html

Live reporting: Horace Mann update

b. Horace Mann Update

Colin came up with the idea of a transition video for the 6th graders coming to Horace Mann
should help to reduce anxiousness

lockers create nervousness
locker buddies
switching classes

"pencils are like gold"

The video will be used for the Oak and Thayer students 

"Keep your locker clean"

8th grader got a concussion during 7th grade and had subsequent incidents during this year but the teachers and her classmates helped her out

part of drama club, provided confidence to speak in public

part of student council, raising money for school mascot

screen grab of presentation showing field trip to Chatham to complete the "Finest Hours" reading activities

8th grader is also a soccer player and used to making quick decisions

started stress relief to begin understanding the transition to high school

viewed all of the options for elective classes to take, overwhelming at first

explained honors vs CP classes

select a variety of options to provide a variety of options for career path

taking a deep breadth and calming down, will try hard and while not scared will take next step to high school

"All In"

annual tradition of the 'crazy reading ladies'  just 'greatness'

if you have read the book and complete the work, you can go to the movie

'three-peat'

if they read the book each year, you earned the title 

the students chose the book "The Finest Hours" this year via popular vote

make books accessible, via library, audio book, and other creative ways

after school sessions to discuss as it goes

usually four to eight weeks to read

the power of social media is amazing, they are still getting used to

the author found about the school reading activity via a tweet

the author hosted a writing workshop for students

Mel Guthro sang every word to the Coast Guard song when introduced at the assembly

explained more detail than the book or movie covered

the piece of the boat was gifted the school

trip to Chatham to visit the lighthouse, beach where the event occurred

they saw the actual boat as it has been restored

How can they top that?

Follow the "Crazy Reading Ladies" on Twitter  https://twitter.com/allinreading

"It touched me, not because you loved the book, but because you loved reading."

The "All In" reading program at Horace Mann Middle School had a special day on Thursday, Mar 3.

"Heroism was the theme of the day as the Horace Mann Middle School welcomed the best-selling co-author of "The Finest Hours" and one of the Coast Guard members featured in the book. 

Co-author Casey Sherman and Coast Guard engineer Mel Gouthro spoke to students - who had chosen the book as the school's "All In!" reading campaign selection - in an assembly midday Thursday. The book - and the movie based on it - recounts a 1952 ocean rescue mission off Chatham. The movie, starring Chris Pine, opened in January. 

Sherman, a Massachusetts native, said he had learned of Horace Mann's reading drive - in which many students at the school read and discuss the same book - through social media. 

"I didn't know anything about your school until I was on Twitter and stumbled across a moving video (recommending the book as the drive's selection)," he said. "It touched me, not because you loved the book, but because you loved reading."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160304/franklin-students-hear-from-author-of-the-finest-hours


And from the twitterverse other posts about the visit on Thursday:

With the real "Gus" from #TheFinestHours and @allinreading at HHMS. Great day! pic.twitter.com/RGQGMoWgQI

— casey sherman (@caseysherman123) March 3, 2016

Some awesome Finest Hours presentations from #hmms students! #kesslerELA pic.twitter.com/Cm12NllOCw

— Mr Kessler (@MrKessler1) February 24, 2016

Yes, there is a story here. Let us tell you what can happen when kids read a book. #ALLIN16 #TheFinestHours #hmmsma pic.twitter.com/EFaw9InsI5

— Crazy Reading Ladies (@allinreading) March 3, 2016

A piece of CG36500 will live at #hmmsma to remind us what's possible #ALLIN16

A piece of CG36500 will live at #hmmsma to remind us what's possible #ALLIN16 We are speechless @caseysherman123 pic.twitter.com/BmoXp5sgJ9

— Crazy Reading Ladies (@allinreading) March 3, 2016

Franklin Public Schools: Summer 2015 Reading & Math All Grades

Elementary Summer 2015 Reading and Math Link:

http://www.franklin.k12.ma.us/Pages/FranklinDistrict_Instructional/ElemSumMathRdg2015/

Middle School Summer 2015 Reading and Math Link:

http://www.franklin.k12.ma.us/Pages/FranklinDistrict_Instructional/MSSumRdgMath2015/

Franklin High School Summer Reading 2015

http://www.franklin.k12.ma.us/Pages/FranklinDistrict_Instructional/FHSELAReadingUpdate.pdf

Franklin High School

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2015 Summer Reading Program gets started at the Library

Franklin’s 2015 Summer Reading Program is set to begin with two parties this week.

For middle and high school students, a special kickoff party is being held Tuesday, June 23, at 6:30 p.m. at the library. Teens will be able to register for summer reading, as well as enjoy Henna tattoos, Wii games, and karaoke. Moe’s Southwest Grill is putting on a taco buffet, and Making Whoopie will provide whoopie pies.

For younger readers, a special party is planned for Wednesday, June 24, at 3 p.m., on the library lawn. In addition to information about summer reading, there’ll be glitter tattoos, face painting, balloon animals and sidewalk chalk.

The kickoff events and Summer Reading Program are sponsored by The Friends of Franklin Library in conjunction with library staff.

Franklin Public Library

For a complete listing of the Summer Programs check this flyer
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Library/summer2015.pdf

Friends of Franklin Library to fund the 2015 Summer Reading Program

A JPG copy of the letter from Library Director Felicia Oti to the Friends of Franklin Library is shown below. The body text has also be replicated for easier reading.

"We are delighted with the decision of the Friends of Franklin Library Board to fund the Library's entire request of $10,000 for the 2015 Summer Reading Program. The money has been deposited into an FOFL account and copies of invoices will be provided as expenditures are made. 

Your generous gift will make it possible for the library to expand summer reading collections for all Franklin students and offer engaging and entertaining programs to the community. FOFL will receive the appropriate recognition in all promotional materials. 

We are counting on your continued financial support for forthcoming library projects. Together we can strengthen the community by providing dynamic services and meaningful library experiences."

The JPG copy:

JPG copy of  Letter to FOFL

Library sign announces movies for May 30 and May 31

Franklin Library: Doggie Tales returns Apr 15

Doggies Tales returns to the Franklin Public Library on Wednesday, Apr 15th. 

Please call the library to register in advance. 

Good for young readers in grade 2 and up. The reader spends 15 minutes reading aloud to a therapy dog.

Doggie Tales - Apr 15

This was shared from the Library page here
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2015/04/doggie-tales.html

"no evidence that mastering these standards in kindergarten rather than in first grade brings lasting gains"

One key concept being lost in the educational discussion is "developmentally appropriate." This article from the Washington Post highlights a report showing no studies supporting the Common Core and reading requirements for kindergarten level students.

The Common Core State Standards call for kindergartners to learn how to read, but a new report by early childhood experts says that forcing some kids to read before they are ready could be harmful. 

Two organizations that advocate for early childhood education — Defending the Early Years and Alliance for Childhood — issued the report titled “Reading in Kindergarten: Little to Gain and Much to Lose.” It says there is no evidence to support a widespread belief in the United States that children must read in prekindergarten or kindergarten to become strong readers and achieve academic success.

Brian Peyes-Mendez participates in a test with Kendra Sarris as kindergarten teachers assess students with new tests, on Oct. 30 in Accokeek, Md. (Bill O’Leary/The Washington Post)

The report summary outlines the following:

• Many children are not developmentally ready to read in kindergarten, yet the Common Core State Standards require them to do just that. This is leading to inappropriate classroom practices.
• No research documents long-term gains from learning to read in kindergarten. 
• Research shows greater gains from playbased programs than from preschools and kindergartens with a more academic focus.
• Children learn through playful, handson experiences with materials, the natural world, and engaging, caring adults.
• Active, play-based experiences in language rich environments help children develop their
• ideas about symbols, oral language and the printed word — all vital components of reading.
• We are setting unrealistic reading goals and frequently using inappropriate methods to accomplish them.
• In play-based kindergartens and preschools, teachers intentionally design language and literacy experiences which help prepare children to become fluent readers.
• The adoption of the Common Core State Standards falsely implies that having children achieve these standards will overcome the impact of poverty on development and learning, and will create equal educational opportunity for all children.

You can find the full report here

https://deyproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/readinginkindergarten_online-1.pdf

Franklin Library: Doggie Tales returns

Doggie Tales returns to the Franklin Library on Wednesday, Dec 17th from 6:30 to 7:30 PM 

doggie tales returns

This was shared from the Franklin Library page here
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2014/12/doggie-tales.html

Franklin Library: Doggie Tales - Nov 19th

Doggies Tales returns to the Franklin Public Library on Wednesday, Nov 19th. Please call the library to register in advance.  Good for young readers in grade 2 and up. The reader spends 15 minutes reading aloud to a therapy dog.

Doggie Tales - Read to dogs program

This was shared from the Library page here
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2014/11/doggie-tales-please-call-library-to.html

"the last generation of children who will ever hear first-hand accounts of World War II"

A day before the country recognized Veterans Day, Horace Mann Middle School students kicked off a school-wide reading project on Monday by honoring 14 former military members. 

At an assembly where the school’s band played patriotic songs, student council members introduced 14 veterans, reading a brief biography of each one. 

Among the honorees was Joseph McManus, who served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years before working as a shipping clerk for nearly as long. And Barbara Gannon, born in Clinton, spent two years as a nurse in the Air Force only to later become one at Franklin High School.

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News here (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20141111/NEWS/141119500/1994/NEWS


I read the book earlier this year and do recommend it. A powerful story.

For more about the book "Unbroken" you can visit the authors site
http://laurahillenbrandbooks.com/

"Unbroken" is a movie scheduled for released this December
http://www.unbrokenfilm.com/

Franklin Library: Doggie Tales returns Sep 17th

Improve your reading skills and make a new friends by reading aloud to a therapy dog. Young readers (grades 2 and up) may sign up for a 15 minute slot at the Library Circulation desk.

doggie tales returns to the Library Sep 17th

This was shared from the Franklin Library webpage here
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2014/09/doggie-tales.html

The complete listing of programs for September can be found here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Library/ChildrensPrograms2014Final.pdf

Franklin Library: "Reading is Magic"

Ed the Wizard will bring his "Reading is Magic" performance to the Franklin Library on Tuesday at 3:00 PM

"Reading is Magic" is a 45 minute interactive magic performance using many volunteers
with reading as the emphasis behind the program. Suitable for all grades, PreK-12, as the message, routines, and understanding levels increase with each grade level. What are the goals of Reading is Magic? The message of each performance is to emphasize upon your students the importance and power of reading; how reading and comprehension are tools that they will use everyday, how I taught myself the art of prestidigitation, how each and every student can use their reading skills to learn anything that they choose to learn, and how reading encourages independent thought.

Magic books from your library's collection will be put on display as I briefly discuss some of them and perform a routine from one. I also highlight the new book that I donate to your collection and perform a routine from that book. Now your students have seen the magic and have been pointed to the resources; the rest is up to them! And of course how I mention the fact that I was inspired by Albus Dumbledore from "Harry Potter" into becoming a fully fledged wizard!

Ed the Wizard - "Reading is Magic"

For more about Ed the Wizard, you can check out his website here
http://www.edthewizard.com/

Ed the Wizard

Some of this was shared from the Franklin Library site (and some from Ed the Wizard's site)
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2014/08/reading-is-magic.html

summertime bookworm buzz

Summertime, school is out. What does one teacher do? Read and write!

The book-a-day challenge continues and I have read 55 books over the past 27 days. My goal is to reach 68 books to mark the 68 days of summer AND to review them all on Goodreads and here, on the blog. How is your summer reading going so far?

Mrs Williams is a 4th grade teacher here in Franklin and very busy reading and writing this summer.

front page of The Shiny Red Apple

For those parents with 4th graders looking for books for their young readers, check out Mrs Williams blog The Shiny Red Apple,

and her book list and reviews on Goodreads  https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6982448?shelf=read

Franklin Library: Summer Reading Kickoff

The Library will host the Summer Reading Kickoff party on the lawn today, Wednesday, June 25 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

summer reading kickoff party

Face painting, animal balloons and an opportunity to draw on the sidewalk with chalk are planned activities.


This was shared from the Franklin Library blog
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2014/06/summer-reading-kick-off-party.html

Very interesting article - "Serious reading takes a hit from online scanning and skimming, researchers say"

Points made in this article are worth sharing - it is so essential that we continue to maintain some of those "analog" ways and tools necessary for critical thinking, more focused, slower processing, less distraction, more patience to enjoy the fine details and not this immediate gratification mentality driven by technological gadgets.

"I wanted to enjoy this form of reading again," Wolf said. "When I found myself, it was like I recovered. I found my ability again to slow down, savor and think."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/serious-reading-takes-a-hit-from-online-scanning-and-skimming-researchers-say/2014/04/06/088028d2-b5d2-11e3-b899-20667de76985_story.html

Serious reading takes a hit from online scanning and skimming, researchers say

Read Across America

Senator Karen Spilka

On Tuesday, March 4th, the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School in Franklin celebrated Read Across America Day and Dr. Seuss' birthday. Teachers and students dressed in red and white and participated in many Dr. Seuss-related activities throughout the day. Various members of the community came to visit and read aloud in classrooms. We are honored to have so many guest readers visit our school and share in our celebration of reading! The event was organized by reading specialist Karen LaPlaca. 

Representative Jeff Roy

Guests included: Senator Karen Spilka; Representative Jeff Roy; Officer Chris Spillane of the Franklin Police Department; Town Administrator Jeff Nutting; Mrs. Karen Alves from the Franklin Senior Center; Paul Molla from the Franklin Fire Department; School Committee member Roberta Trahan; Franklin Town Council members Steve Williams, Matt Kelly, Brett Feldman, & Judy Pfeffer; Allison Medeiros from the Franklin Public Library; Raye Lynn Mercer & Nick Paone from FSPA; Don Tappin & Joe Mullen from the BFCCPS Board of Trustees; former Head of School Dr. Kevin O'Malley; founding teacher Mrs. Elizabeth Henderson; & eighth grade teacher Mrs. DiMartino and baby Ryan

 More photos can be found at the Charter School website www.bfccps.org.

Read Across America Day - March 4, 2014

Tuesday, March 4 is the National Education Association's  READ ACROSS AMERICA Day. 

In its 17th year, this event focuses on motivating children and teens to read through events, partnerships, and reading resources. 

Here's a link to their FaceBook page:
https://www.facebook.com/neareadacrossamerica

Ben Franklin status depicts him reading a book

"You're never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read with a child."

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Friends of the Franklin Library * P.O. Box 147 * Franklin, MA  02038 * fofl02038@gmail.com

Franklin Library: Summer Reading Sign Up

From Evernote:

Summer Reading Sign Up Clipped from: http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2013/06/blog-post.html

Franklin Public Library

America's First Public Library

Welcome

Director's Welcome
Welcome to the Franklin Public Library Blog. A place to find out what's happening at the library. We invite you to explore this site and welcome your ideas and suggestions on what you would like to see and how we can better serve you. Our success depends on your constructive feedback and we thank you for your support as we continue to explore ways to inform, excite, and enrich your library experience.

June 20, 2013

Summer Reading Sign Up

Summer Reading

Franklin Public Library - 118 Main Street Franklin MA 02038 - 508.520.4940

The magic of books

What happens when a dream you've held since childhood … doesn't come true? As Lisa Bu adjusted to a new life in the United States, she turned to books to expand her mind and create a new path for herself. She shares her unique approach to reading in this lovely, personal talk about the magic of books.

Whether you read in the tradtional hardcover or paperback or on a modern reader (Kindle, tablet, etc.), reading is important.