Franklin Public Schools
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Redistricting FAQs published, add your questions if they aren't already on the listing
Franklin Public Schools
Tuesday, April 30, 2024
What's happening Tuesday, April 30, 2024?
2:30pm Rainbow Cafe (Senior Center)
6:00pm Family Game Night (Franklin Public Library)
6:00pm FPS School Budget Subcommittee Meeting (Municipal Bldg)
7:00pm Franklin School Committee Meeting (Municipal Bldg)
7:00pm Trivia Night (Raillery Public House)
What's happening Tuesday, April 30, 2024? |
If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication: https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6
The School district calendar is found https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26
Friday, April 26, 2024
Comprehensive School Facilities Planning proposal to right size the school district in fewer schools
Good Evening, FPS Community,
I am writing to provide an update on this evening’s Comprehensive School Facilities subcommittee meeting. As previously shared on 4/19/24, Locker Master Planning and Kaestle Boos and Associates are finalizing their assessment of the district’s facilities to identify both short-term, midterm, and long-term solutions to continue providing high-quality education opportunities for our students while creating a more fiscally sustainable model for our district.
Two options emerged from this work, which were shared and discussed. Visual maps that depict both options are attached to this email to provide more context.
Both options developed resulted in two strategic changes for the 2025-26 school year.
Unifying our three middle schools into one middle school in one location, the current Horace Mann/Oak Street complex. This will result in the closure of the three middle schools as they currently exist.
Unifying our five elementary schools into four elementary schools in two locations, the current Remington/Jefferson Complex and the current Annie Sullivan/Helen Keller Complex. This will result in the closure of the five elementary schools as they currently exist and the redistricting of all students between these complexes. As a result, the Kennedy and Parmenter Elementary Schools would become unoccupied in their current capacity.
school district in fewer schools |
Option A
Identifying two K-5 complexes, the current Keller/Sullivan and Remington/Jefferson complexes, that would function as four elementary schools. Labeled on the map are “North Elementary K-2” and “North Elementary 3-5” schools at the Keller/Sullivan complex, and “South Elementary K-2” and “South Elementary 3-5” schools at the Remington/Jefferson complex.
Option B
Identifying one K-2 elementary site at the current Keller/Sullivan complex and one 3-5 elementary site at the current Remington/Jefferson complex. However, the Comprehensive School Facilities subcommittee determined this was not a viable option to move forward to a School Committee vote. This decision was made when considering the impacts of transportation, additional school transitions for students, and the creation of a large number of class sections within each grade level, which does not align with the stakeholder feedback to preserve smaller learning communities within larger schools.
Lastly, both options maintain ECDC at its current site and allow for future expansion at the current Kennedy Elementary School.
The results from the Master Facilities Plan will be shared at the next school committee meeting on April 30, 2024, along with a recommendation to the School Committee. Franklin stakeholders are invited to share input during public comment at that meeting.
School Committee Members will vote on a final recommendation at the following School Committee meeting on May 14, 2024. A vote to take action on this option will result in strategic master planning during the 2024-25 school year, followed by implementation for the 2025-26 school year.
We recognize these options result in significant change within the district, and we are committed to thoughtfully planning and sharing information as it becomes available. Please be on the lookout for a follow-up email from your building principals as well.
Respectfully,
Lucas Giguere
Superintendent
Friday, April 12, 2024
Paper Products for the School Nutrition Program - Invitation for Bid
IFB - Paper Products for the School Nutrition Program
In accordance with MGL c.30B, it is the intention of the Town to enter a contract for the 2024-2025 school year with a supplier and distributor of paper products for the school nutrition program for the Franklin Public Schools.
Additional Information: Paper Products for School Nutrition Program
Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/ifb-paper-products-school-nutrition-program
Paper Products for the School Nutrition Program - Invitation for Bid |
Friday, March 29, 2024
Invitation for Bids (IFB) - Paper Products for the School Nutrition Program
Paper Products for the School Nutrition Program
In accordance with MGL c.30B, it is the intention of the Town to enter a contract for the 2024-2025 school year with a supplier and distributor of paper products for the school nutrition program for the Franklin Public Schools.
Additional Information: Paper Products for School Nutrition Program
Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/ifb-paper-products-school-nutrition-program
Friday, February 16, 2024
Franklin Public Schools Announce Upcoming Musical Performances, Highlights Music Program
Franklin Public Schools Announce Upcoming Musical Performances, Highlights Music Program
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Thursday, February 8, 2024
Franklin's Three Middle Schools Receive Grant to Support STEM Career Learning
Superintendent Lucas Giguere is pleased to announce that the Remington Middle School, Horace Mann Middle School and Annie Sullivan Middle School recently received grant funds from the One8 Foundation to offer an expanded curricular program from Project Lead the Way (PLTW) to support STEM career learning. |
The One8 Foundation collaborates with partners to identify, support and scale high impact programs, like PLTW, to help schools and teachers prepare students for success. |
PLTW is a nonprofit organization that provides a transformative learning experience for PreK-12 students and teachers through coursework in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science. Franklin's three middle schools join more than 12,000 schools across the country offering PLTW programs to millions of students. |
“Receiving these grants gives us the opportunity to realize what we imagine for our students," said Director of Curriculum STEM Eric Stark. "By expanding our partnership with the One8 Foundation, our computer science and STEM teachers will join a nationwide community of educators, and our students will gain access to an engaging and rigorous curriculum and high-quality instructional materials." |
The grant funds will be used to implement three PLTW Gateway units for the first time in Franklin Public Schools. In the first unit offered, Design and Modeling, students will discover the design process and develop an understanding of the influence of creativity and innovation in their lives. They will be challenged to use and apply what they have learned throughout the unit to design a therapeutic toy for a child who has cerebral palsy. |
"We are so excited to be a part of this partnership with Project Lead the Way for the first time,” Superintendent Giguere said. "We are looking forward to seeing our students participate in these programs and how they can apply their skills across the computer sciences, shaping them for real-world experiences." |
The second unit that will be offered is Computer Science for Innovators and Makers. Students will discover computer science concepts and skills by creating personally relevant, tangible and shareable projects. Throughout the unit, students will learn about programming for the physical world by blending hardware design and software development. They will design and develop a physical computing device, interactive art installation or wearable, and plan and develop code for microcontrollers that bring their physical designs to life. |
The third unit that will be offered is called App Creators. This unit will expose students to computer science by computationally analyzing and developing solutions to authentic problems through mobile app development, and will convey the positive impact of the application of computer science to other disciplines and to society. Students will customize their experience by choosing a problem that interests them in the areas of health, environment, emergency preparedness, education, community service and school culture. |
Funds from the grant will also support teacher professional development and the purchase of materials and equipment that will be used in PLTW courses. In addition, as a school with PLTW programming in Massachusetts, each school will have access to a regular set of teacher professional learning opportunities, student project showcases, and connections to industry professionals offered by the Mass Learning Project and the One8 Applied Learning Hub. |
“Students are hungry for experiences that allow them to apply what they are learning to solve real-world, meaningful problems," said One8 Foundation President Joanna Jacobson. "Providing equitable access to hands-on applied learning programs that deliver academic gains while building critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills ensures students are engaged and interested in school and prepared for success in this ever-changing world." |
About Project Lead The Way |
Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is a mission-driven organization that is transforming the learning experience for millions of PreK-12 students and thousands of teachers across the country. PLTW empowers students to develop in-demand, transportable knowledge and skills through pathways in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science. PLTW's teacher training and resources support teachers as they engage their students in real-world learning. |
Sunday, December 17, 2023
Samples from the Franklin Public Schools K-12 Winter Art Showcase - Dec 13, 2023
Catching up to sharing more of the photos of the Franklin Public Schools K-12 Winter Art Showcase which was held in a short period from 4:30 to 6:30 PM in the FHS Library/Media Center on Wednesday, Dec 13, 2023.
"Just a sample of the art displayed here at the high school from around the district. I wish there was more space to share these works, and more time for folks to come & see. The variety and quality is amazing!"
Sunday, December 10, 2023
Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda for meeting Dec 13, 2023
a. FY23 Supplemental Budget and FY24 budget revenue projections
a. Public Property & Building, aka “the Facilities Department”i. FY24 Public Property & Buildings Budgetii. List of Town Owned Buildingsiii. December 2020 Kaestle Boos study on school facilities current conditionsiv. Franklin School Department Redistricting Analysisv. Comprehensive School Facilities Planning Subcommitteevi. 10-year Capital Facilities Planb. Grants discussioni. Ten-year municipal grants historyii. Ten-year school grants history
a. Approval of Minutes
i. September 13, 2023ii. November 08, 2023
b. Stabilization Account Balance
Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda for meeting Dec 13, 2023 |
Thursday, November 16, 2023
Request for Proposals ~ Comprehensive Facilities Assessment
Request for Proposals ~ Comprehensive Facilities Assessment
In accordance with MGL c. 30B, §6, it is the intention of the Town of Franklin, to retain the services of a consultant for the development of a comprehensive facilities assessment and master plan for the Franklin Public Schools all located in Franklin, MA.
Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/request-proposals-comprehensive-school-facilities-assessmen
Request for Proposals ~ Comprehensive Facilities Assessment |
Thursday, October 5, 2023
Investigation on school shooting hoax calls continues
Over the past year, more than 500 schools in the United States have been subjected to a coordinated campaign of fear that exploits the all-too-real American danger of school shootings, according to a review of media reports and dozens of public records requests. The Washington Post examined police reports, emergency call recordings, body-camera footage or call logs in connection with incidents in 24 states.The calls are being investigated by the FBI and have generated an aggressive response by local law enforcement — particularly after officers in Uvalde, Tex., came under criticism for waiting more than an hour to confront the gunman during the May 2022 elementary school massacre.In state after state, heavily armed officers have entered schools prepared for the worst. Students have hidden in toilets, closets, nurse’s offices. They’ve barricaded doors with desks and refrigerators. Medical helicopters have been placed on standby while trauma centers have paused surgeries, anticipating possible victims. Terrified parents have converged on schools, not knowing if their children are safe.
Note: The data includes incidents where multiple schools were targeted and situations where calls were linked to a broader pattern of hoaxes. HANNA ZAKHARENKO/THE WASHINGTON POST |
Sunday, October 1, 2023
Franklin Public School lunch improvements to highlight
Via the Franklin Public School's Facebook page, we share a couple of recent posts to highlight how creative the delivery of school lunch can be within the budget. Delivering healthy, locally sourced, and cost effective meals to students.
"Don't mind us, we're just reminiscing on last week's delicious marinated streak tips with asparagus and brown rice. Our Food Services team sources beef locally to ensure the highest quality is available to our students. This steak was sourced from MeatWorks out of Westport, MA.The farms were Twin Willow Farm (Westport, MA), Howard’s Farm (West Bridgewater, MA), and Sunny Knoll Farm (Westminster, MA)"
delicious marinated streak tips with asparagus and brown rice |
"The Food Service team does it again! Yesterday’s lunch at every school featured local Pollock caught just days ago off the coast of Chatham, MA. The fisherman was Captain Scott MacAllister on his boat, the Carol Marie fishing vessel. Thank you Red’s Best for the great traceability!You can read more about Captain Macallister in this article: https://capecodfishermen.org/a-young-man-carving-out-a.../"
local Pollock caught just days ago off the coast of Chatham, MA |
Monday, September 25, 2023
Franklin Public Schools, MA: No School Monday, Sep 25; half-day Tuesday, Sep 26
"All Franklin Public Schools will be CLOSED Monday, September 25th, 2023 in observance of Yom Kippur.
Classes will resume on Tuesday, September 26th, 2023."
"Reminder: All Franklin Public Schools will operate on a HALF DAY schedule Tuesday, September 26th, 2023 to accommodate for staff professional development, with the exception of the Early Childhood Development Center which will have no school on half days. "
Franklin Public Schools, MA: No School Monday, Sep 25; half-day Tuesday, Sep 26 |
Thursday, August 31, 2023
Franklin Public Schools, MA: No School on Friday, Sep 1 - Schools Reopen on Tuesday, Sep 5
"All Franklin Public Schools will be CLOSED Friday, September 1st, 2023 as well as Monday, September 4th, 2023 (Labor Day).
We will reopen on Tuesday, September 5th, 2023."
Shared from -> https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews/status/1696961436541505678
Franklin Public Schools, MA: No School on Friday, Schools Reopen on Tuesday, Sep 5 |
Wednesday, August 30, 2023
In this conversation with Supt Giguere we talk of the prep for the new school year and much more (audio)
FM #1051 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1051 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Franklin School Superintendent Lucas Giguere. We had our conversation in person at Franklin High School on Wednesday, August 23, 2023.
At a high level our topics were:
School year prep
One year anniversary as Superintendent
State funded free lunch
District hiring status
Budget analysis per Joint Budget Cmte underway
Comprehensive School Facility Planning about to begin process
Reminder on communications and when to escalate
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Superintendent’s page -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/superintendent
Free lunch notification -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/franklin-public-schools-letter-to.html
Back to School Letter & checklist -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/backtoschool_family_letter_2023-24.pdf
School budget -> https://www.franklinps.net/fy24budget
EduSpeak glossary -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/superintendent/pages/eduspeak-glossary-educational-terms-acronyms
Communication guidelines -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/families/pages/communication-guidelines-fps-families
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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
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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