Talking about the summer reading blitz and "Meet Me in the Middle" (audio)

FM #1463 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1463 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation about the Summer Reading Blitz and the middle school program “Meet Me in the Middle.”  We talk with Erin O’Leary and Caleigh Keating, the collaborators who fill in the details on summer reading efforts for readers of all ages. We recorded this conversation virtually on Thursday, May 29, 2025. 

• Caleigh Keating, Youth Services Librarian

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

We cover the following in our conversation

• Library events for the June school half days

• Reading program sign up for grades 0-6, teens, and adults

• Middle school “Meet Me in the Middle” reading program

• The middle school will begin in September with some common points around reading (the 6 books)

The recording runs about 37 minutes

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1463-summer-reading-blitz-05-29-25/

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

Meet Me in the Middle info page ->  https://www.franklinps.net/o/hmms/article/2230185 

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"

Talking about the summer reading blitz and "Meet Me in the Middle" (audio)

Franklin High School to Host Spring Pops Concert on May 13

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Director of Visual & Performing Arts Diane Plouffe are pleased to announce that Franklin Public Schools will host its annual Spring Pops Concert next month, showcasing the talents of student musicians across multiple ensembles.

FHS to Host Spring Pops Concert on May 13

The concert will be held on Tuesday, May 13, at 7 p.m. in the Franklin High School auditorium. Admission is free and open to the public.

This year's Spring Pops Concert will feature a side-by-side performance with Franklin's 8th-grade musicians, offering a unique opportunity for middle school students to perform alongside the high school ensembles.

The evening will include performances by the Franklin High School Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, String Orchestra and Chorus, delivering a wide range of musical selections sure to entertain audiences of all ages.

Admission is free, and the concert is open to the public. However, the Franklin Music Boosters graciously accept donations at the door. Donations from the Pops Concert help students who need financial assistance to travel with the music department.

"We're excited to continue the tradition of our Spring Pops Concert, especially the opportunity it provides for our incoming freshmen to collaborate with our high school musicians," said Director Plouffe. "It's a special night that celebrates the musical growth of our students and builds a strong sense of community within our performing arts programs."

Community members, families and friends are encouraged to attend and support Franklin's young musicians in this culminating celebration of the school year.

"This concert highlights the incredible talent and dedication of our students and music educators," said Superintendent Giguere. "It's an event we look forward to each year, and we're proud to share it with our families and community."

School transportation registration open April 29

School transportation registration open April 29

 

Transportation Registration for the 2025-26 School Year will open on April 29, 2025. More information on how to register will be posted to the website and emailed to families when registration opens.

Share from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1UM1WfXnxf/

Franklin's Helen Keller Elementary School Celebrates LOVE Keller Day, STEM Day

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Principal Keri Busavage are pleased to share that Helen Keller Elementary School students recently participated in two engaging events — LOVE Keller Day and STEM Day — that brought students together to celebrate neurodiversity, build connections across grade levels, and explore the wonders of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

"Helen Keller Elementary School continues to foster a learning environment that values inclusivity, curiosity and innovation," said Superintendent Giguere. "Through events like LOVE Keller Day and STEM Day, students are empowered to build meaningful connections and explore the world around them in exciting and engaging ways."

Fifth-grade teacher Wendy Greenstein takes a selfie with Helen Keller Elementary School students on LOVE Keller Day. Students in Wendy Greenstein's class partnered with Donna Grady's Kindergarten class and added a splash of color to black and white brains. (Photo Courtesy Franklin Public Schools)

LOVE Keller Day

During LOVE Keller Day, students sported tie-dye shirts to recognize Neurodiversity Week, embracing the idea that no two people are alike. Students in partnered classes joined together to share how they learn best, discuss their passions and enjoy reading their favorite stories with their buddies.

LOVE Keller Day events are held throughout the year to create opportunities for students to connect with partner classes across grade levels. The students participate in team-building activities that foster kindness, awareness and acceptance while engaging in meaningful discussions about Keller's Core Values: Caring, Inclusive, Intelligent, Respectful and Unique.

"These celebrations help our students build relationships, develop empathy, and recognize the strengths that make each of us unique," said Principal Busavage. "Seeing our students embrace these values and create a supportive school community is inspiring."

STEM Day

As part of STEM Day, Helen Keller Elementary School welcomed Franklin High School Math and Science National Honor Society members to lead students in a series of hands-on, standards-aligned STEM activities. Across four interactive centers, Kindergarten to fifth-grade students explored key scientific and engineering concepts through engaging, inquiry-based challenges.

Key learning experiences included:

Magnetism: Students investigated how magnets interact, how magnetic fields change with additional magnets, and the real-world applications of magnetism in technology and engineering.

Spaghetti Engineering: Students experimented with structural design and strength using spaghetti and marshmallows, testing how to balance forces and improve stability.

Geometry Bingo: Students identified and classified shapes and explored geometric properties, including perimeter calculations.

Straw Shapes: Students analyzed different angle types to strengthen their problem-solving skills.

"Our students loved working alongside high school mentors and engaging in STEM challenges that sparked curiosity and critical thinking," said Principal Busavage. "These activities reinforced classroom learning and encouraged collaboration, perseverance and creative problem-solving."

Additional photos of STEM activities can be found on the school district page ->

https://41518511.hs-sites.com/franklins-helen-keller-elementary-school-celebrates-love-keller-day-stem-day 

Franklin TV live streaming for Schools this week

live streaming for Schools week of Jan 13

Franklin TV Live streams for Schools this week! Keep an eye out and Tune in!

Tune in via the YouTube channel https://bit.ly/FTV-Schools

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19qk8cKGpZ/

Franklin Lions coordinating to take your extra Halloween candy again this year

any of the schools or Honey Dew Donuts

via the Franklin Lions Club:

"We hope everyone had a fun and safe Halloween! As always, we are collecting candy for the troops. 

Starting today you can donate your candy at any of the schools in Franklin or at the Honey Dew Donuts. 

We will be picking up our donations between November 8th and November 12th but you can start donating now! 

Please message us with any questions and once again, thank you for your support. "

Email josanford47@aol.com

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/181nRPgS12/

Franklin Food Pantry needs some individually wrapped snacks for student weekend backpacks

Each year, more than 480 children rely on The Pantry for food assistance, and each week 120 bags of food are delivered to Franklin Public Schools for students who need a little help with food over the weekend.  

Please consider making a donation of individually wrapped snacks to help sustain our kids!  

Donations can be placed in the purple bin on The Pantry's loading dock, or sent directly to The Pantry via our Amazon Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2SIL7UR08ZZUC?ref_=wl_share

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/FranklinFoodPantry/posts/pfbid02pm7yuhdev36aamcCUXtn2Ayixii7aHu5m7JKVbX6uJxYHKxpanzhrxjtiy161Xofl

Franklin Food Pantry needs some individually wrapped snacks for student weekend backpacks

Sports & bus fee increases contingent upon the outcome of the Override scheduled for June 11

From Franklin Public Schools:

"Dear FHS families,

 

As we get ready for the next school year, we want to update you on potential fee increases so that you can plan accordingly. While the final decisions still need to be made by the School Committee, we want all families to be informed. Attached, you will find the current listing of fees for athletics by sport and the proposed fee increases.

You will also see fee proposals for Transportation and ECDC. The implementation of fee increases is contingent upon the outcome of the Override Ballot election in June and the School Committee vote and is identified as such (except ECDC fees, which will increase regardless of the outcome of the override).

Additionally, here is a link to a brief survey regarding fee increases.  (For FHS Families -> https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSejBgnpOex2VgatM-Vt8kA1DuDC1IiPRNGJGoIg1j0kc3aoYw/viewform)

 

Sincerely,

Franklin Public Schools"

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/6nR1wLmGrQrYsjiA/

 

Sports & bus fee increases contingent upon the outcome of the Override scheduled for June 11

The audio and video of the School Committee meeting held May 28, 2024 contains the preview of these fee increases   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/06/school-committee-approves-pledge.html

Conversation with Jeff Nutting; how he is keeping busy these days & his insights on override and school's plan (audio)

FM #1200 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1200 in the series

This session shares my conversation with Jeff Nutting, former Franklin Town Administrator and now retired. Or really, having fun while ‘failing at retiring.’ We had our discussion at the Franklin TV Studios on Tuesday, May 7, 2024. He is keeping busy with interesting temporary municipal positions in a variety of communities.

Jeff Nutting

We talk about

●     His insights on the current Franklin situation

○     School redistricting plan

○     Override vote scheduled for June 11

○     Riding with Phat Tuesday in prep for his 18th Pan Mass Challenge

○     Various volunteer efforts

The recording runs about 47 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1200-conversation-with-jeff-nutting-05-07-24

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Jeff Nutting’s PMC fundraising page -> www.pmc.org/jn0077

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

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"

FPS School Facilities and Educational Master Plan Report

May 10, 2024

 

Dear FPS Community,

 

This is a follow-up to the FPS Comprehensive School Facilities Analysis recommendation presented to the School Committee on April 30th. Based on the questions we received from the community, we created a Comprehensive School Facilities Recommendation Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) linked to the FPS website to answer as many questions as possible at this time. 

 

Thank you to all who submitted your questions. The FAQ is categorized under the following topics:

1. Process

2. Community

3. Student Support

4. Transportation/Traffic

5. Budget

6. Facilities

7. Human Resources

8. Other

We will continue to update the FAQ with additional responses and provide more information as it becomes available.  As previously shared, some information can only be determined if the recommendation from the architectural firm and master planner is approved.  In addition to the FAQ, please find the FPS School Facilities and Educational Master Plan Report linked on our FPS website. 

 

We recognize these options result in significant change within the district.  The recommendations from the architectural firm and master planner were put forth with great respect and consideration for the educational experience of all Franklin students. Our goal is to ensure a balanced and equitable distribution of enrollment, resources, and opportunities while striving for the most modern facilities to support our students' growth and development.

 

Maintaining students' connectedness to school and community remains paramount. Should the school committee vote to approve the recommendation, you can anticipate routine updates regarding the next steps and future community engagement opportunities throughout the process. The district is also drafting a preliminary implementation framework that expands upon the recommended timeline guided by master plan recommendations.   

 

Sincerely,

Franklin Public Schools

Facility Master Plan Report ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/franklin_public_schools_school_facilities_and_educational_master_plan_report_redacted11.pdf

FPS School Facilities and Educational Master Plan Report

Redistricting FAQs published, add your questions if they aren't already on the listing

Dear Franklin Public Schools Community,

This is a follow-up to this week’s presentation to the School Committee regarding the recommendation of the Comprehensive School Facilities Assessment.  We believe this recommendation will bring balance and equity to the district while stabilizing enrollment fluctuations and creating a more sustainable model for the future.

We listened to the committee and public comments, and we are in the process of gathering questions and grouping them into themes in an FAQ to address the questions that we can answer at this time.  You are invited to continue sharing questions via email (facilities-planning@franklinps.net), and we will use those questions as we update this FAQ document. 

A vote on this recommendation will come on May 14. 

Sincerely,
Franklin Public Schools

Redistricting FAQs published, add your questions if they aren't already on the listing

Find all the info in one place -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/comprehensive-school-facilities-assessment