former FHS Vice Principal Robert Lima

The Franklin 'radar' turns up this news on the unexpected passing of former Vice Principal Robert Lima:

"Robert (Bob) J. Lima, longtime resident of Barnstable, passed away unexpectedly on February 17, 2017 at his winter home-away- from-home in Portugal. He was 64 years old.

....

He pursued his profession as a town planner and planning consultant in cities and towns across the country, including Chicago, Dartmouth, Nantucket, and the State of Massachusetts. He taught architecture and planning as a faculty member at Texas Tech University. Robert formed a consulting business, the BOSHE Institute, that focused on planning, management of environmental resources, and education. He taught science at Franklin High School, and ended his career as Vice-Principal there."

You can review the full obituary online 
http://www.ack.net/obituaries/20170225/robert-j-lima

"There's a real hunger for answers"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"With a goal of encouraging interest in science among young people, Franklin High School's "Family Science Night" will look to build on the success of past events. 

This year's event - on March 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. - will be the third for the school, and will consist of demonstrations and applications of scientific concepts. 

Science teacher Ann Ritchie said there will be some perennial favorites - such adding cornstarch and water to create a substance that seems to be neither solid nor liquid - as well as some new attractions. 

"There will be lots of opportunities to make things," she said. "We're very exited about a station called 'Ask a Scientist.' Thirty-six scientists from the area will be coming throughout the evening, and they'll be taking questions from the public."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170223/franklin-high-school-science-night-coming-in-march

Hold the date for Family Science Night - March 16

It was a wild success in 2016 making this an event not to miss this year. This event is put on by FHS National Honor Society science students for K-8 students to explore science as well as see what can be done at the High School.






This was shared from the Franklin Public Schools webpage
http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinDistrict_News/0252D561-000F8513.0/2017FamilySciNight.pdf

a snow covered view of FHS

Help! Looking for Middle School Science Teachers

Sharing this for the middle school science teachers among our readers! Geoff is one of my extended network of social media network buddies. He does great work and if he can help science teachers, that is worthy of sharing!

Legends of Learning screen grab

Help! Looking for Science Teachers I need your help. My company – Legends of Learning (legendsoflearning.com) – is looking for science teachers to demo our alpha games. This is the very first batch of what will soon become an offering of hundreds of games for Earth and Space, Life, and Physical Sciences.  If you know any science teachers, particularly those in grade 5-9, please refer them via this form or email me. Our games are grounded in curriculum standards, the very learning objectives that teachers use to create their lessons. These games help teachers make their classrooms fun, engaging, and productive learning environments. By the way, I began the Legends of Learning journey four month ago with 10 other entrepreneurs in Washington, DC. We are committed to helping teachers serve America's children with new engaging methods of teaching their curriculum through our ed games. So you can see these games are exciting for us!  Your help in referring teachers will make a big difference! I would love to hear what's new with you. How is work and life?  Any big plans for the New Year? Thanks again, and Happy Holidays. Geoff Livingston CMO and Co-founder Legends of Learning   Copyright © 2016 Geoff Livingston, All rights reserved. I am sending you this email because we're LinkedIn friends! Our mailing address is: Geoff Livingston 1405 Wake Forest Drive Alexandria, VA 22307 Add us to your address book

Kids' Corner: Art, Science, Yoga & Cooking Fun

Franklin Public Schools                Lifelong Learning Institute The Center for Adult Education and Community Learning Art, Science, Yoga and Cooking Fun All At Kids' Corner   Kids' Corner Franklin…..     Where fun and learning meet Kids' Corner Franklin, a program of Franklin Public Schools Lifelong Learning Institute and The Center for Adult Education & Community Learning, is a unique collection of after school activities for children with the goal of making learning fun. Classes are small, relaxed and designed to encourage children's creativity……a place where fun and learning meet. Click on the yellow button below and explore the opportunities we have created just for kids. Check Out The Classes Here....and Register Today  www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com (click on Adult Education) adulted@franklin.k12.ma.us  508-613-1480

FPS- Lifelong Learning | 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by adulted@franklin.k12.ma.us in collaboration with Try it free today

Franklin Library: Liquid Nitrogen Demonstration

Nice and warm outside? Come in to the Library and see some cool liquids and solids! 

Yes, there is a liquid nitrogen demonstration scheduled for Friday, Aug 12 at 10:30am 

Remember that the Library is operating from its temporary location at 25 Kenwood Circle while construction is underway to renovate and expand the Main St building.

Franklin LIbrary: Liquid Nitrogen Demonstration

This was shared from the Town of Franklin webpage
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/0247103E-000F8513.5/liquid%20nitro%20pic.jpg

In the News: 2-way traffic coming to downtown, school explores growing hydroponic plants

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"The town has begun its efforts to inform local drivers of the upcoming change to two-way traffic in the downtown. 

The change, slated to take place in late June, will be the result of the two-year downtown streetscape project, and will affect West Central, Emmons and Main streets. 

Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen said local officials will be looking to inform the public through a wide-ranging campaign. 

"We'll be doing weekly posts on social media, as well as the traditional channels," he said, adding that local newspapers and websites had been approached about the change."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160524/franklin-informing-residents-of-traffic-changeover

work continues along Main St putting in curbing and new sidewalks in advance of redoing the road surface and then changing the traffic from one way to two way in June

"Officials from Parmenter Elementary School shared the lessons learned through a third-grade hydroponic gardening program. 

The program - new at Parmenter this year - was chosen to illustrate the school's approach to creating learning experiences for its students. The school's three third-grade teachers gave a presentation on the matter at Tuesday's School Committee meeting. 

Teacher Edward Tighe said that when students were first shown the hydroponic equipment, they did not know what it was. 

"It has been an amazing four months of discovery - not just for the students, but us teachers as well," he said. "We've made many mistakes, the kids have seen those mistakes and we've worked together to come up with solutions."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160524/franklin-garden-advances-science-learning

In the News: Girltopia event planned, School Committee reviews science program

"Sam Ward, a senior from Girl Scout Troop 80637, is organizing a Journey program called "Girltopia"at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School, 147 Pond St., Franklin on Wednesday, May 4, 6:30-8 p.m. 

With this journey, the scouts are creating their vision of a perfect world for girls. They have identified that all girls have the right to an education, equal pay, fair treatment, and to become who they aspire to be. 

The scouts are hosting an evening featuring women who have all different "paths" in life, whether they are a stay at home mom, business woman, doctor, teacher, etc. Girls of middle school and high school age are invited to come talk to and interview these adults about their choices for their path through life. 

This event is meant to inspire young girls to be who they dream to be, and show them the different paths people can take in life."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160426/girltopia-event-to-introduce-girls-to-world-of-opportunities-for-women

"The school district is looking to implement a new science curriculum emphasizing on hands-on and practical learning in the coming years. 

The School Committee heard a presentation on the topic, two years in the making, at its meeting Tuesday night. Officials said the curriculum's focus on immersion and application is a step forward from traditional theory and memorization."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160426/franklin-schools-rolling-out-new-science-program

"induced earthquakes will likely happen in the near future"

The Washington Post reports that the US Geological Survey (USGS) has updated their maps showing the increased likelihood of man-made earthquakes. 

"Earthquakes are a natural hazard — except when they're man-made. The oil and gas industry has aggressively adopted the technique known as hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, to shatter subsurface shale rock and liberate the oil and gas lurking there. But the process results in tremendous amounts of chemical-laden wastewater. Horizontal drilling for oil can also produce massive amount of natural, unwanted salt water. The industry disposes of this wastewater by pumping it into deep wells. 

And the Earth moves."

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/speaking-of-science/wp/2016/03/28/new-seismic-hazard-map-includes-fracking-related-quakes-for-the-first-time/

USGS map displaying 21 areas impacted by induced earthquakes as well as the location of the fluid injection wells that have and have not been associated with earthquakes. (Courtesy of USGS)

The USGS announcement of the press conference during which this data was released http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=4486&from=rss_home#.VvnG2vkrLIU


The Earthquake Hazards Program can be found here  http://earthquake.usgs.gov/

"pushing the boundaries of autonomous flight"

"When you hear the word "drone," you probably think of something either very useful or very scary. But could they have aesthetic value? Autonomous systems expert Raffaello D'Andrea develops flying machines, and his latest projects are pushing the boundaries of autonomous flight — from a flying wing that can hover and recover from disturbance to an eight-propeller craft that's ambivalent to orientation ... to a swarm of tiny coordinated micro-quadcopters. Prepare to be dazzled by a dreamy, swirling array of flying machines as they dance like fireflies above the TED stage."

http://www.ted.com/talks/raffaello_d_andrea_meet_the_dazzling_flying_machines_of_the_future

TED Talks

In the News: Family Science Night, Dean presents "Hair"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

More than 300 children came to Franklin High School Thursday night to - among other things - examine fingerprints, see jousting robots, code programs and design paper airplanes. 

The second annual "Family Science Night," an event intended to encourage students in elementary and middle school to take up an interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. The night was put on by the high school's Science National Honor Society. 

At the event, families visited various classrooms throughout the building, each with a given theme. The school's video production studio, for example, used green-screen technology to send participants to far-off or imagined places, while the physics classroom had a demonstration on the conservation of momentum using a basketball and smaller ball.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160313/franklin-high-school-hosts-showcase-for-stem

The School of the Arts at Dean College will perform “Hair” April 6-10 on the Main Stage in the Campus Center at Dean College, 99 Main St. 

Set in the turbulent era of the Vietnam War and “Free Love,” “Hair” presents the rock music and revolutionary culture that went with it on the stage. 

The production of “Hair” will take place 7:30 p.m. April 6-9; 2 p.m. April 9-10. Tickets cost $5-$22 and can be purchased online. Parental discretion is advised.
To learn more and purchase tickets, visit dean.edu/boxoffice.

http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160313/dean-college-to-present-hair

Reminder: Family Science Night at Franklin High School

Family Science Night - Franklin High School 

From 6:00 to 8:00 PM

A community service project by the FHS Science National Honor Society

RMS and ASMS presentations for School Committee meeting - 3/08/16

The middle school presentations scheduled for the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Mar 8, 2016

The full agenda can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/03/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda.html

Remington Middle School

Remington Middle School - Technology Presentation - 3/08/16 from Franklin Matters

Annie Sullivan Middle School

Annie Sullivan MIddle School - Science Presentation 3-08-16 from Franklin Matters

Summer Classes for Budding Scientists - Register Now

Franklin Public Schools  ~ Lifelong Learning Institute We have a variety of summer classes  for your budding scientist! Nature Detectives for entering grades 1, 2 July 11 to 15, 8:30 am to 12:30 pm Jefferson Elementary School We will be doing a variety of nature activities such as nature walks, scavenger hunts, collecting leaves, art projects, and nature games.   Out of This World for entering grades 1, 2, 3 July 18 to 22, 8:30 am to 12:30 pm Jefferson Elementary School Come and learn about outer space as we explore the moon, the solar system and constellations.  We will read stories, play games and do crafts. Let's Get Growing for entering grades K, 1, 2 July 25 to 29, 8:30 am to 12:30 pm Jefferson Elementary School Our gardening fun basics will include hands-on activities with soil, seeds, flowers, vegetables, worms, ladybugs, water, weather and more Nature Outdoors for entering grades 1, 2 August 1 to 5, 8:30 am to 12:30 pm Jefferson Elementary School Head on out into the great outdoors for some fun and adventure. Explore the world of nature and learn a few camping skills along the way. Who knows what we might discover! Registration is Open! FPS, Lifelong Learning|  508-553-4814|  Email

Forward this email FPS- Lifelong Learning | 355 East Central Street | Franklin | MA | 02038

In the News: Science topic of discussion, FSPA summer programs

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

Educators, town officials and local business owners met with the head of the Massachusetts Life Science Center Friday to discuss the state of the sciences in town and how it could be improved. 

Travis McCready, the center's CEO, visited Franklin, taking part in round-table discussions and touring the Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School, Franklin High School and the Zeptometrix Corp. His visit was hosted by state Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin, and state senators Richard Ross, R-Wrentham, and Karen Spilka, D-Ashland. 

The center, Roy pointed out, is a 10-year, $1 billion state effort to ensure Massachusetts' primacy in life science education and business development. 

"Franklin has positioned itself well," Roy said of the town's friendliness to the bioscience industry. "Recently, our BioReady level was upgraded from 'gold' to 'platinum,' and it's a great place to live, work and raise a family."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160226/science-education-makes-grade

MA Life Sciences Center

Franklin School for the Performing Arts announced a summer session of theater programs, ballet intensives and one-week creative camps, along with voice, instrumental and dance classes. The summer session will run from July 5 to Aug. 26, with registration beginning March 7. 

FSPA Summer Theater provides the opportunity for hands-on immersion in a Broadway Boot Camp, cabaret show, behind-the-scenes theater design, straight play or musical theater production, with enrollment for one to five weeks. The Cabaret week (July 25-29) focuses on repertoire choices, song interpretation and presentation, and concludes with a cabaret style revue at The Black Box, 15 W. Central St. 

A behind-the-scenes exploration of theater design and production, also running July 25-29, includes staging, lighting, costuming, sets and sound. A two-week musical theater program (Aug. 8-19) presents the Tony Award-winning classic “Bye Bye Birdie.” Younger students, in grades 3-8, will present “Bye Bye Bieber”, an original FSPA musical comedy parody by Nick Paone, inspired by “Bye Bye Birdie” and featuring pop music hits.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160226/fpac-slates-summer-programs-for-children-and-teens

Legislators to Host Life Science Day in Franklin

Representative Jeffrey Roy, Senator Karen Spilka and Senator Richard Ross will host Travis McCready, the President and CEO of the MA Life Science Center in Franklin on Friday. They will participate in a number of roundtable discussions centered on education and economic development.

More than thirty Life Science experts, educators, legislators, town and state officials, and advocates are slated to attend the various roundtables. The forums will focus on the life sciences industry in Franklin and the surrounding communities. They will explore the economy and education looking at the strengths, deficiencies, and areas for future growth.

The first roundtable will be held at 9AM at the Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School in Franklin. It will focus on Life Science education and will be followed by a brief school tour highlighting Life Science investments and successes. The afternoon roundtable will be held at 11:45AM at ZeptoMetrix in Franklin, and will focus on economic and business development and will include a tour of the facility.

MA Life Sciences Center

Over the past eight years the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, our state's investment agency in life sciences, charged with implementing our state's $1 billion Life Sciences Initiative, has made nearly $600 million in investments that support scientific research, early-stage companies, workforce development and life sciences infrastructure across the entire state. Among U.S. states, Massachusetts is 1st in life sciences venture capital funds per capita, 1st in life sciences employment per capita, 1st in federal research funds per capita, and 1st in educational level of workforce.

"At the MLSC we are pursuing an intentional strategy to support life sciences growth throughout the entire Commonwealth," said Travis McCready, President and CEO of the MLSC. "I look forward to our visit Franklin to understand the region's capacity for attracting life sciences investment and to continue our collaboration with local leaders to find ways in which we can work together to grow the industry in the region."

"Massachusetts is world renowned for both its educational opportunities and its innovative technology industry, and the life sciences are a big part of our success,," said State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin), "Every year billions of dollars are injected into the Massachusetts economy through medical, biotech and other life sciences from all over the world. Franklin has been committed to supporting the life sciences and has already taken the necessary steps to zone accordingly and invest in industrial zones. As a result Franklin was rated Platinum by the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council for BioReadiness. Companies look for a town like Franklin with its great schools, low rent and geographical location, and our discussions will emphasize these and the many other attributes."

"I am pleased that the President and CEO of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, Travis McCready, is taking the time to visit Franklin. The town of Franklin is built upon the strength of our schools, hardworking taxpayers, and innovative small business owners and I am looking forward to discussing how we can continue to build upon this growth for the good of our constituents," said Senator Richard Ross (R-Wrentham).

"The life sciences companies in MetroWest are the backbone of our state's innovation economy," said Senator Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "As Chair of the legislature's Biotech Caucus, my goal is to facilitate partnerships with this thriving sector to support innovative research, maintain and create jobs and make sure our life sciences workforce and companies continue to grow. I look forward to thoughtful discussion and continued collaboration with Franklin employers, workers and the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center."

"As the recipient of grants in 2014 and 2015 from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, Tri-County RVTHS and the entire vocational community are very appreciative for your investment in our students." said Stephen Dockray - Tri-County High School Superintendent.

These efforts are in conjunction with the Massachusetts Life Science Center which serves as a link for legislators cutting across issues that affect the Life Science industry.

In the News: family science night, Dean performance scheduled, Circle of Friends concert

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

The high school will hosts its second annual "Family Science Night" next month - an event intended to encourage science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) interest on the part of elementary and middle school students. 

The event - scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 10 - will be organized by the high school's Science National Honor Society group. 

The group, said high school science teacher Ann Butler, is comprised of students who have reached a certain GPA in science subjects. This is the society's largest event of the year. 

"Last year, the idea was to invite elementary students to the night, and it was a wild, wild hit," said Butler. "We never anticipated the crowds we got - it was about 300 kids."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160208/franklin-science-night-set-for-march

The School of the Arts at Dean College will perform “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead” March 2-6 in the Performing Arts Studios Stage at Dean College, 61 School St. 

“Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead” is the tale of Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet” as told from the view of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. 

The Dean College production will take place at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday; 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160208/dean-college-to-present-rosencrantz-and-guildenstern-are-dead

The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse will host Seth Glier at 8 p.m. Feb. 27 in the First Universalist Society’s Meetinghouse, 262 Chestnut St. 

A singer-songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist who averages over 250 live performances annually, Glier has gone from opening act to headlining his own shows and playing major festivals. He’s shared the stage with artists as diverse as James Taylor, Ani DiFranco, Edwin McCain, Martin Sexton, Emmylou Harris and Ryan Adams. For more on Glier, visit sethglier.com.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160208/circle-of-friends-coffeehouse-to-host-seth-glier

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse