Showing posts with label special education. Show all posts
Showing posts with label special education. Show all posts

Saturday, December 13, 2025

School Committee recognizes the Championship volleyball team, approves the capital budget, hears about Student Services (audio)

FM #1605 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1605 in the series. 


This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. All 7 members of the committee were present. 


Quick recap:

  • FHS Volleyball team recognized for D1 State Championship for first time

  • Student Services presentation

    • Link to slides included below

  • Capital budget presentation

    • Link to slides included below

  • Franklin (MA) School enrollment

    • Yes, total of Franklin MA and shown where they end up FPS, or elsewhere

    • Numbers mentioned during recent Town Council meeting shown to be in error with these statistics

    • Link to the 2 page document included below

  • Citizen Comments

    • Steve Sherlock stepped up to talk about

    • “Hold harmless” is akin to OPEB, Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB) was for years an unfunded mandate that drove every budget discussion until the Town realized that the funding requirement for the Norfolk County Retirement would be fulfilled shortly (now slipped to approx. 2035) but then once complete, those funds could be shifted to pay down the OPEB liability. The Town has a plan to fund OPEB. The School can not come up with a plan to fund hold harmless without Town help. There needs to be a plan as part of whatever financial plan the Town puts together.

    • While the Town (and correctly so) touts clean audits, that wasn’t always the case. The current revolving funds policy to maintain a year's worth arose as a result of an audit issue revealed during 2007. Part of the resolution was (1) the hiring of Miriam Goodman in March 2008 and (2) the intro of the policy to keep one year's worth of funds in the revolving accounts

    • Audio of student services available https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/12/insights-into-student-services-how-in.html 

    • Community calendar reminder, this week only Weds doesn't have a booster club, youth sports or otherwise a fundraising effort by eating at one of Franklin’s restaurants. Let me know of your fundraising efforts and they can get published on the Community Calendar  


  • entered into Executive Session not to return to open meeting


The recording runs about 3 hours and 45 minutes

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1605-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-12-09-25/


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Additional links to key documents for this session

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/12/school-committee-recognizes.html 


Full School Committee & Supt Giguere with the FHS volleyball team

The State D1 Champion FHS volleyball team showcases their jackets
The State D1 Champion FHS volleyball team showcases their jackets

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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"


Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Insights into Student Services, how in district programs help the students & save money (audio)

FM #1597 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1597 in the series. 


This session shares my conversation with Paula Marano, Asst Superintendent for Student Services. We had our discussion in a conference room at the School District Central offices on Monday, November 17, 2025.

 

Our conversation covers 

  • Paula’s path to this role

  • Special education as required by State and Federal law

  • In district vs out of district placements

  • Individualized Education Program (IEP) & Sec 504 plans and reviews

  • Student services overall


The recording runs about 31 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1597-franklin-pubic-schools-insights-into-student-services-11-17-25/


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Paula’s contact info -> maranop@franklinps.net 


Franklin Public Schools Student Service page -> https://www.franklinps.net/page/student-services 


In district programs -> https://www.franklinps.net/page/in-district-programs 


Paula Marano, on the left, at a recent SchCmte meeting
Paula Marano, on the left, at a recent SchCmte meeting



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

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!

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


You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"



Sunday, September 21, 2025

ECDC sets schedule for screening of children before 3rd birthday

It is the responsibility of the Franklin Public Schools to identify any child who is a resident of Franklin who may have a disability, regardless of the severity of the disability.

It is also the responsibility of Franklin Public Schools to evaluate those students to determine if they are eligible for special education or related services under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) or 6-3 CMR 28 (Massachusetts Special Education Regulations).

Franklin Public Schools are committed to identifying children before their third birthday in order to provide early intervention services for 3 and 4 year olds.

If you have questions or concerns regarding your child’s development or to schedule
a PreK screening, please contact:

Jillian Swanson
Assistant Principal of Special Education
F.X. O’Regan Early Childhood Center


Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Franklin SEPAC hosts "Basic Rights: Evaluation and Eligibility Workshop" Dec 5 (virtual, registration req'd)

The Franklin Special Ed Parents Advisory Council (SEPAC) will hold the annual Basic Rights: Evaluation and Eligibility Workshop via Zoom on December 5, 2024, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

This workshop provides an introduction to the complex special education laws and procedures.

Please register for the workshop using this link: https://fcsn.org/event/franklin-evaluation-and-eligibility/

If you have any questions, you can contact Franklin SEPAC at franklinsepac@gmail.com.


Basic Rights: Evaluation and Eligibility December 5 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Host: Franklin Public Schools This presentation is a comprehensive introduction into special education laws and procedures. We will delve into the purpose of the law, referrals, evaluations, and the team meeting process including determining eligibility. Further discussion will focus on services, placement, and what to do when you receive a proposed IEP. You will also learn what to do if the student is not eligible and parent’s procedural due process rights for resolving disputes. Zoom will confirm your registration by email which will include your meeting link to join. All handouts will be sent to attendees from our workshop coordinator, Kristin LaRose, within 24 hours of the presentation.

Franklin SEPAC hosts "Basic Rights: Evaluation and Eligibility Workshop"  Dec 5
Franklin SEPAC hosts "Basic Rights: Evaluation and Eligibility Workshop"  Dec 5

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Hockomock Area YMCA schedules Financial Wellness Series for families of individuals with special needs

Financial Wellness Series for families of individuals with special needs
Financial Wellness Series 
Hockomock Area YMCA (@HockomockYMCA) posted  Mon, Sep 09, 2024:

 

Join us for our upcoming Financial Wellness Series workshops for families of individuals with special needs!

REGISTER NOW - BIT.LY/3yQGoJa


Shared from -> https://t.co/ZqjEqXZAby



Monday, May 6, 2024

Talking about Teaching & Education with FEA President Donna Grady (audio)

FM #1194 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1194 in the series. 


This session shares my conversation with Franklin Education Association (FEA) President Donna Grady. We recorded this talk in the Franklin TV Studios on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. 


The Franklin Education Association (FEA) is the union representing all the educational personnel in the Franklin School District. Donna is the unit president and has been for 8 years. She teaches kindergarten at Keller, previously Jefferson, and has been teaching for 35 years.


We talked about education today in the Franklin schools from elementary to middle school to high school. The nature and challenges of teaching our wonderful kiddos through the grade levels.


The recording runs about 55 minutes. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1194-teaching-education-with-donna-grady-fea-president-04-3024



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Donna’s school contact info -> gradyd@franklinps.net 


Franklin Education Association web page -> https://franklin.massteacher.org/ 


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

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"


Talking about Teaching & Education with FEA President Donna Grady (audio)
Talking about Teaching & Education with FEA President Donna Grady (audio)

Friday, January 5, 2024

Franklin & Medway SEPACs announce 2 workshops

Happy New Year!
We are excited to announce 2 upcoming workshops.

These are free and open to all extended community members. Your child does not have to be receiving Special Education for you to attend.

  • Managing Behavior Challenges
Strategies for Preventing & Managing Challenging Behaviors in Young Children = Jan 11, 2024 at 7 PM
  • Neuropsychological Evaluations 101
What is a Neuropsychological Evaluation & What Can I Expect from it? = February 8, 2024 at 7 PM

Franklin & Medway SEPACs announce 2 workshops
Franklin & Medway SEPACs announce 2 workshops




Sunday, March 26, 2023

wbur.org: "Special education planning form gets revamp in Mass. for first time in 20 years"

"It’s all about perception of self," he said. "If the system does not view you in a positive way how are you going to succeed?"

But now, for the first time in 20 years, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has updated its suite of IEP resources, starting with forms that invite more student input about their educational goals and plans. That feedback will be critical to developing the student's IEP, which lays out the services the student receives in a school year.

Advocates and educators across the state say they're optimistic that the new IEP forms and process it generates will lead to a more high-quality IEP and improve the overall educational experience for students with disabilities.

The overhaul is the result of a nine-year effort led by the state department of education and guided by teachers and administrators, as well as advocates like Gabovitch and Julia Landau, a senior project director with the Massachusetts Advocates for Children."
Continue reading the article at wbur.org

wbur.org:  "Special education planning form gets revamp in Mass. for first time in 20 years"
wbur.org:  "Special education planning form gets revamp in Mass. for first time in 20 years"

Thursday, March 23, 2023

Maybe you can help support the Amego School Prom April 7, 2023


header for eblasts
Amego School Prom April 7, 2023

"Once Upon A Time"

 

Our staff and students at Amego's School in Franklin are so excited about Prom Night on Friday, April 7th.  They chose a "Once Upon A Time" theme and we hope you can donate attire for our students.  

Please consider donating gently used/new attire. Our biggest need is for men's attire including shirts, ties, and pants of all sizes. Donations can be dropped off at our School (122 Grove Street, Franklin-School Entrance) or Administrative Offices (33 Perry Avenue, Attleboro) between 8:30 AM and 4:00 AM (Monday through Friday).  

All donations need to be dropped off by Friday, March 31st.  If you have any questions, please call 508-455-6245.

Your support will make their night magical! Thank you! #amegoprom2023  #amegodisneythemeprom2023 #amegoschool

 

Attire Request for Prom-1

Amego, Inc., 33 Perry Ave, Attleboro, MA 02703, United States, 508-455-6200