FHS students cancer fund raising at The Shed - Apr 1

FHS students cancer fund raising at The Shed - Apr 1

Shared from -> 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407?multi_permalinks=3937974376472559

Listen to how the FHSTC performance of the Yellow Boat got to sail to the State Finals (audio)

FM #1413 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1413 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with key members of the Franklin High School Theatre Co’s production of The Yellow Boat.

• Virginia Bernstein (Ginny)

• Eden Donovan

• Aiden Sheppard

We had our discussion in person in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Monday, March 24, 2025. 

 

We do a round of introductions so they can provide some info about themselves then we get into talking about

• Theater and what it means to them

• The impact of the budget cuts and the recovery with “Yellow Boat”

• The production process (auditions, casting, rehearsals, etc.)

• Competition (on the road vs. hosted)

• Learning and sharing key aspects of life with the performance

The recording runs about 38 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1413-fhs-theatre-co-yellowboat-03-24-25/

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Massachusetts Educational Theatre Guild (METG) schedule for finals

https://metg.org/high-school-festival/2025-finals.html 

The finals will be announced Saturday, March 29 beginning at 8 PM

Origin Theatrical link to The Yellow Boat

https://origintheatrical.com.au/work/8527 

Follow the FHS Theatre Co on Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/fhstc/

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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. 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"

Listen to how the FHSTC performance of the Yellow Boat got to sail to the State Finals (audio)

FPAC Announces Cast for Mel Brooks’ The Producers

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) is excited to announce the cast of Mel Brooks’ The Producers running March 14-23 at THE BLACK BOX in Franklin, MA. The production is directed by FPAC Artistic Director Raye Lynn Mercer, with choreography by Associate Director Broadway’s Clay Rice-Thomson (Moulin Rouge!, KING KONG, Matilda, Newsies), and music direction by Hallie Wetzell. 

The Producers is a Mel Brooks comedy full of adult humor and innuendo. Audience discretion is advised.

(L-R) Nick Paone, Paul Rescigno, Katie Mariko Murray

Leading the cast are FPAC’s Nick Paone as Max Bialystock and NYC’s Paul Rescigno as Leo Bloom. They are joined by NYC’s Katie Mariko Murray (Disney’s Frozen on tour) as Ulla, Anthony Fett (Disney’s Beauty and the Beast on tour) as Roger DeBris, Robert Mintz as Carmen Ghia, and Franklin favorite Timothy Ayres-Kerr as Franz Liebkind.

The ensemble is made up of artists from NYC, the Boston-Providence-Franklin area, and Musical Theater students from Dean College: Andrew Scott Holmes, Casey Harkness Andrade, Melissa Baratta, Elijah Bondar, Marissa J. Browning, Nya Dekrines, Heather Dorler, Shaina Dunn, Charley Eastman, Kim Frigon, Julia Lavoie, Alex LeBlanc, David Livingston, Conor Meehan, Caroline Merten, Anissa Perona, Myranda Rose Silva, Kellie Stamp, Jason Robert Warner, and Isis Wilson.

Joining the ensemble on stage at THE BLACK BOX are FPAC Student Apprentices from the Franklin School for the Performing Arts: Elena Baker, Ani Corkran, Helena Cornwell, Devin Curley, Brodie DeAngelis, Devin DeAngelis, Baree Frigon, Kayla Hoben, Hailey Hulbig, Madeleine Jacomme, Katherine LeBlanc, Matthew Packard, Kate Settle, Angelina Willey, and Michael Wirkus.

The plot of The Producers is simple: a down-on-his-luck Broadway producer and his mild-mannered accountant come up with a scheme to produce the most notorious flop in history, thereby bilking their backers (all "little old ladies") out of millions of dollars. Only one thing goes awry: the show is a smash hit. The antics of Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom as they maneuver their way fecklessly through finding a show, hiring a director, raising the money and finally going to prison for their misdeeds is a lesson in broad comic construction. At the core of the insanely funny adventure is a poignant emotional journey of two very different men who become friends. With a truly hysterical book co-written by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan (Annie) and music and lyrics by Mr. Brooks, The Producers skewers Broadway traditions and takes no prisoners.

FPAC is an Actors’ Equity Small Professional Theater company based at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin. Each season, FPAC produces musicals, plays, ballets, and more featuring Broadway stars, professional actors, local artists, and students of the arts.

Tickets for The Producers are available at FPAConline.com/tickets or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370. Follow Franklin Performing Arts Company and THE BLACK BOX on Facebook and Instagram for updates on programming.

Winning Ways with the MIAA: Student Athletes Part 2 - Jan 16, 2025 (video)

Jay Horrigan and Steve Dubzinski of the MIAA talk with 3 athletes of the month in this session, part 2 of 2

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s13wKj6v7oU

Winning Ways with the MIAA: Student Athletes Part 2 - Jan 16, 2025 (video)

Winning Ways with the MIAA: Student Athletes Part 1 Jan 16, 2025 (video)

Jay Horrigan and Steve Dubzinski of the MIAA talk with 3 athletes of the month in this session, part 1 of 2

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChSy5d3GY-I

Winning Ways with the MIAA: Student Athletes Part 1 Jan 16, 2025 (video)

Boston Globe: AG Campbell co-sponsors bill to ban cell phone use in Mass. public schools

"Attorney General Andrea Campbell is joining the growing nationwide push to crack down on students' cell phone use during school hours.

Campbell spoke before the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents Thursday about her efforts to shield children from the harmful effects of social media, one week after she, along with several state lawmakers, filed legislation that aims to impose a “bell-to-bell” ban on personal cell phone use at all Massachusetts public schools during class time. Called the “STUDY Act,” it also would require social media companies to implement additional health and safety policies.

ban cell phone use in Mass. public schools

“By restricting cellphones during the school day and raising the bar for social media companies, we are taking bold steps to create learning environments free from distraction and a digital landscape that prioritizes the well-being of our youth,“ Campbell said in a statement last week. ”This bill is a commitment to both education and mental health for our young people, ensuring they have the tools to succeed without unnecessary harm.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required) 

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/01/23/metro/cell-phone-ban-mass-schools/ 

Dean students to perform Sondheim Showcase at Library at 7 PM

The Sondheim Showcase is a tribute show to one of the most influential musical theater composers in the world. 

This piece is song cycle directed by Dean College senior Avery Sullivan. With the help and talent from multiple Dean College Performing Arts Students, this showcase is to share and celebrate Stephen Sondheim's music in a fun an educational way.

No Registration Required

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/bulletins/sondheim-showcase

Dean students to perform Sondheim Showcase at Library at 7 PM

School Committee keeps leadership, gets update on Middle Schools, and redistricting progress (video)

The Franklin School Committee met on Tuesday, Nov 12 at 7 PM as scheduled. 6 members were present in Council Chambers, one participated remotely (Gallagher)

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZaZ-akfth8

Agenda for this session ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/fps_meeting_1.pdf

Quick recap:

• School committee voted to continue their leadership team. Griffin was nominated as well as Callaghan for Chair but Callaghan prevailed with a 5-2 (Griffin, Gallagher) vote. McNeill continues as Vice-Chair by a 7-0 vote. Both votes via roll call
• Announcement of MASS student awards for Ella Mahoney and Noah Gorgas
• Middle school presentation & update; If we had more money we could have more clubs and reach more students and their interests Hopeful with the single school next year to be able to do more for the whole population of middle schoolers, more flexibility and opportunities
• Update on the district reorganization From Colin & Lucas
• 29 of the 54 possible students for the DT exemption committed to do so, Staff placement being worked, All dependent upon the budget
• Pond St facility (former Kennedy school) would be the site for an expansion for the ECDC not a replacement of, ECDC was purpose built and will remain, but expanding capacity by using space at Pond St is what is being planned
• Clarification on ECDC expansion, it would be done in phases, the focus is to provide the education space for ECDC population, which is growing, and we won't be able to utilize the Middle school space we have used at Horace Mann
• Key stat 97% of the K-5 teachers got their first choice. There is the plus one for 2nd at North and down one on South so it is budget neutral not a $75K cost as might have been in worst case
• Consideration for moving staff and furniture with the teachers where possible, Capital planning underway, don't know enough details yet but as they rise up, they will be shared

Entered executive session not to return to open meeting

Middle school slides (to be posted to web Weds/Thur)

https://photos.app.goo.gl/mJFrSfDhaJYbojfh8

Redistricting update slides (to be posted to web Weds/Thur)

https://photos.app.goo.gl/ADsFSJtAkHctX7Rq8

My notes captured in one PDF file ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1r6Fpd_A-8cBzKBLdigphSMvcxcy53mfo/view?usp=drive_link

MASS student awards for Ella Mahoney and Noah Gorgas

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

FYI - Franklin residents & businesses "Discover Dean Day" set for October 5

Discover Dean Day set for October 5 

Yes, this will bring lots of visitors (potential students & families) to check out the Dean Campus and life here in Franklin.

Dean College (@DeanCollege) posted

"Join us for Discover Dean Day on Saturday, October 5! 

This open house will give you the opportunity to tour campus and learn about the admissions process, academic programs, student life, athletics and more! 

Visit https://t.co/Xx7yfNHX3n to learn more and register🐾 "

Shared from -> https://x.com/DeanCollege/status/1833537246907273273

FYI In case you haven't noticed, you will see Dean students arriving back on campus this weekend

Dean College fall athletes checked in to campus last week. Resident advisors this week in advance of the reminder of the students who continue to arrive 

• Incoming Arch And Engage Resident Move-In  - Thursday, August 29, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
• New and transfer Resident Move-In - Friday, August 30
• Returning Resident Move-In - Sunday, September 1

Details of the schedule for arriving students can be found on the Dean page ->

https://www.dean.edu/student-life/living-on-campus/check-in-for-residents-commuters/

Dean students arriving back on campus this weekend

Sean Sullivan earns an award for short film at the 22nd Hockomock Film Festival 2024

via Easton Community Access Television:

22nd Hockomock Film Festival 2024

Out of 65 Entries from 9 Schools, 12 Award Winners were showcased at the Hockomock Film Festival.

Categories were PSA, Shorts and Documentary. Held at Oakes Ames Memorial Hall

6/8/24

The Hockomock Film Festival is an annual filmmaking competition open students ages 14 – 18 residing or attending school in the towns of the (Massachusetts) Hockomock Sports League: Attleboro, Canton, Easton, Foxborough, Franklin, Mansfield, Milford, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Plainville, Sharon, Stoughton, Taunton, Wrentham. Presented by Easton Community Access Television

Congratulations to the Winners of the 2024 Hockomock Film Festival

Shorts

Paranoia

Daniel Weir, Abigail Tunis and Lucas Serani

Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School

Perfectionist

Jake Benjamin Jardim

Stoughton High School

Butterfly

Sean Sullivan

Franklin High School

Documentary

Hockey Senior Night

Mekhala Costello

Canton High School

Mr. THS Documentary

Aiden Mendes and Ava Alves

Taunton High School

Mr. McDonough

Paul Grabert and Matt Martin

Canton High School

PSA

Sleep Deprivation

Dan Freitas

Taunton High School

Time

Ceylin Uysal-Post and Joey Noone

Canton High School

Hosa - Dangers of Drug Use

Kayla Sonephanith

Stoughton High School

Honorable Mentions

BLT

Samantha Rose Johnson, Annie Louise Reilly and Dominic Davis Oliver Ames High School

Straw Buried

Brendon Keefe

King Philip High School

The Paranormal Xtreme

Sophia DiBona, Jessica Bradley, Andrey DeSouza Lopes and Michaela Scott

Oliver Ames High School

A Huge Thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible.

North Easton Savings Bank, Dedham Savings, Eastern Bank, Bill Ames, Royalty Beverage and Georgio's Roast Beef & Pizza

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/9QQ74iMiCbhi3wdT/

Sean Sullivan earns an award for short film at the 22nd Hockomock Film Festival 2024

Scammers follow the news about student loan forgiveness

Scammers follow the news about student loan forgiveness By Terri Miller Hearing a lot about federal student loan forgiveness in the news? You're not alone — scammers are, too. You might get a call from someone saying they're affiliated with Federal Student Aid (FSA) or the Department of Education.  (They're not.) They'll say they're following up on your eligibility for a new loan forgiveness program, and might even know things about your loan, like the balance or your account number.  They'll try to rush you into acting by saying the program is available for a limited time. But this is all a scam.  What else do you need to know to spot scams like this? Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/04/scammers-follow-news-about-student-loan-forgiveness

Scammers follow the news about student loan forgiveness

FHS student art on display at the FAA gallery within Escape Into Fiction through March 16, 2024

FHS student art on display at the FAA gallery

"The Franklin High School Art Student Exhibit opened at the FAA Gallery at Escape Into Fiction Bookstore on February 17 and will continue until March 16. Here are a few photos of the gallery.  

Please make a point to come by for a visit to see the the work of this talented group of young artists!

We would like to invite everyone to attend the opening reception on February 29 from 6—8 PM at the FAA Gallery."

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/hkKRhJBJyy6vfAXE/?mibextid=oFDknk

Reminder: FHS restores Community Services Hours as a grad requirement; Non-profits - Let's be ready to take advantage of this!

 At a recent Franklin School Committee meeting, Josh Hanna, the Principal of FHS, provided an update on the program of studies at the high school. The update is scheduled annually and gives the community a preview on significant course changes, adds, etc. before the students start registering for the next school year.

One key aspect that was announced can benefit the Franklin area nonprofits; the restoration of Community Services Hours as a graduation requirement at FHS. This becomes effective with the graduating class of 2028.

“Beginning with the class of 2028 Franklin High School students are required to complete 20 hours of community service as part of the requirement for graduation”  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/2024-2025_fhs_program_of_studies_.pdf 

As you have community service hour opportunities, please let Josh know. Please also give advance notice. He plans to be the central contact for now. He also plans to add a section to the FHS newsletter which goes out every 2 weeks to spread the word. Josh’s email is -> hannaj@franklinps.net 

Sample of a recent school newsletter -> https://t.co/Dv0lAS1YAz

If you want to listen to the meeting to hear the update the audio is available ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/01/school-committee-hears-about-oak-st-fhs.html

(due to some technical difficulties that night, the broadcast video is not yet available)

FHS restores Community Services Hours as a grad requirement; Let's be ready to take advantage of this!

Shared from FANN -> https://www.franklinareanonprofitnetwork.org/2024/01/fhs-restores-community-services-hours.html