Jamie Barrett makes a slight revision to "Sisu Ubuntu"

Jamie Barrett writes:

"Haste makes waste! As many of you don’t know, I wrote and recorded this song very hastily. In that haste, I forgot 4 words submitted by folks!

I’ve added them, fixed a few flubs, and here it is... again!"

Franklin Action Needed: YouTube limits what Jamie can do as a performer until he has 1,000 subscribers to his YouTube Channel. He has 665 as we write today. Franklin can do this for Jamie! Let's get Jamie to 2,000.
 

YouTube link = https://youtu.be/02aAoxlNYyg



Listen to Jamie and I talk about the writing of the song
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/04/fm-237-jamie-barrett-sisu-ubuntu-40220.html

Jamie Barrett makes a slight revision to "Sisu Ubuntu"

FM #237 Jamie Barrett - "Sisu Ubuntu" 4/02/20 (audio)

FM #237 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 237 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Jamie Barrett, Franklin teacher and singer/songwriter. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We jump right into the making of “Sisu Ubuntu”, his new song, collaborated on with over 100 word suggestions, and as we find out, it came together once he picked up his guitar to work on the music to frame the lyrics.

We also talk about TuNesDay and his “Wake up with Mr Barrett” Live concert that he performs on Tuesday mornings at 8 AM. We also raise another challenge for Franklinites to help Jamie get more than 2,000 subscribers to his YouTube channel. He really needs 1,000 but we believe Franklin can do better than that, so let’s go for 2,000.

This recording runs about 15 minutes, so listen to my conversation with Jamie and get some insights into the creative process for this teacher and singer/songwriter.   https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HyZXbC07



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If you haven't heard it, you can listen to the “Sisu Ubuntu” song here 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVP2eDzQGnQ

Please subscribe to Jamie’s YouTube channel here:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiitAGAChXLE-lzyzPxauhg

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

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/
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"

FM #237 Jamie Barrett - "Sisu Ubuntu" 4/02/20 (Twitter photo)

"Teachers eventually get to a living wage, but it takes 20 years to get there"

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

"Paul O’Donoghue, 24, was sporting sunglasses and a Franklin Recreation Camp T-shirt on a humid July afternoon at King Street Memorial Park.

“I can’t complain – I get to play dodgeball and kickball with little kids,” he said.

O’Donoghue has been a camp director for the last four years, earning about $17 an hour. But during the school year, he goes by “Mr. O’Donoghue,” a math teacher at Franklin High School, earning about twice as much.

“I’m in the career that I think I’m meant for,” said O’Donoghue, a second-year teacher and Worcester resident who started at Franklin Recreation as a camper, then as a counselor in 2011. Teachers had a “really big impact” on his life, and he wanted to do the same for his students, he said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190803/area-teachers-supplement-modest-salaries-with-second-jobs

Details on the Pew Research Center can be found
https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/07/01/about-one-in-six-u-s-teachers-work-second-jobs-and-not-just-in-the-summer/

During the school year, roughly a quarter (26%) of male teachers had a second job, compared with 15% of female teachers.

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School - now hiring

BFCCPS is growing and over the last few months we have completed phone screens, first round interviews, second round interviews and model lessons in the classroom. We are so thankful for the support of teachers, faculty and students for participating in this process.

We have met a number of incredibly talented and passionate educators that we are thrilled to add to the team for the 2019-2020 school year. 

At this time, hiring for the following position and job postings are available on our website, learn more and apply here: https://tinyurl.com/y5p8ckxj

• Inclusion Assistants
• Inclusion Teachers
• Grade 5 Teacher (2 openings)
• Grades 7/8 Science Teacher
• Library/Technology Teacher
• Grade 1 Classroom Assistant
• Grade 2 Classroom Assistant
• Grade 4 Classroom Assistant
• New Teacher Coach
• Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
• EL Teacher
• French Teacher (grades 3-5)
• Technology Specialist
• Lunch Coordinator
• Lunch Server
• Maintenance Staff

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School - now hiring

This was shared from the BFCCPS Facebook post

https://www.facebook.com/BFCCPS/photos/a.1778965215669977/2474232769476548/?type=3&theater

Staff Spotlight: Ms. Waters

From Pantherbook, we share this acknowledgment of Ms Waters by Halle Goldsmith:

Ms. Waters has been teaching at Franklin High School for a total of twenty-three years and has put on around 115 productions, but has finally decided to retire. 

When she first started teaching, she wanted to teach inner-city kids. At the time, Mayor Menino only allowed people who lived in Boston to teach in Boston. So after her student teaching period at Dorchester High in Boston, she started teaching at FHS. 

Waters wasn’t always a teacher though. Before teaching, she worked in retail merchandising in the fashion industry and had the hopes of being an actress. When asked why she decided to start teaching she answered, “I became a single mother with three children, I was divorced, retail is 364 days a year job and I never thought I would remarry. I thought I should pick a profession that I could enjoy while taking care of my children. I ended up remarrying, but I fell in love with teaching.”

Continue reading the article
https://franklinpanthers.us/student-life/2019/06/12/staff-spotlight-ms-waters/

Ms. Waters (Pantherbook photo)

FSPA Introduces New Faculty

The Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) is excited to welcome three new faculty members this fall. 

Meghan Love joins FSPA’s ballet faculty. Love has taught ballet, tap and jazz to 3-14 year olds in after-school programs throughout New Mexico and was an Adjunct Professor at New Mexico State University teaching Jazz Technique I. She served on faculty at the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School at American Ballet Theatre for the Children’s Division and at the Mason Gross Extension Division at Rutgers University. In 2012 she became full-time National Training Curriculum staff for ABT. 

Meghan Love joins
FSPA’s ballet faculty

In the spring of 2018, she was chosen to be part of a competitive professional development program, Boot Camp for Emerging Leaders in Arts Administration, offered through New York Foundation for the Arts. Most recently, Love was the Manager of the National Training Curriculum and the ABT/NYU Masters Program, instructing in both programs, and she is currently an ABT Affiliate Examiner.

Joining FSPA’s voice faculty this year is Sam Jones. Jones received both his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies and Vocal Performance as well as his Master of Music in Contemporary Improvisation (with Honors and a Music-in-Education Concentration) from New England Conservatory of Music (NEC) in Boston. 

Jones won the competitive “Spark” Grant Award to launch his album, as well as NEC’s Entrepreneurial Musician Grant to direct, produce, and star in a gender-blind production of Jason Robert Brown’s The Last 5 Years, benefiting the local Boston nonprofit BAGLY to support LGBTQ+ youth.

The music department also welcomes guitar instructor Andres Abenante. Abenante holds Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees from New England Conservatory. Specializing in Jazz, Rock, Improvised, Classical and Latin styles, Andres has extensive performing experience throughout the east coast. He has recorded two albums and has served as served as Music Copyist and Transcriber for Eddie Palmieri. Andres currently teaches at the Warren-Prescott School in Cambridge as well as the North End Music and Performing Arts Center.

It is not too late to register for all programs at FSPA. Complimentary trial classes are encouraged and enrollment is ongoing throughout the year. An All-Access Pass is available for prospective students and includes tickets to an upcoming FSPA production, a tour of the school and trial group classes. FSPA, founded in 1985, is located in The Felix Cataldo Block in downtown Franklin. The facilities includes extensive studio space, Recital Hall, The Spotlight Shop and the new Intermission café. FSPA Academy, a full-time academic program, is housed next door at 32 Main Street.

For more information about all programs visit www.fspaonline.com, call 508-528-8668, or stop by the school at 38 Main Street in Franklin.

Tri-County Teacher, Kimberly Zogalis, Receives Official Citation Award

Tri-County Regional is pleased to announce that Kimberly Zogalis, a Computer Information Systems teacher at Tri-County Regional, was honored to receive an Official Citation from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Senate in recognition of her Exemplary Contributions to Student Success during the 2016-2017 Academic Year. Senator Richard Ross and Representative Elizabeth Poirier visited Tri-County Regional to present the congratulatory citation to Mrs. Zogalis. Other attendees for the presentation included Stephen Dockray, Superintendent, Jean George, Director of Vocational Programs, and Scott O'Brien, Head of Guidance.

Mrs. Zogalis, a resident of North Attleboro, is one of two Tri-County Regional teachers who have been named as a Mass Insight Education and Research award recipient for her exemplary work in the AP STEM Program. The teachers are a part of the 29 Massachusetts Advanced Placement (AP) teachers being recognized for their outstanding contributions to student success during the 2016-2017 academic year.

"We appreciate Senator Ross and Representative Poirier for taking the time to come to Tri-County to present the State Senate's Official Citation in recognition of Kim's ongoing commitment to Tri-County students," said Stephen Dockray, Superintendent. "We value our teachers who go above and beyond in ensuring our students have the skills and tools necessary to be successful in their academic and vocational programs."

(Photo courtesy of Tri-County Regional. Pictured from l-r: Stephen Dockray, Superintendent of Tri-County Regional; Senator Richard Ross; Kimberly Zogalis, Tri-County Regional Teacher & Citation Recipient; Representative Elizabeth Poirier; Jean George, Vocational Director, Tri-County Regional; and Scott O'Brien, Head of Guidance, Tri-County Regional)

Tri-County RVTHS located at 147 Pond Street in Franklin, is a recipient of the High Schools That Work Gold Achievement Award and serves the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole, and Wrentham.

A Remembrance of Alice Wiggin - (1878 - 1966)

Shared by Robert Percy, Franklin Historical Commission:

In 1885, two seven year old girls moved to Franklin, and lived in two newly built houses right next to each other on Crescent St. One was May Fales; the other was Alice Wiggin. They would become fast friends, and remained best friends for the rest of their lives.

Alice Wiggin taught English at Franklin High School for 42 years, starting as a young woman. She had attended Radcliffe College, one of the finest womens’ colleges in the country. By all accounts she was a talented and beloved teacher. The 1929 Franklin High School yearbook, the Oskey, was dedicated to her. In it, her students say:

She is a master of the art of teaching English literature… She is a critic capable of grasping and explaining her subject with clearness and precision by the use of short and simple words… She shows a remarkable breadth of judgment, a patience that never wearies, a quiet enthusiasm which no difficulty can distort or destroy, and great insight which can give richness to literature and new meanings to old dogmas.

This is powerful praise from her students. They go on to say:

As a friend, she loves her pupils for what they are, radiating to them by precept, sympathy and example, what she would have them be. Her creed — “Be a friend; the rest will follow.”

We are here today because of something that happened much earlier. In 1911, an eight year old girl and her four younger siblings were abandoned at South Station in Boston by their mother. This little girl was Sophie Aronofsky, who later came to live with a foster family in Franklin. At first, the soft-spoken Sophie was a student in Alice Wiggin’s English class. 

Because she showed such great promise as a student and as a human being, Alice took a great interest in her, and she came to live at Alice’s house. Alice encouraged Sophie to apply to Radcliffe College, which she attended from 1919 to 1923. Inspired by Alice’s example, Sophie went on to become a high school teacher in Duxbury and Quincy, and teacher of French, Latin, and English in California.

We are honored to have Sophie’s family here today. Sophie’s daughter Sarita Jo Mattson has powerful and loving memories of traveling from California to Massachusetts to stay with Alice multiple times while her mother was battling

cancer: once in 1948 when she was eight, for an entire year in 1952 when she was 12, and again at age 16 in 1956. Alice would also visit Sophie and family in San Diego several times while Sophie was battling cancer there.

Alice had a brilliant and active mind, but she was not the best housekeeper. Items were piled high everywhere, but visitors and neighbors and guests of all kind were always welcome.

In the words of Sarita Jo Mattson, Alice’s house was sort of a mini retirement home. Living with her was another Franklin High School teacher named Doc Fraser. Another was Frank Weaver, a visually impaired piano tuner, along with his wife Florence. The couple lived with Alice for the remainder of their lives. Alice also cared for two other foster daughters: Alice Dutton and Elizabeth Stewart Kubli, and for Sophie’s brother Samuel and sister Lil.

In later life, Alice would read new books for the Town Library and advised them on what to buy. Alice was a good cook and enjoyed cooking and eating. She helped people in need by cooking for them and delivering meals to their houses. She drove neighbors and friends to doctors’ appointments.

Alice passed away from a heart attack in 1966 at the age of 88. The whereabouts of her remains was a mystery for some time. We are honored and humbled that she rests here, in the place she cared so much about, in the town she has done so much for.

Her lifelong friend May lived to be 100, and rests here with her husband, brother… and her dear friend Alice. In this place of remembrance, their close bonds remain.


Union Street Cemetery 
Franklin, MA 
November 18, 2017

A Remembrance of Alice Wiggin - (1878 - 1966)

Mary Olsson before the unveiling

those who gathered pose for a photo

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

In the News: Pond St sold, finally; d'Entremont recognized as 'digital innovator'

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"The Town Council approved, by a six to three vote, the $1.56 million sale of a Pond Street property for a condominium development. 

The development would call for the construction of no more than 99 units on the 33-acre, town-owned property. Sixty-nine of those units would be two-bedroom, while the remaining 30 would have three bedrooms. 

Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting spoke about the features of the proposed development. 

"There would be a 150-foot wide buffer (between the development and Pond Street)," he said Wednesday. "There would be 17 acres of open space on the perimeter."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160323/franklin-council-votes-to-sell-pond-street-land

"A Horace Mann Middle School teacher has been named a "digital innovator" by PBS Learning Media for his use of technology in the classroom, the school announced this week. 

The designation allows seventh-grade social studies teacher James d'Entremont access to a year of professional development tools to further advance his ability to enhance student achievement through technology."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160323/franklin-teacher-recognized-as-digital-innovator

Twitter profile photo for Jim d'Entremont

FHS Mr DiBona will be honored - Apr 13

Barnes and Noble is having a teacher appreciation night on April 13. 

A former student wrote an essay about Mr DiBona for a Barnes & Noble "Favorite Teacher Contest",... and he won!! 

There is a ceremony on April 13 at 6pm at the Barnes & Noble in Bellingham. All are invited. Come and support him for that honor on that occasion!

Mr DiBona teaches English at Franklin High School.

screen grab of Barnes and Nobel event page

In the News: Silipo recognized, Housing Authority groundbreaking ceremony

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

Franklin native Leah Silipo was recently awarded the Harvard Club of Boston 2015 Excellence in Teaching Award. 

Silipo was one of five high school teachers in New England to be selected as a recipient of the award this year. She joined other teachers and over 200 student winners of the Harvard Club’s Prize Book Award at a celebratory breakfast on Oct. 7, held in their honor at the Harvard Club of Boston. 

Salipo was raised in Franklin and is a 2000 graduate of Franklin High School and a 2004 graduate of the University of New Hampshire. She has been teaching at Sharon High School for 12 years.

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151124/NEWS/151127737/1994/NEWS

The Franklin Housing Authority will have a groundbreaking ceremony next week for a housing building on Plain Street. 

The event, set for Monday morning, will celebrate the beginning of work on an eight-unit facility set to house state Department of Developmental Services clients. 

Lisa Audette, the town's Housing Authority agent, said the work is an exciting development for the authority. 

"It's a fantastic opportunity for DDS clients," she said. "There is a need for this type of housing."

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151124/NEWS/151127586/1994/NEWS

Franklin News from the Twitterverse

How teachers set up their classroom is part of the 'hidden' curriculum. I know this to be true for one K Teacher I am close to. Now I find that others approach the classroom in the same way.

Being mindful of hidden curriculum. http://t.co/DjbfNgWr3Z #YourEdustory #middleschool @WildemanBrian @KYankeeDHS

— Jim d'Entremont (@Jim_dEntremont) September 24, 2015

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Artificial turf is still in the news here and there. Crumb rubber still being objected to but no major inroads being made, yet. This article talks of one county in Virginia that is trying organic infill.

Via @washingtonpost Artificial turf gets a closer look after report raises safety concerns http://t.co/YJDpudthMl @FranklinMatters @jeffroy

— Turf Grass Forum (@turfgrassforum) September 23, 2015

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Kyle and Luke Florio

You can play football even if you can can't hear the whistles. Two Franklin kids could use your help to fund their playing time.

Check it out! I donated to Kyle and Luke Florio https://t.co/6Zy8B0OIOq

— FranklinChargers (@FranklinCharger) September 24, 2015

A Parent's Wishes for His Child's Teachers: Chris Kennedy at TEDxWestVancouverED

"Chris Kennedy is the father of four young children and the husband to an amazing woman. 

When not busy as a husband and father he is the Superintendent of Schools with the West Vancouver School District. 

Chris is a passionate teacher and strong advocate for public education. You can connect with Chris through his Culture of Yes blog—cultureofyes.ca and on Twitter @chrkennedy."

Paul Castelline, former FHS Math teacher

The Franklin network informs me that Paul Castelline who was "a math teacher at Franklin High School for 31 years" has passed away.

Paul Catelline obituary page

You can find his obituary online here
http://fowlerkennedyfuneralhome.tributes.com/obituary/read/Paul-Dominic-Castelline--102800771

summertime bookworm buzz

Summertime, school is out. What does one teacher do? Read and write!

The book-a-day challenge continues and I have read 55 books over the past 27 days. My goal is to reach 68 books to mark the 68 days of summer AND to review them all on Goodreads and here, on the blog. How is your summer reading going so far?

Mrs Williams is a 4th grade teacher here in Franklin and very busy reading and writing this summer.

front page of The Shiny Red Apple

For those parents with 4th graders looking for books for their young readers, check out Mrs Williams blog The Shiny Red Apple,

and her book list and reviews on Goodreads  https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6982448?shelf=read

Investigative Report - WCVB

WCVB - Channel 5 had this investigative report recently.



The text accompanying the video can be found here

You may recall the incident from the opening of school this year
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/09/talking-about-elephant-in-room.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/make-sure-due-process-occurs.html

"The process is over"

What happened to the teacher in the incident reported at the opening of schools? The update from the School Committee meeting on Tuesday as reported by the Milford Daily News is:

The Franklin High School teacher accused in August of serious misconduct was fired last week following an internal investigation. 

The school district’s attorney found that the instructor showed "conduct unbecoming of a teacher," said Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski, who would not go into further detail. 

"The teacher was represented and had due process," she said on Tuesday.

You can read the full article in the MDN here:

http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1868843410/Franklin-teacher-accused-of-misconduct-fired?rssfeed=true

Related posts:
School Opening Update
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-public-schools-school-opening.html

Monday's announcement
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-public-schools.html

It all about an allegation
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/lets-note-that-this-is-all-about.html

When the video replay of the School Committee meeting is available you can view it here

http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewCalendar.aspx?siteSKU=L7qhQ46xin%2fr3Z0jcDVCNw%3d%3d

Job Opening: part-time Teacher

A great local school, Sunrise Montessori School, is looking for a part-time teacher. Candidates should be EEC Lead Teacher or Teacher Certified.  Please call 508 541 8010 or e-mail your resume to: Director@MySunriseMontessori.com 

For more information about the school see the website: www.mysunrisemontessori.com

In the News - teacher evaluations, lunch menu changes

New evaluation rules for teachers

by Brian Benson/Daily News staff

School lunch gets a healthy lesson with new regulations

by Laura Krantz/Daily News staff