Franklin Public Schools Celebrates Successful Unified Basketball Season

Superintendent Lucas Giguere congratulates the Franklin Middle School Unified Basketball program on a successful winter season, drawing more than 50 student athletes from all three of the district's middle schools.

Franklin Middle School Unified Basketball players are divided into two teams, the Blue Team and the White Team, including students from Annie Sullivan Middle School, Remington Middle School, and Horace Mann Middle School. The program was established at the middle school level in Franklin three years ago.

Players and program partners faithfully attended practices after school and developed basketball skills throughout the season, such as passing, dribbling and shooting. The student athletes embraced teamwork, while cheering each other on and learning together about the fundamentals of the game of basketball.

 

middle school Blue Team and the White Team

Both the Blue Team and the White Team won some games and lost others, enjoying well-earned victories and showing good sportsmanship when they lost. The Franklin teams played against middle school Unified Basketball teams from North Attleboro, Holliston, West Bridgewater and Foxboro.

One of the highlights of this year's season was that a pair of siblings, Kat Conway and her brother Tristan Conway, got to play on opposite teams and were able to support one another while doing so.

“My favorite thing is the unity it brings between neurotypical and neurodivergent kids," Kat said. "Everybody gets to play.”

Mason Donovan, a sixth grader at Annie Sullivan Middle School, is one of the all-stars of the Franklin Unified Basketball middle school program. Mason said his favorite part of Unified Basketball was simply “being on a team so we could help each other win the games.”

Lizzie Morrison, principal of Annie Sullivan Middle School, congratulated all of the Franklin students on a great season.

"It is such a wonderful opportunity for students to shine in the spotlight during a healthy, competitive season,' Principal Morrison said. "Unified Basketball at the middle level has been very popular since it was established three years ago. The program provides opportunities for students with and without disabilities to bond over their strengths and form friendships."

Superintendent Lucas Giguere congratulated the Unified Basketball teams and thanked everyone who helped make this season possible, including the coaches, REACH Counselor Leslee Differ, special education teacher Brian Bujold, Franklin Police Officer Amanda Ayer, special education teacher Susan Egan, and special education adjustment counselor Lisa Burger, who is also a board-certified behavior analyst for the district.

"The Unified Basketball program at the middle school level has been an incredible addition to our community," said Superintendent Lucas Giguere. "Congratulations to all the student athletes on an incredible season. And thank you to all of our coaches, parents and volunteers. This amazing program would not be possible without the coaches and the parents and supporters who attended the games and cheered on our teams."

Additional photos can be found on the FPS page -> https://www.franklinps.net/article/2132179

Franklin High School Wraps Up Successful Fall Season, 3 Coaches Awarded

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Athletic Director Karrah Ellis are pleased to share that, with 460 student-athletes participating, Franklin High School wrapped up its fall sports season with every team qualified for the MIAA state tournament and a chance to win a championship title.

Some of the highlights for the fall season at Franklin High School include the following:

• The Franklin High field hockey team finished the regular season as Hockomock Kelly-Rex Champions, advancing to the Elite 8 Round in the MIAA state tournament. 
• The volleyball team finished second place in the league and advanced to the Round of 8 in the MIAA state tournament.
• The Panthers cheer team went undefeated in all of its competitions, finishing the season as Hockomock League champions, MSAA South Regional champions and MSAA state champions.
• The varsity football team qualified for the MIAA state tournament as the No. 9 seed, playing in the Round of 16.
• The boys soccer team finished the season as Hockomock League Kelly-Rex division champions, advancing to the Elite 8 Round in the MIAA state tournament.
• The girls soccer team finished in second place in the Kelly-Rex division, advancing to the Round of 16 in the MIAA state tournament.
• The boys cross country team finished in second place in its league for regular season meets, and the team qualified for the MIAA Division 1 Championship Meet.
• The girls cross country team finished the season as Hockomock League Kelly-Rex Champions. The team also qualified for the MIAA Division 1 Championship Meet.
• The Unified basketball team played in the Special Olympics Jamboree held at Sharon High School to cap off the regular season. The team also hosted a special community night on Nov. 25, playing against another team composed of representatives from the Franklin Police Department, Franklin Fire Department, Franklin High School faculty and Unified alumni.
• The Franklin High golf team finished its regular season as Hockomock League Kelly-Rex co-champions, and the team qualified for the MIAA Division 1 state championship final.

Looking toward the winter, Franklin High is supporting a new sport: varsity level alpine skiing. Franklin participates in an “alpine ski co-op” with Nipmuc Regional High School. Practices and races will be held at Ward Hill in Shrewsbury. Participation in the co-op comes at no cost for Franklin High School.

FHS Sports: Fall 2024

“We are thrilled to be able to add a new sport and provide opportunities for our student-athletes,” said Athletic Director Karrah Ellis.

Franklin High School is also continuing to support girls ice hockey, as critically low participation rates currently challenge the program. There are currently only 15 student-athletes on the girls ice hockey team at Franklin High. However, the team is seeking additional players, including a group of eighth graders that will soon be added to alleviate the problem, as permitted through a waiver filed with the MIAA District Athletic Committee by the school.

“Unfortunately, as is the trend across the state, numbers for girls ice hockey are down significantly,” Athletic Director Ellis said. “Those numbers are critically low safety wise in Franklin, but the addition of eighth graders will alleviate that issue.” 

In addition to the regular season success of all its teams, three Franklin High School coaches were named Coach of the Year for 2023 through 2024 for their respective sports by the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association. The Coach of the Year award recipients, who were recognized during an MIAA banquet on Dec. 11, include CJ Neely, head coach of the boys varsity basketball team, Lisa Burger, head coach of the Unified track team, and Jess Pridham, former coach of the boys and girls swim team.

Superintendent Giguere congratulated these coaches and all the student-athletes for their victories in fall 2024, while wishing Franklin High School’s winter sports athletes a safe, successful season ahead.

“Thank you to Athletic Director Karrah Ellis and all of our coaches who do so much work behind the scenes to provide opportunities for our student-athletes to succeed,” Superintendent Giguere said. “Thank you to all of the families, faculty, community members and student athletes that helped make this fall a successful season for all of our teams at Franklin High School.”

Franklin Unified Basketball Community Night - Nov 25 at 5:30 PM

One of the best nights of the year - Franklin Unified Basketball Community Night!

Franklin Unified Basketball Community Night

Not only does the Franklin Unified team play against our amazing police, fire, administration, teachers and alumni, but we are also raising money for the Franklin Food Pantry! 

Please join us on Monday, November 25th at 5:30 PM in the Franklin High School Gym to support our programs and help us reach our fundraising goal for a wonderful cause. 

Can’t make it that night but would still like to support the Franklin Food Pantry please use this link or scan the QR code below.

https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E188424&id=34&cfifid=825

Food pantry needs are higher than ever and any and all support is much appreciated. 

During FY24 which ended June 30th, The Pantry delivered 4,223 "backpacks" of food to the schools which reached an average of 120 students each week.  These backpacks provide children with food for the weekend. The program has distributed 853 "backpacks" of food so far this school year.  We expect that number to grow.

Get your tickets for the FHS Best Buddies fund raiser basketball game scheduled for Jan 13

FHS Best Buddies (@BestFHSBuddies) posted Thu, Dec 28, 2023:

Our student vs staff basketball fundraiser game will be held on Saturday, January 13! 

Scan the QR code or use the link to get tickets: https://t.co/Tf2JKdzQAr 

Please share this post with friends/family!

@FranklinUnified @FHSPantherbook @FranklinPSNews @FranklinHS https://t.co/SVMrUm8Ryv

Go to Unipay, select Franklin High School and then Best Buddies will appear in the left side menu

https://unipaygold.unibank.com/transactioninfo.aspx

Get your tickets for the FHS Best Buddies fund raiser basketball game scheduled for Jan 13

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/BestFHSBuddies/status/1740474943551463804

FHS Unified Basketball vs. Franklin Police & Fire team - Thursday, Oct 19 at 6 PM

This Thursday at 6 PM! @FranklinUnified Community night! 

Donations accepted at the door. 

Hope to see you there! https://t.co/PKyLmMmHf0

FHS Unified Basketball vs. Franklin Police & Fire team

FHS Best Buddies Students vs. Teachers game Saturday (1/28/23), a fund raiser for their prom

FHS Best Buddies (@BestFHSBuddies) tweeted Mon, Jan 23, 2023:

"Show out this Saturday, the 28th, for our students vs. staff basketball game‼️ 

$5 per ticket: you can pay either at the door or on unibank! 

Proceeds go towards funding Best Buddies Prom. Teachers interested in playing can click the link in our bio to sign up!!" 

 https://t.co/JgoKAcbnjc

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/BestFHSBuddies/status/1617701594832994306

FHS Best Buddies Students vs. Teachers game Saturday (1/28/23), a fund raiser for their prom

Pantherbook: Student Spotlight - The Tyler Morrill Story

Ryan Martin has a great profile of Tyler Morrill:

"You’re in the championship. With the gold medal on the line, the score is tied. As the clock winds down the few seconds it has left, your teammate zips a pass in your direction. You nail the shot as the buzzer sounds, sending everyone into a frenzy: You are a champion.

The narrative has been dreamed of and practiced by countless kids on turf fields, ice rinks, and courts around the world. For Franklin’s Tyler Morrill, the moment came to fruition last June as he was a part of the Franklin Unified Basketball Team. Morrill’s buzzer-beater in the Special Olympics final crowned Franklin the Gold medalists.

“I was so confident I was going to make that shot!” Morrill said, grinning."

Continue reading the article at Pantherbook ->

https://franklinpanthers.us/top-stories/2023/01/09/student-spotlight-the-tyler-morrill-story/ 

Morrill (far right) stands with the FHS girls' varsity basketball team prior to their game against Wachusett

Panther TV: EditorVar's highlight reel for the recent FHS unified basketball game

Panther TV (@fhspanthertv) tweeted on Fri, Oct 14, 2022:

Congrats to @FranklinUnified for their win against KP 72-56 last night! Check out @editorvar's highlight reel  @FHSSports @FranklinHS   

https://youtu.be/31nkKpALXsY via @YouTube

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/fhspanthertv/status/1580895300339712000

Franklin Unified Basketball Team visited the State House on Thursday

Via Lisa Berger: 

"FHS unified basketball/team mass at the State House!!! What a great day and honor!! Thank you Representative Jeff Roy!"

Via State Representative Jeff Roy:

"It was a treat having the beloved Franklin Unified Basketball Team in the State House yesterday to be honored by the House and Senate for sportsmanship and bringing home the gold medal. The visit included stops in my office, the House and Senate Chambers, and the Gov’s office."

 Via Senator Becca Rausch:

"You all are all stars, @FranklinHS Unified Basketball! It was an honor to welcome these gold medalists and young leaders into the Senate chamber today. Congrats again on your huge victory, and thank you for representing MA at the @specialolyUSA . We are so proud! @TOFranklinMA"

FHS Unified team visited the State House for tour

FHS Unified team visited the House Chambers

Additional photos can be found in the first two tweets

Shared from Twitter - https://twitter.com/lburger81/status/1552750772395311104

and   https://twitter.com/jeffroy/status/1552963510379872257

and   https://twitter.com/BeccaRauschMA/status/1552762598503899143

FM #831 - Town Council Meeting - Audio Recording - 07/20/22

 FM #831 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 831 in the series. 

This session shares the Town Council meeting conducted on Wednesday, Jul 20, 2022. The meeting was held in the Municipal Building Council Chambers. 

After the two recognitions, the Council took a brief break for photos and resumed their session. 

a. Proclamation: Margaret (Peg) Simpson

b. Proclamation: FHS Unified Basketball Team

The Council entered Executive session to discuss multiple contract approvals and returned to open session to vote on the 6 contracts before formally closing the meeting.

The show notes contain a link to the Town Council agenda.

The recording runs just about 3 hours (excluding the break and Executive Session). Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting of July 20, 2022.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-831-town-council-meeting-07-20-22

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Town Council agenda

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/july_20_2022_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf

Town Council video (YouTube)  https://youtu.be/xsn7kOA_S9I 

Photos from the meeting can be found in one album ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/tptZmBMX44z85Px79

My notes in this ThreadReader PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1y8HddB5SGMKVe_vvGpy_5seRpyASnCsT/view?usp=sharing

My recap of the meeting was shared here -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/07/recap-town-council-recognizes-100th.html 

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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

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"

Chair Tom Mercer with the FHS Unified Basketball team

Councilor Melanie Hamblen with Margaret (Peg) Simpson

Recap: Town Council recognizes 100th birthday, FHS Unified Basketball team, grants TIF for Plansee, approves 6 contracts

Quick recap:

• Margaret (Peg) Simpson was recognized for her 100th birthday. The FHS Unified Basketball Team was recognized for the Special Olympics Gold medal
• The elections workers for the Sept primary and November election were approved. Early voting will be available the week before the Sept 6 State primary. All voting will be held at Franklin High School. The Council also approved resolutions approving for the police security coverage and other election details per recent legislation
• The Elks Riders presented a donation of $1000 for Veterans Services
• The Old South Meeting house expression of interest results were reviewed. The Council consensus was to proceed with an RFP for residential use with covenants to keep the property affordable, maintain the historical exterior and give priority to Franklin residents. The Town will prepare such paperwork to bring back to the Council for approval before putting it as a public offering
• After a contested discussion, the Council approved tax increment financing (TIF) for Plansee USA LLC to expand their current location. Lack of understanding of the process and purpose of the TIF incentive apparently drove the discussion. The TIF financing is limited to specific industrial zones but the Council can expand it if they chose to do so. Vote was 7-2 for the TIF
• The process of accepting the Davis Thayer School was formally started by the Council. The deed paperwork will proceed. Eventually a committee will be selected to determine the best use of the site
• A "friendly 40b" application process was developed by the Town and presented to the Council for their review and understanding
• The five year fiscal forecast was not yet ready for sharing but given the current inflation effects, it is anticipated that the FY 2023 budget will be difficult to complete as funded. An example was touted as the SNETT trail work put out to bid was expected to be in the $200K arena, the bids received back ranged from $300K to 800K. Stay tuned, we'll help to keep an eye on this inflation effect during the year as it could have major implications for future budgets
• The Council entered executive session to discuss the status of contract negotiations and returned to open session to approve 6 contracts. Apparently with an increase of 2.5% which highlights that the School Committee's approval of 4% increases for the teachers contract is an issue to be worked as things progress

My full set of notes via Twitter from the meeting ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1y8HddB5SGMKVe_vvGpy_5seRpyASnCsT/view?usp=sharing

Photos from the meeting can be found in one album ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/tptZmBMX44z85Px79

The Franklin TV recording of the meeting ->  https://youtu.be/xsn7kOA_S9I

Margaret (Peg) Simpson and Councilor Melanie Hamblen

Council Chair Tom Mercer and the FHS Unified Basketball team and coaches

Veterans Officer Shannon Nisbett with the Elks Riders accepting the donation

"The Power of Unified Sports" - Tyler Morrill's story (video)

"You may have seen Tyler Morrill’s buzzer beater moment at the @2022USAGames, securing gold for Team Mass Basketball. But what you didn’t know was that before finding @FHSSports  Unified Basketball, Tyler lived a very different life.

Check out his story: https://youtube.com/watch?v=6q_tGw"

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/SpOlympicsMA/status/1536387817290584064

m7_Rc&feature=youtu.be

FHS Unified Basketball team gets a gold medal welcome home! (video)

"Congratulations to the @FranklinUnified  on Bringing Home the Gold!!!"

"Welcome back @FranklinUnified  this was the first basketball team to qualify at the @SpecialOlympics  for Team Massachusetts…and they brought home GOLD! Congratulations"

Congratulations to the @FranklinUnified on Bringing Home the Gold!!! @FranklinPSNews @FHSSports pic.twitter.com/BXYfao2O1d

— Varun Desai (@editorvar) June 12, 2022

Feeling that Panther Pride! @FranklinUnified received a warm welcome as they brought home the Gold from the @SpecialOlympics pic.twitter.com/h73dSbY9Jg

— Franklin Public Schools, MA (@FranklinPSNews) June 12, 2022

Video 1 Shared from Twitter ->  https://twitter.com/editorvar/status/1536131176490012673 

Video 2 shared from Twitter ->  https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1536095160685273088

FHS Unified Basketball team scheduled to return at 3:15 today

Requested to be updated to 3:15 PM - Their flight was delayed. 

"Hey Franklin community! Join us tomorrow afternoon, Sunday 6/12 at 2:30 at FHS to welcome back our Unified basketball gold medalists!! "

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/daniellew815/status/1535733413197623299 

"This crew took on magic kingdom today (Saturday)! Well deserved! Way to go Team Mass/Franklin Unified! So proud!"

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/lburger81/status/1535802921480339456 

"This crew took on magic kingdom today (Saturday)! Well deserved! Way to go Team Mass/Franklin Unified! So proud!"

FHS Unified basketball team brings home the Gold!

The FHS Unified Basketball team, representing Massachusetts at the Special Olympics games won the Gold Medal in the final of the High School Interscholastic Division B finals on Friday. The team topped Oregon 37-35 after reaching the finals by topping Connecticut on Thursday by a 27-26 score.

"We did it!! This team. GOLD! When you play as friends, with heart, and have fun, great things happen!. The continued support is overwhelming!"

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/lburger81/status/1535293035197628416 

Special Olympics official results ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qPKFiHq532meRFCM5R6PoiaacReHslH9/view?usp=sharing

Results originated at the Special Olympics DropBox account ->   https://www.dropbox.com/sh/606e6o0vjgt6y7p/AAARIc23AwGJGbX4-umM_-i8a/USA%20Games%20Sports%20Results/Basketball/5v5%20Interscholastic%20Unified%20Finals%2010%20June.pdf?dl=0

FHS Unified basketball team brings home the Gold!

CBSNews: "Franklin High School's Unified Basketball team competes in Special Olympics in Florida" (video)

"A very special opening ceremonies at the Special Olympics in Orlando, Florida included a team from Massachusetts. 

Franklin High School's unified basketball program is the first from Massachusetts to qualify for the Special Olympics. 

And they are as special as it gets. 

"They have come here and they have shown everybody what they're made of; their compassion, their 'supportsmanship,' their abilities on that court. There are no words to express how fantastic this group of 10 really is," coach Lisa Burger told WBZ-TV."

Continue reading the article on view the video online -> https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/franklin-high-school-unified-basketball-team-gold-medal-games-special-olympics-orlando-florida/ 

"the first Unified Basketball Team to represent Massachusetts at the national level!"

Meet Team Massachusetts!  

Did you know these 10 athletes and Unified partners from @FranklinUnified  make up the first Unified Basketball Team to represent Massachusetts at the national level!?

"the first Unified Basketball Team to represent Massachusetts at the national level!"

Check out the team bio's ->  https://gameon.specialolympicsma.org/basketball-roster?hsLang=en

10 athletes and Unified partners from @FranklinUnified  

School Committee recap: FHS Unified basketball team appears and presentation/discussion on approaches to student behavior

FM #794 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 794 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the regular Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held Tuesday, May 10, 2022.  6 members present, 1 absent.

Quick Recap:

• FHS student updates, Superintendent report highlight a number of events and accomplishments around the district (Superintendent report usually posted day after meeting but last couple are missing)
• FHS Unified basketball team appeared in Council Chambers. They will represent MA in the Special Olympics this summer. A special recognition for a program that has made great strides through the years and around the district
• Presentation and discussion on “Approaches to Student Behavior” a highly interesting and engaged conversation. Very impressive approach, note that it does take time (i.e. people power) to implement and manage.
• The School Committee entered executive session to continue work on their contract negotiations. 

The meeting opened at 7 PM and ran approx. 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-794-school-committee-mtg-05-10-22

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Agenda doc -> 
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_5-10-22.pdf 
 
Meeting packet folder (with other docs released for this session)
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/may-10-2022-school-committee-meeting-packet

My notes -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lLY9SCDvKusqfRV30SQjNiLx3I2WSoBN/view?usp=sharing 

Franklin TV Video link -> https://youtu.be/JcjrcaHzf90 

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

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"

FHS Unified basketball students & teachers provide an update