BFCCPS Capstone Project Presentation Schedule

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School opened our doors 31 years ago as one of the original charter public schools in Massachusetts. This year we now serve just under 900 students (899 to be exact) in Grades Kindergarten through Grade Eight.

BFCCPS Capstone Project Presentation Schedule

As part of our school's commitment to Character Education and Community Service, all of our 8th grade students complete and present a service learning project we call Capstone. The term capstone references an architectural term for the final piece that is inserted to complete an archway. In that way the Capstone project symbolizes the final piece of a student’s education at BFCCPS. It requires the student to incorporate aspects of all four pillars of our school’s mission, in order to complete the project successfully.

Beginning in the fall of their 7th grade year, students begin to brainstorm their ideas for a service learning project. Students follow a multistep process to develop an action plan for their project and work towards approval to implement in the summer and fall of their 8th grade year. We are incredibly proud of the variety and quality of the projects our students produce. Through capstone, our students illustrate that young people can make an impact on their school, community and world.

Presentations are scheduled for the end of January:

• Tuesday, January 27th: Students in Ms. Trahan’s (12:00-1:15) & Miss White's Advising Groups (1:15-2:30)
• Wednesday, January 28th: Students in Madame Patole (12:00-1:15) & Coach Anderson's Advising Groups (1:15-2:30)
• Thursday, January 29th: Students in Mr. Nerbonne (12:00-1:15) & Mrs. Vasady Kovacs' Advising Groups (1:15-2:30)
• Friday: January 30th: Students in Madame McNamara’s Advising Group (10:00 - 11:30)

Click the link below to visit the Capstone Corner Website where you can read more about the Capstone, watch video archives and find the dress code for the event on the Capstone Microsite.

https://sites.google.com/bfccps.org/class-of-2023-capstone/home

Finance Committee hears economics of development as "it's complicated", approves Capital budget requests (video)

The Finance Committee met on Wednesday, Jan 14, 2025. 8 members (1 absent) were present in Council Chambers for a four hour session.

Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaC9XFahY1M

The agenda and released documents for this meeting -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01142026-2089 

Quick recap ->

• Board of Assessors and Town Staff: The Economics of Development, residential valuations are based upon residential property sales and comparables. Commercial Industrial valuations are more complicated in that there is a revenue factor for how much money the operations is actually making (confidentially reported to the Assessors) along with several other factors. The repeated phrase was "it's complicated"
• We did hear that there is NO issue with water supply or sewer capacity. Police and Fire are understaffed (but managing as best they can for the volume), Schools built extra capacity as part of the redistricting effort. The per pupil amount talked of is not what each net new student would cost. There are existing capacities to handle some number of students without adding a teacher.
• The capital budget first pass was approved after a lengthy discussion. Town policy calls for funding multiple stabilization accounts, this year only the OPEB account was proposed for funding due to the budget shortfall and that it had not been funded last year.
• The OPEB fund resolution passed 8-0-1 (1 absent)
• The first pass at the tier 1 capital requests accounted for $1.8M and was proposed to amend to remove the sprinkler system work required at the Senior Center. The amendment was meant to reserve the additional $750K for the potential budget deficit. The motion to amend after a lengthy discussion failed by a 1-7-1 (1 for, 1 absent, 7 against removal for the item). The vote on the original resolution passed 7-1-1 (7 for, 1 against, 1 absent)

FHS wresting falls to Milford on Wednesday

Via Instagram, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Winter sports competition for Franklin High School on Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Wrestling = Milford, 57 @ Franklin, 18 – Final 

– Milford recorded eight pins and rolled to a big win over rival Franklin to stay unbeaten in league play through two dual meets. The meet was back-and-forth at the start, with the teams trading wins. Amelia Hough got the Hawks on the board with a second-period pin at 106 but John Woodall followed with a pin just 38 seconds into his match at 113 to tie it. Cameron Zicherman put Milford back in front with a first-period pin at 120 but Ben Ellis followed with a first-period pin of his own at 126 to bring the Panthers right back. Brayden Boccia matched them with a pin at 132 to give Milford the lead for good. Jack Sauer recorded a takedown midway through the third period to edge Dylan Wright at 138 and make it 18-15. Milford would win by fall in the next three matches to pull away. Ryan Flis oinned his opponent in the third period at 144 and Josiah Carney (150) and Kaua Reis (157) each ended their matches in the first round. Dom Joice got a first-period takedown and held off Anthony Marzullo for a hard-fought 4-2 win at 165. Wanderson Dos Santos won by forfeit at 175 to make it 45-15 and Anthony Norris followed with a second-round pin for the Hawks. Keaton Cooper took control of his match with a pair of third-period takedowns and won 9-2 at 215, Franklin’s fourth win of the meet. The match at 285 was a battle. William Best had a 6-2 lead after one period, but just when it looked like he might take Wellison Dos Santos down again, the Milford heavyweight flipped things around and finished it with a pin.

For a Photo Gallery from this dual meet  (subscription required) ->   https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2025-2026/Winter-2025-2026/Franklin-vs-Milford-Wrestling-01-14-26

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)  

https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-14-26/

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

FHS gymnastics team tops KP on Monday

Catching up to share the FHS gymnastic results from Monday via Instagram

Gymnastics = Franklin, 132.65 @ King Philip, 130.55 - Final

FHS gymnastics team tops KP on Monday

Super proud of this team who continued to push through and persevere when things weren’t always going their way. Franklin 132.65 came out on top with a tough fight against KP 130.55. 

Was last night our best? No. We made some mistakes but the girls continued to be there for each other and push through. We had some amazing moments too. 

Season High For Alivia Hess on Floor 9.1, Season High for Abby Robillard on Floor debuting her 1.5 twist 8.9. Kendra Love also put down her season High 8.7 on Floor her presentation and execution was the best I had seen! Joining in on the Season High fun was Veronica Pimentel on bars with an 8.0. 

We will continue to work hard make some adjustments and get back at it. Full recap in photo for top contributors.

MassMEP Awarded $2.93 Million in NIST MEP Cooperative Agreement to Support Massachusetts Manufacturers in FY 2026

MassMEP, the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership, announced today that it has been awarded the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Cooperative Agreement for Massachusetts for Fiscal Year 2026, totaling $2.9 million. The award coincides with MassMEP’s 30th year of service supporting small and medium-sized manufacturers throughout the Commonwealth.

As part of the national NIST MEP Network, MassMEP delivers high-impact consulting, training, and technical assistance designed to improve manufacturers’ competitiveness, profitability, and resilience. The FY 2026 cooperative agreement enables MassMEP to continue helping manufacturers strengthen their topline growth, bottom-line performance, and long-term business pipeline, while remaining and expanding in Massachusetts.

https://massmep.org/

Consistent with NIST MEP performance measures, MassMEP-supported manufacturers have reported significant economic impact in recent years, including increases in new and retained sales, measurable cost savings, and new capital investments. These engagements have also resulted in the creation and retention of thousands of manufacturing jobs across Massachusetts.

“This cooperative agreement reflects the strength of MassMEP’s results-driven approach and the confidence NIST places in our ability to deliver measurable impact for manufacturers,” said Kathie Mahoney, President of MassMEP. “For 30 years, we have worked directly with manufacturers to address their most pressing challenges, whether improving operational performance, achieving regulatory compliance, developing their workforce, or accessing funding and new markets.”

“I am thrilled to see MassMEP receive this $2.9 million NIST MEP cooperative agreement,” said State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (10th Norfolk District), Co-Chair of the Manufacturing Caucus. “MassMEP’s unwavering commitment to innovation, training, and strong community partnerships continues to strengthen our manufacturing ecosystem and support the long-term economic health of the Commonwealth.”

About MassMEP: MassMEP is a private, nonprofit organization and part of the NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership National Network.

The Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) is based at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The national Program Office (NIST MEP) which provides the federal government funding for the MEP National Network™ is located in Gaithersburg, MD. The MEP National Network includes the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST MEP), MEP Centers across the U.S. and in Puerto Rico, the MEP Advisory Board, MEP Center boards, and the Foundation for Manufacturing Excellence, as well as nearly 1,400 trusted advisors and experts at approximately 475 MEP service locations, providing any U.S. manufacturer with access to resources they need to succeed.

For more information please reach out to MassMEP here.

School Committee approves trip, program of studies, & hears updates on Teaching Learning, childcare (video)

The Franklin School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Jan 13, 2026 with all 7 members present in Council Chambers to cover a very full agenda in almost 4 1/2 hours.

Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaXy2prDrCI

Agenda ->  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01132026-2086 

Superintendent's Report

1-13-26 Superintendent's Report to School Committee

https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/2bffecf5-a348-467c-bf10-6b238a5d4577/1-13-26-Superintendents-Report-to-School-Committee.pdf?disposition=inline

II. Guests/Presentations

A. FHS Galapagos Field Trip

 _SC Galapagos Presentation  https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/5fadd50c-2e04-4b19-8e85-df8622bc8aa8/Discussion_Action_A_-_Galapagos_Islands_Trip.pdf?disposition=inline

B. FHS 2026-27 Program of Studies Update – Dr. Weber

 2026-27 FHS Program of Studies Presentation  https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/9b101140-9f6a-41fe-aed3-7049f5df6797/2026-27-FHS-Program-of-Studies-Presentation.pdf?disposition=inline

C. Office of Teaching & Learning District Assessment Presentation – Dr. Rogers

Final January 2026 Assessment Presentation  https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/f93932c6-c93c-4de1-94be-d429f0ef6199/Final-January-2026-Assessment-Presentation.pdf?disposition=inline

D. Franklin Childcare Presentation – Patty Gay

FPS Child Care Presentation 1_13_2026  https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/05d7d3a4-1581-482d-8807-b0fe22ba8d87/FPS-Child-Care-Presentation-1_13_2026.pdf?disposition=inline

 

Pictures of the slides shared captured in one album for 

• The Galapagos trip presentation ->  https://photos.app.goo.gl/amcYuXHUxJfRbu6Y7
• The FHS Program of Studies -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/p5zRxxEXyke76hV66
• Teaching & Learning update -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/LotQq5wCQJ8qJmUy9
• Little Solutions Childcare update ->    https://photos.app.goo.gl/JoMPxdB2v7a2TMV26

Meeting packet folder for all docs released for this meeting ->   https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/january-13%2C-2026-sc-meeting-packet/24614180

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, January 15, 2026

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

Franklin Public Radio wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events 

• This shares the Town of Franklin - Board of Health Mtg of Jan 7, 2026 -   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/01/franklin-ma-board-of-health-mtg-010726.html   

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM - first hour

10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - second hour

Turntable – "Enjoy a fun experience with co-hosts The Vibe and Pauly G sharing personal discussions about a featured rock n roll vinyl record (1st hour) and the best, all music Vibe Playlist (2nd hour)"  

• This week the 2 hour Turntable Show features Eric Clapton "Slowhand" Album and the Clapton Vibe Playlist. “Slowhand” was released on November  25, 1977 and was hugely successful commercially, reaching #2 on the Billboard 200 and going multi-platinum. The album includes big hits: “Lay Down Sally”;  “Wonderful Tonight”;  and “Cocaine”.   
• The Playlist Hour includes special live cuts and studio hits across Clapton's Blindfaith, Derek and the Dominos, and solo recordings. Enjoy listening to the music from one of the world's most influential rock n blues guitarists of all time

Find the playlist ->  https://tinyurl.com/TurntablePlaylists

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

Franklin TV schedule for Thursday, January 15, 2026 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = THURSDAY

11:33 am Comfort Food: Comfort Food

12:03 pm Brook'n'Cookin: French Toast

12:35 pm Cooking with Linda: Chicken Pot Pie

1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Emergency Pizza

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2019 Show 3

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 9

3:30 pm Aging Boldfully: Look Back then Move Forward

4:30 pm FPAC: The Nutcracker Day One

7:00 pm Frank's Musings: Venezuela

8:00 pm Metrowest Symposium: Equity & Access in Arts & Culture

9:00 pm Circle of Friends: Ellis Paul

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel        (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = THURSDAY

9:30 am All-Town Showcase 2024: Chorus and Orchestra

11:00 am FHS Concert Hour 02-26-25

2:00 pm FHSTC - Flowers for Algernon

3:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Student Athletes Show 2 12-12-25

4:00 pm FHS Varsity Wrestling: v Taunton 01-05-23

5:30 pm FHS Girls Varsity Hockey v Mansfield 01-07-26

9:00 pm Franklin Footlighters: High School Musical Jr.

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = THURSDAY

8:00 am Conservation Commission 12-11-25

2:00 pm Conservation Commission 12-11-25

7:00 pm Conservation Commission  CHAMBERS  871 4623 0719 

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, January 14, 2026 ???

Wednesday, January 14

Early dismissal for Schools (not the normal early dismissal schedule)

Senior Center closes at noon

11:00 AM to 7 PM Traffic Advisory (St. Mary's Parish & Town Common area)

1:00pm Writer's Group (Franklin TV and Radio)

For additional details on Library events -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

**  Town Meetings today   **

Finance Committee Meeting

Wednesday, January 14 Time: 6:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01142026-2089 

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Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

Franklin Police share info on road closures & timing for Weds/Thurs wake & funeral at St Mary's

The following information pertains to the upcoming wake and funeral services for Officer Stephen A. LaPorta. A significant police presence is expected in the vicinity of St. Mary’s Church and the Franklin Town Common during these services. Road closures and traffic detours will be in effect.

Residents and motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes and avoid the area if possible. We recognize that these disruptions may be inconvenient, particularly for those who live nearby, and we sincerely appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation.

Your understanding and support will help ensure a dignified and respectful farewell for Officer LaPorta and his family.

Franklin Police share info on road closures & timing for Weds/Thurs wake & funeral at St Mary's

Wake:

• St. Mary’s Church, 1 Church Square, Franklin, MA, Wednesday, January 14th, from 2p-6p.  
• Church square and surrounding streets will be closed from approximately 11am - 7pm.  

Funeral:

• St. Mary’s Church, 1 Church Square, Franklin, MA, Thursday, January 15 at 11am.  
• Church square and surrounding streets will be closed from approximately 9am - 2pm.  

Road Closures:

• Church Square

• Beaver St from West Central St to Church Square

• Union St from School St to Church Square

• Daniel McCahill St. from Church Square to Senior Center

• Main St from School St to Highland St

• Pleasant St from Moore Ave/Hillside Rd to Church Square

• Crescent St, Garfield, Martin, and Queen will be limited access

Parking / Staging Areas:

• Public Parking: 

o Davis Thayer School, 109 W. Central Street, Franklin;

o Dean College Campus Center lot (located next to Davis Thayer on W. Central Street);

o Dean College Jones Lot off of School Street;

o Dean Hall Lot off of Emmons Street

Shuttle buses will be provided for those with difficulty walking.

• Police Staging (Officers will be bused to church):

o 55 Constitution Blvd, Franklin

o Wake staging opens at 10am.  Busing starts at 11am.  Police walk through is at 1:45 pm.

o Funeral staging opens at 7am.  Busing starts at 8 am.  

• Media Parking:

o Franklin Federated Church, 171 Main Street, Franklin

Download a copy of the Police press release as a reminder or to share

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fLbrc8XFVc-2rgphjId7PENwAGK6k0MW/view?usp=drive_link

Bob Seeger Tribute Concert scheduled for THE BLACK BOX, January 31, 2026

A high-energy performance of old time rock ‘n’ roll hits and powerful ballads paying tribute to the legendary Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band by Rhode Island-based tribute band TURN THE PAGE!

TICKETS

• $20 pre-sale, $25 at door *doesn’t include processing fees   https://theblackboxonline.com/turn-the-page-a-bob-segar-tribute/

Bob Seeger Tribute Concert scheduled for THE BLACK BOX, January 31, 2026

Get ready with the YouTube playlist -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMY1ewg-e9w&list=PLQMQ0pEi2FfpCMCQ2YKCJd_7sJH6__fzT

Councilor Morrongiello Seeks Public Input on Master Plan Priority Goals

Town Councilor Maxwell Morrongiello is inviting residents to help identify which goals from the recently adopted Master Plan the Town Council should prioritize during his first term.

The Town of Franklin adopted its 2025 Master Plan last year after extensive public input. The plan identifies more than 300 goals to accomplish over the next decade across six key areas: Housing Diversity, Complete Neighborhoods, Neighborhood Connectivity, Vibrant Downtown, Natural and Historic Conservation, and Resource Efficiency.

"I campaigned on a platform of transparency. Now I want to hear from you," Morrongiello said. "The Town Council will soon be deciding what goals to tackle during the current term."

The survey asks residents to nominate one goal from the Master Plan. Due to the expected volume of responses, participants are asked to submit only their top priority. Morrongiello will follow up with a web poll after the nomination period closes.

Nominations close Jan. 19, 2026.

The Town Council will hold its goal setting meeting Feb. 4. Morrongiello encourages community members to make their voices heard before the council establishes its priorities for the term.

The survey is available at https://forms.gle/f9xHt8wjaNDEFKHB8

The survey is non-binding but will help Morrongiello determine which goals to support as the council develops its legislative priorities for the 2025-2027 term.

Only goals from the adopted Master Plan will be considered for the survey. Residents with suggestions or concerns beyond the Master Plan are encouraged to contact Morrongiello directly at mmorrongiello@franklinma.gov.

The full Master Plan is available at https://www.franklinma.gov/295/Master-Plan

Councilor Morrongiello Seeks Public
Input on Master Plan Priority Goals

About the Franklin Master Plan

The Franklin Master Plan 2025 was adopted after a comprehensive public engagement process and provides a framework for municipal development and decision-making over the next 10 years. The plan includes recommendations for land use, housing, transportation, economic development, natural resources and community facilities.

FHS girls & boys basketball teams post wins vs Stoughton on Tuesday (video)

Via Instagram, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Winter sports competition for Franklin High School on Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Boys Basketball = Stoughton, 52 @ Franklin, 75 – Final 

– Stoughton got off to a strong start and had the lead after a quarter but Franklin surged ahead with 21 points in the second quarter and put the game out of reach with 22 points in the third quarter. Senior Traevon Jones was on fire in the opening quarter, hitting a trio of threes and finished with 13 of his 20 points (tying a career-high) in the opening frame as the Black Knights had a slim 17-15 edge after one. But Franklin started to attack the rim with success in the second: Ben Scaccia, Nas Johnson, Jack Sullivan, Justice Samuels, and James Crowley all hit shots from the floor as the Panthers pushed ahead, 36-27, going into halftime. It was more of the same in the third as Franklin had seven more two-point field goals, went 5-for-5 from the line, and sophomore Danny Santos hit a three as Franklin created plenty of separation, 58-39, going into the fourth. Crowley finished with a career-high 22 points to lead all scorers, Santos added 17 points, Sullivan scored 15 points, and Samuels chipped in with 10 points. Anthony Alessi added 13 points for the Black Knights.

Franklin TV video -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdzU98jvr34

Girls Basketball = Franklin, 65 @ Stoughton, 26 – Final 

- Franklin had 11 players score and held Stoughton to single digits in three of the four quarters to run away with a big win (their fourth in a row) that pushes the Panthers into a first-place tie with Milford atop the Kelley-Rex division. Stoughton was held to just one made field goal in the first and freshman Brielle Nicholls scored seven of Franklin’s 13 to give the visitors a nine-point lead after one. Franklin exploded for 21 points in the second, with Evelena scoring seven and four Panthers knocking down threes. Momentum continued to be with the road team in the third, as Liz Dumais (six points, eight rebounds, and two blocks) scored four and Franklin outscored the Black Knights 16-6 to make it a 30-point lead. Even with most of its starters on the bench for the whole fourth quarter, Franklin added 15 more, including four off the bench from Devyn Cairns. Dobecki, Nicholls (five rebounds, six steals, and three assists), and freshman Chloe Gordon each scored nine points for the Panthers, while Ava Bonney scored eight and Tessah Rodrigues and Sophia Sacramone each finished with seven. Raine Tat was Stoughton’s high scorer with seven and she grabbed nine rebounds. Isabel Belmonte chipped in with five points and five boards in the loss.

– For a Photo Gallery from this game -> https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2025-2026/Winter-2025-2026/Stoughton-Franklin-Girls-Basketball-01-13-26

Girls Hockey = Franklin, 0 @ Westwood, 5 – Final

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)  

https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-13-26/

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com