Franklin Public Schools Announces Draft Reorganization of Schools Alignment for 2025-2026

"Franklin Public Schools is excited to share a link to view a story map introducing you to the 2025-26 district configuration.  This map will show the upcoming recommendation for the school boundary line between the North and South Elementary Schools. There is a search-by-address feature located on the top left side of the map where an address can be searched to find the elementary zone associated with that address.  

This story map will also provide a brief introduction to each school in the new district configuration, including the in-district specialized programs at each building, projected enrollment, and full administrative team."

Find the storymap -> https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/ef906f094b35486490d41d43ef2c24dc

The School Committee meeting scheduled for Sep 24 will include a presentation and discussion on the redistricting process. This is the proposal and may get adjusted before voting on the "final: alignment at a future School Committee meeting in October. 

If you missed the audio recap with the 2 Dave's we did discuss this topic and timeline -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/09/dave-dave-recap-school-committee-and.html

Franklin Public Schools Announces Draft Reorganization of Schools Alignment for 2025-2026

Watch "Town Council 9-18-24" on YouTube

The Franklin (MA) Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, Sep 18, 2024. All nine Councilors were present in Council Chambers.

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/8VJJNkLTPWQ

The agenda doc ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/tc_agenda_9.18.24.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for their Sep 18, 2024 meeting

Dave & Dave recap the School Committee and Joint Budget Subcmte meetings (audio)

FM #1282 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1282 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with School Committee Chairperson Dave Callaghan and Vice-Chair David McNeill. This is a new episode of our continuing “Chalkboard Chat” series. We had our discussion via the Zoom conference bridge on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. 

 

We cover 

• Recap of the School Committee meeting of Sep 10 

• The long executive session and process improvements

• Redistricting draft alignment of schools expected soon

• Joint Budget Subcommittee process started Sep 11

The recording runs about 33 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1282-chalkboard-chat-09-17-24/

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Contact info for Dave Callaghan -> callaghand@franklinps.net  

Contact info for David McNeill -> mcneilld@franklinps.net 

Redistricting Storymap -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/09/franklin-public-schools-announces-draft.html

School Committee Meeting

• Agenda for Sep 10 session ->  https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/4809581/SCAGENDA_9-10-24.pdf   

• Meeting packet folder -> (docs released for this meeting, some of them available after the meeting)  https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/september-10%2C-2024-meeting-packet/701015 

• Franklin TV video of Sep 10 session -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQzZjD3f45k 

• My notes for the SchCmte Mtg in one PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BKsnE9XEkWJGWXtfDt2V_fNS-FOe84jd/view?usp=drive_link 

Joint Budget Subcommittee Mtg

• Agenda for Meeting -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/september_11_2024_joint_budget_subcommittee_meeting_agenda.pdf 

• Franklin TV video of Sep 11 meeting ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jR7RPb5Q66Q 

• My notes for the Joint Budget Mtg in one PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-PKZkOitZwrzJ31d1F4ygeuQzJoFjWGv/view?usp=drive_link 

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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!

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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"

Dave & Dave recap the School Committee and Joint Budget Subcmte meetings (audio)

FHS field hockey & volleyball teams post wins on Wednesday

Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Volleyball = Milford, 0 @ Franklin, 3 – Final 

– Franklin landed a big win in the first set and rolled the rest of the way to the tune of a 3-0 sweep (25-7, 25-12, 25-18). Junior Makayla Kuykendall had a strong all-around performance in the victory, going for eight digs, six kills, and four aces, and senior Brooke Daniels dished out 16 assists for the Panthers.

Field Hockey = Franklin, 6 vs. Concord-Carlisle, 0 – Final 

– Franklin got a massive momentum boost at the halftime buzzer and capitalized on that energy with five goals in the second half to secure an impressive 6-0 win over Concord-Carlisle. Holding a 1-0 lead after Raena Crandall scored just 24 seconds into the second quarter, the visiting Patriots were awarded a stroke with no time left in the first half. A lifted shot looked destined for the back of the net to tie the game but junior Devon Barry made an incredible stop with the blocker to keep it out and keep Franklin ahead, 1-0, at the break. “That play was instrumental in sparking us in the second half,” said Franklin head coach Michelle Hess. Just two minutes into the second half, Ella Marzullo doubled the Panthers’ lead off of an assist from Crandall. Haley Wernig tacked on two unassisted goals in a two-minute span to give Franklin a 4-0 lead going into the fourth. Crandall completed her hat trick with two fourth quarter goals to round out the scoring. Barry finished the game with season-high eight saves for the shutout.

Golf = Franklin, 184 @ BC High, 177 – Final 

– BC High’s familiarity with its home course William J. Devine Golf Course in Dochester proved pivotal in a match decided by five cards. Franklin’s Liam Lewandowski fired a one-over par round of 35 to lead the way for the Panthers while junior Gabe Rodrigues a great round in his first high school match with a 36. Caden Sullivan was next for Franklin with a 37, and Jack Nelson, Ben Burgess, and Tyler Perlman all carded a 38 on the day.

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-09-18-24/

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

FREE Community Concert features organist Cathy Cargill Koch - Oct 5

FREE Community Concert @FranklinUMC featuring Catherine (Cathy) Cargill Koch on Saturday, October 5, at 7 PM. 

Franklin United Methodist Church (UMC) is located at 82 W. Central Street, Franklin (MA). Parking is available in the parking lot between the church and the Franklin Historical Museum. 

Free street parking is available on East St., West St., and Church Ave.

Catherine (Cathy) Cargill Koch’s musical began playing the organ at the age of 12, when she would walk to the Franklin Methodist Church daily after school to practice the organ. She became the church’s organist following the resignation of the previous organist in 1967. She held this position until her graduation from Franklin High School in 1971, after which she pursued a degree in music education and organ performance at Bucknell University. Catherine furthered her studies at Syracuse University’s School of Visual and Performing Arts, earning a master’s degree in the same fields.

 organist Cathy Cargill Koch - Oct 5

For the past 38 years, Catherine has been the organist at the Manlius United Methodist Church in Manlius, New York. She has also served as a substitute organist for various churches in Central New York, including her home church in Franklin.

Beyond her role as an organist, Catherine enjoyed a 44-year career as a music teacher in both public and private schools until her retirement in 2020. She taught music theory, studio music, and directed choirs, including barbershop, men’s, and mixed choruses. She also led guitar clubs and musicals, and was a guest choral conductor and accompanist for All-County and All-City performances. Catherine has presented workshops, given performances at All-State conventions, professional development days and college music education classes. Additionally, she maintained a private studio for voice, piano, and guitar lessons.

In retirement, Catherine continues to share her love of music by teaching her grandchildren piano and guitar, accompanying their school chorus concerts, and playing piano for church services at several senior retirement homes. She also supports local school districts by accompanying choral and orchestra concerts.

Catherine finds her greatest joy in selecting, preparing, and playing music for church worship, praising God through the majestic compositions of the great masters. She considers it an honor and privilege to contribute to worship services, giving glory to God through her music.

Shared from -> https://franklinumc.org/2024/09/12/community-concert-feat-catherine-cathy-cargill-koch-saturday-october-5-2024/?

Organ Postlude || Sunday, March 3, 2024 via YouTube -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSz5VYsyCwU

Watch "Economic Development 9-18-24" on YouTube

The Economic Development Subcommittee met as scheduled on Wednesday, Sep 18, 2024. Chair Melanie Hamblen opens the meeting, members Chandler, Sheridan, & Frongillo also were present.

Agenda:

1. Marketing and Branding Project

a. A.J. Rebecchi - Scope, Strategy & Goals

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/aj_rebecchi_branding_proposal_1.pdf

2. Adjourn

Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/sOakYT3cGuI

Watch "Economic Development 9-18-24" on YouTube

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Thursday, Sep 19, 2024

• wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Thursday

9:00a/12:00p/6:00p 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)" = Turntable Show 11 

This week's Show 11 features the "Brothers and Sisters" album by the Allman Brothers Band (ABB).  This record was ABB's first #1 album released August 31, 1973.   On the record is "Ramblin' Man", one of four Dicky Betts' contributed songs which rose to number two on the Billboard Hot 100

• Show 11 Playlist ->    https://drive.google.com/file/d/12TedUsswzen97zb355CEqBKUMk9H-xTL/view?usp=drive_link

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Frank Presents – Notable Local Conversations

 

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

7:00 am     Fallen Heroes Pt 5

7:30 am     Veterans' Call: Robert Pierson

9:00 am     Vera Meyer: Glass Harmonica

10:30 am SAFE Coalition: Overdose Awareness Day 2024

11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Candy Apples

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin': Quinoa

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Crescent Rolls

1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Emergency Pizza

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 8

3:00 pm Riffing on Main Street: Amy Adams

4:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1

5:00 pm Metrowest Symposium: Equity & Access in Arts & Culture

6:30 pm     Sons & Daughters of Italy: Ciambotta

7:00 pm     Frank Presents: Jacob Juncker

9:00 pm Endless Konnections: Joseph Charles

10:00 pm Millis Berfield Band

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

7:00 am     Public School Concert: FHS Spring Jazz '22

8:30 am     All-Town Showcase 2024: Chorus and Orchestra

11:00 am FHS Varsity Swimming v North Attleboro 01-05-24

1:30 pm     FHS Theater Company: Lord of the Flies

2:30 pm     Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage 2

6:00 pm FHSTC: Peter and the Starcatcher

8:30 pm Track and Field: v King Philip 05-04-22

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

8:00 am Conservation Commission 09-05-24

12:00 pm Economic Development 09-04-24

2:00 pm Conservation Commission 09-05-24

7:00 pm     Conservation Commission  CHAMBERS  993 9723 8302

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, September 18, 2024?

Wednesday, September 18

8:00am FHS Spirit Week - jersey day

9:00am Fallen Hero: Levi Pieri (Veterans Walkway, Town Common)

11:00am Franklin Q&A (Franklin Senior Center & hybrid)

1:00pm Where's the Toast? Memory Cafe  (Franklin Senior Center

5:00pm Weekly Trivia Night (Glen Pharmer Distillery)

**  Town Meetings today   **

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting (Council Chambers)

Event Date:  Wednesday, September 18, 2024 - 5:45pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2024-09-18_edc_agenda_.pdf

Town Council Meeting (Council Chambers)

Event Date:  Wednesday, September 18, 2024 - 7:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/tc_agenda_9.18.24.pdf

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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Why are there multiple calendars?

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

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 Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/upcoming

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

Fallen Hero Recognition: Levi Pieri - Sep 18, 2024, 9 AM

Memorial event today (9/18/24) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor Private Levi Pieri, WWI. 

This program will include the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, the playing of Taps, a salute from those present, and a reading of whatever history  may be available for that veteran.  This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive.

Levi Pieri, Pvt US Army, WWI

Little is known of Pvt. Pieri. He was inducted 31 Aug 1918, and served with 33rd Company, 9th Training Battalion. It appears that while moving through training at Camp Devens, Levi contracted a disease, most likely the world-wide outbreak of flu and passed on this date Sep 18, 1918, while only having served less than 3 weeks.

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For the full published series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Photo album of the Fallen Hero pillars along the Veterans Walkway

https://photos.app.goo.gl/oRGdmq9krLNEBnjJ7

The video series of recognition ceremonies for 2024 (YTD) 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/07/fallen-hero-recognition-ceremonies-for.html

Fallen Hero Recognition earlier this year

Early Bird Registration for the 13th Annual Franklin Turkey Trot Now Open

Register for the 13^th Annual Franklin Turkey Trot taking place on Thanksgiving Morning, Thursday, November 28, 2024, at 8 AM. The family-friendly event starts and ends at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 91 Jordan Rd., Franklin, Massachusetts and is for individuals of all ages and abilities.

Category medals will be awarded, and there will be raffle prizes and a free breakfast for race participants.

Elizabeth Griffin of Seattle, WA,
and Mark Griffin of Franklin, MA
get set to run the Franklin Turkey Trot 

Early bird registration is $25 per person (age 5 and up) and lasts through October 12, 2024. 

Registration increases to $30 per person starting October 13, 2024. Children aged 5 and under run for free (but do not receive a bib). Race shirts are available for purchase online through October 30, 2024, or in-person at bib pick-up and on race day (while supplies last).

To register, visit www.franklinturkeytrot.org or visit Franklin Food Pantry’s website at www.franklinfoodpantry.org/turkeytrot.

Sponsorships opportunities are available starting at $100 and available by visiting the Franklin Food Pantry website www.franklinfoodpantry.org/turkeytrot.

See you at the start line!

Siblings: L to R, Cailin Lawlor, Maeve Lawlor, and Declan Lawlor of Wrentham get ready for last year’s Annual Franklin Turkey Trot to Benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. Cailin won 1^st place in the Female 15-19 age bracket in 2023.

Town Council Meeting has DPW presentation on the Agenda

Town Council Meeting

The Town Council will meet September 18, 2024, at 7:00 pm.
You may access the agenda and links for the meeting here:

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/tc_agenda_9.18.24.pdf

Recall that the prior DPW update to the Town Council (August 2023) showed the following projections for infrastructure costs: 

DPW update to the Town Council (August 2023)

Given the prices of goods reported recently, these estimates may be low. It will be more interesting to see how much of this is needed year by year? How much comes from Chap 90, from Capital, and how much via bonding? We likely don't have the resources to do it all at once anyway (but that is another aspect of this).

If not on Wednesday, I would hope this would be addressed by the Joint Budget Subcommittee as these numbers should play into the overall finance discussion the community needs to have. 

Recall that we are starting the FY 2026 budget with a $3M hole. What is the overall town and school wish list look like? The Joint Budget Subcommittee then should work from the wishes, to the needs, and then prioritize them accordingly  to come up with something reasonable, i.e. that tells a story of what we can and should do. It may take more than one override depending upon the size of the needs. An important community discussion.

DPW presentation of August 2023 ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/pages/councl_update_aug_23.pdf

FHS golf, boys & girls soccer, & girls cross country teams all post wins on Tuesday

Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Boys Soccer = Franklin, 5 @ Taunton, 0 - Final

– Franklin senior Garrett Scagliarini picked up right where he left off, scoring just two minutes into the game as the Panthers ran away with a big win at Taunton. After scoring a hat trick last time out, Scagliarini got the visitors off to a strong start by flicking in a long throw from Josh Rappa in the second minute. Scagliarini got his second of the game midway through the first half as Matt Honekamp played a free kick short for a nice one-timer from the top of the box. Just before half, the Panthers extended the lead to three and this time Scagliarini set it up the strike, sending in a cross that was met by Alex Connell in the area with a one-timer. Connor Mason (from Scagliarini) and Jason Proenca (from Ethan Pramod) tallied second half goes for Franklin while keeper Nick Francisco played well in net for the shutout, including a terrific one-handed save on a great bid from Taunton’s Christian Rodriguez at the end of the first half.

Photo gallery by HockomockSports.com (subscription required) ->   https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2024-2025/Fall-2024/Taunton-Franklin-Boys-Soccer-09-17-24

ANOTHER HUGE 5-0 WIN FOR THE LADS‼️ Garrett got off to a quick start (from Josh), Garrett then scored his second of the night (from Matt aka KDB), Alex Connell then finds the back of the net for his first career varsity goal (from Garrett)

https://x.com/_FranklinSoccer/status/1836197386017812628

Connor Mason then quickly finds the back of the net for his first career varsity goal (from Garrett), Jason then puts the nail in the coffin (from Ethan), juice 🧃 goes to Nick Fransisco for amazing saves throughout the game. Next game Home VS North Attleboro… BE THERE!!!

https://x.com/_FranklinSoccer/status/1836197758794895724

Girls Soccer = Taunton, 1 @ Franklin, 5 - Final

– Franklin scored five unanswered goals to come from behind and pick up the win. Lia Abouyazbek gave the upset-minded Tigers the lead before the Panthers took control of the game and rallied.

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/live/A_Evf_BpP7Q?si=oxfgqmxXPrAVoXww&t=1515

Boys Cross Country = Attleboro, 21 @ Franklin, 36 – Final

Tough loss for the boys XC team today 21-36. Tyler Anderson lead the way for the team and broke 18min for a 5k for the first time. Alex Fioravanti also put in a great race and was backed up by Adam Peng, Kyle Twomey, and Jack Halter. 

Back at it tomorrow!  https://x.com/FranklinHSXC/status/1836207907660059114

Girls Cross Country = Attleboro, 48 @ Franklin, 17 – Final

FHS Girls XC was victorious over Attleboro HS 17-48. The girls were led by Victoria Courtright-Lim, she won the 5K Race. Finishing second was Carli Walbert. Fiona Morrison was third and other scorers included Emma Pruitt and Abby Baker. The Franklin Girls are 2-0

https://x.com/FranklinHSXC/status/1836206864251363471

Golf = Sharon, 172 @ Franklin, 144 – Final

The fellas take care of business today⛳️ taking down Sharon at home 🏠 144-172❗️❗️to move to 6-1 record ⚡️#mint #pure #butter #birdies #heater #perlman #roc #lippy 

Caden Sullivan: 33 (-2)

Liam Lewandowski: 35 (E) 

Jack Nelson: 38 (+3) 

Ben burgess: 38 (+3)   https://x.com/FHSGolfTeam/status/1836194376688554391

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-09-17-24/

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