Senior Center: A new edition of 'The Franklin Connection' is available

A new edition of 'The Franklin Connection' has been published on the Town of Franklin web site.

Click the link below to read the latest edition.

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/Sept14connection.pdf

WMRC Senior Expo Fri, Sep 26 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM

FSPA Launches 30th Anniversary Year With September Open Houses

The Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) celebrates the start of its 30th anniversary season with a series of Open Houses for prospective students and families. The community is invited to tour the downtown Franklin facility, observe rehearsal and classes, speak with faculty and staff, and learn more about FSPA programs in music, dance and drama. Students are also encouraged to try a complimentary class.

A Saturday Open House is scheduled on September 6 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., with weekday Open Houses from 4-8 p.m. on September 11, 15, 24 and 30 at 38 Main Street.

FSPA

Since 1985, FSPA has been dedicated to the enjoyment of the arts for all ages and to the artistic growth and development of young people. Founded by Director Raye Lynn Mercer and built upon the notion that arts experiences are an integral part of a well-rounded education, FSPA provides a nurturing environment where students grow skills for the stage – and for life. Children develop a sense of independence and accomplishment at an early age, while gaining confidence, poise and self-esteem. The performing arts impart life skills, expanding students’ ability to communicate effectively, whether in the secondary school classroom or other public speaking opportunities. The arts also enhance creativity and imagination, developing improvisatory skills to navigate a rapidly changing world.

With a distinguished faculty of Boston-area artists, expansive roster of classes and extensive calendar of wide-ranging performance opportunities, FSPA serves students of all ages and levels of ability, whether for recreational enjoyment or serious study.

FSPA’s Music Department offers private voice lessons and instruction on all instruments, along with group voice classes, music theory and chamber music, jazz and percussion ensembles. Performing opportunities for singers include the FSPA Glee Club, studio voice recitals, opera scenes, acoustic coffee houses and musical theater showcases. FSPA’s innovative Little Music School teaches children as young as 18 months to play the piano and offers creative and engaging general music classes for children ages 1-5.

The Dance Department provides programs for all ages and levels in ballet, jazz, tap, modern, hip-hop and lyrical, and also features classes for boys, adults and beginner teens. Expanded dance offerings include Acro, Character Dance, Dance Conditioning, Horton Technique and Dance for Musical Theater. Performance opportunities include two dance companies, Spring Concert, Ballet Conservatory Repertoire Series and Ballet Conservatory Variations Ensembles. Many dancers are also cast, by audition, in Franklin Performing Arts Company’s annual holiday production of The Nutcracker, featuring professional orchestra and special guest artists.

For drama students, beginning in kindergarten, FSPA offers an extensive range of acting and musical theater classes that build performance skills and explore theater games, improvisation, character development and scene work. Musical theater troupes for students in grades 5-12 are cast each year, with annual performance trips to Walt Disney World for select ensembles. This fall, FSPA introduces a Musical Theater Conservatory program with a comprehensive curriculum designed to engage dedicated students in grades 8-12. FSPA students also perform, through audition, in Franklin Performing Arts Company’s annual season of shows.

Fall classes begin on September 8 and registration for all programs is ongoing. For more information or to request a course catalogue and class schedule, call (508) 528-8668 or visit www.fspaonline.com.

Franklin Public Schools - School Improvement Plans - 2014-2015

The School Improvement Plans for the Franklin Public Schools can be found on these links:

Elementary Schools

Davis Thayer
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczYzM5S2RrUTRCcE0/edit?usp=sharing

ECDC
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczMEFjYUJBdHBFdFk/edit?usp=sharing

Jefferson
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczNmxRTHdCX0lCd0U/edit?usp=sharing

Keller
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczcEZDZ2J5UjNwMTA/edit?usp=sharing

Kennedy
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczSVFtdWpoZURBMlE/edit?usp=sharing

Oak St
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczeEZGN3RPZHNBdDg/edit?usp=sharing

Parmenter
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczVy1wcWRQSW01VmM/edit?usp=sharing

Middle Schools

Annie Sullivan
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczQ0twNEFTOUpRNHM/edit?usp=sharing

Horace Mann
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczNzAwazFzVjZZdXc/edit?usp=sharing

Remington
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczTEhlaWJ3RnE1R2s/edit?usp=sharing

High School

Franklin High School
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczNnlWVHJERF91S2c/edit?usp=sharing

the old building reflected in the windows of the new Franklin High School

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Aug 26, 2014

Vision Statement

The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

AGENDA

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."

Franklin Public Schools "The Key to Learning"

1. Routine Business

Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the August 12, 2014 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Clement
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: none

2. Guests/Presentations

a. New Administrators

b. Elementary - School Improvement Plans

1. ECDC
2. Davis Thayer
3. Jefferson
4. Keller
5. Kennedy
6. Oak Street
7. Parmenter

c. Middle - School Improvement Plans

1. Horace Mann
2. Remington
3. Annie Sullivan

d. High School – School Improvement Plan

3. Discussion Only Items

a. Policy – Second Readings

o  IHBB – Service Animals in Schools
o  JFAA-R – School Admission / Residency
o  JFAA-E1 – Residency Statement
o  GA – Personnel Policies / Goals

4. Action Items

a. I recommend approval of budget transfers as detailed.
b. I recommend approval of the ECDC School Improvement Plan as detailed.
c. I recommend approval of the Davis Thayer School Improvement Plan as detailed.
d. I recommend approval of the Jefferson School Improvement Plan as detailed.
e. I recommend approval of the Keller School Improvement Plan as detailed.
f. I recommend approval of the Kennedy School Improvement Plan as detailed.
g. I recommend approval of the Oak Street School Improvement Plan as detailed.
h. I recommend approval of the Parmenter School Improvement Plan as detailed.
i. I recommend approval of the Horace Mann School Improvement Plan as detailed.
j. I recommend approval of the Remington School Improvement Plan as detailed.
k. I recommend approval of the Annie Sullivan School Improvement Plan as detailed.
l. I recommend approval of the FHS School Improvement Plan as detailed.
m. I recommend adoption of Policy IHBB – Service Animals in Schools as discussed.
n. I recommend adoption of Policy JFAA-R – School Admission / Residency as discussed.
o. I recommend adoption of Policy JFAA-E1 – Residency Statement as discussed.
p. I recommend adoption of Policy GA – Personnel Policies / Goals as discussed.

5. Information Matters

Superintendent’s Report
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
School Committee Liaison Reports

6. New Business

To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.

7. Executive Session

Contractual Negotiations

8. Adjourn

Note: as the agenda was just released this afternoon, I don't have time to post the school improvement plans before the meeting. I'll have them available for review Wednesday morning.

Calling for volunteers!

The Franklin Food Pantry is looking for volunteers to stock shelves Monday through Friday 12 pm to 2 pm. 

Physical requirements include lifting up to 50 lbs. and carrying product up and down stairs. 

We are also looking for volunteers Tuesday through Friday from 9 AM to noon to work with the clients at the Pantry. 

If you can answer this call, please visit our website and complete the volunteer form, or call us at (508)528-3115 ext. 2

Franklin Food Pantry

The volunteer sign up form is located on the Franklin Food Pantry webpage here 

http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/


or go directly to the form via this link

2014 Harvest Festival Planning Under Way

2014 Franklin Harvest Festival Planning Under Way

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is currently planning the 12th annual Harvest Festival and is looking for crafters, entertainers, vendors, volunteers and sponsors. The festival is scheduled for Sunday, October 5, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and will take place rain or shine.  

Organizers expect more than 6,000 visitors to attend this year's event in downtown Franklin, where they'll be treated to delicious food options, a live DJ and local entertainers on several stages, games and activities for the kids, and more than 100 crafter, artist and organization booths to browse through. Local businesses will hold sales and special promotions, and the Fire Station and the Historical Museum plan displays and activities. 

 "The Harvest Festival is one of the best opportunities we have to bring the community together and show off all that downtown Franklin has to offer. Year after year our visitors discover great shopping, new restaurants, helpful resources and talented local artists," says Executive Director Lisa Piana.

BOOTH SPACES AVAILABLE:There is still time for crafters, organizations, performers and interested groups to participate. Booth space is limited and registrations must be received by September 5. Registration forms and more information can be found at www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/ or by contacting Booth Chairperson Terri Frank at terrifrank1@gmail.com. 

SPONSORSHIPS NEEDED:Sponsors are needed to support this festival. The FDP relies on sponsors to run this and other events, including the Strawberry Stroll, Holiday Stroll and its beautification days. Businesses and individuals interested in sponsorship can contact the FDP office at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com or (774)-571-3109.  Sponsorship forms and a full list of opportunities can be found on the website under the Sponsors tab.

 

Franklin Food Pantry entrance decked out for 2013 Harvest Festival

Franklin Library: End of Summer Party - Teens

Where will you find Henna Tattoos, Music, Pizza, Raffle Prizes and more?

At the Franklin Library End of Summer Party for teens scheduled for Friday Aug 29th at 3:00 PM

End of Summer Party - Teens - Aug 29th

This was shared from the Franklin Library page
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2014/08/teen-end-of-summer-party.html