Franklin Superintendent search yields 2 finalists

To the Franklin School Community,

We have again completed the first part of the Superintendent Search. With a representative from the principal, teacher, town and parent constituencies, we have narrowed down the search to two finalists: Sara Ahern and Peter Light.

For the next part of the process, we are relying even more on your feedback. To that end we are inviting each finalist back on separate days to meet with as many of you as possible. In addition we have set up a community forum where citizens may also have an opportunity to meet the candidates.

We will collect feedback through an on-line Google Docs survey from ALL of you who participate. We understand how important this decision is to the lives of our students and equally to all of you! Please help us with this process.

Franklin School Committee

Parmenter School sign

Posted earlier


SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH: COMMUNITY INVITED

The Franklin School Committee has reopened the search for the superintendent of schools to replace the outgoing superintendent, Dr. Maureen Sabolinski, who is retiring after serving eight years in that position.

Please join us on Monday evening, March 20 at 6:30 PM in the Council Chambers (second floor of the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street) to meet the finalists. The finalists have not yet been named, but once they are announced their resumes will be posted on the Franklin School
Committee website. 

Citizens who attend the forum will be invited to complete a survey providing input on each candidate. 

We greatly value your input as citizens of Franklin.



Superintendent Job Description
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinCom_EmerNews/02536F5A-000F8513.2/Superintendent-JobDescription.pdf

Franklin Leadership Profile 
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinCom_EmerNews/02536F5A-000F8513.1/Franklin-Leadership-Profile-Final%20%283%29.pdf

Franklin Desired Characteristics
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinCom_EmerNews/02536F5A-000F8513.0/Franklin%20Desired%20Characteristics.pdf

The Special School Committee meeting of March 15 was recorded and available for replay here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/03/fm-128-special-school-committee-mtg.html

Local Young Pianist Takes The Stage At Carnegie Hall

Franklin’s Peter Bryan, 11, performed at Carnegie Hall on Saturday, February 18, at the invitation of The Royal Conservatory Music Development Program in recognition of his achieving First Class Honors in his piano music assessment. Peter, a piano student of Ida Zelman at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA), performed Little Red Wagon, by T. Richert, in the Celebration of Excellence Awards recital, held at Carnegie’s Weill Hall. A highest scorer in Massachusetts in his level of piano performance, Peter demonstrated skills related to repertoire, technical requirements, musicianship and musical literacy.

“It's such a high honor and an incredible opportunity,” said Zelman of Peter’s achievement and Carnegie Hall experience. “I am beyond proud of Peter. He comes to every lesson prepared and eager to learn. He doesn’t back off from a challenge. He’s a high achiever, and The Royal Conservatory program has a huge base of repertoire that motivates him to learn pieces and perform them well.”

“Performing at Carnegie Hall was amazing,” said Peter. “I was nervous at first, but as I waited for my turn to play, the nerves went away. It was really exciting when I finally went on stage. When I played on the (Steinway) piano there, I knew it sounded really fancy. And I've never played in front of a crowd that big before.”

Peter, who started playing piano four years ago at age 7, first took to the instrument when his grandfather bought him a keyboard. His Poppa plays the piano and thought his grandson would enjoy it. “As I tried playing songs I knew by ear, my parents thought I should sign up for lessons,” said Peter.

FSPA Piano Instructor Ida Zelman with her student Peter Bryan

He began studying one-on-one with Zelman, who credits that parental support as being a key component in her student’s growth and development on the instrument. She noted, “It takes a lot of hard work and dedication on the part of the teacher and student, as well as the parents. It’s a partnership – a triangle, really. Without all three sides, there wouldn't be such success.” 

Zelman has utilized The Royal Conservatory program for more than two decades and now uses the curriculum with all of her students at FSPA. “It’s easy to follow, it progresses gradually and you can see the results,” she said.

The sequenced program begins with a preparatory level and progresses through advanced levels, with examinations offered three times annually to evaluate and recognize students’ achievements. Zelman praises the quality of the curriculum for offering a comprehensive, yet individualized and flexible path to train well-rounded musicians. She described, “It helps to develop ear training, sight reading, musical history and analysis, as well as a broad knowledge of repertoire across Baroque, Classical and Romantic/Modern time periods. But beyond that, the program and study of music in general helps expand students’ abilities and helps them grow as people. They improve memory skills, learn analytical thinking and enhance creativity. They discover history and geography as they come to know about composers’ lives and the countries in which they created their art. They develop life skills and broaden their horizons.”

“Every time I get a new song to play it's a new challenge,” Peter said. “And when I can finally play it, it's very rewarding. When I perform, I like the fact that I can make people happy with my music. Last weekend, I played some songs for my great-grandmother in the lobby of her Senior Living home. Several people heard me playing and came over to listen. When I was done, they clapped and told me how much they enjoyed the songs. I really liked that.”

The Carnegie Hall concert, which celebrated the achievements of Royal Conservatory program high scorers of 90% or above from Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York, provided a chance for these exceptional students to take the stage in one of the world’s finest concert halls. Divided into two groups for the 90-minute showcase, the students were able to watch half of the performance from the audience. “It was a great opportunity to see and hear each other perform,” said Zelman. “There were mostly pianists recognized that evening and they were at all different levels, from preparatory to level 8. There was a great sense of community.”

“I want to thank my teacher, Mrs. Zelman,” said Peter. “She's always very encouraging, and I would not have gotten to where I am with piano without her.”

Peter will perform in the studio recital of Ida Zelman in the FSPA Recital Hall (38 Main Street) on June 11 and will be featured in the school’s annual Spring Concert at the Franklin High School auditorium in May. To learn more about The Royal Conservatory Music Development Program and instrumental instruction at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts, visit www.FSPAonline.com or call (508) 528-8668.

Listen to the FHS boys basketball play in the State Final game in Springfield

Facebook         Jay Horrigan posted in All about Franklin Mass.     Jay Horrigan March 17 at 3:31pm Here is the link for our coverage of the Franklin Panthers Boys Basketball Team game tomorrow night! Please share! FHS Basketball Game Link   Game starts at 5:30 PM Like Comment Share         View on Facebook     FHS Panthers

"strong record of achievement and opportunities outside the classroom"

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

"The School Committee has progressed in its search for a new superintendent, selecting two finalists - Holliston Assistant Superintendent Sara Ahern and Franklin Assistant Superintendent Peter Light - after a series of interviews Friday. 

The day-long program of interviews included Light, Ahern, Grafton Superintendent Jay Cummings and Sharon Assistant Superintendent John Marcus. The full committee asked questions of the candidates, as did Town Councilor Thomas Mercer, high school Principal Paul Peri, teachers association President Donna Grady and parent Sarah Mulcahy. 

Ahern and Light are now scheduled to appear at a community forum on March 20 to speak with the general public."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170317/two-finalists-chosen-for-franklin-school-superintendent

FHS Panther at the new high school fields donated by the Graci family

Franklin Resident to Run Boston Marathon for MassGeneral Hospital for Children Pediatric Cancer Team

Franklin resident Jacob Youmell will run in the 121st Boston Marathon on April 17st in support of MassGeneral Hospital for Children’s pediatric cancer team, Fighting Kids’ Cancer ... One Step at a Time. Youmell will join an estimated 30,000 runners along the 26.2 mile course that spans from Hopkinton to Boylston Street in Boston. The funds raised by Youmell will support cutting-edge research and quality of life programming - such as child life services and art and music therapy - which help pediatric cancer patients and their families cope emotionally and developmentally with their illnesses.

Youmell, the director of digital strategy at Emerson College, is running in honor of his parents who succumbed to cancer in 2005 and 2008 and his brother along with all survivors who overcame the disease. The team, made up of 102 runners - including former patients and parents, MGH employees and hospital supporters - has set a fundraising goal of $1 million.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of John Hancock’s partnership with the Mass General Marathon Program. Since it was formed in 1998, Mass General’s Fighting Kids’ Cancer...One Step at a Time has raised more than $12 million that directly support the pediatric hematology-oncology program.

“I have a unique perspective into the lives of children undergoing live saving therapy at MGHfC,” says Howard Weinstein, MD, chief of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology at MGHfC and 17-year captain of the pediatric team. “Since the team’s inception, I’ve seen our runners get physically and emotionally involved in our mission to conquer childhood cancer. They go the extra mile and their support is vital to our continued holistic approach to cancer care.’

To learn more about the Fighting Kids’ Cancer...One Step at a Time team or help support Youmell, visit https://www.crowdrise.com/MGHPediatricCancerBoston2017.

Chili and Chowder Challenge - April 22

Chili and Chowder Challenge on April 22nd at the Medway VFW from Noon-4pm to benefit the Relay For Life. 

Local restaurants are being asked to submit their versions of Chili or Chowder for judging by the public. 

Tickets are $20 per person. There will be raffles, music, silent auctions and more.

Chili and Chowder Challenge - April 22

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 3/17/17 - THU 3/23/17

FRIDAY 3/17/17
All Day   Last day for Franklin Lions clothing and Shoe Drive. Email franklinlionsma@gmail.com to arrange pick up.
10:30am   Knitting Circle for Adults @ Franklin Public Library
5pm   3rd Annual Cultural Festival Applications Due
7pm   Alice @ Wonderland (HMMS Drama Club Production) @ HMMS
7:30pm   SOLD OUT: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast @ The Black Box

SATURDAY 3/18/17
9am-3pm   Book Sale @ Franklin Public Library
9-11am   Youth Baseball Clinic @ FHS
10am-1pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
10:30am   Elephant and Piggie Party @ Franklin Public Library
12pm   Franklin Lions: Paint for a Cause @ Muse Bar, Patriot Place
12-2:30pm   Youth Baseball Clinic @ FHS  
6:30pm   He Said, She Said @ New England Chapel
7:30pm   SOLD OUT - Disney’s Beauty and the Beast @ The Black Box
7:30pm   Circle of Friends Coffeehouse: Boxcar Lilies @ FUSF

SUNDAY 3/19/17
7:30-10:30am   Sunday Morning Breakfast @ Franklin Rod and Gun Club
9am-12pm   Bag Sale @ Franklin Public Library
10am   Franklin Police and Fire 5K @ 50 Constitution Blvd.
12pm   Backyard Gardening: Planning and seed planting @ Franklin Agway
1-4pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
2pm   SOLD OUT - Disney’s Beauty and the Beast @ The Black Box
2pm   Keep on the Grass Bluegrass Concert @ Franklin Public Library

MONDAY 3/20/17
6:30pm   Superintendent Search: Meet the Candidates @ Municipal Building
7-8:30pm   Learn To Cope Franklin Chapter Meeting @ FUSF

TUESDAY 3/21/16
7pm   Yankee Quilters Guild Meeting and Silent Auction (everyone welcome) @ St. John Episcopal Church

WEDNESDAY 3/22/17
3:30-6pm  Teen Lounge! @ Franklin Public Library
4-7pm   HMEA Franklin Career Fair @ 8 Forge Parkway

THURSDAY 3/23/17
4pm   Family Coloring Book Club @ Franklin Public Library
6:30pm   Wine Tasting Fundraiser for Franklin Arts Academy Boosters @ Pour Richard’s
7-8pm   Healing Hearts Community Support Group @ Franklin YMCA
7:30pm   Stony Brook Camera Club @ Anglican Church of the Redeemer (31 Hayward St)

For the Town of Franklin Public Calendar click HERE.

For all other events and Franklin happenings click HERE.

*If you have any suggestions or events for the calendar, please email FranklinMAHappenigs@gmail.com and/or shersteve@gmail.com