Franklin (MA) Matters

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. 7 members participated, 6 in Council Chambers.1 remote (Gallagher). The audio for the meeting is split into 3 segments for ease of listeningPart 1 - #1420 = the beginning and ending of the meeting (approx. 58 minutes)Part 2 - #1421 = the High School course curriculum update (approx. 1 hour, 22 minutes)Part 3 - #1422 = the Middle School redistricting update (approx. 1 hour, 28 minutes)Quick recap:During the Superintendent's Report recognition was made of the Boys Basketball team for their first State D1 Championship. Recognition also made of the Cheerleaders with their National Championship multiple years doing soOne team is still in competition, that is the FHS Theatre Co is scheduled to perform in the finals on Friday, with results known on Saturday evening. Tickets available via the website metg.orgFrance, England & Scotland Field Trip - Nikki Hafele - an EF Tour proposed for 2026, approved via

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, February 5, 2024. The meeting agenda listed it being conducted via Google meet. However, the 2 members of the Board (Harris, Mu-Chow) (1 absent - Sweet) and Health Dept members apparently were present together. Quick Recap:Board of health meeting about to begin. All 3 board members present today for this session. Along with the Health Dept staffApproval of minutes for prior meetings, minor adjustments to one item on dementia experience moved as amended, second, passes 2-0-1 ( 1 abstained)Check on tobacco regulations does what we did still apply, as it may be some of the state regs don't work on the local level, to be clarified. If needed to be changed, then a process with public hearing, etc. would be requiredHealth fair next Weds (4/9) at the Library, at least 20 vendors, 3:30 to 5:00 PMHealthy brain initiative underway, nutrition, brain injury (bike safety), fall risks, to be held at the Senior Center,

This session shares my conversation with Ariel Doggett, Programming & Volunteer Coordinator with the Franklin Senior Center. We had our discussion in the Franklin Radio Studio on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.We talk about 2 new eventsMonday sports talk & Texas Hold’em1 rescheduled from the closureMind of a Woman, April 1All the special events during the month are coveredWe conclude with a possible adjustment to our formatIncorporating some of the regular events on a recurring basisThe show notes include links to the Senior Center page, the calendar of events and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter. The recording runs about 28 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Franklin Senior Center page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/583/Franklin-Senior-Center-Council-on-Aging April 2025 newsletter -> https://franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4822/The-Connection-April-2025?bidId=Senior Center calendar view (just FSC events) -> https://franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&s

This session shares my conversation with School Committee Chairperson Dave Callaghan. This is a new episode of our continuing “Chalkboard Chat” series. We had our discussion virtually via Zoom on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. We had the opportunity to recap the School Committee meeting of March 25, 2025. We cover Recognition of Boys Basketball & Cheerleaders; acknowledgment of FHSATC still competing in State finalsEuropean capitals trip outlined; Paris, London, Edinburgh; approved by unanimous vote for 2026FHS update, trending on course selections; indication of the budget cuts and program stability in choices (my view)Middle school updateBudget remains a concern -June 3 date for override voteThe recording runs about 38 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Contact info for Dave Callaghan -> callaghand@franklinps.net   School Committee Meeting InfoFranklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/RwZ6HFEvzx8?&t=95 The meeting agenda can be found -> ht

This session shares my conversation with Donna Grady about the internet safety event coming April 3. We recorded this talk in the Franklin TV Studios on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. Most folks know of Donna as the Franklin Education Association (FEA) unit president and as a kindergarten at Keller, previously Jefferson, and teaching for over 35 years.Donna has a new role as Chair of the MASS PTA Health & Wellness Committee. Wearing this hat, she heard of the grant opportunity to bring this program to Franklin and neighboring communities.Parents with school age children are the target for this training/awareness. It is a free night with childcare and meals provided The recording runs about 24 minutes.--------------Donna’s school contact info -> gradyd@franklinps.net MASS PTA page -> https://www.massachusettspta.org/MASS PTA Committees page -> https://www.massachusettspta.org/massachusetts-pta-committees/ Link to register for April 3   https://share.hsforms.com/2226Sv7n_QoyNDp00

This session shares my conversation with Quinten Jones, originally from Winchester, VA and a senior at Dean College.  We had our discussion in person in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Friday, March 21, 2025. We cover The course requirements to prepare and conduct an eventFlag football tournament chosenHockomock YMCA in Franklin to benefit from proceedsFun family day with food and other activities The recording runs about 12 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------As part of our Event Management & Operations class, we are tasked with planning and executing a successful event—and we’d love for you to be a part of it! All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Franklin YMCA!Help us make this event a success—sign up or donate using the website link or QR codes on the flyer! 

This session shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian with the Franklin Public Library. We had our discussion on Monday, March 24, 2025 in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio.We talk about Reviewed the regular open hours, book sale and holiday scheduling for the monthOpen on Sundays Book sale weekend April 11 & 12Closed Sunday & Monday, April 20, April 21 Library events for April 2025Family eventsKiddos, or “littles”TeensAdultsThe show notes include links to the Library page and to the calendar of events where registration for some of the events is required/recommended.The recording runs about 28 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Mitzi Gousie’s email -> mgousie@minlib.net Franklin Public Library page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/233/Franklin-Public-Library New event calendar -> https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events April Library newsletter -> https://www.franklinma.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=48 A

This session shares my conversation with key members of the Franklin High School Theatre Co’s production of The Yellow Boat.Virginia Bernstein (Ginny)Eden DonovanAiden SheppardWe had our discussion in person in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Monday, March 24, 2025. We do a round of introductions so they can provide some info about themselves then we get into talking aboutTheater and what it means to themThe impact of the budget cuts and the recovery with “Yellow Boat”The production process (auditions, casting, rehearsals, etc.)Competition (on the road vs. hosted)Learning and sharing key aspects of life with the performanceThe recording runs about 38 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Massachusetts Educational Theatre Guild (METG) schedule for finalshttps://metg.org/high-school-festival/2025-finals.html The finals will be announced Saturday, March 29 beginning at 8 PMOrigin Theatrical link to The Yellow Boathttps://origintheatrical.com.au/work/8527 Follow the FHS Theatre Co on Inst

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, March 19, 2025. 8 of the 9 of the members participated in Council Chambers (1 absent - Dellorco).  Quick recap:after approval of 2 prior meeting minutes, the Council get to the key item and after a brief discussion took two votes; one to approve the amount and ballot question text the second to set the date, Tuesday, June 3, 2025 for the overrideboth votes were 8-0-1 (1 absent)The School Committee had met earlier that evening and voted unanimously to support the override vote. Chair Dave Callaghan and Vice-Chair David McNeill stood up to make that announcement during the discussionOther legislation for action on the minimum item agenda for the evening; 2 items to extend the sewer and water lines to a new residence that had already been approved in the first vote both received the passing vote by the same 8-0-1 vote (1 absent) via roll callA resolution accepting gifts to the Veterans services was approved and thanks ex

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge on Friday, March 21, 2025.  Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of March 19, 2025. We focus on two questions:• ok, what just happened? • What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?Topics for this sessionDiscussion and vote to set an override before the community in the amount of $3,862,672 and on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. There were 2 separate votes, one on the ballot question text and the second on the date. Both passed with the same 8-0-1 (8 for, none against, 1 absent - Dellorco)The School Committee had met earlier that evening and voted unanimously to support the override vote. Chair Dave Callaghan and Vice-Chair David McNeill stood up to make that announcement during the discussionOther legislation for action on the minimum item agenda for the evening; 2 items to extend the sewer and water lines to a

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Jon Mitchell, composer of the Chamber opera, Mary Anning, Fossil Hunter. Timothy Ayres-Kerr, joins us for the discussion on the origin of this opera and its scheduled performance in Grafton on April 5. Tim will play the role of William Buckland. We find out that he did not prepare for this by eating “mice on toast.” He does share some vocal insights on this role, his preparation and the history of opera in America in the course of our conversation.We met to record this conversation in the Franklin TV & Radio studios on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.  We talk about Origin story, cast of historical characters, chamber opera in 2 actsClaflin Hill performance at the Apple Tree Arts Center in GraftonAdditions & changes to the performance, only 1 of the original cast unable to returnDean College Vocal Ensembles to join as the chorusThe conversation runs about 42 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jon and Tim--------------Jon

Sarah Amaral, Director, Franklin Senior Center with an update on the center opening Wednesday. Great spirits around, good to see everyone.The second floor will not be available THursday/Friday so some programs/events will shift within the building.The Fire Dept will be preparing the St Patrick's dinner & bingo so some events/activities will be canceled and she provides that listing.

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Marsha Tait, Development Director, and Jen Johnson, Development Associate. We had our conversation in the Franklin Food Pantry at Edwin’s on Monday, March 10, 2025. We talk about the Party for The Pantry scheduled for March 29 at THE BLACK BOX.Musical entertainment provided by JP Royer, Matt Zajac, & The Pub Kings. Silent auction will be available online before and during the event closing out at 9:15 PM. Special bidding in person for one or more trips being offered by AMFund. The opportunity to bid on dream destinations, including Paris, Florence, Greece, Sedona, Ireland, Portugal, Scotland, and Africa—all while supporting The Pantry.The recording runs about 30 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Marsha and Jen --------------Party for The Pantry page -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/happenings/events/party/ AMFund travel information details -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/travel-auction/ Food

Sarah Amaral, Director, Franklin Senior Center with an update that the center will open on Wednesday, March 19. The second floor will NOT be available so some programs/events will shift within the building

This session shares my conversation with School Committee Chairperson Dave Callaghan. This is a new episode of our continuing “Chalkboard Chat” series. We had our discussion virtually via Zoom on Thursday, March 13, 2025. We had the opportunity to recap the Joint Budget Listening Sessions and the School Committee meeting of March 11, 2025. We cover Recognition of multiple sets of students for accomplishments in (arts, writing, painting, ceramics), and for those in the DECA program who were State championsThe redistricting facility update was talked about. The doc itself was posted on Wednesday. It lays out the process in 3 phases of immediate, near term, and long term apparently in detail.The Transportation update was good, ultimately while some more students are expected to ride the bus, with the redistricting, travel times should be improved, and potential for 2 less buses remains. Now, this is a model based upon current students in the district. The key will be the bus enrollment/payment process

Sarah Amaral, Franklin Senior Center Director, with the robocall message about the extension of the closure. The Center will reopen March 19, and no events other than the van schedule will be held. The Party had been rescheduled to Thursday, March 20.

This session shares the last of the 6 Joint Budget Listening Sessions held Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at the FHS Auditorium. 10 of the 11 members participated along with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen & School Supt Lucas Giguere.Quick recap:Brief statements by TA Hellen and Supt Giguere opened the session before going to the audience for questions and comments. Approx 100 folks in the audience this evening, a mix of town staff, school dept and teachers, and residents10 members of the Joint Budget Subcmte present on the stage along with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and School Superintendent Lucas GiguereA dozen folks asked questions, some more than 1; some got long answers, some got short answersthe Subcommittee gets their say one at a time (beginning approx 9:15 PM), then after hearing the majority for the 3.8 number with some for a pyramid (also adding a higher #, 4.9 possibly)Motion for the $3863,672, seconded and then after discussion it passes by a 9-1 vote (1 voting no, O'Sullivan)Motion for

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. 6 members participated, 5 in Council Chambers.1 remote (Charles), 1 absent (Griffith). Quick recapRecognition of multiple sets of students for accomplishments in (arts, writing, painting, ceramics), and for those in the DECA program who were State championsThe redistricting facility update was talked about. The doc itself will be posted on Wednesday. It lies out the process in 3 phases of immediate, near term, and long term apparently in detail. The pix captured of the doc shown on the screen during the time shown didn't allow for sufficient evaluation.The Transportation update was good, ultimately while some ore students are expected to ride the bus, with the redistricting, travel times should be improved, and potential for 2 less buses remains. Now, this is a model based upon current students in the district. The key will be the bus enrollment/payment process beginning in April, that closes at the end of sch

This session shares my conversation with Dr. Tina Rogers, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching & Learning; Dr. Timothy Frazier, Director of Curriculum ELA & SS; and Eric Stark, Director of Curriculum STEM. We had our discussion in person in the Franklin Public Schools Central District offices on Thursday, March 6, 2025. We cover Middle School math curriculum changesUniversal design, and tiered supportOverall curriculum evaluation plan and processesExcitement of synergies coming with the redistrictingThe recording runs about 50 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Teaching & Learning contact informationhttps://www.franklinps.net/page/teaching-and-learningThe Middle School math update presentation to the School Committee Jan 28, 2025https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5247238/January_28__2025_MS_Math_Update_to_SC_for_Website.pdf-------------We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of my conversation with Leah Wahrhaftig-Jeri and Katherine Kellett, both teachers at Franklin High School. We had our conversation at the Franklin TV Studio on Monday, March  3, 2025.  Katherine Kellett, Teacher - EnglishLeah Wahrhaftig-Jeri, Teacher - World LanguageWe cover their road to Franklin and FHSWe talk about the joy in teachingAnd the issues faced with continued budget cutsOnly one language to be offered at the middle schoolReduces the total of language classes High School graduates can carry forward to collegeText book & curriculum cuts challenge the appropriate delivery of curriculumLoss of shared intellectual capital with colleagues cut due to budgetLanguage lab is a resource heavily utilized and will no longer available (per budget)Struggle to attract and retain substitute teachersRipple effects for curriculum coverage that is lost and how that affects students and the next year’s teachers for that subjectThe recording