Franklin Matters

Saturday, April 11, 2026

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, April 11, 2026 ???

Saturday, April 11

9:00am Electronics Recycling Event (St. Mary's Parish School Parking Lot)

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am Volunteer Income Tax Preparation with VITA (Franklin Public Library)

10:30am Weekend Wiggles! (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm Craftalong for Adults! (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm The Prom (ticketed) (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

7:30pm The Prom (ticketed) (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

7:30pm Vance Gilbert (ticketed concert) (Circle of Friends Coffeehouse)

8:00pm Karaoke at The Raillery (Raillery Public House)

*** NO Town Meetings today ***

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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

“Evening at the Museum: Cultural Connections – A Middle Eastern Experience” - April 15

“Evening at the Museum: Cultural Connections
– A Middle Eastern Experience” - April 15

“Evening at the Museum: Cultural Connections – A Middle Eastern Experience,” is a free, family-friendly program open to all ages.

It will include a brief presentation along with interactive activities such as Islamic art coloring, a Palestinian Tatreez activity, and Middle Eastern BINGO.

Snacks and refreshments will also be provided.

Event Details:
April 15, 2026 = 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Franklin Historical Museum
80 W Central St, Franklin, MA

Franklin, MA: Agenda for School Committee meeting Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 7 PM

Franklin School Committee

April 14, 2026 - 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Call to Order Dr. Griffith

Announcements from the Chair

Pledge of Allegiance

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

Portrait of a Graduate

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills Mr. Callaghan

C. Payroll Dr. Griffith

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. District and School Improvement Plan

III. Citizens Comments

IV. Discussion/Action Items

A. District Improvement Plan Approval
I recommend approval of the District Improvement Plan as presented.

B. School Improvement Plans Approval
I recommend approval of the School Improvement Plans as presented.

C. School Choice Vote
I recommend to NOT accept school choice students for the 2026-27 school year as discussed.

D. Foreign Exchange Student Vote
I recommend to NOT accept foreign exchange students for the 2026-27 school year as discussed.

E. Establish New Revolving Accounts
I recommend the establishment of new Revolving Accounts as discussed.

F. Policy - 1st reading
I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading as discussed.
JRE - Student Achievement Recognition Signage KF - Community Use of School Facilities
KF-E1 - Rules & Regulations
KF-E2 - Franklin High Building Use
KF-E3 - Facilities Rental Fee Schedule
G. New STRIVE Student Activity Accounts
I recommend the establishment of new STRIVE Student Activity Accounts as discussed.

V. Discussion Only Items

A. Monthly Financial Report

B. BICO Quarterly Report

VI. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from your March 24, 2026 School Committee meeting as detailed.

B. Washington 3-5 Gift
I recommend the acceptance of $5,700.00 from the W3-5 PCC for field trips as detailed.

C. FHS Scholarship
I recommend the acceptance of $2,500.00 from DCU for a FHS scholarship as detailed.

D. Lincoln St K-2 Gift
I recommend the acceptance of $628.52 from Ahold Delhaize USA, Inc. for Supplemental supplies at Lincoln St. K-2 Elementary School as detailed.

E. FHS Scholarships
I recommend the acceptance of $3,500 for FHS Scholarships as follows:
Meg Brackley $1,500.00 Jim Gray Scholarship
Van Drivers $2,000.00 Carol Maher Memorial

VII. Good of the Order

VIII. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Adjournment

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04142026-2250

The meeting packet folder contains the doc released before the meeting and after the meeting

https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/april-14%2C-2026-sc-meeting-packet/26737086

Donald Krishnaswami talks about the LiveARTS String Quartet Concert scheduled for May 17 (audio)

FM #1713 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1713 in the series.

This session shares my discussion with Donald Krishnaswami. We had our discussion in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Monday, April 6, 2026

We discussed the LiveARTS String Quartet and their next concert set for May 17, 2026 at the Historical Museum at 3 PM.

We talk about

Website now available, likely to sell out
Tickets and /or donations through website
About the program and performers
Nature of live music, chamber music

The recording runs about 20 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1713-livearts-string-quartet-concert-may-17-04-06-26/

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LiveArts String Quartet https://www.liveartsstringquartet.org/

Press release link - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/04/the-livearts-string-quartet-returns-to.html

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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
And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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 it!

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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"

Help Us Stamp Out Hunger in Franklin, Saturday, May 9

Help Us Stamp Out Hunger in Franklin!

On Saturday, May 9, 2026, Franklin Letter Carriers are picking up donations from Franklin residences and delivering them to The Pantry.

Participating is easy as 1,2,3:

1. Fill a sturdy bag with nonperishable groceries
2. Place the bag by your mailbox on Saturday, May 9th before your normal mail delivery time
3. Your letter carrier will grab the bag during their route or may come back later in the day.

Please donate nonperishable, unexpired food and personal care items including:

Baking Supplies - Cake Mixes, frosting, brownies and pancake mix
Health and Beauty products
Cleaning supplies
Cereal Boxes
School Snacks

Visit our website for the most needed items: https://bit.ly/4cwbbfg

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1BARRC8raC/

Reminder - Community Fundraiser Training Session to fund raise for USA Luge athlete Brynn Davison

Hi Neighbor,

We have something pretty incredible to share with you.

(L-R) Heather & Brynn Davison

Brynn Davison, 14-year-old daughter of founding member Heather Davison, is already ranked 3rd in the nation on the USA Luge Youth National Team and claimed gold at the Empire State Winter Games.

Now she’s aiming even higher, with her sights set on the 2034 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City!

She's the real deal. And she needs our help.

USA Luge doesn't fund its youth athletes. Brynn's season runs about $13,000 (coaching, equipment, travel, lodging in Lake Placid) all out of pocket.

So we're doing what we do best: showing up and sweating in support!

Community Fundraiser Training Session

📅 Sunday, April 12th | 8:30 AM or 10:00 AM

📍 BFT Franklin Village

🎟️ FREE — all levels welcome, ages 13+

No registration fee. Just come, train hard, and donate if you can. Every dollar goes directly toward Brynn's $13k season goal.

Book in the Blue App or Click on the link to Reserve a spot for a friend!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScx4gBBZQAG5YsyaOOC-ooxmXzJfsfHrRmKX668XScoo6eFlg/viewform

Can't make it but want to donate?!

SCAN QR code below

Venmo @heatherdavison11

https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2303679226970112830&created=1757182097.225713

Your support is greatly appreciated!

BFT Franklin Village Team

Dean College Announces Nery Gomez as 2026 Commencement Speaker

Dean College is pleased to announce that Nery Gomez, entrepreneur, investor, and member of the Dean College Board of Trustees, will serve as the keynote speaker for the College’s 160th Commencement ceremony.

Gomez is the founder, president, and chief operating officer of BlackSun Private Equity, Inc., and the founder and chief executive officer of multiple advisory and investment firms. A published author and speaker, he is known for helping individuals align financial decisions with long-term purpose and fulfillment—a philosophy that closely aligns with Dean’s mission to educate and inspire tomorrow’s leaders.

Dean College Announces Nery Gomez
as 2026 Commencement Speaker

“We are honored to welcome Nery Gomez as this year’s Commencement speaker,” said Darrell Kulesza, Interim President of Dean College. “His career reflects a strong focus on preparation, adaptability, and long-term success. Those are qualities we work to instill in our students, and I expect his remarks will resonate with the Class of 2026.”

Originally from Massachusetts, Gomez earned his undergraduate degree in psychology from Tufts University, with extensive coursework in economics. He has been accepted into Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program. Early in his academic journey, he studied at Dean College—an experience he has described as formative in shaping both his academic and professional path.

As a member of the Dean College Board of Trustees, Gomez is actively engaged in advancing the College’s mission to support, challenge, and prepare students for life beyond Dean. His work reflects a deep commitment to helping individuals build the clarity, discipline, and confidence needed to move forward with purpose.

“It is a privilege to celebrate the Class of 2026,” said Gomez. “My time at Dean was a meaningful part of my early academic experience, and I have a lasting appreciation for the College’s commitment to student growth. I look forward to sharing a message that encourages graduates to approach what comes next with clarity, intention, and confidence.”

Dean College’s Commencement ceremony will be held on May 9, 2026. Learn more by visiting the Commencement website - https://www.dean.edu/alumni/commencement/

Franklin Children's Book Author Launches New Picture Book in Time for Teacher Appreciation Week

A new picture book, Owls Make Terrible Teachers, by local author, Kristi Mahoney, will release just in time for Teacher Appreciation Week, which is celebrated nationwide from Monday, May 4, 2026 – Fri, May 8, 2026.

Surprises await in Owls Make Terrible Teachers when an owl takes flight in a classroom as a substitute teacher. From an impromptu pajama day, feather-filled social studies lesson, hunting for a midnight snack, and a field trip to “an actual field”, this school day stretches into a night like no other. Kirkus Reviews praises the new picture book stating that it is: “Classroom chaos done right.”

“I’m hoping readers will laugh while they learn about owls,” Mahoney states. “But ultimately, I’m hoping this book will inspire an appreciation for the real hero of the story – ‘human’ teachers everywhere.”

Mahoney lives with her family in Franklin, MA. Her debut book, Alpacas Make Terrible Librarians, (illustrated by Chantelle and Burgen Throne and published by Gnome Road), was released in October 2024. It was awarded as a Winner of the Children’s Book Council’s 2025 Children's Favorite Award and has received positive trade reviews from: School Library Journal, Publisher’s Weekly, Kirkus and Foreword Reviews.

According to Worldcat.org, Mahoney’s debut book is currently in over 450 libraries across the U.S. and beyond. Mahoney’s second book, Owls Make Terrible Teachers, releases this month. Books are available wherever books are sold. Signed copies are currently available exclusively at the local indie bookstore, An Unlikely Story, in Plainville, MA.

Visit the authors page for additional info - https://www.kristimahoneybooks.com/

BFCCPS fund raising Apr 24 at Ascend Obstacle Training

UNLEASH YOUR INNER NINJA OVER BREAK!

Join American Ninja Warrior competitors James Burns and Gavin Obey for an afternoon of fun obstacle training at the brand new Ascend Obstacle Training at the Solomon Pond Mall. Ascend Obstacle Training will generously donate 50% of ticket sales back to the PCO!

April 24th from 12-1:30pm, $30pp.

Sign the waiver HERE: https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/8ugzsgnqh1sviktd7pyxbr/web/

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/18Nfn3riPH/

Lifelong learning summer programs - registration available now

"Book your child's spot in the Solutions Summer Adventure!

Five weeks of fun activities, games, art, and science.

Go to bit.ly/4bzI9sR for more info."

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DW6sS7TiVZD/

FHS Service Club collecting "Soles 4 Souls"

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AhFGRvpUu/

Ideas and standing, it depends

via Tamsen Webster:

"You know that feeling when you've got a great idea — and you know it's good — but somehow it still doesn't land?

Most people's instinct is: “I need better positioning! I need to own a clearer place in people's minds!”

But positioning isn't actually the problem. At least, not at first.

Before an idea can hold a position, it has to earn the right to be there at all. That's known as standing — the idea's own credibility, separate from yours.

Here's the thing about how our brains work: when we hear a new idea, we don't start by asking who's saying it. We start by asking does this make sense? Can it survive the probability test I'm about to run on it? Only if it passes do we even get to "should I trust this person?"

Which means all the credibility-building in the world won't save an idea that hasn't earned its own right to be heard.

The good news? When an idea has true standing — when it connects to an outcome people already want, explained through things they already know to be true — the positioning usually takes care of itself.

New Substack article on exactly how to build that. Subscribe in my bio!"

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DW6alIZFJKM/?

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Saturday, April 11, 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 Saturday

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

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Saturday

Friday, April 10, 2026

School Committee gets update on Lifelong Learning at March 24 session (audio)

FM #1712 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1712 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 7:00 PM. All 7 members of the Committee were present in Chambers.

Quick recap:

Students scheduled for the pledge got to the meeting for the incorrect 6 PM start and will be rescheduled to another meeting
Superintendent's report

substitute nurses being looked for
Winter sports round up
earmark funded for middle school library (still needs to make through the budget cycle)
Innovation labs grant also awarded
FHS family science night April 9 from 5 to 8 pm

Lifelong learning update

For Solutions, the students to teacher ratios; K - 1 to 10, others grades are 1 to 12, 1 to 13
Footlighters program hiring for, trying to fulfill that position, complications in the hiring process had hindered the hiring to date. Still being worked
Over 900 adults taking part, a wide variety of offerings from sports to arts, etc.
Funding question, Lifelong learning is effectively another revolving fund, fee based and those fees can only be used within the program

Discussion/Action Items

A. Student Opportunities Act Plan Vote
B. Endorsement of Request for Statement of Interest for Development of Strategic Plan
both passed by 7-0 votes

Subcommittee updates
Citizen comment - I stepped up to say thanks for the participation at the Q&A and to provide 2 future dates for their calendars

April 18, Favorite Poem Reading at the Library
On May 2, the 3rd annual Jane Jacobs walk, meet at the TV studio walk about 1 mile or so, return to the studio. Discussions of housing, zoning, which are all budget related. It is a generally good discussion with insights shared

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1712-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-03-24-26/

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The Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/uQe3rLUq6e8?&t=87

The agenda for this session - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03242026-2201

My full set of notes taken during the meeting in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZuJSdiqLK1QBa9NdcjVsk5KVX7AH2MX3/view?usp=drive_link

Photo album of the slides presented for Lifelong Learning

https://photos.app.goo.gl/adaJ3sZeYK5ih5t28