DNA - District News & Announcements
December 2023
District News and Announcements
December 2023
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OVERVIEW & DNA INTRODUCTION
This newsletter is affectionately called the DNA because it's a beautiful collection of unique stories and experiences contributing to the development and function of our school communities. (Also it's an acronym for District News and Announcements ;) )
We hope you enjoy seeing some of these behind the scenes stories and will join your fellow community members at upcoming events!
Intro from Superintendent, Dr. Robert Tremblay
As we approach the much anticipated break week, I want to wish all of our students, staff, families, and the FPS community moments of rest, relaxation, reflection - and anything else you need to move on from 2023 and prepare for the year ahead.
Thank you for all of the support and effort you provide each day to make our schools and our world a better place. We hope you enjoy these bright spots submitted for the month of December - and I look forward to seeing more of these in 2024!
As a reminder, I continue to welcome your thoughts and reflections directly so that I can tailor my communication efforts to help us all work better together towards our ambitious strategic goals. I am very interested in improving how district information is shared and how inputs/feedback are received so that communication moves beyond social media commentary and into more productive communication spaces where identified areas for improvement are brought forward through district communication channels so that problems can be resolved. In my personal efforts to deepen relationships with all of our families, I encourage you to reach out to me directly via email at rtremblay@framingham.k12.ma.us.
Updates from the District
As shared in a press release on December 13th, FPS and the City of Framingham received an official invitation to join the the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) for a school building project! This vote from the MSBA Board begins the Eligibility Period where the City of Framingham and Framingham Public Schools work collaboratively with the MSBA to determine educationally-sound and fiscally-appropriate solutions outlined in the District’s Statement of Interest. More to come! ICYMI, you can read the press release on the FPS Website!
Character Trait of the Month: Cooperation
Character Trait of the Month: Cooperation
Cooperation is getting along with others and working hard to accomplish a goal.
The Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum is all connected to this theme/trait and is supported with activities during morning meeting, mindfulness, discussions, books, art, team-building, games and more!
Three Conversation Starters About Cooperation:
- What does cooperation look and sound like at home?
- How can working together make things easier?
- What can be challenging about cooperating?
In partnership with Open Spirit in Framingham, check out these custom made videos about our theme of the month. They include mindfulness and yoga with our themes.
- Cooperation - Creating Good Energy Together
- Cooperation - Creating Good Energy Together -Spanish
- Cooperation - Creating Good Energy Together -Portuguese
- Cooperation Yoga
- Cooperation Yoga -Spanish
- Cooperation Yoga -Portuguese
Cooperation Book List - Read Alouds
In this Caldecott Honor book Rosa, her mother, and grandmother work together to save their coins to buy a really comfortable chair for all to enjoy after their home is destroyed by a fire.Good News Network
If your child's school is not included below, that does not mean they aren't doing wonderful, exciting things! We look forward to sharing even more news and updates in the Good News Network section of future District Newsletters!
FHS Student by Night, Successful Barber by Day
This story was recently brought to our attention and we are so proud to share this with the broader community!
Wallace Blendz, as he's called on Instagram, is a senior at FHS. More than that, he is a creative, self-made barber, running a successful business all established before he turned 18 years old. During the peak of the pandemic while everyone was home, Wallace decided to become a barber. Because he was home, he hadn't had a haircut in months and after watching several YouTube tutorials, his brothers let him test his skills. At the time, he was using dog clippers. Wallace begged his parents to buy him some clippers and at first, they were hesitant to support this hobby. His parents came from Brazil to provide a better future, but they had no idea what was about to happen.
To build experience, Wallace started charging $5 per haircut, riding his bike to friends' houses so he could cut their hair. Finally, his dad invested in some better clippers and his parents let him set up a studio in their basement. Wallace started investing in himself, taking courses to improve his techniques and manage a growing business. As one could imagine with only 24 hours in a day - meeting the needs of school and pursuing a passion created some challenges. When high school attendance became an obstacle, Wallace worked closely with FHS Staff to create a new pathway towards graduation. Beginning with the Career Development Program (Work Study) and Student Success Academy, accommodations were made that allowed Wallace the opportunity to both attend school and maintain his business. With continued support from family, friends, community members, and FHS Staff, Wallace is currently completing his high school requirements through the Evening Academy at Framingham High School.
In addition to being an extremely skilled barber, Wallace creates a variety of content for his social media channels, which contributes to his completely booked schedule. He shows before and afters, highlights technique, and asks his clients why they come to him (some from many miles away). He was even invited to Gillette stadium to give haircuts to some of the New England Revolution soccer players. Most recently, Wallace was in New Jersey to accept an award from America Start Magazine (photo above), which highlights and celebrates entrepreneurs who are getting their start in America.
Wallace is on track to complete barber school, become fully licensed, and open his own barbershop in downtown Framingham next month. Please join us in giving this young man a round of applause for his tenacity, work-ethic, commitment to bettering himself, and really - being an inspiration. More to come on Wallace and his story!
Trotando con Gratitud / Gratitude Gallop at Brophy
On November 21st, Brophy Elementary School started a new tradition of a Trotando con Gratitud / Gratitude Gallop. The entire school came together outdoors for a fun afternoon filled with Brophy Community Spirit. All grades participated in the event that combined movement, teamwork, and gratitude. They even came together to make a giant Brophy "B" in the side yard! Kudos and Gratitude to parent, Justin Schroth (owner of Lucent Productions) for his time, equipment, and skills in capturing this event! Watch the drone footage of this coming together!
Secondary Dual Language Program Newsletter (FHS and Walsh)
The updates below were pulled from the 4th edition of the program's newsletter for the 2023-24 academic year. You can read the whole thing here: https://www.smore.com/zqc9r
- In November, 13 Dual Language Program juniors at FHS became docents for the Barbieri and Brophy 3rd grade field trips to the Framingham History Center. Student-teachers received training and did a great job putting their knowledge and linguistic skills into practice!
- At Walsh, the sixth grade students presented their country projects in the Social Studies class in the library. Many thanks to the large presence of parents at the event!
- Congratulations to the Dual Language students who participated in The Lion King, Jr. ! Son todos Estrellas Brillantes!
Hemenway Morning Announcers Create Culture of Belonging
Hemenway Morning Announcers - These 5th graders lead the pledge and share any updates and highlights for the day. They create a culture of BELONGING at our school!
Student Success Academy Career Fair at FHS
On November 28th, the Student Success Academy (SSA) at FHS welcomed over 20 businesses, post-secondary programs, and partners for our 2nd annual fall Career Fair. To name a few, our SSA and Work Study students were able to meet with MassBay Community College, Quinsigamond Culinary School, National Aviation Academy, K9 training, pre-vet programs and animal hospitals, Winter Real Estate Properties, National Guard, cosmetology businesses, Milford Regional Med Phlebotomist, and much more. We had multiple FHS alumni and family/friends of FPS students and staff join us to provide students with information and hands-on experiences. We are grateful for the community coming together to support students. We even highlighted a current senior studying to be a barber (read Wallace's story above!) and our music production club spearheaded by recent FHS graduates. If anyone has interest in supporting or attending future career fairs, please fill out this google form and we will be sure to reach out to you for future events!
Recycling and Composting are Taking Shape at Brophy
Led by some very passionate, activist 4th graders - Brophy School recycling is an ongoing process. This spring, they hope to start a small composting program in grade 4 that will focus on simple lunch scraps to support our school garden plans!
King Sings and Smiles During the Winter Concert
Congrats to King Elementary School on completing their Winter Concert! Three combined grade groups performed back-to-back on Wednesday morning! It was a packed house with parents and staff members cheering them on! Great job to Ms. Sarah Silva and Mr. AJ Burgess, and all of the students for this wonderful, musical morning!
With Support from Circle of Hope, Seven FHS Students Receive Clothing from Uniqlo
Framingham High School Teacher Mark Goldschmidt and Family Liaison Marcia Cruz-Redding had the pleasure of bringing 7 FHS students to Uniqlo, an apparel store at the Natick Mall on Friday December 8th. The staff at Uniqlo then surprised the students with a free shopping spree where each student, with the help of a personal shopping assistant from the store, got to pick out a coat, top and pants of their choice. This opportunity was brokered by a Needham nonprofit called Circle of Hope that makes monthly deliveries of new clothing, toiletries and other necessities to fulfill the needs of those FHS students who are considered homeless under the McKinney-Vento Act.
Thanks go to Social Worker Carmela Pucci, School Counselor Sarah Trayers and Vice Principal Hannya Lord from the FHS Welcome Academy who helped to select these deserving students!
Regis College Brings the Dental Hygiene Program to McCarthy Students
Recently, all second grade students at McCarthy Elementary School participated in a Dental Hygiene Program presented by Regis College. The Framingham Public Schools along with the Department of Nursing has partnered with Regis College to bring this important program to our students. The McCarthy students were taught the importance of proper dental hygiene as well as brushing and flossing techniques with hands on activities and games. The Regis College students were supervised and supported by their professor during the presentation. At the completion of the program the McCarthy students all received "swag bags" filled with oral care products so they could practice what they had learned at home!
FHS Students Volunteer with Habitat for Humanity
A small group of students in the Student Success Academy and Work Study Program volunteered with Habitat for Humanity to help build a house. Many of these students are interested in exploring trades including construction/carpentry. They were able to explore this area and give back to the community!
The Golden Eye - Fuller's Online Literary Magazine
The newest edition of The Golden Eye, Fuller's literary magazine, can be viewed online! Click the button below to read it and enjoy student writing and artwork! Kudos to all involved in this incredible project! From the articles and poetry, to comics, book reviews, drawings, and photos - these student creators are on top of it all. So well done!
FHS and FPA Present: All That's Constant is Change (A Collection of Student Artwork)
The Framingham High School Fine and Performing Arts Department presents "All That's Constant is Change," a collection of student artwork from Adrianne Schueller and Scott Alberg's classes on view at Project B Gallery at the Mill Contemporary Art Studios (2 Central Street, Mill 1, Framingham, MA 01701) from January 12th - February 4th. Celebrate the artists at the opening reception on January 12th from 5-7pm.
Cameron Students Complete Their Mock Trial Program
Yesterday, Thursday, December 21, 2023, four Cameron Middle School students presented a mock trial case at Framingham District Court. This was a culminating event associated with an after-school club called Discovering Justice, which has been led by Social Studies Teacher, Seth Overhoff, for the past 10 weeks.
The case was relevant in many ways to the experiences of today's students. It touched on Environmental Activism, TikTok, Cyberbullying, Free Speech, and more. The students (acting as Attorneys) did an amazing job presenting opening statements, questioning the witnesses, and making closing statements. The 'witnesses' were actually local Attorneys and the 'jury' was made up of FPS staff (including Dr. Tremblay), FPS administrators, as well as Chief Lester Baker of the Framingham Police Department. After a 5-minute deliberation, their findings were read in court. It was a great experience for all involved. Kudos to the students, staff, organizers, and partners for their effort in running this program!
Discovering Justice is a civic education group that has worked with thousands of students to introduce them to the workings of the legal system, explore the ideals of justice, help them build their confidence and advocacy skills, and help prepare them to engage in our democracy.
Taught by legal mentors, students learn about the workings of the judicial system, explore the ideals of justice, and develop key civic skills such as perspective taking, critical thinking, legal writing, and public speaking. At the end of the semester, students litigate their cases in courthouses across the Commonwealth. Discovering Justice also offers spring mock appeal programming.
Meet the Author and FHS ESL Teacher Any Gjika
We're thrilled to announce that FHS ESL teacher Ani Gjika recently released her memoir "An Unruled Body." She will be holding a book signing at the Barnes and Noble in Natick on Friday, January 5 at 4:00 pm. We're so proud of Ani for her accomplishment and for writing this incredible book!
"Set across Albania, Thailand, India, and the U.S., An Unruled Body is a young woman’s journey to selfhood through the lenses of language, sexuality, and identity, and how she learns to find freedom of expression on her own terms."
Love,
FHS ESL Team
Latinos for Education visit Framingham
Latinos for Education visited with our senior leaders to discuss a partnership. They also visited Barbieri and Harmony Grove Elementary Schools to see some of our dual language classrooms, read to students, and tour the buildings. They talked to principals and staff about challenges with hiring and upward movement in their careers.
Barbieri Students Cooperate in Fort-Building Exercise
In celebrating this month's character trait of the month (Cooperation), all students at Barbieri read the book The Little Red Fort by Brenda Maier in library class. Ms. Annette Trossello, our amazing Librarian, then lead all students in a cooperative activity for students to build their own little forts! Students had to cooperate while designing, coloring, cutting and building the forts seen here.
The Greater Good in Action Club Gets Hands-On
See the video below for a small peek into the Greater Good in Action Club! The Greater Good in Action Club encompasses the Save Promise Club of Sandy Hook Promise and FHS community projects like the clothing closet, menstrual product distribution, and mental health initiatives. Each month they focus on a different issue that our community faces (ex: Breast Cancer in October, hunger during November). Students participate in activities that bring awareness and/or collect donations for various charities. The club meets on Mondays at E214 classroom - FHS.
Nice job to club members for all that they are doing for the community and at FHS!
The Latest Edition of The Hap, the Online Newspaper of FHS
November Edition of the Hap: https://www.smore.com/35r8c
The Hap is a monthly digital newspaper by and for Framingham High School students - and now for the larger community to enjoy. Please feel free to spread the news!
In This Issue: Introduction, Artist of the Month: Gustav Klimt, Aztec Restaurant Review, and Halloween & Halloween II Movie Review
Hemenway Students Present Animal Research Projects with Parents
Grade one students at Hemenway shared their Animal Research projects with parents. It was a fantastic showcase of creativity, knowledge and collaboration. The engagement and enthusiasm from both students and parents made it a win for all!
Kindred Spirits and Twinning at Potter Road
Spirits were high at Potter Road Elementary School these last couple weeks! Last week, staff had a spirit week and this week students had one! Enclosed are some photos of staff enjoying Twin / Triplet Day where they dressed as each other :)
Potter Road students participated in Character Day as part of their spirit week before break! The panthers did an incredible job representing different characters around the building, despite the stormy day!
Team New England Supports Barbieri Families
Barbieri school gives a special thanks to the student athletes of Team New England. As part of their community service they donated 50 turkeys and sides for 50 Barbieri families. The event was a great success and a special thank you to our Wraparound coordinator Yesenia Gaudet!
NHS Wraps Up Their Holiday Drive
The National Honor Society at Framingham High School wrapped up their largest service project of the year. The Holiday Drive runs through Thanksgiving to Christmas in advisories. NHS students organized a food drive and toy and clothing drive. This year we were able to help 62 Framingham families, which totaled to 143 kids from newborn to 8th grade. Each child gets an outfit, and 4-5 toys. Families fill out detailed packets with information about each child. NHS students fundraised, shopped, and then spent the morning wrapping over 1000 gifts.
We have so many people who helped to make this project successful. The advisory teachers and students were generous in helping our NHS students fundraise. Daniel’s Table donated 60 turkeys which helped us spend more money on toys! Auto Bright Car Care hosted our kick off car wash fundraiser last spring that bought a lot of toys for kids. Timothy’s Toybox has been a longtime supporter of the holiday drive. They always remember our families! The FTA gives us a grant to use to buy winter clothes for kids as well. We are grateful to the Framingham community for being able to help families in our community have a brighter holiday.
Potter Road School Council Exceeds Goal in their Stocking Stuffer Drive
The 5th Grade Student Council at Potter Road held a Stocking Stuffer Drive where they collected and gathered over 850 items to donate to families in DCF. Their goal was 500! Bins were placed around classrooms in the school, and the fifth graders collected the items each day! Items collected included crayons, markers, colored pencils, card games, hair accessories, fidget toys, and winter gear like hats, scarves, and gloves! These items were distributed to children and families as part of a holiday party on Saturday, December 16th. Many thanks to all who organized and contributed to this effort!
Kudos to BLOCKS Staff!
It's inspiring to watch everyone at BLOCKS go above and beyond and elevate the minds of our children everyday!
Need / Want a Job? NRT is Hiring!
School Bus Drivers $25-$31/Hour
- $5,000 Sign-on Bonus for fully licensed school drivers.
- Must be at least 21
- Must have your license for 3 consecutive years
- Must have the ability to pass background checks and drug test
No CDL? No problem. NRT will pay $20 per hour to get your CDL. If completed in 60 days, $500 extra
incentive.
School Van Drivers $19-$20/Hour
7D drivers are needed! No 7D Certificate? They provide PAID training.
- Must be at least 21
- Must have your license for 3 consecutive years
- Must have the ability to pass background checks and drug test
LEARN MORE BY VISITING THE NRT WEBSITE: School Bus Driver-Paid Training- Framingham
Community Corner
60th Anniversary of Loring = $.60 Entry Fees Over Break!
Skate for Just 60 Cents To Celebrate Loring Arena’s 60th Birthday
Submitted by the City of Framingham
Loring Arena was one of the first municipal skating/hockey rinks built in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 1963.
This year, Loring Arena celebrates its 60th birthday.
To celebrate, Mayor Charlie Sisitsky has lowered the price of public skating from $5 per person to just 60 cents per person the week of Dec. 26-30.
“This is a great way to celebrate Loring Arena, where so many in MetroWest learn to skate,” said Mayor Sisitsky. “Dropping the price to 60 cents allows families to enjoy this gem in the City.”
Public Skating that week includes:
- Tuesday, December 26 from 10 a.m. to noon
- Wednesday, December 27 from 10 a.m. to noon
- Thursday, December 28, from 10 a.m. to noon
- Friday, December 29 from 10 a.m. to noon
- Saturday, December 30 from 2:30 to 3:50 p.m.
Notes:
- Skate rentals are while supplied last at $6 per person (cash only).
- The special 60-cent skating is for Framingham residents only.
- City of Framingham Parks & Recreation rule of adult needed for any skater under age 14, still applies.
- The concession stand will be open during public skating.
- The City of Framingham and the Mayor plan to announce some additional birthday surprises for the week as it gets closer to the celebration.
Save the Date: January 1, 2024 - The City of Framingham's Inauguration
The event will be held at 2pm on January 1, 2024 in Nevins Hall (Memorial Building). This annual ceremony is an opportunity to swear in the City Councilors, School Committee Members, Library Trustees, and Cemetery Trustees. More information is forthcoming!
Atomic Art Contest
Atomic Artistry - Art Contest
Artists are invited to enter the Atomic Artistry juried competition to counter myths and widespread misunderstandings and communicate the value of nuclear power as a clean technology: vital in the fight against climate change and able to protect biodiversity and open spaces while transitioning to a clean energy economy.
https://www.eco-nuclearsolutions.org/art-contest
Amateur, professional and student artists are invited to participate. Entry is free and there are cash prizes for two divisions: adults and under age 18.
Submissions will be accepted until Feb 1, 2024. Finalists will be exhibited at the Fitchburg Art Museum’s Community Gallery in March 2024.
For more information, please contact Cynthia Knapp from Eco-Nuclear Solutions.
This project is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the Fitchburg Art Museum and Eco-Nuclear Solutions.
Submit Your Good News!
The Media and Communications Office continues to refine and improve the submission process. We always appreciate hearing from staff, parents/guardians, and students with events, accolades, shoutouts, and more. Thank you for sharing your bright spots with us!
Submit your good news to the 'Good News' Google Form, which is now accessible in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Submitted content goes into future newsletters and social media posts!
The mission of the Framingham Public Schools is to educate each student to learn and live productively as a critically-thinking, responsible citizen in a multicultural, democratic society by providing academically challenging instructional programs taught by highly-qualified staff and supported by comprehensive services in partnership with our entire community. For news, updates, and announcements, follow Framingham Public Schools (@FraminghamPS) on Facebook and (@framinghamschools) on Instagram. You can also join the conversation using #FraminghamSchools.