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Family, Friends, and Neighbor Days
December 7, 2023
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Family, Friends, and Neighbor Days (No Homework)
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Background
In 2018 the District introduced the concept of Family, Friends, and Neighbor Days. These were four identified days where no homework was assigned and students and their families were able to dedicate time to family, friends, or neighbors. The creation of these special days supported one of the four standards represented in the District's Strategic Plan includes Family and Community Engagement. The goals associated with this standard are driving Framingham Public Schools to foster community, family, and business partnerships that further support and engage our relationships and encourage collaboration.
If you look at the 2023 - 2024 District Calendar, you will see that there are 4 dates with this designation, which will (to the best of our ability) be held for family and community engagement. These days are called Family, Friends, and Neighbor Days.
The second Family, Friends, and Neighbor Day takes place on Thursday, December 7, 2023!
What happens on Family, Friends, and Neighbor Days?
In Dr. Tremblay’s vision of these days, the District will limit - or simply not assign - homework and we would avoid scheduling athletic practices/games, music rehearsals, and other school-driven commitments on family time in exchange for students to be afforded that time to engage with their family, friends, and neighbors.
Sometimes, our schools utilize this time to build connections with families.
Locally, there are FHS Athletics Games (Girls Varsity Hockey), as well as a couple events through the Framingham Public Library. We're also sharing a list of fun ideas that may bring you together in your own home. Please see below!
Ways to Participate
Play a game of Family Q&A. Here are 101 Questions to get you started.
Have a smartphone? FaceTime, WhatsApp, FB Messenger or just call a family member out of the blue to chat about something new.
Find and follow a How-to Draw video on YouTube - then compare your creations! Take it a step further by putting that drawing in the mail and send it to a family member or friend!
Try Geocaching as a family or make-up your own scavenger hunt.
Have a dance party in your living room, taking turns who picks songs. Parents / Grandparents can use this as an opportunity to introduce new (old) songs to their kids.
Play some ‘Minute-to-Win-it’ games. Here is some inspiration.
Play a card game: Go Fish, Rummy, Spades, etc. Need a refresher? Here are some other ideas.
Prepare and enjoy a meal together (members of your household)
Host a ‘Game Night’ with your family and/or friends, and/or neighbors. (If you're still conservative with your COVID precautions, you can still do this by limiting to those you normally spend time with and wear masks if playing with non-household members)
Take a family walk - before or after dinner. Be sure to dress for the weather.
- Take your trek around the track: Bowditch Field, Barry Bograd Memorial Field track, or Cushing are all great places to take your family movement time.
- You can also do a woodsy walk at Callahan State Park, Cowassock Woods, Nobscot Reservation, or Macomber Estate. Learn more about Trails in Framingham (goes to the City of Framingham's website.)
- The Cochituate Rail Trail (CRT) is another great, scenic walking path! A multi-use trail that runs from the Village of Saxonville in Framingham to Natick - a distance of 4 miles!
Seasonal Activities
- Make cookies and deliver them to friends, family, or neighbors!
- Organize a Gingerbread House Making Contest. You can get kits at the store or use homemade ingredients!
- There might not be snow on the ground today - but planning ahead, here are some local sledding hills!
- Pick a time and plan to go ice-skating ! There are public skating times daily (though most are in the mornings) and skate rentals available. Learn more and see pricing on the City of Framingham's website: Public Skating at Loring Arena
- Cold? Make homemade hot chocolate! You can make yourself a simple Old-Fashioned Hot Chocolate or spruce it up by whipping up a Red Velvet Hot Chocolate.
- Start a 'Gratitude Journal': Start each morning by listing five things you are grateful for. These can be 5 simple things like enjoying a warm cup of tea or coffee, sleeping through the night, connecting with a friend by text message, or enjoying a movie. There is always something to be grateful for—always. (You can do the research, but studies have found that people who consciously count their blessings tend to be happier.)
Framingham Public Library Events
Early Release Movie: Detective Pikachu
See Event Details on the FPL Website
December 07, 2023
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
McAuliffe Branch | Community Room
In a world where people collect Pokémon to do battle, a boy comes across an intelligent talking Pikachu who seeks to be a detective.
Runtime: 104m; Rated PG; Closed Captions Provided.
Spark Lab Satellite: Sewing Gift Bags
See Event Details on the FPL Website
December 07, 2023
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
McAuliffe Branch | Craft Room
Learn how to make a reusable gift bag just in time for the holidays! All materials provided - these projects are best suited for teens and adults with basic machine sewing skills (ages 15+).
Registration required: https://tinyurl.com/SatelliteSewing
FPS Athletics Events
FHS Athletics Games
Girls Varsity Hockey
- Varsity vs. Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School at Loring Arena in Framingham 4:45 p.m.
Looking for more? Explore Community Kangaroo!
Community Kangaroo
Community Kangaroo is a one-stop-shop for parents in the suburbs west and southwest of Boston, MA to find local events and info. They list every local kid-friendly event they can find on their calendar. Their maps help you find playgrounds, hikes, farms, birthday parties, and more!
Show us your Family, Friends, and Neighbors Spirit!
If your family participates in any of these or other activities to engage and connect with your family, friends, and neighbors - please share how you’re spending this Family, Friends, and Neighbor Day.
Sharing on social media? Use the hashtag #FFNDays AND tag @framinghamps on Facebook or @framinghamschools on Instagram!
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.