DNA - District News & Announcements

May 2023

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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!

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!

Submit your good news to communications@framingham.k12.ma.us for a special shoutout in future newsletters and social media posts!

Our Partnerships for Early Learners (PEL) classrooms celebrated a night of art at their First Annual Pre-K Art Show. The exhibit of the student’s art took place at Framingham State University. More than 300 original works of art were displayed for students, families, and teachers/staff to enjoy. Students in the Partnerships for Early Learners (PEL) classrooms at the Loving Nest Preschool, Framingham State University - Centers for Early Childhood Education, and the MetroWest YMCA worked diligently on various art projects. Our students were excited and proud of themselves as they shared their beautiful works of art with family and friends. It was a night filled with fun, laughter, pride, and celebration. Congratulations to our young featured artists!

Thanks to creative programs and partnerships, we are expanding the educator pipeline! Sharing a little encouragement to our current cohort of paraprofessionals and teachers under emergency licenses taking a fully-funded Master's Degree in Elementary Education through Lesley University! This group (Professor Mike Pabian and students) recently completed their fourth course - Social Studies in Elementary Education.

Thank you to several 5th grade students from King Elementary School for supporting last weeks' Project Dash community service day! Huge shout out to the Tri-County United Way and their volunteers for their help in packaging over 97 grocery bags and Wegmans of Natick for their continued support with this incredible community grocery bag initiative.

It's been a busy month at Potter Road! Our fourth graders celebrated Poem in your Pocket Day in collaboration with the Greater Boston Jewish Literacy Coalition, wrote their own poems and had a "poetry slam." They ended last month celebrating the Global Day of Play! It's an international day designed to promote the benefits of play for all students--as they work through problem solving, curiosity and working together. Potter Road also had a couple of great chorus concerts for all students in grades K-5. In addition, our first graders had a wonderful visit from Animal Adventures.

MetroWest Daily News Article by Jesse Collings https://www.metrowestdailynews.com/story/news/education/2023/05/30/framingham-ma-high-yoseph-endawoke-computer-engineering-cornell/70237230007/

To read the article, see the PDF below:

Dunning & Potter 3rd grade Sage students played a scenario game called Mytopia that has you make decisions about how your town is run including how your citizens will get around, access food, power the city, and more. We learned what choices made for healthier cities for both the humans and the wildlife and then made 3D models of their towns using (mostly) recycled materials. The students wrote poems and short stories about life in their towns. The highlight was presenting our towns at the Cooler Communities Fair on May 13and being able to share our ideas with Mayor Sisitsky.

The Framingham community was invited to an elementary and middle school celebration of independent investigation projects. Students select a topic of interest then work to solve a problem, produce something creative, or facilitate self-growth. iNight is the showcase for their preoducts and solutions!

Shared by Eileen MacQueen, these photos of Hemenway and King students highlight some great i-Night projects.

On Friday, May 12th students from FHS and Bedford High School enjoyed music, painting, food, conversation, and amazing company! Kudos to Tyaisha, Camille, and the Black Student Union for organizing such a fun event!

Dunning Elementary School is taking on the Mystery Bag STEAM Challenge this month. Families sent in recyclable materials from their homes and students helped fill over 100 mystery supply bags for each classroom. In their classes, students select an environmental design challenge that they then build a prototype of using only the materials available in their mystery bag. Challenges include a device that can clean up debris in space or the ocean, help wildlife in our area, and use wind power to move water.

• Celebrate Autism Awareness at DUNNING!
• Dunning Families and PTO went above and beyond celebrating the Dunning Teachers and Staff! Coffee, lunches and bookmarks OH MY!

Walsh 6th grader Cassandra Tsekrekas is passionate about coming up with creative ways to help people and animals in need. At the beginning of the month, she made baskets filled with comfort items for every single pediatric patient at Newton Wellesley Hospital. She included a handwritten note to each sick child to let them know that she was thinking of them and hoping they feel better soon. Cassandra also hand-sewed a custom bandana for the hospital’s therapy dog named Buddy.

Cassandra is the founder of a bandana project that helps shelter dogs. She uses her own money to buy cute fabrics and sews bandanas for shelter dogs in hopes of making the animals look more adoptable. Last holiday season, she sewed bandanas for over a dozen dogs at Baypath Humane Society in Hopkinton and all of the dogs wearing the bananas were quickly adopted! Cassandra hopes to inspire other crafty kids to sew bandanas for shelter dogs in their local towns.

On Friday, May 18th before their last PD, PBIS/School Spirit Coaches Renee Conlin and Monique Bisnette-Nauman hosted their 3rd all staff culinary competition at Walsh Middle School! This fun activity promotes staff community building and creating fun activities for staff to partake in! Staff were able to sign up to bring in a dip for all staff to try. Their dips remained anonymous and staff would submit 2 votes for their favorite dip or dips. Congratulations to Maggie Dabrush, 7th grade ELA teacher who received a gift card, candy, and will hold on to the "Walsh Culinary Champion" trophy until the next food competition!

This year Julie O'Leary significantly expanded HSSIEP at FHS (High School Senior Internship in Education Program - https://www.doe.mass.edu/connect/cde/hssiep.html) through our partnership with MassHire Metro South/West Workforce Board. She recruited, placed, and managed internships for 20 high school seniors. Students became teacher assistants and additional staff throughout the school year at our other FPS schools including - Harmony Grove, King Barbieri, McCarthy, Potter Road, Fuller, Walsh, and Cameron.

Here are some of what students were able to do for the month of April:

• "I engaged in helping them write short books on their animal of choice. I helped them sound out words they did not understand. We also worked on reading comprehension with science books."
• "I am gaining the experience and handle the responsibilities a lot of the teachers in the school have."
• "Math using blocks and pictures. Writing using pictures and sounding out words."
• "Have been helping students better understand how to express themselves about how they feel about a book they have read or how to debate without starting an argument. In kindergarten we have been practicing a lot of coloring and sorting with number."
• "This month I engaged in being in a gym class. I engaged in helping out in the cafe when low on staff. I also engaged in being in an English class."
• "Playing outside with the kids."
• "I am working on helping with math with student who doesn't understand english very well. I also help with the behavior in the class. At the school I work at, we have a personality trait for each month, I help the student focus on that also. For example: determination."
• "Helped students bake in an after school club, went outside to play some sports."
• "Helping pupils with their learning, often with a particular focus on math, reading and writing, supervising group activities, setting up equipment for lessons, keeping classrooms safe and tidy, helping develop learning activities and adapting appropriate materials."
• "I helped students with their class work, created a better relationship with students and teachers, played outside with the kids."
• "I was keeping the cafeteria clean. I was ensuring the lunch room was under control. Additionally, I was engaging with the kids and caring up with their days. "

Good luck and congratulations to Nala, RFL Service Dog, who will be featured as the Boston Red Sox Service Dog of the Game before tonight's game (May 30th)! Along with Mark Goldschmidt, Nala will get to go on the field before the game so that she can be honored for her work in the Resiliency for Life Program at FHS!

Learn more about Nala: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uqd28W7qj_U (video from 2020)

Nala joined the Resiliency staff and the Goldschmidt family in the spring of 2018 after training at the NEADS program in Princeton, MA and MCI Norfolk for over two years. She comes to school every day to support students emotionally when they need it by laying and allowing students to pet her and by taking walks with students and staff too.

"I’d like to congratulate Don Maskell for his 15 yrs of service at the FPS. He has put such a huge effort into keeping his kids safe from the pandemic and keeping the grounds clean, also while playfully showing these kids how much he cares. Don is an outstanding human being and treats each child like his own family... The guy is an Angel!!! He should be recognized just because he makes the FPS a great place for our children!" - Submitted by Helen Pleau

During remote learning, Ms. Michelle Kinsella, 5th Grade Health Teacher for FPS, invited and encouraged 800 students to send get well notes and cards to our service members who were recovering or receiving services at Walter Reed National Medical Center.

While she isn't sure how many 5th graders participated, Ms. Kinsella was pleasantly surprised when she received the Flag that was flown over the USMC Base at Camp Pendleton in honor of all elementary schools in Framingham for their kindness and support of our service members!

It was something simple, in a wild, difficult time - and the students really came through - enough for our schools to be honored! Thank you so much to those of you who are now in 7th grade for your time, effort, and follow-through to make an impact with a kind gesture!

¡Felicitaciones! to our 42 Dual Language Learners who completed the program. They have received their muy merecidos DL Graduation Cords and Certificates. Felicidades por su compromiso durante todos estos años (K-12). Go out there and make la diferencia.

Submitted by Michaela Fischer

We held another successful interactive true crime museum at FHS for the Detective Fiction and True Crime narratives English elective! Students spent a month researching a crime of their choosing and created a "one pager" filled with facts about the case to distribute at the museum. Students dropped into our museum and got to hear and learn about all sorts of different true crimes. It was a huge success and I am so proud of these students, especially the seniors! They are certified true crime experts. Crimes researched included: the Craigslist Killer, Aaron Hernandez murders, the Girl in the Basement, the BTK Killer, the Blackout Killer, the Hello Kitty murder, Julian Assange, mob boss John Gotti, Marilyn Monroe's mysterious death, and more!

On May 9th, Stapleton hosted Dr. Susan Looney as a guest speaker for our Family Math Night. Caregivers had a chance to hear from Dr. Looney about how to support math at home. Children had the chance to participate in math activities such as an escape room, games, and math inspired art.

ConGRADulations to Danielle Dyen-Shapiro who graduated from Simmons University with her Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis on 5/19/2023!! (Good luck on your BCBA exam!)

All three FPS middle schools received gold medals for their performances at the METG festival! In addition:

Students from Walsh Middle School earned individual awards in Outstanding Achievement in Acting, Outstanding Achievement in Puppetry, and Outstanding Achievement in Scenic Design.

Students from Fuller Middle School earned the following individual awards: All Star Award for Acting, All Star Award for Excellence in Assistant Stage Management, and All Star Award for Excellence in Stage Management.

Students from Cameron Middle School earned individual awards for Excellence in Ensemble Acting, Excellence in Props Management, Excellence in Video Editing and Direction, and Excellence in Acting.

It is an absolute honor to share with you that Framingham High School Visual Art Teacher Mz. Katie Lee Mansfield is a finalist to be the 2024 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year! Mz. Mansfield is an incredible educator and is already the teacher of the year in our hearts.

Mz. Mansfield was also featured on Boston 25 News during teacher appreciation week. Check out the story here: https://www.boston25news.com/news/celebrating-local-teachers-katie-lee-mansfield-visual-arts-teacher-framingham-high-school/abfebd8d-6dfc-4b3b-afd5-f209b499e373/

The students in Room 101 at Brophy learned about the plant parts and what they need to grow!

All Cameron Middle School students had the privilege of seeing Noelle Lambert’s presentation at this month’s Community Meeting. Noelle Lambert was a D1 Lacrosse player who lost her leg above the knee after her freshman year and returned to finish her career. She is a USA Paralympian in Track and Field, holding the US Record in the 100m. She recently appeared on Survivor Castaway and was the first ever above the knee contestant to complete. She talked to our students about perseverance, teamwork, leadership, and overcoming adversity.

Eighth grade students performed the screenplay version of the trial scene in To Kill a Mockingbird in the auditorium for their entire grade. These students created their own costumes, many memorized their lines, and made the trial scene come to life for their classmates. Grade 8 students at Cameron have shown true dedication to the American Justice unit and this was one of the culminating events.

Cameron Drama Company participated in the METG One-Act Play Festival on Saturday, May 6, at Furnace Brook Middle School, in Marshfield. Their production of Dogs R Us, written by an FHS alumni performed for the first time by Cameron Drama Company, was awarded a Gold Medal and 5 All Star Company Awards for Excellence in Ensemble Acting for The Role of the TRAINER

• Layla Arey
• Emily Cunha
• Mackenzie Gagen
• Alyssa Sahely
• Shun Than
• Olivia Yurrita
• Jackson Rothwell

Excellence in Video Editing and Direction

• Berkeley Gentry
• Excellence in Acting
• Izzie Bowers

On May 13th, a group of staff members from Cameron Middle School participated in the New England Center for Children 5K Walk/Run for Autism. Counselor, Margot Flionis, had the best running time from the Cameron group. Congrats to all of you!

"A hawk always finds its way back to its nest," said Mrs. Goldman!

Walsh 7th Graders (former Barbieri students) visited Barbieri School last week to read self-created short stories in Spanish to the 1st and 2nd graders!

Susan Schare was awarded a grant from the Framingham division of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, with the goal of increasing access to arts and craft activities, specifically for children and youth in low income households. One hundred take-and-make activity packets, of seven different activities, were created and distributed to child, youth, and adolescents via the Framingham Library Book Mobile in various Framingham neighborhoods.

Campus Aides

Under the direction of the Principal or their designee, the campus aide provides supervision and direction to students in areas of the school campus and maintains classroom continuity to ensure that students continue to learn in their teacher’s absence in order to promote a safe environment for students and staff during classroom and non-classroom activities and to deliver Framingham Public Schools’ high expectations for achievement, equal access to high levels of instruction, the achievement of academic proficiency for all students, and the closing of the achievement gap among subgroups within the schools.

Compassion is showing concern or empathy for others. This month, 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!

6 Conversation Starters About Compassion

• What is compassion?
  
• How do you show compassion?
• How do you feel when someone shows compassion or empathy towards you? Why?
• How does it make others feel to receive compassion?
  
• Why is showing compassion for others important?
• What does a classroom that shows compassion look like and sound like?

Yoga and Meditation Videos

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.

The City of Framingham invites community members to attend the Progress Flag Raising at the Memorial Building Plaza (150 Concord Street). Mayor Charlie Sisitsky, City Councilors, and other community leaders will be in attendance. The event will feature:

• LGBTQIA+ friendly tables with free give-a-ways
• DJ playing music
• Inspiring speeches
• Framingham Public Library’s Bookmobile
• Take photos with the library’s pride-themed green screen
• Snacks & refreshments

Collaborators include Out Metrowest, Framingham Library, Framingham Public Schools, and Downtown Framingham, Inc (and local businesses)! Don’t miss out on this annual event celebrating unity and pride! For more information, visit FraminghamMa.Gov/Pride.

More information and Pride Month Activities: https://www.smore.com/das7y

Framingham Community Vibes is behind the third annual Juneteenth celebration for the community. President Joseph Biden made Juneteenth the 12th federal holiday in 2021 and it commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans.

Originating in Galveston, Texas, it has been celebrated annually on June 19 in various parts of the United States since 1865. In July 2020, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker signed into law Juneteenth as a Massachusetts holiday.

The event takes place on Saturday, June 17th from 1pm - 6pm at Farm Pond Park (Dudley Road) and will feature food, music, games, a raffle, and face-painting. Bring your own chair/blanket. See the Flyers below and RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/juneteenthfest-2023-tickets-598838230267

Friends, Family and Food trucks event took place on Thursday, May 11th in the parking lot and side field of Brophy. There was a steady stream of Framingham residents from young to old who stopped by for some good food, socializing and a bit of Ultimate Frisbee. A handful of FHS seniors volunteered their time to help out with the event. Guy Tremblay was there with his Kona Shaved Ice Truck and Doug Gordon brought all his food trucks! Doug Gordon's trucks offered hot dogs, veggie burgers, burgers, onion rings, french fries, chicken tenders, fried dough, lemonade, raspberry lime rickey's and ice cream. People left full of good food and happy. Shanton Anderson, director of FYUL, Framingham Youth Ultimate League grades 2-8, brought his equipment and led a group of middle school and high school students in a game of Ultimate Frisbee. Even Dr. Tremblay and school committee member Tiffanie Maskell made appearances to grab some shaved ice. It was a just for fun event and I hope to plan another similar event in the future for our community. - Submitted by Shannon Souaibou

The City of Framingham is launching a WhatsApp Group channel in Portuguese to connect residents and businesses with their government. WhatsApp is an internationally available cross-platform, instant messaging and voice-over IP service owned by Meta. It allows users to send text and voice messages, but it also allows governments or businesses to share images, documents, and other content.

With the City of Framingham WhatsApp Group, residents who speak Portuguese can enjoy a more transparent interaction with the City. The City will be pushing out important news like road closures, water main breaks, city events, trash pickup delays, and more.

Interested residents can join the City of Framingham WhatsApp Group by scanning the QR code or visiting the URL: https://chat.whatsapp.com/GF22w7LwXVB9Yjg5tCK8CI

The Media and Communications Office hopes to increase the frequency of these good news and opportunity compilations. We are improving and refining the submission process over time and always appreciate hearing from staff, parents/guardians, and students with events, accolades, shoutouts, and more.