District News & Announcements
January | February 2022
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Need translation? On a computer/laptop, click "Translate" in the black box. On a mobile phone/tablet click the Accessibility Icon at the bottom of your phone screen and then click 'translate'.
OVERVIEW
In addition to the regular communication you may receive from teachers, school leaders, and Dr. Tremblay regarding academics, COVID-19, and operational updates, the District also wants to share news, announcements, and opportunities that impact the broader community. Please see below for several timely messages from various community partners and District leaders.
Important Dates
February 1st: Lunar New Year
February 10th: Family, Friends, and Neighbor Day (No Homework)
February 21st: Presidents' Day
February 22nd - 25th: February Break
Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year is a holiday rich in history, tradition, and food. Learn a little about this holiday and Happy New Year to those observing!
Looking to learn a bit about this important celebration? Read this article (Lunar New Year 2022: Welcoming the Year of the Tiger) and/or watch the quick video below.
A Look Ahead: Black History Month
We will be sharing content on social media throughout the month of February that highlights people, accomplishments, or facts associated with Black History Month. Here are a few links, prompts, and videos if you wish to explore some content at home.
True Stories about Koko Taylor
Activity: Make a "tall tale" about somebody that you admire (can be done as writing, drawing, out of legos, with board game pieces, as a skit, etc.)
what I mean when I say I'm sharpening my oyster knife
Activity: Write a battle rap about somebody you know from history - how do they use art, literature, etc. to "take down their enemies"?
Activity: Write your own affirmation and share them. What are the magic words you need to hear when you're really going through something?
Additional YouTube Videos
Code of Character, Conduct, and Support
We are excited to update you on implementation progress of our new Code of Character, Conduct, and Support. In January, through school based community meetings we started the first of three sessions that will teach students about our new Code. Below are the slides we used for students that have been narrated for families.
This information is targeted for Elementary Families and there will be efforts to publicize the Code to all families on a recurring basis. For more information on the Code, view the Code of Character, Conduct, and Support FPS website.
Here are links to past Smores that introducing our Code:
#1 The Code of Character, Conduct, and Support...it's on its way!
#2 The Code of Character, Conduct, and Support...an inclusive process!
#3 The Code of Character, Conduct, and Support...essential qualities of the Code!
Additionally, referenced in the slides is our social emotional learning curriculum. Elementary students are currently learning about the Zones of Regulation. Here is more information: Zones of Regulation - Curriculum Information for Families of Elementary Students
Lastly, In case you missed any, here is information our Character Education Theme of the Month:
- October, 2021 - Respect
- November, 2021 - Gratitude
- December, 2021 - Cooperation
- January, 2022 - Kindness
Watch the presentation videos below to see the narrated slideshow.
Family Engagement Workshop Series
In partnership Learning Alliances, Framingham Public Schools has launched a Family Engagement Workshop series. Each workshop was specifically requested by certain schools, but are open to all FPS families. The workshop sessions are designed to provide parents practical skills for supporting their students in our community.
Workshops will be virtual and held via Zoom in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. The Zoom links can be found on the District Events Calendar AND on the website within the schedule of events. There are three events taking place on Wednesday, February 2nd at 7pm!
Every Family is Unique
Our global community is extremely diverse and every family is special and different. This workshop will give parents the support and communication tools to help their child understand that every family has a special story that makes them unique. Participants will discuss ways to celebrate differences and identify commonalities that bring us together.
Passcode: LAFAMILY
Cada familia es única
Nuestra comunidad global es extremadamente diversa, y cada familia es especial y diferente. Este taller les dará a los padres las herramientas de apoyo y comunicación para ayudar a sus hijos a comprender que cada familia tiene una historia especial que los hace únicos. Los participantes discutirán formas de celebrar las diferencias e identificar los puntos en común que nos unen.
Código de Acceso: LAFAMILIA
Cada família é única
Nossa comunidade global é extremamente diversificada, e cada família é especial e diferente. Esta reunião dará aos pais o apoio e ferramentas de comunicação para ajudar seus filhos a entender que cada família tem uma história especial que os torna únicos. Os participantes discutirão formas de celebrar as diferenças e identificar as semelhanças que nos unem.
Senha: LAFAMILIA
Previous Character Trait of the Month: Kindness
Who put the 'I' in KIND?
Barbieri students!
We've defined Kindness as 'being nice and considerate towards others'. 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!
Feel free to explore the Kindness Smore which was utilized for the month of January which contains activities, read alouds, and other ideas about how to share kindness. 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.
Kindness Warriors - Portuguese
Meditation to Spread Kindness - Portuguese
Meditation to Spread Kindness - Spanish
Here are some conversation starters on Kindness:
- Discuss a time someone did something kind for you.
- What does kindness look and sound like in your home? In your community?
- How can being kind to others make yourself feel better?
- What kind choices can adults make?
- What kind choices can kids make?
- What ways can we improve our kindness to each other at home? In the classroom? In your community?
Stay tuned for the Character Trait of the Month for February!
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!
Submit your good news to communications@framingham.k12.ma.us for a special shoutout in future newsletters and social media posts!
FHS Earns AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award
The College Board AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award recognizes schools that are closing the gender gap and expanding young women's access to computer science coursework in AP Computer Science. Framingham High School is one of about 200 schools nationwide to earn the AP Computer Science A (AP CSA) recognition.
Learn more here: AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award
Congrats to Student Author, Sicilia!
Sicilia published her first book while in Walsh Middle School. She is now a freshman in FHS. During the COVID quarantine in the 6th-7th grade, Sicilia adopted guinea pigs and did extensive research to understand the responsibility of caring for them. She wrote a book to help other kids with guinea pig care. The book is titled "Guinea Pigs - The Complete Guide: Advice from a Kid." The book is fully illustrated, fun to read and informative. Sicilia loves animals - she volunteers at an animal sanctuary and hopes to be a veterinarian when she is older.
View the book on Amazon! She plans to donate a portion of the proceeds to animal shelters.
McCarthy Clothing Donations Save The Day!
McCarthy school is collecting and distributing winter outdoor wear to students this month. They've had an outpouring of donations from teachers, neighbors, friends, and families from Framingham and surrounding towns. The response has been really, really inspiring!
Story Time from McCarthy ESL Teacher, Christie White:
I received a new student a couple of weeks ago. On the Friday after he arrived, we were looking out the window which overlooks the playground where another grade level was having recess. There were a bunch of students rolling down a snow hill. And he said, "I wish I could do that. But I can't because I don't have snow pants or boots."
Because of the donations McCarthy school has received over the last 6 weeks, this boy had snow pants by the end of the day. It felt so good to be able to say to him, "Oh, that's something we take care of," and know I had something I could put in his hands to take home that afternoon. He needed boots too. I didn't have anything in his size, and to tell you the truth I can count the snow boots we currently have on one hand. But I said, "I'll keep an eye out for your boots."
This afternoon while triaging donations, I opened the last bag that came in this week and - cue the Hallelujah Chorus - there was a perfect pair of almost-new boots in my student's size. I'm looking forward to watching this kid roll down the snow hill tomorrow!
Pennies for Pages
First, kudos go to Caroline Lovett and Kay Kamiyama who recently spearheaded an awesome new reading program at Fuller Middle School!
Second, additional kudos go to Principal Wood, the Fuller PTO, ELA Chair and teachers, and all other staff members who collaborated on a new approach to both encourage reading and to raise money for families in their school community.
Third, super kudos go to Fuller students who read their way through a 4-week readathon and raised money for their fellow students and families. Please read the article to see the stats and details on Pennies for Pages!
Stapleton Spotlight
Students in Room 310 at Stapleton recently used their knowledge of equivalent fractions to make playdough. Later, students used this dough in science as part of their energy unit. Students explored the salt dough as a conductor of electricity and sugar dough as an insulator.
Fuller and FHS: In the News
Recently a couple of our amazing Library Media Specialists were featured in the Metrowest Daily News for their efforts to help students find books that matter to them. It is also wonderful to see librarians and school libraries highlighted for the crucial role they play for our students and schools.
Students in Framingham are checking out more books from the school library. Here's why.
Framingham Drama Company Prepares for In The Heights!
Join us for a tour of the set of IN THE HEIGHTS narrated by our very own Usnavi and featuring Graffiti Pete. Thanks to Tyler Garofalo for creating this promo video. Get your tickets now to IN THE HEIGHTS at www.showtix4u.com.
NHS Strikes Again - 2021 Holiday Drive
Kudos and thanks to the staff, students, and community partners behind the beloved, annual "National Honor Society Holiday Drive"! It was amazing for this dedicated group to be able to bring back this school-wide service project after being remote last year.
The Holiday Drive helped 54 families (131 kids) in Framingham have a brighter holiday after what has been a very tough couple of years. In addition to toys, books, and clothes they were able to provide each family with a box of food and a frozen turkey.
There were many hurdles to accomplishing this level of service. Highlighting one piece of the puzzle, the usual supplier for turkeys was not taking any orders due to supply chain issues, but FPS Food Service stepped right up and secured and paid for 54 TURKEYS! This was such a relief and a huge boost to the toy budget. Organizers could then focus their budget on buying the holiday fun stuff- legos, dolls, and art kits.
Getting the turkeys was not an easy task and the National Honor Society and Advisors would like to share their gratitude to the FPS Food Services team for their effort and generous donation to make this possible.
Susan Corcoran and Shane Galvin
NHS Advisors
FHS
The Hap - 3rd and 4th Editions
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!
December 23rd Edition (#3): https://www.smore.com/3jum9
January 31st Edition (#4): https://www.smore.com/rfak3
FHS Clothing Drive
FHS is current collecting donations to fill a closet with clothing available for students. They are looking for the following new and lightly used warm clothing:
- Hoodies
- Sweaters
- Sweat Pants (all sizes,)
- Winter Boots
- Hats
- Gloves
- Warm Winter Coats (particularly men's large and above)
- Extra hangers
Donations can be provided at the high school, specifically to Blue House in D109. With the freezing temps we would appreciate any donations as soon as possible. Furthermore, they are always happy to take donations as the seasons change.
If you have any questions please feel free to email Carmela or Susie.
Academic Highlights from Fuller Middle School
6th Grade Social Studies
Crimson Team Science
The young scientists in Trish Martino’s class have “traveled” to the Amazon Rainforest to learn about the complex and sophisticated ecosystem by playing a Survivor game. Students are getting hands-on experiences by building shelters and testing water samples. In addition, these science explorers are learning about both safe and dangerous plants and animals as they broaden their knowledge about one of the most important and exciting land areas in the world.
8th Grade ESL Social Studies Civics Project
Strengthening Families Newsletter
For updates from the Early Childhood Alliance of Framingham, including some incredible resources for our youngest learners, please take a look at this month's Strengthening Families Newsletter: https://www.smore.com/x6jvq
The Early Childhood Alliance of Framingham (ECAF) is dedicated to promoting and supporting the healthy growth and development of young children prenatal through age 8 by strengthening families and advocating for high quality learning experiences.
Community Corner
Framingham's Food Providers Distribution Schedule
Kindergarten Registration Reminder
If you have or know a child that will be five years old by August 31, 2022, online pre-registration for incoming Kindergarteners for the 2022-2023 school year is now open at https://www.framingham.k12.ma.us/kindergarten.
All new incoming Kindergarteners must be registered - even if you already have children in Framingham Public Schools.
New Faces and/or New Places
Welcome to Mariah Linnett, the District's first Creative Communications Designer. Mariah has been here less than a month and has already jumped into social media graphics, business card designs for staff, editing video presentations for the incoming Kindergarten families, internal organizational charts for a couple departments, and promotional material for the District's Family Engagement Workshop Series.
Are you new or in a new role? We'd love to introduce you to the community! Email communications@framingham.k12.ma.us so we can include you in the next newsletter!
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, Twitter, and (@framinghamschools) on Instagram. You can also join the conversation using #FraminghamSchools.