DNA - District News & Announcements
June 2022
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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!
Distribution of Material
LGBTQIA+ PRIDE MONTH
Explanation
LGBTQIA is an acronym meaning lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual.
- Queer is an umbrella term for non-straight people;
- Intersex refers to those whose sex is not clearly defined because of genetic, hormonal or biological differences; and
- Asexual describes those who don't experience sexual attraction.
These terms may also include gender-fluid people, or those whose gender identity shifts over time or depending on the situation.
History
In the early hours of June 28, 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York's Greenwich Village, and began hauling customers outside. Tensions quickly escalated as patrons resisted arrest and a growing crowd of bystanders threw bottles and coins at the officers. New York's gay community, fed up after years of harassment by authorities, broke out in neighborhood riots that went on for three days.
The uprising became a catalyst for an emerging gay rights movement as organizations such as the Gay Liberation Front and the Gay Activists Alliance were formed, modeled after the civil rights movement and the women's rights movement. Members held protests, met with political leaders and interrupted public meetings to hold those leaders accountable. A year after the Stonewall riots, the nation's first Gay Pride marches were held.
The Evolution of the Progress Pride Flag
Since its first flight at 1978’s Gay Freedom Day Parade in San Francisco, the rainbow flag has evolved multiple times. It now contains 6 horizontal color stripes, a multi-color chevron, and now a purple circle. See below for the explanation of colors.
- Red in the flag represents life.
- Orange represents healing.
- Yellow represents sunlight.
- Green, seen in nature represents prosperity and growth.
- Blue in the original pride flag was for serenity
- Purple, represents spirit.
- Black and Brown represents people of color.
- Pink, Baby Blue, and White represent Trans people
The intersex community uses the colors of purple and yellow as an intentional counterpoint to blue and pink, which have traditionally been seen as binary, gendered colors.
There’s a deeper meaning behind the circle, too. The symbol of the circle is “about being unbroken, about being whole,” adding that “it symbolizes the right to make our own decisions about our own bodies.”
Source: https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/01/health/pride-month-explainer/index.html
#FPSPrideDay
In honor of National LGBTQIA Pride Month, we invite FPS Community members to help bring our fourth annual #FPSPrideDay to life!
Please join us in creating a visual representation of the supportive community that we have for our LGBTQIA+ colleagues, students, and families. We invite all staff and students to participate by wearing purple or rainbow attire on Wednesday, June 15th. We hope you join us!
Get your gear ready and share your photos with us!
How to show your support:
1. Wear purple or rainbow colors on Wednesday, June 15th
2. Snap a selfie or a group photo
3. Share on social media following the instructions below
BONUS! Be sure to let us know what School you represent!
Find and comment on the 'FPS Pride Day' Facebook Post by Framingham Public Schools on June 15th at 7:00am. Your comment should include a photo of you (and or your colleagues).
Email your selfie(s) or group photo(s) to communications@framingham.k12.ma.us to share from the District's social media channels throughout the day.
Food Services Update
New Online Menu System
We are happy to introduce a new menu system called Nutrislice which allows parents, students and faculty to view menu items, calorie counts, product formulation statements, allergy information and much more.
Access the Web Version: Framingham Public Schools Menus on Nutrislice.
Download The App: The app is called Nutrislice and can be downloaded for free! Simply visit the appropriate app store link: iOS App Store or the Google Play Store.
Brazilian Chicken Stroganoff Day - June 1st
Framingham High School students were given an opportunity to request a new lunch menu item. That request came to fruition on June 1st. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive (and the line was out the door)!
Student Quotes
- “... This is sooooo good!”
- “I can’t believe I’m having chicken stroganoff at school!”
- “What a historical day for us!”
- “They even got the potato sticks!”
- “Can you split yours with me? I want more!”
- “I could eat this every day!”
- “I need to show my mom (taking a picture with the phone)”
Last Day of School Reminder!
The last day for PEL Preschool Programs at the Metrowest YMCA and Framingham State University Centers for Early Childhood Education students is Friday, June 17th.
The last day for BLOCKS Preschool students is Wednesday, June 22nd.
The last day of school for FPS Students in Kindergarten through Grade 11 is Thursday, June 23rd. This is a half-day and lunch is not served.
Character Trait of the Month: Pride
We've defined Pride as 'feeling good about yourself'. 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!
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.
Meditation for Pride - Spanish
Meditation for Pride - Portuguese
Conversation Starters About Pride:
- Looking back over the year, what is something you are proud of in school and out of school?
- What is something your class has accomplished this year that you are proud of?
- Why is it important to celebrate your efforts and accomplishments?
- When you feel proud of yourself, who do you or who could you share that with?
- Why is being proud of who you are as a unique individual important?
- How does it make others to feel proud of their accomplishments?
- What does a classroom of people who are proud of who they are feel like?
- How does having pride in your school and class make a difference?
Pride Themed Books
- Red by Michael Hall: This book is the story of a mislabeled crayon, a little guy whose waxy blue self is covered in a red paper wrapper and no one: not his well-meaning parents, his diligent teachers, his generous grandparents, nor his baffled peers can see past his label. He works to find the courage to be true to himself and be proud of who he is.
- Stand Tall Mary Lou Melon by Patty Lovell: Molly Lou Melon is short and clumsy, has buck teeth, and has a voice that sounds like a bullfrog being squeezed by a boa constrictor. She doesn't mind. Her grandmother has always told her to walk proud, smile big, and sing loud, and she takes that advice to heart. But when Molly Lou has to start in a new school, she has to work to use her grandmother's advice to help her to continue to feel proud of her uniqueness.
- I Like Me by Nancy Carlson (Spanish) (Portuguese): In this story a cheerful pig is full of good feeling about herself. She knows how to take care of herself and how to have fun – even when there’s no one else around. And when she makes mistakes, she has the confidence to try again. This book introduces a character who will help the reader feel good about themselves too.
- Ish by Peter Reynolds (Spanish) (Portuguese): In this story a boy called Ramon loves to draw, until one day his older brother mocks one of his pictures and destroys both his confidence and the joy he finds in his art. Every picture he draws afterwards ends up crumpled up on the floor or in the bin. It seems like he may give up art forever, but then he works to find pride in his work.
Community Corner
iNight Event
On Thursday, June 9th, the Framingham Sage Department presents iNight 2022 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at Cameron Middle School. Come join in our celebration of grade 4-8 Sage students' independent investigation projects. Students selected a topic of interest then worked to solve a problem, produce something creative, or facilitate self growth. iNight is the showcase of these incredible products and solutions!
Juneteenth Fest 2022
Saturday, June 18th from 2pm - 7pm
Farm Pond Park
Dudley Rd, Framingham
RSVP by June 13th!
There will be food, music, raffle and face painting! Make sure to bring your own chair/blanket.
This event offers education, enrichment, and empowerment as we commemorate a prominent moment In American history!
Flag Day Parade and Ceremony
On Sunday, June 12, One Framingham, in conjunction with the City of Framingham, is hosting a parade and ceremony in honor of Flag Day. The parade, which will kick off at 10:00am, will begin at the Cushing Memorial Chapel (60 Dudley Road) and proceed counter-clockwise around the entirety of the park. Following the parade, there will be a brief ceremony at the flag pole near the Cushing Memorial Chapel at 11:00am.
All members of the public are welcome to attend. Those who wish to attend are asked to park in the large lots on the corner of Dr. Harvey L. Cushing Way and Dudley Road.
PSA from the FHS Environmental Awareness Club
PSA Video Created by: Teodora Dedic
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!
Happy 20th Anniversary to the Framingham High School Drama Company!
That's 20 years of laughter, tears, friendships, rehearsals, performances, competitions, and so much more. If this doesn't inspire our future cast and crew of the FHSDC, we're not sure what will?!
Walsh 8th Graders Present: Holocaust Memorial Museum Projects
GRADE 8 WALSH MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS present HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM PROJECTS at the
FRAMINGHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY
Main Branch
49 Lexington St, Framingham, MA 01702
Saturday, June 11, 2022 from 9-5
Sunday, June 12, 2022 from 1-5
The purpose of the museum is to educate the public about historical events in a way that pays tribute to the victims of past injustice and that also encourages reflection on the lessons of history.
BLOCKS Olympics
The preschool Olympians were ready at BLOCKS Preschool! Despite the forecasted rain (pony rides and petting farm animals were rescheduled for later date), BLOCKS staff and leadership adapted everything mostly indoors and connected all activities to their curriculum and developmental areas (including the tumble bus with motor activities). They also chose Olympians that represent BLOCKS students' backgrounds that have competed as Olympians (with and without disabilities).
Olympic ceremonies began with their Music teacher leading the Olympic Opening Ceremonies (parade) playing the Opening Song and students carrying flags with the colors that represent their countries. The whole event was so cute!
Fine Art Fun at Potter Road
Potter Road celebrated the arts with a Fine Arts Night on May 17th. Students had their paintings, drawings, and sculptures displayed in our "art gallery" (the gymnasium) Potter's fifth grade band played a concert. Also, in that same week, we celebrated the Boston Celtics with a Celtics Pride Day!
Secondary Spanish Two-Way (TW) Program Celebrations
The Secondary Spanish Two-Way (TW) Program celebrated Senior achievements getting their Seal of Biliteracy. Also, the Two-Way Cords and Certificates of Completion as they exit the program. To close “con broche de oro” the Seniors went to Walsh Middle School to spend their Service Day with their 6th grade peers. They all had tons of field day fun, activities, good laughs, medals to winners, and ice cream of course. In addition, they could visit their awesome TW teachers from the middle school. Thank you very much to Señora Espinoza and all her amazing team who helped to organized and made this day a wonderful day. Chicos la Maestra Carroll los va extrañar un montón. Sigan cosechando éxitos.
Shoutout to the Cameron Band and Ms. Christine Dupuis
Shoutout to the Cameron band and Christine Dupuis for inviting and performing for Stapleton 3-5th graders on June 2nd. It was our first field trip in 3 years and the students loved it! We were all so impressed by the students in the band, as well as Ms. Dupuis enthusiasm and energy. Thank you for hosting us Cameron!
Congratulations to our FHS Track Stars!
Sophomore Abby Desmarais won the All-State 400-meter Hurdles Title breaking her own school record in 62.99 seconds! Also Junior, Sam Burgess finished 2nd at All-States in the 2 Mile recording a time of 9:12. Both were the Massachusetts D1 Champions last weekend! The Girls 4x100 enters this Saturday as the #2 seed (Abby, Priscilla Mota - 12th, Maya Bishop - 11th, Joanna Ball - 11th, Madelyn Jones - 11th -- Alternate, Ella Terranova - 10th -- Alternate)
Gratitude and Congrats to a Student Teacher at Fuller!
Kudos to Lori Flaherty for sharing her good news! Not only did Ms. Flaherty recently complete her "wonderful student teaching experience" at Fuller, but she received a 4.0 GPA for the semester! Ms. Flaherty is a long-term sub at Fuller and has shared that she looks forward to continuing her time at Fuller next year. Ms. Flaherty's enthusiasm, experience, and relationship with our students deserves this great recognition. Congratulations, Ms. Flaherty!
Brophy Math Program - Acknowledgment and Celebration!
We want to acknowledge and celebrate the 20 students who participated in the after school Brophy Math Program for 13 weeks! The program was provided in both of the languages of instruction at the school, English and Spanish, and the last day was May 31st. We celebrated the last day working as teams to 'escape rooms' that involved the use of many math and problem solving skills. These students had fun during these 13 weeks while reinforcing their math skills working on small groups with Ms. Gardner, Ms. D, and Mrs. Lillian. The students' flexibility and willing to continue growing was remarkable. We're looking forward to continue supporting our mathematicians!
AP Capstone Field Trip
Students in the AP Seminar and AP Research classes recently visited MEMA (Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency) in their underground bunker headquarters on Route 9. We learned about the history of the MEMA bunker and about MEMA's current role in facilitating inter-agency communication in emergency situations. FHS Class of 2022 student Madisyn Bradeen-Curet demonstrates the original anti-radiation blast door from this Cold War era facility.
Josh G. Wins Draw the Author Contest!
Jarrett Lerner (the “Author”) held a Draw the Author contest for his upcoming Geeger the Robot books (published by Simon & Schuster/Aladdin). Rather than create the portraits himself, Jarrett gave young artists the opportunity to have their artwork (and name) published in the books. Josh, a Brophy 4th grader, won Jarrett Lerner's 2022 Draw the Author Contest and his illustration will be published internationally in one of Jarrett Lerner's Geeger the Robot books! Congratulations Josh!
Stomp Out Bullying at Barbieri
When a 4th grader at Barbieri Elementary School was having in-school challenges with bullying, he came up with an idea to try make a difference - something that would be helpful to him and also to his schoolmates who might also be having similar experiences. With encouragement from his Mom and support from school staff, he pursued "Stomp Out Bullying", an anti-bullying campaign. The goal of the campaign and associated activities were to help kids recognize bullying, stand-up to bullying, and to help students become upstanders if they see bullying. Kudos to the student who was able to take a personal challenge and turn it into something to help his classmates!
All students have a right to safe and healthy school environment. Bullying of any type is a major distraction from learning and has no place in a school setting. If you or your child have any concerns about bullying, please discuss them with your classroom teacher and school leaders.
Walsh Students Host Fundraiser for Ukrainian Refugees
On May 31st, a trio of Walsh Middle School eighth grade students held a fundraiser for Ukraine refugee relief as part of a civic action project with the help of their Civics teacher Jose Calixto and also Heather Rowlings. The fundraiser was held at La Cantina.
Good News from Fuller Middle School!
Fuller ESL/Bilingual Families Open House
The ESL/Bilingual Department at Fuller hosted a successful parent/guardian event at Fuller on May 18th, led by Mark Spillane (ESL/Bilingual Department Chair) and Megan Quinlan (ELD Coach). During this evening, parents learned about the different multilingual programs offered at Fuller and the choices that they have within these programs, followed by a tour of the new Fuller. There were forty families in attendance and the following Fuller teachers/FPS leaders were a part of the evening: Kerry Wood (Principal) Dr. Aradhana Mudambi (OME Director) Becky Lawrence, Jose Martinez, Marcia Passos, Vanda Figueiredo, Tony Marin, and Maria Elena Mendez.
Fuller Students Prepare for Upcoming iNight
Diego Rocha, Fuller SAGE Teacher, was asked about the upcoming SAGE iNight on Thursday, June 9 at Cameron Middle School and he reported that his students have been working hard and putting in much effort as they prepare their independent projects for the showcase. He also mentioned that his students have been having a tremendous amount of fun together as they’ve brainstormed and shared their ideas and engaged in the research about their topics. He said, “they’re a nice group of kids and they collaborate very well.” Additionally Mr. Rocha mentioned, “My students are finalizing their posters and are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to show off their creativity. I’m very proud of all of them and am looking forward to an exciting night.”
All of us at Fuller wish Mr. Rocha and his students a successful evening!
Decorating with Math, aka Tessellations!
Joanne Summers, 6th grade math teacher at Fuller, challenged her students with the question, “How can we use math to add color to our new school?” Now, many would think her 6th graders would give up easily, but not this bright bunch of scholars! Through research and practicing their academic discourse skills, they students settled on tessellations, a special type of tiling (a pattern of geometric shapes that fill a two-dimensional space with no gaps and no overlaps) that repeats forever in all directions. Once decided, the students worked diligently to create their masterpieces that now hang throughout the school. Success - Fuller has been colorfully decorated by math!
Eighth Grade Leaders at Fuller Creating Legacy Projects
Under the supervision of 8th grade social studies teacher, Carol Armstrong, three 8th grade student leader teams have been developing and designing three legacy projects for our new Fuller school building.
The first is a Kindness Rock Garden/Path that will continue to grow each year. The team, made up of 5 students, has been designing the shape and location of the garden/path and will work with Ms. Wood and the building architect for final approval. The decorated rocks started as an end-of-year activity with the old Fuller’s final 8th grade class and will continue as a tradition for each outgoing new Fuller 8th grade class. The garden/path will spread kindness messages and memories of students who walked the halls of Fuller.
The second is a team of 5 students that have volunteered their creative ideas to design decorative screens to cover the ten large wall panels in the new Library/Media space. The vision for this project is to tie this space to the diverse school community. This team of students are also working with Ms. Wood, the building architect, and a graphic designer. We’re very excited to see the finished product.
The last project is completion of the building Time Capsule. Three student leaders have been empowered to make decisions about the artifacts that will be sealed in the official time capsule. It’s exciting for them to know that when the time capsule is opened, they will have been part of the memories that were saved inside.
Fuller Teachers Present at the MATSOL Conference
Megan Quinlan (ELD Coach at Fuller) and Becky Lawrence (ESL Teacher at Fuller) presented at the MATSOL Conference (Massachusetts Association of Teachers of Speakers of Other Languages) on May 27th, and the topic of their presentation was Less Stressful Language Objectives. Their presentation shared the collaborative practice that has been happening with SEI and ESL teachers at Fuller around writing language objectives, and it was very well received by the audience.
Congratulations to all FPS Retirees!
FPS is proud to share that there will be a Recognition Awards Celebration on Tuesday, June 14th at 5:00pm. This special event honors our retirees and recognizes them for their years of public service and dedication to our students and our community.
Please tune-in to the FPS Facebook Page to watch the live broadcast.
Congratulations to FHS - Thayer Campus Seniors!
Thayer Campus celebrated their graduating seniors on May 19, 2022 at Nevins Hall. Students, families, city members, school staff, and district staff were in attendance to support our seniors in this milestone and wish them well on the next part of their journey!
Great Job Harmony Grove Third Graders!
Third grade students continuously meet state standards with enthusiasm and creativity! Our mathematicians created artwork using fraction strips to the nearest 1/2 inch in the style of Russian painter, sculptor, and stage designer, Kazimir Malevich. They then answered questions and created line plots/bar graphs reflecting the sizes of the fraction strips they used in their art. Great job, third graders!
Transdisciplinary Instruction at Harmony Grove
Kindergarten used the 2D shapes they have mastered to compose a shape collage; a great example of transdisciplinary instruction!
Bernardo Llorente to Present at the Orange County Department of Education 2022 Conference
Bernardo Llorente has been invited to present at the 6th Annual Interpreters and Translators Hybrid Conference. Interpreters and translators working in the K-12 system are more visible than ever becoming a substantial part of every educational encounter. Ensuring language access in our community is our priority. The conference will be held in September 2022. Congratulations Bernardo!
Congratulations to the FHS Class of 2022!
The Class of 2022 graduated on Friday, June 3rd under the lights at Bowditch Field. Thank you to all of the students, families, city members, school staff, and district staff that came to celebrate with our seniors!
Title IX Celebration Event Recap
The FHS Athletics Department hosted a special event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Title IX. Watch current and former members of FHS Athletic Teams share what Title IX means to them.
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/kxare
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.
Summer vacation is just around the corner and we're all excited to relax and enjoy the heat! Children will be away from school for more than 2 months! So they don't forget what they've learned this year and continue to exercise their minds, FPS has a summer reading program. This program works like this:
We are sending a list of book suggestions for each grade (see links below)
Go to the city library, choose the books you want and keep them for up to 3 weeks for free. You can also download books by following the instructions in each reading list. (Please note: incoming Kindergarteners will not have FPS email addresses until closer to the start of school. This may limit access to some of the online books through 'Sora'.)
Encourage children to read silently for 20 minutes every day.
If your kids like any other book that isn't on the list, they can read it too, of course!
Reading stimulates imagination and knowledge! When the kids go back to school, they're sure to have lots of stories to tell!
- Elementary Summer Reading and Learning
- Middle School Summer Reading and Learning
- High School Summer Assignments
Here are the addresses for the Framingham Public Library:
Main Branch: 49 Lexington Street - Framingham, MA 01702 Phone: 508-532-5570
McAuliffe Branch: 746 Water Street - Framingham, MA 01701 Phone: 508-532-5636
Community Corner
Framingham's Food Providers Distribution Schedule: June 6th - June 18th
Framingham Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation: Programming + Employment Opportunities
What are you doing to get outside and keep busy this Summer? Have you checked out the opportunities at the City of Framingham Parks & Recreation Department?
No?!? What are you waiting for?
Check out all of their programs at www.FraminghamRec.com
Programs are available on a first-come-first-serve basis and fill quickly! Don't Delay! Register Today!
Framingham Summer Concert Series
Framingham Parks & Recreation presents the 2022 Friday Night Summer Concert Series. The concert series will be held every Friday evening, weather permitting, from June 24 - August 19, 2022 (rain date August 26) on the Framingham Centre Common located at Edgell Road and Oak Street, Framingham. Check the concert line-up for start times: https://www.framinghamma.gov/2791/Summer-Concerts
Submit Your Good News!
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.
Submit your good news to communications@framingham.k12.ma.us for a special shoutout in 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, Twitter, and (@framinghamschools) on Instagram. You can also join the conversation using #FraminghamSchools.