DNA - District News & Announcements
September 2022
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!
Framingham Public Schools is proud to share that Rosario ‘Rosie’ Alvarez, Director of Early Childhood Education at BLOCKS Preschool, has received a Latino Excellence Award. Nominated by Senate President, Karen Spilka, Rosie received this award and recognition from the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus for her leadership and impact on the Framingham community. Please read the Press Release for the details on Rosie's nomination and her dedication to Framingham's youngest learners!
Hosted by the Framingham Special Education Parent Advisory Council, this workshop aims to help parents and caregivers of all students in:
Social and emotional support for your child
Getting your child support needed in school
Navigating health insurance - private and MassHealth
Helping your child access resources in the community
Dashing to help the community: DoorDash drives food to those in need
The District is so grateful for community partnerships and out-of-the-box thinking that helps to get families what they need! In this Metrowest Daily News (tag them) article reporter Lillian Eden explains how Project DASH began and who helps keep it going.
Project DASH, which stands for "DoorDash Acts for Sustainability and Hunger," has delivered an estimated 35 million meals since 2018. The program can step in to fill many needs, connecting food banks, pantries and hunger relief organizations and initiatives with people experiencing food insecurity, according to Tina Kennedy, the food-delivery company's government relations manager for New England.
Since the Project DASH program launched in Framingham earlier this year, Dashers have completed about 1,000 deliveries — totaling 17,000 or so meals to families in need.
Officer Read Aloud in its 4th year at McCarthy!
McCarthy School was pleased to welcome six Framingham Police officers for the first Officer Read Aloud program of this school year! Now in its fourth year, the program is a wonderful opportunity for second graders to get to know many different officers from the Framingham Police Department and to build positive relationships with them. With the help of the 2nd grade teachers, the officers select a book to read, read the book to the students, and then provide the students the opportunity to ask questions of the officers. It is a fun and exciting learning opportunity for both the students and the officers! The program, which started at McCarthy, has expanded to other elementary schools in the District and will continue monthly at McCarthy throughout the school year.
ECAF Win: A Family-Submitted Success Story
We recently heard from a family who was engaged in the 'Play, Learn, and Grow Together' group offered by the Early Childhood Alliance of Framingham (ECAF). The parents sought support beginning when their daughter was 1yo to ensure their child's healthy growth and development and they continued participating in the group until she was ready for Kindergarten.
This family found resources and support with the ECAF. After a few years of consistent participation on ECAF activities, the mother and father joined the ECAF Leadership Council. They expressed gratitude for the program which helped them, but also committed to supporting the program so others would have an opportunity like this prior to enter a formal educational program.
"Regina, now a Kindergartener, has begun school as an "accelerated reader". Her first book was "Grizzwold". Regina loves books and reads very well, she also likes to answer quizzes! Thank you for being part of this Regina's little step." - Regina's Parents
Cool Things at Cameron!
Cameron is thrilled to share several exciting events taking place this month!
- On October 12 Victoria Jamieson, author of summer reading book When Stars are Scattered spoke to our sixth and seventh grade students. They were able to sketch with her during the presentation.
- On October 18th we're hosting our Cameron Masked Singer competition during our grade level community meetings. Teachers will dance, sing, and play instruments while wearing masks, to share the message that we can't tell anything about a person by looking on the outside. We need to embrace one another for who we are on the inside.
- On October 19th author Jenn De Leon will be at Cameron to speak to our students. They are currently reading her breakout novel Don't Ask Me Where I'm From. We'll have a panel of students on stage to ask her questions after her presentation.
Congrats to the FHS Marching Band!
The FHS Marching Band took another 1st place Saturday in Dartmouth with a score of 86.1 (gold medal)! They also swept the division's caption awards with “best music,” “best colorguard,” and “best percussion!” The successes of the high school programs are a sign of the fabulous work taking place in our elementary and middle schools! Congratulations to our students and also Andy Jasinski, Diane Jasinski, Erin Morrill, Nancy Killoran, David Penn, and Leigh Schoepflin!
Shout-out to Brazilian Family Bakery (BFB) for supporting Fuller Middle School!
The Brazilian Family Bakery (BFB) in Framingham donated Fuller Falcon tickets prizes. The prizes consist of Cheese Breads, Ham and Cheese sandwiches and Sonho (Brazilian Pastry). This is so exciting news and very motivating to our student community!
Barbieri's 1st In-Person Community Meeting (since 2020)!
Barbieri held their first Community Meetings of the year at the end of September! This coincided with the day they celebrated their Hispanic Heritage. Students enjoyed the first in-person Community Meeting since 2020. They talked about the character trait of the month (Responsibility), played a game of “Ms. Rubin says”, shared what they are doing in their classrooms and had a moment for many to share their Hispanic Heritage.
District Equity, Diversity, and Community Engagement Committee Update
The Framingham Public Schools Office of Equity, Diversity, and Community Engagement (OEDCE) has two incredible opportunities for community participation around Diversity and Equity Initiatives. Please see below for more information and complete the form that interests you!
District Equity, Diversity, and Community Engagement (OEDCE) Committee
Seeking FPS team members, students, parents/caregivers, and community partners
Collaborates with the OEDCE on ways to progress the work of equity and celebrate diversity in the community.
If interested, please complete the District Equity, Diversity, and Community Engagement Application Form.
Student Coalition for Equity
Seeking dynamic FPS students (variety of grades / ages) who are interested in advancing the work of equity and diversity within the Framingham Public Schools.
The coalition will advise, plan, organize, and support initiatives that promote equity and diversity.
Empowers students and encourages the development of their leadership, collaboration, and communication skills.
Please nominate a student by completing the FPS Student Coalition for Equity- Nomination Form. (you will need their FPS provided email address)
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.
Pumpkins in the Park - October 29 from 1pm - 3pm
Pre-registration is required for this beloved fall event organized by Framingham Parks and Recreation. Registration begins October 3 and will remain open through October 21st (or until full). Costumes are encouraged! Join community members for pumpkin painting, arts & crafts, and a hayride through Cushing Memorial Park! This is a rain, sleet, snow, or shine event!
10/29/2022
01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Cushing Memorial Park - Cushing Maintenance Building
Tonight - Spooktacular Event - October 18th
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Tuesday, October 18th from 4pm - 6:30pm
Children and their families are invited to participate in a variety of activities, arts & crafts, and to collect candy from City Departments! The event takes place at the Memorial Building.
Learn more about the event on the City of Framingham's Website!
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The Media and Communications Office is continuing to update websites across the District! We are working with school webmasters to update site information first and foremost - so even if a school site is not in the new template, the information will be accurate.
If you want to see what a new school site looks like, please take a look at Stapleton, Hemenway, Harmony Grove, McCarthy, or Dunning! Following Dr. Tremblay's residency schedule - we are able to capture photos and videos from each school to give them unique highlight reels. The going rate has been one new website each week.
We appreciate your patience as we work collaboratively to update site content, including staff directories with photos!
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.