Thursday, October 22, 2009

October is flying by

October has been a busy month for Lifelong Learning. We are collaborating with the high school on the MCAS Academic Support Program, as well as supporting the activities associated with Panther Pride Night. Panther Pride Night is a wonderful celebration of all that is Franklin High School and it is shared with incoming Grade 9 students and their families.

Solutions has had a busy fall with its traditional before and after programs, a day long program for Yom Kippur, an early release Professional Development Day for faculty and staff and the launching of another session of enrichment classes. Some of the offerings include: Backyard Sports, Goosebumps Reading Club, and Just the Facts ... Learning to Type. Solutions has a number of activities every afternoon and they often draw on the seasons of the year. During October students are making a recycled haunted house, glue ghosts, paper bag pumpkins, creepy crawlies, and more. There is homework club every afternoon. Also, Solutions has an annual overarching theme. This year it's Lifelong Wellness.

The String School and Elementary Band programs are up and running. Monday and Thursday afternoons these students and their teachers and mentors do their best to infuse the Music Rooms at Horace Mann Middle School with music.

Learning is a Lifelong activity!

Monday, October 5, 2009

A Music Filled Week

Lifelong Learning began and ended last week with efforts linked to music. Tuesday evening included the first Faculty Recital. Faculty members participating in the event were: Santiago Diaz, John Dorizzi, Eric French, Chip Halt, Leighanne Jezierski and Kevin Donegan, Luke Krafka, Lori Labedz and Rick Andre, and Rich Labedz. The instrumentation and music performed ranged from Handel's Sonata No. 6 on tuba to En Tierras de Jerez on classical guitar, to a performance of Miami Beach Rumba on flute and steel drums. It was a wonderful evening.

The intent behind the initiation of a faculty recital was twofold. First, Lifelong Learning wanted to showcase the incredible music talents of the Music faculty. Second, this faculty group teaches outside the traditional school day. The recital provided an opportunity for these musicians to be more fully included within the culture of the Franklin Public Schools.

At the other end of the music spectrum Elementary School Band Program, under the direction of Kevin Donegan, began the 2009 - 2020 school year on Thursday. Beginning students and their parents/guardians filled the auditorium at the Horace Mann Middle School. Beginning instruction is offered in Clarinet, Flute, Saxophone, Trombone and Trumpet. The students are instructed in groups of 6 students and will rehearse for the school year. They will have a recital in January and May 2010.

Today, October 5, the String School of Franklin, under the direction of Diane Plouffe and Kathleen Woods, begins another season of beginning string instruction, as well as ensemble-based instruction for advanced string students. In addition to the directors, faculty includes Richard Balest, Luke Krafka and Carla Loukota.

If you want more information on any of these activities, please email us: lifelong@franklin.k12.ma.us.

Friday, September 25, 2009

String School of Franklin

Registration is underway for the String School of Franklin. Registration is open to students in grades 3 to 12. Beginning instruction is available on violin, viola, cello and bass. Beginning instruction takes place in groups of 9 to 10 students, playing the same or similar instruments. As the playing ability of the student advances, she or he may subsequently enroll in the Primo Orchestra and then the Preparatory Orchestra. Advanced middle school and high school students may audition for the Repertory Orchestra.

The String School is directed by Diane Plouffe and Kathleen Woods. For additional information please visit our web site: www.franklin.k12.ma.us

Once on the web page, select Lifelong from the top banner and follow the prompts to the String School. Thank you.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Adult Education - Online Opportunities

The Town of Franklin is home to over 31,000 people and is a young community with a median age of 34.8 years. Of Franklin residents 25 years and older, it is estimated that between the years of 2005 and 2007, 56% held a Bachelor's degree or higher. An additional 10% held an Associate's degree. These data show that between 2005 and 2007, fully 66% of Franklin residents 25 years and older had at least a 2-year college degree.

Bearing this information in mind, Lifelong Learning's Adult Education focus for the 2009 - 2010 academic year is on certificate programs for adults who already have a degree but due to job loss or changes in the work force they need additional education to refocus their current skills or to learn new skills. Lifelong Learning is addressing this need through courses provided by Ed2go and Gatlin Online Education.

Through Ed2go, Lifelong Learning offers computer courses, courses on writing and publishing, test prep, and more. These classes usually run 6 to 8 weeks and have an identified teacher who is available to answer questions throughout the course.

Gatlin Online Education courses are longer than Ed2go courses, and are focused on the attainment of a certificate. Their courses are designed to provide the workforce skills necessary to acquire professional caliber positions for many in-demand occupations. Gatlin offers over 100 certificate programs in Allied Health, Computer-Internet, and Technical and Construction industries.

For additional information on these and other learning opportunities, please contact Joan Borgatti, Coordinator of Adult Education and Community Learning at 508-541-2100x3178, Monday - Thursday, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Faculty Music Recital

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Lifelong Learning's Adult Education and Community Learning team is busy preparing for the Music Faculty Recital that is scheduled for Tuesday, September 29 at 7 PM. This is a new opportunity for our music faculty and is being undertaken at the suggestion of Lori Labedz, private music lesson faculty member. The members of the Music program are trying to forge stronger ties with the greater Franklin community.

Faculty members who are participating include:
  • Chip Halt - Tuba
  • Lori Labedz and Rick - Saxophone and Steel Drums
  • Luke Krafka - Cello
  • Eric French - Blues Guitar
  • Rich Labedz - Clarinet
  • Kevin Donegan and Leighanne Cullen - Trumpet Duet
  • Santiago Diaz - Classical Guitar
  • John Dorizzi - Percussion
These scholar/practitioners are outstanding musicians who teach and furthermore, perform, some at more than 150 performances per year. The recital will be held in the High School Lecture Hall and is open to the public free of charge. We hope to see you there!

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Lifelong Learning is busy preparing for the Music Faculty Recital, which is scheduled for Tuesday, September 29 at 7 PM in the High School Lecture Hall. The faculty participants represent traditional school day instructors, as well as instructors from the Private Music Lesson program, the String School and the Elementary Band. These talented scholar/practitioners are sharing their time and music with members of the greater Franklin community. The public is welcome to attend. There is no admission fee.

Monday, September 21, 2009

September 21, 2009

Lifelong Learning Institute, (LLL) Franklin, MA, is launching is fall semester of courses for learners of all ages.

Dance: Beginning November 2, LLL is pleased to present Steven Adcock, a renowned dancer, coach, and author. He will be teaching the Argentine Tango and the Salsa over the course of eight (8) weeks.

Cooking Fantasy: Chef Rosa Menard is returning for another semester of cooking classes. On Tuesday, October 6, she is offering Cooking Fantasy. The menu includes: Gnocchi a la romana, chicken and proscuitto scallopine in a sauce, and a roasted butternut risotto. Dessert includes a pear and amaretto cookie cobbler with gelato. Delicious!

Inspiration: Tuesday, October 20, Pamela McIntyre is offering, The Divine New You: Astrology as Your Life/Career Coach. In this course McIntyre helps you to see your true self through the language of astrology.

For more information visit our website: franklin.k12.ma.us, once there, select 'Lifelong' from the top banner