Summer ... Around the Corner

This weekend we will be observing Memorial Day, which traditionally signals the beginning of all things summer. When thinking of summer, we also think of enriching and engaging activities for our students.

The Lifelong Learning Institute is offering over 100 enriching and creative classes this summer for students entering kindergarten through grade 12.

The Summer Art Institute - the week of June 23
Classes for students in grades 6 through 12: Green Architecture Design, Mixed Media & Painting, Painting Furniture Too, Drawing & Painting, and Digital Photography.

For students in grades 10 & 11: Exploring Art
For students in grades 11 & 12: Portfolio Preparation & Open Studio

Summer Math Academy - two weeks, from June 30 to July 11 (no class July 4)
Classes for students entering grades 1 - 8 who want to explore and enrich their knowledge of mathematics.

STAR - four, 1-week sessions, from July 7 to August 1
Many of the classes are full; however, we have openings in the following classes:

• Dinosaurs are Awesome, Pirates of the Caribbean, Tee Ball, and Soccer - students entering grades K & 1
• Weird, Wacky Sports, Water Wizz, Cooking up Fun, and Itty Bitty Acting - students entering grades 1 & 2
• Oceans of Fun 1 - students entering grade 1
• Oceans of Fun 2 - students entering grade 2
• Lego Creations - students entering grades 3, 4 & 5
• Harry Potter O.W.L. and Harry Potter N.E.W.T - students entering grades 3, 4 & 5
• A to Z Mysteries - students entering grades 3, 4 & 5
• Guitar Club - students entering grades 3, 4, 5 & 6
• Rocketry -students entering grades 5 & 6

Summer Music - two weeks, from July 21 to August 1
Music Classes include: Elementary Strings - for students entering grades 4 & 5 with 1 year of playing experience; Summer Orchestra - for students entering grades 5 through 9 with 2 years of playing experience; Concert Band - for students entering grades 5 though 9 with 1 year of playing experience; Jazz Band Workshop - for students entering grades 9 through 9 with 2 years of playing experience; and, Summer Glee - for students entering grades 4 though 7 with an interest in singing.

To learn more about these and other activities, visit our website: http://cfweb.smartedu.net/lll/LSDOofferings.cfm?tbl=course_sums

Summer Music

Concert Band ... Jazz Band ... Beginner Strings ... Orchestra ... Glee ...

Registration for the Summer Music Program, directed by Ms. Schoen, is underway. The two-week program will be held at the Horace Mann Middle School from July 21 to August 1.

The Concert Band meets in the morning from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM and is open to students entering 5th through 9th grade with one year of playing experience. The Jazz Band meets in the afternoon from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM and is open to students entering 6th through 9th grade with a minimum of two years of playing experience. Both groups are co-directed by Ms. Wright and Mr. Lee-Clark. In the past, students entering grades 6, 7, 8 & 9 have enrolled in both Concert and Jazz Band, bring lunch from home, and have lunch together while informally practicing their music. It is a nice opportunity to meet musicians from across the district.

The Elementary String program meets in the morning from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM and is open to students entering 4th and 5th grade who have one year of playing experience. The Summer Orchestra meets in the afternoon from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM and is open to students entering 5th through 9th grade with a minimum of two years of playing experience. Ms. Loukota will direct both string groups.

Summer Glee, for students entering grades 4 through 7, also meets in the afternoon. This is a performance-based group that combines singing and dance movements. They'll be singing songs from artists such as Katy Perry, One Direction, Sara Bareilles, and more. Ms. Fuller will conduct Summer Glee.

For information and registration visit our website: www.franklinlifelonglearning.com. For questions: lifelong@franklin.k12.ma.us or 508-553-4814.

Three Days to Spring!

Despite the snow on the ground, spring is only a few days away. With spring comes the thought of warmer temperatures and graduation.

The Lifelong Learning Institute is working with the Class of 1964 who will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of their graduation from Franklin High School. Fifty years ago: A postage stamp was 5 cents and a gallon gas was 30 cents. The first Ford Mustang was manufactured and BASIC (Beginners' All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code), an easy to learn high level programming language, was introduced. Buffalo Wings were made at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. received the Nobel Peace Prize, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was signed into law by President Johnson, and the U.S. Surgeon General reported that smoking may lead to lung cancer (http://www.thepeoplehistory.com/1964.html).

The Golden Graduates will join the Class of 2014, the current grade 12 graduating class, for the graduation ceremony in the Franklin High School Field House. This ceremony marks the final graduation in the Field House, as the new Franklin High School opens in September 2014. This is a time of reflection and the celebration of new beginnings.

For additional information: lifelong@franklin.k12.ma.us

Summer 2014

The Math Academy -- Making Math Fun Since 2001!

Who could resist a class that makes math fun? Judging from the enrollment from the past few summers, almost no one.

The Math Academy, directed by Mr. Jeff Chaffee, will meet for two weeks this summer, from June 30 to July 11 (no class on July  4). The academy will meet at the Helen Keller/Annie Sullivan school complex on Lincoln Street in Franklin.

The Math Academy faculty are certified Franklin Public Schools teachers. The student/teacher ratio will be no more than 12:1, to assure that each student receives individual attention. The Math Academy provides a place where children work together in a casual environment to extend their mathematical knowledge. The non-traditional setting allows curious and enthusiastic students to explore math, art, and science through hands-on interactive projects and in general, to share their love of mathematics.

There are six groupings within the Math Academy:
Grade 1
Grade 2
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5
Grades 6, 7 & 8

For information about registration: www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com select Summer Program.

February 19, 2014

Today is the Wednesday of February break for our students, teachers and staff. Yesterday brought significant snow but this morning, the sun is shining. It's shining on snow but it is shining!

Interestingly, winter weather helps people to think about summer and this summer Lifelong Learning and the Franklin Public Schools Art Department are offering creative and enriching art classes for middle and high school students. The classes meet the first week of summer vacation, June 23 - 27. All classes are taught by Franklin Public Schools faculty and staff under the direction of Ms. Hogan, Director of Art for the District and the Director of the Franklin Arts Academy at Franklin High School.

Art courses for students in grades 6 - 10:

Drawing & Painting - Students will gain skills and have fun learning different approaches to drawing. They will learn color theory and experiment with different painting  mediums such as watercolor, tempera and acrylic.

Digital Photography - Students will learn how to use the camera as an art tool to create strong photographic compositions. Students will learn and use Adobe Photoshop to create and manipulate digital images. They will make high quality digital prints of their best work.

Green Architecture Design - Students will design and create 2- and 3-dimensional models for green architecture, furniture, and products of the future.

Mixed Media & Printmaking - Students will explore a variety of materials and methods, such as collage, textile art, relief prints, and image transfers. They will use these techniques to create full size artworks & series of prints.

Painting Furniture Too - Students will bring in their own piece of furniture (old piece or unfinished). Students will prepare furniture for paint, create a design and apply the design using acrylic paints as their medium.

For students entering grades 10 & 11:

Exploring Art - This course offers introductory and intermediate lessons to 10th and 11th grade students wishing to expand their skills in visual arts. Drawing, painting and mixed media/collage will be the focus in this course.

For students entering grades 11 & 12:

Portfolio Preparation/Open Studio - This course is designed to provide  additional art instruction, skill building, and portfolio preparation for students who enjoy being challenged to stretch their artistic skills to more advanced levels or who are considering studying art at the college level.

The cost for each art course is $147.00. For additional information and registration: www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com select Summer Program or email:lifelong@franklin.k12.ma.us or telephone 508-553-4814.

February 13, 2014

It's February 13 and the 4th school snow day. We are working in Central Office and preparing for the start of the spring semester of Adult Education.

Each semester of Adult Education includes perennial favorites and new offerings that often become future favorites. Longtime favorites include: Watercolor (Full), Advanced & Intermediate Coed Volleyball, Men's Basketball (Tuesday open/Thursday Full), French 1 (1 space remaining), Italian 1 (Full), and Child Care Provider courses (all three have openings).

This semester we expanded the Zumba offerings to include: Zumba Basics, Zumba Monday, Zumba Thursday, Zumba Monday & Thursday (cost savings with 2),  Zumba  Wednesday, and Zumba Wednesday with Toning. 

We also expanded yoga adding Kundalini Yoga and Vinyasa Flow Yoga to the already popular Hatha Yoga. Another new yoga offering this semester is Quigong - also known as Taoist Yoga, is a mind/body practice from China. This class offers a sample of the many existing Quigong forms. The focus is on aligning subtle energies, increasing vitality, and detoxifying and repairing the body. A variety of movements can ease pain, and discomfort, restoring physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual balance.

New this semester: Barre -  Adult Education is partnering with Tranquil Souls to introduce this new class to our students. Set to fun and energetic music, each Barre class incorporates an upper body workout with weights and a combination of high-intensity sequences of thigh, seat and core exercises at the barre. 

Adult Ed. is partnering with Pour Richards Wine and Spirits and Franklin Liquors and Green Mountain Chocolates to offer wine and beverage tasting courses. Pour Richard's is hosting IPAs on March 4 -  India Pale Ales (IPAs) have been around for more than 175 years, but they are the hottest category of craft beers today. Originally, these beers were brewed to preserve during long sea voyages. This class will look at dry and wet hops and taste beers that bush the hop threshold to the max. On April 29 Pour Richards is hosting Wine Entertaining 101 - Would you like to know the latest and greatest trends in wine to pair with spring and summer entertaining? Come taste 8 delicious wines and a couple of craft cocktails, paired with appetizers and cheeses. 

Franklin Liquors and Green Mountain Chocolates are offering Wine and Chocolate Tasting on April 10. It's a wonderful combination ... wine and chocolate.

Please note that all attendees must be 21 years of age or older to participate in the IPA and wine classes.

These are only a few of the exciting courses offered through Adult Ed. For more information about these courses or courses including Line Dancing, Writing, Weightlifting for Women, Digital Photography and more, please visit our website: FranklinLifelongLearning.com    Once there, select Adult Education. We look forward to seeing you at Franklin Adult Education.

Tuesday, February 3

Registration for Summer 2014 is underway. As of this morning, 185 registrations have been received. The STAR program is filling up quickly. Already week four, Lego Movie Making for students entering grades 3, 4 & 5, is full! Students may select their STAR courses from a variety of offerings that are separated by week and grade. STAR courses with great interest include: Celebrating the American Girl, Clay, Pottery, and Sculptures, Elementary School Musical, Harry Potter O.W.L. and N.E.W.T., Rockets and Robotics, Rock Band, and more! There are cooking classes, hands-on arts & crafts classes, new classes working with duct tape in creative ways, fitness/sports classes, science and music classes, as well as classes that combine literature with exploration. There are many, many class options.

The Summer Art Institute is offering a variety of courses for students entering grades 6 - 10. These courses include: Drawing & Painting, Digital Photography, Green Architecture Design, Mixed Media & Printmaking, and Painting Furniture. Students entering grades 10 & 11 may enroll in Exploring Art, and students entering grades 11 & 12 may enroll in Portfolio Preparation/Open Studio. These are exciting courses for the student with an interest in art, as well as the art student.

The Summer Music Program is offering: Elementary Strings and Concert Band for students with one year of playing experience; Glee (Show Choir), a performance based group that contains singing and dance  movements; and, Summer Orchestra and Jazz Band Workshop for  music students with two or more years of playing experience.

To learn more about these and other Summer 2014 courses, visit our website   www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

A few years ago, the Franklin Public Schools transferred to a new web site program, which positioned Lifelong Learning under Departments. Our students found it difficult to find the Lifelong Learning website and register for courses. We provided "breadcrumbs" to guide students to our courses and information but the process was still frustration for many, many people.

We began to explore options to resolve the issue. We have a new URL: franklinlifelonglearning.com
If you enter this information, it will take you to the homepage of the Lifelong Learning Institute. We hope this is more direct, quicker and easier process for our students.  Thank you for your patience.

www.franklinlifelonglearning.com

January 21, 2014

Lifelong Learning offers several music programs that complement and supplement instruction during the traditional school day. These programs include the Private Music Lesson program, The String School of Franklin, the After School 4th/5th Grade Band and the 4th/5th Grade Honors Chorus.  On Tuesday, January 28, the strings, band and chorus programs will host their mid-year recital.

The String School - Ms. Plouffe directs The String School with assistance from Mr. Balest (Beginner Violin, Bass and Intermediate Strings), Ms. Loukota (Beginner Violin, Viola, and Intermediate Strings), Ms. Schoen (Beginner Violin), Mr. Selby (Beginner Cello) and Ms. Woods (Beginner Violin, Preparatory Orchestra). There are approximately 127 students in The String School from grade 3 through 12.

The After School 4th/5th Grade Band - Mr. Donegan conducts the 4th/5th Grade Band with assistance from Mr. Halt (Beginner French Horn, Trombone), Ms. Halt (Beginner Flute), Mr. Kim (Beginner Saxophone, Beginner Clarinet and Beginner Flute),and Mr. Lewis (Beginner Clarinet).

The 4th/5th Grade Honors Chorus - Ms. MacMurray and Ms. Fuller serve as Co-Directors of the 4th/5th Grade Honors Chorus.

The Winter Recital begins at 5:30 PM on Tuesday, January 28 in the Thomas Mercer Auditorium at the Horace Mann Middle School. The public is invited to attend.

If you would like more information about any of Lifelong Learning's music program call Ms. Hummel at: 508-553-4814 or email lifelong@franklin.k12.ma.us. We look forward to hearing from you.

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Franklin Public Schools had its first snow day of the 2013 - 2014 academic year on Friday, January 3. Despite the snow, Lifelong Learning has been busy with all things SUMMER. The Math Academy, Summer Music, Summer Art Institute, Solutions Summer Adventure, High School Academics, the High School Experience, Ready ... Set ... Kindergarten, Oceans of Fun, and STAR are returning with another summer of interesting courses.

Numerous course proposals for STAR have been submitted and are in the process of being reviewed. This summer STAR offerings will include: art, science, sports & fitness, crafts, STEM, cooking, adventures, and more.Watch for the course registration to go "live" after the middle of January. If you have any questions about the summer programs email us: lifelong@franklin.k12.ma.us.

Adult Ed. spring courses went live last week and the registrations are rolling in. With 5 weekly Zumba classes, 4 weekly yoga classes and a variety of once-a-week classes including Kettlebells, weightlifting and Barre, fitness enthusiasts have a variety of choices from which to make their selections. The free Community Walking Program continues on Monday and Tuesday evenings from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM and on Wednesday evenings from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Come to the high school, check in at the LLL/Adult Ed. office, and enjoy a warm and interesting walk through the halls of the high school. If you have any questions about the Adult Ed. programs, email us: adulted@franklin.k12.ma.us.

Have a great 2014!!