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Category: Schools & Education

  • “A Journal for Christa” Read on Radio

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – The MetroWest Radio Reading Service joins Framingham State College in observing the 20th anniversary of the Challenger Accident and celebrates the life of Christa McAuliffe.

    The MetroWest Radio Reading Service has a program every Monday and Thursday from 2:30 until 4-00 p.m. called, “Reading at F.S.C.” where we feature books recorded by our volunteers in their entirety.

    Beginning on Monday, January 9, 2006, The Metro West Radio Reading Service will present “A Journal for Christa” by Grace George Corrigan.

    The episodes will run as follows:

    • Monday, January 9, Episode One – 2:30 until 4:00 p.m.
    • Thursday, January 12, Episode Two- 2:30 until 4:00 p.m.
    • (Monday, January 16, is a holiday, Martin Luther King Day)
    • Thursday, January 19, Episode Three – 2:30 until 4:00 p.m.
    • Monday, January 23, Episode Four – 2:30 until 4:00 p.m.
    • Thursday, January 26, Episode Five – 2:30 until 4:00 p.m.
    • Friday, January 27, a special edition of “Reading at F.S.C.” from 2:30 until 4:00 p.m, Episode Seven.

    The Metro West Radio Reading Service is a Community Outreach program of the Disability Services Office at Framingham State College and an affiliate of the Talking Information Center Massachusetts Reading Network under the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind.

    For more information and a complete schedule you can contact the Disability Services at Framingham State College at 508-626-4627 or the Talking Information Center at 1-800-696-9505 or check our two websites: www.framingham.edu/disabilityservices or ticnetwork.com

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  • Framingham – Natick 100th Football Game Video Project

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – On November 23, 2006 Framingham High School and Natick High School will play the 100th Thanksgiving Day Football Game in Framingham.

    In commemoration of this great event, we are putting together a video of the 100 years of Thanksgiving Day match ups between the two towns.

    If you are interested in helping out on this great project, please join us on Monday, December 19 at 7:00 p.m. in the High School Library. If you know of anyone who might be interested in working on this project please pass this information along to them.

    If you have any questions, please email Holly Bonder at HB323@aol.com.

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  • Video & Framingham State Honor Christa McAuliffe

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – The Christa McAuliffe Center, in collaboration with Framingham State College, will sponsor events during the week of January 23 to mark the twentieth anniversary of the Challenger accident, which occurred January 28, 1986. Among the scheduled activities will be screenings of the documentary Christa McAuliffe: Reach for the Stars, by independent filmmakers Renee Sotile and Mary Jo Godges. The film is narrated by Susan Sarandon and features the ballad “You’re Where I Go” by Carly Simon.

    Former astronaut Buzz Aldrin says the film is “a compelling and honest account of Challenger 51L’s ‘Teacher in Space’ mission. A portrait of a courageous young teacher whose enthusiasm for education and optimism in the future of America’s young people came to express the driving force behind the space program itself – our passionate belief in a boundless future. An inspiring tribute to a true American hero”.

    Christa Corrigan McAuliffe, a Framingham local and FSC graduate, Class of 1970, was a social studies teacher in Concord, New Hampshire when she was selected from thousands of applicants to be NASA’s first civilian astronaut. Her mission was to make space exploration come alive for millions of school children across America.

    The documentary examines Christa’s personal journey as a fledging astronaut. The producers worked closely with Christa McAuliffe’s mother, Grace Corrigan, and other members of her family, gaining access to exclusive family photos and home movies. Together the material paints a new and more intimate portrait of Christa’s public and private life.

    For more information on the screenings and other activities to mark this anniversary, please contact the Challenger Learning Center at 508-626-4050, or visit: www.christa.org

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  • Parents & Schools Forum

    FRAMINGHAM, MA– PARENTS AND SCHOOLS: WORKING TOGETHER FOR THE EDUCATIONAL SUCCESS OF ALL STUDENTS.

    THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2005
    KEEFE TECHNICAL SCHOOL
    750 WINTER STREET, FRAMINGHAM

    (Entrance through Fountain Street, on Loring Arena end of building)

    A FORUM FOR PARENTS, STUDENTS, EDUCATORS AND COMMUNITY RESIDENTS

    JOIN US FOR A LIGHT DINNER AND PROVOCATIVE DIALOGUE

    COMPLEMENTARY DINNER: 6:00 PM

    DISCUSSION: 6:30 PM

    For further information, call 508.879.9000 ( press 20 when you hear the recording) or email jfinkielsztein@mcaulifferegional.org

    Sponsored by: Keefe Technical School, Framingham District Schools, NAACP, BRAMAS, LULAC, MEILS of the Framingham Coalition, Town of Framingham Human Relations Omission, CPC I’linisti of the Greater Framingham Community Church, McAuliffe Regional Charter Public School and America’s Dream Properties

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  • FHS Drama Club Presents “The Crucible”

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – Next weekend, the Framingham High School Drama Company will present Arthur Miller’s The Crucible. The show opens November 3rd at Walsh Middle School and there will be performances at 7:30pm on the 3rd, 4th and 5th. Tickets can be reserved by calling 508-620-4963 ext. 1605 and will be eight dollars.

    The Crucible marks the first production of the Drama Company’s 2005-2006 season. They will follow up with Tales of Trickery, this year’s entry into the Massachusetts High School Drama Guild Festival and a spring musical that will be announced shortly.

    With over one hundred members, the Drama Company contributes a large presence to the High School and the Framingham community. In addition to staging three main-stage productions, as well as many smaller scale performances, concerts and showcases, the Drama Company focuses much of its efforts on community outreach within the other arts departments of the Framingham School system. This year the Drama Company has many students interning at the middle and elementary schools to assist with their shows and help build their programs.

    The widespread interest of the Drama Company has contributed to its growing success over the last four years. With over 80 students auditioning for The Crucible and many more involved with technical aspects, it will reflect the hard work and dedication of all involved. Director, Donna Wresinski, has stated that this is the most challenging piece she has attempted to bring to life during her time at Framingham. But with the help of her many talented actors and student set, costume, lighting and props designers, the show will prove to be worth the risk.

    We hope you will join the Drama Club for an enjoyable evening at the theater! November 3rd, 4th and 5th, 2005, 7:30 PM at Walsh Middle School.

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  • 10th Annual George Wheeler Soccer Cup This Weekend

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – 10th Annual George Wheeler Cup – Soccer Night in Framingham is set for Saturday Sept. 10th at Bowditch Field. The first game kicks off a little after 4 p.m. Tickets are only $3.00 per person, kids under 12 are free. Proceeds benefit the George Wheeler Memorial Scholarships for Framingham and Natick high school students.

    Current Natick High Boys Varsity Coach Lou Papadellis, Framingham High teacher Denise Gallagher and Steve Spector have been running this event at Bowditch Field since Coach Wheeler passed away in 1994, and it has evolved into probably the biggest regular season high school soccer event in Metrowest – a triple header featuring 3 games between Framingham and Natick. Over 1000 people have attended each of the past 3 Wheeler Cups, and a huge turnout is expected this year as they celebrate the 10th year of the event.

    Youth soccer players who attend are encouraged to come as a team and wear their team shirts.

    New this year – Framingham Cooperative Bank has stepped up this year to be the main sponsor, providing 200 free T-shirts to be given out by mascot “Rocky The Racoon”, the mascot that has been at the Renegades games this past season at Bowditch. Mass Premier Soccer will have Renegades players handing out soccer posters and other soccer stuff, signing autographs, etc. Raffle items will include premium Celtics tickets, Patriots tickets, and gift certificates from local businesses and restaurants.

    George’s children will be attending the event this weekend, all traveling from afar. George’s son Buddy will be coming up from Carolina for the event (he will be playing in the alumni game), as well as both of George’s daughters – Cassandra (from Atlanta) and Cathy Jo (from Western Mass).

    Alumni players like Tore Mascioli (Colorado) and Keith Brown (3 hour drive from Conn.) will be playing in the Alumni game, which starts at 4:15pm. Mascioli has come from Colorado every year since the event started (except 2001 when travel was shut down September 11th that year).

    Over the years, Alumni players have donated thousands of dollars which has helped to fund 4 annual prestigious George Wheeler Memorial Scholarships given to male and female graduating student/athletes at both Framingham High and Natick High. In addition, proceeds from past Wheeler Cups helped pay for the George Wheeler Memorial Scoreboard at the Framingham High soccer field, helping to keep Coach Wheeler’s memory alive. Other proceeds from the event have helped the Friends Of Framingham and other local worthy causes.

    The committee would like to thank Bob Merusi and the entire staff at Bowditch Field who have been incredibly helpful over the years, graciously hosting the event year after year.

    If you would like to make a private donation to the George Wheeler Memorial Scholarship Fund, please email Steve Spector at slspector@comcast.net, and he will send you the proper contact at Framingham High School.

    GEORGE WHEELER CUP Schedule:

    DATE:

    SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10TH, 2005 at Bowditch Field on Union Ave, Framingham.

    TIMES:

    • 4:15 p.m. – ALUMNI GAME STARTS BETWEEN FRAM V NATICK
    • 6:00 p.m. – VARSITY GIRLS GAME BETWEEN FRAM V NATICK
    • 8:00 p.m. – VARSITY BOYS GAME BETWEEN FRAM V NATICK

    RAFFLES! Tickets are $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00! Prizes include great sports tickets, restaurant gift certificates and lots more! (Still time to donate raffle prizes if you want to. The announcers will credit donors all through event). Raffle prize drawing will take place at 1/2 time at Boys Varsity game.

    Come to framingham.com booth for balloons and giveaways!

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  • Framingham Goes Back to School

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – The 2005 2006 school year will begin on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 for all Framingham public school students in Grades 1 – 12. Tuesday, August 30 will be a half-day orientation from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. for students entering Grade 9 and from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. for students entering Grade 6, (Middle School pick-up will start at 11:30 a.m. on this day only).

    Morning and afternoon kindergarten sessions will begin on Thursday, September 1, 2005. Pre-school sessions begin on Tuesday, September 6, 2005.

    Bus transportation is available for K-12 public school students. Kindergartners are picked up and dropped off at or near their home.

    Students in grades 1 – 5 must meant distance requirements to be bussed and students in grades 7 – 12 must meet eligibility requirements and pay a $ 180 bus fee to receive a bus pass. Walkers who live less than the eligible distance from school may apply for bussing on a seat available basis and also pay the bussing fee.

    Framingham 2005-2006 bus routes can be found at:

    http://www.framingham.k12.ma.us/busroutes.htm.

    Further back to school information and the bus routes can be found at:

    http://www.framingham.k12.ma.us/2005/default.htm

    Further information and applications are available at the Parent Information Center, 454 Water St., Rm 115 in the King Building or call 508-424-3420.

    Parents who want their children bussed are advised to submit their applications and pay the fee immediately.

    Students attending Keefe Tech, the charter school, and private schools in Framingham must make arrangements through their school and pay their school directly.

    Bus stop times and bus route numbers published in the newspaper and on the web are subject to change prior to school opening. Parents can check with their child’s school before school starts to see if there are any changes in times and route numbers. However, no changes in bus stop location will be made prior to October 3, 2005 unless required by documented and verified safety problems, or changes in kindergarten routes.

    Those students who do not know their bus assignments can go to the school attended to see their bus routes or receive the information at the principal’s office when they arrive in school on their first day of school.

    School Cancellations: for “No School” announcements call 508-626-9118, (on snow days, hurricane, adverse weather, emergencys, etc).

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  • Office Depot Treats Teachers to Extra Savings on Saturday

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – Office Depot in Shoppers World is celebrating teachers with a special Teacher Appreciation Day on Saturday, August 20th. Teachers will be treated to breakfast provided by Bella Costa of Rt. 30, Framingham, (which serves Sunday Brunch as well as Italian cuisine), as well as 10% off their purchases.

    On Saturday every teacher who signs up for the Office Depot Star Teacher program will receive a gift bag and giveaways as well as extra savings.

    The program entitles teachers to a 5% savings on many items throughout the store. Teachers can also help their school with the 5% Back to Schools program by which Office Depot credits schools with 5 percent of their purchases. The credits can be used to buy school supplies for the school.

    Visit or call Office Depot in Shoppers World (508)620-5570 for full details.

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  • School Receives Education Grant

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – The MetroWest Jewish Day School, (MWJDS), has been chosen as one of several area Jewish day schools to share a $2 million Special Education grant from the Peerless Excellence Project. “Our board of directors has expressed its commitment to being a school for the entire Jewish community”, says Head of School Carolyn Keller. “We serve students from a variety of religious and socioeconomic backgrounds and are committed to a philosophy of inclusion”.

    The school plans to hire a half-time Special Education Coordinator to provide services for students with special needs. MWJDS opens for its third year of operation in September 2005 and will have students from Framingham, Ashland, Natick, Sudbury, Maynard, Holliston, Hopkinton, Stow, Marlborough, and N. Chelmsford. Conveniently located for families in the 20 Metrowest cities and towns, our transdenominational environment provides an integrated Judaic, Hebrew, and general studies curriculum.

    MWJDS is a pluralistic community day school educating children in grades K-3, adding one grade annually through grade 8. Limited openings exist.

    For information contact Joyce Bohnen, Admissions / Recruitment Director, at (508) 620-5554 or joyce.bohnen@mwjds.org. Information is also available at the school’s website at www.mwjds.org

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  • Mentoring Program Seeks Volunteers

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – The John Andrew Mazie Memorial Foundation was established to carry on the legacy of John Mazie, who, in 1997 at age 26, was killed by a drunk driver. John was an extraordinary young man who spent his adult life motivating young people to strive to become the best they could be.

    No one makes it in America without some kind of mentor. Whenever successful people look back, they cite those older adults who influenced their development, even though they knew each other for only a short time.

    For at-risk kids facing steep odds against success, finding mentors is not only helpful but essential. They can’t make it all by themselves.

    Since 1998, over one hundred thirty vulnerable Framingham High School sophomores have been paired by the Foundation with mentors. Volunteer mentors are needed for the next training and match-up which will take place on October 17 and 19, 6-9pm and Saturday, October 29 from 10am-2pm.

    The students are referred by school counselors based on their need for an adult guide in their lives. Mentors are asked to commit for one year and spend a minimum of 8 hours per month with their mentees in activities that will raise their self esteem, encourage them to focus more on their education and career options, and enable them to take control over their lives.

    Mentees set goals around community service, their education and their career options, and the Foundation presents achievement awards which include lap top computers. $2000 scholarships are awarded to mentees upon high school graduation.

    Volunteers complete an application, Massachusetts required criminal background check (CORI), and an interview with our staff social worker to learn more about our program.

    If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity to make a positive impact on a young teen’s life, please contact:

    Sybil Schlesinger
    Director, Mentoring Program
    The John Andrew Mazie Memorial Foundation
    508 653-8377
    schless1@juno.com

    More information about the Foundation and mentoring program can be found at: www.mazie.org

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