Franklin English Language Education Department Hosts Family Event at Franklin Public Library

English Language Education Teachers made this event possible. From left to right, Superintendent Lucas Giguere, Lovely Ariste, Giselle Bush, Rebecca Walsh, Sonia Vaz-Brune, Children’s Librarian Caleigh Keating, Amanda Goddard, Caitlin Lucarelli, Assistant Superintendent Tina Rogers, Johanna Townsend, Kaytee Vetrano, and Food Pantry Client Service Manager Laura Du. (Photo Courtesy Franklin Public Schools)

FRANKLIN — Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning and English Language Director Dr. Tina Rogers is proud to announce that Franklin Public Schools’ English Language Education Department recently hosted a family event at the Franklin Public Library.

On May 21, students and families joined together to connect with each other and learn more about community and school programs, including Franklin’s English Learner Parent Advisory Council (ELPAC).

ELPAC serves as a bridge to bring families, schools and communities together in meaningful ways and encourages family engagement. The program fosters a shared commitment to student success.

“Through open communication, translation support and culturally inclusive practices, Franklin Public Schools is committed to creating welcoming environments where families feel valued, connected, and empowered to support their children’s education,” said Assistant Superintendent Rogers.

During the event, students taught someone else how to say “hello” in their native language and learned how to say “hello” in another language.

“My favorite part about teaching is connecting with my students and their families,” said Sonia Vaz-Brune, English Language Education Teacher. “I loved being able to see everyone smiling, talking, and making new connections. These events always remind me how much I love this job!”

Attendees played games, colored bookmarks, took pictures in a photo booth, and decorated notebooks.

Every student went home with at least one library book. Franklin Public Library also donated books for students to take home.

Youth Service Librarian Caleigh Keating shared exciting student events happening at the Library during upcoming school half-days on June 13, 16, 17 and 18. All students and community members are welcome to attend.

“I’m grateful to be part of a district that not only values equity and inclusion but also demonstrates these principles through real action,” said English Language Education Teacher Johanna Townsend.

“We’d like to thank Laura Doherty, Associate Director of the Franklin Food Pantry, and Laura Du, Client Service Manager, for joining our event and sharing information and resources with families,” said Assistant Superintendent Rogers. “And a tremendous thank you to Library Director Felicia Oti and Youth Services Librarian Caleigh Keating from the Franklin Public Library. We appreciate the support and collaboration. This event would not have been possible without their help.”

“We had an amazing time at this fun-filled event for families,” said Franklin Public Schools Superintendent Lucas Giguere. “Everyone who attended shared laughs and learned about one another. Franklin Public Schools is committed to creating an inclusive and safe environment for our students and families.”

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Students enjoyed games, crafts, and a photo booth to capture special moments with their families and teachers — just like Shlok and his English Language Education teacher, Kaytee Vetrano! (Photo Courtesy Franklin Public Schools)

On May 21, students and families joined together with Franklin Public Schools educators and community leaders to connect with each other and learn more about town and school programs. (Photo Courtesy Franklin Public Schools)

Attendees played games, colored bookmarks, took pictures in a photo booth and decorated notebooks during a family event held by Franklin Public Schools’ English Language Education Department at the Franklin Public Library. (Photo Courtesy Franklin Public Schools)