Sunday, August 7, 2016

Franklin, MA: School Committee Agenda - Tuesday, Aug 9, 2016

Vision Statement
The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

AGENDA
"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which
may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed
and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent
permitted by law."

1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the July 19, 2016 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Dr. O’Malley
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
Correspondence: Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman

2. Guests/Presentations:
a. K-12 Handbooks
b. District Improvement Plan
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CTZDO2KcvjQINE3OZ8PzPV8aFom16NTZzTNv-5-YdfI/edit?usp=sharing

3. Discussion Only Items
a. none

4. Action Items:
a. I recommend acceptance of two checks for Davis Thayer as detailed:
1. DT PCC - $1,101.00 Supplemental Supplies
2. Target - $100.00 In-House Enrichment
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $825.00 from SEPAC for districtwide supplemental supplies.
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $327.00 from All American Publishing for Supplemental Supplies for FHS.
d. I recommend adoption of the ECDC Student / Parent Handbook as presented.
e. I recommend adoption of the Davis Thayer Student /Parent Handbook as presented.
f. I recommend adoption of the Jefferson Student / Parent Handbook as presented.
g. I recommend adoption of the Keller Student / Parent Handbook as presented.
h. I recommend adoption of the JF Kennedy Student / Parent Handbook as presented.
i. I recommend adoption of the Oak Street Student / Parent Handbook as presented.
j. I recommend adoption of the Parmenter Student / Parent Handbook as presented.
k. I recommend adoption of the Horace Mann MS Student / Parent Handbook as presented.
l. I recommend adoption of the Remington MS Student / Parent Handbook as presented.
m.I recommend adoption of the Annie Sullivan MS Student / Parent Handbook as presented.
n. I recommend adoption of the Franklin High Student / Parent Handbook as presented.

5. Information Matters:
Superintendent’s Report
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
a. Community Engagement
School Committee Liaison Reports
a. SAFE Coalition

6. New Business:
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.

7. Motion to enter into Executive Session and not return to Open Session (Roll Call Vote)
Personnel Update

the key to learning
the key to learning

Another LIttle Free Library in Franklin

Representative Jeffrey Roy joined the Franklin Housing Authority to celebrate the opening of the "Little Free Library" recently.

"Joined my friends at the Franklin Housing Authority for the grand opening of Little Free Library number 41,689. It was a great effort to bring books and reading to the community, with some creative assistance from the students in the Bi-County Collaborative. 
The mission is to promote literacy and the love of reading by building free book exchanges worldwide and to build a sense of community as we share skills, creativity and wisdom across generations. 
There are nearly 40,000 Little Free Library book exchanges around the world, bringing curbside literacy home and sharing millions of books annually. The library is open to all Franklin residents, so please drop by and share some knowledge."

This at least the 3rd one in Franklin. The first one shared here is located on Lincoln St.

Little Free library - Lincoln St
Little Free library - Lincoln St



The 2nd is found at the Franklin Federated Church.

Franklin Federated "little free library"
Franklin Federated "little free library"


And now #3

new little free library on East Park St
new little free library on East Park St

To find additional Little Free Libraries visit their webpage
http://littlefreelibrary.org/



  • Lincoln St post

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/the-free-little-library-franklin.html


  • Franklin Federated Church

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/05/reporting-by-walking-around-franklin.html

Rain Garden Tour, register by Aug 10


Did you know that the Town of Franklin is committed to including rain gardens in each of their public projects? Join us for a rain garden tour on Wednesday, August 17th to see some of these rain gardens first hand.

If you've ever wondered what was special about the gardens at Parmenter Elementary School or the Franklin Department of Public Works, now's your chance to find out.

Participants will meet at the Department of Public Works and travel together by van to each rain garden site. The tour will return to the Department of Public Works at approximately 6pm.

The tour is free and open to all Franklin residents and employees of the Town of Franklin. Please register by August 10, 2016. Space is limited.

http://www.soakitupfranklinma.org/rain-garden-tour.html

rain garden doing what it is supposed to, catch the rain and let the ground soak it in
rain garden doing what it is supposed to, catch the rain and let the ground soak it in

Find the Facebook event here
https://www.facebook.com/events/280094492369237/

In the News: gypsy moths, elderly mental health

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"August trees are looking more like November trees in some areas after gypsy moth caterpillars devoured leaves more aggressively than they had since the 1980s. 
A recent aerial survey completed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) revealed that damaged caused to trees by gypsy moth caterpillers feeding in 2016 was more than nine times greater than the damage in 2015. 
Each year, the DCR Forest Health Program conducts an aerial survey to measure the extent of damage caused to forests by different agents. 
The 2016 survey, conducted the second week of July, revealed 362,254 acres of damage from gypsy moths, crypt gall wasps and conifer discoloration.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160806/state-gypsy-moth-damage-nine-times-greater-than-in-2015


MA DCR aerial survey - tree damage from gypsy moths 2016
MA DCR aerial survey - tree damage from gypsy moths 2016


"Working out of an unassuming building on Maple Street in Bellingham, Gail Bourassa has started a difficult job: getting mental health care to senior citizens, a group that has traditionally been reticent to seek help. 
Bourassa, a counselor, is the new regional program manager for a project - running across Franklin, Bellingham, Blackstone, Medway, Milford and Mendon - that looks to reach seniors where they live. 
"Young people often self-refer (to these services) when they need it," she said. "For elders, it's more difficult - they rarely self-refer."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160806/aging-population-creates-challenges-for-mental-health-care

Saturday, August 6, 2016

Downtown construction continues (photos)

While the traffic has been changed to two-way, the remaining work to finish the Downtown Improvement Project has been happening every day.

The sign has been returned to the narrowed island.

The sign acknowledges the work of the Downtown Partnership to foster the renovations downtown
The sign acknowledges the work of the Downtown Partnership to foster the renovations downtown


Benches and trash/recycle barrels have been placed.

new benches and trash/recycle containers
new benches and trash/recycle containers


Crosswalks are being completed with more polymer coating.

polymer crosswalk in place
polymer crosswalk in place

Among the places where the polymer remains to be placed is at the Main and Dean St intersection

polymer to be paced at the intersection
polymer to be paced at the intersection

And while not part of the Downtown Project, work on the new building at 150 Emmons St continues, including work on the green space where the new statue to honor Horace Mann will be placed.

Horace Mann green space
Horace Mann green space


And as a reason to come downtown, the new Irish pub, Teddy Gallagher's, is getting ready to open. No opening date is set at this time.

Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub
Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub

"the new building is projected to cost about $21 million"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The town has approved the site plan for a new location for the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School, moving the project another step forward. 
The school is looking to move from its current location on Main Street to a new building on Financial Park between Washington and Grove streets. 
Town Planner Bryan Taberner said the Planning Board approved the plan at a mid-July meeting, though he said he did not believe the school has sought a building permit as of yet. School officials want to open the new building in September 2017."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160805/site-plan-approved-for-new-charter-school-building

the BFCCPS is currently operating from the former St Mary's School
the BFCCPS is currently operating from the former St Mary's School
For more information about the charter school visit them online -->>  http://bfccps.org/

MassBudget: FY 2017 an unusual budget year?


New Budget Monitor analyzes the budget for this coming year


MassBudget  Information.
  Participation.
 Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center  Democracy.



Analyzing What's in the Fiscal Year 2017 

Budget 
MassBudget's new Budget Monitor analyzes the budget for the current fiscal year.

This year's budget process was unusual. While the conference committee was meeting to resolve differences between the House and Senate versions of the budget, it became clear that the original tax revenue estimate for FY 2017 was too optimistic and the estimate was adjusted down by $750 million. Legislators had to improvise a combination of budget cuts and other strategies to address that new gap. While vetoing about a quarter billion dollars in spending from that proposal, the Governor also identified accounts that the administration believed had been underfunded by the Legislature by $172 million. He filed a supplemental budget to fund these accounts.
In other ways this year's budget process follows a familiar pattern of budget problems - barely balancing in good times and cutting deeply in recessions. The Budget Monitor shows that since 2001, inflation-adjusted funding for higher education is down 14 percent; local aid is down 41 percent; early education 22 percent. Why? Between 1998 and 2002 the state adopted several income tax cuts that are now costing over $3 billion annually. That revenue reduction paired with a long-term pattern of rising health care costs has reduced our Commonwealth's capacity to make important investments in our people and our economy, and has caused chronic budget problems.
This Budget Monitor describes the funding decisions in each major section of the budget and compares proposed funding levels with current and, in some cases, historic funding. It identifies a few bright spots and examines policy changes incorporated in various budget provisions. While vetoes and overrides are noted, the focus is on important budget items and the bigger picture in another difficult year.

You can read the new Budget Monitor HERE.

The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts.

MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER
15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700
BOSTON, MA 02108
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Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 15 Court Square, Suite 700, Boston, MA 02108

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Friday, August 5, 2016

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 8/5/16 - THU 8/11/16

FRIDAY 8/5/16
12-6pm   Franklin Farmers Market @ The Town Common
1pm   Animal World Experience @ Franklin Public Library
6:30pm   Concert @ La Cantina Winery with Michael McArthur (seating is limited)
8pm   James Montgomery band @ The Black Box

SATURDAY 8/6/16
PMC Challenge Weekend - in Franklin on Saturday

SUNDAY 8/6/16
PMC Challenge Weekend

TUESDAY 8/9/16
10:30am   Legos and Giant Games @ Franklin Public Library
7:30pm   Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Meeting @ Franklin YMCA, public welcome.

WEDNESDAY 8/10/16
1pm   Ecology of Sound @ Franklin Public Library
8:15pm   Movies in the Park @ Choate Park in Medway

THURSDAY 8/11/16
10:30am   Family Storytime @ Franklin Public Library
5-9pm   SAFE Coalition’s Substance Abuse Drop In Center @ St. John’s Episcopal Church (237 Pleasant Street)
6:00pm   Feast of St Rocco opens
6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked @ Franklin Art Center

For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.

For event details click HERE.

*If you have any suggestions or events for the calendar, please email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com

In the News: aggregation plan making progress, SAFE Coalition schedules events

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"The state government will deliberate next week on a plan expected to save money for local power customers. 
The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is scheduled to consider the town's municipal aggregation plan at a hearing Monday afternoon. 
In a municipal aggregation arrangement, towns look to save ratepayers money by going out to bid for the supply of power. The intention is to use the number of local customers as leverage to seek a cost that is lower than the default rate charged by the utility company."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160804/franklin-state-to-hear-aggregation-plans-monday


  • The Municipal Aggregation Plan

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/02/municipal-aggregation-program.html


  • From the Town Council meeting where this was approved

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/03/live-reporting-legislation-for-action.html

cover page of presentation to Town Council on Aggregation Program
cover page of presentation to Town Council on Aggregation Program

------   ------  ------

"A local group dedicated to combating substance abuse is looking toward its future. 
The Support for Addicts and Families by Empowerment (SAFE) Coalition, which formed last year, held a strategic planning meeting this summer to consider ways to sustainably continue its efforts. 
State Rep. Jeff Roy, one of the group's founding members, said the tone of the meeting was optimistic. 
"It went really well - the future's looking bright," he said. "There are lots of good things happening, and we know we're saving lives."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160804/franklin-substance-abuse-coalition-preps-for-future

”Conserving water now is crucial"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Although rain last weekend and Tuesday provided some short-term relief from a months-long dry spell in Massachusetts, the overall severe drought in the state actually worsened, according to the latest data released by the U.S. Drought Monitor. 
The region in the state considered to be in severe drought expanded to include nearly all of Massachusetts except Cape Cod, a small portion of southeast Massachusetts and most of the Berkshires. This leaves all of eastern and central Massachusetts in severe drought, the third highest drought category issued by the Drought Monitor. The Drought Monitor is an agency, overseen by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, that tracks drought conditions and provides guidance to the public and private sector."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160804/drought-worsens-in-massachusetts

http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/MapsAndData/MapArchive.aspx
http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/MapsAndData/MapArchive.aspx  for MA

Two key events in Franklin this month



This is a special edition of our regularly monthly newsletter to make you aware of some upcoming events in the area. If you are not yet a subscriber, you can get on our email list by clicking here.
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Two key area events this month


I hope you are enjoying your summer.

I am sending this quick note to let you know about two events taking place in our area this month. They include a Thriving in College program for teens and their parents on Tuesday, August 9 and August 16. The other is the SAFE Coalition's Inaugural Golf Tournament at Franklin Country Club on Monday, August 22.

Both programs are geared at addressing some community needs and to continue our work to make the area a great place to live, work and raise a family.

Please pass along this email to any of your friends, family or neighbors and invite them to participate in these two remarkable programs.

Thank you for your continued support.
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Thriving at College

Ok – you got in!  You have the dorm room, supplies and some new clothes. You'll be leaving pretty soon to take the next huge step in your life. For many teens, this is a time filled with excitement but also anxiousness and uncertainty, and certain skills need to be developed in order to overcome these fears and succeed that very first weekend and beyond.

Join us on Tuesday evenings, August 9th and August 16th, for two powerful workshops which will focus on solutions for some of the hurdles both teens and parents often face at the beginning of the college experience. The Thriving in College: Your First Weekend and Beyond workshop series is sponsored by the Hockomock Area YMCA Bernon Family Branch and Dean College, with support from State Representative Jeffrey Roy, the Franklin Public Schools, Community Impact, New Hope, Riverside Trauma Center and the S.A.F.E. Coalition.

 
Where:  Franklin High School
Lecture Hall
218 Oak Street, Franklin, MA

When:  August 9 and 16
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Register Now


SAFE Golf Tournament

A "best ball" golf tournament to benefit the S.A.F.E. Coalition will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 22 at the Franklin Country Club.

The tournament will support the outreach programs of the S.A.F.E. Coalition in Franklin, Medway, Milford and surrounding communities in Norfolk and Worcester Counties. It will also include a barbecue lunch and awards.

Registration is now open at safecoalitionma.com, and costs $150 per person and $600 for a foursome.

Ongoing S.A.F.E. programs include education, treatment options, and coping mechanisms for those affected by Substance Use Disorders. Our goals are to empower those affected, including their families, with the tools necessary to succeed on their journey to recovery.

Our Drop-In Centers provide a gateway to professional resources including medical and psychological needs, referrals to outpatient counseling, medical detoxification, in/outpatient rehabilitation programs and other treatment modalities including Healing Hearts, Learn to Cope and Community of Hope.

The Chiefs Roundtable provides a forum for interaction and support of our first responders while SOAR supports treatment for inmates and those involved in the judicial system.

Town Councilor Robert Dellorco, a member of the coalition, said the tournament is intended to help keep the group's "drop-in" centers - in which multiple services for addicts are brought under one roof - functioning.

"We had a grant but, in the future, we will need to fundraise," he said.

In addition to the tournament, the day will feature a barbecue lunch, a silent auction and awards, Dellorco said. And, SAFE is aggressively seeking sponsors for the new event.

"We have a lot of sponsors already, but we're looking to get as many sponsorships as we possibly can," he said.

Those interested in sponsoring the tournament may contact Dellorco at 774-571-5530. The S.A.F.E. Coalition of MA is a 501(3)(c) non-profit organization, and all contributions are tax deductible.

SAFE is also hoping as many golfers as possible register for the tournament. Dellorco said the group's target is 144 golfers, and it is looking to get the word out quickly, as the event is coming up soon.

You can view the Milford Daily News report on the tournament by clicking here.

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