ECDC Registration is open for three-year-olds in the 4-day afternoon sessions

2024-2025 Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) Registration is now open. 

There are still openings for three-year-olds in the 4-day afternoon sessions (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday PM from 12:45 pm to 3:15 pm).

Please visit https://www.franklinps.net/ecdc/pages/enrollment-information for more information.

ECDC Registration is open for three-year-olds in the 4-day afternoon sessions

Voices of Franklin: ECDC Pickup & arrival schedule changes

Proposed ECDC Arrival and Dismissal Procedure



Good Morning Lucas (Giguere), David (Callaghan), and Paula Marano),

I hope you all had a pleasant and relaxing holiday season.

Our son is currently enrolled at ECDC, so we received the email below this morning (Jan 4, 2024). I worked on developing solutions to drop off/pick up at ECDC while I was employed with the Town, so I fully appreciate the complications involved with developing a safe and efficient solution, however, what is being proposed in this email is not the answer, and quite frankly, exceptionally unsafe.

With respect to this issue, there are two competing interests at play; efficient vehicle queuing and pedestrian safety. The system that has been in place this year to this point results in occasional vehicle queuing issues (impacting convenience), however, it eliminates conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians, which in turn provides for significantly enhanced pedestrian safety. The system proposed in the email below does the exact opposite; it sacrifices pedestrian safety for a minor reduction in vehicle queuing complications. The proposed system does not follow any established guidelines or principles regarding pedestrian safety or school zone safety. There is no dedicated crosswalk in this area nor is there sidewalk along the west side of the building. These factors will result in unpredictable pedestrian crossings as pedestrians are not channelized to a specific pathways and crossing locations. In this situation, pedestrians will cross at the most convenient location for them, which is perpendicular to their own vehicle. This creates significant difficulties for drivers as crossings are unpredictable and can occur literally anywhere.

This system also creates hardships for numerous families with students at ECDC. I am confident in saying that multiple families with students at ECDC have more than one young child. The proposed system doesn’t allow for a second (or third plus) child to be safely left in their car seat while a student is dropped off. Under the current system, an individual parent now has to navigate an unprotected and unmarked pedestrian crossing with multiple children. I don’t feel an explanation as to why this is burdensome is needed, however, it doesn’t seems as if this was fully considered. Stating “Never Leave a child unattended in a vehicle” does not address the issue in a realistic fashion and is tone-deaf. A third child will be joining our family this spring, which further highlights the failures of the proposed system. Asking individual adults to wrangle three children across a parking lot is simply unrealistic, insensitive to the difficulty in doing such, and markedly unsafe. Additionally, many students are dropped off or picked up by grandparents who may have difficulty with a longer walk or struggle to safe cross the parking lot with multiple children. Bluntly, the proposed solution is counter to guidance laid out in the FHWA Safe Routes to School Guide (SRTS Guide: Student Drop-off and Pick-up Tools (saferoutesinfo.org)) and accepted civil engineering practice and as such, exposes the school system and Town to significant liability. Has a traffic safety professional been consulted in this matter? Below is the from the SRTS Guide section titled Separating Motor Vehicles from Pedestrians and Bicyclists:

“To further reduce conflicts, school facilities can be arranged to eliminate or reduce the number of children walking through parking lots. Children should walk around parking lots on dedicated walkways or sidewalks. If this is not possible, clearly marked walkways through parking lots with adult or older student monitors should be used, and speed calming treatments such as humps or bumps should be employed in the parking lots.”

If the proposed system is implemented, my family will have no choice but to end our enrollment at ECDC as the proposed system doesn’t allow us to keep our children safe during drop off and pick up. Respectfully, I suggest that a traffic professional with a background in school zone safety be consulted for both short-term and long-term solutions for ECDC drop off and pick up. Realistically, this issue needs a long-term solution, in my opinion an enhanced queuing area, but in the immediacy a solution that doesn’t sacrifice safety for convenience should be implemented. As a father and licensed civil engineer with extensive experience in school zone traffic safety, I implore you to reconsider this proposal and leave the current drop-off and pick up system in place. In my professional opinion, due to the number of un-consolidated crossings and pedestrian-vehicle conflict, it is a matter of time before a pedestrian is injured or killed following this procedure.

Thank you for your time and your attention to this matter.

Jay Mello, P.E.

Franklin, MA

Email with pick up schedule link can be found here

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1v49IGTmWZsZbWEoSJ2f8YDhAsWZlR4yw/view?usp=drive_link

Voices of Franklin: ECDC Pickup & arrival schedule changes

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting - Tuesday, Oct 10, 2023 at 7 PM

Franklin School Committee

October 10, 2023  7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Call to Order      Ms. Spencer

Pledge of Allegiance

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills Mr. McNeill

C. Payroll Ms. Spencer

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. ECDC School Improvement Plan

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. ECDC SIP

I recommend approval of the ECDC School Improvement Plan as presented.

B. Establish Activity Accounts

I recommend approval of establishing activity accounts, for the purpose of

fundraising, for the following current clubs: Model UN, Southeast Asian Club,

and Board and Games Club as discussed.

C. MASC Delegate Nomination

I recommend nominating Mr. Al Charles to serve as the MASC delegate for the

Franklin School Committee as discussed.

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. none

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from your September 26, 2023 meeting as

detailed.

B. JFK Gifts

I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $1,466.27 from the JFK PCC as

follows:

$1,225.00 JFK PCC Field Trips

$ 241.27 Christina Pamarico Supplemental Supplies

C. Parmenter Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $3,933.10 from the Parmenter PCC for

supplemental supplies as detailed.

VI. Good of the Order

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Executive Session

A. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, Section 21 (a) (3) for the purpose of discussing

strategy as it relates to collective bargaining with the Franklin Cafeteria Union, as

an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the

Committee, as declared by the Chair.

X. Adjournment

Agenda doc contains remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_10-10-23.pdf

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting - Tuesday, Oct 10, 2023 at 7 PM

Franklin Public Schools, MA: early release day for Tuesday, March 14, 2023

Dear Franklin Public School Staff and Families,

As you may know, the current weather predictions for tomorrow call for rain mixed with snow in the morning, turning to heavier snow and wind gusts tomorrow afternoon. Based on the timing of this event, it is expected that the snow will most impact the afternoon/evening. 

After careful consideration, Franklin Public Schools will have an early release tomorrow, Tuesday, March 14, 2023. All K-12 schools should follow their regular half-day schedule. 

Early Release Times 

• K-5 Schools  - 11:45 AM
• Middle Schools - 10:45
• High School - 10:55

ECDC is canceled for students. ECDC staff should report at the regularly scheduled time in the morning.

Solutions Program will remain open until 2:00 pm.

All scheduled after-school activities and evening events are canceled tomorrow.   

Respectfully,

Lucas Giguere

Superintendent

Franklin Public Schools, MA: early release day for Tuesday, March 14, 2023

School Committee Budget Subcommittee hears of capital budget request & another room needed for ECDC (audio)

FM #910 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 910 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee Budget Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, Jan  4, 2023. The meeting was conducted in the 3rd floor training room. Remote participation was enabled for this session per their agenda. As the Chair was remote, the votes were via roll call.

Chair Dave McNeill opened the meeting. School Committee member Dave Callaghan was present to start, member Meghan Whitmore arrived at approx. 6:15. Superintendent Lucas Giguere, Business Manager Miriam Goodman, Asst Supt Paula Marano and Asst Supt Dr. Tina Rogers also participated.

Quick recap

• School Capital Budget Request was previewed with a late change to possibly reduce it from $900K to about $400K 

• ECDC Enrollment is increasing and a new classroom needs to be added for March to meet the new 17 students expected who are turning 3; can be covered from revolving funds for now but will require hiring a teacher and aides and be part of next budget request

• FY24 Budget Timeline no current adjustment due to new Governor and her budget which is not due until early March, will proceed with estimates based upon last year and adjust along the way as necessary

The show notes contain a link to the agenda and to my notes.

The recording runs about 44 minutes, so let’s listen to the Budget Subcommittee meeting of Jan  4, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-910-school-cmte-budget-subcmte-mtg-01-04-23

--------------

Budget Subcommittee agenda

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/budget_sub_committee_agenda_1_4_2023.pdf

My notes in this ThreadReader PDF -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Tcsb-fd21ZYQzYxUsrhhCKx8RuJNswco/view?usp=share_link 

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

 

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

School Committee Budget Subcommittee hears of capital budget request & another room needed for ECDC (audio)

Early Childhood Development Center New Student Open House - Jan 13, 2023

Are you looking for a preschool program for your child? Do you live in Franklin? Is your child going to be 3 by August 31st and not yet eligible for kindergarten in the fall of 2023?

Parents and children are invited to join us at Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) on Friday, January 13, 2023 from 9 AM - 11 AM for a tour of the school, to meet our teaching team and learn about our wonderful preschool program!

If you are unable to attend the Open House, you can contact Laura Flanagan to schedule a tour by emailing flanaganla@franklinps.net or by calling us at 508-541-8166.

Please note: tours are held at 8:30 AM and 3:30 PM to preserve the confidentiality and safety of our current students. Access our event details here: https://www.franklinps.net/district/events/92086

Applications for the 23-24 school year at the ECDC are available here: https://www.franklinps.net/.../23-24_new_student..

Address

F.X O’Regan Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC)

224 Oak Street

Franklin, MA 02038

Shared from the FPS page -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/events/92086

Early Childhood Development Center New Student Open House - Jan 13, 2023

Franklin ECDC New Student Open House - January 13, 2023

• Are you looking for a preschool program for your child?
• Do you live in Franklin?
• Is your child going to be 3 by August 31st and not yet eligible for kindergarten in the fall of 2023?

Parents and children are invited to join us at ECDC for a tour of the school, to meet our teaching team and learn about our wonderful preschool program! 

If you are unable to attend the OPEN HOUSE, you can contact Laura Flanagan to schedule a tour:  Email:  flanaganla@franklinps.net      Phone: 508-541-8166

Tours are held at 8:30 AM and 3:30 PM to preserve the confidentiality and safety of our current students. 

Applications for the 2023-2024 school year are available on the ECDC Website (https://www.franklinps.net/ecdc). 

Applications can also be picked up at the Franklin Superintendent’s office and at ECDC.

The Early Childhood Development Center - https://www.franklinps.net/ecdc

Franklin ECDC New Student Open House - January 13, 2023

ECDC is now accepting applications for the 2023-24 school year

Franklin ECDC (@FranklinECDC) tweeted  Thu, Dec 08, 2022:

"ECDC is now accepting applications for the 2023-24 school year! 

We are also hosting an OPEN HOUSE on January 13th here at ECDC! https://t.co/7hRNK88Bmc  

@FranklinPSNews @FranklinMatters @TOFranklinMA"

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/FranklinECDC/status/1600963899352051712

Or find the application online ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WharWMYiwWmLlSXCxOOFMFkqBokQiG5t/view

Visit the ECDC page -> https://www.franklinps.net/ecdc

ECDC is now accepting applications for the 2023-24 school year

Franklin Public Schools, MA: Half Day for schools on Weds, Dec 7 for professional development

"Reminder: All Franklin Public Schools will operate on a HALF DAY schedule on Wednesday, December 7 , 2022 to accommodate for staff professional development, with the exception of the Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) which will have no school on half days."

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews/status/1599886582353481728

Franklin Public Schools, MA: Half Day for schools on Weds, Dec 7 for professional development

Dutch Mill Bulbs - fund raiser for ECDC

Order some Dutch Mill Bulbs online, get them shipped directly to your home, and help this fund raiser for ECDC (https://www.franklinps.net/ecdc) . 

Order now, they ship 2 weeks after you order. 

Plant this fall, enjoy the color in the Spring.

If you don't have a QR Code reader, follow this link ->

https://dutchmillbulbs.com/bulbs/fall-planting-spring-blooming-bulbs.aspx?affid=ecdc-pcc

Dutch Mill Bulbs - fund raiser for ECDC

ECDC looking to hire to 2 ESP for this school year

"We are hiring! Looking for 2 ESPs to join our team! School year, 8:45 to 3:30, M-F! Find the listing on Schoolspring, or reach out to me for more information! Kelleyk@franklinps.net"

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FranklinECDC/status/1554131428912365570 

ECDC looking to hire to 2 ESP for this school year

The ECDC is looking to hire a full-time Educational Support Professional (classroom assistant)

"We are hiring! Need a full-time Educational Support Professional (classroom assistant) at ECDC!  

This is a school year position, but there is also an opportunity to work during our 6-week summer program!  

Email me for more information kelleyk@franklinps.net ! "

@FranklinPSNews 

 Shared from Twitter:  https://twitter.com/FranklinECDC/status/1518392993513938950

https://www.franklinps.net/ecdc

Getting to Know Franklin ECDC

Find and view the slide show online here

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1LhyeEPFl-Z2Oy_nfgSo6PBM-biLTM_VTumfmYk0Pf3E/edit?usp=sharing

Getting to Know Franklin ECDC

Franklin ECDC: Applications for 2021-2022 school year being accepted now

FranklinECDC (@FranklinECDC) tweeted Thu, Jan 07, 2021:

 ECDC is now accepting applications for the 2021-22 school year! FRANKLIN families of children who will be 3 and not yet 5 by August 31st are eligible to enroll. @TOFranklinMA @FranklinPSNews @FranklinFoodPan @FrkPublicLib 

ECDC application = https://t.co/sBNZdhUKrX

Shared from Twitter https://twitter.com/FranklinECDC/status/1347286980590239747

Franklin ECDC: Applications for 2021-2022 school year being accepted now

FM #422-423 School Committee Meeting - In two parts - 12/22/20 (audio)

FM #422-423 - This is the Franklin Matters radio show, another one in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Dec 22, 2020. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: some of the School Committee and Central Office personnel were in the Council Chambers, the remainder of the Committee was remote via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the just over two hour and thirty minute meeting into two logical segments:

• First - covers the opening through the Guests/Presentations (approx. 1 hour and 23 minutes)
• Second - picks up from the Superintendent's goals through to the end of the public meeting as they entered Executive Session (not to return to public meeting) (approx. 1 hour and 9 minutes)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to my notes. The meeting packet folder will hold the other documents released for the meeting (as we go to press, the Superintendent’s Report is not yet updated due to the holiday break)

Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting of Dec 22, 2020

Audio files: 

First #422 -  https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HDbNY59S

Second #423 - https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HXmz9VVS

--------------

Agenda doc
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/events/scagenda_12-22-20.pdf

Meeting packet folder
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/december-22-2020-school-committee-meeting-packet 

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/franklin-ma-school-committee-meeting.html  

-------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

FM #422-324 School Committee Meeting - In two parts - 12/22/20 (audio)

The ECDC December Newsletter is now posted

The ECDC December Newsletter is now posted!
You can view it here: https://t.co/30K2YTYarx

@FranklinPSNews @FranklinMatters @TOFranklinMA @FrkPublicLib @MassEarlyEdCare @MASchoolsK12
https://twitter.com/FranklinECDC/status/1341407351602089984?s=03

The ECDC December Newsletter is now posted

Franklin Public Schools, MA: Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) accepting applications for 2021-2022

Our Early Childhood Development Center, ECDC, is now accepting applications for the 2021-2022 school year! Please see the attached brochure to learn more about our high-quality preschool learning environment! #Preschool #earlychildhood #FantasticFPS

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/VJMB7708kg

Brochure link => https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/ecdc_brochure_2021-2022_2.pdf

 

Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) accepting applications for 2021-2022

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Sep 8, 2020

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.”

• Call to Order
• Pledge of Allegiance 
• Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business
A. Review of Agenda
B. Citizen’s Comments

In the spirit of open communication, “the Committee will hold a public participation segment (also called Citizen’s Comments) about matters not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made…. A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment…. The Committee will hear public comments related to an agenda item when the Chair deems appropriate during the Committee meeting. Topics for discussion during the meeting must be limited to those items listed on the Committee meeting agenda for that evening…. ” - from Policy BEDH

C. FHS Student Representative Comments
D. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations
A. ECDC Reopening Plan -- Ms. Kelty Kelley and Ms. Paula Marano

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. Policy - 2nd Reading/Adoption
I recommend adoption of the following policies as discussed:

• EBC (SUPPLEMENTAL) - Creation Of A General (Interim) Policy On Covid-related Issues
• EBCFA - Masks/Face Coverings (New)
• COVID Policy Addendums

B. School Handbooks and Covid Addendums
I recommend approval of the School Handbooks with the Covid Addendums as discussed.

IV. Discussion Only Items
A. Annual Report Draft
B. Budget Update   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/budget_update_for_school_committee_9_2_2020.pdf

V. Information Matters
A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Ad Hoc Supt. Evaluation, Ad Hoc Facilities Analysis, Budget, Community Relations/Public Schools Advocacy, Policy, Transportation)
B. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC, Substance Abuse Task Force, School Wellness Advisory Council)

VI. New Business
A. To discuss any future agenda items

VII. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from the August 25, 2020 School Committee meeting as detailed.

VIII. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

IX. Payroll Ms. D’Angelo

X. Executive Session

Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3), move to go into Executive Session to discuss strategy with respect to potential litigation as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the School Committee and the chair so declares, and not to reconvene in an Open Session.

XI. Adjournment 

The agenda doc contains the connection information

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/sc-agenda-9-8-20

The meeting packet folder is on the Town of Franklin page

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/september-8-2020-school-committee-meeting-packet 

sign at Davis Thayer elementary school

Franklin ECDC New Student Open House! - Jan 17

Are you looking for a preschool program for your child?

Do you live in Franklin?

Is your child going to be 3 by August 31st and not yet eligible for kindergarten in the fall of 2020?

Parents and children are invited to join us at F.X. O’Regan Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) for a tour of the school, to meet our teaching team and learn about our wonderful preschool program!

If you are unable to attend the OPEN HOUSE, you can contact Laura Flanagan to schedule a tour: Email: flanaganla@franklinps.net Phone: 508-541-8166

Tours are held at 8:30 AM and 3:30 PM to preserve the confidentiality and safety of our current students.

Applications for the 20-21 school year are available on the ECDC Website (https://www.franklinps.net/ecdc) or directly at
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GjbC7NiV9SxSIHf3EDZbQB_LkAeNlH3o/view


Applications can also be picked up at the Franklin Superintendent’s office and at ECDC.

Download a copy of the Open House flyer
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/ecdc_open_house_jan_2020_0.pdf

 

Franklin ECDC New Student Open House! - Jan 17

ECDC Registration for Fall 2020

ECDC Registration for Fall 2020

Registration is open for our ECDC Preschool program for Fall 2020! Please find an information sheet and application 
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/2020-21_new_student_application_0.pdf

An Open House is scheduled for Friday, January 17 from 9 AM - 11 AM. Come see what our wonderful Preschool program is all about!

Visit the ECDC Website for more information
https://www.franklinps.net/ecdc

ECDC Registration for Fall 2020