Showing posts with label closure. Show all posts
Showing posts with label closure. Show all posts

Friday, October 6, 2023

Town of Franklin: Municipal Building CLOSURE - October 9, 2023

The Town of Franklin Municipal Building will be CLOSED on Monday, October 9th, 2023 in observance of Columbus Day

We will reopen on Tuesday, October 10th, 2023.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/franklin-municipal-building-closure-october-9th-2023

Town of Franklin: Municipal Building CLOSURE - October 9, 2023
Town of Franklin: Municipal Building CLOSURE - October 9, 2023

Friday, April 28, 2023

Franklin Police road closure alert for Saturday (4/29/23) morning - FRANKLIN LITTLE LEAGUE PARADE

Tomorrow (Saturday) morning (weather permitting) the Franklin Youth Baseball Organization has its annual little league parade. 
Starting around 9 AM you can expect temporary road closures on West Central St by the Davis Thayer School, Cottage St, and Peck St. 
https://t.co/ZpNQXvPIzt


Franklin Police road closure alert for Saturday (4/29/23) morning - FRANKLIN LITTLE LEAGUE PARADE
Franklin Police road closure alert for Saturday (4/29/23) morning - FRANKLIN LITTLE LEAGUE PARADE

Saturday, February 18, 2023

The Franklin Municipal Building will be CLOSED on Monday, February 20, 2023

The Franklin Municipal Building will be CLOSED on Monday, February 20th, 2023

The Franklin Municipal Building will be CLOSED on Monday, February 20th, 2023 in observance of Presidents' Day. We will reopen on Tuesday, February 21st, 2023.

Shared from ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/franklin-municipal-building-will-be-closed-monday-february%C2%A020th-2023

The Franklin Municipal Building will be CLOSED on Monday, February 20, 2023
The Franklin Municipal Building will be CLOSED on Monday, February 20, 2023

Sunday, June 12, 2022

School Committee Action Item: Davis Thayer declared school surplus

To: Franklin School Committee Members
From: Sara E. Ahern, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools
Re: Davis Thayer Elementary School Property
Date: June 9, 2022

I want to commend the administration, faculty and staff, families, and students for their work towards building a unifying culture at Keller Elementary School this year where students from the former Davis Thayer Elementary School and Keller Elementary School districts attend. It has not been easy and they have been focused on the student-centered nature of the transition and the building of a new school community.

As noted in two previous updates in the Superintendent’s Report, this fall, building principals walked the Davis Thayer school building and identified items to be repurposed throughout the district. This included classroom desks and tables, office furniture and chairs, and other instructional materials.

Throughout the year (and currently), the building is in use, providing much needed storage throughout the district. It has been holding some furniture and it is also holding all of the district and town COVID-related PPE. The building is being maintained by the Facilities Department at a lower cost, compared to normal operations.

As noted in January, we consulted with MSBA to inform them of steps we have taken, as taking Davis Thayer out of the purview of the School Committee has implications for future building projects. MSBA has been responsive and indicated that we have met notification requirements.

The Space Needs and Facilities Assessment Subcommittee has examined available space across the District, space needs based on our enrollment and specialized programs, and space utilization with an eye towards potential building projects and redistricting. Their presentation to the School Committee and community will be June 14, 2022. Although there are some places in the District that are pressure points related to space, the Facilities Assessment of the District’s schools pointed to places where Davis Thayer Elementary School could not meet current expectations for teaching and learning. This included inaccessibility and lack of ADA compliance, classrooms spaces that do not meet contemporary instructional standards, and concerns related to the physical safety of the facility. As such, the administrative team continues to believe that the Davis Thayer Elementary School is not a viable solution.

Therefore, I recommend that pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40, Section 15A, that the School Committee declare that the Davis Thayer Elementary School property is no longer needed for school purposes, and further that the School Committee notify the Town Council of that determination.

Action Item and text of memo in PDF form ->



Saturday, January 15, 2022

Update: Historical Museum closed through end of January

Late breaking news from the Historical Museum. Unfortunately, they won't be available as an indoor activity this weekend (or the remainder of January). 

"We have decided to close the museum through the end of the month of January. 
Due to the recent spike in COVID cases we thought it best for the health and safety of our volunteer staff, and our visitors, to take a break until things calm down a bit. 
We plan to re-open in early February."
 
Note: Ben Franklin's birthday party had been scheduled for Sunday, Jan 16. 

Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central St
Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central St 

Thursday, January 6, 2022

Franklin Public Schools: Update from Superintendent Ahern on COVID-19 and school closures

Dear Franklin Community,

You have likely seen the news reports that some schools in our local area had to close today due to high COVID-19 cases among faculty/staff or cases that affect their families. We are also hearing about daycare closures due to COVID.

Like other districts, Franklin Public Schools is seeing a large volume of students and staff testing positive. I don’t mean to alarm you, however we publish weekly case counts and I think it is important to give you both a preview and an honest snapshot of what we are experiencing. Yesterday’s COVID informational letter identified 20 individuals within the school setting who tested positive. (Today’s letter indicated 30). The total number of individuals testing positive yesterday alone was 68 when individuals who were isolating at home are included.  These numbers are straining our ability to adequately staff our schools.

We are not experiencing evidence of school-based spread. I wish to reassure you that our schools have significantly more mitigation measures in place than public and private settings, generally.

We are doing our best to collaborate across the district and deploy substitutes in order to provide adequate coverage to keep students safe in the learning environment. Our efforts also include coverage by building and central office administrators.

I share this information with you to: 
  • emphasize the hard work the team is doing in an aim to keep schools open and to keep everyone safe  
  • and ask you to prepare for the possibility that on any given day, we may need to close a school if we feel that we can not safely operate the school based on the number of adults we have to supervise.

As with our snow notifications, a decision to close will be made as early as possible for your planning purposes. It may be the night prior to school but it may also be in the morning. We will aim to make the decision and initiate notifications by cell, text, and email by 5:30 AM and no later than 6:00 AM.

Days missed will need to be made up at the end of the year as all students are required to have 180 days of instruction. Moving to remote instruction is not an option.

Thank you for your understanding, flexibility, patience, and cooperation,

Sara Ahern
Superintendent of Schools

Shared via SchCom Chair Denise Spencer's Facebook post:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/permalink/3072054019731270/


Update from Superintendent Ahern on COVID-19 and school closures
Update from Superintendent Ahern on COVID-19 and school closures

Monday, June 15, 2020

Franklin Public Schools: Remote Learning Update - June 15, 2020

June 15, 2020

Dear Franklin Families and Faculty/Staff,

The purpose of this message is to update families and faculty/staff on Remote Learning.

Planning for Re-Opening School in the Fall
A District Re-opening Taskforce -- comprised of district and school-based administrators, faculty/staff, school nurse leader, school physician, Facilities Department, Food Services, Lifelong Learning, Athletic Director, and a School Resource Officer -- has begun to plan for reopening school in the fall. We will be including parent/family and student voice as well.

The group’s efforts are focused in five areas: operations, healthy, and safety; whole child supports; personnel; academics; and distance learning. We expect that preliminary guidance from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, containing more details around teaching and learning, will be issued soon. The guidance issued on June 5, 2020 was specific to ordering Personalized Protective Equipment (PPE) and should not be interpreted as what school will look like in the fall.

The District will be surveying families, staff, and students. Please be on the lookout for a survey soon. You can expect a communication from the Re-opening Taskforce mid-summer, in advance of the opening of school, for your planning purposes.

Chromebook Collection
At this time, the District will not be collecting Chromebooks from families whose children will return to Franklin Public Schools in the fall.

If your child is not returning you may complete a “request for remote support” form (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf--tUJyJtg2OIFTEIXaoyJCmDbrqBEkvFgPYe9AJ3q7F3Asg/viewform) and then drop the Chromebook off at the rear of Franklin High School at the technology office on a Wednesday from 4-6 PM.

If your child is returning to FPS but you would like to return the Chromebook, please also complete the request for remote support form and drop it off on a Wednesday from 4-6 PM at the rear of Franklin High School at the technology office.

Alternatively, you can connect with a building administrator for a time when you can drop it off at your child’s school.

Last day of School 6/18
The end of the year certainly doesn’t look like how we envisioned when we began the school year on August 27th. Our last day of school will be Thursday, June 18th. In order to accomplish end of year tasks, the day will be modified where the secondary block will run from 8:30-10:30 AM and the elementary block will run from 9:00-11:00 AM. Afternoon instruction/meetings will be rescheduled. Current Kindergarten students will participate. More specific information may be issued from your child’s school. The last day of ECDC will be June 16th with their end of the year “Fun Fair” on June 17th.

Elementary and Middle School Report Cards
Please see the following links about report cards at the elementary and middle levels:
Elementary Report Card Letter (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HJCijpl2DrqyddwbtKyt3UdBqWV27ImIS3DQLYbx3gk/edit?usp=sharing)
Middle School Report Card Letter (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xkXgkjG7keyq6Sz0Pj1MN_OijOHCnkOvXtTu60QVGeY/edit?usp=sharing)

P-EBT Card for Students who Qualify for Free/Reduced Lunch
Families whose students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch started to receive P-EBT cards in the mail on Friday, May 29, and we hear that there has been some trouble with activating cards. The following information comes from the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) in order to assist you with activation:

Call DTA's Assistance Line at (877) 382-2363 and press 6. Their staff can help families to get the case information.

We are pleased to announce that the Food Services program has been awarded a grant in order to continue food service this summer, serving breakfast and lunch, to any child in Franklin.

This has certainly been a challenging spring for everyone. We want to thank the Franklin community for working together to keep each other safe and for cooperation, patience, and communication in shifting the entire instructional and support system to be remote. We have learned much in these difficult days, most notably emphasizing how much we value the opportunities we have to be together.

We want to wish all of our faculty/staff, students, and families a healthy and safe summer. 

Kind regards,
Franklin Public Schools

Please contact the Superintendent’s Office at 508-553-4819 with any questions. Please leave a voicemail. Although we are working remotely, voicemails are sent to email and will be responded to in a timely fashion.

PDF version (not yet on schools web page)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vwE7rFD_YckvgvfBcyBwDRdBBsYdFqw3/view?usp=sharing

Franklin Public Schools: Remote Learning Update - June 15, 2020
Franklin Public Schools: Remote Learning Update - June 15, 2020

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

SNETT Trail Advisory - section by Prospect St closed



View this email in your browser
Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee
SNETT Trail Advisory - section by Prospect St closed

SNETT Trail Closure Advisory
May 11 – August 31, 2020!

 

Due to the Prospect Street Tunnel project, the trail will be closed between Lake Street in the Town of Bellingham and Spring Street in the Town of Franklin. Trail users should plan to use other parts of the SNETT during this period of time.

For more information or to keep updated, please visit our website or Facebook Page.

Our mailing address is:
Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee
PO Box 68
Franklin, Ma 02038
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Wednesday, April 22, 2020

Franklin Public Schools: Update on School Closure

April 21, 2020

Dear Franklin Families,

Update on School Closure
Earlier today, Governor Baker announced that schools will be closed through the remainder of the school year. As such, FPS will continue with Remote Learning, following DESE guidance, for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. We anticipate additional DESE guidance will be issued towards the end of this week.

At the top of our minds at the moment is our graduating senior class; we are thinking of you and recognize the difficulty of hearing this news today. FHS administrators sent a message earlier today and conveyed that they are meeting with class officers and advisors later this week. We wish to emphasize excerpts from their message, which was shared with the Class of 2020 and their families:

“Even before this news we have been monitoring communication from the state as well as the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. We are collecting ideas and have begun exploring different options for non traditional graduation ceremonies....

● We are considering ALL options for how to keep (or reinvent) traditions to maintain the once in a lifetime atmosphere of the end of senior year. We are considering alternate locations, timelines, processes, digital events, etc...
● And MOST importantly. We miss you all, we love you, our hearts ache for what you have already missed, and we are constantly brainstorming ways to recapture the magic of your senior year!”

Indeed, we miss our students and our hearts go out to the members of our senior class and their families. We will continue to communicate with the Class of 2020 as well as the community about the developing plans and celebrations.

With the announcement of school closure, we anticipate opening the buildings again, thereby providing students with an opportunity to retrieve items. More information will be forthcoming about this.

We have received several questions about refunds of user fees, in light of today’s announcement. As mentioned at the April 14, 2020 School Committee meeting, refunds for user fees are under consideration, depending on the type of fee. More information will be coming soon about this and we appreciate your patience.

Feedback on Remote Learning
The first two weeks of Phase II of Remote Learning have concluded and the District is eager to gather system-wide feedback from our families and from our students. We will use this information to guide conversations and make adjustments, as appropriate. Please use the following link(s) to complete the surveys relevant to your family:

Elementary Parent/Guardian Survey: https://forms.gle/r9DWe819k8cFBn1L8

MS/HS Parent/Guardian Survey: https://forms.gle/sHwju4Wy9pT8EjFq9

Parent/Guardian surveys will close on Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at 8 PM.

Tomorrow, a survey will be sent directly to students in grades 6-12 to their @franklinps.net email addresses to learn more from them directly about their remote learning experiences. Please ask your child to check their school e-mail address.

School Lunch
Our Food Services Department has just been awarded a DESE/USDA grant, allowing for expansion of our offerings. Please see the additional attachment with an important update about school lunch being offered, Monday through Friday, from 11 AM to 1 PM to any child 21 years or younger.


Sincerely,

Franklin Public Schools

Please contact the Superintendent’s Office at 508-553-4819 with any questions. Please leave a voicemail. Although we are working remotely, voicemails are sent to email and will be responded to in a timely fashion.

Franklin Public Schools: Update on School Closure
Franklin Public Schools: Update on School Closure

Wednesday, April 15, 2020

St Mary's: Important Information Regarding the Religious Education Office


Religious Education Office to close 
Friday, April 17 -- Sunday, July 26



Good Morning,

We hope that everyone is doing well and making the most of these trying times. Together we will get through this! We have had to make the difficult decision to close the Religious Education Office from the end of the business day on Friday, April 17th--Sunday, July 26th. We will reopen bright and early on Monday, July 27th. It is our hope that we will be able to see everyone in person and this will all be over. July 27th will also be the day that our registration for 2020/2021 begins. It will run from Monday, July 27th--Thursday, August 27th. An email will go out to you on July 27th and you will be able to register 24/7 using the online link.

I will continue to respond to your emails this week. During the time that we are not in the office, all emails will be forwarded to the Rectory Office and answered as best as possible. Full and complete answers will be available after we return on Monday, July 27. In the case of an emergency please contact Trish Murphy at 508-528-0020 (ext. 10) and the voicemail will be returned as soon as possible.

During this time Roger Gullo, Confirmation Director, will still be available by email (confirmation.director@stmarysfranklin.org) for the Confirmation students and their families.

We miss all of our families and will continue to keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. Please be safe and stay healthy!

Karen Ackles + Liz Bertoni


St Mary's: Important Information Regarding the Religious Education Office
St Mary's: Important Information Regarding the Religious Education Office


Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Franklin Public Schools: Closure Update and Vacation Survey Response Requested

April 7, 2020
 
Dear Franklin Families,

We are thinking of you and your children as we adjust to a new phase of Remote Learning this week. We all recognize there is a big learning curve here (including your Central Office team who had a bit of a fumble Sunday night with live streaming). We are all learning!

Survey about April Vacation
There have been many questions about April vacation. DESE Commissioner Jeff Riley issued a statement on Friday, deferring to local decision making for potential changes to April vacation/the school calendar. Some districts have already made decisions to either stay with April vacation or to eliminate it in favor of shortening the end of the school year.

Right now, in Franklin, we are expected to end on Wednesday, June 24, or our 185th day. We are surveying both faculty/staff and families to learn more about your preferences. 

Please complete this form by noon on Thursday, April 9.

https://forms.gle/rnq9LEwh6bZj9Jo38


Breakfast, Lunch, and Weekend Backpacks Over Long Weekend
Friday, April 10 is a non-school day, as it is Good Friday and typically a day off of school in our school year calendar. As a result, the breakfast and lunch program from FHS will not be operating. We will, however, issue Thursday and Friday lunches and breakfasts on Thursday, April 9. Additionally, weekend backpacks will be available for pick up on Thursday, April 9, instead of Friday, April 10, this week.

Sincerely,

Franklin Public Schools


Closure Update was shared from
https://www.franklinps.net/district/superintendent/pages/messages-superintendent-regarding-coronavirus


Franklin Public Schools: Closure Update and Vacation Survey Response Requested
Franklin Public Schools: Closure Update and Vacation Survey Response Requested

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

“We didn't have weeks to act. We barely had days and we might be too late”

When the pandemic is by us (and no one know how long that will take), this story will be one of the contemporary pieces to go back to for the analysis of what happened and what could have happened. We will need to develop the 'lessons learned' from this pandemic for next time. The pandemic is a reminder that while it was predicted, it is likely to repeat until we change.

WBUR shares this reporing: 'We Knew The Inevitable': Why Mass. School Leaders Had To Close Schools On Their Own

“I said, ‘I think we have a kid,’ ” he said. “You could just see that everyone's face was like, ‘OK, this just got real.’ ”

And it got critical. Classes were starting at the school in less than 30 minutes. Immediately, Tremblay divided everyone into smaller groups and assigned tasks. Track down all students and staff who might have had contact with the symptomatic student. Inform those families and advise them to self-quarantine for 14 days. Tell bus drivers to stand by in order to bring kids home.

Some of the Framingham families who needed to quarantine didn’t speak English. Tremblay brought translators into the room. They wrote all official messages into Spanish and Portuguese simultaneously, working in Google docs.

“This escalated, as you can imagine, pretty quickly,” Tremblay said.
Continue reading the article online
https://www.wbur.org/edify/2020/03/30/behind-school-closure-decisions

“We didn't have weeks to act. We barely had days and we might be too late”
“We didn't have weeks to act. We barely had days and we might be too late”

Sunday, March 29, 2020

Franklin Public Schools: Update to families on closure extension to May 4

March 28, 2020

"Dear Franklin Families,

Remote Learning Update

Many families in the community have reached out inquiring about a more comprehensive Remote Learning Plan for Franklin students. Our approach has been to connect early with our students, focusing on relationships and children’s social-emotional well-being. Following initial guidance from DESE, we asked educators to reach out to students to connect as well as to provide enrichment opportunities that would keep students engaged.

As you know, Governor Baker extended school closure to May 4. DESE was charged with developing additional guidance around districts’ Remote Learning Plans. This guidance was developed with input from the MTA and AFT-MA (statewide educators’ union associations), MASS (Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents), MASC (Massachusetts Association of School Committees), and MPTA (Massachusetts Parent Teacher’s Association) and was released on Thursday. The Commissioner of Education held conference calls with Superintendents and Assistant Superintendents yesterday (Friday 3/27/2020).

This guidance provides both new and additional recommendations around which to deliver remote learning experiences to students, and, while leaving room for local decision making, aims to bring some consistency state-wide. Suggested implementation is early April. We want to be sure that you are aware that guidance has been issued and that the administration and FEA are working together to develop a framework that will build on the SEL connections and enrichment educators are currently providing.

The guidance can be found on the MA DESE COVID-19 Resource Page: http://www.doe.mass.edu/sfs/emergencyplan/covid19.html

A letter from the Commissioner will also be sent to families early next week.

Chromebook Borrowing
We are preparing to provide another opportunity during the week of March 30 for K-8 students who need a device to access remote learning opportunities to borrow a Chromebook. We ask that you complete the linked form only if your child needs access to a device because you do not have an alternative for them to access during the day at home. Please complete this form by NOON on Monday, March 30 so that we can prepare a device. Pickup time will be communicated next week. Form: https://forms.gle/XHUCgcczad6uEaNy5

Medication Pickup
We are aware that families may need to come to school to pick up medications now that school closure has been extended. We are making arrangements to open our building for this purpose and will communicate a date and time next week. If you need more immediate assistance, please contact your child’s principal.

Remote Tech Support
Our team of IT technicians are doing a great job in developing and supporting our new, virtual work and learning environment. They are available to assist with remote technical support. If you need technical assistance for a device, please complete this form: https://forms.gle/3vZKj3gNo5L8i5Ey8

If your child needs assistance with software or account support, we ask that you contact your child’s teacher.

XFINITY Free Wifi Details
The following link provides details on how you can access open XFinity WiFi, should you need Internet access. https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/open-xfinity-wifi-hotspots

With Gratitude
We appreciate your patience as we continue to adapt to an evolving situation. We will continue to keep the community informed as we continue to navigate these unprecedented circumstances. We sincerely hope that you are feeling well and that your families are staying safe."

Kind regards, 

Sara Ahern
Superintendent of Schools


Download a copy of this
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cm3fXGFBlFSsOQ-OOxeN9swpFzLdu5z6/view?usp=sharing

Multiple translations of this file will be made available on the FPS schools page soon  https://www.franklinps.net/district/superintendent/pages/messages-superintendent-regarding-coronavirus

 
Franklin Public Schools: Update to families on closure extention to May 4
Franklin Public Schools: Update to families on closure extension to May 4

Thursday, March 26, 2020

Franklin Public Schools: Extension Of Closure Update - 3/25/20

March 25, 2020

Dear Franklin Families and Faculty/Staff,

As you may know, Governor Baker announced earlier today that he signed an executive order that all Massachusetts schools will remain closed through April, opening no earlier than Monday, May 4, 2020.

Both the Governor and Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Commissioner explained how the Department has been working to develop new guidance about Remote Learning in light of this extension. Superintendents are expecting to receive this guidance tomorrow and, after reviewing it, we will follow these guidelines and work cooperatively with the Franklin Education Association to build upon our initial engagement and enrichment since last week.

Per Commissioner Riley’s announcement this afternoon, our plan will begin in early April.

We will continue to keep the community informed as we continue to navigate these unprecedented circumstances. We sincerely hope that you are feeling well and that your families are staying safe.

Kind regards,

Sara Ahern 
Superintendent of Schools


The English language link
https://www.franklinps.net/district/superintendent/files/3-23-20-coronavirus-update-english

Other language for each notification can be found online
https://www.franklinps.net/district/superintendent/pages/messages-superintendent-regarding-coronavirus

 
Franklin Public Schools: Extension Of Closure Update - 3/25/20
Franklin Public Schools: Extension Of Closure Update - 3/25/20

In the News: Mr Barrett provides live music; Gov Baker extends schools closure until May 4

From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin:

Mr Barrett provides live music
"When things seem bleak, there’s nothing like music to inject levity, lighten moods and make connections with others.

That’s just what Jefferson Elementary School music teacher and local musician Jamie Barrett aims to do with his newly introduced “Wake Up With Mr. Barrett” live YouTube concerts.

The concerts are his response to the reality of life in a time of social distancing resulting from the coronavirus.

“I was primarily thinking of ways to stay connected to my students during this time, but also to my family and friends, as well as to anyone else who might enjoy a live concert,” he said. “It’s all about connections.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200325/music-therapy-franklin-musician-goes-live-on-youtube-during-coronavirus-crisis

there’s nothing like music to inject levity
there’s nothing like music to inject levity


Gov Baker extends schools closure until May 4
"Schools and non-emergency child care centers in Massachusetts will now be closed until at least May 4 under a new order Gov. Charlie Baker signed Wednesday afternoon.

In the meantime, Baker said, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will work to produce in-home programming for students. Previously, schools had been ordered closed until at least April 6.

“This will allow school districts to provide the best possible opportunities for remote learning to all students,” Baker said. He added, “This is not an extended school vacation. During this long-term closure, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will work with school districts to further develop educational programming students can use at home. This way, schools can prepare for their students’ return in May.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200325/updated-gov-baker-orders-school-and-non-emergency-child-care-centers-to-remain-closed-until-at-least-may-4

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Franklin Public Library Closure Updates

Franklin Public Library Closure Updates

Dear Franklin Community,

Thank you for your enthusiastic response to curbside pickups! Unfortunately, that service has come to an end. Thankfully, the Library still has much more to offer! 

Here are updates and information regarding the Library's services during this closure:
  • The Franklin Library will be closed until April 7th.
  • Our digital library is still open! Explore our collection of audiobooks, ebooks, and more at https://minuteman.overdrive.com/ . On your phone or tablet, download the Libby and Minuteman Library Network apps!
  • Try out Kanopy, hoopla, Creativebug, and Universal Class on the Featured Databases page https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/pages/featured-databases (exclusively available to Franklin residents).
  • Learn something new, read newspapers from across the globe, or pick up a new skill using the links on our Databases & Research Resources page. https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/pages/databases-research-resources
  • Tune in to our Facebook page for streaming storytimes, book discussions, and other live programs.
  • Email reference service will remain available. Send questions to frkill@minlib.net . Questions will be answered within 24 hours.
  • Please hold on to your checked out items! Due dates have been extended to April 30.
  • No donations will be accepted at this time.
  • The ability to place holds on physical items has been suspended.

Updates through email, our website, and social media will be provided as they become available.

Library 
Facebook page  https://www.facebook.com/FranklinPublicLibrary/
Twitter account  https://twitter.com/FrkPublicLib

Shared from the Library update notification
https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/franklin-public-library-closure-updates

No book or bag sale this weekend due to the pandemic closure
No book or bag sale this weekend due to the pandemic closure

Tuesday, December 3, 2019

“it is with regret that we have closed the Firehouse Subs permanently"

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

"Fans of Firehouse Subs in Franklin Village Plaza will need to look elsewhere for a sandwich fix now that the shop is closed.

Customers this week were met with papered-over windows, a blank spot above the door where the shop’s sign was hanging, and a typed note on the door informing them of the shop’s permanent closure.

It is unclear when the shop shut its doors. Word was still spreading among customers as of Monday, with expressions of surprise shared on social media.

John MacLennan, of Plainville, said he noticed the sub shop was closed over the Thanksgiving holiday. The shop was still open as recently as Nov. 25."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191202/franklin-firehouse-subs-closes/1

Firehouse Subs
Firehouse Subs

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

In the News: State starts planning for college closures; WWII MA Death records available online

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

State starts planning for college closures
"Higher education is dealing with its share of issues. The recent admissions scandal involving Hollywood celebrities, coupled with broader outrage against mounting student debt, has forced many colleges and universities to question their practices and futures. 
But a more insidious problem is weaving its way through higher education circles as well. A number of small colleges, including many in Massachusetts, have been forced to merge with larger institutions or close. What remains unclear is how the state will be affected by the closures and what state officials and lawmakers will do to protect students and employees. 
The abrupt closure of Mount Ida College in Newton last spring was the smoke that signaled a fire. With just a few weeks’ notice, the school left 280 faculty and staff without jobs and more than 1,000 students without a college to return to in the fall."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190527/state-education-officials-seek-to-head-off-college-closures

WWII MA Death records available online

"James Tarallia when as a private first class in the United States Army when he died of a gunshot wound on Sept.5, 1942 “at North Atlantic base.” 
“The first Framingham boy to lose his life in foreign service in this war,” reads the death record filed with the state of Massachusetts. He was born in 1919. 
Twenty days before the war ended in Europe, Robert A. Craddock of Milford died “in service in the European area.” A sergeant in the United States Army appears to be the last man from Milford to die in World War II. 
Taralli, who had lived at 50 Beaver St., Framingham, and Craddock, 83 Main St., Milford, can be found among hundreds of WWII death records of Massachusetts veterans now available online. The Secretary of State’s office released a digitized version of the records earlier this year, making it easy for people to comb through the index by name or by town online."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190527/states-world-war-ii-casualty-index-available-online

The digital archive can be found here
http://digitalarchives.sec.state.ma.us/uncategorised/collection_02102549-ad9c-458d-9d68-66e6f9a648b8/

The digital record for Timothy Hayes
The digital record for Sgt Timothy J Hayes

Sgt Timothy J Hayes
Sgt Timothy J Hayes

For more about Sgt Timothy J Hayes

Wednesday, January 23, 2019

In the News: Franklin looking for interest in Red Brick School; Board of Higher Ed examining college closures

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

looking for 'expressions of interest' for the Red Brick School 

"Town government is inviting the public to take a look inside the Red Brick School House next month in hopes of making use of the historic space. 
The town is hosting a walk-through of the building at 2 Lincoln St. on Feb. 14 from 10 to 11 a.m. for anyone interested in utilizing the structure. Those who plan to attend should RSVP with Deputy Town Administrator Jaime Hellen by calling 508-553-4887. 
The building was built on the foundation of an older schoolhouse in 1833, and is still in perfectly good working order, Hellen said. 
The Red Brick Schoolhouse, according to Hellen and Wikipedia, is the oldest functioning schoolhouse in the country."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190123/franklins-red-brick-school-house-up-for-grabs

Get a copy of the instructions here 
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EkxdTCzUuDB9lfnTwotWRvXbSzX5l25F/view?usp=sharing

or on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/red_schoolhouse_rfpei_final.pdf

Town of Franklin looking for "expressions of interest" for the Red Brick School House
Town of Franklin looking for "expressions of interest" for the Red Brick School House

Board of Higher Ed examining college closures

"Amid abrupt college closings and declining confidence in higher education, state officials are weighing a proposal that would allow the state to more closely monitor financially troubled schools. 
The Massachusetts Board of Higher Education examined a report that outlined recommendations at a Tuesday meeting at Framingham State University. The report calls for a new process of screening colleges to identify those in need of monitoring and intervention. 
“The goal of this is not to highlight finger-pointing but actually to restore confidence in a field that is suffering from some slippage,” said board Chairman Chris Gabrieli. 
In May, the board announced it would examine ways to determine the financial health of colleges as well as ways to lessen the fallout from school closings and provide the recommendations to the board members. The group, known as the Transitions in Higher Education: Safeguarding the Interest of Students (THESIS), met four times and submitted a final report last week."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190123/board-of-higher-education-proposes-closer-scrutiny-for-colleges

"In summary, the THESIS Working Group report includes two findings and several recommendations. The findings are as follows: 
1) The risk of further challenges to viability at non-profit institutions of highereducation (NPIHEs) leading to potential student disruption is significant, ongoing, and likely growing; and 
2) Current standard financial metrics are insufficient for timely or fully identifying atrisk NPIHEs, and current processes among the triad of accreditors, U.S. Department of Education, and state authorities are insufficient to ensure prevention/mitigation of future unacceptable disruption to students and others."
From the THESIS report submitted last week
http://www.mass.edu/bhe/lib/documents/BHE/03_BHE%2019-04%20THESIS.pdf