School Committee recognizes FHS Cheerleaders, hears of food services, Lifelong Learning, and snow preparations (video)

The Franklin School Committee met for the last time in this calendar year on Tuesday, Dec 12. The meeting featured a variety of information updates and recognition of the FHS Cheerleaders who repeated as State Champions.

Quick Recap:

• Cheerleaders recognized as State Champions (again). Proposal in the process of coming to authorize a trip to the National Championships (details TBD)
• Colin Boisvert, Food Services Director, provided an update on the operation and delivery of the school lunch program and gradual expansion of breakfast. Also highlighted was the use of local food sources and providing healthy options including fish
• Patricia Gay, Lifelong Learning Director, provided an update on the programs offered through the year. School Choice (before & after school programs), Community Learning (a variety of workshops, classes and exercise programs), Music Academy (year round music education and tutoring), and the Summer programs (including High School Experience). Lifelong Learning is self funded via registrations fees for the programs
• Brutus Cantoreggi, DPW Director, provided and update on the annual snow program and engaged in a extensive Q&A with the Committee to cover as many of the nuances as possible

The agenda for the meeting can be found ->    https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_12-12-23.pdf

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVm3PER71UQ

My notes captured during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YmyqSv0kI2UiuIAplhRBkjz4kiPJ4whc/view?usp=drive_link

While the presentation docs were (mostly) not available before the meeting, my photo captures can share them. The presentations are usually posted a day or so after the meeting.  Meeting packet folder ->    https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/december-12-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet

Food service  https://photos.app.goo.gl/NNJGoqSyGjjzE9iy8

Lifelong Learning  https://photos.app.goo.gl/owfR3mJXq716u5NR8

DPW Snow update - (from 2021 but generally the same with minor updates) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/snow_pres_for_dpw_council_dec_21.pdf

FHS Cheerleaders recognized as State Champions

Franklin Public School lunch improvements to highlight

Via the Franklin Public School's Facebook page, we share a couple of recent posts to highlight how creative the delivery of school lunch can be within the budget. Delivering healthy, locally sourced, and cost effective meals to students.

"Don't mind us, we're just reminiscing on last week's delicious marinated streak tips with asparagus and brown rice. Our Food Services team sources beef locally to ensure the highest quality is available to our students. This steak was sourced from MeatWorks out of Westport, MA.

The farms were Twin Willow Farm (Westport, MA), Howard’s Farm (West Bridgewater, MA), and Sunny Knoll Farm (Westminster, MA)"

delicious marinated streak tips with asparagus and brown rice

"The Food Service team does it again! Yesterday’s lunch at every school featured local Pollock caught just days ago off the coast of Chatham, MA. The fisherman was Captain Scott MacAllister on his boat, the Carol Marie fishing vessel. Thank you Red’s Best for the great traceability!

You can read more about Captain Macallister in this article: https://capecodfishermen.org/a-young-man-carving-out-a.../"

local Pollock caught just days ago off the coast of Chatham, MA

Franklin Public Schools: Letter to Community regarding Meals at no cost to students

Dear Parents/Guardians and Caregivers,

As the start of the school year approaches, we are excited to share updates regarding school meals. Earlier this month, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts voted to make universal free school meals for all students permanent. This means that breakfast and lunch will continue to be served at no cost to all students through the 2023 - 2024 school year!

Please note that even though meals will be free for all, it is important for families to still complete the Household Application for Free and Reduced Price Meals for the 2023-2024 school year if you believe you might qualify.

You can view and complete the application here: {https://linqconnect.com/}.

We strongly encourage families to submit this form as it allows us to establish eligibility for P-EBT benefits, waive transportation fees and other district fees for those who qualify, and serve families most effectively.

In addition, please consider applying for SNAP, the federal nutrition program that provides eligible residents with monthly financial assistance to purchase groceries. More SNAP information can be found at gettingsnap.org or by calling Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333.

Finally, while breakfast and lunch are served at no cost to students, any second meal, milk, water, or a la carte items are subject to charges. Only the first reimbursable meal for breakfast and lunch are at no cost for students.

● Breakfast would include a main entrée, usually a grain, with fruit and milk. For lunch, a student must take three out of the five components (grain, meat/meat alternate, fruit, vegetable, milk), with one being a fruit or vegetable.

● Second meals, additional milk, water, and a la carte items must be purchased with prepaid funds from the student's Titan account or with cash as long as the account is in good standing. Students are not allowed to charge these items.

We thank you for your patience. As always, we are grateful for the opportunity to provide nourishing and healthy meals to all Franklin students, so please reach out to us at 508-613-1477 with any questions or concerns.

Best,

Lucas Giguere

Superintendent of Schools

Shared from the original copy posted here ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/16bmRRzpYHWwpSlGd--A7U2LmAaVrgPjf/view

Franklin Public Schools: Letter to Community regarding Meals at no cost to students

Sign up for the Annual Veterans' Day luncheon at the Elks Lodge - Nov 11

Please join us of for our Annual Veterans' Day luncheon at the Elks Lodge at 1077 Pond Street on Friday, November 11 at 11 AM.

Please RSVP to the Veterans' Services Office!

Veterans' Services Officer

Shannon Nisbett

Email: snisbett@franklinma.gov

Phone:  (508) 613-1315

Sign up for the Annual Veterans' Day luncheon at the Elks Lodge - Nov 11

Shared from the Town of Franklin page -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/veterans-day-luncheon-0

Franklin Senior Center: Veterans' Day Luncheon - Nov 11

VETERANS' DAY LUNCHEON - Franklin Senior Center

Thursday, November 11, 2021 - 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Shared from the Town of Franklin page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/veterans-day-luncheon-franklin-senior-center

Franklin Senior Center: Veterans' Day Luncheon - Nov 11 

Senator Becca Rausch: #LocalLeadershipLunch with Dr. Regina LaRocque - Mar 19, 1 PM

Senator Becca Rausch (@BeccaRauschMA) tweeted on Thu, Mar 18, 2021:

For my 3rd #LocalLeadershipLunch, I'm chatting with Dr. Regina LaRocque, an infectious disease expert and advocate for equity and public health protections throughout the #COVID19 pandemic.

Tune in tomorrow (Friday, 3/19/21) at 1 PM! #WomensHistoryMonth #mapoli @harvardmed @MGHMedicine https://t.co/LWWqH90gvm

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeccaRauschMA/status/1372586145280823298

Senator Becca Rausch:  #LocalLeadershipLunch with Dr. Regina LaRocque - Mar 19, 1 PM

FM #487 - School Committee Mtg - 03/09/21 - P3 of 3 (audio)

FM #487 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 487 in the series. 

This session shares part 3 of the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Mar 9, 2021. 

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

I’ve split the just almost three hour meeting into three logical segments:

• First - covers the opening through the Keller Elementary presentation (approx. 39 minutes)
• Second - School Budget - first view- Supt Ahern and her staff walk through the budget highlights (approx. 53 mins)
• *** Third *** - from the return to in person learning plan through to the end of the public meeting (approx. 85 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.

Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting of Mar 9, 2021

Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/2d6d06a5-1bad-4be2-bacc-ad2a58c87630

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

Agenda doc   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_3-9-21.pdf 

Superintendent’s Report
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/superintendents_report_to_school_committee_march_9_2021.pdf 

Keller presentation doc   https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/keller-presentation 

Recommended Budget  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/supt-rec-budget-3-9-21

Return to in person plan  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/person-presentation-3-9-21 

Meeting packet folder 
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/march-9-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet 

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/school-committee-recap-march-9-meeting.html 

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

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" 

Senator Becca Rausch: #LocalLeadershipLunch - Mar 12

Senator Becca Rausch (@BeccaRauschMA) tweeted on Wed, Mar 10, 2021:

"For my first #LocalLeadershipLunch, I'm thrilled to chat with North Attleboro resident Lisa Graves, an accomplished writer, illustrator, and the brains behind "Simple Stories of Strong Women: An A to Z Guide to Girl Power." Tune in Friday at 1 PM! #IWD2021 #mapoli "

https://t.co/F0jnUtEjnQ

 

Shared from Twitter
(https://twitter.com/BeccaRauschMA/status/1369708825046118408?s=03)

#LocalLeadershipLunch

Franklin Public Schools: Food Services - Updates on Reopening

Information on the Franklin Public Schools (FPS) Food Services has been updated on the FPS Reopening Site.  

Find information here: 

https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/returntoschoolplan/school-operations/food-services

Franklin Public Schools (FPS) Food Services

CURBSIDE CAFE opens June 1 at Senior Center

PLEASE REGISTER  and select your meal(s) and pricing by 9:00 AM for day of pick up   https://www.franklinma.gov/curb

The Curbside Cafe provides freshly prepared meals for curbside pickup, Monday through Friday, at the Franklin Senior Center from 11 AM to 1 PM, for elders, 60 years and older and disabled residents. This program is funded by a grant from the Metrowest Health Foundation and generous support from the Franklin Council on Aging.


PICK UP:
Meal pick up is at the side door of the Center’s kitchen using the rear access road; see sign for Senior Meals as you enter the parking lot.

Stay in your vehicle at all times; meals will be placed in the trunk of your vehicle.

Masks must be worn and physical distancing practiced. If customers are not masked, a separate area is designated for pick up

PAYMENT:

• The program offers meals at a subsidized rate of $2 but customers can make an additional donation to support the program.
• Customers will be invoiced for payment.
• Cash or checks can be mailed to the Senior Center or deposited into the secured mail box at the entrance to the Senior Center. Please include name and phone number on the envelope. (There is a $10 minimum amount for checks.)
• If you cannot afford any payment, please call the Center and ask to speak with our Social Service Coordinator.

GATRA TRANSPORTATION: 
Dial-A-Ride is available to drive customers to the Center for meal pickup. Please call (800) 698-7676 by noon on the day prior to pick up.

https://www.franklinma.gov/curb

https://drive.google.com/file/d/10dxBBmqG87LZe1E1g9Lk2VGS0P8ZaUD4/view?usp=sharing

CURBSIDE CAFE opens June 1 at Senior Center

Franklin Public Schools: Two important Announcements

Job opening: Activity Monitors!

Job opening: Activity Monitors! Looking to fill a role at DT & for substitute monitors - you can pick your days! Must be positive, patient, composed & most of all, enjoy working with children! Visit the Town Hall Human Resources Office for an application or call 508-553-4840 pic.twitter.com/layk6XNkxJ

— Franklin Public Schools, MA (@FranklinPSNews) December 11, 2019

Save the Date: Jan 6, 2020

Please mark your calendars for this event. You can find a PSA about vaping as well as links to resources here: https://t.co/D9t3BgBIvR @FranklinHS @RMS_Remdawgs @HMMSLightning @sullythehusky @jfkladybugs @parmenterschool @DT_Bobcats @JeffersonLabs @KellerSchool @OakStElementary pic.twitter.com/JNvPhbEV7v

— Franklin Public Schools, MA (@FranklinPSNews) December 11, 2019

Save the Date: Jan 6, 2020

https://t.co/D9t3BgBIvR

Veterans' Day Luncheon - Nov 11

Veterans' Day Luncheon

Monday, November 11, 2019

Veterans' Day Luncheon - Nov 11

“Adapting and changing can sometimes be scary"

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

"Carol Lynch has been packing school lunches for kids since the mid-1980s, first for her own children, then for her grandchildren. For her, buying lunch from school has never really been a consideration.

“It’s nothing against the lunches they serve,” said Lynch, who has helped raise two generations of children in the same Plymouth home. “For me, food has always been about family. No one can put personal touches on food like a parent or grandparent. (Whether it’s) a Thanksgiving meal or a quick school lunch, I just like to use food as a way of showing my love.”

But given all of the children across the state who do take part in their school’s lunch programs, food service departments have the complex task of designing menus that meet an ever-growing diverse student population. There are allergies and food restrictions, pressure to offer newer and healthier choices while also increasing participation rates (read: more revenue), and federal food guidelines that are changing under the current presidential administration.

“What’s on the menu today?” is more complicated now than ever before."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190828/school-lunches-balancing-act-to-satisfy-diverse-populations-loosened-regulations

“Adapting and changing can sometimes be scary"

The Franklin Food Services page  https://www.franklinps.net/district/food-services

The lunch menus for each school  https://franklindistrict.nutrislice.com/

Lunch payment accounts  https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/login/getmain?requestAction=home

“Our lives aren’t just the moments we live, they’re the stories we tell” - Ron DiBona

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

FHS 40% Club hosts luncheon for Seniors

"Hundreds of yellow and pink pin-on ribbons littered a table at the Franklin High School cafeteria on Thursday, as students met residents from the Atria Senior Living for a Valentine’s Day luncheon. 

The yellow ribbons stand for happiness, while pink ribbons were for Valentine’s Day, said Brianna Ritchie, a nursing assistant at Atria. She said students have been more than accommodating for these types of events. 

“This is the happiest crew I’ve ever seen,” Ritchie laughed. “They haven’t stopped smiling since we’ve been here. They love it. This generation, I can’t even put into words. They’re just phenomenal.” 

Ritchie said at least 200 students made the effort during their lunch period to talk to senior citizens."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190215/franklin-high-students-senior-citizens-meet-for-lunch

Franklin High students, senior citizens meet for lunch (@CountryGazette photo)

Veterans' Day Luncheon - Nov 10

Veterans' Day Luncheon being held next Friday, November 10 at 11:00 AM at the Franklin Elks Lodge at 1077 Pond Street.

All Franklin veterans are invited (at no charge). Those interested should contact the Senior Center at: (508) 520-4945 to register as seating is limited.

Dale Kurtz will discuss new veterans' programs and the new Veterans' Memorial Brick Walkway being constructed on the Franklin Town Common.

Veterans' Day Luncheon - Nov 10

Live Reporting: Discussion Only Items

3. Discussion Only Items

• Annual appointment of Superintendent to ACCEPT and Bi-County Collaborative’s Board of Directors for 2017-2018
• School Lunch Prices   https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczQ2pQOGxkTElUc0RkU1VEZ2xJNlBldXZWaG1F

looking to provide more environmentally sustainable trays

food department covers all the costs except for the health care, however an increase of lunch prices can start making a contribution towards that

middle school pricing will stay the same but an increase of $.25 at elementary and high school levels is proposed

approx 8% district wide have reduced or free lunch, has grown from 3 to 8% over the past 3-4 years

want to work towards composting food waste and include the new trays; no change immediately but would be coming down the pike

 

• Foundation Budget Review Commission - Recommendation Resolution – Denise Schultz   https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczbVpCVVNxc3lxUk9OTGNWcFNUSGtWY2NENmJ3

new resolution (link above) that some School Committee's are endorsing to ask for an increase in the Foundation Budget from the State

we are historically below the state average, we will vote ont his coming up during the actions

Downtown Partnership: Networking Luncheon Dates, Dean Leadership Institute Speaker

A correction and 1 more member announcement

Franklin Downtown Partnership  9 E. Central Street, Franklin, MA  02038 (774) 571-3109   downtown.franklin@yahoo.com 2017 Networking Luncheon Dates Set: ***  February Date Correction  *** Join us for our 2017 Networking Luncheons:   February 14  March 14 April 11 May 2 These luncheons happen from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Dean College Dining Center, first floor of the Campus Center.  A delicious lunch and excellent conversation all for the low, low price of $6.55!  RSVP to Matt Lechter, mlechter@dean.edu, or Gary Donelan, gary.donelan@middlesexbank.com.  Member Announcements Dean Leadership Institute Executive Lecture: Angela McKay Franklin Downtown Partnership | downtown.franklin@yahoo.com | 774-571-3109 | franklindowntownpartnership.org

Franklin Downtown Partnership, 9 E. Central St., Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by downtown.franklin@yahoo.com in collaboration with Try it free today

MassBudget: Feeding Students, Counting Kids, Funding Schools

Six Recommendations for Improvement

Feeding Students, Counting Kids, Funding Schools: Six Recommendations for Improvement To expand educational opportunity by making sure that more students are well-fed and ready to learn, the federal government has created a program that allows schools to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students in districts with large numbers of low-income students. Schools that implement this program, called Community Eligibility, no longer collect paper forms from every child to determine who is eligible for free or reduced price meals. Instead, schools use a data matching system to count students as low income for school meals purposes when they are enrolled in other programs that support low-income families. This data-matching direct certification process improves efficiency and expands access to school meals. The interaction of this program and our school funding formula has, however, led to some challenges. MassBudget's new policy brief Counting Kids at School: 6 Steps to Better Numbers, presents strategies to fix these unintended consequences. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has recognized the challenges and has already made significant improvements to its data systems. At the direction of the Legislature, DESE is developing further recommendations, which will be final by December 19. Based on MassBudget's ongoing research on direct certification and its impact on Chapter 70 funding, this new brief presents six recommendations that could help the Commonwealth to achieve a more accurate count of low-income students. You can read MassBudget's six recommendations in the new policy brief HERE (link). Related MassBudget resources: To read about implementation of the Direct Certification program in Massachusetts, read Direct Certification for School Meals: Feeding Students, Counting Kids, Funding Schools. MassBudget's Children's Budget provides a concise description and funding history of the School Food Programs and Chapter 70 Aid. See the Kids Count Data Center data on Free and Reduced Price Lunch Enrollment Rates by School District and Economically Disadvantaged Students by School District. For MassBudget's video and explanation of the Chapter 70 program, see Demystifying the Chapter 70 Funding Formula: How the Massachusetts Education Funding System Works. 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

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 15 Court Square, Suite 700, Boston, MA 02108 Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try it free today