In the News: possible school calendar changes, senior circuit breaker, class of 1966 reunion

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

While Franklin schools will have their regular February and April vacations in the 2016-2017 school year, the School Committee will consider if that will continue in the future.
The committee voted at its meeting Tuesday night on a 2016-2017 calendar that would have school begin before Labor Day and end on June 16. It also decided to convene a subcommittee that would examine the calendar situation for upcoming years.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160127/franklin-school-committee-mulls-vacation-changes

State Sen. Richard Ross, R-Wrentham, state Sen. Karen Spilka, D-Ashland, and state Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin, will host an informational seminar on the senior circuit breaker tax credit at 10 a.m. Feb. 10 at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill St. 

The senior circuit breaker is a tax credit for senior citizens whose property payments account for more than 10 percent of their annual income. Eligible seniors will receive a $1 credit on their Massachusetts tax return for every dollar that their total property tax, water and sewer bills exceed 10 percent of their income. A maximum of $1,070 credit is available. Additionally, if the taxpayer has not claimed the tax credit in the past, it may be claimed for the previous three years.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160127/franklin-seniors-to-learn-about-circuit-breaker-tax-credit

The Franklin High School Class of 1966 will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its graduation June 3-5. 

Celebration activities will include attending the graduation ceremony of the Class of 2016 on Friday, June 3, and continue will additional gatherings after the graduation that evening through Sunday.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160128/franklin-high-school-class-of-1966-to-hold-reunion

In the News: law firms merge, Dean joins new conference

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

Ryan & Faenza, Attorneys at Law, of Walpole, and Cataldo Law Offices LLC, of Franklin, announced the merger of their two firms. 

Ryan Faenza Cataldo LLC will represent not only the merger of two law firms but also the merger of a professional relationship that has existed for more than 40 years. 

The combination of experience, geographical expansion, diversification of practice — including divorce, criminal defense, civil litigation, business and banking law, real estate law and estate planning — and the long-standing reputation of both firms will provide clients with a full-service law firm that offers a wider range of legal service.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160127/ryan--faenza-cataldo-law-offices-announce-merger

The Eastern Collegiate Football Conference officially accepted Dean College as a member of its football-only conference, beginning with the fall 2017 season. 

This is another positive step for the college as it transitions from a National Junior College Athletic Association program to a National College Athletic Association Division III program. 

Current ECFC members include Anna Maria College, Becker College, Castleton State College, Galludet University, Husson University, SUNY Maritime College, Mount Ida College and Norwich University. Alfred State College was also accepted at the most recent conference meeting.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160127/eastern-collegiate-football-conference-accepts-dean-college

Both FHS basketball teams top Milford on Tuesday

Both the FHS boys and girls basketball teams won on Tuesday night against Milford. Results via Hockomock Sports.

FHS Panthers

Boys Basketball

• Milford, 58 @ Franklin, 74 – Final 

– Milford had a lead midway through the third quarter but the Panthers outscored the Scarlet Hawks 36-18 over the final 12 minutes of play. Franklin freshman Jay Dieterle tied a career-high with 24 points while sophomore Connor Peterson chipped in 14 points. Milford’s Dwight Anderson had 19 points and Anthony Arcudi added 11 points.

Girls Basketball

• Franklin, 68 @ Milford, 42 – Final 

– The Panthers broke the game open with a 24-6 second quarter. Lauren Rudolph was Franklin’s top scorer with 14. Aubrie Kutil added 12 points for the Panthers and Olivia Adiletto had 10. Milford’s Kate Irwin finished with 13 points.

For the remainder of the results around the Hockomock League on Tuesday
http://www.hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-012616/

MassBudget: Incarceration Trends in Massachusetts

Long-Term Increases, Recent Progress

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Incarceration Trends in Massachusetts: Long-Term Increases, Recent Progress    An effective criminal justice system reduces crime and keeps our neighborhoods safe. It both makes sure that those who commit crimes are punished appropriately and that we are smart about rehabilitating them so that they can reenter society as productive contributors to our economy and community. Like in the rest of the nation, incarceration rates in Massachusetts increased dramatically during the 1980s and remained very high for decades. In recent years, several states have begun to implement criminal justice reforms that are reducing unnecessary incarceration. Massachusetts has reformed marijuana laws leading to a significant reduction in the number of people incarcerated for marijuana possession. Massachusetts has also adopted reforms of our criminal records laws that aim to make it easier for former prisoners to get jobs and participate in to our economy. We are beginning to see declines both in incarceration rates and in recidivism. Incarceration Trends in Massachusetts tracks and analyzes these trends over the past four decades. We see progress, but also that we have a long way to go: incarceration rates are still much higher than they were before the 1980s, and a large share of those leaving prison and jail are not receiving the education and treatment programs that make their reentry into society more successful. In the long-term, effective criminal justice reforms could protect public safety, reduce unnecessary spending, and help more of our people to participate effectively in our communities. For the full paper click 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

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

Secure Shredding at Postalcenter

With National Data Privacy Day coming on Jan 28th, this is a good time to securely get rid of some important papers.

Secure Shredding at Postalcenter! View this email in your browser Secure Shredding The cold weather outside is the perfect opportunity to sort through nonessential documents or surplus paperwork! Bring it to one of our convenient locations for secure shredding. From now until February 15th, shred your personal documents for $0.75/lb. no minimum. This is real savings, don't miss out!  What to shred: Documents with your name or other personal information Financial statements, pay stubs, or cancelled checks Medical records Computer media such as CDs, DVDs, or hard drives Shredding Services 75¢ until February 15th! Franklin, MA Shaw's Plaza, 279 East Central St. (Rte. 140) 508-541-8100   Millis, MA Roche Bros. Plaza 14 Milliston Common (Rte. 109) 508-376-1200   Milford, MA Hannaford Plaza  9C Medway Rd 508-422-9600     Nashua, NH Somerset Plaza 379 Amherst St.  603-882-6245   Copyright © 2016 Postalcenter, All rights reserved. Want to change how you receive these emails?

In the News: house fire, trivia bee, communications degree

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

A three-alarm midday Tuesday house fire intensified to the point where firefighters had to pull out of the building before the blaze was extinguished. 

The fire, at 11-13 Church St., did not harm any residents, fire officials said, but the residence was rendered uninhabitable.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20160126/NEWS/160126815

The Franklin Education Foundation will hold its 19th annual Trivia Bee on April 13 in the Thomas Mercer Auditorium at Horace Mann Middle School, 224 Oak St. 

The Middle School Bee will be held from 6 to 7 p.m., and the theme will be general trivia. Teams for the Middle School Bee will be composed of students from each of the three Franklin middle schools.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160126/franklin-education-foundation-lists-trivia-bee-information

Dean College, a private, residential college in Franklin, was approved by the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education to offer a Bachelor of Arts in communications degree. 

The new B.A. program, which will begin in the fall of 2016, will prepare students for the world of work or graduate school.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160126/dean-college-to-offer-communications-degree

Live reporting: Closing

5. Information Matters

Superintendent’s Report

several students made All State orchestra
students will be coming to the next meeting for recognition

Kindergarten registration, Apr 11-12
flyers around, info on website
'Leaping into Kindergarten' will be held on Feb 29
orientation program for families with new potential K students who had not been in the schools before

state released educational data
Franklin were above all the strate numbers
first time released publicly


School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
budget subcommittee was busy
training session, joint meeting with Town Council held
will be an interesting year
meeting next Tuesday with principals

Transportation subcommittee met

Policy met last week
will meet again on the 17th of Feb

Teacher negotiations ongoing

School Committee Liaison Reports
none

6. New Business

To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.
none

7. Executive Session

a. Personnel matter in litigation

motion to go into executive session, motion, roll call vote

Live reporting: Action items

4. Action Items

a. I recommend adoption of the 2016-2017 School Calendar option 2 as discussed. (The two school calendar options as discussed at the Jan 12 meeting can be found here -> 
http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinDistrict_News/022F816A-000F8513 )

motion to approve, seconded, 7-0

b. I recommend approval of Budget Transfers as detailed.
motion to approve, seconded, 7-0

c. I recommend the following revisions to Action Items A and B from the 1/12/16 meeting:

1. (1/12/16-Action A) Anonymous donation is $500.00 (not $300.00)
2. (1/12/16-Action B) Music donations total $6,678.00 (not $12,496.00)

motion to approve, seconded, 7-0

d. I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $7,000.00 from the Davis Thayer PCC for Library and Field Trips.  
motion to approve, seconded, 7-0

e. I recommend acceptance of four checks totaling $2,995.00 from the Parmenter PCC for Field Trips.
motion to approve, seconded, 7-0

f. I recommend acceptance of three checks totaling $4,710.88 for Franklin High School as follows:

1. $700.00 from Scholarship America for field trips.
2. $463.88 from All American Publishing for in-house enrichment.
3. $3,547.00 from Vicario Studio, Inc. for in-house enrichment.

motion to approve, seconded, 7-0

g. I recommend approval of the recurring overnight trip for the Boys Ice Hockey Team to travel to Barnstable, MA on 2/17-18, 2016 for a competition as detailed.
motion to approve, seconded, 7-0

h. I recommend adoption of the Capital Plan as presented.
motion to approve, seconded, 7-0

Live reporting: Discussion items

3. Discussion Only Items

• 2016-2017 School Calendar

no comments or questions (initially)

• Food Service

Whitson's came in 5 years ago, will be searching for our own food service director to bring the service in house
no change to the food service workers as they remained Franklin employees during the service provided by Whitson's
Whitson's notified that the contract will be ending at the end of this school year

it is easier to sell pizza than kale
the administration and management fees will provide the 'wash' from a budget perspective to fund the food service director

What was the fee?
$60,000 administrative with an opportunity to recover up to $20,000
management fees were per meal and could be returned to the district if conditions were met (and they were last year)

School wellness advisory council putting out a survey to look for feedback on nutrition and food, hopefully that info will help to inform the direction of the revisions to the program

Re-opening the calendar item

Denise returns with a clarification on survey answers from parents for the calendar
generally teachers want before Labor Day and parents want after

what about Feb and April vacation combining?
Already started looking at the 2017-2018 calendar, if you do want to do so, there are parents who need to know early as people are making plans

no decisive info from the survey
happy to come back with options
need to look at the MCAS/PARCC testing schedule as they would be scheduled for March

Bilello - knowing the testing calendar is important, we are competing with the town around us, we don't need to draw out the options, the parents need to get their child care calendar set

If we do go with a subcommittee, we would need to include the FEA representatives

if the change were to be made, it would only be for the 2017-2018 school year at the earliest

Jewell - I would be for a subcommittee to look at it and review the pros/cons for changing the schedule, the committee would need to find out the info

O'Malley - if any interest, please let me know
Bergen, Scofield, Schultz interested

major development, vacation schedules to be looked at
to ensure all constituencies to be included

Live reporting: Personnel Updates

2. Guests/Presentations

b. Personnel Update

• Bill Clement, asst Principal at Sharon currently

will be coming to a future meeting for an introduction

Kate Peretz now principal at Oak St

• Amy Soles, from Foxboro will be coming to backfill for Kate

• football coach search

9 went to 4 finalists, currently being interviewed during this time

• Nancy Schoen is retiring, so some parents have already called to be part of the search team

Music Director position will be a tough one to fill, may have to look at how to fill that one

• President's Award of Merit for Brad Sidwell, as FHS Athletic Director

couple of letters from community members of the football search committee
recognition of the process for the new coach

Live Reporting: School Committee - Jan 26, 2016

Present: Bilello,Scofield, Bergen, Douglas, O'Malley, Schultz, Jewell
Absent:  none


1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
none

Review of Agenda
no changes

Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the January 12, 2016 School Committee Meeting. 
motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

Payment of Bills Dr. O’Malley

Payroll Mrs. Douglas

FHS Student Representatives
not present this session, this is mid-term week, they are likely home studying

now a level 1 high school

Correspondence: none


2. Guests/Presentations
a. Capital Budget




Asst Superintendent Sally Winslow
Technical Director  Tim Raposa
Facility Director  Mike D'Angelo

capital plan funds the big ticket items not covered by the operating budget
usually wait until after snow removal bills are covered to see how much 'free cash' is available for capital items

capital budget items will be reviewed by the School Committee, then the Finance Committee and ultimately the Town Council

priority coding key for the items
items this year around school safety

draft school safety audit was presented in August 2015

1 - update network access point licenses
$47/access point per year

2 - visitor badge software
piloting at FHS and Parmenter
scan visitors driver license and prints a sticker for the visitor to be worn for the day
provides level of security for outsiders to be within the building and visibly aware

3 - security door at Parmenter
adding the extra level of security to Parmenter like at other schools
Parmenter was originally built in the 1950 and did not have this vestibule feature

4 - security cameras for special education vans
provide a level of security for the student riders as well as the personnel
recording device cameras, not live connections to anywhere

5 - replace doors at Remington/Jefferson
doors are getting corroded by the salt during the winter periods
aluminum curtain wall used there, not usually found elsewhere
will also add a safety

6 - replace toilet partitions at Davis Thayer
feasibility study of upgrading the building was done a couple of years ago
it was not economically feasible to do so
however some capital repairs (like this) are being requested and being implemented over time
replacing metal dividers put in during the 1970's when it was renovated at that time

7 - automatic door openers for Keller/Sullivan
requesting for the Keller side first, to gradually add here and add elsewhere as opportunity arises


Scofield - license scan what does it check?
it will check any publicly available record, it will not do a CORI check (not publicly available records)

Scofield - follow up question on the aluminum doors
not been seen elsewhere, with steel doors last 25-30 years

Bilello - shopping around is good, what is the technology plan if these are still from 2009?
it would be helpful to have that kind of info to help us planning

it is on the list of 'things to do'
I have a five year plan and even three years ago is difficult as we did not have these 3 years ago

Sabolinski - we are under resourced in both facility and technology and scrambling to keep up. I agree that a more strategic plane is warranted

O'Malley - can we get a presentation on the overall technology plan

With the PARCC decision, 900 chromebooks and access points were added quickly
putting this into the capital budget at least avoid an operational issue

Senior Center: Companion Caregiver program has openings

The Companion Caregiver program at the Franklin Senior Center currently has openings for new clients! We provide in home care for a loved one over 60 years of age who has a form of Dementia or a major medical illness.

One of our trained companions can provide care for 4 or more hours per week at a very reasonable rate. This allows a full time caregiver to do something in or out of the home that does not involve caregiving. We provide respite for the caregiver and companionship and socialization for the loved one.

Our Companions are trained in CPR and first aid, Dementia Care, Fall risk and cultural competency amongst other areas of training.

Franklin Senior Center

Please see the attached brochure and call Elaine Owens at the Senior Center at 508-520-4945 to gather more information or to schedule a home visit.

Elaine M. Owens
Companion Caregiver Program Supervisor
Franklin Senior Center
10 Daniel McCahill Highway
Franklin, Mass. 02038
508-520-4945

"It is possible at any age to discover a lifelong desire you never knew you had". ~ Robert Brault.

Business Workshop in Franklin "Automated Local Leads"

I, along with Dave Miles of Miles Internet Marketing, am hosting a free workshop at Dean College this Thursday (1/28) which is sponsored by the United Regional Chamber of Commerce.

It's called Automated Local Leads and it is geared towards business owners that want to find more customers.

Automated Local Leads Workshop - Franklin - Jan 28

I've attached a PDF for your review.






Folks can register by calling the chamber (508-222-0801) or through the following link on my website:  http://ECEMarketingServices.com/LeadGenWorkshop


Please let me know if you have any questions.

All the Best,

Ed McDonough

Y World of Tots Preschool - open house - Feb 2

The Y World of Tots Preschool at the Franklin Hockomock YMCA is hosting an open house on Tuesday, February 2nd from 1-2:30pm. 

Hockomock YMCA

This is an opportunity to visit our newly designed classroom, meet the staff, and learn about the program's philosophy. We offer 5, 3 and 2 day options for ages 2.9- 5 yrs. old. 

Swimming, sports, dance and gymnastics are also included in our curriculum throughout the year. 

Please call Lisa or Debbie @ 774-235-2725 or email yworldoftots@hockymca.org for further information. 

Y World of Tots
45 Forge Hill Road
Franklin

2016-2017 School Calendar Drafts for review

The updated draft calendars are shown below for your review. The School Committee is scheduled to accept one of them tonight. The agenda calls for the recommendation of Option 2. 

Option 2 starts school before Labor Day. Option one starts school after Labor Day. That is basically the difference between the two calendars.

• Option 1

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczSXEtV3VLRHlkQU1JVVk4dmgtR21pcWJ2NGxz/view?usp=sharing

• Option 2

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczVTNObjNiWDFVYTNHZWljczgwZFZrTk1XT1I4/view?usp=sharing



The full agenda for the School Committee meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/01/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-jan_25.html

Parmenter School on a snowy windy day

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Jan 26, 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."

Franklin Public Schools - "the key to learning"

1. Routine Business

Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the January 12, 2016 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Dr. O’Malley
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: none

2. Guests/Presentations

a. Capital Budget
b. Personnel Update

3. Discussion Only Items

2016-2017 School Calendar
Food Service

4. Action Items

a. I recommend adoption of the 2016-2017 School Calendar option 2 as discussed. (The two school calendar options as discussed at the Jan 12 meeting can be found here -> 
http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinDistrict_News/022F816A-000F8513 )

b. I recommend approval of Budget Transfers as detailed.
c. I recommend the following revisions to Action Items A and B from the 1/12/16 meeting:

1. (1/12/16-Action A) Anonymous donation is $500.00 (not $300.00)
2. (1/12/16-Action B) Music donations total $6,678.00 (not $12,496.00)

d. I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $7,000.00 from the Davis Thayer PCC for Library and Field Trips.
e. I recommend acceptance of four checks totaling $2,995.00 from the Parmenter PCC for Field Trips.
f. I recommend acceptance of three checks totaling $4,710.88 for Franklin High School as follows:

1. $700.00 from Scholarship America for field trips.
2. $463.88 from All American Publishing for in-house enrichment.
3. $3,547.00 from Vicario Studio, Inc. for in-house enrichment.

g. I recommend approval of the recurring overnight trip for the Boys Ice Hockey Team to travel to Barnstable, MA on 2/17-18, 2016 for a competition as detailed.
h. I recommend adoption of the Capital Plan as presented.

5. Information Matters

Superintendent’s Report
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
School Committee Liaison Reports

6. New Business

To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.

7. Executive Session

a. Personnel matter in litigation

8. Adjourn