Request for Proposal - Computer Aided Dispatch Software

The Metacomet Emergency Communications Center (MECC) invites qualified vendors that manufacture and provide direct training, maintenance and support of their own Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) software to submit responses at their own expense to this Request for Proposals (RFP).

Read more: http://www.franklinma.gov/node/149333

This is an automatic message from Town of Franklin MA

You can find the full RFP here
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/cad_rfp_final_11-26-17.pdf

Facebook photo for MECC

In the News: school start times discussion; Hopkinton Superintendent search

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

"The School Committee began discussions Wednesday about implementing later start times for older students. 

The meeting represented a re-visitation of committee member Denise Shultz’s request at the Oct. 24 meeting to discuss the topic more in depth. 

Superintendent Sara Ahern believes a later start will benefit students and hopes to form an advisory committee. 

“It’s more consistent with teens’ natural sleep cycles and a shift in their natural clock that has them going to sleep later and waking up later,” Ahern said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171128/franklin-begins-discussion-on-school-start-times

"The (Hopkinton) School Committee will interview four local finalists to become the next superintendent, including the assistant superintendent and the former principal of the Hopkins School. 

The finalists are: Uxbridge Superintendent Kevin Carney, Hopkinton Assistant Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh, Franklin Assistant Superintendent Peter Light and Northborough-Southborough Assistant Superintendent Gregory Martineau, who previously served as principal at Hopkins. 

The Screening Committee considered 27 applicants and interviewed nine, according to a press release. The finalist will replace Cathy MacLeod, who is retiring at the end of the school year."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171128/four-superintendent-finalists-named-in-hopkinton

Live reporting: to Closing

7. Information Matters
a. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Budget; Community Relations; Policy; Transportation; Public Schools Advocacy; Ad Hoc Superintendent’s Evaluation)
b. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC; Substance Abuse Task Force; School Wellness Advisory Council [SWAC]; MASC)

Policy - meeting TBD, Scofield, Linden, Schultz
Community Awareness - next meeting 12/5 at Library; Zub, Feeley, Bergen
Public School Advocacy - Schultz, 
Budget - next meeting, Dec 6 - Bergen
School Wellness Advisory Council (SWAC) - Douglas, Feeley study of the BOX program at Davis Thayer in preparation of implementation at Parmenter, also piloting a food backpack program at Parmenter
Joint PCC - next meeting Dec 4
Substance Abuse Task Force - started in January, drafted a revision to the substance abuse policy to focus on educational aspects not just the restrictions; looking at "The Ride Home" a packet to prepare parents/guardians for discussion with their students and athletes about substance abuse


8. New Business
a. To discuss any future agenda items
none
9. Consent Agenda
a. Approval of Minutes - I recommend approval of the minutes from the November 14, 2017 School Committee Organizational meeting.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $852.04 from O’Connor Portraiture for Supplemental Supplies at Davis Thayer Elementary School.
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $181.74 from Barnes & Noble for in- house enrichment at FHS.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $800.00 from David Sylvester/CAVU Wealth Advisors for FHS Scholarships.
e. I recommend acceptance of the donation of a classroom rug valued at $572.42 from Ms. Dunbar, Ms. Lyons, Mr. Bigos, HM Companies Sara & Allison Madden for Parmenter as detailed.
f. I recommend acceptance of the donation of flexible seating options valued at
$544.00 from Ms. Strandskov, Macy’s Gives, M/M Poland, Ms. Trudo, Anonymous, M/M Consilvio, O’Brien Family, Ms. Jennings and Ms. Capaldi for Parmenter as detailed.
g. I recommend approval of the request for a recurring field trip for the RMS Adventure Club to Lincoln, RI to the “Rock Spot” on December 14, 2017 as detailed.
h. I recommend declaring ASMS books listed as surplus.
i. I recommend acceptance of a Swimming Record Board donated by the Swim Booster Club and valued at $1,260.00 as detailed.
j. I recommend acceptance of two Track Record Boards donated by the Track Booster Club and valued at $2,385.00 as detailed.

motion to approve, second, passed 7-0


10. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

11. Payroll Ms. Douglas

12. Executive Session
a. Negotiations – non union personnel

motion to go to executive session to not return to open meeting


All the documents released for this agenda can be found on the School Committee page
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/pages/FranklinCom_Packets/x11-28-2017%20SC/

Live reporting: Discussion Only Items

6. Discussion Only Items
a. School Start Times
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/pages/FranklinCom_Packets/x11-28-2017%20SC/A.%20%20Memo%20about%20School%20Start%20Times.pdf

proposal to undertake a study of the matter, a complex matter
could spend next couple meetings to frame the committee
including appropriate stakeholders

this is not anything quick, it needs to take some time to work through it

Superintendent Ahern will come back with a more formal proposal and time lines for next meeting

Donna Grady, President of FEA
issue not new to Franklin, this could begin an other chapter in this
there is a good amount of info out there
the issue is not that simple, far reaching implications
day care, work schedules, transportation, busing and related items
before and after school care
needs to be heavily researched, not just for now but for future as well
some items are going to require negotiation with the teachers union


b. 18-19 School Calendar Draft
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/pages/FranklinCom_Packets/x11-28-2017%20SC/B.%20%20Draft%20School%20Calendar%202018-2019.pdf

looking for feedback, for a potential vote at an upcoming meeting
relatively few changes to prior years as Superintendent is only here for five months

combined conferences across the district on two days in October is a change

input and feedback is welcomed

thinking about the number of interrupted weeks (where 5 days are not taught)

half day vs. full day provide different opportunities for professional development, a combination of both is a nice blend (full allowing cross district, half more building based)

c. School Committee Presentation Schedule 2017-18
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/pages/FranklinCom_Packets/x11-28-2017%20SC/C.%20%20Draft%202017-2018%20SC%20PRESENTATION%20SCHEDULE.pdf

an outcome from the School Committee and Central office planning session during the summer, the plan has been brought forward for feedback and input


d. Class Size Report
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/pages/FranklinCom_Packets/x11-28-2017%20SC/D1.%20%20Memo%20about%20Class%20Size%20Reports.pdf


providing some additional detail around class size at the high school, i.e where there are areas of need to be consistent across the district. Most in middle school are meeting School Committee guidelines

class sizes at FHS tend to be larger, enrollment increases can be justification for adjustments

Live reporting: Discussion - Action items

5. Discussion / Action Items

a. Addition to FHS student Handbook on Breathalyzer Use – Mr. Peri and Mr. Klements

http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/pages/FranklinCom_Packets/x11-28-2017%20SC/DiscussionActionA-FHSHandbook.pdf

I recommend making the addition to the FHS Student Handbook as discussed.

this was exciting as it was a student lead idea, they did the work
what a deterrent could and would that be?

we have a had a run of events where we have been incident free, so since this was student lead, this was really exciting to look at

what we hope comes across as a deterrent, not as a 'gotcha'
we did not take these jobs to become DEA agents
we do want to see kids come to dances and have a good time without issues

motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0


b. Extended Field Trip Approval – Instrumental Music to Providence, RI
I recommend approval of the request to take 3rd grade music students to The Veteran’s Auditorium in Providence, RI on May 24, 2018 for a concert as detailed.

new trip out of state and hence up for approval here, recurring trips outside with prior approval are in the consent agenda section

motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0


c. Policy – Second Reading
i. BEDH – Public Participation at School Committee Meetings 
I recommend adoption of policy BEDH as discussed.


motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

ii. JJF-R – Student Activity Accounts
I recommend adoption of policy JJF-R as discussed.


motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0


iii. BDD – School Committee – Superintendent Relationship 
I recommend adoption of policy BDD as discussed.

motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

Live reporting: School Committee - Nov 28, 2017

Present: Feeley, Linden, Douglas, Scofield, Bergen, Schultz, Zub
Absent: none


1. Routine Business
a. Review of Agenda
b. Citizen’s Comments

i. In the spirit of open communication, “the School Committee will hear public comment 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” – from Policy BEDH

2. FHS Student Representative Comments
spirit week completed, Seniors one
Sophomores won the powder puff game
Neon dance
winter sports tryouts this week
Santa Foundation, fund raising 3,000 towards a goal of 10,000

3. Superintendent’s Report
earlier this week, via Dr Edwards received word that teacher Colleen Donahue had been published in a journal
two exciting sportsmanship awards by MIAA

• Unified Basketball Team for Central Section
• FHS 16-17 Hockomock Sportsmans award

potential mold at Horace Mann Middle School
testing and inspection done on Nov 9, there is no evidence of mold in the building
tests returned were 'normal' no further action was required

FEF fundraiser, Harlem Wizards game
3rd quarter was competitive, lots of stunts and tricks by the Wizards players

Community Forum, Nov 30th in the Training Room
faculty forums and students forums underway as well


4. Guests / Presentations

a. Concession Stand Proposal – Mr. Michael Socci

Wayne Simmarian, Rec Advisory Board
Ryan Jette
Bob Dellorco
Mike Socci

proposal has been reviewed by various parties around the Town and schools
connection of facility with utilities, security background checks for the workers
assuming approval, early 2018, with target of completion in Sep 2018
anticipating cost of $270,000
work to be accomplished via volunteers and fund raising
drawing done by architect, reviewed with Town

could you include a single use bathroom?

If the concession stand was part of the MSBA program, it likely would have cost closer to $1M and therefore was not included.

ongoing maintenance would be incremental 

could also review the facilities fees for future adjustment if necessary

this saves us about $800,000
to come back at a future meeting with the formal proposal for a vote


b. MCAS Presentation – Dr. Joyce Edwards

testing has been in MA for over 20 years, now finally moving to computer based
Franklin chose PARCC to explore that form in advance of MCAS 2.0
3 years of three different tests have there been conducted here

computer based tests, last two years

elementary and middle schools are being held 'harmless' with no accountability levels assigned due to the change in testing

no comparisons available between the tests
this year will be a 'baseline' year, growth and comparisons for future years to this year but nothing more than that

student growth report was not provided to the parents, it can be used in some cases by the schools

FHS took the legacy MCAS tests and was graded at a "2" down from a "1" previously

failure to meet gap narrowing goals for high needs students which resulted in the lower rating

(slides to be added later - hopefully, if not - then I do have some photos of the slides to share)

a lot of the work is around teaching the teachers to teach the students at the higher level that is expected of them, if they teach to the standard, and do that well, the tests will take care of themselves

the "all students" category did exceed state results, the "High needs" did not exceed the state results

some comparison charts for other local communities were added

current 8th grade class could be the first to take the new MCAS 2.0 as 10th graders

Feeley - "I am happy to hear that we teach to the curriculum and not to the test"

Bergen - "Do we get feedback from the students on how they are experiencing the test and results?"

Kids grade 3-8 get other feedback so they are not phased by that; in high school, the threshold is easier to pass and our students usually do pass on the first time, there are also retest options; I think if students are stressed it is from other factors and not MCAS tests.

Tri-County RVTHS Invites the Community to Annual Showcase Spectacular Event

If you've ever wondered what the difference is between a vocational technical high school and a traditional high school, then you don't want to miss the Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School Showcase Spectacular. Tri-County would like to invite the community to learn more about their local vocational technical school in a fun and interactive setting.

Tri-County Regional will host its 2017 Showcase Spectacular on Saturday, December 2nd, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. All members of the community are invited to attend this free event packed with fun activities for the whole family. Raffle prizes include Beats Wireless Headphones and other exciting giveaways.

Each of the school's 16 Career Programs will provide unique activities and games for the whole family to enjoy. Attendees will have the opportunity to operate robots and view a 3D printing demonstration in Engineering Technology. The Early Education program will have many STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) activities for children including crafts and a science experiment.

Tri-County RVTHS Invites the Community to Annual Showcase Spectacular Event

After working up an appetite, visitors can stop into the cafeteria to enjoy a delicious lunch made by Culinary Arts. Students will be serving chili, pizza, french fries, salad, cookies, brownies, and more. Visitors are invited to take home a variety of pre-packaged meals, side dishes and desserts from Tri-County's student run restaurant, Gerry's Place, which is open to the public daily for lunch.

"Our annual Showcase Spectacular is an event that gives members of the community an opportunity to view what makes quality Career Vocational Technical Education so popular with students, employers and political leaders," explained Superintendent-Director Stephen Dockray. "There will be activities for all ages, and we hope everyone will have a great time experiencing the exciting programs that Tri-County has to offer."

Members of the Tri-County staff will be available as a resource to discuss curriculum, college and career planning, and vocational opportunities.

Campus maps and tour booklets will be provided to those who would like to learn more about the school.

Tri-County RVTHS, located at 147 Pond Street in Franklin, is a recipient of the High Schools That Work Gold Achievement Award and serves the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleboro, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole, and Wrentham. For more information, go to www.tri-county.us.

#GivingTuesday options

A few of the many options to contribute to a worthy Franklin cause today!

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"Community.

A thriving town center.

Local businesses and services.

A gathering place.

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is hard at work revitalizing the center of town. We rely on memberships, sponsors and gifts to further our cause.

You can support the Franklin Downtown Partnership and 100% of your donation will go right back to the community. 

We know you have many worthy causes and groups vying for your charitable dollars. We hope you will consider giving to the FDP on this #GivingTuesday. We have a donation button on our website's homepage or you can donate using the button below.

Thank you,

The Franklin Downtown Partnership"

You can support the Franklin Downtown Partnership

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S.A.F.E. is a coalition of community partners who have come together to provide support, education, treatment options, and coping mechanisms for those affected by substance abuse disorder. We do so by empowering those affected, including their families, with the tools necessary to succeed on their journey to recovery. We understand that while I can't, we can

Donate to the SAFE Coalition !

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Donate to help HMEA

"Assistive technology (AT) is any item, piece of equipment, software program, or system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of persons with disabilities.

Your donation today will provide an individual with disabilities 
the tools necessary to Reach for Independence!"

https://hmea.org/givingtuesday2017/

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Donate to help the Franklin Food Pantry raise enough for 1,000 bags of groaceries

Our wish is that you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with your loved ones, and that you enjoyed the hustle and bustle of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday in good cheer and with a festive spirit.

With all of the gifts checked off on your list, you saved the best for last. Today, #GivingTuesday, you can give the gift of hope to help a neighbor you may never have met. 

Hope that there will be an after-school snack. Hope that no one has to choose between paying for heat and buying food. Hope that hunger doesn't get in the way of making friends. Hope there is enough food in the house to make a lunch for school. 

Every bag of groceries our clients take home is full of hope. Our goal is to raise enough funds to fill 1,000 bags of groceries.

1,000 people. 294 children. 140 seniors. Your neighbors. Our community. Give them the gift of hope today, #GivingTuesday. Give now. 

For the donations already made and for those still to come, 

THANK YOU!

-Erin

Give them the gift of hope today, #GivingTuesday

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And there are many other organizations in Franklin looking to you for help today.

In the News: veterans walkway bricks for sale; municipal aggregation in Bellingham

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

"The town is doing more to remember not just local veterans, but any veteran or active duty member from anywhere in the country. A newly approved pathway project at the town common offers anyone the chance to buy a dedicated brick for a military person they know. 

The bricks will cost $100 each and proceeds will go into the project and maintenance. Each brick will include the name and branch of the person for which it is dedicated. 

The pathway will stretch from the flagpole at the town common by the war memorial, and circle around to connect with the diagonal walk on the Union Street side. The entire project will cost about $85,000, and will have room for 5,000 to 6,000 bricks dedicated to veterans. As of Monday, nine bricks had been sold. 

Veterans Services Officer Dale Kurtz said it would be great to have the pathway completed by next Veterans Day, but that will depend on funding. Kurtz said once the initial construction is complete, they will periodically replace blank bricks with newly dedicated ones."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171127/franklin-pathway-to-recognize-all-veterans

"The town has signed a new municipal aggregation energy contract in an effort to save local electricity customers money over the next year. 

The contract is the town’s second since it began its aggregation program earlier this year. With municipal aggregation, towns look to save money from the utility company’s default rate by seeking bids from energy suppliers. 

The town announced the 12-month agreement, with Agera Energy, on Monday. Its standard option charges 11.5 cents per kilowatt hour - a rate Town Administrator Denis Fraine said is about a penny lower than National Grid’s default rate and two cents below the Eversource charge. The new Bellingham rate is set to take effect in December. 

The contract comes with the expiration of the town’s one-year contract with NextEra. Fraine noted that the new rate would be higher than that contract’s 8.68 cents per kilowatt hour charge, but said that reflected an across-the-board jump in prices."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171127/bellingham-signs-energy-contract

Update: Franklin also has a municipal aggregation program. The Town has gone to bid three times and have yet to get a good rate to start. Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen wants to get a good differential rate for the first time out as the rate will change over time (as shown in the Bellingham article).

The Municipal Aggregation program documents can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/02/municipal-aggregation-program.html

• From the Town Council meeting where this was approved

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

cover page of presentation to Town Council on Aggregation Program

IR-2017-193, National Tax Security Awareness Week, Online Security - 7 tips for safety

IRS Newswire Nov. 27, 2017

News Essentials What's Hot News Releases IRS - The Basics IRS Guidance Media Contacts Facts & Figures Around The Nation e-News Subscriptions The Newsroom Topics Multimedia Center Noticias en Español Radio PSAs Tax Scams The Tax Gap Fact Sheets IRS Tax Tips Armed Forces Latest News Home IRS Resources Compliance & Enforcement Contact My Local Office Filing Options Forms & Instructions Frequently Asked Questions News Taxpayer Advocate Where to File IRS Social Media

Issue Number:    IR-2017-193 National Tax Security Awareness Week No. 1:  Online Security - Seven Steps for Safety IR-2017-193, Nov. 27, 2017 WASHINGTON – During the online holiday shopping season, the IRS, state tax agencies and the tax industry remind people to be vigilant with their personal information. While shopping for gifts, criminals are shopping for credit card numbers, financial account information, Social Security numbers and other sensitive data that could help them file a fraudulent tax return. Anyone who has an online presence should take a few simple steps that could go a long way to protecting their identity and personal information. The Internal Revenue Service, state tax agencies and the tax community, partners in the Security Summit, are marking "National Tax Security Awareness Week", Nov. 27-Dec.1, with a series of reminders to taxpayers and tax professionals. In part one, the topic is online security. Cybercriminals seek to turn stolen data into quick cash, either by draining financial accounts, charging credit cards, creating new credit accounts or even using stolen identities to file a fraudulent tax return for a refund. Here are seven steps to help with online safety and protecting tax returns and refunds in 2018: Shop at familiar online retailers. Generally, sites using the "s" designation in "https" at the start of the URL are secure. Look for the "lock" icon in the browser's URL bar. But remember, even bad actors may obtain a security certificate so the "s" may not vouch for the site's legitimacy. Avoid unprotected Wi-Fi. Beware purchases at unfamiliar sites or clicks on links from pop-up ads. Unprotected public Wi-Fi hotspots also may allow thieves to view transactions. Do not engage in online financial transactions if using unprotected public Wi-Fi. Learn to recognize and avoid phishing emails that pose as a trusted source such as those from financial institutions or the IRS. These emails may suggest a password is expiring or an account update is needed. The criminal's goal is to entice users to open a link or attachment. The link may take users to a fake website that will steal usernames and passwords. An attachment may download malware that tracks keystrokes. Keep a clean machine. This applies to all devices -- computers, phones and tablets. Use security software to protect against malware that may steal data and viruses that may damage files. Set it to update automatically so that it always has the latest security defenses. Make sure firewalls and browser defenses are always active. Avoid "free" security scans or pop-up advertisements for security software. Use passwords that are strong, long and unique. Experts suggest a minimum of 10 characters but longer is better. Avoid using a specific word; longer phrases are better. Use a combination of letters, numbers and special characters. Use a different password for each account. Use a password manager, if necessary. Use multi-factor authentication. Some financial institutions, email providers and social media sites allow users to set accounts for multi-factor authentication, meaning users may need a security code, usually sent as a text to a mobile phone, in addition to usernames and passwords. For added protection, some financial institutions also will send email or text alerts when there is a withdrawal or change to the account. Generally, users can check account profiles at these locations to see what added protections may be available. Encrypt and password-protect sensitive data. If keeping financial records, tax returns or any personally identifiable information on computers, this data should be encrypted and protected by a strong password. Also, back-up important data to an external source such as an external hard drive. And, when disposing of computers, mobile phones or tablets, make sure to wipe the hard drive of all information before trashing. There are also a few additional steps people can take a few times a year to make sure they have not become an identity theft victim. Receive a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus once a year. Check it to make sure there are no unfamiliar credit changes. Create a "My Social Security" account online with the Social Security Administration. There users can see how much income is attributed to their SSN. This can help determine if someone else is using the SSN for employment purposes. The IRS, state tax agencies and the tax industry are committed to working together to fight against tax-related identity theft and to protect taxpayers. But the Security Summit needs help. People can take steps to protect themselves online. Visit the "Taxes. Security. Together." awareness campaign or review IRS Publication 4524, Security Awareness for Taxpayers, to see what can be done.   Back to Top Thank you for subscribing to the IRS Newswire, an IRS e-mail service. If you know someone who might want to subscribe to this mailing list, please forward this message to them so they can subscribe. This message was distributed automatically from the mailing list IRS Newswire. Please Do Not Reply To This Message.

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