Live reporting: Consent agenda to closing (executive session)

7. Consent Agenda
a. Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from your January 22, 2019 School Committee Meeting as detailed.
b. HMMS Donation
I recommend acceptance of the donation of exercise balls, fish bowls and various items valued at approximately $500.00 from Adam Jacoby, Interactions Company for Horace Mann Middle School as detailed.
c. JFK PCC Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,049.83 from the JFK PCC for Supplemental Supplies at JF Kennedy as detailed.
d. BJ’s Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $430.00 from BJ’s Wholesale Club for district wide in-house enrichment as detailed.
e. Athletics Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $844.02 from All-American Publishing for in-house enrichment for FHS Athletics Dept. as detailed.
f. Franklin Music Parents Gift
I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $4,268.00 from Franklin music parents for in-house enrichment for the FPS Music Department as detailed.
g. Davis Thayer Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,000.00 from the DT PCC for field trips as detailed.
h. FHS Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,719.80 from Lifetouch for in-house enrichment at FHS as detailed.

motion to approve, seconded, passed 4-0

8. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

9. Payroll Mrs. Douglas
not present

10. Correspondence 
– Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman

11. Executive Session

a. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the FEA/RN unit as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.

12. Adjournment

The agenda PDF can be found online
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/scagenda_2-12-19.pdf

Documents released for the agenda can be found online
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/february-12-2019-school-committee-packet-documents

Live reporting: Discussion Only Items - Information Matters

4. Discussion Only Items
a. FY20 Budget Discussion

Superintendent's FY20 Budget Memo

FY20 Superintendent's Recommended Budget Presentation (from 1/22/19 SC Mtg.)

FY20 Superintendent's Recommended Budget Cover

FY20 Superintendent's Recommended Budget Detail

FY20 Superintendent's Recommended Budget Overview

Revolving Detail FY20

Special Revenue FY20

b. BICO Quarterly Update
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/bico-quarterly

c. Revised School Committee Presentation Schedule
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/sc-presentations

workshop - portrait of a graduate at 6:00, Mar 12
elementary presentation as well as the budget vote

school start time vote possible target in April


5. 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]; School Start Times Advisory Committee [SSTAC], MASC)

budget books coming to Committee by Friday, formula not beneficial to Franklin

community engagement calendar developed (copy to be posted)
coffee March 9 at Franklin Library - start times theme
also at the Farmers Market this summer
at the FDP festivals (Strawberry and Harvest)

policy meeting Feb 27

thanks to Denise for putting together the Legislative Forum

Joint PCC got a preview of the budget

School Start Times
last week at FHS, importance of sleep
trying to bring the year long process to a close with a target of Apr 26 presentation


6. New Business
a. To discuss any future agenda items

mostly covered above, 

Live reporting: Discussion Action item

3. Discussion / Action Items
a. Approval of Amego (Private Special Education School)
I recommend the appointment of Paula Marano, Interim Director of Student Services, as the Committee’s designee to review Amego’s application and bring a recommendation to the School Committee.

Amego moving to a location on Grove St, enabling convenience

motion to approve, seconded, passed 4-0


b. Policy – First Reading
I recommend approval to move Policy DGA – Authorized Payroll Signatures to a second reading at the next meeting as discussed.

motion to move to second reading, seconded, passed 4-0

practice already in place, now formalizing the practice

Live reporting: Homework Update

b. Homework Update – Dr. Joyce Edwards &; Homework Study Group Representatives

(presentation to be added later)

Live reporting: Homework Update

looking for feedback on the homework free vacations

homework practices to be aligned with the current policy (link in presentation to be added)

Franklin has a wide variety of homework practices and expectations; widely inconsistent within buildings never mind across grades or the District

policy stresses the need for the whole child, and down time as well as family time

consistency is a very funny thing, consistent but not cookie cutter
need to be easily understood by students and families

defined what would success look like?
the set of guidelines as proposed is the result of the answer to that question

what is the definition of homework? defined and purpose

"Franklin-centric"

emphasis on nightly reading

recommends continuing the homework free vacations!
"to the extent possible for Feb and April"

there will be a survey to collect the feedback

middle school easier as they students are in groups and the team teaching would do the coordination; at the high school, it is harder as this collaboration is not already in place; use of the communication and guidelines should help; the students should also be able to respectfully advocate for themselves

the proposal could bring some tweaks to the policy itself

consider the due time of the online homework submission (i.e. homework due at midnight)

also consideration for non-screen based homework later and screen based earlier, to help with the transition to sleep

need to address time management too, what does it mean to manage time to get things done?

how to deal with procrastination? to address the emotional component of homework
at least a distraction free environment

homework is a lens on the student/family partnership

Live reporting: Dementia Friendly Franklin

2. Guests / Presentations
a. Dementia Friendly Community – Maggie Gundersen & Karen Alves

(presentation to be added later)

Live reporting: School Committee Meeting - Feb 19, 2019

Present: Feeley, Linden,  Douglas (after pledge), Bergen, Zub
Absent:  Scofield, Schultz


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

c. FHS Student Representative Comments
none present due to vacation week

d. Superintendent’s Report
mid-winter meeting of MA School Superintendents
importance of student networks, how to help build them

Commissioner Jeffrey Riley also spoke

Feb 4th professional development half day
building based development
(Superintendent's notes to be posted to web page in AM)

In the News: Dates set for Downtown Partnership 2019 events

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

Dates set for Downtown Partnership 2019 events

"The Franklin Downtown Partnership (FDP) has set the dates for its 2019 events and meetings. 

The annual Strawberry Stroll will be held on Friday, June 14 from 4 to 8 p.m., with a rain date of Saturday, June 15. In past years, the Strawberry Stroll has been held a week before but the date was moved since Franklin High School graduation will be held on June 7. 

“Last year we held the Strawberry Stroll on a Friday rather than a Thursday, as had been our tradition,” said Partnership Executive Director Lisa Piana. “The response was overwhelmingly positive and we had the biggest crowd ever. Based on that outcome, we’re continuing to hold the stroll on a Friday when it’s more convenient for families.” 

Networking breakfasts, held in the Dean College Dining Center, are scheduled for March 22 and April 12. FDP members are invited to drop in between 8 and 9 a.m. and network, interact with other members, and enjoy a cup of coffee or a meal."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190218/franklin-downtown-partnership-slates-2019-events-meetings

For more info on the Downtown Partnership and to join, visit
https://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/

Franklin Downtown Partnership

Franklin Library: Spy Training Camp

Tuesday, February 19, 2019 (All day) to Friday, February 22, 2019 (All day)

This February Vacation, your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to drop by the library each day for a series of spy training activities!

Come in at any time each day for a new activity where you’ll build your skill set and learn to be a master spy! 

Once you have completed all of the activities, receive your special spy prize on Friday!

Tuesday: Code Names

Wednesday: Disguises

Thursday: Secret Messages

Friday: “Laser” Maze!

Franklin Library: Spy Training Camp 

This was shared from the Franklin Library page
https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/bulletins/spy-training-camp-0

Both FHS boys basketball and boys hockey teams post wins on Monday

Via HockomockSports and Twitter, we share the results of the FHS sports action on Monday, Feb 18, 2019


Boys Basketball = Franklin, 61 vs. North Andover, 58 – Final

Boys Hockey = Franklin, 4 @ LaSalle Academy (R.I.), 3 – Final

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-02-18-19/

Huge 4-3 win on the road vs. Rhode Island’s top team @LsaMensHockey. Boys came back from multiple deficits with goals coming from Elliott, Magazu, Lizotte and Holmes with the GWG. Hard hat to Elliott for consistent hard work and key penalty killing in the 3rd. #ontobarney pic.twitter.com/c78pAtqGRR

— Franklin Hockey (@FHS_Puck) February 18, 2019

Franklin 4 LaSalle RI 3. Great team effort. G’s to Elliott, Magazu, Lizotte and Holmes. Ivers with 21 big saves and hard hat to Elliott @FHSSports @HockomockSports @In_The_Slot @MassHSHockey @MyHockeyLive @BGlobeSports @MetroWestSports

— Coach Spillane (@FHS_PuckCoach) February 18, 2019

Congratulations Chris Edgehill on joining the 1000 Point Club @RattleCity @_FHSBasketball @CoachCJNeely pic.twitter.com/DhQ8Gvt8WO

— FHS Boys Basketball (@fhsboysbball) February 18, 2019

Nasuti Tournament Champions pic.twitter.com/QPogcA0ib0

— FHS Boys Basketball (@fhsboysbball) February 18, 2019

Harvey Nusuti Memorial Tournament: Newton South defeats New Bedford in the consolation game. Franklin and North Andover are now warming up for the 2:00pm Championship game.

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) February 18, 2019

Congrats to Will for making all tournament team and Jalen for tournament MVP pic.twitter.com/D7oR3RP3to

— FHS Boys Basketball (@fhsboysbball) February 19, 2019

FHS Panthers

In the News: Proposed June primary would benefit MA voters; Franklin residents part of Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge team

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

Proposed June primary would benefit Massachusetts voters

"Last year’s Sept. 4 primary election was about two weeks earlier than is typical for Massachusetts, moved up so that it would not conflict with Jewish holidays. But despite the alteration, it was still the sixth-latest primary election in the United States. 

Senator Becca Rausch wants to change that. 

The first-term legislator filed a bill that would move the state primary up to June, and she says that the switch would help voters become better engaged and would allow the general election to be more competitive — not to mention the convenience of avoiding the scheduling pitfalls that come in September
“The primary date right now is very challenging,” said Rausch, a Needham Democrat who unseated former Sen. Richard Ross of Wrentham last November. 

“I think we saw those reasons pop up in 2018 in a pretty obvious way.” 

The senator represents precincts 1 to 4 and 7 in Franklin, Millis, precincts A to C, I and J in Needham, Norfolk, Plainville, precincts B, F, and G of Wellesley, Wrentham, ward 1, 2 and 3a of Attleboro, North Attleborough, precincts 6, 7, 9 and 10 of Natick, Sherborn and Wayland."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190218/state-senator-rausch-june-primary-would-benefit-massachusetts-voters

Senator Rebecca L. Rausch Democrat - Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex

Franklin residents part of Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge team

"Franklin residents will run to conquer cancer as a member of the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge team in the 123rd Boston Marathon on April 15. 

Franklin residents participating include: Kerry Cameron, Catherine Cameron, Stephen Rondeau and Eileen Wallace. 

Along with more than 500 Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge teammates from across the United States and around the world, they will run Massachusetts’ historic marathon route from Hopkinton to Boston to raise $6 million for cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. 

This year marks the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge team’s 30th annual running in the Boston Marathon. All funds raised by DFMC goes to Dana-Farber’s Claudia Adams Barr Program in Innovative Basic Cancer Research that supports promising science research in its earliest stages. The Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge has raised nearly $93 million to date."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190218/strongfranklin-residents-to-participate-in-boston-marathon-strong

To find out more about the Dana Farber Marathon Challenge or donate

https://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/site/TR?fr_id=1110&pg=entry

Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge

THE BLACK BOX to present Musicals, Jazz, Rock Bands, Broadway Stars, and More

THE BLACK BOX, Franklin’s premier concert, theater, and event venue, will present a variety of shows and events throughout the month of March. The month kicks off on March 1 at 7 pm with “A Class Act”- an all-class Franklin High School Reunion. All FHS alumni are welcome and encouraged to invite a group from their class for the event. There will be pizza, snacks, a cash bar, music by FHS and Oskey favorites, Joe Landry's vintage videos and photo archives, a yearbook library, Panthers Pride Sports Corner, and more.

On Saturday, March 2 at 8 pm The Delta Generators return to THE BLACK BOX with opening act The DayBreakers. Featuring Brian Templeton on vocals and harmonica, Charlie O’Neal on guitar, Rick O’Neal on bass, and Jeff Armstrong on drums, the Boston-based band blends the fine line between rhythm and blues and Americana in a way that makes them anything but average.

The Delta Generators return to THE BLACK BOX with opening act The DayBreakers

The fun continues on Sunday, March 3 when the critically acclaimed Kenny Hadley Big Band returns to the venue for a Big Band Brunch. The Kenny Hadley Big Band has shared the stage with such notables as the Count Basie Orchestra and the Duke Ellington Orchestra and has hosted guest soloists including Clark Terry and Louie Bellson. Brunch begins at 11:45 a.m., with music beginning at noon. Brunch provided by Intermission Cafe includes assorted Mini Quiche, Bacon, Waffles, Fresh Fruit, Yogurt & Granola, Bagels, Muffins, OJ and Coffee. In addition, there is a cash bar with Mimosas and Bloody Marys available.

The Franklin Performing Arts Company, THE BLACK BOX’s resident theater company, continues their 2018-2019 season with Seussical, running March 9, 10, 15, 16, and 17. Seussical is perfect for the whole family. The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust that contains the Whos, including Jojo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many "thinks." Horton faces a double challenge: not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird.

On Friday, March 22 at 7:30 pm, Electric Youth returns to THE BLACK BOX, offering family entertainment with music for all ages. Backed by an eight-piece band of world-class musicians, EY delivers high-energy music, including pop, classic rock, contemporary Broadway and country hits. The EY show at THE BLACK BOX will feature fully choreographed performances of One Republic, No Doubt, Guns N’ Roses, Aretha Franklin, The Greatest Showman, Kelly Clarkson, and more.

The month of March wraps up at THE BLACK BOX with Broadway in Franklin on Sunday, March 24 at 3 pm. The magic of 42nd Street comes to Boston's MetroWest suburbs as stars and students share the stage. Don’t miss this Broadway revue of show-stopping numbers from the Great White Way. Broadway In Franklin features Broadway headliners and appearances by musical theater students from the Franklin School for the Performing Arts and by Electric Youth. Past guest have included Tony nominee Jenn Colella, Sara Jean Ford, Ben Cameron, Tyler Hanes, and Michael James Scott.

For tickets and more information, visit www.theblackboxonline.com or call 508-528-3370. THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 W. Central St. in downtown Franklin.

50 Years of Sesame Street

American Archive of Public Broadcasting to Preserve 50 Years of Sesame Street Sesame Street is coming to the Library via the American Archive of Public Broadcasting. Nearly 4,500 digitized episodes of the groundbreaking children's TV series have been donated to the archives & will be available on-site. Click here for more information https://www.loc.gov/item/prn-19-019/?loclr=ealn 50 Years of Sesame Street

FHS wrestling takes 6th in D1 at States

The State D1 Wrestling results for Franklin High School


DIVISION 1
Teams
1. Springfield Central – 199.5
2. Mansfield – 113
6. Franklin – 87.5


PLACEMENTS
106 = 6th – Drew DiFilipo, Franklin

113 = 3rd – Jake Carlucci, Franklin

132 = 2nd – Jordan Carlucci, Franklin

160 = 5th – Caleb MacLean, Franklin

170 = 2nd – Dominic Sackley, Franklin


For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/wrestling-hornets-rocketeers-finalists-at-states/

FHS Panthers

FHS boys and girls basketball teams post wins on Sunday in Tournament action

Via HockomockSports, we share the results of the FHS sports action on Sunday, Feb 17, 2019


Boys Basketball = Franklin, 60 vs. New Bedford, 49 – Final
– Franklin jumped out to a 15-9 lead after the first quarter but struggled over the next two periods, trailing 38-37 going into the fourth quarter. Panther senior Jalen Samuels scored 10 of his team-high 18 points in the fourth to help . Franklin pull away. Samuels also had 13 rebounds, four assists, and three blocks while junior Chris Edgehill added 13 points and five rebounds. The Panthers will take on North Andover on Monday at 2:00 in the final of the Harvey Nasuti Classic.

Girls Basketball = Franklin, 46 vs. Belmont, 41 – Final (OT)
– Franklin scored the only five points of the overtime period to pick up a big win against highly-ranked Belmont in the D1 consolation game of the IAABO Board 27 tournament. Ali Brigham scored 15 points to pace the Panthers (and was named to the all-tournament team), while Meghan O’Connell scored 10 and Bea Bondhus added nine. As usual, defense was the key for Franklin, with Erin Quaile and Shannon Gray holding Belmont’s star players to just 15 points combined.

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/sundays-schedule-scoreboard-02-17-19/

photo gallery from the girls basketball game
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2018-2019/Winter-2018-2019/Franklin-Braintree-Girls-Basketball-2-16-19/i-rr9fHh8

FHS Erin Quaile caught on a pick (HockomockSports.com photo)

Register O'Donnell Reports Real Estate Activity off to a Slow Start in 2019

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Reports Real Estate Activity off to a Slow Start in 2019 Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell reported an across-the-board decline in real estate activity for Norfolk County in January 2019. Declines were seen in both real estate sales and in mortgage lending. "During the month of January, a total of 1,141 residential and commercial real estate sales were recorded countywide, resulting in a 7% drop from the previous January numbers. Additionally, the total dollar volume of these residential and commercial sales decreased by 42% to $433.7 million year over year, as well as declined in the average sale price by 39% to $662,165. The reductions in total sales numbers and average sales price were skewed by two Quincy commercial sales, one for $80 million and the other for $43 million that took place in January 2018," noted the Register. Lending activity continued to experience declines in January. A total of 1,463 mortgages were filed in January, a 21% reduction from the previous year, along with a 54% decline to $653.9 million for total mortgage recordings. Register O'Donnell stated, "Norfolk County homeowners continue to be very cautious when contemplating whether or nor to borrow money. Factors include decreased mortgage activity caused by lack of available real estate inventory, concern about the direction of mortgage rates and the uncertainty about the state of affairs in Washington D.C." One notable bright spot was the sizeable reduction in Norfolk County foreclosure activity. Foreclosure deed recordings fell 33% for January. The news was even better for Notice to Foreclose Mortgage filings, the first step in the foreclosure process, which declined by a whopping 43%. Register O'Donnell noted, "The foreclosure stats were very encouraging for January. Of course, this is small consolation to those homeowners who are having difficulty paying their mortgage due to economic hardship." The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds continues to partner with Quincy Community Action Programs, 617-479-8181 x-376, and NeighborWorks Southern Mass, 508-587-0950. They are available to help anyone who has received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage from a lender. A third option is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General's Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400. Each of these programs is staffed by knowledgeable professionals. Anyone who has received a foreclosure notice should consider availing themselves of these excellent programs. On the consumer protection front, the number of Homestead recordings fell 4% in January from 757 compared to 791 year over year. "A Homestead," stated O'Donnell, "provides limited protection against the forced sale of an individual's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. I urge homeowners who have not recorded a Homestead to consider this valuable consumer protection tool." In conclusion, Register O'Donnell stated, "Without question January was a disappointing month for real estate activity in Norfolk County. Traditionally, winter months like January do not exhibit great real estate numbers. Lack of available inventory continues to be a serious issue. This shortage of housing stock is especially impacting first-time home buyers. While the Federal Reserve has indicated a willingness to reduce the number of interest rate increases, consumers are still being cautious when it comes to borrowing money. Hopefully, we will see improvements in the real estate climate going forward." To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and/or Instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org. Register William P. O'Donnell Norfolk County Registry of Deeds email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-234-3336 web: https://www.norfolkdeeds.org

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831 Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with Try it free today

Register O'Donnell Reports Real Estate Activity off to a Slow Start in 2019

There is "Always Hope" a sober house for women

She wrote me to say: "So if any Franklin residents have daughters, sisters, mothers that need a sober house and want to be close to home this is a perfect fit!"

And that would be? https://alwayshopesoberhouse.org/

What makes it special? "This is a room at Always Hope. It’s called Caroline’s room and she was from Franklin.


I did not doubt her, and sure enough on the About page:

"The first house is located at #1 Franklin Avenue and called “Sweet Caroline’s House”. This house is named after Caroline D’Amelio, who struggled with an eating disorder and addiction. Caroline was a vibrant young lady who had an energy for life that was surpassed by few. She was active, fun, energetic, but most importantly kind. Her kindness was evident in her beautiful smile and in her desire for others to be happy. 

Caroline would never want to see anyone in need and would always be there to help if she could. During Caroline’s struggle with addiction she was at her best at the Windhaven sober house in Dallas, Texas, where she found her faith and led a productive life for over a year. It is in Caroline’s memory and loving spirit that this house is dedicated."

Visit the web page to donate, or to apply for residence
https://alwayshopesoberhouse.org/

There is "Always Hope" a sober house for women

In the News: New tax law brings surprises

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

New tax law brings unpleasant surprise to filers

"Greg Tully is 71, and for the first time in his working life he will not receive a federal tax refund. 

“Last year we got $631 back. This year we owed around $1,500,” he said.
Like Tully, of Saugus, thousands of taxpayers across the state are learning their refunds are smaller than in years past, and some are finding they owe money. 

The IRS on Feb. 1 reported the average tax refund so far in 2019 had decreased by 8.4 percent – or $183 – to $1,901 compared to 2018. 

“A lot of people are very surprised with their refunds, or lack thereof,” said Paul Russo, tax director at The 1911 Trust Co. in Beverly."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190217/new-tax-law-brings-unpleasant-surprise-to-filers