Saturday, May 30, 2015

You can make a difference

A week ago, I stood on the Boston Common and took a picture of the 37,000 flags put out to commemorate Memorial Day.

Boston Common flag garden on May 22
Boston Common flag garden on May 22


This Friday (May 29th), the flags are gone but not forgotten.

Boston Common on May 29
Boston Common on May 29

The feet of the many who came by to take photos (as I did) trampled the grass and it is now brown and crushed. It will come back.

Boston Common on May 29
Boston Common on May 29


One person's actions may not seem like much. The small step may not seem significant. But one person needs to start and then big things can happen.

One person objected to the proposed Atlantic Bridge pipeline, others joined and the project got stopped.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/05/im-delighted-to-hear-project-has-been.html

There are plenty of other opportunities around Franklin where one person can do something to make a difference. 

Consider helping at the Senior Center, the Food Pantry, in the schools or in your church. 

Consider helping the Random Smile Project, the Neighbor Brigade, or the Friends of the Franklin Library. 

Consider volunteering to help run the Town of Franklin. While there are salaried positions, there are many non-paid positions including most of the elected positions on the Town Council, School Committe, and the many other boards and committees that help to operate Franklin. 

Our government does its best when it is truly "of the people, by the people, for the people"

Pick your cause, pick your interest, and help. Together we can accomplish great things!  

FHS baseball and softball top Attleboro

From Hockomock Sports we find and share the results of the spring sports action on Friday, May 29.

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Baseball
Attleboro, 4 @ Franklin, 5 - Final 
- On Senior Day, it was a group of seniors who shined for the Panthers. Zane Byrne got the win, tossing five innings with four strikeouts, giving up just on earned run. Marc Elliot (1 IP, 1 K) and Kyle Wardrop (1 IP, SV, 1K) closed out the came in relief. Offensively, Nick Burgos went 2-3 with a double and a triple, two runs scored and an RBI, Ant Chaiton knocked in a pair of runs in the fourth inning, Kyle Skidmore went 1-3 with a double and a run scored, TJ Paulsen had a base hit, walked and scored a run and KJ Powers came around to score a run.


Softball
Franklin, 7 @ Attleboro, 1 - Final 
- Maddie Connelly had two hits on the day, one being a two-run triple and Alicia Donovan and Olivia Haba each knocked in two runs. Caroline d'Aprile got the win in the circle, getting four strikeouts allowing four hits.

For the other results around the Hockomock League on Friday
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-052915

Charity Yard Sale to Aid Franklin Family


Oak Street Cub Scout Pack 29, along with many area friends and neighbors, have put together an AMAZING yard sale today, Saturday, May 30th at 14 Flintlocke Road in Franklin. The outpouring of support for his family has been so heartwarming with donations coming in from over 30 families. 
We have such a wide range of items in great condition from children's indoor and outdoor toys and games, household decor and books, to many kitchen gadgets, small appliances, a poker table, dishes, CDs/DVDs and More. 
Definitely something for everyone! And 100% of the proceeds will go to helping the Parisi family with some of their expenses.

The yard sale will be from 8am - 3pm today (originally scheduled for 5/31) and we hope many of you will come out, shop and enjoy some lemonade!!!!
Caeden and Devin Parisi
Caeden and Devin Parisi
The online fund raiser for the Parisi Family can be found here
http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/c-d-united/278046

Franklin Art Center - Summer Updates

Franklin Art Center
Franklin Art Center

  • For the month of June pre-k art classes are weekly
  • We have ocean week next week, animal week, & art exploration. 
  • Check out the summer page on our website
  • K-12 classes are posted as well 
  • Clay handbuilding will be Wednesday's 6:30-8 new this summer for ages 10- adult
  • Fun Friday's will be added for one day workshops, kids paint and family paint -these will be posted on our facebook page weekly

You can find them on the web here  http://www.franklinartcenter.com/
or on Facebook here  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Franklin-Art-Center/193366394039561?fref=photo

Friday, May 29, 2015

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 5/29/15 - THU 6/4/15

FRI 5/29   8pm   The Black Box Cabaret - FPAC Alumni
FRI 5/29   8-9:50pm   Frozen Friday DJ Public Skate at Pirelli Arena

SAT 5/30   1pm   Movie “Strange Magic” at Franklin Public Library
SAT 5/30   4pm   FPAC students present “The Magic Flute” at The Black Box

SUN 5/31   9:30am-12pm   Join Cub Scouts Event at Franklin Town Common. Meet the leaders and sign up.
SUN 5/31   2-5pm   Drink Pink for Cure! at Pour Richard’s in Franklin
SUN 5/31   2pm   Movie “Into The Woods” at Franklin Public Library

THU 6/4   8:30am   Franklin Downtown Partnership Meeting at Dean College

For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.

For event details click HERE.

*If you have any suggestions or events for the calendar, please email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com

FHS Top 10 senior students recognized by United Regional Chamber


The United Regional Chamber of Commerce sent along this notification on the Franklin High School students that were recognized at the Chamber's Spotlight on Education breakfast at Lake Pearl Luciano’s on May 27. 

The Top 10 students from the senior class were honored as well as the Unsung Hero (a student who excels in other areas, has outstanding leadership qualities, or is outstanding in some other way.)


Heller Photography provided the photo of the Top 10 FHS Students
Heller Photography provided the photo of the Top 10 FHS Students


FRANKLIN

  • Pooja Agarwal
  • Gabriela Blood
  • Thomas Cerier
  • Kathleen Doherty
  • Haley Frank
  • Jessica Garrigan
  • Marcus Giese
  • Amy Reynolds
  • Caleigh Smith
  • Madison Wendell
  • UNSUNG HERO: Philip Henault

Franklin Police share resources on preventing overdoses

During the Town Council meeting last week, Chief Stephan Semerjian mentioned that the Police Department was posting resources on their webpage to help share the information. 

Here is the info shared:





14 Rules Never to Break with Dealing with Addiction
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Police/Narconon14Rules.pdf



signs of heroin abuse - shared from the Franklin Police page
signs of heroin abuse - shared from the Franklin Police page

Opioid

The term opioid designates a class of drugs derived naturally from the opium poppy (opium, morphine, codeine), synthesized or derived from a natural opiate (heroin, oxycodone, hydrocodone), or manufactured synthetically with a chemical structure similar to opium (fentanyl, methadone). Among their many effects, opioids depress breathing by changing neurochemical activity in the brainstem where automatic bodily functions are controlled. 

Overdose

An overdose occurs when opioid concentrations are so high in the body that they begin to cause respiratory depression. Overdoses can be further characterized as being either non-fatal (loss of consciousness and depressed breathing) or fatal (respiration ceases and/or cardiac arrest ensues) (Warner-Smith, et al, 2001). 
Overdose is a common experience among opioid users. In a review of the literature on overdoses, Darke and Hall (2003) found that at least half of opioid users in cross-sectional studies report a history of non-fatal overdose, many of whom report overdosing multiple times. Additionally, Darke and Zador (1996) report that opioid users have mortality rates that are between six and twenty times those of their peers. These authors go on to report that deaths attributable to overdose are the most common cause of death among opioid users. 
In a report released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in December 2011, drug overdose was identified as the cause of death for over 41,000 people in 2008 (Warner, et al, 2011). With the rate nearly tripling in the past three decades, drug overdose is now the leading cause of accidental death nationally, exceeding motor vehicle accidents; in 2008, there were 38,000 motor vehicle deaths. 
While the CDC report identifies overdose as a national issue, the northeast region is disproportionately affected. In its 2011 New England High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (NE HIDTA) Drug Market Analysis, the National Drug Intelligence Center (NDIC) noted, “opioid abuse remains the most significant drug threat to the NE HIDTA – (NDIC, 2011). The authors identify pharmaceutical opioid abuse as the driving factor behind this increase. Evidence suggests that pharmaceutical opioid abusers often switch from prescription medications to heroin due to its lower cost and greater purity.

Continue reading more from the Mass Dept of Health brochure (PDF) here
http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/docs/dph/substance-abuse/opioid/overdoseresponsestrategies.pdf

Senior Day for FHS Baseball, Softball teams


Baseball
Attleboro @ Franklin, 3:30




Softball
Franklin @ Attleboro, 3:45





And while we are sharing photos from Twitter, also happened to find this one of the three FHS MIAA Coaches of the Year:

From left to right: Coach Bositis, Coach Geysen, Coach Spillane

The article announcing the three was posted here:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/05/miaa-names-3-fhs-coaches-as-coach-of.html

"I’m delighted to hear the project has been cancelled”

See it does matter. When some one takes action, it can be effective.
Local opponents of a planned natural gas pipeline that would have run through three area towns are celebrating an energy company's decision to scrub the project. 
“As someone who is working to stop new gas projects and promote clean, renewable energy instead, I am overjoyed that this project has been cancelled,” said Emily Kirkland, a spokeswoman for Better Future Project, an organization that pushes for renewable energy. 
The organization has coordinated with local residents also were also opposed to the project and wanted to inform the public about the pipeline's potential environmental consequences. 
Spectra Energy, which owns the Algonquin Gas Transmission pipeline, has dropped plans for a 3.5-mile, 30-inch wide pipeline that would have run through Medway, Bellingham and Franklin, according to a notice from the Massachusetts Energy Siting Board earlier this week. That pipeline would been part of a larger project.

http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150528/NEWS/150526073/1994/NEWS


Thursday, May 28, 2015

"for the collaboration working in and connecting within the community, I give you an A+"

The School Committee meeting on Tuesday, May 26 is a good one to review in the On Demand video archives.

There was an update on Creative Arts Fridays at the Kennedy School. How technology and poetry are integrated with the other subjects to provide a rich and exciting learning epxerience. The presentation included a couple of brief videos but it is only available in the On Demand link as provided ablve.

Oak St provided a year in review showing multiple pictures taken during the year. The photos although static do help to show the depth and richness of the learning experience and earned kudos from Committee member Kevin O'Malley who gave them an "A+" as paraphrased in the title of this summary.

You can view the photo presentation here:




The third presentation was an update on the work of the School Wellness Advisory Committee. While it sounds like a dry and unexciting title, the work being done coincidently was highlighted in a few cases by the prior two presentations. The SWAC effectively is putting together the curriculum on health and wellness which is then delivered via the teachers and staff to the students across the district.

You can view the presentation copy here:



SWAC Presentation to the School Committee May 26, 2015 from Franklin Matters


The set of my notes taken live during the meeting can be found here
I would encourage you to spend the almost two hours to view the meeting video. It does provide some real good insights into what happens in the elementary school classrooms and how some of the curriculum is built to be delivered.

You can view the meeting video here
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?ecm=635683896305427500&indexSessionSKU=og8cahm8VNrZ2CTSyUPlUg%3D%3D&siteSKU=L7qhQ46xin/r3Z0jcDVCNw%3D%3D

Don't flush Swiffers!

From the DPW Water and Sewer page:
Paper towels, disposable wipes, washcloths and rags are becoming more and more of a problem for sewer systems with the increase in "disposable" wipes.  These wipes may be disposable but that does not make them flushable!   
Please do not flush swiffer wipes, baby wipes, diapers, disposable toilet bowl cleaners or any other non-toilet paper product.  These items cause major problems in our sewer pumps and we are not alone.  As discussed in a USA Today article tilted "Wipes in the Pipes Snarling Sewers", this issue is is affecting sewer systems across the country.  So please do your part and don't flush wipes!
swiffers removed from Franklin's pump station
swiffers removed from Franklin's pump station

What does happen to the water you flush?




You can also find the treatment process with this interactive webpage
http://www.wef.org/flash/gowiththeflow_english/theflow.htm


FHS baseball and softball top Sharon

Hockomock Sports provides the results of the FHS vs. Sharon baseball and softball games. The baseball team has the featured write up as the Sharon coach is retiring after 44 years.


Sharon, 0 @ Franklin, 14 - Final (5 innings) 
FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

- Franklin jumped out with five runs in the first, tacked five more on in the second and never looked back. Erin Hanley and Maddie Connelly (three RBI) each scored three runs, Olivia DiGiacomo and Alyssa DaSilva each knocked in three runs, Sabrina LoMonaco knocked in two runs and Brie Flaherty knocked in one. LoMonaco struck out five in three innings of work and Emily Sawyer struck out three in two innings of work.
Find all the results from Wenesday's action here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-052715


Emotional Home Finale for Sharon Baseball Coach

He went through the handshake line and had a quick word with his opposing coach, then turned around and walked back to the dugout to speak with his team. As Sharon coach Joel Peckham went through the usual postgame routine, the crowd crept ever closer to the huddled players. 
Franklin won the game 10-8, its seventh win in a row, and Sharon showed its typical fight to claw back three runs in its last at bat and have the tying runs in scoring position, but after the final pitch the game was forgotten and the coach became the focus.

On Wednesday afternoon, Peckham walked off the Sharon field for the final time as head coach of the Eagles. His 44-year career at Sharon High that has included stints as an English teacher and a guidance counselor as well as coach of the football, basketball, and baseball programs will be coming to a close on Friday at Milford.

His current players, their families, and a number of alumni were on hand to pay tribute to his tenure on the bench. The longtime coach admitted that it was an emotional afternoon for him.
Continue reading the remainder of the article here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/emotional-home-finale-for-sharon-baseball-coach

Swim Programs Offer a Mix of Fun, Physical Activity and Safety


As swim season approaches, the YMCAs across Massachusetts encourage children and parents to explore the many benefits of swimming, while also keeping safety top of mind. In the Y's swim programs, participants can enjoy water sports, enhance or learn new techniques, meet new friends and develop confidence, while also learning safety skills that can save lives. 

Swimming is a fun and enjoyable activity for children and adults alike, and it's an easy way to stay physically active and improve strength, flexibility and stamina. YMCAs across the state are committed to providing as many opportunities as possible for everyone to swim and learn water safety practices.
 
Hockomock YMCA
Hockomock YMCA

As part of National Water Safety Month in May, Massachusetts YMCAs encourage parents to take an active role in their child's safety.  The following are safety tips to practice when in and around the water:

·         Only swim when and where there is a lifeguard on duty; never swim alone.
  • Adults should constantly and actively watch their children.
  • Inexperienced or non-swimmers should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.  
  • Parents or guardians of young children should be within an arm's reach.
  • Children and adults should not engage in breath holding activities.

In addition to learning lifesaving water safety skills, children can increase their physical activity by swimming. Swimming also motivates children to strive for self-improvement, teaches goal orientation, and cultivates a positive mental attitude and high self-esteem. It also teaches life lessons of sport and sportsmanship, so that children can learn how to work well with teammates and coaches and how to deal with winning and losing.

As a leading nonprofit committed to youth development, the Y has been a leader in providing swim lessons and water safety for more than 100 years.  The Y continues to help youth and adults experience the joy and benefits of swimming, so they can be healthy, confident and secure in the water. There are a variety of programs to choose, including swim lessons for all ages, water fitness classes, competitive swimming, and family swim times. To ensure that everyone has an opportunity to participate, financial assistance is available to those in need to help cover the costs.

To learn more about the swim programs in your community, please visit http://www.hockymca.org/


About the Y
The Y is one of the nation's leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across Massachusetts, 377 locations engage 1 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation's health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. The Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change.

MassBudget : Conference Preview: Differences Between the House & Senate Budgets for FY 2016

For those following the State budget, this is the next step in the analysis prepared by MassBudget. The Governor proposed his budget, the House proposed their version, then the Senate recently proposed their version. All three come together in the conference committee to work out the differences and get one budget ready for the Governor to sign by June  30th. 

Franklin depends upon the State for about 30% of its revenue so how the conference works out the differences could ripple down to our budget. The Town Council will be doing their budget hearings June 10th and 11th. With a little luck, the conference differences will have mostly been resolved so the Franklin budget can include the latest and best numbers before the Council vote.

One small item to watch for is the $50,000 for the Horace Mann status. It was in the House budget, doesn't seem to be in the Senate budget, so how it will finally shake out remains to be seen.


MassBudget  Information.
  Participation.
 Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center  Democracy.


Conference Preview:
Differences Between the House & Senate Budgets for FY 2016

The House and Senate have now completed crafting and debating their state budget proposals for the year that begins July 1 (for our full analysis, click HERE). The state budget is the way we as a Commonwealth make decisions about funding for a wide range of things including our local schools, roads and bridges, subways and buses, environmental protection, maintenance of beaches and parks, and supports for working families, like child care, health care, and job training programs.

Both budgets propose small increases in funding for local aid, education, substance abuse prevention and treatment, and other targeted investments.

During floor debate the Senate adopted an amendment that would increase the state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and expand the personal exemption in lieu of a scheduled decrease in the income tax rate. This would have the effect of directing tax reductions more towards lower and middle income families and less towards our highest income residents. The House did not include this proposal.

Both the House and the Senate budgets would change the structure of the board of directors for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, providing a larger role for the Secretary of Transportation. Both also authorize a Fiscal Management Control Board for the MBTA, although with different powers. The House proposes suspending at the MBTA the state law that regulates privatization (for more detail, click HERE). The Senate leaves that law in place.

Making meaningful progress towards fixing our transportation systems, making higher education more affordable, or addressing other major issues facing working families would likely require reforming our state tax system in a way that was not considered by either the House or Senate. Currently our state's highest income residents pay substantially less of their income in state and local taxes than other taxpayers. This costs the state approximately $2 billion a year and makes it difficult for the state to address many of the big challenges facing families across the state (for more detail, click HERE).

This Monitor describes major differences between the House and Senate final budgets that will need to be reconciled by the conference committee now meeting. For our full analysis, 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
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Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

How does this amazing mind reader do it?

How does this amazing mind reader do it?





A nice lesson here. What are you revealing online?

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

A couple of related links on privacy. Well worth spending some time reading!

"Why I make my kids read privacy policies"
http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Passcode/Passcode-Voices/2015/0513/Why-I-make-my-kids-read-privacy-policies

"Is student privacy erased as classrooms turn digital?"
http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Passcode/Passcode-Voices/2015/0513/Is-student-privacy-erased-as-classrooms-turn-digital


FHS sports: baseball tops Oliver Ames, boys tennis tops Taunton

From Hockomock Sports we share the results of FHS spring sports action on Tuesday

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Baseball
Franklin, 4 @ Oliver Ames, 2 - Final 
- Ant Chaiton picked up the winning, going 6.1 innings without giving up an earned run, striking out three. Kyle Wardrop got,the save pitching the final two outs. Tyler Gomes went 1-3 with a run scored, Kyle Skidmore was 1-2 with a double and a run scored, Ben Chaffee had an RBI and scored a run, Andrew Parent went 1-2 with an RBI, a double and a run scored and Alex Bissanti was 1-2 and knocked in a pair of runs.

Softball
Franklin, 2 vs. Cumberland, 4 - Final


Boys Tennis
Franklin, 4 @ Taunton, 1 - Final

Girls Tennis
Franklin, 0 @ Sharon, 5 - Final 
- Sharon's Lulu Yuan won 6-4, 6-1 at first singles, Pooja Puttigampala won 6-0, 6-0 at second singles, Emily Wen won 6-0, 6-0 at third singles, Michal Kondratiev and Katie Merport won 6-4, 6-3 at first doubles and Sydney Gordon and Rithica Neti won 6-4, 6-4 at second doubles.


For all the Hockomock League results on Tuesday
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-052615

Rain Garden Training and Demonstration - Jun 13

Franklin Residential Rain Garden Project
Learn to design, build and maintain a home rain garden to treat polluted rainwater from your driveway and roof while adding beauty and visual interest to your property.
Rain Garden Training and Demonstration - Jun 13
Rain Garden Training and Demonstration - Jun 13
When:
Saturday, June 13, 2015 
10:30 am - 2:30 pm 
Lunch Provided

Where:
Remington/Jefferson School 
628 Washington Street, Franklin

Register at www.soakitupfranklinma.org



Questions? 
Contact Alexandra Ash aash@crwa.org or 781-788-0007 x 200


This was shared from the Town of Franklin webpage
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/020C5211-000F8513

Franklin Library: Geneology Club - May 28 - 6:30 PM

Interested in Geneology? 

The next Geneology Club meeting is scheduled for the Franklin Library on Thursday, May 28 at 6:30 PM


Geneology Club - May 28 - 6:30pm
Geneology Club - May 28 - 6:30pm

This was shared from the Franklin Library webpage
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2015/05/genealogy-club.html

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Live reporting: Closing

5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
task force starting to address the opiate addiction problem
not a lot of social services in Franklin, closest either RI or Taunton
it could make a difference to get some services in the district

PSA being developed with Police on needle awareness
what to do when you find one, what to do when you do get stuck

congratulation Ann Butler, MA STEM teacher of the Year finalist, should hear in a couple of weeks

FHS - invited to be part of 
FHS Academic award Thursday at 6:30
graduation next week

GLEE cast member to visit with Best Buddies program at Keller

PARCC updates
the assessment of the future, PARCC is the best way to assess the use of technology
we have gotten really good feedback from the staff, students on the implementation
Board of Ed doing a 'road trip' School Admin to present some findings with good feedback and growth opportunities

PARCC has been scaled back, reduced to 90 minutes
sessions reduced from 2 to 1, extended window to minimize instructional window


School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
policy subcommittee, working on school use, possible policy for next meeting

School Committee Liaison Reports
none

6. New Business

reminder - Harlem Wizards coming Nov 13th, fund raiser for the FEF


8. Adjourn
motion to adjourn, seconded, passed 7-0

Live reporting: Action Items


3. Discussion Only Items
2015-2016 School Committee Meeting Calendar – DRAFT
July 26th should be the 28th, was corrected on a version but not the one in this package

2015-2016 School Calendar Consideration – Additional PD Safety Training.
Would the school committee consider adding 1/2 a PD day to an existing one, to provide a full slot of time for the special training, one for pre-k to 5, and one for 6-12

1/2 day counts as a day, if scheduling a full day run into the full 180

instead of trying to have an hour here or there, better to have the full school team at once

would be able to look at the adjustments necessary but wanted to check with the School Committee first

would bring the calendar back for the next meeting

Columbus Day is also a bargaining line item
there is a new K-12 school survey coming out to help gather current data

will bring back a suggestion to bring back some dates

4. Action Items
a. I recommend appointment of the Superintendent to the Board of Directors, Bi-County Collaborative.

motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

b. I recommend appointment of the Superintendent to the Board of Directors, ACCEPT Collaborative.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

c. I recommend approval of budget transfers as detailed.

motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

d. I recommend approval of the request of Nancy Schoen for a recurring field trip to Canobie Lake Park in Salem, NH on June 12, 2015 with middle school music students as detailed.

motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

e. I recommend the acceptance of three checks totaling $488.77 for in house enrichment at Franklin High School:

1. Great American Opportunities - $99.20
2. Chipotle Mexican Grill - $139.57 – Student Activity Account for Ultimate Frisbee Club
3. Norfolk DA – Operation Graduation, 2015 All Night Party – $250.00
motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

f. I recommend acceptance of four checks totaling $4,000.00 for FHS Scholarships:
1. $1,000.00 - Peter A. Baglioni
2. $1,000.00 - Mr. & Mrs. Peter Coppola
3. $1,000.00 - Franklin Country Club
4. $1,000.00 - Friends of the Franklin Library
motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0
O'Malley made a special 'shout out' to the Friends of the Franklin Library as a group that should be more well known for doing the good work they do, including funding the summer reading program

g. I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $3,148.50 from the Parmenter PCC for field trips.

motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

h. I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $1,320.00 for district wide in-house enrichment:
1. Franklin Music Boosters - $1,100.00
2. BJ’s Wholesale Club - $220.00
motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

i. I recommend acceptance of a check for $362.08 from the Davis Thayer PCC for Supplemental Curriculum Materials.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

Live reporting: School Wellness Advisory Council

Sally Winslow
affectionately referred to as the 'SWAC"

a standing committee
wide variety of groups represented
administrators, educators, students, community members
3rd full year as a group
goal to bring the 'local wellness policy' into compliance

meet four times per year
assessment, and goals to meet needs
present to the School Committee (as is this tonight)

multi-disciplinary approach to provide support for students

Goals for 2014-15

  1. mental health
  2. physical activity
  3. nutrition

in year 2 of developing curriculum
work to ensure social emotional curriculum across the grade levels

first year with middle school guidance counselors

high school, developed and delivered 4 seminar classes to each grade

decrease in nurses visits seen as a result of the work done in middle and high school

BOKS program

partnerships with other community groups
Patriot Place, Adirondeck Club

increases in both formal athletic and physical activities

multiple garden models being worked to tie in academic curriculum as well as healthy eating habits, and understanding the food life cycle

MetroWest Health Survey data just came out

O'Malley
a comprehensive and well developed program
unscheduled visits can be the most important visits
need to be careful with setting the goal and reporting accordingly

Sabolinski/Winslow
data had been gathered and strategies developed to work with the student and either get them back to class or to the right resources for help

Trahan - kids needed help to figure out how to cope, it wasn't to prevent visits, those visits are open and available

kids need explicit instruction on what to do and how to deal with something with it comes up; coping skills

O'Malley
we have trained councilors, let them make the decision

Jewel
some of the students learn in different ways
how are the teachers dealing with students that have different ways of learning?

Sabolinski/Winslow
there is the instructional support team
as well as special education assistance as needed

Jewel 
I want to encourage students to excel where they can and to do really well
to push that level where they normally would

Sabolinksi
absolutely, we have some gifted students in the schools
we use whatever is available to help
enter the course of study where they are pushed to succeed

Mullen
would like to see something on guidence in the next couple of months