Saturday, August 1, 2020

Franklin Public Schools: Return to School Plan - "remote setting for students in grades K-12"

August 1, 2020

Dear Franklin Families,

When August 1 comes, I always begin writing a back to school letter. This is like no other back to school letter and hopefully is one I only write once.

Yesterday, we submitted the Franklin Public Schools’ preliminary reopening plan to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). The plan contained a summary of three instructional models that the Reopening Taskforce and Administrative Team have been developing: full in-person instruction with health and safety practices in place; a hybrid model of both in-person and remote learning with smaller cohorts of students alternating between the two; and a plan for fully remote instruction.

Numerous emails and phone calls came in over the week advocating for each model. Clearly, it is a difficult decision as not everyone will be pleased. Each model, in their own way, comes with significant impacts to families.

In the submission, I indicated that the plan for opening school in Franklin is to begin the year in a remote setting for students in grades K-12. Within this model, however, High Needs Students will be prioritized for in-person instruction, as required by DESE. Our preschool, ECDC, will communicate their plans in a follow up letter to preschool families.

Remote instruction for 2020-2021 will be considerably different and more “robust” than the emergency remote learning of the spring closure. FPS remote instruction will involve:
● a full day of instruction in order to meet the “structured learning time” requirements, sometimes referred to as the required number of days/hours of “time on learning” required by the state
● live instruction to students, while also building in screen breaks and low-tech learning experiences
● familiar instructional strategies as well as highly effective novel strategies leveraging technology
● grading of student work
● attendance and accountability

We have used CARES funding from the state to invest in additional Chromebooks in order to provide access to technology to all students.

By opening in a fully remote way, we will be able to spend the next several weeks building a strong virtual learning environment with an overall goal to have as many students and staff return safely to school. We will build towards a hybrid of in-person and remote instruction in a phased way. We will monitor the efficacy of remote learning and we will examine readiness for students to be present in-person at benchmark dates.

Please note that the start date of the school year will be delayed. The Commissioner of Education has reduced the required number of school days from 180 to 170 in order to allow districts to use the first ten days in preparation with our faculty and staff. Staff will be preparing for remote instruction and receiving training on health and safety practices. We anticipate school to begin on or about, but no later than September 16, pending School Committee approval of a revised calendar.

The Comprehensive Reopening Plan is not due to the state until later in August, however we wish to convey this information to you now for planning purposes.

We invite you to a family webinar on Tuesday, August 4 at 6 pm or Wednesday, August 5 at 7:30 am where you can learn more about our plans, rationale, answers to FAQs, and what instruction will look like. Please pre-register at the following links:

Tuesday, August 4 at 6 PM: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_hpm_1UKCSCyKrPZEcVH0Aw

Wednesday, August 5 at 7:30 AM: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6Jd64pWnSjWrBoParD9UmQ 

If sessions exceed the limit of 1000, additional ones will be scheduled.
We appreciate the difficulty of the situation we are all in. Health and safety is our first priority. We are also viewing this approach as the most educationally sound way to attend to the health and safety requirements while prioritizing the quality of instruction and we look forward to sharing more about our thinking in the coming days.

Sincerely,

Franklin Public Schools


Please contact the Superintendent’s Office at 508-553-4819 with questions. Alternatively, you can e-mail reopening@franklinps.net

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/august_1_reopening_update_families_1_1.pdf


Franklin Public Schools: Return to School Plan - "remote setting for students in grades K-12"
Franklin Public Schools: Return to School Plan - "remote setting for students in grades K-12"

Senior Center: Email Blast 7-31-2020



Hello Everyone and happy last day of July!

Staying Connected
Link to the Senior Center - https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc
Link to Franklin Matters - https://www.franklinmatters.org/
Link to the Town's webpage - https://www.franklinma.gov/

August Events
Wed., Aug. 19: FIVE WISHES is a legally binding, advanced directive (living will), that lets you control your personal, emotional and spiritual wishes. This presentation is on Zoom at 1:00 p.m. If you aren't able to access Zoom our Nurse can call you to discuss the info one- on-one. To sign up, email: adoggett@franklinma.gov or call 508 520-4945. 

Mon., Aug.24: MEMORY CAFÉ at 3:00 p.m. on ZOOM, features the beautiful and engaging music of violinist, Lynn Canavan. To sign up, email: adoggett@franklinma.gov 

Thurs., Aug.27: FASHIONS OF HOLLYWOOD on ZOOM with Karen (Ren) Antonowicz of Spirits of Fashion at 1:00 p.m. Ren presents this fascinating look at the glamorous fashions of the silver screen during the '30s, '40s, '50s. Join us as we travel through the decades to enjoy a glimpse into the glamorous world of fashion. To sign up, email: adoggett@franklinma.gov 

Mon., Aug. 31: STEVE SHERLOCK - Talk Franklin Matters at 2:00 p.m. for all the latest Franklin news. To join us, email: adoggett@franklinma.gov 

MINDFUL MEDITATION (ZOOM) CLASSES COMING SOON! Call for more info! 

FREE QUILT RAFFLE: Take a free chance on this stunning, red, white and blue, hand-made quilt (see above). The winner will be picked on Sept. 18. Call the Center at (508) 520-4945 to sign up! 


Tips
Sit and Get Fit with Paul Eugene

Positive Energy a guided meditation - Relaxing and beautiful positive inspiration

Music
Top hit songs from the 1940's - sure to get you up and tapping your toes

Honky Tonk tunes 

Melody Gardot - From Paris With Love

Just for Fun
15 incredibly beautiful places you might not know exist

21 of the most unusual homes ever built.  Which one would you like to stay in?

Most unusual vehicles.  Some of these look fun!

Skywalk over the Grand Canyon.  Would you walk on a glass skywalk 4000 feet over a canyon?! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbjEFNGgP-Q


Humor
Jeanne Robertson - A Mother's revenge - the red Porsche

Funny animal videos - guilty dogs


Kindness Matters
Animal survivors - incredible stories of animal's will to live and the people who saved their lives https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDv2NkZCvvo

Tim McGraw - Humble and Kind video - this is sure to uplift you


Attached you will find:

Love, virtual hugs and good health to you all!  We are still here for you!  Please feel free to email Donna and I with questions, concerns or just to check in!
Ariel & Donna

Please feel free to share this email with anyone you think might enjoy it.  If you want me to add someone to the email blast list just send me a message with their email in it. 


SCHEDULED ACTIVITIES: 
MONDAYS: PUZZLE PICKUP & DONATIONS at 1:00 p.m. We have puzzles from 100 up to 1000-pieces! Call the Center at  (508) 520-4945 to request one or arrange to pick up a puzzle with your curbside meal.  
TUESDAYS: AUDIO BOOK CLUB (Conference Call) on the 1st & 3rd Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. See page 4 for details. ⇒ CHAIR EXERCISE with Judith on ZOOM. Email: judivperez@gmail.com CARDIO, STRENGTH & BALANCE CLASS at 11:00 a.m. with ZOOM. Email: judivperez@gmail.com LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP CONFERENCE CALLS on 2nd & 4th Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m. See page 4. ⇒ QUARANTINI HOUR at 5:30 p.m. with ZOOM. Email: adoggett@franklinma.gov 
WEDNESDAYS: BE WELL COFFEE HOUR with Nurse Trish is offered with ZOOM at 11:00 a.m. To sign up, email: pcollatos@franklinma.gov ZUMBA GOLD with Judith at 11:00 a.m. on ZOOM. Email: judivperez@gmail.com WELLNESS CONSULTS BY PHONE OR VIDEO from 12:30 to 3:00 p.m. Email: pcollatos@franklinma.gov MEDICAL EQUIPMENT DISTRIBUTION & DONATIONS at 1:30 p.m. Please call in advance to arrange pickup. ⇒ FIBROMYALGIA SUPPORT GROUP on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 1:00 p.m. Call for more info. ⇒ CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP is offered on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 4:00 p.m. via ZOOM. email: elaine.owens@verizon.net 
THURSDAYS: CHAIR EXERCISE with Judith at 10:00 a.m. on ZOOM. Email: judivperez@gmail.com          ⇒ CARDIO, STRENGTH & BALANCE CLASS is offered at 11:00 a.m. on ZOOM. Email: judivperez@gmail.comCURRENT EVENTS DISCUSSION GROUP invites new members for ZOOM Discussions at 10:00 a.m. For more information, email Matt Rovendro at: mrovendro@yahoo.com 
FRIDAYS: TOPS (TAKING OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY) WEIGHT LOSS SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS at 12:30 p.m. via ZOOM. The group provides support and encouragement. Join us by emailing: patdamour@yahoo.com 


REMEMBER:
When searching for information about the Coronavirus, COVID-19 please use caution!  Unfortunately there are many false sites that contain viruses and malware that can threaten your computer.  Many look like real sites.  Your best bet is to go directly to the CDC, WHO or your local government page (links below).   

MEMORY CAFE!
For those of you who attend our Memory Cafe events I invite you to learn more about attending a VIRTUAL Memory Cafe through Zoom!  There are many options to choose from.

--
Ariel Doggett

Virtual Program Coordinator
Respite Coordinator

"We rise by lifting others" - Robert Ingersoll
There is no act of kindness too small

Senior Center: Email Blast 7-31-2020
Senior Center: Email Blast 7-31-2020

Town of Franklin: August 2020 E-Newsletter

To view the newsletter in your browser or to view prior issues, visit the Newsletter portal
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/newsletter-archive-0


"The Place To Be!"
The Town of Franklin Coronavirus Information Portal is available on our homepage and is updated frequently to provide our residents and business owners with the latest information and resources. Find Franklin specific data under the "Town of Franklin News" tab.
2020 Election Information
The State Primary is scheduled for September 1st and the State Election will be held on November 3rd. Vote by Mail and early voting will be available in addition to in-person voting. Please find the latest information on our website.
Franklin Fire held a promotional ceremony for our new 11 officers and our most recent hire on July 22nd at Fire Headquarters. The Department reorganization went into effect Sunday morning July 19, 2020. Each group now has a Battalion Chief, who is in charge of all personnel assigned to the group. Congratulations to all!
Photo from Franklin Fire Promotion Ceremony
Photo from Franklin Fire Promotion Ceremony
The Department received a fire prevention grant from FM Global to purchase four iPads with accessories. These devices can be used by our firefighters to conduct building pre-plans throughout the community to prepare our first responders with critical information about a property before arrival at an emergency scene.

There will be a meeting with the Town public safety team, representatives of MEMA and Department Heads at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at Fire Headquarters on August 3 from 9 am-11 am to discuss the Town's response to COVID-19, as well as lessons learned, to be better prepared for any future outbreak.
The FPS District is in the process of developing a comprehensive plan for the upcoming school year. In order to keep our families, staff and the community informed, we have published a Reopening Website. New information will be added as it becomes available. Please check back frequently for updates. Thank you!

The new street hockey rink/ basketball court is completed at the Fletcher Field complex! The FHS baseball netting project has also been completed! Be sure to check out these great addition to our recreation facilities!

Programming for later summer and fall is available for registration online! Find out more about our offerings on our website.
The Franklin Senior Center is holding many virtual events in the month of July. Find out more on their August Newsletter.

The Curbside Cafe is providing freshly prepared meals, distributed daily at the Senior Center for elders 60 and older.
The Health Department has moved its applications for licenses and permits online. Find links to apply by clicking below.

Health Director Cathleen Liberty has created an online Workplace Safety Training video for our local businesses. This training is mandatory and can be found on the Health Department website.
Ben Franklin has been busy working with his partner Officer Mucciarone. He is looking forward to getting back to being able to visit people and bring smiles.
Curbside Pickup Updates! Patrons can place holds online or by phone. When placing holds by phone, there is a limit of five holds per call. Inter Library Loan is now available! You are able to place holds on items throughout the Minuteman Library Network. Search our catalog at find.minlib.net.
Once you receive a notification that your items are ready, visit the Library between 10:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday to pick them up! The Curbside Pickup carts are now located in the vestibule by the parking lot entrance. The Library is still closed to the public, but staff are available to answer questions by phone and email 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Please call us at 508-520-4941. Visit the Library's website for more information about our virtual services and programs!
The fourth brick installation on the Veterans Memorial Walkway took place in July. The next installation is scheduled for November. Engraved bricks for current U.S. service members and veterans are $100. Please contact the Veterans Services Office at (508) 613-1315 if you need a brick order form. Thank you to all brick purchasers for your support of this project! 

The August Veterans Coffee Social will be held via Zoom on Wednesday, August 5 at 10:00 a.m. Please go to the Veterans Services web page on the Town web site for log-in details.

A Purple Heart Ceremony recognizing Franklin Purple Heart recipients will take place on Friday, August 7 at 5:30 p.m. on the Town Common prior to the Concert on the Common. All are welcome.
MAPC has completed a Draft Hazard Mitigation Plan for our review and comment. In order to obtain input from Franklin's Town officials, residents, businesses and nonprofit organizations, the Town and MAPC will accept input during the Public Comment Period from July 22 - August 14, 2020. Your input is especially important at this time. The Draft Hazard Mitigation Plan is available for review and downloading via the link below. Please take the time to review and provide comments, especially on the goals and proposed mitigation. 
Submit questions and comments (including suggested edits) via email to Bryan Taberner at btaberner@franklinma.gov at any time during the public comment period. Thank you.
Find out how to enter our #ThinkBlueFranklin contest and be entered to win one of twenty $100 Amazon Gift cards! Learn more below!
Do you need a Recycling
Center sticker?
Visit our website to prepay all recycling fees and find information on which items are accepted. Payments are only accepted online.