Saturday, December 12, 2020

Franklin Public Schools: Re-opening update Dec 11, 2020

December 11, 2020


Dear Franklin Families and Faculty/Staff, 

We hope you are doing well.

We are monitoring student and staff attendance very carefully at this time. We are experiencing a rise in COVID cases, increased quarantine requirements of close contacts, combined with other routine matters necessitating staff absences, and limited substitute coverage within our schools. We are striving creatively to provide classroom coverage at all of our school buildings in order to keep schools open for students. We also fear that all our creativity in the world and an “all hands on deck” approach may someday not be enough to feel we can appropriately and safely supervise students in school.

We may need to temporarily place one or more schools into remote learning (one day or a few days) if we are unable to supervise in-person learning safely. We do not always have a lot of advanced notice. We will aim, wherever possible, to notify the school community if a school is going to be remote for a day the evening before the following school day. Notification will go out through our Regroup emergency notification system by email, text, and cell phone and will be communicated through social media channels.

If someone you know is interested in serving as a substitute teacher in Franklin Public Schools, please contact our Human Resources office at 508-553-4840.

Have a wonderful weekend. 

Sincerely,
Franklin Public Schools 

 

Shared from the Franklin Public Schools page
 
The COVID-19 dashboard is updated weekly
 
Franklin Public Schools: Re-opening update Dec 11, 2020
Franklin Public Schools: Re-opening update Dec 11, 2020

 

Finance Committee Meeting - Dec 15, 2020 - Agenda

Finance Committee Meeting 
Agenda & Meeting Packet 
December 15th, 2020 = 6:30 PM
 
 
Agenda
1.    Call to Order
2.    Public Comments
3.    Approval of Minutes
a.    November 9, 2020
b.    November 17, 2020
4.    FY21 Water Treatment Plant Transfer
5.    Approval of 2021 Finance Committee Meeting Schedule
6.    Discussion: School Department
7.    Trust & Stabilization accounts update
8.    Future Agenda Items
9.    Adjourn


Connection info contained in meeting packet
Shared from the Town of Franklin page 12-15-2020 Finance Committee Agenda 
 
 
Finance Committee Meeting  - Dec 15, 2020 - Agenda
Finance Committee Meeting  - Dec 15, 2020 - Agenda

Franklin Cultural District Committee - Agenda - Dec 14, 2020

Franklin Cultural District Committee
Monday, December 14, 2020
7:00 p.m.


Welcome

Review and Approval of Meeting Minutes
  • November 19, 2020
Chair’s Update (Nancy)
  • FCD Newsletter Changes
  • FCD Partners’ Meeting January 11, 2021
Franklin Cultural Council Grant Application (Pandora)
  • FCC/MCC Grants
Franklin Cultural District Website (All)
  • Meeting with Anne Marie Tracey
  • Meeting with Athena Pandoph
  • Cultural District Committee Mission Statement
Next Cultural District Meeting Dates
  • Monday, January 11, 2021, 6:30 p.m.
Next Cultural District Partner Meeting Date
  • Monday, January 11, 2021, 7:00 p.m.
Adjourn

Agenda doc with connection info for meeting

Franklin Cultural District Committee - Agenda - Dec 14, 2020
Franklin Cultural District Committee - Agenda - Dec 14, 2020


"Military-grade camera shows risks of airborne coronavirus spread"

From the Washington Post, an article of interest to Franklin:
"As winter approaches, the United States is grappling with a jaw-dropping surge in the number of novel coronavirus infections. More than 288,000 Americans have been killed by a virus that public health officials now say can be spread through airborne transmission.

The virus spreads most commonly through close contact, scientists say. But under certain conditions, people farther than six feet apart can become infected by exposure to tiny droplets and particles exhaled by an infected person, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in October. Those droplets and particles can linger in the air for minutes to hours.

To visually illustrate the risk of airborne transmission in real time, The Washington Post used an infrared camera made by the company FLIR Systems that is capable of detecting exhaled breath. Numerous experts — epidemiologists, virologists and engineers — supported the notion of using exhalation as a conservative proxy to show potential transmission risk in various settings.

“The images are very, very telling,” said Rajat Mittal, a professor of mechanical engineering in Johns Hopkins University’s medical and engineering schools and an expert on virus transmission. “Getting two people and actually visualizing what’s happening between them, that’s very invaluable.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
image from an Infrared video of a woman wearing an unfitted surgical mask
image from an Infrared video of a woman wearing an unfitted surgical mask

Easy Walks - Choate Park, Medway (YouTube)

I had the pleasure of being invited to join Marjorie Turner Hollman for an easy walk in Choate Park, Medway recently. The video of our conversation and meander along the park trails can be found here.

Related links: 
We had previously walked the Sculpture Park in Franklin

We had talked about her new book "Finding Easy Walks"

Shared from the "Easy Walks" group page on Facebook

Direct link to YouTube video = https://youtu.be/aGrspVpaMs4

Franklin Senior Center: Email Blast - Dec 11, 2020

Hello Everyone!


Staying Connected

Link to the Senior Center - https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc

Link to the Senior Center Calendar -https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/day/2020-07-07

Link to Franklin Matters - https://www.franklinmatters.org/

Link to the Town's webpage - https://www.franklinma.gov/


Tips

Paul Eugene - Holiday Stress?  29 minute power workout!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apjHztxecKI 


Feliz Navidad Chair Yoga with Sherry Zak Morris

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjbWo7lfg3I 


Music

Marcin Patrzalek - AGT You MUST listen to this incredible guitarist!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eollizcRpgQ 


Hot Scots Drum line - WOW!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iuD3pSgBcw 


Just for Fun

3 year old piano prodigy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8esq8BwBsc 


NASA webcam from space - 24/7 How incredible to be able to view Earth from space!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDU-rZs-Ic4 


Lights under Louisville - 20 minute drive through Christmas Light display

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2fCofhjVfU 


James Cagney and Bob Hope Dance Routine

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOoNOs8Ql28 


Humor

Jeff Allen - When your wife asks you to put the kids to bed

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wmBa0dOvfI 


Moving Bronze Cowboy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZsmdLhO0Ik 


Jeanne Robertson - Don't trust a man with luggage

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtknMuXY-NI 


Kindness Matters

Girl getting bullied - watch how strangers react

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqU-hnowpZA 


Young widow is surprised by a Secret Santa

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91il61htenU 


Attached you will find:

  1. Donna's Activity Pages - Musicals!  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mSW50mKf5a4V-VBHb5LSSiukABJnKG9L/view?usp=sharing

  2. Math challenge sheet https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FMW37XPMM6OOfAdMkE1p5mYyJKKu62q8/view?usp=sharing

  3. Mini letters sudoku puzzle https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vSQ74Fy9bOziZH92QzpkMe0itQ7sxv5t/view?usp=sharing


Upcoming Events email adoggett@franklinma.gov to attend unless noted otherwise.

*Monday Dec. 14th at 1pm Tele Bingo call the Senior Center to play 508-520-4945

*Monday Dec. 14th at 2pm Time Out Memory Cafe Email adoggett@franklinma.gov to attend

*Tuesday Dec. 15th at 5pm - Quarantini Time a virtual, social, cocktail hour.

*Tuesday Dec. 15th at 1pm - Audio Book Club - email mgunderson@franklinma.gov 

*Wed. Dec. 16th at 1pm - Winter Wonderland Sing-A-Long call the senior center to attend -

 This is a drive through, stay in your car like a drive in movie event! Plus Mrs. Claus will

 be handing out candy canes, hot chocolate and cookies!

*Wed. Dec. 16th at 1pm - Writers Group call the Senior Center to Attend

*Thursday Dec. 17th at 10am - Discussion Group call the Senior Center to attend

*Thursday Dec. 17th at 1pm - TeleBingo call the senior center for instructions on how to play

*Thursday Dec. 17th at 1pm - Talk Franklin Matters - email adoggett@franklinma.gov to attend

*Thursday Dec. 17th at 6:30pm - NAME THAT TUNE! Email adoggett@franklinma.gov to play

*Friday Dec. 18th at 1pm - Tele-Trivia - call the franklin senior center to attend 


Plus Exercise, Yoga, Discussion Groups and more.  Check out our newsletter or online calendar for a full list of all activities available https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-senior-center/pages/connection-newsletter


*Curbside Cafe - SPECIAL- Pastrami Sub and Chips



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. 




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).   

https://www.cdc.gov/ 

https://www.who.int/

https://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/coronavirus-information-portal-updates-here


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.

https://www.memorycafedirectory.com/cafe-connect/



--
Ariel Doggett

Virtual Program Coordinator
Respite Coordinator

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

Ziggy helping with Christmas Decorating
Ziggy helping with Christmas Decorating

CommonWealth Magazine: Baker signs FY 21 budget, refuses to sign abortion provision

 From CommonWealth Magazine we share two articles of interest for Franklin:

Baker signs FY21 budget, vetoes $156m 

"GOV. CHARLIE BAKER signed the delayed fiscal 2021 budget on Friday, vetoing $156 million in spending.

Lawmakers had postponed passing a budget for the year that began July 1 to take time to monitor the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. That left state government operating on a series of temporary budgets for the first five months of the fiscal year.

The final budget that Baker signed is $45.9 billion, representing growth of 4.5 percent over fiscal 2020.  Much of the additional spending is driven by rising MassHealth costs, with more people becoming eligible for MassHealth and a federal rule that prohibits the state from cutting anyone from MassHealth during the pandemic.

With tax collections coming in higher than expected so far this year, the administration revised upwards by $459 million the amount the state expects to collect in taxes, to $28.44 billion. That is still a $1.2 billion anticipated drop in taxes compared to fiscal 2020."

Continue reading the article online

Baker refuses to sign abortion provision
"GOV. CHARLIE BAKER rejected a provision in the Legislature’s budget bill lowering the age of parental consent for an abortion from 18 to 16 and tweaked other language narrowing when late-term abortions would be allowed.

Baker regards himself as a strong supporter of a woman’s access to reproductive health care, but the amendment he filed to the budget bill prompted a sharp retort from groups seeking to expand access to abortion at a time when the makeup of the US Supreme Court, which guaranteed access to abortion with its Roe v Wade decision in 1973,  has changed substantially.

A coalition of abortion rights groups, which calls itself the ROE Act Coalition and includes NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts and Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts, said in a statement that they are “deeply disappointed by Governor Baker’s failure to recognize the urgent need to improve access to care.”

“His amendment pushes abortion care out of reach for many, especially for people with low-incomes and communities of color,” the coalition said, urging lawmakers to reject Baker’s amendment. “The governor cannot have it both ways: He cannot call himself pro-choice and keep anti-choice restrictions in place.”
Continue reading the article online

and the Boston Globe has an article on the same topics (the abortion provision was included in the budget legislation)     https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/12/11/metro/baker-signs-budget-balks-provision-letting-16-17-year-olds-get-abortion-without-parental-consent/

Washington Post: "Congress bans anonymous shell companies"

From the Washington Post, an article of national interest to Franklin:
"A groundbreaking measure to ban anonymous shell companies in the United States cleared Congress on Friday as the Senate joined the House in passing a defense-spending bill with a veto-proof margin.

The Corporate Transparency Act, which was tacked onto the defense bill, would require corporations and limited liability companies established in the United States to disclose their real owners to the Treasury Department, making it harder for criminals to anonymously launder money or evade taxes. The rule applies to future and existing entities alike.

The measure passed the Senate with an 84-to-13 vote as part of the National Defense Authorization Act, which cleared the House earlier this week. Trump pledged to veto the defense bill — one of few laws that passes every year — because it doesn’t include his demand to repeal liability protections for social media companies. Trump also opposes a clause that orders military bases named for Confederate leaders to be renamed."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

FTC Consumer Alerts: Avoid a season of mis-giving


Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission

by Jennifer Leach; Associate Director, Division of Consumer & Business Education, FTC

It's the 6th day of Consumer Protection, and maybe you're in a giving spirit. 'Tis the season, right? If you like to donate to charities at the end of the year, 'tis also time to make sure your donations get to the places you mean them to go. Because this year, lots of charities could really use the help.

 

This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.





Supreme Court rejects suit to overturn election results

A round up of the articles on this decision to settle the election results

From the Boston Globe:

The Washington Post:

and The Guardian


Friday, December 11, 2020

Franklin's Weekend Outlook - Dec 12-13

Appropriately, the performance by FPAC of The Nutcracker this year is both masked and live streamed in collaboration with Franklin TV. Talk about adjusting to these pandemic times! Tickets available for this event online or via phone.

There is hope with the vaccine on the way. In the meantime be safe; be masked, and be social (at a distance!).


Saturday, December 12
2:00pm - The Nutcracker- Masked
7:00pm - The Nutcracker- Masked

Sunday, December 13
1:00pm - Historical Museum (open and free admission)
1:00pm - The Nutcracker- Masked
6:00pm - The Nutcracker- Masked



If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6
 
Community Calendar
Community Calendar

 

"The Nutcracker ~ Masked" live streamed from THE BLACK BOX - Dec 12-13

The Franklin Performing Arts Company is excited to present The Nutcracker- Masked live streamed from THE BLACK BOX on December 12 and 13. The classic holiday ballet will be presented with a small cast of Ballet Conservatory dancers from the Franklin School for the Performing Arts all in masks and socially-distanced, with narration, live at THE BLACK BOX to a virtual audience at home.

Under the direction of Cheryl Madeux, former dancer with American Ballet Theatre, the Franklin Performing Arts Company has found a safe way to present this holiday tradition for the region. The masked production will feature Merrie Whitney’s stunning costume design accompanied by facial coverings. The production will continue FPAC’s collaboration with Franklin TV who will help bring the magic of the season to the audiences at home.

Cast A performs Saturday, 12/12 at 2:00 and 7:00 pm

Cast B performs Sunday, 12/13 at 1:00 and 6:00 pm

Tickets are available for each Livestream show and also an On-Demand option for the Saturday Show and the Sunday Show.  https://www.showtix4u.com/events/17686

"The Nutcracker ~ Masked" live streamed from THE BLACK BOX - Dec 12-13
"The Nutcracker ~ Masked" live streamed from THE BLACK BOX - Dec 12-13

 

FM #409 School Committee Meeting - 12/08/20 - P1 of 3 (audio)

FM #409 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 409 in the series. 

This session shares one of three segments for the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Dec 8, 2020. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: some of the School Committee and Central Office personnel were in the Council Chambers, the remainder of the Committee was remote via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the two hour and forty minute meeting into three logical segments:
  • ** First ** - covers the opening through the Discussion Action Items (approx. 53 minutes)
  • Second - picks up Discussion Only Items; the budget update, K-1 return alternatives, and re-opening through the School Committee members comments only (approx. 55 minutes)
  • Third - picks up the community comments on re-opening and run through the remainder of the meeting (approx. 52 minutes)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to my notes. The meeting packet folder will hold the other documents released for the meeting (as we go to press, the Superintendent’s Report is not yet updated)

Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting of Dec 8, 2020



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


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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?
  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
  • If you don't like something here, please let me know
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------
You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Winter sports update summarized by Athletic Director Tom Angelo
Winter sports update summarized by Athletic Director Tom Angelo


FM #410 School Committee Meeting - 12/08/20 - P2 of 3 (audio)

FM #410 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 410 in the series. 

This session shares one of three segments for the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Dec 8, 2020. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: some of the School Committee and Central Office personnel were in the Council Chambers, the remainder of the Committee was remote via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the two hour and forty minute meeting into three logical segments:
  • First - covers the opening through the Discussion Action Items (approx. 53 minutes)
  • ** Second ** - picks up Discussion Only Items; the budget update, K-1 return alternatives, and re-opening through the School Committee members comments only (approx. 55 minutes)
  • Third - picks up the community comments on re-opening and run through the remainder of the meeting (approx. 52 minutes)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to my notes. The meeting packet folder will hold the other documents released for the meeting (as we go to press, the Superintendent’s Report is not yet updated)

Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting of Dec 8, 2020



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


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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?
  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
  • If you don't like something here, please let me know
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters" 

Superintendent Sara Ahern provides an update at a recent SchComm meeting
Superintendent Sara Ahern provides an update at a recent SchComm meeting