Saturday, June 5, 2021

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda- Jun 8, 2021

Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance 
Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business
A. Review of Agenda
B. Citizen’s Comments
In the spirit of open communication, “the Committee will hold a public participation segment (also called Citizen’s Comments) about matters 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…. The Committee will hear public comments related to an agenda item when the Chair deems appropriate during the Committee meeting. Topics for discussion during the meeting must be limited to those items listed on the Committee meeting agenda for that evening…. ” - from Policy BEDH
C. FHS Student Representative Comments
D. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations
A. Davis Thayer Highlights – Dr. Edward Quigley, Principal

B. Communication - Dr. Ahern & Anne Marie Tracey

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. none

IV. Discussion Only Items
A. Reopening Schools Status Update – June 4, 2020-2021

V. Information Matters
A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Ad Hoc Supt. Evaluation, Budget, Community Relations/Public Schools Advocacy, Policy, Transportation)
B. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC, Substance Abuse Task Force, School Wellness Advisory Council, Franklin Racial & Social Justice Task Force)

VI. New Business
A. To discuss any future agenda items

VII. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from your May 25, 2021 School Committee meeting as detailed.
B. American Heart Association - Kid’s Heart Challenge Donation
I recommend acceptance of a check for $3,350.00 from the American Heart Association for the Kid’s Heart Challenge for supplemental supplies to be distributed as follows:
Parmenter $500
Davis Thayer $300
Jefferson $700
John F Kennedy $850
Oak Street $300
Keller $700
 
C. FHS Scholarship
I recommend acceptance of a check for $10,000.00 from Fidelity Charitable Donor Fund (advised) for a scholarship.

VIII. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

IX. Payroll Atty. Pond-Pfeffer

X. Executive Session
A. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A §21(a)(2) to conduct strategy session in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel.
B. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to litigation as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares.
XI. Adjournment

The agenda doc with connection info can be found

The meeting packet folder with docs released for the meeting (will also include those updated after the meeting)  https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/june-8-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda- Jun 8, 2021
Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda- Jun 8, 2021


FM #558 - Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meeting - 06/02/21 (audio)

FM #558 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 558 in the series. 


This session shares the Franklin, MA Municipal Affordable Housing Trust meeting held on Wednesday, June 2, 2021. 


The meeting was conducted in a virtual format: some members were in the Municipal Bldg, other committee members and a small group of public participation were remote via the Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.


The meeting was a public hearing on the draft Housing Production Plan. It is open from comment until June 25, 2021. At that time, the comments will begin to be incorporated into an update which will also be subject to public hearings in particular by the Planning Board and Town Council as part of their approval process before being submitted to the State.


The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to the presentation document used. Let’s listen to the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust meeting of June 2 Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/9fdbe6af-3f6b-4f3b-922d-bf85ba9af371



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Agenda document 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/municipal_affordable_housing_trust_june_2_2021_01.pdf 


Copy of the plan can be found https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/franklin_housing_production_plan_-_may_2021_public_draft.pdf


Link to presentation doc

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uNhzpp7CJn-a8iaCaV3_Ym72o9xrNTy4/view?usp=sharing 


My notes from the meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/06/recap-municipal-affordable-housing.html 

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

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 www.Franklinmatters.org   or www.franklin.news 

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"

 

Planning Director Bryan Taberner
Planning Director Bryan Taberner

Watch "Franklin High School Special Olympics 2021" on YouTube

Franklin High School Special Olympics 2021 - Produced by Panther TV reporter, Amanda Wylie. Video link => https://youtu.be/A4EMHQAHXXg



"the aggregation rate is often lower than the utility rate"

"AROUND THE WORLD, in the White House, and at our State House, leaders are finally beginning to respond to the climate challenge. Here in Massachusetts, we can take pride in bold new legislation to curb greenhouse gas emissions. And the nation’s first large-scale off-shore wind project, Vineyard Wind, has been given the go ahead by the federal government. Those are exciting developments, but there’s something happening at the local level that deserves our attention as well.

In Massachusetts, cities and towns are increasingly taking advantage of a process known as green municipal aggregation or community choice electricity, which allows municipalities to purchase electricity directly from suppliers (rather than relying on the utilities to do it for us). Through aggregation, communities can offer options that include more wind and solar than required by state law at affordable rates. Today about 50 cities and towns in Massachusetts have done so and dozens more are at various stages of the approval process. Communities that have been doing this for some time keep renewing and usually add more renewable energy as time goes on."
Continue reading the article online

Municipal aggregation was approved by Franklin in 2016 and in 2020 they finally implemented a contract with good pricing. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen provides the update and background to the Town Council in this audio segment. The link also contains link to the steps along the process from the archives.

Municipal aggregation is reported on quarterly and you can find those reports on the Town page  https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/municipal-aggregation

FM #208 - Jamie Hellen on Municipal Aggregation
FM #208 - Jamie Hellen on Municipal Aggregation

Franklin Area Moms: Lessons for Littles - Jun 6 at 3 PM

Please click on the link above to access the live stream on Sunday, June 6 at 3 PM. The video will also be available on the Franklin Area Moms public Facebook page. You will be able to ask questions through the live stream. Cobi Frongillo, the moderator for the event, will get through as many of the questions as the panel is able to during the event.
*Don't forget, Franklin TV and several other local access TV stations will be airing the event as well!"


Lessons for Littles - June 6, 3:00 PM
Lessons for Littles - June 6, 3:00 PM

The SAFE Coalition is hiring

The SAFE Coalition is looking to hire a part-time wellness advocate. For more information send an email to info@safecoaltion.org

Visit SAFE Coalition web page => https://www.safecoalitionma.org/home  






Friday, June 4, 2021

Franklin Public Schools, MA: Class of 2021 Graduation Ceremony is delayed until 7:00 PM (Jun 4, 2021)

Franklin Public Schools, MA (@FranklinPSNews) tweeted on Fri, Jun 04, 2021:
The Class of 2021 Graduation Ceremony is postponed until 7:00 pm tonight (originally scheduled for 5pm). The Car Parade begins Sat, June 5th at 10:40am. We hope to see you cheering on our graduates tomorrow and we are looking forward to honoring their accomplishments tonight! https://t.co/NBOPWUMTfe
Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews/status/1400865800135790596


Franklin Public Schools, MA: Class of 2021 Graduation Ceremony is postponed until 7:00 PM
Franklin Public Schools, MA: Class of 2021 Graduation Ceremony is postponed until 7:00 PM


Franklin's Event Outlook: Jun 4 - Jun 10, 2021

"June is bustin' out all over" starting today. The Library book sale returns, the Farmers Market opens, the FHS graduation and car parade happen this weekend. Pride show at THE BLACKBOX and Lessons for Littles on the Town Common. Stay cool...

Friday, June 4

1:00pm -  Library Book Sale
2:00pm - Farmers Market
5:00pm - FHS Class of 2021 Graduation (weather permitting)
6:00pm - Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)

Saturday, June 5
11:00am - FHS Class of 2021 - Car Parade (weather permitting)
6:00pm - Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
7:30pm - Pride Concert

Sunday, June 6
1:00pm - Pride Youth Forum
3:00pm - Lessons for Littles
6:00pm - Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)

Monday, June 7
6:00pm - Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)

Tuesday, June 8
9:00am - wfpr.fm: Pamela Hines – Jazz Journey
12:00pm - wfpr.fm: Pamela Hines – Jazz Journey
6:00pm - wfpr.fm: Pamela Hines – Jazz Journey
6:00pm - Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)

Wednesday, June 9
10:00am - wfpr.fm: "The Wonderful World of Wine" – Mark/ Kim
1:00pm - wfpr.fm: "The Wonderful World of Wine" – Mark/Kim
6:00pm - Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
7:00pm - wfpr.fm: "The Wonderful World of Wine" – Mark/Kim
7:30pm - Let’s Laugh Today is Free on ZOOM!

Thursday, June 10
10:00am - wfpr.fm: "Frank’s Music" – Frank Falvey
11:00am - wfpr.fm: "Talkin’ the Blues" – Jim/Todd
1:00pm - wfpr.fm: "Frank’s Music" – Frank Falvey
2:00pm - wfpr.fm: "Talkin’ the Blues" – Jim/Todd
4:30pm - Empty Bowls
6:00pm - Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
7:00pm - wfpr.fm: "Frank’s Music" – Frank Falvey
8:00pm - wfpr.fm: "Talkin' the Blues!" - Jim/Todd 

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

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district meeting calendar is found   https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26
 
Community Calendar
Community Calendar

THE BLACKBOX: Pride Youth Forum - June 6

Join the discussion at THE BLACKBOX for the Pride Youth Forum. Sunday, June 6 from 1 to 2:30 PM.


THE BLACKBOX: Pride Youth Forum - June 6
THE BLACKBOX: Pride Youth Forum - June 6



Town of Franklin: June 2021 Newsletter posted and ready for you to read!

The June 2021 Edition of the Town of Franklin newsletter is now posted! Stay updated and informed about what is happening in town! 

Newsletter link => https://conta.cc/3iabNeY 

June 2021 Newsletter posted and ready for you to read!
June 2021 Newsletter posted and ready for you to read!


Panther TV - Franklin High School 2021 Graduation Preshow (video)

Franklin High School 2021 Graduation Preshow - June 4, 2021

 

FHS softball, boys tennis, and wrestling teams all post wins on Thursday

From HockomockSports.com we share the FHS spring sports results:

Baseball = Franklin, 0 @ Mansfield, 2 – Final 
– Mansfield scored back-to-back runs in the bottom of the fifth and the duo of Aaron Blinn and James Gilleran combined for a shutout as the Hornets handed Franklin its first loss of the season. Gilleran reached on an error and Liam Anastasia had a bunt single to put two runners on. Junior Colby Geddis followed with a single to bring in courtesy runner Andrew Slaney, and junior Anthony Sacchetti followed with an RBI single of his own to plate Anastasia. Blinn got the start for the Hornets, tossing 3.1 scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and one walk with five strikeouts. Gilleran came on in relief to close it out, giving up just one hit in 3.2 innings of work, striking out four. Franklin starter Jacob Jette had just two unearned runs allowed on four hits and one walk, striking out four in 4.2 innings.

Softball = Mansfield, 1 @ Franklin, 2 – Final 
– Franklin scored twice on three hits in the first inning and was able to hold off the Hornets to earn a split of the season series. Mansfield got its lone run in the top of the second. Molly Kucharski, Ashlyn Conley, and Nicole Kobasa had three straight singles and then a fielder’s choice by Abby DeCoste plated the run. Conley, who was 3-for-3 at the plate, was strong in the circle, despite picking up the loss. She allowed only one hit after the first inning.
"Lauren Cote with the game winning double scoring Gabby Colace and Georgia Harvey. Julia White 7 IP scattering 6 Hits"   https://twitter.com/CoachKatieH/status/1400654088984006659

Boys Tennis = Franklin, 4 @ Mansfield, 1 – Final 
– Behind a pair of wins in both singles and doubles action, Franklin earned a 4-1 victory on the road over Mansfield. Senior Liam Marr had a strong outing at first singles with a 6-1, 6-0 win while junior Vayshnav Malhotra added a 6-1, 6-3 win at second singles. Senior Anish Gundimeda and junior Sameen Shaik battled to a 4-6, 7-6 (5), 10-6 win at first doubles while Thomas Broyles and Jay Gorgas added a 6-1, 6-2 verdict at second doubles.

Girls Tennis = Mansfield @ Franklin, 3:45

Wrestling = Mansfield, 21 @ Franklin, 43 – Final
Fantabulous victory over Mansfield 43-21. Pins from DiFilippo, Owens, Carlucci, Foley, Kuehl, and Walker.  #werollin #PK @FHSSports   @HockomockSports  https://twitter.com/FHSWrestle/status/1400610813166206977

Outdoor Track
Congratulations to FHS Track athletes (and Javelin throwers) Colman Flynn on winning the 2021 FHS Male Hockomock Scholar Athlete Award and Nick Calitri @nick_c_1   for winning the 2021 FHS Paul Davies Sportsmanship Award. @FHSSports   @FranklinHSXC   https://twitter.com/fhs_throwers/status/1400648119109439488
Congratulations Declan Walmsley @declanwalmsley0 ! Multi sport FHS athlete (and FHS Discus Thrower!) on winning the 2021 FHS Career Athlete Award.https://twitter.com/fhs_throwers/status/1400642810035019776

Congratulations Katelynn Taylor @Kate22Taylor ! Multi sport FHS athlete (and FHS Thrower!) on winning the 2021 FHS Hockomock Female Scholar Athlete award, for excellence in academics, athletics, and positive impact on FHS community. @FHSSports  @fhsgvbasketball  @FHS_girlsXC  @Franklin_VBall  https://twitter.com/fhs_throwers/status/1400639707663511556

For the complete results around the Hockomock League

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

5 FHS students receive Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy

Laura Evans (@LevansFHS) tweeted on Thu, Jun 03, 2021:

🎉Congratulations to the @FranklinHS recipients of the Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy! 🎉
@FranklinPSNews https://t.co/PlzJWg0pGb

Register for the "Paint & Sip Class" Thursday, June 10

Expressions Enrichment is hosting an adult paint night taught by Franklin Artist Ted Cormier-Leger. Ted will teach different techniques using acrylics and we will work on a simple still life.

Enjoy wine from La Cantina Winery and light refreshments (included with your ticket).

Sign up at https://www.expressions-enrichment.com/services/p/paint-sip-class-with-local-franklin-artist-ted-cormier-legerthursday-june-10th-7-830pm

For more about Expressions Enrichment www.expressions-enrichment.com 

Paint & Sip Class Thursday, June 10
Paint & Sip Class Thursday, June 10


Library book sale returns - Jun 4 - 1 to 4 PM

"June is bustin' out all over ..." (No, sorry don't get me singing. See link below.)

The Library Book Sale returns today from 1 to 4 PM

Library book sale returns - Jun 4 - 1 to 4 PM
Library book sale returns - Jun 4 - 1 to 4 PM


The video link to the Carousal performance -> https://youtu.be/VCCuhpp3bb0 

 

Senate President Spilka and Speaker Mariano on the Fair Share Amendment and Joint Session, Weds Jun 9

Statement from Senate President Karen Spilka and House Speaker Ronald Mariano:

"As Massachusetts recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, and as we prepare for our future, we have a unique opportunity to move towards a Commonwealth that truly works for all residents. 
To that end, the Legislature will be holding a Joint Session on Wednesday, June 9, 2021 with the intent of voting on the Fair Share Amendment. This will allow the measure to be placed on the ballot and put before the people for a vote. 
We stand with the residents of Massachusetts in exploring new ways to increase revenue for the state as we envision and invest in an equitable and hopeful future for the Commonwealth."

On background: The Legislature advanced the Fair Share Amendment back in June 2019. A second vote is needed for it to be placed on the November 2022 ballot.

Language: Proposal for Constitutional Amendment S.5 (malegislature.gov)

Boston Globe coverage (subscription maybe required)

Link to Joint Session scheduled for Weds, Jun 9

MyFM103: Quest for the best - vote for your best selection

Please cast your ballots for your favorite Franklin businesses in the Myfm 101.3 contest!
https://myfmquestforthebest.com/vote/
#FDP
#buylocal
#questforthebest



MA News: (1) Prepare for mosquito and ticks (2) stable housing improves health for low income

"State public health officials on Thursday released a raft of summer safety recommendations for preventing tick and mosquito bites, as well as precautions to take in the water and in cars.

The tips came in a detailed statement from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, or DPH.

Regarding ticks, officials said the “the single most important thing” residents can do is check themselves for the blood-sucking insects once a day."



‘It makes sense’: Stable housing improves health for low-income families, study finds
"Improving housing stability for low-income families in Boston, and assisting them in accessing social services, sharply reduced their health problems, a five-year study has found.

On Tuesday, the Boston Foundation released a report on the impact of Health Starts at Home, an initiative launched in 2015 with two nonprofits, Health Resources in Action and the Urban Institute. Its goal was to establish collaborations between housing services and health care providers to offer comprehensive support to families with children who were struggling to make rent and put food on the table.

“Part of the partnership between health care and housing is you have one person connecting the household to a whole range of services, whereas in the past you would have sent them to a housing specialist, and then someone who specialized in [food assistance] benefits, and then a different person doing a different thing,” said Soni Gupta, senior director of Neighborhoods and Housing for the Boston Foundation, New England’s largest community foundation. “It’s a kind of focus in service provision that we don’t typically fund at this level.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)


World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: What We Have Learned

"World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on June 15 raises awareness of the cultural, social, economic, and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect. This is more important than ever as cases of elder abuse have increased significantly during the pandemic. Abuser tactics—isolation, manipulation, and systemic barriers (such as ageism and racism)—put older adults at greater risk for harm.

One common tactic scammers use is to pose as Social Security employees. They may claim the older person’s Social Security number is linked to a crime. Feeling isolated and frightened, the scammers get the older person to provide them money or vital personal information that they then can use to exploit them financially. Social Security offers guidance and reporting assistance to help prevent this form of elder abuse. If you or someone you know is a target of one of these scams, we encourage you to report it on the Social Security’s Office of the Inspector General website."

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: What We Have Learned
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: What We Have Learned

Continue reading the article online

https://blog.ssa.gov/world-elder-abuse-awareness-day-what-we-have-learned/ 

Thursday, June 3, 2021

Panther TV: FHS Senior Awards - Class of 2021 - broadcast at 7:30 PM

Franklin High School's Senior Awards Ceremony premieres tonight at 7:30!! 
Watch it here: https://t.co/STms2Rh0EO via @YouTube  
@FHSPantherbook @FranklinHS @FranklinPSNews @FranklinMatters



the FHS field is set for graduation, Senior Awards are broadcast tonight
the FHS field is set for graduation, Senior Awards are broadcast tonight


FM #557 - ArtWALK Artists & Business Panel - 05/26/21 (audio)

FM #557 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 557 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares my conversation with a wonderful fun loving panel of business and artists on the forthcoming ArtWALK Celebration. We had our conversation via virtual conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.


  • Agway- Melanie Hamblen 

  • Artist - Chris Blue Lamb Toubeau

  • Rockland Trust- Laurel Katsaros 

  • Artist -  Walter Spencer  


We talk about the upcoming ArtWALK scheduled for June 11, 12 and 13. The events will take place on the Town Common, at THE BLACK BOX, and the Historical Museum. 


Check out the Cultural District page for all the details https://www.franklinculture.org/home/pages/franklin-artwalk-celebration-escape-arts 


Thanks to the Franklin Cultural District, The Franklin Cultural Council, the Massachusetts Cultural Council (grant), Franklin Downtown Partnership, The Franklin Art Association and the Franklin Public Library. Did we miss someone? I hope not, there are a lot collaborating on this wonderful event.


The recording runs about 25 minutes, so let’s listen to our conversation

Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/ca85c06e-3f17-462b-a7a9-75e5abf1eee9



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ArtWALK - event page -> https://www.franklinculture.org/home/pages/franklin-artwalk-celebration-escape-arts 


Cultural District page ->  https://www.franklinculture.org/ 


Library Summer Reading page https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/events/317406 


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


We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 


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/  or www.franklin.news 


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"

One of the pieces of art to be displayed at Agway:  


Artwork by Chris Blue Lamb Toubeau with Brooke J. Toubeau as her collaboration partner
Artwork by Chris Blue Lamb Toubeau with Brooke J. Toubeau as her collaboration partner