Saturday, March 19, 2022

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - March 22, 2022

Franklin School Committee
March 22, 2022 = 7:00 PM
Municipal Building – Council Chambers


Call to Order Ms. Spencer 
Pledge of Allegiance 
Moment of Silence 

FY23 Budget Open Hearing 


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. none 

III. Discussion/Action Items 
A. Policy – 2nd Readings / Adoptions I recommend adoption of the following policies as discussed: 
● BEDB – Order of Business 
● BEDH – Public Participation at School Committee Meetings 
● EBCFA – Face Coverings 
● JICFB - Bullying 

IV. Discussion Only Items 
A. none 

V. Information Matters 
A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Supt. Evaluation, Budget, Community Relations/Public Schools Advocacy, Policy, Space Needs/Facilities Assessment) 
B. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC, (SATF) Substance Abuse Task Force, (SWAC) School Wellness Advisory Council, (SEPAC) Special Education Parent Advisory Council, (DEI) Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee). 

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

VII. Consent Agenda 
A. Approval of Minutes 
I recommend approval of the minutes of the March 1, 2022 special meeting and the March 8, 2022 regular School Committee Meeting as detailed. 
B. Recurring Field Trip 
I recommend approval of the request of Beth Jenson & Jennifer Martinelli to take Keller 5th graders to Roger Williams Zoo in Providence, RI on May 27, 2022 as detailed. 
C. Budget Transfers 
I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed. 
D. JFK Gift I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,240.80 from the JFK PCC for supplemental supplies as detailed. 
E. Scholarship 
I recommend acceptance of a check for $5,000.00 from Takashi & Keiko Kitanosono for a FHS Scholarship as detailed. 
F. RMS Gift 
I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,299.94 from Lifetouch/Shutterfly, LLC for in-house enrichment at Remington Middle School as detailed. 
G. Music Gift 
I recommend acceptance of a check for $230.00 from Franklin Music Parents for in-house enrichment for the Music Dept. as detailed. 
H. Jefferson Gifts 
I recommend the acceptance of two checks totaling $5,101.64 for Jefferson Elementary School as follows: 
Donors Choose $101.64  Supplemental Supplies 
Jefferson PCC $5,000.00  Field Trips 

VIII. Payment of Bills Ms. Spencer 
IX. Payroll Ms. Stokes 

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

XI. Adjournment

Agenda document ->    https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_3-22-22.pdf

Agenda packet -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/march-22-2022-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - March 22, 2022
Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - March 22, 2022


Ted McIntyre helps me with Marking Sense of Climate - Part 5 - 03/15/22 (audio)

FM #753 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 753 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Ted McIntyre, Franklin resident and climate activist. We recorded this via the Zoom conference bridge Mar 15, 2022.  

This is part 5 of a series on Marking Sense of ClimateTed helps me “make sense of climate” and we hope this helps with your understanding as well. 

If you have climate questions or Franklin specific climate questions, send them in and we’ll try to answer them in a future session 

The recording runs about 49 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Ted McIntyre as he helps me “make sense of climate.”

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-754-making-sense-of-climate-5-03-15-22

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Links that are our talking points for this episode

Transit system electrification
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/03/state-news-roundup-health-care-costs.html

NY Times article on induction cookers -> https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-portable-induction-cooktop/ 

DOER Stretch goals (deadline extended to March 18 to submit input)


Good first step wind bill, but Baker objects over fees…
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/03/02/opinion/offshore-wind-is-future-massachusetts/?event=event12
https://www.wickedlocal.com/story/regional/2022/03/04/mass-house-offshore-wind-bill-faces-headwinds-baker/9373537002/
 
Municipal Light Plants (MLP) and the Peabody Peaker
New studies find cheaper to 'buy from market'
Hunger strikers oppose construction


Ukraine…
Debate No-fly zone etc….
Hundreds of millions to Russia every day for gas.
daily payment to Russia for EU gas
https://www.voanews.com/a/despite-sanctions-europe-continues-to-bankroll-russia-for-gas-oil/6465223.html

McKibben’s piece on “heat pumps for peace”   https://billmckibben.substack.com/p/heat-pumps-for-peace-and-freedom?s=r 

If you have a question to raise, you can use this form -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/ask-franklin-matters-you-ask-question.html
 
Original Climate link = The 13 point article we talk to -> From WBUR -> “What you need to know about the new MASS Climate law” https://www.wbur.org/news/2021/03/26/new-mass-climate-law-faq
 
Mass Climate Action Network -> https://www.massclimateaction.org/recs 
 
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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/ 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 your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters" 

NY Times - Wirecutter - induction cook tops (Photo: Michael Murtaugh)
NY Times - Wirecutter - induction cook tops (Photo: Michael Murtaugh)


Franklin Garden Club Features Program on Easy Rose Care - Apr 5

The Franklin Garden Club, in conjunction with the Franklin Public Library, will co-sponsor a program on “Easy Rose Care” on Tuesday, April 5, at 7:00 p.m. at the Franklin Library, 118 Main Street, Franklin, MA.  

The program, open to the public free of charge, will be presented by Teresa Mosher, one of the leading garden and rose consultants in New England.  This presentation features information on uncovering winter protected roses, pruning various types, planting, fertilizing and choosing hardy roses.  Photos from Mosher’s highly regarded Zone 5 garden in Methuen are incorporated into the presentation.  Handouts will be available.

Mosher is past President of the New England Rose Society, a Horticulture Rose Judge and Master Rosarian for the American Rose Society.  An avid gardener for more than 40 years, she cares for and maintains 42 flower beds, over 200 roses, more than 1500 perennials, shrubs and trees in her garden.  She has served as a past Judge in Floral Design and Horticulture for the Massachusetts Garden Federation and has designed and maintained gardens in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Mosher has garnered numerous awards, including the Bronze Honor Medal for Outstanding Service, 2012 – New England Rose Society; Outstanding Horticulture Judge, 2016 - Yankee District, American Rose Society; and Outstanding Consulting Rosarian, 2018- Yankee District, American Rose Society.  She has served as President of the New England Rose Society - 2012-2019 and vice president – 2011-2012. She is a member of several rose organizations, including the Hybridizers Rose Association, Heritage Rose Foundation, Massachusetts Horticultural Society, and Massachusetts Garden Study Council and Landscape Design Council.

Franklin Garden Club Features Program on Easy Rose Care - Apr 5
Franklin Garden Club Features Program on Easy Rose Care - Apr 5


Use These Scam Tools to Spot Fraud

On March 10, we held our annual National Slam the Scam Day to raise awareness of Social Security-related scams and other government imposter scams. In case you missed it, here are our top tools and resources for this year:

Continue reading about the tools to use to spot fraud



Team Massachusetts USA Games Training Camp (video)

"Team Massachusetts got together for a weekend in March for a USA Games Training Camp. We got to know each other with team building games, bowling & even a freezing cold New England Revolution Game! On Sunday we learned a team dance and sat in on classroom sessions that taught us more about the Games. We can't wait for Orlando!"

The FHS Unified Basketball team is part of Team Massachusetts, You might recognize a few faces in the video. Thanks to KateLuvs2Laugh for the tip to the video!


International Energy Agency releases "10-Point Plan to Cut Oil Use"

"We’ve just released the @iea  10-Point Plan on actions advanced economies can adopt to cut oil demand by 2.7 million barrels a day. This would be a big saving - it's the same amount of oil currently consumed by all of the cars in China."

IEA =>  International Energy Agency  "Shaping a secure & sustainable energy future. We provide data, analysis & ambitious real-world solutions on all fuels & technologies. "

The full press release behind this infographic -> https://www.iea.org/news/emergency-measures-can-quickly-cut-global-oil-demand-by-2-7-million-barrels-a-day-reducing-the-risk-of-a-damaging-supply-crunch

The full report with additional explanation and charts -> https://www.iea.org/reports/a-10-point-plan-to-cut-oil-use

10-Point Plan to Cut Oil Use
10-Point Plan to Cut Oil Use

Senate President Spilka: Lowering Drug Costs, Long-Term COVID Planning, Women's Health, Caring for Veterans and More


Updates from Beacon Hill & MetroWest
March is National Social Work Month.
I couldn't let this month go by without offering my sincerest thanks to the social workers who, every day, go above and beyond to bring vital services and a human connection to people facing mental health challenges, addiction, poverty, isolation, or discrimination.

From an early age, I was inspired by mother, a social worker. Her commitment to helping others made me want to become a social worker too. The skills that I learned as a social worker have been invaluable to me as a legislator.

Social workers and other behavioral health providers are key to the wellbeing of Massachusetts residents. That's why, under the Senate's Mental Health ABC Act 2.0, support to providers is included in our vision for expanded mental health support. It's also why the Senate fought for $400 million in support for mental health in the state's American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, including $122 million in loan repayment programs to recruit and retain mental and behavioral health care professionals.

As always, my office is available if you need assistance or wish to share your opinion. You can email me at karen.spilka@masenate.gov or call 617-722-1500.

Take care, and be well!

Warm regards,
The newsletter was shortened for publication here. There is not a single source to find this on the internet, so (1) I encourage you to subscribe to get your own copy and (2) check out the updates page on Senate President Spilka's web site -> https://karenspilka.com/updates  

Friday, March 18, 2022

Franklin's Event Outlook: Mar 18, 2022 to Mar 24, 2022

Spring arrives, weather remains variable, the COVID threat is still present (and rising according to some sources), but among it all, there are more things to do. FHS students perform "Cave Dream" Friday evening, FPAC performs "Drowsy Chaperone" multiple shows with Broadway cast members this weekend. Walk for a good cause Saturday morning or stop by to talk about school issues with members of the School Committee at the Library. 

MetroWest Symphony performs a free concert on Sunday and there are events through the week as shown in the listing here. Be safe, be social, and don't forget to mask or distance where needed.

 
Friday, March 18
7:00pm - Cave Dream
7:30pm - Drowsy Chaperone

Saturday, March 19
8:00am - Shamrock Walk for Refugees
10:00am - Historical Museum (always free)
11:00am - School Cmte Community Relations Coffee Social
2:00pm - Drowsy Chaperone
7:30pm - Drowsy Chaperone

Sunday, March 20
1:00pm - Historical Museum (always free)
2:00pm - Drowsy Chaperone
2:00pm - MetroWest Symphony Orchestra (Natick High School)

Tuesday, March 22
12:00pm - Blood Drive
6:00pm - Minuteman Junior Cycling Club - Info session

Wednesday, March 23
4:30pm - Town-wide Student Art Show
7:30pm - Newcomers & Friends meeting (features TA Jamie Hellen & Supt. Sara Ahern)

Thursday, March 24
7:00pm - Critical Conversations: Social media


Find the full calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

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 calendar is found   https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26

Community Calendar
Community Calendar

Shamrock Walk for Refugees - Saturday, Mar 19, 2022

  • Check-in begins at 8 AM, with walking starting at 9 AM. If you have friends that are still thinking about walking, there will be same-day registration (starting at 8 AM)! 
  • EVERYONE, young or old is invited to register! There is no set distance, but expect to walk 30-60 minutes TOTAL!
  • The event will take place at the Franklin High School Outdoor Track off of Oak Street. Please park as close to the track as possible – there will be shamrock signs to help you navigate to the track.

Register or donate via the website, https://walkforrefugees.org/ 

Thank you for supporting such a wonderful cause! We appreciate your support and look forward to walking with you, whether it be in-person or virtually!
 
Shamrock Walk for Refugees Organizers (Team Franklin NST)

 
Sign up for the Shamrock Walk for Refugees - March 19
Sign up for the Shamrock Walk for Refugees - March 19



Our GRACIOUS sponsors:
  • Active Recovery Boston
  • Bellingham Palace
  • Capstan Atlantic
  • Crossfit Tri-County
  • Elizabeth's Bagels
  • Franklin Nutrition
  • Jersey Mike's
  • Park Street Books
  • Shaw's
  • Sheryl & Patrick Perez
  • TB12 

Listen to the recording with Neighborhood Support Team members Jerika Lowry and Adam Calvert as they provide details on how they organized to support the Afghan family living here and how this fund raising will help the cause ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/inside-shamrock-walk-for-refugees.html   

Shamrock Walk for Refugees - Saturday, Mar 19, 2022
Shamrock Walk for Refugees - Saturday, Mar 19, 2022

Town Council hears about the storm water utility fee and give first approval (audio & transcript)

FM #753 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 753 in the series. 


This session shares part of the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, March 16, 2022. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Town Council and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, some members of the public participated in person, some via the Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The recording runs about two hours and thirty minutes (2:30 )

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting of March 16, 2022

NEW: A transcript of the recording is available. The transcript is part of a pilot by Franklin Matters using the transcription service provided by Otter.ai https://otter.ai/ 

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-753-town-council-meeting-03-16-22

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Agenda document ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/03/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-march.html 

My notes from the meeting  ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HKbbsQfgbgIjPbUx7DbMGikfrXo2iI68/view?usp=sharing 

Meeting transcript ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YLEsQa-LOO7-erEyhrykMhilZUNpTMaI/view?usp=sharing

Photos captured during the meeting many shared via Twitter with my notes
https://photos.app.goo.gl/S3camznuYvK3wYL6A

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

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"

 

Kate Sjoberg, Derek Adams, and Brutus Cantoreggi presenting on storm water
Kate Sjoberg, Derek Adams, and Brutus Cantoreggi presenting on storm water

Women Veterans' Breakfast - Saturday, March 26, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Women Veterans' Breakfast - Saturday, March 26th, 

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

North Attleboro Hockomock YMCA

The Women's Veterans Network is partnering with local YMCAs to engage Women Vets and their families.

All women veterans are invited to attend the Women's Veterans Network Family Open House and Breakfast on Saturday, March 26 at the North Attleboro YMCA located at 300 Elmwood Street.

Franklin Veterans' Services Officer, Shannon Nisbett will be attending the breakfast and looks forward to meeting local veterans!

Go to: www.veterannetwork.eventbrite.com to register!

Shared from  https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/women-veterans-breakfast-saturday-march-26th-900-am-1100-am


Women Veterans' Breakfast - Saturday, March 26, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Women Veterans' Breakfast - Saturday, March 26, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

School Committee - Community Relations Coffee - March 19 at 11 AM

Franklin Public Schools 
Franklin School Committee  
Community Relations Coffee 

Saturday, March 19, 2022 11 AM - 1 PM 

Franklin Public Library 

A G E N D A 

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law." 

● Informal Social Meet & Greet 


Shared from ->  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/community_relations_sub_comm_agenda_3-19-22.pdf

School Committee - Community Relations Coffee - March 19 at 11 AM
The Library at night however, the School Committee will be meeting Saturday, Mar 19 during the late morning 11 AM to 1 PM


Panther News: Friday, March 18, 2022 (video)

"We're proudly celebrating a week's worth of students' achievements on this week's Panther News: Friday, March 18, 2022!"
 Video link -> https://youtu.be/iWUX_6VUazM

Franklin COVID-19 Updates: (1) Weekly COVID-19 school report (2) Town case numbers - March 16

(1) The FPS COVID-19 dashboard is now available to view here: buff.ly/3pQh91e

or here ->  https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/back-to-school-plan-21-22/weekly-covid-19-dashboard

Franklin Public Schools: Weekly COVID-19 dashboard - March 16
Franklin Public Schools: Weekly COVID-19 dashboard - March 16

(2) Per the MA DPH numbers reported via the Boston Globe for March 17, 2022  https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/04/15/nation/massachusetts-confirmed-coronavirus-cases-by-city/

 
COVID-19 vaccine status
COVID-19 vaccine status

COVID-19 case count - Mar 17, 2022
COVID-19 case count - Mar 17, 2022

and from the Town of Franklin Health Dept -> https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department/webforms/covid-19-dashboard-portal
and from the Town of Franklin Health Dept -> https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department/webforms/covid-19-dashboard-portal


Metrowest Symphony Orchestra - free concert Sunday, March 20, 2022

Metrowest Symphony Orchestra
MSO is pleased to announce a free family concert!

Classical Favorites Concert
Sunday March 20, 2022

2 pm at Natick High School Auditorium
Michael Bednarsky, conductor

   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ukrainian National Anthem
Hayden – Armida Overture
Mozart – Violin Concerto No 4 in D
soloist Alexander Romanul
Beethoven – Symphony No. 1


Metrowest Symphony Orchestra - free concert Sunday, March 20, 2022
Metrowest Symphony Orchestra - free concert Sunday, March 20, 2022