Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting - Aug 9, 2022

Franklin School Committee 

Municipal Building – Council Chambers 

August 9, 2022 - 7:00 PM

Call to Order Ms. Spencer

Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills Ms. Spencer

C. Payroll Ms. Stokes

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

 

II. Guests/Presentations

A. Summer Curriculum Projects and Summer Learning Review – Dr. Rogers, Ms. Marano, & Ms. Gay

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. None

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. 2020-21 Annual Report

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/fy22_annual_report.pdf

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from the July 19, 2022 School Committee Meeting as detailed.

B. Transfers

I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.

C. Keller Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $10,000.00 from the Keller PCC for in-house enrichment and supplemental supplies as detailed.

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Adjournment

Agenda doc with remote connection info ->

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_8-9-22.pdf

Meeting packet folder with doc released/reviewed in meeting (some posted after meeting)

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/august-9-2022-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting - Aug 9, 2022

Why you need to call Governor Baker! Making Sense of Climate with State Rep Jeff Roy (audio)

FM #835 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 835 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 Thursday, August 4, 2022.  

We talked with our special guest, MA State Representative Jeff Roy. Jeff represents Franklin and Medway and chairs the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy which marshaled the recent climate legislation through the MA House & Senate, the Conference Committee, back through both the MA House & Senate and sits on Governor Baker’s desk.

This discussion continues our journey understanding the MA roadmap toward net zero and while it helps me “make sense of climate”, we hope it 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 conversation runs about 50 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Ted and State Rep Jeff Roy. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-835-making-sense-of-climate-14-08-04-22

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The climate legislation discussed as amended and returned to the Governor for action https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/07/massachusetts-legislature-passes-major.html

State Rep Jeff Roy’s remarks on the MA House of Representatives floor in favor of the legislation and quoting Governor Baker on compromise (from the Governor’s recent book).

https://youtu.be/PB-CRp7ooCg

Governor Baker’s book -> https://www.amazon.com/Results-Getting-Beyond-Politics-Important/dp/1647821800

See the page that collects the “Making Sense of Climate” episodes -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/making-sense-of-climate-collection.html 

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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 iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

MA State Representative Jeff Roy

Local Town Pages - Franklin: "FHS Nine Learned Valuable Life Lessons in Tourney"

"Losing in a state tourney final game is never easy and to lose in a baseball playoff final by a 2-1 score can be emotional and painful. 

The late Vince Lombardi, who coached the Green Bay Packers to triumphs in the first two Super Bowls, not only put a high priority on winning, but he went so far to say: “Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing.’’ At the professional level, that’s a very acceptable quote. 

Zach Brown, Franklin High’s baseball coach for the last eight years, regards winning as important, but he puts his team’s 2-1 loss to Taunton in the state final last month in perspective — a real life perspective.

“It’s not always about winning trophies that collect dust,’’ Brown emphasized. “It’s about building relationships, enjoying the camaraderie of the locker room and embracing the journey that, win or lose, ends with emotions.’’

Continue reading the article in the monthly paper delivered to households (page 23) or online  https://www.franklintownnews.com/2022/07/28/407055/fhs-nine-learned-valuable-life-lessons-in-tourney

Local Town Pages - Franklin: "FHS Nine Learned Valuable Life Lessons in Tourney"

"roughly 100 U.S. colleges and universities have installed geothermal systems on their campuses"

"Often described as a giant tower of Jenga blocks, Boston University’s Center for Computing and Data Sciences shows no outward signs of leading the race to sustainable energy design. No rooftop wind turbines grace its heights; no solar panels are mounted on the multiple roof decks jutting out from the building’s core.

What makes this building unique lies deep underground, where water circulating through 31 geothermal boreholes will supply 90 percent of its heating and cooling needs when the building opens, as scheduled for later this year. Through a process called geothermal heat exchange, water pumped from 1,500 feet underground will draw upon the near-constant temperature that prevails beneath the earth’s surface – 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. 

Even on the coldest New England days, water prewarmed by the earth will be circulated through heat pumps that will further raise its temperature to deliver heat where needed. On warmer days or in heavily occupied spaces where heat builds up even in winter, the heat exchangers will draw on the earth’s cooler temperature to provide air conditioning."

Continue reading about geothermal systems online

https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2022/08/geothermal-heating-and-cooling-renewable-energys-hidden-gem/ 

In the summer, heat is extracted from the home, and is discharged into the earth. In the winter, the process is reversed. (Source: Solar Review)

MBTA: Upcoming service changes that might affect your travel

This weekend and next week, the following lines will have service changes:

View this email in your browser  Riders are no longer required to wear a mask while on the T, except for on The RIDE. The MBTA continues to follow CDC guidelines in encouraging people to wear face masks on public transit.  For the latest information about COVID-19 safety precautions, riders should check mbta.com/coronavirus. This weekend and next week, the following lines will have service changes: Red Line — Weekdays Orange Line — Weekdays, and weekends Green Line — all day, every day Commuter Rail — Weekends, weekdays, and ongoing Subway Red Line JFK/UMASS – Braintree August 8 – 11 8:45 PM until end of service  Shuttles will run between JFK/UMASS – Braintree from 8:45 PM to end of service for trackwork. Learn more about Red Line transformation projects See all Red Line service changes Green Line Heath St – Copley August 6 – 21, all day every day E Branch service will be suspended between Copley and Heath St from August 6 – 21 for track and infrastructure upgrades. Customers can use Route 39 bus service as an alternate.    Learn more about Green Line infrastructure upgrades See all Green Line service changes Government Center – Union Square August 22 – September 18, all day every day Green Line service will be suspended from Monday, August 22 through Sunday, September 18. This suspension will help facilitate the opening of the Medford Branch and to allow crews to perform final-phase construction work. Shuttles will replace Green Line service between Government Center and Union Square.  Learn more about Green Line transformation projects Orange Line Oak Grove – Forest Hills August 19 – September 18, all day every day Orange Line service will be suspended from Friday, August 19 at 9 PM through Sunday, September 18. This suspension will allow for upgrades and improvements of track and signal systems along the line.   Commuter Rail service alternative: Riders commuting to downtown are encouraged to use the Commuter Rail. Zone 1A, 1, and 2 fares can be paid simply by showing a CharlieCard or CharlieTicket on ALL Commuter Rail lines. During these 30 days, most passing south-side Needham and Providence Line Commuter Rail trains will stop at Forest Hills, Ruggles, Back Bay, and South Station. On the north-side, Haverhill Line Commuter Rail trains will stop at Oak Grove, Malden Center, and North Station. Riders can use other existing MBTA bus and subway services to complete their trips, along with free accessible shuttle buses servicing the Orange Line. MBTA travel alternatives: Green Line E Branch Silver Line 4 Free shuttle buses between Oak Grove and Haymarket, and then to Government Center Free shuttle buses between Forest Hills and Back Bay, and then to Copley Route 39 bus, servicing Forest Hills – Back Bay Station CT2 bus, servicing Sullivan Square – Ruggles Station  Orange Line travel alternatives Learn more about Building a Better T in 2022   Commuter Rail Fitchburg Line August 6 – 7, all weekend On the weekend of August 6 – 7, Fitchburg Line Train 1411/2411 (originally 5:50 PM from North Station) will depart North Station at 6:35 PM and operate 45 minutes behind the advertised spring/summer schedule. This service change will allow for work on the North Station Signal Improvement Project. Learn more about the North Station Signal Improvement Project See all Commuter Rail service changes Newburyport/Rockport August 5 – 7, Friday, and all weekend On weekends July 30 – August 28 as well as weekdays August 4 – 5 and August 15 – 19, buses will replace service between Beverly and North Station to allow for work on the signal improvement project. Buses will operate to/from North Station. Learn more about the North Station Signal Improvement Project See all Commuter Rail service changes

Who listens to podcasts vs. radio? Edison Research has the answer

Via Edison Research 

"We are regularly asked about the ‘median age’ of users to different audio platforms.  Fortunately, with Edison Research’s Share of Ear® study we can answer this question – at least for those age 13 and older.   

But there are two ways to solve for this, and the differences are interesting. 

The two ways are represented in the table below.  In the first data column you see the median age for the ‘cume’ or ‘reach’ of the 13+ audience – the point where half the listeners are older and half are younger.  You will note that Streaming Audio (essentially listening to pureplays like Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and the like – but not listening to podcasts on any of these platforms) and Podcasts have the exact same median age when looked at this way.  The median listener to AM/FM Radio is 46 years old — 12 years older than the listener to streaming and podcasts. "

Continue reading the article online

https://www.edisonresearch.com/median-age-of-listeners-v-listening-and-a-finding-about-shakira/

Who listens to podcasts vs. radio?

"the current report provides a potential new target for preventing or treating heart disease"

"A new study led by researchers from Tufts University and the Cleveland Clinic sounds a familiar warning, saying the more red meat you eat the higher your risk of cardiovascular disease will be.

The observational study, published Monday in the American Heart Association’s peer-reviewed journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology, also used statistical methods to try to discern how meat might be having that effect and found several different possible mechanisms.

One, researchers said, was meat’s effect on the gut microbiome. Recent research has suggested that gut bacteria digesting red meat and other animal-source foods produce metabolites in the blood that can cause cardiovascular disease."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/08/04/metro/new-study-delves-into-link-between-red-meat-heart-disease/

The research article as mentioned above ->  https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/ATVBAHA.121.316533

 

A steak on the grill of a barbecue restaurant in Buenos Aires, Argentina. A new study says red meat is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and the reason may be your gut bacteria. MIGUEL MENDEZ/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES

Attention Franklin: Phase IV of Water Ban Begins August 6, 2022 at 12 AM (audio)

Phase IV of Water Ban Begins 

August 6, 2022 at 12 AM

The Town of Franklin has entered Level 3 Critical Drought status which has triggered the phase IV water ban which will go into effect August 6th, 2022 at 12AM. 

Water Conservation Measures are needed to limit the daily demand on the water system in order to ensure that adequate water is available to meet the public health and safety needs of the Town. This measure is necessary to maintain the water levels in the tanks for fire protection and normal consumption.

The following is allowed under phase IV of the water ban...

- Watering gardens and ornamental plants by means of a hand held hose.

The following is NOT allowed under phase IV of the water ban...

- Irrigation of lawns and landscaping via sprinklers or automatic irrigation systems.

- Washing of vehicles except in a commercial car wash or as necessary for operator safety.

- Washing of exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks.

Reminder: If you have a private well for irrigation, you must a sign posted that is visible from the street in accordance with Town bylaws 179-23

 

Learn more about Franklin's Water Conservation measures here:   https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/water-conservation?fbclid=IwAR1KokmHXP1NdxuQKcdBFvvd3GR6hWBAi_NrbH2WEjssiDhMDwl6m7_oMdA

Learn more about Massachusetts drought management here:   https://www.mass.gov/guides/drought-management-in-massachusetts

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/phase-iv-water-ban-begins-august-6th-2022-12am

 You can listen to the robocall message left by DPW Director Robert (Brutus) Cantoreggi   https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/dpw-director-robert-brutus-cantoreggi-announces-the-phase-iv-water-ban-08-06-22

Attention Franklin: Phase IV of Water Ban Begins August 6, 2022 at 12 AM

Franklin's Event Outlook: Aug 5, 2022 to Aug 11, 2022

Farmers Market Friday, with a pizza food truck and Electric Youth on stage at THE BLACK BOX (changed due to weather forecast). Of course, there is more on the Common with Dave Penza playing at the gazebo. The Library also has yarn stick creations for the young at heart.

The Electric Youth & Future Shock concert will be moved indoor to THE BLACK BOX to begin at 6 PM.

Friday, August 5
2:00pm - Farmers Market (Town Common)
3:30pm - Concerts on the Common: Dave Penza (Town Common)
3:30pm - Farmers Mkt Fun: Yarn stick creations (Library on the Town Common)
4:00pm - Food truck: Papalia's Wood Fired Pizza (Town Common)
4:30pm - Cousin's Maine Lobster (food truck) (67 Degrees Brewery)
6:00pm - John Demers Music (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)
6:00pm - Concerts on the Common: FSPA & Electric Youth (THE BLACK BOX)

6:00pm - Freak Flag (live music) (La Cantina Winery) 

Saturday, August 6
9:00am - Multi-Family Yard Sale (St John’s Episcopal Church)
10:00am - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
11:00am - Dedication plaque for Andy Bissanti & Family (Franklin Dog Park, Dacey Fields)
4:00pm - Sioo (live music) (La Cantina Winery) 

Sunday, August 7

1:00pm - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

Tuesday,  August 9
6:00pm - A Bit of Mystery book club will be reading, The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill. (Escape Into Fiction; note spaces are limited)
6:30pm - Documentary Film: Savior for Sale (Franklin Public Library)

Thursday, August 11

6:00pm - Dave Penza (live music) (La Cantina Winery) 

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The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

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

Nancy Danello, Franklin Town Clerk talks about the Election Process - 08/03/22 (audio)

FM #834 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 834 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Town Clerk Nancy Danello. We met in the Town Clerk office in the Franklin Municipal Building to discuss the overall election process. The overall process is functionally the same for the State Primary and for the regular November election. The cutoff dates, the early voting dates, and the election dates will change but the process remains basically the same. 

We cover the following key topics

• Vote by mail and early voting now permanent per State legislation

• “Independent” voters need to check the box for which primary ballot they want (Democrat or Republican, don’t need to make that choice for the November election)

• If you are registered with a party and you want the other party's primary ballot, checking the box is not sufficient. You need to submit a “part change form” to get the other party ballot. 

• Vote by mail process walked through, similar to in person voting whether early or day of

• Validation of machine tallies to be scheduled

• Only the total of voters casting ballots are tallied each day of early voting

• Early and absentee ballots to be process during the Primary day

• Vote totals at the close Primary Day will be “unofficial” until certified within the next 3 days to become official vote results

The show notes include links to the Town Clerk page and other election information.

Our conversation runs about 28 minutes, so let’s listen in to my conversation with Nancy. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-834-franklin-ma-town-clerk-on-the-election-process-08-03-22

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Town Clerk’s page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk 

Register to vote ->   https://www.sec.state.ma.us/OVR/ 

State Primary early voting schedule  ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/news/state_primary_early_voting_schedule.pdf 

  

Vote by mail process diagram -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/news/vote_by_mail_process.pdf 

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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 iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Nancy Danello, Franklin Town Clerk