Saturday, September 24, 2022

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Meeting Agenda - Sep 24, 2022

Franklin School Committee 
September 27, 2022 -  7:00 PM
Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Call to Order
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. District Improvement Plan

B. PK-5 School Improvement Plans
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_pk-5_sips.pdf

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. District Improvement Plan
I recommend approval of the District Improvement Plan as presented.

B. PK-5 School Improvement Plans
I recommend approval of the PK-5 School Improvement Plans as presented.

C. Approval of Redistricting Consultation Contract
I recommend approval of awarding a contract in the amount of $49,815 to Applied Geographics, Inc for consulting services in accordance with the RFP issued on July 26, 2022, for School Redistricting Services as discussed.

D. MASC Delegate
I recommend the committee appoint Denise Spencer to serve as the Committee’s delegate to the annual MASC meeting of delegates as discussed.

IV. Discussion Only Items
A. none

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 your September 13, 2022 meeting as detailed.
B. Transfers
I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
C. FHS Gifts
I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $461.76 for FHS as detailed:
$ 14.76 Ohiopyle Prints, Inc. Supplemental Supplies
$447.00 Cesar’s Barber Shop In-hose enrichment
D. JFK Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $925.00 from the JFK PCC for field trips as detailed.

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business
To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Adjournment


Meeting Packet Folder ->

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Meeting Agenda - Sep 24, 2022
Franklin, MA: School Committee - Meeting Agenda - Sep 24, 2022

"I only ask that you care before it’s too late" (video)

Amanda Gorman finds the word to speak to the United Nations General Assembly:
"I only ask that you care before it’s too late, That you live aware and awake, That you lead with love in hours of hate." At #UNGA, poet, activist & supporter shared a powerful poem calling for urgent action to achieve the #GlobalGoals.

screengrab from UN video
Amanda Gorman at UN, screengrab from UN video



FHS girls and boys soccer teams post wins on Friday

HockomockSports.com posted the results of Hockomock League competition on Friday, Sep 23, 2022. We share the FHS results here and provide the link to the full set below.

Football = Franklin, 21 vs. Duxbury, 34 – Final
1Q: (D) Alex Barlow 1-yard rush, XP good; (F) Michael Davide 5-yard rush, Garrett Portesi XP good.
2Q: (D) Matt Festa 6-yard rush, XP good; (D) M. Festa 40-yard pass to Chris Walsh.
3Q: (D) Adam Barr 1-yard rush, XP failed; (D) M. Festa 88-yard pass to C. Walsh, XP good; (F) Jase Lyons 37-yard pass to Derek Dubriske, G. Portesi XP good.
4Q: (F) J. Lyons 49-yard pass to Luke Davis, G. Portesi XP good.


Boston Globe coverage of the game (subscription may be required) ->  https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/09/23/sports/no-6-duxbury-exacts-its-revenge-road-win-no-7-franklin/


Girls Soccer = North Attleboro, 0 @ Franklin, 1 – Final

Boys Soccer = Franklin, 2 @ North Attleboro, 0 – Final 
 
Ryan Lanigan, the founder and Editor-in-Chief of HockomockSports.com, provides the game recap:
"What a difference two weeks can make. 
After starting their league schedule with a 5-1 setback on the road at Oliver Ames on September 9th, the Franklin boys soccer team has found its groove by rattling off a five-game unbeaten streak, the latest a 2-0 decision on the road at North Attleboro for their fourth shutout in the past five contests. 
The win keeps the Panthers in a tie with Attleboro atop the table of the Kelley-Rex division heading into the midway point of the season next week. 
“I’m not sure what has changed…Oliver Ames is a good team and on that day, we didn’t show up,” said Franklin head coach Fran Bositis, now in his 52nd season at the helm. “I was upset after that game but I just had to keep reminding myself that we aren’t that bad. I really think we have a good team.”
Continue reading the article online ->
https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-boys-soccer-rides-first-half-goals-win-north-attleboro/

Franklin senior Will Kryzak scores on a shot from inside the area in the first half at North Attleboro. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)
Franklin senior Will Kryzak scores on a shot from inside the area in the first half at North Attleboro. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

Superintendent Letter to Families - 09/16/22

Sep 16, 2022

Dear Franklin Families,

I hope this letter finds you well. It has been a busy few weeks as we opened Franklin Public Schools for our 2022-23 academic year. We welcomed back 4,695 students and over 800 faculty and staff members! The preparation and effort put forward by our staff to ensure a successful opening required a dedication that necessitated hard work, stamina, and a commitment to our students that I recognize and value. I wanted to express my deep gratitude to all of our leaders and staff members. Schools are the heartbeat of a community. I am beyond proud to be leading this district.

Instead of sending multiple individual messages, I wanted to share five key updates, which you can find below. Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.

Respectfully,

Lucas Giguere
Superintendent of Schools
Superintendent Letter to Families - 09/16/22
Superintendent Letter to Families - 09/16/22



Yes, this is a week old and after meeting with Lucas this week, plans are underway to improve communications from the School District on multiple fronts.

"This equity tool moves the needle dramatically in the right direction"

"A new tool to determine MIAA alignments will be implemented starting with the current alignment cycle, which will go into effect for the 2023-24 school year.

The formula, presented at Thursday’s virtual board of directors meeting, will be based on competitive equity. Previously, enrollment was used as a baseline, with factors such as co-ops and vocational status moving a school up or down.

“The goal for this equity tool is to remove as much subjectivity as possible by using real, measurable data,” said Jared Shannon, Wahconah athletic director and vice chair of the MIAA’s Tournament Management Committee.

The equity formula focuses on stability and high-needs numbers, as reported to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and would create a baseline alignment that schools can then appeal. Data points include English language learners, public assistance, SNAP, transitional aid, MassHealth, homelessness, and foster care, among others."
Continue reading about the new MIAA alignment process (subscription may be required)

 

"This equity tool moves the needle dramatically in the right direction"
"This equity tool moves the needle dramatically in the right direction"

DPW roadwork and construction delayed explained

"Because you asked! Installing a new watermain in the "Country Club" neighborhood.  For the most part, the work is going smoothly, however material shortages is slowing the job down. The new water is made of Ductile Iron pipe and it is very short supply due to COVID, which caused the foundry to shut down for a period of time. There is also an increased demand for pipe nationwide because of increased Federal Funding for Public Works projects. 

Two years ago there was no waiting for pipe, now there is wait time of 26 to 40 weeks till the pipe is available.  For example the pipe below was ordered in February,  made in New Jersey on 9/10, delivered to Franklin on 9/16 and started going into the ground on 9/19!

This project was scheduled for next year, as part of the Town's on going "watermain replacement / new roads" program but we were able to use ARPA funding for this work during the current construction season. The old pipe being replaced is made out of asbestos concrete.  

If you would like to know more about water pipe, check out this article:
 



Have a great Public Works Day!"

DPW roadwork and construction delayed explained 1
DPW roadwork and construction delayed explained 1

DPW roadwork and construction delayed explained 2
DPW roadwork and construction delayed explained 2




Friday, September 23, 2022

Franklin's Event Outlook: Sep 23, 2022 to Sep 29, 2022

Have you noticed how the calendar is filling up? While the usual events continue; book/bag sale, Farmers Market, etc. with this outlook we also get 
  • a Bollywood Dance Party at the Library
  • a storywalk at DelCarte
  • Circle of Friends hosts their first concert since Feb 2020
  • People's Poetry opens for the 2nd time at Escape Into Fiction 
  • and the Dean Leadership Institute Fall program opens with Dr Charles Steinberg of the Worcester Red Sox (formerly Pawsox)
Yes, #artshappenhere in Franklin....

Friday, September 23

12:00pm - Book Sale (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm - Farmers Market (Town Common) Farmers Market

5:00pm - Thee Taco Guy (food truck) (67 Degrees Brewery)

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

6:00pm - Anna Freitas Trio (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

8:00pm - Matt Zajac's Rock Night (3 bands, live music - ticketed event) (THE BLACK BOX)


Saturday, September 24

7:00am - Fitness Open House (sample classes offered) (Franklin YMCA)

9:00am - Book Sale (Franklin Public Library)

9:30am - Bollywood Dance Party (family event) (Franklin Public Library)

10:00am - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:30am - Fall Storywalk (Franklin Library at the DelCarte Open Space)

11:00am - Yoga in the Taproom (ticketed event) (67 Degrees Brewery)

1:00pm - Bag Sale (Franklin Public Library)

5:30pm - Community Cookout (Franklin Methodist Church)

6:00pm - Matt Zajac (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

6:00pm -  Mike Malone (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

8:00pm - Pamela Means - Power of the Protest Song (Circle of Friends Coffeehouse)


Sunday, September 25
8:00am - PMC Kids Ride (Jefferson Elementary School)

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


Wednesday, September 28

6:00pm - People's Poetry (Escape Into Fiction)


Thursday, September 29

6:00pm - Dean Leadership Institute: Dr Charles Steinberg (registration required - free) (Dean College; Guidry Center)

6:00pm - Nick & Emily (live music) (La Cantina Winery)


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

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

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

Board of Health votes to bring septic unit into compliance

FM #846 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 846 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the Franklin (MA) Board of Health meeting held on Thursday, Sep 22, 2022. There was only one item on the agenda, an unpermitted septic issue discovered during the sale of the property at 366 Pond St

After hearing the details of the issue, the Board voted to have the unit brought into compliance with the town bylaws within 45 days. 

The meeting runs just about 22 minutes.


Audio file -> 
https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-846-board-of-health-meeting-09-22-22

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


Agenda document for this meeting

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/9-22-22_2.pdf


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

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"


Board of Health votes to bring septic unit into compliance
Board of Health votes to bring septic unit into compliance


FHS field hockey and volleyball teams post wins on Thursday

HockomockSports.com posted the results of Hockomock League competition on Thursday, Sep 22, 2022. We share the FHS results here and provide the link to the full set below.


Field Hockey = North Attleboro, 0 @ Franklin, 5 – Final 
– Holding a one-goal lead at halftime, Franklin scored three goals in the third quarter to pull away from the visiting Rocketeers. Haley Wernig scored just over five minutes into the second quarter for the only goal of the first half. Less than a minute into the third quarter, Wernig scored her second on an assist from Kaitlyn Carney. Midway through the third quarter, Payten Crandall extended the lead to 3-0 off a feed from Emily Carney, who then scored with just one second left in the quarter to make it 4-0. Wernig completed the hat trick midway through the fourth off a pass from Crandall. Devon Barry (two saves) and Megan Sullivan (two saves) combined for the shutout for Franklin.

Volleyball = North Attleboro, 0 @ Franklin, 3 – Final 
– Franklin had a strong overall performance, recording 30 kills and 20 aces as a team in a 3-0 (25-7, 25-8, 25-14) win over North Attleboro.

For other results around the Hockomock League

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Library book sale, bag sale this weekend

Book Sale - All books are just $1 
Friday, September 23rd, 1:00-5:00 PM.  
Saturday, September 24th, 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon

Bag Sale - $5 A Bag
Saturday, September 24th, from 1:00-4:00 PM

Come fill a brown bag with all the books you can!

Library book sale, bag sale this weekend
Library book sale, bag sale this weekend

“Sounds Of Surveillance” by Si-Mark And Scott-Funkel (audio)

Sharing from a Mark Hurst email:

"A quick note today: I wanted to share with you a song that I helped put together with friends from WFMU, the amazing radio station that broadcasts Techtonic. A few weeks back, I was speaking with Scott Williams (himself a DJ on Thursday afternoons) about an idea we’ve batted around for a few years, of changing a well-known song into a tech-themed dystopian version. Almost immediately Scott said he knew just what song to work with: “It practically writes itself!” And thus was born “Sounds of Surveillance.”

Once Scott and I worked the lyrics into shape, he put the band together: Greg Harrison on drums, Matt Fiveash on bass, Lily Wen as audio engineer, and Scott himself on guitar and organ. Soon after the live recording session with the band, he and I went into the studio to sing the vocals, after which he added some more post-production magic to make the track shine.

If you like the song, you can pitch in to WFMU, which is about to start its annual October fundraiser. (New t-shirts are available for the fall, and WFMU has the best t-shirts.)

And now, the track."

- - -

Listen to “Sounds Of Surveillance” by Si-Mark And Scott-Funkel

LYRICS:
Sounds of Surveillance
by Si-mark and Scott-funkel

Hello Siri, my old friend
You’ve come to spy on me again
Because the websites that I’ve been browsing
Give you insight into my thinking
Paranoia that you planted in my brain
Still remains
Within the sounds of surveillance

And in the metaverse I saw
Three billion people, maybe more
People texting without speaking
People swiping without reading
People monitored by devices that never cared
No one dared
Disturb the sounds of surveillance

And the people bowed and prayed
To the neon god they made
And the screen flashed out its warning
In the words that it was forming
And the screen said, “The billions in profits are written in the smartphone apps
Like Google Maps”
And whispered in the sounds of surveillance

- - -

Here’s the link again: Listen to “Sounds Of Surveillance” by Si-Mark And Scott-Funkel.

“Sounds Of Surveillance” by Si-Mark And Scott-Funkel
“Sounds Of Surveillance” by Si-Mark And Scott-Funkel


Tufts University's Center for State Policy Analysis provides insights on Ballot Question #2

"If there's a question on the November ballot that will cause voter's to sit up and scratch their head for a minute, it's probably Question 2.


Supporters of the dental insurance initiative say it is intended to wring out wasteful spending from the system by requiring at least 83 cents of every dollar collected in premiums to go toward care, and not administrative costs, taxes or profit. This is also known as a loss-ratio.


But what will it mean for consumers? A new report published this morning by Tufts University's Center for State Policy Analysis concludes that if Question 2 passes, it could cause some smaller insurers to leave the market, leaving consumers with fewer choices.


As for cost, one way insurers could try to come into compliance with the new rules would be to allow dentists to charge more for services. That would cause patients to more quickly hit their annual caps and wind up paying more out of pocket. CSPA Executive Director Evan Horowitz, however, writes in the report that "while it might inspire price increases that trickle down to consumers, the scale of these increases should be limited."


Other mechanisms insurers would have to meet the 83 percent loss-ratio would be to lower consumer premiums, cover more services or streamline their operations.


Horowitz said part of the problem in predicting the scale of the impact to the dental insurance industry is that the question has been "built on relatively thin information. It’s not clear whether dental insurers are currently close to — or far from — the proposed 83 percent requirements." Massachusetts would also be the first state in the country to impose an 83-cent loss-ratio on dental insurers.


Based on available data, CSPA finds that most large insurers probably have loss-ratios close to 80 percent, making compliance a lighter lift.


"Based on the limited information we do have, it seems likely that insurers will be able to meet the new standards with a mix of operational changes that includes somewhat increased prices for dental care," Horowitz concludes."


Shared from the MASSterList email -> https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Breaking-down-Question-2.html?soid=1107496303234&aid=472__lI5e0s


Direct link to the report -> https://cspa.tufts.edu/node/741


PDF of the report -> https://cspa.tufts.edu/sites/g/files/lrezom361/files/2022-09/cSPA_new_rules_dental_insurance.pdf


Tufts University's Center for State Policy Analysis provides insights on Ballot Question #2
Tufts University's Center for State Policy Analysis provides insights on Ballot Question #2

Additional coverage on this ballot question from CommonWealth Magazine

VETERANS' EXPO - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 - 10 AM to 2 PM at the VA Brockton Campus

VETERANS' EXPO - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 

- 10 AM - 2 PM at the VA Brockton Campus

Vets, Troops, Family & Friends are Invited! NEW COVID Boosters!

Live Bands, Music, Free Food, Fun Prizes! Jobs & Career Fair! 

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/veterans-expo-saturday-september-24-10-am-2-pm-va-brockton-campus

VETERANS' EXPO - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. VA Brockton Campus!
VETERANS' EXPO - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. VA Brockton Campus!

Spot impersonator scams and share what you know


Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission

By Jim Kreidler

During Hispanic Heritage Monthlet's take a moment to look at impersonator scams, which are the issue reported most to the FTC by people living in majority Latino communities. 

These scams happen when someone pretends to be someone they're not — say, from a government agency or a well-known business — and tries to get you to pay or give them sensitive information. And if you don't, they say something bad will happen. But it's a scam.

Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2022/09/spot-impersonator-scams-and-share-what-you-know



Spot impersonator scams and share what you know
Spot impersonator scams and share what you know