Franklin Public Schools, MA: early release day for Tuesday, March 14, 2023

Dear Franklin Public School Staff and Families,

As you may know, the current weather predictions for tomorrow call for rain mixed with snow in the morning, turning to heavier snow and wind gusts tomorrow afternoon. Based on the timing of this event, it is expected that the snow will most impact the afternoon/evening. 

After careful consideration, Franklin Public Schools will have an early release tomorrow, Tuesday, March 14, 2023. All K-12 schools should follow their regular half-day schedule. 

Early Release Times 

• K-5 Schools  - 11:45 AM
• Middle Schools - 10:45
• High School - 10:55

ECDC is canceled for students. ECDC staff should report at the regularly scheduled time in the morning.

Solutions Program will remain open until 2:00 pm.

All scheduled after-school activities and evening events are canceled tomorrow.   

Respectfully,

Lucas Giguere

Superintendent

Franklin Public Schools, MA: early release day for Tuesday, March 14, 2023

School Committee Budget Subcommittee hears of capital budget request & another room needed for ECDC (audio)

FM #910 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 910 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee Budget Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, Jan  4, 2023. The meeting was conducted in the 3rd floor training room. Remote participation was enabled for this session per their agenda. As the Chair was remote, the votes were via roll call.

Chair Dave McNeill opened the meeting. School Committee member Dave Callaghan was present to start, member Meghan Whitmore arrived at approx. 6:15. Superintendent Lucas Giguere, Business Manager Miriam Goodman, Asst Supt Paula Marano and Asst Supt Dr. Tina Rogers also participated.

Quick recap

• School Capital Budget Request was previewed with a late change to possibly reduce it from $900K to about $400K 

• ECDC Enrollment is increasing and a new classroom needs to be added for March to meet the new 17 students expected who are turning 3; can be covered from revolving funds for now but will require hiring a teacher and aides and be part of next budget request

• FY24 Budget Timeline no current adjustment due to new Governor and her budget which is not due until early March, will proceed with estimates based upon last year and adjust along the way as necessary

The show notes contain a link to the agenda and to my notes.

The recording runs about 44 minutes, so let’s listen to the Budget Subcommittee meeting of Jan  4, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-910-school-cmte-budget-subcmte-mtg-01-04-23

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Budget Subcommittee agenda

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/budget_sub_committee_agenda_1_4_2023.pdf

My notes in this ThreadReader PDF -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Tcsb-fd21ZYQzYxUsrhhCKx8RuJNswco/view?usp=share_link 

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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"

School Committee Budget Subcommittee hears of capital budget request & another room needed for ECDC (audio)

Early Childhood Development Center New Student Open House - Jan 13, 2023

Are you looking for a preschool program for your child? Do you live in Franklin? Is your child going to be 3 by August 31st and not yet eligible for kindergarten in the fall of 2023?

Parents and children are invited to join us at Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) on Friday, January 13, 2023 from 9 AM - 11 AM for a tour of the school, to meet our teaching team and learn about our wonderful preschool program!

If you are unable to attend the Open House, you can contact Laura Flanagan to schedule a tour by emailing flanaganla@franklinps.net or by calling us at 508-541-8166.

Please note: tours are held at 8:30 AM and 3:30 PM to preserve the confidentiality and safety of our current students. Access our event details here: https://www.franklinps.net/district/events/92086

Applications for the 23-24 school year at the ECDC are available here: https://www.franklinps.net/.../23-24_new_student..

Address

F.X O’Regan Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC)

224 Oak Street

Franklin, MA 02038

Shared from the FPS page -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/events/92086

Early Childhood Development Center New Student Open House - Jan 13, 2023

Franklin ECDC New Student Open House - January 13, 2023

• Are you looking for a preschool program for your child?
• Do you live in Franklin?
• Is your child going to be 3 by August 31st and not yet eligible for kindergarten in the fall of 2023?

Parents and children are invited to join us at ECDC for a tour of the school, to meet our teaching team and learn about our wonderful preschool program! 

If you are unable to attend the OPEN HOUSE, you can contact Laura Flanagan to schedule a tour:  Email:  flanaganla@franklinps.net      Phone: 508-541-8166

Tours are held at 8:30 AM and 3:30 PM to preserve the confidentiality and safety of our current students. 

Applications for the 2023-2024 school year are available on the ECDC Website (https://www.franklinps.net/ecdc). 

Applications can also be picked up at the Franklin Superintendent’s office and at ECDC.

The Early Childhood Development Center - https://www.franklinps.net/ecdc

Franklin ECDC New Student Open House - January 13, 2023

ECDC is now accepting applications for the 2023-24 school year

Franklin ECDC (@FranklinECDC) tweeted  Thu, Dec 08, 2022:

"ECDC is now accepting applications for the 2023-24 school year! 

We are also hosting an OPEN HOUSE on January 13th here at ECDC! https://t.co/7hRNK88Bmc  

@FranklinPSNews @FranklinMatters @TOFranklinMA"

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/FranklinECDC/status/1600963899352051712

Or find the application online ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WharWMYiwWmLlSXCxOOFMFkqBokQiG5t/view

Visit the ECDC page -> https://www.franklinps.net/ecdc

ECDC is now accepting applications for the 2023-24 school year

Franklin Public Schools, MA: Half Day for schools on Weds, Dec 7 for professional development

"Reminder: All Franklin Public Schools will operate on a HALF DAY schedule on Wednesday, December 7 , 2022 to accommodate for staff professional development, with the exception of the Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) which will have no school on half days."

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews/status/1599886582353481728

Franklin Public Schools, MA: Half Day for schools on Weds, Dec 7 for professional development

Dutch Mill Bulbs - fund raiser for ECDC

Order some Dutch Mill Bulbs online, get them shipped directly to your home, and help this fund raiser for ECDC (https://www.franklinps.net/ecdc) . 

Order now, they ship 2 weeks after you order. 

Plant this fall, enjoy the color in the Spring.

If you don't have a QR Code reader, follow this link ->

https://dutchmillbulbs.com/bulbs/fall-planting-spring-blooming-bulbs.aspx?affid=ecdc-pcc

Dutch Mill Bulbs - fund raiser for ECDC

ECDC looking to hire to 2 ESP for this school year

"We are hiring! Looking for 2 ESPs to join our team! School year, 8:45 to 3:30, M-F! Find the listing on Schoolspring, or reach out to me for more information! Kelleyk@franklinps.net"

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FranklinECDC/status/1554131428912365570 

ECDC looking to hire to 2 ESP for this school year

The ECDC is looking to hire a full-time Educational Support Professional (classroom assistant)

"We are hiring! Need a full-time Educational Support Professional (classroom assistant) at ECDC!  

This is a school year position, but there is also an opportunity to work during our 6-week summer program!  

Email me for more information kelleyk@franklinps.net ! "

@FranklinPSNews 

 Shared from Twitter:  https://twitter.com/FranklinECDC/status/1518392993513938950

https://www.franklinps.net/ecdc

Getting to Know Franklin ECDC

Find and view the slide show online here

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1LhyeEPFl-Z2Oy_nfgSo6PBM-biLTM_VTumfmYk0Pf3E/edit?usp=sharing

Getting to Know Franklin ECDC

Franklin ECDC: Applications for 2021-2022 school year being accepted now

FranklinECDC (@FranklinECDC) tweeted Thu, Jan 07, 2021:

 ECDC is now accepting applications for the 2021-22 school year! FRANKLIN families of children who will be 3 and not yet 5 by August 31st are eligible to enroll. @TOFranklinMA @FranklinPSNews @FranklinFoodPan @FrkPublicLib 

ECDC application = https://t.co/sBNZdhUKrX

Shared from Twitter https://twitter.com/FranklinECDC/status/1347286980590239747

Franklin ECDC: Applications for 2021-2022 school year being accepted now

FM #422-423 School Committee Meeting - In two parts - 12/22/20 (audio)

FM #422-423 - This is the Franklin Matters radio show, another one in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Dec 22, 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 just over two hour and thirty minute meeting into two logical segments:

• First - covers the opening through the Guests/Presentations (approx. 1 hour and 23 minutes)
• Second - picks up from the Superintendent's goals through to the end of the public meeting as they entered Executive Session (not to return to public meeting) (approx. 1 hour and 9 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 due to the holiday break)

Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting of Dec 22, 2020

Audio files: 

First #422 -  https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HDbNY59S

Second #423 - https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HXmz9VVS

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Agenda doc
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/events/scagenda_12-22-20.pdf

Meeting packet folder
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/december-22-2020-school-committee-meeting-packet 

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/franklin-ma-school-committee-meeting.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 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"

FM #422-324 School Committee Meeting - In two parts - 12/22/20 (audio)

The ECDC December Newsletter is now posted

The ECDC December Newsletter is now posted!
You can view it here: https://t.co/30K2YTYarx

@FranklinPSNews @FranklinMatters @TOFranklinMA @FrkPublicLib @MassEarlyEdCare @MASchoolsK12
https://twitter.com/FranklinECDC/status/1341407351602089984?s=03

The ECDC December Newsletter is now posted

Franklin Public Schools, MA: Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) accepting applications for 2021-2022

Our Early Childhood Development Center, ECDC, is now accepting applications for the 2021-2022 school year! Please see the attached brochure to learn more about our high-quality preschool learning environment! #Preschool #earlychildhood #FantasticFPS

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/VJMB7708kg

Brochure link => https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/ecdc_brochure_2021-2022_2.pdf

 

Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) accepting applications for 2021-2022

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Sep 8, 2020

Agenda

“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.”

• 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. ECDC Reopening Plan -- Ms. Kelty Kelley and Ms. Paula Marano

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. Policy - 2nd Reading/Adoption
I recommend adoption of the following policies as discussed:

• EBC (SUPPLEMENTAL) - Creation Of A General (Interim) Policy On Covid-related Issues
• EBCFA - Masks/Face Coverings (New)
• COVID Policy Addendums

B. School Handbooks and Covid Addendums
I recommend approval of the School Handbooks with the Covid Addendums as discussed.

IV. Discussion Only Items
A. Annual Report Draft
B. Budget Update   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/budget_update_for_school_committee_9_2_2020.pdf

V. Information Matters
A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Ad Hoc Supt. Evaluation, Ad Hoc Facilities Analysis, 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)

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

VII. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from the August 25, 2020 School Committee meeting as detailed.

VIII. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

IX. Payroll Ms. D’Angelo

X. Executive Session

Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3), move to go into Executive Session to discuss strategy with respect to potential litigation as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the School Committee and the chair so declares, and not to reconvene in an Open Session.

XI. Adjournment 

The agenda doc contains the connection information

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/sc-agenda-9-8-20

The meeting packet folder is on the Town of Franklin page

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/september-8-2020-school-committee-meeting-packet 

sign at Davis Thayer elementary school

Franklin ECDC New Student Open House! - Jan 17

Are you looking for a preschool program for your child?

Do you live in Franklin?

Is your child going to be 3 by August 31st and not yet eligible for kindergarten in the fall of 2020?

Parents and children are invited to join us at F.X. O’Regan Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) for a tour of the school, to meet our teaching team and learn about our wonderful preschool program!

If you are unable to attend the OPEN HOUSE, you can contact Laura Flanagan to schedule a tour: Email: flanaganla@franklinps.net Phone: 508-541-8166

Tours are held at 8:30 AM and 3:30 PM to preserve the confidentiality and safety of our current students.

Applications for the 20-21 school year are available on the ECDC Website (https://www.franklinps.net/ecdc) or directly at
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GjbC7NiV9SxSIHf3EDZbQB_LkAeNlH3o/view


Applications can also be picked up at the Franklin Superintendent’s office and at ECDC.

Download a copy of the Open House flyer
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/ecdc_open_house_jan_2020_0.pdf

 

Franklin ECDC New Student Open House! - Jan 17

ECDC Registration for Fall 2020

ECDC Registration for Fall 2020

Registration is open for our ECDC Preschool program for Fall 2020! Please find an information sheet and application 
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/2020-21_new_student_application_0.pdf

An Open House is scheduled for Friday, January 17 from 9 AM - 11 AM. Come see what our wonderful Preschool program is all about!

Visit the ECDC Website for more information
https://www.franklinps.net/ecdc

ECDC Registration for Fall 2020

Save The Dates - Kindergarten Registration & Leaping into Kindergarten Assembly

Save The Dates - Kindergarten Registration and Leaping into Kindergarten Assembly

** Kindergarten Registration Class of 2033

• February 11, 2020 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM 
• February 12, 2020 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM 

Where: Municipal Building 3rd Floor Training Room


** Leaping into Kindergarten Assembly

• March 17, 2020 7 – 8:00 PM 

Where: Horace Mann Middle School Auditorium


Download your copy of the flyer:
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/save_the_dates_2020_1.pdf

Save The Dates - Kindergarten Registration & Leaping into Kindergarten Assembly

 

Live Reporting: ECDC Developmental Summary and Discussion / Action Items

II. Guests/Presentations
A. Recognitions

Cindy Douglas - 5 terms on SchComm, 36 years teaching (and 2 in Brockton)

Diane Feeley - 2 years of service, budget subcommittee, community relations, school wellness, transportation, also ad-hoc on the Superintendent evaluation

Dr Monica Linden -  2 years, policy subcommittee, rep on the School Start Time Advisory Committee,  also ad-hoc on the Superintendent evaluation

Denise Schultz - 2 terms, vice char for past term; advocate at State level and MASC, policy committee, newsletter coordinator as part of the community relations, also instrumental in the Legislative Forums the last two years

Gigi Zub - 2 years, community relations subcommittee, expanded presence of SchComm around town at events

Dr Linden award as announced here earlier this week
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/10/dr-linden-receives-faculty-for.html

Dr Bergen comments on the honor it has been to work with all the SchComm members, and others within the district. We are bound by open meeting laws and engage in formal public discussions accordingly. As volunteers, it is never about the paycheck but paying it forward, giving it back. 

Scofield commenting as well, "do we agree all the time, absolutely not, but we agree to disagree and get on with it."

Zub - it wasn't easy to add to the family schedule, they did understand it and made the family work. They all wished to be here tonight, and schedules just wouldn't permit it. I feel blessed to be part of the all female School Committee. I would also like to  thank the public administrative staff. I am so proud of the work that you do.

Glenn Jones, Town Councilor, thanking the committee members for their service, it does mean a lot, id does not get forgotten. The Administration makes us look so good

B. ECDC Developmental Summary

Kelty Kelly, principal of ECDC

thanks to all of you for your commitment and openness, we have had some challenges and to share and be heard meant a lot.

it is a developmental summary, not a report card. The children are 3, 4 and 5. It touches on some subjects as well as social emotional learning as well as socio-motor skills

we are looking to go forward with this, understanding that this is a work in process, assessing after each trimester.

this will go out with a letter to the families, and how to use it. 

The Developmental Summary
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/_preschool_developmental_summary_final_10-18-19.pdf


III. Discussion/Action Items
A. ECDC Developmental Summary
I recommend approval of the ECDC Developmental Summary as presented.

motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

B. Superintendent’s Evaluation – Goals
The Chair recommends approval of the Superintendent’s Goals as detailed.
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/discussion_actionb_-_supt_eval_goals.pdf

motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

C. MASC Delegate
I recommend the committee appoint Anne Bergen as its MASC Delegate at the November MASS/MASC Joint Conference.

motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

D. MASC Resolutions
I recommend approval of the following MASC Resolutions as detailed:

Resolution 1: Banning Polystyrene from Schools
Franklin uses plant based trays, hence not applicable

motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

Resolution 2: Pertaining to Educator Diversity and Professional Licensure

motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

Resolution 3: School Transportation

motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

Resolution 4: Climate Change

motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

Resolution 5: Full Funding of Transportation Costs for Students in Foster Care and State Care

motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

Resolution 6: Universal Quality Pre-Kindergarten Access in Massachusetts

motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

Resolution 7: Poverty and Children

motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

Resolution 8: Resolution for Access to Menstrual Supplies

motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

Resolution 9: Charter School Reform

motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

E. Policy First Readings
I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading as discussed:

• a) KF – Community Use of School Facilities
• b) KF – E1 – Rules and Regulations
• c) KF – E2 – FHS Building Use
• d) KF – E4 – FHS Fee Schedule

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/discussion_actione_-_policy_0.pdf

mostly clarifications to language, gender neutral, liability insurance, half vs. full day use, penalty schedule for non-payment

School Committee Recap: School Budget proposal approved, yet funding insufficient

The School Committee meeting was a long one as the ECDC, and elementary schools walked through updates on their School Improvement Plans (SIP). The District Improvement Plan goals 2 and 3 also received an update from the Central office. Lots of progress and accomplishments under challenging circumstances.

Then the Discussion / Action Item section rolled along and the committee voted to approve the expense budget and salary budget in separate votes for FY 2020. Only a few changes from what had been reviewed and had evolved over the several weeks leading up to Tuesday.

Then Superintendent Ahern revealed that the budget as approved was likely about $2.6M over what the Town can fund. The Town Council meeting the following night (Wednesday, March 13) would begin the overall Town budget discussion and how to address the shortfall.

Stay tuned for the on going budget discussion. What we want for our children and the Town of Franklin depends upon what info is forthcoming and how it is received. 

Participate in the Budget hearings or at least tune into the meetings. Worse case, follow the updates here and don't be shy in asking good questions.



The Superintendent's Report:

Superintendent's Report to School Committee - March 12, 2019 from Franklin Matters

Kelly Kelty, Principal of ECDC presented a mid-year update on the School Improvement Plan (SIP)

2018-19 ECDC SIP Update - March 12, 2019 from Franklin Matters

Principals/Vice-principals presented a joint update on the Elementary SIP

Elementary SIP Mid-year Update - March 12, 2019 from Franklin Matters

The Central Office (Superintendent Sara Ahern, Asst Supt Lucas Giguere, Dr Joyce Edwards, and Paula Marano) presented the joint update on the District Improvement Plan (DIP)

DIP - Goals 2 and 3 - School Committee 3/12/19 from Franklin Matters

My notes are reported live during the meeting can be found in the links below

• Live reporting: Information Matters to Closing (Ex...
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/live-reporting-information-matters-to.html
• Live reporting: Discussion/Action Items
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/live-reporting-discussionaction-items.html
• Live reporting: District Improvement Plan Update
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/live-reporting-district-improvement.html
• Live reporting: School Committee - March 12, 2019
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/live-reporting-school-committee-march.html

School committee meeting March 12, 2019