School Committee meeting Jan 25, 2023 video replay available (video)

The Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, Jan 25, 2023. They reviewed the FHS program of studies, approved a new community into the Accept Collaborative, and entered executive session to close the session. 

The Franklin TV video of the meeting is available for replay on YouTube ->  https://youtu.be/6f53S5iyXpU

The meeting audio recording will be available in a day or so. My notes from the meeting can be found in one PDF file ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pWMoZmkmt2nkhBczlP0QYMBbBVPrew5d/view?usp=share_link

FHS Principal Josh Hanna

FHS Orchestra performs at Mechanics Hall

Via Twitter from Principal Hanna (4/10/22): 

"Congrats to @MrsRudsitMusic @FranklinHSOrch on being honored @MechanicsHall today.  

Performances were top notch! "

Congrats to @MrsRudsitMusic @FranklinHSOrch on being honored @MechanicsHall today

FHS Program of Studies for the 2022-2023 School Year

The document scheduled for presentation and discussion at the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting Jan 25, 2022.

Direct link to presentation doc ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/fhs_program_of_studies_2022_-_2023presentation.pdf

Full agenda doc for School Committee meeting ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_1-25-22.pdf

 

FHS Program of Studies 2022-2023 School Year from Franklin Matters

FHS Program of Studies for the 2022-2023 School Year

FHS masking policy reverts to "Required" as of Dec 17th as positivity rate jumps past 4%

December 15, 2021

Dear FHS Community,

We have an update regarding our positivity rate within the Franklin community.  We learned, through a conversation with the Franklin Health Department today, that our 14-day % positivity rate is 4.24% and we anticipate that this value is going to be reported in the MA DPH COVID dashboard tomorrow evening.  

As an adjustment we will be encouraging all vaccinated students and staff to wear masks tomorrow Thursday, December 16th. As you know, unvaccinated students and staff are required to wear masks. 

We will be returning to the school committee’s policy mandate that all students and staff wear masks beginning Friday, December 17th, regardless of vaccination status.  

This mandate will be in place as long as our 14-day % positivity rate is above 4%.  I can appreciate the varied responses to this message and would like to welcome anyone with any questions to email me directly.
 
Sincerely,
Joshua Hanna, Principal 

FHS masking policy reverts to "Required" as of Dec 17th as positivity rate jumps past 4%

Recap: School Committee hears update on MCAS results; votes to implement optional mask for vaccinated students; votes on MOU for FEA

Quick Recap:

• MCAS performance declined during the pandemic, work ongoing to meet students where they are and bring them to the level appropriate for them
• Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion job description approved. The position will be posted and anticipated to be hired for approx. March 2021 or July 2021 depending upon potential candidate and timing
• Optional mask for FHS vaccinated students/faculty approval received from DESE (one of 11 districts thus far), plan for implementation approved by 4-3 vote; most voting against seemed to be looking to delay start until Jan 2022
• Open Meeting Complaint acknowledged but no action required. Complainer alleged violation but meeting had been gaveled to a break and then returned to open meeting after the disturbance was resolved (my twitter notes acknowledged such a comment from a Zoom participant during the meeting in question)
• Entered Executive Session and returned to ratify the memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Franklin Education Association (FEA) by 7-0 roll call vote and close the meeting

 
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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter while I attended the meeting in the Council Chambers. 
 
The Twitter hashtag #schcom1123 can be found online The thread begins with  

 https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1463296814686294016

Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one album ->

https://photos.app.goo.gl/H3Hjwh8VK1tmddqR9

 

• Meeting packet folder ->  https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/november-23-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet…  Meeting agenda doc ->  https://franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_11-23-21.pdf…   #schcom1123

Superintendent's report

• no citizen comments this evening, next to Supt report, Mamma Mia was well done! kudos to the cast, crew, etc.  #schcom1123;  Congrats to fall athletic teams; football Thanksgiving vs. KP; robotics did well at WPI in soccer championship there
• parent teacher conf happened recently; more in person at elem, more remote at middle, even more at FHS; 2nd round for elementary in March; acknowledge Critical Conversations event last Thursday - thanks to those participating #schcom1123
• slides and resources to be shared soon, will share once available - #schcom1123 approx. 80 between online and in person. role of student representatives - per state law, ex officio and no voting; generally FHS students are student class officers
• lucky to have the SAFE resource here in the community; #schcom1123 DESE offering some funding via grant for hate crime work, apps due 12/8

MCAS presentation

• next up, MCAS presentation - doc shared earlier, putting it in context as this is not a 'normal' report  https://drive.google.com/file/d/19XOmQtVz2_MPrymgtUgQkIclhH3xgqMy/view?usp=sharing…  #schcom1123
• internet apparently went out, still live via Franklin TV - should be back soon; meeting continues #schcom1123
• student growth metric (SGP) is a concern; esp. in Gr 10 math where Franklin was lower than State (altho DESE says difference is insignificant) #schcom1123
• "recording in progress" announcement says the system is back #schcom1123 areas of strength slide high participation rate (i.e. 95 to 100%) vs about 90% at state
• areas for growth slide - achievement gaps being addressed, esp across all the high needs students #schcom1123 Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) an assessment system being used to help drive approach to meet needs of students
• NWEA assessment tool piloted last spring, implemented in the fall for grades K-8  #schcom1123 working to ensure educators have the same base of understanding on the assessments and resources, tools
• round of #schcom1123 member questions, comments; interested to see next years results - while participation was high, it was a decline from prior years; MAP = measurement of academic progress, learning math remotely was difficult, lack of manipulatives, etc.
• Dr. Tina Rogers and Dr. Linda Ashley - first time before committee in roles created after Dr Edwards retired; the positions were budget neutral; Stokes acknowledging their working together as apparently evident in this presentation and collaboration #schcom1123
• can you further expand on 'scaffolding'? gradual approach to support during the learning process at each grade level with the curriculum #schcom1123 just in time, providing support so they don't get stuck

Discussion/Action items

• moving to Discussion/Action items - A. Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Job Description - "I recommend approval of the new position of Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion as discussed.  https://franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_new_position_dei.pdf… #schcom1123
• job description approval allows for start of search, possible start for Mar 2022 altho may not be able to fulfill until Jul depending upon field, requirements, and candidate commitments #schcom1123
• some of the work of the individual would be addressing individual equity actions, or policy changes within district, or perhaps recommendations for #schcom1123 action; restorative process is already in place and developing, would assist with this as well
• motion and seconded, after discussion vote -> 7- 0 for  #schcom1123
• next up mask proposal for FHS, numbers verified by vaccination records; #schcom1123 FHS has 35% of the district population, had 10 cases year to date; not socially distanced in some cases, nor masked in others; unvaccinated students are still req'd to wear masks
• there are methods and stats to go back to masks if req'd #schcom1123 1 - attestation from parent/guardian, 2 - child is permitted to remove, 3 - permission granted to share info with faculty/staff; mask wearing does not indicate vaccine status; compliance through …
• progressive approach; in Hopkinton, about 40% still work masks in their implementation period; #schcom1123
• B. Proposal for Optional Mask Wearing by Vaccinated Students/Staff at FHS related to Policy EBCFA Face Coverings I recommend approval of the proposal for optional mask wearing by vaccinated students/staff at FHS as discussed.   https://franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_mask_proposal.pdf…  #schcom1123
• no plans currently for pool testing; only 26% participated last time; not enough to be effective for the work required to process; #schcom1123 positivity reported on Thur evening, could turn a pause on by Monday; Mr Hanna provides input on FHS 'feeling' …
• comfortable with option based upon choice; Supt - mask compliance has wanned during the year; hard to enforce when it is so spread; #schcom1123 need to take care and be kind across the board
• on compliance for those needing masks for those non-vaccinated; varies by case, starts with conversation; in a private setting; in rare case when the convo and call home didn't resolve, then escalation needed #schcom1123
• there has been an uptick but not yet seen at FHS, #schcom1123 could consider postponing start until Jan 22 to get by holidays
• only 11 districts with this type of waiver, comms among the 11 on what to do how to, etc. underway, Hopkinton was first and they have provided info; #schcom1123 DESE doesn't yet include boosters as part of the calc; may come on later (due to timing)
• boosters only or 18+, hence not much part of the FHS students population; CDC hasn't changed definition of vaccinated yet either #schcom1123 data would be input into the system, and appear in faculty student lists and info
• expressing concern on teachers taking on the added burden of mask enforcement; would be more comfortable with this after the holiday; students are traveling everywhere; #schcom1123
• suggestion that trial period and policy start could get postponed if uptick continues; another leaning toward postponing to Jan 22; Hanna jumps into to advocate no pause on behalf of the students #schcom1123 we'll do what is asked of us
• it could set us up in a confusing place; when there are too many changes, it is harder to keep the moment going #schcom1123 via roll call passes 4-3 (Bernstein, Charles, Whitmore voted no; Callaghan, McNeill, Spencer and Stokes voted yes)

Open Meeting Law Complaint Response

• moving to discussion only items: Open Meeting Law Complaint Response - Ms. Denise Spencer - there is no transcript due to break in the meeting; hence no further action needed or required, copy sent to complainer, and to Attny General #schcom1123

new business

• new business - workshop on finances; lifelong learning update; #schcom1123 

Consent agenda

• Consent agenda - I recommend approval (see listing) https://franklinmatters.org/2021/11/franklin-ma-school-committee-meeting_01900743034.html…  motion, seconded, motion amended to remove transfers from the action - approved 7-0

Executive Session and return to open

• motion to enter executive session, and to return in Open Session.  approved 7-0  #schcom1123
• meeting re-opens at 9:56 PM - motion and second to ratify the memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Franklin Education Association (FEA); passed via roll call vote 7-0. No details on memo provided. Motion to adjourn, seconded, passed via roll call 7-0

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

Recap: School Committee hears update on MCAS results; votes to implement optional mask for vaccinated students; votes on MOU for FEA

Memo to FHS Community: Upcoming FHS State Tournament Varsity Athletic Contests

Dear Franklin Families,

We are writing to inform you of concerns due to recent fan behaviors during our varsity games. In recent weeks, there have been several instances of students exhibiting unruly, inappropriate, disrespectful, unsafe, and unsportsmanlike behavior during games. This includes behavior among middle and elementary students. This behavior is unacceptable. Disrespectful fans will be asked to leave the event. Fans are also not allowed to exit and re-enter the event.

We have noticed that many younger students are attending games unaccompanied by an adult. Dropping children off at games unattended poses significant safety concerns.

Effective immediately, all non-Franklin High School students, including Franklin middle school and elementary school students, must be accompanied and supervised by an adult throughout the duration of all varsity games. Unaccompanied children will need to be picked up by their parents / guardian.

At Franklin High, we pride ourselves on demonstrating sportsmanship and integrity on the field/court, and it is expected that our fans exhibit the same behavior off the field/court (see FHS Spectator Code of Conduct).

Fan cheering and team support are welcomed parts of sporting events and can directly impact our athletes. Appropriate cheering, done in good taste, can contribute to a positive game environment. Inappropriate cheering, or excessive jeering, has an adverse effect on the players, the game, other fans, and does not represent our school or community values. We have all been enjoying cheering on our outstanding teams this season and wish for their continued success.

We ask that parents/guardians talk to their children about their behavior during sporting events, and we are hopeful that this issue will subside with this new rule in place. We appreciate your cooperation.

Thank you,

Joshua Hanna, 

Principal Franklin High School 

Sara Ahern, 

Superintendent of Schools

Important: 
Purchase your tickets to the Franklin MIAA tournament games using the GOFAN app below.

• Ticket Purchasing Process -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkZqTY5d6Bg
• GOFAN Ticket Website -> https://gofan.co/app/school/MA14576

Memo to FHS Community: Upcoming FHS State Tournament Varsity Athletic Contests

PDF Copy of this memo can be found online ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/news/upcoming_fhs_state_tournament_varsity_athletic_contests.pdf

FHS Message from Principal Hanna to Students, Faculty, and Parents: Oct 29, 2021 (video)

Video message from Principal Hanna to Students, Faculty and Parents: October 29, 2021.  Direct link to video - https://youtu.be/rcJDyTdevag

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FHS PCC - Letter from Mr. Hanna - FHS Response To Hate Speech Graffiti

09/28/21

Dear Franklin High School Community,

I am deeply saddened to inform you that last week, graffiti saying “I Hate Gay People” and additional insensitive images were found scrawled into an exterior door on the East side of our building.  The graffiti was promptly removed and an investigation was immediately initiated.  Throughout the week we followed leads.  Through an exhaustive search, we were able to identify these individuals who are being held accountable.  I believe it is important to note that this was not done by an FHS student.  We will take appropriate steps to remedy the negative impact of these acts on the school community and restore a sense of safety and support for all.  

The fact that this graffiti was found at Franklin High School is far beyond disappointing.  It is extremely troubling and highly inconsistent with the inclusive culture we are committed to creating at Franklin High School.   Franklin High School is no place for hate.   I pledge to you continued vigilance in promoting and supporting a positive, hate-free, and safe school environment.  Last week, I presented the Franklin High School school improvement goals at the FPS school committee meeting and shared our plans to thoughtfully incorporate areas of diversity and inclusion into our daily lesson plans and long term unit designs.  

In response to this incident, we have reached out to SAGA (Sexuality and Gender Awareness Club), the Diversity Awareness Club, and the World of Difference Peer Leaders, to offer support and invite them to join us in raising awareness and provide opportunities for critical conversations and healing among students. Counselors are available to talk to any individual student wishing for support in the current moment.

Lastly, I’d like to thank the reporters who brought this to our attention.  It takes courage to call out acts of hate and it is a critical part of our growth as a truly safe and inclusive community.   As we move forward from this incident, please know that we are deeply committed to the goals that all students are safe and that all students develop empathy and respect for others. 

Respectfully,

Joshua Hanna

https://t.co/h0M1oZ5cPA - Letter from Mr. Hanna

(https://twitter.com/FHS_PCC/status/1442970624129998848?s=03)

FHS PCC - Letter from Mr. Hanna - FHS Response To Hate Speech Graffiti

Recap - School Committee meeting - FHS highlights; school choice vote, acceptable use policy moved to 2nd reading

Quick Recap:

• Student enrollment is a driver for budget. Student Opportunity Act (SOA) is not a major help for Franklin's budget. Franklin will see no major additional funding (we already get more than the formula would permit). Franklin will see some transportation and circuit breaker funds to help with those expenses. The structural deficit will not be addressed by the to be developed facility 'master plan' which may include redistricting. SOA will force the Town portion of school budget funding to increase each year. This will remain an issue for the school budget (and Town) until addressed
  
• Town Council budget hearings scheduled for May 26 and 27 to approve FY 2022 budget. 
• FHS Principal Josh Hanna provided an overview of the high school experience this year and updates on the year end including graduation plans
• Acceptable use police moved to second reading. Approval for a FHS revolving fund account granted. School choice will not be allowed for next year (this continues the practice in place for many years)  

 

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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session

 

The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #schcom0511

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23schcom0511&src=typeahead_click

 

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album https://photos.app.goo.gl/kTniogjYeVm64P516

The agenda doc for this meeting can be found
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_5-11-21_1.pdf

• Real time reporting underway for the School Committee meeting tonight. 2 members currently missing (Keenan, D'Angelo) with 5 present #schcom0511
• Agenda doc and connection info #schcom0511 https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_5-11-21_1.pdf
• If you want any Davis Thayer clothing, t-shirts etc. Store closes Friday, May 14 #schcom0511

Superintendent's report

• Superintendent's report update, FinCom heard the budget last week. Student enrollment is a driver for budget, student opportunity act and impacts on the budget (no major additional funding for Franklin) will see some transportation and circuit breaker funds, #schcom0511 ->
• Town portion of school budget funding to increase each year... Interview team filtered to select 2 candidates for further evaluation and meetings... Project 351 selection a student from Annie Sullivan; Noah (name added later) links for project in report Weds. #schcom0511
• National school nurse day, Wednesday (D'Angelo present) at this round of roll call for comments, questions #schcom0511 FHS presentation by Principal Josh Hanna copy to follow along -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/fhs_highlights_2021_-_2022.pdf

FHS presentation 

• Tremendous challenges this year #schcom0511
• Day 1; and a day in Nov 2020 #schcom0511
• Student photo won award for clinic at the gym. #schcom0511 student concert via Zoom
• Good sunrises from FHS (yes, I concur) #schcom0511 full classrooms, lunch outside, space is a premium for this large school population, celebration includes remote students
• Somewhat more normal as the graduation period approaches #schcom0511 outdoor graduation things may still change as it approaches and adjustments can be made
• 10th grade MCAS started today, 11th grade can opt in after school ends in June #schcom0511
• Keenan present (in this round of Q&A) for FHS Hanna #schcom0511 no xfer of tickets as that would violate the 'pod' concept and requirements. Assigned seats at the pods, guests per family with students.
• #schcom0511 thanks from Committee for Josh as he stepped in to the role amidst the pandemic Next to discussion/action items - 3 acceptable use policy items for review and approval https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_policy_5.pdf

Discussion/action items 

• One policy and two grade specific pages. Motion to move to second reading, seconded, passes via roll call; 7-0 #schcom0511 annual vote on school choice required, not recommended at this time, motion to approve, seconded passes 7-0 via roll call https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_school_choice_vote.pdf
• Update possible that the prior two votes were 6-0-1 (D'Angelo appears to have left) wasn't mentioned clearly in roll call #schcom0511 Establish a revolving account, motion, second, https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_c_-_summer_revolving_account.pdf passes 6-0-1 (D'Angelo not present)
• https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/reopening_schools_status_update_may_7_2020-2021.pdf Reopening status, zero in quarantine, pool testing flat in participation, #schcom0511 key now end of year assessments and preparing for next year and remediation possible in summer

Info matters

• Info matters, no meetings scheduled school budget hearing May 26 at town Council Community relations met today, (thanks to me for my advice during meeting earlier) #schcom0511 Community forum schedule being worked ( possible 5/24?) On substance abuse, info coming
• FEF donations looked for via mail or online http://www.Franklined.org #schcom0511 coming up, recognition of retirees Consent agenda recommend approval, seconded, passes 6-0-1 (D'Angelo not present)
• Motion to enter executive session, not to return to open meeting #schcom0511 moved, seconded, passes 6-0-1 (D'Angelo not present) That's all for tonight (yes, an early one for a change!) Catch you next time!

Audio of meeting to be available in a couple of days 

 

Recap - School Committee meeting - FHS highlights

Pantherbook: "Race Relations at FHS"

 

"Diversity– “The practice or quality of including or involving people from a range of different social and ethnic backgrounds and of different genders, sexual orientations, etc” is what comes up when searched on google. But what does this really mean?

To myself and many others, diversity is being inclusive to all and not just the ones we look like; it is standing up for someone even if you don’t know them. It is being a kind human- when you see people being judged based on the color of their skin and you stand up for them. We all deserve equal kindness and respect.

In order to deep dive into race relations at Franklin High School, I interviewed Mr. Hanna and have included his thoughts."

Continue reading the article at Pantherbook

https://franklinpanthers.us/uncategorized/2021/03/12/race-relations-at-fhs/

 

Pantherbook: "Race Relations at FHS"

Pantherbook: "COVID-19’s Impact on FHS Faculty"

 

"COVID-19 has brought many schools new challenges and experiences which they have not faced before. Franklin High School principal, Joshua Hanna, says he is impressed with the students, parents, and facility’s hard work and positive attitude which he believes will allow us to get back to an in-person learning model.

Challenges

When asked what major impact did Covid-19 have on FHS staff, Mr. Hanna responded, “becoming crisis responsive regarding new regulations that have never been implemented before.” Schools were shut down almost a year ago and since then, a myriad of new regulations and safety precautions have been issued. As a result, teachers had to get quickly accustomed to educating students in socially distant classrooms or virtual google meets."

Continue reading the article online at Pantherbook
https://franklinpanthers.us/news/2021/02/25/covid-19s-impact-on-fhs-faculty/ 

Pantherbook: "COVID-19’s Impact on FHS Faculty" (image by Amulya Chirravuri, Writer)