Franklin Food Pantry looking for two parents to help coordinate the Food Elves Campaign

The Franklin Food Pantry is recruiting for two volunteer District Parents for Food Elves in the Oak and Jefferson elementary school districts this year. The Food Elves Campaign is The Franklin Food Pantry’s largest fundraiser of the year! 

In 2022, The Elves raised over $93,000! 

Food Elves are middle and high school students in the Franklin community organized by, and working with, District Parents.

Food Elves Campaign

Between December 1 and December 12, Food Elves pass out The Pantry’s signature purple envelopes and flyers to houses in their elementary school districts and set up their online pages to raise funds for The Pantry. 

Food Elves are assigned to District Parents who help guide them through the process. District Parents are typically assigned 20 -30 students (depending on the district).

The District Parents play a very important role in the campaign! Six district parents correspond to the previous six school districts that our current middle and high school students attended: 

• Jefferson Elementary School (recruiting)

• Parmenter Elementary School

• Oak Street Elementary School (recruiting)

• Hellen Keller Elementary School

• John F. Kennedy Elementary School

• Davis Thayer Elementary School (now closed but students who attended still canvas in the Davis Thayer district)

What Does a District Parent do?

• You are the direct contact for the Elves who sign up in your district. 

• You assign streets to the Elves (The Pantry will provide street maps corresponding to elementary school districts).

• Elves indicate their Elementary Schools when they sign up.

• You help the Elves organize kick-off activities in the neighborhood.... 

o Distribute lawn signs

o Oversee envelope and flyer distribution

o Help them to say thank you

• You sign off on community service hours (The Pantry will provide you with forms)

• In-person Elves get 12 hours

• Online Only Elves get 10 hours

• You collect and deliver checks to The Pantry.

Elves can also choose to fund raise online only – you will not have any responsibilities to these Elves!

The Pantry will provide a staff contact to help District Parents. 

Time commitment: November 1 – December 15 

● 1 hour meeting with Pantry and other District Parents for kickoff

● Meet with Food Elves to assign streets (in person at your home), give out lawn signs and envelopes

● Answer Food Elf questions via email

● Collect envelopes from Food Elves

● Return envelopes to The Pantry 

If interested in participating for the Oak or Jefferson district, please contact Jen Johnson at the Food Pantry. Her email is jjohnson@franklinfoodpantry.org

School Committee agonizes over budget cuts, hears an update from Oak St and about the middle school school civics program (audio)

FM #1012 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1012 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares part of the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, June 13, 2023.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: all of the School Committee members, school district personnel along with some of the public were in the Council Chambers. Some members of the public participated via conference bridge.

Brief recap:

• Moment of silence to recognize the tragic passing of an FHS graduating senior

• During the Superintendent's Report, 2 highlights were shared. (1) a quick overview of the Spanish trip during Spring break. (2) recognition of three FHS outdoor track athletes for their accomplishments at the Meet of Champions

• Recognition of Michelle Kingsland Smith retiring for the 2nd time this year with 50 years of education experience. Recognition of Miriam Goodman's retirement as Business Administrator

• Middle school civics program provided an update on the process across the three schools and a student presentation from Horace Mann.

• The Oak St Elementary team provided and interactive question and answer update on the happenings and progress within the school this year

• The additional funds from the Town saves some positions but there are still 26.7 positions removed from the budget, 16 of which were enrollment related. The Committee agonized over the cuts, appreciating the effort and thought that went into trying to minimize the impacts of these. One member said as hard as it is this year, we'll look back to this budget next year as a good one. And that is not something to look forward to

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. The link to my notes taken during the meeting is also provided.

Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting June 13, 2023

 

Timing on the recording when each segment Starts

• Spain trip - approx. 12 minutes

• Girls Outdoor Track - approx. 20 minutes

• Michelle Kingsland Smith - approx. 29 minutes

• Middle School Civics - approx. 42 minutes

• Oak St Update - approx. 73 minutes

• Discussion Action Items (budget) - approx. 1 hour 56 minutes

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1012-franklin-ma-school-committee-mtg-06-13-23

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

Meeting packet folder ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/june-13-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet

Meeting agenda doc (includes remote participation info) ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_6-13-23.pdf

My notes captured during the meeting (in one PDF file)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q2Uwk3QIX9rejAPGl2offT65fqVLCOYf/view?usp=drive_link 

Franklin TV Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/live/EVNd_SfjvbY?feature=share

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

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"

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Agenda for June 13, 2023

School Committee agonizes over budget cuts, hears an update from Oak St and about the middle school school civics program (video)

The Franklin School Committee met on Tuesday, June 13 for their penultimate session for this school year. The Franklin TV video recording is available for replay.

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/live/EVNd_SfjvbY?feature=share

Brief recap:

• Moment of silence to recognize the tragic passing of an FHS graduating senior
• During the Superintendent's Report, 2 highlights were shared. (1) a quick overview of the Spanish trip during Spring break. (2) recognition of three FHS outdoor track athletes for their accomplishments at the Meet of Champions
• Recognition of Michelle Kingsland Smith retiring for the 2nd time this year with 50 years of education experience. Recognition of Miriam Goodman's retirement as Business Administrator
• Middle school civics program provided an update on the process across the three schools and a student presentation from Horace Mann.
• The Oak St Elementary team provided and interactive question and answer update on the happenings and progress within the school this year
• The additional funds from the Town saves some positions but there are still 26.7 positions removed from the budget, 16 of which were enrollment related. The Committee agonized over the cuts, appreciating the effort and thought that went into trying to minimize the impacts of these. One member said as hard as it is this year, we'll look back to this budget next year as a good one. And that is not something to look forward to

Meeting packet folder ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/june-13-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet

Meeting agenda doc (includes remote participation info) ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_6-13-23.pdf

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Agenda for June 13, 2023

School Committee scheduled for update on middle school Civics Projects & vote on the adjusted FY 2024 school budget - June 13 - 7 PM

The Franklin School Committee is scheduled to meet Tuesday night for the next to last time this school year. There are some key items on the agenda for this last session:

II. Guests/Presentations

A. Civics Projects Presentation

B. Oak Street Elementary School Highlights

III. Discussion/Action Items

A.   Revised FY24 Budget Vote

I recommend approval of the revised FY24 Budget in the amount of   $71,989,431.00 as discussed.

B. Superintendent’s Evaluation

I recommend your approval of the Superintendent’s composite evaluation for the 2022-2023 school year as discussed.

C.   School Committee Norms & Protocols

The Chair recommends adoption of the amendments in the School Committee Norms & Protocols as discussed.

The full agenda doc and documents released for this session can be found in the meeting packet folder (most of the key documents are released After the meeting).

• Meeting packet folder ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/june-13-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet
• Meeting agenda doc (includes remote participation info) ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_6-13-23.pdf

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Agenda for June 13, 2023

The 5 Franklin elementary schools each launch a student voice podcast!

• Oak Street Voices

• Keller Talks

• Kennedy Voices

• Parmenter Voices

• Jefferson Talks

Little Free Library built by Girls Scouts

Jeffrey N. Roy (@jeffroy) tweeted Mon, Oct 25, 2021:

"Joined Girl Scouts from Troop 62394 who are spreading the gift of knowledge through the construction of a Little Free Library at the Oak Street and Horace Mann Schools complex (Charter #127996 in the https://t.co/4O5pueGqCA network). 

Amazing work and their second library in town! https://t.co/oovgX1V2fF"

https://twitter.com/jeffroy/status/1452587716684795908?t=zesqbgjXaiXe6A-rt2Z_Pg&s=03

Little Free Library built by Girls Scouts

Joined Girl Scouts from Troop 62394 who are spreading the gift of knowledge through the construction of a Little Free Library at the Oak Street and Horace Mann Schools complex (Charter #127996 in the https://t.co/4O5pueGqCA network). Amazing work and their second library in town! pic.twitter.com/oovgX1V2fF

— Jeffrey N. Roy (@jeffroy) October 25, 2021

School Committee - Jan 12, 2021 - Meeting Recap

Quick Recap:

• Excellent presentation and overview from Oak St on their in school learning. At least one parent said while that is rosy, the 'at home' situation is not so
• Superintendent Ahern updated on new pool testing option available, sessions to explain further scheduled, need to respond back to DESE if we'd use it. Need to get a good (?) number to participate to make it worth while 
• Recommends community #DoYourPart in following protocols esp. with long weekend, and Feb vacation breaks coming up
  
• K-1 survey results revealed and discussion, situation summarized as a "dilemma" with no clear path forward other than more study
• Student Opportunity Act (SOA) plan approved; a formality as there is no SOA money from the State, but DESE wants this, so be it
• School Committee voted 5-2 to suspend athletics if district goes fully remote due to increase in COVID cases (how much more red than the red we are was not provided to trigger this move)
• Hold the date for the next Legislative forum now scheduled for March 2

 

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via the Twitter thread can be found in one folder

https://photos.app.goo.gl/bkbJCUi4RhHQz3399

----

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  #schcom0112
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23schcom0112&src=typed_query

• I am ready for real time reporting of the School Committee meeting tonight at 7 PM #schcom0112 are you?
• #schcom0112 the packet folder with agenda and docs released for the meeting https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/january-12-2021-school-committee-packet
• Meeting opens, more than 70 participating via Zoom, another 9 on Live Stream, and xx? on the Verizon/Comcast cable channels #schcom0112
• Pool testing info received via email before meeting will be posted to FM page and shared after the meeting. Google doc link here https://drive.google.com/file/d/1s3EKa7HViWSOtO9J-SFwVGiK-_K91a46/view?usp=drivesdk #schcom0112

Citizen Comments/FHS Updates

• #schcom0112 ELL teacher traveling between Jeff/Kennedy shares during citizen comments. FHS student updates: yearbook superlatives shared, diversity club active esp after Capitol incident; AP government doing a fantasy game on media coverage
• Class of 2022 doing a flocking fund raiser, winter sports teams off to a good start. #schcom0112 

Superintendent's report 

• superintendent's report - appeal to Community "Do your part" ; rumors/videos of additional parties, can't tell if FHS participated or they are current. Pls follow safety guides!
• 2nd re: travel on weekends, re MA order, requires 72 hour window for testing upon return, or quarantine. If testing before, can't count that test upon return, you need another one. #schcom0112 weekend ahead, Feb vacation and April coming. Test 5 days after return
• Hearing of cases thru contact tracing (which is good) but there is a lag in processing, if positive test please contact schools directly so action can be taken quickly. #schcom0112 image on pool testing. Note: participation up over 140
• Explanation of pool testing process, cost of pool testing less than normal, first 6 wks covered by DESE then local funds would be applied however sourced #schcom0112 professional development day on Weds, hence half day for students.
• Asked Q on time for logistics of admin for the testing, would seem to come from instruction, is DESE considering that relative to their interest in time on learning? #schcom0112
• Item in report Dr Edwards is retiring at end of school year. Will be missed and plans underway to backfill. More recognition later this year as other retirement are acknowledged. #schcom0112

Oak St presentation

• Oak St highlights for tonight's presentation, principal and others contributing for update #schcom0112 presentation doc link here = https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/oak_street_presentation_school_committee_1.12.21_1.pdf
• Vice principal updating on SEL (2 avoid misspelling will add names later, they shd be recognized but I can't type that fast!) #schcom0112  (Added to this as promised: Principal: Brad Hendrixson; Donna Krikorian, Assistant Principal)
• #schcom0112 how to greet by name and express feelings/emotions with a mask. (Catching up on slides, Principal in this batch) finding ways to partner students with remote and in person fostering learning
• Sue Egan, REACH program at Oak (note Mrs Sherlock has subbed pre-COVID in this program) #schcom0112 appreciative if 10 days prep to put program together in COVID protocol to help the students, they came 4 days a week (only ones in building at that time)
• Jenna Perro, first grade teacher, tells of take home bags put together on Weds (during prep time) for students to take home #schcom0112
• Katherine Nayler, 4th grade teacher, speaks also of the value of the planning time on Weds as critical to what happens elsewhere in the instruction #schcom0112 developing a growth mindset, relationship building, in person and across cohorts
• Google meet open during day so students remote can reach teacher, teachers are juggling between in person and remote. #schcom0112 one math game went well, so we'll students asked to play it again. Closing meeting includes a shout out from students, "they check on us a lot"

Discussion/action items

• Moving to discussion action items, IF FHS needed to go remote, prepared action for vote if it were to occur, such that sports would not be interrupted by a delay in #schcom0112 vote https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_fhs_athletics_plan_if_remote.pdf
• This vote would actually be allowing to suspend sports if necessary. Could move in or out of model based upon prior vote. #schcom0112 Q what is the metric to make this decision? Metrics available to go other way, but since we are red now, how red do we need to be?
• Most cases are in family transmission, if found to be within school environment, that would be a criteria. #schcom0112 would be a pretty extreme circumstance for FHS. More risk now with rising #s, sports competition indoors (basketball, hockey, etc.) and higher risk
• Rather have it and not needed, than not have it and need it. #schcom0112 motion to approve plan as discussed, seconded, via roll call passes 5-2. Motion on SOA plan as discussed, seconded, passes 7-0 via roll call
• Next up, personnel update https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/personnel-update-0. #schcom0112 hiring issues as not a big available pool of candidates HR Director Lisa Traynor provides updates # of retirement increasing as it goes, hard to tell if normal or COVID specific
• If anyone looking for nursing position, there are openings and can be filled right away. #schcom0112 K-1 survey summary presentation https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/k-1-survey-summary we all have a common goal, caution not to put parties against each other

K-1 survey summary

• While dissatisfaction expressed with hybrid, there was recognition of great work being done by teachers. #schcom0112 detailed overview of survey results, work with other staff to get their feedback req'd, would also require negotiations with union. A dilemma ...
• With in person returning eventually, and the work needed to be done on that, I read between the lines not doing more on this K-1 scenario. Priority maybe getting ready for return in person with vaccine. #schcom0112 Q what more info needed? Process needs to be followed
• Distancing vs disruption is the challenge, discussion continues to be worked towards. #schcom0112 "I was hoping the results would be more clear but they are not" Issues with current hybrid can't be fully solved as is, never mind 'worsening' it with new scenarios
• Newsletter out today to help provide support for parents to help teachers on literacy, i.e independent reading practice. Also on math work and SEL single biggest request was for planning time, grade level development planned to share resources across the schools #schcom0112
• Responding to the planning time request is not going to be one and done, needs to be on going. #schcom0112 DESE just issued a webinar series for K-3 teachers. Have been cleared on learning time currently, i.e. meeting required hours.
• #schcom0112 Q are we going to see a clear plan on how to move forward? There will be work done, plans to come forward, pool testing, vaccine distribution expected, there is a lot going on. There is inequity in the buildings and inequity in service delivery in some scenarios
• rising case counts create added pressure, an increase in VLA would require additional hiring (which is already a problem) #schcom0112 suggestion, could use the data points collected this far to bring in those students 'behind' to benefit a 4 day in person?

Reopening status

• Moving to reopening status https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/reopening-status-update-1721 #schcom0112 additional staff in quarantine due to either student cases or family members. 41 of the 128 had been in buildings in prior 7 days DESE #s will differ
• MCAS testing changes this spring, staffing concerns covered earlier, FHS complex nearing completion on AC upgrade/purifiers, vaccine process starts for first responders on the 13th and 20th at the high school gym. #schcom0112 opening for public comment limited for 3 mins

Public comments

• Donna Grady, K teacher and president of teachers union. I understand the frustration around not getting an answer. We are forgetting we are in the middle of a pandemic, even in school it is not normal, #s are down now because of hybrid. When they go, they will spread #schcom0112
• "Educators do not do this to be first responders" #schcom0112 what is the overall goal? Bring back K-1, bring back all? Let's decide so it helps our discussion. Not clear on what info we need, what is it that is good for Franklin? Parmenter closed Monday, and now 4 rest of week
• "we can't help our high needs students" #schcom0112 "we are doing our best" students are making progress, same as normal time, probably not. "Logistically it is a nightmare" "while I appreciate the rosy picture of Oak St, the at home experience is not so rosy"
• "If we need to find additional planning time, don't take it from synchronous teaching time" #schcom0112 "a silver lining is that the school Committee meeting is virtual so I can participate" please continue. "Don't give up on finding a solution"
• #schcom0112 "not comfortable about the shorter distances" multigenerational families "would rather have all stay alive and stay healthy" so we can be together again "there is a way to do this without being in 5 days a week"
• #schcom0112 speak to the real effect on the staff. DESE as of Jan 6, 35/100k. 253/75k. A factor of ten more teachers with COVID per DESE #s in comparison to Franklin #s, " the numbers support their concerns" Budget Subcommittee 1/14, Community relations met last week

Information updates/closing

• Legislative forum scheduled for March 2, will be virtual. Policy meeting next on 1/21. DT Subcommittee meeting 1/14 #schcom0112 why review of the agenda before the meeting? To review or change the order or take something off
• New business, update on FHS, homework update, vote on next school year calendar. Consent agenda https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/january-12-2021-school-committee-packet #schcom0112 motion, seconded, passes 6-0 (1 left early)
• Motion to enter executive session, not to return to public meeting seconded, passes 6-0 via roll call. #schcom0112 That's all for tonight, catch you next time! 

 

School Committee - Jan 12, 2021 - Meeting Recap

@OakStElementary shares news on a $5K award from Staples for @mrs_perro

"Congratulations to Mrs. Perro! Thanks to our parent community she was a WINNER in the @StaplesStores #ThankATeacher campaign, and Oak Street was awarded $5,000 worth of Staples supplies.  

Thank Staples Thank you @AngelaKinsey and HUGE Thank you to @mrs_perro!" 

https://t.co/7kXSVUW8c6

@OakStElementary shares news on a $5K award from Staples for @mrs_perro

Love from Oak St (video)

Some goodness from Oak St Elementary to share!



LOVE from Oak Street from Heather Adams on Vimeo.

shared via Twitter  https://twitter.com/OakStElementary/status/1244608436815478784

Franklin (MA) Police: Stranger Encounter on Oak Street

On June 14, 2019 the Franklin Police were alerted to suspicious activity involving a juvenile student of the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School. The juvenile reported that while walking on Oak Street, a male party in a vehicle approached her and motioned for her to come to the vehicle.

Thankfully in this incident a neighbor recognized the situation, and called the juvenile over to her. The child was not harmed in any way.

Over the last few weeks there have been reports in Franklin, and area communities of similar type occurrences. At this time we cannot say with any degree of certainty that these incidents are related other than they all involve school age children. Descriptions of suspects and vehicles are not consistent.

The Franklin Police are actively investigating these incidents. We encourage all parents to talk to their children about what to do if approached by strangers, and to practice safe strategies such as always having a friend with them, or moving with groups of people who they know.

At this time we are not issuing any alert for a specific vehicle or suspect. This message is just to alert the community of these incidents, and to remind parents and children to have a plan about what to do in the event they are approached by a stranger.

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/news/media-release-stranger-encounter-oak-street

Franklin Police - 911 Panther Way, Franklin

Franklin Public Schools will open on time - Feb 13

Wednesday February 13, 2019

We want to make the community aware that there is a snapped pole on Oak Street that is impacting traffic in both directions in front of FHS and ECDC/Oak/HMMS. Franklin Police Department officers are on detail and will be assisting with traffic.

Franklin Public Schools will still open on time. We will be lenient with tardies this morning if this impacts arrival for your child or children. We also encourage drivers to use Panther Way as an alternative route.

Sincerely,

The Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public Schools will open on time - Feb 13

You can help too! Help Jose Knock out Cancer

Via Twitter we find: 

“No one fights alone!” Our fifth grade community came together to support a classmate! #oakststories

“No one fights alone!” Our fifth grade community came together to support a classmate!

Contribute online via GoFundMe   https://www.gofundme.com/pyehc-knockout-cancer

The tweet showing the Farmer Market booth fund raising event
https://twitter.com/OakStElementary/status/1055949888524115968

Wow! So proud of these Oak St kiddos for their time, energy, and kindness! George and Cece (too shy for the picture) were so pumped to get bracelets from the BIG KIDS! #oakststories pic.twitter.com/pGY9TPIBCP

— Heather Adams (@MrsAdamsOAK) October 26, 2018

"It was about the power of the positive”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Yellow buses packed with smiling youngsters pulled up at Davis Thayer Elementary School first thing Tuesday morning. 

Principal Kathleen Gerber said she was happy to see the children back, hearing them greet their old teachers with excited hellos on their way to meet their new instructors. 

“It’s always great to see new faces and welcome new students as well,” she said. “There are lots of smiles, and just the energy of that first day.” 

Superintendent Sara Ahern said the first day was a success in the district."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180828/school-bells-ring-in-franklin

screen grab of presentation on Monday captured and shared by Oak St via Twitter

Oak St Elementary - March fund raising - Mar 20

It's so much more than pizza. With a huge selection of salads, pastas, subs, and burgers, there is something for everyone. 

Oak Street Elementary School will earn 20% of the sales made by our families and friends for the entire day!

You must submit a flyer with your order.

Piezoni's

WHEN: Tuesday, March 20th

TIME: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

WHERE: 150 Emmons Street (in the plaza)

PHONE: 508-528-0050

Oak St Elementary - March fund raising - Mar 20

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GubP6dR_GsmYrEdqNPxymv2MaCr5wcJh/view?usp=sharing

Franklin Residents: Water main break on Oak Street

Franklin Residents: Water main break on Oak Street

Water main break on Oak Street Ext (off of Pond Street)! Water service should be restored within a few hours and discolored water may persist throughout the area tonight and tomorrow. Thank you for your patience while we make the repair!

Read more

This is an automatic message from Town of Franklin MA.

"There are two children that stole our hearts and we will not let Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy steal them"

"Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common fatal genetic disorder diagnosed in childhood, affecting approximately 1 in every 3,500 live male births (about 20,000 new cases each year).” Although there are medical treatments that may help slow its progression, there is currently no cure for Duchenne. 

We began this journey with DMD in July 2013 when our 7-year-old son, Caeden, went to Children's hospital for a neurological evaluation and blood tests were conducted. We received a call several days later that his CPK levels were extremely elevated which indicates a muscle disorder. We then went to the Neuromuscular Disease Center at Childrens Hospital the following week where another assessment stated he was showing signs for Duchenne, Becker, or Limb girdle muscular dystrophy. 

We were shocked to say the least and researched all the disorders and hoped for none but if it had to be one not Duchenne. Caeden had genetic testing done to determine the form of muscular dystrophy and told we would get the results in about a month. We received the call about a month later which diagnosed Caeden with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy(DMD). We were beyond devastated and a lot of tears were shed and so much uncertainty. 

Several weeks later we were told that Devin would need to be tested as well since it is a genetic disorder and it mainly effects boys. 

Devin had his testing and another blow Devin was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy as well. We were not even able to process the diagnosis for Caeden and now we had to digest the same diagnosis for Devin. So many emotions especially since our only two children have been diagnosed with such a devastating disease. 

So where we stand right now is we live day to day and we love them. The boys have good days and bad days and we know due to the diagnosis there are a lot more bad days in the future. We had moved to a new home in July before all this happened and now we have a home with stairs to get in the house and for the boys to get to their bedrooms and that is not functional. The boys have a very hard time ascending and descending stairs. We need to add an addition so the boys bedrooms and bathroom are on one level and we have a lift to get them in our home from outside. The cost for this addition is $200,000. 

On top of all the boys medical expenses this is very hard for us to accomplish. We had to purchase a used minivan as it is a little easier for the boys to get in and out of however at some point in the future we will need a fully accessible van and they are very costly. We know there are many other things we will have to consider or think about in the future.

Right now HOPE is all we have. Hope that all these biotechnology companies and medical researchers will come up with a treatment that works to save our sweet boys and all the boys with DMD."

"There are two children that stole our hearts and we will not let Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy steal them"

Please consider making a donation to help:
https://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/c-d-united/278046

C & D UNITED- For: Caeden and Devin Parisi

Take a walk in the "Meadowlands" - October 28

Saturday, October 28, at 10:30 AM, Alan Earls will be leading a walk through the fields and wetlands along Mine Brook in Franklin to assess potential public access points and existing trails on behalf of the Charles River Meadowlands Initiative.

We will meet at the end of Oak Street Extension (please park carefully so as not to impact neighbors) and depart, rain or shine, heading roughly south toward the former town sewage treatment facilities (now being redeveloped).

Depending on conditions we will either retrace our route or exit via White Ave., returning to our cars on foot. This is an opportunity to see this hidden open space gem and to contribute to efforts with town and federal authorities to improve access. Plan on a duration of approximately two hours.

PLEASE BE AWARE THERE ARE NO DEVELOPED TRAILS IN MOST PARTS OF THE PROPERTY. EXPECT MUD, WATER, BRAMBLES AND BRUSH AND USE TICK REPELLENT

image shared from the Charles River Meadowlands webpage

Oak St Teacher Dance Party (video)

The Oak Street Elementary School teachers know how to provide a good example in reading, writing, and arithmetic. Now there is evidence that they also can add rhythm to list of r's. 






While Franklin Matters has been off the grid (yes, off the internet completely) for the past several days, we hope you have enjoyed the scheduled posts. Regular news will begin to be caught up with today and 'new' posts will be shared on Thursday, July 6.

flower peek-a-boo