Showing posts with label Oak Street. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Oak Street. Show all posts

Thursday, January 11, 2024

School Committee hears about Oak St, FHS Program of studies, approves Cheerleader trip to Nationals, and Capital Budget request (audio)

FM #1134 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1134 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Jan 9, 2024. The meeting was held in the Council Chambers. 


Due to a Verizon internet outage at the Franklin TV Studio, the meeting was recorded for broadcast later and available via Zoom. Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8BvAH3q6xM&list=PLNyv0AkVasIR_a80hAfFnQoFngebCICow&index=46


Quick recap:

  • Internet out at TV studio, meeting via Zoom but not through to cable, it is being locally recorded for broadcast later, Audio recording also being made, Owl camera out to use for this meeting and Zoom session

  • Skipped ahead to Superintendent report, will come back to the FHS student update assuming they connect successfully

    • Facility planning underway, subcmte met last week. 3 piece process: (1) demographics, (2) educational adequacy and how to support it, (3) age and use of the space in the schools; More info coming as the presentation is scheduled for completion later this school year

    • Workshop on executive function, 90 mins for adults only, sign up through Lifelong Learning (link to be shared later)

    • Regards to the weather, please communicate also through the reverse 911 process

    • Dr Dutch provided an update on the state funding for the newly arrived students, submitted not received yet. Student update on activity at the high school

  • Oak St administration team to provide an update on the school activities this year so far 

    • Good question on languages and how the new folks, especially the younger ones, are catching on? 'Wheels on the bus' sung in multiple languages is a thing to hear! language is building every day in K and 1

    • Question to expand on trauma informed practices, some kids are having tough times, how do you handle them? Lesley Univ presenting a course on this topic for a grad level course being set up for this. 27 staff members at Oak will be taking this course

    • Interview by students focused on 3, 4, and 5th grade students. Adapted also for the lower levels. Coming up later this year!

  • Next up, program of studies at FHS, Mr Hanna and H McVey

    • Personal finance and community service coming back for FHS graduation requirements for future classes

    • Students will receive a copy of the courses available to them, as opposed to prior years advised to review the listing (turns out many didn't)

    • Timeline reviewed for information process & enrollment

    • Panther Pride night Feb 12, a good one for the incoming 9th graders (currently 8th graders)

  • Recurring FHS Varsity Cheerleading National Competition, approved by 7-0 vote

  • Capital Budget Proposal - I recommend approval of the Capital Budget Proposal as discussed. Motion to approve, second, passes 7-0; Budget subcmte had met earlier and approved this request


The meeting runs about 1 hour and 55 minutes so let’s listen to the School Committee meeting held on Jan 9, 2024. Audio link - > https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1134-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-01-09-24



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School Committee page => https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee 


Meeting Agenda doc  -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/1-9-24-agenda 


Meeting packet folder -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/january-9-2024-school-committee-meeting-packet  


Oak St highlights -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/MyeaEisD1EuirtpTA 

FHS program of studies -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/aeMBP35oMNzM5QHs5 


My notes in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qXpStXQX6JrK5nRluvpygt-tkT3o9GCZ/view?usp=drive_link 


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


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 hears about Oak St, FHS Program of studies, approves Cheerleader trip to Nationals, and Capital Budget request (audio)
FHS student providing update on FHS activities during School Cmte meeting via Zoom session

Saturday, August 5, 2023

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
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

Thursday, June 15, 2023

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

Wednesday, June 14, 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.


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

Tuesday, 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).

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

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
Little Free Library built by Girls Scouts



Friday, January 15, 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

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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  #schcom0112

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

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
School Committee - Jan 12, 2021 - Meeting Recap