Critical conversations: The Impact of Social Media - Mar 24, 2022

We are excited to host our next installment of our Critical Conversations series. 

Join us March 24, 2022 from 6 PM - 8 PM at the FHS Auditorium or via Zoom as we discuss the impact of social media on social emotional wellbeing. 

Social media plays a significant role in our students’ lives, it's designed to. Identifying strategies to establish a healthy relationship with social media that maximizes the benefits and mitigates the negatives is nothing short of a critical conversation.

We invite you to join us for an evening of listening, learning, and engaging with esteemed tech journalist, Georgia Wells from the Wall Street Journal as she quarterbacks a conversation on the state of social media. Our local panelists will consist of key community stakeholders and individuals well versed in the various stages of raising children.

The evening will include: 

• Welcome and Opening remarks
• Keynote Facilitated Conversation
• Panelist Discussion 
• Audience Q&A
• So Now What? Session will provide strategies for parents of elementary, middle and high school students to foster mindful social media habits.
• Breakout sessions with each Panelist as well as a Hidden in Plain Sight facilitated by our Substance Abuse Task Force (SATF) Student Representatives

Learn more here: https://buff.ly/3qpFWub

Shared from Twitter ->    https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews/status/1503411142819033090

Download the flyer as a reminder or to share ->    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XkC0eEKZGj80rpKf2i_qajE12CCOISx4/view?usp=sharing

Critical conversations: The Impact of Social Media - Mar 24, 2022

Franklin Police joint investigation results in arrests of 3; seizure of weapons, and controlled substances

After a joint investigation with the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Massachusetts State Police, Franklin Police Detectives executed multiple search warrants on Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at 258 Washington Street, Apartment #2, Franklin.   

During the course of the investigation a package was intercepted through the mail which was addressed to an occupant at 258 Washington Street Apt. 2.  Probable cause was developed that illegal narcotics were contained in the package.   

On Wednesday, February 23, 2022 with the assistance of the Metro-LEC Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT), the package was delivered and the search warrant was executed.  Two illegal firearms were located in a bedroom of the apartment.  One was a fully loaded AK-47 rifle and a loaded Mossberg 12 gauge shotgun.  Several types of controlled substances were also found in the apartment.

Due to this investigation in conjunction with the evidence seized as a result of the three search warrants, three individuals were charged in this case.  Harry Alberini (04/13/1980), Sonya Peterson (09/18/1977), and Joseph Martin-Morse (09/16/1980) will be charged with several firearms and drug related charges and will be arraigned on Thursday, February 24, 2022 at Wrentham District Court.

Franklin Police investigation results in arrests of 3; seizure of weapons and controlled substance (Franklin Police photo)

The SAFE Coalition Hotline answered 94 calls for help in January 2022

Thinking about calling?

WE ARE HERE = 508-488-8105

For more info reach out to -> Info@safecoalitionma.org

Shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CaFxFRGFWig/

The SAFE Coalition Hotline answered 94 calls for help in January 2022

SAFE Peer to Peer shares emojis to be aware of

Acronyms and abbreviations can be challenging to make sense of. In a digital and social media world, we also need to deal with emojis. Emojis are those little images some folks add to their posts. Other than some obvious happy faces, what do they mean? 

The SAFE Coalition P2P group shared this depicting which emojis can be code for drug use.

Shared from Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CYmoPYtF-pz/

SAFE Coalition P2P emojis to be aware of

Critical Conversations - Mental Health & Substance Use 11/18/21 (video)

Catching up to sharing the video and presentation document from the Critical Conversations event held on Nov 18, 2021.

“The Franklin Public Schools Substance Abuse Task Force teamed up with the SAFE Coalition to host the Critical Conversations Panel. This event was held online and in person at Franklin High School on November 18th, 2021. The panel featured 7 speakers with various perspectives representing education, health care, law enforcement, parent/guardians, and people with lived experience. The conversation focused on identifying and addressing mental health and substance use among families and within our community.”

-------

As with most meetings/events in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter while I attended the meeting in the FHS auditorium. 

The Twitter hashtag #CC1118 can be found online The thread begins with  

https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1461472874309603335 

Photos from the event can be found in one album:  

https://photos.app.goo.gl/ikqcTq222N2mftt88

• Critical conversations info on speakers, agenda, and remote link info  https://www.franklinps.net/district/events/83206 #cc1118
• The THC available today is FAR more potent than that used in the 90's - like 60 times more potent! #cc1118 this is being used in vap cartridges
• Dr Bergen introduces the panel for this discussion #cc1118
• Dan, recovering alcoholic, wanted communication in his earlier days to have helped his turn to substance use as the aid; punishment, and increasing punishments, didn't help #cc1118
• Jim, parent of a son with trouble, urges other parents to get involved, don't think it will just 'get better' #cc1118 ask for help, you are not alone.
• Sgt Colecchi provides some staggering stats on current calls for mental health and substance abuse, a good number of them are youth under 18 #cc1118
• Principal Hanna seeing behavior unlike anything seen during 25+ years teaching in a high school. The combination of the pandemic and substance use are driving the change in behavior #cc1118
• Per Hanna, they are organizing to respond to this issue. it had not part of their charter. #cc1118
• SAFE seeing students buying vaps via dealers more so now than before. Increase also seen in parental supply of alcohol and vaps. #cc1118
• Rep Roy touts mental health legislation that the MA Senate just passed and sent to the House for their review/action. #cc1118
• Resources from the FPS page for parents -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/substance-abuse-education/pages/resources-parents #cc1118 simply sitting next to your youth rather than facing them to have the conversation is a help #cc1118
• Do some homework on what the vapes look like, they do come via mail, it can be a quick trip to someone at the car in the driveway to get a supply  #cc1118
• If near someone overdosing, call 911, do not drive to the hospital. The drugs are so fast acting, you'll be too late. 911 is the best way, paramedics should have narcan handy #cc1118
• Shifting to the audience Q&A segment of the evening #cc1118
• Late to this but shifted to the break out portion of the evening; checked out the "hidden in plain sight" display and product table. Fascinating info! #cc1118 that's all for tonight, catch you next time!

 

The event video is now available via YouTube  https://youtu.be/4z7humqI2Wo 

 

Critical Conversations: Mental Health & Substance Use - 11/18/21 from Franklin Matters

part of the "Hidden in Plain Sight" display

Franklin Public Schools, MA announces Critical Conversations - Nov 18

Franklin Public Schools, MA (@FranklinPSNews) tweeted Wed, Nov 10, 2021:

"Some conversations are better to have sooner rather than later.

Start and continue the talk on Mental Health and Substance Use during our Critical Conversations panel on 11/18 at 6 PM. 

Learn more here: https://t.co/yhf1nlYD3s"

 

Critical Conversations: Identifying and addressing mental health and substance use among families and within our community. Is a collaboration between the SAFE Coalition and Franklin Public Schools. This event will be held in the FHS auditorium and live via Zoom.

Mental Health and Substance Use are two critical issues that have a wide range of impacts among our families and within our community. We invite the Franklin community to join us for an evening of learning, listening, and engaging with local panelists of diverse perspectives representing education, health care, law enforcement, parent/guardians, and people with lived experience.  
 
The evening will include: 

• Opening remarks from Jen Knight, Executive Director of the SAFE Coalition
• Panelist Discussion 
• Audience General Questions
• Breakout Sessions with each Panelist as well as a Hidden in Plain Sight display facilitated by our SATF Student Representatives

Panelists

• Detective Mike Colecchi, SAFE Coalition Board Member, Franklin Police Dept.
• Dr. Wendy Cohen, SAFE Medical Director and family practitioner
• Dan Lagarce, Person in Recovery
• Jeff Roy, State Representative
• Jim Derick, SAFE Board of Director President, co-founder and Parent
• Jen Knight-Levine, SAFE Executive Director, co-founder
• Josh Hanna, Franklin High School Principal

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/ypItJfHT3s

Download a copy of the flyer as a reminder:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczOWZWc1Buc2RLZ2QxWTktaDZUWWxTbTB1YkRZ/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-5jDLyEjZLaSKlr1sJrVZfQ

Franklin Public Schools, MA announces Critical Conversations - Nov 18

The Topic: 002 - Jennifer Knight-Levine discusses substance misuse and the SAFE Coalition programs (audio)

Join Franklin's Health Director Cathleen Liberty as she talks with SAFE Coalition's Executive Director Jennifer Knight-Levine.

Audio file = https://anchor.fm/franklin21/episodes/002---Jennifer-Knight-Levine-discusses-substance-misuse-and-the-SAFE-Coalition-programs-e184fao/a-a6k8l78

SAFE Coalition hotline - 508-488-8105

SAFE Coalition website - https://www.safecoalitionma.org/

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

For additional information, please visit the Health Dept. page at https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at cliberty@franklinma.gov

The music for the intro and exit is called “Positive and Fun” by Scott Holmes Music and is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

Scott Holmes Music => https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes

You can also subscribe and listen to The Topic audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "The Topic" 

The Topic: 002 - Jennifer Knight-Levine discusses substance misuse and the SAFE Coalition programs (audio)

“The Seven Types of Abuse” - Part 4 of the series

Another episode of “The Seven Types of Abuse”. Check it out now ⬇️⬇️. Or go back ⬅️⬅️ and watch the first three episodes.

Video link ->  https://youtu.be/5vdLSb88lq8

All Episodes can also be found on the SAFE Peer to Peer YouTube 📺 channel as well. -> https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrkhxAELvHg6_EtYx0HuNhQ/videos

Shared From Facebook ->    https://www.facebook.com/safecoalitionma/posts/2315275431935983

SAFE Peer to Peer: 7 Types of Abuse - Episode 2

"Over the past couple of months our Peer to Peer Group created, filmed and edited a Mini Video Series about the 7 Types of Abuse as a way to raise awareness about Intimate Partner Violence. 

⬇️ Check out Episode 2 below!

🎯 Tune in each week for a new episode!"

Direct video link =>  https://youtu.be/cK51OBSbGgI 

7 Types of Abuse - Episode 2

Image shared from Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CRJycjWM2iy/

SAFE Coalition - Peer to Peer Group - 7 types of Abuse (video #1)

"Over the past couple of months our Peer to Peer Group created, filmed and edited a Mini Video Series about the 7 Types of Abuse as a way to raise awareness about Intimate Partner Violence. 

⬇️ Check out Episode 1 below!

🎯 Tune in each week for a new episode!"

Direct video link =>  https://youtu.be/54CsyPfU9Hc

Shared from Facebook

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2281109998685860&id=725586407571568

Franklin Public Schools: 2 Videos to view -> Leaping into Kindergarten & Substance Abuse Forum

#1 - Leaping into Kindergarten

Topic: Leaping Into Kindergarten -- Franklin Public Schools
Date: Jun 2, 2021 06:47 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Meeting Recording:
https://zoom.us/rec/share/K-IxiVj5ssA6Uilv2HKsDyYj7QRUsAJVC3dlB7HnCUBt7U9t64urCJeASQ_iqWJG.nq-fdNaj31v6ICjF

#2 - Substance Use and Mental Health Forum

Direct video link -> https://youtu.be/3CIOXT3BlMU

SAFE Coalition: COVID-19 Tele Town Hall - March 10

"On Wednesday March 10 at 7 PM the SAFE Coalition in Franklin is providing an opportunity for citizens to speak directly with Secretary Sudders and Dr. Paul Biddinger, Chair, COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Board about the vaccines and the rollout. 

It will be a tele-Town Hall meeting and a session to ask questions and hear from the experts about the COVID-19 Vaccine. 

You can watch the event by clicking on the link above on Wednesday, March 10 at 7 PM. To phone in and ask questions, dial 877-229-8493 and enter PIN # 120397"

Follow the Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/930404551097062 

View on the SAFE Newsletter page  https://mailchi.mp/safecoalitionma/2-days-covid-19-tele-town-hall?e=5c4eabc7bc

SAFE Coalition: COVID-19 Tele Town Hall - March 10

SAFE Coalition announces new support group for substance abuse

"New Support group added: starting MARCH 15th, 18+ sibling support group for anyone with a loved one grappling with substance use disorder

💜 "Family means no one gets left behind or forgotten"

Shared from Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1949801751933050/permalink/3022830087963539/

What is the SAFE Coalition?

"SAFE is a regional coalition of community partners in Western Norfolk County (serving Franklin, Foxboro, Mansfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, Plainville, Walpole, Wrentham and surrounding towns) who have come together to provide a pathway for support, education, treatment options and coping mechanisms for those affected by substance use disorder. We do so by empowering those affected, including their families, with the tools necessary to succeed on their journey to recovery. We understand that while I can’t, we can."

For more info about the SAFE Coalition, visit them on the web  https://www.safecoalitionma.org/

SAFE Coalition announces new support group for substance abuse

FM #274 SAFE Coalition - Their Story 5/13/20 (audio)

FM #274 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 274 in the series.

This session shares my conversation with Jim Derick and Jennifer Levine of the SAFE Coalition. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We walked through the development of the Coalition from the first meeting at FHS through to the evolution to where they are now, with a facility in Norfolk and Jen in the role of Executive Director. From what was truly a ‘coalition’ of stakeholders volunteering and making things happen to the newly evolved Board and Executive Director non-profit format to better accomplish their service delivery. And they are continuing to adjust during this pandemic.

Among the topics covered:

• Recovery is a journey
• Vaping and addiction cessation
• Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
• FHS high school peer-to-peer group
• Newsletter monthly
• Fundraising begins in earnest to support the new delivery model

The recording runs about 45 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jim and Jen    Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HyDfPhv7




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

Local Resources:
​SAFE Coalition, www.safecoalitionma.org, Franklin, 508-488-8105
​Turning Point Recovery Center, Walpole (508) 668-3960
​Wayside Youth and Family Support, www.waysideyouth.org, Milford, 508-478-6888
​Riverside Community Care, www.riversidecc.org, Milford, 800-294-4665

National Resources:
​Techtogether.co ​​This resource highlights support programs online nationwide

Learn 2 Cope parent peer-to-peer support info@learn2cope.org

Road 2 Recovery - 12 step meeting for parents and loved ones contact Jim Derick vice-president@safecoalitionma.org or jderick50@hotmail.com

Franklin Public Schools Substance Abuse Taskforce https://www.franklinps.net/district/substance-abuse-education


SAFE Coalition supports:

• Peer to Peer mentorship
• Peer to Peer parent mentorship
• Zoom Group Programming:
• ​Mondays: Learn2Cope
• ​Wednesdays: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
• ​Wednesdays: 12 Step for Parents of those with children who are living with an addiction
• ​Saturdays: Parents general support group
• Grief Counselor
• Chaplain
• Section 35 aid
• Narcan Training
• Narcan Dispensing
• Medication Disposal
• Vaping education program in partnership with Stanford University
• Direct clinical counseling in partnership with Wayside Youth and Family Support Systems
• Referrals to all levels of substance use and mental health treatment
• One on One care planning
• Public and Private Consulting
• Support Line: 508-488-8105

*All services are free of charge. Donations accepted.

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

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 #274 SAFE Coalition - Their Story 5/13/20 (audio)

Franklin Police Awarded Traffic Safety Grant

FRANKLIN POLICE AWARDED GRANT TO REDUCE IMPAIRED DRIVING

The Franklin Police were awarded a grant from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security's (EOPSS) Office of Grants and Research (OGR) to increase the number of impaired driving patrols during the holiday season. Franklin Police will join other departments across the state and the State Police in the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over (DSOGPO) enforcement mobilization.

"Impaired drivers are a risk to everyone on the road. Both the operator as a risk to themselves, and every other person traveling the roadways" said Chief Thomas J. Lynch of the Franklin Police Department. "These grants allow us to increase the number of targeted patrols on the streets looking for impaired drivers and making it safer for everyone."

"Arranging for a sober ride home before celebrating should be a part of everyone's plans this holiday season," said Jeff Larason, Director of Highway Safety at Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, Office of Grants & Research. "We want all drivers to recognize the responsibility they have to drive safely and to avoid getting behind the wheel if they're impaired. Remember - If you feel different, you drive different."

Massachusetts Data (2013-2017):

• Marijuana was the most prevalent drug found in drivers involved in fatal crashes.
• 11 percent of drivers involved in fatal crashes were found with both alcohol and drugs in their system.
• 78 percent of impaired drivers in fatal crashes were men.
• 35 percent of drunk drivers involved in a fatal crash were 21-29 years old.
• The number of drivers involved in a fatal crash who were alcohol-impaired (BAC .08+) and had drugs in their system increased by 63 percent (35 to 57).
• From 2016 to 2017, alcohol-impaired driving fatalities decreased by 19 percent (148 to 120).

National Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

• Approximately one-third of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers. On average, more than 10,000 people have died each year (2013 to 2017) in drunk-driving crashes. To put it in perspective, that's equal to about 20 jumbo jets crashing each year, with no survivors.
• In 2017, one person was killed every 48 minutes by a drunk driver on our nation's roads.
• In 2017, almost one in five children (14 and younger) killed in traffic crashes were killed in drunk-driving crashes. Fifty-four percent of the time, it was the child's driver who was drunk.
• Drugs were present in 43 percent of the fatally-injured drivers with a known test result in 2015, more frequently than alcohol was present.
• NHTSA's 2013–2014 roadside survey found drugs in 22 percent of all drivers both on weekend nights and on weekdays.
• Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—the chemical responsible for most of marijuana's psychological effects—slows reaction times, impairs cognitive performance, and makes it more difficult for drivers to keep a steady position in their lane.
• Mixing alcohol and marijuana may dramatically produce effects greater than either drug on its own.

For more information on the Office of Grants and Research's impaired driving enforcement grant program or to view the accompanying "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" TV ads, please visit http://www.mass.gov/drivesober.

This was shared from the Town of Franklin Police Dept page
https://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/news/franklin-police-awarded-traffic-safety-grant

Franklin Police Awarded Traffic Safety Grant

In the News: vaping help for teens; kids day at the Franklin 4th

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

"Massachusetts is one of nine states participating in a program to help teenagers stop using electronic cigarettes. Some call vaping a health “epidemic” that must be stopped.

Statistics show the phenomenon known as “vaping” is a health problem for teenagers in MetroWest, and a new multi-state program hopes to give them the tools to quit.

Called “My Life, My Quit,” teenagers can text or call a toll-free number, 1-855-891-9989, to get connected with a coach for five sessions of personalized support. Those sessions can be done through live texting, phone or online chat. The goal is to build a plan to quit tobacco and vaping - the term used to describe puffing on electronic cigarettes."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190706/my-life-my-quit-helps-metrowest-teenagers-kick-vaping-habit

Visit My Life My Quit for more info  https://mylifemyquit.com/

Visit My Life My Quit for more info

"With her hair tucked into a white bonnet and gold sequins sparkling on her red, white and blue dress, Georgette Glavin, who turns 4 next week, surveyed the Franklin Town Common from her star-spangled stroller, outfitted with American flags and tinsel.

Minutes later, Georgette, embodying Betsy Ross, held a tiny gold trophy in her hands, as she and her 8-month-old cousin, Caroline Chagnon - tucked into a Statue of Liberty costume fashioned from a green bed sheet - had won first place in the July 4 Children’s Bike parade, sponsored by the Franklin Lions Club. Second place went to Aria Julian while third place was garnered by Amelia Collins.

“What better person to be than Betsy Ross?” asked Georgette’s grandmother, Kim Donahue, explaining the inspiration behind the costumes she helped design. “Now it’s time for Popsicles.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190706/franklin-pedals-patriotism-at-fourth-of-july-festivities

Groove Doctors performing Friday night at the 4th of July Celebration

School Committee Recap: June 25, 2019

The Franklin, MA School Committee meeting on Tuesday, June 25, 2019 was one of the shortest in recent times (at least of this School Committee term) commencing at 7:00 and completing before 7:40 PM. While short on time, there was a long listing of info shared.

The Superintendent's Report included this item on the summer project work to be done at the schools.

"Summer Projects
Summer is a big time for projects to occur, which can not be accommodated during the schoolyear. This year, we anticipate the following projects will be worked on:

1. First set of security improvements at selected schools (HMMS/Oak/ECDC; DT andParmenter)
2. Parmenter canopy structural repairs
3. HMMS/Oak/ECDC courtyard drainage repairs
4. Keller-Sullivan Gas fired rooftop units

Ongoing maintenance and upkeep of both indoor and outdoor spaces."

The full Superintendent's Report can be found online
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/superintendents_report_to_school_committee_june_25_2019.pdf

Asst Superintendent Lucas Giguere provided the final reports on the activity during the year for both the Substance Abuse Task Force and the School Wellness Advisory Committee. The one page summaries for both can be found here:

• Substance Abuse

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/satf_update_2019.pdf

• School Wellness

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/swac_update_2019.pdf

Revised school calendar for 2019-2020 school year
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/19-20_school_calendar_-final.pdf

My notes reported live during the meeting:
Live reporting: Information Matters through to Cl...
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/06/live-reporting-information-matters_25.html

Live reporting: School Committee - Discussion/Acti...
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/06/live-reporting-school-committee.html

Live reporting: School Committee - June 25, 2019
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/06/live-reporting-school-committee-june-25.html

raised garden beds at Davis Thayer

 

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - June 25, 2019

Vision Statement

The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

A G E N D A

“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.”

1. Routine Business
a. Review of Agenda
b. Citizen’s Comments

i. In the spirit of open communication, “the School Committee will hear public comment 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” – from Policy BEDH

c. FHS Student Representative Comments
d. Superintendent’s Report

2. Guests / Presentations
a. none

3. Discussion / Action Items
a. Policy – Second Reading/Adoption
I recommend adoption of Policy BGC – Policy Review and Revision as detailed.
b. Revised 2019-2020 School Calendar
I recommend approval of the revised 2019-2020 School Calendar as discussed.

4. Discussion Only Items
a. Annual Report
b. School Wellness Advisory Council (SWAC) – End of Year Report
c. Substance Abuse Task Force (SATF) – End of Year Report

5. Information Matters
a. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Budget; Community Relations; Policy; Transportation; Public Schools Advocacy; Ad Hoc Superintendent’s Evaluation)

b. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC; Substance Abuse Task Force; School Wellness Advisory Council [SWAC]; School Start Times Advisory Committee [SSTAC], MASC)

6. New Business
a. To discuss any future agenda items

7. Consent Agenda
a. Minutes
I recommend approval of the Minutes from your June 11, 2019 School Committee meeting as detailed.
b. Executive Session Minutes
I recommend approval of the Executive Session Minutes from your June 11, 2019 School Committee meeting to be released.
c. Transfers
I recommend approval of the Budget Transfers as detailed.
d. Solutions Program Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $250.00 from the Franklin Cultural Council for supplemental supplies for the Solutions Program as detailed.
e. ECDC Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $5,000.00 from Big Y Foods for supplemental supplies at ECDC as detailed.
f. Parmenter Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $650.00 from the Parmenter PCC for inhouse enrichment as detailed.
g. Athletics Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $650.00 from the FHS Class of 1967 for in-house enrichment for the Athletics Program.

8. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

9. Payroll Mrs. Douglas

10. Correspondence – none

11. Executive Session

a. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the FEA as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.

12. Adjournment

The agenda document can be found on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/scagenda_6-25-19.pdf

The documents released for this meeting (before and after) can be found
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/june-25-2019-school-committee-meeting-packet

the gardens are growing at Davis Thayer (taken June 8, 2019)

There is "Always Hope" a sober house for women

She wrote me to say: "So if any Franklin residents have daughters, sisters, mothers that need a sober house and want to be close to home this is a perfect fit!"

And that would be? https://alwayshopesoberhouse.org/

What makes it special? "This is a room at Always Hope. It’s called Caroline’s room and she was from Franklin.


I did not doubt her, and sure enough on the About page:

"The first house is located at #1 Franklin Avenue and called “Sweet Caroline’s House”. This house is named after Caroline D’Amelio, who struggled with an eating disorder and addiction. Caroline was a vibrant young lady who had an energy for life that was surpassed by few. She was active, fun, energetic, but most importantly kind. Her kindness was evident in her beautiful smile and in her desire for others to be happy. 

Caroline would never want to see anyone in need and would always be there to help if she could. During Caroline’s struggle with addiction she was at her best at the Windhaven sober house in Dallas, Texas, where she found her faith and led a productive life for over a year. It is in Caroline’s memory and loving spirit that this house is dedicated."

Visit the web page to donate, or to apply for residence
https://alwayshopesoberhouse.org/

There is "Always Hope" a sober house for women

Representative Roy Named to Harm Reduction Commission

Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin) was named to the Harm Reduction Commission by House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo and Rep. Denise Garlick, Chair of the Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery. The commission was included as part of Chapter 208 of the Acts of 2018, legislation which addresses prevention and access to appropriate care and treatment of addiction. The commission will review and make recommendations regarding harm reduction opportunities to address substance use disorder.

“Representative Roy is an innovative and thoughtful legislator with demonstrated, in-depth knowledge of both healthcare and the law. We’re proud that he was named to this commission as he will bring value to its work,” said Speaker DeLeo. “He has been a steadfast supporter of the recovery community and has focused on combatting the opioid crisis and improving our healthcare system to best meet the needs of patients. We appreciate his dedication and service to our Commonwealth.”

"I am excited to join the commission and continue working toward the goal of helping those with substance use disorders find a pathway to recovery,” said Representative Roy. "The findings from the commission’s report will be important in addressing this issue at the local and state level and will provide meaningful opportunities for our residents who are struggling with addiction."

“The harm reduction commission will take a closer look at how to engage people at all stages of substance use disorder and encourage recovery,” said State Representative Denise C. Garlick (D-Needham), Chair of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery. "Representative Roy is a member of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery and has been a dedicated, compassionate advocate for his district and a leader with experience and insight through the enactment of the opioid bill. Representative Roy is committed to helping individuals who are suffering, families who are struggling and communities straining to meet the many needs of people of all ages dealing with the issues of addiction. I believe his perspective will be invaluable to the people of his district and to the Commission’s work.”

The commission consists of 15 members, including the secretary of health and human services; the commissioner of public health; house and senate members of the joint committee on mental health, substance use and recovery or their designees; the mayor of the city of Boston or a designee; the mayor of the city of Cambridge or a designee; and representatives from the Massachusetts Medical Society, the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association, and the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association. It also includes persons with a substance use disorder, a clinician with experience in mental health and substance use disorder, a person working in an established harm reduction program, an expert in relevant state and federal law and regulation, and a representative of local municipal boards of health. 

In its work, the Commission will consider:

• the feasibility of operating harm reduction sites in which (A) a person with a substance use disorder may consume pre-obtained controlled substances, (B) medical assistance by health care professionals is made immediately available to a person with a substance use disorder as necessary to prevent fatal overdose, and (C) counseling, referrals to treatment and other appropriate services are available on a voluntary basis;
• the potential public health and public safety benefits and risks of harm reduction sites;
• the potential federal, state and local legal issues involved with establishing harm reduction sites;
• appropriate guidance that would be necessary and required for professional licensure boards and any necessary changes to the regulations of such boards;
• existing harm reduction efforts in the commonwealth and whether there is potential for collaboration with existing public health harm reduction organizations;
• opportunities to maximize public health benefits, including educating persons utilizing the sites of the risks of contracting HIV and viral hepatitis and on proper disposal of hypodermic needles and syringes;
• ways to support persons utilizing the sites who express an interest in seeking substance use disorder treatment, including providing information on evidence-based treatment options and direct referral to treatment providers;
• other harm reduction opportunities, including but not limited to, broadening the availability of narcotic testing products, including fentanyl test strips;
• alternatives and recommendations to broaden the availability of naloxone without prescription; and
• other matters deemed appropriate by the commission.

The Commission will also review the experiences and results of other states and countries that have established supervised drug consumption sites and other harm reduction strategies and report on the impact of those harm reduction sites and strategies.

The Commission’s first meeting is scheduled for October 24, 2018 and its findings and recommendations are due to the legislature by February 1st, 2019.

Please contact the office of Representative Roy with any questions or concerns at (617) 722-2430 or Jeff.roy@mahouse.gov.

Representative Roy Named to Harm Reduction Commission