Franklin SEPAC has a new home on the Internet

via Franklin SEPAC:  "Franklin SEPAC is the Special Education Parent Advisory Council for the Franklin Public Schools. We are a volunteer group of parents, caregivers, educators, and community members who work together to support students with disabilities and their families."

"WE HAVE A NEW HOME! 

Franklin SEPAC has a new home on the Internet

We’re so excited to officially launch the new Franklin SEPAC website!   https://franklinsepac.com/

We created this space to make it easier for Franklin families to connect, find resources, stay informed, and get involved.

And we’re just getting started — more resources, events, and ways to connect are coming soon. 

Come take a look around! - https://franklinsepac.com/

Stronger together."

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DdVOAnFum3O/

Worthy advice !!

via Ali Rheaume

"These are great things to put into practice as you continue to engage with people, both in person and on media!

»

Go ahead and save it for future reference! "

Find the advice on Instagram ->   https://www.instagram.com/p/DNlw9NRv0Qf/

Franklin SEPAC hosts "Basic Rights: Evaluation and Eligibility Workshop" Dec 5 (virtual, registration req'd)

The Franklin Special Ed Parents Advisory Council (SEPAC) will hold the annual Basic Rights: Evaluation and Eligibility Workshop via Zoom on December 5, 2024, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

This workshop provides an introduction to the complex special education laws and procedures.

Please register for the workshop using this link: https://fcsn.org/event/franklin-evaluation-and-eligibility/

If you have any questions, you can contact Franklin SEPAC at franklinsepac@gmail.com.

Basic Rights: Evaluation and Eligibility December 5 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Host: Franklin Public Schools This presentation is a comprehensive introduction into special education laws and procedures. We will delve into the purpose of the law, referrals, evaluations, and the team meeting process including determining eligibility. Further discussion will focus on services, placement, and what to do when you receive a proposed IEP. You will also learn what to do if the student is not eligible and parent’s procedural due process rights for resolving disputes. Zoom will confirm your registration by email which will include your meeting link to join. All handouts will be sent to attendees from our workshop coordinator, Kristin LaRose, within 24 hours of the presentation.

https://fcsn.org/event/franklin-evaluation-and-eligibility/

Franklin SEPAC hosts "Basic Rights: Evaluation and Eligibility Workshop"  Dec 5

Davis Thayer Reuse Advisory Subcommittee met to approve meeting minutes with 6-0-3 vote via roll call (audio)

FM #1245 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1245 in the series. 

This session shares the audio for the Davis Thayer Reuse Advisory Subcmte meeting held on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. The meeting was conducted in a hybrid manner from the Council Chambers. 

2 members were in the Chambers, 3 remote via Zoom, and 1 via phone call  (speaker phone) for a total of 6 of the 9 members participating and hence a quorum. 

The purpose of the meeting was for the Committee to review and approve their prior meeting minutes which had been delayed in being prepared. Each set of minutes were raised for approval, seconded, and passed by the same 6 (yes) - 0 (no) - 3 (absent) vote via roll call. The 2 minutes for June 2024 were approved as amended to correct some name spellings for the Dean College participants.

The meeting adjourned when the approvals were complete. The recording runs about 18 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1245-davis-thayer-reuse-subcmte-mtg-07-17-24/

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

The Franklin TV video broadcast of the session is available for replay ->    https://www.youtube.com/live/AiXAHBkF0sU?si=sE9Ygr4XdzO0vFLU&t=211 

The agenda   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/dt_meeting_agenda_7.17.24.pdf 

Davis Thayer Ruse Subcommittee page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/davis-thayer-building-reuse-advisory-committee 

My notes were captured during the meeting and contained in one PDF file https://drive.google.com/file/d/12g_QTbKXKluDaNWBJPhTmRiBg5hCx8zQ/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"

Davis Thayer Reuse Advisory Subcommittee - agenda for July 17 meeting at 4 PM

Davis Thayer Reuse Advisory Subcommittee met to approve meeting minutes with 6-0-3 vote via roll call (video)

The Davis Thayer Reuse Advisory Subcommittee met as scheduled Wednesday, July 17, 2024 in Council Chambers with a hybrid quorum. 2 members in Chambers, 3 via Zoom, and one via phone call for a total of 6 members of the 9, three were absent.

The Franklin TV video broadcast of the session is available for replay ->    https://www.youtube.com/live/AiXAHBkF0sU?si=sE9Ygr4XdzO0vFLU&t=211

The agenda was to convene and approve the prior meeting minutes. All the minutes were approved by the same 6-0-3 vote via roll call. The 2 minutes for June 2024 were approved as amended to correct some name spelling for the Dean College participants.   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/dt_meeting_agenda_7.17.24.pdf

Davis Thayer Ruse Subcommittee page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/davis-thayer-building-reuse-advisory-committee

My notes were captured during the meeting and contained in one PDF file https://drive.google.com/file/d/12g_QTbKXKluDaNWBJPhTmRiBg5hCx8zQ/view?usp=drive_link

Davis Thayer Reuse Advisory Subcommittee - agenda for July 17 meeting at 4 PM

Davis Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee scheduled to meet Tuesday, June 25 at 7 PM

Davis Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee

Agenda & Meeting Packet

June 25, 2024 at  7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd Floor, Council Chambers

355 East Central Street

Agenda:

1. Expressions of Interest Presentations (anticipated times)

a. 7:00 to 7:20 - Dean College   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/rei_davis_thayer_letter_of_interest_proposal_narrative_and_project_description_-_dean_college.pdf

b. 7:20 to 7:40 - Pennrose, LLC  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/pennrose.pdf

c. 7:40 to 8:00 - HFA and TMC Properties   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/tmc_hfa_davis_thayer_submission_email.pdf

d. 8:00 to 8:20 - Camford Property Group, Inc.  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/camford_property_group.pdf

2. Final Recommendation to the Town Council

a. Draft Letter   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2024-06-26_davis-thayer_reuse_committee_recommendation.pdf

3. Adjourn

Davis Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee scheduled to meet Tuesday, June 25 at 7 PM

Davis Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee seems to reach consensus on land lease, keeping building (video)

The Davis Thayer Reuse Advisory Committee met on Monday, June 10, 2024 as scheduled. They had not met pending receipt of Expression of Interest in the building/property. Five were confirmed received by the due date, May 31. 

After much discussion including hearing briefly from 3 of the 5 who happened to be present, the committee reached consensus on keeping the building intact, exploring a lease arrangement for the land, liking the mixed use proposals that may include housing.

The Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WV5S5rdihD0

The agenda and links to the proposals and appraisal:

1. Property Appraisal Review

a. Real Property Appraisal Report, Shepherd Associates, LLC - May 1, 2024   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/1a._2024_davis-thayer_real_property_appraisal_report.pdf

2. Expressions of Interest

a. Matthew Zajac  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/matthew_zajac_davis_thayer_music_mecca_proposal_1.pdf

b. Dean College  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/rei_davis_thayer_letter_of_interest_proposal_narrative_and_project_description_-_dean_college.pdf

c. Pennrose, LLC  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/pennrose.pdf

d. HFA and TMC Properties  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/tmc_hfa_davis_thayer_submission_email.pdf

e. Camford Property Group, Inc.  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/camford_property_group.pdf

My notes in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/18sdxZAwZejdks44Wd9QcQCw5HhQ7IErC/view?usp=drive_link

 

Davis Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee has 5 Expressions of Interest to consider - June 10 at 7 PM

 

Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Cmte Pauses until after Expression of Interest generate returns (video)

The Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, Nov 25 at 7 PM. They got an update on the "Expression of Interest" (EOI) and given little other work to do immediately determined to suspend meetings for a few months until the EOI provided some information, assuming someone did reply to the EOI.

Agenda:

1. Town Administrator Updates

• a. Expression of Interest
• b. Appraisal
• c. Kaestle Boos Study

2. Continued discussion of potential future uses and Open Houses

The agenda doc has the remote participation info ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2023-11-28_davis-thayer_reuse_agenda_.pdf

Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djVBycM44AM

The Artsy Box creation by Molly Dee brightens up the corner near Davis Thayer

Reminder: Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Subcommittee Meeting - July 18, 2023

Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Subcommittee Meeting - July 18, 2023

The Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Subcommittee will meet on July 18, 2023 at 7 PM. 

You may access the agenda and links for the meeting here:   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/dt_meeting_agenda_-_july_18_2023.pdf

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/davis-thayer-reuse-advisory-subcommittee-meeting-july-18th-2023

Reminder: Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Subcommittee Meeting - July 18, 2023

Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committee - agenda for meeting July 18, 2023 at 7:00 PM

Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committee

Agenda & Meeting Packet

July 18, 2023 - 7 PM

Agenda:

1. Town Clerk Oath of Office

2. Member Introductions

3. Legal Overview: Open Meeting, Public Records and Ethics Laws   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/mark_memo_presentation_-_ethics_0.pdf

4. Committee Charge Review   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2_dt_committee_charge.pdf

5. Overview and discussion on the current study by Kaestle Boos Associates, Inc.

a. Historical Materials & Studies on Davis-Thayer

i. Study for the Davis-Thayer Elementary School (2013)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2013_davis_thayer_study_final.pdf

ii. Franklin School Department Studies

1. Townwide Comprehensive Facilities Assessment Report (2020)   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/franklin_comprehensive_facilities_assessment_-_final_updated_12.1.2020_1.pdf

2. School Department Davis-Thayer Website (2021)   https://www.franklinps.net/district/davis-thayer-facilities-analysis

6. Discussion on meeting schedule -

a. Next Meeting Date August 15th, 7:00PM

This is a meeting of the Franklin Town Council Sub-Committee; under the Open Meeting Law, this subcommittee is a separate "public body" from the Town Council. Therefore, unless the Town Council has separately notified and posted its own meeting, Councilors who are not members of this subcommittee will not be permitted to speak or otherwise actively participate @ this meeting, although they may attend and observe. This prohibition is necessary to avoid the potential for an Open Meeting Law Violation

Agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/dt_meeting_agenda_-_july_18_2023.pdf

Davis Thayer Reuse Advisory Cmte page ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/davis-thayer-building-reuse-advisory-committee

Davis Thayer School sign from May 2019

DCR Recreational Advisory: Southern New England Trunkline Trail - May 22

DCR Recreational Advisory: Southern New England Trunkline Trail

WHAT:

On Monday, May 22, 2023, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will conduct landscaping work along the Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) bike path from Prospect Street to Grove Street in the Town of Franklin from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM to accommodate landscaping work. The path will remain open, users should be cautious around equipment and work areas.

WHERE:

Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) bike path from Prospect Street to Grove Street in the Town of Franklin

WHEN: Monday., May 22, 2023 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Shared from -> https://t.co/ay3l0tFAdL

DCR Recreational Advisory: Southern New England Trunkline Trail - May 22

Franklin Public Schools: "current district attendance boundaries remain the same"

I am writing to inform you about the results of the School Committee's charge to conduct a redistricting analysis during the 2022-23 school year. On April 25th, 2023, the Superintendent's Redistricting Analysis Report was presented to the Franklin School Committee. This report serves as a comprehensive reference to the entire redistricting analysis process.

On May 9th, 2023, the Franklin Public School Committee voted 6-1 to approve Option 1, which proposes that "current district attendance boundaries remain the same while a School Facilities Master Plan is conducted. ASMS/Keller spaces will continue to be used flexibly. Both administrative teams at the complex will continue to work together to utilize the available space to accommodate the needs of all students."

We understand that the decision to redistrict affects families, students, staff, and the larger community. Therefore, we strived to conduct a thorough and transparent analysis process. Throughout the process, we aimed to engage our community through various outlets. This comprehensive approach allowed us to tune into our community and gather information necessary for our School Committee to make an informed decision regarding redistricting.

I would like to thank the Redistricting Analysis Advisory Committee members for generously volunteering their time during the 2022-2023 school year. Our consultant and administrative working group greatly appreciated their perspectives, ideas, and suggestions. We also want to express gratitude to those who participated in our community forums, completed surveys, and provided valuable contributions via email to the redistricting analysis working group.

In the upcoming 2023-24 school year, Franklin Public Schools will collaborate with the Franklin Facilities Department to begin a school facilities master plan. The aim is to establish a blueprint for long-term plans that will enable our facilities to meet the educational requirements of our students in line with our educational vision. As referenced in the Redistricting Analysis Report, the process of developing and implementing a plan can take multiple years.

As more information becomes available, we will be sure to provide any updates. Respectfully,

 

Lucas Giguere 

Superintendent of Schools

FPS: "current district attendance boundaries remain the same"

Space Needs Subcommittee doesn't reach consensus on recommendation to full committee (audio)

FM #960 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 960 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the School Committee - Space Needs Subcommittee meeting held in the 3rd floor conference room on Monday, Mar 20, 2023.

SubCmte Chair - Al Charles; committee members - Denise Spencer, Elise Stokes; Central office support - Supt Lucas Giguere, Business Manager Miriam Goodman

The meeting reviewed the feedback from the 114 responses to the survey after the two information sessions (1 in person, 1 virtual). The group worked through the feedback and did not find a consensus on which of the options or variations thereof to recommend to the School Committee. 

There is another meeting added next week to work through the questions and hopefully come together on a recommendation for the committee. The current schedule calls for a presentation/recommendation at the April 25 meeting with a School Committee vote at their May 9 meeting.

The recording runs about 1 hour and 20 minutes, so let’s listen to the Space Needs discussion on Mar 20, 2023.  Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-960-fps-space-needs-subcmte-03-20-23

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

Meeting agenda =>  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/spaceneedssubcom-3_20_23.pdf 

  

My notes for the meeting =>  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XdeOXUQdqmbouFAJXZQQetgUZNoKcxuu/view?usp=share_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"

Space Needs Subcommittee doesn't reach consensus on recommendation to full committee (audio)

Less than 20 participate in Redistricting Forum; hear overview & get answers to questions (audio)

 FM #955 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 955 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Franklin Public Schools Redistricting Forum conducted in person at the FHS Media Center on Tuesday, March 7, 2023. 

This is the first of 2 forums for public input, this being in person, the next (scheduled for March 13) will be a virtual meeting. The same material is to be presented at both meetings.   

Quick Recap

• Review of the objectives and timeline

• Presentation on 3 options depicted in a new “storymap”

• Feedback solicited from the less than 20 participants, mostly clarification questions around the choices and rationale for such

• Survey form to collect feedback distributed as the meeting closed. If the survey doesn’t provide enough room for your input use the redistricting email to submit that redistrictinganalysis@franklinps.net 

• Next steps - 

• Second public forum scheduled for Mar 13 with same material

• Next advisory meeting Mar 21 to prepare for School Committee presentation 

• School Committee presentation scheduled for Apr 25 

• School Committee vote scheduled for May 9

The meeting audio recording runs about 89 minutes. Let’s listen to Redistricting Forum held at FHS on March 7, 2023

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-955-fps-redistricting-forum-1-03-07-23

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

Agenda doc for Mar 7, 2023 meeting ->

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/redistricting_advisory_subcom_3_7and13_23.pdf

Storymap with the three options ->

https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/9db1fa2830964554ba24ddb4558556fa

Handout available at the Forum -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1l9KQNRFUxKCutPmNMJSMWGmf0dIMKROa/view?usp=share_link

Redistricting Advisory Committee page ->

https://www.franklinps.net/school-committee/2023-redistricting-advisory-committee 

My notes in one Twitter threader document   

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nWZR-XL2N79-p8duC_8vwbSMZTiTveEJ/view?usp=share_link 

The photo album shared via Twitter of the pix taken of the meeting and presentation slides  https://photos.app.goo.gl/VbZgf8aFb41P9F9B6 

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

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"

Less than 20 participate in Redistricting Forum; hear overview & get answers to questions (audio)