Franklin Public Schools: Emergency Bus Service to Continue

January 2, 2018

Dear Franklin Public School Families,

We plan to continue Emergency Bus Service for the remainder of the week due to the continued cold temperature predictions and windchills.

Our drivers will stop and pick up any student who may be walking to school in the cold along the bus route, providing the child with a ride to school. Our concern, first and foremost, is the safety of the students and the forecasted temperatures pose the danger of frostbite.

We are closely monitoring the forecast for the potential for a snowstorm on Thursday. As the forecast becomes more precise for our area and potential impacts become more clear, we will issue further notifications.

Sincerely,

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public Schools: Emergency Bus Service to Continue

Franklin Public Schools: Emergency Bus Service Due to Cold Forecasted Temps

January 1, 2018

Dear Franklin Public School Families,

Due to the cold overnight temperature predictions and forecast for windchills well below zero, we will be running our buses tomorrow morning (Tuesday, January 2, 2018) on "Emergency Bus Service". Our drivers have been instructed to stop and pick up any student who may be walking to school in the cold along the bus route, providing the child with a ride to school. Our concern, first and foremost, is the safety of the students and the forecasted temperatures pose the danger of frostbite.

We will continue to keep you informed about the forecasted temperatures to determine if we should continue this process on subsequent days.

Sincerely,

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public Schools: Emergency Bus Service Due to Cold Forecasted Temps

GATRA Update: Suspension of service on Franklin Line begins Friday, Aug 25

The MBTA published two alerts on Tuesday that contradict each other. I think they mean to say due to a weekend event at Gillette, the GATRA bus service will stop on Friday and resume on Monday.

You can find the full text of the two alerts on the MBTA webpage here
http://www.mbta.com/rider_tools/transit_updates/?ttype=cr&advistory=true&route=Franklin+Line#details

Franklin Area Bus

What is GATRA? The Franklin Area Bus
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/09/have-you-taken-ride-on-franklin-area-bus.html

Reminder: MBTA will use a bus for the Franklin Line to Norwood Depot

Shuttle buses will replace Franklin Line service between Forge Park/495 and Norwood Depot Stations on Saturday, April 22nd and Sunday April 23rd, due to Guild Street Bridge Replacement in Norwood.

Due to Guild Street Bridge Replacement, buses will replace all trains between Forge Park/495 and Norwood Depot Stations in both directions on the following dates:

- Saturday April 22nd, 2017
- Sunday April 23rd, 2017

Customers should allow additional travel time anticipating delays of approximately twenty (20) minutes.

The following stations will be affected:

• Norwood Depot
• Norwood Central
• Windsor Gardens
• Walpole
• Norfolk
• Franklin/Dean College
• Forge Park/495

Last updated: Apr 21 2017 11:22 AM
Sent by the MBTA

Seen from the Franklin train: the pre-built portion of the bridge to be used as the replacement 
is over there on the right. The train is on the bridge to be replaced

Real time Reporting: District Current Needs

WINN for Education - What I (we) Need Now from Franklin Matters

coordinator for social emotional learning

STEM coordinator for pre-K to 12 levels
a district of this size would have layers of curriculum people, we don't have an entire layer that others have

department heads currently teaching 2-3 classes, other districts usually teach only one so the time can be spent on curriculum development

need a technology support person full time, currently share with the Town and the needs can not be met
1 digital integration specialist at the high school, technical support for each school but that is limited

approx 1,000 special education students in the district. approx 17% of the population

professional development adds days to the school year and is rather expensive
extend school year for teachers to not affect the 180 day requirement
adds approx $200K per day

looking at about $400K to add the line item for textbooks and Chrome books to the budget; currently using capital budget process for this recurring expense

school fees are one item they would like to do away with.
(school fees are one reason why I got started doing this reporting. The fees came in and then went up and up. I went to meetings to find out why and try and make sense of it.)

advertising on the buses? we don't own the buses so it would not be possible to generate revenue that way


(left off at 8:00 for a work meeting; returned to meeting at 9 PM)

Boston school starting times

In the Saturday edition of the Boston Globe:

"Boston school officials have decided against changing the start times for elementary, middle, and K-8 schools for next fall, saying they need more time to conduct an analysis and consult with the community, officials announced Friday night. 

“There are no plans at this time to make changes to start and end times for the upcoming school year as it’s important that we take the time to work with the entire school community through this process,” the School Department said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/12/02/boston-puts-brakes-changing-school-start-times-least-for-now/DFxNyhH5zCj3n27a4Xv1ZO/story.html

This is a follow up to an earlier story
https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/12/01/boston-considers-changing-school-start-times-save-busing-costs/hkB7hYljDz8eh561bGzuYO/story.html


Boston has three times for bus routes; 7:30, 8:30 and 9:30. They were looking to save money by switch some of the school star times so that more busses could run the three time slots. More planning and communication is needed before making any change.

In the News: high school fields on schedule, spin your way to work, drought conditions remain

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

"The town will be looking to take ownership of the fields around the Franklin High School next year, though there have been complicating factors - not the least of which has been the ongoing drought. 

Town Councilor Thomas Mercer, chairman of the high school's building committee, gave an update on the situation this week. The town has not yet taken control of the fields from the project contractor; sodding and creating them is a multi-year process. 

He said he had received many questions about the status of the fields. 

"I've been out there at least once a week, if not twice a week," he said. 

Mercer said those involved in the project are comfortable that the high school baseball teams will be able to play on the fields in the spring.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160922/franklin-looks-to-take-ownership-of-high-school-fields-in-spring

"Stuck in frustrating bumper-to-bumper traffic on Rte. 9 or the Mass. Pike during rush hour and craving a workout to relieve the workday stress? 

Eric and Seema Brodie have just the thing for you. The Newton couple recently devised a way to get commuters in and out of Boston safely while providing them with a good, hearty workout at the same time. And with this commute, you leave the driving to someone else. 

The Brodies, who both previously worked as attorneys, converted a former Logan Airport shuttle bus into a traveling cycling studio with eight stationary bicycles bolted firmly to the floor in place of passenger seats. Riders are safely harnessed in during the ride. While Eric drives the bus through crowded highways and city streets, Seema energetically leads a high-intensity spinning class to the sounds of top musical artists."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160922/newton-couple-brings-bikebus-to-framingham

image from http://bikebus.com/index.html

"Despite one day of heavy rain showers this week, the weekly update from the U.S. Drought Monitor shows extreme drought conditions in Massachusetts remain unchanged. 

The report issued today showed 52 percent of the state remains in "extreme drought" conditions - the second worst drought level issued by the monitor. Nearly 90 percent of the state is in at least "severe drought," according to the monitor. 

Some parts of the state saw more than two inches of rain Monday but most of MetroWest and the Milford area saw an inch or less. Boston saw less than a half-inch of rain."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160922/extreme-drought-conditions-hold-fast-in-region

http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/MapsAndData/MapsandDataServices/MapService.aspx

Live Reporting: School Committee - Aug 25, 2015

Summary:

• The Memorandum of Understanding between the Town of Franklin and the School Committee/School District was review, some minor changes made to the prior agreement and the whole item was approved by a 7-0 vote. It now goes to the Town Council for their approval.
• Several updates on the preparation for opening school next week were provided. Additional administration changes were made, additional enrollments are still being seen (6 families enrolled today).
• "increased complexity and rigor" is the theme for the coming school year for improvements to the instruction and curriculum.
• The transportation plan was reviewed. Links provided for the bus schedule and several forms related to bus stops.
• The reduced price lunch application form is now online (link provided)



Franklin Matters

• Security was addressed by a number of 'minor' changes. The major security review is still in process by the vendor. The full report is expected later this year with any recommendations to be included in the capital budget planning (also later this year) and then for potential decisions with the budget reviews by the Finance Committee and Town Council in an April/May 2016 time frame.

When I discovered that I was missing a few key components to my mobile reporting tools, I resorted to using Twitter to post my notes and then put together a Storify summary. 

I am getting to like this method. You'll have to let me know if it works for you.

In the News: i495 accident, 2800 on bus this year

A crash between a car and a tractor-trailer on Interstate 495 sent the driver to the hospital via medical helicopter with life-threatening injuries Tuesday, state police officials say. 

The crash, which occurred sometime after 11 a.m. just prior to exit 17, shut down all three southbound lanes of the highway, reducing traffic to just the breakdown lane for about two and a half hours. 

The driver of a 2002 Toyota Echo, a 25-year-old from Brockton, was taken to a Rhode Island hospital via medical helicopter with life-threatening injuries and a 22-year-old passenger was taken by ambulance to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, state police spokesman David Procopio said. The driver of the tractor-trailer was uninjured.

Continue reading the article (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150825/NEWS/150827803/1994/NEWS

About 2,800 students will be taking the bus to school this year and nearly 70 percent of them will pay for the privilege, the School Committee was told Tuesday night. 

Business Administrator Miriam Goodman said the district will be hauling approximately 2,800 students on 31 buses. A total of 51 students are on a waiting list. 

"Twenty-one of them are at the high school level - the high school buses are pretty full," she said, noting that 19 buses travel to the high school. "We're trying to get everyone on as quickly as possible and meet everyone's needs."

Continue reading the article (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150825/NEWS/150827582/1994/NEWS

Franklin Public Schools: Update - there is school Tuesday, Feb 10th

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Dear Franklin Families and School Staff,

After consulting with the DPW and Facilities Department I anticipate that schools will be open and in session as scheduled on Tuesday February 10^th.  

Roads and parking lots have been plowed and treated and are in as good shape as can be expected given the record-breaking snowfall we have experienced in the past couple of weeks. 

Should anything change with this crazy New England weather that requires a cancellation or a delay, I will send something out by 5:00 AM tomorrow morning.

We will continue to make emergency transportation available for students who typically walk to school.  Please contact your child's school to discuss your child's arrival/dismissal plan.  

Please remember that we need to obtain written permission from a parent or guardian in order to let children ride the bus who ordinarily do not do so. As sidewalks are not plowed, this service will be in place for the remainder of the week.

As always, parents are in the best position to make decisions about how your child will get to school.  With this unprecedented additional snow piled onto the already existing snow, the snow banks are quite high and roads are slippery so please take extra precautions.  

For FHS students who may be driving to school, please allow extra time as roads are narrow and speed should be reduced.  Please be vigilant for pedestrians and other cars.  Parking at the high school continues to be limited based on the amount of snow, and carpooling is recommended. 

Many thanks to the DPW and Facilities staff and administration who continue to work tirelessly to maintain our roads and school campuses to ensure the safety of the Franklin community.

Thank you for your continued patience and support during this unprecedented winter.

Respectfully,

Sally Winslow

This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. 

the buses will roll on Tuesday, Feb 10th

Have you taken a ride on the Franklin Area Bus?

The Franklin Area Bus is a service provided by GATRA (Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority).

The bus runs a route from the Municipal Building to the Village Mall Plaza (Stop & Shop).

Franklin Area Bus

Visit the Franklin Area Bus page for their schedule and fare information
http://www.gatra.org/index.php/routes/bellingham-franklin/franklin-area-bus/

Franklin Area Bus

"It’s quite an important service"

The Milford Daily News has an article on regional transportation. In the article it mentions the GATRA bus that services Franklin.

The Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority, meanwhile, has bus routes that serve Franklin, Bellingham and Medway. Ridership on those three routes grew from about 27,400 in 2011 to 29,700 in 2012. 

Mary Basilone, the mobility manager for the authority, said local leaders and her agency saw a need to transport commuters, seniors, college students and others and started routes to meet that demand. 

She said her agency would like to improve connections with other regional transit authorities and enhance night and weekend service, but it needs funding to do so. 

She acknowledged there are competing interests for transportation money as state leaders work to improve bridges and roads in addition to public transit.

You ca read the full article here:
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140202/NEWS/140209634/1994/NEWS/?tag=2#sthash.BOupOlAs.dpuf

In Aug 2009, the Franklin Area Bus was wrapped in Dean College colors

Information on the Franklin Area Bus, can be found on the GATRA page here
http://www.gatra.org/index.php/routes/bellingham-franklin/franklin-area-bus/

Franklin Schools: 2 Hour Delay - Monday, Feb 11

---------- Forwarded message ----------

From: "FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT"
Date: Feb 10, 2013 6:16 PM
Subject: 2 Hour Delay
:

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hello Please be advised that all schools will open 2 hours late on Monday, February 11.  The DPW did a great job plowing roads and schools however not all sidewalks are plowed at this time. The district will implement emergency transportation for those students who walk to school and are unable to obtain a ride. Buses have been directed to stop and pick up all walkers. For a list of bus stops please go to the transportation page in the Business office link on our web site. Please be aware that the snow banks are high and roads are expected to be wet so please drive with caution. District office will be open at the regular time. Stay safe To listen to the above message, you will need audio software and speakers on your computer. This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at (508) 613-1777.

Franklin, MA: Getting ready for school

The last week of summer is upon us as schools open after Labor Day for the first time in several years. The teachers report on Weds and Thur this week for preparation and professional development. The students report on Tue Sep 4th.

The Davis Thayer sign:

The Parmenter sign:

Check with your school for when the K Orientation begins on Tuesday, Sep 4th. The starting times may differ school to school.

Generally across the district, there is the orientation on Tuesday, half the class reports for a full day on Wednesday. The other half of the class reports on Thursday. Then the full kindergarten class reports on Friday. This provides a good opportunity for the K teachers to greet the students and start getting the school routine established for this young and precious group.

The full school calendar for 2012-2013 can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/08/franklin-ma-school-calendar-2012-13.html

The bus schedule can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/08/franklin-ma-school-bus-routes-for-2012.html

Franklin, MA: School Bus Routes for 2012-2013

The school bus routes have been published to the Franklin Public Schools Transportation web page and shared here.






If you have trouble with the Google link, you can also go directly to the School Transportation page to view and download the PDF file
http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinDistrict_BusOffice/transportation/transportation

If you are not registered for the bus, it is too late!

Real-time reporting: School Committee (via cable broadcast)

Per the transportation update at Tuesday's School Committee meeting, the school transportation process started in April with a registration deadline of June 30. The second payment was due July 9th. Reminders went out to the parents/families who needed to complete their payments. There are still about 50 accounts that need to get completed. High school and middle school buses are currently full. No additional registrations are being accepted.

Once school begins in Sep, ridership on the routes will be measured and if additional capacity is available, there may be adjustments by the end of Sep.

The bus routes are scheduled to be posted to the School's website by the end of next week.
Bus passes for the Charter School will be available Aug 21 and for the other Franklin students Aug 27th.

Bus fees are $325 per student with a cap at three students paying within one family ($975).

Students K-6 who live outside of 2 miles from school are eligable for a 'free' ride. Students at middle school and high school and all other K-6 less than 2 miles can register for 'pay to ride'.

There are approx 1500 in the 'pay to ride' program currently with another 500+ in the 'free ride' program.

Franklin Schools' 2011-2012 Bus Routes

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Franklin Schools' 2011-2012 Bus Routes

via Wicked Local Franklin News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc. on 8/24/11

The 2011-2012 Franklin Schools bus routes are now available HERE

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to Wicked Local Franklin News RSS using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

"that line is drawn at two miles"

The fee is for students who live less than two miles from school, under the assumption that the child could walk to school. 

School administrators said this week the changes are the result of upgrades to maps used to organize bus routes. 

Students in kindergarten through sixth grade who live more than two miles from school can take the bus for free. Other students must pay $325 to ride the bus. There is a family cap of $975. 

That policy has not changed, but the updated maps show more details, allowing administrators to more accurately determine where a student's home is and how far it is from school. 

That means some families that weren't assessed a fee will now have to pay; others that used to pay can now ride for free.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x706706302/Bus-fee-changes-irk-some-Franklin-parents#ixzz1QkcKMSkg

The bus is coming. The bus is coming!

Yes, it is that time of the year where the school bus schedule is reviewed. Getting up and out in the morning for school begins next week.

You can view the bus schedule here:

Franklin Public Schools 2010-11 Busroutes


You can also go to the Franklin Public Schools Transportation page to find this info and more:
http://www.franklin.ma.us/auto/schools/FPS/transport/default.htm

A quick summary of the changes to the schedule was covered in the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, August 24th.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/08/live-reporting-closing_24.html

Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the document.

Take a ride on the Franklin Area Bus

Did you know that you can have it stop for you along the route?

This September, why not take some time to ride the bus. For $1, it can be a real bargain.

One of the buses on the Franklin Area route has been wrapped to help advertise for Dean College. The bus (pictured below) was recently seen on its route along King St.




For more information (and schedule) on the Franklin Area Bus follow this link (PDF).