Franklin Public Schools: School Closure Update - Notification and Information

March 13, 2020

Dear Franklin Families,


This letter serves as a follow up to the Town of Franklin Coronavirus Update Letter shared earlier today. Franklin Public Schools, beginning today, Friday, March 13, 2020, are closed for two weeks (through March 27, 2020), planning to resume operations March 30th. We will have to make up 5 days for the year. Our last day of school is now planned for June 24, 2020.

The purpose of this closure is preventative and is to provide social distancing within the school community, as this practice has been promoted as a way to curb the spread of the virus. It is not a direct reaction to a specific situation or individual; the Board of Health reports there are no confirmed cases impacting us at this time.

School events are also cancelled and may be postponed. This includes the Leap into Kindergarten (3/17), Incoming 9th Grade Special Education Transition Night (3/18), and Parent/Guardian Homework Information Evening (3/18). MCAS testing at FHS for sophomores will be postponed (3/24 and 3/25). The School Committee meeting/budget hearing is scheduled to continue (3/24).

We know that school plays an important role in the daily life of children. The routine of school, in particular, is a comfort during times of stress. We are keenly aware of this and have been actively planning to support both families and students and to maintain some structure and connection. 

This includes:
● Developmentally appropriate resources for the continuity of learning and “keeping the learning alive”
● Continuation of breakfast and lunch for Franklin children
● Counseling supports
● Rescheduled dates of selected activities and events (e.g. SATs, MCAS, parent/guardian information evenings) 

We will address the details of these and other matters in future communications.

We anticipate that your child may need items left at school such as instruments, books, Chromebooks, and personal items. Your child’s school will soon communicate specific days and times.

This is an anxiety-producing time for all. The following resources may assist you in answering questions and facilitating conversations with your children:

• How to Talk to Children about the Coronavirus

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/how-to-talk-to-children-about-the-coronavirus-2020030719111

• Talking to Kids about Covid-19 

https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-climate-safety-and-crisis/health-crisis-resources/talking-to-children-about-covid-19-%28coronavirus%29-a-parent-resource
 

• Talking to Teen/Tweens about Coronavirus

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/02/well/family/coronavirus-teenagers-anxiety.html

• Coronavirus: Latest Updates and Tips

https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/coronavirus-latest-updates?utm_source=Understood+for+All&utm_campaign=87b667c2b5-02192020_familiesNL_highengagement_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_45fc52ce3d-87b667c2b5-337092907


We know there are many remaining questions. We aim to address these in the coming days and we appreciate your patience as we navigate this unchartered territory together as a community.

Sincerely,
Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public Schools: School Closure Update - Notification and Information

The School message is also delivered in multiple languages
https://www.franklinps.net/district/superintendent/pages/messages-superintendent-regarding-coronavirus
 

Franklin Public Schools will be closed through March 27, 2020; Senior Center, Library, Recreation - indefinitely

Good afternoon,

After much consideration, out of an abundance of caution, Franklin Public Schools will be closed through March 27, 2020. We recognize that this creates a disruption in our daily lives. We did not make this decision lightly, but the health and safety of our students and staff is our top priority.

Please see the attached memo in the e-mail for more town and school-based information. Additional details will be forthcoming later today from FPS administration.

Kindly,

Franklin Public Schools

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

Based on the evolving conditions associated with the COVID-19 outbreak occurring throughout the state, in consultation with the Franklin Board of Health, town emergency management officials, we have made the decision to close the Franklin Public Schools and most town buildings, beginning today, Friday, March 13, 2020. As the situation remains fluid, we anticipate remaining closed for approximately two weeks (through March 27, 2020) resuming operations March 30th where the Town will resume business; however, this may change based on direction from state and local health officials as more information becomes available.

We realize this decision has a significant impact and far-reaching ramifications for our community and understand the disruption and uncertainty that is created for everyone. However, we believe these steps are necessary given the current realities. We encourage all families to take a step back, please follow best hygiene and prevention practices as instructed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and to be patient. We do not make this decision lightly, but making decisions to help prevent transmission of the virus is paramount.

We encourage every Franklin resident, business and visitor to follow the latest guidance from local authorities on our Coronavirus Information Portal here on the Franklin homepage. More information on each departments level of service will continue to be updated here: https://www.franklinma.gov/

Effective immediately, we will be ordering the following public facility closures and restrictions:

1. Franklin Public School District will be closed beginning today, March 13th, 2020. The schools anticipate opening Monday, March 30th.

The FPS Administration is considering numerous factors at this time, including how to provide for continuity of services, including feeding children. Additional information will be forthcoming this afternoon and in the coming days. School based staff should not report on Monday, March 16, 2020. Additional expectations for staff will be communicated soon.

This information will be sent to families and staff via Regroup as well as posted on our webpage: https://www.franklinps.net/

2. Franklin Senior Center will be closed to all patrons indefinitely, until further notice. The staff will be required to work a full schedule and will continue to conduct outreach and assistance to seniors in need. Staff will be readily available by telephone at 508-520-4926 during regular business hours to answer questions and offer any assistance. Franklin Senior Center staff are also spending time disinfecting the entire building during the week, as well.

As stated by the CDC, older adults and those with serious illnesses are especially at high risk to contract the virus and have greater risk of complications from the virus. Please visit the Franklin website for additional information. We are urging our senior citizen population to continue to be vigilant, avoid large gatherings, practice social distancing and good hygiene, and to stay home as much as possible to limit exposure to Coronavirus.

3. Franklin Public Library will be closed to all patrons indefinitely, until further notice. The staff will be required to work a full schedule and will continue to operate business via online services and will be available by phone during modified business hours at 508-520-4941.

Modified business hours will be 9AM to 5PM Monday through Saturday where staff will be available by phone. All programs at the Library are cancelled for this duration.

Any late fines will be waived through at least March 27th.

4. Franklin Recreation Building will be closed to all patrons indefinitely, until further notice. The staff will be required to work a full schedule and will continue to operate business via online services. The Franklin Recreation Department operates all of its program registration online and individuals may continue to sign up for programs. The Town is cancelling all recreation programs through March 30th.

5. Municipal Building & DPW Administration Building will remain open during regular business hours for the time being. We are working through the legal factors relating to public meetings, public hearings and our ability to continue to conduct regular business as much as possible. Public bodies, such as elected Boards, must continue to work,unless further directed by the state. We hope to have additional information at the beginning of next week on the status.

We encourage all residents to use our online business options for permits, payments online at our online customer service center.

https://unipaygold.unibank.com/customerinfo.aspx https://franklinma.viewpointcloud.com/

6. Police and Fire Department will remain open to respond to public safety related matters as they arise. Emergency dispatch has included enhanced screenings to further diagnose any calls with infectious diseases.

7. Historical Museum will be closed indefinitely until further notice.

Other actions taken:

● The Town of Franklin is providing weekly deep sanitization of all public facilities every weekend. This will continue until further notice.

● The Town has installed numerous hand sanitizing stations throughout our buildings and schools to help prevent the spread of this (or any) virus.

● We continue to monitor the latest information from state authorities.

● The March 21st Stormwater Forum at the Public Library will be cancelled.

The following links are resources to find out information on best practices, travel restrictions and other facts about the spread of the virus. These are the three most trusted and factual sources of information for you and your family.

Center for Disease Control -- https://www.cdc.gov/Coronavirus/ 
Massachusetts Department of Public Health -- www.mass.gov/2019coronavirus Town of Franklin -- https://www.franklinma.gov/

Download your copy of the file
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eYh_NvOoJnUGa--I9NOMlFVI1S91kBHS/view?usp=sharing

One of the many casualties of the closing will be the monthly book sale

Live reporting: New business to Closing (Executive Session)

VI. New Business
A. To discuss any future agenda items

elementary school improvement plans
DECA TBD

VII. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from the February 11, 2020 school committee meeting as detailed.
B. Executive Session Minutes
I recommend approval of the executive session minutes from the February 11, 2020 school committee meeting as detailed to be released.
C. Music Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $30.00 from music parents for in-house enrichment for the music department as detailed.
D. Keller Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $851.00 from Keller PCC for field trips as detailed.

motion to approve items b, c, d, seconded, passed 6-0 (a to be revised and brought back for vote next time)


VIII. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

IX. Payroll Ms. D’Angelo

X. Executive Session
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.

motion to go to executive session, seconded, passed 6-0
(via roll call (Keenan absent))


XI. Adjournment


"Please note that the Superintendent's Reports or any Presentations will not be posted prior to the meeting"
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/february-25-2020-school-committee-packet

Franklin Public Library Closed Monday, December 16 Through Wednesday, December 18

Franklin Public Library Closed Monday, December 16 Through Wednesday, December 18

The Franklin Public Library will be closed on Monday, December 16 through Wednesday, December 18, 2019 for the cleaning of its brick hallways on the first floor. 

All fines will be waived on materials returned during that week. Items on the hold shelf will be made available for pickup for an additional three days. Museum passes reserved for those dates may be picked up by Sunday, December 15th. 

For more information, please contact Library Director Felcia Oti at 508-520-4941 or foti@franklinma.gov .

brick hallway on the first floor at the entrance

Franklin Public Library and Town Offices - Closed on Labor Day

The Franklin Public Library and Town Offices will be closed on Monday, Sep 2 for the Labor Day holiday.

Franklin Public Library and Town Offices - Closed on Labor Day

 

Franklin Public Library: closed - Sunday, May 12

The Franklin Public Library will be closed on Sunday, May 12 for Mother's Day.

Franklin Public Library: closed - Sunday, May 12

This was shared from the Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/bulletins/mothers-day

Franklin Police -> Franklin Fireworks road closure notice

"Franklin Fireworks road closure notice: Oak Street, from ECHO BRIDGE to CHURCH SQUARE will be closed at approximately 8:30pm on 7/3/2018 to accommodate pedestrian traffic for the fireworks celebration. 

No vehicles, including residents will be allowed to pass. PANTHER WAY will also close as soon as the parking lots at the high school are full. Access to HIGHWOOD DRIVE and VETERANS MEMORIAL DRIVE will still be allowed for residents. 

Please obey all permanent and temporary no parking signs. 
Vehicles parked in violation of posted restrictions will be removed."

Franklin Police -> Franklin Fireworks road closure notice

This was shared from the Franklin Police Facebook post:

Town Office Closed on Memorial Day; trash/recycling scheduled delayed one day

Memorial Day is celebrated on Monday, May 28. Town offices (and the Library) will be closed. This is one of the Monday holidays that delays the trash and recycling schedule. 

With no pickup on Monday, those scheduled for Monday will be picked up Tuesday. Those on Tuesday will be picked up on Wednesday, and so forth. Just imagine DPW Director leaving the voice message about the delayed schedule. I can write it but he reads it so much better!

Town Office Closed on Memorial Day; trash/recycling scheduled delayed one day

Franklin Residents: Trash and Recycling pick up schedule - delayed one day this week

Additional info on the trash and recycling schedule can be found on the Town of Franklin webpage  http://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste

Library Closed for Memorial Day

Yes, the Library is closed both Sunday and Monday. Stock up on books and other reading materials today and Saturday!

only a couple of weeks ago, in the days of the early blooming period

Franklin Residents: March 13 Winter Storm

Hello Residents of Franklin, this is Brutus Cantoreggi, your DPW Director. 

Due to tomorrow predicted Blizzard conditions of heavy snow and winds, The Town Municipal Building, Senior Center, Recreation Department, Library and DPW Main Office will be closed. 

The Town's Trash and Recycling collection program will also be delayed one day. Please observe the Town's winter parking ban as the Police Department will be enforcing it. 

If your power does go out, contact NGrid directly. Never approach or touch down powerlines, they may be energized and could seriously harm or kill you. 

Call 911 with all emergencies, we have an excellent Police and Fire Departments that are here to assist you. Thank you and be safe tonight and tomorrow.



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Franklin Residents: March 13th Winter Storm

Town Offices will be closed Monday February 19th in Observance of Presidents Day.

Town Offices will be closed Monday February 19th in Observance of Presidents Day.

Monday February 19 -  Presidents Day

Franklin Town Offices closed for MLK Day

Town Offices will be closed Monday, January 16, 2017 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day

MLK image from Franklin webpage

This was shared from the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/town-offices-will-be-closed-monday-january-16-2017-observance-martin-luther-king-jr-day

Franklin Public Library: closed Sunday and Monday, Jan 15 and 16, 2017

The Franklin Public Library will be closed on Sunday and Monday, Jan 15 and 16 for Martin Luther King Day.

This was shared from the Franklin Library page
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2017/01/library-closed-sunday-january-15-and.html

Franklin Library - Closed Friday for Veterans Day, Nov 11

The Franklin Public Library will be closed on Friday, November 11  for Veterans Day.

This was shared from the Franklin Library page
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2016/11/library-closed-friday-november-11-for.html

Library Closed - Sunday/Monday for Memorial Day weekend

The Franklin Public Library has relocated to 25 Kenwood Circle while renovations on the building are conducted. It operates from Kenwood Circle for its normal hours. However, this Sunday and Monday it is closed for the Memorial Day weekend.

The Franklin Public Library will be closed on Sunday and Monday for the Memorial Day weekend

For additional information about the Franklin Library, visit them on the Internet at  http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_TownLibrary/index