Crazy Reading Ladies send "love to the Librarians!"

From the "Crazy Reading Ladies"

"For the love of librarians 

For over a decade, our school district has suffered the loss of librarians. Sure, our middle school boasts a big, beautiful library space - we even have a decent budget for books - but there is no librarian to cull the collection, to staff library time, or to help students select the books that will make them fall in love with reading. We know the science, and we know what a tragedy this is. 

We are The Crazy Reading Ladies, after all. We know adolescents, and we know good books. We read YA and middle-grade literature almost exclusively. We're cool! We follow our favorite authors and publishers on Twitter and Instagram. We know how the use the internet. We can talk books all day long; in fact, we love nothing more than spending time with students and matching them to books. We also know that we are not librarians, nor do we have access to the thousands of books and online resources that await public library patrons.  Our students need more than we can give them.  Libraries are the answer. The public library is a wealth of resources - ours offers everything from books, to apps, to clubs, to social opportunities, and safe gathering spaces."

Continue reading about the "love for librarians"  (you can also follow the link for other photos telling the story) -> 

https://crazyreadingladies.blogspot.com/2023/02/for-love-of-librarians.html

As the budget season gets into gear for the Town of Franklin and Franklin Public Schools, it might be worthwhile to check on what is being done to address the library resources and how it being addressed with the budget dollars.

Ms. Caleigh at BLAST launch 2018

School Committee meeting Jan 25, 2023 video replay available (video)

The Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, Jan 25, 2023. They reviewed the FHS program of studies, approved a new community into the Accept Collaborative, and entered executive session to close the session. 

The Franklin TV video of the meeting is available for replay on YouTube ->  https://youtu.be/6f53S5iyXpU

The meeting audio recording will be available in a day or so. My notes from the meeting can be found in one PDF file ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pWMoZmkmt2nkhBczlP0QYMBbBVPrew5d/view?usp=share_link

FHS Principal Josh Hanna

Recap: School Committee meeting - 8/24/21

Quick Recap:

• The School Committee voted to adjust the agenda removing the mask policy from discussion for now as the DESE decision on masks was made earlier during the day and takes precedence. Comment time was provided and extended to accommodate the antivaccine folks
• In regular business, the handbooks modified for this school year were approved unanimously. Health and Safety was split into a separate section to acknowledge the COVID-19 protocols, With the approval, the handbooks will be distributed to the families in advance of school opening this year.
• Chair Bergen took a couple of minutes to thank those who have taken out papers to run for School Committee, letting them know this is an apolitical position, separate from the Town in many ways, there is an 8 hour course required to provide insights on how to operate successfully and legally within the guidelines. A good thing to make folks aware of. At least one successful candidate last time was even aware of the two meeting a month commitment until after they were elected. It is better to be prepared.

----

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session

 

The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #schcom0824 

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23schcom0824&src=typeahead_click 

 

Agenda doc (including connection info) ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/sc-agenda-8-24-21

 

Agenda folder -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/august-24-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet

 

• Live reporting underway the School Committee meeting tonight. #schcom0824
• Agenda item on masking for students taken off agenda given DESE action earlier today. #schcom0824
• Citizen comment on the poor audio internal in the Chambers last week for the Policy subcommittee meeting was held #schcom0824
• Superintendent's report, doc shared the day after the meeting; new faculty orientation this week, approx. 35 participating. Q prior on surplus text where to go? Places/orgs defined. #schcom0824
• Thanks to the custodial and facility staff for their work to prep for opening, DPW for work on the grounds, Technology for their work preparing equipment for this year Motion and second to remove the policy items from agenda, passes 7-0 #schcom0824
• Accept collaborative update, superintendent represents the district req to create a fund for capital accounts, students go out of district, about 10 students participate in accept training; Pfeffer has a host of questions; Q's answered motion passes 6-0-1 (stokes recuses)
• Handbook updates provided by Giguere in coordination with the school vice principals (and legal review), health and safety in a separate section of handbooks, free lunch for all students this year. #schcom0824
• Health and safety section: https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/health-info-memo. And presentation doc https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/health-pres  #schcom0824
• Highlights in the presentation cover changes from last year to this #schcom0824 Info from DESE expected on masks and social distancing - no minimum standard to go for this year. Lunch will be hard, K-8 easier than FHS
• Testing options proposed #schcom0824 sub coverage for staff is a potential worry (as it was last year)
• Visitors will be allowed this year and monitored carefully #schcom0824 clarification on a few points around the presentation and discussion Chair Bergen provides insights on background before the comment section (20 mins)
• Parent comment on dissatisfaction with #schcom0824; parent of student with IEP and issues with mask and speech; parent says there is no room for mandate; parent upset with mask as incentive for vaccine and 80% as the requirement; parent (via zoom) (with poor connection)
• #schcom0824 parent wants to get the info out on the testing are they authorized tests? Or emergency authorized?; Parent commending SchComm for their work; parent respectfully disagrees with other speakers who claimed they included her; difference between tests/ timing of exposure
• Bridget Sweet, Board of Health Chair, acknowledges working with the School district to work with the guidelines from DESE. Asking to take heart that the BoH is doing what is best for everyone #schcom0824
• Parent asking for school work for those who are out under quarantine; #schcom0824 parent says no evidence for folks with masks and learning effects, need real metrics for when it will end; Superintendent responds on 3 points, goal the same, measures may differ ...
• 1 things are fluid, there will be updates, 2 binex now (?) is an antigen test and a nasal swab. The committee vote on the handbook as discussed, moved and second, passes 7-0 #schcom0824
• Back to school report https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/status-update-8-20-21 #schcom0824 Hockomock League still working on the sports protocol Still active in hiring, job fair had 15 candidates appeared last night, getting close to closing in on staff for this year
• Info matters - Jumped back to new hiring list, clarification how and why, can they be supported by the budget! Yes, they are backfills for existing roles Policy to set meeting, with DESE guidance to be reviewed #schcom0824 thanks to those setting up to run for SchComm
• 8 hour course required for SchComm, apolitical role, separate from town, #schcom0824 Next meeting, district improvement plan, etc. Motion on 8/10 minutes, second, passes 6-0-1 (Jen abstains) Consent agenda, motion to accept, seconded, passes 7-0
• Motion to adjourn , passes 7-0 That's all for tonight, catch you next time! #schcom0824

 

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

 

Superintendent Ahern updating the SchComm without her mask at the request of one member who couldn't hear her with the mask

Listen to why you should "Escape to the Arts!" - ArtWALK Celebration June 11-12-13 (audio)

Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) features almost an hour of excitement bubbling from two separate interviews combined for easy listening. 

• Nancy Schoen, Chair of the Franklin Cultural District talks of the forthcoming ArtWALK Celebration, how it started, what kinds of events there are scheduled. 
• A panel discussion on bringing arts into a business and how to display the art features Melanie Hamblen, Christine Blue Lamb Toubeau, Laural Katsaros, and Walter Spencer.

The two interviews were edited together for broadcast on Wednesday at 9:00 AM, 12:00 noon, and 6:00 PM.

You can listen to the broadcast on the local Franklin area dial at 102.9 or anywhere with an internet browser at wfpr.fm

If you miss the broadcast hour, you can also find the interviews on you favorite podcast app by looking for "Franklin Matters Radio"

or listen here:

• Nancy Schoen -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/05/fm-532-franklin-cultural-district.html
• Artists and Business panel -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/06/fm-557-artwalk-artists-business-panel.html

The ArtWALK Celebration schedule of events ->   https://www.franklinculture.org/home/pages/franklin-artwalk-celebration-escape-arts

 

Listen to why you should "Escape to the Arts!" - ArtWALK Celebration June 11-12-13 (audio)

50+ Jobseekers Networking Program - February Events

We are excited to offer a wide range of programming including interactive workshops [3 options offered], follow-up networking sessions, 1-1 speed coaching, exciting guest speakers and panel events.   February is packed with programming! Mark your calendar! Be sure to visit our website 50plusjobseekers.org for additional details.   Interactive Workshop Series: Learn new Job Search Skills and Strategies Session #2-Create your STARS: Mon, Feb 1st: 630-830pm:  Session #3-Use your STARS: Tues Feb 9th: 10-12N Session #3-Use your STARS: Fri Feb 12th: 1-3pm Session #3-Use your STARS: Mon Feb 15th: 630-830pm Session #4-Creating your Resume-Part I: Tues Feb 23rd:10-12N   G2G Networking Sessions: Session Recap-Homework-Networking-Open Forum Q&A Networking Session #2: Tues Feb 2nd: 10-1130am  Networking Session #3: Tues Feb 16th 10-1130am   Special Events Series: Guest Speakers and Panel Events 50+ Job Seekers Community Forum: Fri Feb 5th: 10-11am [In Collaboration w/EOEA**] Finding Resiliency and Resources: Thu Feb 11th: 10-12N [In collaboration with EBN **] Age-Friendly Employer Forum - Panel Event Wed Feb 24th[In collaboration with EBN **] GUEST SPEAKER-Nancy Collamer: Hot Small Business and Gig Ideas: Thu Feb 25th::10-1130am   If you are registered with the 50+ program, you will receive a URL to join the events. Not registered?  Register at our website 50plusjobseekers.org Thanks, Ed Lawrence * 50+ Program - Group Leader * Resume-writer for the Framingham Public Library * Principal coach - www.getstart-ed.com   50+ Jobseekers Networking Program - February Events

“Four Week Illumination and Sound Experience” - Hatch Shell, Boston

"As is the case with so many of Boston’s beloved destinations, it’s hard not to think about the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade and get a little bummed out. All the celebrations that would normally take place in its giant shadow, like the Fourth of July Fireworks Spectaculars, the BSO performances, and all the free-to-all concerts held there every year, have been canceled. One of the loudest publicly-accessible outdoor spaces in the city has gone quiet, and dark.

But a new month long public art project slated to take over the Hatch Shell this winter will change all that, and in the process, give Bostonians something they have no doubt been craving of late: something cool to do outside.

Beginning later this month, the stage will host what the Esplanade Association is calling a “four week illumination and sound experience.” Called Hatched: Breaking through the silence, it will include laser-projected animations that will fill the 40-foot-tall arch, as well as music that can be played through smartphones and portable speakers.

It debuts on January 22, and viewings will last 15 minutes and run every 20 minutes from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. each night through February 21. It’s free to all, and the Hatch Shell’s lawn will be open to anyone who wants to see the show up close while keeping a safe distance apart."

Continue reading the article online

https://www.bostonmagazine.com/arts-entertainment/2021/01/04/hatch-shell-illumination-hatched/

 

Shared from Twitter:  https://t.co/wrtjjLU4lf

 

“Four Week Illumination and Sound Experience” - Hatch Shell, Boston (Rendering via the MF Dynamics)

Inside the deal: "There was still one important person to persuade: the president"

From the New York Times:

"A week before Thanksgiving, a small group of moderate senators gathered in the spacious living room of Senator Lisa Murkowski’s home on Capitol Hill to embark on what they considered an urgent assignment.

They were there — eating Tuscan takeout as they sat socially distanced, with the windows open to let the cold air circulate as a coronavirus precaution — to talk about how to get the Senate, polarized and paralyzed on nearly every issue, working again.

They were also determined to find a way to deliver a more immediate kind of relief, brainstorming how to break a monthslong partisan stalemate over providing a new round of federal aid to millions of Americans and businesses buckling under the economic weight of the coronavirus pandemic."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/21/us/politics/stimulus-deal-congress.html

And given the late news that the President is signaling that he would not to sign the bill as drafted after saying he would, we wait. That doesn't take away from the story. The story on how to broker a deal via compromise and collaboration still is a good message on what works for rational folks.

 

A Most Worthy Read: "We walked up to the edge — and did not jump"

Via Mark Hertling (@MarkHertling) :

"This wondrous piece by my friend ⁦@MollyMcKew⁩ is simply the best description of where we've been, and where we must now go. Poetry, prose and truth.  Read this and be thankful we've stepped back from the edge."  

We walked up to the edge — and did not jump
A Thanksgiving message, part 1 = by Molly McKew

"I’ve spent these past weeks with breath held, fingers crossed, afraid to look away, but also afraid not to. To just put all this down for a minute, and take a breath, and look up, out, see again the horizon and the sense of movement toward it that has always defined the expansive land and spirit of America. 

America is a constantly morphing and adaptive idea. But fundamentally we are still, as we have always been, a nation of madness. Mostly good madness — but madness still. 

The people who would build this nation must have been mad to seek where there be dragons — to cross storm-riven seas, arrive on the shores of this wild and magical land, and embrace the idea of living in the haunted wilderness to have the chance — just a chance — of shaping something new. Something removed from the mental and physical confinements of history. 

In that time of wilderness, each one of us here was a zealot of some cause — a zealot of gods, commerce, ideas, quests, adventures. We came here running from things, or toward others. And this strange amalgamated zealotry was somehow integral to our survival, the good and bad forces that shaped us in their conflict. A core belief that old rules didn’t apply. That the frontier could be pushed ever outward. That we could survive against the odds. And that always, always, the sins of the past could be overcome by achieving a righteous future."

Continue reading the article online =  https://t.co/kA7TdJQbGS

"want to be prepared to move ahead once the disease threat recedes"

From the Boston Globe, an article of interest to Franklin

"Democratic governors in the Northeast — as well as Republican Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker — and along the West Coast on Monday announced separate state compacts to coordinate one of their biggest challenges in the weeks to come: How to begin reopening society amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The governors made separate announcements just hours after President Trump said on Twitter that it was his decision to decide when to “open up the states."

The governors did not announce specific plans on how to scale back stay-at-home orders or reopen businesses. Instead, both groups said they would coordinate those decisions while first considering the health of residents. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said it could take time."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/04/13/business/cuomo-says-northeast-governors-will-coordinate-reopenings-after-coronavirus-outbreak-subsides/

Gov Charlie Baker spoke during a media availability at the State House to discuss updates relating to COVID-19 on Monday in Boston, MA.Nancy Lane

The "What Trump Can Teach Us About Constitutional Law" is a worthy and timely listen. Law Professor Elizabeth Joh discusses the separation of powers between the President and the States. Our current president may say anything he wants, but as we have heard, not all of it is actually true.   

"During a health crisis, what is the government allowed to do? As the novel coronavirus spreads across America, there have been closures and lockdowns across the country. In this episode, we look to history to understand who has the power to quarantine, and how the office of the president can be used to slow down a pandemic."   https://trumpconlaw.com/39-quarantine-powers

https://trumpconlaw.com/39-quarantine-powers

Melanie Hamblen says "Thank you!"

Via Facebook post by Melanie Hamblen:

"This was amazing. Thank you everyone for participating. Together we can stomp out the stigma of addiction and support our community. 

Jen Knight of the SAFE Coalition and I picked out 21 games at Pete's Nerd Emporium Wowza! Thank you Franklin!"

With collaboration among the #ShopFranklin business like this, here is a good reason to visit both establishments (if you haven't already).

Jen Knight of the SAFE Coalition and I picked out 21 games at
Pete's Nerd Emporium Wowza! Thank you Franklin!

close up on the games selected, quite a variety!

The Facebook post can be found
https://www.facebook.com/groups/shopFranklin/permalink/1852416648202180/

The challenge ran from Nov 24 to Dec 8
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/11/charitable-givings-with-petes-and.html

For more information about the work of the SAFE Coalition
http://www.safecoalitionma.org/

Franklin Cultural District Meeting - June 19

The Franklin Cultural District Committee has completed the cultural district application and has recently submitted it to the state for approval.The committee would like to invite you to our first quarterly partnership meeting. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 19th at 7:30 PM in the Franklin Senior Center.

At this meeting will present an overview of our work to date and also share several exciting possibilities for the future. We look forward to working together to promote the arts and the economic growth of downtown Franklin.

Please join us on June 19th!

https://twitter.com/franklinculture

Senator Spilka Hosts Social Emotional Learning Discussion on Jan 17, 2017 in Ashland

Senator Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland) will host a discussion of social and emotional learning (SEL) and possible models for implementation in MetroWest schools and communities.

Social and emotional learning – defined by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) as “the process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions” – is increasingly recognized as the key to success, in school and beyond, for children of all backgrounds. Join Senator Spilka and CASEL senior consultant Ruth Cross to learn about the importance of SEL and ways to bring these strategies to MetroWest students.

WHO:
Senator Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland)
Ruth Cross, Senior SEL Consultant, CASEL

WHAT:
Discussion of social and emotional learning and a model for district-wide SEL implementation

WHEN:
January 17, 2017
6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

WHERE:
Warren Conference Center and Inn
Warren House Telechron Room
529 Chestnut Street, Ashland

NOTE: 
This event is free and open to the public; attendees must RSVP via Eventbrite.

The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL)

To learn more about SEL, visit http://www.casel.org/what-is-sel/
To learn more about Ruth Cross, visit http://www.casel.org/staff/ruth-cross/
To learn more about CASEL, visit http://www.casel.org/

"a partnership-based program with cities and towns"

The article does not reference it but this may be the kind of deal that Franklin is part of to bring the joint emergency dispatch center to reality. 

There is not much money attached to Gov. Charlie Baker's "Community Compacts" program, but local officials who have signed on say it may help in other ways. 

The push for the agreements, which encourage the towns to adopt "best practices" in return for state support, has seen results in MetroWest and the Milford area - Ashland, Marlborough and Medway have signed the compacts, while Natick, Upton, Mendon and Hopkinton are listed as considering the pacts. Forty-one communities statewide have signed on to the program.

....

Medway Town Administrator Michael Boynton said his town pledged in September to improve communication within the community. 

"It's about doing more outreach," he said. "We want to be more interactive, and use social media, the Web and video." 

Though the town could pursue greater outreach on its own, Boynton said he believed the state's expertise on these matters would help Medway achieve its goal. 

"I think, while you can always do anything on your own, there's certainly a benefit to partnering with the state," he said.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151018/NEWS/151016425/1994/NEWS

"It's a really nice collaboration"

You may recall that the Dave Matthews Band was helping the Food Pantry. How much help did they provide?

This year, Lynch said, the pantry convinced Reverb to invite Hoffmann Farm, run by Nick Hoffmann, who started his community-supported agriculture program anew in 2012 after moving to Franklin from New Braintree. 

At the show last Saturday, the pantry and the farm had two booths set up in the concourse. The pantry collected more than 500 pounds of food and $2,400 to purchase produce from Hoffmann. 

And both were able to get some exposure, as thousands of people attended the show.

You can read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140614/NEWS/140617330/1994/NEWS

The prior article on the Dave Matthew Band and the Food Pantry
http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/2014/06/dave-matthews-helps-food-pantry.html


What will the $2,400 be used for?
The Food Pantry already purchases some Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) shares from Hoffman Farms to provide fresh produce to our neighbors. These funds will either add to this program for this year or next year. The Hoffman Farm is located on Daniels St in Franklin.

Hoffman Farm, Daniels St - Franklin

For more about the Franklin Food Pantry, you can visit their webpage
http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/

"you need to learn how to disagree without being disagreeable"

In this 12 minute video clip, John Perry Barlow says:

the internet is enabling the possibility of collective human thought
it was going to be a difficult road
it was going to question every system of authority

political process, you need each other
you need to learn how to disagree without being disagreeable
all politics is local

it is possible to see the future where money didn't matter in an election

the internet has made it practically impossible to govern something like the nation

we have to use the same mechanism where we ran a campaign from the bottom to run the government from the bottom



A worthy lesson given the recent events around the override vote

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

Franklin, MA

Crowd sourcing real time data

What does that mean?

What would you do if you heard a giant boom and you didn't know where it came from? If you're like thousands of people in Portland, Oregon, you might hit Twitter and Google Maps to participate in the city-wide exploration of a slightly frightening mystery. Last night at about 8 p.m., people in a big part of the city felt their windows shake and no one could tell them what caused it.

Some folks in Portland, OR collaborated to combine their Tweets with updates to a Google Map and help to pin point a city park where the explosion seemed to originate. The police, also following on Twitter, checked out the park and did find remains of a bomb.

Read the full post including detailed maps and screen shots here



Franklin, MA

"a coherent answer"

At first, the silence in the room was deafening. Then, gasps and questions came flying out. “Hey, Jason’s typing on MY screen.” Then, “Whoa. There’s a chat box. Are we ALLOWED to use that?!?!” After the first five minutes, the students figured out that they were supposed to work together to answer the question that I provided. I was amazed. I had not provided the students with a single verbal prompt or redirection, and they were using the tool to write a response together. Before I knew it, they had drafted a coherent answer to the question together. Their single response was much better than anything they had written individually all year.

How did this occur?

Etherpad is a free tool that allows users to collaborate in real real time. There’s no need to refresh your screen with Etherpad, it automatically updates every .5 seconds!

To read the full posting click through to
http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2010/02/using-technology-to-find-students.html