Franklin Collaboration: Birchwood Wine Dinner - May 15

Franklin Collaboration: Birchwood Wine Dinner - May 15

It’s our FIRST WINE DINNER! 

All Franklin businesses, all Italian(obviously). 

The Franklin Collab brings @vine_farmer and Pour Richards to our friends @birchwoodbakeryandkitchen for an epic night. 5/15, 6:30, $75. 

Tickets available through @birchwoodbakeryandkitchen now!

Shared from ->   https://www.instagram.com/p/DJCClBJtN9J/

Bi-County Collaborative Launches New Website

Executive Director Jeanne Sullivan is pleased to announce that the Bi-County Collaborative (BICO) has launched a new website.

This new website, https://bicounty.org, includes a modern, user-friendly design for families that gives visitors easier access to key information about the collaborative’s various programs and services.

Bi-County Collaborative Launches New Website

The new design provides many new features for users to explore, including an interactive academic calendar that offers a subscription service as well as a listing of professional development opportunities with an online registration and payment service. Additionally, BICO’s new website offers a plethora of online resources such as part of their parent training series. 

“Our new website is an excellent resource for families to access information about BICO with ease,” said Executive Director Sullivan. “John Guilfoil Public Relations did an excellent job displaying all of our information and resources in an interactive and accessible design.”

ACCEPT Education Collaborative Learning Center Receives $75,000 Skills Capital Grant

Executive Director Dr. Donna Flaherty is pleased to announce that the ACCEPT Educational Collaborative has been awarded a $75,000 Skills Capital Grant, courtesy of the Healey-Driscoll administration. 

On Monday, June 10, nearly $15 million in Skills Capital Grants were awarded to schools across the state to support them in upgrading technology and instructional lab spaces, expanding career programs for young people and adults and increasing capacity in workforce training programs across Massachusetts.

ACCEPT Education Collaborative Learning Center Receives $75,000 Skills Capital Grant

The $75,000 in funding will be used to expand ACCEPT's college and career learning opportunities through the purchase of zSpace technology. zSpace is a mixed-reality technology that combines virtual and augmented reality, allowing users to experience a life-like, virtual learning environment. This technology increases students' curiosity, critical thinking and engagement, and deepens understanding of course materials.  

Through the use of zSpace, ACCEPT is developing exposure to entry-level positions in the healthcare industry, newly developed course work and early introduction to a college classroom environment. 

The Skills Capital Grants are awarded by the state's Workforce Skills Cabinet, which aligns education, economic development, and workforce policies to meet employers' demand for skilled workers in every region of Massachusetts. The competitive grants are awarded to educational institutions demonstrating partnerships with local businesses and aligning curriculum and credentials with industry demand to maximize hiring opportunities.

"I would like to offer a sincere thank you to the Healey-Driscoll administration for awarding the ACCEPT Educational Collaborative Center this generous grant,"  Executive Director Flaherty said. "This grant will prove to be invaluable to all of our students in their pursuit of learning, and we appreciate everything the administration has done to place the utmost importance on their education."

For more about ACCEPT visit their page -> https://accept.org/

School Committee moves forward with redistricting plan by 5-2 vote (audio)

FM #1204 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1204 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. All seven members of the Committee were present in the Council Chambers. 

Quick recap:

• 8th Grade Grand Canyon Trip highlights shared with video (the musical soundtrack accompanying the video was removed from broadcast to avoid copyright issues)

• 8th Grade Grand Canyon Trip approved for next school year 

• Comprehensive School Facilities Analysis recommendation reviewed with a presentation providing some updates to outstanding questions, and the timeline for which other questions would be answered. Committee approved by a 5-2 vote (Griffith, Sompally). Based upon their comments, the 2 no’s were more about the timing of the decision and not the proposal itself

• At the end of the discussion when it was clear, there wasn’t going to be public comment, one angry resident shouted and threatens committee and superintendent as he leaves not wanting to wait for citizens comment period at the end of the meeting agenda

• Recommendation not to accept Foreign Exchange Student for the 2024-2025 School year as discussed per policy JFABB was approved by 7-0 vote

• Appointment of Supt Giguere as the district representative to the BICO & ACCEPT Collaboratives were both approved by 7-0 votes

• The Consent Agenda was approved as detailed by a 7-0 vote

• Motion to enter into executive session, to return, voted to do so, 7-0

• Returned about 5 minutes later to formally adjourn the meeting by a 7-0 vote

The recording runs about 3 hours & 8 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1204-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-05-14-24

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The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/live/Z_VS764gV7I 

Agenda doc  ->    https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_5-14-24.pdf 

Presentation document -> https://www.canva.com/design/DAGEwcyeRSE/So6vIujJUIxoF7237YIYRQ/view 

My notes in one PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1H_9miqWTxMmpUP1B2Lh27BqexDQZG8xb/view?usp=drive_link 

Photos of the presentation -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/jkazREcUCkXHJ6gS9

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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!

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

School Committee moves forward with redistricting plan by 5-2 vote (audio)

"Diary of a Dreamer" by Fatima Wojohat - Dec 1, from 3 to 5 PM

Dean College, Franklin Public Schools and The Franklin Public Library present "Diary of a Dreamer" by Fatima Wojohat. 

An artistic experience featuring a collaboration of artists in poetry, music, dance and visual art on Friday, December 1, 2023 from 3 - 5 PM.

This is to be held at the Franklin Public Library, 118 Main Street.

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

"Diary of a Dreamer" by Fatima Wojohat - Dec 1, from 3 to 5 PM

Who is Fatima Wojohat?

From the Uncensored Gallery we find: 

Fatima Wojohat was 19 when the Taliban retook Afghanistan. After the Taliban imposed restrictions on women she started creating artwork on her smartphone, she is self-taught, and now works with the ArtLords' artivist movement.

The illustration focuses on issues surrounding Qatar's hosting of the World Cup, including suppression of workers' and womens' rights. 

There is hope though. She says, "The purpose of drawing hearts in my artworks is to be a light in the darkness. I dream my dream my beautiful world because I am a dreamer."

Shared from ->   https://www.indexoncensorship.org/uncensoredgallery/

A longer article on Fatima can be found here ->   https://thediplomat.com/2022/07/understanding-the-talibans-war-on-women/

Who is Fatima Wojohat?

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.

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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