Recap - Town Council Meeting - 05/05/21 - Cantoreggi recognized, LaCantina license changed, Franklin TV and communications updates

Quick Recap:

• DPW Director Robert (Brutus) Cantoreggi was recognized as a Top 10 Director across USA
• Public hearing on stormwater legislation language cleanup; Bissanti so against anything stormwater, he voted against closing the public hearing
• Addition of brewing to LaCantina license (granted in Legislation for Action) Neighbor comments on noise, parking to be addressed by Town Administrator
• Melanson Heath audit provides a real clean report with no management letter (best report in years)
• Franklin TV presentation provides insights in to how it is funded via cable fees, provides services to the Town via contract and programing for TV and radio of great value
• Marketing and Communications Specialist Anne Marie Tracey provided an enthusiastic overview of the progress made in sharing awareness on what is happening
• Town receives notification on sale of Maple Hill property finally to start the 120 day close on right of first refusal. Stay tuned to this one

 
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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  #tc0505
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tc0505&src=typeahead_click 
 
Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album:  https://photos.app.goo.gl/L6zifqjy7rspqDPB6
 
Audio segments for the meeting will be available in a couple of days

• Getting ready for the Town Council meeting, agenda page and connection info found here https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/may-5-town-council-agenda #tc0505
• Meeting opens shortly after 7 PM  #tc0505
• Citizen comments for up to 5 minutes for an item not on the agenda #tc0505 Colin Cass speaking for the dog park, a section for smaller dogs exists in Medway but it is not used. Shouldn't be subtracted from the existing space, should be added to.
• DPW Director Cantoreggi recognized as a "Top 10" professional out of 30,000 across the industry. Clean water is one of his specialties. #tc0505
• 2 minute recess for photo op #tc0505

Public Hearing

• Back to order, hearing for bylaw amendment, chap 185, special regulations. #tc0505 this was also required to get approval by planning board. Motion to close hearing, roll call 8-1 to close hearing

License transaction

• La Cantina change of permit https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/7a._la_cantina.pdf from wine to wine and brewery, motion and second, pouring permit expands to include malt (beer). Clarification on Gov Baker for COVID emergency order on food requirements. Farmer series excludes food #tc0505
• Back to normal on May 29, not relevant to point in order. #tc0505  neighbor expressing concerns with problems with loud music and parking overflow in the neighborhood. Town had not heard of these problems will be setting up time to address concerns
• #tc0505 this is the right thing to do and look at the impact on the area. Additional parking now available through the Downtown Sports space. Finally get to the vote via roll call 9-0. Neighbor muted to get to the vote with reminder to contact the Town Administrator

Melanson Heath audit report

• Melanson Heath with audit results current audit for FY 2020  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/franklin_ma_fs20_-_final.pdf #tc0505 audit went well, account balances were reconciled in timely basis. Prior audit reports available on ToF page  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/pages/audits  no exceptions found
• Page 7 takes numbers to words, page 17 liability and fund balance section; net pension and OPEB, assumptions changed so results are shown here. #tc0505 page 19 general fund and stabilization funds unassigned fund balances of $11m what bond rating agencies look at
• Right in target and a healthy position. Budget vs actual page 59  3.1m of free cash used 
• Revenues over budget a decrease over prior year (motor vehicle and license permits) decent due to COVID. Expenses not as high within budget also due to pandemic albeit consistent #tc0505
• No management letter this year, small side letter but no major items  #tc0505 page 12 of PDF  Next item is Franklin TV

Franklin TV presentation

• Anticipating another percent reduction in cable fees as folks continue to cut the cord. (Slides to be added later) #tc0505 the Comcast and Verizon won't go away overnight as a way of generating revenues. i.e. working with TBB to generate programs
• Next up Anne Marie Tracey, with a great lead from Pete!

Marketing and Communications

• #tc0505 presentation doc  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/communications_and_marketing.pdf 
• Communications needs are as diverse as the communications required. #tc0505 the menu is available to meet all needs via the social media options audiences include current residents, employees as well as potential residents, business and employees
• Top pages of the town #tc0505
• Much done on the Town side is replicated on the Schools side as well #tc0505
• Capital budget round two approved tonight, coming to council in future. #tc0505 EDC meeting next Weds talking about restaurant, downtown parking, etc.

Legislation for action

• - Legislation for action  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10a._21-868_0.pdf  motion to approve, second, sentence added by planning board
• "watching a shell game in Brooklyn" #tc0505 brings us into compliance with the MS4 permit language. Stormwater bylaw has been on books since 2007. Recap done previously https://franklinmatters.org/2021/04/the-stormwater-story-summary-for.html 
• Finally to the roll call vote, passes 8-1 (Bissanti no) 
•  - Gift acceptance https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10b._sweeper_gift.pdf #tc0505 motion and second, passes 9-0
•  - Gift acceptance https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10c._ambulance.pdf  motion and second, passes 9-0
• Gift acceptance  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10e._gift_pd.pdf #tc0505 motion and second, passes 9-0 via roll call

Town Administrator report

• Town Administrator report, town back to green, plans to gradually reopening. Passport renewals Weds until July, hiring part time agent and photo booth services in July. Senior Ctr gradually opening too, newsletter updates, Common ground cafe possible after Memorial Day #tc0505
• Full budget hearings May 26-27  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/pages/fy-22-budget-materials 
• Went for bond rating, asking what will it take to get a AAA rating, EPA working again at 300 Fisher St
• P&S received for Maple St property, clock starts today, legal review required before discussion on Maple hill ->
• Purchase price $4.5m, have time to respond to this #tc0505 

Council comments, Closing

• Kudos to acting clerk, got something in 10 minutes that it can take 10 days elsewhere. 
• Pellegri - folks are following FinComm meetings via cable not Zoom. 
• Thanks to the FinComm for the great job they did
• Thanks to the Administration and to the audit team for a great audit. Pete is doing a great job, looking forward to many more. The enthusiasm of Anne Marie, a real pleasure and joy  #tc0505 Motion to adjourn, via roll call 9-0  That's all for tonight catch you next time

 

Recap - Town Council Meeting - 05/05/21

Community Relations Subcommittee Meeting - May 11

 Community Relations Subcommittee Meeting

Virtual Meeting (Link in agenda)

Agenda

• Budget Flyer / Video distribution
• Generate ideas to support two-way communication within community

Agenda doc also contains connection info

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/community_relations_sub_comm_agenda_5_11_2021.pdf

Community Relations Subcommittee Meeting - May 11

Community Relations Subcommittee Meeting - Apr 28

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin School Committee

Community Relations Subcommittee

Wednesday April 28, 2021 = 3:30 PM

Virtual Meeting

Agenda:

• Budget Flyer / Video distribution
• Generate ideas to support two way communication within community

Full agenda doc contains connection info

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/community_relations_sub_comm_agenda_4_28_2021.pdf

Community Relations Subcommittee Meeting - Apr 28

FM #511 - Talk Franklin - 04/09/21 (audio)

FM #511 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 511 in the series.

 
This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Marketing and Communications Specialist Anne Marie Tracey. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about: 
Grants received
        Housing, Fire dept, Popup marketing
 
Community Preservation Committee got an update on open space 
 
Economic Development SubComm
Business guide released
Ladybug trail by Franklin Downtown Partnership
 
Town Council meeting
long list of legislation items
Capital budget, street acceptances, food truck permit fee
 
Joint Budget SubComm – Apr 12
School Committee budget – Apr 13
Town Council outlook for Apr 14
 
Storm water art contest
 
ArtWalk by Cultural District
Hybrid events at THE BLACK BOX

Links to the key topics covered here are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 36 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Anne Marie.  Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/e4623420-f835-4f4b-baa9-692308c55b0f

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Town of Franklin COVID-19 page = https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/vaccination-and-covid-19-data 

Town of Franklin budget page  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget 
Franklin Schools budget page  https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget 

Town Council agenda for Apr 14, 2021
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/april-14-town-council-agenda

Town Council agenda for Apr 7, 2021
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/april-7-town-council-agenda 

DPW overview presentation doc
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/dpw_town_council_presentation_4_7_2021.pdf 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 

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"

FM #511 - Talk Franklin - 04/09/21 (audio)

School Committee votes to close Davis Thayer (without allowing public comment) and hears about pool testing

Quick Recap:

• With the weather (snowing), the meeting was conducted fully remote 
• No surprise on the Davis Thayer (DT) vote to close the school. Putting emotions aside, it was the proper decision to come to. The SchComm could have handled the discussion better; at least allowing community comment. Not Tuesday night however
• They didn't address some of the timing questions raised by one member that could have been answered by the three ad hoc members (but wasn't). This lead to a weird amendment to change the timing on the closure. The amendment failed by a 5-2 vote. The same 5-2 vote was the formal decision to close the building
• The district will now be busy putting together the transition plan to move the DT students and faculty (most will but maybe not all, how many remains to be seen?) to the Keller/Sullivan complex for September
  
• There was discussion on putting together a 'steering committee' or something to ensure communication during the transition does go to all stakeholders (a novel concept, given the current performance by this committee)
  
• Oh, and yes, there is still a pandemic running around. Pool testing will be piloted and hopefully put into place with more then the 50% of the parents that initially said they would. If that goes well, then there could be a return to in person schooling before September. Stay tuned
• Glossed over in the other items, there is no realistic hope of getting K-1 back in person anytime soon (at least before pool testing).
• Legislative Forum scheduled for March 2
  

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/GHCbJtDX2PjXdaDg7
 

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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  #schcom0209
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23schcom0209&src=typeahead_click

• Real time reporting for School Committee meeting underway #schcom0209
• Meeting packet including the agenda and docs released for this session https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/february-9-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet #schcom0209
• #schcom0209 all 7 SchComm members now present. FHS student representatives provide an update. 4 seniors directing 1 act plays, rehearsal started this week, small cast per COVID performance guidelines. Looking to February break

Superintendent report

• Superintendent report: 'Franklin freedom team' forming to address hate and bias, meeting monthly. More to come as the team work progresses. Unified basketball also part of Fall II season. #schcom0209 Leadership workshop for women. More details in Supt. report when published
• Congrats to FHS student art work (shared via Franklin Matters https://franklinmatters.org/2021/02/3-fhs-student-works-selected-for-maea.html?m=1) #schcom0209 spotlight for Annie Sullivan coming next

Annie Sullivan

• Annie Sullivan presentation copy https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/asms-presentation #schcom0209
• Some slides to be shared here, follow the link provided for the full presentation copy https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/asms-presentation #schcom0209
• A sample of the morning announcement played via video clip with audio. #schcom0209
• #schcom0209 creative use of landing page for the school to get started
• Slides #schcom0209 (6th grade)
• And for 7th grade an example: #schcom0209
• #schcom0209 (slide)
• #schcom0209 (two slides)
• #schcom0209 and for 8th grade
• #schcom0209 and that is a day at Annie Sullivan

Davis Thayer discussion - Action Item

• #schcom0209 next up the discussion action items first the retirement of the Davis Thayer elementary school - doc with summary here -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_retirement_of_dt.pdf
• As hoc subcommittee chair Stokes basically reading the report as linked to https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/disc-retire-dt #schcom0209 stopping for other members to comment or SchComm members to comment/question, public invite likely coming later
• #schcom0209 FYI up over 170 participants via Zoom now
• #schcom0209 getting to the recommendations, one to close the school building for FY 2022 (i.e. Sep 2021) and two to study and set up a master plan. Motion to approve, seconded. Discussion before vote, SchComm members up first. Keenan raises question about timing and focus ...
• Keenan maybe missed that several of the options discussed timing and were put aside, discussion on amendment to the motion. Questions should get addressed before proceeding. Recommendation from subcommittee was unanimous #schcom0209
• Spencer speaking not as a mom (son at DT) but a SchComm member working for the student of all Franklin. #schcom0209 recommendations for redistricting to address the location issues of district outline
• Stokes also not speaking as DT mom, working for all Franklin students; Bergen for closure listing multiple reasons #schcom0209 economic efficiency, need the money for counseling, etc for SEL needs. School transition will work. Change is never easy
• possible amendment for changing the time for closure, so moved and seconded, vote fails 5-2 (Keenan and Spencer voting no) #schcom0209 Master plan includes more than redistricting, huge policy direction change, will take time (MSBA project timeline takes years)
• Supt answers the question raised on timing, worried about staff retention, #schcom0209 roll call vote 5-2 (Keenan and Spencer no) as before on amendment School approved for closure, no public comment before vote
• Motion to dissolve ad hoc subcommittee, seconded, roll call vote 7-0 #schcom0209 Moving to discussion only items

Reopening

• https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/reopening_schools_status_update_feb_9_2020-2021.pdf
• Franklin now in yellow, #schcom0209 concerned with attendance patterns at FHS, those not going in with cohort are putting others who'd prefer to be there frustrated. $475K for COVID funding, 6 weeks of pilot pool testing Bandwidth increased to 10GB. Letter 2 Gov Baker ...
• To advocate for teacher vaccinations change in priority. #schcom0209 Q when do we think full in person? Awaiting new guidance from CDC and DESE to update in re: transportation, fall at this time maybe spring, but pool testing needed still in planning process

Pool testing

• Closer now with pool testing close but details need to be worked. #schcom0209 combined with vaccinations could bring back in spring sometime.
• Selected slides from presentation, not yet posted to schools page (but will be) #schcom0209
• More slides #schcom0209
• #schcom0209 concerned about administration logistics with the pool testing, preK-1 would have adult do testing, 2-12 would self administer under observation. 6' is still a barrier to bring students into school. Additional PPE and staffing a concern; volume a concern too
• Q on if we don't get much more than the 50% family participation, is that going to affect the educators position in regards to safety? Need to out more pressure on Gov Baker to adjust the priority for teachers #schcom0209 Q who will do transportation to the lab? Details ...
• Still being worked in the logistics planning. Site based leader to coordinate, plan not shared as details not shared as not all conversations have been had yet meeting Weds to continue, #schcom0209 Q have we started plan for teacher vaccinations?
• Hearing that it may not be in our preview, may be decided by the State and their rollout plans. #schcom0209 we have capacity here and could do it, just need the supply. Maybe more like 1700 tests/week (still a lot of samples).
• #schcom0209 recommendation for a communications task force/steering committee or ? something to ensure appropriate stakeholders are involved and all parties are given updates regularly. Now opening for public comments.

public comments (by this time 1/4 of the Zoom participants had left the meeting)

• 1- Q on UV upgrade and parts backordered, what's status? 2 - Disappointed that comments were listened to before decision and vote made. 3 - should have addressed timing better for the DT decision, I don't know of a plan yet as a staff member. #schcom0209
• 4 - Q what are you going to do to transition in a positive way? No plan yet. We're promised monthly updates and there were 2, wasn't two way communications. Stop talking at us, talk with us, these are our kids. #schcom0209

Information Matters

• March 3 budget Subcommittee meeting, forum on Mar 2, #schcom0209 policy meeting Feb 25, SWAC met this morning new webpage up. Nutrition resources, new bee hive coming next meeting Mar 16.
• Next meeting, #schcom9209. Budget coming March 9 Consent agenda motion to approve, second, via roll call passes 7-0 Motion to adjourn, second vote via roll call passes 7-0 Catch you all next time!

 

School Committee votes to close Davis Thayer (without allowing public comment) and hears about pool testing

FPS: Community Relations SubCommittee Meeting - Jan 28, 2021

Franklin Public Schools

Community Relations SubCommittee Meeting

Jan 28, 2021 - 3:00 PM

Virtual Meeting (Link in agenda)

 

• Approval of January 7th Meeting Minutes
• Legislative Forum
• Generate ideas to support two-way communication
  

 

Full agenda (including connection info)  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/community_relations_agenda_january_28_2021.docx.pdf

 

 

FPS: Community Relations SubCommittee Meeting - Jan 28, 2021

Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting recap - Dec 22. 2020

Quick Recap:

• Donna Grady, FPS teacher and FEA president spoke about reframing the discussion on kids missing out. They are not, they are all in the same boat. (I would add: health is more important than education - without good health, you can't learn. And it would be good to recognize that this pandemic is a time to think about our overall learning processes. How do we learn? How can we learn? The specific topics and curriculum items mean less than the developing the capability to learn.)
• excellent presentations from ECDC and the Performing Arts dept showcasing the work and learning being done in trying circumstances. (See how we can learn when we put our minds together to do so)
• First draft of school calendar for 2020-2021 shared
• Superintendent's goals were approved. The sharing pre-meeting had caused some kerfuffle among community members who misinterpreted what they were lacking the full context. (A solution to this would be a 'cover note/memo' to better frame the doc when shared pre-meeting next time. Not sharing the doc before hand is not an acceptable solution. Although it is an 'easy way' out, it does nothing to build the trusting relationship with the community that is very much a work in progress)
• Re-opening status - lengthy discussion with SchComm Q&A and only a few community comments this time around. Plan to bring K-1 back in person still being developed. Finally a question on ESP's use as subs and what happens to that learning time? (it doesn't always get made up - and this has been gong on for some time, well before the pandemic) Staffing in the pandemic continues to be working a tightrope. If the numbers change (in the wrong direction) expect more remote learning days.

Photos captured during the meeting broadcast and shared via Twitter can be found in one album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/e1BAktE3feox7Ak48

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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  #schcom1222
https://twitter.com/hashtag/schcom1222?src=hashtag_click

• Getting ready for the School Committee meeting tonight, agenda doc is here: https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/events/scagenda_12-22-20.pdf  #schcom1222
• Meeting starts on time and the recording allows me to catch the gavel this time ( yeah!) #schcom1222 one in route to meeting (D'Angelo) other six present remotely or in person for this hybrid session
• #schcom1222 participation over 100 at this point with a good # of teachers showing up via the names 

Citizen comments

• Donna Grady, FPA teacher and FEA president speaking in citizen comments in regards to comments from prior meeting, should not be pitted teacher vs family
• Need to reframe the comment on kids missing out, they are all in the same situation, they are not missing anything. This is not normal, if we push kids to school, they won't be interacting, they'll be sitting in desks separated, we all want folks to be safe #schcom1222
• #schcom1222 we are in this together, please help us do this, we (teachers and staff) can't do this alone. We are not there yet and the situation is causing trauma, if academic progress is goal, we need to meet the basic safety goals first, staff and students are showing symptoms
• Of trauma. Kids are told they are safe when they know other students are home in quarantine. Teachers are going above and beyond. They are frustrated about not doing their best, this will take months to repair. #schcom1222 please put mental health of our staff first
• FHS representative says students understand everyone is doing their best. In person attendance dropping, many be multiple reasons for that. In a reselect process the numbers may change #schcom1222

Superintendents report

• Superintendent report: update from DESE around student mental health and connection, instructional time daily to connect with teachers 34 hours over a ten day period, 40 hours over 10 4 asynchronous. Looking for consistency district 2 district. Did complete a survey #schcom1222
• FPS meeting requirements. CARES funding deadline extended to Dec 2021, which will help to fulfill due to supply chain issues. #schcom1222 
• Not universal on snow day for last Thursday. Compliments to teachers etc for doing fun stuff last Thursday.
• This is Beth Simon's last night supporting the SchComm by doing notes. #schcom1222 not sure what funding does to the other building schedules for HVAC changes, purifiers are in or being deployed. Miss snow days but will be happy in June.

Guest/presentations

• Guest presentations: ECDC up to share updates to talking to the doc  https://franklinps.net/district/school-committee/files/ecdc-update… #schcom1222 timely slide picks up points being made in comments
• #schcom1222 taking time to build relationships, yes it may not be 6' but the little ones don't understand. Pics of staff with and without masks available. BTW participation up to 135+ in Zoom, 12 more viewing live stream, some #? also via the 2 cable channels
• #schcom1222 went on a leaf hunt, and integrated leaves into various lessons there is an explanation and story for each photo on the slide. Need to set students up for success.#schcom1222 monthly newsletter went out today, folks overwhelmed, how can she best reach folks in a manner that resonates. (Video link in presentation doc)
• #schcom1222 taking registration for next school year, hopefully it will be fully in person. Helpful info on the sheet here remote learning bags coming via COVID-19 funding.
• #schcom1222 positive comments from the SchComm members on update from ECDC. This shows the amount of work and level of commitment to do this in person. Enjoy the time off.
• Next up, performing arts update from Diane Plouffe kudos to staff and students for rolling through this craziness. Rehearsal in the fall outdoor for middle school band #schcom1222
• https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/franklin_performing_arts_department_presentation_2020.pdf presentation doc being shared and talked to for this update #schcom1222 the team!
• New standards are a challenge with COVID restrictions #schcom1222 singing indoors currently not permitted
• Can you imagine elementary music without singing or sharing instruments? They are finding a way #schcom1222 a virtual chorus rehearsal on Wednesdays. No beginner lessons as lifelong learning is not operating; over 500 students signed up
• Sad looking rehearsal space, when used by students, everything is wiped down before students leave, wipes on music stands. #schcom1222
• Exploring bringing band back in, working on details for approval through the channels. Sample horn mask, bell cover in plain black, to out logo on would be too much #schcom1222 ventilation being updated over the winter break.
• Brief video clip shared of music performance with teacher performing with some students in room, some remote #schcom1222
• The "brady bunch" video is not easy to do, each 3 minute piece takes about 24 hours of prep. #schcom1222
• 60 students in middle school orchestra over 100 at FHS, expand the timing in the prior tweet by these #s to see total work required #schcom1222 
• Drama club performed Clue on stage using same precautions as athletes did before rehearsal.
• Video of 3 cohorts and then mixed with the students remote #schcom1222 
• 8 students going to all state competition
• https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/franklin_performing_arts_department_presentation_2020.pdf resharing the presentation on performing arts, lots of the links are live music performances and worth checking out #schcom1222
• Very positive comments from SchComm #schcom1222  

Superintendent goals

• Moving along to superintendent goals, after subcommittee worked on them. Did get feedback on goals, from the posting pre-meeting. There is not enough of a focus on anti-racism, it is in the district improvement plan but in …
• The broader context while not in the 2 shared it is embedded elsewhere and driving the work on this. Wants to be careful in sharing this. #schcom1222 there is a need to do more Communication, centrally and new mediums to explore. Collaboration folded in
• Looking to expand Communication channels to share with the Community, i.e. blog. (Has been 'coming soon' since just after arrival) #schcom1222  https://www.franklinps.net/district/superintendent
• Goal doc linked to https://franklinps.net/district/school-committee/files/disc-action-supt-goals-20-21… #schcom1222 sets a foundation for future development motion and second, passes via roll call 6-0-1 (6 for, 0 no, 1 absent)

2020-2021 calendar

• First draft of calendar https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/calendar_2021-22_draft.pdf  assuming more normal in person, Juneteenth observed on Monday. Snow days will return next year, per DESE no credit for remote #schcom1222

Re-opening report

• Also for discussion the re-opening report https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/reopening_schools_status_update_dec_18_2020-2021.pdf #schcom1222 some of the 'red' status is due to timing, only .03 over the red line last week #schcom1222 priority standards for  learning and essential content
• Did close survey on the K-1 families and staff, need to process the data, 360 responses from families, so good return rate. #schcom1222 some districts going remote post holiday, we are not yet planning to do so. In person/hybrid is valuable.
• #schcom1222 looking at process of taking in reports and do contact tracing (will be complicated) will require administrator follow up, likely not as responsive; hence to have the first day as a remote learning day to allow for processing the reports from the break
• Looking at Wednesday at FHS to provide some relief with common planning time, looking to add 2 asynchronous periods for planning, could also address student stress re: screen time. Seeing increase in absences, and coverage challenges. #schcom1222
• #schcom1222 guidance has changed in the last week or so, DESE is now more aligned with the CDC and Dept of Public Health: adjusting the Communications accordingly. Flu vaccine date postponed until Feb, already 80% of students have reported compliance. Notice coming out
• Looking to do a baseline survey in Jan for all staff, using other sources of info to obtain feedback. #schcom1222 K-1 summary should be available by next meeting, did put out a call for activity monitors and subs, be vigilant during break so we can be safe when we return
• Q on sub rates and sub coverage options. Miriam provided the rates overview. Sara answered the what if questions and it depends (really it does) Elise remarks on the coverage puzzle is monumental. Not sustainable #schcom1222
• #schcom1222 some districts have K-1 in school, most are hybrid, split between fully remote vs fully in person. Development of 2 artifacts to help support teachers and families for K-1 students. Sub availability due to timing of finger prints, cori checks
• Using ESPs as subs does affect time delivering services (this happened pre-COVID-19 and the time of delivery is not easily made up if ever). #schcom1222 
• Should consider more than one day for remote coming back may not be enough time to fully access the data
• Extremely frustrating to get the COVID letters daily, students are staying home to go elsewhere over the break, but we can't. Timing on the cohort letters and knowing when the reports were noted. #schcom1222 
• Moving to info matters

Subcommittee reports

• Need to set up budget meetings #schcom1222 good showing at FinCom reported (really, not by my notes. SchCom/Central Office left info unshared when they had an opportunity to do so). People come here because of the schools, and being fiscally responsible.
• Community relations, trying to get date for meeting; date being worked for legislative forum. Policy met on 12/17 with plans for moving; facilities update lengthy errors in presentation were after analysis and did not effect results. Population trends similar #schcom1222
• #schcom1222 additional data coming mid January and get ready to summarize for SchCom date TBD 
• Joint PCC rescheduled for January. Wellness exploring hydroponic expansion beyond FHS. Working on another challenge next meeting Jan 12
• Safe Coalition update to SWAC presented earlier today, adapting and evolving to conditions. #schcom1222

Future agenda items

• Student opportunity Act plan coming up for vote. FHS update, personnel update, and Oak St elementary will be a highlight. 

Consent agenda

• Consent agenda motion to accept, second, passes 6-0-1 (6 for, 0 no, 1 absent) via roll call (D'Angelo absent) #schcom1222

Executive session

• Motion to enter executive session, not to return to open meeting, second, approved 6-0-1 (see before in thread) via roll call
• #schcom1222 that's all for tonight (and I think for meetings in 2020!) Catch you all later

Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting recap - Dec 22. 2020

Franklin (MA) School Committee - meeting recap - Nov 10, 2020

Quick Recap:

• Organization meeting to start with; Bergen re-elected as Chair, Spencer elected as Vice-Chair
• Portrait of a Graduate finally introduced with four drafts of graphical representations to convey the concept. The textual work had been carefully reviewed with a variety of stakeholder groups over the course of several months who are not getting a formal opportunity to provide input on the graphical representation which was first revealed this evening
• New report format for review and update of the re-opening of schools. K-8 in hybrid, high school opening hybrid next week after delay due to the party. Athletics and theater students were tested to enable participation this week. Testing paid for by some savings within the school budget as well as some sports Alumni contributions.
• Multiple parents expressed that for K and first graders, remote is not working, the students are not prepared to conduct themselves and require parent or guardian assistance. The process is not sustainable, the students are being left behind.
• Feasibility report was conducted during the summer and while the District will look at options for K-1, there are space limitations and or staffing limitations to bringing all the K-1 back. (Yes, look at the building report to see how each of the elementary schools differ in class size and set up) The feasibility report referred to is currently a District internal doc (at least it is not found anywhere on the FPS pages).
• Budget workshop scheduled for next week

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found online in one folder  https://photos.app.goo.gl/LEPDXAqWfntkEBpX8

----
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  #schcomm1109
https://twitter.com/hashtag/schcomm1109?src=hashtag_click

• Getting ready for the SchComm meeting at 7 PM - To watch or listen:  Via Comcast (Channel 11) or Verizon (Channel 29)  Or  Call-In Phone Number:Call 1-929-205-6099 & enter Meeting ID # 811 6905 2702--Then press #  #schcomm1109
• To watch or listen:  Via live stream  https://franklinma.gov/home/pages/live-meetings-stream…  #schcomm1109 
  
• For active participation:  #schcomm1109  Via Zoom:  https://t.co/rlYH12I2Rt?amp=1
• Franklin TV is also getting ready to broadcast this meeting #schcomm1109
• Brief audio interruption during roll call, needed to redo part of it. Hopefully it won't reoccur. #schcomm1109 pledge and moment of silence before reorganizing the committee, Supt Ahern opens meeting nomination of Bergen, second, 6-0 (D'Angelo connection difficulty) Note D’Angelo did rejoin the meeting and appeared to have no audio issues for the reminder of the meeting.
• Bergen open nominations for vice chair Spencer, seconded, via roll call 6-0 (D'Angelo still difficulty) #schcomm1109
• Comment on parent impact for 1st grade student, coming back later as this is on the agenda in the re-opening update #schcomm1109 FHS getting used to remote learning, testing hard, found online learning personally easy to adapt to
• Parent raises problem with chromebooks issue and insurance req'd after the fact. #schcomm1109
• COVID-19 testing modifications changes as of Friday, were yellow now green with new map. In person, if feasible, desired by DESE. Feasibility study done during summer
• In hybrid K-8 and moving to that for FHS, full in person would be a challenge to maintain distance as well as staffing positions difficult. #schcomm1109 health concerns, buses at 1/3 capacity, other matters on re-opening plan would be factors. In person is valued
• Feasibility is the real issue, Superintendent association put out message on this in the afternoon, continue to monitor were 7+ now 4+ so we're doing better, we'll continue to look at to see what it would take. #schcomm1109 lots of work being done in hybrid model
• Wants to emphasize a few key points on FHS remote, so many emails the joint message was best way to handle volume, welcome to FHS students to building in hybrid model, decision had been made due to police action on this party, needed to respond #schcomm1109
• We do have masks, practices etc. in place but FHS has not had as much practice with it as the other schools. Stress and screen time is important to look at. Would look at facts of situation for next decision. #schcomm1109 did screen varsity athletes and drama as a test
• Would have liked to do more testing but it wasn't available at the time and scale needed (600 not likely a yes) 60-80 was a yes and successful. #schcomm1109 shout out to Fire Chief McLaughlin for helping to make this happen along with school personnel and Central Office
• Middle school visiting author coming to schools via remote next week. FEF grant helps to fund this. Attempting to show a musical showcase, audio difficulty, link will be in Superintendent report #schcomm1109
• Suggestion to leverage the remote author visit and translate nor make available for ELL and others #schcomm1109 "when we don't follow the guidelines the kids end up suffering" the testing was not free, some savings from budget as well as alumni donors made that happen
• Portrait of a graduate presentation being shared, doc will be on schools page Weds have captured screen grabs in the meantime #schcomm1109
• Getting along the way for PoG #schcomm1109
• More pages of PoG presentation #schcomm1109
• More pages of the design itself #schcomm1109
• Main design #schcomm1109
• Design #2 #schcomm1109
• Design #3 #schcomm1109
• Design #4 #schcomm1109
• And instead not me putting the 4 together, they thought of it #schcomm1109
• Will take feedback and bring back two graphic choices for the 11/24 meeting #schcomm1109
• Send feedback to SchComm as they will be making the choices, survey had gotten feedback on the text previously (but not on the graphics which was seen for the first time here) #schcomm1109
• Getting to the chromebook insurance question raised earlier ( property of school district, akin to books, athletic equipment, musical instruments, etc.) #schcomm1109 would encourage insurance for coverage of accidental damage
• Motion to adopt policy as proposed, second, passed 7-0 via roll call. #schcomm1109 Re-opening schools is a new item as a regular part of the meeting agenda; transfer requests are a big item for folks moving to remote or to hybrid, checking volume of switches
• Are looking at K and Grade 1 in regards to instruction, exploring in person, could at 3' but not 6'; may be space or staffing or both. Great deal of variables among the 6 elementary schools with current size of classrooms #schcomm1109
• Still working on and the dominos are multiple (transportation, contact tracing, etc.) Staffing still an issue, trouble filling substitutes, more staff are being requested to stay home due to change in family status i.e. COVID or otherwise #schcomm1109
• New report format for reopening status and discussion https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/reopen-status-update  #schcomm1109 (and yes just realized should have tagged these as  1110, oh well)
• Hearing of excess screen time for FHS, likely to reduce as move to hybrid, but will keep looking at #schcomm1109 teachers may be taking sick time to catch up on work (some might have also done so before COVID-19) measures of coordination at a level we are not there yet
• High class size a concern for K, 2 in particular, for virtual learning academy VLA, are looking to provide additional support where possible, many moving parts, deadline of Friday for change request, to be made in Dec (Dec 11) #schcomm1109
• Busing an implication, may not have enough for a mid-day run if trying to bring all K, 1 back in split sessions, would also be an expense item as it would increase cost #schcomm1109
• Parent telling story of 1st grader who needs one of the parents to assist with the instruction, both parents work and can't participate. #schcomm1109 options aren't great, 2 older kids are making it work, the 1st grader is getting left behind when parents can't help
• It is a slide deck that the first grader can't read, without either parent help, kid can't function to learn. Disappointed that it is Nov and we still don't have options #schcomm1109 not something they will make up in 6 months
• 3rd parent with K and 1, it is not sustainable, they do ok in school but can't work well remote, teacher teaches both cohorts, increasing days would not increase risk #schcomm1109 it is failing the youngest learner's
• Parent kept spreadsheet to summarize an average every 13 mins need to click something to open or close, that the first grader couldn't. #schcomm1109 Q can Supt Ahern bring options to SchComm for discussion?
• Budget workshop for #SchComm1109 next Tuesday, what info do we want to get out and be aware. Community relations, no meeting on calendar. Res 10 of MASC didn't pass, other 9 did. Policy meeting Thursday, DTFA met and then met with Community for info session
• DTFA had about 30 participants, survey out for input closing Dec 2, possible appearance with Franklin Matters podcast. (Yes, I am ready awaiting date/time from participants) #schcomm1109
• Next meeting PoG adoption, reset presentation schedule going forward Consent agenda proposed for approval, seconded, passes 7-0 via roll call. #schcomm1109
• Motion to adjourn, seconded, passes  7-0 via roll call 

 

4 design choices for the Portrait of a Graduate

 

Community Relations Sub Committee Meeting - Oct 20 - 3:00 PM

Community Relations Sub Committee Meeting

Tuesday, October 20, 2020 at 3:00pm

Virtual Meeting (Links in agenda)

Agenda:

Approval of May 20th and July 6th Meeting Minutes

Next Newsletter content:

o Graphic to include in next newsletter – “Get to know Title 1 Tutors”

o Equity Policy JBB

o Updates from Budget Sub Committee

o Calendar of Events

o Other Ideas?

Virtual Coffee Hours?

Senior Center

Newspaper – Judy O’Gara

Agenda doc and meeting connection info
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/community_relations_subcommittee_agenda_10-20-2020.pdf

Community Relations Sub Committee Meeting - Oct 20 - 3:00 PM

COVID Potential Positive Letter to FHS Families

October 4, 2020

Dear Franklin Families,

We are writing to inform you that a person in our Franklin High School community is potentially positive for COVID-19.

Our first responsibility is to keep our students and staff safe. We have been planning for this scenario during our reopening planning process and have a comprehensive plan in place to sanitize the school, inform individuals who were at risk of exposure or in close contact, and support everyone navigating this stressful experience.

Students and staff in the building have been closely adhering to the safety protocols including mask-wearing, hand washing, and physical distancing. We are grateful to our faculty/staff and families/students for continued efforts to monitor symptoms and stay home when not feeling well. These measures, taken in combination, greatly reduce the risk of transmission.

Though we cannot provide specific information about our school community member who is potentially positive for COVID-19, your child was not a close contact (defined as being within 6 feet of the person for at least 15 minutes) of the affected school member. As always, please continue to monitor your child for symptoms, and keep your child home if they show any symptoms or are not feeling well.

Parents/guardians of students who were in close contact with the community members have been notified privately. All close contacts should be tested but must self-quarantine for 14 days after the last exposure to the person who tested positive, regardless of the test result. We are also following all Department of Health protocols, including collaborating with our local board of health to complete contact tracing. Additionally, we are asking those parents/guardians whose students are tested for COVID-19 to please report the results to the school nurse. Staff members are to report positive test results to their supervisor. We are working hard to understand the impact of the virus on our school community and this information is a critical piece of that puzzle.

To further prevent potential transmission of the virus to other staff and students, we have sanitized the school with a focus on those areas frequented by the community member that is potentially positive. We will continue to be vigilant in adhering to all of the protocols that have been put in place.
 
Out of an abundance of caution, we are going to be closing the affected classroom(s) for a period of 3 days. We will re-evaluate on Tuesday, October 6. We will be providing remote learning for affected students and those required to quarantine at home to continue to provide instruction, structure, and an emotional connection to the classroom during a time that we know will be challenging for those children and families involved. Affected students and their families will be receiving additional information directly.

As noted in a previous communication regarding COVID-19, please visit the following link for more information on COVID-19 symptoms and testing:
 https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-covid-19-testing#where-can-get-a-test?-.

You can also find a map of testing sites at
 https://memamaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=eba3f0395451430b9f631cb095febf13. Please contact us immediately should you or someone in your home begin to show symptoms.

We are committed to continuous communication with and support of our families. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please e-mail reopening@franklinps.net.

Thank you for your continued support. 

Sincerely,
Franklin Public Schools
 

------

The COVID Communications protocol was announced previously

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/responding_to_covid_communication_expectations_sept_2020-english.pdf

 

Oct 2 - ASMS positive notification https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/covid-positive-letter-to-asms-families.html

 

 

COVID Potential Positive Letter to FHS Families

COVID Positive Letter to ASMS Families

October 2, 2020

Dear Franklin Families,

I am writing to inform you that a person in our Annie Sullivan Middle School community has tested positive for COVID-19. This person has not been in the school building.

Our first responsibility is to keep our students and staff safe. We have been planning for this scenario during our reopening planning process and have a comprehensive plan in place to sanitize the school, inform individuals who were at risk of exposure or in close contact, and support everyone navigating this stressful experience.

Students and staff in the building have been closely adhering to the safety protocols including mask-wearing, hand washing, and physical distancing. We are grateful to our faculty/staff and families/students for continued efforts to monitor symptoms and stay home when not feeling well. These measures, taken in combination, greatly reduce the risk of transmission.

Though we cannot provide specific information about our school community member who tested positive, your child was not a close contact (defined as being within 6 feet of the person for at least 15 minutes) of the affected school member. As always, please continue to monitor your child for symptoms, and keep your child home if they show any symptoms or are not feeling well.

Parents/guardians of students who were in close contact with the community member will be notified privately. All close contacts should be tested but must self-quarantine for 14 days after the last exposure to the person who tested positive, regardless of the test result. We are also following all Department of Health protocols, including collaborating with our local board of health to complete contact tracing. Additionally, we are asking those parents/guardians whose students are tested for COVID-19 to please report the results to the school nurse. Staff members are to report positive test results to their supervisor. We are working hard to understand the impact of the virus on our school community and this information is a critical piece of that puzzle.

To prevent transmission of the virus to staff and students, we sanitize the school with a focus on areas that are frequently touched/accessed. We will continue to be vigilant in adhering to all of the protocols that have been put in place.
 
As noted in a previous communication regarding COVID-19, please visit the following link for more information on COVID-19 symptoms and testing:
 https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-covid-19-testing#where-can-get-a-test?-.

You can also find a map of testing sites at
https://memamaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=eba3f0395451430b9f631cb095febf13. Please contact us immediately should you or someone in your home begin to show symptoms.

We are committed to continuous communication with and support of our families. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please e-mail reopening@franklinps.net.

Thank you for your continued support.


Sincerely,
Franklin Public Schools 

The COVID Communications protocol was announced previously

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/responding_to_covid_communication_expectations_sept_2020-english.pdf

 

COVID Positive Letter to ASMS Families

 

Franklin Public Schools: Communication of COVID-19 Cases

September 2020

Dear Franklin Community,

As we return to school for the 2020-2021 school year, the Franklin Public Schools (FPS) wishes to proactively communicate to families our protocols and communication plan to respond to three specific scenarios: a report of a positive COVID-19 case, an alleged threat, and an incident of hate or bias. FPS is committed to ensuring a safe and nurturing educational environment for our students, staff, and community. Often, during an incident, our communication may be limited in order to protect the confidentiality of the individuals involved. Our intent is that by providing a preview of what to expect with communication prior to an incident, the community is informed and more confident about our protocols in advance. These messages will be sent in three separate letters. The first in the series is about our response to a positive COVID-19 case within the school community.

 

Response When Informed of a COVID-19 Positive Case

 

Our first responsibility as we begin this school year is to keep our students, teachers, and staff safe. We have spent the summer months getting the school building and staff ready to execute all of the safety guidelines and best practices based on guidance from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the medical community. From sanitizing and utilizing space in new and different ways to purchasing PPE for staff and extra masks for students who might lose or forget theirs, we have been working hard to make sure our school buildings are as safe as possible. This year, like never before, will require a partnership between schools and families to ensure that everyone is wearing their masks, washing their hands, and distancing physically.

 

However, the most important thing you can do as a parent/caregiver is to keep students at home at the first sign of a symptom or exposure to the virus. Similarly, staff should stay home when not feeling well.

 

Our planning process has included thinking ahead about what we will do and how we will communicate should a student or staff member show symptoms at school or test positive for COVID-19. We want to share those with you in advance so that you have a clear understanding of what to expect. While some specifics may vary depending on the situation, there are some common steps that will be taken if someone in our school community is symptomatic, comes in contact with an affected person, or tests positive:

-    Evaluate the person’s symptoms

-    Separate them from others

-    Clean and disinfect spaces visited by the person

-    Test for COVID-19 and stay at home while awaiting results

-    If the test is positive:

o    Remain at home for at least 10 days and until at least 24 hours have passed with no fever (without the use of fever-reducing medications) and improvement in other symptoms.

o    Watch symptoms

o    Notify the school nurse and personal close contacts

o    Answer the call from the local board of health or Massachusetts Community Tracing Collaborative to identify close contacts and help them prevent transmission

o    Secure release from contact tracers (local board of health or Community Tracing Collaborative) for return to school

o    Any students or staff who were close contacts will be notified immediately

-    If the test is negative for someone who was a close contact of someone who tested positive:

o    They can return to school after the required 14-day self-quarantine period.

-    If the test is negative for a person who is symptomatic but was not in close contact with someone who tested positive:

o    They can return to school once 24 hours have passed with no fever and improvement in symptoms without the use of fever-reducing medications.

 

For more information on COVID-19 symptoms and testing, please visit: https://www.mass.gov/info- details/about-covid-19-testing#where-can-get-a-test?

 

For families: please contact your child’s school nurse immediately if you or someone in your home begins to show the following symptoms:

-    Fever (100.0° Fahrenheit or higher), chills or shaking chills

-    Cough (not due to other known cause, such as a chronic cough)

-    Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

-    New loss of taste or smell

-    Sore throat

-    Headache when in combination with other symptoms

-    Muscle aches or body aches

-    Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

-    Fatigue, when in combination with other symptoms

-    Congestion or runny nose (not due to other known causes, such as allergies), when in combination with other symptoms

 

The best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to keep your children home (and for staff to stay home) when they don’t feel well or when they demonstrate any of the above symptoms. 

 

We are committed to continuous communication with our school community and will continue to update you if cases occur.

 

Communication about a COVID-19 Positive Case In the School Community

 

FPS and/or a specific school will write to inform staff and families that a person in the school community has tested positive for COVID-19. Because our first responsibility is to keep our students and staff safe, we are planning for this scenario during our reopening planning process and have a comprehensive plan in place to sanitize the school, inform staff who were at risk of exposure or in close contact, inform families whose students were at risk of exposure or in close contact, and support the affected staff member/family as they navigate this stressful experience.

 

We will not be able to provide specific information about a school community member who tests positive. We will communicate with specific staff as well as individual families about whether or not the staff member or your child was determined to be a close contact (defined as being within 6 feet of the person for at least 15 minutes) of the affected school member. In all circumstances, even if not identified as a close contact, we ask that staff and families continue to monitor themselves (staff)/their children (families) for symptoms (see above). Staff and students should stay home if they show any symptoms or are not feeling well.

 

Staff members in close contact with the affected school community member and parents/guardians of students who were in close contact with the school community member will be notified privately. All close contacts should be tested but must self-quarantine for 14 days after the last exposure to the person who tested positive, regardless of the test result. We are also following all Department of Health protocols, including collaborating with our local board of health to complete contact tracing. Additionally, we are asking those parents/guardians whose students are tested for COVID-19 to please report the results to the school nurse. Staff members should report the results to their supervisor. We are working hard to understand the impact of the virus on our school community, and this information is a critical piece of that puzzle.

 

In addition to our updated and on-going cleaning and disinfecting practices, to further prevent transmission of the virus to other staff and students, in the event of a positive COVID-19 case, we will sanitize the school with a focus on those areas frequented by the school community member that tested positive. We will continue to be vigilant in adhering to all of the Universal Health and Safety practices that we are putting in place in an effort to continue to keep schools open. We will continue to provide remote learning for all students required to quarantine at home to continue to provide instruction, structure, and an emotional connection to the classroom during a time that we know will be challenging for those children and families involved. It is important that the community understand and support each other during quarantine circumstances so that all understand that this process is designed to keep everyone in our community safe, as opposed to assuming that any individual has contracted the virus.

 

Communication to Close Contacts

As noted above, we will communicate privately and directly to staff members and students’ families if a person in our school community has tested positive for COVID-19, and a staff member or student was a close contact of the school community member. A close contact is defined as only those who have been within 6 feet of distance of the individual for at least fifteen minutes, in other school spaces, on the bus, or at an extracurricular activity.

 

If this circumstance arises, we strongly encourage staff members to be tested and inform their supervisor. We encourage families, as well, to have their child tested and to report the results to their school nurse. As noted earlier, we are working hard to understand the impact of the virus on our school community, and this information is a critical piece of that puzzle. However, if an individual prefers not to be tested, they will be required to remain home in self-quarantine for 14 days from exposure. We will also follow all Department of Health protocols, including collaborating with our local board of health to complete contact tracing. We ask for cooperation from staff and families in this effort, as well.

 

Even if a school community member who was a close contact tests negative, they must still remain home in self-quarantine for 14 days from exposure. We will communicate the date of exposure. We will provide remote learning opportunities to the student.

 

If a school community member who was a close contact tests positive, they may return to school after 10 days of isolation, if he/she/they:

1.    have gone for 24 hours without a fever (without taking fever-reducing medications like Tylenol); and

2.    have experienced an improvement in other symptoms (for example, their cough has gotten much better); and

3.    have received clearance from public health authority contact tracers (the local board of health or Community Tracing Collaborative).

 

It is important that the community understand these protocols and not make assumptions about any individual. FPS is committed to preventing discrimination and harassment of school community members who may test positive or be presumed positive for COVID-19. The District will address concerns that are raised and take appropriate remedial action if warranted.

 

Mobil Rapid Response Units

 

DESE and the Department of Public Health (DPH) have created an option where local school officials, in consultation with public health authorities, will be able to request a state-sponsored mobile rapid response unit to test a group of students and/or staff when a potential cluster of COVID-19 cases has been identified and transmission appears to have occurred within the school.

 

FPS will collaborate with the local board of health if it appears that there is evidence that COVID-19 transmission is likely to have occurred within a classroom or school within a 14-day period of time. The following are the minimum conditions, as determined by the Department of Public Health:

●    Within a 14-day period, if two or more individuals within a single classroom test positive for COVID-19 and transmission/exposure is likely to have occurred in the classroom, a mobile rapid response unit may be deployed for all asymptomatic individuals within that classroom;

●    Within a 14-day period, if 3 or more individuals or 3 percent, whichever is greater, of a given grade or cohort test positive for COVID-19 and transmission/exposure, likely occurred in school, a mobile rapid response unit may be deployed for all asymptomatic individuals within that grade or cohort;

●    Within a 14-day period, if more than 3 percent of a school tests positive for COVID-19 and transmission/exposure likely occurred in the school, a mobile testing unit may be deployed for the entire school population that is asymptomatic;

●    Within a 14-day period, if 2 or more individuals within the same bus test positive for COVID-19 and transmission/exposure likely occurred on the bus, a mobile rapid response unit may be deployed for all asymptomatic individuals on that bus.

 

If the criteria is met, FPS will inform staff and families/students that the option for mobile on-site testing exists and might be needed. Logistics of the testing protocols will be communicated in advance; this will include parent/guardian permission forms for the testing of students. The Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent will serve as the school-based point of contact should this resource need to be utilized.

 

Communication will be sent to relevant staff and families from the classroom, school, or bus. This communication will describe the situation, including the number of cases, the purpose of the mobile rapid response, and information that close contacts would already have been notified. The communication will also include the logistics of testing, including date, time, and location. Families must provide written approval for testing of children under the age of 18, and parents/guardians may accompany their child on the day of testing. The communication will also explain how families may choose not to have their child tested and that their child

will not be required to quarantine and may return to school unless additional cases were identified and their child is determined to have been a close contact (see definition above).

 

The school community will also be notified about the plan for mobile rapid response testing.

 

FPS will also communicate with DESE whenever a positive COVID-19 case occurs. Applicable privacy laws for staff and students apply, and FPS will not disclose any confidential information.

 

Additional information, including summarizing graphics, can be found on our reopening website in the Health Office Information section: https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/returntoschoolplan/health-office-information

 

Additionally, information regarding decisions regarding potential school closures due to COVID-19 positive cases as well as decision-making metrics among instructional models can be found in the COVID-addendum of school handbooks, which are being issued within the first weeks of school.

 

Sincerely,

Franklin Public Schools

 

Please submit any questions you have regarding this letter to reopening@franklinps.net for a response or for inclusion in the FAQs on our Reopening Website.

 

 

Shared from the Re-Opening page

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/responding_to_covid_communication_expectations_sept_2020-english.pdf

 

Reopening page  https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/returntoschoolplan/home?authuser=0

 

Franklin Public Schools: Communication of COVID-19 Cases