Attention Parents: Check out the Interent Safety event April 3; it comes with free kid care & a meal

Vis Donna Grady:

"Franklin Community,

Most of you know me as the President of the Franklin Education Association. I'm also Chair of the Massachusetts PTA Health, Safety and Wellness Committee.

Interent Safety event April 3

THIS coming Thursday, April 3, from 5:30 -7pm at FHS, my committee is hosting a FREE Family Safety Awareness Forum about Online Safety and CyberBullying. Our doors open at 5:30 for child care, with the adult program running from 6-7pm. We have food for the kids and adults and activities for the kids. We're giving away an IPad as well.

Please come learn how to identify online dangers and how to protect your kids and family."

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16TrhfTjkM/

You can listen to Donna & I talk about the importance of this event

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/03/attnetion-parents-check-out-interent.html

Attention Parents: Check out the Interent Safety event April 3; comes with free kid care & a meal (audio)

FM #1416 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1416 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Donna Grady about the internet safety event coming up April 3. We recorded this talk in the Franklin TV Studios on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. 

Most folks know of Donna as the Franklin Education Association (FEA) unit president and as a kindergarten at Keller, previously Jefferson, and teaching for over 35 years.

Donna has a new role as Chair of the MASS PTA Health & Wellness Committee. Wearing this hat, she heard of the grant opportunity to bring this program to Franklin and neighboring communities.

Parents with school age children are the target for this training/awareness. It is a free night with childcare and meals provided 

The recording runs about 24 minutes. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1416-donna-grady-on-the-social-network-forum-apr-3-03-25-25/

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Donna’s school contact info -> gradyd@franklinps.net 

MASS PTA page -> https://www.massachusettspta.org/

MASS PTA Committees page -> https://www.massachusettspta.org/massachusetts-pta-committees/ 

Link to register for April 3   https://share.hsforms.com/2226Sv7n_QoyNDp00gcpumwgbr 

Download a copy of the flyer as a reminder or to share -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1P7-y7T1nTm44l3WTh7SzD7ZWccJa4ce8/view?usp=drive_link 

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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 

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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"

Social Network Forum at FHS on Thursday, Apr 3, 2025

Social Network Forum at FHS on Thurs, Apr 3, 2025 

"Join us for a Social Network Forum at the Franklin High School on Thursday, April 3, 2025. 

See the flyer and RSVP here (via QR Code) :  https://t.co/iq2I95h0A9

Direct link to RSVP -> https://share.hsforms.com/2226Sv7n_QoyNDp00gcpumwgbr 

Download a copy of the flyer as a reminder or to share -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1P7-y7T1nTm44l3WTh7SzD7ZWccJa4ce8/view?usp=drive_link

Shared from -> https://t.co/NfUOCqXOTd

SEPAC Workshop: MA Anti-Bullying Law - IEP and Schoolwide Strategies to Prevent Bullying of Students - May 11, 2023

This workshop will address the significant changes in special education practice that are a result of the state’s anti- bullying prevention law, focusing on both school-wide efforts to create safe and supportive school environments for students with disabilities and statutory provisions that require IEP Teams to address bullying of students with disabilities.

Date :  Thursday, May 11th

Time: 7:00 pm

Location: Virtual (on Zoom)

Registration Link: https://forms.gle/r6DfvvFEetLQBM6C9

More about Franklin SEPAC visit their page -> http://www.franklinsepac.org/ 

SEPAC Workshop: MA Anti-Bullying Law - IEP and Schoolwide Strategies to Prevent Bullying of Students - May 11, 2023

Watch "LGBTQ+ Discrimination Project (Franklin High School)" (video)

As mentioned during the Town Council meeting Wednesday., Jan 19, 2022

Direct video link -> https://youtu.be/q8bXTNxtTiw

Polito, Roy tout a team effort to provide better legal alternatives for teen sexting

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

"Dozens of students appeared Monday night at Franklin High School for Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito’s discussion about “sexting.” 

Sexting is becoming more prevalent and more damaging to underaged people, Polito emphasized. 

But legislation filed by state Rep. Jeff Roy, D-Franklin, and Polito would help protect children from the harmful effects of the transmission of explicit images by modernizing the laws to reflect the realities of cyber-bullying. 

Franklin police officer Paul Guarino has been working to mitigate the practice. He said during the discussion that about 80 percent of students have either sent or received nude photos of another student, many of whom are underage."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190430/lt-gov-karyn-polito-warns-teens-about-sexting


According to my notes of the event on Monday, the social media campaign mentioned by the MDN reporter and attributed to Lt Governor Polito is called "Respectfully". The campaign will use Instagram and SnapChat to deliver 20-30 second video messages to target 7-8th graders and 9-10th graders. The message will present a potentially abusive situation and provide an alternative for a more respectful treatment of the individual to promote healthy relationships. 

The campaign is NOT directly connected to the proposed sexting legislation working its way through the process. When the campaign is released, we'll share examples of it.

3 months ago Lt Gov Polito also mentioned the upcoming campaign separately from the re-filing of the sexting legislation. 
https://storgram.com/post/BtjuWLcnk_s

I joined @jeffroy this evening in #Franklin to discuss the importance of our bipartisan, common sense legislation to update current laws and protect children from harmful visual material and cyber bullying.

It’s imperative that MA laws evolve with new technology. pic.twitter.com/0wtYPtHjbx

— Karyn Polito (@MassLtGov) April 29, 2019

Rep Jeff Roy, Lt Gov Karyn Polito at FHS on Monday to address teen sexting

FTC Consumer Alerts: Let's talk about cyberbullying

Let's talk about cyberbullying by Ari Lazarus Consumer Education Specialist, FTC Last week, the FTC joined several other agencies and the First Lady for an important conversation about cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is a tough subject for both parents and educators. That's why most of our materials are built around having conversations, in small doses, and in your own language. Here are some easy ways to start these conversations: Read more   https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2018/08/lets-talk-about-cyberbullying?utm_source=govdelivery This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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"Are Your Kids Addicted To Their Phones? 'Screenagers' Wants to Help"

"Are you watching kids scroll through life, with their rapid-fire thumbs and a six-second attention span? Physician and filmmaker Delaney Ruston saw that with her own kids and learned that the average kid spends 6.5 hours a day looking at screens. She wondered about the impact of all this time and about the friction occurring in homes and schools around negotiating screen time—friction she knew all too well.

In SCREENAGERS, as with her award-winning documentaries on mental health, Delaney takes a deeply personal approach as she probes into the vulnerable corners of family life, including her own, to explore struggles over social media, video games, academics and internet addiction. Through poignant, and unexpectedly funny stories, along with surprising insights from authors, psychologists, and brain scientists, SCREENAGERS reveals how tech time impacts kids’ development and offers solutions on how adults canempower kids to best navigate the digital world and find balance."

SCREENAGERS (Official Trailer) from Delaney Ruston on Vimeo.

More info can be found on their webpage  http://www.screenagersmovie.com/

See something, say something

On the anniversary of Sandy Hook, CBS did this news piece:






If the video above doesn't play properly, try this link
http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/schools-training-students-to-look-out-for-warning-signs-four-years-after-newtown-massacre

Annual Parent Info Night - Anti Bullying - Mar 29, 6:30 PM

• What is bullying and what is not bullying under the law?
• When is student behavior bullying and when is it developmentally typical behavior?
• What are school district requirements and obligations under the law?
• What information are school districts able to share with you about their bullying
• investigations?
• What are student support and safety plans?
• What is the role of law enforcement?
• How can parents and school personnel work together to address instances of bullying
• and support positive student behavior?

These topics and more will be addressed by Attorney Paige Tobin from Murphy, Lamere and Murphy Law Firm

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

6:30 P.M.

FHS Lecture Hall

This was shared from the Franklin Schools webpage
http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinDistrict_News/0236380D-000F8513.0/Parent%20Info%20Flyer%203-29-16.pdf

Community entrance to FHS

"The best way to protect your kids online? Talk to them"

"The best way to protect your kids online? Talk to them. Research suggests that when children want important information, most rely on their parents."

http://www.onguardonline.gov/articles/0006-talk-your-kids




The net cetera booklet can be found here or here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczbjRPSjA3Tm4tNkU/view?usp=sharing

net cetera - chatting with kids about being online

In advance of National Data Privacy Day, January 28th, we'll share some tips, tricks and other resources to be safe online.

"Respecting Privacy, Safeguarding Data, and Enabling Trust" is the theme for Data Privacy Day   https://www.staysafeonline.org/data-privacy-day/landing/



“Brain training” with Lumosity — does it really work?

"Let’s set the record straight. Playing Lumosity’s games might make you better at those games, the FTC says, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it will sharpen your memory or brain power in the real-world. And those testimonials from satisfied customers? Many were from people who were offered prizes to say good things about Lumosity, and that wasn’t made clear. According to the FTC, that’s deceptive."

OnGuard Online   http://www.onguardonline.gov/

Protecting your Privacy   https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/tips/ST04-013

Stop Think Connect   http://www.dhs.gov/stopthinkconnect

Helping Your Kids Navigate Social Media And Cyberbullying - Feb 1

You are invited to join representatives from the Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center with a presentation for parents regarding online safety to be held at the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School on Monday, February 1st at 7pm. 

The event is free and open to the public, we hope you can join us.

BFCCPS sign

PARENT/COMMUNITY PRESENTATIONS:

The MARC Parent and community education evenings feature presentations that are more tailored to the individual needs and wants of the community. The presentation involves both an easy-to-understand update on typical online activities of children, internet safety (including cyberbullying), and how parents can work with their children and their schools in both bullying and cyberbullying situations.

The emphasis will be on practical, concrete knowledge, and how parents do not need to be computer experts to become more aware of how to help their children navigate the online world safely. It is also imperative that parents understand how to approach schools for help effectively and how to assist school administrators in resolving bullying situations.

Hopkinton Middle School Lipdub 2013 (video)

Many people got into helping Hopkinton Middle School put together this lip dub of Lady Gaga's "I Was Born this Way". The MetroWest Health Foundation provided some funding for bullying prevention to the district.

Anti-Bullying Training

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Good Afternoon The Franklin Public Schools, in collaboration with MARC (Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center at Bridgewater State University) is holding an Anti-Bullying Training on September 19th at 6:30 P.M. at the Mercer Auditorium at Horace Mann Middle School.  The presenter is Dr. Elizabeth Englander.  The training is open to adults, faculty and community members. To see the flyer, click here:  http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinDistrict_News/0196706F-000F8513 or go to the district web site under District News. This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at (508) 613-1777.

In the News: leadership, DelCarte, bullies, Relay, Strawberry

Adventurous Franklin teen off to D.C.

by Matt Tota/Daily News staff

DelCarte dam work approved in Franklin

by Matt Tota/Daily News staff

Bullying presentation Thursday at Middle School in Franklin

by Staff reports

Relay for Life Friday in Franklin

by Staff reports

Annual Strawberry Stroll tomorrow in Franklin

by Staff reports

In the News - No Name Calling Day

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School is one of the schools mentioned in this article:

Local schools stand up to bullying on No Name Calling Day

by Whitney Clearman/Daily News staff

In the News - schools, Newcomers, Internet

Franklin schools open after delay

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Alison McCall, Daily News staff

Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club kicks off

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Spilka, Vallee working with DA against Internet predators

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc.

"cyberbullying feels like something they can't get away from"

While the foundation sponsors surveys every two years among the region's middle and high schools, it had never before asked its consultant to look at overlap between categories - in this case students who reported mental health problems and those who identified themselves as bullying victims. 

The prompt, Donham said, is a lingering perception among some parents - and even a few teachers - that bullying is something students usually work their way through, more an obnoxious rite of childhood than a serious danger. 

There have also been questions about why the foundation is treating bullying as a health issue deserving grant money, and questions about whether bullying is a classroom issue when much of the harassment takes place off school grounds.
But the data show a clear picture of mental health harm likely to impede learning, harm that includes stress, symptoms of depression, self-injury, serious consideration of suicide - and even attempted suicide, among roughly 578 students. 

"I think that's alarming," Donham said of the suicide numbers. "I think that warrants some looking at."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x920803137/Report-shows-link-between-bullying-mental-health-problems#ixzz1SjRqsR00


Another report, another view, this time from the Boston Globe:

Sharply contrasting findings, from a Globe survey of the state’s 10 largest school systems, casts light on a lingering controversy over the Massachusetts law: What, if anything, should schools report about bullying among their students to authorities at the district or state level?
Read more at the Boston Globe.

Wired Teens - Good Netiquette

The Wired Teens group from Sullivan Middle School developed this set of tips on passwords and good netiquette.

Wired Teens Summer Reminders

Lady Gaga on bullying

What's this?

Lady Gaga - what's she got to do with Franklin?

Listen, no one is immune to bullying and its lasting effects

MTV Shows

Thanks to Steve Garfield for the pointer to this clip.

Impressive.




Franklin, MA