Showing posts with label district. Show all posts
Showing posts with label district. Show all posts

Saturday, October 31, 2020

FM #376 School Committee Mtg - 10/27/20 P2 of 3 (audio)

FM #376 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 376 in the series. 

This session shares one of three segments for the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Oct 27, 2020. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: some of the School Committee and Central Office personnel were in the Council Chambers, the remainder of the Committee was remote via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the almost three hour meeting into three logical segments:

* First - covers the opening through the Superintendent's Report, covering the re-opening status; moving from remote to hybrid (52 minutes)

* Second - covers the presentation/discussion on the Comprehensive Facility Analysis (1 hour and 17 mins)

* Third - covers the Discussion Actions Items, and the remainder of the meeting up to where the School Committee enters the executive session not to return to a public meeting. (40 minutes)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to the presentation document.

Let’s listen to this second segment of the School Committee meeting of Oct 27, 2020   Audio file  = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HVJdxbqK


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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
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Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/

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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Craig Olsen presenting on the facilities assessment
Craig Olsen presenting on the facilities assessment


Tuesday, October 20, 2020

Franklin Public Schools: District Newsletter - October 2020

Franklin Public Schools: District Newsletter - October 2020
WELCOME
BACK TO SCHOOL!
What is a Digital Learning Integrationist?
Laptop
The role of Digital Learning Integrationist (DLI) is a new position which was created this year in order to support the ever changing technology needs of our staff, students and families. Our three district DLIs, Marianne Zogby, Kate Merten and Jim d'Entremont, have over 70 years of combined teaching experience and are using their vast knowledge and tech savvy skills to support the use of technology in classrooms across the entire district.

The DLIs facilitated the PD sessions that led up to the start of the school year and have provided support with the Google Suite and its functionality for staff and families alike.They have been curating digital resources, creating support videos and offering assistance to staff on the best digital tools to use to meet their classroom objectives. The DLI team is also developing the FPS Digital Learning Center, which will serve as a unified source of all district supported learning apps and tools for students, families and staff.
The DLIs will be holding office hours for each school, including the Virtual Learning Academy, to offer face-to face planning time and support. Their role will evolve over the course of the year, as learning models change and new needs are identified.

Find helpful information on their their monthly TIPs Newsletter (Tech Integration Practices)
New 8th Grade Civics Curriculum

The 8th grade students in Franklin are learning a new curriculum beginning in the 20-21 school year: US and Massachusetts Government & Civic Life. This new state-mandated course is designed to give students the opportunity to study the foundations of U.S. democracy, how and why it has developed over time, and the role of individuals - including young people - in maintaining a healthy democracy.

Students have been exploring civic rights and responsibilities and what it means to be an informed citizen.They are learning to engage in conversations about controversial issues, how to disagree and debate in a respectful manner, media literacy, and the role of propaganda. The 8th graders are also reflecting and considering their own civic priorities and learning where American values fall on the political spectrum. These topics have been especially interesting as we approach the November 3rd election and have led to interesting and enlightening conversations!

After focusing on the current civic climate, the students will explore our history, learning about important documents such as the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. They will touch on topics and historical events that have shaped the growth of our nation and the development of our laws, making connections to current events along the way.

Throughout the year, the 8th graders will also we working towards a civic action project that will allow them to engage with local issues of their choice. This year long process is intended to educate students on how they can engage and try to make an impact as citizens of their community, state and nation.
Want to hear more? Listen on FPS Voice to Jonathan Mello and Jeff Anthony, 8th grade social studies teachers at Annie Sullivan Middle School, share more information about how this curriculum is being introduced in their classrooms, how the 2020 election is aligning and sparking conversations and their plans for the school year.
JFK Named National Blue Ribbon School
John F. Kennedy Elementary school was recently named a National Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education! JFK was one of only 367 schools nationwide (and one of 6 in MA) to receive this award! Congratulations!

FHS Math Department adopts new grading system for
the 20-21 School Year.
The FHS Math Department has implemented Standards-Based Grading across many of their courses including Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Precalculus and Calculus. The grading system was piloted last year, earning positive feedback and showing improved retention results. It is now being incorporated across the the majority of math courses offered at FHS.

"Research suggests that retention is a big challenge for many students when learning math," shared Ron Taylor, Math Department Head at FHS. "The new grading system assesses and grades student work in a manner than demonstrates growth over time, which is key to building on mathematical concepts." The research compiled showed that students frequently cram for tests, an ineffective way of learning concepts and retaining them at a deeper level. The research also revealed that teachers feel they spend too much time reviewing and/or reteaching content lost over the summer months or at the beginning of the year. The solution to alter both the frequency and type of assessments has proven to be helpful.

"We will move away from simply averaging grades collected during a term, and instead, for each standard, we will collect multiple pieces of evidence of student work to determine an overall grade that reflects the student's overall understanding of the standards covered,' explained Taylor.

This new grading system is explained in the following videos and covers the reasoning, issues and solutions in greater detail.


The FPS Middle Schools are excited to "virtually" welcome visiting author Jordan Sonnenblick! There are plenty of fun events planed over the coming weeks for our students and their families to engage in!

Stay tuned for more information including Stop, Drop & Read events, a Virtual Book fair and ways to learn more about Jordan Sonnenblick and his books!

On October 13th, the School Committee approved the strategic initiatives of the 20-21 District Improvement Plan. The plan details plans for the following objectives:
  • Social-Emotional Well-being of Students and Staff 
  • Engaging and Rigorous Curriculum
  • High-Quality Instruction to Meet the Academic and SEL Needs of Each Learner
  • Effective Two-Way Communication to Support Student Learning
Are you looking for information related to the facilities analysis? There is a dedicated page on our website which houses all of the pertinent information including timelines, presentations, research and reports.
Franklin Public Schools | www.franklinps.net

Town of Franklin | 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038
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Sunday, October 11, 2020

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting - Agenda - Oct 13, 2020

Vision Statement
The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.
 
 Agenda
“The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law.”


Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance  
Moment of Silence
 
I.    Routine Business
A.    Review of Agenda
B.    Citizen’s Comments
In the spirit of open communication, “the Committee will hold a public participation segment (also called Citizen’s Comments) about matters not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made…. A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment…. The Committee will hear public comments related to an agenda item when the Chair deems appropriate during the Committee meeting. Topics for discussion during the meeting must be limited to those items listed on the Committee meeting agenda for that evening…. ” - from Policy BEDH

C.    FHS Student Representative Comments
D.    Superintendent’s Report

II.    Guests/Presentations

A.    Superintendent Evaluation Evidence Presentation 2019-2020  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/suptevalevidence_presentation_to_sc_10-13-20.pdf
B.    District Improvement Goals 2020-2021  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/dip_initiatives_to_sc_2020-2021.pdf

III.    Discussion/Action Items
A.    District Improvement Plan
I recommend adoption of the 2020-2021 District Improvement Goals as discussed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_dip.pdf
B.    Policy - 2nd Reading/Adoption
I recommend adoption of the following policies as discussed:
A.    EEAEC - Student Conduct on School Buses
B.    EEAJ - Motor Vehicles Idling on School Grounds  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_policy_0.pdf
C.    Reduction of Pay to Ride Fees
I recommend approval of the Pay to Ride bus fee to be set at $130 for the 2020-2021 school year as discussed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_c_-_pay_to_ride.pdf
D.    MASC Resolutions (#1, 4-6)
I recommend adoption of the following MASC resolutions as discussed:
A.    Resolution #1: MCAS and High Stakes Testing
B.    Resolution #4: Lowering the Voting Age for Municipal Elections
C.    Resolution #5:Supporting Increased Federal Support and Stimulus Funding for Public K-12 Education
D.    Resolution #6: Retention of Medicaid Revenue   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_d_-_resolutions.pdf

IV.    Discussion Only Items
A.    Resolution #2 COVID-19 State Funding
B.    Resolution #3 School Committee Anti-Racism Resolution

V.    Information Matters
A.    School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Ad Hoc Supt. Evaluation, Ad Hoc Facilities Analysis, Budget, Community Relations/Public Schools Advocacy, Policy, Transportation)
B.    School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC, Substance Abuse Task Force, School Wellness Advisory Council)

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

VII.    Consent Agenda
A.    Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from your September 22, 2020 School Committee Meeting as detailed.
B.    Executive Session Minutes
I recommend approval of the Executive Session Minutes from your September 22, 2020 School Committee meeting to be released as detailed.
C.    Parmenter Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $980.00 from the Franklin Community (coordinated by Heather Sansoucy & Kristen Gillen) for supplemental supplies at Parmenter Elementary School as detailed.

VIII.    Payment of Bills    Dr. Bergen
IX.    Payroll    Ms. D’Angelo

X.    Executive Session
Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3), move to go into Executive Session to discuss strategy with respect to potential litigation and collective bargaining with the FEA/RN Unit as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the School Committee and the chair so declares, and not to reconvene in an Open Session.

XI.    Adjournment

Documents released for the meeting can be found in the meeting packet folder on the Schools page   https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/october-13-2020-school-committee-meeting-packet
 
 
Franklin, MA:: School Committee Meeting - Agenda - Oct 13, 2020
Franklin, MA:: School Committee Meeting - Agenda - Oct 13, 2020

Friday, September 18, 2020

Franklin Public Schools: Important Information and Dates

Important Information and Dates

Fall 2020

Click HERE for FHS schedule for online learning

FHS Chromebook Insurance will be available for purchase soon. An email will be sent to all families when the Chromebook Insurance payment portal has opened. 

FHS calendar items at a glance:
 
September 25th- Half day of school PDD day
September 28th- No School Yom Kippur
October 7th-        Half Day of School PDD day
October 12th       No School -Columbus Day
November 3rd     No School Election Day/PDD Day
November 10th   Parent Conferences
November 11th   No School Veteran's Day
November 12th   Parent Conferences
November 19th:  FHS begins Hybrid learning
November 25, 26, 27th- No School Thanksgiving Break
 
  • Franklin Public Schools School Re-Opening website click HERE to view
  • Principal's Page<< watch Mr. Hanna's video updates 
  • Student Parking Registration is now open. Click HERE to have your 11th or 12th grade student register with their school google account.
  • New to Franklin? Or Need to change your address? Click HERE to go to the New Student Registration/Change of address page
  • Need to withdraw your student from Franklin High School? Click HERE for instructions
  • Having troubles with your Chromebook ? Complete this Tech Remote Support form and someone will contact you to help
The difference between Home Schooling and Remote Learning from the Office of Teaching and Learning:

Home Schooling is an available option for some families who wish to provide every aspect of their child's education. To begin a home schooling, you must notify the Office of Teaching and Learning (annually) of your intent to homeschool, prior to the start of the school year. The requirements involve preparing an educational plan for approval by the Franklin Public Schools. Assessment/progress results will also need to be submitted and approved at the end of the school year. Upon approval of a homeschool plan, your child will be withdrawn from the Franklin Public Schools and the resources associated with the Franklin Public Schools will no longer be available to you. This includes, but is not limited to, curriculum materials, books, and Chromebooks. 

It is important to note that home schooling is different from remote learning. The remote learning model is being provided to all students enrolled in the Franklin Public Schools during the pandemic. This encompasses curriculum, instruction, assessment, and materials provided by the Franklin Public Schools for all students. Teachers are assigned to teach classes as they typically would in person. Students will complete a full day of education at home that is a blend of online learning, class facetime with peers and teacher(s), and independent work. When schools are able to transition back to either a hybrid or fully in-person model of instruction, all students engaged in remote learning will be a part of that transition back to school. 

If you decide to homeschool your child, you will need to provide a letter of intent, along with an educational plan for the 2020 - 2021 school year to Franklin Public Schools by September 4, 2020..  You can email this information to Dr. Joyce Edwards, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching & Learning,  at:  edwardsj@franklinps.net   Once Dr. Edwards reviews your plan and approves it, we will send you a confirmation via email.

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Graduation 2020 information
Photos taken inside the Gym will be on Gradimages.com (you need to register to see them)
Photos take outside:
SMUGMUG photos from Day 1 June 1st
SMUGMUG photos from Day 2 June 2nd
SMUGMUG photos from Day 3 June 3rd


Franklin Public Schools: Important Information and Dates
Franklin Public Schools: Important Information and Dates