Franklin Public Schools: Re-opening Update for Families - Oct 9, 2020

October 9, 2020

Dear Franklin Families,

Transition to Hybrid
The average daily cases of COVID-19 in Franklin have remained below 4 per 100,000 for the past three weeks and the percent positivity rate has been below 1%. Current numbers are 3.2 cases per 100,000 and a percent positivity rate of 0.96%. When taken into consideration with Norfolk County and Massachusetts data over the past several weeks, these current health metrics support us continuing forward with a transition to hybrid as follows:

10/19/2020 -- Grades 2, 3, 6

10/26/2020 -- Grades 4, 5, 7, 8 and High Needs at FHS  

11/2/2020 -- FHS

More details about the cohort assignments, schedule, and what to expect upon arrival will be shared from the schools.

Our teachers have been actively preparing to welcome students into our buildings. It will be important at this time to establish new routines, which is always important at the start of the school year, but it is even more important with the latest health and safety practices. As a result, remote instruction for those students whose cohort is not in the building will necessarily begin looking differently as we move into a hybrid environment.

At the elementary level: all students will participate in a synchronous live morning meeting and closing circle. Throughout the day, educators will engage with remote students multiple times throughout the day, and remote students will be provided with assignments and asynchronous learning opportunities as well. Compared to instruction experienced thus far, there will necessarily be less synchronous learning time as our teachers attend to in-person instruction as well as in-person health and safety practices.

We have received a few inquiries about transitioning from having chosen hybrid to Virtual Learning Academy (VLA) or from VLA to hybrid. A separate document explaining the process will be included in versions of this mailing to elementary families. Please know that there is little flexibility and shifts between the two require significant planning about staff and physical space.

At the middle and high school levels: all students will participate in a lesson launch with their teacher. Educators will employ different strategies to engage students, both in person and remote learners, which may be synchronous or asynchronous. In the early weeks, our teachers will be working hard to establish new building routines, especially the new health and safety practices and there may be additional asynchronous instruction happening for those who are remote.

At all levels and both in person and remote, we ask for your understanding and patience as we begin a very novel way of teaching and learning. Everyone is working very hard and learning new strategies. We also wish to emphasize the need for adaptability. We know that we are in a changing environment and health data could result in partial or full closures, as we have seen in other districts. Flexibility will be important and we ask families to be sure to have a back up plan.

We also know that there may be nervousness about transitioning to the hybrid model. We will emphasize our health and safety practices with students (physical distancing, hand washing, and mask-wearing).

Travel to a Non-Lower Risk State
Students who are returning to Massachusetts from a non-lower risk state will have to quarantine for 14 days or receive a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to their return to school. Students will continue to receive instruction at home.

DESE Letter to Families of Students with Disabilities
The Department of Elementary and Secondary education recently released this letter for families of students with disabilities, which we are sharing with you:
 http://www.doe.mass.edu/covid19/sped/back-to-school-letter/ 

Food Services Update 

The food pick up at the Parmenter Elementary School is being closed due to a lower level of participation. Pick up of breakfast and lunch will now all be done at the rear of Franklin High School, by the cafeteria’s entrance from 3:00 -- 4:00 PM. All meals are free until December 31, 2020

No School Reminder - No School on Monday, October 12, 2020

Have a wonderful weekend, Franklin Public Schools


Please e-mail reopening@franklinps.net with questions. https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/returntoschoolplan/home

 

FM #357 School Comm Facility Analysis Mtg - 9/30/20 (audio)

FM #357 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 357 in the series.

This shares part of the Franklin, MA School Committee Facility Analysis SubCommittee meeting that was held on Wednesday, September 30, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

A quick recap:

• Where are we? Recall that there was a question asked if the Davis Thayer School could be closed to save money?
• The Facility Analysis Subcommittee was formed and set up their 5 step process. They are still on step 1. A public information session was held in March (before the shutdown). Another public information session will be scheduled for November, TBD.
• A demographic analysis was done and handed over to the architects for use in their facility assessment. Oh, the demographic analysis will be redone with the official Oct 1 numbers. It should be of interest for that analysis to see how well the forecast turned out. There would be an update sometime in the future to the Subcommittee (no timeline provided).
• The work by the subcommittee stopped during the summer after the first preview of the facility report was presented June 11, 2020. Stopped due to the work required by the District to prepare the re-opening plan for all schools in September. Now that schools are back albeit remote and moving to hybrid, there is time for the committee to resume its work.
•  So the architect report gets presented with the data gathered and analyzed. The five options for consideration were presented. Instead of closing one elementary school, the long term report recommendation is to close the three oldest elementary schools, keeping three elementary schools to feed to one central middle school (yes, closing two other middle schools) all feeding to the one high school.
• How about that for generating some conversation?

The meeting runs just about 75 minutes, so let’s listen to the meeting of Sep 30, 2020

Audio file =  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-357-school-comm-facility-analysis-mtg-9-30-20

-----------

The agenda doc, including connection info

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/09/facilities-analysis-sub-committee.html

 

My notes taken via Twitter during the meeting are summarized here

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/facility-analysis-subcommittee-long.html 

 

Photos used in the Twitter thread can be found in the Google photo album

https://photos.app.goo.gl/RB1AXrc4abYTPEm56

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know

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

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/

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!

------------------

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

 

FM #357 School Comm Facility Analysis Mtg - 9/30/20 (audio)

Facility Analysis Subcommittee: Long term plan could close 5 school buildings

Recap:

• Where are we? Recall that there was an ask if Davis Thayer could be closed to save money?
• The Facility Analysis Subcommittee was formed and set up their 5 step process. They are still on step 1. A public information session was held in March (before the shutdown). Another public information session will be scheduled for November TBD.
• A demographic analysis was done and handed over to the architects for use in their facility assessment. Oh, the demographic analysis will be redone with the official Oct 1 numbers. It should be interest for that analysis to see how well the forecast turned out. That would be an update sometime in the future to the Subcommittee (no timeline provided).
• The work by the subcommittee stopped during the summer after the first preview of the report was presented June 11. Stopped due to the work required by the District to prepare the re-opening plan for all schools in September. Now that schools are back albeit remote and moving to hybrid, there is time for the committee to resume its work.
• So the architect report gets presented with the data gathered and analyzed. The five options for consideration were presented. Instead of closing one elementary school, the long term report recommendation is to close the three oldest elementary schools, keeping three elementary schools to feed to one central middle school (yes, closing two other middle schools) all feeding to the one high school.
• How about that for generating some conversation?

Screen captures of the presentation deck shown during the meeting are available. https://photos.app.goo.gl/RB1AXrc4abYTPEm56

We all await the copy of the report to be posted to the Schools page so we can read and digest the remainder of it.


----
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  #scfa0930
https://twitter.com/hashtag/scfa0930?src=hashtag_click

• Ready for the SchComm Facility Analysis meeting to start. #scfa0930
• Meeting bridge just opened  #scfa0930
• Roll call of committee members but no protocol announcements. Stokes (chair) Pfeffer and Scofield present. Still in step 1 of the 5 step process #scfa0930 added COVID related spacing requirements to analysis
• Craig Olson, Kaestle Boos to present report. Report to be shared after meeting; preliminary report was shared in May, this is updated from that #scfa0930
• Data based report, all data pre COVID, #scfa0930 Capturing slides as they are shared, some we'll need to wait for report publication to see, he went to quick only video would have caught
• Adjusted zoom windows for better screen capture #scfa0930
• Individual school analysis for each school in report #scfa0930
• Oak and Keller #scfa0930
• Kennedy and Parmenter #scfa0930
• Jefferson #scfa0930
• Middle schools #scfa0930
• Enrollment projections not unique to Franklin a national issue with some areas)stares affected more than others #scfa0930
• Excess capacity in both elementary and middle School levels #scfa0930
• Key slide of options considered in report
• The various option slides part 1 of 2 #scfa0930
• Option slides part 2 of 2 #scfa0930
• Interesting recommendations to make one middle school, with 3 feeder elementary schools all to the FHS facility #scfa0930
• Now that the data is out the discussion can commence. Some folks won't like, it will take time to understand the implications #scfa0930
• Q on Title 1, student dependent, not school dependent. #scfa0930 redistricting is always an issue not so much for the students but for the parents
• Survey better to do sooner than later, #scfa0930 McKibben working on additional update for his demographics, will include the Oct 1 actual vs his model from last year. COVID is a major variable.
• Community info session to be scheduled on this, date to SchComm not yet set so it would be after Oct, early Nov, being defined via email. #scfa0930
• No recommendations to SchCom at this time, motion to adjourn, second, passed 3-0 via roll call
• That's all for schools for now, soon to be reporting on the listening session at 6:30, catch you there #scfa0930 

 

 

long term plan could close 5 school buildings

School Committee Meeting - Recap of Sep 22, 2020

Summary:

• The Superintendent's Report was detailed and covered a whole host of areas around the re-opening of schools, issues with bandwidth, equity of materials and class sizes, acknowledgement of communications issues, etc. See the Twitter thread for details.
• An overview on the hiring practices was provided and the 'comprehensive' personnel report was lacking in that it did not fully account for the 104 (or 103) notifications. This is really an elementary level math problem and it is disappointing not to get a resolution (yet).
• Resources attempted to being into the system (additional counselors, digital learning specialists, curriculum personnel...) have had their needs raised due to the requirements of delivery education in this pandemic period (hybrid or remote).
  
• A preview of the District Improvement Plan and goals for this year, including an update on prior year accomplishments was provided. Approval of the goals is up for vote at next meeting.
• The Community Relations Subcommittee will met again (their absence could have helped with the above communication issues). The Facility Analysis Subcommittee has a meeting Sep 30 to pick up where they suspended work during the summer. The Policy subcommittee has been busy. The Budget Subcommittee will be scheduling a meeting.
• The meeting was to go to executive session and return but given the uncertainty for when they would return, I left the meeting when they entered executive session.
  

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 #SchCom0922
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23schcom0922&src=typeahead_click

• Real time reporting underway for the #Schcom0922 meeting. (They should wait a minute once allowing entrance to Zoom before starting)
• Moving to superintendent's report: update on reopening, ongoing support for PD, metrics, transition to hybrid, update on chromebook, etc. #schcom0922
• See text of report on #schcom0922 page when posted Weds AM (will share link when available. Meeting being broadcast via zoom (link in agenda doc), Verizon/Comcast and Town of Franklin live stream (http://FranklinMA.gov)
• Another Professional development day scheduled for Friday per calendar https://franklinps.net/district/about-us/pages/school-calendars #schcom0922 COVID metrics slightly higher for Franklin over last several weeks still in good stage, hybrid a go so far
• Still looking to accelerate the hybrid date for FHS (is currently end of first Q marking period) #schcom0922 4,000 chromebooks and germicidal implementation benefit the schools from COVID funding coordinated with Town
• Grant used to support technology integrationist along with others (see the personnel update for details) #schcom0922 https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/personnel-update. (will spend more time on this report later in meeting)
• Apologies for info flow to families on virtual academy, not what she would have preferred, hybrid has been a challenge to plan for. Has been working hard on the virtual program, with separate staffing model. #schcom0922 still coding students into the learning system
• Supplies pickup scheduled for next week for virtual academy, more details coming; some chromebooks coming next week, more in Oct. Details to be provided, tech dept working on issues. Internet bandwidth has supported this far, researching minor issues here/there #schcom0922
• Demand on video driving the issues, closing in on a solution. #schcom0922 digital integrationist holding events for families on remote learning. There are families without internet, hard to quantify, can provide access.
• FHS sports won the Boston Globe Dalton award 2nd year in a row. (Shared on FM previously) #schcom0922 Req to bring in example of enhanced learning being used to meeting. Req to teachers principals re: lingering issues SchCom should know pls be specific
• Discussion on teachers supporting both in person students and online (remote) students; looking for monitors and ESPs for assistance in this manner. #schcom0922 sounds like teachers need to be like a circus ring master keeping students engaged in person and remote at same time
• Talk about how to apply and address SEL in this environment. #schcom0922 SEL Committee will also be spending time on this as they get started this school year. Q - Hearing things being worked on during taskforce but not being used now? May reconnect with members of task force
• So much work to be done, maybe it feels like too much work to be done. Difference in and among the 6 elementary schools and now the 7th with the virtual academy. Curious on the differences and why? Not to resolve now, but need to be addressed. #schcom0922
• Material difference, class size difference between hybrid and virtual, will virtual be separated in line item budget? #schcom0922 is the equivalence among the students and schools including virtual? What is special ed alignment for virtual vs. hybrid?
• #schcom0922 central office does spend time on where to be consistent vs local i.e. individual school direction. It is a tension and discussed. Work last year on consistency did get halted due to pandemic. Resources are being looked at, building principals can supplement
• Hybrid does become challenging because you have two cohorts and the high needs students. Virtual is not to be separate reporting, per DESE requirements. Virtual will participate with building teachers for consistency and also among virtual #schcom0922
• Are tracking expense for virtual separately and will allocate back to each school they came from for end of year reporting #schcom0922 helpful to NOT think of virtual as a 7th, communications still the issue that rears its head, difference creates confusion
• Bergen: it is a learning curve, an enormous one, always adjusting, it goes across all levels. Q's first line is to principal, SchCom is not to get into day-to-day issues. #schcom0922 understand the respect and complexity of what we're doing
• What we have asked for before in budget and couldn't get; these are still needed even more so today: curriculum consistency, digital learning integrationist... Look at all the awards across, DECA, Mock trial, music, we have a lot to be proud of #schcom0922
• Lisa Trainor, HR for schools is present to get into the details on the personnel report. https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/personnel-update #schcom0922 usually a hiring season in spring, onboard in summer and we go in September, some adjustments during but not the scale we see now
• In competition with other districts for a variety of staff to help now. #schcom0922 start with hiring process. Respect and experience of candidates whether hired or not is key for process. Interview team for teachers and some positions. Lesson planning, reference checks
• #schcom0922 a rigorous process to ensure a right fit. Usually a large pool to draw from, this time around smaller choices. 6 resignations due to non renewal where they went elsewhere before could recall. Accommodations made where possible.
• Page 2 of memo outlines budget process positions, #schcom0922 increase in counseling at Parmenter due to partner not participating this time due to pandemic but services still needed. Page 3 pandemic positions building subs was six, up to ten today
• More updates on lifelong learning coming in future meetings. 104 notices given. 87 returned. (#s still not adding up) Milford Daily News reporter talked to Superintendent today resulting in article updated late today #schcom0922 chap 70 funding related insights helped
• Unsung heroes all over Central Office, #schcom0922 21.6 open positions includes all. Principal at Keller was teaching art (and doing it well) LPNs needed. Q on long term sub vs. new teachers. Teachers on salary schedule, mentor works with staff usually but assigned to subs too
• Moving to District Improvement goals #schcom0922 https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/dip_outcomes_and_preview_2020-2021.pdf
• DESE pilot interrupted per pandemic. #schcom0922 vaping focus for substance abuse taskforce via grants, support for staff and families for SEL will be focus this year building upon work started last year.
• Working to create a feeling of safety when approaching the building. SEL team did continue through the school closure to meet virtually and work on the "I can" statements #schcom0922 data from summer surveys to be incorporated in work
• Principal to do building based survey to get input from teachers and staff, #schcom0922 resources from health care/plans made available as well. This is a preview of the DIP goals, to be voted at a future meeting.
• Expanding with SAFE Coalition per local funding for counseling, portrait of a graduate coming this fall. #schcom0922 Ron Taylor mentioned in regards to tweet thread about expectations
• #schcom0922 assessment of skills and address accordingly, leverage portrait to build curriculum, https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/district-improvement-goals MAPLE one item to come off list as one to take off plate (from earlier meeting)
• Identify support for academic enrichment, instructional practices for hybrid and digital environment #schcom0922
• Q on homework program that had been cancelled, when? Special consideration for homework during remote, work would shift and trying to distinguish independent work vs work outside if school day #schcom0922 increase awareness of bias in materials for example
• Awareness of bias is also work being done in some of the curriculum studies; Q on transition back to FHS and middle school; screening would be building based #schcom0922
• Priority to build relationships over curriculum with students, Community spirit among staff, #schcom0922
• Moving to discuss/action items https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/policy-1st-reads #schcom0922 first based on MASC with progressive consequences; also MA general law re: idling in a vehicle in or around a school building - motion to move to 2nd reading, second, passes 6-0 (1 absent Pfeffer)
• #schcom0922 MASC delegate appointment for Denise Spencer https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/disc-b-masc Moved, second, passes 6-0 (1 absent)
• Budget Subcommittee coming next week TBD, MASC 10 resolutions to be scheduled for review over the two Oct meetings before the conf in November, FEF fund raiser at La Cantina 9/30, Community relations TBD, facilities mtg scheduled 9/30 #schcom0922
• #schcom0922 joint PCC met recently, Judy did attend will have notes next time, looking at PCC resources, officers, etc. Event planning underway for social and racial justice, TBD. Y gave out 175K food packs, 3K to Franklin
• Consent agenda up Motion to approve, second, passes 6-0 (1 absent) Motion to go to executive session to return to open meeting #schcom0922 passes 6-0 (1 absent)
• That will be all for me for this tonight, catch you next time #schcom0922

The agenda for the meeting can be found

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/09/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-sep_20.html

 

The written version of the Superintendent's report was added to the meeting packet folder https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/news/superintendents_report_to_school_committee_september_22_2020.pdf

 

Additional photos from the meeting and used with Twitter posts are available here

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Ro64oXgTo4fpUdo1A

 

Superintendent Sara Ahern making a point during meeting 9/22/20

In the News: "The letter states that the numbers printed do not equal 104"

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

"In June, 104 employees – many of them teachers – at Franklin Public Schools received pink slips. This fall, 87 of them are returning, according to a recent comprehensive personnel update released by the district.

Only 15 positions of the 104 threatened with the chopping block back in June wound up being cut, according to a letter from the district signed by Superintendent Sara Ahern and Director of Human Resources Lisa O’Keefe-Trainor on Friday. "

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200922/layoffs-in-franklin-schools-fewer-than-expected?rssfeed=true

Editor's note: Other than the quote from Superintendent Ahern, there is no new information in this article and the numbers still don't add up. This is elementary math and if turned in as a school report by a fourth or fifth grade student, it would be really interesting to see what the rubric would provide as a score. Lots of numbers, lots of info but it doesn't add up. They can start with either people or positions, there is a difference between them, I get that. But 104 (or 103) got notified, what happened to them? It should be as easy as 87 came back and 17 (or 16) didn't. There can be a variety of other categories, that really doesn't matter. Tallying to the total (either 104 or 103) does.

In the News: "The letter states that the numbers printed do not equal 104"

 

 

 

Franklin Public Schools: Superintendent's Message - Aug 25, 2020

 August 25, 2020

Dear Franklin Community,

Reopening Plan Approved
The School Committee approved the Franklin Public Schools Reopening Plan at its August 11, 2020 meeting. Franklin Public Schools will be starting predominantly remotely and phasing into a hybrid model based on preparedness and health data. The Reopening Website has been updated to reflect the plan and the Comprehensive Plan has also been posted.

We will continue to provide updates and communications on what to expect to our students and families both at the district and school levels.
https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/returntoschoolplan/home

We anticipate that there will continue to be changes to the plan as we work on implementation details. The plan will be adjusted in the coming days and specific details impacting families will be communicated from the district and/or school buildings.

First Day of School
The first day of school for the 2020-2021 school year will be Wednesday, September 16, 2020 and the school year will be 170 days. The School Committee adopted this new start date on August 11; the Committee will be reviewing a calendar with proposed revisions of parent/teacher conference dates and professional development for adoption at its next meeting on August 25, 2020.

Remote Only Commitment K-5
Thank you to the many families who recently completed a survey for students entering grades K-5. Understanding your intention and a commitment to proceed with Remote Only  education,  once we transition to a hybrid model, is  very important for our ongoing planning. 

At this time, there is enough interest in Remote Only that we are working towards a model where remote only students in  grades K-5 will be grouped together by grade level with students across all elementary schools and taught by designated remote-only FPS  teachers. 

Curriculum, instruction, and pacing will be aligned with grade level hybrid classrooms in the district.

Should families wish to change from Remote Only to Hybrid, we will provide opportunities at the end of each trimester, and ask for four weeks of notice to be provided. Students will then be assigned to a Hybrid classroom in their assigned school with assigned days for a cohort.

For those of you who selected Remote Only for your child/children, please be on the lookout for a confirmation welcome letter.
 
Remote Only Commitment Grades 6-8
Thank you to the many families who recently completed a survey for students entering grades 6-8. Like with grades 6-8, understanding your intention and a commitment to proceed with Remote Only education, once we transition to a hybrid model, is very important for our ongoing planning. At this time and based on interest, we are planning to have the Remote Only students continue to proceed in class with the students assigned to hybrid cohorts.

Borrowing a Chromebook and Optional Insurance
Families who wish to be issued a Chromebook as we begin the school year may do so by requesting one through the Technology Department. The current Chromebooks are part of an older fleet of devices that we have been using in the District for the past several years.

Form to Request a Device/Remote Support
We have ordered new Chromebooks,  however, we anticipate a shipping delay. When these Chromebooks come in, families will have the opportunity to swap an older Chromebook for a new one. Families will be responsible for the care of these Chromebooks, consistent with expectations for care of other school materials. Families will be responsible  for replacement  in the event of breakage.  In order to assist families, Franklin Public Schools will be offering families the optional opportunity to purchase $40/year insurance to cover Chromebook failures and accidents. (Intentional damage is not covered). This is something that has been offered to our high school families as long as the 1:1 Chromebook model has been in place (since 2014).

Details about this insurance option will be clarified in future communications, after the new Chromebooks have arrived and are ready for distribution.

Bus Transportation
Even though the deadline has passed, parents/guardians can still register their student(s) for bus transportation via this google form, and we will do our best to accommodate families' needs.

Please wait to make payment until further implementation plans and timelines are announced. We expect that our busing contract will be amended this year with a varied schedule and reduced seating capacity. At this time, we are unsure of what and when refunds will be issued, so we encourage you to wait to make payment until we can assure that your student will have a seat. We will communicate future payment deadlines as they are determined.

The FPS transportation website has been updated with further information. Please contact schoolbus@franklinps.net with questions or to remove an already registered student.

Influenza Vaccine Requirement
Beginning with the 2020-2021 school year, influenza vaccine will be required for all students. Documentation of immunization status should be submitted to schools. This immunization is required in all models of learning, including Remote. Vaccinating against influenza is important for several reasons. Influenza vaccine is always important to receive to reduce the risk of getting sick with influenza, reduce the severity of disease if one does get sick (including the risk of hospitalization) due to influenza, as well as preventing the spread of influenzato others. During the COVID-19 pandemic, influenza vaccine will be especially critical to reduce the overall impact of respiratory illness on the population, protect vulnerable populations from severe illness, and decrease the overall burden on the healthcare system.

Exceptions may be granted for those for whom the vaccine is medically contraindicated or for families who attest in writing that the vaccine violates sincerely held religious beliefs. Families must submit a letter to the school nurse requesting an exemption and indicating the reason.

Please continue to send questions to reopening@franklinps.net and we will incorporate your questions into our FAQ page.

Sincerely,
Franklin Public Schools


Please contact the Superintendent's Office at 508-553-4819 with questions. Alternatively, you can e-mail reopening@franklinps.net as noted above.

Franklin Public Schools: Superintendent's Message - Aug 25, 2020

“A huge piece of art is not just the creating process, but also the sharing process”

Great article in Edutopia featuring our own Ms. Doherty!

"Can the Arts Go Digital?

Christine Doherty, an elementary art teacher in Franklin, Massachusetts, said she had always shied away from using technology but realized she would have to embrace it to connect to all 540 of her students at two different schools during school closures.

Doherty created a YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsK1QTSOSHu3NiSAwDvYGtQ) where she reads books to her students or leads them through easy art activities such as drawing and coloring.

She quickly found that online platforms allow students to continue sharing and talking about their artwork, just as they would in school. During her live video instruction time, students can type an H, for hand, into the chat box to indicate they want to share their work and place it up to the screen for other students to see. “A huge piece of art is not just the creating process, but also the sharing process,” she said."

Read the full article onlinehttps://www.edutopia.org/article/show-must-go-online-arts-teachers-adapt-home-instruction

Huge thank you to ⁦@lauraelee⁩ and @Edutopia for publishing this article featuring the hard work, effort & creativity of fellow arts educators during the school closures! I am so honored to be featured and represent ⁦⁦⁦@FranklinPSart⁩ https://t.co/Wet0edRP3O

— Christine Doherty (@MsDoherty_ART) April 24, 2020

Christine Doherty @MsDoherty_ART

Franklin Cultural Council: elementray/middle school art challenge underway

The Franklin Cultural Council is doing an art challenge daily for elementary and middle school students. 

What will be today's challenge? Check their Facebook page the post should be there at 7 AM   https://www.facebook.com/FranklinCulturalCouncil/



Day 1 challenge
https://www.facebook.com/FranklinCulturalCouncil/posts/1106833283003831?

Day 1 - winners
https://www.facebook.com/FranklinCulturalCouncil/posts/1107584372928722?

Day 2 challenge
https://www.facebook.com/FranklinCulturalCouncil/posts/1106842906336202?

Day 2 - winners
https://www.facebook.com/FranklinCulturalCouncil/posts/1108472259506600?

Franklin Cultural Council:  elementary/middle school art challenge underway

School Committee meeting - March 10, 2020 - Recap

Among the key updates from the School Committee meeting of March 10,2020 were 

• presentation from Parmenter students on their "passion projects"
• Elementary school principals provided updates on their School Improvement Plans
• Superintendent Ahern provided an update from the FY 2021 budget discussion at the Town Council meeting the prior week
• Superintendent Ahern presented the first pass at the Student Opportunity Act (SOA) commitment required by April 1
• The consent agenda was approved without the Oak St trip item which was held for a future meeting
• The Committee entered executive session not to return to open meeting

School Committee actions taken:
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/scagenda_3-10-20_actions_taken.pdf

Superintendent's Report:
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/news/superintendents_report_to_school_committee_march_10_2020.pdf


Additional details can be found in my notes captured during the meeting

• Live Reporting: Information Matters through to Closing

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/live-reporting-information-matters.html

• Live Reporting: Discussion/Action Items - Discussion Only Items

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/live-reporting-discussionaction-items.html

• Live Reporting: Guests/Presentations

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/live-reporting-guestspresentations.html

• Live reporting: School Committee - March 10, 2020

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/live-reporting-school-committee-march.html

Elementary school principals provided updates on their School Improvement Plans

Parmenter students presented on their "passion projects"

 

Franklin Cultural Council: Town Wide Art Contest - week of March 16, 2020

The Franklin Cultural Council (FCC) is announcing a town-wide ONLINE ART CONTEST the week of March 16 geared towards elementary and middle school students! 

There will be two winners per day; one elementary school student and one middle school student. Prizes will be hand delivered to your mailbox!

• Monday, Make Art with Nature
• Tuesday, Create Art with Paint
• Wednesday, Create Art with Recycles
• Thursday, Create a Collage of your Pet
• Friday, Create Sculpture Art

Photo examples will be available at the beginning of each day! 

Photo of your child's artwork should be submitted on the "post of the day" on the Franklin Cultural Council Facebook page with their name (or alias) and grade. 

Find the "post of the day" at  https://www.facebook.com/FranklinCulturalCouncil/


One entry per student. 
Entries must be posted by 5pm each day.
Winners will be announced at 7pm each day!

Franklin Cultural Council: Town Wide Art Contest - week of March 16, 2020

Shared from the FCC Facebook posting
https://www.facebook.com/FranklinCulturalCouncil/posts/1105816116438881?

Live Reporting: Guests/Presentations

II. Guests/Presentations
A. Student Passion Project Presentation (Parmenter students)

• French club learning words, songs and making posters
• Animal rescue club has made dog toys and bird feeders
• Hometown heroes club learning about veterans who served for the country
• "??" collected coats/hats/mittens, 'reach out and read' for national reading month 
• Best Buddies - all about helping everyone make a friend, became the 9th elementary school to become an official chapter of Best Buddies

Parmenter students presenting on their passion projects to School Committee (assistance from principal and vice-principal) pic.twitter.com/0Jxr7LFeci

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) March 10, 2020

B. Elementary School Improvement Plan Updates
all six elementary principals with assistant principals in support at meeting


presentation doc to be added later (released by FPS on Wednesday)

Franklin elementary school principals providing midyear update on the school improvement plans
(assistant principals present to support the presentation) pic.twitter.com/DIIuWKFwdr

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) March 10, 2020

adjustment counselors were a positive impact, thanks for funding the balance to provide support across the elementary schools

counselors help to model lessons for teachers, will help to problem solve with teachers

Mo Willems, pigeon referenced as a student interest at Davis Thayer

wait list in pilot with YOU Inc, working out scheduling and insurance issues as well as finding other counselors (as YOU Inc expands)

Q - on scoring and how it is being evaluated? will the program go forward, what is the criteria to say yes or no

A - still developing the scoring calibration and we'll see the data later this year to see what progress if nay has been seen

improved communications on tardies and absences between administration and parents

developing a more unified approach to planning via the "Understanding by Design" (UbD) framework across the 6 schools
used "Portrait of a Graduate" as an example of the backward planning required. If that is the end, what do we need to do to get there

Genius Club = recess and lunch club at DT to allow for more time to explore a project or learning they want

some students are able to exit their interventionist period with good progress and meet grade level expectations

Q - what is an academic interventionist?
A - a qualified teacher individual working part time to provide individualized instruction in conjunction with the math and literacy specialists

working differently in the different schools in some cases due to the Title one funding restrictions

two way communications, coordinating with Anne Marie Tracey to prepare one-pager guides on K registration, etc.; help with website to make better updates

(FHS Diversity Club participated at Keller PDD day, possible visit to Town Council meeting? what the students said others in the community likely should hear)

capital expense possible with the architect looking at all the buildings
interventionists are still being explored and is an area of great opportunity

the needs of the students are challenging, every year it is increasing, you can't invest enough in that, you can always do more

different number of hours from school to school for intervention

PCC's are supportive of the side projects

Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) awards 17 grants totaling $30K

The Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) has awarded 17 grants totaling $30,904 for 2020 to teachers in the Franklin Public School (FPS) system. A committee composed of FEF representatives and FPS staff evaluated 28 proposals through a blind review process and selected the awardees. Final approval was made by the full FEF board at its December meeting. 

“Consideration was given to need, innovation, impact, and integration with other school programs when selecting applications for funding. These 17 grants will provide needed funding for innovative programs at the elementary, middle, and high schools that would not otherwise be possible”, stated Kit Brady, Ph.D., Chair of the FEF Grant Review Committee.

This year’s recipients at the elementary school level are (lead applicant listed first): 

• Davis Thayer Elementary School – Lauren Diez and Jennifer Auld, Digital and hands-on resources to enhance school science curriculum; 
• Lisa Ladd, Rebecca Ballinger and Robin Towle, Flexible seating options to help facilitate students self-regulation skills, readiness and availability for learning, and ability to attend to academic tasks; 
• Christina Renaud, Makerspace for elementary students; 
• Parmenter Elementary School – Shannon Barca and Tanya Lamoureux, Support the school’s new passion project initiative for grades K-5; 
• Julie Doyle, Combine movement and the fundamental STEM skills in the physical education environment; 
• Jefferson Elementary School – Sarah Klim and Debbi Winterroth, Garden for 1st grade life science curriculum; 
• Keller Elementary School – Britt Dubendris and Staci Rogers, Playground signage designed to increase independence and enhance social communication with students during recess.

At the middle school level are:  

• District-wide - Erin O'Leary and Dan Moriarty, Author visits to all FPS middle schools (Year 2); 
• Annie Sullivan Middle School – Stephanie Ahearn and Emily Day, Establish a middle school Spanish reading program for middle school students; 
• Remington Middle School – Carol Martin and Lisa Hayes, Leveled readers for the Spanish classroom.

At the district-wide middle and high school levels is 

• Carla Loukota and Diane Plouffe, "Moxie Strings" string workshop via artist in residence for orchestra students grades 6-12.

At Franklin High School are: 

• Brenna Johnson, Art installation for FHS main entrance (Year 2); 
• Rosanne Achin-Housman and Hannah Bialer, Strengthen the FHS gay straight alliance; 
• Trevor Barron, Integrating the use of the Arduino processor in the AP computer science principles course; 
• Laura Evans, Classroom library of comprehensible readers/novels for 10 world language classrooms; 
• John Leighton, Purchase a camera with photography training and materials for use by the Pantherbook staff; 
• Carolann Tebbetts, Amanda Notz, Mailli Scott, Rebecca Ringrose and Jenn Briggs, Mosaic tile stepping stone installation in the courtyard adjacent to specialized high-needs programs.

Since its inception in 1997, the FEF has awarded approximately $430,000 in grants to FPS. Yearly fundraisers such as November’s Harlem Wizards basketball game as well as an annual fund campaign provide much appreciated support from businesses, families, and organizations for the FEF grants. 

To see a list of programs the FEF has funded over the years, visit www.franklined.org. 

Follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/franklined.org/), Twitter (https://twitter.com/FranklinEdOrg) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/franklinedorg/). 

The Franklin Education Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization. All gifts are fully tax deductible. New members are always welcome – see our web site for an application or email: franklined.org@gmail.com

Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) awards 17 grants totaling $30K

Franklin Public Schools: Annual Winter Art Showcase opens Dec 4 at 4:30 PM

The Franklin Public Schools (FPS) Annual Winter Art Showcase is set to open Wednesday evening, Dec 4! Selected works for across the District will be on view in the FHS Community Lobby from 4:30 to 6:30 PM. 

Work will remain up through Dec. 10

FPS Annual Winter Art Showcase opens Dec 4 at 4:30 PM

This was shared from the Franklin Public Schools Art Dept Twitter account
https://twitter.com/FranklinPSart/status/1202020745301430273

School Committee Meeting Recap: Start times put on 'pause'; elementary school improvement plans approved

The School Committee meeting held Tuesday, Sep 24, 2019 revealed some interesting news. 

The early release of MCAS data shows that the JF Kennedy Elementary School and the Davis Thayer Elementary School were recognized by the State DESE for their results. As the full set of MCAS data is understood, there will be an update to the community later this fall.

The ECDC and elementary school improvement plans for the 2019-2020 school years were presented and approved. Copies of the presentation documents are included here. Links to the individual improvement plans are available.

The school start time update provided the greatest shock (or disappointment) to some but it was a rather practical move. The effort to study changing school starts times has been 'paused.' Given the effort required with the upcoming budget cycle (and a significant budget shortage to be dealt with - likely raising the infamous 'o' word) along with the study to start on the potential closure of Davis Thayer (which would also require a redistricting of the entire school population - a major effort), and the need to actually continue the day to day operation of education the current school population, it was a wise move.

The presentation copy for the school update is shared below. 
 

• The Superintendent's Report

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/superintendents_report_to_school_committee_september_24_2019.pdf

FPS 2019 20 Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) School Improvement Plan from Franklin Matters

FPS 2019 2020 Elementary School Improvement Plan from Franklin Matters

FPS School Start Times Update Presentation from Franklin Matters

Additional details captured live during the meeting can be found in my notes

• Live reporting: Discussion Only items through to C...

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/09/live-reporting-discussion-only-items.html

• Live reporting: Discussion/Action items

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/09/live-reporting-discussionaction-items.html

• Live reporting: School Start Times Update

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/09/live-reporting-school-start-times-update.html

• Live reporting: Elementary School Improvement Plan...

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/09/live-reporting-elementary-school.html

• Live reporting: School Committee - Sep 24, 2019

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/09/live-reporting-school-committee-sep-24.html

 

elementary school principals presenting their School Improvement Plans