FM_#242- Sgt Brian Johnson - Check On Your Neighbors 4/6/20 (audio)

FM #242 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 242 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Franklin Police Sgt Brian Johnson. Sgt Johnson is the Public Information Officer for the Police Dept and we had a great conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Can you have a conversation about the Franklin Police Dept and not discuss their four-legged star? Listen and hear how we had plenty to talk about; how the FPD is responding during this pandemic, how some personnel assignments have been juggled, how they can find time to help celebrate a birthday, and then the call to action to check on our neighbors (to see how they are faring in this period).

The recording runs about 28 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Sgt Johnson and hear about what is happening on the front lines with the Franklin Police Dept.   Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HBCcQh37




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Police Dept page = https://www.franklinma.gov/police-department

Police Dept Twitter account = https://twitter.com/franklinpolice

Police Dept Facebook page = https://www.facebook.com/Franklin-Police-Department-162770995915/?fref=ts


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/
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_#242- Sgt Brian Johnson - Check On Your Neighbors 4/6/20 (audio)

“We didn't have weeks to act. We barely had days and we might be too late”

When the pandemic is by us (and no one know how long that will take), this story will be one of the contemporary pieces to go back to for the analysis of what happened and what could have happened. We will need to develop the 'lessons learned' from this pandemic for next time. The pandemic is a reminder that while it was predicted, it is likely to repeat until we change.

WBUR shares this reporing: 'We Knew The Inevitable': Why Mass. School Leaders Had To Close Schools On Their Own

“I said, ‘I think we have a kid,’ ” he said. “You could just see that everyone's face was like, ‘OK, this just got real.’ ”

And it got critical. Classes were starting at the school in less than 30 minutes. Immediately, Tremblay divided everyone into smaller groups and assigned tasks. Track down all students and staff who might have had contact with the symptomatic student. Inform those families and advise them to self-quarantine for 14 days. Tell bus drivers to stand by in order to bring kids home.

Some of the Framingham families who needed to quarantine didn’t speak English. Tremblay brought translators into the room. They wrote all official messages into Spanish and Portuguese simultaneously, working in Google docs.

“This escalated, as you can imagine, pretty quickly,” Tremblay said.

Continue reading the article online
https://www.wbur.org/edify/2020/03/30/behind-school-closure-decisions

“We didn't have weeks to act. We barely had days and we might be too late”

"testing capacity at the state lab will increase to approximately 400 patients per day"

From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin:

"Gov. Charlie Baker said there are currently no plans for a statewide shelter-in-place order, but he has put a number of unprecedented measures in place across Massachusetts.

Just after 6:20 p.m. Sunday, Baker ordered a more restrictive public gathering plan, banning all gatherings of 25 or more people. The governor’s initial ban was on gatherings of 250 or more people, which was put into place on Friday.

“These gatherings include all community, civic, public, leisure, faith-based events, sporting events with spectators, concerts, conventions and any similar event or activity that brings together 25 or more people in single room or a single space at the same time. This includes venues like fitness centers, private clubs and theaters,” Baker said.

Baker also banned bars and restaurants from serving food and drinks on site, but will allow them to serve food via takeout and delivery services. The on-site service ban begins Tuesday and is scheduled to last until April 17."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200315/gov-charlie-baker-bans-gatherings-of-over-25-people-orders-school-closure-restaurants-take-out-only

The page with all of Governor Baker's emergency orders on coronavirus (COVID-19)
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-state-of-emergency

The page with all of Governor Baker's emergency orders on coronavirus (COVID-19)

DLS Alert: Baker-Polito Administration Announces Emergency Order Modifying the State’s Open Meeting Law

Open meeting law regulations modified to allow public meeting to continue during this pandemic period

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Emergency Order Modifying the State's Open Meeting Law The Baker-Polito Administration today announced an emergency order temporarily modifying the state's open meeting law in order to allow state, quasi and local governments to continue to carry out essential functions and operations during the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. This emergency order suspends the requirement for public access to the physical location where a public meeting is taking place, provided there are other means of access available. This includes the use of a phone conference line for members of the public, social media or other internet streaming services, on-line meeting services, or methods of access. Both the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) have advised residents to take extra measures to put distance between themselves and other people to further reduce the risk of being exposed to COVID-19. Additionally, the CDC and DPH have advised high-risk individuals, including people over the age of 60, anyone with underlying health conditions or a weakened immune system, and pregnant women, to avoid large gatherings. Additionally, the order relieves the requirement that a quorum of members be physically present at a public meeting. During this period, members may all participate by remote or virtual means. This order is applicable to meetings of public bodies including commissions, boards, and committees that engage in policy making at the state, quasi and local level, and it does not apply to Town Meetings or judicial and quasi-judicial hearings. It follows Governor Baker's declaration of a State of Emergency on Wednesday, March 11, and it will remain in place until rescinded or the State of Emergency is terminated.

Massachusetts Department of Revenue - Division of Local Services · 100 Cambridge Street · Boston, MA 02114 · USA

Franklin Public Schools: Emergency Bus Service Due to Cold Forecasted Temps

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Dear Franklin Families,

Due to the forecast for frigid temperatures and cold wind chills this evening and early morning and the potential for lingering icy spots on roads and sidewalks, the Franklin Public Schools will be utilizing emergency busing tomorrow morning, Wednesday, November 13, 2019. Students who do not normally ride the bus who are walking or waiting along the route will be picked up by our drivers.

We do not anticipate a need for emergency busing in the afternoon.

Please take steps to appropriately prepare for tomorrow's weather. Boots or appropriate footwear, warm coats, hats and gloves or mittens will be critical in the morning hours.


Sincerely,

The Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public Schools: Emergency Bus Service Due to Cold Forecasted Temps

School Transportation info https://www.franklinps.net/district/transportation

[Residents] Police Business Line Service Restored

The Franklin Police business line service has been restored. Please call 508-528-1212 for all non-emergency Police services. 

Franklin Police Business Line Service Restored

 

[Residents] Franklin Police Business Line experiencing an outage

Please be advised we are experiencing outages with our 508-528-1212 business line. 

Any non emergency or emergency police services please call the Metacomet Emergency Community Center 911 line. 

Franklin Police Business Line experiencing an outage

"NOAA predicts near-normal 2019 Atlantic hurricane season"

"NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center is predicting that a near-normal Atlantic hurricane season is most likely this year. This outlook forecasts a 40% chance of a near-normal season, a 30% chance of an above-normal season and a 30% chance of a below-normal season. The hurricane season officially extends from June 1 to November 30. 

For 2019, NOAA predicts a likely range of 9 to 15 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which 4 to 8 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 2 to 4 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). NOAA provides these ranges with a 70% confidence. An average hurricane season produces 12 named storms, of which 6 become hurricanes, including 3 major hurricanes."

Continue reading about the NOAA outlook for the 2019 Atlantic Hurricane season:
https://www.noaa.gov/media-release/noaa-predicts-near-normal-2019-atlantic-hurricane-season




For the geeks who use RSS feeds (like I do) you can find the RSS selection of NOAA data here  https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutrss.shtml


What are the names for the storms for the 1029 season?

A graphic showing 2019 Atlantic tropical cyclone names selected by
the World Meteorological Organization. (NOAA)

Hurricane season starts June 1. Are you ready?

Hurricane season starts June 1. Are you ready? by Colleen Tressler Consumer Education Specialist, FTC June 1 is the official start of hurricane season, and a great time to make a plan to deal with weather emergencies. Extreme weather events, like hurricanes and other natural disasters, can occur with little warning, and the effects come in many forms. Hurricanes may include heavy rainfall, high winds, storm surge, inland flooding, tornadoes, and rip currents.  Are you ready to leave your home at a moment's notice? The FTC's site, Dealing with Weather Emergencies, has practical tips to help you prepare for, deal with, and recover from a weather emergency. Read more https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/05/hurricane-season-starts-june-1-are-you-ready?utm_campaign=weather-emergencies&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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Franklin Annual Report - 2018: Metacomet Emergency Communications Center (MECC)

Construction on the building continues. We anticipate dispatching our first call in early 2019. Once complete the MECC will operate state of the art systems and equipment to handle the dispatching of police, fire and EMS calls for service for the four communities; Franklin, Norfolk, Plainville and Wrentham. We will serve a combined population of just under 66,000 residents (2015 census data) covering 76.7 square miles.

The State 911 Department will begin “text to 911” service of the Next Generation 911 (NG911) system later this year. This will enable our call takers to assist with emergency calls with the deaf and hard of hearing population or those who cannot verbally communicate. Remember, “Call If You Can, Text If You Can’t”.

The MECC will staff highly skilled, trained, professional telecommunicators ready to assist, day or night. Rest assured we stand ready to help you in your time of need.

Respectfully submitted,

Gary M Premo
Executive Director



You can read the full Annual Report for 2018 online
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/franklin_2018_town_report.pdf

The archive of prior year annual reports
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/annual-reports


In the Finance Committee meeting of Oct 16, 2018, we learned that Norfolk construction delays for regional dispatch center will affect Franklin and the budget for an additional three months. It was supposed to begin operation in Jan 2019, and is now scheduled for operation in March (Apr 1 for budgeting purposes). The discussion was to fund an $28K for Police and $70K for Fire to cover the delay.

The Franklin Matters notes from the FinCom meeting Oct 16
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/10/live-reporting-finance-committee-oct-16.html

Facebook photo for MECC  https://www.facebook.com/meccdispatch/?nr

Franklin Annual Report - 2018: Franklin Fire Dept

The Department
The Franklin Fire Department is divided into two divisions: Operations and Maintenance, which is the largest and responsible for dispatch, emergency medical services, fire suppression and hazardous materials response. Administration and Support Services is responsible for personnel, budget and finance, training, code compliance and coordinating the Town’s emergency preparedness.

Our Mission
The mission of the Franklin Fire Department is to:
…Have a positive impact in the lives of citizens and visitors of Franklin in their time of crisis by providing compassionate, contemporary, community driven services.
…Safeguard human life from the perils of fire, sudden illness, injury or other emergency medical condition, natural and man-made disasters as well as preserve the environment and property from ensuing destruction.
… Be responsible for a safe, productive and pleasant work environment for our employees, and provide them opportunities to gain new skills and advance their personal career goals.

Operational Objectives

• Initiating advanced life support to patients within 10 minutes of receiving the telephone call at our communications center.
• To access, extricate, treat and transport and transport trauma patients to a level one trauma medical facility within one hour of the occurrence of the injury.
• Interrupt the progression of fires in structures within 10 minutes of open flame ignition.
• To insure response readiness remains greater than 70%.
• Provide safety and survival skills for all school students in grade K through 5 consistent with the Student Awareness Fire Education (SAFE) initiative of the Commonwealth.
• Provide educational opportunities for department members to insure optimal performance and safety.
• To develop and maintain “best practice” to insure personnel and citizen safety.
• Insure fire safety through timely, consistent code compliance services to all external customers.
• Provide all department services in a manner that satisfies the needs of our customers.
• Process emergency notifications in our dispatch center within 120 seconds of receiving the initial call for 99% of all calls.

Message from the Fire Chief
Fiscal Year 2018 again ended as the busiest year in department histories, breaking last year’s record a total of with 4,408 emergency responses. Fortunately, the community did not suffer any fire related deaths this year, although there were several tragic incidents which resulted in the loss of life. Department members suffer ten loss time work related injuries during the fiscal year.

This year saw the active engagement of our personnel in the development of specifications and standards on a host of issues, all intended to provide heightened levels of service to the citizens of Franklin. Personnel dedicated countless hours to develop specifications for the replacement of the department’s Self Contained Breathing Apparatus, replacement fire engine and replacement ambulance.

Work related cancer for workers in the fire – rescue services continues to be a cause for high concern. Multiple studies, including the soon-to-be-released NIOSH cancer study, have demonstrated credible evidence of higher rates of multiple types of cancers in firefighters compared to the general American population including:

• Testicular cancer (2.02 times greater risk)
• Multiple myeloma (1.53 times greater risk)
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (1.51 times greater risk)
• Skin cancer (1.39 times greater risk)
• Prostate cancer (1.28 times greater risk)
• Malignant melanoma (1.31 times great risk)
• Brain cancer (1.31 times greater risk)
• Colon cancer (1.21 times great risk)
• Leukemia (1.14 times greater risk)

Work began last year will continue into the next and ensuing fiscal years to insure that we protect our members from this on-going epidemic.

We continue to see the number of calls for service that occur back-to-back or simultaneously grow at an alarming rate. Back-to-back or simultaneous calls are where the department receives another emergency call for service while managing a call for services (two at a time). In Fiscal Year 2018, this caused 144 ambulance responses from other Towns into Franklin. 

Although an improvement over the previous fiscal year, the use of out-of-town resources causes delay in our ability to provide timely transport to the hospital emergency room. Franklin’s average response time is 5 minutes, 44 seconds; the average response time for an out-of town ambulance is 12 minutes, 33 seconds – this time difference can have a great impact on the quality of patient outcomes for people with medical emergencies.

The trend of call distribution is compounded by the increasing calls for services. As previously noted, the department responded to 4,408 emergency responses in Fiscal Year 2018, an increase of more than 6% from Fiscal year 2017.

We believe the trend is in response to an upturn in our economy. This year saw increased occupancy rates in the Town’s Industrial Parks as well as opening of new businesses and facilities. All of these combine to bring more people into the community and increase the demands for our services. We will continue to monitor all of these trends and work with the community to develop strategies to maintain acceptable levels of emergency services within the Town.

This year saw the retirement of Firefighter Robert Donovan. Bob began his career with the department in 1988 and assisted in many department roles. Bob’s career with the department to including being among the first paramedics in the department and serving as the long time SAFE Officer completing fire safety education in the school system. We thank him all for his years of their dedication and service to the Town and wish him the best in retirement.

This year we welcomed new members James Polito, Brian Hamann, Matthew Starkey and Peter Ballou. All come to the department with a wide variety of experiences that strengthens our ability to provide services to the citizens of Franklin and we look forward to their long productive careers with the department.

In addition to emergency response, the department also continued to try to expand its fire prevention education activities, providing safety and survival education to the most vulnerable population to fire – our children and seniors. Through the dedicated efforts of SAFE Officer Keith Darling, the department reached over 7,600 individuals with safety related programming. This included 100% of all Elementary Students, summer YMCA Camps and various Boy and Girl Scout programs and tours as well as a various activities at the Senior Center. 

This year the department continued to offer home visit for our senior citizens and include 48 visits. The focus of these visits is to insure there are working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, remove trip hazards as well as provide safety education. Firefighters Kevin Marshal, Bill Blanchard and Christian Mills provide dedicated assistance in completing this important service to our citizens.

In closing, I would like to recognize our employees, who are among the best fire service professional in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts! They continue to work tirelessly to protect life and property within Franklin. In addition to their on-duty responses, our employees commit countless hours in continuing education and training targeted to maintain and improved upon their emergency skills. Additionally, they continue to press forward in attempt to provide the highest level of service to the community based upon advancement in the fire-rescue field and advancements in technology. They continue to be the chief reason for maintaining our current the level of success and level of services we provide our citizens of Franklin.

Respectfully submitted,
Gary B. McCarraher, Fire Chief

You can read the full Annual Report for 2018 online
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/franklin_2018_town_report.pdf

The archive of prior year annual reports
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/annual-reports

The newest vehicle in the Fire Dept, part of the truck rotation and life cycle program. Franklin sets aside money in an account to save over several years for the next truck

Emergency Preparedness Training for Persons with Disabilities - May 10

A special event for Emergency Preparedness Training Event for Persons with Disabilities has been scheduled for May 10 from 2:00 - 3:30 PM at the Franklin TV Studios.

RSVP by May 8 to confirm attendance by calling 508-298-4023.

** The Disability Commission would like to also note that each participant will receive a backpack from the Massachusetts Office on Disability with a great amount of emergency supplies

Additional details in the flyer on the Town of Franklin page
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/event_for_the_disabled.pdf

or here

Emergency Preparedness Training Event for Persons with Disabilities - May 10

Emergency Preparedness Training Event for Persons with Disabilities - May 10

A special event for Emergency Preparedness Training Event for Persons with Disabilities has been scheduled for May 10 from 2:00 - 3:30 PM at the Franklin TV Studios.

RSVP is required to confirm attendance. Please call 508-298-4023 by May 8.



Additional details in the flyer on the Town of Franklin page
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/event_for_the_disabled.pdf

or here

Emergency Preparedness Training Event for Persons with Disabilities - May 10

"It has come a long way since 50 years ago”

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

"Fifty years ago today, the first 9-1-1 call was made, and the emergency system became the foundation for first-responders. 

Since that first call made on Feb. 16, 1968 in Haleyville, Alabama, the 9-1-1 system has evolved and has become much more than just a centralized number for emergency calls. 

“Telecommunicators, 9-1-1 dispatchers, are essentially the first first-responders,” said Chris Campbell, president of the Massachusetts Communications Supervisors Association and director of communications in Seekonk. 

“They handle the calls from the inception until first responders arrive, and in some instances they stay on the line throughout the whole incident,” he said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180216/who-do-you-call-9-1-1-emergency-number-turns-50


The Metacomet Emergency Communications Center is the regional dispatch operations serving the towns of Franklin, Norfolk, Plainville and Wrentham. They will dispatch police, fire and EMS. Construction is underway with plans to be operational in the Fall of 2018.

https://www.facebook.com/meccdispatch/

Metacomet Emergency Communications Center

Request for Proposal - Computer Aided Dispatch Software

The Metacomet Emergency Communications Center (MECC) invites qualified vendors that manufacture and provide direct training, maintenance and support of their own Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) software to submit responses at their own expense to this Request for Proposals (RFP).

Read more: http://www.franklinma.gov/node/149333

This is an automatic message from Town of Franklin MA

You can find the full RFP here
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/cad_rfp_final_11-26-17.pdf

Facebook photo for MECC

In the News: reaction to opioid emergency; Vallee's influence recognized

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

"Local officials said more resources are needed on the ground level to combat the opioid epidemic that President Donald Trump has called an emergency. 

Those who face the crisis in the Milford and MetroWest areas were cautiously optimistic following the president’s Thursday declaration of a nationwide public health emergency, saying the high-level acknowledgement is a positive step. 

They added, though, that funding for local services is a critical need. 

This move does not necessarily include that money. Administration officials have announced their intentions to seek emergency funds from Congress, but this declaration does not have any dedicated money attached."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171026/locals-react-to-emergency-opioid-declaration

For Help call SAFE Resource Support line – 508-488-8105

"Bob Vallee sat in the center of the half-circle desk in council chamber for the last time at Wednesday night’s meeting, marking the end of his 32-year run on the Town Council. 

Highly regarded by his fellow council members, Vallee oversaw innumerable changes in Franklin’s zoning and infrastructure, bringing the town from 1930s zoning to 2017 standards. 

“Sitting on the council for the last four years, I got to watch first-hand the kind of direct impact someone with Bob’s integrity and courage can do to shape the town of Franklin,” said council member Peter Padula. “He’s a been a great influence on me and I think the whole council. Franklin is a much better place to live because of guys like Bob Vallee.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171026/vallee-a-great-influence-on-town-council

Town Council Chair Matt Kelly recognizes fellow councilor
Bob Vallee for his 30 plus years of service for Franklin

MA Responds - Newsletter and info

MA Responds logo

Welcome to MA Responds, the online registration system for public health, health care, and emergency response volunteers. 

If you would like to be a volunteer responder during a Massachusetts health-related emergency or event, you have come to the right place!

You can sign up at https://www.maresponds.org/

The recent newsletter:

Tips on Hurricane Preparedness: Be Ready Before the Storm

With thunderstorms rolling through the area this morning, it is a good reminder to be prepared for hurricane season. Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) posted these reminder tips recently.

While the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30, historically the most active time for tropical storms and hurricanes in the Northern Atlantic is August to October. As such, it’s critical to prepare yourself, your family, your home, and your business for the season. 

While the Commonwealth has been spared from a major hurricane in recent years, Massachusetts is still vulnerable to tropical storms and hurricanes. Even in a “slow” hurricane season, it only takes one storm to create devastating impacts. Additionally, it is important to understand that while tropical storms have lower wind speeds than hurricanes, they can still produce deadly storm surge and destructive flooding. Hurricane Sandy was downgraded to a tropical storm before making landfall, and it still caused major damage along the Eastern seaboard in 2012. In 2011, Tropical Storm Irene cut through Massachusetts, bringing heavy rainfall that resulted in significant inland flooding and damage. 

Water, not wind, brings the deadliest impacts during tropical storms and hurricanes. In fact, storm surge and flooding from heavy rains are the leading causes of hurricane-related deaths.

satellite view of a hurricane

You can find MEMA on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MassachusettsEMA

or follow their alerts via Twitter  https://twitter.com/MassEMA


Continue reading the article here
http://blog.mass.gov/blog/safety/hurricane-preparedness-be-ready-before-the-storm/

Fire Dept Presentation doc and video clip

The presentation document used by Chief McCarragher during the Town Council meeting on Wednesday can be found here

Ping 4 Alerts Presentation - April 1, 2015 from Franklin Matters

On page 4. it seems to be blank but this was when the following video clip was shared. 

screen grab of the MEMA page touting Ping4Alerts

My notes from the live reporting for this section of the Town Council meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/04/live-reporting-ping4alert.html


The summary of the meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/04/this-purple-heart-community-received.html

Franklin Public Schools: Connect Ed update - Text Messaging being added to Phone Calls

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

March 31, 2015

Parents, Faculty, Staff and Students,

As part of our review of safety protocols we are planning some upgrades to our communication protocols. Our Connect Ed/Blackboard Connect message system which uses email and phone calls to convey information, can take some time to make sure all 6,800 contacts are reached. This is an effective system for inclement weather notification or sharing other forms of non-urgent communication. To enable us to get emergency notifications out faster we have subscribed to the SMS text message service from Connect Ed/Blackboard. We will only use this feature to make you aware of an urgent emergency situation such as a lockdown or evacuation of a school.

As part of the implementation of Franklin Public School District text messaging alert system, you will be receiving a text message from Blackboard Connect inviting you to subscribe to any text announcements sent by the school.

We will use Blackboard Connect phone call/email to communicate information such as weather closings, closing for gas or water leaks, sporting events, and any type of general outreach or notifications.  We will use the SMS text message service to let you know about a lockdown or evacuation of a school. You will have the option of declining a subscription if you wish to do so. Please note that the messaging subscription will be included in the cost of your existing data plan; you will not incur any additional charge to receive Blackboard Connect messages.

Below is an example of the Confirmation Message that is sent automatically:

Franklin Pub Schools: You are now subscribed to receive text alerts. Reply HELP for help, STOP 4819 to cancel. Msg&data rates may apply.

If you reply with HELP, you will receive this message:

BbConnect Notify Alerts: 2msgs/mo. Msg and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to cancel. Info: www.blackboardconnect.com/sms/terms.asp, 888-599-2720

Coming Attractions: #FPSNEWS Twitter account

If you opt out but then later decide you would like to opt back in, text SUBSCRIBE 4819 to 23177 or 63079.

Please watch for the invitation to subscribe to Blackboard Connect on your mobile phone. We hope that you will take advantage of this important communication tool. You can opt out at any time. Please remember that if you cell phone number changes you need to report the change to your child's school.

community entrance to FHS

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.