School Committee hears of summer learning, approves MOU with Cafeteria workers (video)

The School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, August 8, 2023. The Franklin TV video is available for replay. For their second meeting in a row, they accomplished business (including an Executive Session) in under an hour. 

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/live/iSxi_lTYFe4

You can find the full agenda doc

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_8-8-23.pdf

My notes captured via Twitter can be found in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QjbZCZ5vs2CHatsKM6MEUOBGdNiTFRs5/view?usp=drive_link

 

an update on summer learning was shared

Globe All Scholastics for Spring 2023

The Globe salutes the region's best high school athletes and coaches in eight spring sports. Click on each sport to read about the honorees. Find the All-Scholastics section in print on Sunday, July 16.

Athletes of the Year - Baseball

Alfred Mucciarone

DIVISION 1: FRANKLIN | SENIOR

The right-hander was Franklin’s next dominant ace, recording a 1.24 ERA with 102 strikeouts in 67 innings for the Division 1 finalists. Mucciarone was the Hockomock MVP, had a 19-3 career record, and will pitch at UMass Lowell.

All-scholastics

Austin Campbell

FRANKLIN | JUNIOR

A breakout season saw the lefty finish 9-0, strike out 91 batters over 59 innings, and forge a 1.06 ERA during a 23-4 season for the Division 1 state finalists. The Hockomock All-Star plays summer ball for GBG.

Honorable mention

Henry DiGiorgio, junior, Franklin

Athletes of the Year - Boys Lacrosse

All-scholastics

Luke Davis

FRANKLIN | SENIOR

Franklin’s dynamic offense featured three All-American selections, and Davis led the charge with a program-record 141 points (83 goals, 58 assists) and a program-record 138 career assists. The Hockomock League MVP will play at Boston University.

Honorable mention

Justin Alexander, senior, Franklin

Jayden Consigli, senior, Franklin

Tyler Sacchetti, senior, Franklin

Athletes of the Year - Girls Lacrosse

All-scholastics

Kaitlyn Carney

FRANKLIN | SENIOR

The James Madison-bound Carney finished with 68 goals, 43 assists, and 101 draw controls and earned USA Lacrosse All-American honors. A two-time Hockomock All-Star, she helped guide the Panthers to the Division 1 semifinals.

Katie Peterson

FRANKLIN | SENIOR

Peterson powered the Panthers to the Division 1 semifinals, finishing the year with 65 goals, 40 assists, and 115 draw controls. The Hockomock League MVP and USA Lacrosse All-American was named the Franklin High Scholar Athlete of the Year.

Athletes of the Year - Girls Outdoor Track

Sarah Dumas

DIVISION 1: FRANKLIN | JUNIOR

The multi-talented junior won the pentathlon in dominant fashion at the Division 1 meet (3,335 points) and the Meet of Champions (3,341). She finished second at nationals (3,518). Individually, she also won the 100 hurdles at the Meet of Champions (14.37).

All-scholastics

Elizabeth Hopkins

FRANKLIN | JUNIOR

The school record holder in the javelin, Hopkins was the Division 1 (131-0) and Meet of Champions (131-2) winner in the event. She has a 4.58 GPA, is in the National Math Honor Society, and plays the cello.

Find the full listing -> https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/high-schools/all-scholastics/

 

FHS Panthers

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School schedules High School Fair - Sep 20

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School is pleased to announce the return of our High School Fair which will be held on September 20 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM in the BFCCPS Learning Commons located at 500 Financial Park. 

The event is open to 8th grade students both at BFCCPS and from local schools as well. Please note that a parent or guardian must accompany all students for the duration of the event.

Students are invited to pick up brochures and applications, ask about fall open house dates and speak directly with representatives and current students of the schools that will be in attendance.

Families, please submit this form to let us know if you will be attending.  https://forms.gle/C6vXp6XfnQCHAj9R7

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School schedules High School Fair - Sep 20

Shared from the Charter School page -> 

https://www.bfccps.org/apps/events/event.jsp?eREC_ID=3947494&d=2023-09-20&id=0

You're Invited: Graduating High School: Financial Adulting 101 Webinar – June 20, 2023 @ 3 pm ET/12 pm PT

Do you know a recent (or soon to be) high school graduate? Whether they're planning to go off to college in the fall, have a job lined up, or are still figuring out their next steps, there are some Adulting 101 basics that can help along the way. In this 30-minute webinar, we'll talk about understanding credit, how they can protect themselves from identity theft, and how to spot and avoid scams. To join the webinar on June 20, 2023 @ 3pm ET/12pm PT: URL: https://ftc.zoomgov.com/j/1601588579?pwd=RmlMd3JleXp1V0tIcmdMVnM5Rmhudz09  Webinar ID: 160 158 8579 Passcode: 546747 By phone: (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): +1 646 828 7666 US (New York); +1 669 216 1590 US (San Jose); +1 551 285 1373 US; 833 568 8864 US Toll-free Can't make the 6/20 webinar? We'll be offering another session on Thursday, June 22nd at 12pm ET/9am PT.  Thank You, FTC's Division of Consumer and Business Education

You're Invited: Graduating High School: Financial Adulting 101 Webinar

Attention High School Seniors: Knights Of Columbus Scholarship Program for 2023

The Knights of Columbus 1847 St Mary Parish Franklin is accepting applications for The Robert Simmler PGK, Knights of Columbus Sacred Heart Council Scholarships. They are offering two scholarships; one in the sum of $3000 and the second a $1000 scholarship. 

The applicants must be a registered member of St Mary’s Parish in Franklin, and must be graduating from High School in Spring 2023 and progressing onto their first year of study at a 2 or 4 year college/university. All interested applicants please submit a completed scholarship application postmarked on or before the application deadline of March 24, 2023.

The application form is available from the banner on the St Mary parish website www.stmarysfranklin.org  or on the Knights of Columbus website https://www.kofc1847.org/ .  

Please fill in ALL information accurately and clearly, and then submit the completed application to 

Knights of Columbus Sacred Heart Council 1847 

St Mary’s Parish c/o Michael Swan 

38 Madison Ave 

Franklin MA 02038

The scholarship recipients will receive payment upon completion of their 1st semester of studies and upon proof of enrollment in the 2nd semester.

If more information is needed please contact Mike Swan: 508-404-4792 

2023 Application form ->   https://files.ecatholic.com/14043/documents/2023/2/KC2023%20Scholarship%20form%201.docx?t=1676059942000

2023 Application Instructions ->

https://files.ecatholic.com/14043/documents/2023/2/2023%20Scholarship%20Instructions%2002_14_23.doc?t=1676385267000

Attention High School Seniors: Knights Of Columbus Scholarship Program 2023

Hey, middle & high schoolers, become an umpire and earn some $$$ with Franklin MA Youth Baseball

🚨CALLING MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOLERS🚨

FYBO is seeking energetic umpires FOR PAY to be utilized on FLEXIBLE schedule during the 2023 Season!

Interested in learning more⬇️ 

https://t.co/Y5m3NoNeqN or http://franklinyouthbaseball.com/umpire

Shared from Twitter -> https://t.co/Qkk0P3AIXR

Hey, middle & high schoolers, become an umpire and earn some $$$ with Franklin MA Youth Baseball  

FHS newsletter for Volume 38, January 2023

The FHS Newsletter for the week of Jan 30 ->

https://www.canva.com/design/DAFX1d5KYMM/fGiOdTpes0xcujp2mTbygQ/view#1

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/FranklinHS/status/1619752953203789824

FHS newsletter for Volume 38, January 2023

New book club for LGBTQ middle & high school students at Escape into Fiction - Jan 26 at 6 PM

"A new book club is coming to #EscapeIntoFictionBookstore!

Thursday 1/26/23 at 6 PM

First #book will be Heartstopper #1

This group is geared for all #lgbtq middle school and high school students, and those who are #lgbtqally"

shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CnUOX0ZrsCC/

New book club for LGBTQ middle & high school students at Escape into Fiction - Jan 26 at 6 PM

Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting Oct 11, 2022 (audio recording)

FM #862 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 862 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Oct 11, 2022. The meeting was conducted in the Council Chambers with one member remote so a roll call vote was recorded every time where needed. 

School Committee Chair Denise Spencer opens the meeting at 7:00 PM. 

Key items on the agenda

Legislator of the Year Award presented by MASC to Senator Becca Rausch

Improvement plan presentations and discussion for 

• Middle schools (Horace Mann, Remington, & Annie Sullivan)

• Franklin High School

MASC resolutions reviewed & voted on as amended

Creation of a Redistricting Advisory Council approved

The show notes contain a link to the full agenda and to my notes & photos captured via Twitter during the meeting. 

The recording runs about three hours, thirty minutes, so let’s listen to the Franklin School Committee on Oct 11, 2022. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-862-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-10-11-22

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

School Committee page -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee 

Meeting agenda doc 

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_10-11-22.pdf

 

Meeting packet folder

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/october-11-2022-school-committee-meeting-packet

 

My notes captured via Twitter and compiled into one PDF doc ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DF-bRWLpEwNeNeWGFvngIjQYWtSnn8Ov/view?usp=sharing

Photos from the meeting (mostly screen shots of the presentations not yet posted to the packet folder)  https://photos.app.goo.gl/SMsQcCJmzJFKzqwNA 

YouTube video replay for this meeting ->   https://youtu.be/Aj7BugMBAQg

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

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/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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

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

Legislator of the Year Award presented by MASC to Senator Becca Rausch

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Agenda for Oct 11, 2022

 Franklin School Committee

October 11, 2022 -7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Call to Order Ms. Spencer

Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills Ms. Spencer

C. Payroll Ms. Stokes

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. 2021 MASC Legislator of the Year Award

B. 6-12 School Improvement Plans

 

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. FPS Middle School Improvement Plans

I recommend approval of the Middle School Improvement Plans as presented.

B. FPS High School Improvement Plan

I Recommend approval of the High School Improvement Plan as presented.

C. Policy - 1st Reading

I recommend moving policy JICH - Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drug use by students to a second reading as discussed.

D. MASC Resolutions

I recommend approval of the following resolutions:

1. Regarding Sanctuary Laws for Transgender Students

2. To Increase the Maximum Balance Allowed by the Special Education Reserve Fund

3. Membership of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education

4. Preserving Local Governance of Massachusetts Schools

5. Personal Financial Literacy Education

6. Establishment of a Regional School Assessment Reserve Fund

E. Redistricting Sub Committee

I recommend the establishment of a “Redistricting Advisory Committee” to the School Committee as discussed.

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. none

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from your September 27, 2022 School Committee meeting as detailed.

B. Music Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $225.00 from the Franklin Music Boosters for in-house enrichment as detailed.

C. Keller Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $1100.00 from the Keller PCC for field trips as detailed.

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

IX Adjournment

Meeting agenda doc with remote connection info

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_10-11-22.pdf

Meeting packet folder

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/october-11-2022-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Agenda for Oct 11, 2022

NFHS Releases 1st High School Sports Participation Survey in 3 Years

Editor's note: The data is an interesting read. The question not answered here is if the sports participation declined 4%, what was the overall school enrollment doing during the same period. There is an overall school population declining trend and it may be more interesting to put these participation numbers in that full context.

"After collection of sports participation data was interrupted the previous two years by the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) was able to compile its High School Athletics Participation Survey for the 2021-22 school year – its first official report since 2018-19.

Although the total of 7,618,054 participants in 2021-22 is down four percent from the 2018-19 figure of 7,937,491, high school sports are on the road back after schools in many states were unable to offer programs in normal fashion during portions of the 2019-20 and 2020-21 school years.

The 2021-22 total is composed of 4,376,582 boys and 3,241,472 girls, according to figures obtained from the 51 NFHS member state associations, which includes the District of Columbia.

"Given what has occurred in our country the past three years, we believe a decline of only four percent in participation totals from 2018-19 is pretty remarkable,” said Dr. Karissa Niehoff, CEO of the NFHS. “We know some states that were able to complete surveys in 2020-21 reported participation increases this past year. So, we are very optimistic that trend will continue in the years to come as schools fully recover from the effects of the 2020 shutdown.”

Among the top 10 boys sports in participants from 2018-19, golf was the only sport to register an increase – up just under four percent with 148,585 participants and surpassing tennis as the eighth-most popular sport. Golf was one of the few sports to increase on both sides of the ledger as girls participation was up one percent to 80,829 participants.

Perhaps the biggest storyline in boys participation totals, however, is the sport of football. While boys 11-player football was down three percent (1,006,013 to 973,792) – less than the overall survey average of four percent – participation in 6-, 8- and 9-player football registered a 12 percent increase – from 31,221 to 34,935.

The slight movement from 11-player to other versions was seen in school sponsorship as well. While the number of schools with 11-player football dropped by 514 (14,247 to 13,733), the number of schools offering 6-, 8- or 9-player football increased by 227 (1,563 to 1,790).

And gains by girls playing football were even greater. In all four versions of the game (11, 9, 8, 6), girls participation increased 39 percent from the 2018-19 survey – 2,604 to 3,633. Additionally, the increase in girls flag football was 40 percent – 11,209 to 15,716 participants.

Altogether, boys and girls participation in all versions of football decreased only 2.2 percent – from 1,051,047 to 1,028,976.

“Certainly, the football numbers are encouraging after the previous report from the 2018-19 season,” Niehoff said. “The movement from 11-player to other versions of the game continues to be attractive to schools in some states, and the growth of girls flag football continues to gain ground in more areas of the country.”

Beyond golf, baseball experienced the best showing among top 10 boys sports from the 2018-19 survey with a decrease of only 1,736 – 482,740 to 481,004 – and remained fourth in popularity behind football, outdoor track and field, and basketball.

The other change in the boys top 10 sports was wrestling, which nudged cross country for sixth place – 231,874 to 231,387. Wrestling was down six percent from the previous survey while cross country had the biggest decline at 14 percent.

Other boys sports outside the top 10 that experienced significant gains from 2018-19 were volleyball (up 4.6 percent) and bass fishing (10,626 participants). 

Volleyball continued its rise in popularity among girls sports and was the only top 10 sport to register an increase from three years ago. With 454,153 participants, volleyball is only 2,500 participants behind track and field for the No. 1 participatory sport for girls. In addition, the emerging sport of girls sand/beach volleyball increased from 2,237 to 6,489 participants. 

Among other girls top 10 sports, soccer moved ahead of basketball to No. 3 behind track and field and volleyball, with softball remaining fifth. Cross country, swimming and diving, and competitive spirit registered the biggest declines the past three years among top 10 sports with 13-percent drops.

In addition to flag football, girls wrestling continued its recent surge in popularity with a 50 percent increase since 2018-19 – 21,124 to 31,654 participants. A total of 32 states now offer separate state wrestling championships for girls.

While most of the traditional sports experienced some level of decrease since 2018-19, the 2021-22 survey showed a dramatic rise in Unified sports participation. With only 5,541 combined participants from 10 states in 2018-19, this year’s survey indicated 47,909 combined participants in almost 20 states.

In addition to Unified sports participants, the survey indicated another 7,689 combined participants in Adapted sports. The 55,598 combined participants in Unified and Adapted sports represents a 163 percent increase from three years ago.

“It is great to see a growing interest in several emerging sports, as well as programs like Unified and Adapted programs,” Niehoff said. “Our goal continues to be to involve as many students as possible in high school sports and other activity programs.”  

This year’s survey indicated participation by high school students in 69 different sports, as well as 16 Adapted sports and 16 Unified sports. In addition to those previously noted, some of the more popular other sports (combined participation numbers) were bowling (57,219), field hockey (56,091), ice hockey (42,092), water polo (37,379) and weightlifting (25,257).

With an increase of about 20,000 participants, Texas topped the list of state participation with 846,161. Texas was one of 14 states that enjoyed a gain in participation since the 2018-19 survey. California retained the No. 2 position with 762,823 participants despite a drop of more than 60,000 from three years ago.

Other changes in the top 10 involved Ohio moving to No. 3 with 378,354 participants, followed by Pennsylvania (315,097), Illinois (314,839), New York (313,404), Florida (291,504), Michigan (271,423), New Jersey (264,139) and Massachusetts (215,848).

The NFHS High school Athletics Participation Survey was started in 1971 and was compiled in its current form through the 2018-19 school year and now resuming annually with the 2021-22 survey.

Following is a link to a partial report of the full survey. The full survey will be available soon on the NFHS website at www.NFHS.org."

Shared from the NFHS site

https://www.nfhs.org/articles/nfhs-releases-first-high-school-sports-participation-survey-in-three-years/

Boston Globe coverage (subscription may be required)  ->  https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/09/23/sports/what-are-most-popular-high-school-sports-here-are-some-takeaways-latest-national-survey/

NFHS Releases 1st High School Sports Participation Survey in 3 Years

"This equity tool moves the needle dramatically in the right direction"

"A new tool to determine MIAA alignments will be implemented starting with the current alignment cycle, which will go into effect for the 2023-24 school year.

The formula, presented at Thursday’s virtual board of directors meeting, will be based on competitive equity. Previously, enrollment was used as a baseline, with factors such as co-ops and vocational status moving a school up or down.

“The goal for this equity tool is to remove as much subjectivity as possible by using real, measurable data,” said Jared Shannon, Wahconah athletic director and vice chair of the MIAA’s Tournament Management Committee.

The equity formula focuses on stability and high-needs numbers, as reported to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and would create a baseline alignment that schools can then appeal. Data points include English language learners, public assistance, SNAP, transitional aid, MassHealth, homelessness, and foster care, among others."

Continue reading about the new MIAA alignment process (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/09/22/sports/miaa-will-use-competitive-equity-rather-than-enrollment-determine-alignments/

Agenda doc for the Sep 22 meeting -> https://miaa.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/MIAA-Board-of-Directors-Agenda9-22-22.pdf

 

"This equity tool moves the needle dramatically in the right direction"

Behind stall doors | Caroline Williams | TEDxAmherst (video)

Via State Rep Jeff Roy: 

"I met Caroline Williams three years ago when she was a student at Medway High School. She shared her passion for an issue involving menstrual equity that we turned into a piece of legislation. She has been a fierce advocate for the bill and shares herstory in this TEDx talk called Behind stall doors. It’s a great public health and civics talk. I’m honored to have crossed paths with her and her passion and enthusiasm for policy change is illuminating."

Link to Tedx video ->  https://youtu.be/xPRPIpLo0Es

 

Incoming FHS 9th graders, register for High School Experience this Aug 9 & 10

Summer is coming! Incoming 9th graders- Join us at the 2022 High School Experience - Aug 9 & 10!  

https://youtu.be/9HU3vRBWWwg  

and sign up at: https://tinyurl.com/FHSHSE2022

Shared from Twitter ->   https://twitter.com/HseFranklin/status/1521191582678065153

US News & World Report publishes high school rankings

For the "In Case You Missed it" (ICYMI) category, as I almost did - even after a loyal reader pointed me to it, the US News & World Report published the school rankings recently. Franklin High School slots in to the listing at #79 in MA and #1927 in the US.

Full report can be found online (filtered to MA) - https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/massachusetts/rankings

The Franklin page is here -> https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/massachusetts/districts/franklin/franklin-high-school-9365#map_section

screengrab of the FHS page

Calling all middle/high school students! Senator Rausch schedules Youth Legislative Forum April 25 via Zoom

You're invited! Join me for my 3rd Students Speak Youth Legislative Forum.

View this email in your browser Hi , Are you a student in my district? Join me for my Spring Youth Legislative Forum on Monday, April 25 from 7-8 PM on Zoom! This pandemic has been a difficult time for our communities, but particularly young people in our Commonwealth. I want to hear from students across my district about the issues facing our communities to inform my legislative work. In this forum, I also hope to give youth an opportunity to participate in the democratic process, providing space to discuss current legislation on Beacon Hill and students' policy priorities. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER This event is open exclusively to high school and middle school students living or studying in Attleboro, Bellingham, Dover, Franklin, Medfield, Milford, Millis, Natick, Needham, Norfolk, North Attleboro, Plainville, Sherborn, Wayland, Wellesley, and Wrentham. If you know of any students interested in politics or community engagement, feel free to invite them! If you have any questions, please email Evan Berry, Communications Director, at evan.berry@masenate.gov. See you soon! Yours in service,   Senator Becca Rausch    Our mailing address is: The Office of Senator Becca Rausch Massachusetts State House, Room 218 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02133