Franklin Music Dept Presents - All Town Showcase Concert - Mar 31

All Town Showcase Concert

Featuring performances from the Band, Choir, and Orchestra of the Annie Sullivan, Horace Mann, Remington, and High School  performing groups.

WEDNESDAY  

March 31, 2021 

7:00 PM Livestream 

Join us at 7:00 P.M. for a livestream performance.  Following the livestream, the recording of the concert  will be published on our virtual performance website. 

To view our livestream concert, go to the link below and  you will then find the link to the livestream there. https://givebutter.com/dgYAGV

• Download a copy of the flyer  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hf-7yovOdQghlaAB7lyCaLz1AJyI-Vvy/view?usp=sharing

 FPS All Town Concert

Franklin Music Department Presents - All Town Showcase Concert - Mar 31

Next year juniors/seniors in high school - check out the CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp

"Do you know a rising high school junior or senior interested in public health? @CDCgov Disease Detective Camp is an incredible experience, and this year it is offering a new, web-based Public Health Academy for remote learners!"

"All students to who will be high-school juniors or seniors during the 2021-2022 school year and at least 16 years old on the first day of the camp session to which they are accepted.

As the CDC Museum remains closed due to COVID-19 precautions, we are not able to predict yet if in-person programming will be available the summer of 2021. If the museum is not reopened for in-person programming, the CDC Museum will offer only online courses. A final decision on in-person programming will be made May 3, 2021; all applicants will be notified of the decision by email."

Details and reg links:  https://t.co/z1Fk2qnM9a

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/dmaccannell/status/1376196094632267778

Next year juniors/seniors in high school - check out the CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp

Town of Franklin, MA shared @wbz video clip on air filter system

Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) tweeted on Sat, Mar 27, 2021:

Thank you to @wbz and @AnnaMeiler for visiting Franklin and showcasing this groundbreaking solution to keep our teachers, children, staff and general public safe now and well into the future! A great story. 

Check out the video clip 👇

https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1375779090872078340

This was presented at the School Committee meeting Feb 23,2021. You can listen to the presentation here  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/02/fm-473-school-committee-meeting-022321.html

Photos from the meeting including slides from the presentation on the UVGI system  https://photos.app.goo.gl/nbQRysFGMgEF4owE7

Town of Franklin, MA shared @wbz video clip on air filter system

Two $1000 Scholarships Offered by Knights of Columbus - Applications due Apr 16, 2021

Knights of Columbus 1847 in Franklin, MA is accepting applications for 2- $1000 Scholarships. The applicants must be a registered member of St. Mary's Parish in Franklin, and must be graduating from High School in the Spring 2021 and progressing onto their first year of study at a 2- or 4-year college/ university. Please submit a complete our Scholarship Application postmarked on or before the Application Deadline of Friday April 16, 2021.

The application form is available from the banner on the St. Mary's Parish, Franklin website or on the Knights of Columbus 1847 website https://www.kofc1847.org/scholarship-program

Please fill in ALL information accurately and clearly, and then submit the completed application to the Knights of Columbus, Sacred Heart Council 1847, St. Mary's Parish c/o Mike Swan, 38 Madison Ave., Franklin, MA 02038.

The award will be given to the recipients upon completion of their 1st semester of studies and upon proof of enrollment in the 2nd semester.

Please contact Mike Swan for more information at 508-404-4792. 

https://www.kofc1847.org/scholarship-program

 

"I think our spring students do deserve that"

 

"After the cancellation of the entire 2020 spring season because of the coronavirus pandemic, high school sports teams and athletes across Massachusetts will have the opportunity to participate in MIAA-sponsored postseason tournaments this year.

During a virtual meeting Friday afternoon, the MIAA’s board of directors voted, 18-0, to approve sectional tournaments this spring. The board also left open the possibility that the postseason could be expanded to include traditional state semifinals and finals for sectional champions.

The board agreed to survey member schools over the next few days, gauging interest in expanding the postseason to include state tournaments and their willingness to participate. The board will meet again Wednesday afternoon to vote on that piece of the plan."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/03/12/sports/miaa-approves-sectional-tournaments-spring-high-school-sports/

 

Franklin Public Schools, MA: Reopening Update - March 12, 2021

Franklin Public Schools, MA (@FranklinPSNews) tweeted on Fri, Mar 12, 2021:

Please find the latest update from Superintendent Dr. Sara Ahern here https://t.co/WBbXxufDNr

Dear Franklin Families,

This week marks the year anniversary of our school closure and pandemic response and it is not lost on me. I want to begin this very important informational e-mail acknowledging the collective efforts across Franklin. First, I am incredibly proud of the efforts of each administrator and educator in the Franklin school system and all of our staff. Our employees are serving students in ways we never could have imagined; we’ve learned along the way and there has been much adaptation and growth. I also want to recognize your efforts and resilience as Franklin families. Without a doubt, school closure, remote learning, and hybrid instruction has been very difficult on family life. Community organizations deserve our acknowledgment as they have mobilized to support families including the YMCA, Adirondack Club, and the Franklin Food Pantry, among others. Throughout the entire pandemic, there has been strong collaboration between my office and that of the Town Administrator. I feel so fortunate to be the Superintendent in a town with excellent collaboration and I am grateful for the support from the Health, Technology, Facilities, DPW, Fire, Police, and other town departments. I hope everyone in the Franklin community takes a moment to reflect on the year and pat yourselves on the back for the collective effort. We are not out of the woods yet, and continued diligence is important. But there is light at the end of the tunnel.

I outlined a framework for a return to in-person school for grades K-5 (date: Monday, April 5) and grades 6-12 (target date: Monday, April 12) at the recent School Committee meeting. The presentation can be found on our reopening site: https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/returntoschoolplan/next-steps

In summary:
○ Hybrid instruction is being phased out in Districts across the state.
○ Students in grades K-5 will begin full and in-person instruction five days a week on April 5.
○ Our target date for students in grades 6-12 to begin full and in-person instruction five days a week is April 12.
○ The Wednesday schedule is still being worked out but will no longer be fully remote.
○ Parents/guardians will continue to have a remote learning option (see below for level-based information).
○ Students will be in school at distances between 3-6 feet, which will depend on classroom square footage and class size. There will be distancing of 6 feet for faculty and staff whenever possible.
○ Distancing during lunch will be 6 feet. 
○ All health and safety practices will be in place: mask-wearing, hand hygiene, symptom screening, ventilation strategies, and daily disinfecting/cleaning. We are also continuing our pool testing pilot; new participants are still welcome to sign up. Please inquire with school buildings on how to do this.
○ Physical distancing restrictions have been lifted on buses, expanding bus ridership capacity. All riders must be masked, hand sanitization will be in place, and windows will be open at least two inches.
○ Attendance requirements will be strengthened and students will be required to be in school for in-person learning. More information will be coming soon.
○ Instruction will be provided for students needing to quarantine. We anticipate larger numbers of close contacts being identified as the standard for close contacts will continue to be based on 6 feet of distance. Cases within the community are trending downwards, however.

K-5 Families

We are not going to survey K-5 families. If your child is in the hybrid learning model and you would like to request Virtual Learning Academy for remote-only instruction, please submit a request in writing to your child’s school principal. If your child is in the Virtual Learning Academy and you would like to request a seat for in school learning, please submit your request in writing to the VLA administrator (kaufmane@franklinps.net). Seats in both our current classes and the VLA are limited. Large numbers of requests in either direction may be difficult to accommodate and may require an adjustment of teachers. The deadline to submit a request is 5 PM on Monday, March 15.

Grades 6-12 Families

The middle schools principals are currently collaborating on a survey and will send it to families next week. This survey will ask for a commitment to in-person instruction or remote-only instruction for the remainder of the school year.

High School Families

At this time, the high school is surveying families (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScGVRAUw-MavKZUlHbilSsNYmFrsPb0MuZGnmNUpAMlbjcMPQ/viewform?usp=sf_link)  about commitments to in-person instruction or remote only instruction for the remainder of the school year.  Returning full and in person with our current schedule is dependent on a percentage of FHS students remaining remote. We appreciate you taking another survey under a new model. Please complete this survey by Wednesday, March 17 by 5 PM. Mr. Hanna will be holding a Q and A session on Monday, March 15 at the PCC meeting 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm. 

At this time, we are holding our plans to collapse the 3 cohorts to 2 so that we can focus on a full and in-person return in April.

________________________________________________________________

If you have questions about District policies/practices about reopening, please email our reopening email account:  reopening@franklinps.net  There will be a virtual “coffee” with the Superintendent at 6 PM on Wednesday, March 17 to answer questions about the overall framework. A link will be sent next week.
Building-based specifics are best addressed by the school administration. They will continue to communicate with you through their regular avenues such as their newsletters and personal communications with you.

To sign up for busing, please visit our website: https://www.franklinps.net/district/transportation

More information will be forthcoming about options for childcare through our Solutions program.

Sincerely,  

Sara Ahern, 

Superintendent of Schools
Franklin Public Schools

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews/status/1370410232321556481

Franklin Public Schools, MA: Reopening Update - March 12, 2021

Angelina Perez, co-emcee for International Women's Day event (video)

Angelina Perez, FHS Senior, and Teen Advisor for “Girl Up” a International program sponsored by the United Nations Foundation, was a Co-Emcee and a Panelist for #EqualEverywhere: Champions for Change - International Women’s day event.

Video link to #EqualEverywhere =  https://youtu.be/fGbrq5PHAmU 

FPS - Message about in person learning

March 5, 2021

Revised

Dear Franklin Families,

We hope you are doing well this afternoon.

As you know, we have been exploring full and in-person learning at the various levels throughout the district and thank you for your contributions to our efforts in completing several surveys recently. There is much support among FPS families for in-person learning. Please be assured that we are always taking all health and safety aspects of COVID-19 mitigation into great consideration.

As mentioned in last Sunday's letter, I will be presenting a framework for full and in­ person learning to the School Committee at their March 9 Regular School Committee meeting. This will also be a meeting about the recommended budget for FY 22. We encourage you to attend the meeting (limit of 500 via Zoom) or watch it live on TV.

Working collaboratively with the FEA, we want to let you know that right now the plan would be to have K-5 return Monday, April 5, and Middle and High School return Monday, April 12. Details will be presented Tuesday at the School Committee meeting as a "Discussion Only" agenda item. Please note that remote learning will remain for the remainder of the school year.

We know there will be questions and concerns. The School Committee meeting is a regularly scheduled business meeting and will not be an open forum for families' Q and A. We will be sure to provide opportunities for families to learn more at a future date.

Have a nice weekend, 

Sara Ahern
Superintendent of Schools

FPS - Message about in person learning

St Mary's Women's Club: Scholarship for High School Seniors

SCHOLARSHIP Application Requirements: Open to both male and female students. Applicant must be a registered member of St. Mary's Parish in Franklin. Preference is given to candidates who have a relative in the Catholic Women's Club. Applicant must be a graduating from High School in the Spring, 2021 and progressing on to his/her 1st year of study at a 2 or 4-year college/university. Applicant must submit a completed scholarship application, with required attachments as indicated below, postmarked on or before the application deadline of Friday, April 16, 2021 The Scholarship will be awarded based on the following input: An essay of why the student is applying for this scholarship. What are the applicants interests and activities and involvement in the church and their faith? Two letters of recommendation from a non-family member who can attest to the applicants service in school, the parish, or the community. Up to 2 Scholarships will be awarded and will be paid to each recipient as 2 installments of $500 each. These payments will be given to the recipient at the start of their 1st semester of studies and upon proof on enrollment in the 2nd semester.   $1000 Scholarship Application   Contact info: St Mary's Catholic Women's Club Scholarship Committee 407 Oak Street Franklin, MA 02038 Applicant must be a registered member of St Mary's Parish. Preference given to relatives of Catholic Women's Club members.

Two $1000 Scholarships Offered by Knights of Columbus, Sacred Heart Council 1847, Franklin, MA

Knights of Columbus 1847 in Franklin, MA is accepting applications for 2- $1000 Scholarships. The applicants must be a registered member of St. Mary's Parish in Franklin, and must be graduating from High School in the Spring 2021 and progressing onto their first year of study at a 2- or 4-year college/ university. Please submit a complete our Scholarship Application postmarked on or before the Application Deadline of Friday April 16, 2021.

The application form is available from the banner on the St. Mary's Parish, Franklin website or on the Knights of Columbus 1847 website https://www.kofc1847.org/scholarship-program

Please fill in ALL information accurately and clearly, and then submit the completed application to the Knights of Columbus, Sacred Heart Council 1847, St. Mary's Parish c/o Mike Swan, 38 Madison Ave., Franklin, MA 02038.

The award will be given to the recipients upon completion of their 1st semester of studies and upon proof of enrollment in the 2nd semester.

Please contact Mike Swan for more information at 508-404-4792. 

https://www.kofc1847.org/scholarship-program

Encore Music Education Foundation: 2021 Senior Scholarship Application Open

The Encore Music Education Foundation, Inc.'s 2021 Senior Scholarship Application is now OPEN! 

 

* Applications are due before March 31, 2021 

 

*To be an eligible applicant you must be a graduating high school senior or high school graduate studying a musical instrument or voice, with the intention to pursue an undergraduate degree in music performance, music education, sound recording and engineering, music business administration, or musical theatre at a two or four-year accredited institution of higher learning. 

 

* To learn more, and to download and print it out, click here: https://www.wesupportmusic.org/scholarship-opportunities/

 

Encore Music Education Foundation: 2021 Senior Scholarship Application Open

 

MIAA indoor track modifications for Fall II in process of approval

"In a virtual meeting Tuesday, the MIAA’s Cross Country & Track Committee unanimously approved modifications for the upcoming Fall II indoor season, scheduled to begin on Feb. 22.

The modifications must be approved by the MIAA’s Sports Medicine Committee, the COVID-19 Task Force, and the Board of Directors. Committee chair Pete Rittenburg, the athletic director at Brookline High, expects all three groups to approve the modifications by Friday, but the committee noted that finding facilities to host indoor track events would be difficult."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/01/19/sports/miaa-track-committee-approves-modifications-fall-ii-season/

The MIAA Track and Cross Country Committee unanimously agreed Tuesday to modifications for the Fall 2 and Spring seasons to send to the Sports Medicine Committee for approval.

Where some of those Fall 2 indoor track modifications will be implemented remains to be seen.

The Reggie Lewis Center expects to be closed for the duration of the academic year due to the pandemic. Boston University also said its facilities would not be available, as is the case with several other venues in the state.

Wheaton College scheduled four events this month for the Massachusetts State Track Coaches Association, but told the MIAA that once students were back on campus next month, their facility would shut down.

Continue reading the article online 

https://www.bostonherald.com/2021/01/19/miaa-track-committee-meeting/

FHS Gymnastics: Meet your Captains!

FHS Gymnastics (@fhs_gymnastics) tweeted on Wed, Jan 06, 2021:
 

Meet your Captains! @FHSSports @FranklinHS @FranklinMatters @R_Lanigan @BostonHeraldHS @MetroWestSports @HockomockSports @_sarahbernstein https://t.co/lTtQ62tcoW

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/fhs_gymnastics/status/1346955312822013953?s=03

 

 

https://twitter.com/fhs_gymnastics

Meet your Captains! @FHSSports @FranklinHS @FranklinMatters @R_Lanigan @BostonHeraldHS @MetroWestSports @HockomockSports @_sarahbernstein pic.twitter.com/lTtQ62tcoW

— FHS Gymnastics (@fhs_gymnastics) January 6, 2021

FPS Voice: Get the Facts from the Franklin Public School Nurses (audio)

A group of our Franklin Public School nurses share important information related to Health Office procedures, guidelines, and COVID-19 testing. 

 
Topics covered include: 

• FPS Dismissal Procedures 
• Reporting of Absences  
• COVID-19 Testing and Timelines 
• Travel Information 
• Over the Counter Medicine 
• Where to find information!

Thank you to Franklin TV & Radio for their assistance in creating this podcast! 

Audio file => https://anchor.fm/fpsvoice/episodes/Get-the-Facts-from-the-Franklin-Public-School-Nurses-enpre1

FPS Voice: Get the Facts from the Franklin Public School Nurses (audio)

FM #410 School Committee Meeting - 12/08/20 - P2 of 3 (audio)

FM #410 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 410 in the series. 

This session shares one of three segments for the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Dec 8, 2020. 

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

I’ve split the two hour and forty minute meeting into three logical segments:

• First - covers the opening through the Discussion Action Items (approx. 53 minutes)
• ** Second ** - picks up Discussion Only Items; the budget update, K-1 return alternatives, and re-opening through the School Committee members comments only (approx. 55 minutes)
• Third - picks up the community comments on re-opening and run through the remainder of the meeting (approx. 52 minutes)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to my notes. The meeting packet folder will hold the other documents released for the meeting (as we go to press, the Superintendent’s Report is not yet updated)

Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting of Dec 8, 2020

Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/0e55c70c-7136-48d3-8e81-7ec537e97c00

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

Agenda doc
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_12-8-20.pdf 

Meeting packet folder
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/december-8-2020-school-committee-packet

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/school-committee-meeting-dec-8-2020.html 

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

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" 

Superintendent Sara Ahern provides an update at a recent SchComm meeting

"MIAA High School winter season can officially begin on Monday"

Matt Feld (@mattyfeld612) tweeted at 6:29 PM on Thu, Dec 10, 2020:

"The MIAA High School winter season can officially begin on Monday for basketball, ice hockey, gymnastics, skiing and swimming. Here we go."

and

"The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) has posted its updated guidelines for high school, youth, and adult amateur athletics. High-risk sports including basketball and ice hockey can play games. Total participants and spectators can't exceed 40% capacity"

https://twitter.com/mattyfeld612/status/1337177596044382208?s=03
and  https://twitter.com/mattyfeld612/status/1337176173432987648

 

The document itself can be found on the MA.GOV re-opening page

https://www.mass.gov/doc/safety-standards-for-youth-and-adult-amateur-sports-activities-phase-iii-step-i-effective/download

 

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) has posted its updated guidelines for high school, youth, and adult amateur athletics.

High-risk sports including basketball and ice hockey can play games. Total participants and spectators can't exceed 40% capacity pic.twitter.com/4nglPtj2If

— Matt Feld (@mattyfeld612) December 10, 2020

School Committee meeting Dec 8, 2020 - recap - K-1 planning, winter sports, updates, re-opening remains a challenge

Quick Recap:

• Sensitivity is high across the community. Parent complained about FHS student representative updates being interpreted by SchComm as reflecting other middle and elementary school students. While trying to be positive, there are issues all around
  
• Superintendent's report (not yet posted to FPS page as of 9 AM 12/10/20)
• Winter sports update as developed by MIAA and task force/subcommittee work summarized and presented by AD Angelo  
• The two policies up for second reading were initially moved to vote together as no one acknowledged any questions for either policy. As the vote commences, D’Angelo raises questions, the motion is modified to vote the two policies separately, D'Angelo votes for one and against the other
• Budget update still quite fluid but some savings being seen in this pandemic world. What happens after the COVID/CARES funding expires Dec 31, 2020 remains unclear as there are so many moving parts. Schools will stay within budget as authorized. Preparation for Finance Committee meeting scheduled for Dec 15 in process
  
• Bringing the K-1 back to in school full time still requires much work to be done to confirm it is possible and what it would cost. Committee and parents disappointed with lack of specificity in the report given the timing of it
• Re-opening in hybrid is still a challenge, tech issues, staffing, time on learning all issues being struggled with, patience is required (yet running short)

Photos captured during the remote meeting and shared with Twitter can be found in one album https://photos.app.goo.gl/YbtL17NvHbPdtLNY6

----
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  #schcomm1208
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23schcomm1208&src=typeahead_click

• Real time reporting about to begin for the School Committee meeting. https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/sc-agenda-12-8-20 agenda doc in link #schcomm1208

Citizens Comment

• FHS Spanish teacher speaks to the long hours of work required, will be taking sick days periodically to keep up with the work (not to be sick) Oak St teacher complaint about lack of school data around COVID-19 spread when so many in school are affected #schcomm1208
• Oak St parent acknowledges that the FHS students don't speak for all the students especially for her 3 where there are so many problems. #schcomm1208

FHS Student representatives

• FHS student representatives, senior class president is only representing his view and that of the upper class, lack of testing for subjects available, more students are not coming in (staying home). Junior class president confirms prior comments, music doing well #schcomm1208
• Harder for underclassmen at FHS to get involved due to nature of this school year. #schcomm1208 

 Superintendent's Report

• DESE recognizes logistical challenges with testing, testing postponed to later in school year. Masks being distributed by State and soon available for Franklin. Portable air purifier
• Units to be distributed to rooms not covered by current plan for UV units. Mention of cyber event (spear phishing) expanding to a cyber position in Technology dept focusing on security. #schcomm1208 tech concerns being reported and addressed, user support on software
• User support on hardware, remote and hybrid; (in other words they are getting swamped and time spent triaging who should do so delays the response) #schcomm1208 since it was human error for spear phishing event, does school side have dual approval to avoid issue
• Superintendent acknowledges that her name is being used in some emails asking for things and training is needed to help avoid issues. Where would funding for new person come from? To be part of the discussion for budget. #schcomm1208 staff wellbeing raised

Winter athletic update

• Moving to winter athletic update. AD Tom Angelo to speak and provide info #schcomm1208 cheer and wrestling moved to later, indoor as well to later. Over 200 students signed up. Hockomock league, all Kelly-Rex competition within the league with exception of girls ice hockey
• Student athletes who test positive must be quarantined at least 14 days and cleared by medical professional before return including a negative test #schcomm1208 no hand shakes, no hi-fives, masks during games... 12 swimmers in pool at time at Y. Max 25 on larger buses
• Directly on bus for travel to pool or gym, from bus to pool or gym, no deviation; assigned seating for athletes for the season. Cleaning between Frosh, JV and Varsity games, Franklin TV to live stream varsity games #schcomm1208 rule modifications for each sport
• Modifications shared previously (will reshare as notes are compiled) most kids designed to eliminate contact between/among participants. #schcomm1208 in rough number more folks and teams in fall season than being set up for now. Thanks for a successful fall season
• "All the credit goes to the coaches, we have the best, the kids are anxious to begin". #schcomm1208 nothing has changed yet based upon Gov Baker's changes announced today. "If they don't know about the rules to abide by, they will know on Monday. We'll do our best"

 Discussion action items

• Moving to Discussion action items https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/disc-policy #schcomm1208 motion to vote on both, held up with late question on the telework policy with other ramifications, redoing motion to take them separately first passes 7-0 via roll call, second passes 6-1(D'Angelo)

Discussion only items

budget update

• Discussion only, budget update with expiration of COVID funding. https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/budget-update-0 solutions program running a deficit but important to keep, bandwidth increase coming Verizon to install, $60K annual for more capacity but less this year

K-1

• Next K-1 some scenarios for bringing students back to in person. Do agree to do so for educational benefits but need to do so when health and safety is feasible. https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/k-1-scenarios (Link was not available on Sunday albeit dated 12/3/20) #schcomm1208
• Class sizes and cohorts would vary by school, could consider alternative locations with schools but that would have a ripple effect. Transportation consideration, lunch consideration (shifts possible). #schcomm1208 3 alternatives offered for review/discussion
• Staff hiring is already an issue, may not be likely to get enough to cover the required cohorts. #schcomm1208 scenario 3 explores half day option for the cohorts, would be coverage for students with existing staff, would have to look at special requirements. Cost for buses
• As well as cleaning during the day between session. More work to do, still working on details incorporating bast practices to provide help with instruction and schedule. #schcomm1208 if there are additional switches, could add another VLA section in grade K,1
• #schcomm1208 Parent survey important data point, how many would move (or not), would like to see survey sooner than later, disappointed on details at building level. Compared to Mr Angelo and how well he presented data on the athletes and sports and still waiting here
• Concern about getting good info from survey. When are we talking about when this could happen? Superintendent doesn't have a date to share #schcomm1208 can it be done? Depends upon the survey # I believe in the instructional quality, don't want to give up, staffing real challenge
• When would the help be available? Too many young kids in tears, developing a dislike for school. We have been problem solving within each building, shifting to more collaboration across the schools. Break time? #schcomm1208 expectations set, may vary by teacher
• k time on learning is different (not required grade per state) 1st grade and other grades are required. Would love to see more info on break time and schedule. It is hard, it is unprecedented, we're hearing from parents kids aren't learning, it is not ok #schcomm1208 out shortly
• Likely within next week to get info before the winter break #schcomm1208 Gov Baker is reducing folks in buildings, and yet we're trying to go the other way. have not yet surveyed staff on this anecdotal but not quantified. What about other implications
• There is concern about different size space standards within the schools. More staffing would be required if there is a 6 foot requirement. Inequity is a big issue. Moving students to another building, how does this work with specials #schcomm1208 would mean reassignment
• There may be a family implication with a K-1 student at one building and other family members elsewhere, would require 2 pickups? Would strive to maintain student with teacher, there could be changes. #schcomm1208 understand complexity, staffing a huge issue
• Can we get an updated personnel status, what's open, etc changes from the last time and bring to date. #schcomm1208 (BTW there were about 80 at meeting start, up to over 170 now) 

Reopening

• DESE counting excludes student positives if they were not "in the building"
• Contact tracing is taking time, other districts have hired in this area, changing guidance from CDC we have not switched to the new guidance DESE also looking at stay tuned. Looking at staff testing for baseline in Jan 2021. #schcomm1208 add building base to district, and %
• Yes they are concerned about pivoting to remote to provide coverage where staff are out in quarantine #schcomm1208 books and library access for VLA vs. hybrid maybe an equity issue? not a lot of books are used in elementary, will see variability there
• Library books not going home over issue of how to sanitize when they come back, #schcomm1208 clarification on 1st graders who can't read (not k students). Parent expressing bristle when "all the kids" is used when the kids vary in response, claiming risk isn't the same
• Parent with 4 kids, came here from Quincy because of the schools, two youngest are struggling a lot. #schcomm1208 teacher reading specialist confirms youngest struggles as they can't do it themselves, reading at 1st grade is not always age appropriate.
• Teacher also chides the SchComm for lack of a comprehensive plan, sports plan was done for them. My kid is getting library books, don't want to get someone in trouble #schcomm1208 the "asynchronous learning time is 100% parent support required" touch screen better than mousepad
• Parent also a teacher with k student the teacher for that student is great, can't image how much time it takes to prepare, multiple invoice recordings on each slide, kid is responding well to it. #schcomm1208 middle school students talking about behavior that isn't good
• Hence another source of stress for teachers, with hybrid model has lost touch with some students, can't always get to those students fully remote. #schcomm1208 survey staff first before going to family members, stress growing daily, over 10 staff quarantined at Oak
• "Remember safety first, we do want to be with kids, that's what we signed up for". #schcomm1208 how are we monitoring staff wellness and wellbeing? Not seeing it. Folks should be mute when not talking (esp SchComm members sneezing)
• Switch from hybrid to VLA may not be easy in case of student with special services, would loose access to regular teachers and support, would need to be part of decision and not sure how that would be covered in survey #schcomm1208 the community is ready to help!
• We have to come together. We are still photo copying packets and packets of info as we don't use a book. #schcomm1208 disappointed with lack of details on the K-1 options; teachers are doing well with what they have, they are available. Pitting parents and teachers against
• Each other. YouTube videos queue up and auto play, concerned about where they could end up without monitoring. #schcomm1208 even the best teacher in the world would be challenged with K in a hybrid environment, echo asynchronous requires parents assistance
• Daughter eager to go to school in Sept and in the last two months has turned and now doesn't want to go. Parent volunteers to do survey, busing shouldn't take prominence in survey, we would drop them off to get them more time in school #schcomm1208
• Parent left her job to stay home with 1 and 2 graders, and the time is required. How would half day work? Put yourself in the kids shoes. #schcomm1208 willing to volunteer; 

presentation plan

• switched to draft presentation plan https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/d._sc_presentation_schedules_2019-present_-_2020-2021.pdf

Information matters

• Budget workshop last week (recording shared) information being gathered to share, budget timeline. Meeting with FinComm next Tuesday Dec 15 Comm relations picking a date to meet; policy meeting Thursday the 17th. DTFA meeting 12/9. #schcomm1208
• New ad-hoc Committee for Superintendent's eval, Tim, Elise, Ann. #schcomm1208 Joint PCC meeting Dec 22, SWAC meeting Dec 15
• #schcomm1208 ECDC update next week, music and art performance updates next week. Student opportunity Act plan due (even though money not forthcoming). 

Consent agenda

• Consent agenda - motion to approve, second, passes via roll call 7-0
• Motion to enter executive session, not to return to open meeting, second, passes 7-0 via roll call #schcomm1208 that's all for tonight, catch you next time!

MIAA statement and sports modifications for Winter

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/miaa-statement-on-winter-sports-and.html

 

FPS COVID-19 Dashboard (updated weekly)

https://www.canva.com/design/DAEPRVkkW0s/Ind7MzRCMkuOSlOGn-9hag/view?website#1

 

Winter sports update summarized by Athletic Director Tom Angelo

“The mission has been to gain full recognition for this group”

 The Boston Globe has the following:

"The MIAA Board of Directors took a crucial first step Wednesday in providing urban schools across Massachusetts a larger voice in high school athletics and other business.

By a 20-0 vote, the board agreed to create an urban schools ad hoc committee to serve as an advisory resource to various MIAA committees. Avery Esdaile, athletic director for Boston Public Schools, addressed the board on behalf of a group of ADs from urban areas across the state, which has been meeting regularly to address challenges and other issues their programs face.

“We want to see the group get to, and ultimately be a resource and utilize the different people and experiences that we have, and help out others in the association,” Esdaile said. "

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/12/09/sports/miaa-board-directors-agrees-create-urban-schools-ad-hoc-committee/

For more about the MIAA, visit their page  http://miaa.net/miaa/home?sid=38

 

Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA)

CommonWealth Magazine: "How about a civics project instead of another MCAS test?"

From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin:

"At the same time, our Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, with support from Secretary of Education Jim Peyser, sought to add a history-focused MCAS test to the current series of tests focused on science, English Language Arts, and math. The intent is admirable. In a testing and accountability-focused educational climate, many school and district leaders, particularly in communities predominantly serving lower-income students and students of color, have given limited attention to history and social studies in favor of tested subjects. Making history/social studies a tested subject might address that structural inequity.

But we think there may a better solution. Instead of more standardized testing, we propose each student complete a civics education project (which is already required of all students in accordance with the 2018 law) as a demonstration of knowledge and skill equivalent to a passing score on the MCAS.

The civics project could:

• Be long-term, conducted over the course of perhaps a term, a semester, or an entire school year. In the workplace and in college, extended individual and collaborative projects are commonplace; this is excellent preparation for real-world expectations.
• Align with the ideals of “deeper learning” articulated by scholars Jal Mehta and Sarah Fine in their book, In Search of Deeper Learning: The Quest to Remake the American High School. A well-developed civics project includes a focus on literacy (particularly important given our state’s large and growing multilingual population), real-world relevance (providing motivation for students to shape their communities through civic action), and student empowerment (students gain knowledge and skills that will enable them to be informed, active citizens).
• Provide students choice, allowing them to focus on a topic of personal passion, or for a small group to pursue a shared interest collaboratively."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/how-about-a-civics-project-instead-of-another-mcas-test/

Franklin Public Schools: Please don't use school grounds during school hours

"We are sharing the following message from Franklin Public Schools:

As public facilities, the Franklin Public Schools is pleased to share our grounds and facilities with the community whenever possible outside of school hours.  However, our priority is always our students’ health and safety, so we appreciate your understanding and cooperation in not walking, jogging, running, walking dogs on school properties during school hours, including arrival and dismissal.  The only exception for dogs includes students and school visitors requiring service animals in compliance with ADA requirements and district policy.  

Our school hours are as follows:

• ECDC: 9:15 AM - 3:15 PM
• Elementary Schools: 8:15 AM - 3:00 PM  
• Middle Schools - 7:10 AM - 2:30 PM 
• High School - 7:15 AM - 2:30 PM

Thank you in advance for your cooperation.  

Sincerely,

Franklin Public Schools "

 

Shared from https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/message-community-fps

 

Franklin Public Schools: Please don't use school grounds during school hours