Franklin Public Library: Student Assistance Program

Student Assistance Center

Goal: To partner with the schools, parents and caregivers to help young people experience success in school.

Objective: Provide a supervised and supportive environment where children can benefit from free home­ work assistance.

Free homework help in Math, Science, Social Studies, Reading, Language Arts and Study Skills (Reading program will include high interest books to get kids excited about reading.)

What is it:

The Student Assistance Center at the Franklin·' Public Library has been created to provide aca­ demic and community support for students in safe, welcoming learning environment.

Eligibility Requirements

• Students must be in grades 1-8
• Parents/guardians need to pre-register students, and sign a release
• Volunteers can be teachers, retired teachers or professionals or high school students
• Volunteers must fill out an application form, agree to a CORI check and sign a release
• Volunteers must commit to 1 or two days a week and 1 or 2 hours a day.
• Volunteers and students must sign in

Student Assistance Center brochure & rules ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/19PTBK5Pv-3EX_PN4N_5XvLxBISfA_3AB/view?usp=sharing

Student Application Form ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/pages/student_application.pdf

Student Release Form ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/pages/student_release_form.pdf

Franklin Public Library: Student Assistance Program

School Committee Meeting Recap - Jan 26, 2021 = HMMS, FHS, homework, and reopening status updates

Quick Recap:

• Update from Horace Mann Middle School on what they are doing and how they are doing in these pandemic days. Exciting to see.
• Update from Franklin High School on program of studies, some changes to class offerings to better follow "Portrait of a Graduate" and meet needs of students.
• Reopening status update, challenges remain with staffing and keeping schools hybrid. Case counts rising, still working on K-1 improvements but less likely to get them in school with current situation (case counts) and previously expressed concerns.
• Pool testing reviewed, formal application has not yet been made
• School calendar approved for first look at 2021-2022 school year. Additional info and dates (half days/professional development) to be updated in second pass TBD.

 

Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one folder

https://photos.app.goo.gl/78XYK77JhzZUWNxX7 

 

The audio recording of this meeting will be available soon

----

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  #schcom0126

https://twitter.com/hashtag/schcom0126?src=hashtag_click

• Getting ready for the School Committee meeting at 7. Agenda doc and connection info available https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/january-26-2021-school-committee-packet #schcom0126
• Updates from Horace Mann Middle school, on the FHS program of studies, and the homework policy are scheduled. Oh, and then a reopening update on the agenda. Multiple ways to watch and/or listen #schcom0126
• Meeting opens, Chair Dr. Bergen reads standard announcement #schcom0126 all 7 members present
• Approx 58 participating via Zoom at the open, another 7 via live stream, and unknown #s via Comcast/Verizon. #schcom0126
• A new feature is that each meeting after the student led pledge to open the meeting, they add a statement on their individual school experience. Such hope for our future in these students! #schcom0126 "never stop learning because life never stops teaching"

FHS representatives

• Next up FHS representatives; NHS tutoring now available for students 1:1, Franklin Arts Academy applications now open; #schcom0126 virtual music concert coming; prep underway for graduation exploring options, 26 students admitted to Central Districts for music
• New project for theater for seniors to direct, music and podcast club started at FHS "to be honest"; sports underway, basketball hockey swimming gymnastics. MA DECA on Weds evening, over 100 projects submitted; Mock trial season underway #schcom0126

Superintendent's report

• Next: Superintendent report, new secretary to be reporting on meeting notes; pool testing webinars underway, info gathering, more details forthcoming after another session this Friday. 1100 families responded, 50% yes, additional amount expressed interest #schcom0126
• Over 600 faculty and staff responded, 73% yes. More info coming. Letter on Senator Rausch earmark to Sec Ed, amount to be released. Approach to civics education, 2018 curriculum revised actually runs K-12 not just 8th grade, nonpartisan approach #schcom0126
• Habits of engagement in preparation for additional study in high school. 8th just happens to be the first grade getting it this year. #schcom0126 more on this coming later this spring. PD day, Jan 19, a review of what was done around district, elementary, middle and by subject
• Via tele-health support available from You Inc. Talk to building administrator for access #schcom0126

Horace Mann update

• Horace Mann update - looked to control the things they could control #schcom0126
• https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/hmms_school_highlight_1-26-2021.pdf link provides copy of the presentation doc talked to for this update #schcom0126 photos from pre-COVID times
• #schcom0126 more slides of presentation
• #schcom0126 used landing pages to gather the students at the beginning of the day as well share info
• Starting to live stream the morning announcement #schcom0126
• #schcom0126 sample learning stations
• #schcom0126 thanks to SchComm and to Community for supporting them in this time and environment
• #schcom0126 digital learning does allow for almost immediate feedback for teachers to see questions well answered or those not, and adjust accordingly. Teaching has changed forever
• #schcom0126 more slides from presentation deck
• #schcom0126 all kinds of opportunity to check in on students and determine SEL status. Year book club last year and this, students are finding ways to capture input for the product. Clubs are virtual with one coordinator and students in club from all 3 middle schools
• #schcom0126 important info as well as honest feedback via survey
• #schcom0126
• #schcom0126 last slides
• #schcom0126 issue with the perpetual unknown, used to have a bag of tricks to pull from, hard to do so now; collaboration high and needed more so now than ever before. BTW participation up to 87 via zoom, SchComm all remote and no 1 seems to be in Chambers tonight

FHS 

• Next up FHS, Mr Hanna #schcom0126 presentation doc linked to here https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/fhs_program_of_studies_2021_-_2022_presentation.pdf
• #schcom0126 2nd doc to be used tonight for FHS portion of meeting https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/prog-studies-21-22 idea of 'owned' learning
• #schcom0126 slides from presentation
• #schcom0126 reselected from 2 yrs of world history to produce a single year hopefully with better effect.
• #schcom0126 schools have changed dramatically, look through the course offerings to see the variety.

Homework

• Next up an update on homework, via Dr Edwards #schcom0126 changed tone and tenor of the policy, the practice and guidelines were also worked to implement. Doc referenced can be found here https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/school_committee-homework_1_26_21.pdf
• Homework has changed this year with the blending and blurring of the lines between school work when much of it is done at home. #schcom0126 wanted to avoid a survey, planning for sessions next year with students in person
• Reminder for Feb and spring vacation for homework free vacation with exception for AP level classes. #schcom0126 moving more into the grading reform efforts to get consistency across district
• #schcom0126 next up, school calendar for approval in 2 phases, first up beginning, ending etc half days and further refinements coming later; motion to approve, second, passes via roll call 7-0 https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_21-22_school_calendar.pdf

Reopening status

• #schcom0126 next up reopening https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/reopening-status-update-12221 update coverage remains an issue with teacher exposure or quarantine via family or school situation, do we have enough to safely open a school. Decide case by case, by school
• #schcom0126 clarification on tech support, who to seek for what support? Digital learning integration or others. Phase 2 of vaccination and development of teachers moved down in the priority level, stay tuned for updates; more info on pool testing coming, likely post Feb break
• FPS hasn't formally applied at this time. #schcom0126 DPH is confident with test and results from it, reiterate out of state travel requirements, testing required. Internet problems today was a Verizon issue, separately line upgrade to 10GB is complete
• Still working on K-1 area, focusing on supporting families. Did identify some high needs students for 4 days, case counts increasing, not seeming 2 be likely a practical thing 2 do, lots of concerns about staffing the building, would likely be more unstable with more in building
• SchComm member comment on educators bumped down while push continues to get students in school with numbers rising. Is there something we can do as a district? #schcom0126 what is the extent that teachers are feeling unsafe, what, where, is there something #s
• Can the district do something to help the teachers with the stress if scheduling for the vaccines. #schcom0126 it is shared across the Commonwealth, could do a letter, urging a prioritization, happy to draft on behalf of FPS and SchComm
• #schcom0126 consideration for virtual learning academy in the fall for immuno compromised or for other medical reasons; with uncertainty of vaccine for youth still open, yes, part of thought process. Suggestion for SchComm to do separate letter

Information matters

• Moving along to information matters; subcommittee meetings scheduled, DTFA now meeting weekly, Stokes reads prepared summary of status. Working on recommendation or multiple, two meetings before next update, may have recommendations #schcom0126
• FEF fund raising date May 4, Project Envoy starts Feb 1 to help restaurants and to help food challenged neighbors. Flyer out today on free classes from Y #schcom0126 New business, pool testing update next time
• Consent agenda, motion for items as proposed, second, passes 7-0 via roll call #schcom0126 Motion to enter executive session not to return to the open meeting, second, passes via roll call 7-0 That's all for tonight, catch you all next time!

 

Key items on the School Committee agenda 

II. Guests/Presentations
A.    HMMS School Highlight -- Ms. Rebecca Motte and Mr. Craig Williams

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/hmms_school_highlight_1-26-2021.pdf

 
B.    FHS Program of Study Update – Josh Hanna, Principal FHS

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/fhs-presentation
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/prog-studies-21-22

 

C.    Homework & Homework Policy – Dr. Joyce Edwards

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/homework-presentation-12621
 

III.    Discussion/Action Items
A.    2021-2022 School Calendar
I recommend approval of the 2021-2022 School Calendar as discussed.
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/disc-action-21-22-calendar

 

IV.    Discussion Only Items
A.    Reopening Status Update (January 22, 2021)
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/reopening-status-update-12221

Meeting packet folder containing the doc released for this agenda

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/january-26-2021-school-committee-packet

 

School Committee Meeting Recap - Jan 26, 2021 = HMMS, FHS, homework, and reopening status updates

Reminder: School Committee meeting - Jan 26, 2021 - 7 PM

Among the choices for Tuesday evening, the Governor's State of the Commonwealth address or the Franklin School Committee meeting.

Key items on the School Committee agenda 

II. Guests/Presentations
A.    HMMS School Highlight -- Ms. Rebecca Motte and Mr. Craig Williams

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/hmms_school_highlight_1-26-2021.pdf

 
B.    FHS Program of Study Update – Josh Hanna, Principal FHS

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/fhs-presentation
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/prog-studies-21-22

 

C.    Homework & Homework Policy – Dr. Joyce Edwards

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/homework-presentation-12621
 

III.    Discussion/Action Items
A.    2021-2022 School Calendar
I recommend approval of the 2021-2022 School Calendar as discussed.
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/disc-action-21-22-calendar

 

IV.    Discussion Only Items
A.    Reopening Status Update (January 22, 2021)
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/reopening-status-update-12221

Meeting packet folder containing the doc released for this agenda

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/january-26-2021-school-committee-packet

Reminder: School Committee meeting - Jan 26, 2021 - 7 PM

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting - Agenda - Jan 26, 2021

 Franklin School Committee 

January 26, 2021 - 7:00 P.M.

 

I.    Routine Business
A.    Review of Agenda
B.    Citizen’s Comments

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

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

II.    7:30 Guests/Presentations
A.    HMMS School Highlight -- Ms. Rebecca Motte and Mr. Craig Williams

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/hmms_school_highlight_1-26-2021.pdf

 
B.    FHS Program of Study Update – Josh Hanna, Principal FHS

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/fhs-presentation
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/prog-studies-21-22

 

C.    Homework & Homework Policy – Dr. Joyce Edwards

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/homework-presentation-12621
 

III.    8:15 Discussion/Action Items
A.    2021-2022 School Calendar
I recommend approval of the 2021-2022 School Calendar as discussed.
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/disc-action-21-22-calendar

 

IV.    8:20 Discussion Only Items
A.    Reopening Status Update (January 22, 2021)
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/reopening-status-update-12221

 

V.    8:40 Information Matters
A.    School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Ad Hoc Supt. Evaluation, Ad Hoc Facilities Analysis, Budget, Community Relations/Public Schools Advocacy, Policy, Transportation)
B.    School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC, Substance Abuse Task Force, School Wellness Advisory Council, Franklin Racial & Social Justice Task Force)
 

VI.    9:00 New Business
A.    To discuss any future agenda items
 

VII.    Consent Agenda
A.    Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from the January 12, 2021 School Committee meeting as detailed.
B.    Transfers
I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/consent-action-b-transfers-4
C.    Remington Middle School Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,324.00 from Read-A-Thon for in-house enrichment at Remington Middle School as detailed.  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/consent-c-rms
D.    Parmenter Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,327.97 from the Parmenter PCC for supplemental supplies as detailed.  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/consent-d-parm-0
 

VIII.    Payment of Bills    Dr. Bergen

IX.    Payroll    Ms. Pond-Pfeffer
 

X.    Executive Session
A) Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A §21(a)(2) to conduct strategy session in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel.
 

XI.    9:15 Adjournment 

 

Meeting packet folder containiing the doc released for this agenda

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/january-26-2021-school-committee-packet

 

 

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting - Agenda - Jan 26, 2021

Recap of School Committee meeting Jan 28, 2020

The Franklin TV video is available for replay on the Town of Franklin page
https://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?&PGD=franknma&eID=716


Superintendent's Report
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/superintendents-report-to-school.html

Documents released for this meeting can be found
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/january-28-2020-school-committee-packet



My notes reported live during the meeting

• Live reporting: Information Matters to Closing/Executive Session

 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/live-reporting-information-matters-to.html

• Live reporting: Discussion/Action Items - Discussion

 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/live-reporting-discussionaction-items.html

• Live reporting: Guests/Presentations

 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/live-reporting-guestspresentations.html

• Live reporting: School Committee - Jan 28, 2020

 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/live-reporting-school-committee-jan-28.html

Homework Presentation - Jan 28, 2020 from Franklin Matters

screen capture of a slide from the Student Service Workshop held before the School Committee meeting

Live reporting: Guests/Presentations

II. Guests/Presentations
A. FHS Program of Study Update
Paul Peri, Bill Klements

FHS doc to be added later, not posted yet to the 'packet folder'

AP 2-D design course, more design focused
Illustration and Murals, conscious decision to not run Art II
Multi-Cultural Art, responding to needs and wants of students

Life in Literature, for second half of senior year
Health/PE courses, in calendar but not necessarily run due to staffing availability

Math, element of stats also building upon wants and needs

Economics - open honors course

Latin 5 - taught with Latin 4

adding AP level course also

Q - how do you determine a course when quantity may be small?
A - carefully, student, need and ability but also based upon enrollment, if not meeting minimum needs, it won't run

B. Homework Update

Dr Edwards

inconsistent homework practices across the district never mind within a building
policy revision completed, recognizing the value of family and whole child
developed study group to help implement "homework guidelines"
to get to consistency of practices, still have meet student needs 
consistency of expectation set

monitoring and revising as needed

survey results had good representation, 349 responses
when homework is done vs assigned; i.e. middle school has a period available
what is homework vs. prep for the next day of class?
addressing inconsistencies

Parent Ed night on homework scheduled for 3/18 (snow date 3/25) 6:30 PM -8:00 PM at FHS Media Center

did get request from elementary parents for no homework, under consideration

survey again in April (last for this year)

Pfeffer disagrees with trend towards no homework, "I find it absurd"

There is a place for homework, family life and support structures for homework have changed over the changes, esp. more recently
trying to find the balance to prepare for the life skills needed to be successful in the world
some AP class loads may require multiple hours of homework which can affect the required number of hours of sleep

Keenan - is there really a need for homework? 
research for young children show need for developing study skills and reading time
MCAS scores have been stable, in many cases students weren't doing homework
there is rampant sharing of homework, if it is being assigned it needs to be personalized and executed; you can't share an essay, needs to be personalized, meaningful and relevant

look for CNN article on homework for young kids just came to one of the SchComm members as he was coming to the meeting

parents should be encouraged to talk with the teacher first, check out what should be happening vs what they see and start there

parent raising issue with 3-4 hours of home work for 7th grade
in middle schools should be able to calibrate across the teams
the principal is the next step

Franklin High School PCC meeting - May 13 - Superintendent Sara Ahern

The Franklin High School will be having their last PCC meeting for the 2018-2019 school year on May 13 at 7:00 PM at the Franklin High School media center/library. 

With all of the discussions concerning the school budget, start time, and homework policy we have asked Superintendent Sara Ahern to attend the meeting and she has agreed.

Monday, May 13th 2019 at 7PM in the Library/Media will be out last PCC Meeting for the year. At this meeting, there will be updates on all year end activities, dates of finals, etc. With all the discussion on budget, start time, homework policy, we have invited Dr. Ahern to come pic.twitter.com/3GddKpPRqN

— FHS PCC (@FHS_PCC) May 6, 2019

Franklin High School PCC meeting - May 13 - Superintendent Sara Ahern

Franklin Public School News - March 2019

The Franklin Public School Newsletter for March 2019 is available here is a couple of formats. Follow the link to download your copy of the one-page PDF file. Or view the PDF file embedded here.

The links embedded in the PDF to other documents are also copied here to save you some time

Full PDF File
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczN2hHWU1RbVpxVlVkZ0NBV2FPU05ydXBiRnpN/view?usp=sharing


FY 20 School Budget Letter
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/fy20_fps_budget.pdf

Homework Update Memo
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/homework.pdf

School Committee Homework policy
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee-policy-manual/pages/ikb-homework-policy

Homework Presentation to School Committee
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/123hrGuU6I3IVtU8USiiysAbeEvx2ndB3TjvTmOyg_4Q/edit?usp=sharing

School Start Times Update
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/school_start_times_advisory_committee_update_1.pdf

School Start Times Forum (YouTube video)
https://youtu.be/IWwUnQTURME

Franklin Public School News - March 2019

School Committee - Recap - Feb 19, 2019

The documents released for this meeting can be found online
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/february-12-2019-school-committee-packet-documents

screen capture of the homework presentation

• Live reporting: Consent agenda to closing (executi...
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/02/live-reporting-consent-agenda-to.html
• Live reporting: Discussion Only Items - Informatio...
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/02/live-reporting-discussion-only-items.html
• Live reporting: Discussion Action items
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/02/live-reporting-discussion-action-item.html
• Live reporting: Homework Update
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/02/live-reporting-homework-update.html
• Live reporting: Dementia Friendly Franklin
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/02/live-reporting-dementia-friendly.html
• Live reporting: School Committee Meeting - Feb 19,...
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/02/live-reporting-school-committee-meeting.html

Live reporting: Homework Update

b. Homework Update – Dr. Joyce Edwards &; Homework Study Group Representatives

(presentation to be added later)

Live reporting: Homework Update

looking for feedback on the homework free vacations

homework practices to be aligned with the current policy (link in presentation to be added)

Franklin has a wide variety of homework practices and expectations; widely inconsistent within buildings never mind across grades or the District

policy stresses the need for the whole child, and down time as well as family time

consistency is a very funny thing, consistent but not cookie cutter
need to be easily understood by students and families

defined what would success look like?
the set of guidelines as proposed is the result of the answer to that question

what is the definition of homework? defined and purpose

"Franklin-centric"

emphasis on nightly reading

recommends continuing the homework free vacations!
"to the extent possible for Feb and April"

there will be a survey to collect the feedback

middle school easier as they students are in groups and the team teaching would do the coordination; at the high school, it is harder as this collaboration is not already in place; use of the communication and guidelines should help; the students should also be able to respectfully advocate for themselves

the proposal could bring some tweaks to the policy itself

consider the due time of the online homework submission (i.e. homework due at midnight)

also consideration for non-screen based homework later and screen based earlier, to help with the transition to sleep

need to address time management too, what does it mean to manage time to get things done?

how to deal with procrastination? to address the emotional component of homework
at least a distraction free environment

homework is a lens on the student/family partnership

Community Coffee - Oct 3

The next School Committee Community Relations Coffee hour is scheduled for Wednesday, October 3 from 6:30-7:30 PM at the Franklin High School Library. 

The scheduled topic is "Homework Policy" – update on current work and forum to ask questions and provide feedback. Any topic can be added to the discussion at any of the coffee hours.

The library is located immediately to the left inside the main entrance at Franklin High School.

Live Reporting: Homework Update

b. Update on Homework (District Improvement Plan – Goal 2) – Dr. Joyce Edwards

presentation on homework policy, doc not available on School page, likely to be added after meeting, will capture as many slides with photos in mean time

http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinCom_Packets/r3-22-18%20SC%20Packet/SC%20Homework%20Presentation%20March%2013.pdf

hopefully the slides are not out of order, I'll check when the meeting is over
Post-meeting, slides are complete and in order. When the presentation doc is available, I'll add that here too.

"meaningful and purposeful homework assists a student in the reinforcement and extension of learning"

From the Boston Globe, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The Franklin public schools are piloting a homework-free holiday break for students in kindergarten through eighth grade as part of a broader homework policy implemented this year by the Franklin School Committee. High school teachers have been encouraged to take the same approach where feasible during the holiday period. District leaders plan to conduct a survey following the vacation of faculty, staff, administrators, parents, and students to gather feedback on the experience."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/west/2017/12/27/franklin-schools-pilot-homework-free-vacation/COMthNVjWS1ZdxA7DKPPTM/story.html

In case you missed the message to parents, you can find it here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/12/franklin-public-schools-message-to.html

Franklin Public Schools: Message to Parents on Homework Policy

Franklin Public Schools: Message to Parents on Homework Policy

December 18, 2017

Dear Families,

In recent months there has been a great deal of interest in homework by both families and staff. A new Homework Policy was implemented by the Franklin School Committee this year and the policy can be found here (http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinCom_Emanual/i/Idocs/IKB). (And below to make it easy to find)

A K-12 Homework Committee has been meeting to study the research about homework and will be delving into our current practices about homework across grades and schools. Recommendations about these practices will then be developed so that our practices are aligned with research and provide a consistent framework across the district, yet maintain an individual teacher’s ability to have flexibility as well.

The spirit of the School Committee policy is centered around maintaining a balance between the academic work and the needs of the whole child. The needs of all children include having downtime, playing, participating in a variety of activities, and spending time with family. To that end, we are piloting with December “Homework Free” vacation for all of our students in Grades K-8. That said, we always encourage reading for and with children as a part of family activities. 

We are encouraging our high school teachers to take the same approach if possible, but understand that with certain courses, a Homework Free break may not be feasible. We are also asking our faculty to take a much needed and deserved break from the routines of correcting, responding to email, and lesson preparation so that they too can enjoy time with their families. 

We plan to conduct a survey after the vacation period of our faculty, staff, administrators, parents, and students to determine the reactions to this experience. This data will be used to inform future decision making about homework free vacation periods.

Best wishes for a Happy Holiday Season and a wonderful break!

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public Schools: Message to Parents on Homework Policy

IKB

Homework Policy

The Franklin Public Schools recognize that meaningful and purposeful homework assists a student in the reinforcement and extension of learning and provides an opportunity for families to better understand the academic work of children at their grade level.

The Franklin Public Schools are committed to the education of the “whole child” and recognize that students are active in many areas of daily life such as extra-curricular offerings, athletics, artistic and cultural endeavors, and participation in family routines and events. These pursuits help to develop students with strong social-emotional skills and will further instill a love of learning about topics of personal interest. Homework practices that are implemented in classrooms should both recognize the value of homework and maintain a developmentally appropriate balance between homework and other life activities.

As such, homework assignments should be:

• Appropriate in time and frequency for the developmental stage of the child
• Meaningful, relevant and aligned with work in the classroom
• Have a clearly articulated purpose, educational objective and learning expectations
• Personalized to meet the needs of the learner
• Structured to provide students with feedback that leads to improved learning
• Consistent, to a reasonable degree, across grade levels and among classrooms
• Aligned with current research on best practice as well as school and District policies

Professional staff in grades 6-12 are encouraged to consult with each other to the extent possible regarding planning of homework and projects to strive for a manageable workload for students.

Homework should be used only as a learning tool, may not be used for punishment, and students should not lose privileges, including recess, for not completing homework.


Adopted by School Committee: 7/18/17