Showing posts with label improvement plan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label improvement plan. Show all posts

Monday, June 10, 2019

Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting recap of May 28, 2019

The School Committee meeting of May 28, 2019 is summarized as follows:

Retiree Recognition
  • Debra Kroeber / JFK Teacher
  • Christine Mahan / ASMS Teacher
  • Sandra Morris / ASMS Teacher
  • Caryn Parnell / ASMS Teacher
  • Peter Pasquarosa / HMMS / Health-PE Teacher
  • Eleanor Prindeville / ASMS Cafeteria Worker
  • Mary Sandford / Parmenter Teacher
  • Marushka Waters / FHS Theater Teacher
  • Beth Wittcoff / ASMS Principal
  • Kathleen Woods / FHS Guidance Counselor


 There was discussion around the superintendents evaluation.

 There was an update on the School Start Times - audio of that segment was shared separately  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/05/fm-163-school-start-times-update.html

The district improvement plan was also updated with current status and accomplishments
https://www.franklinps.net/district/news/district-improvement-plan-update-communication-52819

 Document released for this agenda can be found on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/school-committee-packet-52819


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

view from the back of the room at the May 28 School Committee meeting
view from the back of the room at the May 28 School Committee meeting
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , ,

Sunday, June 9, 2019

Franklin (MA) School Committee recap - May 14, 2019

Catching up to the School Committee meeting recap for the May 14, 2019 session.
  • The Middle and High School education goals and improvement plans updated
  • first reading of policies on Physical Restraint of Students and Emotional Support Dogs were held
  • The School Start Time Advisory Committee was formally dissolved (as planned), the next meeting will have additional info on the planning the School District is continuing to conduct
  • School Choice was approved to NOT accept students again this year
  • The calendar of meetings for the School Committee was approved for 2019-2020


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



Documents released for this meeting can be found

The Franklin TV video can be viewed on demand

Davis Thayer school sign
Davis Thayer school sign

Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , ,

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

Live Reporting: District Improvement Plans

2. Guests / Presentations


c. District Improvement Plan Update (Communication)

new website, social media policy
fledgling YouTube channel
translation feature built into the website
would pursue other channels

"Portrait of a Graduate" visioning exercise
developing a new memorandum with Franklin Police

expanding relationships with
  • Franklin Food Pantry
  • Franklin Cultural District
  • William James College (professional development, Project Interface)
  • You, Inc.
  • Community gardening efforts

captured info from community and families on
Sleep and start times
homework

Parent/Guardian education events

expanded with LinkedIn for recruiting
scheduling software for scheduling substitutes
Lifelong Learning re-branded

looking at a communications focused resource to help with the channels as well as the appropriate messaging

parent/guardian nights, encourage parents and kids attending together
go to different workshops over the course of an evening
incorporating babysitting/childcare as part of the evening




Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , ,

Live Reporting: Guests and Presentations

2. Guests / Presentations

 a. Retiree Recognition

  • Debra Kroeber / JFK Teacher
  • Christine Mahan / ASMS Teacher
  • Sandra Morris / ASMS Teacher
  • Caryn Parnell / ASMS Teacher
  • Peter Pasquarosa / HMMS / Health-PE Teacher
  • Eleanor Prindeville / ASMS Cafeteria Worker
  • Mary Sandford / Parmenter Teacher
  • Marushka Waters / FHS Theater Teacher
  • Beth Wittcoff / ASMS Principal
  • Kathleen Woods / FHS Guidance Counselor
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , ,

Wednesday, April 24, 2019

Veterans - Enter to Win a FREE Roof!

Veterans - Enter to Win a FREE Roof!

Beantown Home Improvements' Operation Payback


 Here are the details (via Beantown Home Improvement https://www.beantownhi.com/payback)
"For Beantown Home Improvements to offer a brand new roof of 20 square (2000sf of actual roof area) to an American Veteran (US Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy) FREE of charge. If the winning roof happens to be larger than 20 square, the homeowner will ONLY pay the overage for the actual material and labor cost. If the winning roof has a skylight(s) they will be installed FREE of charge with the veteran only paying the cost of the skylight(s). Veterans with a roof of ANY size are encouraged to enter.

The shingles to be installed will be a 50 year architectural shingle with premium synthetic underlayments and Preferred Protection warranty. All warranty registration cost will be covered by Beantown Home Improvements."

Eligibility

  • "The registrant/winner must be an active, reserve, honorably discharged, or retied American veteran of the United States Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines or Navy
  • The home must be their permanent residence, not a rental
  • The residence must be in Massachusetts within Plymouth, Bristol or Norfolk Counties
  • The winner must provide a valid Military ID, which will be confirmed by Beantown and then by a recruiting office of the appropriate military branch
  • A winner will be chosen at noon on October 31st, 2019 to allow time for registrant validation
  • Installation will be shortly after Veteran's Day in November 2019"
Veterans - Enter to Win a FREE Roof!
Veterans - Enter to Win a FREE Roof!

Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , ,

Sunday, March 17, 2019

School Committee Recap: School Budget proposal approved, yet funding insufficient

The School Committee meeting was a long one as the ECDC, and elementary schools walked through updates on their School Improvement Plans (SIP). The District Improvement Plan goals 2 and 3 also received an update from the Central office. Lots of progress and accomplishments under challenging circumstances.

 Then the Discussion / Action Item section rolled along and the committee voted to approve the expense budget and salary budget in separate votes for FY 2020. Only a few changes from what had been reviewed and had evolved over the several weeks leading up to Tuesday.

 Then Superintendent Ahern revealed that the budget as approved was likely about $2.6M over what the Town can fund. The Town Council meeting the following night (Wednesday, March 13) would begin the overall Town budget discussion and how to address the shortfall.

 Stay tuned for the on going budget discussion. What we want for our children and the Town of Franklin depends upon what info is forthcoming and how it is received. 

 Participate in the Budget hearings or at least tune into the meetings. Worse case, follow the updates here and don't be shy in asking good questions.



The Superintendent's Report:



 Kelly Kelty, Principal of ECDC presented a mid-year update on the School Improvement Plan (SIP)



Principals/Vice-principals presented a joint update on the Elementary SIP


Elementary SIP Mid-year Update - March 12, 2019 from Franklin Matters

The Central Office (Superintendent Sara Ahern, Asst Supt Lucas Giguere, Dr Joyce Edwards, and Paula Marano) presented the joint update on the District Improvement Plan (DIP)



My notes are reported live during the meeting can be found in the links below


School committee meeting March 12, 2019
School committee meeting March 12, 2019

Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , ,

Tuesday, March 12, 2019

Live reporting: District Improvement Plan Update


b. District Improvement Update – Curriculum & Instruction

 (presentation to be added later - posted to Schools page on Weds (usually) so I can add it with the meeting summary later this week)
a view from the back of the room; Central Office personnel presenting on Strategic Objectives II and III
a view from the back of the room; Central Office personnel presenting on Strategic Objectives II and III
outside group in working on an analysis of the resources and alignments available to meet the needs of the students,is it enough? are there gaps? report readout due initially at end of March
screen grab of a presentation slide on Objective III
screen grab of a presentation slide on Objective III
doing well with what they have but there are budget implications with time to learn, and overall resources available
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , ,

Monday, October 1, 2018

School Committee - Sep 25, 2018

The collection of posts from the School Committee meeting held on Sep 25, 2018.


 Superintendent's Report

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/superintendents_report_to_school_committee_september_25_2018.pdf

EdLeader 21
Dr. Edwards is not here this evening. She is off site attending a professional development conference with EdLeader 21. This group is an extension of the former Partnership for 21st Century Skills and is a big part of our district initiative on development of engaging curriculum and personalized learning. When she returns, we will be kicking off our efforts to engage with School Committee and the community in the development of Franklin’s Portrait of A Graduate, which is an exciting part of our District Strategy for Improvement.

 Horace Mann Middle School Auditorium
I would like to provide a follow-up communication to the community about the Horace Mann Middle School Auditorium. Last Tuesday, during the heavy rains and flash flooding, the interior courtyard at HMMS became flooded with water due to clogged drainage. A large amount of water seeped into the school and settled in the pit of the auditorium, flooding the stage, and seeping into the entrance to the band room. Clean up services have been employed who have been spending the last week mitigating the damage, drying the spaces, and engaging in repair efforts.

 The drywall in the entrance to the band room has been removed and water under the instrument storage cubbies was dried. The service company will come in and repair the sheetrock, like they did previously in Keller last year. Everything will be repaired in accordance with safe practices in the prevention of mold growth. The carpet in the auditorium has also been dried. It is a “backed” carpet, with protection on the underside, so there are no mold concerns about growth underneath. The auditorium stage is drying well. The Facilities department is optimistic that the floor can be sanded and refinished, which is a quicker fix than pulling up the boards for repair. They will reassess at the end of the week to confirm and we will keep the Committee apprised.

 Franklin Cultural District Site Visit
The Franklin Public Schools participated in the Franklin Cultural District’s Site visit with the Massachusetts Cultural Council last Thursday, September 20. This site visit evaluates the district’s application towards a designation as a Cultural District. Along with other partner members, FPS attended the site visit meetings at the library and Franklin Historical Museum. 

 We also hosted a brief tour at the high school. Dr. Edwards, Mr. Peri, Mr. Klements, Ms.Plouffe, Ms. Johnson, and Mr. Nayler brought them through to see the highlights of the high school and the fine and performing arts areas. We toured the TV studio, music practice spaces, art classrooms, the 3D art installation in the courtyard, the art display cases, and the auditorium. Thank you so much to our educators for showing off the investment we make in the fine and performing arts for both our students as well as the greater Franklin community.

 The documents released for the meeting can be found online
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/september-25-2018-packet-documents




The elementary school principals ready to present at the School Committee meeting
The elementary school principals ready to present at the School Committee meeting


The agenda for the School Committee

Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , ,

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

Live Reporting: Elementary School Improvement Plans

2. Guests / Presentations
a. Elementary School Improvement Plans
i. ECDC
Kelty Kelly, Principal

 "Big Day for Pre K"
honors developmental appropriate practice
seeing increase of students with autism needs

ii. Davis Thayer
iii. Jefferson
iv. Keller
v. JF Kennedy
vi. Oak Street
vii. Parmenter

 The listing of principals by school can be found on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinps.net/district/about-us/pages/school-principals

elementary school principals ready to provide an update on the improvement plans
elementary school principals ready to provide an update on the improvement plans
partnering with Franklin Food Pantry for weekend backpack program to provide additional food for those in need

 (Note: C Douglas arrives)

 MA Personalized Learning Network (MAPLE)

 PD Your Way - at Parmenter, professional development your way

 ICE - intervention, correction and enrichment

 new Schools webpage now available, faculty figuring out how to do things with the new page
leveraging Twitter for communications with links back to the school page

 Keller Kids Calls - positive calls home for the student

 Q - on MAPLE 
teachers can use it to provide some differentiated learning on particular topics, about student engagement, where are they coming from, not just where we are coming from

 Q - examples of SEL skills for elementary students
resiliency would be one, multiple opportunities to identify the skills, hopefully they'll find self confidence and what tools they can use to self regulate

 first PD day was focused for teachers and staff how to take care of themselves first

 social studies curriculum overdue for an update but teachers are integrating current events and other items as they can
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , ,

Monday, September 17, 2018

School Committee - Aug 28, 2018



The documents for the meeting can be found online
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/august-28-2018-school-committee-packet-documents

The Franklin TV recording is available for video replay on demand
(link to be added when available)



Dr Ahern presenting on Strategic Improvement Plan
Dr Ahern presenting on Strategic Improvement Plan
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , ,

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Live reporting: Middle-High School Improvement Plans

2. Guests / Presentations
a. Middle School and High School’s School Improvement Plans
Dupre, Witcoff, Motti

 presentation links to be added later
(no docs released as of meeting time)
1st page to talk to for the presentation tonight
1st page to talk to for the presentation tonight
2nd page of presentation for Middle Schools
2nd page of presentation for Middle Schools
3rd page of Middle School pres
3rd page of Middle School pres
4th page focusing on communications
4th page focusing on communications
question on the "World of Difference" program
built upon work from last year, peer leader lead, they facilitate discussions

 question on responsive classroom, started at elementary levels and only recently has been expanded to middle school grades; principle aligned with social emotional learning

 a lot of personalized strategies, emphasizes collaborative work among students
there is a lot of teacher buyin for this program

 Illustrative Math (?) the program does allow for accelerated piece for students as they need

 Peri, Klement for high shcool

 also slides to be added when available (later)
not meant to be an eye test
not meant to be an eye test
A World of Difference program being added to high school this year
parents invited for age/grade specific evening programs

 it is exciting to see the level of engagement and activity around the Algebra I and II classrooms, yes, really

 "Portrait of a Graduate"to be brought into the high school this year, adds to what has already been done

 series of 10 talks - being spearheaded by Asst Principal C Williams; first last week, remainder scheduled through the year

 year two examining the grading practices
exciting work underway

 examining the art and science of teaching
expanding new teacher academy; support provided through out the year
mentor and mentee program

 cultural proficiency, town changing, school changing, how to meet the needs

 engaging and supporting two way communications
really good start to the professional development for the year; Say Yes Institute

 using the school council meeting to bring in other stakeholders
get communication out on time

 social media platforms used, Twitter esp

 when do the teachers do this?
excitement and buyin helps, the whole teacher matters to us here
we are working hard to listen to what is on our teachers minds

 all the things the teachers do it is way beyond the school day, you are part of it too
self care is not just a buzzword, it does matter, we see it
we have a concern about how to do it
The PDF version of this agenda can be found online
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/agendas/scagenda_9-11-18.pdf

The documents released for this agenda can be found online (when released)
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/2018-19-meeting-packets
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , ,

Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Live reporting: District Strategy for Improvement

3. Discussion / Action Items 
a. Strategy for Improvement Presentation – Dr. Ahern 
I recommend approval of the District Strategy for Improvement for 2018-2019 

 (previously referred to as the "District Improvement Plan" or DIP)

 https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/strategy-improvement-discussion-action

(discovered minor glitch with one of the new HD microphones in the line of sight with the slides projected on the screen - Franklin TV will address)
Dr Ahern presenting on Strategic Improvement Plan
Dr Ahern presenting on Strategic Improvement Plan
intro slide to Strategic Improvement Plan
intro slide to Strategic Improvement Plan


The strategic improvement plan (skip to page 2 for the details)



A key item for community engagement (and aligned with determining Franklin's future)
"Engage educators and community members in the development of Franklin Public Schools’ Portrait of a Graduate"
Especially look at the detailed page (page 4) for areas where there are community engagement opportunity. For example, expanding the weekend backpack program with the Franklin Food Pantry to ensure that families and children with food security issues have some additional food options.

District Strategy for Improvement - next steps
District Strategy for Improvement - next steps
what does 'rigorous curriculum' mean?
it is a big discussion and should come from the "Portrait of a FHS Graduate" process

clarification on counseling services study to also show the implementation of the findings, which is implied but not shown explicitly

I recommend approval of the District Strategy for Improvement for 2018-2019 with the changes as discussed; motion approved 7-0
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , ,

Monday, April 30, 2018

School Committee Meeting Recap - April 24, 2018

The School Committee met as regularly scheduled after the presentation and discussion with the Finance Committee final session of the budget hearing. 

 The superintendent's report can be found online
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinCom_Packets/o4-24-18%20SC%20Packet/Superintendent's%20Report%20to%20School%20Committee%20April%2024,%202018.pdf

 The agenda for the meeting held on April 24 was posted publicly on that day making it unavailable to be shared here before the meeting. (likely due to school vacation the week before)
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinCom_Packets/o4-24-18%20SC%20Packet/SCAGENDA%204-24-18.pdf

An excellent recap of what Superintendent Ahern has accomplished in the time she has been here can be found in this Superintendent Evaluation document (within it contains links) to other evidence





Superintendent Sara Ahern presenting the update on the DIP plan
Superintendent Sara Ahern presenting the update on the DIP plan

My notes recorded live during the meeting can be found here

Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , ,

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Live reporting: School Committee - Jan 23, 2018 - Elementary SIP

Present: Feeley, Linden, Douglas, Scofield, Bergen, Schultz, Zub
Absent:  none



1. Routine Business
a. Review of Agenda
no changes
 
b. Citizen’s Comments
no comments

c. FHS Student Representative Comments
  • wrestling 17-0
  • math and Mock Trial teams succeeding in addition to sports
  • rink now at full capacity for student parking
  • course selection for next year underway
  • jazz concert Wednesday, Jan 24
  • DramaFest hosted at FHS soon

 d. Superintendent’s Report
article on acts of Kindness at Oak St for State House in Milford Daily News
professional development activities
  • Jan 10 civil rights training for all staff
  • Jan 25th MASC mid winter meeting focus on computer science and computational thinkning
  • Jan 26 half day
  • Parent conferences scheduled for  FHS
  • another half day on Monday, Feb 5
  • World of Difference training coming for middle school teachers
  • social emotional learning training, along with school based initiatives

 2. Guests / Presentations
a. SIP Program Updates (Elementary/Middle Schools)

Elementary schools PreK to 5
(presentation likely to be available later)
ECDC slide - screen grab
ECDC slide - screen grab
pre-school does a whole child assessment
Jeannine Fitzgerald appearing at ECDC on Monday, Jan 29
Davis Thayer slide - screen grab
Davis Thayer slide - screen grab
created a Trevi Fountain as part of cultural awareness and coins raised from the fountain were donated to the Franklin Food Pantry

 during English Language Arts planning realized that math was being left behind so adjustments were being made

 working on how to improve summer time reading, previous efforts had been to increase from 55 to 58% so improvement but not much, more to do
Jefferson slide - screen grab
Jefferson slide - screen grab
Jefferson Labradors working on "Paws-itive" behavior recognition program

 School Council working on improving school arrival and dismissal processes
Keller slide - screen grab
Keller slide - screen grab
looking at writing as a skill for development across the curriculum; focused work and exciting for the Principal

 implementing life sciences standards using the STEMscopes

 increasing school culture activities around the Olympics
Kennedy slide - screen grab
Kennedy slide - screen grab
incorporating parents into the curriculum with their world or work experiences
Kennedy used an extra room as a 'science lab' still needs to be fully fitted out but the space helps for the intro sessions

 peer teacher observations underway within the school and District
Oak St slide - screen grab
Oak St slide - screen grab
planning for school goals and vision along with social emotional learning from the Willima James College pilot; certificate course for four at Oak to be shared further within the district as it completes

 communication plan also under development at Oak St via School Council

 received 178 responses to recent survey (far more than the 20+ from the prior survey)

 joint planning ED Camp with ECDC
Parmenter slide - screen grab
Parmenter slide - screen grab
developing and revising curriculum with an Understanding by Design approach

 revising school model: who are we? what is our vision? School Council leading this effort

 upcoming 3 half day professinal development days with Lesley Univ on SEL

 received grant from Y and will be sending backpacks home for the weekends beginning in March
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)