Franklin Public Schools: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee schedules "Deep Dive" Nov 19

Equity Statement
Vision (Hopes and dreams for the future)

• Franklin Public Schools is committed, through its educational mission, to building an anti-biased and socially-just school system. Members of our school community commit to the process of listening, learning, acting, and reflecting in order to
• affirm the diversity among community members; 
• promote equity and accountability by providing resources and opportunities and reducing barriers to success;
• foster a safe and inclusive school environment so that each student and faculty/staff member truly belongs and is empowered to participate in decision-making. 
• As a system and as individuals, we are responsible for proactively taking steps to prevent bias; similarly we are responsible for illuminating and addressing bias and discrimination when incidents occur. As a result, each student in Franklin Public Schools will have equitable opportunities to achieve Franklin’s Portrait of a Graduate.   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/portrait_of_a_graduate_.pdf

Definitions

• Diversity is a reflection of the uniqueness of an individual’s identity, thoughts, ideas, perspectives, and values, and the fluidity through which each may evolve. Some examples include, but are not limited to, a person’s race, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, religious beliefs, culture, national origin, disability and cognitive styles.
• Equity involves each individual being able to attain the attributes of Franklin’s Portrait of a Graduate.
• Inclusion is consistently ensuring that individuals belong in the school community by authentically seeking out, valuing, and respecting their input particularly regarding decisions that affect theirs and others’ lives.

Shared from -> 

https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/fps-diversity-equity-inclusion/home

Participate in the Deep Dive into DEI on Saturday, Nov 19 from 10:00 to 11:30 AM  https://www.franklinps.net/district/events/90971

Franklin Public Schools: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee schedules "Deep Dive" Nov 19

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Deep Dive - Nov 19, 2022

The Franklin Public School District invites our community to attend the D.E.I. Deep Dives and engage in collaborative dialogue on November 19, 2022 10 AM – 11:30 AM, at the Franklin Public Library in the 1st-floor Meeting Room (School Street Entrance). 

Following a brief presentation, attendees will be able to engage in a structured, authentic and informative conversation with the District Administration, facilitated by the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director Heidi Harris. This session will focus on various areas of improvement related to the Culture and Climate portion of our Equity Audit.

This session will focus on various areas of improvement related to the Culture and Climate portion of our Equity Audit and will help inform the District’s Equity Action Plan as it is developed throughout the 2022-2023 school year. We encourage attendees to review the presentation slides from the October 25th, 2022 School Committee D.E.I. Presentation in advance, however, it is not required!

This is a great opportunity for families, faculty, students, and members of the greater Franklin Community to learn more about how our D.E.I. efforts support the development of the attributes associated with our Portrait of a Graduate, whilst fostering a safe and inclusive school community.

https://www.franklinps.net/district/events/90971

https://facebook.com/events/s/dei-deep-dives-climate-and-cul/5514779958591088/

D.E.I. Deep Dives

Franklin Public Schools: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Presentation - Oct 25, 2022

The Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Presentation was reviewed and discussed at the Franklin School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Oct 25, 2022.

You can view the embedded file here:

Or download a copy from the School Committee page ->

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/fps_dei_presentation_10_25_2022.pdf

The School Committee meeting video can be viewed here

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/10/franklin-school-committee-video.html

The School Committee meeting audio can be listened to here

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/10/school-committee-hears-of-dei-plan-and.html

Franklin Public Schools: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Presentation - Oct 25, 2022

School Committee hears of the DEI plan and Equity Audit findings (audio)

FM #866 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 866 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Oct 25, 2022. The meeting was conducted in the Council Chambers with all seven members present. 

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

Key item on the agenda

Diversity Equity & Inclusion Improvement Plan reviewed including the Equity Audit findings which inform the plan

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

The Committee entered Executive Session on a negotiation discussion not to return to public meeting.

The recording runs about three hours, thirty four minutes, so let’s listen to the Franklin School Committee on Oct 25, 2022.

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-866-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-10-25-22

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

The agenda for this meeting can be found

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/10-25-agenda

 

The Packet folder contains the documents released for this meeting.

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/october-25-2022-school-committee-meeting-packet

 

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

 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mrhwQ21akMfp7Mnm4vjMDf5ukTnkOvPA/view?usp=sharing

 

YouTube video link for this meeting -> https://youtu.be/T8qQATbsSSU

Photos from the meeting (mostly screen shots of the presentations not yet posted to the packet folder)  https://photos.app.goo.gl/ErB6FBWpuQ6DBNhH8 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

 

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

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

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

I hope you enjoy!

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

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

School Committee hears of the DEI plan and Equity Audit findings (audio) 

Franklin School Committee - video recording available for Oct 25, 2022 meeting

The Franklin.TV video recording of the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Oct 25, 2022 is available for for viewing on demand at YouTube.

The agenda for this meeting can be found

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/10-25-agenda

The Packet folder contains the documents released for this meeting.

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/october-25-2022-school-committee-meeting-packet

My notes including screen shots of the presentation screen and other photos of the meeting can be found here ->    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mrhwQ21akMfp7Mnm4vjMDf5ukTnkOvPA/view?usp=sharing

Video link -> https://youtu.be/T8qQATbsSSU

Franklin School Committee - video recording available for Oct 25, 2022 meeting

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - May 24, 2022 - 7 PM

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin School Committee

May 24, 2022 = 7:00 PM

Call to Order Ms. Spencer
Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business
A. Review of Agenda
B. Payment of Bills Ms. Spencer
C. Payroll Ms. Stokes
D. FHS Student Representative Comments
E. Superintendent’s Report
 
II. Guests/Presentations
A. Retiree Recognition
B. District Improvement Plan Update 2021-2022   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/dip_outcomes_to_sc_2021-2022.pdf
C. Superintendent’s Evaluation – Presentation of Evidence  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/superintendents_evaluation_evidence_2021-2022.pdf

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. Superintendent’s Contract
The Chair recommends approval of a 3 year contract with Lucas Giguere as Superintendent of Schools - July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2025.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/dip_outcomes_to_sc_2021-2022.pdf
B. Policy - 2nd Reading/Adoption
I recommend adoption of policy ADF - Wellness Policy as discussed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_policy_2.pdf
C. Boys Basketball Trip
I recommend approval of the request of CJ Neely to take the Boys Basketball team to Orlando, Florida from December 26-30, 2022 to participate in the 2022 KSA Events Basketball Tournament as detailed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_c_-_basketball_trip_-_orlando.pdf
D. Performing Arts Trip
I recommend approval of the request of Dianne Plouffe to take students to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida from April 15-19, 2023 to perform as detailed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_d_-_performing_arts_trip.pdf
E. Spain Trip
I recommend approval of the request of Emily Chaisson & Laura Keenan to take students to Malaga & Granada, Spain from April 14-22, 2023 as detailed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_e_-_spain_trip.pdf
F. Proposed MASC Resolution Regarding Sanctuary Laws for Trans Students
I recommend the School Committee adopt the proposed MASC Resolution regarding sanctuary laws for trans students for formal consideration by the 2022 Massachusetts Association of School Committees Delegate Assembly in November as discussed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_f_-_resolution.pdf

IV. Discussion Only Items
A. none

V. Information Matters
A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from the May 10, 2022 School Committee meeting as detailed.
B. Transfers
I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
C. FHS Gifts
I recommend acceptance of the following gifts totaling $3,171.04 for FHS:
a. $2,524.66 Shutterfly, LLC Supplemental Supplies
b. $64.38 Ohiopyle Prints, Inc Supplemental Supplies
c. $402.00 MA Agriculture in the Classroom, Inc. Supplemental Supplies
d. $30.00 Colleen Bond In-house Enrichment
e. $150.00 Paula Marano Scholarship
D. Parmenter Gift
I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $905.00 from the Parmenter PCC for Field Trips as detailed.
E. JFK Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $1875.00 from the JFK PCC for field trips as detailed.
F. Oak St. Recurring Field Trip
I recommend approval of the request of Brad Hendrixson for 66 2nd Grade students to travel to Roger Williams Zoo in Providence, RI on May 31, 2022 as detailed.

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business
To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Executive Session
a. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the FEA/RN unit as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.
b. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(2) to discuss strategy in preparation for negotiations with non-union personnel.

X. Adjournment 

Agenda doc with remote connection info ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_5-24-22.pdf

divers

Meeting packet folder with documents released for this meeting ->   https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/may-24-2022-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - May 24, 2022 - 7 PM

Celebrate with PRIDE - June 26, 2022

Join the Franklin LGBTQ+ Alliance for an afternoon of celebrating.

LGBTQ+ and allies will be at the Franklin Town Commons 

performing, creating, dancing, singing, eating, and drinking. 

Come to the community party!

#FranklinCANCelebrateWithPRIDE - June 26, 2022

Donate here: https://givebutter.com/celebratewithpride

Performances: Krisanthi Pappas and an open mic (with day of sign up)

Activities: Community Art, Selfie Station, Crafts, Art Show, Ask a Sociologist

Food Trucks: Caribbean Press, Juniper Farms Ice Cream, Yai’s Kitchen

Venders: Escape into Fiction LGBTQIA+ Book Sale, Chrissy’s Beads, BFCCPS Rainbow Ribbons, Love People Gifts

Thank you to our community partners: Franklin High School’s SAGA, OUT MetroWest, MetroWest Visitors Bureau, Franklin Interfaith Council, Franklin Public Library, and Franklin Senior Center

Please check back and follow for updates and parking information.

If you are interested in volunteering or submitting art, please email FranklinLGBTQAlliance@gmail.com. 

When: Sunday, June 26, 12 - 4 PM

Follow the event on Facebook -> https://www.facebook.com/events/1186629228740240

Meet-Greet with finalist for DEI Director - May 3, 2022

Franklin Public Schools has been actively conducting a search for our Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. A committee consisting of teachers, parents, district administrators and School Committee was established to conduct initial interviews. After much thoughtful discussion, the committee came to consensus that there was one candidate who rose to the top as an exceptional leader and who they recommended to move forward in the process. The group announced earlier this month that Heidi Harris is the finalist for the position. 

We encourage parents and guardians to come meet Ms. Harris on Tuesday, May 3rd from 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM in the 2nd floor Council Chambers of the Municipal Building (355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA). 

Ms. Harris will be available to discuss her background and answer questions. 

Meet-Greet with finalist for DEI Director - May 3, 2022

"we can celebrate both our differences and our similarities"

The analogy of "windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors" struck me when I heard it at the School Committee meeting Feb 8 and then again at the Town Council meeting Feb 16. I was delighted to find my eyes caught a reference to this in my Twitter stream. 

Via Debbie Reese (https://twitter.com/debreese), we find that Reading is Fundamental (https://www.rif.org/) shared a re-print of the original article by Rudine Sims Bishop published in 1990.  

"Books are sometimes windows, offering views of worlds that may be real or imagined, familiar or strange. These windows are also sliding glass doors, and readers have only to walk through in imagination to become part of whatever world has been created or recreated by the author. When lighting conditions are just right, however, a window can also be a mirror. Literature transforms human experience and reflects it back to us, and in that reflection we can see our own lives and experiences as part of the larger human experience. Reading, then, becomes a means of self-affirmation, and readers often seek their mirrors in books."

You can read the full article here -> https://scenicregional.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Mirrors-Windows-and-Sliding-Glass-Doors.pdf

The Twitter thread ->  https://twitter.com/debreese/status/1495060049634467840

School Committee DEI presentation ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/dei_presentation_february_8_2022_5.pdf

Audio recording of the DEI segment -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-727-school-committee-meeting-02-08-22-p2-of-3 

slide from the update on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts around the district

Town Council Meeting - 02/16/22 - Audio in 3 parts

FM #735-736-737 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 735-736-737 in the series. 

This session shares part of the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, February 16, 2022. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Town Council and Town Administration personnel, the Police new hires, along with their guest and family members were in the Council Chambers, some members of the public participated in person, some via the Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the three hour and 10 minute meeting into three (3) logical segments:

• First - covers the opening, the swearing in of four Police Dept new hires, the West St/Dean College neighborhood parking discussion (~55 minutes)  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-735-town-council-meeting-02-16-22-p1-of-3
• Second - covers the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) presentation and discussion by Supt Sara Ahern and Asst Supt Lucas Giguere (~ 90 minutes) https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-736-town-council-meeting-02-16-22-p2-of-3
• Third - covers the Subcommittee reports, Legislation for Action, Council Comments, and meeting close (~ 41 minutes ) https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-737-town-council-meeting-02-16-22-p3-of-3

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda. Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting of Feb 16, 2022

Part 1 -

Part 2 -

Part 3 -

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Town Council Agenda document  -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-feb-16.html

Presentation Diversity, Equity & Inclusion - Sara Ahern, Superintendent of Schools -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/dei_presentation_february_8_2022_5.pdf

My notes for the meeting ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/recap-town-council-views-4-police-new.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 www.Franklinmatters.org   or www.franklin.news 

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

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

I hope you enjoy!

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

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

Town Council Meeting - 02/16/22 - Audio in 3 parts

Recap: Town Council views 4 police new hires, discusses Dean neighborhood parking issue; hears about diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in the schools

Quick recap:

• Four new hires for the Police Dept. were introduced to the community when they were sworn in publicly at the Town Council meeting Wednesday night. They were pinned by family members
• Chief TJ Lynch provided a recap of the Dean College & West St neighborhood parking issues and Lt Riley provided an update on the recent efforts to quantify the problems. Ultimately, this was referred to the Economic Development Subcommittee for further evaluation on a possible increase of parking fees
• Supt Sara Ahern and Asst Supt Lucas Giguere provided a summary of the diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts underway across the Franklin Public Schools. A slightly longer version of the presentation was held at the School Committee meeting on Feb 8
• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen was reviewed and provided feedback as "exemplary" during the prior two year period, primarily during the pandemic
• The fiscal policies were modified slightly, one with the inclusion of the debt stabilization policy developed during 2021, and two with some adjustments on where the funds would be applied (operational budget vs. stabilization fund in the case of the hotel receipts)

Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one album

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Mpct8CqasejeCXmb9

The meeting agenda ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-02-16_town_council_mtg_agenda.pdf

The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion presentation -> 

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/dei_presentation_february_8_2022_5.pdf

My notes taken via Twitter ca be found in this ThreadReader PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BUPP_QA4NIPHPYYXADRbh3x0pAKn8RiB/view?usp=sharing

 

Town Council views 4 police new hires being sworn in

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Feb 16, 2022 - 7 PM

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

Agenda & Meeting Packet

February 16, 2022 - 7 PM

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

 

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - None Scheduled.
4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled.

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. New Hire: Police Department - Derek Mackey

b. New Hire: Police Department - Tyler Brabham

c. New Hire: Police Department - Joseph Burchill

d. New Hire: Police Department - Michael Demers

e. New Hire: Police Department - Conor Desmond

6. HEARINGS - 7:10pm - None Scheduled.
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled.

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. Discussion: West Street Neighborhood Parking - Thomas J. Lynch, Chief of Police
b. Presentation: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion - Sara Ahern, Superintendent of Schools

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/dei_presentation_february_8_2022_5.pdf

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Budget Subcommittee
c. Economic Development Subcommittee
d. Town Administrator Evaluation Ad Hoc Subcommittee Report

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 22-13: Adoption of Fiscal Policies (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-13 - Majority Vote)

b. Resolution 22-14: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-14 - Majority Vote)

 

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEM
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
15. ADJOURN

Note:
Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Agenda doc and remote connection info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-02-16_town_council_mtg_agenda.pdf

slide from the presentation on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion