FM #499 - School Committee Meeting - 03/23/21 - P2 of 3 (audio) - Jefferson presentation

FM #499 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 499 in the series. 

This session shares part of the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Mar 23, 2021. 

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

I’ve split the just almost three hour meeting into three logical segments:

• First - covers the school budget public hearing (approx. 1 hour and 27 minutes)
• *** Second - picks up the regular meeting and Jefferson presentation (approx. 43 mins)
• Third - from the discussion action items through to the end of the public meeting (approx. 39 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.

Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting of Mar 23, 2021

Audio file => https://player.captivate.fm/episode/d9ac02b4-26f4-4d9d-8555-1d4d47df8d45

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Agenda doc   https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/agenda-3-23-21 

Budget presentation  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/fy22_public_budget_hearing_presentation_1.pdf 

Budget information   https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/pages/fy2022-budget 

Jefferson presentation doc  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/jefferson_presentation_to_the_school_committee_3-23-21.pdf 

Meeting packet folder https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/march-23-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet 

My notes from the meeting  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/recap-school-committee-meeting-mar-23.html 

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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!

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FM #499 - School Committee Meeting - 03/23/21 - P2 of 3 (audio) - Jefferson presentation

Recap - School Committee meeting - Mar 23, 2021 - school budget presented, Jefferson Elementary provides highlights

Quick Recap:

• School budget shared in public hearing, insightful questions from 5 members, one with no questions makes negative comment, one School Committee member absent. Budget returns to SchComm for vote in April
• Jefferson Elementary provides highlights of their pandemic school year
• One policy approved, one moved to second reading
• Re-opening plans underway for in person education for those who are hybrid and choose to change from remote only
• FHS graduation date confirmed for Jun 4 outside, with a rain date of Jun 5. Car parade planning also underway. Additional details to be shared as they are firmed up

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album:  https://photos.app.goo.gl/JLtfFw7hCTetrcVm8

----

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  #schcom0323
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23schcom0323&src=typeahead_click 

• Getting ready for the School Committee meeting tonight. Budget hearing up as key item. Agenda doc has connection info. Zoom, cable (Comcast or Verizon) and live stream are all good options #schcom0323  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_3-23-2021.pdf 
• Budget doc for #schcom0323 can be found on the District page https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget They also released a video to help explain the budget. I thought it meandered along, let me know what you think of it. https://youtu.be/IXI95zuFbnw 
• Meeting opens (interesting live captioning now available via Google Chrome browser for audio and video) #schcom0323

Budget hearing

• Budget hearing opens, via roll call passes 5-0-1 (Keenan not present yet) (updated post-meeting D’Angelo not present although named called, recording has no response, nor acknowledgement of visual vote)
• #schcom0323 presentation doc being shared https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/fy22_public_budget_hearing_presentation_1.pdf 
• Minimum aid district means not $30/student - noted but also because we have $11+m more than we should have received per the revised calculation. 2nd only to Boston across the Commonwealth. #schcom0323
• Multiple slides matter (lines up and down) confused? What the town will fund is open but slide assume they will provide what is needed? Question remains how much of that will they? #schcom0323
• More slides on teacher and enrollment status over the years by elementary, middle and high school #schcom0323
• Davis Thayer to Keller transition and positions associated reviewed with several slides (see deck) #schcom0323 anticipate supporting Title I at Keller next year. Looking to bring some staff back (i.e. restoration) on a page of the adds to prior year. Not tallied but my math …
• ... gets to just about $1m of the 3m increase. What is the other? #schcom0323 use of revolving funds always a problem.
• Citizens will have time to ask questions on budget, Chair addressing comments by TC budget Subcommittee chair that were made in the the TC budget meeting last week where he was 'disappointed' when #schCom0323 wasn't there to talk to
• Chair reading line items of the budget (per function codes for DESE accounting). Individual members can 'hold' an item for further discussion. Vice Chair keeping track of holds. #schcom0323
• FYI  - 5 viewing live stream, approx. 68 on Zoom, and Keenan did arrive, see his name in listing now #schcom0323
• If you do want to look at the budget details, check this doc https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/pages/fy2022-budget  #schcom0323
• Questions on replacement of Dr. Edwards and where those fall on the budget lines, Q on the use of legal advice, and on consultants (for the master plan and possible redistricting) Q on degree advancement (regarding steps and lanes per contract) #schcom0323
• Q on sped decrease, covered by grants. Q on removal of travel stipend; used by one position, by adding another position travel not required. #schcom0323 contract for the 10GB line accounts for the increase.
• Q on SPED out placements - all required per each student's level of needs, we are unable to provide within district. #schcom0323 interesting comment by one member saying it is not fair for the Town to give every dollar to the schools. (And yet she asked no Qs on budget)
• Student enrollment decline as well as the DT cost savings are signs of adjustments over the years. DT closing results in a total of about $900K for staffing and expenses (which includes about $120k on town side) #schcom0323
• Motion to close budget hearing passes 6-0-1 via roll call  (updated post meeting - Keenan is there, D’Angelo not even has named called out)
• Now to regular schedule of meeting. #schcom0323 

FHS Student representatives

• FHS representatives promoting SEL during remote, via "what's up?" Sections during day. GirlUp club discussion on Thursday at 6 PM
• Touts DECA awards of 25 students to National. One acts coming Thursday. #schcom0323 FHS home football against Attleboro. 

Superintendent's Report

• Superintendent's report shorter this week mindful of the budget and agenda, speaks to the acts of violence in Atlanta and Denver

Jefferson Elementary

• Moving along to Jefferson Elementary for their update #schcom0323 Principal Sarah Klim leads the group
• The Jefferson presentation doc can be found here https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/jefferson_presentation_to_the_school_committee_3-23-21.pdf #schcom0323 many thanks to many folks, stakeholders across the district. Kids excited to return Apr 5
• Time for coloring let's kids light up #schcom0323 monkey fidgets have a little marble in the cloth pocket so it allows for fidgeting but quietly
• More slides and good conversation / information supporting these #schcom0323
• Staff slideshow at opening in September had photo of teachers/staff with and without masks #schcom0323

Discussion Action items

• Moving to discussion action items #schcom0323 https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_positions.pdf 
• Looking to create positions to get into posting etc. Moved, seconded, would have preferred another asst superintendent but this is creative , passes 6-0-1 via roll call (updated post meeting - D’Angelo name not read out)
• #schcom0323 https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_policy_2nd_reading.pdf motion, second, for approval passes 6-0-1 (updated post meeting, D’Angelo absent)  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_c_-_policy_1st_reading.pdf  for first reading, to second reading, motion, second, passes 6-0-1 via roll call (updated post meeting, D’Angelo absent)

Discussion only = Re-opening

• #schcom0323 https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/reopening_schools_status_update_march_19_2020-2021.pdf Caution on maintain protocol, distancing, masks, etc. Participation in pool testing increasing, experience with positive tests. Will pool testing be continued after pilot? Maybe funded with relief funds after pilot
• Custodian staff working Weds and weekends to move desks and reset classrooms to be ready, not anticipating challenges on accommodations either way for elementary, middle closes soon, FHS working numbers with info due in couple of days #schcom0323
• Attendance memo coming to parents to reinforce in person and no slide to remote, need to be in person. Principals doing to work with the parents on Communications, etc. Also thinking about summer programs for ELA and math #schcom0323 possible summer school at FHS
• A new beginning with students in 5 days at 3' playgrounds to be opened in near future, adjusting to travel advisory changes per Gov Baker's changes. 'Urge' to quarantine or test upon return. #schcom0323 vaccine changing circumstances for some teachers, etc.
• Swampscott situation due to a post football game party, would handle due to circumstances call DESE, no set guidelines. #schcom0323 individual schools working the volunteer situations at each school 
• Testing being set for Sept to help assess the starting point
• FHS graduation will be first Friday in June, outdoor, rain date June 5, working on car parade which folks enjoyed last year. #schcom0323 budget meeting Apr 6, info for flyer using #s from video, Policy, meeting Apr 29, joint PCC amazing how much work these PCCs are doing
• Looking at vaping and justice models to best address violations #schcom0323 to work with SAFE Coalition as well Sch wellness looking at fitness for summer
• District improvement plan updates, budget vote, and how the return is looking.

Consent agenda to Closing (Executive Session)

• Consent agenda, motion to approve, second passes via roll call 6-0 (I apparently missed Jen D'Angelo).
• Motion to executive session, second passes 6-0 (no D'Angelo) #schcom0323 
• That's all for tonight catch you next time!

 

a slide captured from the school budget presentation depicts local contribution to budget over time

couRAEgeous Pumpkin Festival - Oct 24, 2020

Visit Fairmount Farm on Monday, buy and paint a pumpkin to join in the festival

Fairmount Farm  http://www.fairmountfruit.com/

couRAEgeous Pumpkin Festival - Oct 24, 2020

Hat tip to Mr Hanna for sharing this  @FranklinPSNews @FranklinHS https://t.co/pKGrGOdA0e

Jefferson Labradors #TBT slide show

It's Throwback Thursday! Check out the TBT Jefferson Staff slideshow! https://t.co/jJlNSpQwsJ
Can you identify your favorite teachers as little kids??

YouTube Link = https://youtu.be/2rtw7G_aYO0




Shared via Twitter
(https://twitter.com/JeffersonLabs/status/1255920456957337601?s=03)

Jefferson Spirit Day - Slideshow (YouTube)

Jefferson Elementary School had their "spirit day" this week, and this video/slideshow shares the results  https://youtu.be/13Qdk_x1tHI

School Committee Feb 11, 2020 meeting recap

After the FHS student updates, Superintendent Ahern provided her info
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/superintendents_report_to_school_committee_february_11_2020.pdf

Several 5th Graders from Jefferson Elementary coordinate to talk about their mural project. The presentation doc is shared here.

Technology Director Tim Raposa coordinates and manages the technology delivery for all of the Town of Franklin including the schools. Of all the updates I have seen on technology, this is the most comprehensive (and also with up to date info). You can review the presentation deck below. As this is one of the key enablers for the Town of Franklin, I will share the audio for this segment separately. It is definitively "shareworthy"

Asst Superintendent Lucas Giguere started the SEL update with a reflective breathe exercise which was timely and well worth it. There should be more of these moments in meetings. 

Asst Superintendent Lucas Giguere started the SEL update with a reflective breathe exercise

The Jefferson 5th Grade Mural Project:

5th Grade Mural Project - Jefferson Elementary - 2/11/2020 from Franklin Matters

The Technology update:

Technology Presentation - 2/11/2020 from Franklin Matters

The Social Emotional Learning update:

Social Emotional Learning - update 2/11/2020 from Franklin Matters

The Actions Taken for this meeting was published Weds AM
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/news/school-committee-actions-taken-2112020
 
For more details you can review my notes captured live during the meeting Tuesday.

• Live reporting: Consent Agenda - Closing

 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/live-reporting-consent-agenda-closing.html

• Live reporting: Discussion Action Items - Information Matters

 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/live-reporting-discussion-action-items.html

• Live reporting: District Improvement Plan - Update

 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/live-reporting-district-improvement.html

• Live reporting: School Committee - Feb 11, 2020

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/live-reporting-school-committee-feb-11.html

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Feb 11, 2020
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-feb.html

“We make it a celebration of what they’ve accomplished”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Kids in Franklin have shown that you don’t have to be big to accomplish great things. 

For the past 12 years, youths ages 3 to 14 have put their feet to work kicking cancer, pedaling their bikes each June in the Franklin PMC Kids Ride and putting their town in the third spot statewide for fundraising power. 

“We’ve been up there for the last several years,” says Sharon Baryluk, a Franklin mom who has been on the Franklin PMC Ride planning committee since the beginning. 

Her kids have aged out of the event, but she and her fellow organizers feel compelled to continue their mission: To encourage children to ride their bikes and give back to the community, “instilling the value of working for the benefit of others and promote athletic fitness and physical activity,” all while helping the Dana Farber Institute through its Jimmy Fund with the funding it needs for life-saving cancer research and treatment."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190610/franklin-pmc-kids-ride-one-of-states-tops-fundraisers

Riders and volunteers can register and donate online at www.kids.pmc.org/franklin

Franklin PMC Kids Ride

Get Ready to Ride in the Franklin PMC Kids Ride - Jun 16

The 13th annual Franklin PMC Kids Ride will be held on Sunday, June 16, from 8 AM to 12 PM. The Franklin ride is one of more than 35 PMC Kids Rides throughout the New England area. Last year, the Franklin ride attracted more than 230 young cyclists between the ages of 3 and 14, who rode between 3 and 10 miles. The ride raised more than $58,000, exceeding their goal for cancer care and research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Altogether, the PMC Kids Rides program has raised more than $9 million since their first ride in 1998. This year's goal is $60,000.

This ride is a unique event that motivates kids to learn about the importance of giving back, introduces them volunteerism and fundraising, and offers a way for children to become part of the PMC mission in a safe and athletic way. 100% of every rider-raised dollar goes directly to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. These donations benefit research, treatment, and care for children and families impacted by cancer.

The Franklin PMC Kids Ride will will start and end at the Jefferson School, located at 628 Washington Street in Franklin. Kids can select from a 3, 6, or 10-mile course. They will also enjoy an after-ride celebration with music, games, food, and more. Younger participants, not yet on two wheels, can partake in the Tikes and Trikes course in a contained area at the school. This area has several fun stations and activities for the little ones, including a car wash, gas station, snack stand, craft table, face painting, and more. There is a $10 registration fee and a $30 fundraising minimum for all riders.

Riders and volunteers can register, and donations can be made online at www.kids.pmc.org/franklin. All local communities are encouraged to participate. For more information about the ride or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Lisa Marchioni at lisabxyz@verizon.net

Many kids. One mission. Cure cancer.

balloon arch for starting line 2014

Remington-Jefferson collecting coats

"Cradles to Crayons expects to receive over 30,000 requests for winter coats this year and YOU can make a difference!

We will be collecting new and gently-used winter coats (sizes newborn to adult medium), new winter hats, mittens, and gloves from October 15 through November 15.

Donations can be dropped off in the Patriots Celebrate Volunteerism collection bins at the Remington/Jefferson schools."



For more about Cradles to Crayons  https://www.cradlestocrayons.org/boston/

Franklin Public Schools: Letter to Franklin Families and Faculty

Dear Franklin Families and Faculty:

We are deeply saddened to inform you that over the past week, graffiti depicting swastikas has been discovered on a playground at one of our schools (Remington/Jefferson) and in the entryway of another school (Keller/Sullivan). Following the discovery of these hateful symbols, we started our own independent investigations to determine who is responsible for these terrible acts. We also contacted the Franklin Police Department and we are fully cooperating with the police and their investigation.

Jefferson playground

We find this graffiti to be extremely disturbing, disrespectful and inconsistent with the diverse and inclusive community that makes up the Franklin Public Schools. If our investigation concludes that a school member is responsible for these acts, we will impose disciplinary consequences consistent with our student code of conduct and take other remedial measures to restore a sense of security and support for all. If the police determine which individual(s) perpetrated these behaviors there could be significant legal consequences as well.

We will continue to be vigilant in order to protect our school community with the safety and security measures that are in place continually. We will also work to remedy the negative impact of these events by working with local community partners and using our school resources to respond at both a school level and a community level.

Please know that the Franklin Public Schools is no place for hate, bias or for the disregard of the civil rights of all individuals. We work tirelessly to teach tolerance at school and will reinforce our core values in the days, weeks and years ahead. As this is a wider community issue, we are asking for your help and support to change attitudes and eliminate hateful speech and senseless depictions of symbols that hurt individuals and groups. Words and actions matter and we need to reinforce the values of tolerance and respect across all of Franklin.

Keller Sullivan school sign

If you have any information to share regarding the graffiti, please contact the Franklin Police Department at 508- 528-1212 and/or the Superintendent's Office at 508 -553-4819. If your child needs support to address these events, please contact your child's guidance counselor or an administrator at your child's school.

As we are deeply concerned about these hateful and disrespectful actions, the Franklin Public Schools has engaged with the Anti-Defamation League to establish a process for training students, faculty and administration in confronting bias in school and in the community. Teams from our three middle schools will engage in training this summer. Additionally this program will enable the training of our students to become peer leaders and trainers skilled in running anti-bias programs for other students and parents. There are plans for FHS to commit to this program as well. We anticipate this program will be impactful on all stakeholders and will propel positive change in our schools and community. You can expect to hear more about this initiative in the fall.

Thank you for supporting our school community and for your assistance in facing this issue.

Maureen Sabolinski, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

PMC Franklin Kids Ride - Sunday, June 11

Like to ride your bike? Want to make a difference?

Come join us at the PMC Franklin Kids Ride on Sunday, June 11 from 8am-Noon.

All money raised will go directly to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute for life saving Cancer research and treatment.

Ride with your friends and form a team and choose your ride: 3, 6 or 10 miles.

We even have a Tikes and Trikes Ride for those on more than 2 wheels.

Register today at kids.pmc.org/franklin

Contact Lisa Marchioni at lisabxyz@verizon.net if you have any questions

PMC Franklin Kids Ride - Sunday, June 11

PMC Franklin Kids Ride - Sunday, June 12th

Register now for the 10th annual PMC Franklin Kids ride on Sunday, June 12th. This is a fun, supervised bike ride for kids age 3-14. 

There are 3 routes to choose from plus a bikes and trikes area for the little ones. 100% of all funds raised go to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund for life saving cancer research and treatment. 

Become a part of this healthy community activity that teaches kids they can make a difference. 

Register to ride or volunteer at http://www.kids.pmc.org/franklin.aspx

the pre-ride group photo from June 2015

It Takes a Village: Jefferson Elementary

Wendy Kemper and Renee Tolonen, members of the Parent Communication Council at Jefferson Elementary School, let the public know about the powerful enrichment activities planned for the school and also make a plea for others to join them in their efforts to keep these invaluable opportunities going. 

See them on Franklin Cable Access TV this week:

• Tuesday at 9:00 a.m
• Wednesday at 7:30 a.m.
• Saturday, 8:30 p.m.

Franklin TV

Verizon Channel 26; Comcast Channel 8

It does Take a Village....


For the full schedule of Franklin TV 
http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf

In the News: clothing drive recognized, summer school for kindergarten, scholarships before college

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"Students from Jefferson Elementary School were recognized by local legislators for their work in organizing and conducting a pajama and sock clothing drive for foster children. 

State Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin, and state Sen. Richard Ross, R-Wrentham, were at the school Friday to present the children - members of the student council - with citations honoring their work. 

Assistant Principal Sarah Klim said the council had come up with the idea, wrote a proposal for it, decorated a collection box and designed fliers advertising the drive."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160213/franklin-school-clothing-drive-perfect-fit

Jefferson Elementary School

"Franklin Public Schools will offer four one-week summer sessions of Ready Set Kindergarten at Jefferson Elementary School, 628 Washington St. 

Ready Set Kindergarten is a course for incoming Franklin Public Schools kindergarten students that enables children to become familiar with a kindergarten classroom setting and daily routines. All activities will be theme-based using books, dramatic play, music, manipulatives, outside games and arts and crafts. This course is taught by a staff of certified teachers and educational assistants. 

There are four one-week sessions, from July 11 to Aug. 4, with different themes each week."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160213/franklin-schools-to-offer-summer-kindergarten-program

"I know that it’s going to be a few years before my oldest child heads to college, but I can already tell that the time will fly by. 

We are in those middle school years where he's not quite close to college, but he's also no longer a little boy. 

College is starting to become more of a weekly conversation topic as we try and contextualize why it's important to do homework and have math skills, and even how sports and being on time for practice is relevant to those college years. Keeping college as a topic of conversation provides a vision into the future for our kids – one that allows us to be able to dream together and talk about how what they are learning today will make a difference later on."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160214/scholarships-available-for-younger-children-too

Franklin Student’s Collect Clothes for Foster Children

From February 1 through February 12, the Student Government at Jefferson Elementary School in Franklin is conducting a pajama and sock drive to benefit the Friends of Foster Care and Comfort Cases for kids. All collected pajamas and socks will be included within a backpack and delivered to the children as they begin their journey with a new foster home.

Representative Jeffrey Roy and Senator Richard Ross will be visiting the Jefferson Elementary School on February 12 at 9 a.m. to present the resourceful Student Government members with citations from both the House of Representatives and Senate congratulating them for their success.

"It is the small but sincere acts, like ensuring a foster child has new warm clothes, that can make all the difference in the world in the life of a young person," said Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin). "I am heartened to see that these kids took it upon themselves to take on this project, and recognize the difference they can make in the world. I am honored to represent such a creative and thoughtful group of young people."

"Our Student Council members worked together to organize this collection to help other children," said Principal Linda Ashley. "As educators we are very proud when our students extend our school's core values of responsibility and investment to help others in our community."

"A warm pair of socks and pajamas are comforts that many take for granted, yet these items are necessities in the cold winter months," said Senator Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "The compassionate, proactive students at Jefferson Elementary School are supporting other young people and setting a terrific example of generosity and caring in our community."

"I am so pleased that students at Jefferson Elementary School have organized such a fantastic initiative. Entering a new foster home can be hard, but a new set of clothes can go a long way to truly change someone's life for the better. These students are an inspiration for our community and I am so proud of the work they put into this," said Senator Ross. (R-Wrentham)

For anyone who may be interested in donating NEW and UNUSED pajamas and socks can feel free to bring these clothing items to the lobby of Jefferson School (628 Washington St, Franklin, MA 02038).

Jefferson Elementary School

In the News: Rep Roy office hours, FSPA auditions scheduled, Council to hear about Pond St, Jefferson School updates

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

State Rep. Jeffrey N. Roy, D-Franklin, announced that constituent office hours will be held for the months of January and February on the following days: 

Jan. 29: 10-11 a.m., Elizabeth’s Bagels, 456 W. Central St., Franklin. 

Feb. 18: 8:30-9:30 a.m., Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill St., Franklin. 

Feb. 27: 9-10 a.m., Medway Muffin House, 116 Main St., Medway. 

Christopher Yancich, his legislative aide, will accompany him.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160118/state-rep-roy-to-hold-constituent-office-hours-in-franklin-medway

Franklin School for the Performing Arts will host Massachusetts-area regional auditions for Broadway Artists Alliance of New York City on Jan. 24 at 38 Main St. 

A complimentary master class will take place from 10 to 11:15 a.m., followed by a dance audition from noon to 1 p.m. and individual appointments for songs and monologues from 1 to 3 p.m.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160118/franklin-school-for-performing-arts-to-host-auditions-for-broadway-artists-alliance-of-new-york-city

The Town Council at its meeting this week will continue to discuss possible uses for a town-owned parcel on Pond Street - a topic that has some neighbors worried. 

The council has scheduled time during its Wednesday night meeting to consider the subject. 

For some time, the town has been looking for uses for the 33-acre plot, which abuts Interstate 495.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160118/franklin-council-to-discuss-pond-street-land

All-school meetings, an outdoor learning space and a new approach to learning math are among the accomplishments at Jefferson Elementary School this year, according to an update from Principal Linda Ashley and Assistant Principal Sarah Klim. 

Ashley told the School Committee at a recent meeting one of the biggest developments is implementation of all-school meetings, in which all students attend a morning session about a particular topic.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160118/franklin-all-school-meetings-boon-for-jefferson-elementary--

Live reporting: Jefferson / FHS Guidance Presentations

2. Guests/Presentations

b. Jefferson Elementary Update
– Linda Ashley, Sarah Klim

video slide show highlighting activities throughout the school year


c. FHS Guidance Update
– Heather McVay, Josh MacCreery & Jennifer D’Amico

High School Guidance Presentation - 06/23/15 from Franklin Matters

first change is they really are the Franklin guidance dept. covering grades 6-12

developing a curriculum model to spend more time in the classroom rather than just one-on-one with students

guidance seminars developed career seminars
worked with seniors, then freshman, juniors and sophomores

survey showed reduced stress among students with college process, more knowledgeable about scholarship process

student feedback was highlighting that they appreciated the importance of the transcript and how much freshman year really meant to the overall process

worked with the Juniors beginning in January
general info to the larger classes, and then dig deeper into the specifics during the 1-on-1
Naviance - ins and outs of the program and search options

met with the sophomores in the 4th quarter
preparing for junior year and career options
the career plan is a fluid doc but it is started and can be modified as the student progresses through high school

first comment on the high school that has raised a space issue where the prior planning for the new school clearly had not been prepared for the changes in the guidance program (nor could it realistically have been prepared for).

Jennifer D'Amico covered the middle school program

Middle School Curriculum Presentation to School Committee from Franklin Matters

curriculum delivered differently at the 3 middle school but the content was consistent across the schools

first time for middle schools to get exposed to career inventory and career options; look at themselves as a learner, a worker

also looking at developing a curriculum to cover the 5th to 6th grade transition

O'Malley - guidance is the glue that makes schools go, I am impressed
I am impressed with how far we have come
having councilors talk to the 8th graders and their parents is great
having councilors in the classrooms is great
How does the high school or middle school handle a student with a personal or family issue?

Jen - They incorporate the family in the response at the middle school

At the High School, rely heavily on the adjustment councilors and work together with assistant principals as well as part of the team to approach the student situation

Jewel - Concerned about dealing with the problems and not being able to get to the student who can excel; how much with problems versus dealing with the excellence that is required?

With any problem, there is that underlying problem; the communications with the individual teachers is ongoing and priceless; the team approach is key

The great thing about the seminar is being out there creating a presence with the students; at the high school there is the three people to provide support. At the middle school, there is only the one person. 

Maureen - there is also the school psychologists at each of the schools who are good resources. There have been three years of moving walls, to get to this point. Looking to expand further to the kindergarten so it will truly be K-12

Jewell - it is important to get to the students early to get them excited about the STEM arena. Do you use professionals for some examples

One of our goals is to host a career fair for student, if a student has an interest, we do reach out to those where we can. the Senior Project is one particular area that addresses that well.

Clement - How do you strike the balance between showing them options and setting the path? It is good we are giving them the tools

Jen - they explored the options, these are considerations, what is may change many times, it is more about the future planning, not making the final decision

Rohrbach - I know from a parents point of view how overwhelming this can be. This is excellent, thank you

Mullen - When you stop and think about it, you realize how much it has changed over the last several years. Thank you

The seminars are helpful in getting the general info out and are able to have a focused discussion with the individual students

Jen - One of the things to be added to the middle school is to get a better feel on how much the numbers will help in predicting the rising student populations

Attention Elementary Parents - Info Night on new Math Program and Report Cards

From the Franklin Public Schools:

We will be running 3 information nights for parents to introduce our new elementary math program and elementary report cards, which will be issued in December. Information on these two important topics will be presented by teachers, math specialists, and administrators on the following nights:

Parents of children at Jefferson and Parmenter
Wednesday, November 5th at Jefferson Elementary 

Parents of children at Oak Street and Kennedy
Thursday, November 6th at Oak Street Elementary 

Parents of children at Keller and Davis Thayer
Wednesday, November 12th at Keller Elementary

Each evening will run from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

If you cannot attend on the evening designated for your child’s school, please feel free to join us for one of the other presentations.

All materials will also be posted to school and district webpages after the last presentation.

Ladybug rug at JF Kennedy School

This was posted to the Franklin Schools webpage here
http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinDistrict_News/01ECD860-000F8513.0/Hold%20the%20Date.pdf

Franklin Public Schools: Upcoming Events

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

FHS Curriculum Night on September 30 

Follow your FHS students' schedule and experience HS all over again

Remington / Jefferson Challenge

2K or 5K road race and complete SPARTAN Obstacle CourseSunday 10/5 at 10:45  at Remington/Jefferson       Races begin at 11:00Two Obstacle Courses ( 1 for adults and 1 for children)Great snacks and food available
See Remington/Jefferson web site and click onto PCC

 

Downtown Harvest Festival Sunday October 5^th 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Food, entertainment and fun- see Downtown Partnership web site for event schedule and sponsor list

JFK Ladybug Race

Kennedy School fun run on October 27^th  at 9:30 a.m.See JFK PCC web site for details

 

This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message.

To save searching for the sites mentioned here they are:

Remington Jefferson Challenge

Visit this page for more info and to register
http://teacherweb.com/MA/RemingtonMiddleSchoolPCC/RemingtonPCC/apt19.aspx

Ladybug 5K Road Race

Visit this page for more info and to register
http://www.ladybug5k.com/

The Franklin Downtown Partnership has more info about the Harvest Festival on their page here
http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/

Last day for Kindergarten today

It is that time of year, kindergartners finish today and the remaining classes finish on Friday. Unfortunately, Keller-Sullivan doesn't finish until Monday (6/23) due to a day they missed for a facility problem.

Parmenter sign with end of school schedule

6/16 is a "Kind" day

Let's hope all the last days of school are kind ones!



The last day of school notice on the Franklin schools page can be found here
http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinDistrict_News/01D50C86-000F8513