Franklin's Helen Keller Elementary School Celebrates LOVE Keller Day, STEM Day

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Principal Keri Busavage are pleased to share that Helen Keller Elementary School students recently participated in two engaging events — LOVE Keller Day and STEM Day — that brought students together to celebrate neurodiversity, build connections across grade levels, and explore the wonders of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

"Helen Keller Elementary School continues to foster a learning environment that values inclusivity, curiosity and innovation," said Superintendent Giguere. "Through events like LOVE Keller Day and STEM Day, students are empowered to build meaningful connections and explore the world around them in exciting and engaging ways."

Fifth-grade teacher Wendy Greenstein takes a selfie with Helen Keller Elementary School students on LOVE Keller Day. Students in Wendy Greenstein's class partnered with Donna Grady's Kindergarten class and added a splash of color to black and white brains. (Photo Courtesy Franklin Public Schools)

LOVE Keller Day

During LOVE Keller Day, students sported tie-dye shirts to recognize Neurodiversity Week, embracing the idea that no two people are alike. Students in partnered classes joined together to share how they learn best, discuss their passions and enjoy reading their favorite stories with their buddies.

LOVE Keller Day events are held throughout the year to create opportunities for students to connect with partner classes across grade levels. The students participate in team-building activities that foster kindness, awareness and acceptance while engaging in meaningful discussions about Keller's Core Values: Caring, Inclusive, Intelligent, Respectful and Unique.

"These celebrations help our students build relationships, develop empathy, and recognize the strengths that make each of us unique," said Principal Busavage. "Seeing our students embrace these values and create a supportive school community is inspiring."

STEM Day

As part of STEM Day, Helen Keller Elementary School welcomed Franklin High School Math and Science National Honor Society members to lead students in a series of hands-on, standards-aligned STEM activities. Across four interactive centers, Kindergarten to fifth-grade students explored key scientific and engineering concepts through engaging, inquiry-based challenges.

Key learning experiences included:

Magnetism: Students investigated how magnets interact, how magnetic fields change with additional magnets, and the real-world applications of magnetism in technology and engineering.

Spaghetti Engineering: Students experimented with structural design and strength using spaghetti and marshmallows, testing how to balance forces and improve stability.

Geometry Bingo: Students identified and classified shapes and explored geometric properties, including perimeter calculations.

Straw Shapes: Students analyzed different angle types to strengthen their problem-solving skills.

"Our students loved working alongside high school mentors and engaging in STEM challenges that sparked curiosity and critical thinking," said Principal Busavage. "These activities reinforced classroom learning and encouraged collaboration, perseverance and creative problem-solving."

Additional photos of STEM activities can be found on the school district page ->

https://41518511.hs-sites.com/franklins-helen-keller-elementary-school-celebrates-love-keller-day-stem-day 

Franklin School Committee hears concerns from teachers before vote to approve FY 2026 budget (video)

The Franklin School Committee conducted their meeting Tuesday, Feb 11, 2025 at Council Chambers with all 7 members present.  The major item on the agenda was the vote on the Superintendent's Recommended budget for FY 2026.

The Franklin TV video is available for replay here -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfqefUMtloU&t=51

The agenda doc can be found -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/School-Committee-35/?#_02112025-1571 

Quick recap:

• The Keller Student Council stepped forward to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to open the meeting
• During the Superintendent's report, there was recognition of 4 FHS musicans who were selected to the All-State Music Fesitval; Emma Anderson (French horn), Ace Eagerman (string bass), Alex Fioavanti (?) and Emily Lou, (violin)
• During the discussion prior to the vote on the budget, a number of teachs from elementary, middle, and high school stepped up to comment
• on the decline of funding over the years
• the impact on the students and their educational development
• affects on college prep with a limit on foreign language options less than optimal
• and not talked off impacts to the new schedule at both elementary & middle levels while individual classes size is maintained within guidelines,the teacher work load increases
• The committee did vote 7-0 on the proposed budget, I assume it is possible to make further adjustments (as hoped for by some of the teachers) given the position we are in for this budget cycle
• The budget as approved does assume a successful  override althoughthat decision remains before the Town Council at a March meeting, after the listening session are completed. Date and amount of override to be determined
• School calendar for the 2025-2026 year was approved. It does start after Labor Day this year to enable the move to be completed. Resumption of pre-Labor Day start is expected for the next school year
• Discussion on a draft of the School Committee meeting calendar covered multiple topics mostly around the local election in November and to prepare for a new committee to be able to transition into their new role more easily than prior
• Motion to enter into Executive session, not to return to public meeting for contract negotiation discussions

My notes in one PDF doc

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xUU7zppEaNgj9xN442EdbZnFvnqI3VSM/view?usp=drive_link

slide from brief update on the FY 2026 school budget

Sunday's Lemonade stand: a fundraising success story!!!

Via Stephanie Izzi's post to Facebook Monday morning:

"Our family is waking up this morning, feeling so loved and grateful for our amazing community that showed up to support Sofia and Pitt Hopkins Research Foundation! 

please…

The Lemonade Stand Fundraiser for Sofia raised a total of $2,500.00 that will be matched by my husbands company totaling $5,000.00!!!!! All because of this incredible community that showed up for our family yesterday! Not only did we get donations yesterday, but those who weren’t able to attend donated online... bringing our online donations to $750! Which means a total of $5,750 is going to straight to research!!!!

First and foremost, I want to thank Meg, and her amazing son’s JD and Ben.. thank you so much for choosing Sofia’s charity for your 2023 Lemonade Stand! 

You touched our family in a way I could never explain. It’s been so incredible working together, and I’m so excited for year 2! 

A huge thank you to:

- The incredible Franklin Community for showing up to support Sofia 

- Friends and Family who donated baskets, and gift cards! 

- Town of Franklin for allowing us to use the Common

- The Helen Keller 2nd Graders and their families for helping to run the event! Watching these kids work, asking what they could do next, and proudly being apart of the day was everything 

- Fiori and Fern

- Birchwood Bakery + Kitchen

- Santa Fe Burrito Grill

- Girl Scout Troop 64036

- Memorable moments by Meg for donating and setting up the gorgeous balloon arch 

- Penny Jones for donating the friendship bracelet supplies

- G5 football team- (Julie and Scotty)

- Stevi Briggs for making the incredible Sofia’s Squad cups that went in less than 1 hour! (Stay tuned in the next couple of weeks for pre-order options on the cups if you missed out on grabbing yours!) 

- Michelle for bringing her camera and snapping memories that will last a life time 

Thank you all for one of the best days ever!!! We love you all! "

Sunday's Lemonade stand: a fundraising success story!!!

Shared from -> (follow link for additional photos and comments) 

https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02fupC8c26C19kkq2tSmSFKpTbfRYbpKEGWMHDK9mrB6BE3tQaTU6ME2o4wxK3JRaNl&id=1235970206&mibextid=Nif5oz

2nd Grade Keller Kids Schedule Lemonade Stand Fundraiser on Town Common - Sunday, Aug 20

Sunday, Aug 20 

2nd graders from Keller are coming together next Sunday, August 20, 2023 from 11 AM to 1 PM to host a lemonade stand to benefit the Pitt Hopkins Research Foundation in honor of their amazing classmate, Sofia Izzi. 

The kids will be selling lemonade in reusable cups and friendship bracelets that they will be making, in addition to raffle tickets for some fabulous prizes donated by:

• Fiori & Fern
• Birchwood Bakery + Kitchen
• Santa Fe Burrito Grill
• Girl Scout Troop 64036

All donations will go directly to the Pitt Hopkins Research Foundation.

Redistricting vote fails by 6-1 vote at Franklin School Committee Meeting (audio)

FM #994 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 994 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, May 9, 2023.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: all of the School Committee members, school district personnel along with some of the public in the Council Chambers. Some members of the public participated via Zoom conference bridge.

Quick recap:

• The School Committee met on Tuesday night at their regular meeting. They heard an update from the Keller Elementary School, an update on the District Improvement Plan, and voted 6-1 on an amendment to the original redistricting motion, to effectively do nothing for redistricting

• The 6 votes all talked of the need for the master facility plan, but although that was included in the original proposal before them, the minor adjustment now was passed on in favor of doing nothing

• The entered Executive Session and did return to approve a contract reached with ESP/LPN bargaining unit before closing out the full meeting

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. The link to my notes taken during the meeting is also provided.

Let’s listen to the School Committee meeting of May 9, 2023

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-994-fps-school-committee-mtg-05-09-23 

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

Agenda document -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_5-9-23.pdf 

Keller presentation document

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/keller_school_may_9_school_committee_presentation.pdf 

District Improvement Plan update ->  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/sc_5_9_23_strategic_objective_1_-1.pdf 

Redistricting Analysis Report

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/redistricting_analysis_recommendation_report_2022-23.pdf 

Packet folder contains the documents released for this meeting 

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/may-9-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin TV video replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/W-9CbY5MeDY?feature=share

My notes captured during the meeting (in one PDF file)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qB4ZIFXY9R4zNJ5hxoHrLnt242ECaUsN/view?usp=share_link 

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

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"

Franklin, MA: School Committee Agenda

Redistricting vote fails by 6-1 vote at Franklin School Committee Meeting (video)

The School Committee meet on Tuesday night at their regular meeting. They heard an update from the Keller Elementary School, and update on the District Improvement Plan, and voted 6-1 on an amendment to the original motion, to effectively do nothing for redistricting. The 6 votes all talked of the need for the master facility plan, but although that was included in the original proposal before them, the minor adjustment now was passed on in favor of doing nothing. 

Franklin TV video replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/W-9CbY5MeDY?feature=share

Meeting packet folder ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/may-9-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet

Agenda doc -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_5-9-23.pdf

My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qB4ZIFXY9R4zNJ5hxoHrLnt242ECaUsN/view?usp=share_link

Franklin, MA: School Committee Agenda

Keller Night at Teddy Gallaghers - Apr 12

This Wednesday we will be having Keller Night! 

20% goes to The Keller School. See you then!

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/Cq3L6pbLxXm/

Keller Night at Teddy Gallaghers - Apr 12

The 5 Franklin elementary schools each launch a student voice podcast!

• Oak Street Voices

• Keller Talks

• Kennedy Voices

• Parmenter Voices

• Jefferson Talks

Letters from Red Farm: The Untold Story of the Friendship between Helen Keller and Journalist Joseph Edgar Chamberlin - Apr 30

Letters from Red Farm: The Untold Story of the Friendship between Helen Keller and Journalist Joseph Edgar Chamberlin with Author Elizabeth Emerson

Saturday, April 30, 3:00 PM - at the Franklin Public Library

In 1888, young Helen Keller traveled to Boston with her teacher, Annie Sullivan, where they met a man who would change her life: Boston Transcript columnist and editor, Joseph Edgar Chamberlin. Throughout her childhood and young adult years, Keller spent weekends and holidays at Red Farm, the Chamberlins' home in Wrentham, Massachusetts, a bustling environment where avant-garde writers, intellectuals, and social reformers of the day congregated. Keller eventually called Red Farm home for a year when she was sixteen.

Informed by previously unpublished letters and extensive research, Letters from Red Farm explores for the first time Keller's deep and enduring friendship with the man who became her literary mentor and friend for over forty years. Written by Chamberlin's great-great granddaughter, this engaging story imparts new insights into Keller's life and personality, introduces the irresistible Chamberlin to a modern public, and follows Keller's burgeoning interest in social activism, as she took up the causes of disability rights, women's issues, and pacifism.

Author Elizabeth Emerson is a former grant writer and award-winning artist based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She has contributed material to PBS's film biography Becoming Helen Keller and written guest articles for the American Foundation for the Blind's Helen Keller Archival Collection and the Perkins Archives' newsletter.

Shared from the Library page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/adult-programs-services/pages/adult-programs

Letters from Red Farm: The Untold Story of the Friendship between Helen Keller and Journalist Joseph Edgar Chamberlin - Apr 30

FM #485 - School Committee Mtg - 03/09/21 - P1 of 3 (audio)

FM #485 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 485 in the series. 

This session shares part 1 of the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Mar 9, 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 opening through the Keller Elementary presentation (approx. 39 minutes)
• Second - School Budget - first view- Supt Ahern and her staff walk through the budget highlights (approx. 53 mins)
• Third - from the return to in person learning plan through to the end of the public meeting (approx. 85 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 9, 2021

Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/c1c406cf-24d1-4c46-a88f-9c9b9b0d4a30

--------------
Agenda doc   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_3-9-21.pdf 

Superintendent’s Report
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/superintendents_report_to_school_committee_march_9_2021.pdf 

Keller presentation doc   https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/keller-presentation 

Recommended Budget  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/supt-rec-budget-3-9-21

Return to in person plan  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/person-presentation-3-9-21 

Meeting packet folder 
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/march-9-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet 

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/school-committee-recap-march-9-meeting.html 

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

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"

FM #485 - School Committee Mtg - 03/09/21 - P1 of 3 (audio)

School Committee recap - March 9 meeting - Keller puts on a show before budget and reopening updates

Quick Recap:

• Keller kids helped to put on the showcase of what's happening at the school this pandemic year.
• Plans for the Davis Thayer transition to Keller underway, more updates as the work progresses
  
• First pass on the school budget reviewed. Time line shared for next steps as it develops. Numbers to be filled in as they come available.
  
• Reopening status updated to share the bringing back o in person, effectively doing away with hybrid. Working on bringing in the hybrid folks. Some flexibility at elementary level, more at middle school and less at high school for parents/students who are remote to come back in person. 
• Pool testing commenced across the district, still time to sign up for it. All negative results ts far. Contact tracing results also showed no in person transfer of COVID-19.
  

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/cJ8aV27DNSq2QanL8

----

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  #schcom0309

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23schcom0309&src=typed_query

• I am getting ready for the School Committee meeting tonight at 7. Are you ready? Agenda doc has details and connection info #schcom0309 https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_3-9-21.pdf
• All the options for watching, listening and/or participating tonight summarized here #schcom0309 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/school-committee-meeting-viewing-options.html
• Over 100 in Zoom session to start this meeting. #schcom0309
• The zoom session is working for me but not the live stream. Anyone else an issue? Any trouble with cable? #schcom0309
• Up to 190+ on the Zoom session. #schcom0309 DT and Keller transition underway, 1st meeting last week, lots of familiarity amongst team to work on draft to share later. Ah - an update via the live stream, there is video!
• Superintendent's report (fully published after the meeting, in some cases several days) #schcom0309 touts Sen Spilka's forum coming Mar 19. Links to be shared when available. Next up the Keller presentation
• The Keller presentation doc was shared before the meeting, you can follow along with this https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/keller-presentation #schcom0309
• Announcement to start the day helps at Keller #schcom0309
• Special edition in November recognized local veterans on Veterans Day. #schcom0309 tech helped extend the celebration beyond the 4 walls
• Work this year continues to develop the core values #schcom0309
• Grade level meetings when students are remote done regularly. #schcom0309
• Multiple students chimed in to share their thoughts as the presentation continues #schcom0309
• #schcom0309 more slides for more of the Keller kids to talk to
• Good last slide to share gratitude #schcom0309
• BTW up to 210+ via Zoom (also only 6 of the 7 members present tonight - D'Angelo absent) #schcom0309
• Now moving to the FY 22 budget update, first time to view the budget for next year. #schcom0309 doc to be posted after meeting (I.e. sometime Weds)
• Budget assumptions to start with #schcom0309
• Level service proposal would be close to Supt recommended amount, second slide gets into the investments required #schcom0309
• Digital learning integration would be part of going forward required #schcom0309
• BTW up to more than 220 via Zoom now. Cyber position would be split between town and schools #schcom0309
• With Dr Edwards retirement taking opportunity to fill and add role for curriculum for elementary and middle levels #schcom0309 (for district our size, long overdue) some funding for the facility master planning work to begin (perhaps redistricting)
• Expectations for staffing as it evolves on elementary level #schcom0309 watching carefully for population and class sizes
• Decline in enrollment has also resulted in teacher reductions over the years mostly incorporated as part of the annual moves/leaves/retirement etc #schcom0309
• Returning to full in person for 1700 students at FHS will be a budget issue, staffing in particular. #schcom0309
• #schcom0309 where would the revenue come from? Mostly State; Town to be filled in over next 2 weeks. Otherwise some further adjustments required. "It is a process"
• What's next for the budget? #schcom0309 slide depicts the timeline
• #schcom0309 classrooms instructional, change year to year? Not clear. No ELA curriculum across at elementary level, question if bandwidth. Math pilot to be expanded next year and then we could get to ELA. Q on tiered support for catching up re: COVID. To be packaged 4 next time
• #schcom0309 if 2 people replace Joyce and it is budget neutral, what about everything else she does? Under review, planning to include position and descriptions for next time. "If considered on per pupil basis, 75% if the districts spend more than we do... Are we ok with that?"
• "How do we get on a journey to get more to the average?" #schcom0309 The budget reflects our values. Did I share the pie slide? There is very little room in this for finding money to save.
• Also reflect on the changes in roles required to support education today. This is not your father's classroom. And oh by the way 40 some teachers were cut due to the decline in elementary enrollment over the years #schcom0309
• Motion and second on policy to second reading passes via roll call 6-0-1 ( no against, 1 absent). https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/disc-policy-0 #schcom0309
• Next up capital budget request for Town approval via FinComm meeting Weds. #schcom0309 https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/disc-b-capital Motion to approve, second, passes via roll call 6-0-1 (none against, 1 absent)
• #schcom0309 next up, reopening and return to full and in person would look like https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/reopening_schools_status_update_march_4_2020-2021_0.pdf
• It was a year ago this week that we shut down due to the onset of the pandemic. #schcom0309 middle school due back by 4/28, high school still TBD, therefore hybrid to be phased out as an option. Leverage this time to plan for summer and fall.
• https://drive.google.com/file/d/1svIwF6r5nFQGxafWgzyA055o9WnLc2bj/view
• Targeting to get a week in before the April break, also contingency to move furniture around, #schcom0309 are expecting 5 days fully in person; all this does depend upon some students to stay remote particularly at FHS
• What is still required? #schcom0309
• When both teacher and students masked, risk low... #schcom0309 other mitigations, pool testing, ventilation, air purifiers, etc.
• #schcom0309 co2 was already monitored building wide.
• #schcom0309 695 pool testing yesterday, all negative. Sign up by school per student, links available.
• Based upon contact tracing all exposure occurred outside the school #schcom0309
• #schcom0309 transportation guidance from DESE last month, bus windows about 2 inches for air exchange
• Lunches will vary building to building, some districts have gone with a shorter schedule and an early dismissal for a grab and go lunch. Stay tuned for what will be here. #schcom0309 kudos to the VLA teachers and the remarkable work they are doing
• No plan for another survey for elementary, if hybrid will come in, if remote will stay. Some classes remote are already large, so adjustments would be needed. Stricter attendance to be captured. #schcom0309 if space available may accommodate VLA students to come in
• Were planning for Apr 12 (state now says Apr 28), will be less flexible for attendance as with elementary, if remote so; if in, need to be, can't slide to remote. If sick, of course wouldn't be doing it anyway. #schcom0309 will survey middle school for the plan #s
• #schcom0309 (BTW still over 200 via zoom at this time) FHS has limitations with space, staffing, etc. 500 fully remote today, could bring some in but not all.
• #schcom0309 in general expectation for staff to be in person, with process for accommodation or leaves as necessary. Possible hiring for tutors and lunch monitoring, maybe additional teachers (VLA)
• Volunteer opportunities also. #schcom0309 most stored on site, some desks at DPW garage and these are all part of the active conversation.
• #schcom0309 1100+ students responses for hybrid survey, FHS to be surveyed again on collapsing the cohort
• Communications coming to VLA and others on how and where to make move if necessary. Reminder on class sizes. Can not accommodate 25 at elementary in class size with 3' distance. Not yet tracking teacher vaccinations, is covered by HIPPA and could be noted in summary
• Q on an individual quarantine? Level of detail not quite ready to get to yet, discussion yes, decisions not yet. Planning an 'attendance summit' to work on details and consistency around tracking and reporting. #schcom0309 info on volunteer to be folded into comms
• #schcom0309 discussion on furniture for use outside as the weather gets warmer. Tents, etc. The more pressure we can put to get vaccinations to distribute locally. Plan coming together, still need patience and grace.
• It is a team effort, want to note the principals and asst principals and getting the work done. Thank you. It is precarious with the variants about. #schcom0309 bus transportation sign up available on FPS page
• Q on MCAS, what about rumors about family opt out? New dates for elementary mid may to first week in June, 1 test day/subject/ day. Obligated to bring remote in for MCAS no remote options. It is a requirement, if they are absent, when the return they get tested #schcom0309
• There is no opt out for families for MCAS. #schcom0309 with dates sliding there is less flexibility in case of further interruptions. District sanctions? Less than 95% participation level affects report card. Currently suspended for this year.
• Info matters, budget Subcommittee video being worked on, meeting march 16 - 4:30; Legislative Forum last week, no next meeting yet #schcom0309 New business; budget hearing line item next time, more on reopening, position approvals as discussed earlier
• Consent agenda, #schcom0309 motion to approve seconded and passes 6-0-1 (0 against, 1 absent) Motion to enter executive session, not to return to open meeting, seconded, passes 6-0-1 (0 no, 1 absent). That's all for tonight, catch you next time!

 

"If considered on per pupil basis, 75% if the districts spend more than we do... Are we ok with that?"

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Mar 9, 2021

Franklin School Committee 

March 9, 2021 - 7:00 PM

 

Meetings are recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. Zoom connection info located in the agenda doc linked to below

□ Vision Statement □

The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

 

Call to Order 

Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence

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.    Guests/Presentations
A.    Helen Keller Elementary School Highlights – Eric Stark, Principal; Jesse Craddock, Assistant Principal   https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/keller-presentation

B.    FY22 Superintendent’s Recommended Budget and discussion
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/supt-rec-budget-3-9-21

 

III.    Discussion/Action Items
A.    Policy - First Reading
I recommend moving Policy GBEB - Staff Conduct to a second reading as discussed.

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/disc-policy-0

 
B.    Approval of FY 21 Capital Requests
I recommend approval of the FY21 Capital requests as discussed.

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/disc-b-capital
 

IV.    Discussion Only Items
A.    Franklin Public Schools In-person Learning Proposal and Status Update

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/status-update-3-4-21

 

V.    Information Matters
A.    School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Ad Hoc Supt. Evaluation, Ad Hoc Facilities Planning, 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.    New Business
A.    To discuss any future agenda items
 

VII.    Consent Agenda
A.    Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from your February 23, 2021 meeting as detailed.
B.    Music Gift
I recommend acceptance of cash & checks totaling $620.00 from Music parents for in-house enrichment as detailed.
C.    Jefferson Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $32.50 from Daddario Hardware for supplemental supplies at Jefferson Elementary School as detailed.
D.    Request to Sell Leckey Mygo Stander
I recommend approval of the request of Paula Marano to sell the Leckey Mygo Stander to Bellingham Public Schools as detailed.

VIII.    Payment of Bills    Dr. Bergen
 

IX.    Payroll    Atty. Pond-Pfeffer
 

X.    Executive Session
A.    Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the FEA as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on
the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.
 

XI.    Adjournment

Agenda doc = https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/3-9-21-agenda

Meeting packet folder = https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/march-9-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Mar 9, 2021