Ladybugs to be honored at State House on 50th anniversary of bill signing

In 1974, something was bugging the second graders at Kennedy Elementary School in Franklin. They were puzzled that among all the symbols in the Commonwealth, there was no state insect. Since ladybugs are considered good luck and protect plants from pests without being harmful to gardens, the children and their teacher considered the insect worthy of becoming the Bay

State’s official state bug.

50th anniversary of bill signing

These second graders swarmed the State House while wearing homemade ladybug costumes and visited lawmakers to make their case. After some heroic efforts by these pioneering students and their teacher, involving a petition, testimony before a legislative committee, and letters to legislators, the ladybug became the official state insect in 1974.

On Friday, October 4, 2024, the same ladybugs, along with family and friends, will return to the State House for a 50th Anniversary celebration and tour. Organized by State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin), the Ladybugs will also meet and have their picture taken with Governor Maura Healey. They will be also joined by the family of their teacher, the late Palma Johnson during the State House visit.

 

homemade ladybug costumes

“Although five decades have passed since H.5155, An Act designating the Ladybug as the official bug of the Commonwealth, was signed into law, the passage of time has not diminished the importance of their achievement and timeless inspirational story,” said Representative Roy, “Their efforts and dedication in 1974 showed how anyone with a good idea can affect change. It was the ultimate civics lesson for these students and we will celebrate their accomplishment on Friday.”

One of the students in the class took that civics lesson to heart. Twenty years after the bill signing, Jim Vallee was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives where he served Franklin for 19 years. He is expected to attend the anniversary event on Friday.

ladybug became the official state insect in 1974

Their historic accomplishment by the Franklin students is now part of the State House lore and is featured on its website (https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/cis/ciskid/kidlbs/lbsidx.htm) and celebrated in a booklet distributed in the building. 

The accomplishment was also featured several years ago on an episode of WCVB’s Chronicle (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weoanYKnVKM).

JF Kennedy School PCC fund raiser at Papa Gino's starting at 4 PM June 6

JF Kennedy School PCC fund raiser at Papa Gino's starting at 4 PM June 6

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/gkTkxDHeRaBnAEW3/

Request for Written Quotes - Demolition of Modular Classrooms, Removal and Disposal of Debris

Request for Written Quotes - Demolition of Modular Classrooms, Removal and Disposal of Debris

In accordance with MGL c. 149, the Town of Franklin seeks written quotes from a qualified contractor(s) to demolish four modular classrooms, located at the John F. Kennedy Elementary School, and to remove and dispose of debris.  Hauling and disposal of debris must be in line with requirements set forth by the EPA and Massachusetts State Law.  Work on this project will commence on July 1, 2024 and must be completed no later than July 31, 2024.  

Optional site walk for interested contractors on Friday, April 19, 2024 at 12:00 PM.  Meet by the front door at JFK Elementary School, 551 Pond Street, Franklin, MA.  

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/request-written-quotes-demolition-modular-classrooms-removal-and-disposal-debris

Request for Written Quotes - Demolition of Modular Classrooms, Removal and Disposal of Debris

"A gathering of ladybugs is called a loveliness"

Via JK Kennedy School's Ann Williams we find:

"I did not know this! How about that

@jfkladybugs

? #LadybugTeacher"

"A gathering of ladybugs is called a loveliness. A loveliness of ladybugs . This very idea makes the world seem, somehow, a little more gentle"

https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1748180947717992756

Read a full article online about the "loveliness of ladybugs"

https://www.animalkeen.com/what-is-a-group-of-ladybugs-called/

A gathering of ladybugs is called a loveliness

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

• Oak Street Voices

• Keller Talks

• Kennedy Voices

• Parmenter Voices

• Jefferson Talks

Safe Coalition Road to Recovery run-walk 5k - Apr 30

Join us Saturday April 30, 2022 at 8:00 AM for the 3rd annual Road to Recovery run-walk 5k!

Help us decrease stigma and increase awareness related to mental health, substance use, sexual assault, and domestic violence.

All proceeds will go to further supporting the SAFE Coalition and our adolescent Peer to Peer after-school program!

THIS JUST IN:  NORFOLK COUNTY SHERIFFS DEPT. K9 unit AND Command Center will be attending the Road to Recovery 5k!

This family fun event is growing with more supporters and visitors...don't miss out!

Sign up here! https://raceroster.com/events/2022/59159/road-to-recovery

Safe Coalition 5K Road Race - Apr 30

Kids Heart Challenge at Kennedy School beginning Jan 30, 2022

"All the @jfkladybugs are excited for Kids Heart Challenge to begin next week.  

Over the past 5 years we have raised $57,823 for the @AmericanHeartMA !  Our goal this year is $12,000!  

Be on the lookout for the envelope next week."

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/MrBanksPE/status/1487097047614464004

https://twitter.com/jfkladybugs

FM #471 - School Committee Meeting - 02/23/21 - P1 of 3 (audio)

FM #471 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 471 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Feb 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 over two hour and fifty minute meeting into three logical segments:

• *** First segment ***  covers the opening through the JF Kennedy presentation (approx. 1 hour 9 minutes)
• Second - Presentation - Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Health Director Cathleen Liberty, Fire Chief Jim McLaughlin covering the COVID-19 vaccine status update (approx. 43 mins)
• Third - from Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Facilities Director Mike D’Angelo on the UVGI filters installation update through to the end of the public meeting (approx. 58 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 (as we go to press, the Superintendent’s Report is not yet posted to the meeting folder)

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

Audio file =  https://player.captivate.fm/episode/a6a10c1d-f815-4072-aa92-1d28f7867611

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

Agenda doc   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_2-23-21.docx.pdf 

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

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/02/school-committee-meeting-2232021-recap.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 #471 - School Committee Meeting - 02/23/21 - P1 of 3 (audio)

John F Kennedy Elementary named a 2020 National Blue Ribbon School

Franklin Public Schools (FPS) is proud to announce that Kennedy Elementary School has been named a 2020 National Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education! 

 

Please find the press release 

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/jfk_2020nbrs_press_release.pdf

Congratulations!

 

https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews/status/1309181899315740673

 

State Rep Jeff Roy: Joe Kennedy is coming to Franklin on Sunday Aug 9

View this email in your browser KENNEDY VISIT TO FRANKLIN Sunday, August 9, 2020 in Franklin from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Small Business Walk and Standout REGISTER BY CLICKING HERE https://www.mobilize.us/kennedyforma/event/296071/ We have a big weekend planned for Franklin, and I'm excited to let you know that my friend Joe Kennedy will be stopping by on Sunday to meet with small business owners, our Franklin firefighters, and residents. Joe will be touring La Cantina Winery, Simon's Furniture, and the Franklin Fire Department before heading on over to the Town Common to address the crowd, meet residents, and share his vision for Massachusetts. We ask that you please wear a mask and maintain social distancing to be safe. I hope you will be able to join us on Sunday, August 9 at 1 pm and meet our next United States Senator. I've had the pleasure of working with him over the last 8 years, and appreciate his compassion, empathy and commitment. Please take a peak at the video below which speaks to Joe's character and tells you why I and five of our Franklin Town Councilors have endorsed him in this race. Thank you for your continued support and I look forward to seeing you on Sunday. Please view my video endorsement of Joe video Sign up for the Kennedy Visit Here Our mailing address is: State Rep Jeff Roy State House Room 43 Boston, MA 02133

JF Kennedy School video

"Hi Ladybugs! Check out this awesome video from your teachers and staff members at JFK! We miss you so much! We are proud of the great work you are doing to keep learning alive at Kennedy!"

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1icmlmGaqWvw7wEGKDzNK3yTvVe8oIxqO/view




Shared via Twitter
https://twitter.com/jfkladybugs/status/1255189379699572738?s=09

Franklin Public Schools: Kennedy School incident of March 6th, 2020

"Police announced Tuesday night that the individual the Franklin Police was interested in identifying earlier in the day had come forward. 

The announcement came hours have they issued a press release saying they were trying to identify a young man who entered the John F. Kennedy School on Pond Street last Friday after classes had concluded for the day. 

“There was no criminal intent and the matter is resolved,” said in a statement issued Tuesday night."

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200310/update-franklin-police-locate-and-id-man-who-entered-kennedy-school-adding-there-was-no-criminal-intent

Kennedy School incident of March 6, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 10, 2020 2:30 PM

"Franklin, Massachusetts: On Friday March 6, 2020 an unknown male individual made entry to the John F. Kennedy School on Pond Street. This occurred after school hours; however students participating in after school programs were still on site.

After making entry by entering though an open door as another parent left, he proceeded into a common hallway where he was confronted by school staff and questioned as to his reason for being in the school. At no time did he come into contact with any students. His answers to staff questions were inconsistent, and he was escorted from the building immediately.

"Franklin Police Department is only seeking to identify the individual in the photos"

At this time the Franklin Police Department is only seeking to identify the individual in the photos. No criminal charges are pending at this time.

If you have any information on this individual please contact the Franklin Police Detective Division at 508-528-1212 and press option #6."


Shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/news/kennedy-school-incident-march-6th-2020

"accidentally reports every student absent"

"The parents and guardians of students attending John F. Kennedy Memorial School received quite the surprise on Thursday morning - a message reporting their child as being absent.

Just after 10 a.m., an error caused by the district’s automated absentee notification system notified each family affiliated with the Pond Street elementary school that their child was not present, according to Superintendent of Schools Sara Ahern.

“We use an automated system to send out messages to parents/guardians when we are not contacted by them to notify us when a student will be absent for the day,” said Ahern. “A mistake was made and the message was sent to all Kennedy Elementary School families at approximately 10:09 a.m.”

She said the error was “caught right away and a clarifying message was sent promptly at approximately 10:14 a.m.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200130/franklin-elementary-school-accidentally-reports-every-student-absent

A message went out to the Kennedy Elementary community regarding student absences. It was sent in error and has caused some alarm in the community. We are working to correct it.

— Franklin Public Schools, MA (@FranklinPSNews) January 30, 2020

https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews

School Committee Meeting Recap: Start times put on 'pause'; elementary school improvement plans approved

The School Committee meeting held Tuesday, Sep 24, 2019 revealed some interesting news. 

The early release of MCAS data shows that the JF Kennedy Elementary School and the Davis Thayer Elementary School were recognized by the State DESE for their results. As the full set of MCAS data is understood, there will be an update to the community later this fall.

The ECDC and elementary school improvement plans for the 2019-2020 school years were presented and approved. Copies of the presentation documents are included here. Links to the individual improvement plans are available.

The school start time update provided the greatest shock (or disappointment) to some but it was a rather practical move. The effort to study changing school starts times has been 'paused.' Given the effort required with the upcoming budget cycle (and a significant budget shortage to be dealt with - likely raising the infamous 'o' word) along with the study to start on the potential closure of Davis Thayer (which would also require a redistricting of the entire school population - a major effort), and the need to actually continue the day to day operation of education the current school population, it was a wise move.

The presentation copy for the school update is shared below. 
 

• The Superintendent's Report

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/superintendents_report_to_school_committee_september_24_2019.pdf

FPS 2019 20 Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) School Improvement Plan from Franklin Matters

FPS 2019 2020 Elementary School Improvement Plan from Franklin Matters

FPS School Start Times Update Presentation from Franklin Matters

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

• Live reporting: Discussion Only items through to C...

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/09/live-reporting-discussion-only-items.html

• Live reporting: Discussion/Action items

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/09/live-reporting-discussionaction-items.html

• Live reporting: School Start Times Update

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/09/live-reporting-school-start-times-update.html

• Live reporting: Elementary School Improvement Plan...

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/09/live-reporting-elementary-school.html

• Live reporting: School Committee - Sep 24, 2019

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/09/live-reporting-school-committee-sep-24.html

 

elementary school principals presenting their School Improvement Plans

Public Tour of JF Kennedy School - Oct 2012

Photos from the public tour of JF Kennedy School held on Oct 4, 2012. At the time the School Committee was hosting a tour of each of the schools in the District, one per month.



Or go directly to Flickr
https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/sets/72157631703646697/

2018 Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Awardees Announced

The Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center(CHC) proudly announced the 2018 Edward M. Kennedy Community Health awardees: Dr. Matilde Castiel, Commissioner of Worcester Health and Human Services, the Hockomock Area YMCA, YMCA of Central Massachusetts and MetroWest YMCA.

Each year, Kennedy CHC honors individuals and organizations making an impact on the health of the communities its serve, as well as those who support the Health Center in fulfilling its mission. This year Congressman Joseph P. Kennedy, III will be the keynote speaker as the honorees are recognized on November 1, 2018 at Mechanics Hall in Worcester, MA.

Hockomock Area YMCA

Awardee Profiles

Hockomock Area YMCA, YMCA of Central Massachusetts and MetroWest YMCA are each valuable partners of Kennedy CHC. The YMCA’s commitment to healthy living is apparent through their collaboration with Kennedy CHC on valuable programs such as the Diabetes Prevention Program, Prevention Wellness Trust Fund, and their focus on providing a safe, healthy environment for youth and families.

Dr. Matilde Castiel has always held a professional and personal mission to work with the underserved. She has spent her career focused on improving the collective health of the community through her work as a Board certified physician in Internal Medicine in the Worcester community for over 28 years, by founding the Latin American Health Alliance (LAHA), and her dedication to non-profits and community health centers. She has served on the boards of several Worcester nonprofits, including The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts, Centro Las Americas, and more currently Greater Worcester Community Foundation, Quinsigamond Community College, United Way, and the Boys and Girls Club.
For more information, visit https://www.kennedychc.org/2018

Congressman Joseph Kennedy III has held the office of U.S. Representative for Massachusetts’ 4th Congregational District since 2013, an area which includes Kennedy CHC’s Milford health care site. Congressman Kennedy has been a champion for health centers, stating that they “fills the gaps of a healthcare system that leaves too many without access to treatment.” Congressman Kennedy is also the grandnephew of the organization’s namesake, Edward M. Kennedy.

The mission of Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center (Kennedy CHC) is to “help people live healthier lives.” We believe that everyone has a right to accessible, high quality, comprehensive, integrated and compassionate health care. As a community health center, Kennedy CHC has always provided comprehensive care to its patients, who are at disparate risk for chronic disease and poor health outcomes. 

Our vision is to be a constantly growing, financially sound, Federally Qualified Community Health Center that:
• efficiently delivers high quality, accessible primary care services.
• becomes the health care home and provider choice of all our patients.
• achieves excellence in outcomes with our patients as partners.
• remains at the forefront of innovative health care practices.

Founded in a Worcester housing project in 1972, today Kennedy CHC has three medical facilities, three dental sites, two optometry practices and six school-based clinics serving residents of Worcester, Framingham, Clinton, Milford, and the surrounding communities of MetroWest and Central Massachusetts. Currently over 26,000 patients of all ages receive care and service through Kennedy CHC’s family practice model of care, a comprehensive approach to the delivery of quality primary and urgent care, medical specialties, nutrition counseling, dental care, optometry, pharmacy, behavioral health, social services, health education and youth development programs. Kennedy CHC is certified as a patient-centered medical home by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), a model that supports the flow of information among medical teams, coordinating health care visits, utilizing electronic technologies for tracking and errors prevention, and providing follow-up while, most importantly, engaging patients in their care.

About the Hockomock Area YMCA:

Where Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.

The Hockomock Area YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities they are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit hockymca.org.

State Representative Jeffrey Roy will welcome Congressman Joseph P. Kennedy III to Franklin on Wednesday afternoon.

Beginning at the Franklin Fire Station at 1:30 PM Representative Roy and Congressman Kennedy will be visiting some of the many small businesses that are part of the successful effort to revitalize Franklin's Downtown. 

These will include the Intermission Cafe, Dean Bank, Rome Restaurant and Keefe Insurance. 

Rae Lynn Mercer owner of the Intermission Cafe, worked with Congressman Kennedy's great-uncle, the late Senator Edward Kennedy, to obtain funding for the Franklin Downtown Revitalization efforts. 

They will also visit the Franklin Food Pantry. At the Food pantry Representative Roy and Congressman Kennedy will be greeted by Executive Director Erin Lynch who at one point struggled to feed her own family and is now committed to helping others overcome food insecurity. 

"It is always a privilege to welcome our Congressman to Franklin and I am looking forward to highlighting the great work that local businesses are doing to create a strong local economy." said Representative Roy.

Intermission Cafe one of the downtown Franklin businesses scheduled for a visit

Congressman Joe Kennedy III has scheduled office hours in Franklin this Sunday - July 15

"Building on the success of Tour 34 during his first two terms, Congressman Kennedy will continue his commitment to bring public office hours to constituents in each of the 34 cities and towns in the 4th District. By visiting every community, the Congressman is able to hear the stories, priorities and concerns of constituents in every corner of the district."

When: July 15, 2018 - 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Where: Franklin Fire Station, 40 West Central Street

Congressman Joe Kennedy III has scheduled office hours in Franklin this Sunday - July 15

This was shared from the Congressman's webpage
https://kennedy.house.gov/constituent-services/tour-34-office-hours

Annual Ladybug 5K and Kids Fun Run - Oct 14

1 The Annual Ladybug 5K Road Race and Kids Fun Run is about to hit the roads of Franklin once again next Saturday, Oct. 14. The event takes off from Franklin’s John F. Kennedy Elementary School on Pond Street. 

2 The Ladybug 5K benefits the Kennedy School PCC, which funds enrichment activities for students, such as field trips, guest speakers and more. 

3 The course of this USATF sanctioned event with professional timing is as follows: Start on Joval Court, right onto Southgate, right onto Coronation, left onto Oakland Parkway, right onto Ashbury Drive, left onto Norumbega Circle, left onto Charles River Drive, left onto Franklin Springs Drive, left onto Maple Street, left onto Southgate Road, ending with a left back onto Joval Court.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20171008/annual-kennedy-school-pcc-ladybug-5k-kids-fun-run-set 

The start of the Ladybug 5K in 2015

In the News: Kennedy talks health care; new director at Voices Against Violence

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

"Calling the Republican-backed health care bill a piece of “zombie” legislation that will not die, U.S. Rep. Joe Kennedy III told the Franklin Chamber of Commerce at Dean College Wednesday that this legislation if passed would have a devastating effect on Massachusetts. 

He said that some of the mandatory protections put into place by the Affordable Care Act will be made optional instead. He estimates that there will be a 20-percent spike in premiums that first year, and that 30 to 32 million people will lose healthcare coverage altogether. 

“Pre-existing condition coverage, they might cover you, they might not,” he said of the repeal vote in the Senate slated to take place in 10 days. “The cost of getting covered for pregnancy could go up about roughly $20,000. Substance use disorder similarly would have about a $20,000 increase.” 

Kennedy, D-4th, mentioned that the new bill will essentially leech from states such as Massachusetts, New York, and California, whom have been investing in statewide healthcare for a number of years, and re-distribute those funds to states that haven’t been saving as much or at all."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170920/kennedy-talks-healthcare-at-dean-college

"After a few months on the job, Patricia Hohl finds every day both rewarding and challenging. 

As the new director of Voices Against Violence, a Framingham-based nonprofit that serves victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence, she listens to tough stories each day. Then she and her staff figure out how to help and protect their clients. 

“It sounds like a cliché, but it truly means a lot to me to make a difference in my own community. It’s just something I believe in as a human being,” said Hohl, who took over as director in June. She replaced Mary Gianakis, who led the agency for two decades. 

The goal of the agency is to prevent domestic violence and sexual abuse, and help survivors forge a new life. All services are free and confidential."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170920/voices-against-violence-welcomes-new-director

Voices Against Violence, a Framingham-based nonprofit that serves victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence