Showing posts with label masks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label masks. Show all posts

Friday, May 6, 2022

COVID-19 weekly date updates (post vacation bump seen)

1 - 
The weekly Franklin Public Schools COVID-19 dashboard is now available to view here:  https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/back-to-school-plan-21-22/weekly-covid-19-dashboard


Franklin Public Schools COVID-19 dashboard
Franklin Public Schools COVID-19 dashboard

2 - 

"Most of MA is now in the high COVID “Community Level” zone, since we have hit the (lagging indicator) hospitalization threshold. CDC guidelines say to now wear a well-fitting mask indoors in public, including in schools. I expect no response or even acknowledgment. #DontLookUp"

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/jonlevyBU/status/1522382474583724032

Most of MA is now in the high COVID “Community Level” zone
Most of MA is now in the high COVID “Community Level” zone

3 - 
"Reported #Worcester #COVID19 daily new case rate (2 wk avg, per 100k people) continues to increase in step with #Massachusetts state-wide trends.
Explore data for your town/city here:
While Nathan reported on Worcester, the Franklin data (shown below) tracks in similar manner albeit on a lesser level.   https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/4817758/

the Franklin data tracks in similar manner
the Franklin data tracks in similar manner

Thursday, March 10, 2022

Gee, masks really work. Good to know in advance of when the next wave comes!

"School districts that required masks this fall saw significantly fewer coronavirus cases than those where masks were optional, according to a large study of Arkansas schools by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC looked at 233 school districts and found those with mask requirements saw a 23 percent lower incidence of coronavirus cases. Rates in districts with partial requirements — for instance, places that required them in hallways but not classrooms — were in between.

“Masks remain an important part of a multicomponent approach to preventing Covid-19 in K-12 settings, especially in communities with high Covid-19 community levels,” concluded the study, which published Tuesday."



Many school districts across the country are dropping mask requirements in classrooms. (Amanda Andrade-Rhoades for The Washington Post)
Many school districts across the country are dropping mask requirements in classrooms. (Amanda Andrade-Rhoades for The Washington Post)


Friday, February 18, 2022

School Committee Special Mtg - 02/16/22 (audio) responding to an OPML complaint and amending the mask policy

FM #732 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 732 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Special School Committee meeting held Wednesday, Feb 16, 2022. 


There are two items on the agenda, one a response to an Open Meeting Law violation claim, and the second, the school district mask policy now that DESE has ended their state rule effect Feb 28, 2022.


Scheduled for 5 PM, the meeting actually begins at 5:26 PM and runs 55 minutes.


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


Meeting agenda->  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_2-16-22_special_mtg.pdf


My notes -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/recap-school-committee-meeting-responds.html 


Statement in response to OPML complaint

Copy of "Mask Considerations" doc 

Superintendent memo summarizes the new policy

Photo album from the meeting (mostly screen grabs of the presentation doc)

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


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


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

 

How can you help?

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

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


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


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


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


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


I hope you enjoy!

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


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


School Committee Special Mtg - 02/16/22 (audio)
School Committee Special Mtg - 02/16/22 (audio)


Thursday, February 17, 2022

Recap: School Committee meeting - responds to open meeting law complaint; amends mask policy

Quick recap:
  • (1) Statement in response to the Open Meeting complaint argues that there is no violation. References to the current Open Meeting Law, consultation with FPS attorney and Attorney General's office confirms position
  • (2) Superintendent Ahern went through a presentation to summarize "Mask Considerations" copy provided below
  • Questions and comments from the committee following the presentation, lead to a motion to amend the recommendation changing the date to March 14, it was not seconded so it died. Another motion was proposed to amend the date to March 7, it was seconded but failed by a 4-3 vote
  • The recommendation ultimately passes by 7-0
Statement in response to OPML complaint

Copy of "Mask Considerations" doc 

Superintendent memo summarizes the new policy

Photo album from the meeting (mostly screen grabs of the presentation doc)

ThreadReader provides a PDF of my Twitter thread including the photos inline with the tweets (my notes - taken as the meeting progresses) copy here with link or embedded below:   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_itSCMzPvtXrUcqaaKuCetpbHH8YhFxM/view?usp=sharing


Recap: School Committee meeting - 2/16/22
Recap: School Committee meeting - 2/16/22

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

School Committee amends policy so "that masks will not be universally required" effective 2/28/22

2/16/2022

Dear Franklin Public Schools Community Members,


Earlier this evening, the Franklin School Committee voted to amend the policy on Masks and Face Coverings (Policy EBCFA) so that masks will not be universally required as follows:

  • It is strongly recommended that unvaccinated or otherwise immunocompromised individuals wear masks in school buildings, and on school grounds, even when social distancing is observed.
  • Individuals who are fully vaccinated are not required to wear a mask, but may do so if desired.

This language will be in effect on Monday, February 28, 2022 for all schools in Franklin, as the current DESE mask mandate will not be extended beyond that time. 


Principals will be working with their staff on communicating this change to students so that children are prepared for school on February 28, 2022. We will emphasize the importance of being kind and respecting the choices that others make. We ask that families reinforce this with children over February break and in advance of their children's return to school. Counselors are available for students who may be experiencing anxiety with this change. Please contact your child’s school.


Please Note: Masks will still be required under certain circumstances as follows:

  • Masks will still be required on buses/school transportation (per federal order)
  • Masks will still be required in health offices (per DPH for health facilities)
  • Masks will still be required for individuals testing as COVID-positive and returning to school from isolation on day 6 or later through day 10 (per DPH and CDC protocols)
  • For MIAA athletic events and some other activities, mask rules are up to host-school or venue-specific rules. Therefore, depending on the venue, a mask may be required.

The decision for moving to a mask optional approach involved the examination of numerous data points, as noted on the attached slide show.

With COVID case counts dropping, we will be moving towards a weekly summary, rather than daily communications of COVID cases affecting our schools. This will begin Wednesday, March 2. This may be unsettling for community members, especially with masks becoming optional on February 28, but the premise of our response remains the same: we have many layered mitigation strategies in our schools including ventilation. Individuals may want to consider opting to mask, may want to consider vaccinations or boosters (if unvaccinated), may sign up for rapid antigen testing, should monitor for symptoms, and may wish to sign up for symptomatic testing.

For families or faculty/staff who wish to opt-in for rapid antigen testing and/or symptomatic testing, please visit our website and click on the links to sign up. https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/back-to-school-plan-21-22/testing-quarantine-response

A community vaccine clinic for children ages 5-11 is being held at the Franklin Senior Center on February 23 from 9-10 AM or 3-5 PM. Sign ups can occur here:  https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/franklin

Each change that we’ve experienced through the pandemic has come with mixed feelings among students, staff, and families. We have navigated each change, with new tools and successively fewer restrictions, successfully, minimizing the impact of COVID in our school community. 

I implore everyone to treat each other respectfully as we move into this next phase of our management of COVID. We will certainly be communicating this message to our students prior to and upon their return from February vacation.


Respectfully,

Sara Ahern
Superintendent of Schools

School Committee amends policy so "that masks will not be universally required" effective 2/28/22
School Committee amends policy so "that masks will not be universally required" effective 2/28/22


Special School Committee Meeting - February 16, 2022 at 5 PM

*SPECIAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING 
FEBRUARY 16, 2022 AT 5 PM*

Topic: Face Coverings

Last week Governor Baker and Commissioner Riley held a press conference announcing that the Massachusetts Department of Secondary and Elementary Education will not be extending the mask mandate in school buildings past February 28th, 2022. This decision comes after consulting with medical experts and state health officials. The memorandum cites "the Commonwealth's high vaccination rates and widespread availability of COVID-19 testing for school personal and students" to support this decision. You can view the full memo here: https://www.doe.mass.edu/covid19/on-desktop/2022-0209mask-requirement-update.pdf

Without a state order, the decision on masking falls to local decision making. The Franklin School Committee is holding a special meeting on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at 5:00 PM to discuss masking. The agenda and links can be accessed here: https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/events/scagenda_2-16-22_special_mtg.pdf

As for Franklin High School, FHS received a waiver from the state in November because over 80% of the population at Franklin High School had been vaccinated. The School Committee amended their policy in November to allow for masks to be optional at FHS for vaccinated individuals if the 14-day % positivity rate is below 4% (the current rate is above 4%). Therefore, masks are still required at FHS currently. Optional masking at FHS will also be discussed at Wednesday's meeting.

Masking will continue to be required on all school buses, per federal order. Masking is also required, per DPH, in school health offices.

Shared from FPS page -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/events/scagenda_2-16-22_special_mtg.pdf

Special School Committee Meeting - February 16, 2022 at 5 PM
Special School Committee Meeting - February 16, 2022 at 5 PM

Mass. Public Health: updated guidance on masks

Mass. Public Health (@MassDPH) tweeted  Tue, Feb 15, 2022:
Massachusetts Department of Public Health releases updated face covering advisory: https://t.co/1HtpRtg0rj 
#Covid19MA https://t.co/v1ACvsrRnD

"Today (2/15/22), the Department of Public Health (DPH) released updated guidance regarding the use of face coverings and masks by individuals who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. 
Recognizing that Massachusetts is a national leader in vaccine acceptance, and in light of recent improvements in COVID-19 indicators, DPH now advises that a fully vaccinated person should wear a mask or face covering when indoors (and not in your own home) if you have a weakened immune system, if you are at increased risk for severe disease because of your age or an underlying medical condition, or if someone in your household has a weakened immune system and is at increased risk for severe disease or is unvaccinated.
Individuals who are not fully vaccinated should continue to wear a face covering or mask when indoors with others to help prevent spreading COVID-19.
Individuals who have tested positive or are a close contact of someone with COVID-19 must follow the isolation and quarantine guidance which includes wearing a mask in public for 5 more days after leaving isolation or quarantine on Day 5, regardless of vaccination status.
All people in Massachusetts (regardless of vaccination status) are required to continue wearing face coverings in certain settings, including on public transportation and in health care facilities.  
Please see www.mass.gov/maskrules for a complete list of venues where face coverings have remained mandatory since May 29, 2021.
Ben's guide to mask wearing - #DoYourPartFranklin
Ben's guide to mask wearing - #DoYourPartFranklin

Monday, February 14, 2022

Superintendent Letter to Franklin Community re: Special Meeting Feb 16, 2022

February 14, 2022

Dear Franklin Community,

You may be aware that last week, Governor Baker and Commissioner Riley held a press conference announcing that DESE, after consulting with medical experts and state health officials, will not extend the state mask requirement in school buildings after it expires on February 28, 2022. The memorandum can be accessed here: https://www.doe.mass.edu/covid19/on-desktop/2022-0209mask-requirement-update.pdf

Without a state order, the decision on masking falls to local decision making. The Franklin School Committee is holding a special meeting on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at 5:00 PM to discuss masking. 

The meeting will be held in Town Council Chambers (limited in person seating); the meeting may also be viewed on Zoom or through Franklin TV. The agenda can be accessed here: https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/events/scagenda_2-16-22_special_mtg.pdf

Individuals who wish to express their opinions should e-mail the School Committee. E-mailing the committee can be accessed at the following address:
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/webforms/email-us

As for Franklin High School, FHS received a waiver from the state in November because over 80% of the population at Franklin High School had been vaccinated. The School Committee amended their policy in November to allow for masks to be optional at FHS for vaccinated individuals if the 14-day % positivity rate is below 4% (the current rate is above 4%). Therefore, masks are still required at FHS currently. Optional masking at FHS will also be discussed at Wednesday’s meeting.

Masking will continue to be required on all school buses, per federal order. Masking is also required, per DPH, in school health offices.

Kind regards, 

Sara Ahern
Superintendent of Schools 


PDF copy of the letter can be found here ->



Saturday, February 12, 2022

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Special Meeting - Feb 16, 2022 - 5 PM

Franklin School Committee
February 16, 2022 - 5:00 PM
Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Special School Committee Meeting

Agenda


Call to Order Mrs. Spencer

I. Discussion Only
A. Response to Open Meeting Law complaint against public officers, namely the
members of the School Committee, filed with the Committee by Kyle Thompson
and dated February 3, 2022.

II. Discussion/Action/Possible Vote
A. Policy EBCFA – Face Coverings  

Adjournment 


Policy EBCFA – Face Coverings  -> (Revised Aug 2021)

Ben's guide to mask wearing - #DoYourPartFranklin
Ben's guide to mask wearing - #DoYourPartFranklin

Wednesday, February 9, 2022

DESE "will not renew the state mask requirement after it expires on February 28, 2022"

"Please see the following release from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education https://t.co/Ao8cJFbwFq"  or here

Shared from Twitter ->   https://twitter.com/MASCSchoolComm/status/1491432725072707585

DESE update on mask policy, allowing expiration as of Feb 28, 2022 ->   https://www.doe.mass.edu/covid19/on-desktop/2022-0209mask-requirement-update.pdf


Other DESE policy statements, etc.   https://www.doe.mass.edu/covid19/on-desktop.html



DESE "will not renew the state mask requirement after it expires on February 28, 2022"
DESE "will not renew the state mask requirement after it expires on February 28, 2022"


Friday, February 4, 2022

Franklin, MA: Board of Health Meeting - 02/02/22 (audio)

FM #716 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 716 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the Franklin, MA Board of Health (BoH) meeting held on Wednesday, Feb 2, 2022. The meeting was held in the 3rd floor training room with 1 BoH member remote and at least one public attendee participating remotely virtually via the Zoom conference bridge.


Links to the meeting agenda and my notes are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 40 minutes, so let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting of Feb 2, 2022.


Audio file -> 
https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-716-board-of-health-mtg-02-02-22


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


Meeting agenda 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/boh_agenda_02022022_1.pdf 


My notes

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/recap-board-of-health-conducts-regular.html 


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


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


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

 

How can you help?

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

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


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


For additional information, please visit 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"

 

Board of Health conducts regular business, listens to resident comments on masking
Board of Health conducts regular business, listens to resident comments on masking

Friday, January 14, 2022

MIAA Statement Reiterating Masking Guidelines - 01/13/22

To:         MIAA Membership
From: Dr. Robert Baldwin, Executive Director
Re:         MIAA Masking Guidelines
Date: January 13, 2022

I have learned throughout my career that the only thing worse than a lack of information is a mixed message. Yesterday, the MIAA Basketball Committee voted to recommend to the Association’s Board of Directors that basketball players and officials have the option to not wear masks during play. This recommendation is well within their purview, and in this case, serves as a recommendation only to the Board of Directors.

This memo intends to provide our members with a clear message regarding Mask Wearing Guidelines and what continues to be the intent of this Association as a whole. The protocols that take place within the school day should be consistent with the behaviors that occur in co-curricular activities. That is why the MIAA has been in lockstep with DESE’s masking recommendations.

I attended a meeting yesterday where an esteemed medical doctor said that the current surge is 20 fold higher than the first surge when COVID 19 began. This is not the time to be sending a mixed message regarding masking guidelines to our membership. DESE recently extended its mask requirement for all K-12 public schools in Massachusetts through February 28, 2022, based upon the current Omicron surge. It is the intent of the MIAA to stay the course as well.

I will reiterate guidelines that were communicated on November 23, 2021, and again on December 21, 2021. Student-athletes, coaches, and officials that are indoors shall be masked. Uniform compliance collectively adhered to by local authorities for ALL student-athletes throughout the Commonwealth eliminates mixed messages and continues to be the expectation during this heightened cycle of COVID 19. Proper mask-wearing (nose and mouth fully covered) is the expectation needed for the safety of our students and school communities.
Masking guidelines for school events at off-campus venues adhere to this same guideline as well. It is important during this time that we collectively and consistently continue to enforce proper mask-wearing of coaches and student- athletes at practices and athletic contests.

In closing, I respect and honor the difficulty of local control. However, I felt the need to send a clear and consistent message to our member schools that we will continue to stay the course as we continue to navigate the current winter season.



Shared from Twitter:  https://twitter.com/MIAA033/status/1481692682208825344

MIAA Statement Reiterating Masking Guidelines - 01/13/22
MIAA Statement Reiterating Masking Guidelines - 01/13/22


Friday, January 7, 2022

Recap: Board of Health approves change to septic bylaw, will look at mask requirements and encouraging vaccinations

Quick Recap:
  • Meeting in hybrid format, board members remote, staff and some public in person at Municipal building, other public also remote
  • Public hearing on change to septic regulations to better protect current and future homeowners from system failures.
  • State regulations had changed no longer permitting tanks sizes less than 1000; clarification on the need to replace is NOT due to this change but WHEN and if the system failed. 
  • After discussion change was approved. Health Director Cathleen Liberty to work on language to better explain the change and requirements.
  • Multiple other items of regular business conducted. Vaccine clinic for youth scheduled, nurse visits and action increasing; Winter St property being readied for demolition but actual permit not yet pulled;
  • Citizen comment on the lack of a mask mandate given the rise in COVID cases will bring about a meeting to review the topic and enforcement (which is really the key issue) before the regularly scheduled Feb meeting.


-------


As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter while I attended the meeting via the Zoom conf bridge. 

 

The Twitter hashtag #BoH0105 can be found online The thread begins with  

https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1478848864769744903 


Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one album ->
https://photos.app.goo.gl/XijcFXGiDFFRxU3u8

  • About to begin reporting on the Board of Health meeting, #boh0105
  • Agenda doc for meeting https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/boh_agenda_01052022_0.pdf… #boh0105
  • Motion to accept meeting minutes as submitted, so moved, seconded, passes 3-0 via roll call #boh0105
  • Opens public hearing on septic systems, #boh0105 looking to have title 5 changes certified by structural engineer/professional rather than putting the burden on the resident, also addresses smaller tanks previously allowed and not permitted now …
  • Only for systems that have failed and require a replacement. #boh0105 clarification on when to be implemented (only if system fails)
  • If tank is too small per state regs, a failure would require replacement, a state requirement.
  • State law calls for sewer connections if available where a septic system fails or is not feasible #boh0105
  • Existing 1000 gallon tanks would be replaced with 1500 per state requirement, #boh0105 this is not a town mandate, this curbs issues for home owners and buyers for future and brings better alignment with state alignment
  • Public hearing closed, motion to accept changed language, seconded, passes 3-0 via roll call. Motion to be effective 4/1/2022, seconded, asses via roll call. #boh0105 "user friendly language" to be circulated to board 4 review before publication
  • Moving to other agenda items; #boh0105 Winter st progress noted, awaiting demo permit; work underway, asbestos removed from siding. Report reviewed
  • Nurse Alecia providing updates; over 4k cases, 56 deaths, no home kit testing part of numbers, another clinic coming 1/19 at the Senior Center. Clinic scheduled for FHA #boh0105 Town has ordered test kits for local and 1st responders use, likely through Health Dept
  • Current supply for staff and families, new epidemiologist starting new week, full time here as part of Metacomet Shared Services.
  • Next up Cleveland Ave upgrade approval from board, agent did recommend, motion, second, passes via roll call #boh0105
  • No new business; public comment - Max - why the BoH hasn't been advocating local masking? Have generally been following the State, thought of regularly, enforcement is really the issue, who would? The BoH is not prepared to do so. #boh0105
  • Perhaps review a stronger advisory on masking and encouraging  vaccine effectiveness for Feb or sooner meeting? #boh0105 work by dept has been enormous, there are limits. The board will support the Dept however possible.
  • If something isn't always enforced doesn't always mean we don't have it. Motion to adjourn, seconded, passes 3-0 via roll call #boh0105 
Board of Health Chair Bridget Sweet during the meeting
Board of Health Chair Bridget Sweet during the meeting



Sunday, January 2, 2022

Urgent - Franklin Public Schools: 2 Hour Delay - Monday, Jan 3, 2022

2 Hour Delay 1/3/2022

Dear FPS Community,

There will be a 2-hour delayed opening for students on Monday, January 3, 2022. Faculty and staff report on time. Please see the Superintendent's email from January 1 for additional details.

Franklin Public Schools

 

Superintendent's letter -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/01/franklin-public-schools-email-on.html

Franklin Public Schools: Urgent - 2 Hour Delay - Monday, Jan 3, 2022
Franklin Public Schools: Urgent - 2 Hour Delay - Monday, Jan 3, 2022