Parents: please respond to the Health Department Parent Survey

The Franklin Health Department is seeking input from parents who have children expected to return to PreK-12 school this fall. 

All responses are anonymous and the survey will only take a few minutes. 

Thank you in advance for your feedback and participation.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSck-7GnGwqwYAPrny7EQ3ZjWLSwcEB-RznaTeAstwn142K-bg/viewform

Parents: please respond to the Health Department Parent Survey

School Committee Recap: Re-opening fully in person not a consideration

There are lots of notes as the work to develop 3 plans (in person, hybrid and remote learning) and the whole planning process is very complex but the quick summary for me is: 

"In person likely ruling out for feasibility, leaving hybrid or remote? Need survey results from Community to help make decision #schcom0728 then flesh out the comprehensive plan for final submission. Afraid to lose staff"

The preliminary plan reviewed tonight will be submitted Friday to DESE with one of the three options as being 'leaned towards' without committing to. The survey results will inform which of the two options (hybrid or full remote) will be the 'leaned towards' choice. Then the work to flesh out this plan will continue. Assuming there is a waiver from DESE granted, then the School Committee will meet as scheduled Aug 11, and vote on the recommendation. If waiver not granted by DESE (as plan is due Aug 10), then another School Committee meeting will be scheduled for the vote.


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 #schcom0718
https://twitter.com/hashtag/schcom0728?src=hashtag_click

Twitter stream of notes

• Real time reporting underway for #schcom0728. Chair can't see anything so this could be interesting as she (Anne Bergen) tries to conduct the meeting
• Superintendent reports on 2 new grants received. Details in report posted to webpage on Weds. #schcom0728 next up preliminary opening plan

preliminary opening plan

• Slide deck used with faculty and two parent chats being used again tonight, updated with additional info as it is available. #schcom0728
• Slide doesn't talk to faculty risk but superintendent did note to add it #schcom0728
• Will review 3 models, no vote by #schcom0728 tonight, will be a vote at next meeting
• Universal health and safety practices expected to be in place and followed #schcom0728 will have mask breaks during the day when appropriate. Deviates from DESE guidance in the ALL students will wear masks, not just 2-12 grades
• Health data doesn't support a return without restrictions, return includes with modifications to most if not all activities, #schcom0728 feasibility studies being done
• Direction not traffic signage needed, may need some plexiglass to be placed (but not all places) #schcom0728 full remote option to be offered, survey data in process to help determine how to do this
• Photo of Oak St classrooms here, the prior one was of FHS #schcom0728
• Hybrid model slides #schcom0728
• Hybrid model requires time between cohorts for cleaning #schcom0728 anticipate adjustments to the calendar to ensure equity for cohorts, this is way no new schedule is up for review today. Transportation guidance under review
• Bus monitors would be required to be covered by COVID money from State #schcom0728 families should consider alternatives to bus where practical. ** Full remote learning planned for; additional hours and expectations if in person can't be done
• Each of the 3 models have merits and challenges; feasibility of 6 and 3 a concern at some schools, esp FHS. #schcom0728 remote could provide more consistency, would miss the socializing altho could be provided with small groups
• Classrooms at FHS smaller generally as well as students bigger physically, capacity of 1750 in building for 1600 is a challenge when trying to implement distancing #schcom0728
• Additional considerations, bus capacity reduced by 1/3. Survey data will be important to help determine, staggered start times may be required #schcom0728
• Anticipated to have lunch in classrooms, #schcom0728 survey closing tomorrow at 8AM. Preliminary view of the overall numbers, after closing survey will do additional slice/dice on #s
• Facilities considerations #schcom0728 (this not just preparing for school, this is doing so three times with permutations and combinations considered)
• #schcom0728 (four photos)
• Faculty response similar to family on a number of points #schcom0728
• Slides to be posted to schools page Weds, will share when it is available. #schcom0728 the remote learning coming would be graded work can last year wasn't under the emergency basis. Not all teachers were not Google classroom proficient (and didn't need to be) previously
• Hybrid model requires time between cohorts for cleaning #schcom0728 anticipate adjustments to the calendar to ensure equity for cohorts, this is way no new schedule is up for review today. Transportation guidance under review
• Bus monitors would be required to be covered by COVID money from State #schcom0728 families should consider alternatives to bus where practical. ** Full remote learning planned for; additional hours and expectations if in person can't be done
• Classrooms at FHS smaller generally as well as students bigger physically, capacity of 1750 in building for 1600 is a challenge when trying to implement distancing #schcom0728
• Additional considerations, bus capacity reduced by 1/3. Survey data will be important to help determine, staggered start times may be required #schcom0728
• Remote learning is different from home schooling, remote is still part of the district funded supported, etc. Home schooling is separately governed and is where the family takes responsibility of the curriculum, needs to be reviewed and approved. #schcom0728
• Is home schooling a trend? Yes, overall slightly but not really known of now. don't have #s handy. Folks may not be realizing what is required. Q have we used Fed funding for nursing/counseling? Not yet under eval #schcom0728
• Next steps, conversation tonight, working group meeting T-W-Th, submit draft Fri to State, looking for vote on Aug 11 meeting and submit with an extension to state. If no extension, would need meeting/vote earlier #schcom0728
• Additional considerations for #schcom0728 including a COVID addendum for the school handbook usually reviewed in August.
• Do all students have the technology? FHS always had, some of the redeploy units are less than satisfactory, did purchase new ones, also looking to id the network side #schcom0728
• Q if vaccine becomes available, if parents choose not to, would it be ok for them (kids without COVID-19 vaccine) to come back? Would need guidance to answer the question now #schcom0728
• Testing is one of the universal practices but not mentioned earlier. Would also need to review policy implications for this. Screening procedure to be in handbook, staff observation on entry, buses, etc. #schcom0728 temp screening not recommended, too variable
• Would need staff for remote teaching in the hybrid model, don't have the info to calculate yet. #schcom0728 (yes, this is a multiple variable model with not all the #s available yet) stay close the the development
• Q if family choice is remote, what happens if sometime down the road they change their mind, how do we integrate them back into the process, room, etc. #schcom0728 what about ECDC? Group working on that separately with building based team
• Thanks for portrait of calm, definitely needed now. #schcom0728 "grappling" very descriptive of the monumental task. It would be good to walk through the entire process as it is totally new and not what we have done before
• Protocol for students or staff developing symptoms during the day, contact tracing upon positive cases. Will depend upon facts of each case. Quarantine period TBD #schcom0728 how long is our test results turn around? Will be a consideration
• Q what about subs? Will be talking more about as a budget item would need the resources. #schcom0728 complexity of hybrid is amazing, would we be better off spending time on the other options? Narrow the options before the 11th? Yes, leaning is required
• In person likely ruling out for feasibility, leaving hybrid or remote? Need survey results from Community to help make decision #schcom0728 then flesh out the comprehensive plan for final submission. Afraid to lose staff
• #schcom0728 FEA has been well represented in this. Walk through a day in the new life at Davis Thayer, with 3 and 6 foot separation. Schools do not have air conditioning, CDC guidance says no fans due to spread of COVID-19. We want to get in, but we know there are issues
• Looking for a video of the walk through for staff and students to help set expectations. #schcom0728 lack of predictably as issue. Want to take time to start remote first and then phase in hybrid
• Language education requires watching the mouth for proper pronunciation, it will hinder the education delivery. #schcom0728 the building is not the school, the people are the school, kids need the educational experience, need to address Maslow, understand the reality
• We're doing this via Zoom, my company isn't planning to do in person until next year, we should consider doing remote only. #schcom0728 let's spend the remaining time to prepare for remote learning

Discussion/Action Items

• Next up discussion/ action items on policy review, for first reading https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/disc-action-b-policy-1st-read motion to approve, seconded passed 7-0 via roll call
• #schcom0728 policy for second readings https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/disc-action-c-policy-2nd-reads clarification on sign off for approval prior to transport. Yes, should be. Motion to approve, second, Passed 7-0 via roll call

Information Updates

• Budget Subcommittee meeting Thursday for next issues, not yet allowed at Farmers Market. Not allowed to hang out at the tables #schcom0728 facilities Analysis not appropriate right now, given uncertainty around fall period. Will resume work in the fall. And set timeline!
• No final copy of the report or date for it yet, #schcom0728 may be in email but not watching that while in meeting.
• Next meeting update on plan, revised school calendar for review, likely budget and policy updates #schcom0728 motion to accept consent agenda, via roll call passed 7-0.

Executive Session

• Will go to executive session, will return to open meeting. How folks will know to rejoin is open. #schcom0728 let's consider this the end of the night. If I get anything else, I'll share. Otherwise catch you next time!

The agenda doc in PDF format can be found
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/agenda-7-28-20

Documents released for this meeting can be found online
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/july-28-2020-school-committee-meeting-packet

School Committee Recap: Re-opening fully in person not a consideration

In the News: police reform bill stalls for 3rd day; parents want flag at half-staff Aug 31

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

"For the third time in as many days, Senate Republicans prevented debate on a wide-ranging police reform bill, but it appears the Senate could launch into its debate on Monday. 

State Sen. Ryan Fattman, R-Sutton, used a procedural motion to postpone debate - asking that all of the nearly 130 amendments to the bill be printed in the Senate calendar. 

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester, said there is bipartisan agreement on 80% to 90% of the bill, but a section dealing with qualified immunity of law enforcement officers is dividing the Senate. He said a bill that’s less expansive and focuses on areas of agreement is more likely to yield “timely action.” 

Qualified immunity is a doctrine that prohibits civil rights suits against government officials where unconstitutional conduct had not been clearly established as illegal at the time it occurred."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200711/mass-gop-senators-hold-up-police-bill-for-third-day

"Parents who have lost children to opioid overdoses gathered Friday outside the State House to urge the governor to lower flags to half-staff in honor of International Overdose Awareness Day, part of a national push to get all 50 states to bring flags down halfway on the day. 

The Massachusetts-based nonprofit Team Sharing organized the event and works with parents who have lost a child to substance use disorder by providing social networking, grief services, and advocacy. 

“If you ever have gone to a funeral and and watched a mom put her child in the ground, oh, my gosh, you’d do anything for them,” said Marlborough resident Cheryl Juaire, whose son Corey Merrill died in 2011 from an overdose. “He’s sending a clear message that he doesn’t care, and that’s what we’re really upset about. There was not a good enough reason why he couldn’t do it.” 

Baker has focused on reducing opioid overdoses during his time in office and the governor’s office plans to issue a proclamation on Aug. 31 declaring the day as International Overdose Awareness Day but said in a letter Thursday that U.S. Flag Code authorizes only certain, specific reasons for the lowering of the U.S. flag to half-staff."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200711/grieving-parents-press-baker-to-lower-flag-on-aug-31

“It’s uncomfortable for a lot of parents, so a lot of times they just skip over it"

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

It’s been two years since Sam Gouveia was teased by some of his kindergarten classmates for painting his nails red.

Now a month shy of his seventh birthday, he still paints his nails. He also started experimenting with make-up to recreate looks based off of YouTube tutorials. He started with his mom’s products, but now he has his own bag of make-up.

“He hasn’t had a problem (with being judged) since then,” said his father Aaron Gouveia, writer of the nationally-known “Daddy Files” blog, about that day in 2018.

When Gouveia started a thread on Twitter supporting Sam wearing nail polish, it went viral, receiving more than 35,000 likes and support from celebrities like former New England Patriots tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Martellus Bennett, and voice actress Tara Strong, who has voiced popular characters like Timmy Turner from the “Fairly OddParents.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20200630/his-three-sons-franklins-daddy-files-blogger-publishes-book-on-raising-boys-to-be-good-men

Listen to my interview with Aaron. We met on the Town Common, and socially distanced for our conversation.
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/fm-292-aaron-gouveia-daddy-files-52120.html

FM #292 Aaron Gouveia - Daddy Files - 5/21/20 (audio)

FM #292 Aaron Gouveia - Daddy Files - 5/21/20 (audio)

FM #292 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 292 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Franklin resident and author, Aaron Gouveia. We had our conversation on the Town Common on a gorgeous day in May while adhering to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk of his popping to my Franklin radar as a dad blogger when in 2018, his son in kindergarten came home with a problem due to some of his class’s reaction to his fingernails being painted. Aaron set up a Twitter thread before he went to bed that night and woke up to find his phone exploding with notifications.

Long story short as he made the media rounds, he got an offer to write a book about toxic masculinity. His book is now due to be published June 16

We had a great conversation

• about parenting, both boys and girls,
• the needs for good role models for our youth
• the minimum wage workers who are the heroes in this pandemic.
• the nature of work is changing and
• maybe there is a silver lining in this pandemic.

The show notes include links to Aaron’s Twitter profile, the Amazon book page, his book web page, and to the quote I botched during the conversation.

The recording runs about 28 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Aaron. Audio file ->   https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-292-aaron-gouveia-daddy-files-5-21-20

-------

Franklin Public Library Author Event, June 24 https://facebook.com/events/s/raising-boys-to-be-good-men-a-/2312169695751328/?ti=cl

The DaddyFiles page https://www.daddyfiles.com/

The Amazon link
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1510749411?tag=duckduckgo-ffab-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1

Aaron’s Amazon author link https://www.amazon.com/Aaron-Gouveia/e/B08127Z6JN

Boston Globe article from 2018
https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2018/10/23/this-franklin-father-has-powerful-message-anyone-who-has-issue-with-his-son-painting-his-nails/P9lPTb9IAqGtf0toIuO58K/story.html

Follow Aaron on Twitter https://twitter.com/daddyfiles

And the quote I butchered goes like this:

"Our example to our children, to our families, and to the world around us is constant. The question is not whether or not anyone is watching, the question is what are they learning as they watch." -- Kirk Weisler

-------
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/
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 #292 Aaron Gouveia - Daddy Files  - 5/21/20 (audio)

"What are you Puffing?" Vaping and Our Youth - Jan 6, 2020

FPS Parent Education Series

Please join us for a workshop on electronic vapor product (EVP) use. 

This event is open to all interested parents, community members and Middle/High School students. Younger students are welcome at parents' discretion. 

We will be providing the latest information on this issue, including resource sharing. This event is facilitated by the Massachusetts Partnership for Youth. 

Monday, Jan 6, 2020
Franklin High School Auditorium at 6:00 PM

"What are you Puffing?" Vaping and Our Youth - Jan 6, 2020

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinps.net/district/news/what-are-you-puffing-vaping-and-our-youth

School Start Times Advisory Committee: Summary Paper

Dear Franklin Public Schools Community,

On Tuesday, March 26, 2019 the School Start Times Advisory Committee (SSTAC) presented to the School Committee making a recommendation that school start times be adjusted to be consistent with research on children and sleep. 

The School Committee is now in a position to vote on the matter, currently planned for the April 23, 2019 meeting.

The SSTAC has completed the development of its summary paper, which is shown below.

Additional information is available on the SSTAC website: https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-start-times-advisory-committee

A FAQ document will has been posted to the website shortly.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/10XbvWjFn5bRgmnxTP2hRUa5apdfIQsnQVi4VKowzL-Q/edit?usp=sharing


Summary Paper
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hyy10-Lk5QVVg430KVbJUzV-NXJk15dp/view?usp=sharing

School Start Times Advisory Committee

The audio recording of the School Start Times report to the School Committee is available
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/fm-161-school-start-times-report-32619.html

Autism & Creating a Fulfilling Life for the Family and Child with Special Needs - Feb 28

Autism & Creating a Fulfilling Life for the Family and Child with Special Needs

Join us as we welcome author, journalist, public speaker and special needs parent Susan Senator. Susan is the mother of three boys, the oldest of whom has severe autism. Using her experiences and speaking from the heart, Susan speaks about the impact that autism has had on her family. She has authored books including: Making Peace with Autism, Autism Adulthood, and The Autism Mom's Survival Guide. Susan speaks around the country and maintains a blog and website, www.susansenator.com.

When: Thursday, February 28 at 7:00 PM
Where: Third floor Training Room of the Franklin Municipal Building, 255 East Central Street, Franklin, MA.

This event is free and open to the public.

If you have any suggestions for workshops or social events for the kids, please send us an email at franklinsepac@gmail.com.

WWW.FRANKLINSEPAC.ORG

Franklin SEPAC: Autism & Creating a Fulfilling
Life for the Family and Child with Special Needs

School Start Times Parent/Guardian Education Night - Feb 13

Dear Families,

The School Start Times Parent/Guardian Education Night has been rescheduled for Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at 7:00 PM. 

Please see the attached flyer and RSVP for planning purposes.

Franklin Public Schools



RSVP for planning purposes
https://goo.gl/forms/d0QjjcAW3dTNmXg23

Download flyer here or below
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczWllHR2hFQUxtYVlwV1VFaE5hSFBQQnZJeUtv/view?usp=sharing


--
Sara E. Ahern, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Franklin Public Schools
355 East Central Street
Suite 3
Franklin, MA 02038
508-553-4819

School Start Times Parent/Guardian Education Night - Feb 13

"more geared toward first-time parents."

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

"Babies don’t come with a manual, but the library is hoping to offer advice for expecting mothers and fathers with its new program, “Bump and Beyond.” 

The program trains soon-to-be parents on a multitude of child-care areas. Kim Byda and Katie Brown, lactation specialists and nurses from Northeast Mom’s and Babies, sometimes come to the library’s weekly “Tummy Time” for infants. 

They provide advice and offer sources of information for new parents. They’ll also be making appearances at Bump and Beyond, said Youth Services Librarian Caleigh Keating. 

“They’re there just to answer questions and be a resource,” said Keating. “Our focus now is how we reach folks before the baby is born.” 

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190131/franklin-library-offers-program-for-expecting-parents


Bump and Beyond: A Group for Expecting Parents!
Wednesday, February 27th, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

No matter what stage you're at in your (or your partner's) pregnancy, you probably have questions. (Is this normal? What should we expect? How will we handle feeding and sleeping issues?) You're not alone! Join us at the library to share your questions, get answers, meet other expecting parents and build your parent tribe! We will be joined each month by lactation specialists, Nurse Practitioners, and parents Katie and Kim of Northeast Moms and Babies, who will be on hand to answer all your questions! This month’s theme: Creating a registry and Pregnancy myth busters!

From the Library Newsletter
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/franklinlibraryfebruary2019newsletter.pdf

Bump and Beyond: A Group for Expecting Parents!  Wednesday, February 27

"Teaching our Children to Be Good Digital Citizens" - Sep 5

This parent education night is free and open to the public. Please join us to for "Teaching our Children to Be Good Digital Citizens" The event has been coordinated by Mrs. McCoy in conjunction with the Norfolk District Attorney's Office. We believe that in this digital age, this topic is of value to all BFCCPS parents, no matter how old your child(ren) are. Please RSVP using the online form linked so that we can gauge attendance for the evening.

Parent Education Night: Digital Citizenship September 5 at 6 PM Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School in Franklin, Massachusetts

MASSBudget: Data on EITC by community, and effects on parents and children

Tax credit affects children's education, health outcomes

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. March 8, 2018 Data on EITC by community, and effects on parents and children The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center's new resources provide data on how many households in each Massachusetts city or town received earned income tax credit (EITC), a tax credit available to low- and moderate-income working people. The Governor's proposed budget includes an expansion of the state EITC from 23 percent of the federal credit to 30 percent, which would affect the economic security of more than 400,000 households in Massachusetts. MassBudget's brief includes an interactive map, which shows the share of all tax filers in each city and town who benefited from the state EITC. The data can also be downloaded as a table from the Kids Count Data Center. Both use the most current data available from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. More than 400,000 households claim the Massachusetts state EITC each year. In state Fiscal Year 2019 lower wage workers and their children will receive a total of $214.1 million in credits. For a detailed description of EITC and how it affects educational, health, and other family outcomes, see this updated fact sheet.   The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 15 Court Square, Suite 700, Boston, MA 02108 Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try it free today

"app also gives parents the ability to control a child’s contact list"

At the Joint PCC meeting on Monday, they was a discussion on the use of mobile devices by children and how parents could or should handle these situations. I came home to find this article in my radar. It is share worthy.

"Facebook today (12/4/17) announced a new version of its Messenger chat app designed for children ages six to 12. Called Messenger Kids, the new app does not require a Facebook account — due to federal law, users under the age of 13 cannot legally sign up for Facebook. Rather, parents are able to manage a child’s Messenger Kids app from their Facebook account, controlling which friends and family members the child is able to contact. Facebook is launching the app today in preview with a limited rollout on iOS. 

Facebook says it’s going to great lengths to make sure the app does not come off as exploitative. “There are no ads in Messenger Kids and your child's information isn't used for ads. It is free to download and there are no in-app purchases,” the company writes in a blog post. Facebook says Messenger Kids is also designed to be compliant with the Children's Online Privacy and Protection Act, or COPPA. That’s the federal law that protects underage children from exploitation online, and it’s the reason so many online services require children be 13 years of age or older in order to sign up. Facebook says the new app is only available in the US, with plans to expand its availability beyond iOS to the Amazon App Store and Google Play Store in the coming months."

You can continue reading the full article on The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2017/12/4/16725494/facebook-messenger-kids-app-launch-ios-iphone-preview

A messaging app for kids ages 6 to 12 to chat with friends and family (image from The Verge article)

 Just because they can doesn't mean they should.

Franklin SEPAC: October 2017 Newsletter

October 2017 October Workshop Learn how to build resilience in your child...... Franklin SEPAC presents renowned behaviorist, trainer and author: Jeanine Fitzgerald Helping Children Cope: Putting Humpty Dumpty Back Together Again Monday, October 16th at 7:00 PM Horace Mann Auditorium 224 Oak Street, Franklin MA This workshop will: ​explore the importance of resiliency in children provide hands on coping strategies for parents and professsionals to help build this resilience We look forward to seeing you there.  Parent Support Group When: Thursday, October 26 at 7:00 PM Where: Cole's Tavern, 553 Washington Street, Franklin We will be providing monthly opportunities for parents/caregivers to get together in a relaxed environment to share stories, make connections and learn from one another.   Mark your calendars! It's time for some fun!! The annual SEPAC Halloween Hayride!! When: Friday, October 27 at  4:00 PM Where: Tangerini's Farm, Millis Come in your costume for a great afternoon at Tangerini's. We will go on a hayride, pick and paint pumpkins and visit the animals. Bring a flashlight to enjoy the haymaze. Please let us know of any allergies or food sensitivities so that we can accomodate all needs. This event is open to all special-needs students and their families at no cost.  This event fills up quick!!  RSVP to franklinsepac@gmail.com  Hope to see you there!  The mission of the Franklin Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) is to promote a network for parents of children with disabilities and provide a forum to share information and discuss matters of relative interest and concern regarding our children. This group provides regular forums for Pupil Personnel Services and parents to share information and discuss pertinent issues; develops, maintains and shares tools and a resource guide; and raises awareness of children with special needs. We host monthly workshops educating parents on special-needs topics. We also hold support groups, fun meet-ups for the kids and donate educational supplies to the Franklin Public School Special Education programs. We are a volunteer-run organization and need donations to help alleviate the costs of the above-mentioned programs. We receive our primary funding through an annual "Evening of Comedy" fundraiser that we host in April. www.franklinsepac.org We are always looking for feedback and ways that we can help meet the needs of our community here in town.  Please don't hesitate to reach out to us via email at franklinsepac@gmail.com, follow us on Facebook at @franklinsepac, and now on Twitter at @franklin_sepac. Stay updated about our workshops, support groups and events. Get social with us!

---

Franklin Special Education Parent Advisory Council 355 East Central St. Franklin, Massachusetts 02038 US Read the VerticalResponse marketing policy.

---