ParmenterPCC: Parmenter remote for 1/11/21

January 10, 2021

Dear Parmenter Families,
 
We have been monitoring staff attendance very carefully in recent days, striving creatively to provide classroom coverage in order to keep our school open for students. Unfortunately, we find ourselves at a point this evening where we do not feel we can appropriately and safely supervise our students for in-person learning tomorrow.
 
Parmenter Elementary School will be fully remote for cohort students on Monday, January 11, 2021. Students in the NECC Partner program will be in person as those classrooms are fully staffed. Students will follow their typical Monday schedule within the remote model. Grade level teachers will communicate any alternatives to the schedule through their virtual learning platform (i.e. Google Classroom).  Students should log in as they normally would during a remote learning day.
 
We hope this evening notification provides you some time to make arrangements for this unexpected remote day. We will continue to monitor our staffing for Tuesday and notify you tomorrow by mid-afternoon. We will continue to monitor the situation for the remainder of the week, as well.
 
A decision like this is never easy. We appreciate your understanding.
 
Sincerely,
 
Sara Ahern                                             Shannon Barca
Superintendent of Schools                 Parmenter Elementary School Principal 

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ParmenterPCC (@ParmenterPcc) tweeted at 6:53 PM on Sun, Jan 10, 2021:

IMPORTANT: MONDAY 1/11/21 SCHOOL SCHEDULE CHANGE!

Copy of notification   https://t.co/NC9HaQgbjp 

Shared via Twitter:  https://t.co/bdw6UAZSyx

 

ParmenterPCC: Parmenter remote for 1/11/21

School Committee meeting - March 10, 2020 - Recap

Among the key updates from the School Committee meeting of March 10,2020 were 

• presentation from Parmenter students on their "passion projects"
• Elementary school principals provided updates on their School Improvement Plans
• Superintendent Ahern provided an update from the FY 2021 budget discussion at the Town Council meeting the prior week
• Superintendent Ahern presented the first pass at the Student Opportunity Act (SOA) commitment required by April 1
• The consent agenda was approved without the Oak St trip item which was held for a future meeting
• The Committee entered executive session not to return to open meeting

School Committee actions taken:
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/scagenda_3-10-20_actions_taken.pdf

Superintendent's Report:
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/news/superintendents_report_to_school_committee_march_10_2020.pdf


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

• Live Reporting: Information Matters through to Closing

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/live-reporting-information-matters.html

• Live Reporting: Discussion/Action Items - Discussion Only Items

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/live-reporting-discussionaction-items.html

• Live Reporting: Guests/Presentations

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/live-reporting-guestspresentations.html

• Live reporting: School Committee - March 10, 2020

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/live-reporting-school-committee-march.html

Elementary school principals provided updates on their School Improvement Plans

Parmenter students presented on their "passion projects"

 

Live Reporting: Guests/Presentations

II. Guests/Presentations
A. Student Passion Project Presentation (Parmenter students)

• French club learning words, songs and making posters
• Animal rescue club has made dog toys and bird feeders
• Hometown heroes club learning about veterans who served for the country
• "??" collected coats/hats/mittens, 'reach out and read' for national reading month 
• Best Buddies - all about helping everyone make a friend, became the 9th elementary school to become an official chapter of Best Buddies

Parmenter students presenting on their passion projects to School Committee (assistance from principal and vice-principal) pic.twitter.com/0Jxr7LFeci

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) March 10, 2020

B. Elementary School Improvement Plan Updates
all six elementary principals with assistant principals in support at meeting


presentation doc to be added later (released by FPS on Wednesday)

Franklin elementary school principals providing midyear update on the school improvement plans
(assistant principals present to support the presentation) pic.twitter.com/DIIuWKFwdr

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) March 10, 2020

adjustment counselors were a positive impact, thanks for funding the balance to provide support across the elementary schools

counselors help to model lessons for teachers, will help to problem solve with teachers

Mo Willems, pigeon referenced as a student interest at Davis Thayer

wait list in pilot with YOU Inc, working out scheduling and insurance issues as well as finding other counselors (as YOU Inc expands)

Q - on scoring and how it is being evaluated? will the program go forward, what is the criteria to say yes or no

A - still developing the scoring calibration and we'll see the data later this year to see what progress if nay has been seen

improved communications on tardies and absences between administration and parents

developing a more unified approach to planning via the "Understanding by Design" (UbD) framework across the 6 schools
used "Portrait of a Graduate" as an example of the backward planning required. If that is the end, what do we need to do to get there

Genius Club = recess and lunch club at DT to allow for more time to explore a project or learning they want

some students are able to exit their interventionist period with good progress and meet grade level expectations

Q - what is an academic interventionist?
A - a qualified teacher individual working part time to provide individualized instruction in conjunction with the math and literacy specialists

working differently in the different schools in some cases due to the Title one funding restrictions

two way communications, coordinating with Anne Marie Tracey to prepare one-pager guides on K registration, etc.; help with website to make better updates

(FHS Diversity Club participated at Keller PDD day, possible visit to Town Council meeting? what the students said others in the community likely should hear)

capital expense possible with the architect looking at all the buildings
interventionists are still being explored and is an area of great opportunity

the needs of the students are challenging, every year it is increasing, you can't invest enough in that, you can always do more

different number of hours from school to school for intervention

PCC's are supportive of the side projects

Franklin Public Schools: Central Offices will be closed on 12/24/19; 12/25/19; 12/31/19 & 1/1/20

"FPS Central Offices will be closed on 12/24/19; 12/25/19; 12/31/19 and  1/1/20. 

We will be open from 7:30-4 PM on other days during school vacation."

From all of us at FHS, we wish you and your families a warm and relaxing winter break!!

It’s almost time.....
To our students, staff, and families @FranklinPSNews
Best wishes for a wonderful (homework-free!) holiday season and vacation. Enjoy the time with family and friends doing the things that give you joy. pic.twitter.com/2mJswPNuqK

— jedwards40 (@jedwards40) December 20, 2019

(1/2) Passion Projects community service have begun! Caroling through the neighborhood and exceeding our goal for the coats, hats, mittens drive! @mrsfullermusic @FranklinPSNews #passionprojects #communityoutreach pic.twitter.com/GZ6MtvIBj4

— Parmenter Elementary (@parmenterschool) December 20, 2019

From all of us at FHS, we wish you and your families a warm and relaxing winter break!!
See everyone in thirteen days! ⁦@FHS_PCC⁩ ⁦@FranklinMatters⁩ ⁦@FranklinPSNews⁩ ⁦@FHSPantherbook⁩ pic.twitter.com/eYNdCZavgt

— FranklinHighSchool (@FranklinHS) December 20, 2019

How Christmas changed from a rowdy celebration to a family-centered event - Dec 8

Join Ken Turino of Historic New England for a delightful exploration of Christmas traditions from the 1600s through 1900, on Sunday, December 8. This illustrated lecture traces the development of the celebration of Christmas, from when it was outlawed in 17-century New England through the beginning of the 20th century, when all the trappings of a traditional Christmas were in place. 

Kenneth C. Turino, manager of community engagement and exhibitions at Historic New England, tells the story of how Christmas changed from a rowdy celebration to a family-centered event. 

Learn how Christmas trees became popular, halls were decked, and Santa Claus came to town. Do you send Christmas cards each year? Decorate your house inside and out? Join us and learn about the history of your favorite traditions. 

The museum opens at 1:00 PM and the presentation will begin at 1:10 PM. Please bring a donation for the Franklin Food Pantry. 

Our Second Sunday Speaker Series is sponsored by the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum.

Museum winter hours are Saturday mornings 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and Sunday afternoons 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Visit the Franklin Historical Museum online at https://www.franklinmuseum1778.com/

Left: Christmas Card sent home to Franklin from Gerald Parmenter During WWII

For more about Historic New England, visit them on the web at https://www.historicnewengland.org/

For more about Ken Turino
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/reimagining-historic-house-museums-due-october-2019-ken-turino/
 

Franklin Public Schools: No School on Wednesday, October 9, 2019 - Yom Kippur

No School on Wednesday, October 9, 2019 - Yom Kippur

 

Subscribe to any or all of the news from the Franklin Public Schools here

https://www.franklinps.net/subscribe

 

No School on Wednesday, October 9, 2019 - Yom Kippur

 

Parmenter 5K - June 2012

The Parmenter 5K was held on Jun 10, 2012 at the Gerald M Parmenter Elementary School in Franklin, MA 02038.



or go directly to Flickr
https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/sets/72157630033523485/

Parmenter Story Walk in 2010

An explore along the nature trail and now a story walk behind the Parmenter Elementary School, in Franklin, MA. These are a sample of the views along the walk in the fall of 2010.




or go directly to Flickr
https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/sets/72157625155278049/

Franklin Library: Closed Sunday/Monday for holiday

The Franklin Library is closed today (Dec 31)  and Monday (Jan 1). Yes, schools are also closed for New Year's Day. And for Martin Luther King Day on Jan 15.

Franklin Library: Closed Sunday/Monday for holiday

Parmenter sign with current events

The calendar for the 2017-2018 school year can be found on the Franklin Public Schools webpage
http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinDistrict_SchoolCalDocs/17-18%20CalendarR5-2017.pdf'

In the News: FHS cheer team champions; school security works

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

"The Franklin High School varsity cheerleading team topped two divisions at a national competition over the weekend. 

Coach Amy Murphy said the squad - participating in the Platinum Nationals competition in Rochester, New York - won the high school division and was the grand champion of the school division. 

“They scored 91.71 out of a possible 95 - they did great,” she said.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170412/franklin-cheerleaders-top-division-at-national-competition

THEY DID IT! @FHScheer_ NATIONAL CHAMPIONS HIGH SCHOOL DIV!!!
2 time GRAND NATIONAL CHAMPIONS in School and College Div!! #PantherPride pic.twitter.com/mZNDunuTDw

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) April 9, 2017

THEY DID IT! @FHScheer_ NATIONAL CHAMPIONS HIGH SCHOOL DIV!!!

"Recent security upgrades helped keep an unwanted visitor out of the Parmenter Elementary School, officials said during an update on school safety this week. 

Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski said a reconfigured entrance - part of ongoing security efforts - kept that person from entering the building. Sabolinski, along with Assistant Superintendent Peter Light, gave a presentation on school safety at Tuesday night’s School Committee meeting. 

Sabolinski said school safety ties in with the district’s recent work with social/emotional learning, especially the idea that students have to be emotionally ready to receive instruction. 

“If students do not feel safe in school, they’re not learning,” she said. “The research is replete with data (showing that).”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170412/franklin-security-upgrade-put-to-test

Parmenter School has picture day scheduled for Wednesday, Oct 5

No school Monday, and then again next Monday (Oct 10) and Wednesday (Oct 12). The October calendar is a challenge with the religious holidays and Columbus Day combined.

Parmenter School has picture day scheduled for Wednesday, Oct 5

Parmenter School has picture day scheduled for Wednesday, Oct 5

Enjoy the Labor Day holiday

Parmenter sign acknowledges no school on Monday Sep 5 for Labor Day and announces a PCC meeting on Sep 8 and a Welcome Breakfast on Sep 9.

Parmenter sign acknowledges no school on Monday Sep 5 for Labor Day

• For more about the Parmenter schedule, visit their webpage

http://parmenterelementary.vt-s.net/Pages/index

• For more about the other schools in Franklin, visit the District page here

http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/index

Memorial Day Events

Parmenter School will hold their Memorial Day ceremonies on Tuesday, May 31. The ice cream social is scheduled for June 1.

• Milford Daily News covers the Memorial Day event at Jefferson Elementary

http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160529/franklin-jefferson-elementary-students-observe-memorial-day

From hydroponics to "Crazy Reading Ladies" all in one School Committee meeting

The School Committee meeting on Tuesday May 24 heard presentations from Parmenter and Horace Mann, reviewed three policy changes and received some updates from the Superintendent. The highlights and details follow.

• Parmenter School provided an update on their hydroponic gardens and how that is being used to foster education and collaboration.

• Horace Mann provided an update on the student efforts to help make transition to middle school better as well as the "All In" reading program. The reading program achieved major notoriety this year when the author heard of their efforts via Twitter, arranged to visit, and the brought along one of the surviving Coast Guard men who were part of real life "The Finest Hours." 

Co-author Casey Sherman and Coast Guard engineer Mel Gouthro with one of the "Crazy Reading Ladies"

• The School Committee started the review of three policy changes and moved them to a second reading. Most of the material change is bringing the language current with legal and regulatory requirements.

• Dianne Plouffe was announced as the new District Music Director replacing Nancy Schoen who is retiring after this year.

My notes captured live during the meeting can be found here

• Live reporting: Discussion items to Closing
• Live reporting: Horace Mann update
• Live reporting: School Committee - May 24, 2016

From the archives:

•   The post recounting the visit of Casey Sherman and Mel Guthro

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/03/it-touched-me-not-because-you-loved.html

In the News: 2-way traffic coming to downtown, school explores growing hydroponic plants

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"The town has begun its efforts to inform local drivers of the upcoming change to two-way traffic in the downtown. 

The change, slated to take place in late June, will be the result of the two-year downtown streetscape project, and will affect West Central, Emmons and Main streets. 

Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen said local officials will be looking to inform the public through a wide-ranging campaign. 

"We'll be doing weekly posts on social media, as well as the traditional channels," he said, adding that local newspapers and websites had been approached about the change."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160524/franklin-informing-residents-of-traffic-changeover

work continues along Main St putting in curbing and new sidewalks in advance of redoing the road surface and then changing the traffic from one way to two way in June

"Officials from Parmenter Elementary School shared the lessons learned through a third-grade hydroponic gardening program. 

The program - new at Parmenter this year - was chosen to illustrate the school's approach to creating learning experiences for its students. The school's three third-grade teachers gave a presentation on the matter at Tuesday's School Committee meeting. 

Teacher Edward Tighe said that when students were first shown the hydroponic equipment, they did not know what it was. 

"It has been an amazing four months of discovery - not just for the students, but us teachers as well," he said. "We've made many mistakes, the kids have seen those mistakes and we've worked together to come up with solutions."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160524/franklin-garden-advances-science-learning

Parmenter 5th Grader - Car Wash and Clothing Drive

The Parmenter 5th graders are holding a car wash in the Parmenter loop line as well as a clothing drive. In order to help raise funds to pay for their 5th grade celebration events as well as a parting gift to the school, every year the 5th graders hold a car wash. 

This year they are also collecting clothing and household items and SAVERS will make a donation to Parmenter based on the amount collected.

Event Details are as follows:

WHAT: 
Parmenter 5th Grade Car Wash and Clothing Drive

WHEN: 
Saturday, May 21st 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Rain Date (for car wash) - Sunday, May 22nd 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

WHERE: 
Parmenter Elementary School loop line
235 Wachusett Street

COST: $10 per vehicle for car wash

WHAT ELSE: 
Perfect time for spring cleaning. Clean out those closets and donate any clothing, shoes, bedding, toys, books, small kitchen and household items and drop off at Parmenter before getting your car washed.

A donation will be made based on total weight collected.

All proceeds benefit Parmenter 5th Grade celebration activities.

Parmenter School - Wachusett St

Parmenter Picture Day - Apr 4

I had taken the photo of the school sign on Friday and then after the winter weather reappeared this weekend, realized that I should re-do the photo on Sunday.

photo taken Friday

photo taken Sunday

Parmenter Holiday Shop

The Holiday Shop happens at Parmenter School today from 5:00 - 7:00 PM.

Holiday Shop

For more info about the Parmenter School check out their page on the web
http://parmenterelementary.vt-s.net/Pages/index

Franklin Garden Club Meeting on Creating Rain Gardens

The Franklin Garden Club will co-sponsor with the Town of Franklin Department of Public Works a program on creating a rain garden on Tuesday, October 6 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Franklin Senior Center, located at 26 Daniel McCahill Street. 

The program is open to all residents free of charge. 

Shawn Mayers of groundSwell Designs will provide an overview of rain garden designs, installation, maintenance and costs. The presentation will include pictures of existing residential gardens. Mayers has conducted several workshops on rain garden designs and maintenance, including a highly successful one for the Town of Franklin in June. 

A graduate of the Landscape Institute of Harvard University and the Boston Architectural College, Mayers has more than 10 years of experience in landscape design. She holds several certifications, including those related to rain gardens and bioretention. 

“The Town of Franklin is taking a variety of steps to protect water quality by reducing the amount of pollutants in the stormwater generated from runoff from paved surfaces, such as roads and parking lots, and rooftops,” stated Robert Cantoreggi, Director of the DPW. 

“This includes partnering with the Charles River Watershed Association to implement a residential rain garden program in Franklin that involved two trainings for Franklin residents during which two demonstration rain gardens were constructed. These demonstration gardens can be seen at the Remington/Jefferson School and at the DPW Administrative Building and are part of the DPWs outreach program to highlight the benefits of capturing and recharging stormwater.“

“Creating rain gardens has proven to be a very cost-effective way to reduce stormwater pollutants going into lakes and rivers. The Garden Club is offering this program in collaboration with the Franklin DPW to inform residents of how they can easily establish rain gardens to support the Town’s stormwater management program, “commented Susan Childers and Mary Anne Dean, Garden Club co-presidents.

rain garden at the Parmenter School

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

Date:     October 6, 2015

What:   Franklin Garden Club Meeting on Creating Rain Gardens; co-sponsored by Town of Franklin, Department of Public Works

When:  7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Where:  Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street, Franklin, MA 02038, United States

Franklin Garden Club

Schools open Wednesday

Schools return to session Wednesday! Teachers are already back in professional development and class room prep.

Parmenter sign with school opening schedule