Missed the 2nd Franklin For All Forum? Catch up on the info with these links

Links to recording and materials from May 16 forum

Missed last week's Franklin For All forum? Download the meeting presentation Watch the meeting video recording Read comments from the open house activity www.mapc.org/franklin-for-all

Metropolitan Area Planning Council | 60 Temple Place, Boston, MA 02111 Sent by ebattaglia@mapc.org powered by Try email marketing for free today!

Reminder: School Committee meeting features a full agenda for Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Among the items on the School Committee meeting Tuesday evening are the following for Guests/Presentations:

A. Retiree Recognition 

B. District Improvement Plan Update 2021-2022   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/dip_outcomes_to_sc_2021-2022.pdf 

C. Superintendent’s Evaluation – Presentation of Evidence  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/superintendents_evaluation_evidence_2021-2022.pdf

 And longer list than recently seen of Discussion Action items

A. Superintendent’s Contract
The Chair recommends approval of a 3 year contract with Lucas Giguere as Superintendent of Schools - July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2025.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/dip_outcomes_to_sc_2021-2022.pdf
B. Policy - 2nd Reading/Adoption
I recommend adoption of policy ADF - Wellness Policy as discussed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_policy_2.pdf
C. Boys Basketball Trip
I recommend approval of the request of CJ Neely to take the Boys Basketball team to Orlando, Florida from December 26-30, 2022 to participate in the 2022 KSA Events Basketball Tournament as detailed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_c_-_basketball_trip_-_orlando.pdf
D. Performing Arts Trip
I recommend approval of the request of Dianne Plouffe to take students to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida from April 15-19, 2023 to perform as detailed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_d_-_performing_arts_trip.pdf
E. Spain Trip
I recommend approval of the request of Emily Chaisson & Laura Keenan to take students to Malaga & Granada, Spain from April 14-22, 2023 as detailed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_e_-_spain_trip.pdf
F. Proposed MASC Resolution Regarding Sanctuary Laws for Trans Students
I recommend the School Committee adopt the proposed MASC Resolution regarding sanctuary laws for trans students for formal consideration by the 2022 Massachusetts Association of School Committees Delegate Assembly in November as discussed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_f_-_resolution.pdf

Agenda doc with remote connection info ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_5-24-22.pdf

Meeting packet folder with documents released for this meeting ->   https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/may-24-2022-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - May 24, 2022 - 7 PM

Reminder: Physician Assisted Suicide presentation St Mary’s - May 11

Physician Assisted Suicide presentation St Mary’s Parish Hall in Franklin on Wednesday May 11th 7:00-8:00 PM.

Mr. Jim Driscoll, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Catholic Conference of the Archdiocese of Boston, will be presenting the Catholic perspective regarding physician assisted suicide. Jim will be accompanied by Ms. Tahni Morell. who will share a personal family story.  

Please join us and bring a friend to 1 Church Square, Franklin. If you can not make it, we are making this presentation available through Zoom link on the St Mary’s website (https://www.stmarysfranklin.org/).

Physician Assisted Suicide presentation at St Mary's - May 11

Physician Assisted Suicide presentation at St Mary's - May 11

Physician Assisted Suicide presentation St Mary’s Parish Hall in Franklin on Wednesday May 11th 7:00-8:00 PM.

Mr. Jim Driscoll, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Catholic Conference of the Archdiocese of Boston, will be presenting the Catholic perspective regarding physician assisted suicide. Jim will be accompanied by Ms. Tahni Morell. who will share a personal family story.  

Please join us and bring a friend to 1 Church Square, Franklin. If you can not make it, we are making this presentation available through Zoom link on the St Mary’s website (https://www.stmarysfranklin.org/).

Physician Assisted Suicide presentation at St Mary's - May 11

Franklin For All - Visioning Survey Launched - Respond by April 1

Franklin For All - Visioning Survey Launched

Survey closes Friday, April 1, 2022

On March 7th, 2022, the Town of Franklin held a public forum to formally introduce the Franklin for All project, answer questions and engage with the community.

To ensure every Franklin stakeholder has an opportunity to provide feedback, we have launched a visioning survey that will be open till April 1, 2022. The data collected in this survey will be used by our project consultants at the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) to create zoning recommendations that would serve our collective vision for our downtown. The survey is anonymous and all questions are optional. 

To learn more about Franklin For All, visit our project webpage: https://www.mapc.org/resource-library/franklin-for-all/

Access the survey here: https://mapc.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/preview/SV_1SW9jOR99Rzvevk?Q_CHL=preview&Q_SurveyVersionID=current

The slideshow presented at the public forum on March 7, 2022 ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WHYDFaj-ZMlMF2ChexFaUy7qAfykLjvW/view?usp=sharing

There will be additional public engagement opportunities to comment on the draft zoning recommendations in the upcoming months. Want to stay informed on additional opportunities to provide feedback? Sign up for our email list and follow along with us on social media for all the latest Franklin For All updates!

Shared from Town of Franklin page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/franklin-all-visioning-survey-launched

Franklin For All - Visioning Survey Launched - Respond by April 1

Outside the House: Presidential Libraries Tour

This newsletter was shortened for publication here. To review the full contents ->  https://mailchi.mp/0d9fc4ee6605/outside-the-house-presidential-libraries

View this email in your browser Hi Friends, In 2005, I visited the FDR Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park, New York. I was amazed by how it captured the fascinating story of Franklin D. Roosevelt and our nation during tumultuous days. And learning the history of that library and museum, the first of its kind under the National Archives system, inspired me to see the others. Since that first experience, it's been my goal to travel around the country and visit every single presidential library. At every stop along this journey, I've learned something new about our system of government and the civil servants that make it all possible. Presidential libraries and museums promote understanding of the presidency and the American experience. They preserve and provide access to historical materials, support research, and create interactive programs and exhibits that educate and inspire. As President Roosevelt said at the opening of his library on June 30, 1941: "The dedication of a library is in itself an act of faith. To bring together the records of the past and to house them in buildings where they will be preserved for the use of men and women in the future, a Nation must believe in three things. It must believe in the past. It must believe in the future. It must, above all, believe in the capacity of its own people so to learn from the past that they can gain in judgment in creating their own future." If you want to learn more about presidential libraries, I recently gave a talk about them entitled "Love Letters to Presidents". You can view the presentation here and listen to the audio here. Franklin TV also captured the video and will be replaying it on our local cable channels. I'm also happy to inform you that on September 2, 2021, I reached my goal of visiting every presidential library with a trip to the Gerald Ford Museum, in Grand Rapids, Michigan and the Gerald Ford Library in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I even received a crystal Presidential Seal upon completing my trip! I hope that you get to visit and enjoy these institutions of history as much as I have. And if you decide to take on this goal, I'd love to hear about it. Sincerely, Jeff Copyright (C) 2022 State Rep Jeff Roy. All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you either contacted our office or indicated you wanted to keep updated on the 10th Norfolk District and things going on at the State House. Our mailing address is: State Rep Jeff Roy State House Room 43 Boston, MA 02133

2022 DOER Proposed Building Code Updates - slide deck

"BAKER ADMINISTRATION officials unveiled a slide deck on Tuesday that outlines in broad strokes how they intend to use updates to two existing state building codes and the development of a third more restrictive code to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions coming from newly constructed commercial and residential buildings.

The new building codes are scheduled to take effect next year after a public comment period and regulatory hearings. It’s expected new construction regulated by the building codes over the next 27 years will account for 27 percent of all building space by 2050, when state law requires Massachusetts to reach net zero emissions."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/energy/baker-administration-unveils-building-code-slide-deck/ 

View the slide deck on the proposed building codes here or embedded below

https://www.mass.gov/doc/building-energy-code-straw-proposal-updated-stretch-code-specialized-opt-in-code-feb-2022/download

2022 DOER Proposed Code Updates from Franklin Matters

2022 DOER Proposed Building Code Updates - slide deck

FHS Program of Studies for the 2022-2023 School Year

The document scheduled for presentation and discussion at the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting Jan 25, 2022.

Direct link to presentation doc ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/fhs_program_of_studies_2022_-_2023presentation.pdf

Full agenda doc for School Committee meeting ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_1-25-22.pdf

 

FHS Program of Studies 2022-2023 School Year from Franklin Matters

FHS Program of Studies for the 2022-2023 School Year

FPS Student Services presentation - Jan 11, 2022

The document released for the scheduled School Committee update on Franklin Public Schools (FPS) Student Services Tuesday, Jan 11, 2022.

Shared from the FPS page ->  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/school_committee_presentation_january_11_2022.pdf

Or via the embedded doc below or located ->    https://www.slideshare.net/shersteve/school-committee-presentation-on-fps-student-services-011122

Meeting packet folder for the Jan 11, 2022 meeting ->   https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/january-11-2022-school-committee-meeting-packet

School Committee Presentation on FPS Student Services 01/11/22 from Franklin Matters

FPS Student Services presentation - Jan 11, 2022

Recap: School Committee hears Lifelong Learning update, plans for FHS masking; approved FHS business trips

Quick Recap:

• Citizen commenters returned after a brief hiatus; one told of a sad story of her student being punished for something the IEP was supposed to be addressing; another advocated for inclusion of Diwali on the list of recognized religious holidays
• Superintendent's report covered scenario if cases continued to rise, how they would revert to the face required process; communications late Wednesday did revert policy on masks back to being required as case counts rose about 4% positivity
• Recognition of former SchComm member MJ Scofield; she had not been recognized earlier as she was running again and was not successful. She has long been an advocate and volunteer for schools and sports with a long list of accomplishments
• Lifelong Learning presented an overview on their programs which are almost back to normal. They had been significantly affected by the pandemic. Even the summer programs had been adjusted for COVID precautions as opposed to the summer of 2020 when they were simply not held
• two trips were approved for FHS DECA students and National Business Honors students

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

The Twitter hashtag #schcom1214  can be found online. The thread begins with  

https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1470906795317239811 

 

• switching to the Council Chamber for the regular School Committee meeting; #schcom1214 agenda doc ->  https://franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_12-14-21.pdf
  
• meeting called to order at 7:02 PM; Executive Session at end of meeting, not to return to open session #schCom1214
  
• roll call attendance as Meghan Whitmore is participating remotely for this session #schcom1214 all 7 accounted for
  
• moment of silence in memory of the Sandy Hook students #schcom1214
  

Citizen Comments

• citizen comment; request for sex ed documentation but hadn't received response; request left with Chair; parent with student issue (speaking rapidly and hard to understand) #schcom1214 KP Sompally requests to have consideration to celebrate Diwali within the district
  
• citizen comment; M Benson speaking on mask policy at FHS; claiming contradiction among DESE and DPH statements; #schcom1214
  

FHS student updates

• FHS student update from R Chaudhury, provides multiple items - spirit week, theater auditions, middle sch auditions too; raffle calendar fund raiser; online open through Dec 31; sports news - FHS did beat KP on Thanksgiving; Unified Basketball going to FL; cheerleaders won D1;
• action today on basketball courts; masks so far going well; looking forward to break; #schcom1214
  

Superintendents Report

• superintendents report; PD last week (12/10) at building level; prof learning communities; elementary focused on assessment; middle multi-tier system of support; FHS worked on curriculum development; congrats to Unified Basketball team; traveling in Jun '22 #schcom1214
  
• Congrats to Paula Lupien, named MIAA D1 gymnastics coach of the year; #schcom1214; shifting to FHS mask policy implementation - 75% of students/40% of faculty were choosing to unmask; case numbers are climbing and keep watching; masks will busing (Federal mandate)
  
• changing definition of close contact to 6' (from 3'); no change to test/stay; can't test vaccinated students per DESE; #schcom1214 positivity 3.27% in Franklin (less than the 4 at benchmark); numbers updated Thursday; if over 4, would have a decision for the following Monday
  
• apprehensive around cases and numbers; chart shared with the updated numbers (weekly from DPH); 129 students in quarantine (largest in while); published on Monday; to be included in District newsletter on Weds #schcom1214
  
• if over 4 on Thursday, encouraged to mask on Fri but req'd for Monday; suggestion to reverse order of the info to put the newest on top; shoutout to music boosters, etc. in person concerts this month, nice way to celebrate the season; #schcom1214
  

Recognition of MJ Scofield

• recognition of MJ Scofield former member of #SchCom1214 multiple policy updated under her leadership of Policy subcom; Keller/Sullivan building project in prior period of terms; MJ speaking, acknowledges being awkward; appreciates the free time; overtime 5 superintendents …
  
• worked toward a common goal, could tell stories, but won't; negotiation sessions; pre-interest based bargaining did go long; #schcom1214 "kids always come first", keep advised of what Town Council and other board do; you're responsible for quality of ed for all students
  
• Chair Spencer acknowledges the hard work and making a world of difference; an amazing mentor; a well of historical knowledge #schcom1214
  

Lifelong Learning Presentation

• Lifelong Learning Presentation – Pattie Gay, Interim Director of Lifelong Learning Institute presentation #schcom1214 off rhythm due to the pandemic; stabilizing the dept and building back
  
• presentation copy to follow along as req'd -> https://franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/lli_presentation_december_2021.pdf… #schcom1214
  
• Solutions - for K through 5th grade, at each elementary school; Lifelong Community Learning - resource/programs for all ages; Kid's Corner - students K-8; music academy for all ages #schcom1214
  
• Summer programs were offered in limited capacity for 2021; high school experience offered in one day versions for incoming 9th and those in 10th who missed prior year; #schcom1214 anticipating return to full programing in summer of 2022; summer registration opens Feb 1, 2022
  
• programs aligned with district improvement plans; #schcom1214 thanks to all who helped support our program around the District/Town. Shout out to the Solutions ladies who helped raise my kids; there are great offerings in the brochure, check it out; you can meet other folks
  
• STEM and Math academy are complimentary to what is taught in school, particular during the summer, where usually regular teachers are the instructors; the college essay course is popular and helps to jump start the seniors; #schcom1214
  
• Lifelong Learning has been able to develop programs (i.e. essay and common app) to help address identified needs of the students and community #schcom1214
  
• great to be able to be back in person, enables real time opportunities to get feedback; courses do have an evaluation sheet at the end of each course; info reviewed and incorporated as needed; #schcom1214
  

Discussion Action Items

• next up -> Dissolve Transportation Sub Committee
• I recommend dissolving the Transportation Sub Committee as discussed - moved, seconded, passes 7-0  via roll call - details in doc  https://franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_dissolve_transportation_subcom.pdf…  #schcom1214
  
• DECA club request to travel to Boston; https://franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_deca_trip-web_redacted.pdf…  moved, seconded, passes 7-0 via roll call
  
• National Business Honor Students trip to NYC - https://franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_c_-_ny_trip-web_redacted.pdf…  #schcom1214 - date changed to Apr 2; motion seconded, passes 7-0 via roll call
  

Discussion only item

• Discussion only item - https://franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/22-23_scschedule-draft.pdf…  draft SchCom meeting calendar for planning/review #schcom1214 most normal 2 mtgs/month with minor exceptions
  
• Info matters - Budget meeting Thu - 12/16 at 7:30; community relations TBD; Joint PCC meeting today; COVID concerns discussed; pilot of Remington with Unlikely Story for book fair, next meeting Jan 10; SWAC next meeting Jan 4; #schcom1214 plng 4 another …
  
• critical conversations event in the Spring - informing parents on how to recognize drug packaging, etc. #schCom1214 DEI cmte met 12/08, visit FPS page (link to be added later) - appointing Elise to SEPAC as rep
  
• new business, Jan 11 - Special Ed update; action items related to the budget; re: $93,000 reduction for decision; FY 2022 capital request for SchCom to then go to the Town; #schcom1214
  

Consent agenda

• Consent agenda - https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/december-14-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet…  #schcom1214 motion to approve, seconded, passes 7-0 via roll call
  
• motion to enter Executive Session, not to return to open meeting, #schCom1214 motion, seconded, passes via roll call 7-0

 

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

Citizen comment updates:

• KP Sompally statement advocating for Diwali was shared here ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/12/request-to-add-diwali-as-observed.html
• Handout from parent on punishment for student for what he should be getting help for was shared here -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/12/citizen-comment-about-punitive.html

School Committee meeting packet folder for Dec 14, 2021 includes the full Superintendent's report   packet folder -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/december-14-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet

Superintendent's report  ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/superintendents_report_to_school_committee_december_14_2021.pdf
 

School Committee hears Lifelong Learning update