Recap: School Committee hears Davis Thayer highlights

Quick Recap:

• Dr. Quigley, the interim principal, presented well a recap of the highlights of the history of Davis Thayer and the current school year during the pandemic
• Reopening report touts the pool testing likely to end this week for multiple reasons
• Planning underway for September as near 'normal' school year, additional guidance from DESE expected during summer
• Communications were showcased (presentation deck not available to share). Anne Marie Tracey leaving role this week, work to hire replacement starting

 

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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  #schcom0608

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23schcom0608&src=typeahead_click 

 

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/uboCXt7hULEbmQW86

The agenda doc includes connection info

https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/agenda-6-8-21

 

The meeting packet folder containing the documents released for this session

https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/june-8-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet 

 

• Penultimate meeting of the current School Committee calendar. Agenda contains connection info https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/agenda-6-8-21 #schcom0608
• SchComm meeting opens, all (yes, ALL) the current students of Davis Thayer will do the pledge tonight via digital recording #schcom0608
• Pfeiffer comments that only 3 of the seven #SchCom0608 members were present D Grady Teacher union president speaks for the schools against the negative comments in prior Town Council budget hearing meeting
• Supt Ahern reports on the FHS graduation week activity with graduation last Friday and car parade on Saturday. #schcom0608 Supt coffee scheduled, link to be shared. Year not yet over. Elementary night of the arts Weds, empty bowls on Thurs
• Presentation on Davis Thayer highlights and history https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/dt-highlight#schcom0608 
• Slides from presentation #schcom0608
• More slides #schcom0608
• Dr Quigley and the list of thanks #schcom0608
• Zoom working, live stream through the Town webpage is not. #schcom0608
• Thanks to Dr Quigley for the presentation summary. He may have spent the least amount of time there (only this year as interim principal) but he captured it well. #schcom0608
• Anne Marie Tracey not present tonight, also noted as leaving Town/Schools as of end of week, has been effective in building communication process and graphics along the way. #schcom0608
• Slides from presentation deck (not available before meeting) #schcom0608
• More slides #schcom0608
• Live stream now working #schcom0608
• Reopening update, colors not updated to match #s https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/status-update-6-4-21 pool testing continues, proposal to stop this Thurs. LPN from Tri-county had been helping but aren't available. #s have been declining
• Lots of planning for the fall. Consideration of federal funding for assistance, lunches available during summer from FHS M-Th #schcom0608 https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/status-update-6-4-21
• more guidance expected this summer re: masks and social distancing
• Mobile vaccine clinic possible but #s not quite up to what are min req'd #schcom0608 reminder going out to schools for forms to be filled
• New business, next meeting, virtual academy and maybe policy Consent agenda motion to approve, second, passes 6-0-1 via roll call (D'Angelo not present) #schcom0608 Motion to enter executive session, passes via roll call 6-0-1 That's all for tonight, catch you next time!

 

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

Slide deck => https://www.slideshare.net/shersteve/davis-thayer-presentation-school-committee-meeting-060821

Davis Thayer Presentation - School Committee Meeting 06/08/21 from Franklin Matters

Recap: School Committee hears Davis Thayer highlights

FM #515 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 04/15/21 (audio)

FM #515 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 515 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior Council meeting. Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England,  this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting: 

• ok, what just happened? 
• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS   Diane Daddario, MD
 
8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS        

a. Norfolk County Sheriff Patrick W. McDermott  ~25 mins

b. Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Actuarial Update - Dan Sherman  ~15 mins

c. GATRA - Mark Sousa, Executive Director ~32 mins

d. Downtown Commercial Zoning District & Commercial Zoning District 1 Parking requirements  ~55 mins

 
10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 21-22: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with the Town of Foxborough for the Town of Foxborough to Provide Emergency Motor Vehicle Technician Services (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-22 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

The show notes include links to the meeting agenda and associated documents.
Our conversation runs about 30 minutes, so let’s listen in to my quarterbacking session with Tom Mercer.

Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/38c6835f-451c-4709-b5e8-23c6afcbdf1b

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Agenda document (and released supporting materials in one PDF) 
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/april-14-town-council-agenda 

My notes from the Town Council meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/04/recap-town-council-mtg-apr-14-2021.html 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 

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

How can you help?

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

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

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

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

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

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

I hope you enjoy!

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

FM #515 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 04/15/21 (audio)

Franklin School Committee to hear presentations on ECDC and Performing Arts Tuesday, Dec 21

The presentation documents as released for discussion at the School Committee meeting Tuesday, Dec 21, 2020.

 

II. Guests/Presentations
A. ECDC Highlights - Kelty Kelley  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/ecdc_update_to_school_committee_12_22_20.pdf
 

 

 

 

B. Performing Arts Events - Diane Plouffe  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/franklin_performing_arts_department_presentation_2020.pdf

Franklin School Committee to hear presentations on ECDC and Performing Arts Tuesday, Dec 21

Town of Franklin: Spear Phishing Incident Presentation Document - 12/02/2020

The summary document of the spear phishing incident as presented to the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting on Wednesday, Dec 2, 2020. 

 

Direct link to presentation -> https://www2.slideshare.net/shersteve/town-of-franklin-spear-phishing-incident-recap-12022020

 

 

Town of Franklin: Spear Phishing Incident Recap - 12/02/2020 from Franklin Matters

 

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen presenting to the Town Council on 12/02/20

Board of Health - update to Town Council 9/16/20

The presentation document scheduled for the update to the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting on Wednesday, Sep 16, 2020

You can download your copy of the presentation doc here

https://www.slideshare.net/shersteve/board-of-health-9162020/shersteve/board-of-health-9162020

 

The full agenda for the Town Council meeting can be found on the Town of Franklin page https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/september-16-town-council-agenda

Board of Health 9/16/2020 from Franklin Matters

FPS Re-opening Plan - Presentation for Franklin (MA) School Committee - Aug 11, 2020

The presentation deck scheduled for the School Committee meeting Aug 11, 2020 

FPS Re-opening Schools Presentation from Franklin Matters

 

Other documents for the meeting can be found in the meeting packet folder

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/august-11-2020-school-committee-meeting-packet

FPS Re-opening Plan - Presentation for Franklin (MA) School Committee - Aug 11, 2020

 

 

Department Spotlight - Technology

Department Spotlight - Technology
Learn more about our town departments in our "Spotlight Series"

The Technology Department is featured in the latest edition of our "Spotlight Series" https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/spotlight-technology/home

Find this and the entire series on the home page of our website at https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/department-spotlights

Department Spotlight - Technology

Director Tim Rapoza presented to the School Committee in February and the presentation document and the audio of the session
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/fm-207-technology-director-tim-raposa.html

Franklin Public Schools: Remote Learning Presentation

April 6, 2020

Dear Franklin Families,

Remote Learning Presentation

We would like to thank those who could join us last night as we presented the FPS Remote Learning Plan and answered questions. A recorded version of the presentation can now be found on our YouTube channel at the following link: https://youtu.be/zTFW_Vpqnhk

We apologize for our technological difficulties and appreciate the patience everyone exhibited.

Chromebook Borrowing

We appreciate that everyone is adjusting to the remote learning framework this week. As noted, we will seek feedback to monitor the roll out.

We anticipate that there will be requests for Chromebooks. We would like to allow for a few more days of adjustment as everyone gets used to this new framework. We will be back in touch with further information about another round of Chromebook borrowing.


Kindly,

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin PUblic Schools: Remote Learning Presentation

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

Live reporting: Guests/Presentations

II. Guests/Presentations
A. FHS Program of Study Update
Paul Peri, Bill Klements

FHS doc to be added later, not posted yet to the 'packet folder'

AP 2-D design course, more design focused
Illustration and Murals, conscious decision to not run Art II
Multi-Cultural Art, responding to needs and wants of students

Life in Literature, for second half of senior year
Health/PE courses, in calendar but not necessarily run due to staffing availability

Math, element of stats also building upon wants and needs

Economics - open honors course

Latin 5 - taught with Latin 4

adding AP level course also

Q - how do you determine a course when quantity may be small?
A - carefully, student, need and ability but also based upon enrollment, if not meeting minimum needs, it won't run

B. Homework Update

Dr Edwards

inconsistent homework practices across the district never mind within a building
policy revision completed, recognizing the value of family and whole child
developed study group to help implement "homework guidelines"
to get to consistency of practices, still have meet student needs 
consistency of expectation set

monitoring and revising as needed

survey results had good representation, 349 responses
when homework is done vs assigned; i.e. middle school has a period available
what is homework vs. prep for the next day of class?
addressing inconsistencies

Parent Ed night on homework scheduled for 3/18 (snow date 3/25) 6:30 PM -8:00 PM at FHS Media Center

did get request from elementary parents for no homework, under consideration

survey again in April (last for this year)

Pfeffer disagrees with trend towards no homework, "I find it absurd"

There is a place for homework, family life and support structures for homework have changed over the changes, esp. more recently
trying to find the balance to prepare for the life skills needed to be successful in the world
some AP class loads may require multiple hours of homework which can affect the required number of hours of sleep

Keenan - is there really a need for homework? 
research for young children show need for developing study skills and reading time
MCAS scores have been stable, in many cases students weren't doing homework
there is rampant sharing of homework, if it is being assigned it needs to be personalized and executed; you can't share an essay, needs to be personalized, meaningful and relevant

look for CNN article on homework for young kids just came to one of the SchComm members as he was coming to the meeting

parents should be encouraged to talk with the teacher first, check out what should be happening vs what they see and start there

parent raising issue with 3-4 hours of home work for 7th grade
in middle schools should be able to calibrate across the teams
the principal is the next step

Live reporting: License Transaction - Presentation

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - 7:10 PM a. Franklin Brewing Company, LLC d/b/a 67 Degrees, New Farmer Series Pouring Permit for a Farmer-Brewery, located at 158 Grove Street

bylaws changed to encourage breweries, wineries, and distilleries
this is the fourth before us for approval

open, family friendly and have a good pint
purpose of the pouring permit, get a permit, or a flight of 4 oz samples

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

skipped to complete the legislation for action
then came back here to do the goals
 

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. Town Council 2020-2021 Legislative Session Goals
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/8b._town_council_2020-2021_goals_memo.pdf


Jamie reads the listing section by section
*** Finances
loan package for water treatment plant approved

Beaver St interceptor analysis underway, will be back mid-year with results

contract year for trash/recycling
recycling industry in major transition mode, likely policy review for curbside recycling

OPEB discussion coming, liability has gone down

small amounts of new revenue coming during budget discussions

*** Economic development section
EDC doing some of the work already, more to be review

economic plan coming from MAPC

NuStyle project, new bold ideas coming to EDC

affordable housing plan, over due and needed
Franklin Crossing neighborhood district, an opportunity for discussion

commuter rail parking

marijuana overlap district needs to be reviewed for adjustments/corrections

MBTA downtown parking a low priority but on the listing

add Fisher St EPA site to listing
recycling center land swap?
it is in motion, nature of working with state agencies; easy to check off it it happens

current zoning bylaw review, 
well survey, demolition delay bylaw

Spur by MBTA add to SNETT improvements

monitor the mixed development and property changes

*** Facilities
possible new police station for a debt exclusion, need to discuss before we fund the study

burn building for fire dept, 'cheap' amount and would be good for crossing and training and morale

possible building committee for Police, not quite there yet but when closer, yes

*** DPW
longer range for sidewalk master plan; need to look at say, every 5 years
did a parking lot management plan

vehicle equipment process

*** Rec Open Space
Franklin greenway network, how to connect with sidewalks or bikeways, etc.
Concerts on the Common, possibly coming to Recl incorporate more on 

Prospect St tunnel, opening bid, Friday morning

adding affordable, accessible open space to EDC

lights at King St soccer field. was an issue with neighbors before

*** Community
fleet vehicles and maybe go electric

decommission old Spring st extension between 140 and Washington
State supports the road, instead provide access to trails

installation of 5G; protecting public property
implement electric aggregation, just not getting rates we should be getting

emergency plans for individual building/depts
review of Town's emergency plan (Fire Dept does this, already done...)

historical, architectural homes
a listing of the 1000 oldest homes provided by assessors a couple of years ago

anti bullying hate speech pledge for employees and elected official do?

*** Civic engagement
a new section, not done before

adding Board of Health items to e-permitting

*** Presentations/discussions
see listing for items and dates

affordable housing? a complicated issue, some of this is scheduled with some of the presentations but there will also be touch points in Master Plan and add something to Planning

could do outreach to Congressman Kennedy