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

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