School Committee welcomes new school administrators and hears of digital learning initiatives (audio)

FM #844 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 844 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Sep 13, 2022. The meeting was conducted in the Council Chambers. 

School Committee Chair Denise Spencer opens the meeting at 7:00 PM. 

The show notes contain a link to the agenda and to my notes.

The recording runs just under 2 hours minutes, so let’s listen to the Franklin School Committee on Sep 13, 2022.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-844-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-09-13-22

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

Agenda doc ->    https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_9-13-22.pdf

The meeting packet folder ->   https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/september-13-2022-school-committee-meeting

School Committee page -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee 

My notes in this ThreadReader PDF ->  

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S9cVoByG4IOWk4V6K6YvLXs6ahdxGHeT/view?usp=sharing 

Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one album ->

https://photos.app.goo.gl/pNainhZLLUeoL5DL7

YouTube video replay for this meeting -> https://youtu.be/eiLlFrwTX_U

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

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/ 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!

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

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

School Committee Meeting - Sep 13, 2022 (audio)

FHS PCC - Letter from Mr. Hanna - FHS Response To Hate Speech Graffiti

09/28/21

Dear Franklin High School Community,

I am deeply saddened to inform you that last week, graffiti saying “I Hate Gay People” and additional insensitive images were found scrawled into an exterior door on the East side of our building.  The graffiti was promptly removed and an investigation was immediately initiated.  Throughout the week we followed leads.  Through an exhaustive search, we were able to identify these individuals who are being held accountable.  I believe it is important to note that this was not done by an FHS student.  We will take appropriate steps to remedy the negative impact of these acts on the school community and restore a sense of safety and support for all.  

The fact that this graffiti was found at Franklin High School is far beyond disappointing.  It is extremely troubling and highly inconsistent with the inclusive culture we are committed to creating at Franklin High School.   Franklin High School is no place for hate.   I pledge to you continued vigilance in promoting and supporting a positive, hate-free, and safe school environment.  Last week, I presented the Franklin High School school improvement goals at the FPS school committee meeting and shared our plans to thoughtfully incorporate areas of diversity and inclusion into our daily lesson plans and long term unit designs.  

In response to this incident, we have reached out to SAGA (Sexuality and Gender Awareness Club), the Diversity Awareness Club, and the World of Difference Peer Leaders, to offer support and invite them to join us in raising awareness and provide opportunities for critical conversations and healing among students. Counselors are available to talk to any individual student wishing for support in the current moment.

Lastly, I’d like to thank the reporters who brought this to our attention.  It takes courage to call out acts of hate and it is a critical part of our growth as a truly safe and inclusive community.   As we move forward from this incident, please know that we are deeply committed to the goals that all students are safe and that all students develop empathy and respect for others. 

Respectfully,

Joshua Hanna

https://t.co/h0M1oZ5cPA - Letter from Mr. Hanna

(https://twitter.com/FHS_PCC/status/1442970624129998848?s=03)

FHS PCC - Letter from Mr. Hanna - FHS Response To Hate Speech Graffiti

Return to in person school highlights

1 - 

"Thank you @HMMSLightning Kindness Club for the inspirational posters on our first day of school (again)". @FranklinPSNews @FranklinMatters https://t.co/pMYQ247KD3

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/CDonahue48/status/1381608000813686791

@HMMSLightning Kindness Club for the inspirational posters

2 - 

"Case High principal welcomes students back to buildings with 'Hamilton' parody" https://t.co/w93YCQS18a

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/MASCSchoolComm/status/1381574963635838978

Video link = https://youtu.be/xLTOjQ_r1JA

Panther TV: Q&A on the FHS hybrid model (video)

"Check out this Q&A with @MrHanna_FHS about our hybrid model. Lots of your questions answered here!"

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/fhspanthertv/status/1331218323376398337?s=03

Video link =  https://youtu.be/SLieuVHXY14

 

 

FHS Path To Return To Play/Perform

FHS Varsity Student Athletes / Performers, Parents / Guardians, and Staff,

We know that these past few days have been frustrating with the disruptions to the anticipation of both hybrid school as well as games / performances.

Understanding that out of doors events have been determined as safe by our health and safety officials, we are writing with a solution to allow for games / performances to begin on November 9, 2020.

FHS is in the process of looking to team up with a local healthcare provider to allow for large scale Covid-19 tests to be administered on site at Franklin High School. We are aiming to hold this on Saturday, November 7, 2020. Plans are still developing with the idea that students will be given the opportunity to take the test and upon receiving a negative test result would then be cleared to play / perform in upcoming scheduled events.

Because we are still working on the feasibility of this, the workaround (in order to get testing accomplished in a timely fashion -- Rapid Test results are back within 1-2 days and PCR tests take 4-5 days), student athletes/performers may obtain Covid-19 tests independently. Upon proof of testing negative, they would be cleared to play/perform in next week’s scheduled events.

We will also ask that players/performers complete one additional step of filling out a survey each day of play to assure ourselves and others that everyone is safe. This survey screens players/performers about Covid-19 symptoms and exposure to the virus, as well as asks participants to attest that they did not attend any large gatherings over the 10/30 - 11/1 weekend that did not practice social distancing or wearing of masks including the Halloween party that resulted in the 2 week cancellation of events. 

All school handbook rules regarding participation in extracurriculars still apply.

Here is a link to COVID testing sites in MA (if unable to attend 11/7/20 or if we are unable to host a testing site on the FHS campus)  https://memamaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=eba3f0395451430b9f631cb095febf13

We wish we could offer testing to all of our students in order to return to school in hybrid instruction. At this time, it is not feasible to test approximately 600 students each week. Additionally, the outdoor nature of these activities is being considered as compared to the indoor nature of school and other clubs and activities. We sincerely hope that more robust testing is available in the future in order to facilitate as much in person teaching and learning as possible.
 
We wish to extend our regret that the golf tournament was held on Monday and that the timing of the event did not facilitate participation of those players. Many aspects of managing through this pandemic are out of our control and require additional time for us to develop novel responses.

We wish to extend our sincere condolences to the students who had been scheduled to play and acknowledge this loss of experience for you and your families.

Sincerely,

Joshua Hanna 

FHS Principal

Tom Angelo
FHS Athletic Director

Sara Ahern 

Superintendent of Schools 

 

FHS Path to Return to Play/Perform

 

Franklin Public Schools: Power status Thursday morning

Good Morning

We hope you are all safe after yesterday's storm.  All of our schools have power, however, we are aware there may be sporadic areas across town without power.  If your family is without power, please call your child's school office to let them know.

Virtual Learning Academy (VLA) families, please call the Superintendent's office at 508-553-4819.

Thank you

Franklin Public Schools 

 

Franklin Public Schools: Power status Thursday morning

 

FHS Principal Hanna - Video Update - 9/11/20

FHS Principal Josh Hanna provides an update and responds to questions submitted since last week.

Link to video on YouTube  https://youtu.be/0zUWWFv3OQQ

Joshua Hanna (@MrHanna_FHS) Video update

Joshua Hanna (@MrHanna_FHS) tweeted at 4:56 PM on Fri, Aug 28, 2020:

Here is the weekly FHS update!  

@FHSSports @FranklinHS @FranklinPSNews   

https://t.co/1zWdNkRDye #PantherPride Have a nice weekend.

Video link = https://youtu.be/pOyBd8x_Frw

 

https://twitter.com/MrHanna_FHS/status/1299450753707380742?s=03)

New FHS video update from Mr Hanna

Video update for this week: https://youtu.be/yl9dWAQC3wc

In case you missed the "radio gang" interview with Mr Hanna, you can catch up to it here:  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/fm-323-welcome-fhs-josh-hanna-80420.html

 

FM #323 Welcome FHS Josh Hanna - 8/04/20 (audio)

FM #323 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 323 in the series. 

This is a special session as we have a ‘welcome’ conversation with the new FHS principal Josh Hanna. I am joined by Pandora Carlucci and Jay Horrigan for this special ‘radio gang’ interview. Our conversation was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We have a wide ranging conversation to get to know Josh and how he feels about his new role at Franklin High School. The pandemic has been challenging but he prepared for this role as principal and loves the high school experience.

In the show notes we provide links to the video updates Mr Hanna does. We also share the link to the Google form to submit questions.

Our conversation runs about 52 minutes, so let’s listen to the conversation with Josh Hanna, the new principal at FHS, as he is interviewed by part of the ‘radio gang’

https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HsMHLs8K

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

Link to the Week 2 video on YouTube  https://youtu.be/AVp7GU-P79o

The Week 1 video can be found here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTx2cca8NRg

Mr Hanna provides a Google form to submit questions

Click the link to offer questions / concerns to be shared in future updates. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdF9xbPGfZHC8RZZP2GdZCuek8nR1jW5WT9bfJMGblqIHhvQw/viewform

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

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"

FHS Update: Week 2 (video)

FHS Principal Josh Hanna provides an update and responds to questions submitted since last week.

• Click the link to offer questions / concerns to be shared in future updates. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdF9xbPGfZHC8RZZP2GdZCuek8nR1jW5WT9bfJMGblqIHhvQw/viewform

Link to video on YouTube  https://youtu.be/AVp7GU-P79o

Week 1 video can be found here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTx2cca8NRg





Week 1 video can be found here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTx2cca8NRg

The mural referenced in the video

Weekly video update from FHS Principal Josh Hanna

Franklin High School Principal Josh Hanna writes:

Here is a link to a video update I plan on sharing on a weekly basis. Please click the link under the video and submit questions / concerns around our return to school. I hope you all are able to have a peaceful weekend.

https://youtu.be/YTx2cca8NRg




Click the link to offer questions / concerns to be shared in future updates.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdF9xbPGfZHC8RZZP2GdZCuek8nR1jW5WT9bfJMGblqIHhvQw/formrestricted

(Note the link to the form is currently restricted to those with an FPS email address. I expect this will change to enable parents and community to provide input.)

Franklin radar picked up via Twitter
https://twitter.com/MrHanna_FHS/status/1286803738041163777?s=09

New FHS principal schedules Google meetings

From FHS' new principal, Joshua Hanna

"I'm looking forward to meeting with Parents, Students and Educators throughout the month of July on Google Meets! 

For anyone interested use this link to sign up:   https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdU3c9KdaqkKHdqRn9SihhKhsWBuODfq_Rfu3hwbdIl7hvN6Q/viewform

Shared from Twitter: 
 https://twitter.com/MrHanna_FHS/status/1280913979456577536?s=09

New FHS principal schedules Google meetings

In the News: Updates on Peri, Klements

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

Former Franklin High School Principal Paul Peri told Weston School Committee members this week that he is excited to get to work as Weston High School’s new principal, replacing Anthony Parker.

Peri said he has “been thoroughly thrilled and impressed and pleased with the educators, the students, the central office administrators that I’ve met and have worked with in Weston. People have been incredibly kind and welcoming.”

A team of Weston parents, teachers and administrators initially reviewed over 40 resumes for the Weston High School principal opening, interviewing seven candidates and narrowing down to three finalists.

The two other finalists were Weston High School Assistant Principal Kelly Flynn and Somerville High School Assistant Principal Darius Green.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200703/former-franklin-high-principal-starts-new-job-in-weston

After four years at Franklin High School, Deputy Principal Bill Klements will not be returning to the district in September - and neither will his position.

The role of deputy principal was one of at least 19 positions cut from Franklin Public Schools after the School Committee recently voted to chop $3.4 million from its budget adopted back in April. Those cuts were approved on June 23, bringing the committee’s revised budget to $65,658,500.

The role of deputy principal was the only administrative position cut.

Late last month, Klements was notified by Superintendent of Schools Sara Ahern that the district had decided to eliminate his position due to the budget gap, according to an email he sent to high school staff in late June. His last day with the district was Tuesday, he said.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200702/franklin-high-vice-principal-victim-of-budget-cuts?

Graduation! It’s a Happening Thing

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 05/24/2020

"There are some things that just can’t not happen. High School Graduation is one of them. It’s an undeniable rite of passage, and our FHS Panthers will not be denied. Normally, we celebrate this milestone in the FHS gym for a few hours. This year’s graduation will happen in like manner, but it will take place over several days.

We are working with school officials to record each and every student’s moment. One-by-one, with safe social distancing, each student will walk the stage as per usual to receive his/her diploma. Each student, accompanied by his/her family, will experience that well-deserved, special moment of accomplishment. Their families deserve this celebratory moment of achievement as well.

This will take several days to record each student safely and edit all of their moments into the graduation program, scheduled to air on Friday June 5th at 7PM, and repeated several times thereafter.

Our 2020 Graduation may be happening in slow motion, but we hope and trust that all good things that spring from dedication and accomplishment will come to each and every student – not just in the fullness of time, but in the fullness of youth.

Even when we must be separately prerecorded, community television can bring us all together.

And – as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. And, thank you for watching Franklin.tv

Note: There is also a planned car parade for graduating students and families. We are in the midst of planning our coverage of this unique and fun event. As they say – stay tuned.

This event might become one memorable example of a new tradition – a new way that we can all celebrate the good moments in new ways, not just this year, but every year. I’m good with that.

Our heartiest congrats to all of our 2020 Panthers on Parade. Panthers rule!"

For the complete Franklin.TV and WFPR.FM radio schedule check out the program guide  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf

Additional updates will be posted to the FHS graduation page as they become available https://www.franklinps.net/fhs/pages/graduationsenior-end-year-info-class-2020

Graduation! It’s a Happening Thing

"It would be an honor to lead a school community with such a proud tradition"

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

"Joshua Hanna, an assistant principal at Hopkinton High School since 2013, has been named the next principal at Franklin High School.

The announcement was made Wednesday by Superintendent Sara Ahern. Hanna was chosen from among three finalists.

“I’m honored to have been given the opportunity to lead such a fine institution of teaching and learning,” Hanna told the Daily News. “What really stands out as something I am looking forward to is getting to know all of the students, teachers and community members that make FHS such a special place. During the interview process many referred to FHS as a family - what a fantastic way to describe a school! No matter what current challenges face us, it’s clear to me the FHS community has the mindset to adjust and thrive.”

“We were fortunate to have three excellent candidates emerge as finalists from a rigorous and thorough search process,” said Ahern in a statement. “We look forward to welcoming Mr. Hanna to the Panthers community.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200508/joshua-hanna-named-principal-at-franklin-high-school

In case you missed Superintendent Ahern's announcement
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/franklin-public-schools-fhs-principal.html

Franklin Public Schools: FHS Principal Announcement

Franklin Public Schools: FHS Principal Announcement

This is a message that has also been shared with the FHS community, but we also wish to share it across Franklin Public Schools.

May 6, 2020

Dear Franklin High School Community,

I am very pleased to share the news that Mr. Joshua Hanna has accepted my offer to be named the principal of Franklin High School.

We were fortunate to have three excellent candidates emerge as finalists from a rigorous and thorough search process. Candidates were interviewed by an Interview Committee composed of faculty, administrators, parents/guardians, students, and two School Committee members. Finalists joined the district in a remote site visit to converse with students, parents/guardians, administrators, and faculty/staff in mid-April. Feedback from the visits was reviewed and considered carefully and references were checked. I want to extend my sincere appreciation to the members of the Interview Committee, led by Assistant Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Director of Human Resources Lisa Trainor. I would also like to thank members of our student focus group, parents/guardians, administrators, and faculty/staff members who contributed feedback.

Mr. Hanna has been serving as Assistant Principal at Hopkinton High School since 2013. Prior to this role, he was a Social Studies Teacher and Social Studies Department Head at Natick High School. While in Hopkinton, Mr. Hanna has guided work around social/emotional learning, founded the Passion Project Club for the Class of 2023, created the Top of the Hill Program, led the Crisis Response Team, and served as designated school official for the F1 International Student Program. Mr. Hanna received a Bachelor's Degree from Framingham State in History and he earned his Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from Simmons College.

We look forward to welcoming Mr. Hanna to the PANTHERS community. More communication from Mr. Hanna will be forthcoming as we prepare for the 2020-2021 school year.

Kind regards,

Sara Ahern
Superintendent of Schools

Franklin Public Schools: FHS Principal Announcement

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"

 

In the News: homelessness topic at Town Council meeting; Wasik candidate for Natick principal

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

"The town, like so many other communities in Massachusetts, is struggling to find homes for the poor and disabled, underscored by the local housing authority’s waiting list of 3,500.

“The numbers are crazy – there is just not enough housing in the state of Massachusetts, in the town of Franklin and in the country for the people who need it,” Authority Executive Director Lisa Audette told the Town Council on Wednesday night. “The incomes have gone up, (and) people who are born and raised in this town, they go off to college, come back to this town – they can’t live here. You can’t afford the rent, you can’t afford to buy a house. A lot of those people with college degrees would be qualified for public housing.”

Social services coordinators from the Franklin Senior Center also spoke about transitional assistance available, saying they’ve assisted 14 Franklin families in the last year, 11 of them being adults with no children. Causes of their homelessness ranged from having mental health, substance and medical problems to joblessness. Many are left without a place to live because of natural disasters like fires or personal tragedy like being the victims of domestic violence."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200212/franklin-seeks-answers-to-homelessness 

For my notes from this segment of the meeting Wednesday night
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/live-reporting-housing-and-transitional.html

"A Franklin elementary principal is a finalist to be the next principal of Lilja Elementary School in Natick, interim Principal Robin Welch announced Wednesday.

Stefani Wasik, principal at the Davis Thayer Elementary School, is in the running for the Natick job with two other candidates. She is in her second year as principal of Davis Thayer, after serving as its assistant principal for the previous five years. She is expected to visit Lilja Elementary on Feb. 26, spending most of her day there before going to Town Hall to meet with Superintendent of Schools Anna Nolin and other administrators.

Wasik began her career teaching second grade in Somerville, then fourth grade in Milford and Dover. She holds a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Massachusetts Boston and a bachelor’s of arts in elementary education and psychology from Saint Michael’s College in Winooski, Vermont.

In September, the Franklin School Committee voted to hire an outside consultant to analyze whether Davis Thayer should be closed, with Superintendent of Schools Sara Ahern pointing to the building’s age and the district’s declining enrollment."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200212/franklin-principal-stefani-wasik-finalist-for-top-job-at-naticks-lilja-elementary
 

"pleased to announce that Mr. Paul Peri will be the next principal of Weston High School"

Mr Peri will be missed in Franklin. Dr. Midge Connolly, Superintendent of Weston (MA) schools made the announcement Monday.

"Dear Weston Community,

I am pleased to announce that Mr. Paul Peri will be the next principal of Weston High School. Mr. Peri will begin officially on July 1, 2020 but will be working with us throughout the spring as he transitions to Weston from Franklin, a community that he has been with for many years. Mr. Peri began his career in Franklin as a middle school teacher and then became the vice principal and principal of Remington Middle School. He then served as principal at Franklin High School for the past six years. Mr. Peri earned his undergraduate degree from Muhlenberg College and his Master’s degree in Education Administration from Endicott College.

During his time at Franklin High School, Mr. Peri has focused on improving the school culture and climate for staff, students, and parents/guardians. He has done so through increased love, laughter, care, support, communication and celebration, as great efforts have been made to increase school spirit and staff morale. Against this backdrop of culture, there has been a continuous focus of building and improving relationships among all stakeholders for the ultimate goal of doing what is best for students. Specific accomplishments include focused work on social and emotional learning, cultural proficiency, assessment and standards-based grading, development of a robust student advisory program, alignment of curriculum and lesson planning, and a successful NEASC accreditation visit."

Continue reading the news item online
https://www.westonschools.org/blog/2020/02/10/11231/

Prior article on Mr Peri's selection as a finalist
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/if-weston-selects-peri-franklin-will.html

Paul Peri (Twitter profile picture)