Franklin Historical Museum announces re-opening celebration - July 15

The Franklin Historical Museum is excited to announce the re-opening of the museum to its regular pre-pandemic operating schedule, Thursday evenings, Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons now that all COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted in the state.

The museum will host a re-opening celebration on Thursday afternoon, July 15 at 5:00 PM. With a ribbon cutting, new exhibits and refreshments.

We are working on an exhibit celebrating the History of the Davis Thayer School. The building of course, was opened in 1924 as Franklin High School, and has served Franklin students for 97 years. Sadly, for many, it has closed its doors as of the end of this school year.  

Join us for a look back at the building, the students, faculty, athletic teams, stories and memories. 

• Do you have a special memory of the school? 
• Did you spend your High School years there? 
• Attend double sessions in the 70’s when it served as a Jr. High School? 
• Attend Davis Thayer Elementary? 

Many families had generations of students attend that school. We’d love to hear from you. Visit our Facebook page and share a memory, or email us at franklinmuseum1778@gmail.com. The exhibit will run from mid-July through the end of the summer.

We also have a new permanent exhibit on display, The Federal Parlor Room, from the Oliver Pond Home, generously donated by James C. Johnston in memory of his mother Clara J. Foss Johnston. The elegant pieces of furniture, from the Federal and Empire periods, are made of mahogany and were collected by the Johnston family over a period of many years. The room is beautifully appointed with fashionable décor from the family collection.

We will also be resuming our popular Second Sunday Speaker Series in August. The first event on the schedule, Sunday August 8, is a first look at the private collection of glass plate negatives from Franklin photographer Nathan Wales (1886-1969). These priceless images, purchased at auction, depict everyday life in Franklin from approximately 1910-1915. A selection of the now digitized photos will be presented and discussed. Join us and see how early 20th Century Franklin residents once lived. Their beautiful homes, their clothing styles, their cars, their pets and their daily lives were all captured for us to view.

Visit our newly refurbished Gift Shop with many Franklin related items.  We welcome back our regular patrons and new visitors alike. Thursdays 5 PM - 7 PM; Saturdays 10 AM - 1 PM; Sundays 1 PM - 4 PM. Admission is always free and we are ADA compliant. We’re always looking for volunteers to host, so let us know if you are interested in joining our volunteer team that keeps Franklin history alive.

Come in and find your history! We look forward to seeing you soon. 

Franklin Historical Museum announces re-opening celebration - July 15

Franklin TV: Somewhere In Between Or – Why Do I Feel Undressed?

Via Pete Fasciano - 06-13-2021

As I approach [Store Name – Home Depot, Target, CVS] I stop halfway across the parking lot. Turn around and head back to the car. Again.

Forgot my mask. We are at an in-between time where COVID mandates and rules have softened to become guidelines, recommendations – courtesies. While things are getting better and optimism is on the rise, so is confusion. Do I still mask?

To mask, or not to mask – that – is the question:

Whether ‘tis nobler in the mind to suffer 

the slings and arrows of outrageous infection, 

Or to take arms against a sea of virus

And by masking – end them.

To live— to weep

for those now lost upon the shoals of sorry happenstance 

and doubt in science that hath shielded us

as guide – to light our pathway out.

We are in the churlish waters of change as our new normal envelopes us. Although I’m fully vaxxed, I keep a mask with me – as a courtesy where socially appropriate. If it makes others feel more comfortable, I’m good with it. A social grace.

We’re continuing to rework our facility to better accommodate how programs will be produced in a future that still carries some unknowns, and we continue to adapt. We adapted our way in. We adapt our way back out. Reopening does not mean simply unlocking the front door. Our Community room will now support hybrid Zoom meetings as an option for our guest groups. Our radio programs will as well. There will also be production practices yet to be defined in our TV studios.

The world is forever changed. We’re just not quite certain as to how. But, with change comes opportunity. We intend to find it and seize it. At the moment, we may be ‘in between’, but we are looking and leaning forward.

And –  as always –

Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm.

And, thank you for watching. 

Get this week's program guide for Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online

http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf  or for archive purposes

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Iqpyhn4Gj022BrfvWB7y3MtkXIgVmLkl/view?usp=sharing

Franklin TV: Somewhere In Between Or –  Why Do I Feel Undressed?  

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

 

----

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

Recap: School Committee meeting, May 25, 2021

Quick Recap:

• After a brief audio issues, those in the Council Chambers couldn't hear folks on Zoom (but we could), the FHS students presented their updates
• Slight decrease in MA Senate version of Chap 70 but they still need to vote on it and then the House reconcile before it goes to Gov Baker for his approval, good news is no major change at this point
• Multiple retirees recognized virtually "it was a tough year to be your last" 
• Policies up for second reading were approved, one policy approve for elimination as no longer needed (made redundant by others in place)
• New website for SWAC https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net
• Consent agenda approved, Executive Session entered  

----

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  #schcom0511

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23schcom0525&src=typeahead_click 

 

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/BKFnD14AkxYgddia8

 

The agenda doc includes connection info

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_5-25-21.pdf

 

The meeting packet folder containing the documents released for this session

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/may-25-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet

 

• Getting ready for the #schcom0525 meeting tonight agenda contains connection info https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_5-25-21.pdf
• Audio in the Council Chambers is not working, we hear them, they can't hear us. #schcom0525
• Audio resolved, FHS students providing updates #schcom0525

Superintendent Updates 

• School district prepared to support students and families affected by the fire on Monday. #schcom0525
• MA Senate budget released chap 70 funding, slight decrease in aid for Senate but will still need to go through deliberation and then reconciliation with House. No major changes this far. #schcom0525
• Mike D'Angelo to present to MA sch building group on healthy buildings re: the UVGA units installed #schcom0525 Does VLA have anything in end of school year planned, highlight coming to meeting soon ? Yes, options but nothing in person

recognition of retirees 

• Now recognition of retirees by school #schcom0525 list of retirees https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/retiree_list.xlsx.pdf
• Chair Bergen acknowledges "it was a tough year to be your last" #schcom0525 "don't forget how much you mattered"

discussion action items 

• Moving to discussion action items: policies for action, second read https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/disc-policy-2nd-read #schcom0525 Motion to accept, second, passes 7-0 via roll call
• Policy elimination https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/disc-b-policy-elim #schcom0525 no longer needed, replaced by other policies. Motion to approve, second, passes 6-0-1 (D'Angelo no answer) via roll call

Reopening status 

• Reopening status, exams at FHS are challenges #schcom0525 https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/reopening-status-update-5-21-21 Cleaning practices won't change
• DESE has not yet provided guidance for fall, are planning for in person 3-foot distancing, summer school under current guidance #schcom0525 exploring a vaccine clinic locally, stay tuned for info

Information Matters 

• Info matters: budget hearing at Town Council Weds/Thurs this week. Community relations did not meet, posters made to be shared, adhoc meeting Jun 1, policy meeting Jun 17; last joint PCC meeting yesterday, #schcom0525
• New website for SWAC #schcom0525 https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net
• July 27 date changes to workshop from 4-8 in training room #schcom0525 Communications update next meeting, Consent agenda, motion to approve, second, passes 7-0 via roll call
• Motion to enter executive session, not to return to public meeting, second, passes 7-0 via roll #schcom0525 That's all for tonight, catch you next time!

 

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

 

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Meeting Agenda - May 25, 2021

Franklin School Committee

May 25, 2021 - 7:00 PM

Call to Order 

Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Citizen’s Comments

In the spirit of open communication, “the Committee will hold a public participation segment (also called Citizen’s Comments) about matters not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made…. A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment…. The Committee will hear public comments related to an agenda item when the Chair deems appropriate during the Committee meeting. Topics for discussion during the meeting must be limited to those items listed on the Committee meeting agenda for that evening…. ” - from Policy BEDH

C. FHS Student Representative Comments

D. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. Retiree Recognition

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/retiree_list.xlsx.pdf

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. Policy – 2nd Reading / Adoption

I recommend adoption of the following policies as discussed:

1. IJNDB - Acceptable Use Policy

2. IJNDB-E1 - Acceptable Use Student Agreement Grades 6-12

3. IJNDB-E2 - Acceptable Use Student Agreement Grades K-5

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_policy_2nd_reads.pdf

B. Policy Elimination

I recommend elimination of Policy GBAC - Policy for Conditions for Employment as discussed.

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_policy_elimination.pdf

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. Reopening School Status Update – May 21, 2020-2021

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/reopening_schools_status_update_may_21_2020-2021.pdf

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Ad Hoc Supt. Evaluation, Budget, Community Relations/Public Schools Advocacy, Policy, Transportation)

B. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC, Substance Abuse Task Force, School Wellness Advisory Council, Franklin Racial & Social Justice Task Force)

VI. New Business

A. To discuss any future agenda items

VII. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes for your May 11, 2021 meeting as detailed.

B. Transfers

I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.

C. Scholarship

I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,500.00 from Sheila Lima for a scholarship as detailed.

D. JFK Gift

I recommend acceptance of 2 checks totaling $3,590.44 from the JFK PCC as detailed:

$1070,.80 - Supplemental Supplies

$2,519.64 - Supplemental Supplies

E. Districtwide Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $5,000.00 from the Norfolk County District Attorney for in-house enrichment as detailed.

F. JFK Donation

I recommend acceptance of the donation of Table Talk Pies, valued at $63.00 for the JFK 4th graders as detailed.

VIII. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

IX. Payroll Atty. Pond-Pfeffer

X. Executive Session

A. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A §21(a)(2) to conduct strategy session in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel.

B. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to litigation as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares.

XI. Adjournment

The agenda doc includes connection info

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_5-25-21.pdf

The meeting packet folder containing the documents released for this session

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/may-25-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet

School Committee - Meeting Agenda - May 25, 2021

Reopening Update: State to Lift Most COVID Restrictions May 29

Face covering order to be rescinded, replaced with CDC guidance

Reopening Update: State to Lift Most COVID Restrictions May 29th, Face Covering Order to be Rescinded & Replaced with CDC Guidance Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced that business and capacity restrictions will be lifted effective May 29th. The Commonwealth's face covering order will be also be rescinded on May 29th, and the Department of Public Health will issue a new face covering advisory consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's updated guidance. Face coverings will still be mandatory for all individuals on public and private transportation systems (including rideshares, livery, taxi, ferries, MBTA, Commuter Rail and transportation stations), in healthcare facilities, and in other settings hosting vulnerable populations, such as congregate care settings. Face coverings will also remain required indoors for staff and students of K-12 schools and early education providers. Governor Baker will end the State of Emergency on June 15th. Business Restrictions Lifted Effective May 29th, all industries will be permitted to open. With the exception of remaining face-covering requirements for public and private transportation systems and facilities housing vulnerable populations, all industry restrictions will be lifted. Capacity will increase to 100% for all industries. The gathering limit will be rescinded. All industries are encouraged to follow CDC guidance for cleaning and hygiene protocols. Face Covering Guidance The Administration will rescind the current face covering order and the Department of Public Health will issue a new face covering advisory effective May 29th. The new advisory will be consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's updated guidance. Non-vaccinated individuals are advised to continue wearing face masks and to continue distancing in most settings. The new advisory will recommend fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear a face covering or social distance indoors or outdoors except for in certain situations. Face coverings will still be required for all individuals in the following settings: On public and private transportation (including rideshares, livery, taxi, ferries, MBTA, Commuter Rail and transportation stations) In healthcare facilities/ healthcare providers In congregate care settings, including health and rehabilitative day services. Face coverings will also remain required indoors for staff and students of K-12 schools and early education providers Youth and Amateur Sports Face Covering Guidance: Effective May 18th, the youth and amateur sports guidance will be updated to no longer require face coverings for youth athletes ages 18 and under while playing outdoor sports. Effective May 29th, all youth and amateur sports restrictions will be lifted. Click here for complete Youth Sports guidance. K-12, Early Education and Summer Camp Guidance: Effective May 18th, guidance from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Department of Early Education and Care will be updated to no longer require masks for outdoor activities like recess and to allow for the sharing of objects in classrooms, in both K-12 and childcare settings. This guidance will remain in effect beyond May 29th. Click here for DESE Guidance Click here for EEC Guidance The Administration will release updated guidance for summer camps, effective May 29th, which will include no longer requiring masks for outdoor activities. State of Emergency Order Governor Baker will end the State of Emergency on June 15th, and the Administration will work with legislative and municipal partners during this period in order to manage an orderly transition from emergency measures adopted by executive order and special legislation during the period of the State of Emergency. Complete reopening information can be found online at Mass.gov/Reopening. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out if the Partnership can be of any assistance to you: Jason Palitsch, Executive Director (774) 760-0495 x105 Jason@495Partnership.org Thank you for your continued commitment to strengthening our region.

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