Franklin Public Schools re-shares school safety resources

Dear Franklin Families,

Here at FPS, we continue to grieve for the families of Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas and we remain highly conscious of the responsibility we have to protect the safety of our students and staff. It has been difficult to find enough words to express our sorrow for the senseless loss of the lives of the students and teachers.

This past week has been challenging for our school community and school communities throughout the country. We applaud our building administrators and faculty/staff for working together to support students, families, and each other during this difficult time.

Safety remains our highest priority in Franklin’s schools. In October, we provided a school safety presentation to the School Committee and shared a letter with the community containing more specific information without compromising our safety measures with the public. We are re-sharing both resources for your reassurance. We also continually enhance our safety protocols and systems as new information, new technologies, and revised practices become available.

So that these links are close at hand, we continue to share links to a few resources:

• Helping your children manage distress in the aftermath of a shooting: https://www.apa.org/.../gun-violence.../shooting-aftermath
• Talking to children about terrorist attacks and school and community shootings in the news: https://www.schoolcrisiscenter.org/.../Guidelines-Talking...
• Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers: https://www.nasponline.org/.../talking-to-children-about...
• School Safety Presentation: https://www.franklinps.net/.../10_12_21_fps_school_safety...

With love and care,

Franklin Public Schools

Shared from School Committee Chair Denise Spencer's Facebook posting

Franklin Public Schools re-shares school safety resources

Social Security’s Top 5 Data Privacy Resources

From the Social Security Administration: 

"Are you looking for better ways to stay safe online? As you know, Security is in our name. We are committed to protecting your personal information and take this responsibility seriously. We keep this commitment in mind when we collect information from you to carry out our mission. 

As we celebrate Data Privacy Week, we are sharing our top five privacy resources:"

Continue reading about the 5 resources

https://blog.ssa.gov/social-securitys-top-5-data-privacy-resources/

Social Security’s Top 5 Data Privacy Resources

MassConsumer: "Eviction Moratorium to Expire This Month" - resources available

"Throughout the pandemic, state and federal governments developed policies to protect residents facing job loss and other COVID-19 related hardships. Among those orders were moratoriums placed on home evictions. When the state’s pause on evictions expired on October 17, 2020, the federal moratorium established by the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) became effective in Massachusetts.

The CDC order, which has been extended several times, prohibits residential landlords nationwide from evicting certain tenants through July 31, 2021. Over the past year while the moratorium has been in place, courts have accepted filings, processed cases, and in some cases even entered judgments; however, no orders of execution (a court order that allows a landlord to evict a tenant) have been permitted. The CDC has said there will be no additional extensions on the eviction moratorium which means these cases can move forward. "

Continue reading the article online

http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/eviction-moratorium-to-expire-this-month/

 "Eviction Moratorium to Expire This Month" - resources available

Don't forget Free job search and career assistance from local libraries

In case you didn't know, many libraries offer job-search and career assistance services. Several Massachusetts networking groups are actually run by libraries.

I work for the Framingham Public library on Thursdays from 9am to 1:30pm.  I offer three appointments each week:  9am, 10:30am, and Noon, via Zoom..

As the services are provided by the libraries, there is no additional cost to you (because tax dollars pay for the service).

If you need job-search help, career planning assistance, interview prep, or coaching, visit https://framinghamlibrary.org/services/job-help/

to learn how to make an appointment with me. Please note this service is offered by the City of Framingham and the Framingham Public Library to all on a first-come, first-service basis.

BTW, While I currently provide the service via Zoom, the Framingham Library is opening up in stages.  I'll probably be onsite at the library starting in September.

Have a great weekend!

Ed Lawrence

www.getstart-ed.com

Updated Reopening Guidance from Governor Baker

Updated Reopening Guidance from Governor Baker

The Baker-Polito administration announced changes to the Reopening Massachusetts guidance, as part of Phase 4, Step 2 of the Reopening Plan.  

Please find the detailed information in the Reopening Resources section of our website or visit https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-announces-plans-for-continued-reopening

Updated Reopening Guidance from Governor Baker

Statement on Anti-Asian Racism from Superintendent Dr. Sara Ahern

March 24, 2021 

Dear Franklin Community, 

Last night, during the School Committee meeting, we observed a moment of silence as a result of the horrific event last Tuesday in Atlanta where eight people lost their lives in a violent mass shooting. Seven of the eight victims were of Asian heritage and were targeted because of their race. The Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community has been targeted in the last year because of the hateful stereotyping which blames the AAPI community for the Coronavirus. We acknowledge, as well, that this is part of a longer, painful history of discrimination. We extend our support to all AAPI faculty/staff members and families in our community and across the nation. 

We remain committed to honoring and protecting the rights and dignity of all members of our community. As leaders of the Franklin Public Schools, we denounce racism and embrace anti-racist actions. We want to make you aware of the following opportunity. On Thursday, March 25, the Asian American Commission of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will be holding a virtual town hall on Anti-Asian Racism: 

https://www.aacommission.org/massachusetts-town-hall-on-anti-asian-racism/ 

Last June, we wrote, “Franklin Public Schools remains resolute in its enduring commitment to inclusive and equitable schools. Despite our greatest efforts, we are not immune to incidents of hate and bias. The painful incidents we have also experienced in our community are an affront to our core values. We will not tolerate, accept or condone acts or speech that are hateful, racist, anti-semitic, xenophobic, homophobic, or gender-biased.” 

Since June, we have established the Franklin Public Schools Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D, E, I) Committee composed of students, staff, and administrators from the district, totaling nearly sixty members. This committee is addressing our actions, policies, curriculum, instruction, activities, professional development, and other systems to ensure they are without implicit bias and promote equity and respect for all. This year, the Franklin Public Schools staff engaged in a series of professional development workshops focused on cultural proficiency and practical tools on speaking up against bias and addressing acts of bias in the moment. 

We are committed to this work in the future. The proposed FY 22 budget includes funding for the D, E, I Committee’s ongoing work, funding to support an Equity Audit to identify areas of growth for our district, and resources and materials for more culturally proficient literature for our school and classroom libraries. Franklin Public Schools is also proud to join invested community members as part of the Franklin Freedom Team, whose mission is to preserve freedom through unity in the community. The team is reactive, proactive, and retroactive in assessing and addressing hate and bias in the Town of Franklin.

We also want to provide faculty/staff and families with additional information. Many thanks to the MSAA/MIAA, who shared the resources below (originally compiled by the Lexington Public Schools). 

Sincerely, 

Sara Ahern, Superintendent of Schools, on behalf of the Franklin Public Schools Leadership Team 

 

Superintendent Ahern's statement (the listing of resources is found in this copy)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mHs6nASe27i6VNxX79wPce93F66I84MB/view

Superintendent Dr. Sara Ahern in a recent School Committee meeting

Bill seeks to get meals to medically vulnerable seniors

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

"A bill that would establish a Medicare pilot program to address the link between diet, chronic illness and senior health has been introduced by a bipartisan group including U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern.

The Massachusetts Democrat said the bill would ensure that nutritious meals reach medically vulnerable seniors in their homes, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, while providing data to help build a more resilient health care system.

“There is no doubt that what we eat plays a huge role in our overall health, yet our federal policies are decades behind the science on this,” McGovern said in a press release. “We prioritize treatment instead of prevention.”

Other lawmakers backing the measure including Republican U.S. Reps. Jackie Walorski of Indiana and Roger Marshall of Kansas and Democratic Rep. Chellie Pingree of Maine."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200523/bill-seeks-to-get-meals-to-medically-vulnerable-seniors


For the resources available locally, check out the Coronavirus portal on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/community-resources-and-support

check out the Coronavirus portal on the Town of Franklin page

"Each phase must ensure that cities and towns have full access to the resources needed to reopen"

From the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA)

"The MMA today (5/13/20) presented a comprehensive set of municipal priorities and recommendations to the state’s COVID-19 Reopening Advisory Board, the 17-member panel drafting the state plan that will be released on May 18.

The MMA is calling for:

• Timely notice to local government in advance of each reopening phase
• Strong and specific health and safety standards and directives from the state on how to protect the public and employees during each phase
• Delivery of resources to all communities to ensure equity and consistency in public services throughout the state
• Clear affirmation of local enforcement authority and high standards for industry to follow to ensure consistency across Massachusetts

Arlington Town Manager Adam Chapdelaine and MMA Executive Director Geoff Beckwith presented a detailed framework for action that was developed by a special MMA Reopening Advisory Committee of municipal officials from across the state.

The MMA emphasized the need for a careful and sustainable reopening process that is driven by public health needs above all, so that Massachusetts can avoid a second shutdown, which would devastate chances for economic recovery in the near term while lives are again at risk."

Continue reading the article online
https://www.mma.org/mma-presents-key-municipal-priorities-for-reopening-process/

The presentation copy can be found online
https://41g41s33vxdd2vc05w415s1e-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/MMA_Presentation_to_RAB_FinalDraft_5.12.pdf

1 page of the summary on recommendations

Business & Employee Support during COVID-19 Restrictions

The Town of Franklin recognizes the impact the COVID-19 restrictions and closures are having on businesses and their employees. We have compiled a list of resources to guide you through the changing landscape. This document will be updated as new information and updates become available.

● Department of Unemployment Insurance (Department of Labor Relations). Read all of the information, latest updates and apply for unemployment assistance here
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-unemployment-assistance

Find the unemployment application here
https://www.mass.gov/unemployment-insurance-ui-online

● Guidance and Directives for Businesses & Employers: Updated information regarding unemployment resources can be found here:

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-guidance-and-directives#businesses-&-employers-


● The Rapid Response Program works closely with companies to avoid layoffs and keep a skilled workforce engaged in the existing regional economy or industry. To find out more about how the Rapid Response Team can help businesses visit this link: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/rapid-response-layoff-aversion

● SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) are available statewide. Massachusetts received approval for the disaster declaration for small businesses and private non-profits to apply for the SBA EIDL loan program. Visit the SBA’s Disaster guidance web page: www.sba.gov/disaster Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications to mail in forms here https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance.

● MA Growth Capital Corporation:$10 million Small Business Recovery Loan Fund will provide emergency capital up to $75,000 to Massachusetts-based businesses impacted by COVID-19 with under 50 full- and part-time employees, including nonprofits. Loans are immediately available to eligible businesses with no payments due for the first 6 months. Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) has capitalized on the fund and will administer it. Here is a link:
https://www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org/what-we-offer/emergency-loan-funds/covid-19-loan-fund
How to Apply: Please complete the application found on MGCC’s website, EmpoweringSmallBusiness.org.

● The IRS extended the tax deadline to July 15, 2020. Find details here
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-day-now-july-15-treasury-irs-extend-filing-deadline-and-federal-tax-payments-regardless-of-amount-owed

● The Center for Disease Control: CDC’s Guidance for Business during the
COVID-19 Outbreak  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-business-response.htm

● Massachusetts Department of Revenue COVID-19 Information: Important updates from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue  https://www.mass.gov/info-details/important-covid-19-coronavirus-response-update-from-dor

● The Federal Reserve Board announced a Market Mutual Liquidity Fund
https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/monetary20200320b.htm

● Bulletin 2020-05; Flexibility in the Issuance and Administration of Insurance during COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Public Health Crisis; Issued 3/23/2020
https://www.mass.gov/news/bulletin-2020-05-flexibility-in-the-issuance-and-administration-of-insurance-during-covid-19

● Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office: Resources during COVID-19 Outbreak https://www.mass.gov/guides/resources-during-covid-19

● National Grid Information for Business customers regarding the COVID-19 Outbreak https://www.nationalgridus.com/COVID-19


Shared from the Town of Franklin page:  https://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/coronavirus-information-portal-updates-here

Business & Employee Support during COVID-19 Restrictions

Watch "An Interview with FHS's new School Resource Officer" on YouTube

Watch "An Interview with FHS's new School Resource Officer" on YouTube
https://youtu.be/J5kVheTEOQo

S.A.F.E. presents Resource Manual to First Providers

Representatives of S.A.F.E. Coalition’s Board of Directors and Advisory Council met with area police and fire department personnel on December 2 at the Wrentham Public Safety Facility to distribute the First Edition of the Resource Booklet “WHAT DO WE DO NOW?: Navigating The Substance Abuse System in Massachusetts.” 

“WHAT DO WE DO NOW?: Navigating
The Substance Abuse System in Massachusetts.”

Police from Franklin, Medway, Walpole, Plainville, Wrentham, Foxboro, Millis Police Departments and Massachusetts State Police as well as Franklin and Wrentham Fire Departments were present. 

Guests and members of the S.A.F.E. Coalition were introduced by Michelle Kelley (Clerk-Magistrate of the Wrentham Court and Member, S.A.F.E. Advisory Council) and including Steve Spiewakowski (S.A.F.E. Board member; Wrentham Court Probation Officer), Leslie Hazeldine (Assistant Clerk-Magistrate and Member, S.A.F.E. Advisory Council), Rep. Shawn Dooley (Member, S.A.F.E. Advisory Council) and Jordan Warnick (Secretary, S.A.F.E. Board of Directors).

Both Michelle Kelley and Steve Spiewakowski explained that the manual was developed by S.A.F.E. volunteers in consultation with area first responders and with the express intent of having them distributed by first responders to loved ones when they are called to the scene of a non-fatal opioid overdose. 

These easy to understand manuals contain a wealth of information on the many complicated and often confusing aspects of the Substance Abuse treatment system in Massachusetts, as well as resources for families and individuals affected by Substance Use Disorder (SUD). The goal is to assist loved ones in more easily navigating and understanding the signs of abuse and the steps taken in treatment, as well as ongoing support for all. It is expected that Resource Manual would be updated based on feedback from first responders.

“The need for these resource booklets is immense as the addiction crises continues unabated. These booklets will serve as an invaluable resource for those personally battling the disease of addiction and their loved ones as they navigate the sometimes-complex system of treatment services that are available in our area and throughout the Commonwealth. 

It answers many of the common questions people ask regarding addiction, but more importantly it provides treatment options, resources and contacts to obtain additional information and assistance. The SAFE Coalition has provided a much needed and tremendous resource to the communities it serves."

Chief T.J. Lynch, Franklin

L to R: Dr. Jordan Warnick, Walpole Chief of Police John Carmichael, Trooper Kevin Collins, State Representative Shawn Dooley,  Walpole Officer Billy Madden, Stephen Spiewakowski, Franklin Officer John Maloney

---


S.A.F.E. is a coalition of community partners who have come together to provide support, education, treatment options, and coping mechanisms for those affected by substance abuse disorder. We do so by empowering those affected, including their families, with the tools necessary to succeed on their journey to recovery. We understand that while I can't, we can.

Additional info can be found at http://safecoalitionma.com/

There are Resources available for those Caring for their Elders

The MA Gov blog shares lots of good info. Regular readers can find that good stuff here as I share it, or you can subscribe directly to get it for yourself.

A recent post covers caring for elders.

According to the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC), more than 65 million Americans act as unpaid caregivers for a family member, and the average age of an adult who receives assistance is 69 years old. TheExecutive Office of Elder Affairs (ELD), primarily through the Massachusetts Family Caregiver Support Program, provides resources to enhance the quality of life for both caregivers and their elderly loved ones.

The posting goes on to provide a list of tips and resources. You can find them here  http://blog.mass.gov/blog/living-in-massachusetts/caring-for-elders-resources/

DId you know that the Franklin Senior Center offers an in-home respite program for companion caregivers? The program was introduced early in 2014 and modified in the Fall to provide better coverage.

You can find out about the program with this PDF file from the Senior Center
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/ccbrochure14.pdf

You can find more about the program by contacting the Senior Center directly.

Don't be overwhelmed by the support requirements. Ask for help!

Franklin Senior Center is full of resources!

new phone book coming

Judith Needell, publisher/owner of The Shopper News, writes:

We are creating a new Franklin Telephone Directory and Resource Guide that will be published in Spring 2014 and mailed out to all town homes and businesses. As an extra incentive to our clients to help give back to their community and as a great benefit to your organization we are also donating 5% of all net ad sales to the Franklin Food Pantry. Seems timely as I've just read your article on the Franklin Matters website that the Food Pantry could use more assistance. For your reference I have attached a PDF with an overview of our new project that we will be sending out to potential advertisers.

Judith Needell, publisher/owner
The Shopper News
"The Shopper with a heart"

Office:

19 Dean Avenue
Franklin,ma 02038

JudithNeedell@me.com

"Freedom of time and opportunity"

From the Dean College Library blog, Kent Manning writes:

Learning is something that should be an extension of you, not just something that happens in the classroom. So post-graduation, choose the subjects that you are interested in. Find the resources that are engaging and dynamic. Fit the learning into your lifestyle. And never let a detail like not being in a formal classroom limit your opportunities to be a student of life and to engage your mind.

I wholeheartedly agree. The day you stop learning is the day you'll fall behind. Competition is fierce and the knowledge economy places a premium on being able to think. For a more detail explanation of my own efforts on life long learning, read this  http://www.sobevent.com/what-makes-shersteve-come-back-to-sobcon-over-and-over/

Click through to the full article to check out the resources suggested. I do like the TED Talks series and regularly readers here have seen a few shared from time to time. The Federal Reserve Bank of St Louis site is one I'll have to explore.  http://deancultureconnect.wordpress.com/2013/05/20/a-life-of-learning/?utm_source=feedly

Both the Franklin School District and the Tri-County Regional Voc Tech offer life long learning opportunities.  For Franklin visit http://cfweb.smartedu.net/lll/  and for Tri-County visit http://www.tri-county.tc/?q=node/8


And while on the topic of learning, let me add a reminder for those currently looking for work, the Job Search Jam Sessions will be held on June 14. The day features sessions to learn and share information on the job search. For additional information, including registration, visit the webpage here
http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/2013/04/job-search-jam-sessions-ready-to-return.html

FPS: Family - Educator Resources

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

December 15, 2012

Good Morning,

As we all continue to try to comprehend the unspeakable act that happened in a CT elementary school, parents and community members may be asking how school personnel plan to handle this tragedy. Administrators, school counselors and our teaching staff will assess needs at the classroom and individual level. Our counseling staff is comprised of highly trained professionals and they collaborate and function as a team. If a school or classroom needs additional assistance we can assign personnel from other schools to provide support. We have a variety of instructional strategies and tools we use such; as Middle School Advisory, Open Circle, Social Skill groups and individual/group counseling. If you feel your child is struggling with managing their emotions about this incident please contact school personnel Monday morning. Principals and counseling personnel will be ready to assist.

Here are some resources that may help you discuss this tragedy with your child. One of our parents who is a professional in the education field offered these links. We will post on our websites as well. These are challenging conversation to have with a child, especially at a time of year that should be magical for children. Stay well.

Respectfully,

Maureen Sabolinski

Resources: (note - links updated 6/11/16) A National Tragedy: Helping Children Cope http://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources/school-safety-and-crisis/trauma/how-children-cope-with-ongoing-threat-and-trauma Talking to Children about Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers http://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources/school-safety-and-crisis/school-violence-prevention/school-violence-prevention-tips-for-parents-and-educators Child Trauma Toolkit for Educators http://www.nctsnet.org/resources/audiences/school-personnel/trauma-toolkit SAMHSA's "Coping with Violence and Traumatic Events" Web site http://www.samhsa.gov/trauma/?from=carousel&position=1&date=11012012 School Crisis Guide: Helping and Healing in a Time of Crisis http://c.ymcdn.com/sites/www.sswaa.org/resource/resmgr/imported/schoolcrisisguide.pdf This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at (508) 613-1777.

Teacher Resources - Lab Out Loud

For science teachers and those interested in science, Lab Out Loud is a wonderful resource.

Why?
It highlights other good resources within the world of science.

For example: The Periodic Table of Videos hosted by the University of Nottingham



Enjoy!