Showing posts with label safety. Show all posts
Showing posts with label safety. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 14, 2020

Hurricane Preparedness Week is Here

1 - Hurricane Risk
  • Peak of hurricane season is August and September
  • NOAA predicts above normal hurricane season; but regardless of seasonal forecast, it only takes one storm to severely impact an area
  • Entire state is at risk; storm surge threat in coastal areas and high winds, heavy rainfall, and inland flooding possible across entire state, as we saw in Irene in 2011
  • While the last hurricane in Massachusetts was Bob in 1991, the Commonwealth has a history of destructive hurricanes
  • Threat of tropical cyclones and other natural hazards continue during COVID-19 pandemic
2 - How Residents Can Prepare
  • Know Your Evacuation Zone
  • Learn if you live or work in a hurricane evacuation zone: www.mass.gov/knowyourzone
  • Make an Emergency Plan
  • Develop a plan with the members of your household to prepare for what to do in a tropical cyclone including making an evacuation plan, planning for individuals with access and functional needs, and any extra considerations during COVID-19 pandemic including how you might evacuate and where you might evacuate to. If you are in a high risk population, the safest option may be to evacuate to a location without the general public such as a hotel, relatives' home or other destination. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/make-a-family-emergency-plan
  • Build an Emergency Kit
  • Build an emergency kit containing items that will sustain you and your family in the event you are isolated for three to five days without power or unable to go to a store and customize for your family's needs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, include face coverings, masks, hand sanitizer and other cleaning supplies that you may need. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/build-an-emergency-kit.
3 - Stay Informed

Every family should have multiple methods for receiving emergency alerts. Learn more about different types of alerting and information tools including the Emergency Alert System, Wireless Emergency Alerts, NOAA Weather Radio, Social Media & Traditional Media, 2-1-1 Hotline, Local Notification Systems: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/be-informed-and-receive-emergency-alerts

Gov Baker's proclamation on Hurricane Preparedness Week
https://www.mass.gov/news/hurricane-preparedness-week-reminds-residents-to-prepare-take-precautions
 
as part of staying informed sign up for hurricane alerts from NOAA
as part of staying informed sign up for hurricane alerts from NOAA
Sign up for alerts from NOAA https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/gtwo.php?basin=atlc


Saturday, January 25, 2020

Message to the Community on School Safety - safety drills to be conducted

January 24, 2020

Dear Franklin Community,

Our schools will soon be engaging in a second round of lockdown drills in collaboration with our School Resource Officers. Specific communications about these drills will be issued from the schools directly in the coming weeks.

We thought this to be a good time to share the following information with FPS staff and families regarding the District's threat assessment protocol, communication, and general school safety practices. This message will become part of our regular back to school information in the future.

As referenced in the Superintendent's September Message to the Community on School Safety, Franklin Public Schools is committed to ensuring a safe and nurturing educational environment for our students, staff, and community.

This overview is generalized to preserve a level of operational security for the school district and law enforcement. However, we feel it is important to share this information as a means to be as transparent as possible.

For more information, please see the attachment.

Sincerely,

Franklin Public Schools


https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczMEU0WnNvNTIzOUZjR3ZxMDMzbUY2SVBJYU8w/view?usp=sharing



Keller-Sulivan sign in early Jan 2020
Keller-Sulivan sign in early Jan 2020

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Franklin gets $60K for school security improvements



Franklin Public Schools
  • $60,000.00 = Security cameras, panic buttons, access control switches
"Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito hosted a roundtable discussion on school safety at Walsh Middle School in Framingham and announced $7.2 million in grants awarded to more than 140 school districts across the Commonwealth to upgrade school security equipment and technology to bolster public safety resources for students and staff.

The grant funds will enable schools to upgrade and install crucial security infrastructure, including exterior door locks, surveillance video cameras, school site alarms, interoperable communications systems and active shooter detection systems. The grants are being awarded by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security in conjunction with the Executive Office of Education

Superintendents and school officials, as well as public safety officials, discussed what they are doing to keep students safe. The Governor and Lt. Governor were joined by Education Secretary James Peyser, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Jeffrey C. Riley, Executive Office of Public Safety and Security Undersecretary Benincasa Thorpe, as well as Framingham Police Chief Steven Trask and Framingham Fire Chief Joseph Hicks.

“These investments will provide much needed safety resources to our students and teachers in schools across the Commonwealth,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with school officials to understand how we can better protect our schools, and we are pleased to have worked with the Legislature to award this round of grants. We are hopeful that we can continue this discussion as we consider this year’s budget to build on these efforts in more communities.” 

Continue reading the Press Release online
https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-awards-72-million-to-143-school-districts-to-improve-school-safety

Baker-Polito Administration Awards $7.2 Million to 143 School Districts to Improve School Safety
Baker-Polito Administration Awards $7.2 Million to 143 School Districts to Improve School Safety

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Franklin Public Schools: An Important Message from the Superintendent

September 20, 2019

Dear Franklin Families and Faculty/Staff,

I am writing as it is a good time to provide some information about school security and safety.

Some Information Related to the Newly Issued PSA

You may have heard about or seen the Sandy Hook Promise PSA that was issued within the last day or so. This video contains some content that is very difficult to watch. It reminds us all of the importance of our safety and security practices in the unlikely event of an active shooter situation.

As parents/guardians, you may wish to prohibit your child from viewing the PSA. New research is pointing to negative mental health consequences including increased anxiety and hypervigilance among children from exposure to active shooter training and media coverage. As a school system, we try to strike a balance between informing/preparing our students with tools to keep them safe while shielding them from overexposure.

Children's belief that adults around them know what to do to protect them helps them cope with their anxiety and stress related to school safety worries. You can assist them and us by providing reassurance, as developmentally appropriate, to your children in this regard. At the end of this letter, we provide an informative reminder about our safety practices.

You may be looking for resources to assist your child. This resource, from the American Psychological Association, may be of assistance to you: http://www.apa.org/topics/violence/school-shooting.aspx

Counselors, teachers, and administrators are available to help any student who may be experiencing difficulty. Please reach out to any member of the administration if we can be of help in any way. The School Resource Officers are also an avenue of support for questions and concerns from families.

Information about How We Respond When We Receive a Report of a Threat

We have seen an increase in students and families exercising the "see it-say it" aspect of our safety protocols and we thank you for that. It reflects on the positive relationships and supportive culture of our schools. When we receive a report of an alleged threat, the school administrators launch an investigation in collaboration with the Franklin Police Department. The credibility and seriousness of the threat must be determined by this team, who are trained in making this determination.

Based on the nature of the facts determined from the investigation, the school administrators will take appropriate steps. The police may, as well, if appropriate and based on their investigation. Administrative measures often include support and safety plans for the students involved. Interventions are put in place and may include therapeutic support. Disciplinary consequences may also be applied, if appropriate. When communications are issued to families, privacy laws require us to keep certain information confidential.

We are balancing providing the community with information and assurances of safety with the privacy rights of those involved. In all cases, we wish to assure you that we take these reports with the utmost seriousness and collaborate with our school resource officer partners to investigate and respond appropriately. We are so fortunate to be supported by a stellar team of five School Resource Officers and their supervising officer.

An Informative Reminder of Safety Practices in FPS

The safety and well-being of Franklin students and staff are our highest priority. Our buildings remain locked and well-supervised when school is in session; all visitors must check-in at reception upon arrival and present identification. Organizations that use our facilities after hours are required to have a door monitor that supervises the entry and exit of guests to our buildings.

Security cameras provide coverage around all of our buildings. Additionally, we have a capital plan in place to upgrade and add to our security cameras and other security features to enhance coverage. We have open communication with the Franklin Fire and Police Departments, and our response teams regularly review and practice safety protocols and procedures through training with staff and students.

We continue to refine our practices through continuing education on best practices within the field of school safety. Last year (the 2018-19 school year), the entire faculty and staff across the district engaged in deeper training with experts in the field based on new information and practices. We will continue to reinforce this in 2019-20.

We also stress climate and culture in each of our schools, centering our work around core values and relationships. It is important that each student feels connected to an adult and we strive to ensure we have supports in place to help students in crisis. We emphasize the importance of speaking up when there is a concern, and we have examples when students, parents/guardians, and staff have come forward to bring a concern about a friend or classmate to an administrator's attention.

As always, parents/guardians or staff members with concerns about safety should contact the building principal with specific questions.

Sincerely,

Sara Ahern
Superintendent of Schools

Sara Ahern, Superintendent of Schools - presenting at a recent School Committee meeting
Sara Ahern, Superintendent of Schools - presenting at a recent School Committee meeting

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

"it’s something they should be aware of”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"When determining if a beach is safe for swimming, local health departments and state officials measure levels of the bacteria enterococcus, which typically makes its way into marine water through fecal matter. High levels of enterococci in ocean water are a red flag that the water may also contain other disease-inducing microbes, which is why it is referred to as an “indicator” bacteria.

This is why beaches are often closed after heavy rainstorms — rain that isn’t absorbed into the soil or diverted can pick up fecal matter from pets and wild animals and flow it into the ocean.

“Stormwater is a major culprit for beach closures related to fecal bacteria,” said Bethany Traverse, coordinator of the Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment’s beach water testing program. “In any populated area, you have roadways and other infrastructure that affect the flow of contaminated water into the surrounding water bodies. When it rains, a lot of water is diverted into storm drains and away from bathing areas. But it’s not perfect; bird and animal waste will make its way into the water and storm water helps it get there in a rapid ‘flush.’”
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190813/just-how-much-waste-is-in-that-water-youre-swimming-in/1

The full Environment America report
https://environmentamerica.org/feature/ame/safe-swimming

More than half of the thousands of beach sites sampled for bacteria across the country were potentially unsafe for swimming on at least one day in 2018
More than half of the thousands of beach sites sampled for bacteria across the country were potentially unsafe for swimming on at least one day in 2018

Friday, July 19, 2019

In the News: Governor more positive about MA budget; heat safety tips

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

"With the state budget stalemate between Democratic leaders now spilling into the second half of July, Gov. Charlie Baker met privately with House Speaker Robert DeLeo in his office on Thursday morning and said he spoke with other legislators throughout the day, leaving him “more optimistic” that a compromise could be near.

Baker has not yet said whether he’ll heed the House speaker’s call for him to file another spending bill to fund the government through August, and told the News Service on his way to an event in Brighton on Thursday that he’d prefer not to have to file such a bill.

Baker was reluctant to discuss the specifics of his meeting with DeLeo, but said, “I’ve talked to a lot of people in the Legislature today about the budget and I’m feeling a little more optimistic than I was on Monday that this might all get resolved.”

Asked if he planned to file a second interim budget, Baker said, “No, not if I don’t have to.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190718/baker-more-optimistic-about-budget-compromise


"Hot temperatures combined with high humidity levels are expected to create dangerous heat conditions, with the most oppressive conditions expected Saturday. High temperatures Friday-Sunday are forecast to be in the 90s to lower 100s, and dew points in the low to mid 70s. Heat index values are expected to reach the mid to upper 90s Friday, 100 to 110 Saturday, and 97 to 105 Sunday, with the highest values occurring on Saturday in eastern Massachusetts and parts of the Connecticut River valley. The hot temperatures and high heat indices can lead to serious heat related-illnesses.

“MEMA urges residents to take precautions during the upcoming extreme heat. Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle, find an air-conditioned public space, cooling center, or other cool spot for relief, and watch for heat-related illnesses,” said Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Director Samantha Phillips. “Please check on your family, friends, or neighbors to make sure they are safe during the extreme heat.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20190718/mema-offers-health-safety-tips-during-extreme-heat

The full listing (with links for more info) can be found on the MA.gov page
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/extreme-heat-safety-tips

https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat
https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat

Sunday, June 16, 2019

Franklin Public Schools: Safety Concern - Alert and Information

Dear Franklin Families,

Our apologies if you get this message twice, as we are experiencing technical difficulties.

We are writing to alert you of a situation that occurred in Franklin yesterday. The Franklin Police Department has issued a press release related to suspicious activity involving an encounter between a juvenile and a stranger on Oak Street. We want to be sure that you see it: https://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/news/media-release-stranger-encounter-oak-street

We encourage you to hold a family discussion regarding personal safety and we ask that you have a heightened awareness of safety precautions for your children at this time.

The BFCCPS has kindly shared these resources with us, which may be helpful to you:

An article regarding child abduction prevention tips ranging from young children to teens from Parents Magazine.
https://www.parents.com/kids/safety/stranger-safety/talking-to-kids--teens-about-safety--abduction/

Parent tips on this site provided by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children  https://www.kidsmartz.org/ParentTips

We have taken measures to inform our crossing guards and our transportation company so that our crossing guards and bus drivers are aware and can be on heightened alert. If you would like to use an alternative form of dismissal for your child on Monday, please contact your child’s school.

Sincerely,
Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public Schools: Safety Concern - Alert and Information
Franklin Public Schools: Safety Concern - Alert and Information

Wednesday, January 16, 2019

In the News: speed a factor in traffic deaths; molasses wasn't slow in 1919

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Speed remains a factor in nearly one-third of all traffic deaths in the U.S., with Massachusetts ranking 23rd among the states in speed-related deaths, according to a new report. 
The Governor’s Highway Safety Association, a nonprofit organization that studies traffic safety around the country, released the report, “Speeding Away from Zero: Rethinking a Forgotten Traffic Challenge,” on Tuesday and found that in Massachusetts, 28 percent of motor vehicle deaths in 2017 were speed-related. 
The report said speeding “remains a publicly-accepted driving behavior that is reinforced among motorists, policymakers and transportation stakeholders” and concluded that “overall progress on the issue of speeding has been limited at best.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190115/in-massachusetts-speed-kills

The Great Molasses Flood

"Slow as molasses? This treacle didn’t trickle. It was a sticky, deadly tsunami that flattened an entire Boston neighborhood within seconds. 
On Tuesday, the city marks the 100th anniversary of its most peculiar disaster — the Great Molasses Flood. 
It struck without warning at midday on Jan. 15, 1919, when a giant storage tank containing more than 2.3 million gallons (8.7 million liters) of molasses suddenly ruptured, sending a giant wave of goop crashing through the cobblestone streets of the bustling North End. 
The initial wave rose at least 25 feet high (7.6 meters high) — nearly as tall as an NFL goalpost — and it obliterated everything in its path, killing 21 people and injuring 150 others. Rivets popped like machine-gun fire. Elevated railway tracks buckled. Warehouses and firehouses were pushed around like game pieces on a Monopoly board. Tenements were reduced to kindling."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190115/100-years-ago-in-boston-day-molasses-was-deadly-fast

Dark Tide, Stephen Puleo's book on the Molasses Flood
Dark Tide, Stephen Puleo's book on the Molasses Flood
Have you read Dark Tide, Stephen Puleo's book on the Molasses Flood? The library has a number of copies available as part of the program this year (2008) "On the Same Page".

The Senior Center is offering a talk by Dr. Gary Hylander on "The 100th Anniversary of Boston's Great Molasses Flood." This is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan 23 at 10:00 AM. Please call the Senior Center to sign up.
https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-senior-center/events/191104


Sunday, April 15, 2018

School Committee Recap - April 10, 2018

This is the summary of the School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, April 10, 2018.

Acknowledgement of the tragic passing of FHS senior Jack Sewell and support for students available.

Work on the high school field concession stand will begin soon and appropriate preparation are being taken to minimize disruption. Superintendent Ahern distributed a letter to the community later in the week and that letter was shared here.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/04/franklin-public-schools-concession.html  

Superintendent Ahern's report to the community can be found online
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fk6ZJwGggl1juIOdMYAxI4a_OdBXWbYM/view?usp=sharing

In the Discussion - Action section of the meeting, the School Committee formally approved the budget for Fiscal Year 2019. The budget is scheduled for review by the Finance Committee (6:00 PM - Apr 24) before going to the Town Council for their cursory hearings and vote.

Dr Joyce Edwards presented an update on STEM and digital learning. The presentation copy is shared here. Photos of the presentation pages can be found on the live reported notes below.




An update on School Safety was presented. Franklin Police Sgt. Mark Manocchio joined Peter light and Sara Ahern for this presentation and discussion. The presentation and discussion focus on the overall process. It was (as most security discussions are right to be) light on details. The coordination and collaboration of the many parties is good. They also conduct a review and make adjustments after each incident. This is as much as can reasonably be expected for a public forum. Revealing more than this is not a good practice.

(Note: the safety presentation has not yet been made available on the Schools webpage. I did capture photos of each page and they can be viewed in the School safety link below)

My notes reported live during the meeting can be found here:


Dr Joyce Edwards presented an update on STEM and digital learning
Dr Joyce Edwards presented an update on STEM and digital learning

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Live Reporting: School Safety Update


2. Guests / Presentations


b. School Safety Presentation – Peter Light, Sara Ahern, Sgt. Mark Manocchio


Maslow's hierarchy
Maslow's hierarchy

slide references the ongoing cycle of school safety


school safety cycle
school safety cycle
evacuations, lockdown, and administrative lockdown


description of evacuation, lockdown and administrative lockdown
description of evacuation, lockdown and administrative lockdown


emergency drills are a routine part of school management
emergency drills are a routine part of school management
the full presentation can be seen on an individual basis but not in a very public forum due to the nature of the information that is covered; some things really should not be shared.


security is an ongoing process
security is an ongoing process

the more secure our schools get, the slower the entry process will be


emergency management training part of each year
emergency management training part of each year
it is a partnership to keep every one safe

communication is key, appropriate details need to be shared with all stakeholders

need to be careful with information shared; some students (particularly at the high school) can get the word out via Facebook and Twitter) before official communications go out; this needs to be part of the digital learning process (and should be covered in the safety and security section of the standards just shown),


see something, say something
see something, say something
social emotional learning, ties back to the Maslow points earlier
social emotional learning, ties back to the Maslow points earlier
next steps including future budget requirements
next steps including future budget requirements
The theory of action


The theory of action
The theory of action
Q - student badges at the high school what do they do?
A - they allow access to the building during normal hour, they are also programmable for a variety of uses

A - haven't used the badges for attendance, can do level checking but used mostly for after the fact; doors may or may not have alarms systems for the doors, that is a major expense that due to the buildings coming online over time

in the moment, you can not know everything, you have to have some trust in the training and in the recovery at the rally point






This was previously posted to Franklin Matters on April 30, 2016
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/04/student-produced-video-on-autism.html


Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Lifelong Learning: Public Safety Partnership Classes Coming This Fall

Franklin Public Schools  - Lifelong Learning Institute

Citizen Police Academy
     Have you ever wondered what it's like to ride along with an on-duty officer? How you would react in an emergency situation? How evidence is collected? What to do if you are stopped for speeding?
The Franklin Police Department hopes to answer some of those questions that you may have regarding the police department and law enforcement. And, in addition, each attendee will be given the opportunity to ride with a Franklin Police Officer during his or her tour of duty to experience the duties and responsibilities of the officers. 

Ten (10) Wednesdays - Sept. 13 - Nov. 15
6:30 to 9:30 PM 
Franklin Police Station, Panther Way, Franklin
Cost: $90

Register Online Now.  Click Here 

___________________________________________
Women's Self-Defense Workshop 
Great class for mothers and daughters to attend together.  Learn how to put power into your own hands. Participate in this very important three-night workshop to learn realistic self-defense strategies for women of all ages.  

Officers Tara Lagoa & Lee Ann Baker will discuss risk reduction and avoidance, situational awareness, how to trust your intuition, and basic hands-on self-defense techniques.
Three (3) Mondays - Oct 16, 23, 30
6:00 to 9:00 PM
Remington Middle School, 628 Washington Street, Franklin
Cost:  $90
Register Online Now. Click Here

Home Alone Safety - Grades 1-5
     Children will learn the basics of being safe when home alone for short periods of time, whether by plan or because of an emergency

 Franklin Police Community Service Officer will explain how to safely answer the telephone and door, as well as Internet safety, accident prevention, and fire protection.  Simple First Aid techniques will also be taught. 
Tuesday, Oct 17
4:00 to 5:00 PM
Horace Mann Middle School Gym, 224 Oak Street, Franklin
Cost:  $10

Register Online Now. Click Here


____________________________________
Contact
Contact: Brenda Reed, Director
Lifelong Community Learning

Thursday, June 29, 2017

In the News: another safe city recognition; volunteers step up for the 4th

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

"Parents might be happy to learn that Franklin has been named one of the top 30 safest cities in the country to raise a child in 2017. 
According to SafeWise.com Franklin comes in at number 12 on the list, namely because of its quality schooling and for winning the 7th Annual AP Honor Roll Award for superior high schools. 
Town Administrator Jeff Nutting said he is proud to learn of the recognition and “happy to accept the results.” 
Nutting, an eight-year Franklin resident, said the list is long as to why he likes living in town."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170628/franklin-one-of-safest-for-raising-children



"As a child, it was a family tradition for Michelle Beaupre to attend the town’s annual Fourth of July celebration. 
“I grew up in Norfolk and it’s something that we often went to. It’s something I’ve gone to since I was a kid,” Beaupre said. 
The parade and fireworks were always a highlight, the Franklin resident said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170628/volunteers-keep-franklins-july-4th-tradition-going

the carnival rides are set up on the Town Common and ready for the 4th of July Celebration
the carnival rides are set up on the Town Common and ready for the 4th of July Celebration

Saturday, June 3, 2017

Pedestrian Safety Enforcement Operations Hope To Yield Safety Improvements

As part of its ongoing efforts to improve pedestrian safety in Franklin, the Franklin Police will conduct a pedestrian safety enforcement operation that focuses on motorists who fail to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.

Pedestrian safety is a key issue in our community, and the Franklin Police Department is committed to upholding pedestrian safety laws to protect our citizens.

The Franklin Police Department strongly encourages members of the community to follow basic safe practices:
Traffic safety is everyone's personal responsibility
Traffic safety is everyone's
personal responsibility

  • Drivers should be on the lookout for and stop for pedestrians.
  • Drivers should stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk and stay stopped until the pedestrian is two traffic lanes away or has reached the sidewalk.
  • Pedestrians should use a crosswalk when crossing the street and obey pedestrian signals.
  • Pedestrians should look both ways for traffic before crossing and ensure cars are yielding before crossing. Remember that having the right-of-way does not prevent you from being seriously injured by a driver who is not paying attention. Traffic safety is everyone's personal responsibility.
  • Pedestrians should wear bright colored, reflective clothing and use a flashlight when walking during hours of darkness. Be visible!


We are committed to doing our part to keep the community safe. We urge every member of the community to help by keeping themselves safe and following basic rules of the road.


This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
http://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/news/pedestrian-safety-enforcement

The PDF of the media release can be found here
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/2017_media_release_pedestrian_safety.pdf

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

Live reporting: School Safety Update

3. Guests/Presentations


b. School Safety Presentation - Peter Light, Dr. Maureen Sabolinski




School Safety Presentation - Peter Light, Dr. Maureen Sabolinski
School Safety Presentation - Peter Light, Dr. Maureen Sabolinski

Friday, January 20, 2017

In the News: Superintendent search narrows to 3; another 'safest city' recognition

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"In daytime work session Thursday, a special town committee narrowed its list of candidates for school superintendent to three. 
Making the cut following a series of meetings are Blackstone-Millville Assistant Superintendent David Thomson, Chelmsford Assistant Superintendent Linda Hirsch and Weymouth Assistant Superintendent Susan Kustka. The committee did not advance Wareham Superintendent Kimberly Shaver-Hood. 
The committee - which includes the Franklin School Committee as well as Town Councilor Thomas Mercer, high school Principal Paul Peri, teachers association President Donna Grady and parent Sarah Mulcahy - will now visit the home districts of the candidates. The group also scheduled a public forum with the candidates for Feb. 1."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170119/franklin-superintendent-candidates-narrowed-to-three

Spruce Pond sunrise
Spruce Pond sunrise

"A website has named Franklin the fourth-safest city in America, continuing a multi-year streak in which the community's safety has been lauded. 
The site - location-based analytics search engine NeighborhoodScout - released its lists of both the top 100 safest cities and top 100 most dangerous cities on Jan. 9. A company spokeswoman said the list is based on the latest FBI crime data - in this case, from 2015 - as well as the population of each city. 
This is not the first year NeighborhoodScout's list has recognized Franklin. In 2012, the community ranked as the second safest city in the U.S., and since then has been ranked first in 2013, first in 2014 and seventh in 2015."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170119/franklin-named-fourth-safest-town-in-us

NeighborhoodScout screen grab
NeighborhoodScout screen grab