Showing posts with label snow days. Show all posts
Showing posts with label snow days. Show all posts

Thursday, January 26, 2023

Franklin School Committee reviews FHS program of studies & approved Westboro for membership to the Accept Collaborative (audio)

FM #924 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 924 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, January 24, 2023. The meeting was conducted in the Council Chambers with six members present and one member (M Whitmore) remote. Hence all votes were via roll call.


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


Key items on the agenda

  • Update from Supt Giguere on the Inclement Weather Policy, now that we have had some weather to deal with, a reminder on the process, how it is coordinated with DPW, Police and Fire. Additional details posted on FPS page (see link below)

  • FHS Program of Studies - Principal Josh Hanna presented an update on the program highlighting some changes to add courses, and answered questions from the School Committee. He acknowledged as he began that this was the results of a whole team of effort, many of whom were out and about tonight with student activities. The PDF of my notes captures screen presentation pages. The presentation doc should get posted soon to the meeting folder so you can find additional details

  • Accept Collaborative presentation - E Stokes recused herself from this portion of the meeting to avoid a conflict of interest. The presentation provided an overview of the services and work among the collaborative to support the needs of the students in the district. This was all in advance of a discussion and vote by the Committee to approve the application of Westborough into the Collaborative (each member needs to do so, it was mentioned this is the first of a few). The Committee voted unanimously (6-0-1; 6 for, 0 no, 1 - recuse)

  • Proposed school committee meeting calendar and Accept Collaborative report were among the items for discussion only

  • The Committee did enter Executive Session not to return to open meeting


The show notes contain a link to the full agenda and to my notes & photos captured via Twitter during the meeting. 


The recording runs about 1 hour and 40 minutes, so let’s listen to the Franklin School Committee on January 24, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-924-town-of-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-01-24-23



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


Inclement weather page -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/weather_2022_2.pdf 


Video link -> https://youtu.be/6f53S5iyXpU 


The agenda doc contains info on remote participation -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_1-24-23.pdf 


All the documents released for this meeting (some after the meeting) can be found in one folder -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/january-24-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet


My Twitter notes are here in one PDF file ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pWMoZmkmt2nkhBczlP0QYMBbBVPrew5d/view?usp=share_link 



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FHS Principal Josh Hanna
FHS Principal Josh Hanna

Thursday, December 22, 2022

Urgent: Franklin Public Schools CLOSED Friday, December 23, 2022

Franklin Public Schools CLOSED Friday, December 23, 2022

All Franklin Public Schools will be CLOSED on Friday, December 23rd, 2022 due to anticipated inclement weather.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/urgent-alerts/franklin-public-schools-closed-friday-december-23rd-2022

Parmenter in the snow of Dec 2019
Parmenter in the snow of Dec 2019

Monday, February 14, 2022

Franklin Public Schools: Urgent - Two hour delay February 14, 2022

Two hour delay February 14, 2022

February 14, 2022

Dear Franklin Community,

Due to the road conditions, the Franklin Public Schools will have a 2-hour delay this morning, Monday, February 14, 2022. Those who work in central office should arrive as you are safely able to do so.

A separate email about ECDC sessions will be sent.

Please drive safely.

Franklin Public Schools

Shared from FPS page ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/urgent-alerts/two-hour-delay-february-14-2022

Franklin Public Schools: Urgent - Two hour delay February 14, 2022
Franklin Public Schools: Urgent - Two hour delay February 14, 2022

Thursday, February 3, 2022

Franklin Public Schools: Schools will be CLOSED with a snow day on Friday, February 4

February 3, 2022

Dear Franklin Community,

The weather is expected to bring icy conditions and flash freezing in the morning, with sleet and snow to fall later in the day. As a result of this forecast, the Franklin Public Schools will be CLOSED with a snow day on Friday, February 4.

For the safety of all staff, district and school offices will also be closed. Those who are able to work from home should do so as you are able.

There will be no after school or evening activities.  I hope everyone has a nice weekend. Stay safe.

Sara Ahern
Superintendent of Schools


Schools will be CLOSED with a snow day on Friday, February 4
Schools will be CLOSED with a snow day on Friday, February 4

Friday, January 7, 2022

Franklin's Event Outlook: Jan 7, 2022 to Jan 13, 2022

The weekend got quieter with the snow storm arriving Friday resulting in the Electric Youth performance being moved out to Feb 26. COVID case counts could also have been a factor as it was for the cancelation of Joe Landry's presentation scheduled for Weds Jan 15 at the Senior Center.

The Second Sunday Speaker scheduled for the Historical Museum is assumed to be on. If there are changes, the calendar will be updated.

The Franklin Matters Q&A session will remain on the schedule as participation via the Zoom conference bridge works well. Email me (shersteve@gmail.com) for the link if you want to get your questions about Franklin answered.

Be well. The COVID-19 cases are setting new records. If you aren't yet vaccinated, please do so. Otherwise social distancing and masking is the next best protection.

 
Saturday, January 8
9:30am - St Mary's Women's Faith Formation
10:00am - Historical Museum (always free)
4:00pm - PPD to Feb 26 -> Electric Youth
8:00pm - PPD to Feb 26 -> Electric Youth

Sunday, January 9
1:00pm - Historical Museum (always free)
1:15pm - Second Sunday Speaker: Byzantine & Russian Icons

Wednesday, January 12
11:00am - Franklin Matters Q&A
1:00pm - CANCELED - Joe Landry highlighting the “Schools of Franklin”

Find the full calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found   https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26

Community Calendar
Community Calendar

Franklin Residents: CLOSURE OF TOWN OFFICES AND BUILDINGS - 1/07/2022

CLOSURE OF TOWN OFFICES AND BUILDINGS - 1/07/2022

Dear Franklin Citizen:

All town administrative offices and buildings will be closed January 7, 2022 due to the impending overnight snow storm, and in certain instances, staffing limitations due to COVID situations. 

All non-emergency personnel will continue to be available for remote work through your regular department business hours tomorrow. Staff will still be available via phone, email and other networks to conduct business.  Please call tomorrow for service and a staff member will get back to you or email us. Please see the department directory.  

https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/local-phone-directory

Emergency information is here:

https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/emergency-management-information

Franklin DPW direct contact is here:

https://www.franklinma.gov/public-works

Please stay safe Franklin! And stay in touch with our social media channels for any updates. 

Shared from ToF page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/closure-town-offices-and-buildings-172022

CLOSURE OF TOWN OFFICES AND BUILDINGS - 1/07/2022
CLOSURE OF TOWN OFFICES AND BUILDINGS - 1/07/2022


Thursday, January 6, 2022

Urgent: Snow Day - Franklin Public Schools - Friday, January 7, 2022

Snow Day - January 7, 2022

January 6, 2022

Dear Franklin Community,

The weather is expected to bring 6 to 9 inches of snow here locally in Franklin, beginning to fall overnight and lasting through early afternoon. As a result of this forecast, the Franklin Public Schools will be CLOSED with a snow day on Friday, January 7, 2022.


District and school offices will also be closed.


There will be no after school or evening activities.  I hope everyone has a nice weekend. Stay safe.


Sara Ahern

Superintendent of Schools


Shared from -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/urgent-alerts/snow-day-january-7-2022 

not from this year, need to go back to 2011 when this was taken
not from this year, need to go back to 2011 when this was taken


Tuesday, February 2, 2021

Tuesday, February 2nd is a Snow Day. All Franklin Public Schools are closed.

Tuesday, February 2nd is a Snow Day. All Franklin Public Schools are closed.

February 2, 2021

Dear Franklin Community,

Due to the lingering effects from the snow storm, Franklin Public Schools will be closed on February 2, 2021 for a snow day. The day will be made up at the end of the school year.

School offices will be closed. FPS Central Office will open on a delayed schedule at 10 AM. 

Thank you and stay safe and warm.

Franklin Public Schools


Tuesday, February 2nd is a Snow Day. All Franklin Public Schools are closed
Tuesday, February 2nd is a Snow Day. All Franklin Public Schools are closed


Monday, February 1, 2021

FPS: Winter Storm Update: Storm still in process, decision Tuesday about 5:30 AM

 February 1, 2021


Dear Franklin Community,

We are monitoring the weather forecast carefully and we have been in touch with the Department of Public Works for the Town of Franklin. At this time, the storm is still occurring and is forecast to snow for a few more hours, before turning to mixed precipitation, and then rain. This rain/snow line and the timing of its transition will be very important in determining the overall amount of snow and its impact on our community.

It is early to tell the exact impact of the storm. We will monitor the weather forecast overnight into the early morning hours and provide a decision tomorrow around 5:30 AM. We will inform you first thing in the morning about the plan for tomorrow through our multiple avenues including e-mail, text, our website, phone calls, social media, and news outlets.


Kindly,

Franklin Public Schools

 

Shared from the Franklin Public Schools page

FPS: Winter Storm Update: Storm still in process, decision Tuesday about 5:30 AM
FPS: Winter Storm Update: Storm still in process, decision Tuesday about 5:30 AM

 

Sunday, January 31, 2021

Franklin Public Schools: Half-day for Monday, Feb 1 - Stay tuned for Tuesday decision (weather dependent)

January 31, 2021

Dear Franklin community,

The weather forecast is calling for a significant snowstorm to move into our area through the day tomorrow and developing into heavy snow in the afternoon hours, and lingering into Tuesday where mixed precipitation and big wind gusts are possible. 

Therefore, we will hold school (both in-person/hybrid and remote) tomorrow, Monday, February 1, on a half-day schedule. Schools will be dismissed as follows:
  • ECDC: 12:15 PM
  • Elementary Schools: 11:45 AM
  • Middle Schools:10:45 AM (10:50 AM at HMMS)
  • High School: 10:55 AM
Although the actual impact of the storm could change, at this time, we are anticipating that the weather event will impact Tuesday. We are planning for the possibility that Tuesday, February 2, will be a traditional snow day. 

There were many strong feelings conveyed from members of the community with the call to have a remote learning day back in December and we had communicated in November that we would monitor our approach and make adjustments, as necessary. We also know that there are strong feelings among community members who feel that a remote learning day would be better for continuity in instruction. Planning for a remote day due to snow is more involved and complicated than the typical remote Wednesday, which is something we learned from December. As school will be abbreviated tomorrow, planning for a remote day on Tuesday will be more difficult. Additionally, having a snow day will result in the school day needing to be made up at the end of the year. This could yield a day with better quality instruction should health metrics related to the virus continue to improve this spring.

Snow day decisions never please everyone, but I hope that sharing this rationale provides you with a better understanding of our approach.

I will continue to keep the community apprised of a final decision for Tuesday, as winter weather can be unpredictable and the storm may not be as bad as forecasted.  For now, we will have a half-day of school on Monday and the next update will come by Monday evening. Updates will come in the form of e-mails, text messages, phone calls, posts on our Websites, posts to news outlets (TV and radio), and our Twitter and Facebook social media pages.

Kind regards,

Sara Ahern
Superintendent of Schools 


Franklin Public Schools: Half-day for Monday, Feb 1 - Stay tuned for Tuesday decision (weather dependent)
Franklin Public Schools: Half-day for Monday, Feb 1 - Stay tuned for Tuesday decision (weather dependent)


Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Franklin Public Schools: Remote Learning - December 17, 2020

December 16, 2020

Dear Franklin Families and Faculty/Staff,

We are monitoring the forecast very carefully. At this time, a long duration storm is forecasted with snow falling overnight into tomorrow and accumulating to between 10-15 inches. The snow is forecasted to be light and fluffy, which poses a lesser risk for power outages.

Given this forecast, Franklin Public Schools will have a Remote Learning day for all schools on Thursday, December 17, 2020.

In the event of a power outage, families should call their child's school office. VLA families should call the Superintendent's Office.  Voicemails will be transcribed into emails and forwarded to secretaries. Students will be marked present if they participate in school using asynchronous materials provided by their teacher.

If a staff member loses power, they should contact their building administrator. A building administrator will be in touch with families of their class(es) directly.

We will monitor power outages in the area and, in the event of widespread outages, many need to alter the plan and call a snow day.

We acknowledge that this may come as a disappointment to some who love the tradition of a snow day. At this time, we think it best to continue with the plans we set in place within the past few weeks for remote learning, a model we used early in the year with the idea that we could quickly move back to it during the school year. We will monitor the experience on remote learning days during snow events to inform future decision making.

Additional information about inclement weather can be found on our website.


Sincerely,

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public Schools: Remote Learning - December 17, 2020
Franklin Public Schools: Remote Learning - December 17, 2020

 

Tuesday, December 8, 2020

Franklin Public Schools: Updated Inclement Weather Plans for 2020-2021 School Year

"As another New England winter approaches, please make note of the attached information related to Inclement Weather and School Closings. Thank you!"

UNIQUE EMERGENCY PLANS FOR 2020-2021 
"For the 2020-2021 school year, Franklin Public Schools plans to implement remote learning instead of snow days during the winter of 2020-2021. Having opened school remotely positions us well to pivot to a remote learning day in the event of inclement weather. Instruction on these days will be structured. The Department of Elementary and Secondary education is allowing districts to do so this school year only, without having to make up the days at the end of the year. In the event of inclement weather, educators and students/families should be planning for remote learning days to be held using the remote learning schedules previously communicated at the beginning of the school year. Schools will send additional information about daily schedules. Should inclement weather bring widespread power outages, the district may need to close one, multiple, or all schools for the day, and the day will need to be made up at the end of the year. Asynchronous learning will be provided in the event that sporadic power outages are experienced for individual students to be able to be “virtually present” for the day. The district will continue to use delayed starts to the school day if morning weather conditions make travel difficult but the forecast calls for improvement of conditions throughout the day."

 

For the full two page outline

Updated Inclement Weather Plans for 2020-2021 School Year
Updated Inclement Weather Plans for 2020-2021 School Year

Tuesday, September 8, 2020

“I do think there’s an opportunity to not have snow days anymore”

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

Snow days are typically tacked on at the end of the year, pushing classes into summer, when students’ minds tend to be drifting toward vacation, Tremblay pointed out. “Those are really lost days. They’re never going to be the same value,” he said.

Could widespread remote learning mean the end of snow days?

“It’s possible, at least for this year, that the state ... (may) allow districts to go remote during snow days,” said Milford Superintendent of Schools Kevin McIntyre. “It wouldn’t be that big of a lift for our teachers or our school because they’ll be very, very engaged in remote learning.”

With many school districts opting to begin the year either fully or partially remote because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, school leaders were forced to find speedier ways to make remote learning accessible to all students. 

Tuesday, December 3, 2019

Franklin Public Schools: School Closed Due to Weather 12/3/19

Tuesday December 3, 2019


We have been monitoring the storm closely and have been in contact with our DPW department, who has been working long hours on snow removal and road treatment during this long duration event.

Due to the snowfall overnight and forecast for accumulating snow to last to mid-morning and continued snow showers until noon, the Franklin Public Schools will be closed on Tuesday, December 3, 2019.

Hockey practice this morning will also be cancelled.

The district and school offices will open at 10:00 AM.

Please take extra care to stay safe.


Sincerely,

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public Schools: School Closed Due to Weather 12/3/19
Franklin Public Schools: School Closed Due to Weather 12/3/19

Friday, November 16, 2018

Franklin Public Schools: 2 hour delay - Friday, Nov 16

We have been assessing the situation at our schools and across town early this morning. As a result of last night's snowfall, we will have a 2 hour delay on Friday, November 16, 2018.

When Franklin Public Schools has a delayed opening, ECDC will have a cancellation/delayed opening as follows:
The ECDC morning session will be cancelled. The ECDC extended and full day sessions will delay opening by 2 hours. The delayed opening will NOT impact the afternoon session.

As a result of lingering snow on sidewalks, emergency busing will be in effect and students walking to or from school will be offered rides by our drivers.

The District's office will open on time.

Sincerely,

The Franklin Public Schools

https://www.franklinps.net/district/urgent-alerts/two-hour-delay-due-weather-conditions-friday-11162018

Franklin Public Schools: 2 hour delay - Friday, Nov 16
Franklin Public Schools: 2 hour delay - Friday, Nov 16

Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Franklin Public Schools: 2 Hour Delay for March 14, 2018

Wednesday, March 14, 2018 6:00 AM Update

We have been assessing the situations at our schools early this morning. Lots are cleared, although still a bit snowy given the quantity we received. Custodians have or are clearing sidewalks at the school entrances; these will be ready by the time school opens.

Based on this latest information we have, we will have a 2 hour delay on Wednesday, March 14, 2018.

When Franklin Public Schools has a delayed opening, ECDC will have a cancellation/delayed opening as follows:
The ECDC morning session will be cancelled. The ECDC full day and extended sessions will delay opening by 2 hours. The delayed opening will NOT impact the afternoon session.

Crews are out working but sidewalks will not be cleared across town for several days. As a result, emergency busing will be in effect and students walking to or from school will be offered rides by our drivers.

Parents and families, as always, if you feel it is unsafe for your child or children to attend school, please exercise your judgement and keep them home.

The District office will also have a 2 hour delayed opening.

Sincerely,
Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public Schools: 2 Hour Delay for March 14, 2018
Franklin Public Schools: 2 Hour Delay for March 14, 2018

Tuesday, March 13, 2018

Franklin Public Schools: 2 Hour Delay Weds - Mar 14 - Possible Cancellation

Tuesday, March 13, 2018

The Department of Public Works and Facilities Department has been working all day and into the night to clear a tremendous amount of snow from our grounds and streets.  Nevertheless, additional time is required to adequately prepare for safe arrival at school.

Based on the current information we have, we are preparing for Franklin Public Schools to have a 2 hour delay on Wednesday, March 14, 2018.

However, we will reassess in the morning to ensure that we are prepared for school to begin. We will send another communication tomorrow morning by 6:00 AM to confirm the delay or switch to a cancellation.

When Franklin Public Schools has a delayed opening, ECDC will have a cancellation/delayed opening as follows:
The ECDC morning session will be cancelled. The ECDC full day and extended sessions will delay opening by 2 hours. The delayed opening will NOT impact the afternoon session.

Sidewalks will not be cleared across town for several days. As a result, emergency busing will be in effect and students walking to or from school will be offered rides by our drivers.

Thank you for your patience during these difficult weather events.

Sincerely,

The Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public Schools:  2 Hour Delay Weds - Mar 14 - Possible Cancellation
Franklin Public Schools:  2 Hour Delay Weds - Mar 14 - Possible Cancellation

Monday, March 12, 2018

Franklin Public Schools: No School -- Tuesday March 13, 2018

Monday March 12, 2018

Due to the forecasted inclement weather, the Franklin Public Schools will be closed on Tuesday, March 13, 2018.

School offices and the district's central office will also be closed.

All afternoon and evening activities are also canceled, given the expected duration of the storm.

Sincerely,

The Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public Schools: No School -- Tuesday March 13, 2018
Franklin Public Schools: No School -- Tuesday March 13, 2018

Thursday, January 4, 2018

Franklin Public Schools: No School -- Friday, January 5, 2018

Thursday, January 4, 2018

Due to the continued forecast, which includes extremely cold temperatures and high winds, and to allow for sufficient time to clean up from today's storm, the Franklin Public Schools will be closed on Friday, January 5, 2018.

The district's central office will be open, but delayed by 2 hours. Therefore, we will open at 9:30 AM, or, for staff, as you are able to safely arrive.

All Friday afternoon and evening activities are also canceled.

Sincerely,

Franklin Public Schools

from a sunny day after  a smaller snow storm, be safe!
from a sunny day after  a smaller snow storm, be safe!

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Franklin Public Schools: No School Due to Snow - January 4, 2018

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Due to the forecasted inclement weather, the Franklin Public Schools will be closed on Thursday, January 4, 2018.  

Given the timeframe of the storm and projected accumulation, school offices and the district's central office will also be closed.

All Thursday afternoon and evening activities are also canceled.

The parent conference day for Franklin High School is being rescheduled to Thursday, January 25, 2018. More details will follow.

Stay safe,
Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public Schools: No School Due to Snow - January 4, 2018
Franklin Public Schools: No School Due to Snow - January 4, 2018