"THIS YEAR’S MCAS exams will be conducted this spring but will feature “significantly” reduced testing time for third through eighth graders and no schools will be newly named underperforming in the upcoming school year, Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Jeff Riley told superintendents in a memo Tuesday.
“The sudden shift to remote learning last spring, and the continuation of hybrid/remote learning this school year has likely led to significant learning loss for students around the country. The extent of the learning loss in the Commonwealth is not yet known,” Riley wrote. “The Department continues to believe the MCAS test is a crucial diagnostic tool to promote student success and educational equity and we remain committed to administering the assessment this spring, while recognizing the need for adjustments and flexibility.”
Wednesday, January 6, 2021
"the crucial part of this is we have to have the data for diagnostic purposes"
Sunday, January 3, 2021
Franklin Public Schools, MA: Monday - Jan 4 - remote learning day
"This is a reminder that tomorrow, Mon, Jan 4, 2021 will be a remote learning day for FPS students. We have been following our process for contact tracing upon learning of new cases since Dec 23, however we feel it safest to return to a remote learning day to allow for follow up."
"If your child tested positive for COVID-19 or has been identified as a close contact and you have not already done so, please report this information to FPS by completing this form: forms.gle/R2M675UiwyzjTE Thank you. Happy New Year!"
Shared from Twitter here
https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews/status/1345887722888712197
and here: https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews/status/1345887723765248001
Franklin Public Schools, MA: Monday - Jan 4 - remote learning day
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
CommonWealth Magazine: "Baker did not commit to rolling back reopening phases"
From CommonWealth Magazine we share two articles of interest for Franklin:
"AS THE SURGE of COVID-19 cases continues statewide, Gov. Charlie Baker announced new measures to expand testing and keep hospital beds open.
Baker was visibly angry as he discussed the need to increase testing and stem the virus’s spread, saying that the state’s positive test rate “took off like a rocket,” because some people ignored public health recommendations and gathered with others outside of their households indoors and without masks over Thanksgiving.
“We’ve been saying for months this is one of the primary ways the virus spreads, and we talked a lot about why Thanksgiving was particularly worrisome,” Baker said at a Monday briefing. He said he had a weekend call with mayors, some of whom shared frustration at seeing neighbors hold indoor gatherings without mask wearing.
“Thanksgiving, the ultimate informal gathering among people who are informal with each other, but who don’t necessarily live with each other here and in many other places, has been exactly the kind of event that people said it would be,” Baker said. He added that he hasn’t shared a meal with his own father since February. "
Gov Baker's press conference that lead to the article can be viewed here https://youtu.be/s04QGn97BG8
Thursday, November 19, 2020
"State will roll out rapid testing in 134 school districts"
From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin:
"STATE OFFICIALS ARE rolling out a rapid testing program in 134 school districts, where students who show symptoms of COVID-19 will be able to get test results in just 15 minutes.
Education Commissioner Jeff Riley said testing will help schools “identify infected individuals and close contacts more quickly and stop the spread.”
Riley said while news about potential vaccines is promising, it is unlikely children will get the vaccine this academic year, and steps must be taken to keep as many students in school as possible. “It’s clear the virus will be with us for a while,” Riley said.
The US Department of Health and Human Services announced in late October that it would send 2.07 million Abbott BinaxNOW COVID-19 antigen tests to Massachusetts. The federal government purchased the first 150 million tests to distribute them to states, which can use them for education, nursing homes, first responders, or other priorities."
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
PFAS from a new angle
"The successful uptake of any vaccine for Covid-19, a crucial step in returning a sense of normalcy after a year ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic, could be hindered by widespread contamination from a range of chemicals used in everyday products.
Small amounts of per- and polyfluoroalkyl (or PFAS) chemicals are commonly found in the bodies of people in the US, as well as several other countries. These man-made chemicals, used in everything from non-stick pans to waterproof clothes to pizza boxes, have been linked to an elevated risk of liver damage, decreased fertility and even cancer.
But scientists warn some of these chemicals can also cause another little-known but potentially significant defect by reducing the effectiveness of certain administered vaccines. This impediment could cast a shadow over efforts to roll out a Covid-19 vaccine to enough people that restrictions on day-to-day life are eased.
“At this stage we don’t know if it will impact a corona vaccination, but it’s a risk,” said Philippe Grandjean, an adjunct professor of environmental health at the Harvard School of Public Health. “We would have to cross our fingers and hope for the best.”
Saturday, November 14, 2020
MBTA Update: Commuter Rail notice - Interstate travel COVID-19 changes
According to the new travel order, passengers traveling from NY, WA or DC coming to MA must also quarantine for 14 days or show proof of a negative COVID-19 test. Passengers must also fill out the online Massachusetts Travel Form or risk a fine.
For more information visit Mass.gov/MAtraveler or text MATraveler to 888-777.
Last Updated: Nov 13 2020 04:35 PM
The update to the existing travel order reflects:
Travelers from COVID-19 lower-risk States are not required to fill out the Massachusetts Travel Form and do not need to quarantine. The Department of Public Health metric for determining lower-risk states for the purposes of Massachusetts’ interstate travel policy considers data over two weeks before moving a state from lower risk to high risk. One week of data is the standard for moving states into the lower risk category.
Additionally, the threshold of daily cases per 100,000 residents is 10 (which ensures that Massachusetts’ standard is in line with other states). States are included on the “lower-risk” list based on meeting two criteria: average daily cases per 100K below 10 AND positive test rate below 5%, both measured as a 7-day rolling average.
Data is from covidexitstrategy.org as of November 11, 2020.
The current list of COVID-19 lower-risk states includes:
- Hawaii
- Maine
- New Hampshire
- Vermont
| More info on the MA Travel order can be found https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-travel-order |
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Tuesday, October 13, 2020
In the News: "A Millis drinking water source tested positive for PFAS"
From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin:
"The D’Angelis Water Treatment plant is offline after the town found elevated levels of a group of state-regulated, man-made chemicals in its drinking water.
The chemicals - called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, regularly abbreviated to PFAS - are stain- and water-resistant, and used to coat everything from clothing and furniture to food packaging and non-stick cooking surfaces.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the chemical may cause a wide variety of health problems, from increased risk of kidney or testicular cancer to high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia in pregnant women. Studies are preliminary.
Millis residents should have received a booklet in the mail Friday, explaining when the testing took place and what the town has done. The booklet emphasizes that the town is not in violation of the state’s drinking water regulations."
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20201012/millis-drinking-water-source-tested-positive-for-pfas-what-does-that-mean-and-whats-next?rssfeed=true
Friday, October 9, 2020
MA sets PFAS limits for drinking water
Via the Mass Municipal Association (MMA) which reports
"The Baker-Polito administration on Sept. 24 announced final regulations establishing a maximum contaminant level for PFAS compounds detected in drinking water.
The enforceable standards for public drinking water systems impacted by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – limited to 20 parts per trillion for the sum of six compounds – are largely aligned with the draft regulations the administration filed last December, on which the MMA commented.
PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” are a class of manmade chemical compounds considered hazardous to public and environmental health. PFAS have been used since the 1950s in the manufacture of stain-resistant, water-resistant, and non-stick coatings and common consumer products such as food packaging, outdoor clothing, carpets, leather goods, ski and snowboard waxes, and more. The chemicals are also found in firefighting foam and other fire retardants, and have been detected in water and soil sources at or near several military bases and airports in Massachusetts.
The new regulations require public water suppliers to test for the six compounds, called PFAS6, and to take remedial actions when amounts exceed the limit. According to the administration, using the sum of six compounds provides for a higher degree of protection against the harmful effects of the chemicals."
Continue reading the article online https://www.mma.org/state-establishes-pfas-limits-for-drinking-water-provides-grants/
Final regulations from MA https://www.mass.gov/regulations/310-CMR-22-the-massachusetts-drinking-water-regulations
MMA comments on proposed regulations https://www.mma.org/advocacy/mma-submits-comments-on-draft-pfas-regulations-warning-of-exorbitant-costs/
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| MA sets PFAS limits for drinking water |
Sunday, September 6, 2020
"the lab is now working with state health officials to correct problems"
From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"A Boston consumer genetics company that has batted away former employees’ accusations of shoddy practices since at least 2019 is now under investigation by the state Department of Public Health for logging hundreds of false positive coronavirus test results.
The company, Orig3n, has halted COVID-19 testing in the state. A company spokesman said the false positives were due to “human error” in processing the tests.
In August, after learning about the Massachusetts investigation, North Carolina issued a stop order for its coronavirus testing contract with Orig3n.
The consumer genetics startup, which claims it can tell customers what kind of foods they should eat and whether they’re predisposed to intelligence based on their DNA, has secured some of the biggest coronavirus testing contracts in the country."
Thursday, September 3, 2020
Commonwealth Magazine: "COVID-19 situation worsens over last 2 weeks" in MA
From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin:
"THE STATE’S COVID-19 situation worsened over the last two weeks, with the number of high-risk communities holding steady and the number of moderate-risk communities growing from 30 to 48.
Using the state’s measuring stick of cases per 100,000 people, high risk, or red communities, are those having more than 8 cases per 100,000; moderate risk, or yellow communities, are those with between 4 and 8 cases per 100,000, and low risk anything below 4.
Statewide, the number of cases per 100,000 people over the two-week period ending September 2 increased slightly from 4.0 to 4.2. For comparison purposes, Massachusetts restricted travel from Rhode Island when that state saw its cases per 100,000 people go above 5.
The number of red communities during the most recent two-week period dropped from 9 to 8, with Brockton and Sutton moving from the high-risk to moderate-risk category and the tiny town of Westhampton moving from low risk to high risk due to a surge in cases."
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/health/covid-19-situation-worsens-over-last-2-weeks/
The MA COVID-19 reporting dashboard https://www.mass.gov/doc/covid-19-dashboard-september-2-2020/download
The local MA community reporting as of Wednesday, Sep 2 https://www.mass.gov/doc/weekly-covid-19-public-health-report-september-2-2020/download
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| Commonwealth Magazine: "COVID-19 situation worsens over last 2 weeks" in MA |
Sunday, August 23, 2020
In the News: "The results of the study are expected in four to six weeks"
"Germany held a pop concert Saturday to see how those attending could spread coronavirus if they had it.
German researchers studying COVID-19 packed part of a Leipzig arena with volunteers, collecting data in a “real life” simulation of a pop concert but one with strict health and safety controls.
About 1,500 people took part in the experiment run by the University Hospital in Halle, each taking a coronavirus test ahead of time, testing negative, and having to wear protective masks throughout the day’s testing.
Researchers equipped each volunteer with contact tracers to record their routes in the arena and track the path of the aerosols — the small particles that could carry the virus — they emitted as they mingled and talked. Fluorescent disinfectants were used to highlight which surfaces at the mock concert were touched most frequently."
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| In the News: "The results of the study are expected in four to six weeks" |
Thursday, August 20, 2020
FHS boys soccer team COVID-19 update
August 19, 2020
Dear Franklin Community,
We are writing with a follow up to the community regarding the August 14th communication regarding a reported positive COVID case at Franklin High School. At the request of the family, we have permission to share that the student had never been symptomatic and it was a false positive; the testing was done proactively as part of a planned family trip to Maine.
We regret that our communication caused distress and raised alarm in the community, particularly as some individuals seem to have inferred that there was irresponsible behavior among boys’ soccer players who were engaging in the sport through out-of-season workouts (of which our athletic department and coaches do not participate). Based on the information available, it is our understanding that these out-of-season workouts were conducted in accordance with appropriate safety measures and expectations and that the parties involved followed appropriate preventative protocols (e.g. contact tracing, isolation, testing) without further incident.
The intent of our original letter was to be informative within the community about appropriate steps to take in the event of exposure to COVID-19. Additionally, the letter was intended to provide families with recently issued guidance about sports so that you can assist your children in engaging in valuable physical exercise and the social benefits that athletics involves.
As part of the Reopening Plan, we will be publishing further information for families and staff about the protocols and procedures that will be in place for this school year related to symptomatic students and staff. These measures will include reporting, contact tracing, additional cleaning and disinfecting, and strict adherence to the Universal Health and Safety Practices.
The Coronavirus Pandemic has left us all emotional and on high alert. Please continue to extend kindness and grace to each other.
Sincerely,
Please direct any questions to 508-553-4819
Sunday, August 16, 2020
"disproportionate number of false positive results being reported from that lab"
From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin: (so separate from the fact that some tests can result in false positive results, this story reminds us all that the handling process to get the results is also very important. The quality control of this particular lab is in question and we'll need the fulls set of retests to confirm what the real problem is.)
"Late Friday afternoon, the Department of Public Health disclosed that a commercial lab, which state officials did not identify, is under investigation and has voluntarily suspended all testing after state officials detected 130 false positives test results were reported.
The errors mean Fall River is being re-categorized from the red to yellow, moderate-risk category and Taunton is shifting from yellow to green.
DPH officials say the reporting issue occurred from July 30 to Aug. 1 and “resulted in a disproportionate number of false positive results being reported from that lab during that time.”
“The lab ceased testing when the issue was identified and is under investigation,” DPH spokeswoman Katheleen Conti said in a statement. “Test results conducted by the lab during this time are being verified by an independent lab, and based on results received to date, the Department has accordingly released updated case numbers and risk levels for the August 12 weekly public health report for Fall River and Taunton.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200815/fall-river-taunton-risk-assessments-changed-after-false-positives?rssfeed=true
Tuesday, August 4, 2020
Senate President Spilka, State and Local Leaders Announce COVID-19 testing in South Framingham
Tuesday, July 21, 2020
In the News: MA House has its own police reform legislation; Marlboro lab to use new testing process
"The Massachusetts House released its own police reform bill that includes a police certification process, standardizes training across the state and makes officer discipline records more readily available to the public.
The House bill unveiled late Sunday comes about a week after the state Senate passed its own police accountability bill that would place limits on the “qualified immunity” shielding officers from civil prosecution and limits the use of force by officers.
The 129-page bill includes the establishment of a seven-person Massachusetts Police Standards and Training Commission that would serve as the “primary civil enforcement agency” in the state.
“In keeping with our commitment to debate a bill to address structural inequalities that contribute to and are also a result of racial inequities, this bill creates a new Massachusetts Police Standards and Training Commission that is truly independent and empowered,” Democratic House Speaker Robert DeLeo said in a statement."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200720/mass-house-reveals-own-police-reform-bill?rssfeed=true
The Boston Globe posted a copy of the proposed House bill.
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/07/20/metro/read-text-houses-police-reform-bill/?p1=Article_Inline_Text_Link
"By the end of the week, one of Massachusetts’ most prolific COVID-19 testing labs will deploy a newly-approved method designed to allow them to test more samples.
The announcement from New Jersey-based Quest Diagnostics comes about a week after the company announced “soaring demand” for COVID-19 molecular testing was slowing turnaround time to a week or more for most patients.
Quest Diagnostics announced Friday that the company’s lab in Marlborough will be one of two facilities to begin pooling specimens for testing in a procedure approved by under an emergency use authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In this procedure, samples are collected individually but combined into a small batch for testing.
“A negative result for a batch means that all patients in that pool are considered negative (If a positive result occurs for the batch, each specimen is retested individually). The technique is an efficient way to evaluate patients in regions or populations with low rates of disease,” company officials explained in a statement."Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200720/marlborough-lab-to-be-among-first-to-use-new-pooled-testing-method-for-coronavirus?rssfeed=true
Thursday, April 30, 2020
Dr. Greg Chiklis and MRN Diagnostics in the News
"MRN Diagnostics, a Franklin-based company and a member of the Franklin Downtown Partnership, has developed a rapid COVID-19 antibody test. Last week, Dr. Greg Chiklis and other researchers at MRN Diagnostics received emergency FDA approval for a tool that could be key in combating the coronavirus. The tests can determine whether you've been exposed to the virus and how much immunity you may have.
Thank you to Dr. Chiklis and his team for being part of the solution. We are excited to report this positive news story."
View the news story reported by NBC News Boston here
https://www.nbcboston.com/news/coronavirus/local-chemist-helps-develop-rapid-covid-19-antibody-test/2114162/
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| Dr. Greg Chiklis and MRN Diagnostics in the News |
Monday, April 6, 2020
In the News: COVID-19 testing facility for first responders; how to apply for unemployment assistance
COVID-19 testing facility for first responders
"A COVID-19 testing facility for first responders opened Sunday in Foxborough after it was built in just four days, and Gov. Charlie Baker said conversations are underway about setting up similar sites in western Massachusetts and the Merrimack Valley.
After visiting the new drive-through testing site, set up in a Gillette Stadium parking lot, Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito provided updates on the state’s continuing efforts to prepare for the coming surge in cases of the dangerous and contagious coronavirus.
Baker said state officials received a shipment of 100 ventilators -- a fraction of the 1,400 requested -- from the national equipment stockpile, and those ventilators will likely be distributed “over the course of the next 24 hours.” Last Monday, Baker had predicted 1,000 ventilators would arrived by week’s end."Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200405/mass-continues-preparations-for-surge-in-coronavirus-cases
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| social distancing properly (Gov Baker's Twitter image) |
how to apply for unemployment assistance
"In the past two weeks, 10 million workers have filed for unemployment, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
If you’re one of those 10 million workers confused on how to apply for unemployment assistance, the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) has been hosting Virtual Town Halls for the past week and can help you out.
We simplified how that process works, and answered some common questions – including some questions answered during Saturday’s virtual town hall meeting conducted in Spanish."Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200405/confused-on-how-to-apply-for-unemployment-during-coronavirus-outbreak-heres-simplified-guide-on-how-to-do-it
Sunday, March 15, 2020
“We are preparing for more confirmed cases”
"State officials on Saturday relaxed rules on who can get tested for the coronavirus in an effort to identify more cases and slow the spread of the outbreak.Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
The state also announced a new command center to coordinate the response to the virus. State Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders will lead the center, which state officials said will focus on expanding testing, preventing health care equipment shortages and ensuring hospitals are ready for large numbers of patients.
“Far more people are going to get tested,” Gov. Charlie Baker said Saturday morning during a news conference called to announce the changes.
The state has tested 475 people for the virus as of Friday. Before the change announced Saturday, health professionals had to seek state approval before administering a test for the virus."
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200315/massachusetts-eases-virus-test-rules-creates-command-center
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| “We are preparing for more confirmed cases” |
Sunday, January 5, 2020
MBTA Franklin Line notices: Weekend Shuttle Service though March 2020; Overnight Test Trains
Weekends, through March, Franklin Train service is replaced by free buses between Forge Park/495 and Readville for a Fairmount Line connection while PTC is installed. There will be no service at Back Bay, Ruggles, Endicott, Islington and Norwood Depot.
Additional weekends may be added to the train service suspension between Forge Park/495 and Readville as work progresses on the Franklin line.
Please visit https://www.mbta.com/FRKwork for more details about bus shuttle schedules. Visit MBTA.com/PTC for more information on how this project will improve commuter rail safety and travel. Passengers may experience delays of up to 30 minutes as a result of shuttle bus connections.
There will be no Franklin line service at Back Bay and Ruggles stations on weekends. Please travel to South Station to reach a Franklin Line station. If you are travelling inbound, please board a Worcester/Framingham line Train for direct connection to Back Bay or a Providence/Stoughton line Train for a direct connection to Back Bay or Ruggles.
We also recommend the subway: board the Red Line at South Station and transfer to the Orange Line at Downtown Crossing to reach Back Bay or Ruggles.
Due to proximity of adjacent stations, bus shuttles will not serve Endicott, Islington and Norwood Depot stations:
-Endicott station customers, please use Readville or Dedham Corp stations.
-Islington station customers, please use Dedham Corp station.
-Norwood Depot customers, please use Norwood Central or Dedham Corp station.
8:40pm and 10:40pm departures from Forge Park as well as 11:20pm departure from South Station will be accommodated by a bus for the entire trip between South Station and Forge Park (including the portion between South Station and Readville).
Thank you for your patience while we improve the signal system on your Commuter Rail line.
For more information: https://www.mbta.com/FRKwork
Last Updated: Jan 04 2020 10:35 AM
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| MBTA Franklin Line notices: Weekend Shuttle Service though March 2020 |
2 - Overnight Test Trains on Franklin Line
Per the notice shared via the Franklin Police (but unable to be located on the MBTA page), there will be overnight testing of the Positive Train Control (PTC) system along the Franklin Line. Additional details in the photo below:
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| MBTA Franklin Line notices: Overnight Test Trains |
Shared via Twitter https://twitter.com/franklinpolice/status/1213170943612399618
Saturday, September 7, 2019
In the News: health officials urge to stop vaping; supplemental spending bill to address PFAS
"U.S. health officials on Friday again urged people to stop vaping until they figure out why some are coming down with serious breathing illnesses.
Officials have identified about 450 possible cases, including as many as five deaths, in 33 states. The count includes newly reported deaths in California, Indiana and Minnesota.
No single vaping device, liquid or ingredient has been tied to all the illnesses, officials said. Many of the sickened — but not all — were people who said they had been vaping THC, the chemical that gives marijuana its high. Many are teens.
Health officials have only been counting certain lung illnesses in which the person had vaped within three months. Doctors say the illnesses resemble an inhalation injury, with the body apparently reacting to a caustic substance that someone breathed in. Symptoms have included shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain and vomiting."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20190906/us-health-officials-report-new-vaping-deaths-repeat-warning
"A supplemental spending bill Gov. Charlie Baker plans to file on Friday will include millions of dollars in new money to help cities and towns test for and treat certain chemical contaminants in their drinking water.
The family of chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, have been detected at levels above Department of Environmental Protection guidelines in public water supplies in Ayer, Barnstable, Harvard, Hudson, Mashpee, Middleton, Shirley and Westfield, according to the DEP.
DEP officials said all those communities have taken action to target PFAS, and the department is undergoing a sampling program looking for contamination in areas where PFAS has been found or is known to have been used.
The budget Baker is filing to close the books on fiscal 2019 will propose $8.4 million to test drinking water for PFAS contamination, and another $20 million to support PFAS remediation projects, according to the DEP."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190906/baker-seeking-big-outlay-to-address-water-contaminant