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The Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday evening Sep 26, 2023 in the Council Chambers. 6 members participated (one absent (Charles)).
Brief recap
The meeting focused on the next level of the District Improvement Plan which was introduced in the prior meeting. Administrators from the High school and middle schools, then the elementary schools presented how their goals are tied and support the overall goals
As revealed during the presentations and follow on clarification, the goals are intended to be consistent across the district. The goals focus on the key efforts underway and refining within them, for example in social emotional learning (SEL)
During the discussion the cost of the multi-tiered levels of support was raised, and the answer was impactful - "What is the cost of not providing it (such support)?"
As the improvement plans came up for a vote to approve, the vote passed 6-0 on the plans as modified during the discussion (minor adjustment to a piece of the elementary section)
Today as I write this on September 11, 2023. I feel it appropriate to remind others that September is National Preparedness Month. This was established in 2003 by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). I have personally observed those who roll their eyes slightly annoyed at the campaign. However, I am here to tell you it is not to be taken lightly. If the 9-11 event of 2001 did not alter your perception of self-reliance and situational awareness, I am not sure what will.
Most Americans recall where they were that horrific day. In addition, others may remember how hurricanes such as Ian in 2022, Sandy in 2012, Katrina in 2005, or the recent wildfire in Maui impacted their lives.
I personally lost seven co-workers in the towers that day. Six I worked with personally at different times during my career. One met her fiancé while they both worked for the department I managed. Everyone has a connection somehow from that day. Many experienced a first-hand loss and others, as an American and basic human sensed the losses as if they were their own.
Additionally, I have had other personal experiences with unexpected emergencies. I traveled to Manhattan for a day work trip with only my laptop and the shirt on my back. I walked off an elevator into a cab and did not make it to the first traffic light before realizing that the entire city had encountered the second-largest blackout in North East history in August 2003. I got out of the cab and walked block after block in 90-degree temps without water, without a cell phone, and not knowing where I was heading. The sea of people flooded the streets getting out of work at 5 PM walking elbow to elbow. The only way to get home was to walk. The problem was I lived in Massachusetts. That was the day I vowed to always be prepared. Never again was I not going to be able to survive on my own. I vowed to always carry on my person what I would need to handle most situations.
Each individual needs to learn to be responsible for oneself. We cannot always rely on the safety of our National Guard, Power Linemen, Police, Fire, Doctors, and Nurses. We need to do our part to take responsibility to respond to our immediate needs at all times. This includes at the workplace, school, grocery shopping, or away on vacation.
One would easily agree that we cannot live in fear, nor should we. However, we can now take simple steps and actions to help and possibly save our lives. I encourage you to spend time reviewing the various Tool Kits, Animal Graphics, Disabilities Guides, and Older Adult references on sites such as ready.gov, fema.gov, redcross.org, or environmental emergencies information at epa.gov. Each site has extensive checklists, contact phone numbers, and additional links to help you and your family get prepared for the unexpected.
FEMA sets a theme each year to promote self-reliance. This year it is Take Control 1,2,3. It focuses on preparing the older adult community for disasters. In 2022 it was to help establish a lasting legacy for you and your family in preparedness. If you begin to take action now, others in your family and extended family may follow. Setting an example and teaching your children simple things such as keeping a flashlight next to each bedside or storing extra water in the home will be a great start. Mentoring now can set the tone for their future.
In the current tumultuous political climate and the endless changes in weather, things happen and will continue to do so. Our population is too vast to expect municipal resources to arrive at our rescue in a timely manner. The workforce and resources are strained and it is up to us to do what we can now to stand strong against fire, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, political unrest, disruptions in our supply chain, pandemics, war, and terrorists. It can be a cruel world but there is no doubt a smart, loving, and capable population is out there that can do the right thing now. As they say… “Put your oxygen mask on first to then help others”. Prepare now so you can help others in times of need.
FM #1061 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1061 in the series.
The Franklin (MA) School Committee met on Tuesday, September 12, 2023 as scheduled. Six members were present (1 absent - Bernstein).
Quick recap
Update from Superintendent Giguere on school opening, so far good, academic year has opened in heat which everyone worked through, over 800 faculty, over 4600 students
Successfully hired all teachers, down to 11 ESPs needed, 2 open spots for interventionists, thanks to all who were part of the process
Migrant housing update: refers to the press release, DESE also alerted District, families joining on a staggered basis, approx. 25 school age children with the families already housed, collaborating to enroll, register and get them welcomed to the schools, funding assistance to be provided, dollars remain unconfirmed. Updates to be provided as info is available
Introductions of the new administrators from around the district
Next up, the district improvement plan (DIP), slides not yet posted to the meeting folder, so pix will be captured for an album to be shared as we go https://photos.app.goo.gl/LxQbpaU4Ft8qPFS86
Committee members asked and received clarifications on points made during the DIP presentation, in the action items, the DIP was approved as presented by 6-0-1 (6 for, none against, 1 absent)
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.
I hope you enjoy!
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school co
Franklin, MA: School Committee Agenda for Sep 12, 2023 Meeting
The Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, Sep 12, 2023. 6 members were present in Council Chambers, one absent (Bernstein).
Brief recap:
Update from Superintendent Giguere on school opening, so far good, academic year has opened in heat which everyone worked through, over 800 faculty, over 4600 students
Successfully hired all teachers, down to 11 ESPs needed, 2 open spots for interventionists, thanks to all who were part of the process
Migrant housing update: refers to the press release, DESE also alerted District, families joining on a staggered basis, approx. 25 school age children with the families already housed, collaborating to enroll, register and get them welcomed to the schools, funding assistance to be provided, dollars remain unconfirmed. Updates to be provided as info is available
Intros of the new administration around the district
Next up, the district improvement plan (DIP), slides not yet posted to the meeting folder, so pix will be captured for an album to be shared as we go https://photos.app.goo.gl/LxQbpaU4Ft8qPFS86
Committee members asked and received clarifications on points made during the DIP presentation, in the action items, the DIP was approved as presented by 6-0-1 (6 for, none against, 1 absent)
This is called “crack sealing!” It is the most cost-effective way to extend the life of a roadway if done at the right time.
Everybody knows about potholes, and how they form; you get a crack in the road water gets in there, freezes, and next thing you know, the asphalt breaks apart. This simple procedure sprays a liquid emulsion asphalt into the crack so pothole does not form in the winter months.
The Economic Development Subcommittee (EDC) talked about snow removal on a hot Wednesday in the Franklin Council Chambers for their regularly scheduled meeting.
The proposed re-introduction of the sidewalk snow removal bylaw which was rescinded in 2017 was initially discussed at the August EDC meeting at which one member was absent. All four participated this time, 3 present in Chambers, one via remote connection.
That the bylaw hadn't been present for 6 years apparently had wrought enough interest to make it to the Council's objectives, hence this discussion.
The committee could have decided to do more research before forwarding to the Council, or done nothing (effectively continuing the status quo of the past 6 years). They did end up moving it forward without recommendation for a full Council discussion. Some additional research will be done by Town staff in prep for a future Council meeting.
Quick recap: what some folks would want is for the Town to clear the sidewalks, however the DPW is not staffed to do this and their other priorities. The community (commercial, retail and residents) should be able to help which is what the proposal lays out. It will create some inequity and hardship particularly among some of the elderly and disabled residents.
What kind of community and area do we want to live in is the real question?
There are pros and cons, and no easy answer. Where is Solomon when we need him?
As our kids head back to school, their safety is our top priority. The is launching our first ever television commercial with a PSA. 's Police Chief Jen Paster along with her children are featured in our commercial.
"It is important to remind everyone that it is all of our responsibility to help keep our kids safe as they head to and from school, and we are happy to be part of the effort to get that message out."
Our Public Service Announcement will be airing on radio, television and digital in all three broadcast markets across the Commonwealth
The Franklin (MA) School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, Aug 22, 2023. 6 of the 7 members were present (Whitmore absent).
Quick recap
Several updates, including personnel hiring status, were provided by Superintendent Lucas Giguere
In the first of 2 Discussion/Actions items, the 2023-24 Student & Family Handbook Approval was received. Among the elementary and middle school changes most were housekeeping, minor corrections, updates to names and roles, etc. Most of the principals were available either in person or via Zoom for questions.
FHS Principal Josh Hanna spent some time on the updates to the high school handbook to address the Credit Attendance policy, Updated Cell Phone / Electronic Device policy, Updated Academic Dishonesty (Artificial Dishonesty), and Clarity around Bathroom Use policy
Principal Hanna and Supt Giguere also spent time explaining the rationale behind the graduation date change. It had initial been set as the "first Friday in June" as that was the standard, then as they looked at the calendar and how the weeks and other school events (MCAS among them) fell, it made sense to change it. The Committee approved
The Police Station Building Committee began their work in the first meeting on Wednesday, August 23, 2023. First step getting sworn in by Town Clerk Nancy Danello was quickly accomplished.
Round of introductions by the members of the committee was conducted.
Town Administrator Jamie Hellen provided a brief overview. Facilities Director Mike D'Angelo walked through the overall process they will get into.
Request for a Proposal (RFP) for an Owner Project Manager (OPM)
Select an OPM
Work with the OPM to select an architect
Site visits to current station (what is) and other community stations (what could be)
Schematic design
Design development
Construction documents
Bidding
Construction
The site and site selection are important as is the funding and approval for such. While the actual building process was talk of being done in about 2 years, the entire process is more likely to run 3-5 years.
Police Station Building Committee stands for swearing in
The Davis Thayer Reuse Committee met on Tuesday, Aug 15, 2023 as scheduled and heard/discussed many ideas for possible reuse of the former school building. Police station, community arts center, housing, and recreation headquarters were among the key items mentioned. Splitting the land into 2 parcels was suggested. Another was to building a new municipal building in addition to the police station and sell off the current municipal building was a new idea.
Multiple parties apparently being invited to the next meeting proposed for Sep 19 at 7 PM. Police Chief, arts and recreation, and housing trust representatives among the key participants suggested to provide insights to the discussion.
Arrangements being finalized for movers to clear the facility to enable open houses for the community (and committee) to view the building, Open houses likely to be scheduled in October.
Earth Movie Theater presents: Life on Earth - So Amazing! Yes, we live on a marvelous planet. These views from above align perfectly with the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah, with words adapted by Jeff Vogel and the NY City Labor Chorus. A glorious combination of Earth and music.
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Earth Movie Theater – Watch Earth from space. . .and listen to joyous music.
Astronauts on ISS take photos of Earth, that we convert into movies and combine with world-class music: guitar improv, Bach in Space, classical music, jazz and more. Created by Association of Space Explorers, TERC and Windows on Earth, in glorious 4K and high-quality audio, based on photos from NASA, Crew Earth Observation (CEO) and the International Space Station (ISS).
These Astronaut favorite movies are great entertainment, and for Earth science and music education. Explore Earth from Space and experience the Overview Effect. See all the continents: Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Europe, Australia and the edge of Antarctica. See cities at night, clouds, islands and Aurora.
New movies released about weekly. Please subscribe!
#EarthMovieTheater
For more visit: EarthMovieTheater.org
Ever send money through an app like Venmo, CashApp, or Zelle? They make it easy to send money fast to friends or family. But what happens when it's a scammer on the other end?
