Inclement Weather and School Closing Information

As winter has arrived, here is a reminder on the inclement weather and school closing information for the Franklin Public Schools.

Franklin HIgh School in winter time

MBTA: Through Monday: Commuter Rail notice

"The commuter rail is operating on a regular weekday schedule Monday, 12/12/16. Please allow additional time travelling to stations and use caution traversing platforms and parking lots.

With winter weather expected overnight and into the morning,passengers are reminded to take precautions while travelling to their local stations. 

For the latest commuter rail information, follow us on Twitter @mbta_cr, sign up to be a T-Alert subscriber and consider downloading the MBTA Commuter Rail or Transit apps.

Please be on the platform 5-10 minutes prior to departure to ensure timely boarding.

Last updated: Dec 11 2016 06:07 PM"

Franklin Dean Station in the snow

Sign up for T-Alerts  http://www.mbta.com/rider_tools/t_alerts/

In the News: drought continues, craft brewing in Hopkinton

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

"Occasional showers with above normal temperatures in the past week did not help drought conditions in Massachusetts, according to the weekly report by the U.S. Drought Monitor released Thursday. 

The report shows 37.83 percent of the state is still in extreme drought, the second highest category of drought. That figure is unchanged from last week. More than 87 percent of the state is in at least severe drought, a slight rise from last week's figure of 83.7 percent. 

There may be some relief in the next several days. Rain is forecast Thursday night through Saturday morning. More than two inches of rain could fall in some areas, especially with the risk of thunderstorms Friday night."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161020/extreme-drought-persists-in-mass

http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/mapsanddata/maparchive.aspx

A small craft brewery, hoping to open at Water Fresh Farm, is seeking permission to serve its products to customers on the premises. 

Start Line Brewery is set to open mid-November, said Edwin Twinney, owner and operating manager. 

"We are just doing final testing and hope to be brewing soon," he said. 

In the meantime, the company, CraftLife Brewing Co., will go before selectmen Tuesday night to seek the farmer-brewing pouring permit. Twinney said he already has a license to sell products for off-premise consumption.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161020/hopkinton-start-line-brewing-seeks-pouring-license

"one downside to that forecast is no drought-busting rainfall"

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

"While many in New England are probably relieved that Hurricane Matthew will not be making a trek north and swamping the region with heavy rain and wind, one downside to that forecast is no drought-busting rainfall. 

For the fourth consecutive week, the U.S. Drought Monitor shows 52 percent of the state still gripped in an extreme drought. Nearly 90 percent of the state is in at least severe drought. Those statistics released Thursday morning are unchanged from previous weeks despite a wet and dreary weekend and cooler than average temperatures in the past week. Unfortunately, there was actually not much widespread significant rainfall. Last weekend, Boston had .74 inches of rain but Worcester only saw .16. 

According to the National Weather Service, Boston is 10.31 inches below normal for rainfall this year. Only 2.12 inches of rain has fallen since Sept. 1 which is 1.95 inches below normal. Worcester is only slightly better with an annual rainfall deficit of 9.24 inches. Since Sept. 1, 3.43 inches of rain has fallen which is 1.28 inches below normal for Worcester."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161006/extreme-drought-unchanged-in-massachusetts

US Drought Monitor Map; Massachusetts 10/6/16

In the News: high school fields on schedule, spin your way to work, drought conditions remain

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

"The town will be looking to take ownership of the fields around the Franklin High School next year, though there have been complicating factors - not the least of which has been the ongoing drought. 

Town Councilor Thomas Mercer, chairman of the high school's building committee, gave an update on the situation this week. The town has not yet taken control of the fields from the project contractor; sodding and creating them is a multi-year process. 

He said he had received many questions about the status of the fields. 

"I've been out there at least once a week, if not twice a week," he said. 

Mercer said those involved in the project are comfortable that the high school baseball teams will be able to play on the fields in the spring.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160922/franklin-looks-to-take-ownership-of-high-school-fields-in-spring

"Stuck in frustrating bumper-to-bumper traffic on Rte. 9 or the Mass. Pike during rush hour and craving a workout to relieve the workday stress? 

Eric and Seema Brodie have just the thing for you. The Newton couple recently devised a way to get commuters in and out of Boston safely while providing them with a good, hearty workout at the same time. And with this commute, you leave the driving to someone else. 

The Brodies, who both previously worked as attorneys, converted a former Logan Airport shuttle bus into a traveling cycling studio with eight stationary bicycles bolted firmly to the floor in place of passenger seats. Riders are safely harnessed in during the ride. While Eric drives the bus through crowded highways and city streets, Seema energetically leads a high-intensity spinning class to the sounds of top musical artists."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160922/newton-couple-brings-bikebus-to-framingham

image from http://bikebus.com/index.html

"Despite one day of heavy rain showers this week, the weekly update from the U.S. Drought Monitor shows extreme drought conditions in Massachusetts remain unchanged. 

The report issued today showed 52 percent of the state remains in "extreme drought" conditions - the second worst drought level issued by the monitor. Nearly 90 percent of the state is in at least "severe drought," according to the monitor. 

Some parts of the state saw more than two inches of rain Monday but most of MetroWest and the Milford area saw an inch or less. Boston saw less than a half-inch of rain."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160922/extreme-drought-conditions-hold-fast-in-region

http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/MapsAndData/MapsandDataServices/MapService.aspx

In the News: legislature struggles with language bill, some farms get aid for drought

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

"Dueling language in House and Senate bills updating the state's English language learning law - passed by voters more than a decade ago - has left key backers with mixed opinions about whether it can advance to Gov. Charlie Baker's desk in the remaining four months of the legislative session. 

"We're at a point now where we are so far apart on details that we care about, so I'm not sure if we can do something. I'm hopeful that we can come together," said Sen. Sal DiDomenico, the original Senate sponsor, who said he plans to discuss differences between the bills with House sponsor Rep. Jeffrey Sanchez. 

House and Senate lawmakers plan to meet in informal sessions for the remainder of the year where it's unlikely that controversial legislation will be advanced without a compromise on the measure between both branches.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160907/english-language-learner-bill-still-in-play-on-beacon-hill

"Massachusetts farmers are finally getting the help they need after a long, dry summer and drought has devastated some local crops. 

Thanks to the summer-long drought, four counties in Massachusetts are now eligible for Emergency Loan assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture as of Aug. 31. 

The counties of Worcester, Middlesex, Franklin and Essex are now eligible for the assistance. 

To receive the designation, a county has to be designated as being in a severe drought - according to the U.S. Drought Monitor – for eight consecutive weeks and/or have a higher drought intensity value for any amount of time."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160907/mass-farmers-get-federal-state-aid

Franklin Public Schools: 2 hour weather delay - Monday, March 21

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hello

There will be a 2 hour delay due to weather conditions - School offices open 2 hours later

No morning classes at ECDC

Central Office Administration Open - Municipal Building - Staff report at usual time

This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. 

Horace Mann and Jefferson schools in snow

MBTA: Through Monday - Commuter Rail - weather alert

"On 3/21, the Commuter Rail will operate on a normal weekday schedule. For your safety, allow extra time to traverse parking lots and platforms.

On Monday, 3/21, winter weather is forecasted for the Boston area. The Commuter Rail will operate using the normal weekday schedule. Visit mbta.com or a Boston station for a copy of the schedule.

Last updated: Mar 20 2016 01:58 PM

Click here for more information: http://www.mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/rail/"

MBTA commuter rail tracks approaching South Station

Tonight's Franklin v Taunton game has been postponed due to weather

Coach Spillane (@FHS_PuckCoach) tweeted at 11:56 AM on Sat, Jan 23, 2016:

Tonight's Franklin v Taunton game has been postponed due to weather. @MyHockeyLive @MassHSHockey @In_The_Slot @MetroWestSports @RattleCity
(https://twitter.com/FHS_PuckCoach/status/690941078954967040?s=03)

Tonight's Franklin v Taunton game has been postponed due to weather. @MyHockeyLive @MassHSHockey @In_The_Slot @MetroWestSports @RattleCity

— Coach Spillane (@FHS_PuckCoach) January 23, 2016

Franklin senior Jake Downie scored a pair of goals, including the game winner in the first period (Weds 1/20/16). (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

Franklin Public Schools: Heat Precautions

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hello

We have had a few inquiries requesting that we cancel school or reduce the school day  due to the weather. Those are not considerations at this time.  

To make sure all students are hydrated, all principals have been directed to have an adequate supply of water available to all students. The district will make sure water from the cafe is available students in our K- 8 schools as most of those complexes have minimal air conditioned spaces.  

Principals at the elementary level will monitor conditions and may choose to limit recess or hold indoor recess. School health professionals are available to monitor students and will check in on  any student with an  individual health plan that indicates a child may have  issues with respect to heat. 

As always a parent may exercise their right to keep a child home from school if they feel attendance will have a negative impact on the health of their child/children.

Please contact the school office to let administration know you plan to keep your child home.

Thank you,

Maureen Sabolinski

Superintendent of Schools

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MBTA: Extra Franklin Line service - Forge Park - 6:35 AM

Extra service on Franklin Line departing Forge Park @ 6:35AM Last updated: Mar 02 2015 04:15 AM Sent by the MBTA.

Franklin/Dean Station in the snow

Franklin Public Schools: Weather Update

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT 

Hello, 

Just when you thought it was safe, here I am emailing you again on yet another Sunday afternoon about my least favorite topic --snow... The most recent forecasts are calling for snow beginning about 3:00 PM today and continuing until 3:00 or 4:00 AM tomorrow.  

As always, I will continue to watch the weather advisories and will be collaborating with the Franklin Police, DPW and Facilities tonight and early tomorrow morning regarding the conditions of roads and schools.  It does not look like there will be much accumulation and with any luck the timing will be in our favor.  

My hope is that at worst, we will be looking at a delay.  However, please note that we will not be making a decision until tomorrow morning, so stay tuned! 

Your continued patience and support this winter are greatly appreciated! 

Respectfully, 

Sally WinslowAssistant Superintendent of Schools

This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. 

Parmenter Elementary School in the snow this Saturday

Franklin Public Schools: Welcome back - Update

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT 

Hello, 

I hope that you have had a restful and enjoyable February vacation week.  Although the snowy weather persisted, at least we did not have to worry about missing any more school days! 

Throughout the week, the DPW and facilities departments have been working hard to keep our roads and schools clear and well-treated.  I spent the week conducting building inspections at all of our schools with the town Building Inspector and the Fire Safety Officer, which we do annually at this time of year.  Additionally, the Building Commissioner and the Town Facilities Director have been assessing all of our school roofs and conducted snow removal at several of our schools last week, which they had actually begun the previous week when students were in school.  They have assured us that all of our schools are safe. 

With this most recent snow/rain event yesterday, the DPW has been plowing, treating and scraping town roads and school lots and entrances.  Early tomorrow morning they will check all schools for slippery spots which may occur as a result of temperatures falling below freezing tonight. 

We anticipate opening school as scheduled tomorrow, so please plan accordingly.  Should anything change, I will send out a message by 5:30 AM.
Because of the continued snowfall, the snowbanks have not gotten any smaller and it has been difficult to clear all sidewalks.  Emergency busing will continue to be available to students who typically walk to school for the week. I would ask that parents please communicate with your child's school if he/she will be using emergency busing and provide written permission.  

I urge both adult and student drivers to continue to exercise extreme caution due to the high snow banks and slippery conditions. And as always, please be mindful of pedestrians and other drivers. 

With March just around the corner, hopefully we will turn the corner for this unprecedented winter! 

Thank you for your patience and understanding. 

Be safe! 

Sally Winslow
Assistant Superintendent of Schools

Parmenter School - during the vacation, sidewalks cleared today

This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. 

Franklin Public Schools: Update

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hello 

Well I have become another victim of this horrible winter. I took a serious fall yesterday and will be having surgery on Monday to repair my ankle. I anticipate being out for about two weeks. I will be in contact with our Building and District Administrators. 

Assistant Superintendent Sally Winslow will be leading the district while I am recovering. She is a talented and skilled educator who can effectively lead the district. 

We are all wondering about the latest storm and with respect to weather all we can be assured of is that we do not know a lot. 

Sally will be watching  the news, getting updates from our weather service and collaborating with our Public Safety officials. They will make the best decision for the safety of all our students and faculty. 

We hope to be able to schedule school even if it warrants a delay. But all will depend on road conditions. Our Town team is capable and professional in all of their decision making. 

Thank you and Stay Safe, 

Maureen

Parmenter School just before sunset on Thursday

This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. 

Franklin Public Schools: Schools Open Thursday

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hello 

Classes will resume on Thursday as scheduled. 

Emergency transportation will be available for students that typically walk to school (not students who are typically driven to school). As sidewalks are not plowed this service will be in place for the remainder of the week. 

School parking lots and walkways are plowed however, due to cold temperatures the surface is slippery so please take appropriate precautions. 

For FHS students who drive to school please make sure to allow for extra time as roads are narrow and speed should be reduced. There are massive snow piles at intersections so when making a turn use caution and reduce speed. Parking at FHS will be limited as the snow piles have reduced the parking spaces in all schools. Carpooling is recommended. 

We will ask the police department have an extra presence at FHS/HMMS/Oak tomorrow to help manage the traffic. 

Thank you to the staff and administration of DPW, Police, Fire and Facilities- these individuals worked 24/7 to maintain the roads and make sure the community was safe. Often their dedication and commitment goes unnoticed but their efforts are appreciated. 

For your information:

With these two snow days the last day of school is now June 23 (ASMS June 24) - this leaves 5 days for additional snow closures before looking at reducing vacation periods. 

With additional snow predicted for Friday and next Monday please pay close attention to weather forecasts.

Thank You

This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. 

sunshine, shadows and snow

Franklin Public Schools: Update

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Good Morning, 

I hope you are all weathering the storm. As DPW is using resources and efforts to keep our roads open so we  affirm the decision to close school on Wednesday. 

School parking lots and walkways will be plowed on Wednesday. Also Facilities will assess the roof tops on each school. Although the snow is not heavy there is a lot of it. We are taking every safety precaution.  

We anticipate school will reopen on Thursday morning as planned. 

Please be aware that sidewalks will not be plowed until the end of the week. We will implement emergency transportation for those student who do not take a bus or who are  normally driven to school. 

Students who walk to school daily will be picked up at regular bus stops. Bus routes are posted on the web site in Transportation folder. Scroll to Departments, scroll down to Transportation and click on bus routes. 

No school activities or community programs until Thursday. 

Municipal Building Closed until Thursday. 

All school offices closed.

Thank you

Franklin DPW busy in the neighborhood

This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message.

#juno

Attention: Trash and Recycling pick up for Tuesday and Wednesday canceled

Due to the winter storm curbside trash and recycling will not be picked up Tuesday or Wednesday 1/27 and 1/28. 

Instead, both trash and recycling will be picked up next week on the regular day. 

If your pickup is Tuesday or Wednesday you can get a free orange overflow trash bag, please visit the DPW office at 257 Fisher Street to pick it up. 

Crush recycling and cut down boxes to fit what you can in the recycling cart for pickup next week. 

No other delays are planned for Thursday and Friday of this week.

_______________________________________________
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SNOW CLOSINGS from Team Fitness and CrossFit Franklin

Snow closings from Team Fitness and CrossFit Franklin WE ARE CLOSING TODAY,   JANUARY 26, 2015, AT 5 PM.  ALL EVENING CLASSES ARE CANCELLED!  THE CROSSFIT BOX WILL NOT BE OPEN!  BASED ON THE SEVERITY OF THIS STORM AND THE GOVERNOR HAVING DECLARED A STATE OF EMERGENCY,  WE WILL BE CLOSED TOMORROW,    JANUARY 27, 2015! STAY SAFE AND WE WILL NOTIFY YOU ALL REGARDING OPENING ON WEDNESDAY BASED ON THE STORM, ROAD CONDITIONS AND THE PARKING LOT.   * LIKE US ON FACEBOOK FOR UPDATES! *WE WILL ALSO SEND OUT ANOTHER EMAIL. IN HEALTH, The Team at Team Fitness and CrossFit Franklin

Forward this email Team Fitness Franklin | 100 Franklin Village Drive | Franklin | MA | 02038

Franklin Public Schools: 90 Minute School Delay

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Good Evening- 

Based on current weather conditions and the concern for student safety school will open 90 minutes later on Thursday. 

FYI Bus drivers are prepared to pick up student walkers. Also any parent/guardian may choose to not send child(children)- please call  the school and let personnel know. 

Absence will be excused. 

All morning preschool programs  are canceled. 

All school offices will open at the regular time. 

Thank You and stay safe.

community entrance to FHS

This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. 

Franklin Public Schools: Weather Questions

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hello and Happy 2015 

We have had a few inquiries about canceling school tomorrow so I wanted to offer an update.  We anticipate school being open at the regular time. 

We have consulted with facilities personnel and our transportation provider and we do not anticipate any concerns with the heat in schools or our busses. However, if we experience an HVAC problem or our busses are running late it may necessitate a delay.  

I will be in communication with our transportation vendor at 5:00 a.m. If the busses will be running late due to the cold we will delay school- we want to avoid having any child standing at a bus stop awaiting a bus that may not arrive in a timely manner. 

In the interest of safety we have directed principals to open school doors early. We do not want any students waiting outside of a school in these temperatures. 

Also our bus drivers have been directed to pick up any students who may be walking. If the parent of a walker cannot drive a child to school please feel free to use the bus that runs near your home. If the situation changes we will communicate and respond as quickly as possible. 

Thank you and stay warm. 

Respectfully,Maureen

 

public entrance to FHS available Mon-Tue-Wed-Thu nights for community walking

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