Monday, April 26, 2010
Letter to the editor
The following was originally submitted as a Letter to the Editor for the Wicked Local/Franklin Gazette in March 2009. It never got published. I think it is still valid for discussion today, hence I am re-posting it here.
------------
You look at yourself in the mirror and say “I need a haircut”. Or your wife/significant other drops a similar hint. So you make a mental note to stop by the barber shop or call for an appointment.
The designated day arrives, you get your hair cut and have a wide ranging conversation with the barber or stylist. While you are sitting there, he or she is clipping and or cutting away, you solve half the world's problems
Amongst the topics is usually sometime spent discussing the economy and how dismal prospects seem to be at the moment. So and so was let go from Fidelity. So and so was let go from another place. If you listen to the headlines, the economy is in the tank for sure. No one seems to be doing good. Even the banks and automotive companies getting bailouts are coming back for more.
So you change the topic to something brighter. You talk about your days in school, long ago now. How the teachers were good, or tough, or easy. How so and so messed with the chalkboard and got in trouble for it. What is he doing these days? Oh, he is teaching English the next town over. Wow, that is good.
Even if the conversation switched to whatever sport was in season and how the local team was doing, the fact of the matter is the conversation could not have happened without education.
Yes, let's list out how education touched each aspect of this simple event; getting your hair cut.
The barber or hair stylist received their training at an accredited institution.
The teachers at that institution were similarly trained at an accredited institution.
The licensing board personnel were hired because they had a minimum of a high school education, more likely the requirement was a college degree.
The salesperson who stops by the barbershop or beauty salon to sell the shampoo, gel, and other items necessary to operate likely required training from the company on their products.
The conversation itself could take place because both of you were able to speak. You listened, understood what the other was saying and continued that train of thought, or changed it along the way.
I think you get the point.
Everyone around the activity of getting your hair cut or styled was touched by education. The more successful their educational background, the more likely they would be successful in operating their business. Yes, reading, writing and arithmetic are required outside of school.
You can also consider what would happen if educational priorities were changed.
If students were not challenged by their teachers, would they be successful barbers and stylists?
Would they gain their certification or license to operate in the State?
Would the State have sufficient qualified personnel to manage the licensing and auditing process?
Would the hair product companies have new products being developed by researchers to meet the needs of the market place?
Would they have capable sales personnel?
Would you get a good hair cut or hair style?
Considering the impact of education on such a simple transaction, shouldn't it be a priority to provide the best education possible for our children?
"integral to the excellence of our libraries"
Library use has boomed as the recession pinched people's budgets for books, music and films. Patrons borrowed 57.7 million items from Massachusetts libraries last fiscal year, the 10th annual increase in a row and up from 45.7 million in 2001, says the Board of Library Commissioners.
Libraries have also seen a surge of people using their computers to search and apply for jobs.
"I know that the libraries in MetroWest are busier than ever," said Sunny Vandermark, administrator of the MetroWest Regional Library System.
Massachusetts library systems to be consolidated, staff cut
The consolidation of the various inter-library systems, if done properly, should still be able to provide the valuable inter-library loan services that are available today with less cost.
Franklin is already in a partnership with Medway by sharing our Library Director. This is a win-win situation. It reduces our expenses (Medway helps pay) and helps Medway maintain their library status.
Such regionalization efforts on animal control (with Bellingham) and recreation (also with Medway) need to continue to be explored to help Franklin and other neighboring communities cope with increasing costs.
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - 4/28/10
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Executive Session- April 7, 2010
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
1. Report of the Financial Planning Committee
2. FY 2011 Budget Discussion
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
L. OLD BUSINESS
M. NEW BUSINESS
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
P. ADJOURN
Franklin, MA
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS
Election Workers
Historical Commission
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
1. Report of the Financial Planning Committee
2. FY 2011 Budget Discussion
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Bylaw Amendment 10-644: Amendment to the Code, Sewer Map Extension- 2nd Reading
2. Resolution 10-18: Setting Date of Proposition 2 ½ Override Ballot
3. Resolution 10-19: Proposition 2 ½ Override Ballot Question
4. Bylaw Amendment 10-643:Chapter 105, Junk, Secondhand Goods and Antique Dealers – 1st Reading
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
L. OLD BUSINESS
M. NEW BUSINESS
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
P. ADJOURN
Franklin, MA
W.A.S.T.E.D. returns - 4/27/10
W.A.S.T.E.D presents: The Prevention of Underage Drinking - Community & Parent Forum
When:
Tuesday, April 27, 2010 - 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Where:
Franklin High School Lecture Hall
This national event is sponsored by the Federal Government’s Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Prevention of Underage Drinking and statewide by the MA Department of Public Health, Bureau of Substance Abuse Services. The forum will address local initiatives, offer practical strategies for communicating more effectively with teens, identify community resources and discuss prevention solutions for parents in the Franklin community. The panel will include Officer Dan MacLean, Mardi Donovan, Bill Phillips, New Beginnings Programs, and students and parents of students in recovery.
Coordinated as part of the Franklin Community Health Council
W.A.S.T.E.D had previously held an evening at FHS on December 2, 2008. Information (pictures, text and audio recordings) can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2008/12/wasted-info-session-120208.html
Franklin, MA
When:
Tuesday, April 27, 2010 - 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Where:
Franklin High School Lecture Hall
This national event is sponsored by the Federal Government’s Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Prevention of Underage Drinking and statewide by the MA Department of Public Health, Bureau of Substance Abuse Services. The forum will address local initiatives, offer practical strategies for communicating more effectively with teens, identify community resources and discuss prevention solutions for parents in the Franklin community. The panel will include Officer Dan MacLean, Mardi Donovan, Bill Phillips, New Beginnings Programs, and students and parents of students in recovery.
Coordinated as part of the Franklin Community Health Council
W.A.S.T.E.D had previously held an evening at FHS on December 2, 2008. Information (pictures, text and audio recordings) can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2008/12/wasted-info-session-120208.html
Franklin, MA
"Parent involvement is key"
The forum, sponsored by the Community Health Council, will feature a range of speakers who say drug abuse starts as early as middle school.
"Middle school is probably one of the most vulnerable times for a young teen because it's a huge shift from elementary to middle school. There's a shift in the structure of the day, and students are functioning more independently - not as coddled (as they might've been)," said Vicky Grauer, a child and adolescent therapist and director of Arbour Counseling Services in Franklin.
"It's a very vulnerable time, and a lot of kids are ill-equipped to handle that transition."
Forum aims to help parents keep kids from getting 'wasted'
from The Milford Daily News News RSSSunday, April 25, 2010
"working with the very young is often more effective than waiting"
“When you’re 3, your life is hard,” the mother says. “You get angry.” Now the boy is 7 and in the first grade, and the daily battles are over. His mother says she believes her son’s behavior improved in part because he matured, but also because she and the boy’s father learned to respond better when he became upset. “He’s still a sensitive kid, and he still gets mad,” she says. “Now he’ll go, ‘Grrr,’ but he doesn’t slam a door.” Expectations are that he will flourish. And as for the mother, “I understand him better,” she says.Read the full article in the Boston Globe Sunday Magazine here:
Little kids, big problems
Why early-childhood mental health services make sense.This effort is aligned with that of the Early Childhood Development Center in the Franklin, MA school system and discussed further as part of the kindergarten program that can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/04/full-day-kindergarten-free-or-tuition.html
FM #65 Week Ending 4/25/10
Let's spend less than ten minutes to find out what matters in Franklin, MA as the week ends April 25, 2010.
Time: 6 minutes, 4 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes:
This internet radio show or podcast is number 65 in the series for Franklin Matters.
Let's take about 10 minutes to review what matters in Franklin, MA as this week comes to a close on Sunday April 25th.
In this session I'll cover Earth Day activities on Saturday April 17th , Saturday April 24th and look ahead to both the School Committee meeting on April 27th and the Town Council meeting on April 28th
Earth Day on April 17th was not good weather and also the first day of some folks school vacation week so both those factors may have contributed to only about 100 or so folks helping clean up around Franklin. I also was out of town for a wedding on that weekend and unable to participate myself.
The raised garden beds were set up. I did manage to get pictures of those at the Senior Center, ECDC and Charter School on Monday. A link to that posting will be in the show notes.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/04/franklin-ma-raised-garden-beds-in.html
The Charles River Watershed Cleanup was held on Saturday the 24th. I stopped by Whole Foods Market in Bellingham to see how David Dobrzynski was doing as the local coordinator. He had over 300 folks scattered amongst his area and many good stories to tell. He suggested I head off to the VFW Post 3402 on Pond St where I could see the BSA Venture Crew 22 which had retrieved 125 tires from along Mine Brook.
The details and photos of their great work will be included in the show notes.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/04/there-be-tires.html
In preparation for the budget discussion at both the School Committee and Town Council meetings this week, I have a number of items to share:
You may recall that I recorded the budget workshop conducted back in January. The audio recordings and worksheets from each of the budget sections are available here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/01/budget-workshop-collection-12510.html
The Financial Planning Committee is updating the Long term or 5 Year Plan for presentation at the Council meeting on the 28th. You can review their prior plan here:
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_BComm/financial%20planning%20committee%20report/
I have worked with the Franklin Town Clerk, Debbie Pellegri, to compile a comprehensive listing of all the debt exclusion and operational override votes that Franklin has had the opportunity to vote on over the years. The listing is available for your review.
https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AkwjbnXDBhczdHp1bjBJSF9sOVY1ZXlERmFPNHkxZnc&hl=en
The School Committee agenda references a discussion on the budget but there are no documents to indicate what options to balance the budget are up for discussion. So if you recall from their meeting on the 13th that everything would be on the table, it still sounds like everything is on the table.
The Town Council agenda includes the update from the Financial Planning Committee and an action item for an override question. The amount itself is open and remains to be determined by the discussion.
These two meetings will be critical to understanding what choice we will have, if we are provided the choice to vote on an override. Word is already on the street that there may not be enough votes for that.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/04/franklin-ma-role-of-town-council.html
If you think you should have an opportunity to vote on an override, then I would suggest that you let the Town Council know or show up to the meeting in person on the 28th.
Whether you are in favor of an override passing or not, having the opportunity to vote on one I think is key!
As I close this session this week, let me remind you that
If you like what I am doing here, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don’t like something, please tell me
Thank you for listening!
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/
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!
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to listen to the audio recording
Time: 6 minutes, 4 seconds
MP3 File
Session Notes:
This internet radio show or podcast is number 65 in the series for Franklin Matters.
Let's take about 10 minutes to review what matters in Franklin, MA as this week comes to a close on Sunday April 25th.
In this session I'll cover Earth Day activities on Saturday April 17th , Saturday April 24th and look ahead to both the School Committee meeting on April 27th and the Town Council meeting on April 28th
Earth Day on April 17th was not good weather and also the first day of some folks school vacation week so both those factors may have contributed to only about 100 or so folks helping clean up around Franklin. I also was out of town for a wedding on that weekend and unable to participate myself.
The raised garden beds were set up. I did manage to get pictures of those at the Senior Center, ECDC and Charter School on Monday. A link to that posting will be in the show notes.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/04/franklin-ma-raised-garden-beds-in.html
The Charles River Watershed Cleanup was held on Saturday the 24th. I stopped by Whole Foods Market in Bellingham to see how David Dobrzynski was doing as the local coordinator. He had over 300 folks scattered amongst his area and many good stories to tell. He suggested I head off to the VFW Post 3402 on Pond St where I could see the BSA Venture Crew 22 which had retrieved 125 tires from along Mine Brook.
The details and photos of their great work will be included in the show notes.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/04/there-be-tires.html
In preparation for the budget discussion at both the School Committee and Town Council meetings this week, I have a number of items to share:
You may recall that I recorded the budget workshop conducted back in January. The audio recordings and worksheets from each of the budget sections are available here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/01/budget-workshop-collection-12510.html
The Financial Planning Committee is updating the Long term or 5 Year Plan for presentation at the Council meeting on the 28th. You can review their prior plan here:
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_BComm/financial%20planning%20committee%20report/
I have worked with the Franklin Town Clerk, Debbie Pellegri, to compile a comprehensive listing of all the debt exclusion and operational override votes that Franklin has had the opportunity to vote on over the years. The listing is available for your review.
https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AkwjbnXDBhczdHp1bjBJSF9sOVY1ZXlERmFPNHkxZnc&hl=en
The School Committee agenda references a discussion on the budget but there are no documents to indicate what options to balance the budget are up for discussion. So if you recall from their meeting on the 13th that everything would be on the table, it still sounds like everything is on the table.
The Town Council agenda includes the update from the Financial Planning Committee and an action item for an override question. The amount itself is open and remains to be determined by the discussion.
These two meetings will be critical to understanding what choice we will have, if we are provided the choice to vote on an override. Word is already on the street that there may not be enough votes for that.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/04/franklin-ma-role-of-town-council.html
If you think you should have an opportunity to vote on an override, then I would suggest that you let the Town Council know or show up to the meeting in person on the 28th.
Whether you are in favor of an override passing or not, having the opportunity to vote on one I think is key!
As I close this session this week, let me remind you that
If you like what I am doing here, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don’t like something, please tell me
Thank you for listening!
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.blogspot.com/
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!
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to listen to the audio recording
Letter from Ed Cafasso
Hello everyone,
I hope you had a pleasant school vacation week. The end of vacation means getting back to work, and this week the School Committee and Town Council have their work cut out for them.
Two crucial evening meetings are on the agenda that I hope you will at least follow closely if not attend in person. On Tuesday at 7 p.m., the School Committee will meet at the Municipal Building to make key decisions on the fiscal 2011 school budget.
Flat-lining local and state revenues combined with increased costs have created an estimated $1.8 million shortfall in the school budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1. Three factors are driving the higher costs – a 36% increase in mandated special education costs; a 10% hike in health insurance costs; and, contractual salary hikes (keeping mind that school administrators and employees voluntarily accepted a pay freeze during the current fiscal year.)
In reality, our costs are higher than the $1.8 million, but we are hoping to keep the requested budget increase to the bare minimum by using more than $750,000 in one-time federal and special local funds to close the gap. The $1.8 million your schools need would ensure that we can provide your children and the community the same level of service next year as we are this year.
To get all the details, I urge you to visit the School Department’s budget page at: http://www.franklin.k12.ma.us/co/supt/budget/FY2011Budgetbook.pdf. There you will find a complete overview of the district’s budget, the factors driving it, our academic performance, enrollment data, and individual proposed budgets for each school.
The presentation also details the many cuts and efficiency moves the School Committee and school administration have made in the last decade to try to keep costs down and to live within our means. Equally as important, the presentation shows how Franklin has fallen far below the state average for spending on all facets of education.
Tuesday night, the School Committee has two objectives: The first is to ask the Town Council to fund our proposed, level service fiscal 2011 budget, which is likely to mean that the Council will ask the community to support an override of the limits imposed by Proposition 2 ½.
The second is to discuss possible budget cuts and program reductions if the Council fails to put an override on the ballot or if one fails to win a majority from the voters. The Franklin Public Schools remain a fantastic bargain in a community that offers a nice quality of life with incredibly low property tax rates. Your schools spend well below average in every cost category, but your students consistently score well above average on every academic benchmark. It’s a record to be proud of, but it’s highly unlikely to continue unless we provide more financial support.
On Wednesday night, also at 7 p.m., the Town Council will consider our budget request and also discuss the municipal budget and the town revenue picture. Members of the Long Range Financial Planning Committee, which released a fantastic analysis of town finances last year, also will present information.
The town budget is reportedly facing a deficit of $200,000, but even that amount is artificially low since it appears many positions are being left vacant in departments like fire, public works and the library in an effort to make ends meet.
Many times over the many years of my service on the School Committee, I have asked you to let your voices be heard on issues that directly impact your children’s futures, your property values and your quality of life.
This Tuesday and Wednesday night, you will once again have the opportunity to ask your elected officials to protect those things by taking the steps necessary to seeking adequate financial support.
Your schools have worked hard with far less funds than they need to give the young people of this community the kind of education that hundreds of other communities in the state wish they could provide. This week, I hope you will actively and publicly support our honest effort to continue that same level of service to you, your friends and your neighbors.
This e-mail reflects my opinion alone and is provided as a constituent service. As always, I welcome your thoughts and suggestions. If you are receiving duplicate e-mails or if you no longer wish to receive these e-mails, please let me know and I will remove you from the distribution list. If you know of someone you would like to add to the list, please send along their e-mail address.
Thank you!
Ed Cafasso, Member
Franklin School Committee
edcafasso@comcast.net
I hope you had a pleasant school vacation week. The end of vacation means getting back to work, and this week the School Committee and Town Council have their work cut out for them.
Two crucial evening meetings are on the agenda that I hope you will at least follow closely if not attend in person. On Tuesday at 7 p.m., the School Committee will meet at the Municipal Building to make key decisions on the fiscal 2011 school budget.
Flat-lining local and state revenues combined with increased costs have created an estimated $1.8 million shortfall in the school budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1. Three factors are driving the higher costs – a 36% increase in mandated special education costs; a 10% hike in health insurance costs; and, contractual salary hikes (keeping mind that school administrators and employees voluntarily accepted a pay freeze during the current fiscal year.)
In reality, our costs are higher than the $1.8 million, but we are hoping to keep the requested budget increase to the bare minimum by using more than $750,000 in one-time federal and special local funds to close the gap. The $1.8 million your schools need would ensure that we can provide your children and the community the same level of service next year as we are this year.
To get all the details, I urge you to visit the School Department’s budget page at: http://www.franklin.k12.ma.us/co/supt/budget/FY2011Budgetbook.pdf. There you will find a complete overview of the district’s budget, the factors driving it, our academic performance, enrollment data, and individual proposed budgets for each school.
The presentation also details the many cuts and efficiency moves the School Committee and school administration have made in the last decade to try to keep costs down and to live within our means. Equally as important, the presentation shows how Franklin has fallen far below the state average for spending on all facets of education.
Tuesday night, the School Committee has two objectives: The first is to ask the Town Council to fund our proposed, level service fiscal 2011 budget, which is likely to mean that the Council will ask the community to support an override of the limits imposed by Proposition 2 ½.
The second is to discuss possible budget cuts and program reductions if the Council fails to put an override on the ballot or if one fails to win a majority from the voters. The Franklin Public Schools remain a fantastic bargain in a community that offers a nice quality of life with incredibly low property tax rates. Your schools spend well below average in every cost category, but your students consistently score well above average on every academic benchmark. It’s a record to be proud of, but it’s highly unlikely to continue unless we provide more financial support.
On Wednesday night, also at 7 p.m., the Town Council will consider our budget request and also discuss the municipal budget and the town revenue picture. Members of the Long Range Financial Planning Committee, which released a fantastic analysis of town finances last year, also will present information.
The town budget is reportedly facing a deficit of $200,000, but even that amount is artificially low since it appears many positions are being left vacant in departments like fire, public works and the library in an effort to make ends meet.
Many times over the many years of my service on the School Committee, I have asked you to let your voices be heard on issues that directly impact your children’s futures, your property values and your quality of life.
This Tuesday and Wednesday night, you will once again have the opportunity to ask your elected officials to protect those things by taking the steps necessary to seeking adequate financial support.
Your schools have worked hard with far less funds than they need to give the young people of this community the kind of education that hundreds of other communities in the state wish they could provide. This week, I hope you will actively and publicly support our honest effort to continue that same level of service to you, your friends and your neighbors.
This e-mail reflects my opinion alone and is provided as a constituent service. As always, I welcome your thoughts and suggestions. If you are receiving duplicate e-mails or if you no longer wish to receive these e-mails, please let me know and I will remove you from the distribution list. If you know of someone you would like to add to the list, please send along their e-mail address.
Thank you!
Ed Cafasso, Member
Franklin School Committee
edcafasso@comcast.net
Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - 4/27/10
1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the April 13, 2010 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills - Mr. Glynn
Payroll - Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: none
2. Guests/Presentations
a. Latin Awards
1. HMMS – Outstanding Achievement
2. HMMS - Achievement
3. RMS – Outstanding Achievement
4. RMS – Achievement
5. ASMS – Outstanding Achievement
6. ASMS – Achievement
b. ASMS Comuniteen Fundraiser – Pennies for Patients – Raised $5,020.22 for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society:
1. Emily Bellavance, Cheyenne Esposito, Ashley Gatchell, Anya Sternadore and Celia Sternadore.
c. HMMS Math Team: Placed 1st in our Division
3. Discussion Only Items
Budget to Actual
School Committee proposed 2010-2011 Schedule
FY2011 Budget
4. Action Items
a. I recommend approval of the request of Nancy Schoen for a field trip for the Music Students to Canobie Lake Park in Salem, NH on Friday, June 11, 2010 as detailed.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $125.00 from the JFK PCC for RN fees for a field trip.
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $218.75 from the JFK PCC for RN fees for two field trips.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $4,000.00 from the Jefferson PCC for two field trips.
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $639.03 from Follett for Supplemental Curriculum Materials for Jefferson Elementary – check from surplus books.
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1969.60 from the Parmenter PCC for field trips.
g. I recommend acceptance of the donation of supplies from staples for the Solutions Program.
h. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1748.00 from the Keller PCC for two tables as detailed.
i. I recommend adoption of the proposed 2010-2011 Meeting Schedule for the Franklin School Committee.
j. I recommend declaring microfiche machines at the FHS surplus to be donated to the Franklin Historical Commission as detailed.
5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
a. FHS End of Year Activities
b. Principal’s Search Process – Sally Winslow
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
School Committee Liaison Reports
6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.
7. Executive Session
Non-Union Salary Discussion
8. Adjourn
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the April 13, 2010 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills - Mr. Glynn
Payroll - Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: none
2. Guests/Presentations
a. Latin Awards
1. HMMS – Outstanding Achievement
1. Patrick Milne
2. Mark Mooney
3. Adam Lynch
4. Haven Butler
2. HMMS - Achievement
1. Nithya Sridhar
2. Lipee Vora
3. Kristen Brandenburg
4. Liam Devine
5. Ben Mednack
6. Justin Collins
7. Julia Birely
8. Katherine Donahue
9. Niharkia Singh
3. RMS – Outstanding Achievement
1. Chris Cannon
2. Collin Chen
3. Nicholas Chieng
4. James Lavoie
4. RMS – Achievement
1. Troy Donahue
2. Bridget Gallo
3. Dylan Martin
4. Andrew Petit
5. Carolyn Hoye
6. Allison Klowan
5. ASMS – Outstanding Achievement
1. Lauren Irvine
2. Aaron Kaplan
3. Michael Labine
4. Joshua Hall
5. Margaret Streeter
6. Lauren Altobelli
6. ASMS – Achievement
1. Kaitlin Dinmore
2. Emily Hood
3. Edward Sullivan
4. Joseph Tobin
5. Alexandra Wolfe
6. Vincent Nazaretian
7. Kelly Morgan
8. Alexandra Quinn
9. Rebecca Vickery
10. Benjamin Zogby
11. Christopher Hu
12. Danielle Dupont
13. Carly Burgess
b. ASMS Comuniteen Fundraiser – Pennies for Patients – Raised $5,020.22 for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society:
1. Emily Bellavance, Cheyenne Esposito, Ashley Gatchell, Anya Sternadore and Celia Sternadore.
c. HMMS Math Team: Placed 1st in our Division
1. Akshat Agrawal - Top Score in the 8th Grade in our division
2. Sanjay Batchu
3. Abhilasha Boruah
4. Chrisopher Danksewicz
5. Filip DaSilva
6. Alex Fischer
7. Brendan Lewis
8. Panat Gaurab
9. Ajey Panday – Top Score in the 7th Grade in our Division
10. Nikki Singh
11. Nithya Sridhar
12. Lipee Vorah
13. Emily Waite
3. Discussion Only Items
Budget to Actual
School Committee proposed 2010-2011 Schedule
FY2011 Budget
4. Action Items
a. I recommend approval of the request of Nancy Schoen for a field trip for the Music Students to Canobie Lake Park in Salem, NH on Friday, June 11, 2010 as detailed.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $125.00 from the JFK PCC for RN fees for a field trip.
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $218.75 from the JFK PCC for RN fees for two field trips.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $4,000.00 from the Jefferson PCC for two field trips.
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $639.03 from Follett for Supplemental Curriculum Materials for Jefferson Elementary – check from surplus books.
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1969.60 from the Parmenter PCC for field trips.
g. I recommend acceptance of the donation of supplies from staples for the Solutions Program.
h. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1748.00 from the Keller PCC for two tables as detailed.
i. I recommend adoption of the proposed 2010-2011 Meeting Schedule for the Franklin School Committee.
j. I recommend declaring microfiche machines at the FHS surplus to be donated to the Franklin Historical Commission as detailed.
5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
a. FHS End of Year Activities
b. Principal’s Search Process – Sally Winslow
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
School Committee Liaison Reports
6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.
7. Executive Session
Non-Union Salary Discussion
8. Adjourn
Saturday, April 24, 2010
There be tires!
It starts with one person. Dave Dobrzynski, local coordinator for the Charles River Watershed Cleanup activities. Dave is at the Whole Foods Market in Bellingham, handing out t-shirts, coordinating assignments for the 300 plus volunteers working to clean the junk along the Charles.
He gets off the phone and says, I have a story for you. The BSA Venture Crew 22 has just pulled 125 tires from along Mine Brook to fill a dumpster at the VFW Post on Pond St. Dave had talked with Brutus Cantoreggi earlier to get a dumpster positioned there and to have a Bobcat clear out some of the prickly underbrush to enable volunteers to get in close to the brook. All that was successful! Dave adds: "A special thanks also to Ken Gormley in the Highway Division of the Franklin DPW for handling all the logistics of getting me the dumpster and clearing out the brush for us."
I headed to the VFW Post 3402 on Pond St.
As I approach, the parking lot has a bunch of cars, a full dumpster, and there is a group of folks with the Charles River clean up blue t-shirts.
Linda Rafuse, leads the Venture Crew. This group was founded about four years ago, has had up to 28 members and currently has 12, half of whom should up to do the volunteer work today.
The work wasn't easy. The tires and other junk has accumulated over the years. Some of the tires actually has small trees growing around or in them.
The photo on the left is deceptive but there is a slope down from the area on the parking lot to the wet lands long Mine Brook.
The work was dirty as evidenced by this close up of Laura Rafuse's jeans.
They used to be a nice clean blue. Not now, after moving the tires and junk up they are filthy!
Yes, there be tires. 125 of them by their count.
I'll validate that the dumpster is indeed full.
Great work folks!
Here is the happy group: (from left to right, front row: David Johnson, Linda Rafuse, Larry Bederian - VPW Post Comander; from left to right, back row: Laura Rafuse, Eric Harden, Robert Marini, Erica Pollock, Nadia Johnson, and Chris Johnson)
Great work folks, Mine Brook thanks you!
If you are between 14 and 20 and would like to join the BSA Venture Crew, you can find additional information on their activities on Facebook here
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=15419337901
and here
http://www.americantowns.com/ma/franklin/organization/bsa-venture-crew-22
As I approach, the parking lot has a bunch of cars, a full dumpster, and there is a group of folks with the Charles River clean up blue t-shirts.
Linda Rafuse, leads the Venture Crew. This group was founded about four years ago, has had up to 28 members and currently has 12, half of whom should up to do the volunteer work today.
The photo on the left is deceptive but there is a slope down from the area on the parking lot to the wet lands long Mine Brook.
They used to be a nice clean blue. Not now, after moving the tires and junk up they are filthy!
I'll validate that the dumpster is indeed full.
Great work folks!
Here is the happy group: (from left to right, front row: David Johnson, Linda Rafuse, Larry Bederian - VPW Post Comander; from left to right, back row: Laura Rafuse, Eric Harden, Robert Marini, Erica Pollock, Nadia Johnson, and Chris Johnson)
Great work folks, Mine Brook thanks you!
If you are between 14 and 20 and would like to join the BSA Venture Crew, you can find additional information on their activities on Facebook here
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=15419337901
and here
http://www.americantowns.com/ma/franklin/organization/bsa-venture-crew-22
DPW News: new trash/recycling carts
The new Trash/Recycling carts have been placed around the town for residents to see, feel and try during the regular business hours at the following locations:
Town Hall
Senior Center
Recreation Center
Police Station
This is a great opportunity for people to see and feel the new carts. One of the reasons these carts were picked is they are easy to handle.
This was originally posted on the Franklin, MA web page here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01562E42-000F8513
"A key challenge is the fundamental structure of the K-12 education establishment."
Continuing to entice you to dive in and read the 2010 Horizon Report: K12 Edition:
Franklin, MA
• A key challenge is the fundamental structure of the K-12 education establishment. As long as maintaining the basic elements of the existing system remains the focus of efforts to support education, there will be resistance to any profound change in practice. Learners have increasing opportunities to take their education into their own hands, and options like informal education, online education, and home-based learning are attracting students away from traditional educational settings. If the system is to remain relevant it must adapt, but major change comes hard in education.
Many activities related to learning and education take place outside the walls of the classroom — but these experiences are often undervalued or unacknowledged. Beyond the classroom walls, students can take advantage of online resources, explore ideas and practice skills using games and other programs they may have on systems at home, and interact with their extensive — and constantly available — social networks. Within the classroom, learning that incorporates real life experiences like these is not occurring enough and is too often undervalued when it does take place. This challenge is an important one in K-12 schools, because it results in a lack of engagement in learning on the part of students who are seeking some connection between their world, their own lives, and their experience in school.
These trends and challenges are having a profound effect on the way we experiment with, adopt, and use emerging technologies. These aspects of the world that surround and permeate education serve as a frame for considering the probable impacts of the emerging technologies listed in the sections that follow.
Franklin, MA
"we try that and we see if that works"
GIST: I think that for far too long we have just tinkered around the edges of our schools that have struggled. Central Falls High School is an example of a school like that. For over eight years, [it] has been on various lists of needing to improve. There are wonderful people in that school, there are excellent teachers in the school. They’ve had strong leadership. They’ve tried different models for reform. But we tend to do one thing, and then we wait and see if that works. And when it doesn’t or maybe it’s incremental, we say, OK, let’s try some new professional development for the teachers. And then we try that and we see if that works, and a few more years go by, and then we say, obviously we need a new principal because that one’s not doing the job. So we bring in new leadership, and we try that. We bring in new materials. We try that.
We just try one thing after another instead of recognizing that it’s not just one thing, it’s actually the combination of all of those things and the way they fit together. When you look at high-performing schools, it isn’t just one thing that they’re doing. It’s a combination of many things, and at the center of all that are high expectations for students. And so part of the work is to change the culture in the school to one where everyone expects that students will achieve and raises the bar for performance.Read the full article including an interview with Deborah Gist, the RI Commissioner of Education, who has been the subject of much headlines on the Central Falls High School situation. Very interesting reading:
http://www.commonwealthmagazine.org/Voices/Conversation/2010/Spring/Putting-teachers-on-notice.aspx
Curbside Yard Waste Collection
Franklin’s Curbside Yard Waste Collection will be held on Saturday May 1st and May 15th.
Be sure to have all material in paper bags, trash barrels or cardboard boxes.
Brush must be bundled and shall not be more than 4 feet in length and 6–inches in diameter.
Franklin, MA
HMEA 5K Race/Walk - May 23rd
What happens on May 23rd?
Who is HMEA?
Why you should help?
These questions and more can be answered in this brief video.
If you'd like to register to run or walk, you can go to HMEA.org.
If you'd like to contribute as part of my fund raising page, there is a widget on this page or here: http://www.firstgiving.com/stephensherlock
I hope to see you on May 23rd!
Who is HMEA?
Why you should help?
These questions and more can be answered in this brief video.
If you'd like to register to run or walk, you can go to HMEA.org.
If you'd like to contribute as part of my fund raising page, there is a widget on this page or here: http://www.firstgiving.com/stephensherlock
I hope to see you on May 23rd!
Friday, April 23, 2010
Franklin, MA: Role of the Town Council
From the Town Council page on the Franklin website comes the following:
This is all good information. Let's hope all of the Councilors actually have recently read and actually follow this. The key for me is "Remember that he/she represents the entire community at all times."
Why?
Word already is around that some councilors don't want to put an override question before the voters. No matter whether they think it should be passed is not the question. The voters are the ones who should make that final pass/fail decision with their votes. All we ask is to be given the opportunity, then let the majority rule.
To already have word that there is not a majority on the Council who would put the question before the voters, seems to be flying against the precept:
"Not make statements or promises of how he/she will vote on matters that will come before the Council until he/she has had an opportunity to hear the pros and cons of the issue during a Council meeting."
As citizens and voters, we should be well informed of what could occur during the Town Council meeting on April 28th. This meeting may be one to attend in person rather than from the couch watching the cable feed.
There is plenty of information amongst these pages on the budget and budget drivers.
You can review all or parts of the 3 hour budget workshop held in January
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/01/budget-workshop-collection-12510.html
You can review the Financial Planning Committee report here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_BComm/financial%20planning%20committee%20report/
You can find out the latest on the School budget by either attending (or watching) the School Committee meeting Tuesday April 27th or visiting here later that night or Wednesday morning for the recap.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/
Be informed! Ask for the opportunity to vote on an override!
Your vote should determine the services this Town will offer to all of us.
1. A member of the Council, in relation to his/her community should:
A. Realize that his/her basic function is to make policy, with administration delegated to the Administrator.
B. Realize that he/she is one of a team and should abide by, and carry out, all Council decisions once they are made.
C. Be well-informed concerning the duties of a Council member on both local and state levels.
D. Remember that he/she represents the entire community at all times.
E. Accept the office as a means of unselfish service, not benefit personally or politically from his/her Council activities.
F. In all appointments, avoid political patronage by judging all candidates on merit, experience, and qualifications only.
G. Abide by the ethics established by the State and not use the position to obtain inside information on matters which may benefit someone personally.
2. A member of the Council, in his/her relations with administrative officers of the Town, should:
A. Endeavor to establish sound, clearly defined policies that will direct and support the administration for the benefit of the people of the community.
B. Recognize and support the administrative chain of command and refuse to act on complaints as an individual outside the administration.
C. Give the Administrator full responsibility for discharging the duties of his/her office.
3. A member of the Council, in his/her relations with fellow Council members, should:
A. Recognize that action at official legal meetings is binding and that he/she alone cannot bind the Council outside of such meetings.
B. Not make statements or promises of how he/she will vote on matters that will come before the Council until he/she has had an opportunity to hear the pros and cons of the issue during a Council meeting.
C. Uphold the intent of executive session and respect the privileged communication that exists in executive session.
D. Make decisions only after all facts on a question have been presented and discussed.
E. Treat with respect the rights of all members of the Council despite differences of opinion.
This is all good information. Let's hope all of the Councilors actually have recently read and actually follow this. The key for me is "Remember that he/she represents the entire community at all times."
Why?
Word already is around that some councilors don't want to put an override question before the voters. No matter whether they think it should be passed is not the question. The voters are the ones who should make that final pass/fail decision with their votes. All we ask is to be given the opportunity, then let the majority rule.
To already have word that there is not a majority on the Council who would put the question before the voters, seems to be flying against the precept:
"Not make statements or promises of how he/she will vote on matters that will come before the Council until he/she has had an opportunity to hear the pros and cons of the issue during a Council meeting."
As citizens and voters, we should be well informed of what could occur during the Town Council meeting on April 28th. This meeting may be one to attend in person rather than from the couch watching the cable feed.
There is plenty of information amongst these pages on the budget and budget drivers.
You can review all or parts of the 3 hour budget workshop held in January
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/01/budget-workshop-collection-12510.html
You can review the Financial Planning Committee report here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_BComm/financial%20planning%20committee%20report/
You can find out the latest on the School budget by either attending (or watching) the School Committee meeting Tuesday April 27th or visiting here later that night or Wednesday morning for the recap.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/
Be informed! Ask for the opportunity to vote on an override!
Your vote should determine the services this Town will offer to all of us.
"there is little agreement as to what a new model of education might look like"
Continuing to entice you to dive in and read the 2010 Horizon Report: K12 Edition:
Franklin, MA
• Many policy makers and educators believe that deep reform is needed, but at the same time, there is little agreement as to what a new model of education might look like. It is difficult to envision profound change in a system as firmly established as K-12 education is today. Proponents of change promote more learner-centered approaches; open content; programs for continuing teacher professional development in partnership with higher education institutions; and the use of social networking tools to increase access to peers and professionals for both teachers and students, but not everyone is in agreement. Opinions also differ on how to make (and measure) progress at all and whether it is better to build success slowly, using pilots and small proof-of-concept classrooms, or to push for rapid and radical change on a broader scale.
Franklin, MA
Martin's fundraiser needs your help!
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You are currently receiving email solicitations from Flower Power Fundraising on behalf of Martin Middelmann who is trying to raise funds for Marty Rides the Pan-Mass Challenge. If you would like to have these solicitations stopped and not participate in their fundraising program, click here. Flower Power Fundraising Inc., 160 Intervale Rd, Burlington, VT 05401 | 1-866-223-8831 | ||||||||||||||||||
Thursday, April 22, 2010
"Students are different, but educational practice and the materials that support it are changing only slowly"
Continuing to entice you to dive in and read the 2010 Horizon Report: K12 Edition:
Franklin, MA
• Students are different, but educational practice and the materials that support it are changing only slowly. Schools are still using materials developed to teach the students of decades ago, but today’s students are actually very different in the way they think and work. Schools need to adapt to current student needs and identify new learning models that are engaging to younger generations. Many education professionals feel that a shift to a more learner-centered model focused on the development of individual potential instead of the imposition of a body of knowledge would lead to deeper and more sustained learning across the curriculum. To support such a change, both teaching practice and the tools used in the classroom must adapt. Assessment has also not kept pace with new modes of working, and must change along with teaching methods, tools, and materials.
Franklin, MA
14th Annual FEF Trivia Bee - April 29 - 7:00 PM
14th Annual FEF Trivia Bee…Still Time to Enter Your Team!
On Thursday, April 29, 2010, the Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) will hold its 14th Annual Trivia Bee at the Horace Mann Middle School starting at 7:00 p.m. This year’s theme is history.
We are thrilled to say that we have a impressive number of teams already signed up as well as some awesome auction items ... including Red Sox tickets!
THERE IS STILL TIME TO ENTER YOUR TEAM OR DONATE TO THE AUCTION!!!!
FEF is still accepting Team Sponsors and item donations for a special raffle. Companies, organizations, parents and individuals can enter a 3-person team of their own or sponsor a team of Franklin students. Team sponsorships are $300 each. The event is well known as a fun evening out with friends and neighbors, all while contributing to a worthwhile cause. It’s a great way to show your commitment to education in Franklin.
To sponsor a team or donate a raffle item please contact Maureen Roy at 508-528-5170 or MaurRoy@aol.com. For more information visit www.franklined.org.
Admission for spectators is free. Be sure to attend on April 29, and test your knowledge of history!
Franklin, MA
On Thursday, April 29, 2010, the Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) will hold its 14th Annual Trivia Bee at the Horace Mann Middle School starting at 7:00 p.m. This year’s theme is history.
We are thrilled to say that we have a impressive number of teams already signed up as well as some awesome auction items ... including Red Sox tickets!
THERE IS STILL TIME TO ENTER YOUR TEAM OR DONATE TO THE AUCTION!!!!
FEF is still accepting Team Sponsors and item donations for a special raffle. Companies, organizations, parents and individuals can enter a 3-person team of their own or sponsor a team of Franklin students. Team sponsorships are $300 each. The event is well known as a fun evening out with friends and neighbors, all while contributing to a worthwhile cause. It’s a great way to show your commitment to education in Franklin.
To sponsor a team or donate a raffle item please contact Maureen Roy at 508-528-5170 or MaurRoy@aol.com. For more information visit www.franklined.org.
Admission for spectators is free. Be sure to attend on April 29, and test your knowledge of history!
Franklin, MA
"Unfortunately it's the nature of the society we live in"
Q: How did it feel to win the award?
A: I was kind of surprised when I got the phone call because I know they've had some volunteers for many years ... I was very pleased, surprised and honored.
Read the full article here:
Q&A with Charles River volunteer David Dobrzynski
Related posts:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/03/david-dobrzynski-of-franklin-recognized.html
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/04/charles-river-watershed-cleanup-42410.html
Parmenter 5K Race/Walk - Sunday May 16th
The Parmenter Elementary School will be the start and finish for their 2nd Annual 5K Race/Walk on Sunday, May 16th.
You can visit the event website for detailed information here
http://parmenter5k.weebly.com/index.html
You can also register at Active.com here
http://www.active.com/running/franklin-ma/2nd-annual-parmenter-5k-for-all-ages-2010
Franklin, MA
You can visit the event website for detailed information here
http://parmenter5k.weebly.com/index.html
You can also register at Active.com here
http://www.active.com/running/franklin-ma/2nd-annual-parmenter-5k-for-all-ages-2010
Franklin, MA
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
"No matter what we do, it's not going to be good,"
"If we continue town business this way, we will dismantle town government and the school system," said Horn. "As of May 1 there will be no Saturday ambulance ... there will be uncovered (police) shifts. It's a substantial reduction in services. People who think we have money are not looking at the facts."
Mendon is facing similar budget problems to Franklin, the difference right now is we don't know how deep or where the cuts are proposed to occur. You can read more about Mendon's issues here:
Mendon plans cuts if override fails
You can review the budget workshop held in January to get a better understanding of the factors in Franklin's overall budget.
You can review the Financial Planning Committee report. They have the long term plan that says we have a systemic problem and outline several options for resolving the issue. Many of those have been tried in the past year, the one other option left to us is to consider an override. The override discussion will be on the Town Council agenda for Wednesday Apr 28th.
"She asked the important questions"
Dunn helps clients visualize what they want in a variety of ways. Sometimes she helps them focus with meditation. Sometimes clients work on arts and crafts projects and clip pictures from magazines or draw to create collages, which helps them define their goals.
"In creating the collage, it all comes together and they can visualize where they want to go," said Dunn. "If they don't have the vision, they will repeat their old habits and get into a job they don't like.
"To get in touch with what we want, sometimes we need to play," said Dunn. "Part of it is finding the inner child. That's the part that needs to be exercised. Guys go out and play ball. Women don't tend to do that."
Franklin business helps people find themselves
from The Milford Daily News News RSS"Digital media literacy continues its rise in importance as a key skill in every discipline and profession"
Continuing to entice you to dive into a reading of the 2010 Horizon Report: K12:
Franklin, MA
Along with current trends, the Advisory Board notes critical challenges that schools face, especially those that are likely to continue to affect education over the five-year time period covered by this report. Like the trends, these are drawn from a careful analysis of current events, papers, articles, and similar sources, as well as from the personal experience of the Advisory Board members in their roles as leaders in education and technology. Those challenges ranked as most significant in terms of their impact on teaching, learning, and creative inquiry in the coming years are listed here, in the order of importance assigned them by the Advisory Board.
• Digital media literacy continues its rise in importance as a key skill in every discipline and profession. The challenge is due to the fact that despite the widespread agreement on its importance, training in digital literacy skills and techniques is rare in teacher education and school district professional development programs. As teachers begin to realize that they are limiting their students by not helping them to develop and use digital media literacy skills across the curriculum, the lack of formal training is being offset through professional development or informal learning, but we are far from seeing digital media literacy as a norm. This challenge is exacerbated by the fact that digital literacy is less about tools and more about thinking, and thus skills and standards based on tools and platforms have proven to be somewhat ephemeral.
Franklin, MA
GATRA expansion for Bellingham
Bellingham may start shuttle to T stop
from The Milford Daily News News RSSDo you ride the Franklin Area Bus?
The schedule forthe bus as it moves around Franklin can be found here
Charles River Watershed Cleanup - 4/24/10
Are you looking to make a real difference in your community? If so, join a group or form your own to clean up trash throughout the Charles River Upper Watershed. You will be helping us improve the appearance and health of the waterways in our region.
If you live in the Upper Watershed please consider volunteering a few hours of your time to help us protect this unique and valuable natural resource. The large majority of our the cleanup sites are land-based, but we have a few on-water sites for experienced paddlers who can supply their own canoe or kayak.
Did you know? The Charles River stretches for more than 80 miles from Hopkinton to Boston. It originates and flows for nearly 37 miles here in the Upper Watershed. In our region alone the Charles is fed by 45+ miles of waterways including seven major tributary rivers, brooks, and streams.
WHEN: Saturday, April 24, 2010
TIME: 9:00 AM - 12:00 Noon
WHERE: Charles River Upper Watershed - Ashland, Bellingham, Dover, Franklin, Holliston, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Medfield, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millis, Norfolk, Sherborn, Wrentham.
The volunteer check-in site will be located in front of Whole Foods Market in Bellingham, MA. Stop by to get directions to your assigned site, collect your cleanup supplies and receive a free t-shirt. We encourage you to sign up in advance by using the contact information below.
CONTACT: David Dobrzynski
Upper Watershed Volunteer Coordinator
EMAIL: CRWAvolunteer@gmail.com
You can view the flyer for this event here:
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Franklin, MA: raised garden beds in progress
I was away this weekend and missed the Earth Day activities, the clean up and the building of the raised garden beds. I visited the Senior Center, ECDC and the Charter School to view the work they did complete on the raised beds.
The raised bed at the Senior Center is located off to the left (facing the front of the building) next to the garden they already have.
A close up of the bed shows it empty.
A walk down the path connecting the Senior Center to the school complex (Oak St, Horace Mann, and ECDC) revealed the raised bed at ECDC located next to their playground area near the front door.
As you can see, their bed has soil in it and it appears ready to be planted.
Walking over to the Charter School to find their beds eventually led us on a walk around the school.
They have two beds between the school and the Hayward property line. One of the beds is already partially planted and covered with plastic.
The chose a great location. Clear to receive the sunshine and help the garden grow!
The sponsor sign has been located in one of the beds. Thanks to the help from all the volunteers, the YMCA and all the sponsors. This is a good start for Franklin, MA!
"Thank you to the following organizations for Helping our Garden Grow!"
The post announcing the raised garden beds can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/04/franklin-raises-garden.html
The raised bed at the Senior Center is located off to the left (facing the front of the building) next to the garden they already have.
A close up of the bed shows it empty.
A walk down the path connecting the Senior Center to the school complex (Oak St, Horace Mann, and ECDC) revealed the raised bed at ECDC located next to their playground area near the front door.
As you can see, their bed has soil in it and it appears ready to be planted.
Walking over to the Charter School to find their beds eventually led us on a walk around the school.
They have two beds between the school and the Hayward property line. One of the beds is already partially planted and covered with plastic.
The chose a great location. Clear to receive the sunshine and help the garden grow!
The sponsor sign has been located in one of the beds. Thanks to the help from all the volunteers, the YMCA and all the sponsors. This is a good start for Franklin, MA!
"Thank you to the following organizations for Helping our Garden Grow!"
The post announcing the raised garden beds can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/04/franklin-raises-garden.html
P5 of 5: "The way we think of learning environments is changing"
2010 Horizon Report: K12 Edition was just released this week. It lists five trends and develops a story around them. You can view the full report here
The fourth trend:
As the Franklin community gets into the discussion
1) around the Town budget and the School budget (which is about 50% of the Town budget)
2) on what priorities should be set (classroom instruction vs after school activities, etc.)
let's also consider how our current level service school budget meets the needs of the students. Yes, we are a high performing district. What do we need to do to remain one? (Besides obtaining appropriate funding!)
Franklin, MA
The fourth trend:
• The way we think of learning environments is changing. Traditionally, a learning environment has been a physical space, but the idea of what constitutes a learning environment is changing. The “spaces” where students learn are becoming more community-driven, interdisciplinary, and supported by technologies that engage virtual communication and collaboration. This changing concept of the learning environment has clear implications for schools.
As the Franklin community gets into the discussion
1) around the Town budget and the School budget (which is about 50% of the Town budget)
2) on what priorities should be set (classroom instruction vs after school activities, etc.)
let's also consider how our current level service school budget meets the needs of the students. Yes, we are a high performing district. What do we need to do to remain one? (Besides obtaining appropriate funding!)
Franklin, MA
W.A.S.T.E.D. returns - 4/27/10
W.A.S.T.E.D presents: The Prevention of Underage Drinking - Community & Parent Forum
When:
Tuesday, April 27, 2010 - 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Where:
Franklin High School Lecture Hall
This national event is sponsored by the Federal Government’s Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Prevention of Underage Drinking and statewide by the MA Department of Public Health, Bureau of Substance Abuse Services. The forum will address local initiatives, offer practical strategies for communicating more effectively with teens, identify community resources and discuss prevention solutions for parents in the Franklin community. The panel will include Officer Dan MacLean, Mardi Donovan, Bill Phillips, New Beginnings Programs, and students and parents of students in recovery.
Coordinated as part of the Franklin Community Health Council
W.A.S.T.E.D had previously held an evening at FHS on December 2, 2008. Information (pictures, text and audio recordings) can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2008/12/wasted-info-session-120208.html
Franklin, MA
When:
Tuesday, April 27, 2010 - 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Where:
Franklin High School Lecture Hall
This national event is sponsored by the Federal Government’s Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Prevention of Underage Drinking and statewide by the MA Department of Public Health, Bureau of Substance Abuse Services. The forum will address local initiatives, offer practical strategies for communicating more effectively with teens, identify community resources and discuss prevention solutions for parents in the Franklin community. The panel will include Officer Dan MacLean, Mardi Donovan, Bill Phillips, New Beginnings Programs, and students and parents of students in recovery.
Coordinated as part of the Franklin Community Health Council
W.A.S.T.E.D had previously held an evening at FHS on December 2, 2008. Information (pictures, text and audio recordings) can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2008/12/wasted-info-session-120208.html
Franklin, MA
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