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Thursday, October 15, 2020
Sharing: TIME GOES BY "Choosing a Life - Or Letting It Happen"
Franklin Cultural District Newsletter - October 2020
Welcome from The Chair ... Nancy Schoen
"With the changing of the leaves and the cool crisp evenings we are reminded that fall is now officially here. During the last seven months we have seen our local arts establishments close their performance venues and pivot to offering many performances online. While the future is still uncertain, we in Massachusetts are fortunate that we are now well into Phase 3 of the state’s reopening plan. This phase of the plan allows performance venues to hold both outdoor and indoor performances at a reduced capacity. Many local restaurants are also continuing to serve customers at both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Having a strong arts and cultural presence in Franklin provides opportunities for our community to come together during these challenging times. As our arts establishments and restaurants work to find their way in this pandemic let’s all do our best to patronize these businesses in Franklin. If you are not quite ready to attend a live performance or go out for a meal, purchasing a gift card that you can use in the future is a wonderful way to support our local businesses!"
Continue reading the Franklin Cultural District Newsletter https://conta.cc/374C0Gb
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| Franklin Cultural District Newsletter - October 2020 |
Community Relations Sub Committee Meeting - Oct 20 - 3:00 PM
Community Relations Sub Committee Meeting
Tuesday, October 20, 2020 at 3:00pm
Virtual Meeting (Links in agenda)
o Graphic to include in next newsletter – “Get to know Title 1 Tutors”o Equity Policy JBBo Updates from Budget Sub Committeeo Calendar of Eventso Other Ideas?
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/community_relations_subcommittee_agenda_10-20-2020.pdf
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| Community Relations Sub Committee Meeting - Oct 20 - 3:00 PM |
The rainy day fund, pandemic spending, deceptive framing all in one MA FY 21 budget
Pulling together multiple sources today.
"Despite the pandemic-related recession and high unemployment rates, and an expected drop in state tax revenues, Gov. Charlie Baker on Wednesday released a budget proposal for the current fiscal year that is actually higher than the budget he proposed in January.https://commonwealthmagazine.org/government/baker-releases-45-5-billion-revised-fy21-budget-proposal/
Baker, a Republican, is recommending a fiscal 2021 budget of $45.5 billion, or 3.8 percent more than was spent in fiscal 2020. The budget he released in January would have spent $44.6 billion, or 2.3 percent more than in the prior fiscal year.
The high budget is largely driven by excessive spending in MassHealth, the state’s Medicaid program. It would be paid for with an influx of federal money as well as a $1.3 billion draw from the state’s $3.5 billion rainy day fund.
“The rainy day fund is there to support services when it’s raining, and I think most people would agree it’s raining,” Baker said at a State House press conference."
"The revised budget is built on a projection that state tax revenues will be $3.6 billion lower than originally estimated, due to the economic slowdown caused by the pandemic. Overall, the updated budget would be balanced through a blend of increased federal assistance, a drawdown of $1.35 billion from the state’s $3.5 billion stabilization fund (preserving $2.1 billion for future needs), and changes to a range of appropriation recommendations.
The Division of Local Services released revised Cherry Sheet amounts for each city and town today based on the new budget recommendation. The DLS update includes receipt and assessment items for municipalities and regional school districts. (Link to updated Cherry Sheets for regional school districts.)
The governor said that he hoped the Legislature would return a final budget to him by Thanksgiving."
https://www.mma.org/gov-files-revised-fy21-budget-with-ugga-ch-70-matching-july-commitment/
"Today, Governor Baker filed his FY21 budget with you. While I had hoped for better than the inflation-only increase that was passed in July, I to some degree was also resigned to it. However, to hear the Governor repeat the deceptive framing posed by Secretary Peyser yesterday, that the funding to schools this year surpasses that laid out by the Student Opportunity Act, is infuriating. I have had reason to wonder if the Governor has any understanding of the school funding formula before this, but this statement has confirmed that he either does not or chooses willfully to ignore the principle upon which it is based.
Pandemic funding is precisely that: it is funding for an EMERGENCY. To have that funding then touted as filling the gaping hole in our basic needs is simply wrong; having to spend money to repair my car does not take away my need for gas money.
Moreover, the funding for the pandemic has been flat: it is distributed regardless of student need, regardless of community need. Every student in every district, whatever its wealth, received that emergency funding. The state's funding formula, on quite the other hand, is progressive: it recognizes that greater need requires greater resources to meet. "http://who-cester.blogspot.com/2020/10/a-plea-from-worcester.html
“I’ve got everything that I need. I’m ready to roll.”
From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin:
In the past, Election Day has always been the main event during election years, but this year it could very well be like the credits that scroll at the end of a long and dramatic movie -- one with an eagerly anticipated bonus reel at its conclusion.
Local town clerks are reporting that they’ve been busy sending out thousands of mail-in ballots to voters who are considering skipping the polls on Nov. 3, and starting this weekend they’ll be opening doors to voters choosing to take advantage of early in-person voting.
In Franklin, interim Town Clerk Nancy Danello said the voting booths have been ready and waiting for the influx of early voters inside the gym at Franklin High School ever since the last of the ballots were counted following the September primary, and they’ll remain until after Election Day.
Danello’s got a team that’s been working diligently on keeping up with the mail-in ballot requests -- over the course of two days alone they prepared and mailed out a whopping 10,000 mail-in ballots -- and they’re now preparing to kick it up a notch with the early in-person voting.
In the News: mystery about the expanded 'shelter in place' order; individual to be arraigned on multiple charges
From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin:
"Police from Franklin sent out a Reverse 911 on Sunday ordering residents to “shelter-in-place” during a standoff with an armed man who fired at police officers.
Although that is not an unusual move, what happened afterward was. The order was also sent to residents in several other nearby communities, including Milford, Blackstone, Mendon, Wrentham, North Attleboro and Walpole.
How that happened is a mystery, according to Franklin police Sgt. Brian Johnson."
The man who authorities say fired several shots at police officers during an armed standoff at the Spruce Pond condominium complex on Sunday is expected to be arraigned Thursday in Wrentham District Court.
Police filed charges against Thomas E. McManus, 53, of 46 Quince Landing, related to the incident on Sunday.
Police charged McManus with six counts of armed assault to murder with a firearm; assault and battery with a dangerous weapon; assault and battery on a police officer; discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling; disorderly conduct; disturbing the peace; and three counts of vandalizing property.
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
Community Preservation Act: Frequently Asked Questions - answered by CPAForFranklin
Town of Franklin, MA: Sample Ballots for the November 3rd election
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| Town of Franklin, MA: Sample Ballots for the November 3rd election |
FHS field hockey "Holds Off Late Charge To Beat King Philip"
Ryan Lanigan, the founder and Editor-in-Chief of HockomockSports.com, provide the write up of the FHS vs KP field hockey actions on Tuesday.
It was nearly the perfect start for King Philip in its heavyweight battle against division rival Franklin.
Instead, a pair of great chances were turned aside by Franklin, one by goalie Neilee Hess and another by the stick of midfielder Sara Carney, and the Panthers took control from there.
Behind goals in the first and third quarters, Franklin field hockey secured a 2-1 win over the Warriors in the first of two meetings between the teams this week in a rain-filled contest on the slick turf of Macktaz Field.
“We didn’t show enough energy,” said King Philip head coach Lisa Cropper. “We didn’t believe that we could win the game…they didn’t say that but I could see it in their body language. We had chances right off the bat and I think if we popped one in, it would have been a different story. But we didn’t, they did and they relaxed played their game, and we had to struggle the whole way.”
Continue reading the article online
https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-field-hockey-holds-off-late-charge-to-beat-king-philip/
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| King Philip’s Kelly Holmes pokes the ball by Franklin’s Kate O’Rourke. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com) |
In the News: “What we need from you is continued vigilance"
From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin:
"With daily COVID-19 counts, average positivity rates and hospitalizations higher than they were during a summer lull, Gov. Charlie Baker on Tuesday outlined progress the state has made over the past several months “to prevent silent spread” of the highly contagious coronavirus and to prepare for a fall uptick in virus activity.
“Over the past few weeks we started to see an increase in the number of COVID cases here and across the country and in many other countries,” Baker said Wednesday during a State House press conference. “For months, public health experts have forecast this increase.”
Massachusetts has built a “massive infrastructure to respond to this pandemic,” Baker said, leaving the state “in a strong position to be prepared for what comes next.”
Baker said the state will be able to rapidly expand hospital capacity if necessary, and that there are sufficient personal protective equipment supplies to meet the needs of health care and human service providers."
Franklin Public Schools: Meals Pick Up Correction
October 13, 2020
Good morning,
This message is a correction to the meals pick up message from Friday's communication. As noted, pickup at Parmenter is being closed due to low participation.
Free breakfast and free lunch is available for pickup near the cafeteria at the rear of Franklin High School from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM (NOT 3-4 PM). All meals are free between now and December 31, 2020.
Thank you,
Franklin Public Schools
For additional information on the school meals during this pandemic period, visit
https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/returntoschoolplan/school-operations/food-services
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| Franklin Public Schools: Meals Pick Up Correction |
Social Security Benefits Increase 1.3 % in 2021
"Approximately 70 million Americans will see a 1.3 percent increase in their Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments in 2021. Federal benefit rates increase when the cost-of-living rises, as measured by the Department of Labor's Consumer Price Index (CPI-W).Continue reading https://blog.ssa.gov/social-security-benefits-increase-in-2021/
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| Social Security Benefits Increase in 2021 |
Spirit Medium at SAFE this SATURDAY!
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Tuesday, October 13, 2020
FM #364 School Committee Meeting - 10/13/20 (audio)
FM #364 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 364 in the series.
This shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting that was held on Tuesday, October 13, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.
The meeting was broadcast via Verizon and Comcast as well as the live steam via the Franklinma.gov page. All three channels had an audio problem with no sound. The Zoom meeting audio was fine (the Zoom where it happened). Zoom originated the broadcast from the Council Chambers and apparently the audio got lost getting elsewhere. Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HctqB8FK
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The agenda doc, including connection info
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/franklin-ma-school-committee-meeting.html
The meeting packet with all docs released for this meeting
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/october-13-2020-school-committee-meeting-packet
My notes taken via Twitter and captured here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/franklin-ma-school-committee-recap-oct.html
Photos used in the Twitter thread can be found in the Google photo album
https://photos.app.goo.gl/YLnwAqyAkAFBHQvA7
--------------
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
How can you help?
- If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
- If you don't like something here, please let me know
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
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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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
Franklin, MA: School Committee - Recap - Oct 13, 2020
Quick Recap:
- The meeting was broadcast via Verizon and Comcast as well as the live steam via the Franklinma.gov page. All three channels had an audio problem with no sound. The Zoom meeting audio was fine (the Zoom where it happened). Zoom originated the broadcast from the Council Chambers and apparently the audio got lost getting elsewhere
- Hiring staff is still a concern, bandwidth not an issue (version of Chromebook is), awaiting delivery of new Chromebooks so swaps can be made; teacher and student SEL a concern; communication issues acknowledged (Where was the Community Relations committee?)
- Three MASC resolutions passed 7-0, one by 4-3 vote as some were fearing that reducing voting age for municipal elections would add student votes to a potential override situation; two other resolutions were already adopted by this committee earlier in 2020
- District Improvement plan outlined and voted to adopt
- Superintendent Ahern presented the ‘evidence’ to support her accomplishments versus the goals set out; some discussion on what was the period of evaluation, as 5 of the committee are new and had not participated in the goal setting, although they did partially participate in the period of evaluation
- Approval to reduce the pay to ride bus fee to account for the hybrid schedule (versus full time in person) which had been anticipated when set
- The full Davis Thayer and facility report analysis is coming up next meeting, read the report to prepare
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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
The Twitter hashtag can be found online #schcom1013
https://twitter.com/hashtag/schcom1013?src=hashtag_click
- Getting ready for the next School Committee meeting - have you checked out the agenda? https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/agenda-10-13-20 #schcomm1013 it has the connection info for this session
- The meeting available via Verizon and Comcast local channels as well as via lice stream from the Town of Franklin page #schcomm1013 https://franklinma.gov/home/pages/live-meetings-stream all brought to you by Franklin TV
- FHS representatives here for first time in school year. Akash Shetty, class president, Katie Garrigan & Nipun Goel also present and intro themselves; also spoke of mixed bag on remote learning, not easy, teachers doing well, reqs independence #schcom1013
- #schcom1013 now for Superintendent's report. Review of health data metrics and moving to hybrid as announced last week. Trending under 1% positivity rate and steady. Moving forward as scheduled. FHS model changed to 33% (instead of 1/4) A,B,C cohorts
- #schcom1013 UV upgrade has begun, currently filters and maintenance complete, and dampers open to increase air flow. 2 types of units large and small, Keller-Sullivan being done, FHS contracted, full schedule in report posted Weds
- Chromebook arrival anticipated, video bandwidth is fine, issue is with browser and unit software. Swaps being prepared once new units arrive. #schcom1013 contracted for remote service for families with unit problems
- Staffing continues to be a concern Report of no sound via the live stream, Zoom is fine. Verizon/Comcast also with no volume #schcom1013
- Folks working the sound issue #schcom1013
- #schcom1013 large size class VLA for K and 2nd grade a priority for additional help, as noted earlier with the staffing issues
- Could look at schedule as an interim step for lower level grades #schcom1013 wouldn't want to walk back the overall time as it took so long to get to full day K
- Superintendent is responsible for the health and safety of the students and staff daily, thanks to all for stepping up, the employers are also stepping up. #schcom1013 Moving along to Superintendent eval
- https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/supt-eval-presentation presentation doc for eval. #schcom1013 Rubrics for eval with focus indicators
- #schcom1013 student goal will need to be revised as it was based upon 3 years of MCAS results and that was skipped last year. "When requested" holds exit interview with departing staff.
- Portrait of a graduate coming in next couple of meetings #schcom1013 (Zoom participation up to 60+)
- Seal of biliteracy coming for FHS, #schcom1013 one if the key policy matters is the closing study for Davis Thayer and that is underway. Report coming to meeting 10/27 https://franklinps.net/district/davis
- Portrait of a graduate (PoG) unites us all together. For Superintendents one of the most important work is to hire principals #schcom1013 to share background material on PoG, should also incorporate pandemic related items as they weren't planned for
- #schcom1013 how to address pandemic as it straddles 2 school years, last year is part of this eval. Next eval will cover this year and the summer prep etc. Including meetings via Zoom as business changed. Didn't want to go back
- Judy objects to use of 'evidence' results would be better, otherwise sounds like their picking apart the work. #schcom1013 Q on timing of eval period vs. SchCom term what they could see/observe. Q on staff wellbeing
- Superintendent eval publicly on Nov 10 #schcom1013 https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/dip-goals-presentation doc contains the updated goals for approval, school goals cascade down from these
- Essential skills for portrait of a graduate (PoG) shown in these 5 areas #schcom1013 part of the overall district plan, more to come on the PoG as it comes forward as mentioned
- Key quote #schcom1013 work being done by Community group to be synched with the schools work in this area
- Still no sound on livestream (only Zoom) #schcom1013 I'll make sure to turn my audio recording around quickly so you can listen to this while Franklin TV queues the replay for cable
- What is the meaning of 'homework' when all school work is done at home? #schcom1013 use of digital tools for safety and privacy for users.
- PoG creates a structure for building on the skills across the grades to prepare for walking out the door as an adult #schcom1013 difference between school values and skill competency
- Q on goals vs this year what is it going to bring? Are we taking on too much? What is the rationale? #schcom1013 anything new is tailored narrowly to this environment, assessment is strategic, could allow us to assess less could do both remote and hybrid, adaptive as well
- Someone unmutted went full screen to yawn. Thanks, needed that. You know it's contagious #schcom1013 no new curriculum lifts this year, explanation helped to settle what was new vs New
- Recommend adoption of district goals https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/disc-action-dip #schcom1013 motion seconded, passed 7-0 via roll call
- Motion on policy approval https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/disc-action-b-policy #schcom1013 motion seconded, passed 7-0 via roll call
- Motion on bus ride pay fee reduction seconded https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/disc-action-c-ptr #schcom1013 seconded passed 7-0 via roll call for this school year only due to pandemic.
- MASC resolutions up for approval https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/disc-action-d-masc-resolutions 4 resolutions chosen, 2 already acted upon previously. #schcom1013 motion and second amended to hear a summary of the resolution passed 7-0 via roll call
- Res 1 calls for moratorium for testing for 2020-2021 sch year, motion seconded passes 7-0 via roll call Res 4 lowers voting age for municipal election via empower act, motion and seconded, passes 4-3 via roll call
- Res 5 advocates for progressive tax regulations, motion seconded passes 7-0 #schcom1013 Res 6 allocation of medicade funding motion seconded passes 6-1 (what % actually goes to schools) Judy no
- #schcom1013 recap of res 2 and 3 Info matters Budget met last week, scheduled future session; comm relations Tues at 3, newsletter items needed chap 70 presentation last week, FEF fund raiser well attended (approx 40) Policy meeting coming
- Facilities report reviewed 9/30, coming up 10/27 for full discussion https://franklinps.net/district/davis-thayer-facilities-analysis/pages/comprehensive-facilities-assessment-report #schcom1013 Joint PCC met, updates confirming what Supt said, concerned about fund raising this year due to pandemic
- "Caste" by isabel Wilkerson, currently #1 recommended by Rev Eric Cherry #schcom1013 Facilities report next meeting Consent agenda motion to approve, second, passes 7-0 via roll call Judy obtains on minutes for meeting she missed
- Motion to adjourn regular session, go to executive session to discuss strategy, will reconvene to return Motion to go, second, passes 7-0 #schcom1013
- While they will return, that is all for me tonight, catch you next time #schcom1013
Franklin, MA: School Committee - Recap - Oct 13, 2020
Virtual Franklin Turkey Trot - Nov 26 or anytime
Get ready to burn off those Thanksgiving calories before dinner AND give to the Franklin Food Pantry.
This year the Franklin Food Pantry is holding its 9th Annual Franklin Turkey Trot 5K as a virtual race. The turkey trot will still officially run on Thanksgiving morning, November 26th, but you can run or walk your own personal 5K when it is most convenient for you. Once you have finished the race, you can post a picture on social media sharing that you completed your run and use the hashtag #turkeytrot2020.
To register, go to http://www.franklinturkeytrot.org! Free shirts will be given to the first 100 to register.
All proceeds from this event go directly to the Franklin Food Pantry to provide quality healthy food to hungry families in our local community. In 2019, the over 1000 entrants, donors and sponsors raised almost $21,000!
We hope you will still join us and register to support this great cause!
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| 2019 Turkey Trot Runners |