Celebrate the Holidays with 3 Festive Productions

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) celebrates the holidays with three festive productions. Ring in the season with Tchaikovsky’s timeless ballet The Nutcracker, FPAC’s original musical Humbug!, and A Glass Slipper Christmas, a holiday panto with a twist on the Cinderella fairy tale.

FPAC’s magical journey of The Nutcracker will be presented at the Franklin High School auditorium on December 3 at 7:30 p.m. and December 4 at 2:00. A popular FPAC holiday tradition for more than 20 years, the production features guest artists Vilia Putrius and Mindaugas Bauzys, company dancers with Festival Ballet Providence, as the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. Rosario Guillen, a student of the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, will dance the part of the Nutcracker/Prince, with Aaron Andrade of Lincoln, Rhode Island, playing the role of Dr. Drosselmeyer. Set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, the world-famous ballet showcases more than 100 area dancers and features a 27-piece professional orchestra under the direction of Peter Cokkinias. 

 FPAC’s magical journey of The Nutcracker

FPAC’s original panto, A Glass Slipper Christmas, will be staged at THE BLACK BOX on December 9 and 10 at 7:30 p.m. with a Sunday matinee on December 11 at 2:00. Based on the story of Cinderella, the production follows in the British tradition, retelling a well-known fairy tale in an exaggerated style filled with audience participation, popular music, slapstick comedy, jokes, dances, and more. Audiences are invited to cheer for the hero, boo at the villain, and sing along to favorite songs. The panto also entertains with double entendre, references to modern culture, and open satire of other works.

FPAC’s large-cast holiday musical, Humbug!, will be presented on December 17 at 7:30 p.m. and December 18 at 2 p.m. at the Franklin High School auditorium. A family favorite since debuting as part of the company’s 2008 season, Humbug! is an original musical retelling of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. With musical hits of every genre and live accompaniment by a 10-piece band of professional musicians, Humbug! transports audiences from Dickensian England to contemporary America as the novel’s iconic characters and storyline are cleverly reimagined with modern setting and dialogue. Humbug! stars the script’s writer, Nick Paone, as Ebenezer Scrooge. 

For more information or to purchase tickets, call (508) 528-3370 or visit www.FPAConline.com.

"there is still work to be done, especially with the subgroup that included disabled students"

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

"Three local schools scored in the highest level of performance in standardized testing, district officials said Tuesday. 

The School Committee heard a presentation at its Tuesday night meeting on the district's progress in testing, with officials saying Franklin High School, Oak Street Elementary School and Kennedy Elementary School had earned the state's "level one" accountability rating, the highest available. 

Assistant Superintendent Joyce Edwards said the high school and Kennedy School had previously held the rating, while the Oak Street School's performance represents an improvement. 

"We're currently a level two district... that's the predominant level across the state," she said. "That number is based on the lowest-performing school in the district."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161115/franklin-schools-review-testing-results


The presentation document with the MCAS and PARCC summary can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/11/live-reporting-mcas-and-parcc-results.html

MassBudget: Feeding Students, Counting Kids, Funding Schools

Six Recommendations for Improvement

Feeding Students, Counting Kids, Funding Schools: Six Recommendations for Improvement To expand educational opportunity by making sure that more students are well-fed and ready to learn, the federal government has created a program that allows schools to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students in districts with large numbers of low-income students. Schools that implement this program, called Community Eligibility, no longer collect paper forms from every child to determine who is eligible for free or reduced price meals. Instead, schools use a data matching system to count students as low income for school meals purposes when they are enrolled in other programs that support low-income families. This data-matching direct certification process improves efficiency and expands access to school meals. The interaction of this program and our school funding formula has, however, led to some challenges. MassBudget's new policy brief Counting Kids at School: 6 Steps to Better Numbers, presents strategies to fix these unintended consequences. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has recognized the challenges and has already made significant improvements to its data systems. At the direction of the Legislature, DESE is developing further recommendations, which will be final by December 19. Based on MassBudget's ongoing research on direct certification and its impact on Chapter 70 funding, this new brief presents six recommendations that could help the Commonwealth to achieve a more accurate count of low-income students. You can read MassBudget's six recommendations in the new policy brief HERE (link). Related MassBudget resources: To read about implementation of the Direct Certification program in Massachusetts, read Direct Certification for School Meals: Feeding Students, Counting Kids, Funding Schools. MassBudget's Children's Budget provides a concise description and funding history of the School Food Programs and Chapter 70 Aid. See the Kids Count Data Center data on Free and Reduced Price Lunch Enrollment Rates by School District and Economically Disadvantaged Students by School District. For MassBudget's video and explanation of the Chapter 70 program, see Demystifying the Chapter 70 Funding Formula: How the Massachusetts Education Funding System Works. The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 15 Court Square, Suite 700, Boston, MA 02108 Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try it free today

In the News: donation drive for rail trails; Council to consider 'country store'

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

"Bay State Trail Riders Association Inc., a local nonprofit, is planning a donation drive to fund trail improvements to local trail systems in state forests and parks. 

Projects currently underway will impact state forests and parks in Bellingham, as well as Douglas, Upton, Mendon and Blackstone. 

Items will be turned in to Savers of Woonsocket. Savers will pay BSTRA 20 cents per pound for soft items and 5 cents per pound for hard items.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161115/bay-state-trail-riders-to-hold-donation-drive

"The Town Council will consider creating a new "rural business" zoning district and adopting a definition for "country store." 

The council is slated to vote at its meeting Wednesday on several zoning bylaw changes that would allow a country store within town that could sell such items as fruits, vegetables and arts and crafts. 

In a memorandum to the council, Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said the change had been requested by the Washington Street business Hillside Nurseries, which is looking to offer goods for sale. Nutting wrote that such a move has been discussed for years. 

The new Rural Business District would allow for low-intensity commercial uses near or in residential neighborhoods."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161115/franklin-council-to-consider-country-store

Live reporting: Closing

5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
thanks to Mr Gleason for the article and to the Davis Thayer students for their contribution to the Franklin Food Pantry

Panther Pride night on Monday, an open house for the 8th grade game

Ticket still available for the Thanksgiving football game

Harlem Wizards game sold out for Friday

Horace Mann veterans day celebration for friends and family


School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

Policy Sub Committee – MaryJane Scofield
meeting on Nov 29th at 7:00 PM

Community Relations meeting last week
mostly about budget, how to get more for the schools
testing and data
communications interest

next meeting Dec 3, 9:00 AM in the conference room
thankful for the response by the policy subcommittee

School Committee Liaison Reports

6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.

request to have Roy, Ross, and Spilka to talk about the budget process

joint budget subcommittee looking to set meeting in early December


7. Motion to Adjourn
passed 7-0

Live reporting: Action Items

4. Action Items
a. I recommend approval of the Budget Transfers as detailed.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

b. I recommend moving Policy JICA – School Dress Code Policy to a second reading.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

c. I recommend adoption of Policy JKAA – Physical Restraint of Students as discussed.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

d. I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $9,104.61 for Davis Thayer as follows:
1. $8,100.00 from PCC for field trips.
2. $1,004.61 from O’Connor Portraiture for supplemental supplies
motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $800.00 from the Parmenter PCC for field trips.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

f. I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $2,213.00 from the Oak Street PCC as follows:
1. $1,288.00 for in-house enrichment
2. $925.00 for field trips
motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

g. I recommend acceptance of a check for $725.00 from the JF Kennedy PCC for field trips.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

h. I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $3855.28 for Keller as follows:
1. $2,000.00 – IBM for supplemental supplies
2. 1855.28 – Keller PCC for field trips
motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

i. I recommend acceptance of the grant - donation of 15 Ableton Push music devices, valued at $14,969.85 for FHS Sound Recording Teacher Drew O’Connors’ class.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

j. I recommend acceptance of a check for $440.00 from BJ’s Wholesale Club for the Central Office gift account.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

k. I recommend acceptance of a check for $150.00 from the Jefferson PCC for in-house enrichment.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

Live reporting: Dress code and student restraint

The draft student dress code policy

The draft policy on  physical restraint of students

community entrance to FHS

The full agenda can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/11/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-nov.html

District Curriculum Accommodation Plan - DCAP

The District Curriculum Accommodation Plan as referenced during the School Committee meeting Tuesday, Nov 15, 2016

Franklin District Curriculum Accommodation Plan (DCAP) 2016 2017 from Franklin Matters

Live reporting: MCAS and PARCC Results - Spring 2016

2. Guests/Presentations

b. PARCC / MCAS – Joyce Edwards

MCAS and PARCC Results - Spring 2016 from Franklin Matters

grades 3-8 took PARCC, computer based testing
science test taken by grades 5 and 8 via paper (only option)
see page 3 of the presentation for the full summary

district schools were held 'harmless' for taking PARCC
could gain, could not lose
Kennedy, Oak, and FHS won the Level 1 status
Oak was the 'new' school to gain this status 
Level 2 as a district as it is based upon the lowest school in the district

comparison yr to yr on PARCC as State level data is not yet available

looking for a target growth of 30-60%

students in subgroups still need work to get their results up to the aggregate of all the students

data analysis
looked at in any way possible, down to individual students as necessary
state does not yet provide item analysis for the PARCC results
used in conjunction with other assessment data


Copy of District Curriculum Accommodation Plan published separately

on the Science MCAS, gr 5 16% better than State average; gr 8 18% better than the State


looking ahead to MCAS 2.0 for the spring of 2017
to use PARCC like questions, all via computer 
one testing window, largely all of April and May
the district calendar will be finalized and shared with schools/parents in December
current 8th grade class of 2021 will be the first to take the high school competency determination when they get there

PARCC should be disappearing from lexicon, only needed for some reporting comparisons

Jewell - it was a good thing for us to have taken the PARCC questions
Edwards - Yes, it was a good move

did have a number of families opt of the PARCC testing last year, a small number, less than 1% of the district; did not impact the participation rate

at FHS, no MCAS, no diploma

Scofield - What were some of the reasons for the opt out
Edwards - Mostly family desire

for FHS drop out, usually only 2-3 students per year
the final state data should be ready in a couple of weeks

student health absences do usually still allow for re-testing during the testing window

possible future question for the Communications Subcommittee on the standard testing opt out reasons to get additional info

some philosophical objections were raised due to the nature of PARCC and whether that continues with MCAS 2.0 remains to be seen

good writing is about writing for your audience, short cuts in texting does not work well in testing

O'Malley - disgruntled with the State and their progress on tests

Live reporting: Best Buddies

2. Guests/Presentations

• a. Best Buddies – Sue Streeter

one of the best programs in the State

founded 12 years ago

Friends of Best Buddies to extend the program beyond the classroom

28 awards just under $15,000 total

FHS

Annie Sullivan

Remington

Horace Mann

Keller

working on a chapter at Dean College

it really is a community effort

this is a celebration for us!

Live reporting: School Committee - November 15, 2016

Present:  Bilello, Scofield, Bergen, Douglas, O'Malley, Schultz, Jewell
Absent: none



Organizational Meeting
1. Nominations / Vote for Chair
Douglas nominates O'Malley, seconded, passed unanimous

2. Nominations / Vote for Vice Chair
O'Malley nominates Douglas, seconded
Schultz nominates Bergen, seconded   
Bergen takes the Vice Chair role by a 4-3 vote   


1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
none

Review of Agenda

Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the October 25, 2016 School Committee Meeting.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

Payment of Bills Dr. O’Malley
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives

Nicolas Gnaman (absent)
Alexander Chitarra

• 1st Q ended, fall sports mostly ended, football gearing for the Thanksgiving day game at home against KP next week
• Spirit week this week
• Pep rally on Tuesday culminates spirit week
• Homecoming last month, 800 students to the dance (most recently)
• numerous options for students to get help as necessary in light of Mr K's passing

Correspondence: none

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Nov 15, 2016

Vision Statement

The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

AGENDA

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which

may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed

and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent

permitted by law."

Organizational Meeting

1. Nominations / Vote for Chair
2. Nominations / Vote for Vice Chair


1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the October 25, 2016 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Dr. O’Malley
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives

1. Nicolas Gnaman
2. Alexander Chitarra

Correspondence: none

2. Guests/Presentations

• a. Best Buddies – Sue Streeter
• b. PARCC / MCAS – Joyce Edwards
• c. DCAP / BCAP – Joyce Edwards

3. Discussion Only Items
Policy – First Reading (New)

• JICA – School Dress Code Policy

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/11/school-committee-policies-up-for.html

Policy – Second Reading

• JKAA – Physical Restraint of Students

4. Action Items
a. I recommend approval of the Budget Transfers as detailed.
b. I recommend moving Policy JICA – School Dress Code Policy to a second reading.
c. I recommend adoption of Policy JKAA – Physical Restraint of Students as discussed.
d. I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $9,104.61 for Davis Thayer as follows:

1. $8,100.00 from PCC for field trips.2. $1,004.61 from O’Connor Portraiture for supplemental supplies

e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $800.00 from the Parmenter PCC for field trips.
f. I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $2,213.00 from the Oak Street PCC as follows:

1. $1,288.00 for in-house enrichment2. $925.00 for field trips

g. I recommend acceptance of a check for $725.00 from the JF Kennedy PCC for field trips.
h. I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $3855.28 for Keller as follows:

1. $2,000.00 – IBM for supplemental supplies2. 1855.28 – Keller PCC for field trips

i. I recommend acceptance of the grant - donation of 15 Ableton Push music devices, valued at $14,969.85 for FHS Sound Recording Teacher
Drew O’Connors’ class.
j. I recommend acceptance of a check for $440.00 from BJ’s Wholesale Club for the Central Office gift account.
k. I recommend acceptance of a check for $150.00 from the Jefferson PCC for in-house enrichment.

5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

• Policy Sub Committee – MaryJane Scofield

School Committee Liaison Reports

6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.

7. Motion to Adjourn

recent autumn glory at the entrance to Franklin High School

School Committee: policies up for discussion on (1) dress code and (2) physical restraint of students

The draft student dress code policy

The draft policy on  physical restraint of students

community entrance to FHS

The full agenda can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/11/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-nov.html

Four FHS student athletes signed letters of intent

Four FHS student athletes signed letters of intent on Monday to continue their studies and athletics in college. The signings were acknowledged via Twitter and recaptured here.

• Ryan Hodgekins - Baseball. Will attend Stonehill in the fall.
• Grace McDermott - Lacrosse. Will attend Assumption in the fall. 
• Dana Lewandowski - Lacrosse. Will attend Bentley in the fall. 
• Caroline Lounsbury - Lacrosse. Will attend Franklin Pierce in the fall

Congrats to Ryan, Dana, Caroline and Grace. Proud Panthers on signing day! #PantherPride pic.twitter.com/0bxPmYLblf

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) November 14, 2016

Ryan Hodgekins - Baseball. Will attend Stonehill in the fall. pic.twitter.com/dKHbH0pwNL

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) November 14, 2016

Grace McDermott - Lacrosse. Will attend Assumption in the fall. pic.twitter.com/SJ1cfFxv80

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) November 14, 2016

Dana Lewandowski - Lacrosse. Will attend Bentley in the fall. pic.twitter.com/oHG00Fq9kx

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) November 14, 2016

Caroline Lounsbury - Lacrosse. Will attend Franklin Pierce in the fall. pic.twitter.com/oSzvz7jlTY

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) November 14, 2016

FHS Panthers

To follow all of Franklin on Twitter, I am continually updating this listing
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/lists/all-franklin

If you see a Twitter account that is missing from this list, please let me know

Hockomock Area YMCA to offer new Blood Pressure Management Program - Upcoming Screenings

The Hockomock Area YMCA is proud to announce it will begin offering the YMCA’s Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring, a program designed to help participants with hypertension lower their blood pressure by following an evidence-based program that combines blood pressure self-monitoring, nutrition education and personalized support.

High blood pressure is often referred to as “The Silent Killer” because there are typically no warning signs or symptoms. According to the American Heart Association, more than 80 million Americans have high blood pressure, but less than half have it under control. The Y developed this program to help individuals better manage hypertension, and improve their overall health. Research shows that the simple process of checking and recording blood pressure at least twice a month over four months may lower blood pressure in some people with hypertension. In addition, evidence shows that proper nutrition, particularly with a reduction in sodium intake, may help reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressures.

As part of the Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring program, participants will strive to reduce their blood pressure by measuring their blood pressure at least two times a month for four consecutive months—a minimum of eight times, and record their blood pressure readings in a self-selected tracking tool. A nutrition education component will encourage the participants to practice healthier eating habits, including reducing sodium in their diet. During this program participants will also increase their awareness of triggers that elevate blood pressure.

Hockomock Area YMCA staff will hold free screenings for the program at the following dates, times and locations:

• North Attleboro Branch: Wednesday, November 16 from 9:00am – 11:00am and 3:00pm – 6:00pm.
• Bernon Family Branch, Franklin and Invensys Foxboro Branch: Tuesday, November 29 from 9:00am – 12:00pm and 3:00pm – 6:00pm.

The program is facilitated by Healthy Heart Ambassadors, appointed and trained by the Y, who will show participants how to use a blood pressure cuff, encourage self-monitoring and facilitate monthly nutrition education seminars.

The Hockomock Area YMCA is looking for adults with high blood pressure to take part in this program. For a small investment of time and minimal fee, participants will receive; a simple evidence-based program that may lower blood pressure, personalized support from a Y Healthy Heart Ambassador, tips for maintaining cardiovascular health, a easy-to-use portable self-tracking tool, heart healthy nutrition seminars, and a blood pressure monitoring cuff if participant does not own one.

To participate in this program participants must be at least 18 years old, be diagnosed with high blood pressure, must not have experienced a recent cardiac event, must not have atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmias, and must not be at ricks for lymphedema.

Enrollment is ongoing at the three Hockomock Area YMCA’s branches. For more information or to set up your initial consultation, contact bloodpressure@hockymca.org or 508-772-1310.

hockymca.org

About the Hockomock Area YMCA:

Where Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility. 

The Hockomock Area YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities they are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit hockymca.org.