MassBUdget: Concentrated Poverty Affects 90,000 Massachusetts Children

Economic Growth Doesn't Reach All Neighborhoods in the Commonwealth

90,000 Kids in Massachusetts Live in Concentrated Poverty New Data Highlights How Concentrated Child Poverty Persists Despite Economic Growth  Did you know that more than 1 in 16 children live in concentrated poverty in the Commonwealth? Using recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Annie E. Casey Foundation's data snapshot, we examined how concentrated poverty has affected children across the state despite a long period of national economic expansion. In Massachusetts, living in high-poverty neighborhoods affects six percent of all children, and these neighborhoods are mostly in the Gateway Cities and the City of Boston.  Our new snapshot on concentrated poverty in the Commonwealth http://massbudget.org/reports/pdf/Concentrated%20Poverty%20(002).pdf "Growing up in high-poverty neighborhoods has long-term impacts on our kids," said Marie-Frances Rivera, MassBudget's President. "All children and families deserve quality education, housing and access to opportunity. Investing in solutions that uplift children in poverty will create the change needed for everyone in the Commonwealth to thrive." Growing up in a community of concentrated poverty - that is, a neighborhood where 30 percent or more of the population is living in poverty - is one of the greatest risks to child development. Alarmingly, more than 8.5 million children live in these settings. That's nearly 12 percent of all children in the United States. Children in high-poverty neighborhoods tend to lack access to healthy food and quality medical care and they often face greater exposure to environmental hazards, such as poor air quality, and toxins such as lead.  Financial hardships can also cause chronic stress linked to diabetes, heart disease and stroke. And when these children grow up, they are more likely to have lower incomes than children who have relocated away from communities of concentrated poverty. Children should be allowed to learn and grow no matter where they live or their socioeconomic status. Policies at the community and state level that can have a significant impact on the lives of children in struggling families include: Fixing our "upside-down" state and local tax system so that those who have benefited most from our economic growth pay their fair share and invest in the public good to ensure a bright future for our children; Providing equitable education funding so that opportunity is available to young people from all communities and backgrounds to give them the chance to succeed; Ensuring that all our neighbors and family members have the same opportunities to thrive regardless of immigration status; Investing in our public transit systems, roads, and bridges to allow everyone access to economic opportunity and jobs; and Guaranteeing that all workers can earn decent wages to help keep a roof overhead, provide for their families, and receive dignity and respect from their employers. MassBudget thanks the Mass. Association for Community Action (MASSCAP) for supporting our research on poverty and their work in calling on national, state and local stakeholders to act now to help families lift themselves out of these circumstances.  Interested in learning how you can help combat child poverty? View the snapshot here and join the conversation with us online @MassBudget.  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.  Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, One State Street, Suite 1250, Boston, MA 02109 Sent by rwilliams@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try email marketing for free today!

LET'S LAUGH TODAY is Tuesday, Oct 8 at 7:30 PM

Celebrating Ten Years Of Let's Laugh Today 

So There Will Be Treats!

Wear A Fun Hat Or Costume If You Want. 
Also Will Play Monster Mash At The End!

LET'S LAUGH TODAY is Tuesday, Oct 8 at 7:30 PM

Let's all exercise our laughter muscles by attending Let's Laugh Today in Franklin at the Meetinghouse of the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin, MA at 7:30 PM every second Tuesday of every month except in July and August.

Laughter Yoga

Laughter Yoga is a low cost, spirit-lifting, and absolutely powerful method of laughing your way to better health and fitness. All ages and all physical abilities can do these simple, fun exercises! If you can breath and laugh, you can do Laughter Yoga! There is a $5 donation to the church with a $10 maximum per family.

Please bring your water bottle as laughing is dehydrating. See www.letslaughtoday.com (http://www.letslaughtoday.com/) for other opportunities to laugh or e-mail Linda and Bill Hamaker, your local Certified Laughter Yoga Teachers and Master Trainers at billandlinda@letslaughtoday.com

Encore Music: TICKETS AVAILABLE: You are invited to join us in giving The Gift of Music!

The Gift of Music Fundraising Gala TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE You're Invited! WHEN:  Sunday, November 10th from 5:00pm to 10:00pm WHERE: The Milford DoubleTree Hotel at 11 Beaver Street On Sunday, November 10th, The Encore Music Education Foundation, Inc., in collaboration with Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios, is hosting a fundraiser for The Foundation's scholarship program. The evening will include: Cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and a sit-down dinner Live performances by Encore ensembles and soloists Silent Auction and Raffles Purchase tickets at the link below, and join the event on Facebook!  Buy Tickets Now https://encoremusicacademy.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=eb54fbf3dd80bdbef8d1ee90f&id=ab1f9dd908&e=7bf06582a2 AUCTION ITEMS SOON AVAILABLE TO VIEW:  The Gift of Music Silent Auction online opens on October 15th and will close on November 10th at 9pm. Live, in-person bidding will take place at the event on Sunday, November 10th from 5:00-9:00pm. Bookmark the auction page to keep an eye out as new items are revealed: BiddingForGood: The Gift of Music Auction Mobile-friendly auction page: The Gift of Music Auction (Mobile) Copyright © 2019 Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios, All rights reserved. Provided Email and authorization via registration forms or webform Our mailing address is: Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios 3 Bent St Franklin, MA 02038

Franklin Public Schools: Important Dates

October - November  2019

Contact Information Changes - If you need to change an email address or phone number in your student's Aspen contact information, click here to send us those changes

________________________________

Wednesday, October 9th-No School-Yom Kippur

Thursday, October 10th-Junior Parents Night -College Search/Planning @ 6:30pm-8:00pm in the FHS Auditorium

Friday, October 11th-1/2 Day of School PDD Dismissal at 10:55 AM, no lunch served

Monday, October 14th-No School, Columbus Day

Tuesday, October 15th and Wednesday, October 16th- School Pictures taken by Lifetouch

Wednesday Oct 16th and Thursday, October 17th-"Cabaret" performed in the FHS Auditorium @7:00PM

Saturday October 19th-PSAT ADMINISTRATION for Juniors-Class of 2021 @ 7:30 AM to 12 noon. 

Tuesday, October 29th, and Wednesday, October 30th-Parent Conferences; both days are 1/2 days of school, Dismissal at 10:55 AM, no lunch served

Tuesday, November 5th- No School PDD

Thursday, November 7th-Panther Pride Night for all Franklin 8th graders 5:30PM-7:30 PM in the FHS Gymnasium

Thursday, November 7th Chamber Concert at FHS 7:00 PM in the Auditorium

Monday, November 11th-No School Veteran's Day

No School and Half days of school 2019-2020

Date	Event
10/9/19	No School-Yom Kippur
10/11/19	½ Day of School; Dismissal at 10:55 AM  -PDD
10/14/19	No School-Columbus Day
10/29/19	½ Day of School: Dismissal at 10:55 AM-Parent Conferences
10/30/19	½ Day of School: Dismissal at 10:55 AM-Parent Conferences
11/5/19	No School PDD Day
11/11/19	No School-Veteran's Day
11/27/19	No School-Thanksgiving Break
11/28/19	No School-Thanksgiving Break
11/29/19	No School-Thanksgiving Break
12/13/19	½ Day of School; Dismissal at 10:55 AM  -PDD
12/23/19-through 1/1/2020	Holiday Break, No School
01/17/20	½ Day of School; Dismissal at 10:55 AM  -PDD
01/20/20	No School- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
02/07/20	½ Day of School; Dismissal at 10:55 AM  -PDD
02/17/20 through 2/21/20	Winter Break, No School
03/03/20	No School PDD Day
04/03/20	½ Day of School; Dismissal at 10:55 AM  -PDD
04/10/20	No School- Good Friday
04/20/20 through 04/24/20	Spring Break-No School
05/08/20	½ Day of School; Dismissal at 10:55 AM  -PDD
05/25/20	No School- Memorial Day
06/17/20	Last day of School-IF NO SNOW DAYS

Franklin Public Schools: Important Dates

Town of Franklin: Election & Voter Registration Information

Town of Franklin Election and Voter Registration Information

The Deadline to register to vote is approaching

Our Town Election will be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. If you have not yet registered to vote, the deadline to register is Wednesday, October 16.

You can also register online at www.registertovotema.com

Town of Franklin:  Election & Voter Registration Information

Additional information can be found on the Town Clerk page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk

And of course, in the "Election Collection"
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/07/franklin-election-collection-2019.html

Connections for Parents of Children with Special Needs - November 21

Connections for Parents of Children 

with Special Needs 

November 21 - 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

We will again be facilitating a group for parents of children with special needs ( IEPs, Medical, Emotional, etc). Working in collaboration with Ms. Marsh from Self Help, Inc.

Your child does NOT need to have an IEP or an identified disability to attend this group. This is a wonderful opportunity for parents to make Connections; share fears and concerns about what challenges they face and what strategies have been successful; and to gather information about additional resources available to the community.

Please RSVP to Laura Flanagan at flanaganla@franklinps.net

Connections for Parents of Children with Special Needs - November 21

Town of Franklin: Fiscal Year 2020 2nd Quarter Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills

Fiscal Year 2020 2nd Quarter Real Estate 

and Personal Property Tax Bills

Fiscal Year 2020 2nd Quarter Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills are due November 1, 2019

You can pay online at https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/online-payments-and-applications

Reminders:
Payments received after the due date are charged 14% interest.

If you are mailing in your payment, please be sure to include the remittance copy with your check.

If you choose to use your Online Banking to pay your bills, please remember to reference the bill number(s) you are paying.

Town of Franklin: Fiscal Year 2020 2nd Quarter Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - Oct 4 to THU - Oct 10

Fri Oct 4, 2019

10am	Knitting Group
12pm	Farmers Market
3:30pm	Chess Club for Kids
8pm	THE BLACK BOX: The Zajac Brothers Band

Sat Oct 5, 2019

9:30am	St. Mary's Women's Faith Formation Group
10am	Franklin Historical Museum (Always free)
10:30am	Baby Sensory!
12pm	Drum Circle - Outside weather permitting!
12pm	Harvest Fest
12:30pm	Oktoberfest at THE BLACK BOX
2pm	Teen Pumpkin Painting on the Library Lawn!
8pm	The Kennedys: Circle of Friends Coffeehouse

Sun Oct 6, 2019

8:30am	Ladybug 5K
11am	Pet Blessing, Outdoor Worship, and Picnic
11am	Raindate - FDP Harvest Festival
1pm	Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
3pm	Annual Fundraiser for LiveARTS

Mon Oct 7, 2019

10:30am	Move Along
3:30pm	D&D for Kids
7pm	Friends of the Franklin Library Meeting

Tue Oct 8, 2019

9:30am	Cool Cruisers
10:30am	Get Ready for Kindergarten
7:30pm	Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Public Meeting
7:30pm	Let's Laugh Today

Wed Oct 9, 2019

10:30am	Storytime STEAM
10:30am	Terrific Toddlers
6:30pm	Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
6:30pm	Self-Care Series
6:30pm	Teen Advisory Board

Thu Oct 10, 2019

9:30am	Baby Tummy Time
10:30am	Story Xplorers
5pm	Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
6:30pm	Author Talk with Jane Eagles
6:30pm	Meet the Candidates

For the interactive version, please visit

https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

For the Town of Franklin Public Meeting Calendar

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

Submit an event for the Community Calendar, please use this link

https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/links/submit-event

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - Oct 4  to THU - Oct 10

Franklin voters: Meet the Candidates Event - Oct 17

Meet the Candidates Event

Save the Date

Oct 17

The Town of Franklin invites you to hear from the candidates for Town Council and School Committee on Thursday, October 17 - 7:00 PM

Franklin voters: Meet the Candidates Event - Oct 17

Additional election information can be found on the Town Clerk page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk

and of course the Election Collection
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/07/franklin-election-collection-2019.html

“State of the Schools” 2019-20

From Sara E. Ahern, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools:

"This letter is the first “State of the Schools” letter I plan to issue. Each year, as the school year gets under way, as Superintendent of Schools, I will communicate about the major matters of the Franklin Public Schools.

District Focus Areas and Strategy for Improvement
We kicked off the 2019-2020 school year with all faculty and staff gathering together on opening day. As Superintendent, I shared remarks emphasizing the importance of developing relationships with students and getting to know each child and family. This effort supports the District’s focus on personalized learning and cultural proficiency, as outlined in our District’s Strategy for Improvement.

Administrators and educators initiated various activities and projects to uncover more about the students in front of them, as well as their families. We believe this investment will pay dividends over time, in both the development of social-emotional and academic skills, and towards building more empathetic and caring school communities.

This work also supports our VISIONING effort Portrait of A Graduate . Throughout last spring, we engaged educators, community members, students, and families in the process of identifying the essential skills students will need for their futures in a modern, technologically, globally interdependent world. We are excited to unveil a draft community consensus later this fall for further feedback and refinement."

Continue reading the "State of the Schools"
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-EHP-vmSbqQGHTJymLnWMujqrZyPhPwl/view?usp=sharing

“State of the Schools” 2019-20

FHS field hockey, volleyball and both girls and boys cross country teams post wins on Thursday

Via HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the FHS fall sports action on Thursday, Oct 3, 2019


Volleyball = Franklin, 3 @ Foxboro, 0 – Final
– Franklin went on the road and won 3-0 (25-20, 25-14, 25-19) over a gritty Foxboro side. Allyson Bonnet-Eymard led the way with 14 kills and nine digs while Bridget Jackson added seven kills and Jill Benoit chipped in with 12 digs. Sophomore Cailyn Mackintosh put the offense in motion with 26 assists.

Golf = Franklin, 164 @ Oliver Ames, 157 – Final
Oliver Ames defended its home course, knocking off the visiting Panthers to avenge a loss from earlier in the season. Senior captain Brad Powers was the medalist for the match with a round of 37. JoJo Gaultier added a 39 for the Tigers and Sam Becker chipped in with a round of 40. Franklin’s Jack Paterson had a team-low round of 38.

Boys Cross Country = Franklin, 21 @ Taunton, 37 - Final
Franklin had the top two runners and four of the top six spots to earn a win on the road over Taunton. Tyler Brogan took first place for the Panthers, crossing the finish line in 16:10.

Results: 1. Tyler Brogan, Frank (16:10) 2. Nicholas Calitri, Frank (16:22) 5. Declan Walmsley, Frank (17:19) 6. Joseph Zerice, Frank (17:24) 7. Griffin Sieczkiewicz, Frank (17:27) 9. Clancy Golden, Frank (17:33)

Girls Cross Country = Franklin, 15 @ Taunton, 43 – Final
Franklin had the top five finishers in the race on the 3.1 mile course on the campus of Taunton High School.  Sydney Hawkins led the way for the Panthers, taking first in 20:43. Taunton sophomore Nia Mainer-Smith took sixth overall in 21:12.


Field Hockey = Franklin, 3 @ Foxboro, 2 – Final
Ryan Lanigan, the founder and Editor-in-Chief of HockomockSports.com, provides the game recap:

"Entering Thursday afternoon’s clash between division leaders, Foxboro’s stout defense had allowed just three goals against through nine games played.

The Franklin Panthers, who came in averaging a league-best 6.1 goals per game, saw it as a challenge.

Franklin’s offense roared to life in the second half, scoring a pair of goals in a five-minute span, the latter turning out to be the game-winner as the Panthers claimed a 3-2 decision over Foxboro.

“We wanted to challenge them, we have a good offense but we knew we had to go out there and play hard,” said Franklin head coach Michelle Hess. “They pack it in [defensively], they are strong with their double teaming, and they do a good job of forcing you to play on the left side of the field. I give them credit for that, it slowed us down."

Continue reading the game recap
https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-field-hockey-upends-foxboro-comeback/

For a photo gallery from this game.
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2019-2020/Fall-2019/Foxboro-Franklin-Field-Hockey-10-03-19/

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-10-03-19/

Foxboro’s Lauren Foster and Franklin’s Amanda Lewandowski battle for possession in the first half. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

House Votes to Increase Transparency and Financial Reporting Requirements of Massachusetts Higher Education Institutions

Today the Massachusetts House of Representatives voted to pass legislation that will enable the state to more closely monitor the financial health of Massachusetts private colleges and universities and provide transparency and security to students and families in the Commonwealth.

Known as an Act to Support Improved Financial Stability in Higher Education, the legislation requires higher education institutions to make public and accessible financial reports and requires any institution facing financial risk of closure to develop contingency plans to ensure a process is in place to assist and inform its students and other stakeholders. The legislation also establishes financial penalties on institutions for non-compliance with reporting and planning. The bill requires ethics and fiduciary training for higher education trustees and board members.

“This legislation will increase the transparency of the financial health of our public institutions of higher education requiring increased oversight, reporting and accountability to protect students, families, and staff,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo, (D-Winthrop). “I’m proud of the work Chair Jeffrey Roy has done to lead this effort with the support of Chair Aaron Michlewitz and Representative Kenneth Gordon.”

“Today the House took a step on improving accountability and the financial stability at our colleges and universities,” said Representative Aaron Michlewitz, Chair of the House Committee on Ways & Means (D-Boston). “By enacting this legislation both our institutes of higher education and our students will be better prepared for the worst case scenario.”

“This legislation supports and strengthens our higher education system and these vital engines of opportunity, and in so doing, protects the interests of students and families,” said Representative Jeffrey Roy, Chair of the Higher Education Committee (D-Franklin). “The financial screening and enhanced reporting provisions will help us keep Massachusetts at the top of the heap and avoid the significant negative consequences of college closures for students, staff, and host communities. The training provisions will strengthen the governance of these institutions and assist boards in exercising their fiduciary responsibilities.”

The four major provision of the bill address the following topics listed below.

• Financial reporting: Requires that all public higher education and independent institutions post on their websites a copy of the institution’s financial report and a summary written in terms understandable by the general public.
• Financial screening: Enables the Board of Higher Education (BHE) to monitor the financial health of independent institutions of higher education in Massachusetts.

o Requires an independent institution to immediately notify BHE of any known financial liabilities or risks likely that may result in closure.
o Requires BHE to annually conduct a financial screening of each institution and identify any institution it deems may be at risk of imminent closure. The BHE will keep confidential those assessments for independent institutions unless it is determined an institution is at risk of closure.
o The BHE may accept the results of an annual financial screening conducted by an accrediting agency authorized by the U.S. Department of Education.
o An institution determined to be at risk of imminent closure must prepare a contingency plan for closure, which includes a process to provide notice to a variety of stakeholders including, students, faculty, staff, pending applicants, and host communities. The closure plan must also include:

• arrangements for students to complete their program of study;
• a plan for the maintenance of student records; and,
• provide funding for refunding any student deposits and for the cost of protecting and maintaining student records.

• Enforcement: Requires penalties for failure to comply with financial screening requirements, which include fines of up to $1,000 per day, suspension of any state funds, or the suspension or revocation of any degree granting authority.
• Board training: Requires comprehensive training programs for members of the boards of trustees of the state’s public higher education institutions on the proper governance, financial metrics, open meeting law and their legal and fiduciary responsibilities, at least once every four years.

The bill now goes to the Senate.

 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Tj68l91NCpAWqOUlp6FcrgyVtct8twrE/view?usp=sharing

PAINT THE TOWN BLUE!

We will paint an “F” on your driveway to show your support of all things FRANKLIN!

• The logo similar to above will be painted navy and Carolina blue at the end of your driveway. (Or other location of your choice. For example, front lawn)
• Logo size is approximately 36”x42”
• The paint will wear off over time but should last through the winter.
• Minimum donation of $30 per location.
• Return forms to Lisa Collins, Maureen Quaile, or Julie Garilli ~ a signed form is required before we can paint.
• Please return forms as early as possible as painting can only continue as long as weather cooperates.
• Make checks payable to “Lady Panthers” or Venmo to “Franklinlady-Panthers”.

ALL PROCEEDS WILL BENEFIT THE FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL PROGRAM

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczVGs2czNyMWNfOFFoVlV5VTFjMXE3aFN6QkpF/view?usp=sharing

PAINT THE TOWN BLUE!