Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Oct 27, 2020

 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.”

Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence

I.    Routine Business
A.    Review of Agenda
B.    Citizen’s Comments

In the spirit of open communication, “the Committee will hold a public participation segment (also called Citizen’s Comments) about matters not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made…. A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment…. The Committee will hear public comments related to an agenda item when the Chair deems appropriate during the Committee meeting. Topics for discussion during the meeting must be limited to those items listed on the Committee meeting agenda for that evening…. ” - from Policy BEDH

C.    FHS Student Representative Comments
D.    Superintendent’s Report
 

II.    Guests/Presentations
A.    Comprehensive Facilities Analysis Report -- Craig Olsen, Kaestle Boos, Inc.

• Presentation doc:  https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/files/facilities-analysis-presentation-10-27-20 
• Detailed Report: https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/files/facilities-assessment-report

III.    Discussion/Action Items
A.    MASC Resolutions #7-10   https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/files/disc-action-masc-7-10
I recommend adoption of the following MASC resolutions as discussed:
1.    Resolution #7: Attempts by US DOE to Direct Funding to Private Schools
2.    Resolution #8: Membership of a School Committee Member on the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education
3.    Resolution #9: Providing Equity for Sexual Orientation - LGBTQ+ Students, Teachers and Staff
4.    Resolution #10: Relative to the Monitoring of Attendance of Students During the Pandemic
B.     Policy - First Readings   https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/files/disc-action-b-policy-1st-read-0
I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading as discussed:
●    AC - Nondiscrimination
●    ACAB - Harassment
●    ACAB-R1 - Grievance Procedure for Complaints of Harassment and Discrimination
●    ACAB-R2 - Grievance Procedure for Complaints of Sexual Harassment Under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
●    JQA - Financial Assistance

IV.    Discussion Only Items
A.    BICO Quarterly Report   https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/files/bico-quarterly-rpt
B.    October 1 Enrollment Update  https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/files/enrollment-update

V.    Information Matters
A.    School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Ad Hoc Supt. Evaluation, Ad Hoc Facilities Analysis, Budget, Community Relations/Public Schools Advocacy, Policy, Transportation)
B.    School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC, Substance Abuse Task Force, School Wellness Advisory Council)
 

VI.    New Business
A.    To discuss any future agenda items
 

VII.    Consent Agenda
A.    Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from your October 13, 2020 School Committee meeting as detailed.
B.    Transfers
I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.

VIII.    Payment of Bills    Dr. Bergen
IX.    Payroll    Ms. D’Angelo
 

X.    Executive Session

Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3), move to go into Executive Session to discuss strategy with respect to potential litigation; also to discuss collective bargaining with the FEA/RN Unit as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the School Committee and the chair so declares, and not to reconvene in an Open Session.

 

XI.    Adjournment

 

Documents for this agenda are posted to the Town of Franklin page

https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/october-27-2020-school-committee-meeting-packet

 

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Oct 27, 2020

Town Council Meeting Recap - Oct 21, 2020

Quick Recap:

• Update by Town Clerk on election processing and four confirmed candidates for Town Council special election on Dec 5
• Update by Police Chief TJ Lynch on identity theft and unemployment claims. Cybercriminals are active especially in this time of uncertainty, please take precautions. If you have been affected please notify the police
• Drought status worsens, we are over 10 inches of rainfall behind normal. THe recent rain events help but are not sufficient to make up the gap that remains
• Committee appointments approved
• Fire Department swore in three new firefighter paramedics (replacing retirements) and Police did two new officers (also replacing retirements) recognizing one of the retirees in the session
• The project analysis on the Beaver St interceptor was presented. This will be the largest public works project outside of a school the town has faced Estimates for three scenarios range from $9 to $25M. Much more to come as this proposal develops, the work does need to be done and done well sooner rather than later.
• Proposal for food trucks and other 3rd parties as an option for the farm license (67 Degrees, La Cantina, etc.) tabled after extensive discussion.

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in the album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZQpcAz2ZNSgTUC2XA

----
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  #tc1021
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tc1021&src=typed_query

• Getting ready for the Town Council meeting at 7 PM; agenda and connection info in agenda doc here https://franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/october-21-town-council-agenda #tc1021
• Multiple options to watch/listen to meeting; Comcast channel 11 or Verizon channel 29, also live streamed from town of Franklin page https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/live-meetings-stream as well as the Zoom info in doc linked earlier #tc1021 oh, and you can call in via phone as well!
• Real time reporting underway for the Town Council meeting, #tc1021
• Town clerk Nancy Danello updates to #tc1021 2600 early voters this far, another 7500 mail ballots received (12,000 sent out). Mail ballot processing in advance of Nov 3 scheduled and being done per schedule
• Four candidates for special Town Council election on Dec 5 names to be provided later #tc1021 Chief Lunch provides update on unemployment claim filing being investigated and followed by FBI and other resources
• 58,000 fraudulent claims filed as of July and caught at MA unemployment. Victims of identity theft find out after the fact, a second waive targeting Municipal employees Worcester has over 500 #tc1021 238 fraud related claims since march for Franklin alone.
• Watch for unauthorized transactions, watch for pages mimicking official pages esp when asked to provide personal info. Don't give, if they were legit, they already had it #tc1021 call and claim with Franklin police in addition to the credit bureaus, etc.
• DPW Cantoreggi introduce Doug Martin as water supervisor and drought update, down over 11 inches year to date even though we had some rain events. Using less now, a half million gallons more/day (folks are home, not going to work) #tc1021
• #tc1021 additional slides on drought, one slide shows a Worcester reservoir down 80%, the other shows DPW Director Cantoreggi
• Motion to approve minutes, second, passes 8-0 (pending confirmation of those present in room) #tc1021 Appointment to registrar, seconded passes 8-0.https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/gail_karner_1.pdf
• Appointment to Finance Committee https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/fincom_natalie_riley.pdf #tc1021 motion to approve, seconded, passes 8-0
• Catching up with 3 sworn in for fire department. 2 for police dept, and recognition for one retirement for Police. #tc1021 a batch of photos will be added to the website with the meeting notes.
• Fire Department Pinnings: Joshua Impey, Joshua Sables, Kristopher Smith #tc1021 Police Department: i. Pinnings - Jonathan Giron, Nicholas Storelli ii. Retiree - Doug Nix
• Moving to presentation/discussion section on emergency management for power outages #tc1021 Chief McLaughlin back up to provide overview and details on planning and execution during and event work on trees can't be done in wind over 30 mph for safety
• During camera scan of chambers during the pinning ceremony (albeit socially distanced) was able to see all 8 councilors present (1 open spot to be filled with special election Dec 5) #tc1021
• Town budget for trees is for maintenance of town owned property, trees in or interfering with a power line need to be done by nationalGrid. They have a plan and are working the circuits on a cycle to cut them back. #tc1021 northside of town is worse than rest, why?
• Moving to the Beaver St interceptor #tc1021 collects about 70% of the sewerage in town and is over 106 years old. A huge asset but also a liability https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8b._presentation_-_beaver_street_interceptor_.pdf
• It is not known if there is a worse location; a brook on one side, train track on other side, and then the plaza and i495 - has at least been cleaned, manholes rehabbed #tc1021 I&I infiltration and intrusion plan been executed for many years, approx 3M gals/day
• Has reduced the flow where possible, batching flow via a holding tank to avoid peaks, water conservation is good for this, low flow toilet helps sewer flow, #tc1021 as much as we have done, still need to do more and it will cost money
• Hydraulic model show here Cottage St is high end and it flows down along the tracks and then to 140 Franklin Village #tc1021
• Three alternatives not just costed but also benefit analysis added across 8 factors. Alt 3 while expensive is better long term. #tc1021
• Project sized for flows of 2070 so it does have growth built into this. Timing to move to actually save money is to go now, avoids failures sooner finances cheaper now that could be #tc1021 rather than digging 140, they'd do the hole like they used for East Central
• #tc1021 alternative 1 and 2 keeps pipe in and along Mine Brook, if you get a failure on 1 or 2 you'd still need to do alt 3 Q on overflow along Cottage by Franklin Paint did see that in 2010. Alt 2 is effectively the baseline analysis.
• Bissanti doesn't understand how to spend money to go first class with money we don't have. #tc1021 Jamie - financial model and impact to rate payers is not in this presentation, we do need to examine it. It is a question to be answered but we haven't yet
• A 25 year bonded project but it could be paid off earlier. The Charles River assessment has been less because we did work to reduce the outflow to them. That can be a factor. #tc1021
• Subcommittee reports, budget not meeting in Oct. EDC had another listening session on Monday, long lots of feedback, next one in November (Nov 16) #tc1021
• Moving to action items: https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/20-61_food_truck.pdf Authorization for farm series license temporary for on premise food service provided by others. #tc1021. Similar to outdoor dining, expands food truck dining to 67 Degrees, La Cantina and Glen Pharma
• SafeServe certificate could also be an alternative for catering here and other businesses, employee of site would need to be SafeServe certified. #tc1021 when state of emergency goes away, this does too. Glen Pharma has a restaurant may not need to use it
• Board of health would be involved, $100 food vendor permit for a year. #tc1021 questions on how it work. Would also need to look at cater and regulations to see what can be done, folks have left here because the opportunity was elsewhere
• Ice cream truck operations get CORI'd but food truck doesn't per state Legislation. Debate about food trucks vs regular restaurants is hard to quantify, it is a discussion point. What does the Town want to do? #tc1021 let's review other Communities with food truck bylaws
• Would 3 or the Rome be interested in doing it via a food truck? #tc1021 Moonlight Chef owner speaks on business during COVID-19, why are we going to allow food trucks all if sudden, not a good move, reconsider please
• This allows contracting for 3rd party whether restaurants or food trucks. Still issue with SafeServe and who has it. Motion to table res 20-61, seconded, passes 8-0
• https://franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda-items/10b-legislation-action-39 motion to approve, second, passes 8-0
• https://franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda-items/10c-legislation-action-33 motion to refer to planning board, second, passes 8-0
• franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/20-862_longhill_and_pleasant.pdf Motion to move to planning board, second, passes 8-0
• Town administrator report. Gov baker emergency order for outdoor dining extended. 33 active cases of COVID, largest increase since June. Firefighter memorial this Sunday at station #tc1021
• The Town does not regulate Halloween. Schools are moving ahead with plan. #tc1021 white dots are on grass for demarcation. "Some of the worse advice I ever got was from legal counsel" need answers on the $522K, there could have been another way to do the grass
• #tc1021 "this too will pass" thanks to both chiefs for bringing the pinning forward tonight, it has been awhile and good to do. We have to listen to our legal experts, we will bring something forward. Add the additional handicap spots right in the roadway
• #tc1021 looking like we're going for a high turnout voting. Motion to adjourn, passed 8-0 So that does it for me tonight catch you next time 

 

Town Clerk Nancy Danello provides an update to the Council meeting

Hockomock League post-season plans for Fall I Athletics

"It has been the primary goal of the Hockomock League Athletic Directors to make the Fall 1 Sports experience as normal as possible under these difficult COVID circumstances. We appreciate everyone’s efforts to give our student-athletes a competitive season within the game and spectator modifications that were issued from EEA, DESE, and MIAA. We thank our district School Committees and Superintendents for their support of these extracurricular programs. Our players, parents, coaches, officials, and media outlets have respected the rules of the game and the rules of the home venue to make this season a success.

On that note, it is with great enthusiasm that the Hockomock Athletic Directors announce that each Fall 1 sport will have a postseason championship. Golf and Cross Country will host their traditional single-event championships. In addition to awarding the league division winner based upon regular season records, Field Hockey and Soccer will, for the first time, host a seeded, crossover league tournament, called the Hockomock Cup. These championship events will provide our athletes a postseason lost by the cancellation of MIAA sectional and state tournaments. Please see the details below for the structure of each championship or tournament."

For the individual post-season plans for cross country, field hockey, golf, and soccer https://t.co/p1AMfpA8p0

 Hockomock League post-season plans for Fall I Athletics

Ad Hoc Superintendent's Evaluation Sub Committee Meeting - Oct 28

Franklin Public Schools 

Franklin School Committee 

 

Ad Hoc Superintendent’s Evaluation Sub Committee 

 

Wednesday, October 28, 2020 7:00 P.M.

 

Agenda

• Complete Superintendent’s Evaluation

 

Virtual Meeting (Links in agenda)

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/adhocsuptevalsub_com_agenda_-_10-28-20_0.pdf

 

Ad Hoc Superintendent's Evaluation Sub Committee Meeting

 

Franklin Downtown Partnership: Light Up Downtown Franklin and Beyond

November 21 to March 1

Light Up Downtown View as Webpage

Franklin Downtown Partnership | 9 E. Central St., Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by franklindowntownpartnership@gmail.com powered by

Franklin Senior Center: Zoom Event with Sheriff McDermott - Oct 26

Hello,

Sheriff Jerry McDermott will be joining the Franklin Senior Center on Monday, October 26th at 11:00 am via Zoom to discuss scams. Below is the link to join. Please feel free to share with others who may be interested.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/99572865346?pwd=RlV3NnpYWGNGOXkxOGFzUGY3d0ZUZz09

Meeting ID: 995 7286 5346
Passcode: 629658

 
Thank you!
Erin Rogers
Director,  Franklin Senior Center
10 Daniel McCahill Street,  Franklin, MA 02038 

Zoom Event with Sheriff McDermott - Oct 26

IN the News: "1,128 new COVID-19 cases confirmed in MA"

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

"The state Department of Public Health reported an additional 1,128 confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Saturday, bringing the statewide total to 146,023.

The number of newly-reported COVID-19 cases is the highest the state has seen since May 16, when the DPH reported an additional 1,512 confirmed coronavirus cases.

The daily positivity rate — the rate of new cases diagnosed among those newly tested — is 5.88%.

State health officials also confirmed eight new COVID-19-related deaths across Massachusetts, bringing the state’s confirmed coronavirus death toll to 9,616."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20201024/1128-new-covid-19-cases-confirmed-in-mass-8-additional-deaths?rssfeed=true

 

 

Detail reports from the COVID-19 page for the State of MA

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-response-reporting

 

Town of Franklin, MA: Early voting, drive through window schedule

Early voting is available this weekend!  

You can also drop your ballots off in the drive-thru at the Municipal Building during extended hours, or drop in the White Mailbox! 

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk  #vote #elections2020 

Shared from Twitter:  https://t.co/FsWZKHSAxo

Town of Franklin, MA: Early voting, drive through window schedule

Town of Franklin, MA: Early voting schedule

Franklin Health Department: looking for volunteers to staff future vaccination clinics

The Franklin Health Department is looking for volunteers with both medical and non-medical backgrounds to participate in the staffing of future vaccination clinics.  

Please see the attached form for more details. 
https://t.co/k15pQ11aWH

Franklin Health Department: looking for volunteers to staff future vaccination clinics

Franklin Senior Center: Email Blast October 23, 2020

Hello Everyone!

I hope you have been enjoying the beautiful colors Mother Nature is bringing to the area. There is nothing quite like a hike in the crisp air through crunching colorful leaves!

Staying Connected

Link to the Senior Center - https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc

Link to the Senior Center Calendar -https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/day/2020-07-07

Link to Franklin Matters - https://www.franklinmatters.org/

Link to the Town's webpage - https://www.franklinma.gov/

Next Friday! 

October 30th 1:30pm - Healthy never Tasted So Good - Chef Edmond from The Enclave of Franklin will demo the steps to prepare a Seasonal Main course dish, focusing on Brain healthy ingredients and Super Foods. The menu includes Pasta Primavera with fresh seasonal vegetables (peppers, tomatoes, squash, zucchini, olives, carrots and herbs) in an olive oil, garlic sauce with grated Parmesan Cheese We will also have the Recipe and a sampling in "to-go" containers available for any attendees. Drive by Pick UP at the Enclave Friday afternoon for all attendees.  Email adoggett@franklinma.gov to attend RSVP Required by 10/27th.

Tips

Caregivers- The Alzheimer's Association's New England chapters have developed resources to help those with Alzheimer's, dementia and their caregivers navigate the challenges presented by the COVID-19 crisis.  Click the link below for more information. 

https://www.alz.org/manh/events/covid-resources/covid-19-resources

Chair Yoga for the spine.  6 gentle movements

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqh8Be8noB4 

Paul Eugene Lantin Dance moves.  Fun and fitness at home! Mambo cha cha cha

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qUCfP7Oz7Q 

Music

Relaxing piano music.  Soothes away stress, anxiety and helps you relax.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-b4BjxrIp8o 

The sound of music soundtrack with videos from the movie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drnBMAEA3AM&list=PL3u6hJBqcpjCWKO6kjoDRwI7H7sPUEayd 

Just for Fun

Zinnia TV was created by Allyson Schrier, a dementia educator for her Husband who has early onset dementia.  Zinnia has hundreds of 5-10 minute videos, paced for those with various stages of dementia with topics ranging from gardening, skiing, dogs, and pretty much anything you can think of.  Videos can be watched independently and more specifically used for caregivers as conversation starters and a way to meaningfully engage. 

https://www.zinniatv.com/ 

 

Life's unexpected moments

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQogNW-DkbA 

 

Animals caught in the act

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPNXj87PkXw 

 

Stubborn Home Owners

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZJVjfeqsCM 

 

Spectacular drone footage of Fall foliage in New England. 

http://dronesonvideo.com/new-england-fall-foliage/ 

Humor

Jeanne Robertson - Learning cursive...or not

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4OxmFfKStA 

Abott and Costello "Who's on First"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTcRRaXV-fg 

Kindness Matters

Unsung Hero - This is always one of my favorite reminders that kindness is not only for others but also for yourself.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaWA2GbcnJU&feature=emb_logo 

Homeless, Ex-Marine plays the piano on the streets.  Hear his incredible story.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOqOtJKTzic 

Attached you will find:

• Donna's fun filled activity pages

• Baking Cookies Crossword

• Fall color/paint by number sheet

• Harvest Moon Word Find

EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS AT THE FRANKLIN SENIOR CENTER

October special events -call the Franklin Senior Center, visit our website or check out the October newsletter for more details about these programs! 

• Oct. 26th - Norfolk County Sheriff presents "Scams"

• Oct. 26th - 2pm- Memory Cafe with Wayne Neon

• Oct. 30th - 1:30pm- Healthy Never Tasted So Good - cooking demonstration and food pick up

October daily events - contact the senior center, visit our website or the newsletter for more details about our weekly offerings. 

MONDAYS:  

• Tele Bingo - call in game

• Book Discussion Group (Page Turners) 1st Monday of the Month

TUESDAYS: 

• Chair Exercises

• Low Vision Support Group (1st and 3rd Tuesday)

• Audio Book Club (2nd and 4th Tuesday)

• Quarantini Time - Social cocktail group

WEDNESDAYS: 

• Blood Pressure and Sugar screenings

• Zumba gold

• Wellness consults via phone

• Medical equipment distribution and donations

• Fibromyalgia support group (1st wed of the month)

• Caregivers Support Group (2nd and 4th wed)

THURSDAYS: 

• Chair exercise

• Cardio strength and balance class

• Current events discussion group

FRIDAYS: 

• TOPS (Taking off pounds sensibly)

• SUNSHINE group (supportive Day)

Love, virtual hugs and good health to you all!  We are still here for you!  Please feel free to email Donna and I with questions, concerns or just to check in!

Ariel & Donna

Please feel free to share this email with anyone you think might enjoy it.  If you want me to add someone to the email blast list just send me a message with their email in it. 

REMEMBER:

When searching for information about the Coronavirus, COVID-19 please use caution!  Unfortunately there are many false sites that contain viruses and malware that can threaten your computer.  Many look like real sites.  Your best bet is to go directly to the CDC, WHO or your local government page (links below).   

https://www.cdc.gov/ 

https://www.who.int/

https://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/coronavirus-information-portal-updates-here

MEMORY CAFE!

For those of you who attend our Memory Cafe events I invite you to learn more about attending a VIRTUAL Memory Cafe through Zoom!  There are many options to choose from.

https://www.memorycafedirectory.com/cafe-connect/

--

Ariel Doggett

Virtual Program Coordinator

Respite Coordinator

"We rise by lifting others" - Robert Ingersoll

There is no act of kindness too small

Franklin High School: hybrid bell schedule

FHS moving to hybrid bell schedule begins next week! https://t.co/ZgocXNGm8G

FHS hybrid bell schedule

Community Compact Connector: Small Business Grants are now open!

COVID-19 Small Business Grants: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has made $50.8 million in grants available to support small businesses, microenterprises, and their employees, families and communities. Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) will be administering these funds to businesses experiencing economic hardship and a loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

These funds were appropriated through the Commonwealth’s Supplemental Budget for Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) as well as the CARES Act of 2020 and are divided into two programs, Small Business Grants for 5 or fewer employees and Small Business Grants for 50 or fewer employees.

The application opens at 12:00PM on 10/22/2020 and will close at 12:00PM on 11/12/2020. For more information click here https://www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org/covid-19-response/covid-19-grants-massachusetts-small-businesses.

To stay informed regarding both existing and upcoming grant opportunities, please bookmark the Community Compact Connector website https://www.mass.gov/community-compact-connector. 

COVID-19 Small Business Grants