Sunday, March 19, 2023

Franklin Public Schools: District Newsletter - March 2023



Franklin Public Schools

District Newsletter

March 2023

Lifelong Learning

22-23 School Calendar


March 24 - Early Release

April 7 - Good Friday (No School)

April 14 - Early Release


Access the 22-23 School Calendar 

Senator Rausch and Representative Roy at FHS

Legislative Forum

The School Committee's 5th Annual Legislative Forum is set for April 10, 2023 at 6:30pm! Join us in person or via Zoom. We will welcome State Senator Rebecca Rausch and State Representative Jeff Roy to answer questions regarding topics such as the national teacher shortage, funding for special education, the growing need for school provided special services and more.

There will be a Q & A portion at the end. Learn more via the event page here.

Save the Date!

The Franklin Public Schools Mental Health and Wellbeing Task Force will host their next Critical Conversations event on April 26th, 2023 at 7pm in the Franklin High School Auditorium.


April is Stress Awareness month, the event will spotlight student stressors. Attendees will hear directly from students regarding what they want the adults in their lives to know. The greater Franklin Community is invited to attend! Join us and learn more about how to structure conversations regarding stress on the youth in your life! More information to come!

Legislative Breakfast

Superintendent Giguere and School Committee Chair Denise Spencer attended the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (TriCounty Districts) Legislative Breakfast earlier this month. Local and state legislators presented the successes and challenges districts have faced. This will inform questions asked at our Legislative Forum on April 10th. Pictured is Representative Roy with Franklin and Medway district representatives.

Need a lesson that will 'stick'? Try magnets!

The Franklin High School Science National Honor Society students visited various elementary schools across the district. Our high school students led a lesson focused on understanding magnets. Elementary students circled from station to station to learn more about magnetic connection and properties. Creating these co-learning opportunities helps empower our rising graduates and inspire our younger students to continue to be life long learners! Thank you to Miss McCarthy and Mr. Tighe for the photos!

Spring Art Showcase

Spotlight on Creative Minds in March

The Spring Arts Showcase highlighted a variety of works for students grades 6-12. Featured works included pop art style sculptures, pencil portraits, mixed media, acrylic paintings and more! The showcase also featured the video works of various students on rotation throughout the event.


Congratulations to FHS student Cailyn Bruno who had her "Pop" acrylic piece from her portfolio selected as a feature on our flyer.

Redistricting Analysis Update

The district held two public forums to on March 7th and March 13th as well as a Faculty and Staff Q&A session on March 15th. The Redistricting Advisory group will meet to review the community feedback from the public forums and provide comments on what scenarios the District should present to the School Committee.


The district anticipates to present information to the School Committee during the April 25th meeting. The School Committee is expected to vote on proposed scenarios and actions moving forward in May.


To better outline the redistricting analysis process, we have created a webpage to update the community on our efforts. Learn more via our Redistricting Analysis page.

New Student Application for ECDC

The new student application is available for the 2023-2024 academic year at the Early Childhood Education Center

Access the application here.


Learn more about ECDC in this welcome presentation.



All other grades can register via Aspen at any time.

From the School Committee

District Improvement Plan Update to School Committee


On February 28th, 2023 the Franklin Public Schools presented updates on the District Improvement Plan to the School Committee You can access the slideshow presentation here.




The School Committee meeting scheduled for March 14th, 2023 was rescheduled due to inclement weather. We hope you are able to join us for our next School Committee meeting on Tuesday, March 21st 2023 at 7pm.

Happy Spring to our FPS Families, Faculty Staff and Franklin Community!

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public Schools | 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 www.franklinps.net

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Spruce Pond Aquatic Management Program - Notice of Intent - Conservation

Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Ch. 131, s.40 (The Wetlands Protection Act) Franklin Conservation Commission will hold a Hybrid Public Hearing on Thursday, April 6, 2023 at 7:01 PM on a Notice of Intent filed by Shawn McCarthy, SÅŒLitude Lake Management, Shrewsbury, MA on behalf of Paul Langley, Spruce Pond Village Association, Franklin, MA for an Aquatic Management Program to control invasive/nuisance plants and algae growth. The work will impact Land Under Water Bodies and Waterways, Bordering Vegetated Wetlands (BVW), a Perennial Stream, the 100-foot Buffer Zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetlands and the 200-foot Buffer Zone to a Perennial Stream.

The Project is located at Spruce Pond, Map 303 Lot 45, in the Residential VI Zone. The hearing will provide an open forum for the  discussion. This meeting will be done remotely via the “ZOOM” platform and “In-person” in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street. Residents can visit the Town Website (Franklinma.gov) and click on the Town Calendar for up to date information on how to access the meeting.

All records and files for this project can be viewed at the Conservation Office located on the first floor of the Franklin Municipal Building.

Any person or organization so wishing will be afforded an opportunity to be heard.

The hearing location is accessible to persons with physical disabilities. If you require a translator or accommodations for a hearing impairment, contact the Conservation Department at the Municipal Building or by calling (508) 520-4929.

Patrick Gallagher
Chairman

Spruce Pond Aquatic Management Program - Notice of Intent - Conservation
Spruce Pond

Winning Ways with the MIAA: Basketball State Finals - Episode 3 (video)

Winning Ways with the MIAA: Basketball State Finals - Episode 3 


Two interviews with the Springfield International Coaches and players. @MIAA033


2023 Scholastic Art & Writing awards for FHS' Kabat & Miller

On Saturday (Mar 18, 2023), FHS art teacher Brenna Johnson shared: 

"This morning, Ella Kabat, sophomore & gold key winner & Kyla Miller, senior & silver key winner received recognition for their clay work at Tufts University. I’m SO proud of these students! "
#artandwriting #scholastic

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/johnsonb_ms/status/1637238316432080902

2023 Scholastic Art & Writing awards for FHS' Kabat & Miller
2023 Scholastic Art & Writing awards for FHS' Kabat & Miller

Saturday, March 18, 2023

School Committee Meeting - Rescheduled from 3/14/23 to 3/21/23

Franklin School Committee
March 14, 2023 - 7:00 PM
Municipal Building – Council Chambers


Call to Order                                              Ms. Spencer
Pledge of Allegiance
Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business
A. Review of Agenda
B. Payment of Bills Mr. McNeill
C. Payroll Ms. Spencer
D. FHS Student Representative Comments
E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations
A. Parmenter Highlights
B. FY24 Superintendent’s Recommended Budget

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. Franklin School Committee Resolution Special Education Circuit Breaker Funding
I recommend support of the resolution for Special Education Circuit Breaker
B. Franklin School Committee Resolution Universal Free School Meals
I recommend support of the resolution for Universal Free School Meals as

IV. Discussion Only Items
A. none

V. Information Matters
A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from the February 28, 2023 School
Committee meeting as detailed.
B. JFK Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $1158.60 from the JFK PCC for
supplemental supplies as detailed.

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business
To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Executive Session
a. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to
collective bargaining with the Van Drivers, Cafeteria, ESP/LPN and
Secretaries units as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on
the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so
declares.
X. Adjournment 


The meeting packet folder contains the documents released for this meeting (not all documents are released Before the meeting)

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Meeting Agenda for Mar 21, 2023 - 7 PM
Franklin, MA: School Committee - Meeting Agenda for Mar 21, 2023 - 7 PM

Redistricting Advisory Subcommittee -Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at 6:00 PM (Virtual Only)

Franklin Public Schools - Franklin School Committee
Redistricting Advisory Subcommittee
Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at 6:00 PM
Virtual Only


A G E N D A
"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
● Survey Results
● Space Needs and Facilities Assessment Subcommittee Update
● Thank You
● Adjourn


Redistricting Advisory Subcommittee -Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at 6:00 PM (Virtual Only)
Redistricting Advisory Subcommittee -Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at 6:00 PM (Virtual Only)

Franklin Public Schools: Space Needs & Facilities Analysis Subcommittee Meeting - March 20, 2023 - 5:00 PM

Space Needs & Facilities Analysis Subcommittee Meeting

Municipal Building - Training Room (Virtual Link in Agenda)


A G E N D A
"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."
● Review Redistricting Public Input
● Discuss School Committee Recommendation
● Additional Data Needed for SC Presentation
Franklin Public Schools: Space Needs & Facilities Analysis Subcommittee Meeting - March 20, 2023
Franklin Public Schools: Space Needs & Facilities Analysis Subcommittee Meeting - March 20, 2023

Panther TV: PanthersNews for March 17, 2023 (video)

"On this week's Panther News: 
@fhsgvbasketball ends their season strong, 
@FranklinMA_DECA  wins big, 
and a visit from our resident leprechaun on this happy St. Patrick's day! 
  @FHSSports @FranklinMatters @FranklinPSNews @FranklinHS
https://t.co/FzF9w3FCTL via @YouTube

Shared from Twitter ->  https://twitter.com/fhspanthertv/status/1636716455805763584


   

Winning Ways with the MIAA: Eradicating Hate (video)

A video series produced by Franklin TV with MIAA



Converse and Conserve Workshop - Location Change: Room 326A

Converse and Conserve Workshop 
- Location Change: Room 326A

Please note that the Converse and Conserve Workshop will now take place in Room 326A at Town Hall, instead of Council Chambers.

Your land is a part of your legacy. Deciding what will happen to your land after you are gone is the next critical step of being a good land steward and furthering that legacy. Who will own your land and how will it be used? What will your legacy continue to be? These are questions that the "Converse and Conserve" workshop on Wednesday, March 29 from 4p-6p at Town Hall, Room 326A can answer for you.

Join the Franklin Conservation Department, Franklin Assessor's Office, Franklin Agricultural Commission, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, Metacomet Land Trust, and DDCRW Law in learning about your options. Come learn about applicable tax incentive programs for forestland, agricultural land, and open space; learn about resource management for your natural environment; and even learn how to endow your land to ensure its lifelong protection. Estate planning, whether for now or for the future, is not just for the wealthy or for those who own "estates" – if you own land, then estate planning is a necessary and valuable step to ensure that the legacy of your land is a positive one!

Food and beverages will be provided by Birchwood Bakery & Kitchen.

RSVP for a free gift. 

For more information or to RSVP contact bgoodlander@franklinma.gov/(508) 520-4847

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/converse-and-conserve-workshop-location-change-room-326a

Converse and Conserve Workshop - Location Change: Room 326A
Converse and Conserve Workshop - Location Change: Room 326A