Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Live reporting - subcommittee update
Live reporting - Superintendent update
Decision needs to be made before 5:30 AM to enable proper communications take place in time.
Governor had weighted in on the discussion for the Friday before Christmas. They were fearful of a repeat of the situation of the year ago. The best information at the time for the 12/19 decision was to close rather than open and have an early dismissal. The forecast had been for snow to begin in Franklin at between 11:00 and 1:00 PM.
Sabolinski - We need to get the message out early enough for our staff who are traveling some distance to hear about it before leaving their residence.
Armenio - what about hockey practice that starts at 5:00 AM?
Ogden - I say this lovingly because I was one. Hockey parents, don't stop going somewhere because of snow and ice.
Cafasso - what are you hearing about the conditions for the walkers?
Ogden - one sidewalk at Oak/Mann complex was not done until later in the day. One of the sidewalk plows is out of business. There is a priority listing for what sidewalks should be done in order. The Oak/Mann/High School covers approx. 50% of our students. Those sidewalks need to be done.
Live reporting - action items
- I recommend acceptance of a check for $3,625.00 from the Annie Sullivan PCC for the 7th Grade field trip to the Krista McAuliffe Space Center. Approved 7-0
- I recommend acceptance of a check for $800.00 from the Horace Mann PCC to support in-house enrichment activities. Approved 7-0
- I recommend approval of the job posting for School Nurse at the Annie Sullivan Middle School. Approved 7-0 (this is the least expensive obligation to take, it is required)
- I recommend acceptance of the school improvement plan for Oak Street Approved 7-0
Live reporting - building committee update
aside from the process around the High School, doing a facility plan for the remaining buildings
Armenio - defer the actual building capital budget to Mike D'Angelo; would otherwise like to see the wireless at the high school and then the text books as the classroom needs for capital.
Trahan - agrees with Armenio in deferring to D'Angelo; otherwise the text books and wireless seem to be the needs
Rohrbach - high school is our most pressing issue
Roy - (1) Not sure just what the mission of the building committee is, the high school is a priority, 90-100 million is too sizable a project for the community to digest. I thought we were looking for the building committee to try and parce out the high school project into smaller digestable bites. When will we hear what the MSBA say about the needs at the high school? Will the committee be able to develop a proposal to fund at a specific level?
(2) With regards to these projects, and they add up to about $5 million dollars. Is the building committee looking to fund just these facility projects? I assume they are not looking to take care of the other text books, wireless, etc. needs.
Cafasso -we are far enough along to have the Chairman and some members of the committee here to have that discussion. The committee was set up so that we would be in a position to respond quickly to the MBSA requirements.
Roy - the number one item is not on this list, that is the high school. I would be concerned with moving forward with some other projects (i.e. the elevator at Davis Thayer), I think the community would be less inclined to support us. We need to be clear on our priorities.
Cafasso - 1st priority is the renovation or building new the high school. The second objective is to do what is necessary for Thayer, Kennedy and Parmenter as they have been identified as other schools with needs.
Ogden - Mike D'Angelo is onboard with the high school as the number one priority. There are two things on this listing that are of critical need (#10 - replace gym and cafeteria heating units) and (#25 - Upgrade phone switches and voicemail). Our Plan B, if the MSBA comes back with something negative, then I think we would still need to go forward with something for the science labs. That has been an accrediation issue and we won't have a long time to fix it.
Mullen - if lesser money is all we get, then the science labs and other space reconfiguration items would come to the front.
Trahan - seems like none of this could take place until we hear.
Cafasso - this discussion is around A, B and C options depending upon what State funding we will get. If we had to do a series of projects at the high school what would they be? High school is top priority, safety issues top, then the #10 and #25 have priority. That is good priority for us to take forward to the meeting tomorrow.
Live reporting - Peter Light - part 2
Worked here since 1997, began as substitute, two middle schools and eventually the high school
K-12 Director of Music
Bring to the table his sense of the community, especially as with his background in music. Worked with music boosters group, meet parents and other members of the community at concerts.
Looking to bridge the gap between the community and the school.
Partially responsible for the Freshman Collaborative
Starting to see benefits of the work preparing the students to come into the high school
Work on the blackboard program (as reported here from last summer)
looking to expand the program across the high school and middle schools
First and foremost, high school has to be about teaching and learning
1 - Scholarship
has to be first in mind about the quality of education, how well students will do beyond high school; ensure a level of confidence, raising expectations, how we work with administrators, teachers inside the building and across the district
conference scheduled at end of this year to work on creating a common language for teacher feedback, sense of continuous improvement
need for continual positive feedback to ensure continual development of teachers
essential values that teachers have to share
strategy - it is not just intelligence, it is how you can use it; how do we work with students who struggle, how do we take students where they are at and take them to the next level
2 - Community
Community needs to have a level of confidence in the high school, communication of high standards and expectation
3 - Leadership
transparency, openness, fosters a sense of open dialog
principal blog, to improve the immediacy of communications
looking for a podcast, particularly with the budget cycle coming
looking to reach out and engage constituent groups, particularly in the next 6 months
involve this Committee, Central Office, administration, students, parents, teachers, community, etc. gather data, evaluate, and develop a strategy
looking for expansion of the retired teacher volunteer opportunity
Pat Slight - thanks Ms Gould for her work; Mr Light was his vice principal as he came in as a freshman, this will be his third principal in his time at the high school, and he is fine with that.
Peter Light wants to keep a relationship with the students.
Jeff Roy - Mr Light was a finalist in the Needham search and he chose Franklin over Needham
Live reporting - Peter Light
"We have in our midst is a gem of a young leader who can take us forward."
Peter will be the permanent principle beginning January 26th.
Live reporting - Art Gallery
- Art Gallery
Rachel Nault (senior center program)
Madison Weber (Gallery 218)
- Art for all
- Prepare students for the highest level art program
- Connect art to the community
They bring in working professional artists to show that the starving artist is a myth
Empty Bowls raised $500 dollars for the Franklin Food Pantry last year and $350 for the Walk for Hunger
FPS Summer Art Institute - coming this summer for first time, 2 week program for multiple grade levels.
Senior Center Art Program - ran this year for first time in awhile. As reported in Milford Daily News previously.
Art Show, January 15 at Senior Center to showcase the work from the program and celebrate the accomplishments. 10:00 to 11:30 for reception.
A idea that had been around for some time that finally came to fruition. Alumni work being prepared for the next show. Located off the cafeteria at the High School. The art that has been showcased covers K-12 art.
The Gallery 218 can be found on the FHS web site here
Looking to do a non-art teacher art show next year.
Looking to connect the creation of art to the "real world".
Live reporting
E Cafasso (late)
Student Reps: P Slight, B MacLeod
1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda - move Bldg Committee update to subcommittee reports
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the December 9, 2008 School Committee Meeting. approved 6-0
Payment of Bills Mr. Kelly approved 6-0
Payroll Ms. Armenio
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: Budget to Actual (for discussion at 1/27/09 Meeting)
Energy $ense Series - Kilowatt Ours
When:
Wednesday, January 14, 2009, 7:00 pm
Where:
Franklin Public Library Community Room
118 Main Street, Lower Level
Moderator:
Ted McIntyre, Ph.D.
Board Member
Massachusetts Climate Action Network
Description:
This film traces the path of the electricity you use in your home from the light switch, through the wires to its source. Along the way you’ll meet power companies, schools, businesses and everyday Americans finding ways to meet our energy needs using conservation and green power. “Kilowatt Ours” will teach you how to dramatically reduce your electric bill and improve the environment at the same time.
Sponsored by:
Franklin Area Climate Team (FACT), Massachusetts Climate Action Network, Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, Friends of the Franklin Library
In the News - tot classes, gym floor
It was calling to him: A quivering, foaming, creamy pile of shaving cream freshly released from its canister onto a tabletop.
In a split second of hesitancy, 3 1/2-year-old Aidan Phillips of Franklin glanced toward his mother as if looking for some indication that what he was about to do was OK.
It was all the time he needed.
In the next breath, with a squishing sound whispering off his fingers, the youngster had his hands immersed in the marshmallowy pillows of white, foamy trails of fragrant cream dripping from his fingertips and dampening his sleeves.
He grinned as another youngster joined him at the table, giggling as she covered her cheeks with the stuff, and scooped up handfuls of it with glee.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
---------------
It will be several months before the smaller of Franklin High School's two gymnasiums is fixed following the New Year's storm that resulted in a badly warped floor, said Facilities Manager Michael D'Angelo.
The cold weather froze and broke pipes, which shot 180-degree water onto the floor, he said.
Principal Pamela Gould said she was told the floor boards "buckled." Looking at it herself, she remarked, "I've never seen anything like it."
"The bubble's gone down now, but it was unbelievable. Just picture the old cartoons, an animal crawling under the floor and making a mound. The mound went up to my knees," she said, adding that the wave went from one end of the gym to half-court.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
Police Department
Did you know that people love to drive fast in Franklin? Now, some of these may be from out of town but the Police Department processed more speeding citations than the next eleven categories of Uniform Division Citation Charges combined.
In fact, speeding citations accounted for 58% of the 5007 citations issued.
The Top 5 violations cited were:
- Speeding - 2916
- No Inspection Sticker - 540
- Fail to Stop/Yield - 341
- Fail to Wear Seat belt - 322
- Red Light Violations - 286
Would you like to read about these as they occur? The Daily Logs are posted online here.
Much more information on the Police Department and its activities can be found on the web site here.
If you have not signed up for the ConnectCTY service, consider doing so. It is quick and easy and will keep you up to date of important events happening in your neighborhood.
If you have not picked up your hard copy of the report at Town Hall, you can try to view it online here: http://www.town.franklin.ma.us/pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/2008arpt.pdf
Monday, January 12, 2009
New layout
For regular visitors, I hope the new 3 column layout works better for you.
I have finally found that "round tuit" to get this accomplished.
What you haven't gotten a round tuit?
You can find one here:
Feedback on the new layout is welcome via the usual methods, email (see right box) or comment (below).
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Franklin's Piccadilly Pub closed
Ichigo Ichie has opened where the Piccadilly Pub was located
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/12/updates-ichigo-ichie-and-italian.html
Word today is that the Piccadilly Pub located here in Franklin is closing. Other Piccadilly Pub locations are remaining open.
Now, it has always be a wonder to me with the 99 Restaurant and Piccadilly Pub next door to other, how both could survive?
We know the answer, they can't.
What will happen up the other end of town with Walgreen's coming into the the Four Corners Building location?
Let me count that would put CVS, Rite-Aid, and Shaw's - all have pharmacy services, four locations within a half-mile of each other.
Who wants to do the math on how long that will last?
Updated 1/15/08
I submitted feedback to Piccadilly's via their website as they still show the Franklin location as open. This is what I received via email:
Thank you for taking the time to contact us regarding the Piccadilly Pub in Franklin, Massachusetts. We are working on updating our advertising; our intentions are to re-brand this restaurant with a new concept in the future.So there is hope for that location!
Updated May 2011
Yes, it has taken a while but there is a restaurant scheduled to open in Oct 2011:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/03/franklin-has-developed-reputation-as.html
and here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/03/town-council-meeting-3211.html
"There's no doubt he's ready to do this job"
By the end of the month, Franklin High School Assistant Principal Peter Light will take over the reins as acting principal.
"I really just love working in Franklin, it has given me some unique opportunities," said Light, who has worked in the district for 12 years. "They're giving (the job) to me, but I feel that commitment back to the town. It's a great school. Franklin has a good thing going."
Superintendent Wayne Ogden named Light as acting principal after Principal Pamela Gould announced she is leaving to take a job as assistant superintendent for human resources for the Plymouth School Department.
"Peter let me and (assistant superintendent) Maureen Sabolinski know if called, he would serve. He became the logical choice," Ogden said. "Plus, he's a talented young administrator, and we thought he had the skills to do what we need done."
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
School Committee - Agenda - 1/13/09
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the December 9, 2008 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Kelly
Payroll Ms. Armenio
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence:
Budget to Actual (for discussion at 1/27/09 Meeting)
2. Guests/Presentations
- Art Gallery
- FHS Principal Candidate – Peter Light
- Oak Street School Improvement Plan
3. Discussion Only Items
4. Action Items
- I recommend acceptance of a check for $3,625.00 from the Annie Sullivan PCC for the 7th Grade field trip to the Krista McAuliffe Space Center.
- I recommend acceptance of a check for $800.00 from the Horace Mann PCC to support in-house enrichment activities.
- I recommend approval of the job posting for School Nurse at the Annie Sullivan Middle School.
5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
a. Snow Day Decision Making / Connect Ed.
b. Enrollment Comparisons Dec 07-08
• School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
• School Committee Liaison Reports
6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.
7. Executive Session
Contractual Negotiations
8. Adjourn
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Recreation Department
Within the Franklin Recreation Department's website, you will find information regarding:
- Programs and activities (PDF)
- Parks and playgrounds
- Department policies
- Chilson Beach
- Franklin youth sports organization links
The Recreation Department is committed to provide quality recreational programs and facilities to the residents of Franklin. By providing consistency, dependability and an obligation to our residents and the programs they partake, we strive to elevate the quality of life for our community.
The Recreation Department is a service-based department. We work interactively with local sports associations, school departments, individual Town residents, private groups, church and civic groups, as well as other Town departments. In the course of a given year, over 8,000 people are affected by Recreation operations. Our clientele continues to increase each year. Recreation is responsible for scheduling all fields, playgrounds, and courts. The Recreation Department continues to serve the residents in the area of recreation and leisure services. Our department handles everything from sporting activities for children, to families in need.
- Coordinate recreational activities with the youth sports organizations, school department, and other citizens groups.
- Better utilize and renovate parks, ball fields, and conservation land within the Town of Franklin.
- Improve the quality of life and involve residents in recreational programs.
- Establish new programs as self-supporting and explore ways of generating additional revenue through grants, donations and fundraising.
- Recreation activities are coordinated through our office, which is comprised of one full time director and one full time clerical staff person.
- The Recreation Advisory Board is looking for additional volunteers who are interested in promoting the planning of programs for Franklin residents.
If you have not picked up your hard copy of the report at Town Hall, you can try to view it online here: http://www.town.franklin.ma.us/pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/2008arpt.pdf
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Ed Cafasso Letter - 1/11/09
Hello Everyone!
I hope you had a good weekend and a safe holiday break! Here’s a brief update on recent school issues in Franklin…
Spring 2008 MCAS Results: Franklin students continued to perform far above their peers statewide on MCAS tests for Reading, Mathematics, English Language Arts, and Science & Technology. For example, the percentage of Franklin students scoring at “advanced” levels on English and Math set new records in Grade 3, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 8, and Grade 10. Overall, Franklin schools were ranked in the “high performing” or “very high performing” categories by federal standards as well. However, we are beginning to hear concerns from administrators and teachers as to whether the Franklin schools will be able to sustain this kind of outstanding academic performance with the staff cutbacks and increased class sizes we are experiencing this academic year. You can view various aspects of our latest MCAS data at:
School Calendar Survey: More than 2,100 parents and guardians replied to the survey regarding the school calendar. Here are they top line results:
- Seven out of 10 said they did not prefer the school year starting the week before Labor Day.
- Seven out of 10 said they would favor scheduling all full day teacher professional development days during the summer months.
- Two-thirds said they preferred the calendar model that places time off in December, February and April.
- More than 56% said they did not want to experiment with the private school model that eliminate the vacation weeks in February and April in exchange for a longer vacation in March.
- Six out of 10 disagreed with the practice of scheduling two full teacher professional development days and three half days during the first half of the school year.
- More than 57 percent favored the new practice of scheduling the day before Thanksgiving as a day off.
- More than 63 percent said they prefer that there not be school on religious holidays.
- And, better than 93 percent said they favor scheduling the two full day professional development days that occur during the school year on a Monday or Friday.
Thanks to those who took the time to respond to the survey. Your views will be front and center when the school calendar comes up for consideration and a vote this spring.
Franklin High School Leadership: As you likely heard, FHS Principal Pam Gould has chosen to move on and will be taking an Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources position in Plymouth later this month. Peter J. Light, who has held teaching and administrative posts at FHS since 1998, has been named interim principal. Even before Ms. Gould informed of us of her decision in late December, the School Committee had directed Superintendent Ogden to make the high school a top priority during his remaining months here, including improvements to the guidance department, the FHS administrative model, its health education programs, parent-teacher communication, summer reading and other steps that will strengthen the ability of our high school to maintain a high level of modern, academic performance. That analysis and planning process will continue in the months ahead. I hope current and incoming FHS parents will offer their support and feedback to this effort and to Mr. Light. Even though we are facing tough budget decisions again this spring, I think it safe to say that the high school will be at the center of Franklin’s educational vision.
Mr. Light, a Walpole resident, will discuss his priorities for FHS at this Tuesday’s School Committee meeting. He has been assistant principal at the high school since July 2005; served as FHS music director from 2001 to June 2005; and, began at the high school as a music teacher in 1998.
Franklin High School Building: A professional inspection team from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) toured the building in mid-December as part of Franklin’s application for state funding to address various issues at the facility. We hope to have an indication from state officials soon about the likelihood of state support for the renovation of the school or the construction of a new building. You can expect school and town officials to move quickly once we are able to secure some clarity from the MSBA.
Our Meetings Go Digital: Starting this year, citizens with sufficient Internet connections in Franklin – or anywhere in the world, for that matter -- can view Franklin School Committee meetings online, either live or in an archived format. To access this streaming capability, visit the town web site at: http://franklinma.
The School Committee typically meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month at 7 p.m. Our next meeting is scheduled for this Tuesday, January 13th.
These e-mails are provided as a constituent service. I try to distribute at least one e-mail update each month during the school year, as issues warrant. As always, I welcome your thoughts and suggestions. If you are receiving duplicate e-mails or if you no longer wish to receive these e-mails, please let me know and I will remove you from the distribution list. If you know of someone you would like to add to the list, please send along their e-mail address.
Thank you!
Ed Cafasso, Member
Franklin School Committee
edcafasso@comcast.net