Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Volunteer for the Food Pantry 2nd Annual Phone Drive
My name is Maureen Roy and I am writing to you on behalf of the Franklin Food Pantry.
We are currently planning our second annual phone drive and are requesting volunteers to help us with making calls to Franklin residents. Last year, we had 40 volunteers help us raise over $12,000.00 for the food pantry and we hope you will consider joining us again this year!
We will be making calls on Saturday, February 18th and Saturday, February 25th, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
We request that volunteers commit to at least two hours of calling time:
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m.
We will return to Dean College this year, although we will be in a different location due to recent renovations. More info will follow on this.
Like last year, we will provide a script for you to follow, along with several informational talking points.
If you would be willing to help with this effort, please contact me at maureen@franklinfoodpantry.org with the times you are available.
Thank you for your time. If you have any questions please contact me at the e-mail address referenced above.
Note: I am also on the Board of Directors for the Franklin Food Pantry and your assistance in this effort is appreciated!
"schools opt out of School Choice"
As expected, the School Choice program will not be available to those outside of Franklin again for the next school year 2012-2013:
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1368168082/Franklin-schools-opt-out-of-School-Choice-program#ixzz1kSqryBFg
The School Choice history as previewed during the School Committee meeting
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/01/fps-school-choice-history-2003-2012.html
The district has 20 school choice students now, and even with the program discontinued, Sabolinski said she expects 28 classes to be over School Committee guidelines for class size.
Students already in the schools by school choice may remain, and Franklin’s lack of participation does not prevent residents from using choice to send their children out of district.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1368168082/Franklin-schools-opt-out-of-School-Choice-program#ixzz1kSqryBFg
The School Choice history as previewed during the School Committee meeting
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/01/fps-school-choice-history-2003-2012.html
Rules for using Franklin's Dacey Field Dog Park
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via The Milford Daily News News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc. on 1/24/12
Rules for the Dacey Field Dog Park have been announced.
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Franklin Library: Kindle eReaders
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
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Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Wadsworth Diary - Jan 24, 1892
Pleasant, & cool most the day, thawed some. Snow,(a very little), about 81/2 this eve. Chored about, cooked cabbage & c.
In the 1850s, on a busy working farm in the southern part of Franklin, a man named George Wadsworth started writing in a journal about everyday events. When he filled that journal, he bought another, and filled that up too. Two dozen journals, and 27 years later, he had written about almost everything that can happen in a small New England town. His words were lost to history until 1986, when town resident Gail Lembo came across some of the journals at a yard sale.
From the Franklin Historical Museum website
http://www.franklinhistoricalmuseum.com/p/wadsworth-diaries_30.html
Franklin celebrates Ben Franklin's birthday
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via The Milford Daily News News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc. on 1/23/12
The annual celebration of Benjamin Franklin's birthday will be Sunday, Jan. 29, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
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Related Post:
Vera Meyer returns to the Historical Museum to play the glass harmonica
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/01/vera-meyer-returns-to-historical-museum.html
Enriching Summer Learning
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Lifelong Learning by Pandora Carlucci on 1/23/12
January 23, 2012
Summer Program 2012
Franklin Public Schools is pleased to announce that its Summer Program 2012 is open for registration. There are a variety of classes for students entering kindergarten through high school. Students do not need to live in Franklin to be part of the Summer Program.
STAR (Students..Teachers..Academics..enRichment): – Over sixty 1-week classes, beginning July 9, for children entering kindergarten through 5th grade. STAR also includes Ready..Set..Kindergarten, an introductory class for incoming kindergarten students, as well as Oceans of Fun 1 & 2 for incoming 1st and 2nd grade students. New classes include: Dramatic Fanatic, Extra, Extra, Read All About It! Mystical World of Harry Potter, Birds, Bats & Butterflies, and more! Four, 1-week sessions: July 9 through August 3.
Early Explorers: For students 4 years old who are not entering kindergarten. Activities will include: music, rhythm instruments and singing, listening to storytellers and dramatic play, age-appropriate art activities, outdoor play and more.
Four, 1-week sessions: July 9 through August 2.
StarPLUS: Following in the footsteps of STAR, StarPLUS is strictly for middle school students who want a fun and exciting summer experience. Each week the students choose three classes that focus on their interests & strengths. At 8:30 AM and 9:45 AM select one focus area: Visual Arts, Forensic Science or Cooperative Games (select something different at each time). At 11:00 AM select one focus from among: Theatre (Students will practice a short, funny play to be presented in front of an audience on Friday of that week), Inventor's Lab (Students will experiment with cool labs that demonstrate how things work), Sports and Recreation (Students will play a variety of sports such as basketball, kickball baseball and capture the flag), and Builders of the Future (students will construct different projects using Legos).
Three, 1-week sessions: July 9 through July 27.
Summer Math Academy: This summer program is for students entering kindergarten through 6th grade who are curious about and want to explore math, art, and science through hands-on activities. A sample of the possible activities includes: origami, Pattern Art, Logic Puzzles, Cryptology, Tangrams, Sudoku, Math Story Re-enactments, Gum Drop 3-D figures and more! This 2-week program begins Monday, July 2 and end Friday, July 13 (no class July 4).
Write your college Essay – The second summer of this popular class for grade 12 students. During this 3-day workshop, students will: Explore and identify primary strengths, passions, and priorities, learn how to write effective college essays, and, enhance and refine their interviewing and public presentation skills. Three, 3-day sessions: July 10, 11 & 12; July 24, 25 & 26; August 7, 8 & 9.
High School Experience: August 13-17. One-week course to welcome incoming Grade 9 students to the high school. (9:00 AM to 12:30 PM)
High School Academic Support Classes: Beginning July 9. Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry, English 9, English 10, English 11, English 12, US History 1, US History 2, and World History.
Summer Music: One 10-day session, beginning Monday, July 23 and ending Friday, August 3. Music includes: Elementary Strings, Concert Band, and Summer "Glee" in the morning. In the afternoon there are two classes: Jazz Band Workshop for students entering grades 7 – 9 and Summer Orchestra for students entering grades 6 – 9. Both classes require students to have a minimum of two years of instrument experience.
Solutions Summer Adventure: Beginning Wednesday, June 27, Eight, 1-week sessions of full day programs for students entering kindergarten through 5th grade. The hours are from 7 AM to 6 PM and each week has a special theme and a field trip or presenter.
Franklin students and students from surrounding communities are invited to be part of the summer fun through participation in these fun and enriching programs. For information on these and other summer activities visit our website:
www.franklin.k12.ma.us once there, select Lifelong and follow the prompts to the Summer Program.
Email us lifelong@franklin.k12.ma.us or call us at 508-553-4814.
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Absentee ballots available in Franklin
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via The Milford Daily News News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc. on 1/23/12
Absentee ballots for the March 6 Presidential primary are now available at the Town Clerk's office at 355 East Central St.
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Monday, January 23, 2012
Wadsworth Diary - Jan 23, 1892
Pleasant & warmer, but windy. Thawed a little. Loaded a load of 1060 lbs. of hay & carried to E. Taft & came back & got the load that I left him at N. Arnold’s place.
In the 1850s, on a busy working farm in the southern part of Franklin, a man named George Wadsworth started writing in a journal about everyday events. When he filled that journal, he bought another, and filled that up too. Two dozen journals, and 27 years later, he had written about almost everything that can happen in a small New England town. His words were lost to history until 1986, when town resident Gail Lembo came across some of the journals at a yard sale.
From the Franklin Historical Museum website
http://www.franklinhistoricalmuseum.com/p/wadsworth-diaries_30.html
In the News: library, mock trial
Medway to consider hiring full-time library director
“We have teams (in this region) that are always strong,” Michael Walsh, Franklin’s mock trial team coach said. “Hopedale, Bellingham, Milford. They’re always really, really strong so that makes it challenging.”
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Jan 24, 2012
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.
Mission Statement
The Franklin Public Schools, in collaboration with the community, will cultivate each student's intellectual, social, emotional and physical potential through rigorous academic inquiry and informed problem solving skills within a safe, nurturing and respectful environment.
"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."
1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes I recommend approval of the minutes from the January 10, 2012 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mrs. McIntyre
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: none
2. Guests/Presentations
a. FHS Students re: trip to New Hampshire Primary
b. Rep. Jim Vallee and Sen. Karen Spilka
c. Best Buddies Grants
d. ELL Update (presentation doc here)
3. Discussion Only Items
School Choice 2012-2013 (summary doc here)
4. Action Items
a. I recommend not approving any new school choice students for the 2012-2013 school year.
b.I recommend acceptance of the donation of a speaker docking system (valued at $60.00) from Steve and Sara Frielich for ECDC.
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $3,500.00 from the Jefferson PCC for field trips.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for 282.66 from Wells Fargo for FHS scholarships.
e. I recommend approval of the recurring field trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands through the World Challenge program in the Summer of 2013 for FHS students as detailed.
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $500.00 from the Singleton Family Foundation for the FHS Special Education Department.
g. I recommend acceptance of a check for 1751.46 from Lifetouch for the Keller student activity account.
h. I recommend acceptance of a check for 1460.00 from the Franklin Music Boosters for competition fees and transportation of Franklin students.
i. I recommend approval of budget transfers as detailed.
5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
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
FPS: School Choice History 2003 - 2012
School Choice is a program whereby students from outside the Franklin Public Schools can apply and with a payment facilitated by the state (from their town/community to ours), the student can attend here.
As this summary shows, school choice stopped taking applications for the 2008-2009 school year and those students already in the program have continued to move through the system and as they leave, the numbers have declined.
This is scheduled for discussion at the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Jan 24, 2012. It is a preliminary part of the budget discussion. While Franklin can gain some additional income via these students, the concern has been with the available space for these students. As the class size has continued to increase, it doesn't make sense to continue to add students to further create pressures on class size.
FPS School Choice History - 2003-2012
As this summary shows, school choice stopped taking applications for the 2008-2009 school year and those students already in the program have continued to move through the system and as they leave, the numbers have declined.
This is scheduled for discussion at the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Jan 24, 2012. It is a preliminary part of the budget discussion. While Franklin can gain some additional income via these students, the concern has been with the available space for these students. As the class size has continued to increase, it doesn't make sense to continue to add students to further create pressures on class size.
FPS School Choice History - 2003-2012
FPS: English Language Learners
Scheduled for discussion at the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Jan 24, 2012. This is an overview of the English Language Learners (ELL) program in the school district.
FPS ELL Program Update 20120124
FPS ELL Program Update 20120124
Wadsworth Diary - Jan 22, 1892
Very pleasant & cold. Loaded & carried 1200 lbs. hay to J. Morrell, & 1015 lbs. hay to M. M. Daniels, that he settled for. J.C. Hull out here to day. E. Simonds came to night, stops at G.W. Foster’s.
In the 1850s, on a busy working farm in the southern part of Franklin, a man named George Wadsworth started writing in a journal about everyday events. When he filled that journal, he bought another, and filled that up too. Two dozen journals, and 27 years later, he had written about almost everything that can happen in a small New England town. His words were lost to history until 1986, when town resident Gail Lembo came across some of the journals at a yard sale.
From the Franklin Historical Museum website
http://www.franklinhistoricalmuseum.com/p/wadsworth-diaries_30.html
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Wadsworth Diary - Jan 21, 1892
Pleasant, cold & windy. loaded a load of 1220 lbs. hay & carried to S.H. Band & chored about.
In the 1850s, on a busy working farm in the southern part of Franklin, a man named George Wadsworth started writing in a journal about everyday events. When he filled that journal, he bought another, and filled that up too. Two dozen journals, and 27 years later, he had written about almost everything that can happen in a small New England town. His words were lost to history until 1986, when town resident Gail Lembo came across some of the journals at a yard sale.
From the Franklin Historical Museum website
http://www.franklinhistoricalmuseum.com/p/wadsworth-diaries_30.html
New Report: Demystifying General Local Aid in Massachusetts
Be sure to check out the interactive portion of this report. You can input one of the MA communities and find out how much has changed from 2008 to 2012. For Franklin the report shows:
In Fiscal Year 2012, Franklin received $2,089,973 in general local aid from the state. Four years earlier, in FY2008—prior to the onset of the state fiscal crisis—it received $3,284,276(adjusted for inflation).
That's a cut of 36%, which amounts to $37 per person.
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Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108
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MBTA Fare, Service Hearings Continue
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 1/19/12
The MBTA recently proposed fare and service changes to help close the MBTA's $161 budget deficit for FY2013. The MBTA is holding more than 20 public meetings to allow T riders to be heard about the proposed changes and thanks all those who participated in the first four meetings.
The public discussion continues next week with the following public meetings:
Monday January 23, Boston- 1:00-3:00 PM, Transportation Building, Floor 2 Conference Rooms 2-3, 10 Park Plaza
Monday, January 23, Boston- 4:30-6:30 PM, Transportation Building, Floor 2 Conference Rooms 2-3, 10 Park Plaza
Tuesday, January 24, Attleboro- 4:30-8:00 PM, Attleboro High School, 100 Rathbun Willard Drive
Wednesday, January 25, Salem - 6:00-8:00 PM, City Hall Annex 3rd Floor Conference Room, 120 Washington Street
For a full list of future public meetings and information, please visit MBTA.com/join the discussion.
Have your voice heard by sending an email with your questions, comments, and ideas to fareproposal@mbta.com.
The MBTA's public outreach process continues with the acceptance of public comment through March 1, 2012 electronically at mbta.com, by email at fareproposal@mbta.com, via mail to MBTA, Ten Park Plaza, Boston, Ma 02116, Attention: Fare Proposal Committee, and by phone at 617-222-3200/ TTY (617) 222-5146.
A final fare increase and service reduction recommendation will be made to the MBTA's Board of Directors this spring and changes will be implemented on July 1, 2012.
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