Girl Scout Troop hosting holiday party - Oct 25th

"HOSTED BY FRANKLIN GIRL SCOUT TROOP 80637 Wear your costume! When: Saturday, October 25th 2pm-4pm Where: St. John's Church, 237 Pleasant Street, Franklin Cost: $5 per child, families welcome! What to expect: Games, crafts, face paint, food and lots of fun!! WhO: All elementary age students, Girl Scout membership is not required, but parental supervision is required." - Reply to this email to comment on this post.         Facebook         Elaine Mandell posted on Franklin Matters's timeline     Elaine Mandell October 20 at 9:08am HOSTED BY FRANKLIN GIRL SCOUT TROOP 80637 Wear your costume! When: Saturday, October 25th 2pm-4pm Where: St. John's Church, 237 Pleasant Street, Franklin Cost: $5 per child, families welcome! What to expect: Games, crafts, face paint, food and lots of fun!! WhO: All elementary age students, Girl Scout membership is not required, but parental supervision is required.     Like     Comment         View Post                 Facebook, Inc., Attention: Department 415, PO Box 10005, Palo Alto, CA 94303

Fred Astaire Dance Studio: Halloween party - Oct 31

Fred Astaire Franklin MA invited you to his event   FADS Franklin Halloween party Friday, October 31 at 7:30pm Fred Astaire Franklin MA in Franklin, Massachusetts   Join     Maybe     Decline   Hey you lovely people :) Fred Astaire Franklin will be hosting a special Halloween themed practice party on 10/31/2014 for all who wish to dress up, dance, play games and have fun :) (costumes are o... Franklin Art-Center and Kaitlyn-Amanda Berry Ins are also in the guest list.         Pending Invites (5) Block invites from Fred Astaire?             Fred Astaire Franklin MA invited you to his event FADS Franklin Halloween party Friday, October 31 at 7:30pm Fred Astaire Franklin MA in Franklin, Massachusetts Join     Maybe     Decline Hey you lovely people :) Fred Astaire Franklin will be hosting a special Halloween themed practice party on 10/31/2014 for all who wish to dress up, dance, play games and have fun :) (costumes are o... Franklin Art-Center and Kaitlyn-Amanda Berry Ins are also in the guest list.     Pending Invites (5) Block invites from Fred Astaire?         Facebook, Inc., Attention: Department 415, PO Box 10005, Palo Alto, CA 94303     Fred Astaire Dance Studio - Halloween Party Find out more about the Fred Astaire Dance Studio at their webpage http://www.franklinfredastaire.com/ or on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/fredastaire.franklinma

Live reporting: Closing

5. Information Matters

Superintendent’s Report
13 students recognized for scholarship

attended the NEASC model school conference, heading into accreditation next year; Maureen heading out next week on a visit, will be back in December to talk about the timeline for what needs to be done

Horace Mann Middle School Community Read - Monday, Nov 10th
"Unbroken"

Channel 5 - wake up call
Oct 30th - Remington

Ladybug 5K was a fun event

next meeting will be in the training room

School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
policy subcommittee continues to work its way through the manual

School Committee Liaison Reports

6. New Business

To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.
FEF Fund raiser at the elks 

7. Executive Session

Personnel Update

motion to go to executive session to not return to public meeting
seconded, passed 5-0 via roll call

Live reporting: policy revisions and action items

3. Discussion Only Items

Policy – First Readings:

1. GBEBC – Gifts to Staff

policy terminology brought into alignment with the State ethics law on gifts
it is for everybody, not just in schools, this applies to all public employees 

2. GBI – Political Activities of Staff

adjusted wording after consulting with attorney

4. Action Items

a. I recommend approval of the Budget Transfers as detailed.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 5-0

b. I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading:

1. GBEBC – Gifts to Staff
2. GBI – Political Activities of Staff

motion to send to second reading, seconded, passed 5-0

c. I recommend approval of the recurring field trip for FHS students to New Hampshire on November 2, 2014 for US Senate Campaign events as detailed.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 5-0

d. I recommend approval of the field trip for Parmenter students to travel to Providence, RI on April 16, 2015 as detailed.motion to approve, seconded, passed 5-0

e. I recommend approval of the recurring field trip to NY City for the 8th grade chorus students on May 9, 2015 as detailed.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 5-0

Live reporting: School Climate Survey Results

2. Guests/Presentations

b. School Climate Survey – Summary – Maureen Sabolinski

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/10/school-committee-davis-thayer-update.html


Issued last year from Apr 4 to May 5, may have been part of the low response rate from parents

64% response from staff, 29% response from parents; good for an initial survey

will target Jan 2015 to release this year (stay tuned here for info when it is released)

each school received a set of data based on the specific school, this will be posted to the school webpages and used in planning processes

Aspen parent portal available for middle and high school parents

92% says they feel their child is safe on the bus

high levels of collaboration within the schools, somewhat a reflection of mandates and a lack of professional development time

a gap in perception between parents and staff particularly in the advanced placement courses, will be looking to tease out why this is so and what can be done with it.

incorporated into the instructional goal setting process
principals are doing site level analysis
exploring ways to improve communications is one key effort

looking to get an increased participation rate with next roll-out in Jan 2015

O'Malley it is a commendable report, although I am struck by the fact that it is an opinion report and hard to get actionable responses for this data; need to get to a point where opinions are backed by signatures

Raw data is kept by K-12 Insight
I can send the individual results for each school
the comment sections were not available to us

you could only do the survey once, even if you have multiple students

may have been a vocabulary issues (i.e. parent portal = Aspen)

how do you get parents involved in decision making?
You get parents in to understand the math program and get feedback, we don't do enough of that. At the high school, we did curriculum night, probably the first time in 15 years we did that. Need to have the conversations between parents and teachers on what is expected of their child

Live reporting: Fitness initiatives

2. Guests/Presentations

a. Davis Thayer Update – Evemarie McNeil

Stefani Wasik
Mrs. Christopolous


You can find the copy of the presentation here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/10/school-committee-davis-thayer-update.html


BOKS = Build Our Kids Success
received a grant for this before school initiative

involves the whole school community

slotted for 40 and have 60 looking to get to it
can use more volunteers to help expand the program
Reebok also offers formal training on the program

Bobcat fitness club
teaching classroom movement breaks
once month each class comes down to the gym
to learn exercises that can be done in class at the desk

Energizing brain breaks in the classroom
http://www.energizingbrainbreaks.com/

The Brain Breaks blog http://brainbreaks.blogspot.com/

Live reporting: School Committee - Oct 21, 2014

Present: Douglas, O'Malley, Clement, Mullen, Trahan
Absent: Rohrbach, Jewell

1. Routine Business

Citizen’s Comments - none

Review of Agenda - no adjustments

Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the October 7, 2014 School Committee Meeting.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 5-0

Payment of Bills Mr. Clement
motion to approve and pay bills, seconded, passed 5-0 (note two separate motions and votes for separate warrants)

Payroll Mrs. Douglas

FHS Student Representatives
voter registration effort underway to get 18 at the time of the Nov election
over 700 students attended the first homecoming dance in the new facility

Panther Pride night 5:30 - 8:00
interactive displays in various class rooms around the high school
peer leaders will be stationed around the high school

Correspondence: none

Tuesday, 10/21, Franklin HS Varsity Girls Soccer Team's SENIOR NIGHT!

No matter the weather, senior players will be announced onto the field at 6:25pm and the kick off will be at 6:30pm at the Franklin High School turf field (Pisini Field, Oak St, Franklin). 

The Franklin varsity girls soccer team is having a phenomenal season and is undefeated with a record of 12-0-2 (in league 11-0-2)! 

FHS Panthers

Wet or dry, please come out to recognize the 9 seniors on the team this year and cheer on the varsity girls soccer team as they play Taunton HS. 

2015 Senior Varsity Girls:

Leah Benson #25Taylor Cogliano #2Lindsey Mastaj #10Erin Conley #5Julianne Pisani #22Nicole Ellin #11Jane Scafati #19Haley Frank #18Tracy Pisani - Team Manager

Thank you for your support! Go Panthers!

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Oct 21, 2014

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."

1. Routine Business

Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the October 7, 2014 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Clement
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: none

Franklin Public schools - "the key to learning"

2. Guests/Presentations

a. Davis Thayer Update – Evemarie McNeil
b. School Climate Survey – Summary – Maureen Sabolinski

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/10/school-committee-davis-thayer-update.html

3. Discussion Only Items

Policy – First Readings:

1. GBEBC – Gifts to Staff
2. GBI – Political Activities of Staff

4. Action Items

a. I recommend approval of the Budget Transfers as detailed.
b. I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading:

1. GBEBC – Gifts to Staff
2. GBI – Political Activities of Staff

c. I recommend approval of the recurring field trip for FHS students to New Hampshire on November 2, 2014 for US Senate Campaign events as detailed.
d. I recommend approval of the field trip for Parmenter students to travel to Providence, RI on April 16, 2015 as detailed.
e. I recommend approval of the recurring field trip to NY City for the 8th grade chorus students on May 9, 2015 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

Personnel Update

8. Adjourn

School Committee: Davis Thayer Update, School Climate Survey

Davis Thayer Elementary School will provide an update on their fitness initiatives at the School Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday at 7:00 PM.

spotlight on Davis Thayer Elementary School

Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski is scheduled to talk about the results of the survey conducted earlier this year. The survey was sent to school staff and to school parents.




The full agenda for the school committee meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/10/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-oct_21.html

30 wooden Piggy Banks - an exhibit at the Norfolk Public Library

On view in the Library foyer for the month of October will be a special exhibit of over 30 wooden Piggy Banks designed and built by Peter Mulliken of Franklin from 1984 through 2014. 

Example of Peter Mullikan wooden piggy bank

Mr. Mulliken taught basic woodworking at the Dexter School in Brookline, MA for 41 years, retiring in 2012.

Peter designed a different bank each year for his "new" second grade class. The piggy banks represent the planning, design and execution of the major woodworking project for the second grade students (ages 6-8) at the prestigious private school from 1984 through 2012.

Project plans and drawings for some of the banks will be on display in addition to basic woodworking reference books Peter found helpful while teaching the students.

Parents, grandparents, teachers, scout and 4-H leaders (and kids!) should plan on stopping by to view this fun exhibit.

 

2nd example of Peter Mullikan wooden piggy bank

Norfolk Public Library

For more information about the Norfolk Public Library, visit their webpage here
http://library.virtualnorfolk.org/

"We wanted to make the transition easier for him"

Milford Daily News reports on the efforts of Franklin firefighters coordinating with Tri-County students to build a ramp at Richie Elgar's home.

Elgar has put as much time into his rehabilitation as he did for his wrestling workouts. Last year, he was the state vocational wrestling champion, winning the Division 3 Central Sectional at 106 pounds. 

It’s not surprising, Carlucci said, given Elgar’s character. 

"Ritchie will be successful in whatever he does," he said. 

A fund set up to raise money for Elgar’s recovery has raised nearly $15,000. Those wishing to contribute can visit: www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/7245/ritchie-elgar-s-recovery-fund.

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20141021/NEWS/141029579/1994/NEWS


Related post
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/09/he-spent-first-few-weeks-in-hospital.html

Lincoln St - construction progress (photo essay)

On my 'tour de Franklin' cycling ride around town on Saturday, I made a few stops along Lincoln St to capture photos of the progress to share here.

good advice

flat stretch along Lincoln as mentioned during Town Council meeting Wednesday

timely ripples in the water

sidewalk area was ground out to prepare for the epoxy coat to be added

epoxy coat being added

the finished look

the finished look - close up

Related articles:

The Town Council meeting last Wednesday
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/10/trick-or-treat-but-no-alchohol.html

The Milford Daily News write up of the Lincoln St discussion
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/10/they-came-in-and-really-hit-ground.html

Tour de Franklin - Saturday's 'reporting by cycling around'

Saturday's 'tour de Franklin' was done via bicycle. So much was happening I could not have walked around in time to catch it all. This was a variation on the theme of 'reporting by walking around'...

I started with the Ladybug 5K at the Kennedy School. Franklin Police had positioned the speed warning sign on Pond St. While stopped to take a couple of photos, it seemed to be an even split between cars meeting the speed limit and those exceeding the speed limit.

Post by Franklin Matters.

Next stop, the yard sale at Franklin Federated Church

Post by Franklin Matters.

Next stop the Library Book Sale

Post by Franklin Matters.

Next stop, not just one Boomer out on the Dean campus, there were two on Saturday

Post by Franklin Matters.

Out to DelCarte to capture some photos and a new video with more sunlight on the autumn colors

Post by Franklin Matters.

Heading out Daniels St, I passed the Hoffman Farm getting ready for hayrides to the pumpkin patch

Post by Franklin Matters.

What wasn't shared with Facebook along the ride you'll get to see first here.

On the Town Common, members of the Franklin Garden Club were caught in the act of their fall clean up. They graciously spent a minute or two away from their hard work to let me capture the photo.

members of the Franklin Garden Club fall cleaning on the flowers around the monuments

The back door to the Guru Restaurant was open. I peeked in to catch a brief confirmation from the carpenter doing some work that Guru is planning to open again. The owner and menu would remain the same. He couldn't provide a timeline on when. So that is good news for those that miss the Indian fare served here.

the back door at Guru

The parking lot behind the Post Office is now paved and parking spot striped. The lot is privately owned and the spaces are to be rented/leased by the Post Office for their vehicles.

parking lot behind the Post Office downtown

There will be additional photos (and the DelCarte video)  to share this week.

FYSA: Spring 2015 Soccer Registration is Open!

Spring 2015 soccer registration is open! 

Click here to register: http://www.franklinyouthsoccer.org/registration 

Registration cost is $65 per player (family max of $195).
Pee-Wee registration cost is $40. (uniform costs additional if needed)
Late fee of $30 will be assessed after NOVEMBER 15 

The age groups stay the same from Fall to Spring (just as school grade stays the same).
High School Travel teams will also be formed for the spring season U16 and U18. 

We will try to keep the spring schedule close to what the fall schedule currently is and as can be seen on our website. However, the schedule may change as we try to work with the town for field space and to limit conflicts with other sports like lacrosse. 

So please understand that we can not give you an exact time/day for games and practices until early spring. 

Please email if you have any questions: info@franklinyouthsoccer.org 

Don't forget to register before November 15th.

FYSA	Franklin Youth Soccer Association, Inc. - Registration www.franklinyouthsoccer.org FYSA

Ladybug 5K - Family fun at the Kennedy School (photo essay)

The Annual Ladybug 5K was held on Saturday, Oct 18, 2014 at the JF Kennedy Elementary School.

you could get your face painted

music was provided by Tyler Zajac

chalk was available to be creative

selection of items for the silent auction

you could make a tie dye shirt

the trophy table

ladybug 5K t-shirts

off to run at the start of the 5K

Additional photos of the race starters can be found on Flickr

https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/sets/72157646523877154

The same set of photos is also available on Facebook here
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150437711099995.1073741883.173205529994&type=3

FHS All Night Party Organizational Meeting - Oct 23

All Night Party FHS Parent Information Meeting  

Please join us on Thursday October 23rd at 7PM at the Horace Mann School Cafeteria. 

The All Night Party Committee will provide information about this years' party and provide an explanation of the planning and preparations that are involved to hold the party.  

We are in need of many volunteers on various committees in order to have a successful party.  We hope to see you on October 23rd. 

From the All Night Party June 2014

one of the last view of what used to be the main corridor of the All Night Party

Photos from the All Night Party June 2014 can be found here

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/all-night-party-labor-of-love.html

Did you know it is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month?

The MA.Gov blog has information on the resources available for Down syndrome.

Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition.One in every 691 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome according to the National Down Syndrome Society. The disease affects a child’s physical development, language, and cognitive skills. Massachusetts participates in Down Syndrome Awareness Month to raise awareness about those living with this condition as well as the services and support available.

National Down Syndrome Awareness Month

Follow the link to read about the additional resources available.
http://blog.mass.gov/blog/health/national-down-syndrome-awareness-month/


Franklin is fortunate to be the home of the Horace Mann Educational Association (HMEA) which is also a key provider of services for those with Down syndrome, autism, and other developmental disabilities.

HMEA