Live reporting: Middle-High School Improvement Plans

2. Guests / Presentations
a. Middle School and High School’s School Improvement Plans
Dupre, Witcoff, Motti

presentation links to be added later
(no docs released as of meeting time)

1st page to talk to for the presentation tonight

2nd page of presentation for Middle Schools

3rd page of Middle School pres

4th page focusing on communications

question on the "World of Difference" program
built upon work from last year, peer leader lead, they facilitate discussions

question on responsive classroom, started at elementary levels and only recently has been expanded to middle school grades; principle aligned with social emotional learning

a lot of personalized strategies, emphasizes collaborative work among students
there is a lot of teacher buyin for this program

Illustrative Math (?) the program does allow for accelerated piece for students as they need

Peri, Klement for high shcool

also slides to be added when available (later)

not meant to be an eye test

A World of Difference program being added to high school this year
parents invited for age/grade specific evening programs

it is exciting to see the level of engagement and activity around the Algebra I and II classrooms, yes, really

"Portrait of a Graduate"to be brought into the high school this year, adds to what has already been done

series of 10 talks - being spearheaded by Asst Principal C Williams; first last week, remainder scheduled through the year

year two examining the grading practices
exciting work underway

examining the art and science of teaching
expanding new teacher academy; support provided through out the year
mentor and mentee program

cultural proficiency, town changing, school changing, how to meet the needs

engaging and supporting two way communications
really good start to the professional development for the year; Say Yes Institute

using the school council meeting to bring in other stakeholders
get communication out on time

social media platforms used, Twitter esp

when do the teachers do this?
excitement and buyin helps, the whole teacher matters to us here
we are working hard to listen to what is on our teachers minds

all the things the teachers do it is way beyond the school day, you are part of it too
self care is not just a buzzword, it does matter, we see it
we have a concern about how to do it


The PDF version of this agenda can be found online
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/agendas/scagenda_9-11-18.pdf

The documents released for this agenda can be found online (when released)
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/2018-19-meeting-packets

Live reporting: School Committee - Sep 11, 2018

Present: Feeley, Linden, Douglas, Scofield, Bergen, Schultz, Zub
Absent: none


1. Routine Business
a. Review of Agenda
no changes

b. Citizen’s Comments

i. In the spirit of open communication, “the School Committee will hear public comment 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” – from Policy BEDH

none

c. FHS Student Representative Comments
Bea Bondhus
President Senior Class
2 yr Captain of girls basketball in addition to other clubs

Will Davis the new FHS representatives

the best opening in 20 year
FHS football team won opener, new concession stand well used
over 70 clubs this year
auditions for performances underway
new study parking system (by lot, rather than by spot)

looking forward to participating


d. Superintendent’s Report
rd week of school
concession stand wonderful soft opening, thanks to community for accomplishment building the stand; still some work to be done
more formal acceptance to be scheduled later

shout out to all the committee work underway
training for DESE project underway
homework committee met today

school start time advisory meeting next week



The PDF version of this agenda can be found online
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/agendas/scagenda_9-11-18.pdf

The documents released for this agenda can be found online (when released)
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/2018-19-meeting-packets

Franklin Garden Club - Flower Bouquet Sale - Sep 21

The Franklin Garden Club will sell flower bouquet arrangements in vases on Friday, September 21, at the Franklin Farmer’s Market, which takes place at the Town Common from 12:00 – 6:00 PM. 

The colorful arrangements featuring beautiful summer flowers, such as zinnias and daisies, will be made by members with flowers from their gardens and the Town Common. Prices will range from $5.00 - $10.00, a significant savings over the retail cost for similar bouquets. 

The sale offers residents an opportunity to brighten their homes with a lovely arrangement or to purchase a cheerful gift for others at a low cost. Proceeds will benefit Club community activities.

Franklin Garden Club - Flower Bouquet Sale - Sep 21

SEP 4, 2018 State Primary Official Results for Franklin, MA

Town Clerk Teresa Burr has posted the official results for the Sep 4 State Primary. The only observable changes I noted were in case of write in votes and the Libertarian results which as there were only 7 votes cast, I left out.

All 20 pages in the new voting report output. Note: the ballots are listed alphabetically (Democrat, Libertarian,Republican and then within each ballot by the position)

These results were shared from the Town of Franklin page
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/state-primary-official-results

or you can download a copy here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WGLRXqf5f89hbTsH4pNDe-Ouz2Kw99nO/view?usp=sharing

Official results for Franklin - State Primary - Sep 4

Registration for the Franklin Police Association 5K is now open

The 1st Annual 5K Foot Pursuit takes place at Franklin High School, 218 Oak St, Franklin, MA. There is plenty of parking on site. 

Registration opens Saturday, Nov 3 at 7:30 AM and the 5K race starts at 9:00.  At 8:15 AM there will be a Kids Fun Run, free for kids 13 and under.

The 5K course is USATF certified. The 5K will be professionally chipped timed by The Empire Timing Co.

REGISTRATION

Pre-Registration for the 5K is $20 for the first 100 registered and $25 thereafter. Race day registration is $30.

5K Pre-Registration for runners 17 and under is $10 and $15 on race day. The Kids Fun Run is free for kids 13 and under.

T-Shirts for the first 100 registered for the 5K.

For online registration:
https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/Franklin/FranklinPoliceAssociation5KFootPursuit

A mail-in race application can be downloaded from here:
http://firstmile-fitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/2018-Franklin-Police-Association-Race-App.pdf

Registration for the Franklin Police Association 5K is now open

Shared from Twitter:

Registration for the Franklin Police Association 5k is now open. https://t.co/mtw4jmuQD4

— Franklin Police (@franklinpolice) August 31, 2018

MBTA: Franklin Line notice - Back Bay skipped for 2 inbound evening trains

Affected direction: Inbound Affected stops: Back Bay Affected trips: 722 (5:03 pm from Forge Park/495) 744 (5:05 pm from Norwood Central)

Franklin Line notice Trains 722 (5:03 pm from Forge Park) and 744 (5:05 pm from Norwood Central) will not stop at Back Bay Station from Sept 10-14 due to Amtrak track work. Passengers for Back Bay will be assisted onto the next outbound trains from South Station. Affected direction: Inbound Affected stops: Back Bay Affected trips: 722 (5:03 pm from Forge Park/495) 744 (5:05 pm from Norwood Central) Last Updated: Sep 10 2018 02:14 PM

How are T-Alerts working for you?

© Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, all rights reserved.

MBTA: Franklin Line notice - Back Bay skipped for 2 inbound evening trains

FHS Volleyball tops Feehan 3-0 on Monday

Via HockomockSports and Twitter, we share the results of the FHS fall sports action on Monday, Sep 10.


Volleyball = Franklin, 3 @ Bishop Feehan, 0 – Final


For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-09-10-18/

Great fight last set JV! #proudcoach #2moregamesthisweek #1-1 https://t.co/NzV7oZhBbF

— Sandy Sauer (@FHSCoachSandy) September 11, 2018

Watching @FHS_Volleyball1 ar Feehan. So impressive! pic.twitter.com/6gvB8N6ebK

— leightoj (@coachleighto) September 10, 2018

FHS Volleyball tops Feehan 3-0 on Monday

MBTA Parking fee changes were effective Sep 1

Not sure how I missed picking it up on the radar but I was surprised last week to find the parking fee at Franklin/Dean Station increased from $4 to $6. The parking fee at Forge Park did not increase (it remains at $4).

Come to find out it is part of the plan to adjust prices throughout the MBTA arena. 

The good news: weekend parking went down from $4 to $2 at both Franklin/Dean and Forge Park Stations.

More about the parking rate changes overall
https://www.mbta.com/projects/parking-prices-update


Note: the listed price is for customers who use PayByPhone (the mobile app, the website, or their phone system). Mailed invoices are subject to a $1 fee per day of parking

MBTA Parking fee changes were effective Sep 1

Reminder: Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club - Sep 12

Just a reminder, that the Award Winning Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club meets for the first time this season on Wednesday, September 12th please join us at “3” Restaurant at 7:30 pm. Come learn what we won!!

Our first meeting of the year is a perfect opportunity to have fun while you make some connections in your community. We are a multi-generational club with an emphasis on fun and camaraderie. As a member driven organization . . . your ideas count and we want to hear them! We offer a wide range of activities for all ages and interests.

Find us upstairs at “3”. Complimentary appetizers and beverages are provided.

We invite any resident of Franklin, or a surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, to join us the 2nd Wednesday of the month (occasionally we switch Wednesdays to accommodate holidays or speakers). We run our meetings September through May.

Additionally, we hold many fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year. Look for us on our website www.franklinnewcomers.com, or on our Facebook page or on Meetup.com, Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club.

Reminder: Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club - Sep 12

US Census Bureau: Educational Resources for the New School Year

Prepare for back to school with your students by utilizing our Back to School Fun Facts and Teaching Guide.

Educational Resources for the New School Year The school year is now underway and to help students get back into the swing of things, explore these engaging resources offered by the U.S. Census Bureau's Statistics in Schools (SIS) program. Teachers can use these materials as ice breakers or jump starters to the new school year. Back to School Fun! Did you know that about 77 million children and adults are enrolled in schools throughout the country? Kick-off the year with our Back-to-School Fun Facts handout that shares interesting data on how our nation's students and teachers get ready for a return to the classroom. Download the student fact sheet and its complimentary teaching guide with suggested ideas for incorporating these data into activities at any grade level. https://www.census.gov/schools/resources/fun-facts/back-to-school.html?eml=gd&utm_campaign=20180910mssiss1ccpupnl&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery Download Use the hashtag #StatisticsInSchools to help spread the word. Share this! Thinking Caps On! Getting back in the flow of school, after a long summer off, is quite a challenge. But, don't worry, we have the perfect resource to get students' thinking caps on. Take a look at our 5-minute: Warm-up Activities  that can be used at the beginning of class or when a short time-filler is needed. These quick activities give students the opportunity to look at real-life data from the Census Bureau to answer a few questions. Download Mapping Out the Future The new school year puts students one step closer to their future. As they begin to revisit thoughts of college, careers, and plans after high school completion, this Learning About College Degrees and Lifetime Earnings activity allows them to compare census data on the earnings of people with different college degrees. Help students map out their future with this inspiring math activity. Download And, the Award Goes to... The video Preparing Students for a Data-Driven World won recognition for "Distinction" in the informational category from the 2018 Videographers Award. This video discusses how the Census Bureau has expanded its efforts to promote statistical literacy by providing real life data for the classroom with the Statistics in Schools program. Teachers can use this video to demonstrate to students the importance of learning statistics for their future success. View About Statistics in Schools The Statistics in Schools program provides resources for teaching and learning with real-life data. Educate your students about the value and everyday use of statistics. Visit census.gov/schools to learn more and explore standards-aligned, classroom ready activities.

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This is an official email from the U.S. Census Bureau. If you have any questions or comments, please contact us (http://www.census.gov/about/contact-us.html).

Franklin Federated Church - Birthday Celebration - Oct 14

On Sunday, October 14, Franklin Federated Church will host a birthday celebration commemorating the formation of the First Congregational Church of Franklin (1738), the First Baptist Church of Franklin (1868) and the subsequent federation of the two churches (1938).

Original church council ledgers dating from 1846, artifacts from the church’s historical room, a pictorial roster of ministers since 1738, and photo albums depicting church members and activities from 1938 to present will be available for perusal during the event. 

A short humorous skit, “The Music Wars”, written by Church Historian Lyn Pickhover, will be performed as part of the regular service. The skit is based on an actual event in church records from 1738, the records of which are now on permanent loan to the Congregational Library in Boston.

The Franklin Federated Church is located at 171 Main Street, Franklin, directly opposite the Common. Services are held on Sundays at 10 a.m. All are welcome.

Franklin Federated Church - Birthday Celebration - Oct 14

No school - Monday, Sep 10 - Rosh Hashanah

There is NO school for the Franklin Public Schools on Monday, Sep 10 in honor of Rosh Hashanah

No school - Monday, Sep 10 - Rosh Hashanah

Check out the newly revised Franklin Public Schools web page
https://www.franklinps.net/

A direct link to the school calendar for 2018-2019
https://www.franklinps.net/district/about-us/pages/school-calendars

A New Year, A New School for Freshman Students at Tri-County Regional

It’s been a great week at Tri-County! The first day of school for all students was on Tuesday, September 4th. Of the 1000-plus students to arrive, 280 freshman students were welcomed to their first day of high school.

Though the transition to high school can be difficult for many teens, especially when attending a new school with students coming from various towns, the shift can feel both intimidating and overwhelming, but also very exciting. A few freshman students were asked why they decided to come to Tri-County and how they liked their first week of high school.

Taylor Callahan

Taylor Callahan, a freshman from North Attleboro replied, “I came to Tri-County so I could explore careers in order to get an early start in life, and I’m so happy that I did.” Students took part in Freshman Orientation Week, helping students to get to know each other and their new school through hands-on activities, team building exercises and discussions about student goals. It’s also an opportunity for incoming freshmen students to tour the building, meet teachers, review schedules, and become acclimated to the vocational high school setting.

New freshman student, Evan Costantino from Blackstone stated, “I came here to pursue a better future, to get a fresh start and to make new friends. I was super-excited for my first day because I knew this was a lot different than a traditional high school and I was happy that I got the privilege to come here. The teachers are really friendly and I’m happy to be here.”

Fellow freshman William Bedard of North Attleboro further explained, “I’ve been interested in Culinary since I was about 8 years old. I want to be prepared for the real world. This week has been great because I really liked the teachers and was able to meet new people and be reunited with other students that I’ve known in the past.”

During the week, the freshman also attended an Ice Cream Social and Extra-Curricular Fair. Tri-County offers numerous clubs and activities like Drama Club, Ski Club, Music Club and Student Government just to name a few. Students were encouraged to talk and ask questions to upper classman about their passions and interests, further encouraging them to engage in the Tri-County community.

“The activities and discussions throughout Freshman Orientation Week are meant to create a safe place where students can talk freely with one another as they explore their new vocational environment and community,” said Scott O’Brien, Director of Guidance. “One of the greatest benefits is that students begin to build strong relationships with one another, and also embrace and embody the school culture of acceptance, respect, and support for one another in order to have a successful high school experience.”

Freshman Meghan O’Shaughnessy of Walpole smiled happily stating, “I came to Tri-County because I want to graduate from high school with certifications and licenses that I’d normally get after graduation. I’d like to get the work experience so I can graduate with a good paying job while pursuing the option of attending college. This week was nerve racking, but I’ve already made new friends super-fast.” Meghan then asked to be photographed with her new friends, Corrin Fernald of Franklin and Gabby Mousa of North Attleboro.

Meghan O’Shaughnessy, Corrin Fernald, Gabby Mousa

Tri-County RVTHS, located at 147 Pond Street in Franklin, is a recipient of the High Schools That Work Gold Achievement Award and serves the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleboro, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole, and Wrentham.

Economic Development Subcommittee meeting - 09/05/18 (audio recording)

FM #146

This internet radio show or podcast is number 146 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording is of the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting that was held on Wednesday, September 5, 2018. The meeting began at about 6 PM in the 3rd Floor Training Room. The meeting was delayed in starting as it was missing a quorum.

There are four Town Councilors that make up the formal voting membership: Mercer, Jones, Hamblen and Earls. Quorum for the four members requires three present. Mercer and Hamblen were on time, Jones arrived late. (Earls was out of town and participated remotely in the Town Council meeting later Wednesday evening.)

The published agenda can be found online
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/09/franklin-ma-economic-development.html

There were four topics covered in the meeting.

1 - The plot line and zoning changes were quickly discussed and moved to the Town Council for referral to the Planning Board.

2 - Tony Padula, Planning Board Chair, raised a discussion item on the change of a commercial zone to residential and thereby imposing some buffer requirements upon the existing abutters. After the discussion, the action was taken by Planning to come up with some wording for review at a future meeting. Targeting for next EDC meeting on Oct 3.

3 - Jeff Nutting provided an updated on prior efforts for the small lots of Town owned land that were sold via auction. Some were successfully sold, some had no bidders and Franklin retains the ownership. How much effort should be given to the sale of these is basically the question. The consensus was to include them in the next group of similar properties but not more than that as the value is negligible.

4 - Given the time left for the meeting (due to the late start), #4 was skipped and an overview on the proposed sign was provided.

The meeting itself runs about 36 minutes. Without further ado, here is the audio recording.

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This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can use your help.

How can you help?

• If you like this, please tell your friends and neighbors.
• If you don't like this, please let me know.

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.

Thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com


The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio
on iTunes = search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes

Register O'Donnell Reports Small Increase in Norfolk County Real Estate Activity

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Reports Small Increase in Norfolk County Real Estate Activity A small but noticeable increase in Norfolk County residential and commercial real estate sales offset continuing challenges faced in the lending market during the month of August 2018. Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell noted, "Mirroring trends seen throughout Greater Boston, a total of 1,931 residential and commercial sales transactions took place during the month of August, a 4% increase year over year. Total real estate sales volume, again both residential and commercial, came in at $920.8 million, a 6% increase compared to August 2017. There is no question the trend lines are encouraging when it comes to real estate sales in Norfolk County." While real estate sales were showing signs of improvement, the lending market was another story. "Once again," noted Register O'Donnell, "Norfolk County mortgage recordings fell year over year. A total of 2,418 mortgages were recorded compared to 2,631 the previous August, an 8% decrease. In addition, the total mortgage indebtedness figure fell 17% to $985 million. These figures tell us that Norfolk County consumers are watching interest rates closely and thinking twice before deciding to mortgage their home to invest in big ticket items such as home improvements." One piece of very sobering news was the increase in foreclosure activity seen in Norfolk County during the month of August. A total of 29 foreclosure deeds were recorded during the month compared to 20 recorded in August 2017. In addition, 63 Notice to Foreclose Mortgages, the first step in the foreclosure process, were recorded in August versus 32 recorded the previous August, a whopping 96% increase. O'Donnell stated, "There is no way to sugarcoat this very discouraging news. Clearly, there are some who are not benefiting from the overall good economic climate seen in Norfolk County specifically and eastern Massachusetts as a whole. For those facing challenges paying their mortgage, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds continues to partner with Quincy Community Action Programs at (617) 479-8181 x-376 and Neighbor Works Southern Mass at (508) 598-0950. These agencies are equipped to help anyone who has received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage. Another option is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General's Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at (617) 727-8400." On the consumer front, Homestead recordings showed a modest 3% increase year over year. A total of 1,367 Homesteads were recorded in August compared to 1,326 in August 2017. "A Homestead," stated O'Donnell, "is an important consumer protection tool that provides a homeowner with limited protection against the forced sale of their primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000." In conclusion, Register O'Donnell stated, "Like other interested real estate observers, both statewide and here in Norfolk County, I am cautiously optimistic that we are starting to see a small but noticeable improvement in the overall real estate sales market. What will sustain this good news is improvement in available real estate inventory, admittedly an open question at this point. The lending market will continue to face challenges due to the uncertainty surrounding where we are headed with interest rates." To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street, Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website at www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org. Register William P. O'Donnell Norfolk County Registry of Deeds email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-234-3336 web: http://www.norfolkdeeds.org

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831 Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with Try it free today

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds Celebrates its 225th Birthday earlier in 2018