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Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Friday, October 29, 2021
Register Now: Wine Labels - Truth & Lies - Nov. 30
022 - Frank Presents - Jen Williams (audio)
"In this episode, Frank Falvey sits down with Jen Williams, candidate for the Franklin Planning Board, to discuss her background, the town of Franklin, and the work she would like to do as a member of the Franklin Planning Board."
Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/3b52ba85-809d-4536-ac6f-ca86dc94b289
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022 - Frank Presents - Jen Williams (audio) |
Franklin Public Schools: Public Complaints About Instructional Materials
The School Committee recognizes the right of students to free access to many different types of literature. The Committee also recognizes the right of teachers and administrators to select books and other materials in accordance with the current trends in education and to make them available through the schools.Therefore, books and other reading matter will be chosen for value of interest and enlightenment of all students in the community. A book will not be excluded because of the race, gender orientation, nationality, political, or religious values of the writer or of its style and language. Every effort will be made to provide materials that present all points of view concerning the international, national, and local problems and issues of our times. Books and other reading matter of sound factual authority will not be prescribed or removed from library shelves or classrooms because of partisan doctrinal approval or disapproval.Censorship of books will be challenged in order to maintain the school's responsibility to provide information and enlightenment. Accordingly, the School Committee will deal with censorship of books or other materials as follows:Challenge of instructional materials used or proposed for use in the district will include the author, title, publisher, page number, and other pertinent information of each item to which objection is being made. This information will include the reasons for the objections stated in sufficient detail and logical sequence. It is the responsibility of the complainant to have reviewed the entire contents of the instructional material and the signature of complainant will attest to this fact. Challenges of instructional material will neither be deemed complete nor be considered by the Committee until all the above information has been furnished.Challenge Committee:• A challenge committee will be convened to review challenges as they occur.
The committee will consist of not more than nine members which may include:
• two administrators (designated by the Superintendent);• three teachers (in subject matter field);• no more than three parent/patrons who serve on the PCC and SchoolImprovement Council• one School Committee memberThe committee chairperson will be appointed by the Superintendent; will set committee meeting dates, time, place, and will be at appropriate meetings when committee recommendations are to be considered.
The challenge committee will evaluate the questioned material and review the challenge. The committee may meet with both adoption requestor and challenger. In addition, the committee may request information from those who have facts pertinent to the challenge. When the committee deliberations are completed, the committee will forward its report in writing to the Superintendent. The report will include one or more of the following recommendations:• adoption;• no adoption;• retention on adopted list;• removal from adopted list; or• prescribed usage - such as determined by nature of the instructional material and its unique application to the learning situation.The Superintendent will review the report and render the decision in writing to the complainant within five days of receiving the challenge committee report.The decision of the Superintendent will represent the final decision of the school district.
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https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee-policy-manual |
Town of Franklin, MA: $2.2 M grant received for Grove St/Washington Sts
"The Town of Franklin has received a $2.2 million grant to repair lower Grove Street to Wash. St!
We also received a $75,000 planning grant to look at Downtown Revitalization.
Thank you @MassGovernor @MassEOHED @jeffroy @KarenSpilka @BeccaRauschMA for your advocacy and support! "
Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1453523798217609218
The good (then) and the bad (now)
"Worn #onthisday in 1956 by Elvis Presley when he was photographed getting his polio vaccine to persuade teenagers to get vaccinated.
Within the next 6 months, 84% of American children got the vaccine, released in 1955; by 1957, US cases had dropped by 81%. #OTD #rollupyoursleeve" https://t.co/7HnZELqjrsShared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/WornOnThisDay/status/1453678218314194951
Elvis Presley when he was photographed getting his polio vaccine |
"A systematic disinformation campaign in Russian media to foster doubts and misgivings about COVID-19 vaccines in the West has backfired as the death toll in Russia rises to record daily tolls, a European Union report said on Thursday.Facing a sharp rise in COVID-19 infections and deaths and a widespread reluctance among Russians to get inoculated, President Vladimir Putin approved a government proposal on Wednesday for a week-long workplace shutdown in Russia at the start of November to curb the spread of the virus."
The Guardian also covers the Russian surge in cases: (Subscription maybe required) https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/oct/28/russia-brings-in-harsh-new-covid-measures-amid-record-cases-and-deaths
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The Guardian covers the Russian surge in cases |
Thursday, October 28, 2021
Superintendent's Letter to the Franklin Community - 10/27/2021
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/news/superintendents_letter_to_the_franklin_community_-_10.27.2021.pdf
Recap: School Committee meeting interrupted by audience; MASC resolutions discussed, mask policy approved, Executive Session closed meeting
- The FHS student updates were interrupted by some members of the audience, a shouting match ensued, and a break in the meeting was gaveled by the Chair
- As the meeting back to business, they heard a presentation from the Science National Honor Society, status update on re-opening, and the Oct 1 enrollment report (with lots of details)
- The MASC resolutions were discussed, and while most passed, the exact vote outcome was not clear (all seven members were in the Chambers and roll call was not required)
- Given the DESE decision to extend the mask policy was announced Tuesday afternoon, the policy proposal had been reworded to provide room for implementation of future changes. The decision to apply for the waiver (as FHS has reached 82% vaccination rate) was approved. The masks don't go away immediately. The next school committee will hear of the proposed implementation plan before it is set in motion. Given what has been happening around with other districts, a cautious approach is quite likely with more of a relaxed implementation after the holidays (assuming the number of COVID cases remains low)
- Recognition of the three members not returning (they are not running for re-election) was moved from meeting opening to just before the Executive Session. They received a plaque and a token of appreciation
- The Committee entered executive session not to return to public meeting and the broadcast/live stream ended
- Getting ready for live tweeting/ reporting on the Franklin #schcom1026 meeting
- Meeting packet folder contains agenda doc, connection info, and anything else released 4 this meeting. Superintendent's report gets added on Weds https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/october-22-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet… #schcom1026
- In a time warp? #schcom10126 we'll find out soon…
- Something of a time warp in that the live stream started before some folks were allowed into the Zoom session (at least me) #schcom1026
- Motion to move the recognition of departing members to end of meeting, moved, seconded, (to conclude all business) before executive session #schcom1026 passes (likely 7-0; to be confirmed as members are viewed)
- Citizen comment on 'protected students' who is who determines? Shouldn't be a division looking for definition. #schcom1026
- Husband of candidate Videra reads the section left out of the statement from the candidate forum quote from The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
- Parent with comment on student lunch time and recess time, Franklin has done nothing in the 8 years she has been complaining about, then shifts to sex talk for 9 year olds, "the hate you give" being read earlier than recommended #schcom1026
- Parent speaking on the DESE extension and lack of initiative for FPS to go on their own, #schcom1026 no survey done of parents to see where they fall on this
- Parent talking about possible coercion for vaccine to kids as discussed by SchCom at prior meeting
- Resident complains about the lack of Franklin TV for making the #SchCom1026 videos available.
- FHS students plugging production of "Mamma Mia" Nov 12-13; trunk or treat this weekend in FHS parking lot; National Honor society project to run theater clinic for elementary students; #schcom1026 Medway doing regular testing in lieu of masks
- FHS seniors coming back and now starting to feel stress as college apps are being done, hard transition; enforcing masks, students not following be considerate of those around and their well-being #schcom1026
- Spirit week, include photos to add soul to the school, gym decorated, corner colors by class, cabaret last week, Dalton award from Globe for sports, #schcom1026 student responds to protected student question, everyone is protected
- Meeting takes a break as parent objects to FHS student comment on harassment and voices are raised #schcom1026
- Chair gaveled for break after request for silence was not adhered to, zoom muted, live stream audio switch to radio. Assume it will come back some time #schcom1026
- Someone on Zoom complaining about violating open meeting, actually no. Once gaveled for a break, they are not in an official meeting, when they gavel back the meeting will resume. #schcom1026
- Gaveling back to order. #schcom1026
- Everyone was respectful in their comments, that same respect should be accorded the FHS students. #schcom1026
- Next up Superintendent Report, Professional development schedule for Nov 2; congrats to FHS for Dalton award, leaving room for parking at the gym for election #schcom1026 FDA working towards making vaccine available when approved in a local clinic
- With round of committee option to comment or question the report, confirms that all seven are indeed in the Chambers this evening #schcom1026
- FHS students presenting on national honor society for science #schcom1026 https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/sci-nhs
- Screen grabs on science nights conducted by group pre-COVID #schcom1026
- YouTube channel created during COVID to share the experiments #schcom1026
- Working with elementary school to develop a science project for their curriculum #schcom1026 ad-hoc comments on promotion of DEI setting a good role model for younger students given tonight's events
- Next up discussion action item; MASC resolutions for delegate representation at conf next week, motion on resolution 1 https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/d-res #schcom1026 vote not clear but would pass (Pfeffer no, someone else no, possible abstain also)
- MASC resolution 2 Pfeffer also speaks to no on this, (the resolution would enable MASC to lobby on our behalf for these) #schcom1026 vote likely 6-1
- Resolution 3 - Pfeffer also speaks to no, Keenan where is the prioritization on these? How does that come to play? Superintendent adds some clarification around funding and priorities and funding sources, res 4 would require time on learning change for recess #schcom1026 Vote on res 3, likely 6-1
- #schcom1026 resolution 4 Pfeffer also speaks to no due to her lack of understanding of the wording; vote likely 6-1
- Resolution 5 - Pfeffer likes this one! Zero tolerance policy should be avoided whenever possible, use restorative practice, vote 7-0
- Resolution 6 an alternative to MCAS, vote 7-0
- Resolution 7 SchComm and receivership; Pfeffer speaks to no on this (?) Discussion on this as intending to restoration of local control - vote 6-1 likely #schcom1026
- Resolution 8 - Pfeffer too altruistic statement, chances of getting in her opinion slim to none, voting no; vote hard to say but likely not passed
- Resolution 9 - voting 6-1 #schcom1026
- Policy for approval https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/d-b-pol-2ndrd #schcom1026 vote 7-0
- Policy for approval https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/d-c-pol-1strd move to second reading vote 7-0
- Policy on face coverings https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/d-e-pol-adoption #schcom1026 FHS at 82% would allow for approval of waiver to DESE motion to waive 1st reading, assume waiver approved would come back with implementation plan vote 7-0
- Motion on policy to approve, passes 7-0 #schcom1026, implementation plan would still come back to Committee for approval (likely post election)
- Reopening report/ Oct 1 enrollment report
- Reopening report; smaller increase in vaccination rates, info is accurate, DESE has time delay in reporting, ours is direct access; #schcom1026 https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/10-22-status-update
- Oct 1 enrollment update https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/october_1_enrollment_report_2021.pdf
- Update on McKibben study and look back, lunch is free, may have deterred folks from applying previously, free lunch #s, more English learners in district this year; increase in diversity among student population #schcom1026 page 5 indicates resident students going elsewhere
- Page 6 will be updated after another report is filed, timeline on charter expansion includes in recap, 33 students from FHS last year did attend an online school in MA #schcom1026
- Policy subcom has been busy, joint PCC last meeting today attended by Pfeffer, good work being done by group, equitable spending across the elementary schools being looked at #schcom1026 adventure continues; SWAC touts upcoming forum on Nov 16 for community, flyer coming, hybrid
- New business; Nov 9, organization meeting, vote on leadership and subcommittees; MCAS update later in Nov, update on waiver and next steps for facial covering implementation (assuming waiver accepted) #schcom1026 consent agenda approved, passes 7-0
- Recognition of departing #schcom1026 members, last two years were most challenging, pandemic, budget, facility analysis; Keenan first, Pfeffer next, Bergen next
- Photos to be added, plaque, token of appreciation given to the three members in recognition #schcom1026
- Keenan: Appreciate the patience, we haven't always agreed but is has been an honor and a privilege, it takes a lot to whomever is elected, keep it civil and kind, #schcom1026 "it is easier to listen the more civil and kind it is"
- Pfeffer: to do this properly we need to ask questions, examine the costs and manpower, how does the school get money? how does the town get money? New members should be given a copy of Roberts Rules of Order #schcom1026
- Bergen: thanks to the community for the honor of serving, thanks for your patience in the world of Zoom, tech is not one of my strengths; showed concern for staff as well as the students; wrote a few closing remarks - the Portrait of a Graduate is an impressive accomplishment
- Schools and town services are affected by the budget shortfall it is up to the residents to decide, we provide an objective transparent view of the budget and issues, legislative forums among others outreach efforts #schcom1026
- Rigorous academic education as well as physical emotional well-being, what Horace Mann knew, opioid problem hasn't gone away, emotional health issues are growing around us, a community issue, #schcom1026 we need to understand the toll it takes on us and the children
- In my time, 9 superintendents, never had one dealt with the challenges that Dr Ahern has in her term, it has not been done by her alone, along with her central office staff and the principals across the district, the whole staff bus drivers, custodians, etc. #schcom1026
- Thanks to Chris Sterns and Franklin TV for making the meetings happen, thanks, Horace Mann would be proud of us today. #schcom1026
- MJ interjects to give thanks, Judy jokes that she'll go to the Planning Board next. MJ acknowledges knowing Dr Bergen and working with her
- Motion to enter executive session, not to return to open meeting, to discuss negotiation and legal issues Via roll call passes 7-0
- That's all for tonight (yup, late to this, what a night!) #schcom1026
- Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days
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FHS Science National Honor Society provides update |
Voices of Franklin: Alan Earls "I heard the bells on Christmas Day..."
Wow, what a lot of pain there is around our town. Reading my neighbor, Aaron Gouveia’s recent post in this space about our mutual neighbor, Dashe Videira, I couldn’t help but feeling like something was getting lost in translation. It is a fact (and perhaps symbolically rich) that our homes are on opposite sides of the Videira residence.
I was surprised several days ago when Aaron mined his private conversations and texts with Dashe to publicly excoriate her on Facebook – and now the campaign has moved to Franklin Matters. Free speech, and all that, it still seemed to be in poor taste and stingingly calculated to burn whatever social bridges remain on our street. And just when I was hoping we could heal.
My sadness in these events brought to mind the Christmas carol whose lyrics were written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Hearing the beautiful pealing of church bells at Christmas even as the Civil War raged across the land, threw him into despondency. You don’t have to be Christian or celebrate Christmas to imagine the painful disconnect a man like Longfellow experienced in that moment.
And yet, for him, he also managed to discover hope in that moment.
I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
and wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And in despair I bowed my head;
"There is no peace on earth," I said;
"For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men."
I am of that mind, with Longfellow. Leaving aside the specific religious connotations, I am sure we can find our better natures not yet out of reach and once again, rekindle neighborliness, kindness, and toleration and find peace on earth, or at least in Franklin.
I meet few who do not share this hope. So why not here, why not now, and why not in Franklin?
We will and we must disagree but we should recognize that people who actually intend harm to others are a rarity. To behave as if a young mother of four children, brimming with energy and kindness, is an existential threat to society, is at best a gross exaggeration.
It is incumbent upon us to find out why and how those with whom we disagree came to their views and values. We can and we must understand that ideas – and civil societies – evolve and can do so peacefully when we occasionally hold our tongue and foreswear a cruel remark for the sake of sustaining a vital and meaningful conversation.
We have an opportunity to be large-hearted with each other, to imagine our similarities instead of alighting only on our differences. Yes, there is a gulf between us on many issues but our job is to bridge the gulf and construct new edifices where we all can feel at home.
I plan to be at the polls on Tuesday, anxious to meet all my fellow citizens and candidates and hopeful that they will bring with them not just their list of candidates to vote for but also curiosity, warmth and a sense of humor. Afterall, at a bare minimum, we are all mortal and that fact should provide each of us with a starting point.
021 - Frank Presents - Dave Callaghan (audio)
"In this episode, Frank Falvey sits down with Dave Callaghan, candidate for Franklin School Committee, to discuss his background, the town of Franklin, the current challenges that face the town and the work he hopes to do as part of the School Committee."
Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/c48e3fb1-2a6f-4db3-8b59-f672a048bd4d
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021 - Frank Presents - Dave Callaghan (audio) |
FHS boys soccer reach 500th win for Coach Bositis; FHS girls soccer post win on Weds as well
Boys Soccer = Franklin, 4 @ King Philip, 1 – Final
Josh Perry, Managing Editor of HockomockSports.com provides the game recap:
"There was no precise measure of the amount of possession that Franklin enjoyed on Wednesday night at Macktaz Field, but it would be safe to say that when King Philip midfielder Matt Crago came forward and blasted an equalizing goal into the top corner it was against the run of play.With the Panthers looking for a 10th win of the season and to earn head coach Fran Bositis the 500th win of his Hall of Fame career, Franklin wasted no time in responding. Less than a minute had gone off the clock when the Panthers played an in-swinging corner to the back post. Terry O’Neill, a four-year starter whose father Mike is the KP coach, rose highest and nodded a shot off the post and into the net.Franklin would add two more goals in the final few minutes of play to come away with the 4-1 victory and help their coach reach the 500-win plateau at the second attempt.“It’s just another win, honestly,” Bositis replied when asked about what the milestone meant to him. “From my perspective, it’s all about those kids there and everybody who came here and played before them and the coaches that we’ve had in the system to develop the players to move up to the varsity level.”
Girls Soccer = King Philip, 0 @ Franklin, 2 – Final
– The Panthers got goals from Kelly O’Connor and Anya Zub to close the season with another solid league win. Franklin, which had already clinched the outright Kelley-Rex title, held off the Warriors thanks to an 11-save night from goalie Rachel Welch. Panthers coach Jodi Klein said Welch “is an unsung hero and an incredibly talented goalkeeper.” Stella Regan and Selene Hammad assisted on Franklin’s goals.
For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-10-27-21/
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Franklin celebrates Terry O’Neill’s headed goal, which turned out to be the game-winner at KP, earning coach Fran Bositis his 500th career win. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com) |
Voices of Franklin: Raymond Milici advocates Support for Franklin United
This is dangerous for our town. Just look what the former president has done. The division and hate that exist today is primarily caused by right-wing ideologues with policies and principles that have no place in Franklin Government. That's why it's important to elect local leaders that share the values of our community.
Do your homework before you vote, and make an informed decision. I have decided to support the Franklin United group of candidates. This is a moderate group of candidates with experience and common sense ideas. They are down to earth citizens concerned about the the future of Franklin. A low voter turn out could mean we end up electing right-wing ideologues. Be very concerned and vote on or before Nov 2. Check out all the candidates at franklinmaunited.com/home.
Raymond D Milici
Franklin Resident
St Mary's Men's Faith Formation - Nov 20
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St Mary's Men's Faith Formation - Nov 20 |
020 - Frank Presents - Cobi Frongillo (audio)
"In this episode, Frank Falvey sits down with Cobi Frongillo, current member and upcoming candidate for Franklin Town Council, to talk about his background, his time on the council so far, the work he's done, and what he hopes to accomplish in the future."
Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/02bac0f2-3406-4402-919a-89eb3b67e969
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020 - Frank Presents - Cobi Frongillo (audio) |