Franklin Public Schools, MA announces Critical Conversations - Nov 18

Franklin Public Schools, MA (@FranklinPSNews) tweeted Wed, Nov 10, 2021:

"Some conversations are better to have sooner rather than later.

Start and continue the talk on Mental Health and Substance Use during our Critical Conversations panel on 11/18 at 6 PM. 

Learn more here: https://t.co/yhf1nlYD3s"

 

Critical Conversations: Identifying and addressing mental health and substance use among families and within our community. Is a collaboration between the SAFE Coalition and Franklin Public Schools. This event will be held in the FHS auditorium and live via Zoom.

Mental Health and Substance Use are two critical issues that have a wide range of impacts among our families and within our community. We invite the Franklin community to join us for an evening of learning, listening, and engaging with local panelists of diverse perspectives representing education, health care, law enforcement, parent/guardians, and people with lived experience.  
 
The evening will include: 

• Opening remarks from Jen Knight, Executive Director of the SAFE Coalition
• Panelist Discussion 
• Audience General Questions
• Breakout Sessions with each Panelist as well as a Hidden in Plain Sight display facilitated by our SATF Student Representatives

Panelists

• Detective Mike Colecchi, SAFE Coalition Board Member, Franklin Police Dept.
• Dr. Wendy Cohen, SAFE Medical Director and family practitioner
• Dan Lagarce, Person in Recovery
• Jeff Roy, State Representative
• Jim Derick, SAFE Board of Director President, co-founder and Parent
• Jen Knight-Levine, SAFE Executive Director, co-founder
• Josh Hanna, Franklin High School Principal

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/ypItJfHT3s

Download a copy of the flyer as a reminder:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczOWZWc1Buc2RLZ2QxWTktaDZUWWxTbTB1YkRZ/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-5jDLyEjZLaSKlr1sJrVZfQ

Franklin Public Schools, MA announces Critical Conversations - Nov 18

School Committee Meeting - 11/09/21 (audio)

FM #654 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 654 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, November 9, 2021.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: the School Committee members were in the Municipal Bldg along with some of the public, other members of the public joined via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The recording of the public meeting runs about 55 minutes. The School Committee entered Executive Session not to return to the public meeting. 

 

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. The link to my notes taken during the meeting is also provided.

Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting Nov 9, 2021

Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/c6dad69a-3101-46c8-96b8-bc3f735ca442 

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School Committee Meeting agenda ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_11-9-21_org.pdf   

Meeting packet folder ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/november-9-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet 

My notes captured during the meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/recap-newly-elected-school-committee.html 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

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

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

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 or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

School Committee Meeting - 11/09/21 (audio)

Next 50+ Jobseekers Session - Nov 23

This morning we held our first session of the program. We discussed Ageism.

The next session discusses Assessments.

We talk about why you need to know about them; why companies often require them; why you should consider taking an assessment before commencing your job search.

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Session 2: Assessments!

Tuesday November 23rd: 10 am – 12 pm

Join us as we discuss hiring assessments and personality tests. You'll even have the chance to take a couple of assessments and decide for yourself whether they work.

 

Why you need to know about this: Completing a self-assessment before applying for jobs can help your job-search. Knowing yourself -- your values and preferences -- enables you to set realistic career goals and ultimately land the job you want. Assessments may be optional for many companies, but they are a necessity for the modern job seeker.

 

Start your journey towards self-realization, re-invention and transformation

 

1.      Ageism

2.      Assessments

3.      Networking Introductions

4.      STAR/PAR Sto

5.      Resumes Part 1: Summary & Formatting

6.      Resumes Part 2 Experience Section

7.      LinkedIn Part 1: Your Profile

8.      LinkedIn Part 2: The Job Search

9.      Branding & Marketing

10.   Interview Preparation

11.   Interview Practice

12.   Job Applications

13.   Cover Letters

14.   Closing & Negotiating the Deal

15.   Teamwork & Getting Along with Difficult People

16.   Job Success

New to the program? Registration is Required: https://50plusjobseekers.org/outreach/registration/

For more information contact Denise Magnett: 50plusjobseekersadmin@mcoaonline.com

Next 50+ Jobseekers Session - Nov 23

Coaches Corner - playoff win vs. Braintree

Kevin papa (@kevinjpapa) tweeted Wed, Nov 10, 2021:

Coaches Corner…8-0 ... playoff win vs Braintree

Video link -> https://t.co/itloiWZ2Yb

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/kevinjpapa/status/1458622482433425415

Library of Congress: Danielle Allen to Deliver Address Nov 16

Danielle Allen to Receive Kluge Prize, Deliver Address on Educating for Democracy On Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021 Danielle Allen will accept the Library's John W. Kluge Prize for the Study of Humanity in a livestreamed gala from the Great Hall of the Library of Congress. Allen will deliver an address titled "Educating for American Democracy," in which she considers the role of education in fostering a common purpose in American society. At a time when the idea of cooperation for the public good is tested by crisis and political division, Allen's work connects us and brings us together around shared goals, all while maintaining the importance of the differences that make the United States what it is. Click here for more information.   Danielle Allen, recipient of the John W. Kluge Prize for Achievement in the Study of Humanity. Photo credit: Laura Rose

Will you be at opening night for Mamma Mia!?

COME SUPPORT OUR CAST & CREW Congratulations to everyone who has worked so hard to bring this production to life. Break a leg! Mamma Mia! Presented By Franklin High School Theatre Company Nov 12th 2021, 7:00 PM Nov 13th 2021, 2:00 PM Nov 13th 2021, 7:00 PM BUY TICKETS Franklin High School 218 Oak Street Franklin, MA 02038 Visit here for more information. TICKETING BY

On The Stage · 254 West 54th Street, 13th Floor · New York, NY 10019 · USA

Franklin Police: Crash with property damage under investigation

"The Franklin Police Department is currently investigating an incident at roughly 10:43 PM November 9, with a Jordan Road resident reporting that a Ford F450 truck had crashed into her garage, damaging that structure and a vehicle within that garage.

The driver of the truck was immediately transported to a nearby hospital, treated and released. Although the investigation is ongoing and not yet completed, charges are anticipated.

The suspect driver is a sworn member of the Franklin Police Department but was not on duty at the time of the incident. The officer is being placed on paid administrative leave by the Town Administrator. Further information will be released should charges be taken."

Copy of the Police Media Release -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1B6w481-au6lLe9ORd9XiQwUmpC7XgJI2/view?usp=sharing

Franklin Police: Crash with property damage under investigation

2021 Franklin Biennial Election Information Survey

To help prepare for the next local or biennial election, let's capture what you think about the information available for this one while it is still 'fresh' at hand. The original sources of information covered via this survey are the following:

• Franklin Voters Guide
• Milford Daily News/Wicked Local
• Frank Falvey's interviews for Franklin TV
• the candidate question series by Franklin Matters
• the two candidate nights (11/14/21 & 11/21/21)

If the survey form is not visible, please use this link

https://forms.gle/N3rkQhuHHrU6KUkQ6

2021 Franklin Biennial Election Information Survey

Recap: newly elected School Committee organizes; gets started with light agenda and Executive Session

Quick Recap:

• The new School Committee organized itself by voting in Denise Spencer as Chair and Elise Stokes as Vice-Chair
• Multiple Citizen Comments, a variety this time; Rev Juncker and Rabbi Alpert spoke representing the Interfaith Council; parent for challenging text like "Bluest Eye"; parent speaking against vaccination; J Maciel questions equity of comment time between School Committee and Town Council meetings, vs. student representative comments who get to speak more than residents
• minor business conducted in this first session, approving policy with minor wording changes for consistency of text 
• moved to Executive Session, via roll call vote, not to return to public session
• Note - confirmed post meeting that the committee members were all sworn in before the meeting commenced

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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting live from the Council Chambers

 

The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #schcom1109

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23schcom1109&src=typeahead_click 

 

• getting ready for the #schcom1109 meeting to begin shortly. Live tweeting from the Council Chambers this evening
• Meeting agenda ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_11-9-21_org.pdf   Meeting packet folder ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/november-9-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet   #schcom1109
• Working out some tech difficulty to get the meeting broadcast going. As you may be aware, there were three simultaneous broadcasts of FHS playoff games, 2 are underway, the 3rd did end in time for this to assume its channel spot #schcom1109
• nomination of Spencer for Chair, seconded; passes 7-0 #schcom1109
• Zoom appears to have sound, cable may not, motion for Stokes for Vice Chair, second, passes 7-0 #schcom1109
• pause to check on audio status, Zoom can hear, Cable cannot; meeting starts on Zoom then goes to the Studio for broadcast via Verizon/Comcast... confirmed as working now  #schcom1109
• open soon for Citizen Comments, Chair reading statement and guidelines on comment policy; #schcom1109
• expectation of conduct set for Council Chambers; slide to be added #schcom1109
• Franklin Interfaith Council - Rev Juncker and Rabbi Alpert stand to talk for their statement in support for #LoveFranklin  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/10/a-call-to-our-community-lovefranklin.html 
• parent speaking for challenging books, like the Bluest Eye, as good for education in understanding the situation  #schcom1109 challenge and empower the students, invest in the amazing staff so they can continue this work
• parent speaking against the vaccine for kids quoting FDA statements #schcom1109 challenging Supt to speak to answer the science on this matter
• J Maciel requests a podium, requesting change in meeting order agenda; @schcom1109 where is the equity with Sch comments of 3 mins; Town Council mtg allows 5; runs out of time
• FHS student comments; sports team deep in a playoff run; Mamma Mia this weekend, Fri/Sat; auditions for Central District submitted; #schcom1109; already time to order caps/gown by 11/19
• Field hockey won today, Volleyball also won today; girls soccer playing now, still 0-0 at last report; #schcom1109 winter sports start after Thanksgiving; conference Fri/Mon, off Thu due to Veterans Day; pep rally shirts on sale (until 8 PM tonight)
• FHS student acknowledges work to do to ensure a safe environment for all students, not just most; the Peace display was heartening; #schcom1109 admonish SchCom to live up to the awesome role they have, with a positive attitude
• Supt Report - doc to be posted to schools page on Weds; updates/reminders on policy and meeting process; appreciation week for school psychologists; #schcom1109 Parmenter mural work (pix to be included) ; also to be part of a More Perfect Union show on Portrait of a Graduate
• Moving to Discussion/Action - tutoring for pay, largely from conflict of interest law; i.e. tutoring by teachers of students;   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_policy_9.pdf  #schcom1109
• comment on consistency of language within the text; discussion on use of 'school resources' - possible clarification on district social media accounts vs. personal account; motion amended, seconded, passes 7-0  #schcom1109
• discussion only items; approval received yesterday to get waiver on masks; discussion on how to proceed among other districts; #schcom1109 ? on how to monitor the unvaccinated individuals; FHS welcomes option; working on plan for next couple of weeks on metrics to determine
• plan once approved by #schCom1109 would be effective, time TBD right now; logistics and details to be worked
• next to Information Matters; School Wellness met today, next mtg on Dec 7; MASC resolutions passed; requesting ideas on what subcommittees are desired; Nov 18, at FHS critical conversations also to be live streamed; panel discussion on substance use, and mental health #schcom1109
• from panel to break out sessions; "hidden in plain site" room available for review/Q&A; discussion cards on how to have the difficult conversation; flyer to be shared tomorrow via multiple channels #schCom1109
• next meeting; workshop at 6, handbook for introduction to Committee; meeting begins at 7; MCAS results and updates; #schcom1109 job description for Director of Diversity, Equity and inclusion
• consent agenda - split for returning members and new members - both accepted; one 2-0, other 7-0 #schcom1109 to enter executive session, not to return to public meeting, vote to enter passes 7-0
• vote via roll call, passes  #schcom1109

 

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

expectation of conduct set for Council Chambers

newly elected School Committee

FHS girls soccer lose; volleyball and field hockey teams win to advance in playoffs

Via @HockomockSports and Twitter, we share the results of the FHS fall sports playoff action on Tuesday, Nov 9, 2021  

 
Girls Soccer - Division 1 = #13 Brookline, 2 @ #4 Franklin, 0 – Final 

Josh Perry, Managing Editor of HockomockSports.com, provides the game recap:

"The team felt like mirror images of each other. From the formations to the strength of the lineups, the style of play, it was like the Spiderman meme come to life on a soccer pitch. In a game that is so evenly matched, sometimes it takes a moment of brilliance to decide the outcome.

On Tuesday night at Pisini Stadium, it was Brookline that had that moment. A 59th minute strike by Eleanor Bergstein proved to be the difference, with the Warriors adding another in the final minute, to secure a 2-0 win over No. 4 seed Franklin and reach the Div. 1 quarterfinal.

“They’re a good team, we’re a good team, we play very similar games, it just wasn’t our night,” said Franklin coach Jodi Klein. “It was very, very even, but that’s what every game is going to be like when you get to this level. They had two chances and they capitalized on them. If we had capitalized on the ones we had, we’d be in a different spot.”

The game featured few chances for either team, but it was the Panthers who had the better looks in the first half."

Continue reading the recap ->  https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-girls-soccer-cant-finish-chances-bows-out-in-sweet-sixteen/

– For a Photo Gallery from this match -> https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2021-2022/Fall-2021/Franklin-Brookline-Girls-Soccer-11-09-21/

Field Hockey - Division 1 = #13 Central Catholic, 0 @ #4 Franklin, 2 – Final 

– Franklin scored just minutes before halftime to jump ahead and tacked on a key insurance goal in the final moments to knock off visiting Central Catholic. After a scoreless first quarter, Franklin freshman Raena Crandall scored with just over two minutes before halftime to give the hosts the lead. Junior Kaitlyn Carney sealed the win by scoring with just under four minutes to play. Head coach Michelle Hess praised the efforts of midfielders Sophia Cuneo and Emily Carney as well as defender Kate O’Rourke for their stellar play. Megan Sullivan had four huge saves to keep the Panthers in front.

– For a Photo Gallery from this game -> https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2021-2022/Fall-2021/Franklin-Central-Catholic-Field-Hockey-11-09-21/

Volleyball - Division 1 =#16 Shrewsbury, 0 @ #1 Franklin, 3 – Final

We follow the Twitter thread from Jen Edmunds for the volleyball game (https://twitter.com/FHSTrainingRoom)

• Just about game time in Franklin. @Franklin_VBall  is taking on Shrewsbury.  @FHS_FH_02038   is taking on Central Catholic
• After a back and forth beginning, Franklin leads Shrewsbury 12-9 in the first set.
• Time out Shrewsbury. Panthers lead the Colonials 23-17 in Game 1
• Franklin takes game 1 25-20 over Shrewsbury.
• Franklin leads Shrewsbury 19-15 in Game 2
• Franklin takes Game 2, 25-19 over Shrewsbury. The Panthers lead the match 2-0
• Franklin leads game 3, 10-5 over Shrewsbury
• Franklin sweeps Shrewsbury 3-0, winning final game 25-8

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/category/schedule-scoreboard/

Freshman Kelly O’Connor chases down a ball in the Franklin attack. The Panthers fell 2-0 to Brookline in the Round of 16. (HockomockSports.com)

Attn Businesses: Get your ad in the Franklin Music Boosters program for this year's concert series

Franklin Music Boosters (@MusicBoostersFr) tweeted Mon, Nov 08, 2021:

Do you have a business you would like to see featured in our 2021 Concert Series Ad Book!  

See the link below for further information!  Deadline is 11/19! 

Link to set up ad -> https://t.co/7XmBaDzLgV

 

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/MusicBoostersFr/status/1457778042667892741

Get your ad in the Franklin Music Boosters program for this year's concert series

St Mary's Men's Faith Formation Group meeting - Nov 20

All men are welcome!  St. Mary's Men's Faith Formation monthly meeting will be held November 20, 8:45-9:45 AM via Zoom. 

If you enjoyed last month's Rich Young Man episode, you will certainly enjoy this month's. It will be an episode from Bishop Barron's series on Seven Deadly Sins, Seven Lively Virtues. This episode is entitled Pride and Humility. 

As always, Bishop Barron's insights prove to be very faith-filled and practical. All our meetings are currently via Zoom and occur on the third Saturday of each month from 8:45-9:45. 

For more information on Men's Faith Formation and to obtain the link for this meeting please visit https://www.stmarysfranklin.org/mens-faith-formation. Hope to see you there. All men are welcome!

St Mary's Men's Faith Formation - Nov 20

Reminder: 4th Annual Thanksgiving Day Pie Sale - orders accepted through Nov 14, 2021

Why bake when the Knights can do it for you?

The Knights of Columbus, Sacred Heart Council 1847 St. Mary Parish Franklin MA is running their 4th Annual Thanksgiving Pie Sale. Our famous bakery (same as last year) is the family owned Mann’s Orchards and Bakery. The flavors will remain the same as last year - Apple, Pecan, Pumpkin and Blueberry. 

These Pies are fantastic.... outstanding flavor, aroma, and taste. We held the price so we will still have the magnificent $15.00 price per Pie. As was last year you will be able to DONATE a pie. All donations will be donated to the Franklin Senior Center for distribution at Thanksgiving time.

We will be taking Pie orders in person on just one weekend this year November 13-14, after all the Masses at St Mary Franklin. We will be set up in the back of the Church to take your Pie orders. Cash, Check or Credit Card will be accepted. 

The order form is provided below. You can download, fill out and either mail or bring to the Church on the weekend of Nov 13-14.

You will be able to Pick Up your order of Thanksgiving Pies on Tuesday, November 23, from 3 PM – 8 PM at the CCD Offices at the old St. Mary's Franklin Parish Hall Center (previously the Charter School) on the 1st floor. You will see our Signs.

We are excited again this year to bring this quality product to St Mary Parish community and all our Franklin neighbors.

Please support this most worthy cause, help a senior and make your Thanksgiving Day special with a Pie (or2) from Mann’s Orchard on your dinner table this year.

Any questions, please call Jim Campbell at 508-848-8681 or Jim Lane at 774-571-9804 or Mike Swan 508-404-4792.

Thank You for your generosity and “giving back”...

Knights of Columbus, Sacred Heart Council 1847 Franklin, MA 02038 

Order form -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZdkjDtunKkAqpNpfoP7RrQ8F1CZ-MH9q/view?usp=sharing

4th Annual Thanksgiving Day Pie Sale - orders accepted through Nov 14, 2021

Upcoming Events at Expressions Enrichment

Upcoming events at Expressions Enrichment

Pumpkin Flower Arranging Adult Workshop

November 20th  • 1pm-3pm

Express your inner floral designer with professional local floral designer Kathy Montesanti. You'll be proud to take home the beautiful design you've created or give it as a gift. Cost is $50 and includes all materials.

Come Create Hanukkah Gifts for your Family
November 18th  • 4pm-6pm

Happy Hanukkah from your friends at Expressions! Drop off your kids to come and create Hanukkah gifts for their family. Each child will make two to three gifts. Suitable for grades K-6. Cost is $40 and includes all materials.

Ceramic Christmas Tree or Menorah Painting
November 20th  • 1pm-3pm

Join us at the studio to paint a Christmas Tree or Menorah. We will get 

it fired up in the kiln and have it ready for you to enjoy for the holidays! 

Cost is $50 and includes all materials.

Shop 'til you Drop! Black Friday Drop off Your Kids
November 26th • 9am-12pm

Drop off your kids to come and create holiday gifts while you take advantage of the Black Friday Sales.  Suitable for grades K-6. Cost is $75 and includes all materials.

Gingerbread House Decorating

December 4th  • 10am-12pm

This fun event will be for a parent with a child. We will decorate a gingerbread house. All the supplies are included: house, decorating candy and fixings, and icing. You can have all the fun without the mess to clean up! Cost is $50 and includes all materials.

Register online =>  www.expressions-enrichment.com

Upcoming Events at Expressions Enrichment