Franklin Public Schools: District Newsletter - April 2022

The newsletter was shortened for publication here. To view the full text, visit this page ->

https://www.franklinps.net/district/superintendent/pages/newsletters

Note:  The previous newsletter sent on Monday, April 25th, 2022 stated that Friday, May 6th, 2022 was no school. There WILL be school on Friday, May 6th, 2022. All Franklin Public Schools will operate on a HALF DAY schedule to accommodate for staff professional development, with the exception of the Early Childhood Development Center which will have no school on half days. We apologize for any confusion and thank you for your understanding.

Most Recent Updates, District Highlights and more!

Franklin Public Schools District Newsletter April 2022 Food Services District Calendar School Committee Transportation 21-22 School Calendar Last day of school is now June 22nd due to the snow days on 1/7 & 2/4. A Day of Giving at Horace Mann The HMMS Kindness Club teamed up with the ADL Peer Leaders, Spectrum Club and the Art Club to sponsor "A Day of Giving for the Ukrainian Refugees". In the days leading up to the Day of Giving, the ADL peer leaders shared stories about some of the Ukrainian refugees on the morning news. The focus of these stories were around the humanitarian needs of this group of people. In addition, the Art Club provided a large banner in the entryway reminding students of the upcoming "Day of Giving" and the Spectrum Club made bookmarks for students who donate. The Kindness Club was able to raise over $1,000 to donate to the Massachusetts non-profit Sunflower of Peace, which provides medical supplies as well as humanitarian aid for Ukrainian refugees. Full STE(a)M Ahead! Three FPS schools have been accepted into the Massachusetts OpenSciEd Cohort Program. In partnership with Boston College, we will work towards a OpenSciEd Equitable Instruction (OEI) Initiative. This program focuses on curating the highest standard of middle school science curriculum. Through this partnership, the district will receive grant funding, on-site support for professional development and curriculum enactment during our three year implementation plan. Learn about the benefits for cohort member schools!

MA Senate Passes Sports Betting Legislation

SENATE PASSES SPORTS BETTING LEGISLATION

Bill includes strong consumer protections

 

The Massachusetts State Senate on Thursday (4/28/22) passed An Act regulating sports wagering which would legalize commercial sports betting in Massachusetts. The bill, which would allow for in-person and online sports betting, also includes several consumer safeguards and addresses gaming addiction and recovery. This legislation is estimated to generate $35 million in tax revenue annually.

"I am proud that the Senate has taken a thoughtful and balanced approach to legalizing sports betting," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "This legislation is consumer-focused and responsible, while promoting economic development. I am grateful to the many, many Senators who added their voices to the discussion on sports wagering, to the Senators whose proposals we built upon, and to Chair Rodrigues and the Senate Ways and Means members and staff for their work to reach consensus on the bill we voted on today."

"With the Senate's passage of this bill, we lay a comprehensive foundation for a competitive legal sports wagering marketplace that will maximize revenue for our Commonwealth, promote equitable economic development, and establish the strongest consumer protection measures in the country," said State Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Senate Chair of the Committee on Ways and Means. "I want to thank Senator President Spilka for her invaluable leadership, along with Senators Lesser, Crighton, Feeney, Gomez, Brady, Creem and Tarr for lending their voices and contributing ideas and input throughout this process, and all of my colleagues in the Senate for helping to shape the final bill that the Senate has endorsed today."

"This bill has been carefully crafted to include strong consumer protections and encourage a competitive market for fun and responsible betting," said Senator Eric P. Lesser (D-Longmeadow), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies. "Its passage would bring Massachusetts into line with over two dozen states who have legalized sports betting since the 2018 Supreme Court decision. I want to thank Senate President Spilka, Chairman Rodrigues, and my House counterpart, Representative Parisella, for working collaboratively to get this legislation passed."

The legislation would allow for bets to be placed on a professional sport or athletic event, such as the World Series or Stanley Cup, and establishes a licensing process that is inclusive of the state's existing casino and slot parlor industry. In addition to sports wagering being offered at existing casinos, the bill contemplates six licenses to be awarded through a competitive process to companies which promote job-growth, responsible gambling, diversity, equity and inclusion, and which have community support. Those six licenses would be permitted to operate both in-person at a retail facility and online wagering. Wagering would not be permitted on electronic sports, amateur sports or athletic events including high school and youth sports, Olympic-related competitions, or collegiate sports. All leading Massachusetts Division 1 universities had previously weighed in against college sports betting.

Mindful of the harmful impacts of compulsive gambling and risks of addiction, the Senate proposal is intentional in its efforts to promote responsible gambling and takes steps to protect consumers. To that end, the bill would prohibit the use of a credit card to place a sports wager and would require the Department of Public Health (DPH) to establish a compulsive gambling direct assistance program.

Additionally, companies licensed to offer sports betting would be required to train employees to identify problem gambling and create plans to address instances of problem gambling, which would be submitted to the state's Gaming Commission. In addition, the bill would ensure that consumers could cash out and permanently close accounts for any reason or create self-imposed limits on wagers.

To further protect consumers, this legislation would include limitations on advertising for sports betting. The bill would prohibit unsolicited pop-up advertisements and certain promotional items, and institute a whistle-to-whistle ban on television advertising during live sporting events. Similar to the state's cannabis law, the bill would limit advertising on television and online where less than 85% of the audience is 21 or older.

With legislation relative to sports betting having passed the Massachusetts House of Representatives, a conference committee will be established to reconcile differences between the two bills.

Commonwealth Magazine coverage for this legislation ->
 https://commonwealthmagazine.org/gambling/237976/

MA Senate Passes Sports Betting Legislation

Making Sense of Climate with Ted McIntyre #7 - 04/19/22 (audio)

FM #783 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 783 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Ted McIntyre, Franklin resident and climate activist. We recorded this via the Zoom conference bridge Apr 19, 2022.  

Ted helps me “make sense of climate” and we hope this helps with your understanding as well. We started with a couple of updates and then got into a discussion on how the MA state government is organized and how the organizations play their role.

 

If you have climate questions or Franklin specific climate questions, send them in and we’ll try to answer them in a future session 

 

The recording runs about 40 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Ted McIntyre as he helps me “make sense of climate.”  Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-783-making-sense-of-climate-7-04-19-22

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See listing of articles referenced ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gI8_RcnDNy47YW6K3A9d58JIEjOYK5K1/view?usp=sharing 

See the page that collects the “Making Sense of Climate” episodes ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/making-sense-of-climate-collection.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"

Making Sense of Climate with Ted McIntyre #7 - 04/19/22 (audio)

An Update from Your 4th District Congressman - Jake Auchincloss

LAST 2 WEEKS IN REVIEW APRIL 9 – APRIL 22 I'm your representative in Congress, and I write to keep you informed. On the Hill: I was recently sanctioned by Russian President Vladimir Putin for my ardent support of Ukraine. Also, I am requesting funding to support innovation in our nation's transportation and infrastructure. Make your voice heard → I noticed on my recent flights between Massachusetts and Washington that about 50% of people are wearing masks. While the administration is challenging the ruling in order to prevent a precedent that undermines the CDC's public health authority, I don't expect it to imminently restart mask mandates on airlines. I'd like to hear from you: let me know below how you will approach mask-wearing on airplanes and public transportation. Around the Fourth: Last week, I attended the Boston Marathon. For Earth Day, I participated in a community clean-up event in Fall River and met with environmental youth leaders in Newton. On the Hill Sanctioned by Putin: Last week, President Putin sanctioned me. Whatever I did to anger the Russian president, good. My advocacy for the people of Ukraine is not about me; this work is about Ukrainians fighting on the front lines of the free world. In Congress, we must continue to take concrete actions to support Ukrainians and isolate and undermine Russia. My singular mission is to provide Ukraine with the tools they need for victory, and nothing could throw a wrench into my work. You can watch my full interview about the sanctions here. Investing in U.S. Transportation and Infrastructure: I am requesting $15 million to fund the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Infrastructure for Fiscal Year 2023. This new agency will spur innovation within the transportation and infrastructure sectors. This will make our roads safer for all modalities, reduce maintenance costs for taxpayers, and mitigate carbon emissions. The $15 million in initial funding will provide full planning resources for the Department of Transportation to create a five-year strategic plan for the agency, develop an organizational structure, scope potential NOFOs, and solicit ideas from the public. Will you continue to wear a mask when you travel? Around the Fourth Boston Marathon: I celebrated Patriots' Day at the Boston Marathon starting line in Hopkinton. The Marathon represents the strength, unity, and resilience of the people of Massachusetts, and I was proud to watch countless runners embark on this accomplishment, including Team Hoyt. Team Hoyt raises money and awareness for children with disabilities. Earth Day: To celebrate Earth Day, I participated in a clean-up in Fall River and joined a meeting with youth leaders from Green Newton. From attending local clean-ups to using your voice to advocate for change, we can make our community a better place when we come together for a common goal. As the father of two young kids, I am working to leave them a better environment and a healthier planet. Sincerely, Jake WASHINGTON 15 Independence Avenue SE 1524 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5931 NEWTON 29 Crafts Street Suite 375 Newton, MA 02458 Phone: (617) 332-3333 ATTLEBORO 8 North Main Steet Suite 200 Attleboro, MA 02703 Phone: (508) 431-1110

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, Apr 28, 2022

• wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Thursday

9:00a/12:00p/6:00p   A Priest, A Minister and a Rabbi

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p   Frank’s Music – Frank Falvey and Jim Derick

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm   Frank Presents – Frank Falvey Presents 

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = Thursday

7:30 am Cooking Thyme: Apple Crisp

8:00 am Veterans' Call: Dave Hencke

9:00 am Veterans Oral History Project: Warren Sayer Green

10:30 am SAFE Coalition: The Hamlins

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin': Peppers

12:30 pm Sandya: Crepes

1:00 pm Physician Focus: Straight Talk on Pain Medication

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Meat-Lovers Pt. 1

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 Show 8

3:00 pm Let's Talk Sports: Episode 1

3:30 pm Cooking Thyme: Apple Crisp

4:00 pm Once Upon A Town: Cataldo Block

4:30 pm Frank Presents: Alberto Correia

5:30 pm ArtWeek: Theater in the Open

6:00 pm Extended Play Sessions: Season 10 Show 5 - Matt Stubbs Antiguas

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = Thursday

7:00 am Public School Event: Concert Hour Day 2

9:00 am Public School Event: FHS Pops Night 05-09-18

10:30 am FHS Varsity Baseball: v King Philip

12:30 pm All-Town Showcase: Band

2:00 pm It Takes A Village: Gretchen Scotland

6:30 pm FHS Boys Varsity Lacrosse: v Foxboro 05-06-21

8:30 pm FHS Girls Varsity Lacrosse: v Sharon 04-14-22

10:00 pm FHS Varsity Softball: v Mansfield 04-22-22

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) = Thursday

8:00 am Conservation Commission: 04-14-22

11:00 am Economic Development: 04-06-22

2:00 pm Conservation Commission: 04-14-22

7:00 pm Conservation Commission: LIVE, Chambers

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf     

Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)

Franklin Cultural District: Arts are happening here! Arts & Culture Symposium and multiple events coming up

MetroWest Arts & Culture Symposium - May 14

Think music, art, drama, dining, shopping, and more … Franklin’s Cultural District offers many options for entertainment. To celebrate our cultural communities, the Franklin Cultural Council is hosting an event in partnership with the Franklin Cultural District called the MetroWest Arts & Culture Symposium on Saturday, May 14 at 9:00 AM at Franklin High School.

Learn more about the event below and register here.

The Franklin Cultural Council hosts this signature cultural event in partnership with the Franklin Cultural District on Saturday, May 14 at 9:00 AM at Franklin High School. Join us for a fantastic morning of discussion, learning and networking!

The symposium features Keynote Speaker Michael Bobbitt, Executive Director, Mass Cultural Council. 

Additionally, participants will choose two breakout clinics to attend:

●   “Building Community Through the Arts” – Kelly Grill, Executive Director, Hopkinton Center for the Arts

●   “Equity and Access in Arts & Culture” – Cheyenne Cohn-Postell, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Mass Cultural Council

●   “Sharing your Arts Identity on Social Media” –  Steve Sherlock, Franklin Matters, Social Media Practitioner

●   “ Festivals and Community Celebrations  ” - Timothea Pham, Program Officer, Community Initiatives, Mass Cultural Council                  

Lunch will be provided by Birchwood Bakery in Franklin, MA.

Tickets are available on Eventbrite (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/metrowest-arts-culture-symposium-tickets-270070025717)!

 

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In addition to this exciting event, we have many events coming up at the end of April and throughout May. Here is the Arts Happen Here section for you to plan your weeks ahead! 

FRANKLIN | ARTS HAPPEN HERE | UPCOMING EVENTS

* Friday, April 29 at 5:30 PM

FHS National Arts Honor Society hosts the “Night of Arts Around the World” 

Free, kid friendly, and open to the public at Franklin High School.

 

* Friday, April 29 at 7:30 PM  

Electric Youth with special guests Future Shock! 

Offering high-powered family entertainment with music for all ages! Backed by an eight-piece band of world-class musicians, EY delivers high-energy music, including contemporary pop, classic rock and country hits. 

At THE BLACK BOX

* Saturday, April 30 at 3:00 PM

Letters from Red Farm: The Untold Story of the Friendship between Helen Keller and Journalist Joseph Edgar Chamberlin with Author Elizabeth Emerson  at the Franklin Public Library

* Sunday, May 1 at 3:00 PM         

Broadway in Franklin 

The magic of 42md Street comes to Boston’s MetroWest suburbs as stars and students share the stage! At THE BLACK BOX

* Friday, May 6 at 8:00 PM    

T.3   

THE BLACK BOX presents viral a cappella sensation T.3! T.3 is a New York based vocal group composed of Liam Fennecken (School of Rock), Jim Hogan (Waitress) and Brendan Jacob Smith (The Simon & Garfunkel Story).

* Friday, May 20 at 7:30 PM

Fair, Yates, Betschart & McCrossan 

50^th Anniversary   

For this 50^th Anniversary night at THE BLACK BOX, they will present some guests from the early years and cover a vast eclectic mix of classic and modern rock spanning five decades. It’s an event not to be missed …

Tickets for events at THE BLACK BOX can be purchased online    https://www.theblackboxonline.com/   or by calling the box office (508) 528-3370

Franklin Cultural District: Arts are happening here!

Recap: School Committee decides on new school Superintendent: Lucas Giguere

Quick recap:

• The Special School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Apr 26 at 6 PM resulted in a new School Superintendent, current asst Superintendent Lucas Giguere was approved b y a 7-0 roll call vote 
• Chair Denise Spencer opened the meeting with a review of the process to date. Each member of the committee commented on the development of their decision before the vote to approve. After a brief 5 minute recess during which Chair Spencer confirmed the offer and acceptance by L Giguere, she asked for volunteers for the contract negotiation subcommittee to be formed and begin work immediately
• Meeting adjourned with a 7-0 roll call vote. Two members were remote for this and the regular meeting hence the roll call voting for all decisions (Stokes, Whitmore)

My Twitter thread is captured in this PDF

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q51iGa9mqNXdD3WSexi81G8Uvn_sVc9Q/view?usp=sharing

new Superintendent Lucas Giguere at the regular School Cmte meeting with FHS student science fair winners

Look for Project Rain Check on downtown sidewalks later this year (June - August 2022)

"Project Rain Check is a go! @FranklinHS  students can submit literary works now through 5/6 at 4 PM. Selected works will be part of a temporary rain activated art project.  

Great partnership with our D,E,I Committee and FHS community.

Learn more here: https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/fps-diversity-equity-inclusion/project-rain-check?authuser=0

What is a "Rain Check"?

Literary work selected will be used to create a “rain check”, which is the name of the message that will be revealed when it rains. We will utilize “invisible spray” and stencils to create the body of work. When applied to a stencil, the ground where the invisible spray was used will repel water, thus unveiling a secret art piece.  These works will be on display from June 2022 to August 2022.  FHS Students are encouraged to take a walk through downtown for inspiration on how their literary work can engage with the environment it is placed in.

Video link ->  https://youtu.be/tDIXnbufDu0