Congressman Auchincloss: An Update for the last 2 weeks (as of 1/09/24)

LAST 2 WEEKS IN REVIEW I'm your representative in Congress and I write to keep you informed. Happy New Year! On the Hill 2023 Recap: Despite a year of GOP dysfunction in Congress, my staff and I were able to visit all 35 cities and towns in MA-04, help nearly 2,000 constituents with casework, and make important progress on key issues. In 2024, I'll continue pursuing bipartisan avenues to lower drug prices, advance gun violence prevention legislation, and protect democracy at home and abroad. You can visit my website to learn more about how my office can help you cut through red tape and navigate the federal government in 2024. January 6th Anniversary: This weekend marked the 3rd anniversary of the insurrection on January 6th – one of the worst days in American history. January 6th was not a choice between Democrat or Republican. It was a choice between the Constitution or authoritarianism. The choice remains. Outcompeting China: I recently opposed and offered a parallel opinion to the House Select Committee on China's economic report. My objection is centered around the idea that the U.S. economy will outcompete China's by emphasizing science, education, and a pro-growth business climate, not industrial policy. You can read my full opinion here. Make your voice heard → I want to hear from you.  Do you support investing in science and education, instead of industrial policy, to out-compete China? Around the Fourth Congressional App Challenge: Congratulations to Ritika Roy, a high-school junior from North Attleborough who attends Bishop Feehan High School, for winning the Congressional App Challenge with 'Handshake', an app that real-time translates American Sign Language into English, and vice versa. Ritika demonstrated impressive technical skill and product development sophistication. Runners-up were Aishwaryalakshmi Saravanan (Sharon), Neha Raj (Sherborn), and Sophia Yan (Newton) for apps dedicated to breast cancer research, insights into state legislators' records, and homework planning. Our guest judge, Michael Costello (Newton), evaluated the technical coding elements for the challenge. The creativity and technical facility of all these high-schoolers is impressive, and the conversation was especially fun for me as a former tech product manager.  Supporting Migrants: I joined state and local officials and social service providers to bring necessities, and some holiday gift bags, to migrant families at a motel in the district. Speaking with the on the ground service providers at the motel, the National Guard, and first responders who were running a vaccine clinic made me proud of the Bay State's 400-year tradition of welcoming new arrivals to our Commonwealth and integrating them into the economy and society. I remain committed to securing federal funding to backfill the state's outlays on shelter and services, and to passing bipartisan immigration reform like the DIGNITY Act, which would upgrade border security and pre-process migrants in countries of origin, streamline and rationalize asylum and visa pathways, provide documentation and dignity to DREAMers, and help fund the upskilling of American workers. Turkish-American Business Owners: I met with Turkish-American professionals at Lazzoni Furniture in Newton for a wide-ranging conversation on housing, workforce, and science. They are a tight-knit community whose stories underscore how critical immigration is to the dynamism of our culture and economy here in Massachusetts. Next time will be a breakfast event so that I can enjoy my favorite drink – Turkish coffee. Visiting Franklin: With my partners in state and local government, I visited three sites in Franklin where federal action can drive progress. At the Southern New England Trunkline Trail, we discussed our efforts in ongoing negotiations with CSX Rail to purchase land in order to extend the trail to downtown Franklin. At the fire station, we celebrated the chief's recent string of success with federal grants for training and equipment, and got an update on his plans for the next application, this one to accommodate the increase in mental-health calls. Finally, we toured the Nu-Style brownfield, where the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is funding the cleanup necessary to redevelop the formerly polluted site. I also visited the Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School in Franklin to see their programming, from electrical and HVAC to nursing and law enforcement, and to get briefed on their construction plans for a recently approved new facility, and how Congress's landmark climate law may be able to help lower the school's energy bills through tax credits for renewable sources. I then toured Dean College, also in Franklin, and met with President Kenneth Elmore to learn about their new biomanufacturing certificate, an addition to curriculum widely known for theater and dance. As the Democratic Chair of the House STEM Caucus, I'm committed to supporting the full scope of STEM careers, from precision manufacturing through trades through R&D. Islamic Center of New England: I met with members of the Islamic Center of New England at Sharon to tour the mosque and for, as they put it, a hard and heartfelt conversation on the war in Gaza. While we respectfully diverged on some geopolitical issues, we connected deeply, as Americans and as parents, on the tragedy of war and the suffering it brings to children; on the promise of the United States to treat all its citizens equally regardless of color or creed; and on the value of human-to-human conversations to demonstrate common ground and to build trust. I was particularly moved by the story of one member's grandmother, who taught herself the Quran, the Torah, and the Bible to widen her worldview. Congressional Award: In 1979, Congress established the Congressional Award Foundation to recognize initiative, service, and achievement in young people. Charlotte Elwy, of Wellesley, is the most recent laureate from the Massachusetts Fourth, earning a Silver Award for 200 hours of public service, 100 hours of personal development, and 100 hours of physical fitness. I encourage all Bay Staters between the ages of 13 and 24 to consider pursuing the Congressional Award. Onwards, 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 Contact Unsubscribe

School Committee hears about Oak St, FHS Program of studies, approves Cheerleader trip to Nationals, and Capital Budget request (audio)

FM #1134 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1134 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Jan 9, 2024. The meeting was held in the Council Chambers. 

Due to a Verizon internet outage at the Franklin TV Studio, the meeting was recorded for broadcast later and available via Zoom. Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8BvAH3q6xM&list=PLNyv0AkVasIR_a80hAfFnQoFngebCICow&index=46

Quick recap:

• Internet out at TV studio, meeting via Zoom but not through to cable, it is being locally recorded for broadcast later, Audio recording also being made, Owl camera out to use for this meeting and Zoom session

• Skipped ahead to Superintendent report, will come back to the FHS student update assuming they connect successfully

• Facility planning underway, subcmte met last week. 3 piece process: (1) demographics, (2) educational adequacy and how to support it, (3) age and use of the space in the schools; More info coming as the presentation is scheduled for completion later this school year

• Workshop on executive function, 90 mins for adults only, sign up through Lifelong Learning (link to be shared later)

• Regards to the weather, please communicate also through the reverse 911 process

• Dr Dutch provided an update on the state funding for the newly arrived students, submitted not received yet. Student update on activity at the high school

• Oak St administration team to provide an update on the school activities this year so far 

• Good question on languages and how the new folks, especially the younger ones, are catching on? 'Wheels on the bus' sung in multiple languages is a thing to hear! language is building every day in K and 1

• Question to expand on trauma informed practices, some kids are having tough times, how do you handle them? Lesley Univ presenting a course on this topic for a grad level course being set up for this. 27 staff members at Oak will be taking this course

• Interview by students focused on 3, 4, and 5th grade students. Adapted also for the lower levels. Coming up later this year!

• Next up, program of studies at FHS, Mr Hanna and H McVey

• Personal finance and community service coming back for FHS graduation requirements for future classes

• Students will receive a copy of the courses available to them, as opposed to prior years advised to review the listing (turns out many didn't)

• Timeline reviewed for information process & enrollment

• Panther Pride night Feb 12, a good one for the incoming 9th graders (currently 8th graders)

• Recurring FHS Varsity Cheerleading National Competition, approved by 7-0 vote

• Capital Budget Proposal - I recommend approval of the Capital Budget Proposal as discussed. Motion to approve, second, passes 7-0; Budget subcmte had met earlier and approved this request

The meeting runs about 1 hour and 55 minutes so let’s listen to the School Committee meeting held on Jan 9, 2024. Audio link - > https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1134-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-01-09-24

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School Committee page => https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee 

Meeting Agenda doc  -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/1-9-24-agenda 

Meeting packet folder -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/january-9-2024-school-committee-meeting-packet  

Oak St highlights -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/MyeaEisD1EuirtpTA 

FHS program of studies -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/aeMBP35oMNzM5QHs5 

My notes in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qXpStXQX6JrK5nRluvpygt-tkT3o9GCZ/view?usp=drive_link 

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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"

FHS student providing update on FHS activities during School Cmte meeting via Zoom session

School Committee takes MASC workshop on Superintendent Evaluation (audio)

FM #1133 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1133 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee MASC Workshop held on Tuesday, Jan 9, 2024. The meeting was conducted in the 3rd floor training room. 

Chair Dave Callaghan opened the meeting. All of the School Committee members were present along with Superintendent Lucas Giguere. Chair Callaghan introduces Tracy Novick, the MASC Field Director responsible for Franklin.  

Quick recap:

• Discussion on the evidence required to make the assessment is critical, this is not a one and done thing. The goals and accomplishments are intertwined with everything happening during the year

• How are the standards rated, all equal, or should one be ranked higher than the others? Not normal but possible. Goals within 3 areas, professional practice, district improvement, student Learning

• Evaluation can be complex as superintendent is evaluated as the lead of the district and yet many others are the ones working and providing the outcomes for which Superintendent Giguere is reviewed

• Supt Giguere steps in to share his goals already approved for which he'll be evaluated on, the format and outcomes help make sense of the work Ms Novick was outlining

• Subcmte members for the evaluation of Supt are McNeill, Sompally and Griffith. Web site needs to be updated

The recording runs about 48 minutes, so let’s listen to the School Committee MASC Workshop of Jan 9, 2024. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1133-school-committee-masc-workshop-01-09-24

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Photo album of slides captured -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/MzjHT5drBb5FThBF7 

My notes in this ThreadReader PDF -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HFeFypEC87nSdVamYazqgVa53APZ0J_f/view?usp=drive_link

School Committee page -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee 

--------------

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!

------------------

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 takes MASC workshop on Superintendent Evaluation (audio)

School Committee Budget Subcommittee previews capital budget requests and approves (audio)

FM #1132 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1132 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee Budget Subcommittee meeting held on Tuesday, Jan 9, 2024. The meeting was conducted in the 3rd floor training room. Remote participation was enabled for this session that no one took advantage of. 

Chair Dave McNeill opened the meeting. School Committee members Dr Paul Griffith and KP Sompally participated. Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Business Manager Dr Bob Dutch also participated.

Quick recap

• Ready to live report on the FPS budget subcmte mtg about to begin, a short one before a workshop and then the full regular School committee meeting, so a busy night. Follow along with the agenda doc https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/1-9-24_agenda-budgetsubcom.pdf  

• Supt Giguere provides an overview of the capital budget process for this new group, Dr Dutch to walk through the details of the requests. This is preliminary to the FinCom meeting Weds night, and then to Town Council capital budget subcmte before final Town Council approval

• Special ed van, middle school math curriculum,and then technology (Chromebooks, laptops, etc) among the items on this request in priority order

• Have an existing 4 year plan for capital requests, looking to add the 5th year to make it formal at 5 and roll forward from that

• Discussion on options, lease vs buy, choice of extended warranty vs. purchase, at some point these will come due, period

• Motion to approve capital request as discussed, second, passes, 3-0 Motion to adjourn, second, passes 3-0

The show notes contain a link to the agenda and to my notes.

The recording runs about 27 minutes, so let’s listen to the Budget Subcommittee meeting of Jan 9, 2024. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1132-school-cmte-budget-subcmte-mtg-01-09-24

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Budget Subcommittee agenda

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/fps_budget_sub_comm.pdf 

FY 2024 Budget information -> https://www.franklinps.net/fy24budget 

Capital budget doc for Finance Committee 01/10/24

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/_2024-01-05_memo_fy24_capital_program_fin_comm.pdf 

My notes in this ThreadReader PDF -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/18tMUBEmIEbKBdO93pMSBl5OgVHJWW0HT/view?usp=drive_link 

--------------

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!

------------------

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 Budget Subcommittee previews capital budget requests and approves (audio)

NOAA Climate.gov: "Climate change rule of thumb: cold "things" warming faster than warm things"

NOAA Climate.gov (@NOAAClimate) posted  Wed, Jan 10, 2024:

Climate change rule of thumb: cold "things" warming faster than warm things.
- Colder places are warming faster than warmer places.
- Colder seasons are warming faster than warmer seasons.
- Colder times of day are warming more than warmer times of day.
https://t.co/S28VYdqpLY 

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/NOAAClimate/status/1745190344751485141

Climate change rule of thumb: cold "things" warming faster than warm things

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Thursday, Jan 11, 2023

• 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 6, Verizon 26) = Thursday

8:00 am Veterans' Call: Dave Hencke

9:00 am Celebrate with Pride: Second Son

10:30 am Pickleball Tournament: Pickleball Tournament

11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Candy Apples

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Waffles

12:30 pm Sons & Daughters of Italy: Ciambotta

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: White Pizza

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 8

3:00 pm Riffin' on Main Street: James McLaughlin

4:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Student Athletes October November

4:30 pm Veterans' Oral History Project: Dave Cargill

6:30 pm Winter Wonderland: Elvis Presley

8:00 pm Frank Presents: Jay Elias Pt 2

9:00 pm Frank's Musings: Israel

9:30 pm FHS Theater Company: Legally Blonde

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel        (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = Thursday

7:00 am Public School Concert: Elementary Winter Music Pt. 1 12-11-18

8:30 am Public School Event: FHS Chorus & Orchestra 2023

10:00 am FHS Varsity Swimming v North Attleboro 01-05-24

1:00 pm Public School Concert: Annie Sullivan Winter Music 2023

2:30 pm Arts Advocacy: How-Tos

3:30 pm Critical Conversations: Student Wellbeing

8:00 pm Public School Concert: Horace Mann Winter Music 2023

9:30 pm FHS Girls Varsity Basketball v Taunton 01-05-24

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = Thursday

8:00 am Conservation Commission: 12-14-23

2:00 pm Conservation Commission: 12-14-23

7:00 pm Conservation Commission: LIVE, Chambers  889 2796 6925 

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

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