Redistricting and the Override on the agenda for this Chalkboard Chat (audio)

FM #1199 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1199 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with School Committee Chairperson Dave Callaghan. This is a new episode of our continuing “Chalkboard Chat” series. We had our discussion via the Zoom conference bridge on Thursday, May  9, 2024. 

 

We talk about 

• The redistricting proposal scheduled for May 14 vote

• The school budget & the override scheduled for June 11

And we close with a recognition of mothers on this Mother’s Day weekend.

The recording runs about 30 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1199-chalkboard-chat-05-09-24

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Contact info for Dave Callaghan -> callaghand@franklinps.net  

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

School budget ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/pages/1-fy2025-budget 

Redistricting page -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/comprehensive-school-facilities-assessment 

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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!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Redistricting and the Override on the agenda for this Chalkboard Chat (audio)

FHS girls & boys tennis teams post wins on Friday

Via Twitter and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Friday, May 10, 2024

Baseball = Taunton, 4 @ Franklin, 2 – Final

Softball = Franklin, 0 @ Taunton, 13 – Final

Boys Tennis = Franklin, 5 @ Taunton, 0 – Final 
– Franklin senior Ahan Shetty emerged from a tiebreak in the first set and went on to take the second set as the Panthers won all five matches in straight sets in Taunton. Shetty took the win at second singles (7-6 (1), 6-1), senior Jay Gorgas rolled 6-0, 6-1 at first singles, and junior Dan Reis had a double bagel at third singles (6-0, 6-0). The team of senior Andrew Amante and junior Aaron Ramaswamy teamed up for a 6-1, 6-1 at first singles while junior Gabe Terry and freshman Adarsh Presanna earned 6-2, 6-1 win at second doubles.

Girls Tennis = Taunton, 0 @ Franklin, 5 – Final

Panthers beat Taunton 5-0 to remain unbeaten!
Gabby Cura, Chloe Essam & Isabelle Simino with singles wins.
Brooke Daniels & Sydney Tolonen won in straight sets while Ava Davies & Avalon Thomes won in a superbreaker.
Franklin is now 12-0
https://twitter.com/fhs_gvtennis/status/1789059768096629242

For other results around the Hockomock League (subscription required) 

https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-05-10-24/

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

FPS School Facilities and Educational Master Plan Report

May 10, 2024

 

Dear FPS Community,

 

This is a follow-up to the FPS Comprehensive School Facilities Analysis recommendation presented to the School Committee on April 30th. Based on the questions we received from the community, we created a Comprehensive School Facilities Recommendation Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) linked to the FPS website to answer as many questions as possible at this time. 

 

Thank you to all who submitted your questions. The FAQ is categorized under the following topics:

1. Process

2. Community

3. Student Support

4. Transportation/Traffic

5. Budget

6. Facilities

7. Human Resources

8. Other

We will continue to update the FAQ with additional responses and provide more information as it becomes available.  As previously shared, some information can only be determined if the recommendation from the architectural firm and master planner is approved.  In addition to the FAQ, please find the FPS School Facilities and Educational Master Plan Report linked on our FPS website. 

 

We recognize these options result in significant change within the district.  The recommendations from the architectural firm and master planner were put forth with great respect and consideration for the educational experience of all Franklin students. Our goal is to ensure a balanced and equitable distribution of enrollment, resources, and opportunities while striving for the most modern facilities to support our students' growth and development.

 

Maintaining students' connectedness to school and community remains paramount. Should the school committee vote to approve the recommendation, you can anticipate routine updates regarding the next steps and future community engagement opportunities throughout the process. The district is also drafting a preliminary implementation framework that expands upon the recommended timeline guided by master plan recommendations.   

 

Sincerely,

Franklin Public Schools

Facility Master Plan Report ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/franklin_public_schools_school_facilities_and_educational_master_plan_report_redacted11.pdf

FPS School Facilities and Educational Master Plan Report

Community Closet @FranklinUMC Open on Tuesdays: May 21 & May 28

The Community Closet @FranklinUMC will be open Tuesdays, May 7, 21, and 28 from 11 AM - 1 PM. 

May 14 from 11 AM - 1 PM will be a volunteer sorting day ONLY.

For the latest update, go to https://franklinumc.org/2024/04/30/community-closet-franklinumc-may-2024-update/

Community Closet @FranklinUMC Open on Tuesdays: May 21 & May 28

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C6pJpGWxxXo/

Fallen Hero Recognition: Charles Christakes, World War II - May 11, 2024, 9 AM

Memorial event today (5/11/24) at 9 AM on the Town Common Veterans Walkway to honor Charles Christakes, World War II. 

This program will include the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, the playing of Taps, a salute from those present, and a reading of whatever history  may be available for that veteran.  This is a way of keeping the memory of that veteran alive.

Fallen Hero: Seaman 1st Class Charles Christakes, U.S. Navy

Seaman 1st Class Charles Christakes, U.S. Navy, was born on October 1, 1920, the son of Theodore and Agnes Christakes. Charles lived at 2 Garfield Street with his parents, three sisters and one brother. 

Charles graduated from Franklin High School in 1938 and then attended Dean Academy. Charles was an outstanding athlete and played semi-pro baseball and football in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. 

Seaman 1st Class Charles Christakes served aboard the U.S.S. Hugh W. Hadley which was involved in a vicious attack of Japanese Kamikaze suicide planes. In a 95 minute attack, the Hadley shot down 23 enemy planes, more than any ship in any one engagement in Navy history, before or since. Thirty-one members of the crew perished and 116 others wounded. On May 11, 1945 in this Battle of Okinawa in the Pacific, Gunner Charles Christakes, when wounded went below for treatment. He then went back up to man the guns when he was killed. For his action, Seaman 1st Class Charles Christakes was awarded the Silver Star. 

Seaman 1st Class Charles Christakes was 24 at the time of his death on May 11, 1945 aboard the U.S.S. Hadley.

Fallen Hero: Christakes

Originally post here -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/01/fallen-hero-john-emidio-pasquantonio.html 

For the full published series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Photo album of the Fallen Hero pillars along the Veterans Walkway

https://photos.app.goo.gl/oRGdmq9krLNEBnjJ7

Franklin Public Schools: Policy Subcommittee - Agenda for May 14 meeting

FRANKLIN SCHOOL COMMITTEE

Policy Subcommittee Meeting

DATE: 5/14/24 TIME: 6:00 – 7:00 pm

Location: Municipal Building – 3rd Floor Training Room

A G E N D A

“The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may, in fact, be discussed, and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law.”

I. Attendance -

II. Distribution of Approved Policies

A. JFABB - Admittance of Foreign Exchange Students

III. Discussion of Policies sent to School Committee

A. None

IV. Policy Revisions & New Policies - New Discussion Item

A. EFD: Meal Charge Policy

B. EFD-R: Meal Charge Policy and Procedure

C. JQ - Student Fees, Fines and Charges

D. EEA - Student Transportation Policy and Eligibility

E. KF-E3 Facilities Rental Fee Schedule

F. KF-E4 FHS Fee Schedule

G. KF-E5 FHS Grounds Fee Schedule

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/5_14_24_policy_subcommittee_agenda_.pdf

 

Franklin Public Schools: Policy Subcommittee - Agenda for May 14 meeting

The new King St playground officially opens Saturday, May 11 at 11 AM

"Take a look at the new playground at King Street Memorial Park! 

Tomorrow, Saturday, May 11 at 11:00 AM, we will be holding a short ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the playground. 

We hope to see you there!"

The new King St playground officially opens Saturday, May 11 at 11 AM

 Shared from -> https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1788951542667600293c 

Beaver Street Interceptor: RT 140 construction Sunday night - Monday morning

Beaver Street Interceptor

 

Beaver Street Interceptor

 

 

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE WEEK OF MAY 12:

On Sunday Night (5/12) the Construction crew will be working on Rt. 140 to tie in a new section of water main.  This work will occur between the hours of 8pm and 5am.  Limited water shutdown will occur on
Rt. 140 and those customers affected will be notified.  Expect lane closures and traffic delays due to active roadwork.

Starting on Tuesday May 14, between the hours of 7am to 4pm the dead end section of Old West Central serving Ledgewood Condominiums and Franklin Crossing will continue to be closed at Tri-County Drive.  Those residents should continue to follow the posted signs for directions on exiting and entering. 

Please reference the interactive map below and posted signs for details and updates.  

https://apexmapping.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/sidebar/index.html?appid=8aa942ac0c4c4942826c3bf83ef253ae

RT 140 construction Sunday night - Monday morning

We appreciate the public's continued support and understanding and will
continue to communicate regularly via social media, our dedicated email list, and the construction map below as work progresses.

BEAVER STREET INTERCEPTOR HOTLINE: 508-553-5526
(PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE AND WE WILL RETURN YOUR CALL)
EMAIL: BSI-info@franklinma.gov

No one is using your Social Security number to commit crimes. It’s a scam.

No one is using your Social Security number to commit crimes. It's a scam By Alvaro Puig The phone rings. Your caller ID says it's the Social Security Administration. You hesitate.  You're not expecting a call from them, and you've heard about impersonation scams. But something inside you makes you pick up. And everything you're about to hear is designed to scare you into doing whatever the caller says. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/05/no-one-using-your-social-security-number-commit-crimes-its-scam

No one is using your Social Security number to commit crimes. It’s a scam

What's happening Friday, May 9 in Franklin, MA?

Friday, May 10

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

7:00pm Rising Stars Cabaret (THE BLACK BOX)

7:00pm “Footloose: Youth Edition” (Horace Mann Middle School)

7:00pm BEN 4 Franklin Launch Party (Franklin TV & Radio Studio)

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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Why are there multiple calendars?

There is a Cultural events calendar upon which other community events are layered to create the Community calendar.

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

The Cultural calendar displays only the cultural events      https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/pages/calendar

Find the full Community event calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/month/39/2023-12

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26 

The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open for viewing (and purchasing the art displayed) during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

Join Cobi & I for a 2nd Jane's Walk in Franklin, May 11 at 10:30 AM

On Saturday, May 11, 2024, there will be a second BEN 4 Franklin launch event: Cobi Frongillo and Franklin Matters’ Steve Sherlock will be leading a 90-minute Jane Jacobs Walk (rain or shine!) at 10:30 AM starting from the Franklin TV Studio, to explore the history, physical structure and architecture of Franklin’s built downtown environment. 

The community walk-and-talk will be one of thousands of Jane Jacobs Walks that take place every May in honor of the late social activist and placemaker. The walk will be accessible to wheels and paws, and participants are invited to gather afterwards at La Cantina Winery to share thoughts and observations. 

For more information and to RSVP for the event, or to sign up for BEN 4 Franklin’s mailing list, please visit: tinyurl.com/ben4franklin

Visit the web page for more information -> https://ben4franklin.org/

If you miss us leaving at 10:30, this is the planned route we'll take. You may be able to join us along the way.

You can also find the public route https://www.mapmywalk.com/routes/view/6039415273

Join Cobi & I for a 2nd Jane's Walk in Franklin, May 11 at 10:30 AM

Mitzi is excited to share the events & happenings at the Library for May 2024 (audio)

FM #1197 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1197 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian with the Franklin Public Library. We had our discussion at the Franklin TV Studios on Wednesday, April 24, 2024.

 

We talk about 

• Reviewed the regular open hours, and month ending holiday times

• Library events for May 2024

• Special events

• Kiddos, or “littles”

• Family

• Adults

The show notes include links to the Library page and to the calendar of events where registration for some of the events is required/recommended..

The recording runs about 20 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1197-fpl-may-2024-highlights-04-24-24

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Mitzi Gousie’s email -> mgousie@minlib.net 

Franklin Public Library page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library 

May Newsletter -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/may-2024-franklin-library-news-events 

Library Calendar of Events ->  http://www.eventkeeper.com/mars/xpages/F/FRANKLIN/ekp.cfm 

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

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"

Franklin Public Library: News & Events scheduled for May 2024

FHS girls & boys tennis, boys lacrosse teams all post wins on Thursday

Via Twitter and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Thursday, May 9, 2024

Baseball = King Philip, 14 @ Franklin, 0 – Final (5 Inn.) 

– King Philip came out of the gates swinging, erupting for 10 runs in the first inning in a win on the road at Franklin. Allie Cecere (two hits, three RBI, run) had a two-run double and Ava Kelley added a two-run triple to highlight the Warriors’ big first inning. Kelley finished with a team-high three hits, collecting three RBI and scoring four times, Taylor Regan had a pair of hits, a pair of RBI, and a pair of runs scored for KP, and Syd Burch finished 2-for-2 with a triple and a run scored. McCoy Walsh struck out five in four scoreless innings, allowing two hits and two walks. Sophia Sacramone and Marley Allen (double) each had a hit for the Panthers.

Boys Lacrosse = Franklin, 11 @ St. John’s Shrewsbury, 10 – Final (2 OT) 

– Franklin erased a three-goal fourth quarter deficit and then scored the game-winner in double overtime to stun St. John’s on the road. The Panthers had a 5-4 lead at halftime but the host Pioneers took control of the game in the third quarter and outscored the visitors 5-1 to gain a 9-6 edge. Franklin’s Drew Hansen ripped the tying goal with just seven seconds left to send the game to overtime. After a scoreless first overtime, Zach Langevin teed up Dylan McEvoy with a pass right in front and the senior buried it to give Franklin the thrilling win. McEvoy completed his hat trick with the goal while adding two assists, Eddie O’Brien also scored a hat trick, and Hansen tallied twice.

Girls Lacrosse = Franklin @ Leominster, 5:30

Boys Tennis = King Philip, 2 @ Franklin, 3 – Final 

– With a pair of wins in singles action and one more from doubles, Franklin took a 3-2 win over rival King Philip to avenge a loss to the Warriors earlier this season. Jay Gorgas earned a 6-2, 6-2 win at first singles while Dan Reis dropped just one game in a 6-1, 6-0 verdict at third singles for the Panthers. Franklin’s first doubles team of Andrew Amante and Aaron Ramaswamy earned a 6-3, 6-2 straight set victory to help clinch the win. King Philip sophomore Brent Schneider prevailed 4-6, 6-0, 10-1 at second singles and the team of senior Leo Manning and sophomore Jaydon Ajoy emerged with a 6-2, 6-2 decision at second doubles.

Girls Tennis = Franklin, 5 @ King Philip, 0 – Final 

– Franklin kept its lead in the Kelley-Rex and stayed unbeaten with a 5-0 win on the road in Wrentham. The Panthers took all five matches in straight sets as sophomore Gabby Cura won at first singles (6-2, 6-0), senior Chloe Essam dropped just two games at second singles (6-1, 6-1), and senior Brooke Taylor was victorious at third singles (6-3, 6-1). In doubles action, juniors Brooke Daniels and Sydney Tolonen prevailed from a tight first set before landing a 7-5, 6-2 win at first doubles, and the team of senior Ava Davies and sophomore Avalon Thomes emerged from a hard-fought second doubles battle with a 6-4, 6-4 win.

For other results around the Hockomock League (subscription required) 

https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-05-09-24/

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

First ever Pride flag raising scheduled for June 1 at 10 AM

Big news: Franklin will be having our first pride flag raising this year!

We are so excited to announce the first ever Pride flag raising for the town of Franklin! We are thrilled that the town admin and town council worked on a policy and voted ‘yes’ for making a visible show of support, solidarity and welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community.

We hope you will join us to watch as the flag is raised and celebrate with us the beginning of June and Pride month 

When: June 1 at 10 AM

Where: Franklin Town Hall - 150 Emmons Street

 

We hope to see you there!

First ever Pride flag raising scheduled for June 1 at 10 AM