For the record, results from the last survey in 2008 can be found here
Saturday, July 20, 2013
School Calendar Survey Results
Here is the summary of the Franklin Public Schools "Calendar Survey" conducted in May/Jun of this year
Angela Lee Duckworth: "The Key to Success? Grit"
Leaving a high-flying job in consulting, Angela Lee Duckworth took a job teaching math to seventh graders in a New York public school. She quickly realized that IQ wasn’t the only thing separating the successful students from those who struggled. Here, she explains her theory of “grit” as a predictor of success.
For more about Angela, you can visit her TED page http://www.ted.com/speakers/angela_lee_duckworth.html
Food recycling as a climate issue (audio)
Why is food recycling a climate issue?
Other organizations mentioned during this podcast are:
Loving Spoonfuls Boston http://www.lovinspoonfulsinc.org/
What is happening here in Franklin?
The Franklin Food Pantry coordinates pickups from many local businesses to support the clients the Food Pantry serves. Periodic pickups from Panera Bread, BJ Warehouse, Trader Joe's, Stop and Shop, The Cake Bar, etc. are coordinated and conducted by Food Pantry volunteers. If the pickup is of a quantity that the Food Pantry can't use within the window for the item, the Food Pantry does share with the Senior Center and other places where the items can be used.
The anaerobic digestion process was proposed for the former sewer facility in Franklin based upon the new state regulations. If you haven't heard about the regulations, you can find out more here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/07/a-solution-that-meets-multiple-economic.html
For more about the anaerobic digestion proposal discussed at the Town Council meeting
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/06/anaerobic-digestion-tabled-in-franklin.html
For more about the anaerobic digestion proposal discussed at the Planning Board meeting
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/06/anaerobic-digestion-is-not-recommended.html
This was cross posted to
http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/2013/07/food-recycling-as-climate-issue-audio.html
Recently the U.S. joined the U.N. in launching programs to combat food waste. Fortunately, right here in Arlington we already have a great model for doing just that. Our guest on this edition of the Climate Hawk Companion is DeAnne Dupont, has been walking the talk, and was instrumental in establishing the Minuteman Food Recovery Project as a collaboration between the Minuteman High School Parent’s Association and Sustainable Arlington.
The project collects from Panera Breads, Trader Joe’s and other local businesses in the Arlington, Massachusetts area and distributes it to people who need this food. This makes for a better community and fewer greenhouse gases. Listen to the podcast to catch up on how it all works.
Other organizations mentioned during this podcast are:
Loving Spoonfuls Boston http://www.lovinspoonfulsinc.org/
What is happening here in Franklin?
The Franklin Food Pantry coordinates pickups from many local businesses to support the clients the Food Pantry serves. Periodic pickups from Panera Bread, BJ Warehouse, Trader Joe's, Stop and Shop, The Cake Bar, etc. are coordinated and conducted by Food Pantry volunteers. If the pickup is of a quantity that the Food Pantry can't use within the window for the item, the Food Pantry does share with the Senior Center and other places where the items can be used.
The anaerobic digestion process was proposed for the former sewer facility in Franklin based upon the new state regulations. If you haven't heard about the regulations, you can find out more here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/07/a-solution-that-meets-multiple-economic.html
For more about the anaerobic digestion proposal discussed at the Town Council meeting
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/06/anaerobic-digestion-tabled-in-franklin.html
For more about the anaerobic digestion proposal discussed at the Planning Board meeting
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/06/anaerobic-digestion-is-not-recommended.html
This was cross posted to
http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/2013/07/food-recycling-as-climate-issue-audio.html
Friday, July 19, 2013
Franklin High School - construction update - July 2013
There are some significant developments with the new high school construction.
The entrance off Oak St is now two way
Because the road normally used to exit is now closed off and under construction
as is the entire parking lot closet to the field house
this is by design so the parking lot will be completed before Sep 2013
someone likes that idea!
the brickwork noticed the last time we visited is making good progress
the bricked sections are spreading along the back and right side of the building
the far left corner where the gymnasium will be located is roofed and the walls are starting to fill in
the panorama from the Horace Mann parking lot
 |
| new entrance traffic pattern |
The entrance off Oak St is now two way
 |
| new exit traffic pattern |
Because the road normally used to exit is now closed off and under construction
 |
| the parking lot is under construction |
as is the entire parking lot closet to the field house
 |
| construction of the walls |
this is by design so the parking lot will be completed before Sep 2013
 |
| hey, that's cool |
someone likes that idea!
 |
| brick work continues |
the brickwork noticed the last time we visited is making good progress
 |
| brick work along the back right corner |
the bricked sections are spreading along the back and right side of the building
 |
| gymnasium section |
the far left corner where the gymnasium will be located is roofed and the walls are starting to fill in
 |
| panorama from across the fields |
the panorama from the Horace Mann parking lot
Farmers Market - noon to 6:00 PM
Another Friday, another day for the Farmers Market.
Come to the Town Common between noon and 6:00 PM for fresh goods and produce from local farms and shops.
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| Farmers Market |
Come to the Town Common between noon and 6:00 PM for fresh goods and produce from local farms and shops.
Geoffrey Canada: "Our Failing Schools.Enough is Enough!"
Why, why, why does our education system look so similar to the way it did 50 years ago? Millions of students were failing then, as they are now -- and it’s because we’re clinging to a business model that clearly doesn’t work. Education advocate Geoffrey Canada dares the system to look at the data, think about the customers and make systematic shifts in order to help greater numbers of kids excel.
You can find out more about the Harlem Children's Zone http://www.hcz.org/hcz-home.php
ISO New England Requests Voluntary Electricity Conservation
While the heat wave continues to steam us all, there is a request to minimize electricity use where possible. The following document makes several suggestions on how this could be accomplished:
This notice was originally posted to the Franklin website here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01B4E8F4-000F8513
This notice was originally posted to the Franklin website here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01B4E8F4-000F8513
In the News: Fire Dept to hire 4 with grant
Grant would allow Franklin fire dept. to hire four
The Fire Department expects to hear as early as Friday whether it received a federal grant that will allow it to hire four firefighters, erasing the manpower shortage that has plagued its operations.
Thursday, July 18, 2013
The Master Plan is here, the Master Plan is here!
The Master Plan Committee made its presentation to the Franklin Town Council on Wednesday evening.
From left to right Councilor Matt Kelly, State Rep Jeff Roy (Committee Chair), Councilor Andy Bissanti, Christine Apicella, Chris Vericker, David Dobrzynski, and Nathan Carlucci. Tim Twardowski also presented a section but was not present at the time the photo was taken.
The Master Plan has been in a state of revision for the past several years with several efforts underway on sections of the full plan. The full plan was pulled together and updated over the past year with this committee. There will be a public hearing at the Franklin Library, Saturday, August 10th, 10:00 AM. Comments on the plan will be accepted through 1:00 PM on Friday August 16. The comments will be incorporated into a final draft to be presented to the Town Council at the Sep 18th meeting. There is a Planning Board meeting scheduled Sep 9th.
The full Master Plan document can be found on the Franklin website here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Planning/masterplandoc/doc.pdf
The remainder of the Town Council meeting as captured in the notes as reported live on Weds can be found here
 |
| Master Plan Committee |
The Master Plan has been in a state of revision for the past several years with several efforts underway on sections of the full plan. The full plan was pulled together and updated over the past year with this committee. There will be a public hearing at the Franklin Library, Saturday, August 10th, 10:00 AM. Comments on the plan will be accepted through 1:00 PM on Friday August 16. The comments will be incorporated into a final draft to be presented to the Town Council at the Sep 18th meeting. There is a Planning Board meeting scheduled Sep 9th.
The full Master Plan document can be found on the Franklin website here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Planning/masterplandoc/doc.pdf
The remainder of the Town Council meeting as captured in the notes as reported live on Weds can be found here
Malcom London: High School Training Ground" (video)
From TED Education earlier this year:
Young poet, educator and activist Malcom London performs his stirring poem about life on the front lines of high school. He tells of the “oceans of adolescence” who come to school “but never learn to swim,” of “masculinity mimicked by men who grew up with no fathers.” Beautiful, lyrical, chilling.3 minutes
For additional TED Talks you can visit their website: http://www.ted.com/
"the roadmap on Franklin’s future"
The Master Plan draft was presented to the Town Council on Weds evening and summarized by the Milford Daily News here:
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x946753476/Franklins-updated-master-plan-unveiled#ixzz2ZO4PKKvk
Links to the Master Plan document and and the complete presentation used for the Town Council meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/07/live-reporting-master-plan-committee.html
The 12-person committee introduced the draft master plan, a document used by officials to inform long-term planning, to Town Council on Wednesday, formerly beginning the public comment process.
On Aug. 10, there will be a public hearing on the master plan, and the committee will continue accepting public comments until Aug. 16. The Planning Board and council are expected to adopt the final version of the plan in September.
State Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin, the chairman of the committee, asked the council to establish an implementation committee to assure that the master plan is put in place and does not sit on a shelf, unseen and unused.
"We really want to make this a living document, take it off the shelf and show what we can do," Roy said.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x946753476/Franklins-updated-master-plan-unveiled#ixzz2ZO4PKKvk
Links to the Master Plan document and and the complete presentation used for the Town Council meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/07/live-reporting-master-plan-committee.html
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Live reporting - closing
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
none
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 13-56: The Woodlands - Approval of Amendment to Regulatory Agreement and Transfer of Ownership
motion to waive the reading, approved
motion to move the resolution, seconded
Cerel - the developer failed, the bank took over, the issue from the town perspective is concerned with the housing association maintaining
located off Maple St, over i495 into Bellingham
regulations don't provide guidance for this, advice to approach the town
thanks to the Town Administrators office for crafting the amendment so that the development is marketable
the bank has lost money, the original developer lost money, we need someone to come in to operate the septic system and operations take place with the housing association
8 built and sold, 16 permitted, looking to move the remaining 8 units
motion approved, 7-0 (no roll required at this point as Councilor Mercer dropped off)
2. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-718: Changes to §185-7. Compliance Required – 1st Reading
motion to continue to Aug, passed 7-0
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
spraying to kill the weeds is underway
the dams at DelCarte are complete, railings to be added, on schedule for playground
regional dispatch on docket at the State
Planning workshop on the 31st at 7:00 Pm
Conservation commission meeting on sidewalk for Panther Way scheduled for tomorrow night
T to repair the rook on the station in August
thanks to the 4th of July committee for a great job
Street plan for downtown now at 100% to go out for bid this fall, construction to begin next spring (2014)
Aug 19th building committee meeting also the presentation by the architect for Davis Thayer
L. OLD BUSINESS
what is time frame for removal of portables for Davis Thayer?
Next July, then Kennedy after
CSX rep to either clean it up or let the Town purchase the land at the corner of Cottage/Union
an offer had been made previously, they had refused before
possible grant coming to allow pay of four firefighters for two years
will help with staffing and reduce overtime
M. NEW BUSINESS
Pfeffer - continuing to drive the issue with the Facilities and access
Nutting - all those things existed when we left it in 2004, it has been valuable temporary space, it has met current code, it is not worth bringing up to code. We have limited staff.
Pfeffer - I give up
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Roy - the regional dispatch bill did pass both house and senate this week, on Governor's desk as of Monday.
Bissanti - condolences to the Colace family
Jones - looking to move the anaerobic digestion back to the forefront, the state has just released the plans to
Pfeffer - I am giving up but only for tonight
Powderly - will Lincoln be closed?
Nutting - no, one lane traffic, it will take some time, want to get much done before the school re-opens in Sep
Powderly - thanks for the 4th committee for rallying; thanks for implementing the anonymous comments
P. ADJOURN
Live reporting - Master Plan Committee Report
Councilor Jeff Roy introduced other members present this evening
public comment period on the plan opens tonight, will return Sep 18th for Town Council approval
The Master Plan document can be found here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Planning/masterplandoc/doc.pdf
A set of documents is coming out of this process
The report itself is 289 pages, and in spirit of being green, there are copies available via the website (see link above)
Public comment open through Fri, Aug 16th at 1:00 PM
will take the feedback and rework as required to bring to the Town Council for final approval in Sep.
Public Hearing at the Franklin Public Library Sat Aug 10th, 10:00 AM
Planning Board meeting date should be Sep 9th (doc shows 18th)
The school's strategic plan and goals and objectives are linked to and incorporated within the Master Plan
Powderly - thank you, commendation to all for the coordination on something that is actionable
Jones - thanks to all for stepping up to the plate on the hard work and effort to bring this to where it is today
what items are already being worked on? would be good to note that these are underway
Nutting the 1997 Master Plan while not adopted was referenced as necessary, the 2008 Open Space Plan, the Housing Plan was worked on, there was a lot more work behind the scenes by the staff that helped before the committee was appointed. It is not over yet but all the good things are the results of the good work from the employees and volunteers.
Roy - everyone who was consulted stepped up to provide as much information as required. The existing conditions report highlights what has been done. Jeff Nutting has been accomplishing great things for this community.
public comment period on the plan opens tonight, will return Sep 18th for Town Council approval
The Master Plan document can be found here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Planning/masterplandoc/doc.pdf
A set of documents is coming out of this process
- goals and policies
- existing conditions
- implementation plan
Councilor Bissanti reviewed section "Land Use"
Councilor Kelly reviewed "Economic Development"
Christine Apicella reviewed "Circulation" (which covers all modes of transportation)
Chris Vericker reviewed the "Housing" section
Tim Twardowski reviewed the "Natural, Cultural and Historic Resources"
David Dobrzynski reviewed the "Open Space and Recreation" section
Nathan Carlucci reviewed the "Community Services and Facilities"
Roy recommends a committee to monitor the implementation of the Master Plan
Nathan Carlucci reviewed the "Community Services and Facilities"
Roy recommends a committee to monitor the implementation of the Master Plan
The report itself is 289 pages, and in spirit of being green, there are copies available via the website (see link above)
Public comment open through Fri, Aug 16th at 1:00 PM
will take the feedback and rework as required to bring to the Town Council for final approval in Sep.
Public Hearing at the Franklin Public Library Sat Aug 10th, 10:00 AM
Planning Board meeting date should be Sep 9th (doc shows 18th)
The school's strategic plan and goals and objectives are linked to and incorporated within the Master Plan
Powderly - thank you, commendation to all for the coordination on something that is actionable
Jones - thanks to all for stepping up to the plate on the hard work and effort to bring this to where it is today
what items are already being worked on? would be good to note that these are underway
Nutting the 1997 Master Plan while not adopted was referenced as necessary, the 2008 Open Space Plan, the Housing Plan was worked on, there was a lot more work behind the scenes by the staff that helped before the committee was appointed. It is not over yet but all the good things are the results of the good work from the employees and volunteers.
Roy - everyone who was consulted stepped up to provide as much information as required. The existing conditions report highlights what has been done. Jeff Nutting has been accomplishing great things for this community.
Live reporting - Facilities
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Mike D’Angelo, Richard Gaskins
overview of work order process for maintenance within all the Franklin buildings, including the schools
general submittal may take one or two days
Note - dial connection lost for remote participation of Councilor Mercer. He had commented earlier that if he lost connection again he would not re-dial to avoid the hassle for the group
normal easy work orders get approved right away and get into the queue for work. Others requiring more extensive work, or outside work require approval of a facility approval
usually 80-100 work orders open at any time
closing out the work order in a more timely manner; information to close not always readily available
also noting drive-by work is not always recorded
Pfeffer - request for ladders in all buildings?
Gaskins - all the faclities have ladders, an upgrade to better ladders is underway
Pfeffer - what about the roof leaks?
D'Angelo - leaks on single layer buildings are standard we do them all the time
Pfeffer - I am not going to keep you, I am the one complaining the most
there must be a better way to take care of these roofs and the lighting ballasts
Kelly - it could take one or two days to approve/
Gaskins - if it is a higher priority, they would generally call so it would not take that long
Jones - how often do you review the safety measures with the fire chief? I ask because some of the lights in Davis Thayer are non-functional
D'Angelo - we walk through the buildings with the Fire Dept in spring before the issuing of the occupancy permits. Most issues do not apply to us. Paper stacked in the wrong space. The principal would be working with their staff.
D'Angelo - if they are unlit they should be replaced via a work order
Jones - I'd like to know how quickly the issues on the Fire Dept listing get fixed.
D'Angelo - ours get fixed quickly
Gastins - I'd like to commend the custodians on their work, school got out late and they are working hard. It is still the same amount of work to be done
Live reporting - Town Council - Jul 17, 2013
Present: Mercer (remote), Kelly, Powderly, Vallee, Pfeffer, Jones, Bissanti, Roy
Absent: Dellorco
Town Administration: Nutting, Kinheart, Cerel
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
none
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by Franklin Matters.
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
none
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
none
E. APPOINTMENTS
none
F. HEARINGS
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-718: Changes to §185-7. Compliance Required
motion to move hearing to next council meeting, passed 8-0 via roll call
motion to amend move to Aug 7th meeting, passed 8-0 via roll call
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
Change of Manager, New Officers and Director – Shaw’s Supermarkets, Inc.
motion to approve, passed 8-0 via roll call
Absent: Dellorco
Town Administration: Nutting, Kinheart, Cerel
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
none
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by Franklin Matters.
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
none
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
none
E. APPOINTMENTS
none
F. HEARINGS
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-718: Changes to §185-7. Compliance Required
motion to move hearing to next council meeting, passed 8-0 via roll call
motion to amend move to Aug 7th meeting, passed 8-0 via roll call
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
Change of Manager, New Officers and Director – Shaw’s Supermarkets, Inc.
motion to approve, passed 8-0 via roll call
Survey says: school should start after Labor Day
Survey says, Franklin should start school after Labor Day. This is one of the key results from the survey conducted by the Franklin Public Schools in May/Jun this year. Twice the number of responses were received for the school calendar survey than were received when it was last conducted in 2008.
Other findings from the survey:
The full survey results will be shared with us later. I'll update this post as soon as they are available.
The modular units at Jefferson were taken down by the DPW already and the landscaping for where they were is already underway.
A new company will be handling some of the van service that had been covered by Franklin's participation in a collaborative. The School Dept will save approx.$80,000 and improve the service with this new company. Parents and students targeted to use this service will be invited to meet at Parmenter sometime later this summer to see the equipment and meet with the company drivers.
The full set of notes from the School Committee meeting reported live on Wednesday can be found here:
Other findings from the survey:
- keep the day before Thanksgiving as a no-school day
- schedule professional development days on Mondays and Fridays
- keep the Feb and April vacations however there are enough willing to look at a calendar that would just have a March vacation week
The full survey results will be shared with us later. I'll update this post as soon as they are available.
The modular units at Jefferson were taken down by the DPW already and the landscaping for where they were is already underway.
A new company will be handling some of the van service that had been covered by Franklin's participation in a collaborative. The School Dept will save approx.$80,000 and improve the service with this new company. Parents and students targeted to use this service will be invited to meet at Parmenter sometime later this summer to see the equipment and meet with the company drivers.
The full set of notes from the School Committee meeting reported live on Wednesday can be found here:
For the record, results from the last survey in 2008 can be found here
Concerts on the Common: Electric Youth
WEDNESDAYS 6:30 PM TO 8:30PM
CHILDRENS PROGRAMS 6:00PM TO 6:30 PM
July 17th = Electric Youth
For more info on Electric Youth and the Franklin School for Performing Arts, you can visit their website
http://www.fspaonline.com/calendar-detail.php?event=Electric+Youth+Free+Summer+Concerts&eventID=549&t=1374033600&h=95AgNr0Yi3zzo
CHILDRENS PROGRAMS 6:00PM TO 6:30 PM
 |
| Concerts on the Common |
July 17th = Electric Youth
For more info on Electric Youth and the Franklin School for Performing Arts, you can visit their website
http://www.fspaonline.com/calendar-detail.php?event=Electric+Youth+Free+Summer+Concerts&eventID=549&t=1374033600&h=95AgNr0Yi3zzo
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