Tri-County: The TC Insider

December 20, 2017 To the Tri-County Community, Winter has arrived and the winter sports season is in full swing with boys and girls basketball, ice hockey, wrestling, and cheerleading each beginning their seasons. Ice hockey and wresting both started the season with wins last week. We will really hit our stride after the holidays as the teams prepare for holiday tournaments. Over the past month our MCAS scores have been reported to the School Committee and the School Council. Tri-County has retained its Level 1 ranking with a strong performance from last year's sophomores. Mrs. Beckmann and Mr. Pedersen delivered a very detailed report to both groups and the individual reports have been delivered to students and families. Any student or parent/guardian who haven't received scores should contact the Guidance Office to obtain the information. The admissions process is transitioning from the recruitment/application phase to the interview/processing phase. While students can apply at any time, after the holidays we will begin processing our first batch and scheduling interviews. We look forward to meeting with next year's freshmen over the next couple months. Any student that wants to apply can still do so on our website. Lastly, as we break for the holidays we want to thank you all for your support of the school and wish you a Happy and blessed New Year. Thanks for your support, Mr. Procaccini Upcoming Events Fall Sports Awards Night (Soccer, Volleyball, Cross-County & Golf) December 20 6:30 PM Early Release Day December 22 Winter Holiday Vacation December 25 - January 1 AAA Driver Training December 27 - January 4 Daily Grade 9 Career Program Information Night January 10 Martin Luther King Day - No School January 15 End of 2nd Quarter January 19 40 Year Celebration Dinner April 7 Golf Tourmament June 8 About The TC Insider The TC Insider is a biweekly newsletter for the families of Tri-County students. Follow us on Instagram Follow on Twitter Like us on Facebook Update Subscription Preferences View Email In Browser Tri-County RVTHS 147 Pond Street Franklin, MA 02038 www.tri-county.us 508-528-5400

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In the News: Tri-County needs repairs funded; Citizen proposals confirmed for ballot; author donates book

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School is in a quandary about how to fund at least $12 million in repairs to the school’s roof, windows, doors and parking lot. 

Officials noted that many things at the school are original to the more than 40-year-old building, and are in dire need of replacement or repair. Facilities Director Thomas Shanahan said the building is the same age as the old Franklin High School, which the town tore down and replaced with the current $100 million structure a few years ago. 

Superintendent Stephen Dockray said this week that the school had applied to the Massachusetts School Building Authority for help, but had been denied. School officials, he said, are considering ways in which the needed projects might be funded."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171221/franklin-tri-county-voke-seeks-12m-for-building-repairs

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School

"Citizen proposals calling for a $15 minimum wage, a paid family and medical leave program, a sharp reduction in the sales tax, nurse staffing requirements in hospitals, and a Citizens United commission have garnered enough certified signatures to qualify for the 2018 ballot, Secretary of State William Galvin’s office confirmed Thursday morning. 

Two other proposals -- imposing a 4 percent surtax on household income above $1 million and repealing the 2016 transgender anti-discrimination law -- had previously met 2018 ballot eligibility requirements, although the income surtax is being challenged in the courts by opponents. 

Petitioners behind the proposals deemed newly eligible for next year’s ballot submitted more than the 64,750 signatures required by the constitution. The measures will now be transmitted from Galvin’s office to the Legislature for their consideration."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171221/galvin-confirms-potential-2018-ballot-question-lineup

"Phyllis Calvey, author of “The Butterfly Club: Is That You?”, recently donated her book to the newly renovated Franklin Public Library. Over the years she presented many programs in Franklin and has great memories of the warm community there. 

Reading a particular book is often inspired by the feelings a season brings, and Calvey’s book is a perfect read as winter ushers in the season when nature is dying and returning back to the earth. 

And yet winter can tell things that summer will never know as we see and experience how that life returns again in the spring."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20171220/author-donates-book-of-true-life-stories-to-franklin-library

FREE Recovery Yoga to all struggling with Substance Use Disorder

SAFE Coalition in partnership with Sacred Tree Yoga Announces FREE Recovery Yoga to all struggling with Substance Use Disorder. Sessions will run every Friday night beginning THIS Friday 12/22/17. There are two offerings each night.

1. For those in recovery from Substance Use Disorder -  “Yoga for Recovery “ 7-8 PM
Yoga for Recovery explores the parallels between yoga and the twelve-step path weaving together a tool for enhanced healing. This integrative practice offers breathing, stretching, inspiration, relaxation, and meditation while offering support for self-forgiveness, self-love, and self-care on the road of recovery. Absolutely no yoga experience is required. Dress comfortably. All props are provided. Come with an open mind and open heart for an opportunity that can improve the moment with a supportive community where people help people.

2. For Parents and loved ones - Heart with Hope Restorative Yoga – 5:30-6:30 PM
Heart with Hope Restorative Yoga is for parents and loved ones of those
who suffer from the disease of addiction. This practices slows down the body and mind through passive movement while using props for support. Receive nurturing, comfort, inspirations, insights, and tools for daily living during a series of restorative poses that are supported with bolsters, blocks, straps, sandbags, blankets, and pillows. All props are provided. Honor yourself by allowing the physical, mental, and spiritual body to integrate and heal through relaxation and restoration.

Please join us!

Sacred Tree Studio is located at 65 Holbrook St. Suite 110 Norfolk MA.
https://www.sacredtreeyoga.net

FREE Recovery Yoga to all struggling with Substance Use Disorder

More about the SAFE Coalition can be found http://safecoalitionma.com/

School Start Times Advisory Committee - Apply online

Hello

The purpose of the School Start Times Advisory Committee will be to study the feasibility of adjusting school start times in Franklin based on current research related to children and sleep. The Advisory Committee will be considering any proposed changes within the local context. Representatives from the Advisory Committee will present their findings and possible recommendations for the School Committee to consider. Changes to school start times, if any, are to be decided by the Franklin School Committee.

The commitment for this committee is expected to be two meetings per month, most likely in the evenings. The committee is planned for the 2018 calendar year, with a presentation to School Committee planned for January, 2019. All activities of this committee will be subject to the Open Meeting Law.

If you would like to apply to be a member of the Advisory Committee, please fill out this form. The deadline to complete this form is Wednesday January 17, 2018 at 5 PM. Appointment of committee members by School Committee is scheduled to be made at the January 23, 2018 School Committee meeting.



Click on this link to apply: https://goo.gl/forms/stAh38Ok8637KwkG2

Thank you,

Franklin Public Schools



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Franklin High School - should the start time be later?

FHS girls hockey and wrestling post big wins on Wednesday

Via HockomockSports and Twitter we share the results of the FHS sports action on Wednesday, Dec 20, 2017


Girls Hockey = Franklin, 8 vs. Leominster, 0 – Final

Wrestling = Milford, 3 @ Franklin, 56 – Final



For the remainder of the results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-12-20-17/

Via the Twitterverse

Great 56-3 win over Milford. Pins from Bakalars, Remillard, Racca, Cogavin, Johnson, and Coughlin. Tech from Jordan Carlucci.

— Franklin Wrestling (@FHSWrestle) December 21, 2017

8-0 win vs Leominster!!! Goals by Connelly (2), Hedvig (2), Paterson, Carter, Pisano, and Dwyer🏒 Stott with a shutout #Juicem’ 🍋

— FHS Girls Hockey (@fhsvgockey) December 21, 2017

FHS Panthers

IR-2017-206: Get Ready for Taxes: Filing Electronically a Safe, Easy Way to File

IRS Newswire December 19, 2017

News Essentials What's Hot News Releases IRS - The Basics IRS Guidance Media Contacts Facts and Figures Around The Nation e-News Subscriptions The Newsroom Topics Multimedia Center Noticias en Español Radio PSAs Tax Scams The Tax Gap Fact Sheets IRS Tax Tips Armed Forces Latest News Home IRS Resources Compliance and Enforcement Contact My Local Office Filing Options Forms and Instructions Frequently Asked Questions News Taxpayer Advocate Where to File IRS Social Media

Issue Number:    IR-2017-206 Inside This Issue Get Ready for Taxes: Filing Electronically a Safe, Easy Way to File Note to Editor: This is the seventh in a series of reminders to help taxpayers prepare for the upcoming tax filing season. WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service said today that it expects more than 90 percent of all 2017 individual tax returns to be prepared using tax software. The majority of those will be e-filed. Since 1986 when the IRS started accepting electronically filed tax returns, more than 1.8 billion have been securely processed. The IRS urges taxpayers to wait until they have all the forms and documents needed before preparing a tax return. Most documents arrive before the end of January. This includes Forms W-2 from employers and Forms 1099 from banks and other payers. Those claiming the Premium Tax Credit need Form 1095-A from the Marketplace. Not having all required documents may cause a return to have an error that delays processing and therefore, delays the refund. Taxpayers have options to prepare and e-file a return: IRS Free File, free brand-name software for taxpayers with incomes below $66,000 Commercial tax preparation software, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs, sites with IRS-certified volunteers, or Tax professionals. Tips for choosing a return preparer and details about national tax professional groups are available on IRS.gov. The IRS2Go Mobile App can help find free tax preparation assistance, check a refund status and more. Taxpayers should keep copies of their most recent tax returns. Taxpayers using a software product for the first time may need their Adjusted Gross Income amount from their prior-year return to verify their identity. Taxpayers can learn more about how to verify their identity and electronically sign tax returns at Validating Your Electronically Filed Tax Return. Taxpayers concerned about identify theft should know the IRS continues to work with state tax authorities and the tax industry to increase security protections as part of the Security Summit‎. Summit efforts have led to a nearly 50 percent decline in the number of new reports of stolen identities on federal tax returns. While working to stop fraudulent refunds, the IRS remains focused on releasing legitimate refunds as quickly as possible in 2018. Faster Refunds with Direct Deposit Choosing e-file remains the safest way to file an accurate income tax return and combining it with direct deposit is the fastest way to receive a refund. In 2017, more than 88 million tax refunds worth over $260 billion were directly deposited into taxpayer's bank accounts. In 2018, the IRS again expects to issue more than nine out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days. However, by law the IRS cannot issue refunds if the return claims the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit before mid-February. The change applies to the entire refund and helps ensure that taxpayers get the refund they are owed by giving the IRS more time to help detect and prevent tax fraud. The IRS has a special page on IRS.gov with steps to take now for the 2018 tax filing season. Back to Top   Thank you for subscribing to the IRS Newswire, an IRS e-mail service. If you know someone who might want to subscribe to this mailing list, please forward this message to them so they can subscribe. This message was distributed automatically from the mailing list IRS Newswire. Please Do Not Reply To This Message.

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Kids' Corner:Winter Fun - Cooking and Italian

Beginning January 8

Franklin Public Schools    Lifelong Learning Institute Lifelong Community Learning Kids' Corner Winter Fun Cooking and Italian Beginning January 8 Kids' Corner…..   Where fun and learning meet Kids' Corner Franklin, a program of Franklin Public Schools Lifelong Learning Institute and Lifelong Community Learning, is a unique collection of after school activities for children with the goal of making learning fun. Classes are small, relaxed and designed to encourage children's creativity - a place where fun and learning meet. Click on the yellow button below and explore the opportunities we have created just for kids.  Download Flyer Check Out Classes Here....and Register Today  www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com LCL@franklinps.net  508-613-1480

FPS- Lifelong Learning | 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by lcl@franklinps.net in collaboration with Try it free today

Live reporting: to Closing

I. Subcommittee Reports	I. Subcommittee Reports 1. Budget 2. Capital Plan 3. Economic Development
J. Legislation for Action	J. Legislation for Action none
K. Town Administrator's Report	K. Town Administrator's Report congrats to Chief Lynch happy holidays happy holidays and happy new year
L. Future Agenda Items	L. Future Agenda Items creation of a town tech committee
M. Council Comments	M. Council Comments wishing healthy and happy new year Norfolk traffic report?  supposed to be discussing it at the ZBA meeting tonight will be following up with Norfolk to find out possibly reinstating the open space committee  merry Christmas, happy new year behalf of FEF announced the Pinnacle Award (posted to Franklin Matters earlier today) totaling over $33,000 in grants to the schools this year air space has been cleared for Santa Claus this weekend
N. Executive Session	N. Executive Session - None
O. Adjourn	O. Adjourn