Governor Deval Patrick will hold a "Town Hall Meeting" on Sunday May 17 at 4pm-5pm at the Franklin Senior Center 10 Daniel McCahill Street.
For additional information on Governor Patrick's forums visit www.mass.gov/governor/forum
Friday, May 15, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Industry: RokkSoft - VocalEZ
RokkSoft Solutions Offers VocalEZ Voice Recognition Medical Transcription SaaS with Expanded Support for Windows Mobile Devices
Franklin, MA, May 14, 2009 --(PR.com)--
RokkSoft Solutions Corp has announced that the VocalEZ medical dictation transcription system now provides support for Windows Mobile equipped cell phones and PDAs.
VocalEZ Mobile for Windows Mobile enables dictation of patient encounter notes on any mobile phone or personal digital assistant (PDA) that supports Microsoft Windows Mobile® OS. This empowers the physician to quickly dictate encounter notes and medical letters while making rounds or when traveling. Or, simply use VocalEZ Mobile for all dictation as an un-tethered system user.
RokkSoft offers the VocalEZ medical dictation transcription system as a pay-for-use or “Software as a Service” (SaaS) model to physician practices and medical clinics.
Support of Windows Mobile devices enables physicians to complete dictation jobs when out of the office or on rounds for later conversion to clinical documentation by the VocalEZ voice recognition software.
VocalEZ wraps an integrated workflow around voice-enabled software and web technologies to provide a simple, cost effective dictation transcription platform delivering more accurate, timely and integrated medical documentation for electronic medical records.
For more information, visit www.rokksoft.com/vezmobile.html or call 866-509-0554.
###
About RokkSoft
RokkSoft Solutions Corp represents companies that provide medical practices and businesses with industry-changing technology applications to improve productivity and drive down operating costs. These applications are delivered in a “Software as a Service” (SaaS) model to minimize required startup resources and eliminate capital expenditures. This enables clients to quickly realize ongoing cost savings. For more information, please visit http://www.rokksoft.com.
This press release originally was posted here
VocalEZ voice-enabled transcription software-as-a-service converts dictation to clinical documents in minutes at half the cost of traditional transcription.
Franklin, MA, May 14, 2009 --(PR.com)--
RokkSoft Solutions Corp has announced that the VocalEZ medical dictation transcription system now provides support for Windows Mobile equipped cell phones and PDAs.
VocalEZ Mobile for Windows Mobile enables dictation of patient encounter notes on any mobile phone or personal digital assistant (PDA) that supports Microsoft Windows Mobile® OS. This empowers the physician to quickly dictate encounter notes and medical letters while making rounds or when traveling. Or, simply use VocalEZ Mobile for all dictation as an un-tethered system user.
RokkSoft offers the VocalEZ medical dictation transcription system as a pay-for-use or “Software as a Service” (SaaS) model to physician practices and medical clinics.
Support of Windows Mobile devices enables physicians to complete dictation jobs when out of the office or on rounds for later conversion to clinical documentation by the VocalEZ voice recognition software.
VocalEZ wraps an integrated workflow around voice-enabled software and web technologies to provide a simple, cost effective dictation transcription platform delivering more accurate, timely and integrated medical documentation for electronic medical records.
For more information, visit www.rokksoft.com/vezmobile.html or call 866-509-0554.
###
About RokkSoft
RokkSoft Solutions Corp represents companies that provide medical practices and businesses with industry-changing technology applications to improve productivity and drive down operating costs. These applications are delivered in a “Software as a Service” (SaaS) model to minimize required startup resources and eliminate capital expenditures. This enables clients to quickly realize ongoing cost savings. For more information, please visit http://www.rokksoft.com.
This press release originally was posted here
"It's frustrating, the membership is frustrated"
Milford Daily News
FRANKLIN —
Aside from the teachers union, the Professional Firefighters of Franklin is the only union in town that has not voted for a wage freeze next year - but for good reason.
The 47-member union has not had a contract since July 2007, or a raise since July 2006, said union President Capt. Steven J. Sims.
"A lot of guys are catching flak when they're out around town, people saying they should take a pay freeze. It's frustrating to the membership, because most of the public doesn't realize we haven't had a contract for two years," Sims said.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
"It's a lot easier to get 40 people to agree"
Milford Daily News
FRANKLIN —
The heads of Local 1298, which represents five town unions, say the teachers union should "step up" and take a wage concession to save their colleagues' jobs.
"My belief is, when (Town Administrator) Jeff Nutting came to us with an offer to save jobs with a wage freeze, it was not an issue of negotiating a contract," said Patrick Farrell, Local 1298 chairman.
"We did it, the Police Department went for it, and the Fire Department is still in contract negotiations, so my opinion is, they should step up to the plate and they should take the deal," Farrell said.
Teachers instead asked for concessions on other matters in exchange for the pay freeze. That's led to an ongoing stalemate with the School Committee.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
The Story of Stuff
Annie Leonard spent time doing some research and then managed to produce this video that tells the story of stuff.
I plan on reading the annotated script which you can find here.
You can find other resources on their web site
You can follow the updates on their blog
What do you think of the Story of Stuff?
I plan on reading the annotated script which you can find here.
You can find other resources on their web site
You can follow the updates on their blog
What do you think of the Story of Stuff?
New England Sports Celebration - 5/31/09
From the Facebook page for the New England Sports Celebration
Come down and help us raise funds for the F.X. O’Regan Early Childhood Development Center PCC. We are planning a fun-filled family day celebrating the proud tradition of New England sports!!
Currently, we have Boston hockey legend TERRY O'REILLY coming down to sign autographs from 2PM-4PM.
Signatures are $15 each with no charge for inscriptions. You are welcome to bring your own items, and we will have a great selection of pictures, pucks and other items available for sale!
Also from 2PM - 4PM, Wally the Green Monster will be visiting to take pictures and sign autographs for his fans for FREE!!!
AND JUST ANNOUNCED - Football Legend STEVE GROGAN will also be available from 2PM-4PM!!! Signatures are $15 each with no charge for inscriptions.
There will be lots of other fun activities for the kids, as well. Cash bar and concessions will be available. did we mention....ADMISSION IS FREE!!!
This is a public event and we want to pack the place - so please feel free to invite anyone you would like!!! A lot more to come on this...
SAVE THE DATE!!
FREE SOLAR ENERGY PRESENTATIONS
FREE SOLAR ENERGY PRESENTATIONS FOR MA HOMEOWNERS
- May 16th in Natick
- May 19th in Newton
Hosted by Alteris Renewables, the Northeast’s leading solar energy company (www.alterisinc.com)
Come find out how solar power can affordably and effectively power your home. Photovoltaic (solar electric) technology is going mainstream as it continually becomes less expensive.
To learn about the myths and realities of solar power, including system cost and return on investment, attend a free seminar in Natick or Newton:
- May 16, 9:30am Crowne Plaza Hotel 1360 Worcester Street, Natick, MA 01760 (Rte 9, across from Natick Mall)
- May 19, 7:00pm Marriott Hotel 2345 Commonwealth Ave., Newton, MA 02466 (Near intersection of Rt. 30 & I-95)
Advance registration is requested by calling 800-955-1548
You can save money and the environment at the same time. Come learn how!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
"agreed to preserve full-day kindergarten"
Milford Daily News
FRANKLIN —
Hoping to preserve as many teaching jobs as possible, School Committee Chairman Jeffrey Roy last night announced the committee and teachers union are continuing to negotiate wage concessions into the 11th hour.
Representatives from both groups met Monday night and made "significant progress" toward a resolution in the best interest of students, Roy said.
Reading from a statement he and new union President Robert McLaughlin prepared, Roy said, "The School Committee and (union) are engaged in fruitful talks regarding a temporary wage concession for (next) year."
Roy said he is optimistic.
"I was encouraged by the respectful and collaborative tone of the discussions and I'm hopeful this will lead to a solution," he said.
Read the full article on the School Committee meeting in the Milford Daily News here
Read all the live reporting posts from the same School Committee meeting here
School Committee Mtg 05/12/09
The collection of live reporting from the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, May 12th can be found here
- Live reporting - end
- Live reporting - Superintendent's report
- Live reporting - Action items
- Live reporting - FY 2010 budget continued
- Live reporting - Joint Statement (full text)
- Live reporting - FY 2010 budget Q and A
- Live reporting - joint statement SchCom and FEA
- Live reporting - budget FY 2010
- Live reproting - FHS MSBA Draft report
- Live reporting - Moodle Facilitated Courses
- Live reporting - School Committee 5/12/09
Internet Safety - 5/19/09 - 7:00 PM
The Franklin Community Health Council
Presents Worldwide leader in the area of online safety and parent and child Internet EducationTuesday, May 19, 2009
7:00 PM
Horace Mann Middle School Auditorium
7:00 PM
Horace Mann Middle School Auditorium
Parry Aftab is a security, privacy and cyberspace lawyer, as well as an author and child advocate. Ms. Aftab is Executive Director of WiredSafety.org, the largest online safety and educational program in cyberspace that provides important information and programs for children and teens, educators, law enforcement, parents and librarians for all matters related to children online, including online safety and privacy.
Parry Aftab is frequently called as an on‐air expert by all major news services, including CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, ABC News, The O'Riley Factor and CBS News. She has been used as a resource for 20/20, Dateline, Oprah, Inside Edition and 48 Hours. She has also appeared on Good Morning America, The Today Show, and the CBS Morning Show.
For more information please a contact: Lisa Keohane at lkeohane@dean.edu or call 508‐553‐4821
"The place is looking better"
Milford Daily News
The fate of the Red Brick School is safe for another year, thanks to Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School, according to the Brick School Association.
The charter school has been leasing the school from the town for $1 for the year since early last fall, and has signed on to another year, said Herbert Hunter, association treasurer.
Charter school students have been using the historic building for after-school activities that they wouldn't otherwise be able to do, said charter school Head Kevin O'Malley.
"We're just getting into our relationship with the Brick School, but we're already getting good use out of it this year, and next year, we're looking to do even more," O'Malley said.
Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
Treesavers: Paul Barcelo
Paul Barcelo, author of The Sweet War Man
Will be appearing at Treesavers Books to sign his new book, The Sweet War Man.
Paul Barcelo completed Army Infantry training at Fort Benning, Georgia, then rotary wing training at Fort Wolters, Texas and Fort Rucker, Alabama. He flew one tour as a UH-1 pilot in Republic of Vietnam. He resides in Franklin, Massachusetts with his wife and four children. This is his first novel.
May 16, 2009 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Live reporting - end
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports - none
School Committee Liaison Reports - none
6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee. none
7. Executive Session
Contractual Negotiations
The School Committee voted to go into executive session for the purposes of negotiation, not to return to an open meeting.
School Committee Liaison Reports - none
6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee. none
7. Executive Session
Contractual Negotiations
The School Committee voted to go into executive session for the purposes of negotiation, not to return to an open meeting.
Live reporting - Superintendent's report
Superintendent’s Report
- Reduction in Force covered earlier
- User Fees covered earlier
- Town / School Expenditure Agreement (Final Draft) will come up for formal action next time
- End of Year Events a full listing supplied to SchCom
- Enrollment Comparisons for April 08-09
Live reporting - Action items
4. Action Items
- I recommend approval of the FHS field trip to McCoy Stadium, Pawtucket, RI on (tentatively, based on ticket availability) June 15, 2009 for a Pawsox game from 5 P.M. to approximately 10:30 P.M. Approved 7-0
- I recommend approval of the FPS Music Dept. field trip to Canobie Lake Park in Salem, NH on June 12, 2009 from 2:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. Approved 7-0
- I recommend acceptance of a check for $500.00 from Exxon Mobil for Franklin High School to be used for academic recognition for seniors. Approved 7-0
- I recommend moving FY10 Budget amount of $50,297,820. to public hearing on May 26, 2009. Approved 7-0
Live reporting - FY 2010 budget continued
Armenio
what does this do to the accreditation at the High School
Ogden
I talked with them last Friday
reviewed the options to keep class sizes reasonable
if we institute study halls, what would the consequence be?
She didn't know the answer to those questions, she was going to research that and get back to us
I got a sense that given the duress and financial circumstances, it might be okay
Armenio
be prepared when something leaves, it generally doesn't come back
When the Town budget is so heavily dependent upon the State generosity, it runs into these issues
I can't support going to half-day at this time
plan for the following year, you don't know what is going to happen
it is not a threat, it is a head's up for FY 2011
Cafasso
there is a lot going on, will need to communicate about the changes to all there next year as well as the incoming 8th graders
Light
I have a letter ready to go to the parents, etc.
to go out via ConnectEd and via the website
what does this do to the accreditation at the High School
Ogden
I talked with them last Friday
reviewed the options to keep class sizes reasonable
if we institute study halls, what would the consequence be?
She didn't know the answer to those questions, she was going to research that and get back to us
I got a sense that given the duress and financial circumstances, it might be okay
Armenio
be prepared when something leaves, it generally doesn't come back
When the Town budget is so heavily dependent upon the State generosity, it runs into these issues
I can't support going to half-day at this time
plan for the following year, you don't know what is going to happen
it is not a threat, it is a head's up for FY 2011
Cafasso
there is a lot going on, will need to communicate about the changes to all there next year as well as the incoming 8th graders
Light
I have a letter ready to go to the parents, etc.
to go out via ConnectEd and via the website
Live reporting - Joint Statement (full text)
(May 12, 2009) The Franklin School Committee and Franklin Education Association (FEA) are engaged in fruitful talks regarding a temporary wage concession for the FY10 school year. Representatives from both groups, who met last night, report making significant progress toward a resolution in the best interests of Franklin students.
"I was encouraged by the respectful and collaborative tone of the discussions and I'm hopeful that this will lead to a solution," said Jeffrey Roy, Chairman of the Franklin School Committee.
"Both sides agree that advancing student achievement will require reasonable class sizes, professional development opportunities and highly qualified staff."
Robert McLaughlin, the president of the Franklin Education Association said: "We thank the School Committee for their receptivity to our concerns. We reaffirm our commitment to providing a high quality education to the children of Franklin and look forward to a swift, common sense resolution toward that end.”
Members of the Franklin School Committee and the general membership of the FEA will need to discuss and vote on any proposal designed to help balance the FY10 budget. Both the School Committee and the FEA hope to have the talks concluded and action taken prior to the School Committee’s May 26 public hearing on the FY10 budget.
"I was encouraged by the respectful and collaborative tone of the discussions and I'm hopeful that this will lead to a solution," said Jeffrey Roy, Chairman of the Franklin School Committee.
"Both sides agree that advancing student achievement will require reasonable class sizes, professional development opportunities and highly qualified staff."
Robert McLaughlin, the president of the Franklin Education Association said: "We thank the School Committee for their receptivity to our concerns. We reaffirm our commitment to providing a high quality education to the children of Franklin and look forward to a swift, common sense resolution toward that end.”
Members of the Franklin School Committee and the general membership of the FEA will need to discuss and vote on any proposal designed to help balance the FY10 budget. Both the School Committee and the FEA hope to have the talks concluded and action taken prior to the School Committee’s May 26 public hearing on the FY10 budget.
Live reporting - FY 2010 budget Q and A
Left to Right: Miriam Goodman, Wayne Ogden, Maureen Sabolinski, Peter Light
50% of the stimulus can be used to retain teachers, 50% for facilities
applications not available yet
will need to be approved by the State
School Choice funds were always put aside
budgeted at about 250,000 revenue has been about 350,000
recommending use of the 150,000 to save positions for FY 2010
Cafasso
let's bring this down to a user level
what does this do to class sizes, what happens to the libraries when they aren't staffed?
Ogden
some of that is already out there see the March presentations on this link
Cafasso
we are cobbling this together to do level service with a bunch of one time funds
Light
schedule would need to be done, haven't really started with the students yet
do need to get the schedule resolved before the school year ends
Ogden
need consensus to begin the planning, action would come next time to formally approve
Sabolinski
this is really a two year problem, this offers consistency and stability
Mullen
can't support going to half day kindergarten, telling folks in May that they need to find a place next year is not good
Rohrbach
there is no late bus in this budget
Is the Freshman collaborative intact with this?
Light
When teachers meet for the collaborative, this is done
Teachers did have a prep and a work session, prep is required
with the six periods, the work period is gone
Slight
what does that do to the actual schedule
Light
with the 7 day schedule, one class dropped
we are looking to see how this would maintain the 6 classes within the six periods
Trahan
Once you leave you can never return again
none of these changes are good
we want to move the system from good to great and none of this is good
we have looked at these items
some of the items are not workable
going to a half day at this late date but this is not something I can support
I don't know where we are going to get the money but I can't support it
Kelly
I can't support half-day
Ogden
if we went half day with a full day pay option, we could keep the grant
Sabolinski
the add backs could go into the kindergarten area due to the changes being being proposed by the high school
Roy
the gap is a million and a half
we've talked about 50,000 per position
that is 30 positions
we will be able to add positions back with the wage concessions
Ogden
if the stars align perfectly, being frugal, salary freezes, no other changes in unemployment
we could get to loosing 10 or fewer
Live reporting - joint statement SchCom and FEA
SchCom:
Fruitful talks are underway
significant progress is being made
respectful tone and discussion
Teachers:
We thank the school committee for being receptive to our concerns
A vote will be required to approve, hopeful to have this completed before the 5/26/09 meeting
Fruitful talks are underway
significant progress is being made
respectful tone and discussion
Teachers:
We thank the school committee for being receptive to our concerns
A vote will be required to approve, hopeful to have this completed before the 5/26/09 meeting
Live reporting - budget FY 2010
3. Discussion Only Items
Per pupil allotments
Elem $210
Middle $225
High $355
Total dollars remained constant from FY 2009
District wide, potentially 42 positions to reduce (originally in Jan 09 was referenced as >60)
Classroom teachers
Specialists
Librarians
Asst Principal
Secretary
Central Office Data processing
Extracurricular Activities
Notices went out to more than 60 teachers due to the bumping rights, etc. the actual positions lost will only be around 42
The number can be reduced with additional revenue or additional savings
The salary freeze could account for 16 positions within this number of 42 if resolution is reached
FHS
4 teachers
Librarian
Asst Princpal
Office Secretary
6 periods (current schedule has 7 periods)
PE/Health becomes an elective (policy)
Class sizes remain manageable
Middle Schools
2 grade 6
4 grade 7
4 grade 8
2 music
Elementary
18.5 classroom teachers
Full day kindergarten reduced to half day kindergarten
2.5 librarians
1.2 specialists
Implementing a growth in fees over three years would bring the fees to a 50/50 position; the budget would support 50 of the program, the fees would support the remaining 50 percent of the program
Fees
Athletic fees
FY 10 - 200
FY 11 - 225
FY 12 - 250
Extracurricular
FY 10 - 50
FY 11 - 75
FY 12 - 100
Pay-to-ride
FY 10 - 350
FY 11 - 375
FY 12 - 400
Circuit breaker 110,00
State fiscal stabilization 448,381
Federal stimulus 375,000
Extraordinary relief 426,339
School choice 150,000
------------------------------------
Total revenue increase 1,504,720
Remaining differential between level service budget 53,807,773 to level funded 50,297,820
is $1,489,233
- User Fees
- Staff Reduction in Force (RIF)
- Adoption of FY10 Budget for public hearing (May 26, 2009)
Per pupil allotments
Elem $210
Middle $225
High $355
Total dollars remained constant from FY 2009
District wide, potentially 42 positions to reduce (originally in Jan 09 was referenced as >60)
Classroom teachers
Specialists
Librarians
Asst Principal
Secretary
Central Office Data processing
Extracurricular Activities
Notices went out to more than 60 teachers due to the bumping rights, etc. the actual positions lost will only be around 42
The number can be reduced with additional revenue or additional savings
The salary freeze could account for 16 positions within this number of 42 if resolution is reached
FHS
4 teachers
Librarian
Asst Princpal
Office Secretary
6 periods (current schedule has 7 periods)
PE/Health becomes an elective (policy)
Class sizes remain manageable
Middle Schools
2 grade 6
4 grade 7
4 grade 8
2 music
Elementary
18.5 classroom teachers
Full day kindergarten reduced to half day kindergarten
2.5 librarians
1.2 specialists
Implementing a growth in fees over three years would bring the fees to a 50/50 position; the budget would support 50 of the program, the fees would support the remaining 50 percent of the program
Fees
Athletic fees
FY 10 - 200
FY 11 - 225
FY 12 - 250
Extracurricular
FY 10 - 50
FY 11 - 75
FY 12 - 100
Pay-to-ride
FY 10 - 350
FY 11 - 375
FY 12 - 400
Circuit breaker 110,00
State fiscal stabilization 448,381
Federal stimulus 375,000
Extraordinary relief 426,339
School choice 150,000
------------------------------------
Total revenue increase 1,504,720
Remaining differential between level service budget 53,807,773 to level funded 50,297,820
is $1,489,233
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