Climate change

Climate change is expected to create about 200 million environmental refugees by 2050, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the international body established within the United Nations to evaluate causes and consequences of global warming.

Read the full story here

There are things you can do now to help avoid the worst. For one, you can consider joining the Franklin Area Climate Team.

School Committee - Agenda - 2/10/09

1. Routine Business

• Citizen’s Comments
• Review of Agenda
• Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the January 27, 2009 School Committee Meeting.
• Payment of Bills - Mr. Kelly
• Payroll - Ms. Armenio
• FHS Student Representatives
• Correspondence: Budget to Actual

2. Guests/Presentations:

• Literacy Initiative – Michele Kingsland-Smith, Joan Toye, Tricia Capaldi, Sarah Klim, Paul Peri, Brenda Redding, and Debbie Goss
• AP Access – Peter Light, John Koch, Wayne Ogden, Michele Kingsland-Smith
• School Improvement Plan FHS – Peter Light

3. Discussion Only Items

• Second Reading – Acceptable Use Policy GBAB
• First Reading – Sub Committee Minutes Policy & Exhibit BEDGG/GEDGG-E
• Review District’s Vision and Goals that will guide budget reduction decisions.
• FY10 Budget

4. Action Items

• I recommend action be taken regarding the make up day for the HM/Oak/ECDC Complex.
• I recommend acceptance of Policy GBAB – Acceptable Use
• I recommend approval of the Franklin High School’s School Improvement Plan as Presented
• I recommend approval of the request of Parmenter Principal, Judi Bassignani to declare the listed books as surplus.
• I recommend acceptance of a check for $427.00 from General Mills Box Tops for Education for the Remington Middle School to be used for supplies.

5. Information Matters

Superintendent’s Report

• Enrollment Comparisons
• Budget Matters
• Remington Middle School Leadership

• School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
• School Committee Liaison Reports

6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.

7. Executive Session
Contractual Negotiations

8. Adjourn

"This is good news for the state's economy"

Go green, get green.

Local residents and businesses have taken the message to heart, installed solar energy systems and received rebates from the Commonwealth Solar program, an initiative launched last year to encourage renewable energy use.

CommSolar, an offshoot of the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust, has approved nearly $22 million in rebates for 539 solar photovoltaic projects since its inception in January 2008.

Read the full article on the opportunities to save money by converting to solar electricity in the Milford Daily News here

The Franklin Area Climate Team (FACT) had sponsored several evenings on renewable energy at the library. You can review the notes and presentations here.

Reminder: Alumni Art show at Gallery 218

A Franklin High School alumni art show is planned at the Franklin Public Schools’ art gallery, Gallery 218, with an opening reception on Tuesday, Feb. 10th, 5:00 - 7:00 PM.

The gallery will have work from recent and not so recent graduates of Franklin High School on display.

Everyone is welcome to join the organizers and artists for food, live music, and art at the opening, which is free.

Gallery 218 is located at 218 Oak St. Franklin, inside the Franklin High School (off the cafeteria).



PS - I know at least one artist showing some of her work. I dropped off 2 pieces for #1 daughter last Monday. I'll be at the opening and then hustle over to Town Hall to live report from the School Committee meeting Tuesday night.

This opening was announced during the High School Art Presentation here

Ideas to save money this winter

A local video show (produced in Arlington, MA) outlines some great ideas for saving money on heat and electricity.


Public Square -- Saving Energy from Josh Lobel on Vimeo.

The new episode of "The Public Square" provides viewers with tangible ways to save energy this winter and throughout the year. You can watch the show on line whenever you like by visiting

http://vimeo.com/3075985.

We interview local residents Ryan Katofsky, Martin Lamonica, Glenn Koenig, and Marc Breslow to learn how they have reduced their carbon footprint and saved money. The interviews take place in each person’s home, giving viewers a first-hand look at the improvements they’ve made. Our guests share some simple, low-cost steps that every family can take to save energy. You'll also hear about ideas that require a larger investment, including installing solar energy systems.

To learn more about "The Public Square," please visit www.publicsquaretv.com.

Do you have something that you are doing that was not covered in this video?

NewBCamp - last minute details

NewBCamp is tomorrow (2/8/09) down at Johnson & Wales in Providence, RI.

The updated schedule is as follows:

Order of Events
9:00-9:30am Sign-in at Registration

9:30-9:40am Kick-off and UnKeynote Introductions

9:45-9:55am What is a blog? - with Michelle Riggen-Ransom and Adam Darowski of BatchBlue

10:00-10:30am Break-Out Sessions at Tables

10:30-10:40am 10 min Break

10:45-10:55am What is a good design - with John Speck of New Commons

11:00-11:30am Break-Out Sessions at Tables

11:30-11:40am 10 min Break

11:45-11:55am How to buy a Quality Computer: the State of the Art - with Mark
Leeuwenbergh of Free Geek

12:00-12:30pm Break-Out Sessions at Tables

12:30-12:40pm 10 min Break

12:45-12:55pm How do I protect my online info - with Steve Malloy of Atrion

1:00-1:30pm Break-Out Sessions at Tables

1:30-1:40pm 10 min Break

1:45-1:55pm Closing Remarks

2:00pm End NewBCamp

2:00-5:00pm Lunch and Afterparty at AS220


Parking tips can be found here

The Guide to NewBCamp can be found here

Registration fee - optional $10 donation to help defray costs.

I'll be at the Registration/Welcome desk wearing my tri-corner hat. If you are going, please be sure to say hi!

Kindergarten registration details

... kindergarten registration for the 2009-2010 school year will continue at Horace Mann Middle School on Monday, Feb. 9, from 4 to 6 p.m. for the parents of children who have been born on or before Aug. 31, 2004.

..........

... as a matter of policy only one of the following may be used as bonafide proof of residency:

• a record of a recent mortgage payment and/or tax bill;
  
• a copy of lease and record of recent rental payment;
  
• a landlord affidavit (notarized letter) and record of recent rental payment;
  
• a Section 8 agreement;
  
• a signed HUD settlement statement;
  

and a valid driver's license; photo ID card; passport or other government-issued photo ID.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here