Monday, April 9, 2012

MBTA halting 12-ride punch card

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:


The MBTA plans to retire the 12-ride commuter rail punch card and its six-month expiration as of July 1, replacing it with a 10-ride pass good for a mere 30 days, the Boston Globe reports. As the Globe reports, the punch card is open to abuse, in which users can stretch the card well beyond the 12-ride limit, which means lost revenue for the cash-strapped T.

Things you can do from here:

Coming soon!

It is good to walk around Franklin. Walking slows things down, you get to observe more detail about what is around. On Saturday's walk, I realized that Bellino's had closed and there will be a new Indian restaurant opening in it's location:

Coming soon: new restaurant downtown

I had already heard through the Planning Board agendas that Dean was putting up a new residence dorm on the corner of West Central and West St.

Coming soon: new residence dorm for Dean College

What do you find out about Franklin by walking around?


In the News - marathon, autism, brush fires



Franklin woman runs for her buddies

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Happy Easter!

No matter what religious beliefs you hold, spring time brings new life to this world that we inhabit.

Spring colors!

Enjoy the signs of new life!


Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - 4/10/12

Vision Statement
The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

Mission Statement
The Franklin Public Schools, in collaboration with the community, will cultivate each student's intellectual, social, emotional and physical potential through rigorous academic inquiry and informed problem solving skills within a safe, nurturing and respectful environment.

"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."


1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the March 27, 2012 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mrs. McIntyre
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: Budget to Actual

2. Guests/Presentations
a. Music Department Update – Nancy Schoen (presentation)
b. Budget Overview

3. Discussion Only Items
Kindergarten Registration (Current status - PDF)
Pay to Ride Update

4. Action Items
a. I recommend acceptance of a check for $125.00 from JF Kennedy PCC for field trips and nurses fees for JF Kennedy Elementary School.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $750.00 from JF Kennedy PCC for field trips and buses for JF Kennedy Elementary School.
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $150.00 from Cop Ex, Inc for Davis Thayer Elementary School.

5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
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
Review of Executive Session Minutes
a. 1-24-12
b. 2-28-12

8. Adjourn

Franklin, MA: Music Program

Nancy Schoen is scheduled to present this document to the School Committee on Tuesday, Apr 10, 2012 to provide an update on the Music Program.

Franklin Public Schools MUSIC presentation 4/10/12

Both my daughters participated in the Music program throughout their years in the Franklin schools (Parmenter, Remington and FHS). I think some of their success can be attributed to the musical program as a component of their overall development and growth.

Franklin, MA: Kindergarten Enrollment

The Kindergarten enrollment as of 4/2/12. This is a line item for discussion at the School Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Apr 10, 2012.

Franklin Public Schools K-registration as of 4-2-12

Note: the actual enrollment for K exceeds the projection provided last January. The details of that projection can be found here  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/01/school-enrollment-projections.html

Looking at the current K classroom staffing and the enrollment to date, it looks like there should be some re-alignment of K teachers to better balance the class size across the district. Parmenter for example has 4 K classes this year and may only need 2 next Sep. Current K classes and class size can be found in the following Enrollment document.

The enrollment comparison of March 2011 to March 2012:

Franklin Public Schools: Enrollment Compare March 2011 2012


Disclosure: yes, my wonderful wife teaches kindergarten at Oak Street Elementary School.