The schools have half days on Thu/Fri with parent conferences scheduled.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Parmenter and Five Guys, Dec 11
From the sing outside the Parmenter Elementary School, we find that there is a fund raising event on Tuesday, Dec 11 at Five Guys.
The schools have half days on Thu/Fri with parent conferences scheduled.
The schools have half days on Thu/Fri with parent conferences scheduled.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Dec 11, 2012
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.
"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 November 27, 2012 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mrs. McIntyre
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
2. Action Items
a. I recommend acceptance of the donation of assorted science laboratory supplies as detailed with an estimated value of $2,000.00 to the FHS from Melissa Hancock from BD Biosciences.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $400.00 from PISA for in-house enrichment at the FHS.
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000.00 from the Davis Thayer PCC for Library Books at DT.
d. I recommend approval of the Budget Transfers as detailed.
e. I recommend approval of the request of Brad Sidwell for the Boys Ice Hockey team to travel to North Smithfield, RI on December 28 & 29, 2012 for a team building event.
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1569.20 from the Parmenter PCC for field trips.
3. NEASC - Core Values and Expectations Focus Group
4. Adjourn
12 Days of Donating: Day 10
On Day 10 of the "12 Days of Donating", let's continue to look back through the events of the year and see how much we can be thankful for in Franklin.
In October, the campaigns made their final pitch, the Library Book Sale took place, and the ceremonial shovel went into the ground for the new Franklin High School among the many highlights. These are just a few of the many events that occurred during this busy month. I would suggest that most folks would agree on Hurricane Sandy probably as being the most significant event of October.
Franklin was lucky. Some folks did lose power. NationalGrid for all the improvements they made did fail in the communication realm and town officials will be working with them to improve yet again to do better next time.
While Franklin was lucky, getting some rain and wind, Sandy bore her full force on the NY/NJ area. Sections of the metropolitan area will be a long time recovering. It will take time and resources to rebuild.
Franklin participated in a relief effort to send food, water and other key items to those in need. Franklin has been good about this, it is a caring and sharing community.
While the Food Pantry has two part-time employees, everything it does is really accomplished through the efforts of volunteers. The collections, sorting and stocking the shelves, assisting with the distribution of food; all of these steps take time and effort and are driven by Food Pantry volunteers.
A current example of the community effort to supply the Food Pantry is that of the Food Elves with the Franklin Downtown Partnership. The people of Franklin receive the real benefits of such collaboration!
Donation bins are available at these participating businesses:
Day 9 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-9.html
Day 8 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-8.html
Day 7 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-7.html
Day 6 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-6.html
Day 5 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-5.html
Day 4 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-4.html
Day 3 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-3.html
Day 2 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-2.html
Day 1 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/11/12-days-of-donating-day-1.html
In October, the campaigns made their final pitch, the Library Book Sale took place, and the ceremonial shovel went into the ground for the new Franklin High School among the many highlights. These are just a few of the many events that occurred during this busy month. I would suggest that most folks would agree on Hurricane Sandy probably as being the most significant event of October.
 |
| NationalGrid power outage map for Franklin during Hurricane Sandy |
Franklin was lucky. Some folks did lose power. NationalGrid for all the improvements they made did fail in the communication realm and town officials will be working with them to improve yet again to do better next time.
While Franklin was lucky, getting some rain and wind, Sandy bore her full force on the NY/NJ area. Sections of the metropolitan area will be a long time recovering. It will take time and resources to rebuild.
 |
| Collection bin for NJ Hurricane Sandy relief |
Franklin participated in a relief effort to send food, water and other key items to those in need. Franklin has been good about this, it is a caring and sharing community.
While the Food Pantry has two part-time employees, everything it does is really accomplished through the efforts of volunteers. The collections, sorting and stocking the shelves, assisting with the distribution of food; all of these steps take time and effort and are driven by Food Pantry volunteers.
A current example of the community effort to supply the Food Pantry is that of the Food Elves with the Franklin Downtown Partnership. The people of Franklin receive the real benefits of such collaboration!
Donation bins are available at these participating businesses:
- Berry Insurance, 9 Main St.
- Chestnut Dental Associates, 38 Pond St.
- Dean Bank, 21 Main St.
- Dean College, Campus Center
- DCU, 500 West Central St.
- East Coast Driving School, 25 East Central St.
- Emma’s Quilt Cupboard, 12 Main St.
- Franklin Downtown Partnership Office, 9 East Central St.
- Jane’s Frames, 11 East Central St.
- Murphy Business, 15 East Central St.
- RE/MAX Executive Realty, 445 Franklin Village Dr.
You can also make a donation securely through the Franklin Food Pantry web page
Day 9 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-9.html
Day 8 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-8.html
Day 7 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-7.html
Day 6 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-6.html
Day 5 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-5.html
Day 4 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-4.html
Day 3 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-3.html
Day 2 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-2.html
Day 1 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/11/12-days-of-donating-day-1.html
Will area residents be left out in the cold this winter?
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Jeff Malachowski/Daily News staff on 12/8/12
With the impending "fiscal cliff" and recent state budget cuts, local fuel assistance programs that rely on federal and state dollars are worried residents who need help might be left out in the cold this winter.Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to The Milford Daily News News RSS using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Creepy now, worse later
Ah that explains why we are seeing these all around!
It's the beginning of December, and like the black-sheep relatives in a Chevy Chase comedy, winter moths have made a habit of showing up before Christmas in droves.
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Wicked Local Franklin News RSS by Julia Spitz/Daily News staff on 12/8/12
It's the beginning of December, and like the black-sheep relatives in a Chevy Chase comedy, winter moths have made a habit of showing up before Christmas in droves.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Wicked Local Franklin News RSS using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Saturday, December 8, 2012
12 Days of Donating: Day 9
On Day 9 of the "12 Days of Donating", let's continue to look back through the events of the year and see how much we can be thankful for in Franklin.
In September, schools re-opened, the State primary was held, and the Harvest Festival closed out the month among the many happenings and news items.
President Paula Rooney of Dean College presented to the Town Council on how much Dean does for Franklin. Located in the center of Franklin, Dean has integrated into the community. The presentation document can be viewed here:
You can go to the on demand video archives to view the presentation (video and audio) as it was delivered to the Town Council on Sep 19th
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?ecm=634841170883675000&indexSessionSKU=hpiBdI5nlsn7qlgtQh+I7Q%3D%3D&siteSKU=L7qhQ46xin/r3Z0jcDVCNw%3D%3D (The Dean presentation portion appears about 20 minutes into the recording)
As noted in the presentation, Franklin does receive much goodness from having Dean in the middle of town. The collaboration can continue to grow and improve. Much like the collaboration of the Franklin Food Elves with the Franklin Downtown Partnership to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. The people of Franklin receive the real benefits of such collaboration!
Donation bins are available at these participating businesses:
Day 8 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-8.html
Day 7 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-7.html
Day 6 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-6.html
Day 5 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-5.html
Day 4 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-4.html
Day 3 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-3.html
Day 2 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-2.html
Day 1 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/11/12-days-of-donating-day-1.html
In September, schools re-opened, the State primary was held, and the Harvest Festival closed out the month among the many happenings and news items.
President Paula Rooney of Dean College presented to the Town Council on how much Dean does for Franklin. Located in the center of Franklin, Dean has integrated into the community. The presentation document can be viewed here:
You can go to the on demand video archives to view the presentation (video and audio) as it was delivered to the Town Council on Sep 19th
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?ecm=634841170883675000&indexSessionSKU=hpiBdI5nlsn7qlgtQh+I7Q%3D%3D&siteSKU=L7qhQ46xin/r3Z0jcDVCNw%3D%3D (The Dean presentation portion appears about 20 minutes into the recording)
As noted in the presentation, Franklin does receive much goodness from having Dean in the middle of town. The collaboration can continue to grow and improve. Much like the collaboration of the Franklin Food Elves with the Franklin Downtown Partnership to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. The people of Franklin receive the real benefits of such collaboration!
Donation bins are available at these participating businesses:
- Berry Insurance, 9 Main St.
- Chestnut Dental Associates, 38 Pond St.
- Dean Bank, 21 Main St.
- Dean College, Campus Center
- DCU, 500 West Central St.
- East Coast Driving School, 25 East Central St.
- Emma’s Quilt Cupboard, 12 Main St.
- Franklin Downtown Partnership Office, 9 East Central St.
- Jane’s Frames, 11 East Central St.
- Murphy Business, 15 East Central St.
- RE/MAX Executive Realty, 445 Franklin Village Dr.
You can also make a donation securely through the Franklin Food Pantry web page
Day 8 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-8.html
Day 7 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-7.html
Day 6 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-6.html
Day 5 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-5.html
Day 4 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-4.html
Day 3 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-3.html
Day 2 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/12-days-of-donating-day-2.html
Day 1 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/11/12-days-of-donating-day-1.html
Remington-Jefferson School Tour (photo essay)
It was cold Thursday evening in Franklin and the lights of the Remington-Jefferson building cast a warm welcoming glow.
If you looked down at the building from the sky, it is laid out like an airplane with a main central section and two wings. Much of the central section are areas that are used by both schools; cafeteria, library, and gymnasium. The tour started on the lower level of the Jefferson side, went up to the second floor and crossed over to Remington to eventually finish on the lower level of the Remington side.
In most elementary classrooms, this a familiar sight with the chairs up to help the cleaning process.
Jefferson does have modular units, the corridors are distinct as they have the rack of hooks along the walls. The modular units are basically boxes with four walls with windows and doors but no closet space. These modulars were just budgeted for removal as they are no longer needed.
Bags on each chair provide individual reading materials for the student. They get rotated out for units of study from the in room reading collection or the central school library.
One of the architectural details in the library that I was not aware of previously is that the ceiling is shaped like a book open for reading. Both my daughters attended Remington Middle School so I have been into the school before for parents night and musical performances. I had not been into the Jefferson side.
In addition to the computer lab, Remington uses "cows" computers on wheels; carts with laptop or netbook computers that can be wheeled into a classroom.
A view down the Remington stairwell as we crossed over the center section into the wing.
Yes, every seat is this class has been replaced by an exercise ball as an experiment. There are physical benefits from sitting like this especially for the long periods that the students are required to. They are also testing a stand up desk (not pictured).
The science lab on Remington side is located under one of the two roof peaks to take advantage of the space offered.
An integrated art project, the students researched the artist to paint chair in his/her style.
Here is a close up of a chair for Piet Mondrian, a Dutch painter.
Another architectural detail found throughout the building are triangular windows. This is an attempt to pick up the Benjamin Franklin story of his kite experiment.
The cafetorium is one of the main common areas. half the cafe is used by Remington, the other half by Jefferson. The divider wall can be opened up for the school performance where the stage is used.
We got a view of the Jefferson small gym. As we went around to the Remington side, it was being used by a basketball group.
Jamie Barrett's music room
Another interesting architectural detail; the bench built into wall, the wall line broken up with the different brick colors and material.
The Jefferson entrance from inside looking towards the door.
Positioned just inside the entrance is the wood carving done for Jefferson.
Back to the Remington entrance where the tour ended.
My thanks to the School Committee for scheduling these tours and in particular to Paula Mullen and Susan Rohrbach who participated in this tour. Thanks extends of course to the principals, Paul Peri (Remington), Linda Ashley (Jefferson) and Sally Winslow, Asst Superintendent. Brian Wildeman, Asst Principal for Remington was also quite helpful on the tour with timely demonstrations.
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