Live reporting: FHS Program of studies update

c. FHS Program of Studies Update
Peter Light





Note the doc linked to is in the process of being updated. It contains most of the new updates but the date for the program of instruction still refers to '2015-2016' school year (rather than the 2016-1017 school year)

• computer science, grant from State last year allowed development of this new aspect of training
• advanced placement of computer science principles; expand upon the current offering which is targeted for coders, this is more broadly based student; students develop a portfolio rather than finish with an exam
• advanced placement physic level 1 and increase over the physics C course (targeted for engineering students)
• overview of environmental science, currently offering a series of semester electives but those classes mostly do not end up being run as the enrollments don't reach the required level

O'Malley - how many AP classes do we offer?

Light - only 2 or 3 AP classes that we don't offer (languages, and micro economics as examples)

52-54% of the senior class takes an AP class

Jewel - stick with the fundamentals, sometimes the students go to fast through the intros and don't learn it as well as they should

Live reporting: Substance Abuse Presentation

b. FHS Substance Abuse Task Force

Peter Light, Kristin Circe, and Joshua MacCreery

Substance Abuse Education - 2016 from Franklin Matters

numbers lower than national average but can be better
data from MetroWest survey has not changed a whole deal over the years

substance abuse education from K-12
age appropriate through the years to create and enhance the awareness
more depth beginning about 5th grade

increase in clubs and activities at the High School helps
SADD is a key club in some of the activities

Panthers Club and Community Service Club

School Wellness Advisory Council (SWAC)
focuses on extra curricular healthy activities

FHS substance abuse sub-committee has three leads to focus on students, faculty and community to assist in raising awareness and education

Chris Herren (former NBA basketball player) coming to speak at FHS Feb 29th


Bilello - thanks for the information
it was disappointing that at the SAFE coalition forum, one student spoke to somethings that are not reflected here
what are you doing with the middle schools?

Circe - using the data to drive curriculum and awareness down to the middle school level, the 7/8 students actually participate in the survey

Light - did get about 80 FHS teachers show up to do something to help, looking to start small and build on success; activities being planned around the Chris Herren visit; possible event planned for the joint basketball games at FHS against KP. Police coming in to do some drug awareness training during March and extend to middle school personnel. This does have a district wide impact

Schultz - question on the numbers, 10% in middle school 
Circe - the answers are life time events, not necessarily an indication of a continued use. Later added that the average had decreased over the past several year. Still a decent number of users but a down trend.
Light - use of a 'party' bowl where extra drugs are brought to a party to be shared - not really a smart decision because you have no idea what is really being used
Sabolinski - academic stress increases as they get to juniors, taking more caffeine and other self medications to get through it. Can go back to the zones of regulation, helping kids learn to recognize and deal with the emotions. Have spent several years moving in this direction. The anxiety and depression increases

Jewel - concern with the guidance as not always be good, need to be able to decipher. Some of the consequences of taking one drug or another may not be recoverable.

Live reporting: School Committee - Jan 12, 2016

Present: Bilello, Scofield, Douglas, O'Malley, Schultz, Jewel
Absent:  Bergan

1. Routine Business

Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
- no changes

Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the December 8, 2015 School Committee Meeting.
- Motion to approve, seconded, passed 6-0

Payment of Bills Dr. O’Malley
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
- discussion on lanyard policy, lack of pencil sharpeners in the classrooms is also an issue

Correspondence: Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman

2. Guests/Presentations

a. Jefferson Elementary School Update
(doc to be added)

Reminder: Franklin Dog Park Committee forming Weds, Jan 13

Haley is looking to start a Franklin Dog Park Committee. 

My name is Haley and I am starting up the Franklin Dog Park committee, I was wondering if you would be able to help me promote it by posting about it? 

The first meeting is January 13, 7:00 PM at the New England Chapel - any and all are welcome. If you have any questions or are thinking about attending yourself, my email is franklin.dogpark@gmail.com

-----------

There is a signup sheet available for those looking to attend the formation of the Franklin Dog Park Committee meeting on Wednesday, Jan 13.

@FranklinMatters Here is a sign up for the Dog Park Committee meeting this wednesday! https://t.co/9COXkE55Id

— FranklinDogPark (@FranklinDogPark) January 11, 2016

dog park at Dacey Field on a sunny summer day

You can find the signup sheet online here -> https://t.co/9COXkE55Id

Franklin Library: Knitting Circle - Tues, Jan 12 - 6:30 - 8:30 PM

"Whether you knit, crochet or spin, all fiber enthusiasts are welcome to share their craft at the Franklin Library Knitting Circle. Open to all skill levels. Meetings will take place on the second Tuesday of the month"

For adults

Franklin Library - 2nd Tuesday of the month

This was shared from the Franklin Library page
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2016/01/knitting-circle.html

Hurry, Your Hatha Yoga class starts before you know it!

Hatha Yoga Classes begin soon! The Center for Adult Education and Community Learning has Hatha yoga classes starting on Wednesday, January 20.  AND there's still time to register.  Just click here » View all classes Stay Connected Franklin Public Schools   Lifelong Learning Institute  Center for Adult Education and Community Learning 218 Oak Street, Franklin, MA 02038 508-613-1480   adulted@franklin.k12.ma.us

Forward this email FPS- Life Long Learning | 355 East Central Street | Franklin | MA | 02038

"how substance-abuse issues derailed his life"

A substance-abuse coalition will host two events in February in an effort to better inform the public about the factors that lead to opioid abuse. 

The Support for Addicts and Families by Empowerment (SAFE) group will be hosting a talk by Harvard University Professor Robert Putnam on Feb. 2 and a program by former Boston Celtic Chris Herren on Feb. 29. 

State Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin, said the Putnam talk - scheduled for 7 p.m. at Franklin High School - is not solely about drugs. 

"It's going to be more about the sociological background and context of the opioid crisis," he said. "Dr. Putnam has done a lot of research - not on opioids specifically - and he does paint a good picture of what is happening in America at the same time this epidemic has exploded."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160111/franklin-substance-abuse-coalition-hosting-two-talks

S.A.F.E. Coalition

For more info about the SAFE Coalition and the services they offer
http://safecoalitionma.com/