School Committee: policies up for discussion on (1) dress code and (2) physical restraint of students

The draft student dress code policy

The draft policy on  physical restraint of students

community entrance to FHS

The full agenda can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/11/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-nov.html

Four FHS student athletes signed letters of intent

Four FHS student athletes signed letters of intent on Monday to continue their studies and athletics in college. The signings were acknowledged via Twitter and recaptured here.

• Ryan Hodgekins - Baseball. Will attend Stonehill in the fall.
• Grace McDermott - Lacrosse. Will attend Assumption in the fall. 
• Dana Lewandowski - Lacrosse. Will attend Bentley in the fall. 
• Caroline Lounsbury - Lacrosse. Will attend Franklin Pierce in the fall

Congrats to Ryan, Dana, Caroline and Grace. Proud Panthers on signing day! #PantherPride pic.twitter.com/0bxPmYLblf

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) November 14, 2016

Ryan Hodgekins - Baseball. Will attend Stonehill in the fall. pic.twitter.com/dKHbH0pwNL

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) November 14, 2016

Grace McDermott - Lacrosse. Will attend Assumption in the fall. pic.twitter.com/SJ1cfFxv80

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) November 14, 2016

Dana Lewandowski - Lacrosse. Will attend Bentley in the fall. pic.twitter.com/oHG00Fq9kx

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) November 14, 2016

Caroline Lounsbury - Lacrosse. Will attend Franklin Pierce in the fall. pic.twitter.com/oSzvz7jlTY

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) November 14, 2016

FHS Panthers

To follow all of Franklin on Twitter, I am continually updating this listing
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/lists/all-franklin

If you see a Twitter account that is missing from this list, please let me know

Hockomock Area YMCA to offer new Blood Pressure Management Program - Upcoming Screenings

The Hockomock Area YMCA is proud to announce it will begin offering the YMCA’s Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring, a program designed to help participants with hypertension lower their blood pressure by following an evidence-based program that combines blood pressure self-monitoring, nutrition education and personalized support.

High blood pressure is often referred to as “The Silent Killer” because there are typically no warning signs or symptoms. According to the American Heart Association, more than 80 million Americans have high blood pressure, but less than half have it under control. The Y developed this program to help individuals better manage hypertension, and improve their overall health. Research shows that the simple process of checking and recording blood pressure at least twice a month over four months may lower blood pressure in some people with hypertension. In addition, evidence shows that proper nutrition, particularly with a reduction in sodium intake, may help reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressures.

As part of the Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring program, participants will strive to reduce their blood pressure by measuring their blood pressure at least two times a month for four consecutive months—a minimum of eight times, and record their blood pressure readings in a self-selected tracking tool. A nutrition education component will encourage the participants to practice healthier eating habits, including reducing sodium in their diet. During this program participants will also increase their awareness of triggers that elevate blood pressure.

Hockomock Area YMCA staff will hold free screenings for the program at the following dates, times and locations:

• North Attleboro Branch: Wednesday, November 16 from 9:00am – 11:00am and 3:00pm – 6:00pm.
• Bernon Family Branch, Franklin and Invensys Foxboro Branch: Tuesday, November 29 from 9:00am – 12:00pm and 3:00pm – 6:00pm.

The program is facilitated by Healthy Heart Ambassadors, appointed and trained by the Y, who will show participants how to use a blood pressure cuff, encourage self-monitoring and facilitate monthly nutrition education seminars.

The Hockomock Area YMCA is looking for adults with high blood pressure to take part in this program. For a small investment of time and minimal fee, participants will receive; a simple evidence-based program that may lower blood pressure, personalized support from a Y Healthy Heart Ambassador, tips for maintaining cardiovascular health, a easy-to-use portable self-tracking tool, heart healthy nutrition seminars, and a blood pressure monitoring cuff if participant does not own one.

To participate in this program participants must be at least 18 years old, be diagnosed with high blood pressure, must not have experienced a recent cardiac event, must not have atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmias, and must not be at ricks for lymphedema.

Enrollment is ongoing at the three Hockomock Area YMCA’s branches. For more information or to set up your initial consultation, contact bloodpressure@hockymca.org or 508-772-1310.

hockymca.org

About the Hockomock Area YMCA:

Where Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility. 

The Hockomock Area YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities they are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit hockymca.org.

Downtown Partnership: Networking Luncheon - Tuesday, November 15

Networking Luncheon Tuesday, November 15

There's no such thing as a free lunch BUT there are lunches that are inexpensive, delicious and worth your lunch hour! Join FDP members for a 
Networking Luncheon

Downtown Partnership: Networking Luncheon - Tuesday, November 15

Tuesday, November 15, 1 p.m.
Dean College Dining Center
$6.55

RSVP to Matt Lechter, mlechter@dean.edu, or
Gary Donelan, gary.donelan@middlesexbank.com.

"the drive this year focused on meeting people's needs"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Davis Thayer Elementary School students continued a school tradition Monday, walking hundreds of pounds of donations to the nearby Franklin Food Pantry. 

The fifth-grade students carried 602 donated items - weighing 294 pounds - to the pantry to help with the group's Thanksgiving season demand. 

Jen Violet, a math specialist with the school, said this year's drive - conducted by students from each grade level - had outpaced the 2015 effort. 

"There were approximately 400 (items) last year," she said. "Our goal this year was 500 items - we exceeded that."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161114/franklin-students-walk-donations-to-food-pantry

It was a beautiful walk to the Franklin Food Pantry this morning! Thanks to all who donated! @DTGrade5 pic.twitter.com/Myh904zMuQ

— Davis Thayer School (@DT_Bobcats) November 14, 2016

Davis Thayer students walking to the Franklin Food Pantry (school photo)

Annual Christmas Concert on Saturday, Nov. 26 featuring New England Ringers

The New England Ringers, the region's premier community handbell ensemble, is returning to Franklin after a two-year hiatus to perform at the Franklin Federated Church Annual Christmas Concert on Saturday, Nov. 26, at 7:30 PM.

The concert will feature an arrangement of winter and Christmas melodies. including the familiar and beloved Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Suite, a rousing version of Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus, and a haunting rendition of God With Us for All Time, arranged by Betty Garee and featuring the gorgeous sound of Cathedral Bells.

New England Ringers is a 15-member community handbell ensemble of highly energetic musicians playing the most advanced level of handbell literature. NER performances are a blend of lively and diverse musical moods and styles. Repertoire includes classical transcriptions, familiar favorites, and original compositions.

New England Ringers is a 15-member community handbell ensemble

Proceeds from the concert will benefit the mission and ministry of Franklin Federated Church. Franklin Federated engages in a wide variety of mission activities, with a particular focus on feeding the hungry.

Admission is $15 per person. Tickets will be available at the door or in advance by calling the church office at 508-528-3803.

DelCarte Open Space - 11/12/16 (video)

A brief video to share of the DelCarte open space that I took while on my walk Saturday morning.

Other videos recorded at DelCarte

• Video from Dec 2012

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/delcarte-property-video.html

• Video from Oct 2013

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/delcarte-property-video.html

• Video from Mar 2014

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/03/delcarte-property-winter-wonderland.html