Franklin SEPAC: September 2017 Newsletter

September 2017 WELCOME BACK!! We hope that you had an enjoyable and relaxing summer! With school back in session, we thought this would be a great opportunity to let you know that we have been working hard all summer to deliver a strong workshop schedule and activities for families throughout the year.  First, here are the members of the 2017-2018 Franklin SEPAC Board: Co-Presidents: Jennifer Hiscoe and Jennifer O'Duggan Co-Vice Presidents:  Sara Mulcahy and Holly Perkins Secretaries: Monisha Kallianpur and Laurie Wrobleski Regional SEPAC Liaison/Outreach: Caryn Budd Community Relations: Mark Thompson Treasurer: Sharon Taylor For many children with Special Needs and their families, back to school time can be a welcome return to schedule and predictability.  For others, the thought of a new year with new teachers or a new environment can be anxiety-provoking.  For many it is a combination of both.  We at SEPAC are here to help!  Our goal is to create a strong community of special needs families here in Franklin, where we can learn from each other while providing support and understanding.   September Workshop Introduction to Special Ed. Programming in Franklin/Parents Rights and Regulations By Director of Student Services, Ms. Debbie Dixson followed by Ms. Laura Gillis, Esq. When: Tuesday, September 12, at 7:00. Where: Remington School Library, 628 Washington Street.   We look forward to seeing you there.  This will be a great opportunity to ask questions and learn about changes to your rights.  Take a look at our website, www.franklinsepac.org, for the complete list of workshops and dates for the year.   Parent Support Group When: Thursday, September 28, at 7:00. Where: Cole's Tavern, 553 Washington Street. In addition, we will be providing monthly opportunities for parents/caregivers to get together in a relaxed environment to share stories, make connections and learn from one another.   Other Information This year, one of our main goals is to provide more social events for families. Our first event would be:- Halloween Hayride  When: Friday, October 27 Where: Tanderini's Farm, Millis More information will follow soon, so stay tuned.  These events will provide families with an opportunity to come together for some fun in a "judgment free" environment.   We are looking forward to a great year and are very excited to meet you!          Mark your calendars!  We have scheduled the following workshops all year round!! ***All workshops are free and open to the public*** All workshops are held 7:00 pm in the 3rd floor training room of the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, unless otherwise specified. *October 16, 2017: Helping Children Cope: Putting Humpty Dumpty back together again - a look at building resilience in children; presented by Jeanine Fitzgerald -  workshop will be held in the Horace Mann auditorium *November 16, 2017: Camps and Activities Fair; a variety of local & state agencies will be on hand to provide information on special needs camps and activities - workshop will held at the Keller cafeteria January 18, 2018: Non-verbal Learning Disorders; presented by Joseph Moldover, PhD, Developmental Neuropsychologist February 15, 2018: I Feel Worried! Tips to Help Kids Overcome Anxiety; presented by Ms. Nadine Briggs, CEO, Simply Social Kids March 15, 2018: ADHD Essentials; presented by Brendan Mahan,MEd.,MS *April 26,2018: Defining Autism from the Heart; presented by Mr. Kerry Magro, national speaker and best-selling author shares experience of growing up with autism - workshop will be held in Horace Mann auditorium. Friday, May 4, 2018: Night of Comedy fundraiser - Join us for a fun night at CBS Scene! Tickets will be on sale soon. May 17, 2018: Coping with Bullying; presented by Ms. Carolyn Wnuk, MSW, LICSW, Compass Social Skills and Counselling. *Workshops will be held in an alternate location  The mission of the Franklin Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) is to promote a network for parents of children with disabilities and provide a forum to share information and discuss matters of relative interest and concern regarding our children. This group provides regular forums for Pupil Personnel Services and parents to share information and discuss pertinent issues; develops, maintains and shares tools and a resource guide; and raises awareness of children with special needs. We host monthly workshops educating parents on special-needs topics. We also hold support groups, fun meet-ups for the kids and donate educational supplies to the Franklin Public School Special Education programs. We are a volunteer-run organization and need donations to help alleviate the costs of the above-mentioned programs. We receive our primary funding through an annual "Evening of Comedy" fundraiser that we host in April. www.franklinsepac.org   We are always looking for feedback and ways that we can help meet the needs of our community here in town.  Please don't hesitate to reach out to us via email at franklinsepac@gmail.com, follow us on Facebook at @franklinsepac, and now on Twitter at @franklin_sepac. Stay updated about our workshops, support groups and events. Get social with us!

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Franklin Special Education Parent Advisory Council 355 East Central St. Franklin, Massachusetts 02038 US Read the VerticalResponse marketing policy.

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“The schools don’t exist in isolation"

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

"In response to two incidents late last school year where a swastika was found drawn on the wall of a school building, administrators are taking steps to keep hate out of Franklin schools. 

“We knew that when we came back in the fall we would want to revisit this to reassure our students and our families that we are committed to a welcoming and respectful environment,” said Superintendent Sara Ahern. 

Last school year, there were three separate incidents of the hate symbol being scribbled on walls. The first was found in one of the elementary schools in late winter. In June, two more swastikas were found at other schools. 

Though unable to find who was responsible, Ahern said she plans to fight back with education and awareness. Instead of simply erasing the swastikas and putting the ordeal behind them, Ahern is keeping the issue front and center."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170911/franklin-schools-act-against-hatred

flower boxes and positive messages line the walk way to Remington Middle School

Both FHS soccer teams win on Monday

From Hockomock Sports we share the results of the FHS falls sports results on Monday, Sep 11. 

Boys Soccer = Milford, 1 @ Franklin, 2 – Final 

– Franklin netted a pair of second half goals to erase a one goal deficit to earn its first win of the 2017 season. Milford’s Andre Oliveira put the visitors ahead in the first half but Franklin drew level midway through the second half. Sophomore Jacob Cummings made it 1-1 before the Panthers found the winner in the final two minutes. Sophomore Sam Stowell buried a penalty kick for the game-winner. Milford head coach Brian Edwards said Lucas Caetano had a strong game for the Hawks at left back.

Girls Soccer = Franklin, 1 @ Milford, 0 – Final 

– According to Milford coach Jay Mastaj, Brianna Braza, Rachel LeBlanc and Maddie Boyle played well on defense and Julianna France and Leeanne Kibbee had good games in what he called, “a strong team effort.”

Field Hockey = Franklin, 1 @ Foxboro, 3 – Final 

"After struggling to get going on offense in the season opener against King Philip, defending Davenport division and Div. 2 South champion Foxboro clicked into gear and found its scoring touch against Franklin on Monday evening at Sam Berns Community Field. 

Junior Lily Daly scored a pair of goals and classmate Sophia DiCenso had a goal and two assists, as Foxboro pulled out a 3-1 victory over the defending Kelley-Rex division champions. 

“It’s a great win,” said Foxboro coach Melissa Bordieri. “We needed that after our showing against KP. Honestly, it was back-and-forth in the middle of the field, which makes for a really exciting game, but I’m really happy with how they played.” 

She added, “We came out on fire, which was key. Everyone worked as a team. The way we placed the ball, we were looking for give-and-go opportunities, we were looking for combinations where the other day we weren’t.”

Continue reading the write up by Josh Perry, Managing Editor of HockomockSports
https://hockomocksports.com/daly-and-dicenso-power-foxboro-field-hockey-against-franklin/

For the photo gallery of the field hockey game
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20172018/Fall-2017/Foxboro-Franklin-Field-Hockey-9-11-17/

For all the results around the League on Monday
https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-091117/

Juniors Lily Daly and Sophia DiCenso (10) combined for three goals and two assists, as Foxboro held on to beat Franklin at Sam Berns Field. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com

Remington Middle School PCC kicks off the "Rally for Remington"

Dear Franklin Residents:

The Remington Middle School PCC is kicking off our annual Direct Donation program for Remington, Rally For Remington. The funds raised through this program help to pay for programs for the students, including cultural enrichment, field trips, and much much more!

We want to be able to help mold and shape the minds of our young students. If you are unfamiliar with us, we are a parent volunteer organization whose mission is to positively impact the lives of the Remington Students.

We are looking to the community for help this year as we have not met our goal in recent years due to many factors, most prevalent is the increase in the cost to provide quality programs. While our Remington family has contributed, we are asking for your help to keep our quality programs continuing for the benefit of the students. All of the monies raised, 100%, stays in Remington and is not used for anything other than programs to benefit the students.

We hope that you will consider making a onetime donation to Remington Middle School so that we can continue to provide these important programs for the students. You can make your donation by PayPal, or sending check or cash to Remington School PCC, 628 Washington Street, Franklin, MA 02038. Thru PayPal, a receipt will be generated and sent to you or we can send you one at your request for check and cash donations.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Jenn O’Duggan, PCC President
Remington Middle School PCC

The Remington Parent Communication Council, Inc. (“PCC”) is a 501-C(3) corporation.

As defined under the Internal Revenue Code.

Federal Tax Id Number: 11006908

Remington Middle School, Franklin, MA

Reminder: Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club - Meeting - Sep 13

The Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club kicks off the 2017/2018 season at our next monthly meeting. On Wednesday, September 13 we welcome you to join us. We have planned some fun social games; so come have fun and make some connections in your community.

We invite any resident of Franklin, or a surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, to join us at "3" Restaurant, 461 West Central Street, Franklin. Complimentary appetizers and beverages are provided and a cash bar is available. We meet upstairs at 7:30pm on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. 

 We run our meetings September through May. Additionally, we hold many fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year.

For more information, please visit our website www.franklinnewcomers.com or our Facebook page, Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club.

https://www.facebook.com/FranklinNewcomersFriendsClub/

Tinkergarten trial classes - Tue/Thu - Sep 12, Sep 14

Come out and join a FREE #tinkergarten trial tomorrow or Thursday starting at 10:00 a.m. right here amongst the Apple trees! 

Register here: http://tkgtn.com/obg3l  

— at Fairmount Fruit Farm.

Related Post on Tinkergarten

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/two-quick-updates-on-tinkergarten.html

In the News: green community status sought; museum exhibits for September

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

"At Town Council meeting on Wednesday, members will vote on whether to take the next steps toward becoming a Massachusetts Green Community.

Green Communities is a grant program funded by the Massachusetts Department of Energy and Environmental Affairs that awards municipalities for reducing their carbon footprints. To date, 155 towns and cities in the state are part of the program. There are five major criterion that are required in order to qualify for the funding. Franklin has already satisfied two of those. 

The town would be awarded $200,000 just to be designated as a green community. After that, Franklin would be eligible for annual grants to continue working on energy reduction. A positive vote from town council would mean an application would be sent to the state by early October."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170911/franklin-seeks-green-community-status

"The Franklin Historical Museum, 80 W. Central St., will feature a collection of hats that belonged to long time Franklin resident Mary Molla Diorio. 

When a new family moved into the Diorio home on Squire Street, they found, tucked away in a corner of the attic, a large black hat box, with seven vintage ladies hats packed inside. They donated their find to the museum with the hope that the hats could find new life. 

Through social media, the museum was able to determine who lived in the house and a description of the person who owned and wore the hats. Mary Diorio, who worked in the Franklin Schools for 50 years, was loved and respected by her colleagues, neighbors and family."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170911/strongfranklin-historical-features-hat-collectionstrong

Franklin Historical Museum, 80 W. Central St.