School Committee Recap: Middle Schools and High School Improvement Plans Approved

To recap the School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Sep 12, I have the following:

Presentations from the middle schools and high school on their individual improvement plans were reviewed and discussed. Recall that the District Improvement plan was previewed, revised and approved during the August School Committee meetings. This takes the district plan down to the individual school level. The elementary schools will likely bring their plans forward at the next school committee meeting.

middle school principals presenting the school improvement
plans to the School Committee (not shown in photo)

a. 2017-2018 School Improvement Plans 

Horace Mann Middle School – Rebecca Motte 

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczTU5NdHpNNXN5bzF4a1FNZW15dlpVaVFaZGlZ

Remington Middle School – Brian Wildeman 

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczU3hqbVhNdlR0c1hRZEExNDl3WkZ0aHEzaThB

Annie Sullivan Middle School – Beth Wittcoff 
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczT3I5YjdnaFpkUTJfNlczT1Z2X2JRRHhGT2tF

Franklin High School – Paul Peri, Principal and William Klements, Deputy Principal
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczZHZEcVpEamNMbzlTczJ1VE85YVZiY01jMjg4

In the Discussion Only section, the proposed policy for the Superintendent's evaluation was discussed. A copy can be found here:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczXzQ5THZCdHBHVkZvZG9EWnlCRVlaQ2h0VFgw

The policy governing the order of business for the School Committee meetings was up for second reading and a copy can be found here:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczNkY3TkIwc3J3VE9lSUMxX0puSXFGWHUxYXhv

The action items were approved in bulk format like a consent type agenda. They were all read and with no questions, one motion to approve them all. This saves meeting time.

The School Committee went into an Executive Session and returned about 15 minutes later to approve two memorandum of understandings with the Teachers Union. Not a lot of details were shared but they were the result of negotiations around the teacher evaluation process.

For additional information you can review the notes taken live during the meeting:

• Live reporting: Action items to closing
• Live reporting: Discussion only items
• Live reporting: School Committee - Sep 12, 2017

Just What is #2069?

The yard signs “#2069” that you may have seen in a growing number of locations are a stark reminder that in 2016, in the State of Massachusetts alone, 2,069 beautiful souls died as a direct result of opioid abuse and addiction.

The signs are not intended to be simply a memorial to those lost but a call for deeper awareness of this epidemic in our midst. They are an invitation for us all to unite as a common voice of concern, of support for those who live with or confront this epidemic every day, and a voice working to erase the stigma that surrounds those caught in the storms of addiction.

The idea for the signs and the campaign began with the work of the Trinity Church, Wrentham outreach committee as they sought to know better their call in the world immediately outside the doors of their faith community. With the help of S.A.F.E. Coalition, an organization from Franklin, MA working to address this epidemic, the mission has begun.

The goal is simple. Using electronic media, yard signs, and employing a bit of hard work, the goal is to create a partnership with individuals, faith communities, families, businesses and others to raise awareness of the opioid epidemic, to encourage those who serve on the front lines of this crisis and to talk openly and with understanding as the impact this epidemic has on our world.

Yet the larger goal is to erase the stigma surrounding the disease of addiction and to begin to lift that heavy weight from the shoulders of those who bear it.

Please, as a faith community, an individual, a family or a business join us in this effort.

Contact:

Trinity Church, Wrentham at 1-508-384-3958

Rev, Ron Tibbetts, deacon at 774-210-0284

And join the growing group on Facebook at #2069_signs

On Twitter- #2069 signs@Trinity2069

Just What is #2069?

“This is Franklin High School; we’re all one”

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

“Alright, everyone line up for drills,” says John Leighton, coach of the unified co-ed basketball team at Franklin High School. 

The team ran drills around the Franklin High gymnasium last week, shooting baskets and running laps. From the outside, this looks like any other high school sports practice. 

The team consists of 40 members - some with special needs, some without - who will compete with at least four other teams from surrounding towns this season. Their first game will be during the first week in October. 

They started practice earlier last week, and it didn’t take much time to start exchanging smiles and high-fives between classes."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170917/franklin-high-unified-team-were-all-one

https://twitter.com/FHSSports/status/908041321130098688

Register for free informational seminar on researching land records - Oct 17

Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell will host a free informational seminar on how to research computer assisted land records at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds in Dedham from 4:30 P.M. to 5:30 P.M. on Tuesday, October 17, 2017. The seminar is geared for both real estate professionals and the general public.

Register O'Donnell noted that the program will include a brief presentation complete with reference materials and hands-on exercises. There will also be opportunities to ask both basic and advanced questions. Computer assisted land records are currently available both at the Registry and on the Internet at www.norfolkdeeds.org.

"These services have proven to be invaluable tools for our customers. We hope that this seminar will be both helpful and informative," said Register of Deeds Bill O'Donnell. There is no charge for the seminar, but anyone planning to attend is asked to register by calling Alicia Gardner at 781-461-6104 or by email to agardner@norfolkdeeds.org. Please include your name, address, email and a daytime phone number when you register. "Sometimes these seminars fill quickly, so people should sign up as soon as possible," noted the Register.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham. It is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County, amassing approximately a half of million land records, dating back to 1793.

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

www.norfolkdeeds.org

"God Of Carnage" Opens FPAC’s 27th Season

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) opens its 27th season with award-winning playwright Yasmin Reza’s God of Carnage, presented September 29-October 1. Winner of the 2009 Tony Award for Best Play, the acclaimed dark comedy takes place in the Cobble Hill neighborhood of Brooklyn, where civility unravels as two sets of parents discuss how to deal with a playground altercation that occurred between the couples’ sons the previous day. Alan and Annette’s son hit Michael and Veronica’s son in the face with a stick, resulting in two broken teeth. 

The four of them agree to discuss the incident civilly, but, as the night wears on and drinks are imbibed, the polite veneer breaks down. The couples initially spar against each other, but the men gang up on the women and the spouses switch sides as the fighting continues. Reza’s God of Carnage suggests that our civilized trappings do a poor job of hiding our venality and bile.

"God Of Carnage" Opens FPAC’s 27th Season

Directed by Nick Paone, God of Carnage features Paone (Alan), Greg Leach (Michael), and Hallie Wetzell (Veronica), all from Franklin, and Westport’s Kellie Stamp (Annette). Performances are Friday, October 29 and Saturday, October 30 at 7:30 p.m., with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. on October 1. 

The production is staged at THE BLACK BOX, FPAC’s home and performance venue, located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin. Tickets are $26. God of Carnage is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York. 

Some adult language; material may not be suitable for young children. 

For more information or to purchase tickets, call (508) 528-3370 or visit www.FPAConline.com and www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com.

Town Council Recap: Fire fighters sworn in, green community approved, fireworks to return for the 4th of July

The Town Council meeting opened on Wednesday, Sep 13 with the swearing in of two new fire fighters/emergency medical technicians (EMT).

Brian Hammond and Matthew Starkey were introduced by Fire Chief Gary McCarragher and sworn in by Town Clerk Teresa Burr.

the swearing in of two new fire fighters/emergency medical technicians (EMT)

The zoning change previously discussed by the Economic Development Committee (EDC), sent to the Planning Board came back to the Council and was given a public hearing and its first reading. The Planning Board did not approve the change for something I couldn't quite understand. It seems to make sense to fix the plot lines as currently some properties are in multiple zones. The measure will return for a second reading at the next Council meeting.

The Union St Wine and Liquors license change was approved. The corporate paperwork change for the 99 Restaurant was tabled to the next meeting as there was no representative from the restaurant.

Joseph Carmignani and Paul Kordic presented an update on the 4th of July celebration. As they are starting to plan now for next year, they are working to have the fireworks return to the celebration. The fireworks would likely be set off from one of the new ball fields. A meeting with the town police and fire as well as the State Fire Marshall was held recently to discuss the plans.

Fund raising will be a key effort for the 4th of July committee. They get most of their revenue from the carnival ride ticket sales and if the weather doesn't cooperate, they could have trouble paying the bills. Debbie Pellegri asked if they would be willing to work with other groups to combine efforts and they are open to it.


In the Legislation for action section of the meeting, the Council approved transferring 2 parcels of land to the Conservation Commission. The Horace Mann Statue committee was dissolved formally. The Council approved the application to go for designation as a "Green Community". There was also a first reading of a zoning bylaw to add a 'stretch energy code' to construction of new buildings. This is part of the 'green community' effort and by adding extra insulation and other measures up front, the building should be more energy efficient during its life. A zoning bylaw change to remove some inconsistency in the setbacks for accessory buildings was moved to a second reading.

Additional notes from the meeting reported during the session can be found here:

• Live reporting: to Closing
• Live reporting: Legislation for Action
• Live reporting: Zoning Hearing, license transactio...
• Live Reporting: Town Council: - Sep 13, 2017

The Town Council action taken document can be found here:

Updated Candidate listing for Franklin Election Nov 7, 2017

From Teresa Burr, Franklin Town Clerk:

As of Friday, September 15, 2017 the following list of residents had taken out nomination papers for the upcoming Biennial Town Election this November 7, 2017.

Town Council – 9 Seats

• Andrew Bissanti - Candidate for Re-Election
• Robert Dellorco - Candidate for Re-Election
• Glenn Jones - Candidate for Re-Election
• Matthew Kelly – Candidate for Re-Election
• Thomas D. Mercer - Candidate for Re-Election
• Peter E. Padula – Candidate for Re-Election
• Deborah L. Pellegri - Candidate for Re-Election
• Judith Pond Pfeffer - Candidate for Re-Election
• Patrick Casey
• Melanie Hamblen
• Eamon McCarthy-Earls
• Benjamin M. Terry
• Mickey Lee Whitmore

School Committee – 7 Seats

• Anne K. Bergen – Candidate for Re-Election
• Cynthia Douglas - Candidate for Re-Election
• Denise L. Schultz - Candidate for Re-Election
• Mary Jane Scofield –Candidate for Re-Election
• Dianne C. Feeley
• Dr. Monica Linden
• Alexandra Porter-Marques
• Virginia (Gigi) Zub

Planning Board – 2 Seats

• Joseph Halligan - Candidate for Re-Election
• Anthony D. Padula – Candidate for Re-Election

Planning Board –Associate – 1 Seat

• Richard W. Power, Sr.

Board of Health – 1 Seat

• Bruce J. Hunchard - Candidate for Re-Election
• Bridget Sweet

Board of Assessors – 1 Seat

• Christopher K. Feeley – Candidate for Re-Election

In summary, the Town Council, School Committee, and Board of Health are contested elections with more candidates than seats available. 

Franklin Election Collection - Nov 2017