Library of Congress Launches New Set of Educational Apps

The Library of Congress, in collaboration with educational organizations, today announced the launch of two new web- and mobile-based applications related to Congress and civics for use in K-12 classrooms. The two new civics interactives are: DBQuest, developed by iCivics. DBQuest teaches history and civics through the use of primary source documents and evidence-based learning. It offers a platform, accessible on mobile devices, that reinforces evidence-based reasoning and document-based questioning by teaching students to identify and evaluate evidence, contextualize information and write sound supporting arguments. Case Maker, developed by Bean Creative. Case Maker is a customizable system for inquiry-based learning for K-12 students using primary sources from the Library of Congress. Modeled after the “observe, reflect, question” framework, developed under the Teaching with Primary Sources program, Case Maker guides students to challenge a question, collect evidence and make a case. For more information: https://www.loc.gov/item/prn-18-112/?loclr=ealn Library of Congress: New Educational Apps

The Amazing Story of the Franklin State Forest

The presentation copy that Alan Earls shared at the Franklin Historical Museum on Sunday, Sep 9, 2018 is shared here. 

About 40 people participated in the presentation and discussion on Sunday. The daughter of Leonard Cook shared some highlights of his memoir reflecting on the time he had served in a CCC camp in western MA. 

"Most people, of a certain age, know the term CCC. A public work relief program that operated from 1933 to 1942 in the United States for unemployed and unmarried men. There were CCC camps and environmental projects in every state. The project was responsible for planting more than three billion trees and constructed trails and shelters in more than 800 parks nationwide during its nine years of existence. These programs and projects helped to shape the modern national and state park systems we enjoy today. Join us to learn about Franklin's own CCC Camp and it's place in this program's history. 

Contrary to what a casual observer might assume, the Franklin State Forest is not the forest primeval - undisturbed by humans -- but a "modern" invention – spawned by a 1914 act of the Massachusetts legislature that authorized gradual creation of state forests around the commonwealth. It was finally made a reality during the Great Depression through "bargain" land purchases and with plantings and improvements by President Roosevelt's Civilian Conservation Corps, which had a large encampment in town for a time. Further modest enlargements were made in the late 20th century.  

Join us Sunday afternoon, September 9 at 1:15 as local historian Alan Earls, tells the forest's story through Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) records, maps, and film clips made in 1935 by Franklin's pioneer documentarian, Stanley Chilson."

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/08/second-sunday-speaker-series-continues.html

CCC State Forest Presentation from Franklin Matters

The Amazing Story of the Franklin State Forest

FPAC welcomes Chaz Wolcott from SYTYCD for Disney’s Newsies

The Franklin Performing Arts Company will welcome Chaz Wolcott of So You Think You Can Dance (SYTYCD) fame to choreograph their upcoming production of Disney’s Newsies. It had previously been announced that Broadway’s Clay Thomson would choreograph, but due to scheduling conflicts (Thomson will be joining the Original Broadway Cast of King Kong), Wolcott will be taking over.

Two days before graduating from Oklahoma City University’s prestigious Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Arts Management, Wolcott was offered the role of Mistoffelees on the National Tour of Cats. He was featured on FOX's "So You Think You Can Dance" where he jumped on Mary Murphy's Hot Tamale Train to the Academy in Season 14. 

FPAC welcomes Chaz Wolcott

No stranger to Newsies Square, he spent two years touring as Buttons in the First National Tour of Disney’s Newsies, visiting 70 cities and performing over 750 performances. Wolcott is also featured in the live film version of the show from Hollywood’s Pantages Theatre, which was released in movie theaters as Disney's Newsies: The Broadway Musical.

As previously announced, FPAC’s production of Disney’s Newsies will star Broadway’s Christopher Rice (The Book of Mormon) as Jack Kelly. Disney’s Newsies runs October 13, 14 and 19-21 at THE BLACK BOX in Franklin, MA. 

To purchase tickets or for more information about Disney’s Newsies presented by the Franklin Performing Arts Company, call (508) 528-3370 or visit www.fpaconline.com. You can follow FPAC on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

8th Annual Friends of the Poor Walk - Sep 29

In just two short weeks, the St. Mary’s St. Vincent de Paul will be holding its 8th Annual Friends of the Poor Walk. The Walk, 1 ½ or 3 miles, is our only fund raiser. SVdP members offer help to all Franklin residents in their time of need. Your support enables us to provide this assistance. Last year we were able to help 186 families.

Registration will begin between 8:30 AM and 11:00 AM in the Benjamin Franklin Charter School parking lot on Pleasant Street and then the walk will begin there at 9:00 AM rain or shine. 

Please walk with us in fellowship and contribute to our drive with generosity. To make this Walk better than ever, go to www.fopwalk.org where you can either join the Walk or make a donation.

Join together, with family and friends

to make our Walk better than ever!

8th Annual Friends of the Poor Walk
Sponsored by St. Mary’s St. Vincent de Paul Society
September 29, 2018
8:30 AM  - 11:00 AM

8th Annual Friends of the Poor Walk - Sep 29

In the News: walkway ground breaking held; dispensary bans reversed

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

"With the outline of the future Veteran’s Memorial Pathway painted in white on the Town Common, an official groundbreaking ceremony was held on Tuesday. 

Residents as well as town and state officials gathered on the misty morning to witness and take part in the official start of construction. With more than 800 bricks engraved with the names of veterans far and wide, the pathway is already taking shape. 

The project started about three years ago when a discussion began on how to revitalize the names of the veterans that adorn memorial street signs across town. 

“The idea and outcome of that meeting was a genesis that is now culminating in the construction of the Veteran’s Memorial Walkway,” Franklin Veteran Service Officer Dale Kurtz said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180911/veterans-pathway-breaks-ground-in-franklin

The Brick order form  https://post3402.org/documents
Make checks payable to Franklin VFW Post 3402

"the outline of the future Veteran’s Memorial Pathway painted in white on the Town Common"

"Six days after confirming approval of medical marijuana dispensary bans in Northborough and Bellingham, Attorney General Maura Healey’s office reversed its decision. 

In article on Aug. 25 Telegram and Gazette, a sister paper of the Daily News article, a spokesperson for the AG’s office confirmed that the office in June approved bylaws passed in the two towns that ban medical marijuana dispensaries. The 2012 Medical Marijuana law originally prohibited any municipality from banning medical marijuana dispensaries. An AG spokeswoman said at the time the approval was based on Section 56 (subsection d) of Chapter 55 Acts of 2017. 

But after being contacted by the Massachusetts Patient Advocacy Alliance and others with questions about the Telegram and Gazette story, officials in the AG’s office said they revisited the earlier decisions and the law and determined an error had been made - municipalities are not allowed to ban medical marijuana establishments."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180911/northborough-bellingham-now-told-they-cannot-prohibit-medical-marijuana-dispensaries

Franklin Residents: Public Health Alert - West Nile Virus risk level raised to moderate

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has elevated the risk level for West Nile Virus from low to moderate for the entire State of Massachusetts. To date there have been 10 human cases of West Nile Virus in Massachusetts.

The weather conditions are predicted to remain favorable for the mosquitoes that carry the West Nile Virus for at least the next several weeks. As such it is imperative for all individuals in Massachusetts to take personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Apply Insect Repellent When Outdoors: Use a repellent with DEET, Permethrin, picardin or oil of lemon eucalyptus according to the instructions on the product labels. Remember not to use products with DEET on infants under two months of age. DEET products in concentrations above 30% should not be used on older children. Oil of eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.

Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours: Mosquitos are most active between the hours from dusk to dawn. Limit your exposure out of doors during this peak biting time if possible. If you must be outside, wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks will help keep mosquitos away from your skin.

Drain Standing Water on Your Property: Mosquitos lay their eggs in standing or stagnant water. Drain birdbaths, flower pots, buckets and children's wading pools frequently.

Additional public health advisories/alerts regarding WNV and/or EEE will be provided by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Franklin Health Department as the situation warrants.

More information on mosquito-borne viruses can be found at the MADPH Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page at www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito

Public Health Alert - West Nile Virus risk level raised to moderate

Live reporting: Consent Agenda to Closing - Executive Session

7. Consent Agenda
a. Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from your August 28, 2018 School Committee Meeting.
b. School Improvement Plans
I recommend adoption of the following School Improvement Plans as presented:

• Annie Sullivan Middle School
• Horace Mann Middle School
• Remington Middle School
• Franklin High School

c. Parmenter Gifts
I recommend acceptance of six checks totaling $3,123.15 from Parmenter PCC as detailed:

• $390.15 Supplemental Supplies
• $150.00 Field Trip (Buses Gr. 2)
• $650.00 Field Trip (Kindergarten)
• $100.00 Field Trip (Bus Gr. 5)
• $933.00 Field Trip (2017-18)
• $900.00 Field Trip (Bus Gr. 3)

motion to accept consent agenda as shown, seconded, passed 70-0


8. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen
in order

9. Payroll Mrs. Douglas
in order

10. Correspondence 
– Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman, School Business Administrator

11. Executive Session
Strategy with respect to collective bargaining.

motion to adjourn to discuss strategy with respect to elective bargaining
passed 7-0

The PDF version of this agenda can be found online
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/agendas/scagenda_9-11-18.pdf

The documents released for this agenda can be found online (when released)
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/2018-19-meeting-packets