Call for Sponsors of the Harlem Wizards vs. Team FPS basketball fund raising event - Nov 22

Harlem Wizards Vs. Franklin Public Schools 

(“Team FPS”)

a Community Basketball Event & Fundraiser

to Benefit Franklin Education Foundation

Opportunity for Sponsorships

WHEN: Friday, November 22, 2019 @ 7:00 PM

WHERE: Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School Gymnasium, Franklin, MA

WHAT: The Harlem Wizards will bring their team to Franklin to compete against “Team FPS” for a 2-hour tournament. The Harlem Wizards brand of “Trick Hoops & Alley Oops” entertainment basketball has been packing gyms across the globe for over 50 years! Their show includes amazing slams, world-class tricks, precision teamwork and humor.

WHO: “Team FPS” will include teachers and staff from Franklin Public Schools. We sell out every year with a crowd of 1,200 students, parents and children!

WHY: FEF fundraisers have raised over $350,000 which has been distributed to Franklin Public Schools in the form of special grants. All Franklin Public School staff members are eligible to submit creative, innovative ideas for programs or activities that would not traditionally be funded by tax dollars. To see a list of programs FEF has funded over the years, visit http://www.franklined.org/grants.

OPPORTUNITY FOR SPONSORSHIPS: This is FEF’s largest and most visible fundraiser of the year. Your sponsorship will highlight that your business supports Franklin Public Schools and the larger Franklin community. We have numerous opportunities at various levels to support the fundraiser and promote your business to the Franklin community. The attached flyer provides more details about the event and sponsorship levels. Thank you for considering supporting FEF and FPS!

Sincerely,
Franklin Education Foundation

Down your copy of the Sponsor Letter
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczX1pza2xkY3UxcVVfekVHeFRFVXBsWmVnR2lz/view?usp=sharing

Call for Sponsors of the Harlem Wizards vs. Team FPS  - Nov 22

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Aug 13, 2019

Vision Statement

The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

A G E N D A

“The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law.”

1. Routine Business
a. Review of Agenda
b. Citizen’s Comments

i. In the spirit of open communication, “the School Committee will hear public comment not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee Meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made. A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment” – from Policy BEDH

c. FHS Student Representative Comments
d. Superintendent’s Report

2. Guests / Presentations
a. None

3. Discussion / Action Items
a. School Handbooks
I recommend approval of the Franklin Public Schools Student/Family Handbooks as discussed.
b. Policy – 2nd Reading / Adoption
I recommend adoption of the following policies as discussed:

i. BEC – Executive Sessions
ii. BEDG – Minutes
iii. JKAA – Physical Restraint of Students

c. Budget Discussion and Revised Budget
I recommend that the School Committee adopt a revised FY 20 budget of
$64,702,500.

4. Discussion Only Items
a. Summer Professional Development and Curriculum Update

5. Information Matters
a. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Budget; Community Relations; Policy; Transportation; Public Schools Advocacy; Ad Hoc Superintendent’s Evaluation)

b. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC; Substance Abuse Task Force; School Wellness Advisory Council [SWAC]; MASC)

6. New Business
a. To discuss any future agenda items

7. Consent Agenda
a. Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from the July 23, 2019 School Committee meeting as detailed.
b. End of Year Transfers
I recommend approval of the end-of-year budget transfers as detailed.
c. Surplus Technology Equipment
I recommend declaring the detailed list of technology equipment as surplus.
d. Athletics Donation
I recommend acceptance of a check for $200.00 from the Franklin Newcomers and Friends for participation fees for students who otherwise could not afford for sports, clubs, events, etc.

8. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen
9. Payroll Mrs. Douglas
10. Correspondence
11. Executive Session

a. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(2) to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel or to conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with nonunion personnel.

12. Adjournment


Meeting agenda
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/agenda-8-13-19

Documents released for this meeting
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/august-13-2019-school-committee-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Aug 13, 2019

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Aug 14, 2019

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS
a.This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and show on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS
a.Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. July 24, 2019

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS 
​- None

5. APPOINTMENTS
a. Fire Chief Pinning Ceremony
b. Finance Committee, Michael Kasberg

6. HEARINGS ​- None

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
a. The Chateau Restaurant of Franklin, Inc. New All-Alcoholic Beverages Restaurant License, 466King Street

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS 
- ​None

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Budget Subcommittee
c. Economic Development Subcommittee

10 .LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

• a.Resolution 19-53: Rescind Outdated Bonds ​(Motion to Approve Resolution 19-53 - Majority Vote (5))
• b.Resolution 19-54: Amendment to FY2020 Budget​ (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-54 -Majority Vote (5))
• c.Resolution 19-55: Acceptance of Gift - Council on Aging (​Motion to Approve Resolution 19-55- Majority Vote (5))
• d.Resolution 19-56: Acceptance of Gift - Franklin Senior Center​ (Motion to Approve Resolution19-56 - Majority Vote (5))
• e.Resolution 19-57: Acceptance of Gift - Franklin Fire Department ​(Motion to approve Resolution 19-57 - Majority Vote (5))
• f.Resolution 19-58: Acceptance of Gift - Franklin Police Department ​(Motion to approve Resolution 19-58 - Majority Vote (5))
• g.Sewer Map Amendment 19-844: 225 Plain Street - Sewer System Extension - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Sewer Map Amendment 19-844: 225 Plain Street - Sewer Extension to a Second Reading - Majority Vote (5))

11.TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION 
- ​None Scheduled

15.ADJOURN

Notes: 
Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Agenda document
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2019-08-14_town_council_agenda.pdf

Full agenda (includes files released for this meeting)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/august_12_2019_tc_full_agenda_0.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Aug 14, 2019

In the News: Red Cross stops mobile blood drives; right to repair proposal coming to ballot in 2020

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

"The Red Cross is tentatively stopping its mobile blood drive operations in central and western Massachusetts, potentially affecting 68 jobs.

“As challenging economic conditions continue in the blood industry, the American Red Cross has made the difficult, tentative decision to discontinue its mobile blood drive operations in central and western Massachusetts,” Kelly Isenor, spokesperson of Red Cross Blood Services Region in Massachusetts, said in a statement. “To ensure long-term sustainability, the Red Cross needs to consolidate its operations in this market to generate greater efficiencies that will deliver cost-effective and reliable products and services for patients in need.”

The Red Cross will continue to collect blood and platelet donations at donation centers in Springfield and Worcester, according to the statement. The organization will also continue to collect blood at donation centers, as well as at community blood drives in the eastern part of the state."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190810/red-cross-suspends-mobile-blood-drives-in-region-68-jobs-may-be-affected

Red Cross stops mobile blood drives

"Standing in an open bay of his auto repair shop off Beaver Street on Wednesday, Nice Car Care co-owner Jim Norris pointed to just some of the technology necessary to stay afloat in his industry.

There’s the $3,000 “brick” – a tablet-like scanner with a cord that plugs into the beige sedan on which he needed to run diagnostics that morning. The device will look for general problems, but needs a $1,500 upgrade every year.

And if he wants to get more in-depth, Norris turns to vehicle maker-specific software that he subscribes to for about $200 per month.

“We lay out a lot of money just to stay in business,” he said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190810/right-to-repair-group-wants-to-give-mass-drivers-access-to-their-cars-real-time-data

https://nicecarcare.com/

Reminder: Fashions of Downton Abbey - Aug 11

We're excited to bring you The Fashions of Downton Abby as our August Second Sunday Speaker Series presentation. Our guest is Karen Antonowicz of Spirits of Fashion. Karen returns to the museum with one of her most popular presentations. 

Are you a fan of Downton Abbey? Would you love to know more about the fashions of the period? If so, join us for an informative presentation about the lives and fashions of the residents of Downton Abbey. Travel with us through time while we explore the styles of 1912, represented in Season 1 of Downton Abbey, through the 1920s, when major changes occurred both in fashion and in society. 

Immerse yourself in Downton Abbey, where we will explore all of the changing fashions of this intriguing period. Karen received her Masters Degree in textiles, fashion merchandising and design. With a concentration in historic costumes from RISD. Karen pours her passion for fashion to this presentation which includes a slide show, clips from the show, costumes and accessories from the Edwardian Era through the 1920s. 

This special presentation is on Sunday, August 11th at 1:10 PM. Arrive on time, seating is limited. The Second Sunday Speaker Series is sponsored by the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum.

The Franklin Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street. We are ADA compliant and admission is always free. Hours of operation are Saturdays 10 AM-1 PM, Sundays 1 PM-4 PM and Thursday evenings 5 PM-8 PM. Come in and discover your history.

Reminder: Fashions of Downton Abbey - Aug 11

What should Franklin look like in 2028?

Why 2028? 

That would be the 250 year anniversary of the creation of Franklin separating from Wrentham. You likely recall the story that it was originally to be called Exeter but on the way to Boston, they changed the name to Franklin to honor the work of Benjamin Franklin. When the founding fathers asked Ben for a bell to toll in his name, he responded with a bunch of books and hence our library, the first public library in the nation was formed.

We have this legacy to live with and keep up. 

2028 is only 9 years away. It will be here before we know it. Hence, there is no time like the present to start thinking about what the town should look like. How it should operate?

School Superintendent Sara Ahern is working on "A Portrait of a Graduate". What should a graduate of FHS be prepared with to enter the working world? What skills and qualifications will they need that we need to develop during their educational years here. Input has been sought for this across many stakeholders and community members. I know because I was able to participate in a workshop earlier this year. 

The school start times planning has moved from the Advisory Committee to the Schools Central Office to continue to work out the details of a proposal. This will have a domino affect through out the community if the proposal is approved.

We also have significant budget challenges. The schools cut positions while raising and introducing fees to balance their side of the budget for this year (FY 2020). The town side cut road money (among other items) to bring the budget into balance for this year. 

Next year's budget (FY 2021) will be more challenging. There will need to be significant cuts on both sides unless the voters/residents step up to provide additional funding.

• How are we going to repair our roads? 
• How are we going to maintain or advance our fire, police, and DPW services?
• How are we going to provide services to our growing community? 
• And of course, how are we going to fund the schools to give our children the best they can get to prepare them for the world of 2028 and beyond?

We can do something now. The biennial Town Election is coming up November 5, we should make sure to select those with the vision and the willingness to work on where we need to be in 2028.

We need good people to help lead us forward. Who are they? Who will we select to lead us through the budget maze? Will they foster honest, and civil discussions on hard topics?

Talk to the candidates. 
They are your neighbors. Find out what they want to do. Find out how they are going to get us to 2028.

And then vote on November 5. 




Find more information on the Franklin Election Nov 5, 2019 in the "election collection"  
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/07/franklin-election-collection-2019.html 

This is an updated version of what was originally published in 2017
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/11/what-will-franklin-be-like-in-2028.html

What should Franklin look like in 2028?

Candidates taking papers, room for more on the Franklin Biennial ballot

The listing of the 17 candidates who have taken out papers to run for the open positions on the Franklin Biennial Election is provided via Town Clerk, Teresa Burr. There are 28 seats open so there is plenty of room for additional candidates. The listing will be updated weekly to provide the 'scorecard' of who's taken papers, who's turned them in, etc.

It is good to see new candidates appearing. I met one at the Farmers Market on Friday where he was gathering signatures. He had acquired over 50 by the time I met him so if other candidates are looking for signatures, the Market on the Town Common on Friday afternoons is a good place!

Download your copy from here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1815QtLDoEKjeaACekubo667H8I4Yg3dv/view?usp=sharing

Find more information on the Franklin Election Nov 5, 2019 in the "election collection"  
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/07/franklin-election-collection-2019.html 

Farmers Market at the Town Common on a nice summer Friday afternoon