School Committee - Recap - Sep 10, 2019

The recap of the School Committee meeting held Sep 10, 2019 is summarized as follows:

The three middle schools collaborated to present the highlights of their individual improvement plans. There is more consistency across the district as shown in the plans.

The high school followed to share their improvement plan updates. There is similarity with some programs continuing across the district to the high school. Some programs are also continuing to evolve as they develop with each of the schools.

The high school also presented plans to eventually recognize the students for biliteracy achievement. Student with another language as their primary and achieving levels of mastery in both their primary and English languages. Going the other way, students with mastery in English who also master another language would also be recognized. More work to develop the program is underway with possible first recognition for the graduates in the class of 2021. 

The proposal to study the implications of closing Davis Thayer was approved. The study will take time before coming back with some real numbers and scenarios for decision.

Additional details can be found in my notes reported live during the meeting. Links provided below.

Middle Schools Improvement Plan Presentation from Franklin Matters

FHS: Seal of Biliteracy Proposal from Franklin Matters

Superintendent's Report
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/superintendents_report_to_school_committee_september_10_2019.pdf


Live Reporting: Information Matters to closing
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/09/live-reporting-information-matters-to.html

Live reporting: Discussion Action Items - Improvem...
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/09/live-reporting-discussion-action-items.html
 
Live reporting: School Committee - Sep 10, 2019
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/09/live-reporting-school-committee-sep-10.html


Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Sep 10, ...
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/09/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-sep.html

Retirement of Facilities: Recommendation for Furth...
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/09/retirement-of-facilities-recommendation.html

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds: Register O'Donnell Sees Spike in Lending Activity

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Sees Spike in Lending Activity Continuing a recent trend seen in Norfolk County, Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell reported a significant 25% increase year over year in the number of mortgages recorded during the month of August. This activity stood in contrast to a small decline seen in the number of properties sold countywide during the month. "Regarding mortgage activity," noted O'Donnell, "a total of 3,014 mortgages were recorded compared to 2,418 during the previous year. Total mortgage dollar borrowing for August was $1.6 billion, an eye popping 72% increase year over year. The total borrowing figure was impacted by a $110 million mortgage taken out against a property in Crown Colony, Quincy." Register O'Donnell also mentioned that consumers and commercial property owners are acting favorably on low interest rates, and are willing to refinance existing mortgages and utilize home equity loans for home improvement and other capital and personal needs. On the other hand, August of 2019 saw a slowdown when it came to properties sold in the county. There were only 1,834 properties sold in Norfolk County, a 5% decrease year over year based in comparison to the August 2018 numbers. However, the average property sale, including both residential and commercial transactions during the past August, was $959,518. Total dollar volume for sales in Norfolk County for that period was $1.2 billion. These numbers reflect a substantial increase compared to August 2018. Register O'Donnell noted, "There's no question reductions in real estate inventory are driving up prices. With that said, the increases seen in average sales price and total sales volume were greatly impacted by a $270 million apartment complex transaction of The Commons at Windsor Gardens in Norwood." In addition to the lending numbers, another area that showed continued and significant improvement was Norfolk County foreclosure activity. There was a 59% decrease in the number of foreclosure deeds recorded at the Registry in August. In addition, Notice to Foreclose Mortgages, the first step in the foreclosure process, was down by 33%. "While the eastern Massachusetts economy continues to perform well, some of our neighbors, through no fault of their own, are experiencing economic hardship. I am proud of the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds partnership with Quincy Community Action Programs at (617) 479-8181 x-376 and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions at (617) 770-2227 x-346. These organizations have staff that can provide counsel to anyone who has received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage from a lending institution. Additionally, another available option is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General's Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at (617) 727-8400," noted O'Donnell. Homestead recordings experienced a small reduction in August of 4% from the prior year. "A Homestead," noted the Register, "is a consumer safeguard that provides limited protection against the forced sale of a homeowner's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000." Register O'Donnell concluded, "A lack of available real estate inventory continues to play a leading role in the reduced numbers of real estate transactions. We are seeing some prospective homeowners being priced out of the Norfolk County market and having to look elsewhere, such as Worcester County. I do not see any wavering of real estate prices in the foreseeable future. Conversely, low interest rates are continuing to fuel lending activity in the real estate market. These lending numbers also tell us that Norfolk County remains a vibrantly strong economy." 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/or 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. Register William P. O'Donnell Norfolk County Registry of Deeds email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-234-3336 web: http://www.norfolkdeeds.org

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831 Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with Try email marketing for free today!

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds: Register O'Donnell Sees Spike in Lending Activity

In the News: What are the symptoms of EEE?

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

The Daily News and the Standard-Times of New Bedford asked readers what their questions are about the EEE virus, its threat to animals and humans, and the best ways people can protect themselves from it.

In response, we received more than 50 questions and, after eliminating duplicates, sent them to the state Department of Public Health to be answered. The answers below are grouped by general topic. All answers are from Dr. Catherine Brown, state epidemiologist with the Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences at DPH, unless otherwise noted.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190915/state-epidemiologist-answers-residents-questions-about-eee

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Sep 18, 2019

The published agenda and documents for the Franklin Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, September 18, 2019.

You can also find the full set of documents in one PDF

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/september_18_full_tc_agenda.pdf

 

(Note: where there are active links in the agenda item, it will take you to the associated document)

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/september-18-town-council-agenda

Agenda Item	Summary
1. ANNOUNCEMENTS	a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown 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. September 4, 2019
4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS	a. Franklin Police Department Retirement: Daniel McGlynn     Franklin Police Department Promotion: Nick Palmieri     Franklin Police Department New Hire: John Godino & David Ricci b. Franklin Fire Department EMS Lieutenant: William Blanchard
5. APPOINTMENTS	None Scheduled
6. HEARINGS	a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-837: Zoning Map Changes From General Residential V to Single Family Residential IV an Area on or Near West Central Street - Public Hearing 7:10 PM
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS	None Scheduled
8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS	a. Historical Museum Presentation b. DPW Presentation - Tree Removal Update & Clothing Recycling Program
9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS	a. Capital Budget Subcommittee b. Budget Subcommittee c. Economic Development Subcommittee
10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 19-63: Appropriation Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per M.G.L Ch.44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-63: Majority Vote (5))
10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Bylaw Amendment 19-845: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 19-845 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote (5))
11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
14. EXECUTIVE SESSION	None Scheduled
ADJOURN

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Sep 18, 2019

Destination Imagination: Information Session - Sep 30

What is Destination Imagination?

Destination Imagination is an educational non-profit that prepares children for a future that is rapidly evolving. DI does this through a project-based learning experience that applies the Creative Process across 7 different Challenge types – Technical, Scientific, Engineering, Fine Arts, Improvisational, Service Learning, and Early Learning – allowing second grade through high school level students to acquire and practice the skills needed to thrive in school, future careers, and beyond.

DI participants learn:

• Self-confidence and Perseverance
• Team Building
• Creative and Critical Thinking
• Problem Solving
• Risk Taking
• Project Management

Parents, do you want to learn more about this after-school program? Come find out at our information meeting on Monday Sep 30 at the Franklin Library Community Room at 6 PM. 

The best way to learn about DI is to come to this meeting, but if you are unable to attend the meeting, please contact us at di.franklin.ma@gmail.com and we will provide you more information.

Download the flyer
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fryjXJmEB6EYZjyP_uqfS1WW29MJVdRO/view?usp=sharing

Destination Imagination - get ready! - Sep 30

FHS football tops Andover 28-25

Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter we share the results of the FHS fall sports action on Saturday, Sep 14, 2019

Football = Franklin, 28 @ Andover, 25 – Final


For the other results around the Hockomock League on Saturday
https://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-09-14-19/

Via the Twitterverse:
 

14-10 at the half - Franklin! Hard fought first half. Gasbarro to Davis 2x, Parker XP’s are good! Cole L big hits on D, JB Briggs big play on special teams! Let’s finish!🏈 🚣‍♀️🏈!!

— FHSFootballGridiron (@fhs_gridiron) September 14, 2019

21-18 Franklin. We have a battle in Andover! Let’s go Panthers!

— FHSFootballGridiron (@fhs_gridiron) September 14, 2019

28-25 Franklin! 4th down 45 yard TD Gasbarro to Nally! 2:31 left!!!

— FHSFootballGridiron (@fhs_gridiron) September 14, 2019

FHS football tops Andover 28-25

 

LiveARTS: Victor Romanul Concert on October 6

Presents Victor Romanul, Violin Lisa Romanul, Piano in a benefit concert supporting LiveARTS concert series and music in the community Performing works by Beethoven, Bach, Brahms, and Foote Violinist Victor Romanul started performing at the age of 7. Victor, along with his three brothers traveled and performed extensively as the Romanul Quartet. After studying with Ivan Galamian, Joseph Silverstein, and Jascha Heifetz, Victor joined the Pittsburgh Symphony as a second violinist at the age of 21. During his first week there he won the position of Associate Concertmaster, remaining for six years. Eventually he joined the Boston Symphony. Victor has given numerous solo and concerto performances, and specializes in virtuoso music of the solo violin. Sunday, October 6 3:00 PM First Universalist Society in Franklin 262 Chestnut Street Franklin, Massachusetts. Tickets $50 for adults, $40 for seniors, students by donation Tickets available at the door or on our website – liveartsma.org The building is completely accessible. Doors open at 2:30 PM Parking is free. For more information about LiveARTS, please call 774-571-7920 or visit our website. Copyright © 2019 LiveARTS, Franklin, Massachusetts, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in at a LiveARTS concert or at FUSF. Our mailing address is: LiveARTS, Franklin, Massachusetts 283 Prospect Street Franklin, MA 02038