Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Franklin Candidate Interview: Joanna Lussier

This interview with Joanna Lussier, candidate for Franklin School Committee in 2019, was collaborated on via email. We reviewed the following questions, some of them were ‘crowd sourced.’ Some of you may remember the call for input solicited in August 2019 for this election. Thank you for your contributions.

Hopefully, the information provided here, and in the other interviews, will enable the Franklin voters to make a good choice among the candidates for each position.

For the following FM presents the question. JL represents Joanna's response.
FM = There are and have been many opportunities to volunteer with community groups in Franklin. Have you taken advantage of any of these? Which ones, and why did you choose that/those?
JL = Volunteering is something I want my kids to want to do. Most of my volunteer work gear towards school activities – field trips, field days, classroom support. I enjoy volunteering as a family. Most of the volunteer opportunities we sign up for allow kids at a young age – Cradle to Crayons, Christmas in the City. 

Within the Town of Franklin, we have volunteered at the Recreation Department’s Earth Day clean up. It is one of the few volunteer opportunities available to my young kids. My oldest, James, has always had a passion for recycling and our environment. It was a great opportunity to align his passion with a volunteer opportunity. The volunteers assigned us to the Helen Keller School. We had three bags of trash just walking around the school property, even the playground had sport drink bottles. It was a great teaching moment for my kids to learn to be respectful of our planet and school property. 

In addition, I volunteered to be the Den Leader for James’ Tiger Den. My husband Mark grew up doing cub scouts and boy scouts. It was something James was interested in. As a pack, for Earth Day, we cleaned up Dacey’s Field. It was a great bonding experience for the boys.


FM = Where do you get your news about Franklin?
JL = Primarily, I get my news about Franklin on social media – Franklin Matters, Milford Daily News Online, Wicked Local, and various Facebook groups. Recently, I signed up to receive all the postings on the Town’s website. This has been helpful to see things posted in real time. Lastly, I also talk to local friends. We all focus on different topics of interest, so it is nice to be able to hear what other people know.

FM =  The possibility of a change in school start times was a recent controversial topic taken up by the School Committee. Where do you stand on the issue of school start times in Franklin and what actions do you plan to take around this issue during the next term of the School Committee?
JL = If you ask me if I supported the proposed time as presented, I say no. However, I understand the research the School Start Time Advisory Board presented. I do support further research into the topic. We need to more awareness and engage key stakeholders – parents, students, teachers, surrounding towns, local businesses. There were many questions and concerns that were brought up. Some were addressed, but not all. I think the next term of the School Committee needs to move the project to Phase 2 – community engagement and outreach. I believe the community knows it’s a potential change in the near future and will be willing to be part of the process


FM = While the current School Committee has attempted to reach the community through various forms of communication including coffee chats, email newsletters, attending events such as the farmers market, etc., they have been generally unsuccessful at increasing the engagement with important issues related to the schools. What actions will you take to increase citizen engagement with the School Committee?
JL =  I will admit I never went to the coffee chats. I did enjoy the email newsletters. I understand the newsletter was probably designed to be brief updates with links back to the Town’s website. Perhaps it can be revised to include an executive summary/update on key topics. When reviewing some of the past newsletters, I did not get a sense of urgency on budget issues and school start times. Maybe in the newsletter we can set timelines for key items. 

For instance, if the School Committee is to vet out the school start times and Davis Thayer closing, they can estimate the school year it’ll take into effect (2023-2024). This way it is on the parents’ radar, and they are further motivated to understand what the School Committee is doing.
  • Social media – The School Committee can have a greater presence on social media. Links to the newsletter and regular updates can keep the community engaged.
  • Technology – I understand the busy life of parents and adulthood. Perhaps we can steam the meetings via WebEx (or something similar). Having virtual meet and greets.
  • Sporting Events – If the community is open to it, I am always available to engage parents at sporting events. I understand it’s a fine balance between paying attention to your kid playing and having an adult conversation about various topics.
  • Meet and Greets – This is always a great option. The timing never worked for me to meet the SC. I think sending a Survey Monkey out to the community to learn how they want us to engage them is a great starting point. 

FM = The Town Administrator has suggested that the School Committee investigate the possibility of closing Davis Thayer Elementary as a possible cost-saving mechanism for the town in these tight economic times. Where do you stand on this issue and what actions will you take to support your stance?
JL = If we have to make a decision today, I do not support it. I fully support vetting the idea and understand the implications – emotional and financial. There are many factors, decisions, and questions that need to be answered. We need to thoroughly research the different possibilities – renovating, building new, relocating, or closing. Recently, the Town Council approved money to go towards consulting fees. We should leverage the previous study and community engagement with the new study that will be happening. 

As a citizen, I have questions I want answered before a decision is made: Currently, enrollment is low. What about the current, potential, and future development. If we closed DT, how would the increase in population impact the other schools who will absorb the students? How will redistricting impact the students emotionally? How much money are we really saving by closing the school? I want a real number. If elected, I will ensure we engage the community throughout the process with regular updates.
FM = Why should I vote for you?
JL =  I am working mom looking to preserve and improve our schools for our students and community. With two young children in the school system, I have a vested interest in the quality of the school system for our current and future students. I want to work collaboratively with the key stakeholders to come up with solutions with the difficult decisions that are coming up. I believe my professional background will bring a different type of skillset to help the school committee come up with some long term plans.

Find the election and candidate information gathered in one place on the Election Collection
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/07/franklin-election-collection-2019.html 




FHS volleyball as #6 seed plays Sat at 2:00 PM

HockomockSports.com has posted the Hockomock volleyball playoff seeds and matchups for teams in the MIAA playoffs.

Franklin's first game is shown here, the full D1 South bracket is shown below

  • D1 Central/West
#6 Franklin (14-3) will host #11 Doherty (12-8) on Saturday, 11/2 at 2:00.


For the Hockomock listing
https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-volleyball-playoff-seeds-matchups-2019/

For the MIAA D1 Central-West bracket
http://miaa.statebrackets.com/tmenu.cfm?tid=5381

FHS volleyball as #6 seed plays Sat at 2:00 PM
FHS volleyball as #6 seed plays Sat at 2:00 PM

Don’s Shirts Day - Nov 3

On Sunday, November 3, Franklin Federated Church will celebrate the many talents of long-time Franklin resident and FFC member, Don Goddard. Don has sewn over 150, one-of-a-kind themed shirts depicting holidays, hobbies and superheros, to name a few. Also exhibited will be a sampling of his fine carpentry skills. 

The public is welcome to attend morning worship and communion from 10 AM - 11 AM during which time the shirts will be displayed and some worn by members. Fellowship and refreshments follow the service. FFC will continue to welcome the public until 1 PM. 

Franklin Federated Church, located at 171 Main Street, is a Welcoming and Affirming Church, members of both the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists and the United Church of Christ Coalition for LGBT Concerns. “No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.”

Don’s Shirts Day - Nov 3
Don’s Shirts Day - Nov 3
For more about Franklin Federated Church, visit them on the web http://franklinfederated.org/

In the News: Get to know the Town Council candidates

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"There is no dearth of candidates for Town Council in the upcoming biennial town election, with 11 throwing their hats into the ring for one of nine, two-year terms on the top governing board. Among them are seven incumbents.

On the town’s Nov. 5 ballot are incumbents Robert Dellorco, Melanie Hamblen, Glenn Jones, Matthew Kelly, Eamon McCarthy Earls, Thomas Mercer and Deborah Pellegri, in addition to Andrew Bissanti, Brian Chandler, Theodore Cormier-Leger and Mickey Whitmore.

Polling will take place 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. next Tuesday at Franklin High School, 218 Oak St."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191029/franklin-election-meet-candidates-for-town-council

Find the election and candidate information gathered in one place on the Election Collection.
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/07/franklin-election-collection-2019.html


 
In the News: Get to know the Town Council candidates
In the News: Get to know the Town Council candidates

Census Bureau News Profile America Facts for Features: Halloween - 2019




Registered United States Census Bureau Logo

Halloween: Oct. 31, 2019

Census Bureau News Profile America Facts for Features: Halloween - 2019
PROFILE AMERICA FACTS FOR FEATURES: CB19-FF.08
Dating back 2,000 years to the Celtic festival of Samhain, Halloween is an ancient tradition associated with images of witches, ghosts and vampires. Today, Halloween has evolved into a celebration characterized by child-friendly activities like trick-or-treating, carving pumpkins into jack-o'-lanterns, and dressing in costumes.
The following facts are made possible by the invaluable responses to the U.S. Census Bureau's surveys. We appreciate the public's cooperation as we continuously measure America's people, places and economy. 
Trick or Treat!
The estimated number of potential trick-or-treaters in 2018 — children ages 5 to 14. Source: 2018 Population Estimates, Table PEPASR6H
The number of potential stops for trick-or-treaters to occupied housing units for the 2nd quarter of 2019. Source: Housing Vacancies and Homeownership, Table 8
The number of housing units where trick-or-treaters had to climb steps in order to fill their bags full of candy in 2017. Source: 2017 American Housing Survey
The percentage of U.S. households who think their neighborhood has a lot of petty crime. Source: 2017 American Housing Survey
Hauntingly Delicious Economic Statistics
The number U.S. manufacturing establishments that produced chocolate and cocoa products in 2016. Sources: 2016 County Business Patterns, NAICS 311351, 311352
The number of U.S. confectionary and nut stores that sold candy and other confectionary products in 2016. Source: 2016 County Business Patterns, NAICS 445292
The number of formal wear and costume rental establishments in the United States in 2016. Source: 2016 County Business Patterns, NAICS 532220
Spooky Places
Tombstone, Ariz. (estimated population 1,300)
Sleepy Hollow, N.Y. (estimated population 10,057)
Kill Devil Hills, N.C. (estimated population 7,202)
Yellville, Ark. (estimated population 1,170)
Transylvania County, N.C. (estimated population 34,215)
Slaughter Beach, Del. (estimated population 232)
Casper, Wyo. (estimated population 57,461)
Scarville, Iowa (estimated population 70)


This is an official email from the U.S. Census Bureau. If you have any questions or comments, please contact us (http://www.census.gov/about/contact-us.html).

Franklin Public Schools: Important Dates for Oct-Nov 2019

Important Dates - October - November  2019

Seniors, order your caps and gowns until November 8th via Jostens. Click here to order
Contact Information Changes-If you need to change an email address or phone number in your student's Aspen contact information, click here to send us those changes

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeY4jBgHKcpcfI5bKqPmeCQ7HD800zKcdlQps9XmVDudDTuYw/viewform
________________________________

  • Tuesday, November 5th- No School PDD
  • Thursday, November 7th-Panther Pride Night for all Franklin 8th graders 5:30PM-7:30 PM in the FHS Gymnasium. Find out what FHS is all about
  • Thursday, November 7th Chamber Concert at FHS 7:00 PM in the Auditorium
  • Friday, November 8th-Last day for SENIORS to order caps and gowns via JOSTENS. Click here to order
  • Monday, November 11th-No School Veteran's Day
  • Saturday, November 23rd and Sunday, November 24th-FHS Theater Company presents "Almost Maine". More information coming soon.
  • Wednesday, November 27th, Thursday, November 28th, Friday, November 29th - No School, Thanksgiving Break

No School and Half days of school 2019-2020

DateEvent
10/29/19½ Day of School: Dismissal at 10:55 AM-Parent Conferences
10/30/19½ Day of School: Dismissal at 10:55 AM-Parent Conferences
11/5/19No School PDD Day
11/11/19No School-Veteran's Day
11/27/19No School-Thanksgiving Break
11/28/19No School-Thanksgiving Break
11/29/19No School-Thanksgiving Break
12/13/19½ Day of School; Dismissal at 10:55 AM  -PDD
12/23/19-through 1/1/2020Holiday Break, No School
01/17/20½ Day of School; Dismissal at 10:55 AM  -PDD
01/20/20No School- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
02/07/20½ Day of School; Dismissal at 10:55 AM  -PDD
02/17/20 through 2/21/20Winter Break, No School
03/03/20No School PDD Day
04/03/20½ Day of School; Dismissal at 10:55 AM  -PDD
04/10/20No School- Good Friday
04/20/20 through
04/24/20
Spring Break-No School
05/08/20½ Day of School; Dismissal at 10:55 AM  -PDD
05/25/20No School- Memorial Day
06/17/20Last day of School-IF NO SNOW DAYS

Parmenter on a sunny day before the leaves changed
Parmenter on a sunny day before the leaves changed

Lifelong Community Learning is now on Facebook

"We are excited to announce that Lifelong Community Learning now has a Facebook page. Click below to visit and like our new page."
https://www.facebook.com/LifelongCommunityLearning/


Lifelong Community Learning is now on Facebook
Lifelong Community Learning is now on Facebook

For a listing of all the Town of Franklin social media accounts visit
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/social-media-center