Hockomock Area YMCA Hosts Food Drive To Help Feed Families

The Hockomock Area YMCA welcomes donations to the sixth annual Stop &a Shop Healthy Futures Food Drive, which will take place at all three Hockomock Area YMCA branches and at locations within the community March 9th to April 15th. This work is part of the Y’s Healthy Futures Initiative, a commitment to promoting physical activity and nutrition to improve health outcomes for youth and communities, which is generously supported by Stop & Shop.

Over the last year, the Y has worked collaboratively with school districts and food pantries to create take home food programs onsite at local schools. Today there exist 34 school-based pantries in Bellingham, Franklin, Hopedale, Mansfield, Medway, Milford, Millis, North Attleboro, Plainville, Sharon and Wrentham alone—representing a 90% increase in one year. While local food pantries provide a critical service in our communities, school-based food pantry options can complement community offerings. 

Hockomock Area YMCA Hosts Food Drive  To Help Feed Families

These models allow students to discreetly access a supply of healthy food directly from their schools, especially prior to the weekend when there are often challenges with reliable sources of healthy meals. Additionally, school personnel who know the children and families in the district can help to identify those who may be in need of this service or who may not be comfortable accessing a traditional food pantry.

Collections from the food drive will be delivered to the schools by YMCA staff and volunteers and will go a long way to reduce child hunger and alleviate household food insecurity. Having healthy food available at schools removes challenging barriers to food access for busy families, such as long work hours and transportation. Members of the community can directly support local students by donating healthy, kid-friendly food to the 2020 food drive.

Suggested items include: oatmeal cups/packets, macaroni & cheese boxes/cups, granola bars (nut free whole grain preferred), applesauce or mandarin orange cups (no added sugar), whole grain crackers, tuna pouches in water (low sodium), Progresso chicken soup (low sodium), rice boxes/cups, Barilla Ready Pasta and pasta boxes. Grocery store gift card donations can also be made in person at the YMCA Member Service Desks.

MBTA Commuter Rail: track information will be removed from South Station terminal boards 1 min prior to departure

"Starting Wednesday March 18, the track information will be removed from South Station terminal boards one minute prior to departure. This is an important effort to improve passenger safety and to ensure trains depart on time. 

Be sure to allow sufficient time to safely board your train. Please follow all conductors instructions and remember that only crews are permitted to open doors."

Last Updated: Mar 10 2020 10:35 AM
https://mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/alerts

a station board photo from my archives 2016

Live Reporting: Information Matters through to Closing (Executive Session)

V. Information Matters
A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Ad Hoc Supt. Evaluation, Ad Hoc Facilities Analysis, Budget, Community Relations/Public Schools Advocacy, Policy, Transportation)

budget subcom - support strategic plan, obligation to taxpayer to be efficient
class size - equitable?
number of administrators at high school to justify role and need
departments have to be creative; need to better present that to Town Council
students with serve needs and challenges don't go to charter or private schools

faciltiies communications meeting at HMMS
about 35 reviewed the info with line graphs
5 phase plan outlining the process, visual format on website 

community relations - meet SchCom March 25
at library
May 29 - mini-Franklin event planning underway
Apr 17 - Senior Center 

Policy - not meeting on the 19th, meeting on the 26th

transportation, MJ to join Tim and Anne

B. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC, Substance Abuse Task Force, School Wellness Advisory Council)

Substance abuse at the SAFE site in Norfolk
SWAC - march 24


VI. New Business
A. To discuss any future agenda items
School Committee budget hearing
ECDC, and middle school improvement plan update
SOA vote


VII. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from the February 25, 2020 School Committee Meeting as detailed.
B. ASMS Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $650.00 from the Franklin Cultural Council for in-house enrichment at Annie Sullivan Middle School as detailed.
C. Oak Street Gifts
I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $8,336.25 from the Oak Street PCC for in-house enrichment and field trips for Oak Street Elementary School as detailed.
D. Oak Street Trip
I recommend approval of the request of Allison Fuller to take 3rd grade students to The Veteran’s Auditorium in Providence, RI on May 19, 2020 for a performance as detailed.
E. SATF - Hidden in Plain Sight Grant Award
I recommend acceptance of a check for $500.00 from the Norfolk District Attorney for in-house enrichment as detailed.

motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0 (Oak St trip moved to a future meeting per opening comments)

VIII. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

IX. Payroll Ms. D’Angelo

X. Executive Session

Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the FEA as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.

motion to enter executive session, seconded, passed 7-0 via roll call


XI. Adjournment

The file released for this meeting can be found online at the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/march-10-2020-school-committee-packet

Live Reporting: Discussion/Action Items - Discussion Only Items

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. Policy – 2nd Reading / Adoption

I recommend adoption of policy BEDH – Public Participation at School Committee meetings as detailed.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wiNkmfLCqKXN-X8HO8VPIFh_LqJEcNTY/view?usp=sharing

motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0


IV. Discussion Only Items
A. FY21 Budget Discussion
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mEpYp_hrinZcboiNm8B4ha0WiYxWYLGs/view?usp=sharing

some of the ways last years budget was reduced could be explored again this year
did look at updated budget figures, did scale back on critical needs, etc. and raise fees
looked at resources differently and adjusted on counseling review
adequate staff for SEL learning? all districts are looking for more support
looking at how we are using meeting time to see if it is effective and efficient, thinking creatively with support from counseling interns

(no comments from Committee after Superintendent's update)

possible to apply additional revolving funds
Health Ins is still and outstanding variable; Sch have budgeted with 8%, ToF budget had used 5% (those items won't close gap)
reductions a possibility, which would impact service outside of enrollment related which could be absorbed by retirements

worked out in level service budget to have a more equitable delivery level across the buildings

B. Student Opportunities Act Plan
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zPMR05pGNy4t0OjULSUeb0Wa4Fyv5iCW/view?usp=sharing

per the new funding law, requires School Committee approval
Chapter 70 funding to go to target groups
not a huge sum of increase anticipated
an increase of about $55K from SOA

(no comments from Committee after Superintendent's update)

Live Reporting: Guests/Presentations

II. Guests/Presentations
A. Student Passion Project Presentation (Parmenter students)

• French club learning words, songs and making posters
• Animal rescue club has made dog toys and bird feeders
• Hometown heroes club learning about veterans who served for the country
• "??" collected coats/hats/mittens, 'reach out and read' for national reading month 
• Best Buddies - all about helping everyone make a friend, became the 9th elementary school to become an official chapter of Best Buddies

Parmenter students presenting on their passion projects to School Committee (assistance from principal and vice-principal) pic.twitter.com/0Jxr7LFeci

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) March 10, 2020

B. Elementary School Improvement Plan Updates
all six elementary principals with assistant principals in support at meeting


presentation doc to be added later (released by FPS on Wednesday)

Franklin elementary school principals providing midyear update on the school improvement plans
(assistant principals present to support the presentation) pic.twitter.com/DIIuWKFwdr

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) March 10, 2020

adjustment counselors were a positive impact, thanks for funding the balance to provide support across the elementary schools

counselors help to model lessons for teachers, will help to problem solve with teachers

Mo Willems, pigeon referenced as a student interest at Davis Thayer

wait list in pilot with YOU Inc, working out scheduling and insurance issues as well as finding other counselors (as YOU Inc expands)

Q - on scoring and how it is being evaluated? will the program go forward, what is the criteria to say yes or no

A - still developing the scoring calibration and we'll see the data later this year to see what progress if nay has been seen

improved communications on tardies and absences between administration and parents

developing a more unified approach to planning via the "Understanding by Design" (UbD) framework across the 6 schools
used "Portrait of a Graduate" as an example of the backward planning required. If that is the end, what do we need to do to get there

Genius Club = recess and lunch club at DT to allow for more time to explore a project or learning they want

some students are able to exit their interventionist period with good progress and meet grade level expectations

Q - what is an academic interventionist?
A - a qualified teacher individual working part time to provide individualized instruction in conjunction with the math and literacy specialists

working differently in the different schools in some cases due to the Title one funding restrictions

two way communications, coordinating with Anne Marie Tracey to prepare one-pager guides on K registration, etc.; help with website to make better updates

(FHS Diversity Club participated at Keller PDD day, possible visit to Town Council meeting? what the students said others in the community likely should hear)

capital expense possible with the architect looking at all the buildings
interventionists are still being explored and is an area of great opportunity

the needs of the students are challenging, every year it is increasing, you can't invest enough in that, you can always do more

different number of hours from school to school for intervention

PCC's are supportive of the side projects

Live reporting: School Committee - March 10, 2020

Present: D'Angelo, Keenan, Pfeffer, Scofield, Bergen, Spencer, Stokes
Absent: none

I. Routine Business
A. Review of Agenda
postponing the Oak St item from the consent agenda to a future TBD

B. Citizen’s Comments

In the spirit of open communication, “the Committee will hold a public participation segment (also called Citizen’s Comments) about matters 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…. The Committee will hear public comments related to an agenda item when the Chair deems appropriate during the Committee meeting. Topics for discussion during the meeting must be limited to those items listed on the Committee meeting agenda for that evening…. ” - from Policy BEDH

C. FHS Student Representative Comments
peer leadership conf at Dean College
fashion show, Apr 2
boys basketball, hockey done playoff, girls basketball playing tonight

Chicago show coming
MICA performance 
what is the outlook on the coronavirus?

Superintendent responds
reminders to wash hands, maintain personal space, if not feeling well stay home
we are seeing schools close temporarily in other communities but we are not at that yet; following Board of Health guidance 
plug for the Town of Franklin portal
https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department/urgent-alerts/corona-virus-information-portal


D. Superintendent’s Report

update from the recent letter to the community
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/franklin-public-schools-coronovirus.html

music concerts going on at this time, exercise judgement with attendance

asked about distance learning? Dept of Ed is not authorizing at this time due to questions about the equity of access, relief on 180 days requirements being made

the school lunch program is in mind if schools were to be closed for a period

Governor declared State of Emergency today; important point creates flexibility for the State to response with resources and funding


Kennedy school incident, individual came forward today after the posts were made, had mistaken one Kennedy school for another in attempting to pick up a student

members of Central office, and others participated in guest reading at Oak St

FHS community partners and Cultural District in collaboration with LiveARTS, to host the string duo
Thanks to Diane Plouffe for putting this together

Franklin Public Schools: Coronovirus Update - Mar 10, 2020

March 10, 2020

Dear Franklin Families and Faculty/Staff,

I am writing with a follow-up communication to our March 8, 2020 and February 28, 2020 letters to the community. As a district, we continue to remain informed of the health advisories being issued by our local, state, and federal officials and agencies. We also continue to communicate internally among administrators, teachers, our local Health Department, School Nurse Leader, and consulting School Physician. Nursing staff are monitoring illness within the student body and are prepared to react appropriate to agency guidance.

Several questions emerged from the school community, which I address below.

Cleaning Procedures

Staff and families have inquired about more details related to our cleaning procedures. We are remaining vigilant about our routine cleaning practices which include: trash removal; cleaning, disinfecting, and stocking of our bathrooms; dry mopping floors or vacuuming carpets in classrooms and offices; dusting, cleaning surfaces, and wiping glass windows on a scheduled basis; and washing floors regularly and as needed.

In addition to this routine cleaning, our custodians have augmented with a disinfecting/sanitizing procedure. The custodians utilize Victory brand electrostatic sprayers, applying a Purell professional surface disinfectant to hard surfaces, commonly touched items such as doorknobs, handles, and counters, and high traffic spaces such as the main and nurses’ offices. They began using these sprayers last year when we had a spike in the seasonal flu. They have been using these several times a week including before and after weekend events in our schools.

Hand sanitizing stations are located throughout all of our schools; custodial staff are monitoring them to be sure they are full and operational. Additionally, our faculty and staff are emphasizing good handwashing practices, especially with our elementary students.

We have also asked our transportation company to increase its cleaning procedures. They have added the application of BruTab 6S to their cleaning routine. They are applying the product twice weekly in addition to daily cleaning. Our school-owned vans are also cleaned daily and a disinfecting electrostatic sprayer is used regularly.

In addition to regular use, the disinfecting procedures will be used in response to specific situations, if needed.

Evening Events and Gatherings

We remain informed and are following guidance about group events. We are also consulting with our local health department officials.

The music concerts scheduled for this evening and Thursday night will continue as planned. We feel it is important to provide our students with continuity of their curriculum in this content area and public performances are an important extension of the school learning environment. We understand that this may be of concern to some families.

Governor Baker’s press conference from earlier today identified that individuals may wish to exercise personal judgement in not attending large gatherings. This message has been emphasized for those who are at-risk including older individuals, those who are immune-compromised, or those who have
immune-compromised individuals in their household. We also ask that if you are exhibiting upper respiratory symptoms or flu-like conditions, that you also refrain from attending.

We respect that individuals may make personal decisions to not attend the performances. If families choose to keep a child or children home from participating in this event, there will not be negative consequences for them.

Other Items

For your reference, I would like to share the Town of Franklin’s Coronavirus portal, where the public can access the latest information:
https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department/urgent-alerts/corona-virus-information-portal

At this time, we have not cancelled travel plans but are reviewing field trips in light of Governor Baker’s press conference today. We will issue an update later this week about those.

Again, please keep children home from school when they are ill. If your child has any of the following symptoms please keep them home from school: temperature greater than 100, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, any rash not yet diagnosed by a physician, red or pink itchy eye, and/or drainage from eye, and any contagious illness such as chicken pox, strep throat or flu. We also ask that staff stay home when they are ill in order to prevent the spread of infections.

The Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) continues to be an evolving situation that we are following closely. We will keep you informed with updates and information that become available to us.

Sincerely,

Sara E. Ahern, Ed.D. 
Superintendent of Schools


Prior letters for reference
1 - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/franklin-public-schools-information.html
2 - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/franklin-public-schools-update-on.html

Coronavirus Information Portal