Franklin Matters

Thursday, April 2, 2020

Franklin Public Schools: Remote Learning Closure Update / Remote Learning Frameworks

April 2, 2020

Dear Franklin Families,

We want you to know that we are thinking about our students and families at this difficult time. We are all missing our regular routine and our connections with the children who attend Franklin Public Schools.

Remote Learning Update
As you are aware, Governor Baker extended school closure through May 4 and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education provided districts with updated guidance on remote learning. We have been spending time aligning to this updated guidance and are prepared to begin phase II of Remote Learning on Monday, April 6. There is a “soft launch” of the learning plan tomorrow, April 3, where teachers who have yet to connect with students this week via Google Meet will be doing so.

We are pleased to share the Franklin Public Schools Remote Learning Framework, accessible by the following link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fID4qLBUoxvsQ28MaqFDzm-kpnxdXEXmUxNQPn1vfAI/edit?usp=sharing

An important distinction from our phase I message is that student participation is expected. Connection to school and educators is very important for students at all times, and especially now with the disruption we are experiencing. We recognize that our students, families, educators, and leaders are doing something they have never done before. As a result, we know that it will be imperfect. Additionally, we know there must be flexibility within the structure; it is a balance we are trying to strike.

Questions
District administrators will be holding Google Meet calls by level on Sunday, April 5, 2020, in order to share some brief thoughts about the plan and to answer questions.

We invite you to ask questions ahead of time by completing the following form: https://forms.gle/vFCCkr6jBW9oywMTA

We will hold these virtual meetings at the following times, which you can access via a live stream:

ECDC/Elementary Schools    Sunday April 5, 2020 at 5 PM
Live stream link: https://stream.meet.google.com/stream/6b95aa95-32ff-48f6-a425-07edcb108b65

Middle Schools     Sunday April 5, 2020 at 6 PM
Live stream link: https://stream.meet.google.com/stream/1c015a61-de41-4c92-9f32-27984c2b337b

High School     Sunday April 5, 2020 at 7 PM
Live stream link: https://stream.meet.google.com/stream/39cd3395-eb78-4ddd-a365-c993f159047b

Questions will be answered during the presentation, which we will record and publish to our Coronavirus portal. Additionally, the form will be open during the presentation to ask questions at that time.

We will be monitoring Remote Learning over time, seeking feedback from all groups, and making adjustments along the way.

You can expect to hear from me again tomorrow, prior to the weekend.

Kind regards,

Sara E. Ahern
Superintendent of Schools

For Frameworks and all translations
https://www.franklinps.net/district/superintendent/pages/messages-superintendent-regarding-coronavirus

https://www.franklinps.net/district/pages/franklin-public-schools-covid-19-closure-information-portal

Great American Gift Card Purchase - Friday, April 3

Please join us in support local small businesses by participating in the Great American Gift Card Purchase

https://www.facebook.com/events/628613174537145/

Great American Gift Card Purchase - Friday, April 3

FM #234 Franklin Fire Chief McLaughlin - COVID-19 Updates 3/31/20

FM #234 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 234 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Franklin’s Fire Chief James McLaughlin and Firefighter/paramedic Laurie Roy. Laurie serves the Fire Dept as the Infection Control Officer. This was conducted via conference bridge to help maintain ‘social distance’ during this pandemic period.

Chief McLaughlin shares the modifications taken by the Fire Dept in order to continue to serve the community in responding to 911 calls. The firefighters are taking extra precautions as they respond to the call to minimize exposure on both sides and help prevent any spread of COVID-19.

This conversation runs about 11 minutes, so settle in and listen to my conversation with Chief McLaughlin and Firefighter Roy.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-234-fire-chief-j-mclaughlin-lroy-3-31-20

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Link to Franklin Fire Dept letter 3/30/20
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/town_letter_-_ffd.pdf

Link to Town of Franklin Coronavirus Update Portal
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/coronavirus-information-portal-updates-here

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Franklin Fire Dept Station 1 - downtown at night

Franklin Neighbor Brigade Update

In these times of uncertainty we know one thing clearly, that love never has to be rationed or quarantined. The truth is, we all need each other more than ever right now. We need each other in so many ways, both big and small. We need to rely and lean on one another and to be compassionate, understanding, and patient with one another. We need to focus on being there for one another in the best and safest way we can.

Please read on to see how you can help whether it be from your home or in the community.

Challenge for all Volunteers

Here is a FUN family project. Who's up for a Letter Writing Challenge! All you have to do is wash your hands and put your love on. If we can't thank, visit a sick person or give gratitude in person, we can do it in a personal note. The list is endless on who you can send a note to. Here are some ideas of people/neighbors we can offer hope, kindness and a smile to:

a neighbor you have not seen or you know can use a positive note

those who are bereaved or supporting the bereaved

those who are anxious or feeling afraid

people alone and isolated

those working at risk jobs and essential workers

a teacher

the local food pantry

a medical professional

our fire and police

The challenge is to send two notes within two days to the people of your choice. One could be to say hello/thinking of you and another could be a thank-you/gratitude note. We have 173 active volunteers. Let's see if we can get at least half of our volunteers to participate. If you accept the challenge please let us know by signing-up through the volunteer system. Happy Writing!

Important NEW Volunteer Requirements due to COVID-19

While we wait for our services to be called upon from location organizations such as senior center, food pantry, police, fire, and of course our neighbors in need please make sure you have met the NEW volunteer requirements. They include reading the NB Handbook, Food Handler Training, COVID-19 Preparedness, and have a current CORI check on file. You can check to see if you met this criteria by logging into your account and clicking on Profile on the top right heading and selecting Qualifications. It should look like the highlighted areas below. If it doesn't then you will need to complete those tasks by clicking on the information button circled in red and following the instructions. If you have any questions or need help accessing your account please feel free to reach out.

Franklin Neighbor Brigade Update

Community Opportunities

YMCA - Growing demand for families in need of food is happening. Drop off box at YMCA is outside from 9am-6pm daily. Recommended following food items: 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.

Franklin Food Pantry needed wish list items can be ordered on Amazon using the following link https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2SIL7UR08ZZUC?ref_=wl_share

Tri Valley Meals on Wheels is in need of temporary volunteers to drive meals to residents in Franklin, Medway and Bellingham. They have a volunteer sign up time from 11:00-12:30 Monday-Friday at the Grace Baptist church on Beaver street. You will need to bring your license and front page of your car insurance with line 5 highlighted. Any questions, call Gail Hamilton 508-520-1422.

Stay home when you can, find joy in the small moments and spread kindness when it's needed greatly!
Linda Gagnon and Cheryl Ferri
Franklin MA Neighbor Brigade Chapter Co-Leaders
FranklinMA@neighborbrigade.org
www.neighborbrigade.org

Volunteer Login: http://volunteer.neighborbrigade.org

Beaver Street Recycling Center - re-opening with restrictions

In order to meet the needs of our residents and still follow the Governor’s directive, as well as provide the appropriate level of safety to our residents and public works employees, we are going to re-open the Beaver Street Recycling Center with the following guidelines.

• The Recycling Center opens for the drop-off of yard waste and brush only
• No other recycling products will be accepted
• The Center will be open as scheduled presently, Friday and Saturday 8-3 and Sunday 9-1
• The Recycling Center will be staffed with only one worker just to check that folks have a Recycling Center Sticker and are only dropping off yard waste or brush
• The Employees will practice established personal space guidelines and “Social Distancing” and will not assist residents in any way with the unloading of their vehicles
• Only five vehicles will be allowed in the Recycling Center at one time
• There will be no credit card or check transactions
• If a resident needs a recycling sticker, they will need to contact and arrange to get one from the Public Works Administration Office (508 520-4910) prior to going to the Recycling Center

Shared from the DPW page on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/FranklinDPW/posts/2993760784041705

Beaver Street Recycling Center - re-opening with restrictions

Let's beat our 2010 Census rate this time around

"Recently, you should have received a census form. The US Census determines both State & Federal funding based on the information collected! Be counted! The census is quick, easy, and important, and all of your answers are confidential.

Visit http://my2020census.gov today!"

We are currently (as of March 31) at 49.3%

In 2010 we responded with a 79.9% rate. Let's get well into the 80% rate this year!

The 2020 Census rate response interactive page
https://2020census.gov/en/response-rates.html

Let's beat our 2010 Census rate this time around

Jamie Barrett: new song - Sisu Ubuntu (YouTube)

"Jamie Barrett asked folks to give him one word each and around 100 (+/-) participated to create this song. Jamie created the music to go with the words that were given to him. He also arranged the words. Hope you like...?"