Storywalk at DelCarte (photo slideshow)

A fun Storywalk is up at DelCarte! Enjoy the sunshine!

And if you haven't made it there yet, you can visit it virtually with this photo slideshow

Photo taken in the rain on Weds 4/08/20

Marc Berger: "Reason and a Rhyme" (video)

Marc Berger came to the Franklin Public Library a couple of years ago (Feb 2018) and has composed/released this new song for the times we find ourselves in.

https://youtu.be/bs8kUWEm0As




For more of Marc 's work:  https://marcbergermusic.com/

Lyrics for "REASON AND A RHYME"

Skies begin to blacken
Streets are out of tune
When you’re down and draggin’
Railing at the moon
When you fear your weary heart won’t stand another blow
Keep in mind these simple lines and they will lead you home

So don’t you cry, you’ll get by
If you just keep the faith
For all the love you’re dreaming of
Comes to those who wait
And every song you pass along
Will return someday
There’s a reason and a rhyme a
And answers on the way

Feel the gentle rhythm
Sweep across the land
All our sins forgiven
Soil and the sand
Like the wild and raging river rushing for the sea
Bends and winds so many times before it’s finally free

Franklin, MA:: School Committee Agenda & Budget Hearing April 14, 2020

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.

Per Governor Baker’s Executive Order suspending certain provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A sec. 20, the public will not be allowed to physically access this School Committee meeting. Members of the Public can access the meeting via remote conference. The School Committee reserves the right to implement additional remote participation procedures and will notify the public of these procedures as soon as practicable.

LOCATION: Remote participation via Google Hangouts Meet -- link below

Join Hangouts Meet = meet.google.com/kpf-tgcx-hth
OR Join by phone 402-369-5348 PIN: 991 744 663#

AGENDA

“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.”

Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance Moment of Silence

FY21 Budget Open Hearing
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/pages/fy-2021-budget

I. Routine Business
A. Review of Agenda
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
D. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations
A. none

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. Continued payment for hourly employees
I recommend approval of continued payment for hourly employees as detailed.
B. School Calendar 2019-2020
I recommend that the School Committee adjust the 2019-2020 school calendar as detailed.

IV. Discussion Only Items
A. Franklin Public Schools Remote Learning Plan

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

VI. New Business
A. To discuss any future agenda items

VII. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from the March 10, 2020 School Committee Meeting as detailed.
B. Executive Session Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from the Executive Session of the March 10, 2020 School Committee Meeting to be released.
C. Budget Transfers
I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
D. Athletics Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $136.00 from Agile Sports Technologies for supplemental supplies for Athletics as detailed.
E. FHS Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $25.43 from Ohiopyle Prints for in-house enrichment at FHS as detailed.
F. Oak Street Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,029.00 from the Oak Street PCC for field trips as detailed.
G. Music Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $781.00 from the Franklin Music Boosters for in-house enrichment as detailed.
H. Revised Minutes
I recommend approval of the revised minutes from the February 11, 2020 School Committee meeting.

VIII. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

IX. Payroll Ms. D’Angelo

X. Adjournment


Links I would bring attention to

• Executive Summary  https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/files/2-exec-summary
• Budget presentation  https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/files/open-hearing-presentation
• Overview A  https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/files/6-overviewa
• Overview B  https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/files/6-overviewb

All the documents released for this budget hearing can be found online
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/pages/fy-2021-budget

FPS - FY 2021 Budget Hearing Presentation 20200414 from Franklin Matters

Presentation Link =
https://www.slideshare.net/shersteve/fps-fy-2021-budget-hearing-presentation-20200414

Franklin, MA:: School Committee Agenda & Budget Hearing April 14, 2020

Senator Rausch: COVID-19 Update #11

CORONAVIRUS / COVID-19 UPDATE #11

Friday, April 10, 2020

Hi friends,

I hope everyone is safe and healthy. I can't believe this is our 11th coronavirus update, especially since we are just now approaching the anticipated surge period. Things are going to keep getting worse before they get better. Over the next 2-3 weeks, it is absolutely critical that everyone stay at home as much as possible.

I want to take a moment to be present in this reality with all of you. This is hard. This is really hard. Each and every email or phone call I get from constituents, each conversation with medical professionals, confirms for me what people seem to already know: we weren't prepared for this, we are losing people to this, and we are behind the proverbial 8-ball in our response to this. A friend recently said something that really resonated with me: "we can do hard things." Yes, this is hard, maybe the hardest period some of us have ever experienced, but we will eventually find the downswing of infection and the end of the pandemic period. In the interim, do everything you can to take care of yourselves, both physically and mentally. Get outside every day (not near other people); one dad told me he and his kids went puddle-jumping in the rain last week and it was great. Drink more water than you think you need. Use technology to connect with others. Sleep at normal (or close-to-normal) hours. Do something that brings you joy and still maintains social distancing, and do that thing at least a few times a week. This is a marathon, not a sprint. And, importantly, reach out for help when you need it.

My team and I remain fervent in our work to mitigate the impacts of coronavirus and support the people and communities we serve. Some highlights:

• The Senate passed two really important bills yesterday: the first prevents evictions and mortgage foreclosures during the pandemic, and the second waives the MCAS exams for the current school year. As always, my efforts on these bills centered equity and fairness. Additional legislative work is ongoing, including figuring out how to support virtual Town Meetings.
• My team and I have been connecting with hospitals and medical staff in our district to get a comprehensive handle on capacity and conditions of care on the ground. Relatedly, I've been briefed on the impending surge and our preparations for it. I've received and elevated areas in which we must make significant improvements to protect people, and do so equitably.
• We held our second virtual office hours today, with continued success. (You don't need to have a coronavirus question or concern to chat with us during office hours! Today's appointments were split 50-50.) Sign ups are now open for our third virtual office hours, which will be on Friday, April 24, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
• I joined with colleagues to get the Administration to speed up licensure for foreign-certified medical professionals, and then it happened.
• Today I called on Governor Baker to get the CARES Act unemployment benefits into people's hands NOW. Under the plan he announced earlier this week, the updated unemployment system won't be functional until the end of the month. People can't wait until May for this money when they're hanging on by a thread today.
• I did my weekly coronavirus interview with Peter Gay of North TV (from a different room, for those who are following along).

Yours in service,

Senator Becca Rausch

This newsletter was shortened for publication here. To view the full content follow this link:
https://mailchi.mp/0518ba77272b/covid19-update-12309418?e=0c2c9810fe

Senator Rausch: COVID-19 Update #11

Helpful Tips - Preparation for Covid-19 Hospitalization

If a family member is sick at home, they might be at risk of being hospitalized. Please have an emergency "Go Bag" ready for the hospital. Remember, family members and visitors are not being allowed into hospitals so it's best to have it all at the ready.

These tips are worthwhile for all kinds of emergencies, so spending a few minutes now can help you for a long time to come!

Items for your "Go Bag":

• Written, UPDATED and accurate list of medications: Name, Dose, Frequency, Initials after the name of medication are important too, such as: XL, XR, LA, IR, ER, SR.
• Cell phone charger
• List of emergency contacts and phone numbers on paper. If the patient is unconscious and the cell phone is locked or the battery is dead, hospital staff will need this.
• Primary Care Doctor contact info: Full name, phone number, and office address and the patient's health insurance information, including the insurance company's name, address and phone number, policy ID or policy number.
• A book (or magazine, downloaded audible book, etc.) to read.
• Copies of: Health Care Proxy, Advance Medical Directive, Power of Attorney
• If the patient has a pacemaker or defibrillator: a copy of the pocket information card that states the brand, model number, and MRI compatibility.
• If the patient has asthma or COPD, bring the inhalers. Hospitals are running out.
• Extra batteries for hearing aid or other medical devices.
• Leave copies of important papers on the side of your fridge, with a magnet. EMTs are trained to look there for emergency information in the event you contact 911 but you can't speak when they arrive.

Shared from the Town of Franklin Page
https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/helpful-tips-preparation-covid-19-hospitalization

Helpful Tips - Preparation for Covid-19 Hospitalization

 
 

Senate Releases Bill to Lower Signature Threshold for Some Candidacies

The Massachusetts State Senate Committee on Rules has released a bill to address public health concerns surrounding the gathering of signatures for candidates for public office during the COVID-19 State of Emergency.

"This is an unprecedented time, and we must consider all of our actions with an eye towards protecting the health and safety of our residents," stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "The Senate is therefore taking steps to reduce the number of signatures for offices that require a large number during this public health crisis. With this legislation, we hope to find a way to ensure that those who decide to run for public office can demonstrate the necessary support they have in their communities without endangering their health or the health of others."

"We must prioritize the protection of public health during this pandemic," stated Senator Joan Lovely (D-Salem), Chair of the Senate Committee on Rules. "This bill appropriately halves the requirements for candidates who need one thousand or more signatures to get on the ballot, thereby protecting both civic-minded citizens and potential officeholders."

"We need to ensure that everyone who wants to participate in the political process can do so in a way that keeps themselves and their neighbors safe, which is why this legislation is so important," stated Senator Barry Finegold (D-Andover), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Election Laws.

The Senate plans to take up the bill on Monday, April 13, 2020.

The bill text is found here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1irUIqz_4AHaCK4vZuiSmHYV5D-ebJ2vp/view?usp=sharing

or viewed here

In the News: How do candidates collect signatures while social distancing?

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

"Franklin resident Matt Kelly has been driving around a lot lately, and using a lot of hand sanitizer. 

The Franklin town councilor is hoping to become a candidate on the November ballot for state senator, but social distancing guidelines have made collecting the necessary signatures a much more difficult task than in years past. 

The typical approaches – standing outside grocery stores or downtown, going door-to-door meeting people or holding events – are now public health risks. 

Instead, Kelly is spending his days asking people via social media if they’ll support his campaign, then donning one of the masks his young children made for him and driving to people’s homes with a nomination sheet. He tapes them to storm doors or puts them in mailboxes, then picks up the signed papers the next day."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200410/how-do-candidates-collect-signatures-while-social-distancing

Related post: The MA Senate has released the text of a bill for work next week to reduce the number of signatures required due to the circumstances of the pandemic. 
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/04/senate-releases-bill-to-lower-signature.html