"More Than 6,300 Coronavirus Cases Have Been Linked to U.S. Colleges"

From the New York Times, an article of interest for Franklin:

"As college students and professors decide whether to head back to class, and as universities weigh how and whether to reopen, the coronavirus is already on campus.

A New York Times survey of every public four-year college in the country, as well as every private institution that competes in Division I sports or is a member of an elite group of research universities, revealed at least 6,300 cases tied to about 270 colleges over the course of the pandemic. And the new academic year has not even begun at most schools."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/07/28/us/covid-19-colleges-universities.html

School Committee Recap: Re-opening fully in person not a consideration

There are lots of notes as the work to develop 3 plans (in person, hybrid and remote learning) and the whole planning process is very complex but the quick summary for me is: 

"In person likely ruling out for feasibility, leaving hybrid or remote? Need survey results from Community to help make decision #schcom0728 then flesh out the comprehensive plan for final submission. Afraid to lose staff"

The preliminary plan reviewed tonight will be submitted Friday to DESE with one of the three options as being 'leaned towards' without committing to. The survey results will inform which of the two options (hybrid or full remote) will be the 'leaned towards' choice. Then the work to flesh out this plan will continue. Assuming there is a waiver from DESE granted, then the School Committee will meet as scheduled Aug 11, and vote on the recommendation. If waiver not granted by DESE (as plan is due Aug 10), then another School Committee meeting will be scheduled for the vote.


As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.

The Twitter hashtag can be found online #schcom0718
https://twitter.com/hashtag/schcom0728?src=hashtag_click

Twitter stream of notes

• Real time reporting underway for #schcom0728. Chair can't see anything so this could be interesting as she (Anne Bergen) tries to conduct the meeting
• Superintendent reports on 2 new grants received. Details in report posted to webpage on Weds. #schcom0728 next up preliminary opening plan

preliminary opening plan

• Slide deck used with faculty and two parent chats being used again tonight, updated with additional info as it is available. #schcom0728
• Slide doesn't talk to faculty risk but superintendent did note to add it #schcom0728
• Will review 3 models, no vote by #schcom0728 tonight, will be a vote at next meeting
• Universal health and safety practices expected to be in place and followed #schcom0728 will have mask breaks during the day when appropriate. Deviates from DESE guidance in the ALL students will wear masks, not just 2-12 grades
• Health data doesn't support a return without restrictions, return includes with modifications to most if not all activities, #schcom0728 feasibility studies being done
• Direction not traffic signage needed, may need some plexiglass to be placed (but not all places) #schcom0728 full remote option to be offered, survey data in process to help determine how to do this
• Photo of Oak St classrooms here, the prior one was of FHS #schcom0728
• Hybrid model slides #schcom0728
• Hybrid model requires time between cohorts for cleaning #schcom0728 anticipate adjustments to the calendar to ensure equity for cohorts, this is way no new schedule is up for review today. Transportation guidance under review
• Bus monitors would be required to be covered by COVID money from State #schcom0728 families should consider alternatives to bus where practical. ** Full remote learning planned for; additional hours and expectations if in person can't be done
• Each of the 3 models have merits and challenges; feasibility of 6 and 3 a concern at some schools, esp FHS. #schcom0728 remote could provide more consistency, would miss the socializing altho could be provided with small groups
• Classrooms at FHS smaller generally as well as students bigger physically, capacity of 1750 in building for 1600 is a challenge when trying to implement distancing #schcom0728
• Additional considerations, bus capacity reduced by 1/3. Survey data will be important to help determine, staggered start times may be required #schcom0728
• Anticipated to have lunch in classrooms, #schcom0728 survey closing tomorrow at 8AM. Preliminary view of the overall numbers, after closing survey will do additional slice/dice on #s
• Facilities considerations #schcom0728 (this not just preparing for school, this is doing so three times with permutations and combinations considered)
• #schcom0728 (four photos)
• Faculty response similar to family on a number of points #schcom0728
• Slides to be posted to schools page Weds, will share when it is available. #schcom0728 the remote learning coming would be graded work can last year wasn't under the emergency basis. Not all teachers were not Google classroom proficient (and didn't need to be) previously
• Hybrid model requires time between cohorts for cleaning #schcom0728 anticipate adjustments to the calendar to ensure equity for cohorts, this is way no new schedule is up for review today. Transportation guidance under review
• Bus monitors would be required to be covered by COVID money from State #schcom0728 families should consider alternatives to bus where practical. ** Full remote learning planned for; additional hours and expectations if in person can't be done
• Classrooms at FHS smaller generally as well as students bigger physically, capacity of 1750 in building for 1600 is a challenge when trying to implement distancing #schcom0728
• Additional considerations, bus capacity reduced by 1/3. Survey data will be important to help determine, staggered start times may be required #schcom0728
• Remote learning is different from home schooling, remote is still part of the district funded supported, etc. Home schooling is separately governed and is where the family takes responsibility of the curriculum, needs to be reviewed and approved. #schcom0728
• Is home schooling a trend? Yes, overall slightly but not really known of now. don't have #s handy. Folks may not be realizing what is required. Q have we used Fed funding for nursing/counseling? Not yet under eval #schcom0728
• Next steps, conversation tonight, working group meeting T-W-Th, submit draft Fri to State, looking for vote on Aug 11 meeting and submit with an extension to state. If no extension, would need meeting/vote earlier #schcom0728
• Additional considerations for #schcom0728 including a COVID addendum for the school handbook usually reviewed in August.
• Do all students have the technology? FHS always had, some of the redeploy units are less than satisfactory, did purchase new ones, also looking to id the network side #schcom0728
• Q if vaccine becomes available, if parents choose not to, would it be ok for them (kids without COVID-19 vaccine) to come back? Would need guidance to answer the question now #schcom0728
• Testing is one of the universal practices but not mentioned earlier. Would also need to review policy implications for this. Screening procedure to be in handbook, staff observation on entry, buses, etc. #schcom0728 temp screening not recommended, too variable
• Would need staff for remote teaching in the hybrid model, don't have the info to calculate yet. #schcom0728 (yes, this is a multiple variable model with not all the #s available yet) stay close the the development
• Q if family choice is remote, what happens if sometime down the road they change their mind, how do we integrate them back into the process, room, etc. #schcom0728 what about ECDC? Group working on that separately with building based team
• Thanks for portrait of calm, definitely needed now. #schcom0728 "grappling" very descriptive of the monumental task. It would be good to walk through the entire process as it is totally new and not what we have done before
• Protocol for students or staff developing symptoms during the day, contact tracing upon positive cases. Will depend upon facts of each case. Quarantine period TBD #schcom0728 how long is our test results turn around? Will be a consideration
• Q what about subs? Will be talking more about as a budget item would need the resources. #schcom0728 complexity of hybrid is amazing, would we be better off spending time on the other options? Narrow the options before the 11th? Yes, leaning is required
• In person likely ruling out for feasibility, leaving hybrid or remote? Need survey results from Community to help make decision #schcom0728 then flesh out the comprehensive plan for final submission. Afraid to lose staff
• #schcom0728 FEA has been well represented in this. Walk through a day in the new life at Davis Thayer, with 3 and 6 foot separation. Schools do not have air conditioning, CDC guidance says no fans due to spread of COVID-19. We want to get in, but we know there are issues
• Looking for a video of the walk through for staff and students to help set expectations. #schcom0728 lack of predictably as issue. Want to take time to start remote first and then phase in hybrid
• Language education requires watching the mouth for proper pronunciation, it will hinder the education delivery. #schcom0728 the building is not the school, the people are the school, kids need the educational experience, need to address Maslow, understand the reality
• We're doing this via Zoom, my company isn't planning to do in person until next year, we should consider doing remote only. #schcom0728 let's spend the remaining time to prepare for remote learning

Discussion/Action Items

• Next up discussion/ action items on policy review, for first reading https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/disc-action-b-policy-1st-read motion to approve, seconded passed 7-0 via roll call
• #schcom0728 policy for second readings https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/disc-action-c-policy-2nd-reads clarification on sign off for approval prior to transport. Yes, should be. Motion to approve, second, Passed 7-0 via roll call

Information Updates

• Budget Subcommittee meeting Thursday for next issues, not yet allowed at Farmers Market. Not allowed to hang out at the tables #schcom0728 facilities Analysis not appropriate right now, given uncertainty around fall period. Will resume work in the fall. And set timeline!
• No final copy of the report or date for it yet, #schcom0728 may be in email but not watching that while in meeting.
• Next meeting update on plan, revised school calendar for review, likely budget and policy updates #schcom0728 motion to accept consent agenda, via roll call passed 7-0.

Executive Session

• Will go to executive session, will return to open meeting. How folks will know to rejoin is open. #schcom0728 let's consider this the end of the night. If I get anything else, I'll share. Otherwise catch you next time!

The agenda doc in PDF format can be found
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/agenda-7-28-20

Documents released for this meeting can be found online
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/july-28-2020-school-committee-meeting-packet

School Committee Recap: Re-opening fully in person not a consideration

Franklin Public Schools: Budget Sub Committee Meeting - July 30

Franklin Public Schools 

Franklin School Committee

Budget Sub Committee 

Thursday, July 30, 2020

5:00 PM

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.

Municipal Building – outside picnic tables And Via Zoom:

Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/95346337873?pwd=WW80aUFpNW1XZC95MzU0ZUhxUHdIZz09

Meeting ID: 953 4633 7873
Passcode: FSCBS 

Dial by your location
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 953 4633 7873
Passcode: 460911

A G E N D A

"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."

● Update of FY21 Budget


The agenda doc can be found online:
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/agenda-bsc_7-30-20.pdf

Franklin Public Schools: Budget Sub Committee Meeting - July 30

MassDevelopment Announces Financing Program

MassDevelopment and the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources announced that financing is now available through PACE Massachusetts to fund energy improvements on commercial and industrial buildings, multifamily properties, and buildings owned by nonprofits. 

Find out details on the attached press release:
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/launch_of_pace_massachusetts_-_07282020_press_release.pdf


Note: The Town Council is required to approve the entry of Franklin into this program. This item is one of the agenda items for the Council meeting rescheduled from last week to today.

• Town Council Agenda for July 29

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-july-29.html

MassDevelopment Announces Financing Program

Franklin Library: Curbside Pickup Update July 28

Library Curbside Pickup - Update July 28

We're making changes to our curbside pickup so that you can pick up your items comfortably in all kinds of weather! 

Starting today at 10 AM, curbside pickup will be in the vestibule of our new entrance at the top of the ramp! 

You'll be able to grab your items from this spot going forward! As a reminder, pickup is from 10 AM-4:30 PM!

Franklin Library: Curbside Pickup Update July 28

"The agency says in most cases, methanol does not appear on the product label"

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

"The Food and Drug Administration issued another warning Monday to not use certain hand sanitizers that may contain methanol or wood alcohol, a toxic substance when absorbed through skin or ingested. 

The FDA is continuing to update its “do-not-use list of dangerous hand sanitizer products,” which included 87 varieties of hand sanitizer (https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-updates-hand-sanitizers-methanol) that should be avoided, some which have already been recalled, and other products being recommended for recalls as they may contain the potentially fatal ingredient. 

“Practicing good hand hygiene, which includes using alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not readily available, is an important public health tool for all Americans to employ,” FDA Commissioner Stephen M. Hahn said in a statement. “Consumers must also be vigilant about which hand sanitizers they use, and for their health and safety we urge consumers to immediately stop using all hand sanitizers on the FDA’s list of dangerous hand sanitizer products.” 

In the new warning, the FDA says it is “urging consumers not to use any hand sanitizer products from the particular manufacturers on the list even if the product or particular lot number are not listed since some manufacturers are recalling only certain – but not all – of their hand sanitizer products.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200728/there-are-15-more-hand-sanitizers-to-watch-out-for-fda-issues-new-warning-to-avoid-nearly-90-hand-sanitizers-that-may-contain-methanol?rssfeed=true

"The agency says in most cases, methanol does not appear on the product label"

Invitation to Cyber Security Webinar - August 12

Good Afternoon All,

I hope everyone is trying to stay cool in this heat.

Michele Carlow from CTS Services and I wanted to invite you all to join us on August 12th at 10:00 AM for:

"What You Need to Know NOW About The Dangers of Evolving Cyber Threats!"

Click on the link below to register.

Description: Protecting Your ASSets from Hackers On The Dark Web

Cyber breaches are on the rise and hackers are targeting businesses of all sizes – including yours! All SMBs are under attack by cyber criminals! Vigilance, training and smart use of technology are essential. Every employee plays a key role in helping to protect the company's assets. It's time for you to understand the DARK WEB and why it matters to your business. Join us for an eye opening 45 minute presentation about the dark web and the steps to protect yourself. Compliance requirements may be at risk if your employees' credentials are available for sale on the dark web. A FREE dark web scan of your business email address will be offered to all who register. (A replay will be available!)

During this webinar you will learn:

• What the Dark Web is and why it matters to your business
• How digital credentials are compromised
• What attackers can do with this information
• Real-world examples (Yes, it can happen to anyone)
• Steps you can take to protect your company
• Why IGNORING your dark web risks will only harm your business

Time: Wednesday, Aug 12, 2020 10:00 AM in Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Registration Link: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_764q9v36RkKep0TkW7t3Mg


Thanks,

Jack


Jack Lank, IOM
President & CEO
The United Regional Chamber of Commerce
310 South Street
Plainville, MA 02762
Phone: 508-316-0861
www.unitedregionalchamber.org
"People Do Business With People They Know"

Invitation to Cyber Security Webinar - August 12