Franklin Music Booster Calendar Raffle Tickets for sale!

Mrs. Plouffe (@FranklinHSOrch) tweeted on Fri, Jan 15, 2021:

"Please consider buying a Franklin Music Booster Calendar Raffle Ticket and support local business. https://t.co/3Px47etuju @FranklinHSMusic @FHSPantherbook @FranklinMatters @MrHanna_FHS"

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FranklinHSOrch/status/1350172125102034944

Franklin Music Booster Calendar Raffle Tickets for sale!

Senior Center Office Hour - Jan 21, 2021

The next Senior Center Coffee Hour will be held Jan 21, 2021 08:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada).

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIpd-6vqTIiGdHKcpU3SMZ7pGqIZwCiW_Dv

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

 

Rep Jeff Roy writes:

"This is a great way to connect and talk about the issues of the day. Hope you can join us"

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeffroy/status/1350113541727154178

 

Senior Center Office Hour - Jan 21, 2021

 

School Committee: DavisThayer Facility Analysis Recap - Jan 14, 2021

Quick Recap:

• The financial and other school closing considerations revealed in this session. Document talked to during meeting linked to below. It is not surprising that there would be some financial savings, remove duplicate administration, realize some efficiencies in classrooms and other staffing support. Finally got to see the numbers and quantification for such. 'Estimates' but well developed
• Meeting next week (Jan 20, 2021 - 5:30 PM) for additional public comments and then the Subcommittee would get to work on their recommendation and how to present the 'story' to the full School Committee and community before the School Committee vote (timeline TBD)
  
• The School Committee makes their decision on the education of the Davis Thayer (DT) students and whether to the use the existing DT building or move the students to Keller (pros/cons elsewhere) but at a savings to the District of about $1M. 
• Assume the School Committee declares the DT building not fit for District educational use then the Town (and Town Council possibly) would get involved in determining the future disposition of the DT facility. The School Committee would remain focused on the education and appropriate transition of DT students and some faculty into the Keller building and newly enlarged Keller educational community 
• While this subcommittee is focused only on DT, the full committee must still address the longer term facility needs. They have not yet set up a group to begin to follow the remainder of the facility analysis recommendations that the District could close three school buildings and restructure to better  provide education to the students in the Franklin community and be more
  cost effective doing so. How much remains to be seen. That would be part of the work of this 'new' subcommittee
  

 

Financial Analysis doc shared during meeting:  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/davis_thayer_facilities_analysis-_financial_data.pdf

Davis Thayer Facility Analysis page  https://www.franklinps.net/district/davis-thayer-facilities-analysis

Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one album

https://photos.app.goo.gl/i9fYWE2ewLJdJhkQA

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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  

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23dtfa0114&src=typeahead_click

• Next up, Davis Thayer Facility Analysis subcommittee meeting #dtfa0114 agenda and connection info in doc linked here https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/agenda_dt_subcom_1.14.21.pdf
• #dtfa0114 awaiting a member to arrive before beginning.
• Meeting called to order at 5:37 #dtfa0114 Dec 9 minutes, moved to approve, passed 3-0 via roll call Review of timeline to confirm where they are in the process.
• Audio connection difficulty with one member, #dtfa0114 hard stop at 6:45 tonight to allow for others to attend the webinar on pool testing announced at the SchComm meeting
• Miriam and Erica worked the details on this analysis, assumes DT students would be served by Keller, based upon forecasted enrollment combined could change from 28 classrooms to 25. #dtfa0114
• The class sizes would be within SchComm guidelines #dtfa0114 this is a larger view of the prior share.
• Early best guess estimates could see staff reductions in the new combined school #dtfa0114 many service providers would need to follow the students. Projections not set in stone, would require discussion with FEA. 3 classroom teachers prior but the 6.8 here is more than ...
• #dtfa0114 there are nuances in some of the support where some folks travel from school to school, some better efficiency possible to still provide support as needed. Small reduction in subs a guesstimate due to overall reduction in classes across the district and allocated ..
• To Keller (taking DT out of the equation) some busing changes due to the distance between home and school, to the new school, in some cases a bus fee, for those over 2 miles, free bus ... Uses last year's busing numbers due to pandemic this year #dtfa0114
• Cost for building actually in the town side of the budget, not in school budget, the town had anticipated DT closure prematurely for the FY 21 budget, they may need to adjust accordingly but overall the one school closure would be about $130k savings for the Town #dtfa0114
• Likely to recommend to turn the building over the town for other purposes assuming no educational related capacity. #dtfa0114 overall savings just under $1m
• Title I funds could 'follow' DT students to Keller because the combined population would still be above Oak, if socio-economic status stays the same, no real change but reevaluate would be required to confirm #dtfa0114
• Consideration of physical distance in case pandemic requires, could require hybrid but better fit at Keller. Community culture piece at DT important to consider. #dtfa0114
• Q on Solutions, would need to check with Lifelong Learning to confirm. Limits are depending upon space and staffing for revenue justification. Q would they be DT kids at Keller or all kids at Keller, would be steps to assist process of one new larger unit. #dtfa0114
• There is an impact for Annie Sullivan to use some of their space for Keller, primarily classroom space; as noted in the Facility Analysis. #dtfa0114 BICO does use 2 classrooms (at $31k revenue/yr) do they relocate within district or what?? On radar.
• Will need to make another meeting, may not have time in what is left to address all the citizens comments #dtfa0114 first citizen comment claims 'blinded sided' by decision ... Oops found this was not sent. Meeting adjourned at 6:45, not enuf time for more discussion
• Meeting TBD for next week for additional comments and then Committee planning on recommendation and how to present the 'story' to the full Committee and Community for SchComm vote. #dtfa0114
• SchComm makes decision on the education of the DT students and whether to the use the existing DR building or move the students to Keller (pros/cons) elsewhere but at a savings to the District of about $1m. Assume SchComm declares building not fit for District use then…
• Town (and Town Council possibly) would get involved in future use of DT facility. SchComm would remain focused on the education and appropriate transition of DT students and some faculty into the Keller building and newly enlarged Keller Community #dtfa0114
• Stay tuned for further developments. Meeting sometime next week. That's all for tonight, catch you next time #dtfa0114 (Subcommittee will update this slide to show they are in Stage 2)

Subcommittee will update this slide to show they are in Stage 2)

GoFundMe: Teddy Gallagher’s fund raiser

"Teddy Gallagher’s Irish pub has been a staple in Franklin, MA for the last 5 years! They have incredible staff, food, beverages, and an all around great atmosphere.

Due to COVID-19 they have been forced to temporarily shut their doors. They are not sure if they will be able to reopen them.  However, with a little bit of help from us they may just be able to survive.

My Godparents started this place to give the community a place that feels like home. That’s just what it is! They support very young staff who are single parents, students, and thriving young adults.

Let’s try and help out the best we can to keep them afloat! Any little bit will help! I know the goal is high, but let’s face it the sky is the limit!

Please consider keeping this great business open! Thank you all and God bless!"

Shared from the GoFundMe page where you can contribute to the cause:  

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-teddy-gallaghers

GoFundMe: Teddy Gallagher's find raiser

 

School Committee: Budget Subcommittee - Recap - Jan 14, 2021

Quick Recap:

• Discussion on potential Federal funding, discussion on scheduling meetings to prepare budget for review by full School Committee before budget hearings at Finance Committee Apr 28-29, 2021
• Discussion on how to tell the story of the budget needs, a video is already in planning, could adjust/add to as requirements firm up. Need to better tell story of what measures have been made over the years to reduce costs (i.e teacher contract steps/lanes table)
  
• Recognition that curriculum work is needed to ensure better consistency across district, brought up by students from different elementary schools coming together in Virtual Learning Academy (VLA)
• Discussion on refunding of lunch accounts for FHS seniors or re-allocation to next sibling (if available). Vote last year was a one time thing, would need to do again this year, approved to bring to full committee
  

----

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 #scbsc0114

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23scbsc0114&src=typeahead_click

• Getting ready for back-to-back SchComm subcommittee meetings. First up, budget Subcommittee. Agenda doc and connection info https://franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/agenda-bsc_1-14-20-revised_0.pdf #scbsc0114
• Apparently missing quorum to start although bridge open #scbsc0114
• Actually with 2 of 3 present, that is quorum. #scbsc0114 3rd member arrived
• Discussion on Federal funds coming, more than first time around. Additional earmarked by Sen Rausch asked for release but apparently it was worded such that if other funds were allocated, this amount would be reallocated #scbsc0114
• Added info from 1/13/21 FinCom meeting so they can help plan out their meeting schedule. FinCom next meeting 2/24, likely a joint budget TBD in March with budget hearings set for Apr 28-29 currently. #scbsc0114
• Subcommittee planning also for dates in March between their SchComm meetings to incorporate any feedback and adjustments per the larger discussion on budget. #scbsc0114
• Discussion on presentation in video format to tell the story, work already underway with Anne Marie, fact based, per pupil expenses, programs lost, comparison with similar districts #scbsc0114 unfunded mandates tough to explain, some can, some can't realistically be done
• Teacher contract has been changed over time in reducing the steps/lanes; that is important to make the point, maybe not as dramatic as police/fire restructures but it has been worked over time. #scbsc0114 consistency of the curriculum across the district
• In the pandemic VLA brings the elementary students together from different schools which highlights the need for this curriculum consistency; #scbsc0114 principals recognize this. Reading instruction may need to esp addressed coming out of the pandemic
• Discussion on lunch accts to be refunded at end of year for seniors or transferred to younger sibling, last years SchComm vote covered last year, this vote would cover this year. #scbsc0113 Motion to adjourn, passed 3-0

 Agenda doc  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/school-committee-budget-sub-committee.html

School Committee: Budget Subcommmittee - Recap - Jan 14, 2021

 

Franklin Public Schools: COVID-19 Pool Testing Information

As noted earlier this week, Franklin Public Schools is exploring the pool testing pilot with DESE. If you missed the info sessions this past week, it was recorded and available (link below).

Message on pool testing

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/january_12_reopening_update_to_families_and_faculty_pool_testing_1.pdf

Video replay link (via Zoom recording)

https://zoom.us/rec/play/XT7WS2CV0FWR4MZIMi2YYW_Svu4pIRwoZ7uA4fui0p96XrlZHUAPQNhZqJ5AD_HQJC3Vf3l8mvvtPfxw.kMJvFhmDJ5Qu3bcf?continueMode=true&_x_zm_rtaid=uZEPtpLqTzSuZ_Ooz5zxCw.1610833622566.46d0f8f2e2c0a3e21c7599bd645019c1&_x_zm_rhtaid=21

 

The survey link:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfsEKUaMlQcdw5Uze-KNVMtC6z83GIDZaLnzuW7TnlMoixoEw/viewform

 

The document shared in the presentation:

 

Some of this was shared from Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/groups/121835879824/permalink/10158327680609825/   

 

Some from the FPS Reopening Plan page  https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/returntoschoolplan/home?authuser=0

Original FM posting of the pool testing info (incomplete at the time)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/franklin-public-schools-jan-12-2021-re.html

Franklin Public Schools: COVID-19 Pool Testing Information

FM #433 School Comm Mtg - P1 of 2 - 01/12/21 (audio)

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Jan 12, 2021.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: some of the School Committee and Central Office personnel were in the Council Chambers, the remainder of the Committee was remote via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the three hour meeting into two logical segments:

• First - covers the opening through the K-1Survey Results review (approx 2 hour and 12 minutes)
• Second - picks up from the Superintendent's reopening status update at which point public comments on the K-1 and re-opening status through to the end of the public meeting as they entered Executive Session (not to return to public meeting) (approx 50 minutes)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to my notes. The meeting packet folder will hold the other documents released for the meeting.

Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting of Jan 12, 2021. 

 

Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HWpsbGJS

 

 

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Agenda doc
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-jan.html

Meeting packet folder
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/january-12-2021-school-committee-packet

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/school-committee-jan-12-2021-meeting.html

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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"  

 

FM #433 School Comm Mtg - P1 of 2 - 01/12/21 (audio)