Tuesday, February 9, 2021

Franklin Public Schools: Half Day - February 9, 2021

February, 9, 2021

Dear Franklin community,

The weather forecast is calling for light snow to begin this morning with heavier snow showers developing in the afternoon making dismissal difficult.

Therefore, we will hold school (both in-person/hybrid and remote) today, Tuesday, February 9, on a half day schedule. Schools will be dismissed as follows:

  • ECDC: 12:15 PM
  • Elementary Schools: 11:45 AM
  • Middle Schools:10:45 AM (10:50 AM at HMMS)
  • High Schools: 10:55 AM

Snow day decisions never please everyone. The rationale for a half day involves preserving in person learning wherever possible, as we know that this face to face time is of great value to our students. Throughout this winter season, we are keeping track of the impact of these decisions on our different cohorts and we will make adjustments, if we are able.

As always on snowy days, parents/guardians may exercise their discretion to keep their child home if they feel it is unsafe.

Stay safe and warm.


Kind regards,
Sara Ahern

Franklin Public Schools: Half Day  - February 9, 2021
Franklin Public Schools: Half Day  - February 9, 2021

 

Let’s Laugh Today is Free EVERY Wednesday at 7:30 PM on ZOOM!

Let’s Laugh Today is free on ZOOM! There is nothing like a good belly laugh to help release stress and anxiety. 

These laughter exercises and gentle deep breathing help to bring more fresh oxygen into the body and brain helping you feel more energetic and healthy. It's a great way to connect with other people through eye contact while remaining socially distant and it is thoroughly up-lifting and immunity-boosting! 

See www.letslaughtoday.com for link to the free 45 minute ZOOM Meeting EVERY Wednesday at 7:30 PM. All ages are welcome. 

You can sit or stand the entire time. It’s a good time to try something new and take care of your mental health! 

Led by local Certified Laughter Yoga Master Trainers and Laughter Ambassadors, Bill and Linda Hamaker. They are the HA Makers! Also see www.letslaughtoday.com for more opportunities to laugh!

Bill and Linda Hamaker, they are the HA Makers!
Bill and Linda Hamaker, they are the HA Makers!


"they came in day one understanding the value of each and every day"

In the Boston Globe "Girls Basketball Notebook" we find this to share:

"A year after finishing the season with a 24-0 record, Franklin followed that up with a perfect 10-0 mark this season.

“We were all clear on the goal of an undefeated season, and every practice and every game we went into it with the intention of achieving that goal,” junior catalyst Olivia Quinn said.

Coach John Leighton said he’s thoroughly impressed with the way the Panthers have kept it rolling despite losing lots of talent from last year’s squad.

“In many ways, having our run to the state championship last year cut short by COVID benefitted this team because they came in day one understanding the value of each and every day,” Leighton said. “They wasted no time and worked as if each day may be their last.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
 
"they came in day one understanding the value of each and every day"
"they came in day one understanding the value of each and every day"
 

Seested and Ayotte named Valedictorian and Salutatorian for the Tri-County RVTHS Class of 2021

The Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School District is pleased to announce the Valedictorian and Salutatorian for the Class of 2021. Vivienne Seested, of Franklin, has been named Valedictorian, and Gerard (Ace) Ayotte, III, of Seekonk, has been named Salutatorian.

Tri-County’s Valedictorian, Vivienne, is an Engineering Technology and Advanced Manufacturing student and maintains the highest cumulative GPA of 4.493. During her four years at Tri-County, Vivienne has participated in several extracurriculars, including NASA’s HUNCH Program and SkillsUSA. The Engineering Technology student won a Bronze medal for Additive Manufacturing and is a District Competition NASA HUNCH finalist.

Vivienne Seested
Vivienne Seested

Vivienne has acquired her 10 Hour OSHA Certification, MACWIC I Certification, and CPR Certification. She is committed to expanding her knowledge by pursuing her Autodesk Revit Architectural Drawing, SolidWorks CAD, HAAS CNC Machining certifications.

In addition to mastering rigorous academic classes, Vivienne joined the Volleyball team and participated in Varsity Track & Field. When she is off the field, she is experiencing first-hand what her career may consist of at her Co-op position at Dell.

Tri-County’s Salutatorian, Gerard (Ace) Ayotte, III, maintains a cumulative 4.439 GPA while having a demanding academic schedule, including Advanced Placement Calculus and Physics, Honors English and World History, and Dual Enrollment Spanish. Ace is an Automotive Technology student and enjoyed learning the mechanics of a car and how to repair automobiles. He wishes to apply what he has learned during his high school career at a four-year college by studying Mechanical Engineering or International Business. Ace has maintained his status on the honor roll for his high school career and is a National Honor Society member. 

Gerard (Ace) Ayotte, III
Gerard (Ace) Ayotte, III

In addition to being a dedicated student, Ace is a gifted athlete and has been captain of both the Football and Baseball teams. Being captain has helped him learn about leadership both on and off the field. He hopes to play college-level baseball next year. Ace dedicates time to his community through his volunteer work at St. Cecilia’s Church as a Food Pantry Volunteer and at Ken Ryan’s Baseball Academy as an Assistant Camp Counselor.

“It is a pleasure to recognize Vivienne and Ace as our two top graduating scholars. Their commitment to academic and vocational excellence exemplifies our Tri-County philosophy of working hard each day. Congratulations to Vivienne and Ace. We look forward to seeing what the future holds and wish them continued success in their future endeavors.” Stephen Dockray, Superintendent.

As Valedictorian and Salutatorian, Vivienne and Ace will lead the graduation procession and are scheduled to address their classmates at the Commencement Ceremony scheduled for Sunday, June 6, 2021.

 

Reminder: FHS Livestream Concerts - Feb 11 and Feb 12

The link for the Concert Hour performance on February 11 is:

The link for the Jazz Concert on February 12 is:



FHS Musicians: Livestream Concert - February 11
FHS Musicians: Livestream Concert - February 11

"the bolder the action the broader the benefits”

 
"BEN DOWNING, a former state senator from Western Massachusetts, on Monday launched a run for governor, laying out a liberal policy platform that aims to address inequality amid the recovery from COVID-19.  

With a slogan of building a “fairer, stronger Massachusetts,” Downing, a Democrat, said in an interview that he thinks Republican Gov. Charlie Baker “lacks the urgency needed” to tackle issues like transportation, climate change, education, and housing. Downing argued that a bolder plan will be necessary as the state returns to a new normal post-pandemic. “Normal isn’t good enough for working families. It’s not good enough for our black and brown neighbors,” he said."
Continue reading the article online  https://commonwealthmagazine.org/politics/former-state-senator-ben-downing-launches-gubernatorial-campaign/
 
 

“I often hear people say stimulus. This is about stability”

 

"CASH-STRAPPED MASSACHUSETTS residents may need to hold on for at least another month until help comes from Washington. US Rep. Richard Neal, appearing at a State House briefing Monday afternoon with Gov. Charlie Baker, said the next federal COVID-19 relief package is expected to pass the House “in the second or third week of March.”

Neal joined Gov. Charlie Baker at a State House Press conference on Monday afternoon, and outlined the details of what he calls the “stability” bill.  

“I often hear people say stimulus. This is about stability,” said Neal, emphasizing how crucial the legislation will be to struggling families. "
Continue reading the article online
 
 Gov Baker's press conference on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/esVcTQDBImA