Boston Globe: "Project Envoy supports Franklin restaurants, residents in need"

"Franklin restaurants and local people in need are both getting some community support during the pandemic as a result of a new initiative.

Through the Project Envoy campaign, residents are encouraged to patronize participating local restaurants — either through indoor dining or takeout meals. In turn, the restaurants are donating some of the proceeds from those sales to the Franklin Food Pantry.

A program of the Franklin Interfaith Council’s Food Security Team, Project Envoy began Feb. 1 and will continue through April 30. Organizers said the initiative is intended to provide a boost to local restaurants and to help families who have had difficulty meeting their food needs during COVID-19."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/02/24/metro/project-envoy-supports-franklin-restaurants-residents-need/

The March schedule of restaurants has been posted. April will be posted at the end of March.  Visit the Project Envoy page to view/download a copy of the calendar

https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/march-envoy-calendar/

Boston Globe: "Project Envoy supports Franklin restaurants, residents in need"

Sofia shares how the Franklin Food Pantry helps her

"Meet Sofia and hear how the Pantry has impacted her life:"

 Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/tSD22y6CV5

Note: Sofia's name and image have been changed to protect her identity.

A PDF copy of Sofia's story: https://t.co/noiYtk717g

You can visit the Food Pantry to make a contribution to help Sofia and more of our neighbors

https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/

Sofia shares how the Franklin Food Pantry helps her

Franklin High School Athletics: Winter Sports Season Summary

FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) tweeted on Tue, Feb 23, 2021:

"Another very successful winter season in the books. All teams had winning records... and 5 Hock Championships: Boys Ice, Girls Basketball (undefeated) Gymnastics (undefeated) Girls Swim (undefeated) Boys Swim (undefeated)!!! Congratulations athletes & coaches! #PantherPride"

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/FHSSports/status/1364285642390306822

 Winter Sports Season Summary

Pantherbook: "many students feel that the topic is ignored by the town’s residents"

"For anybody who hasn’t already seen Jame’s Fredrick’s video “A Roundtable Discussion of Racism in Franklin,” it’s definitely worth a watch.

The video documents a discussion organized by Diversity Awareness Club President Ndoumbe Ndoye and Town Council Member Cobi Frongillo, where many FHS students of color met together to share their experiences growing up in predominantly white Franklin. 

Students recounted times when they had been insulted or felt unwelcome in their community because of the color of their skin.

Students have experienced both overt racism, such as use of racial slurs and hate speech, and more casual and ingrained racism."

Learn more about the discussion that raised awareness of racism in Franklin here:
https://t.co/YoT0LceNcy

Direct link to the video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XwBOqz_e9Zs

Franklin Public Schools: Policy Sub Committee Meeting - Feb 25

Policy Sub Committee Meeting

Virtual Meeting (Link in agenda)  
Thursday, February 25, 2021 - 6:00 PM

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.”

I. Electronic Distribution of Approved Policies

1. BEDB - Order of Business

2. Policy Distribution Folder

II. Discussion of Policies sent to School Committee

A. None

III. Policy Revisions & New Policies - New Discussion Item

Agenda doc and connection information:  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/2.25.2021_policy_subcommittee_meeting_agenda.pdf

Franklin Public Schools: Policy Sub Committee Meeting - Feb 25

Rain barrel orders available - Water conservation rebates now available

"It's that time of year again! Spring is right around the corner and it's time to consider installing a rain barrel at your home. The Great American Rain Barrel Company is offering Franklin residents discounted barrels for just $69. Residents may then apply for a $50 water conservation rebate from the DPW for a total cost of only $19 (rebates are limited to two per household)! 

Order before midnight on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 and pick up at the DPW Admin Office (257 Fisher St, Franklin) on Wednesday, May 12, from 4-6 PM."

Click here for more information or to order: https://www.greatamericanrainbarrel.com/community/

How to apply for a water conservation rebate:

https://www.franklinma.gov/public-works/news/water-conservation-rebates-now-available

Shared from Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/931498886934582/posts/3903972679687173/

Rain barrel orders available

"Riley’s announcement got a mixed reception"

 

"TAKING DIRECT AIM at Massachusetts school districts and teachers unions that have been reluctant to return to in-person instruction, state education commissioner Jeff Riley said he wants to use state education regulations to push districts to bring students back to the classroom.

Riley said Tuesday that he wants to see elementary grade students back in school five days a week in April, with older grades possibly to follow after that.

Adopting a much more aggressive posture than state officials have taken in a debate that has divided the education community, Riley said he’ll seek authorization to deem remote instruction not eligible to be counted toward state-required “structured learning time” hours. The proposal, unveiled Tuesday morning to the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, would give Riley leverage in pushing districts back into in-person classes, something he, Education Secretary Jim Peyser, and Gov. Charlie Baker have been urging more schools to do for months. "

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/education/state-looking-to-force-school-reopenings/

 

Gov Baker's Press Conference video = https://youtu.be/r1_cncW2Tqo