Tuesday, May 13, 2008

New Committee to develop 5 Yr Projections (audio)

From the Franklin Town Council meeting 5/7/08, Chairman Chris Feeley introduces as new business a motion to create a new committee of 2 Finance Committee, 2 School Committee and 3 Town Councilors to develop a 5 year projection. There is some discussion amongst the council and I suggest to add 2 additional members to represent the Town folks to bring them into the process to help build some trust in the numbers.

Time: 6 minutes, 4 seconds



MP3 File

Monday, May 12, 2008

Franklin School Committee Meeting 5/13/08 - 7:00 P.M.

AGENDA

Call to order Mr. Roy

Pledge of Allegiance

Moment of Silence

1. Routine Business

· Citizen’s Comments

· Review of Agenda

· Minutes:

I recommend approval of the minutes from the April 29, 2008 School Committee Meeting.

· Payment of Bills Mr. Kelly

· Payroll Ms. Armenio

· FHS Student Representatives

· Correspondence:

1. Budget to Actual

2. Letter from Peter Faenza

3. Letter from Rose Solbo

2. Guests/Presentations:

a. Signing of FEA Contract

b. ELL Update

c. Keller BC State Science Poetry Winner

3. Discussion Only Items

· Pay-to-Ride Program 2008-09

4. Action Items:

1. I recommend acceptance of a check for $260.00 from Morrison Communications for the Franklin High School as commission for their logo appearing on the FHS Athletic Schedule.

2. I recommend acceptance of a check for $4,306.50 from the Parmenter PCC for the following field trips:

1. Grade 3 – Plimoth Plantation

2. Grade 4 – Museum of Science

3. Grade 5 – Freedom Trail

3. recommend acceptance of a check for $475.00 from the Keller PCC for the Kindergarten field trip to Southwick Zoo.

4. I recommend approval of the Horace Mann 7th graders to travel to Roger Williams Park in Providence, RI on June 3rd and 4th.

5. Information Matters:

· Superintendent’s Report

a. Enrollment Comparisons for April

b. 2008-2009 School Committee Schedule – Draft

c. Reduction in Force

d. Letter from Congressman James McGovern regarding Medicaid Reimbursement

· School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

· School Committee Liaison Reports

6. New Business:

· To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.

7. Executive Session

· Contractual Negotiations

8. Adjourn

it's been an emotional and financial challenge

GHS
Posted May 11, 2008 @ 09:58 PM
Last update May 11, 2008 @ 10:55 PM

When Joe and Kelly Hurley's two boys were babies, the Franklin couple brought them to the pediatrician for standard shots. Like good parents, they were trying to protect their kids from whooping cough and tetanus.

Both boys suffered bad reactions to the vaccines, coming down with 104-degree fevers and rashes with ballooned cheeks, Kelly Hurley says. Now 9 and 10, one has moderate autism; the other has a non-verbal learning disorder.

Today, the family has its eye on Washington, where a federal court takes up a hot theory in the autistic community, and one the Hurleys believe: a mercury-based preservative in vaccines can trigger the developmental disorder.


there's so much need out there

GHS
Posted May 11, 2008 @ 09:35 PM

FRANKLIN —

Before the new senior center opened, there was one segment of the town's senior population that was getting left out: Elders who are homebound, isolated, frail or experiencing cognitive difficulties.

But that's all changing now that the Council on Aging has been able to expand in the ample new space off Oak Street, and also thanks to two grants from the Metrowest Community Healthcare Foundation and the state Executive Office of Elder Affairs totaling $34,000.

The Council on Aging is now offering an adult supportive day care program for seniors who might otherwise remain at homes or may be candidates for nursing-home care.

"The response has been really overwhelming," said COA Director Karen Alves. "And I think it's because there's so much need out there."

Read the full story in the Milford Daily News here.


Sunday, May 11, 2008

"never become engrossed with the size of your wallet, but rather the size of your heart"

Milford Daily News
Posted May 10, 2008 @ 11:31 PM

FRANKLIN —

Calling it the most "amazing and frightening day of our lives,'' Dean College graduate Jennifer Carr dared the Class of 2008 to keep dreaming during Saturday's commencement.
"Never try to be perfect ... and never become engrossed with the size of your wallet, but rather the size of your heart,'' said Carr, who received a bachelor's of arts degree in dance.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here.


"To receive an award for something that you do every day and that you enjoy doing just doesn't make sense"

Deborah Pellegri, Franklin Town Clerk, was quoted in the Milford Daily News as part of the article on the state recognition for "unsung heroines":

"To receive an award for something that you do every day and that you enjoy doing just doesn't make sense,'' said Pellegri, who helped to raise money for the town's statue of Benjamin Franklin.
Pellegri, who also planned the town's yearly Fourth of July activities for years, said she is excited to go to the State House for the ceremony.
"My husband and I are going to hop on the train and we'll scoot into the State House for day,'' she said.

Read the full article in the Daily News here.



"I think you can say things constructively"

"I think you can say things constructively, without the negativity," she said. "You can say 'win this,' not 'don't lose this.' It's just your wording, and I think that you can send your message positively."
This just might have something to do with the wining record for the Franklin High School Girls Softball team. The quote is from Lindsey Garfield, in her first year as coach.

Read the full article in today's Boston Globe here.