Franklin Matters

Friday, June 6, 2008

"turn them on to doing something positive"

By Jeff Ghiringhelli/Daily News correspondent

GHS

Posted Jun 06, 2008 @ 12:21 AM

FRANKLIN —

Based on the results of the most recent youth risk survey for students in grades 7-12, the town has decided to reestablish the Community Health Council.

In its first meeting last night, a committee of school administrators, police officers and students discussed strategies for the upcoming year.

The survey asks students about drug and alcohol use, among other risky behaviors, and was last administered in fall 2006, with alcohol use being the most noticeable problem found.

In the past, the council had the mission to protect and provide programs for youth in Franklin.

"The major focus was on youth," said Mardi Donovan, health director for the schools. "But the council also focused on the community as a whole."

While the previous council acted as more of an advisory committee, the new version hopes to bring more action to the table.

Read the full story in the Milford Daily News here.

The MetroWest Survey was presented to the School Committee

"I want to get people energized"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Jun 06, 2008 @ 12:48 AM

FRANKLIN —

Not willing to accept the loss of 17 teachers, chorus and 24 courses at Franklin High School, students have launched an online campaign on Facebook to rally behind a $2.8 million tax override.

They have shed tears over the prospect of losing their favorite teachers and classes - particularly the music program - opined about their constitutional right to pursue happiness, held pro-override signs, and argued the merits of passing two consecutive overrides.

Last year, Franklin voters approved a $2.7 million override to prevent massive layoffs, though the School Department's budget was still insufficient to avoid handing out some pink slips, school officials have said.

At least 158 people, mostly high school students and recent graduates, have signed on as members of Vote Override: Save FHS, 75 of whom have committed to vote for the override on Tuesday, said group administrator Maxwell Morrongiello.

Read the full story in the Milford Daily News here

"I'm not letting it go without a fight"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Jun 06, 2008 @ 01:10 AM

FRANKLIN —

A number of students who are too young to vote for a Proposition 2 1/2 tax override on Tuesday say they are the ones who will most keenly feel its effects and have vowed "not to let go without a fight."

On Facebook, a social networking Web site, they have found a voice by teaming up with many older students who have promised to vote for the override. A number of students have logged on to the Vote Override: Save FHS Web page, where they advocate for their schools, encourage voting and plan protests.

Without the override, they say they stand to lose teachers who have motivated and inspired them, as well as courses they believe are necessary to gain admission to prestigious colleges or specific college programs, and classes they simply love, such as chorus.

Julia Buettner, who will be a junior at Franklin High School next year, is not old enough to vote, but certainly would vote yes if she could, she said, explaining that if it fails, she can't take chorus next year.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

Thursday, June 5, 2008

"It's for the children, it's for the families."

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Jun 05, 2008 @ 12:45 AM

FRANKLIN —

At the Garelick Early Learning Center, preschoolers, their parents and teachers are happier than ever thanks to improvements made possible by an early education grant, said Child Care Director Mary Varr yesterday.

"The children are happy, their parents are happy. Our parent survey results are phenomenal: We had an 85 percent return on surveys vs. the usual 20, 25 percent" before the center received its universal pre-kindergarten grant, she said.

With the $26,000 grant, Varr was able to subscribe to a Web site that guides curriculum and assists with assessments, purchase a laptop computer for teachers, and get equipment and supplies for the program, she said.

Yesterday, early childhood education proponents gathered at the Garelick center to speak about the need for voluntary, universal pre-kindergarten and other early education reform in Massachusetts.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

"would need to figure a way to balance the budget"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Jun 05, 2008 @ 12:38 AM

FRANKLIN —

Town Council last night unanimously voted to consolidate the town and school maintenance functions, a $5.5 million account takeover pending approval by the School Committee.

Councilors Joseph McGann and Thomas Doak were absent from the meeting.

Custodians and groundskeepers have spoken against the move, while Town Administrator Jeffrey D. Nutting and councilors have advocated for it, believing it will create greater efficiencies and make a good system better.

Nutting said he hopes to finish a draft memorandum of understanding with Superintendent of Schools Wayne Ogden today. In order for the merger to be legal, the School Committee, which meets Tuesday, must vote to adopt the resolution, Nutting said.

Prior to voting, Councilor Shannon Zollo asked about possible legal repercussions of the School Committee rejecting the consolidation after the council approves it.

Note: Councilor Scott Mason also missed last night's meeting, leaving only 6 in attendance which is 2/3 majority and sufficient for enacting resolutions that are legal.

Read the remainder of the story here in the Milford Daily News.

Listen to this section of the meeting to hear what happened here