Live reporting - Strategic Planning Steering Committee

• Strategic Planning Steering Committee

R A Gosh
R Danough
S Rohrbach
A Crean
J Bassignati
S Sherlock
P Sweeney

total of 15 with 9 committed thus far, others in process of confirming

to start in November

(will check spelling of names later)

sample field house advertising banner size

sample banner size for advertising in the Franklin High School field house

this banner is 3' x 5', the proposed size would be 4' x 6'

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Live reporting - field house advertising approved

• Advertising in the Field House

Brad Sidwell, Athletic Director

The 3 x 5 in the committee meeting is smaller than the 4 x 6 that would be used.
Hung from the ceiling in the field house

Approx 40,000 as a rough estimate would view the banners amongst the visitors for basketball, volleyball, indoor track and the multiple other events that are held there.

Discussion on inclusion the phone number on the banner, would you loose opportunity if you exclude it?

Banner approval including the School Committee chair, to view how it works during the early days, should have a good view on it before it goes up, likely not necessarily to be done long term

Want to be flexible with minimum three months with the year a preferred period. Rates adjust downward to cover the three months.

We can reach out to the Downtown Partnership, the Chamber of Commerce, etc.

During the subcommittee meetings, we discussed that we would use the revenue to offset the costs of athletics. Should we consider putting this into a general revenue account or just for sports?

Policy KCD does not apply here as this is selling a service. The use of the revenues to supplant the budget could come under KCD if the advertiser would like to designate how the funds were to be used. By having the school committee dictate the fund allocation, we avoid the issue of the conflict with policy KCD.

The 6 month pilot would expire in early April just about budget time. The pilot would provide input to the policy and budget committee for how we would do the future.

Motion to accept recommendation of subcommittee, removing the phone number prohibition, and restricting a single advertiser to 2 banners.

Approved 6 - 0

Live reporting - discussion only items

3. Discussion Only Items

• Budget to Actual - no questions

• Discussion of Superintendent Candidacy

Roy - I will wholeheartedly endorse your candidacy. I am glad we can say that we helped to grow from within the district. Why take taxpayer dollars and go out with a nationwide search and possibly end up with as fine a candidate that we have.

Armenio - You have been here many years and over your multiple roles have grown with the district. Why not earlier? Wayne has been your mentor and groomed you for this. The times have changed. This is not the district that it was a few years ago.

Cafasso - While there has been scholastic progress, there are other problems to be faced, re-districting amongst them. Need to have someone who understands the community and the staff to help us tackle these challenges.

Mullen - I also endorse Maureen for this role. Her sense of Franklin and how much she enjoyed having her kids go through the system. Her work ethic is tremendous.

Rohrbach - not to be repetitive but I will endorse your candidacy. You have a broad knowledge of the district, the students, the community. We may not be able to get "good to great" right now but there are pockets where we can still make progress.

Trahan - Being the last in the line, not a whole lot more to add.

Motion - to enter into negotiations with Maureen Sabolinski to be the next Superintedent of the Franklin Public School District

Aproved 6 - 0

Live reporting - Horace Mann binder program

Dr Anne Bergen, Horace Mann Principal; Chandler Creedon, Guidence Counselor; Jess (student)

The binder program is being piloted. It developed from an observed problem with time management, task management, approached targeting the special ed students first, then determined that this could go across all the students, presented to the PCC to gain their input. Color coded for similar subject matter across the grades. Consistency strived for. They trained a core group of students over the summer in the use to help share the training with the other students as they came in September.

Jess - a place for everything, easy to find for each class, comes with a homework pad, do the homework and then put it into the folder. Con - breaks really easily. Rings would brake open. Top and bottom would wear. Some of the folders would tear (need reinforcements for the holes). Focus group held to get feedback on the overall concept and actual experience. Durability needs to be worked on.

Dr Anne Bergen - a team of 8th graders putting together a binder workgroup

Chandler Creedon - the team will use duct tape in colors to match the folders to reinforce the edges and then hole punch to make the folders more sturdy

Live reporting - School Committee 10/28/08

Attending: Armenio, Cafasso, Mullen, Roy, Rohrbach, Trahan
Not attending: Kelly


1. Routine Business

• Citizen’s Comments - none
  

• Review of Agenda - add discussion of space needs for modular units
  

• Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the October 14, 2008 School Committee Meeting. Approved 6 - 0
  

• Payment of Bills Mr. Kelly
• Payroll Ms. Armenio
• FHS Student Representatives

Sat 11/29/08 - Jr Miss Performance at Horace Mann

School Committee Agenda - 10/28/08

1. Routine Business

• Citizen’s Comments
• Review of Agenda
• Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the October 14, 2008 School Committee Meeting.
• Payment of Bills Mr. Kelly
• Payroll Ms. Armenio
• FHS Student Representatives

Correspondence

• Letter from Chandler Creedon, Jr. to open negotiations with the Cafeteria Association.
• Letter from Chandler Creedon, Jr. to open negotiations with the Van Drivers Association.
• Memo from Linda Waters regarding Transportation Pilot Program.
• Letter from NEASC to Pam Gould regarding FHS.

2. Guests/Presentations

• Horace Mann Binder Program

3. Discussion Only Items

• Budget to Actual
• Discussion of Superintendent Candidacy
• Advertising in the Field House
• Strategic Planning Steering Committee

4. Action Items

• Take action on Superintendent Candidacy.
• I recommend budget transfers as detailed in the attached documentation.
• I recommend approval of the request of the BICO Board of Directors to amend the preamble of the existing agreement of the BICO Collaborative to include the School Committee of the Town of Norton, MA.
• I recommend acceptance of the annual donation of dictionaries for all third grade students from the Franklin Lodge of Elks No. 2136 in partnership with the MA Elks Association, Inc.
• I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000.00 from the Oak Street PCC for a 3rd grade field trip to Plimoth Plantation.
• I recommend acceptance of a check for $258.76 from the Target Take Charge of Education Program to defer the costs of a 7th grade field trip to the Krista McAuliffe Space Exploration Center for Annie Sullivan Middle School students.
• I recommend approval of the sale of banner advertising space in the FHS Field House with all proceeds to be used in support of the FHS Athletic Program.
• I recommend entering into contract negotiations with the Cafeteria Workers Association.
• I recommend entering into contract negotiations with the Van Drivers Association.
• I recommend appointment of the Strategic Planning Steering Committee as noted during the Discussion portion of this meeting.

5. Information Matters

• Superintendent’s Report

a. NEASC Update
b. Field House Advertising
c. Poland Springs Water

• 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

feral cat video

Shelter Me has posted a video created by Ricky Ferreira who interviewed Dottie Luff to get the latest on the "famous" feral cats of Highwood Condo here in Franklin.

View the video here

In the News: Special Ed, more feral cats

By Aaron Wasserman/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Oct 26, 2008 @ 10:54 PM

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The number of schools not meeting the state's achievement standards under federal No Child Left Behind regulations is quickly mounting.

Forty-seven schools across MetroWest and the Milford area were designated as at least needing improvement as a result of 2008 test scores, including ones in districts often considered to be of high quality, such as Natick, Westborough and Franklin. Half of all schools statewide received such a label.

State education officials say they are not surprised the number of schools needing improvement is swelling - up by 156 to 828 total this year - because of the ambitious goals set under No Child Left Behind. The law requires all students reach at least proficiency by 2014 on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System tests.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

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By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Oct 26, 2008 @ 10:44 PM

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FRANKLIN —

Animal rights group intervening with feral cats

By Joyce Kelly

DAILY NEWS STAFF

FRANKLIN - Franklin's Animal Control will start a trap, neuter/spay, release program for feral cats at Highwood Condominiums today, according to the head of an animal rescue society intervening with the situation.

The trapped kitten and cats will go to the Purr-fect Cat Shelter in Medway for evaluation, said Stacy LeBaron, president of the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society of Salisbury.

The board of trustees for Highwood I, the section of Highwood where the cats live and roam, had voted to trap and kill the cats, but agreed to halt the plan and discuss an alternative when a resident and LeBaron intervened earlier this month.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

indoor barn sale 10/26/08

the sign says it all

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Now open for business - Andro's Pizza

Yes, Andro's Pizza is now open for business.

Well, not at this very moment when I am taking this photo. It is too early this Sunday morning for pizza.

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In the news - Brick, ghosts, and cats

Franklin nears deal for use of closed Red Brick building

By Rachel Lebeaux Correspondent / October 26, 2008

The town of Franklin is negotiating with Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School on a lease of the historic Red Brick School building to run through next June, and possibly beyond.

Read the full article in the Boston Globe here

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Area has ghost stories aplenty dating back hundreds of years

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Oct 26, 2008 @ 12:06 AM

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Forget Salem or New Orleans. If you live in MetroWest, you probably don't have to go any further than your local library, town hall, or neighborhood for a good old-fashioned haunting.

Tales of the spirits of innkeepers, Native Americans, accused witches, librarians and servants, even a monster - the Dover Demon - abound right in your backyard.

The area's rich history, particularly its entrenchment in King Philip's War, makes old homes, buildings and entire sections of towns - such as South Natick - ripe for ghostly activity, some say.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

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Communities face tough choice on feral cats

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Oct 25, 2008 @ 11:39 PM

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Animal control officers in the area seem to agree the solution to feral cats - common in most communities - is the trap, neuter/spay and release program advocated by animal rights groups.

Dealing with the situation properly is more important now than ever, as the economic crisis has left many more cats and dogs abandoned and facing a cold winter, say area animal control officers.

An animal rescue organization from Salisbury is trying to save a colony of feral cats living in the woods near Franklin's Highwood Condominiums, the management of which plans to trap and kill them. The Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society, a nonprofit volunteer organization, promotes no-kill programs for feral cats.

Stacy LeBaron, president of the group, has said she believes it's possible to have a successful feral cat colony by using the trap, neuter/spay and release process.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

Open House Saturdays and Sundays, 11AM – 3PM

For the Franklin Center Commons:

This condominium building consists of 27 single-level-living condominiums with wonderful amenities. Newly revitalized location offers walk to train, banks, post office, restaurants, shops, and only 45 minutes to Boston. Perfect for commuter, first time home buyers or downsizers. Franklin has just recently added the New GATRA bus service for easy access to shopping, senior center, etc.

If you can't make it to the open house, click through to the web site to take a virtual tour of their model.

Autumn color

the waves of color are flowing through this tree.

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Police, Fire department contracts close?

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Oct 24, 2008 @ 11:32 PM

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FRANKLIN —

The town is still hammering out a police contract with its police union hoping to nail it down in coming weeks.

The Franklin Police Association's contract expired more than a year ago, on June 30, 2007, according to Stephanie McNeil, human resources director for the town.

She expects the police union to sign a contract next week, she said, noting it is not the town delaying the process.

"The pen is in their hands," she said, refusing to comment further.

John Maloney, president of the police union, said he hopes everything will be resolved by next Friday.

"We had hoped to be done sooner," he said, preferring to keep quiet about what has stalled negotiations.

"A few things came up and helped move things along. It definitely has not gone smoothly, that's for sure," Maloney said.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

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By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Oct 24, 2008 @ 11:29 PM

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FRANKLIN —

Firefighters have been working without a contract since it expired more that a year ago, but unlike the police union, which is aiming to sign a contract by the end of next week, firefighters may have a long way to go.

Stephanie McNeil, human resources director for the town, declined to comment about the situation, as negotiations are ongoing but said that the town has been waiting to hear from union representatives.

McNeil and Town Administrator Jeffrey D. Nutting plan to continue contract negotiations with the firefighters' union next week, she said.

Fire Chief Gary McCarraher said he cannot comment on the ongoing talks.

Nutting could not be reached for comment.

Multiple calls to union representatives were not returned this week.

The contract for Franklin Permanent Firefighters Association, Local 2637, which expired on June 30, 2007, gives firefighters retention of their Civil Service rights, and requires all promotions within the department be made as a result of competitive examination and granted by the Division of Civil Service.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

"How Can I Become Part of this ReadWriteWeb Revolution?"

In our continuing series on Web 2.0, the K12 Online Conference is underway. The video clip here is one of the two keynote addresses that opened the conference. It is being conducted virtually, that is, totally online.

The keynote presenters in this clip are all from Maine. They creatively used Flip cameras to video their conversation to share with the world.

Note: this presentation is geared for teachers and urges them to get involved in the ReadWriteWeb Revolution, but you can put yourself in this position too! How are you going to continue learning to keep up with the changes in this world?

The steps they outline are easy enough to pick up and use. The online tools are mostly free. Digital cameras or camera phones are reasonably priced. The bar for entry is set low. All you need is desire.




Click through to the web site for the conference to find additional information (i.e links) for the tools and articles they referenced.

Enjoy!

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Why put this here?

There is great potential in expanding learning at a very reasonable cost (small dollars if not free) with the Web 2.0 tools. With an economic future like schools in MA in particular have facing them, this is an avenue to consider.

Franklin Line Schedule Changes 10/27/08

They are adjusting the schedule to "ease congestion" and to "accommodate the recent Amtrak schedule changes".

The MBTA apologizes for the "late notification".

The changes go into effect on Monday 10/27/08. The changes will be available on the MBTA schedule page on Monday. In the meantime, you should know that:

1 - what was known as the 4:10 PM train (#715) will leave South Station at 3:55 PM (15 minutes early)
2 - what was known as the 4:30 PM train (#799) will leave South Station at 4:30 but terminate at Readville running via the Dorchester Branch.
3 - a new train (#717) will leave South Station at 4:20 PM and make stops at Back Bay, Ruggles, Hyde Park, Readville, Dedham Corp, Norwood Depot, Norwood Central, Windsor Gardens, Walpole, Norfolk, Franklin/Dean and Forge Park/495.

A PDF of the changes is available on the MBTA website here

Really?

I have heard of stone soup but this takes the stone to a new level. Or has McDonald's bailed out Prudential and is now looking to expand their market as "The Rock"?


Note: Actually the sign is needed to tell those coming off I495 to turn on to RT 140 and find McDonald's about a half mile down the road. It is about time the sign came up. There must have been a few motorists complaining about having to travel at least 1.5 miles off the road to get to McDonald's. The distance would feel much longer without some confirmation as to where you really should be going.

"the right and humane thing to do"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Oct 20, 2008 @ 11:35 PM

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FRANKLIN —

An animal rescue organization from Salisbury is trying to save a colony of feral cats living in the woods near Highwood Condominiums whose management plans to trap and kill them.

Stacy LeBaron, president of the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society, said she and a Highwood resident met with management last week and are negotiating an alternative to the board of trustees' plan.

"It's a work in progress. They haven't agreed to back down, but they aren't doing anything as we gather more information (from Purr-fect Cat Shelter). We're hoping to try to get people talking and brainstorming and get solutions," LeBaron said.

The society, a statewide, nonprofit volunteer organization that provides free services and promotes no-kill programs for feral cats (www.mrfrs.org), will offer Purr-fect Cat Shelter help and resources, she said.

"I do believe it's possible to have a successful feral cat colony" by using the trap, neuter/spay, release process, said LeBaron.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

Autumn color

This neighborhood tree shows it range of color.



Enjoy!