Live reporting - Latin recognitions

2. Guests/Presentations
a. FHS Latin Exam Certificates

Three FHS Latin teachers assisted SchCom Chair Jeff Roy in presenting the certificates


b. FHS Jr. Classical League State Latin Convention Certificates

c. Pawtucket Red Sox – Significantly Improved Students (FHS)



Franklin, MA

Live reporting - School Committee Meeting

Present: Douglas, Cafasso, Rohrbach, Mullen, Roy, Trahan, Glynn
Absent: none

1. Routine Business

Citizen’s Comments - none
Review of Agenda - no adjustments
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the Open and Executive Sessions of the May 11, 2010 School Committee Meeting and the Executive Session minutes of the April 27, 2010 School Committee meeting.  motion to approve, passed 7-0
Payment of Bills  - Mr. Glynn   motion to approve, passed 7-0
Payroll - Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence:

1. Letter from Mrs. Bullers

2. Letter from Mrs. Jacoby

3. Letter from Mrs. Juszczyszyn

4. Letter from Mrs. LaRoche

5. Letter from Mrs. Lipson

6. Letter from Mrs. Masters

Franklin, MA

Town Council - 4th of July Committee report

4th of July cost for the 4-5 days is between $80,000 - $100,000.
$50,000 is generally seed money to get started, without that nugget commitment for the next year is a problem.
An annual mailing is planned for the fund raising for this event.

At the fire works, Franklin residents will be waved through to park, those without stickers, i.e. non-residents would be asked for a dollar contribution.

The soda booth has been taken over by the committee to generate some revenue for the event.

The committee is looking for more help to run the event.

New food booths will be out on the Town Common. The prior ones were too old and worn to continue with this year. The others were 'hand me downs' from other sites and reused.

They could do a '50/50' but would need to pull a permit.

The committee is looking to have the Town waive the permit fees for the 4th of July event.
This will come up for a vote at a future Council meeting.


Contributions for this cause can be made to

• Franklin 4th of July Coalition
• PO Box 152 
• Franklin, MA 02038

The web site can be found here:
http://july4thfranklinma.com/

Town Council - Recycling Committee Report

Reported on via the on-demand video from the Council meeting of 5/19/10
http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewIndexSessionSL.aspx?ecm=634104006582854787&indexSessionSKU=LipBejLy3Ekw0Fr8MHD//g%3D%3D&siteSKU=L7qhQ46xin/r3Z0jcDVCNw%3D%3D

Original goals:
Increase curbside recycling
100% recycling in schools
Recycling on Town Common/Fields
Investigate automated trash system

Increase curbside recycling increase by 3.6% (goal was to increase 2%)
Recycling increase on common and fields but work remains to be done

Need to keep oversight on automated trash process to ensure recycling increases

Both trash and recycling have a fixed cost for the pickup
The more recycling we save on the cost to burn the trash (i.e. less trash).

Recommendations
1 - subcommittee to do an annual review of solid waste (due to contract dependence upon recycling rates)
2 - follow up on indoor facilities to ensure recycling on what should be recycled is being done at Town facilities (schools, etc.)
3 - continue to work on public spaces (Town Common and fields)
4 - Beaver St, to maximize breakdown of refrigerators into resalable items

Recycling charter committee expires on June 30, 2010


Franklin, MA

Franklin Facts: High performing school district

High performing school district: Franklin has always been a community with high expectations for its schools – in academics, in athletics, in the arts and in community service. Our focus on the classroom delivers a consistently high‐performing school district. Students and parents here have enjoyed a high return with minimal investment. Our children face an increasingly competitive and demanding world. We must continue to invest in their future.

-------------


The special election on June 8th gives Franklin voters the choice:

• Increase taxes to continue to provide the services we have this year (and that does not restore any of the services already cut) 

Or

• Continue to cut municipal services for all and cut educational opportunities for our children

I'll help to provide the information. You need to do two things:

1. Make your choice
2. Vote on June 8th

You get bonus points if you talk with your neighbors about this and get them to vote!


Additional information on the override can be found here:
http://investinfranklin.weebly.com/index.html

http://franklinschoolcommittee.wordpress.com/override-page/

http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/05/budget-override-collection-fy-2011.html



Franklin, MA

"It's an investment not just in our town, but in our kids"

In a forum to discuss the town's finances and the June 8 override vote, some residents asked what the cuts will really mean if a Proposition 2 1/2 tax override is not passed.

"It's cutting down to the bone. If the override fails, the (harm) will start (to show). If we want the (standards) to be maintained, we're going to have to invest more," said Town Councilor Shannon Zollo.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here:
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x88774700/Case-made-for-Franklin-tax-override


Franklin, MA

Charles River Watershed Assoc - Live broadcast

The live broadcast of the presentation and discussion began at 7:00 PM and ended a little after 8:00 PM. Unfortunately due to some technical difficulty, it is not available for rebroadcast.

Free live streaming by Ustream


Franklin, MA

follow the money

Remember that today you get to make a choice between water and money

1 - The open forum on the Franklin override vote for $3 million dollars will be held at the Horace Mann/Thomas Mercer Auditorium at 7:00 PM. Members of Town Council, and School Committee amongst others will be available for questions and discussion on the budget details.

2 - Also that same night at the same time in the Council Chambers on the 2nd floor of the Municipal Bldg, the Charles River Watershed Association will make a presentation on a storm water management plan to reduce phosphorus from the Spruce Pond Brook sub-basin.

As much as water is important, I had planned to "follow the money".
I just received an email that the cable folks are broadcasting the Town Forum at Horace Mann and I have been asked to broadcast the CRWA presentation at the Council Chambers. I really would like to be part of the Horace Mann discussion but Franklin would benefit more from having both available.

Stay tuned for a live broadcast of the CRWA presentation!


Franklin, MA

Franklin Facts: tax burden

Tax burden: Your property taxes fund less than half the Town budget – the rest comes from state aid and other sources. Our tax burden, defined as average property tax bill divided by median family income, ranks 26th out of 30 comparable towns. This means that in only four of those 30 peer towns do the residents contribute less of their income in the form of property taxes to support their town than do the residents of Franklin.

---------------

The special election on June 8th gives Franklin voters the choice:

• Increase taxes to continue to provide the services we have this year (and that does not restore any of the services already cut) 

Or

• Continue to cut municipal services for all and cut educational opportunities for our children

I'll help to provide the information. You need to do two things:

1. Make your choice
2. Vote on June 8th

You get bonus points if you talk with your neighbors about this and get them to vote!



Additional information on the override can be found here:
http://investinfranklin.weebly.com/index.html

http://franklinschoolcommittee.wordpress.com/override-page/

http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/05/budget-override-collection-fy-2011.html


Franklin, MA

HMEA: 5K, Walk and Family Fun day!

HMEA held their 9th Annual Independence 5K Run/Walk in the Park on the ground of EMC in Franklin on Sunday, May 23. 297 runners completed the 5K and hundreds of walkers came out for the event where the sun gradually brought thought the clouds.


Many volunteers came out early to set up for the family fun day. The mysterious Mr Cone Head Man even made an appearance:

Once the set up was complete the volunteers were busy distributing race day packages and t-shirts. The opening ceremonies were held on the main field then everyone moved out to the balloon arch for the start of the 5K and walk. Gene Lavanchy was master of ceremonies:

After the race and walk finished, the clouds looked like they were going to rain on the festivities. Franklin Fire Dept's Tower 1 unit was sent up to check out the situation.

Many kids were attracted to the fire truck as it reached great heights. They lined up to get a view from the tower platform when the unit returned to ground level.

The kids race on the field awarded lollipops to the finishers. Soon the full set of 5K Race age category winners were announced.

WalMart presented a donation. Derek Bergeron of the Plainville Redemption Center program was recognized as the winner of this year’s Kelly Mendall Spirit award.

All those who participated in Franklin on Sunday had a great day. Why?

"We believe in the power of dreams and not the limitations of disability."

If you have not made a contribution to HMEA yet, there is plenty of time.


If you'd like to contribute as part of my fund raising, follow this link:  http://www.firstgiving.com/stephensherlock



Or go directly to the HMEA website here HMEA.org.




Franklin, MA

In the News - forum, teenangels

Franklin forum tonight will focus on override

by Ashley Studley/Daily News staff

Franklin anti-bullying group to visit Washington, D.C.

by Ashley Studley/Daily News staff



Franklin, MA

Franklin, MA: the choice we have

There is a lot of good information in this presentation.

Of particular interest:

Slide 6 - which compares the student population and the number of teachers. This means class size will increase. This means children will get less direct and personal attention from the one person in the classroom that should be providing it. We have already seen a decline in some areas of the student population on the MCAS results. Those student populations are the early warning signs. We can either listen to the "canary in the mine" or ignore it and suffer the consequences.

Slide 9 - which shows the growth of the special education funding as a percent of the over all school budget. Bill Glynn raised this point in his essay on Friday.

Slides 10-15 - which cover aspects of the educational programs that have been cut over the years to make ends meet. This is how I got involved in reporting and sharing information here. My daughters were fortunate to graduate from FHS in 2004 and 2006. While there were changes in what was available to them during their time in the school system, the changes since then are more drastic. The education kids in the Franklin schools are getting today is NOT what my daughters got just a few years ago.

The special election on June 8th gives Franklin voters the choice:

• Increase taxes to continue to provide the services we have this year (and that does not restore any of the services already cut). 

Or

• Continue to cut municipal services for all and cut educational opportunities for our children.

I'll help to provide the information. You need to do two things:

1. Make your choice
2. Vote on June 8th

You get bonus points if you talk with your neighbors about this and get them to vote!

Override presentation

View more webinars from jeffroy.

Note: updated with audio to accompany the slides

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me. I'll make time to review what I know to help you.

Franklin, MA

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - 5/25/10

1. Routine Business

Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the Open and Executive Sessions of the May 11, 2010 School Committee Meeting and the Executive Session minutes of the April 27, 2010 School Committee meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Glynn
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence:

1. Letter from Mrs. Bullers

2. Letter from Mrs. Jacoby

3. Letter from Mrs. Juszczyszyn

4. Letter from Mrs. LaRoche

5. Letter from Mrs. Lipson

6. Letter from Mrs. Masters

2. Guests/Presentations
a. FHS Latin Exam Certificates
b. FHS Jr. Classical League State Latin Convention Certificates
c. Pawtucket Red Sox – Significantly Improved Students (FHS)
d. FY2011 Budget Hearing

3. Discussion Only Items
Second Reading – Policy JJFG Disposition of Student Activity Account
Budget to Actual / Transfers
MASC Regional Meeting / Proposed Reductions to full day Kindergarten Grant

4. Action Items
a. I recommend adoption of Policy JJFG Disposition of Student Activity Account.
b. I recommend budget transfers as detailed.
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $125.00 from the Kennedy PCC for a nurse for the field trip to Southwick Zoo on May 27, 2010.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $500.00 from the Kennedy PCC for buses for the field trip to Southwick Zoo on May 27, 2010.
e. I recommend acceptance of the donation of a set of basketball hoops from the Recreation Department.
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $100.00 from Patricia M. Bishop (Class of 1960) for a FHS Scholarship.
g. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1000.00 from James M. Betts for a FHS Scholarship.
h. I recommend acceptance of four checks ($2500.00) from the Guidrey Family for FHS Scholarships

1. Philip & Jennifer Guidrey $500.00

2. Alan Guidrey $500.00

3. Janet Guidrey $500.00

4. Nancy Lovely $1000.00

i. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1250.00 from the FHS PCC for large screen projectors for Class Day and Graduation.
j. I recommend approval of the FHS trip for four students to compete in the National Jr. Classical League State Convention at the University of North Dakota from July 26, 2010 to August 1, 2010 as detailed.
k. I recommend acceptance of a check for $250.00 from Let Us Never Forget for a FHS Scholarship in memory of Shane Cabino.
l. I recommend acceptance of a check for $543.98 from Lifetouch Pictures for ECDC in-house enrichment.

5. Information Matters

Superintendent’s Report
a. Backpack Bulletin
b. Principal’s Searches
c. National Honor Society

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




Franklin, MA

"effects of a failed override can be especially devastating"

Roche said he remembered a time when he spoke with a resident who did not bother to vote because he did not realize what was at stake.

"The man told me he didn't realize what kind of services were going to be taken away, how much fees would increase for buses, how many employees would be axed," Roche said. "He told me that if he had known he would have voted."

About $1.8 million of the override request will go toward the school if approved.

"If it doesn't pass we'll lose seven to eight teachers at the elementary school level," he said. "We'll lose three police dispatchers at the town level.

"The chief of police said that at various times he might only have one dispatcher to rely on."

Towns look to overrides to fix budget shortfalls

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Evan Lips/Daily News staff


Franklin, MA

"The effort makes downtown a prettier place"

Franklin resident Mary Anne Dean is an enthusiastic gardener with the Franklin Garden Club. Dean said Beautification Day is a great event, and though this was her first time volunteering at it, she plans to come back again.

"It just makes downtown look nicer, people enjoy it," she said. "Flowers make people happy."

Dean said she keeps her own garden at home and though she has accidentally killed a few plants, she enjoys the hobby.

"I have a lot of perennials and Daylillies, those are hard to kill," she said with a laugh. "I have a few annuals, too."

Kevin Neenin, 16, of Franklin, volunteered yesterday as part of his community service for his Confirmation. Chad Narducci, 14, also helped as he is a part of a YMCA group looking to reach out into the community.

Making downtown Franklin beautiful

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Krista Perry/Daily News staff

Franklin, MA