Monday, November 8, 2010

Comedy Night - Nov 12

Franklin Special Education Parents Advisory Council (SEPAC)
2010 Evening of Comedy Fundraiser!

Date: Friday November 12, 2010

Time: Doors at 6:30, show at 8

Location: Milford Doubletree Hotel Ballroom, 11 Beaver St. Milford, MA 01757


Ticket cost: $30 in advance/ $35 at door (includes show and appetizer buffet)

We are happy to announce our 3rd annual Comedy Night

Featuring:
Door prizes throughout the evening
AMAZING silent auction
Our infamous balloon raffle
And, of course, TONS OF LAUGHS


TICKETS ON SALE NOW:
Email Sarah Montani, SEPAC fundraising committee chair, at sarahmontani37@gmail.com.


Franklin, MA

Franklin Public Schools: Enrollment Comparison 2009 to 2010

The school enrollment figures at the end of October are the important ones from a DESE reporting perspective. The document below shows the enrollment by grade by school across the district comparing this school year to last.

Overall there are 6,044 a decline of 56 students from the 6,100 for the same time last year.
While the district dropped 56 students, the high school increased from 1.625 to 1,648. The total amongst the three middle schools dropped from 1,479 to 1,431. The total amongst the elementary schools dropped from 2,996 to 2,965.

The individual grade and school figures are shown in the document for further analysis.


FPS_ENROLLMENTCOMPARE_10-30-09_10-29-10

Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the document


Franklin, MA

Franklin Citizens Rail Trail Committee Meeting - Agenda - 11/9/10

Proposed Agenda for Nov 9, 2010
Location: Franklin YMCA 45 Forge Hill Road
Start Time: 7:30PM

I. Call to Order / Introductions of New Attendees
A. Introduction of new attendees
B. Review & approve minutes of previous meeting
C. Ask for volunteer to keep minutes of meeting

II. Report from our representative from DCR
A. Gates & Grading

III. Membership Committee Report
A. Committee to report on membership activity

IV. Report from Finance Committee
A. Report from Treasurer

V. Report of Fund Raising Committee
A. Report on fund raising activities
a. Report Road Race Committee

VI. Report from Grant Writing Committee

VII. Report on addition of Network Solutions web site
A. E-mail
B. Remote monitoring

VII. Unfinished Business:
A. Business plan in the making
B. Distribute new brochures

VIII. New Business:
A.

IX. Set Date & place for Next Meeting and Adjourn

Additional information can be found on the website http://www.franklinrailtrail.org/


Franklin, MA

In the News - field hockey clinic, Elks fund raiser, shortfall foreseen


Franklin High School field hockey coaches holding instructional clinic


Franklin, MA

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - 11/9/10

Vision Statement
The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

Mission Statement
The Franklin Public Schools, in collaboration with the community, will cultivate each student's intellectual, social, emotional and physical potential through rigorous academic inquiry and informed problem solving skills within a safe, nurturing and respectful environment.

"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."




1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the October 26, 2010 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Glynn
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence
1. Budget to Actual

2. Guests/Presentations
a. “Let it Snow” (Maureen Sabolinski, Jeff Nutting, Mike D’Angelo, Brutus Cantoreggi)

b. Capital Plan

  1. Instructional Services / Textbooks
  2. Special Education Vehicles
  3. Facilities
  4. Technology


3. Discussion Only Items
School Calendars – 2011-2012 and 2012-2013
MASC Update

4. Action Items
a. I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $125.00 from the JFKennedy PCC for a nurse for the 3rd grade field trip to Plimoth Plantation on 11/16/10.
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $750.00 from the JFKennedy PCC for buses for the 3rd grade field trip to Plimoth Plantation on 11/16/10.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $20.00 from Debra Meredith for in-house enrichment at Horace Mann Middle School.
e. I recommend approval of the FHS Classics Club Certamen Team field trip to Dover, NH for a competition on November 13, 2010.
f. I recommend the request of Joan Toye, Principal of JF Kennedy to declare 522 Harcourt Trophies books surplus.
g. I recommend acceptance of 4 checks totaling: $2467.00 from the Parmenter PCC grade 2 and 3 field trips.
h. I recommend approval of the 2012 Capital Plan as discussed.
i. I recommend approval of the Field Trip request of Peter Light to take 20 students to Europe from June 24, 2011 to July 3, 2011 as detailed.

5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report

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


"let it snow"

On the School Committee agenda for Tuesday, Nov 9th there is a scheduled presentation on the preparation for winter snow storms.

2. Guests/Presentations
a. “Let it Snow” (Maureen Sabolinski, Jeff Nutting, Mike D’Angelo, Brutus Cantoreggi)

The presentation document that the DPW will use is the same one just reviewed with the Town Council and made available here:

Franklin, MA: DPW - Snow Presentation

Maureen Sabolinski, the Superintendent of Schools, has this overview on the snow day policy and procedures.

Franklin Public Schools - Weather Information


Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view these documents


Franklin, MA

Franklin, MA: Schools capital proposal

The Franklin Public School's Capital Budget proposal is up for discussion at the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Nov 9th.

The summary document is as follows (links to each supporting document is provided below):

Franklin Public Schools: Capital Budget Proposal - FY2012

Technology
http://www.scribd.com/full/41397723?access_key=key-2bt9xmfrik6410wd4fr

Van
http://www.scribd.com/full/41397732?access_key=key-wssu5c43h6ncrpatr7b

Facilities
http://www.scribd.com/full/41397735?access_key=key-2c82ienbj93wrqqfm3as

Textbooks
http://www.scribd.com/full/41397752?access_key=key-1gfqq8nyjf1mq0z8qext


Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view these documents


Franklin, MA

Challenge for charities: Will more go hungry?

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Scott O'Connell/Daily News staff on 11/6/10

food pantry 4
The holiday season is a busy time already for food pantries, and recent statistics show that this year's demand will be even higher than usual.

Things you can do from here:



The Franklin Food Pantry has two fund raisers coming up this weekend where you can help.

Saturday, Nov 13 - Bigelow Station plays at the 3 Restaurant
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/10/fund-raiser-for-franklin-food-pantry.html

Sunday, Nov 14 - Fund Raising at Legacy Place
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/10/fund-raiser-for-franklin-food-pantry_23.html

How does the Legacy Place fund raiser work?
You buy a ticket for $10. This gets your name on the listing at Legacy Place. When you arrive on Sunday, Nov 14th. Check in to get a bracelet. You wear the bracelet during your shopping trip. The bracelet is an easy sign for the merchants to see that your part of the fund raising "Legacy of Giving" and you obtain the appropriate discount.

The $10 goes entirely to the Franklin Food Pantry. You gain by getting discounts on your purchases at participating vendors. A win-win!


Franklin, MA

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Art of the Educator - Hunakai Studio - through Nov 19th

After posting about the 'Art of the Educator' exhibit at the Hunakai Studios in Foxborough. I caught up with Carla Carey, the Executive Director. The exhibit has been extended until Nov 19th due to the positive interest shown. There are works from about 14 teachers representing Franklin, Foxborough, Mansfield, Medfield, Middleborough and Sharon.

There are about 50 pieces of art work being exhibited covering multiple forms of expression; sculpture, painting, and pottery. Carla was enthusiastic talking about the show. "It is kind of surprising to see some of the work, it is not your 'always conservative' teacher showing. It is really super and fun."

The show is a biannual affair for the studio to feature the importance of art education for the community. Carla hopes that the parents will see this and look to foster the creative arts in their communities. The creative arts teach problem solving techniques. With the current budget issues most school districts are facing, this kind of creative problem solving is becoming all the more important.

The Hunakai Studio operates as a school of fine arts serving students from 5 to 92. The studio will work with the schools to develop a portfolio. They have five separate studios to work with. The teachers are themselves professional artists. The environment is very much alive!



Hunakai School of Fine Arts
16 Chestnut Street Suite 410
Foxboro, MA 02035
(508) 543-5665


Studio hours
Mon: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Tues: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Wed: 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
Thurs: 10:00 am - 8:30 pm
Fri: 10:00 am - 6:30 pm
Sat: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm



View Larger Map


Franklin, MA

If Franklin matters, you can help

I believe Franklin matters, hence the name for this site. I have written of how the site came to be and how it is my public service effort here.

I am realizing that as much as I can do, there is still more to be done and hence can use some help.
  • If you believe that Franklin, MA matters
  • If you have some skill in writing
  • If you have a willingness to learn some Web 2.0 tools
I would like to expand the writers on this site.
I would like to include those who have answered Yes to the questions above and would be willing to help.

In particular, there are Planning Board, Conservation Commission, and Design Review meetings that would be good to attend and report on. I have focused on the Town Council, School Committee, Finance Committee and Financial Planning Committee to "follow the money". These other areas are important to cover and I can not do it all. Nor would I attempt to.

If you already have some skill and interest and a topic that would be good to share with the Franklin community, then we should talk as well.

So if you are reading this, you already maybe someone who can help or know of someone who might be able to.

If you'd like to explore what this would mean (and what help/training I would provide) please let me know.

You can comment or send me an email at shersteve@gmail.com.

Thank you!


Franklin, MA


In the News - veterans honored, Class of 1947 reunion, concert Sunday


Franklin honors its veterans


LiveARTS sponsors Sunday concert



Franklin, MA

Friday, November 5, 2010

Ze Frank - fun for Friday!

I haven't posted recently on our Web 2.0 series so I thought I would do so today.

I miss Ze Frank's "The Show" - It was a glorious exploration, everyday something new. Yes, some worked better than others but going through each day, it was magic.

I recall back at the first PodCamp Boston, Steve Garfield coordinated a session that produced this video on "Riding the Fire Eagle Danger Day"!

Ze Frank summarizes some of his work in this TED talk. The two best parts are the Ray story and the last piece on "Hey, you're okay"




Of course, you should have fun everyday and not just Friday!

What are you going to do to have fun today?


Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view this video

This was originally posted to Steve's 2 Cents
http://steves2cents.blogspot.com/2010/10/ze-frank-fun-for-friday.html

For additional posts on the Web 2.0 series, you can use the search feature on the top right column and look for "Web 2.0".


Franklin, MA

Stress and Your Teen Conference - Nov 13

Are you a parent dealing with teenagers? Have a challenging time?

This conference might be good to learn what contributes to teenage stress and get some tools to help your family live a happier and healthier life amidst everyday stresses!

Stress and Your Teen Conference


Register at  http://www.yourteen.org/

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2010 8:30AM – 3:00PM
BLACKSTONE VALLEY REGIONAL VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL SCHOOL, UPTON, MA
$15 PER PERSON ($25 FOR TWO PEOPLE WHO REGISTER TOGETHER)
BREAKFAST & LUNCH INCLUDED


Franklin, MA

United Regional Chamber moves downtown

The United Regional Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its new downtown Franklin office location with a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house. The event will be held Nov. 12 at 11 a.m. at 4 West St., Franklin, on the corner of West Central and West streets. Please RSVP to the Chamber at 508-222-0801.


The United Regional Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit, business support organization serving the communities of Attleboro, Bellingham, Blackstone, Foxborough, Franklin, Mansfield, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Norton, Plainville, Rehoboth, Seekonk, and Wrentham.



Franklin, MA

Remington 3rd Annual Turkey Trot

WHO - Remington Middle School students and staff

WHEN - Friday - November 19, 2009 1:50 to 4:00pm RAIN or SHINE

WHERE - Remington cafeteria (628 Washington St, Franklin, MA)

WHY - Remington students who donate $1 and a canned good will participate in a one mile run/walk around campus to benefit those in need. Money donations will go towards purchasing items for Thanksgiving baskets and canned goods will be donated to the Franklin Food Pantry. There will be free food and music in the cafeteria following the trot.

Hope to see you there

Please contact Jennifer Wynn (wynnj@franklin.k12.ma.us)
or Michaela Libby (libbym@franklin.k12.ma.us) for more information.


Franklin, MA