Franklin Council to hold Thanksgiving service at St. John Episcopal
from The Milford Daily News News RSSThe Franklin Interfaith Council
Franklin students donate food for Thanksgiving
Franklin, MA
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
In the News - interfaith council, Davis Thayer, downtown changes, Christmas on Common
The Franklin Interfaith Council
Franklin, MA
Monday, November 15, 2010
Another #1 listing for Franklin
I spoke with Nathan Beck on Saturday at the electronics, etc. recycling fund raiser for the FHS Girls Hockey Team. I had just heard about the event that morning and would have liked to be able to share the information in advance. We exchanged business cards and his father, Steve, sent along this information.
Franklin is also number 1 as a contributer to Big Brothers Big Sisters
http://www.bbbsfoundation.org/web/pagedetail.aspx?pgID=WEB-Franklin
If you missed this one, still have electronics to recycle, then mark your calendar for another event in April, 2011.
Thanks to Nathan and Steve for sharing this information!
Franklin, MA
I've been doing electronic collections since 2002, directing the net proceeds to K-12 programs. I principally target music and fine arts, but also generate funding for safe driver programs, girls athletics, community service centers and, of course, Big Brother Big Sister. I'm the director of Big Brother Big Sister Foundation and founder of the CREW (Community Recyclers of Electronic Waste). My son now runs events for CREW all over the state, in NH and soon New York and PA.
Three weeks ago, CREW hit the $3,000,000 mark in net monies donated to charities, edu and other programs through collection events
In most towns, I folded BBBS into the mix. BBBS is there for clothing, CREW for electronics. In about six towns now, we hold town wide recycling days twice a year with everything I can think of. Books, metal, cardboard, onsite document shredding, electronics, household goods, appliances and of course clothing. They work well
Falmouth High School fine arts and music program nets about $8,000 a year with these events. Norwell about $3,000, Dedham about $12,000. I am pitching them to every town and we'll start up in April.
Martha's Vineyard Community Services has netted $51,000 in the last three years. Not a bad piece of change for a much needed community center that helps 22,000 people a year.
The Franklin girls ice hockey team netted about $760. Less than I expected, but the first of these events in any given town is dicey, especially in mid November. We're going to do another in April and I am certain I can get them $2,000+. That isn't bad for the hockey team, it helps keep them on the ice.
We have only a couple left, usually I stop the first weekend in November. Charlestown is on 12/4 and a tri town event, sponsored by Congressman Ed Markey's office, is on the slate for 12/11. After that, we hibernate until April; BBBS does house to house pick ups of electronics in the winter months.Big Brothers Big Sisters website is http://www.bbbsfoundation.org/web/pageDetail.aspx?pgID=home
Franklin is also number 1 as a contributer to Big Brothers Big Sisters
http://www.bbbsfoundation.org/web/pagedetail.aspx?pgID=WEB-Franklin
If you missed this one, still have electronics to recycle, then mark your calendar for another event in April, 2011.
Thanks to Nathan and Steve for sharing this information!
Franklin, MA
Mount Saint Mary's Abbey - fund raising
Mount Saint Mary's Abbey sent a fund raising letter that I think is worthwhile sharing here:
Mount St Mary's Abbey 11/15/10
A brief video of the wind turbine in action was shared here earlier this year
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/02/abbey-wind-turbine.html
Franklin, MA
Mount St Mary's Abbey 11/15/10
A brief video of the wind turbine in action was shared here earlier this year
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/02/abbey-wind-turbine.html
Franklin, MA
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Franklin, MA: MCAS 2010 - presentation document
Take a few minutes this morning to preview the presentation on the MCAS results for the Franklin School District. This presentation is scheduled for discussion at the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Nov 16, 2010.
I am looking forward to the discussion, I like the layout of the data. It covers the major points on how we are doing and provides comparisons to the DESE districts most like us as well as to the Hockomock League schools.
What questions about this data would you ask on Tuesday night?
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the document.
Franklin, MA
I am looking forward to the discussion, I like the layout of the data. It covers the major points on how we are doing and provides comparisons to the DESE districts most like us as well as to the Hockomock League schools.
2010 MCAS Results for Franklin, MA
View more presentations from Franklin Matters.
What questions about this data would you ask on Tuesday night?
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the document.
Franklin, MA
Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - 11/16/10
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 November 9, 2010 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Glynn
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: none
2. Guests/Presentations
a. RMS – Paul Peri, Mary Kass, Joe O’Halloran
b. MCAS Presentation – District Leadership Team
3. Discussion Only Items
Budget to Actual
Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan
Community Outreach
Policy – First Reading
- GBEBA/JIA Staff Research Policy
- Sample MASC Policy for Facebook and Social Networking
4. Action Items
a. I recommend acceptance of a check for $250.00 from College Board for FHS Scholarships and AP Testing.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $500.00 from BJ’s Community Relations Program for Remington Middle School.
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $733.40 from Remington PCC for Remington Middle School.
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
In the New - vision for the high school
As a follow up article to the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Nov 9th, the Milford Daily News shares this:
The notes from the School Committee meting including the link to the documents associated with the visioning exercise can be found here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/11/live-reporting-superintendent-report.html
Franklin, MA
Community members called to help sketch vision of Franklin High
from The Milford Daily News News RSSThe notes from the School Committee meting including the link to the documents associated with the visioning exercise can be found here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/11/live-reporting-superintendent-report.html
Franklin, MA
YMCA - "The camp filled a gap"
"She came home every day so happy," Reeve said last week as Abigail happily pointed to pictures of herself at camp. "She couldn't wait to tell me who she saw or what she did."
The camp was held in August as part of the Hockomock Area YMCA's integration initiative, which helps disabled children participate in YMCA programs with their able-bodied peers. The initiative's major fundraiser, the Legends Ball, will be held Tuesday in Foxborough. The dinner will feature many current and former New England Patriotsplayers and other Boston athletes.
from The Milford Daily News News RSS
Franklin, MA
Franklin Fire Dept
In days of tight money, the Milford Daily News has an article today that reviews the purchase process for fire trucks as they are so expensive. Maintenance become important to keep the equipment in top shape and to extend the useful life.
Having participated in a number of discussions with Chief Gary McCarraher as he has presented to the Town Council, Finance Committee, or Financial Planning Committee, I can say that Franklin does very well in this area.
You can read the full article here:
I would recommend visiting the Fire Dept page on the Franklin website.
You can view the equipment housed at Station One (downtown)
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Fire/hqeqpt
You can view the equipment housed at Station Two (King St)
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Fire/st2equpt
Take a few minutes to explore the Fire Dept page. You can find a whole bunch of useful information there!
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Fire/index
BTW - the Globe decided to write about the effects that budget cuts are having to Fire Departments. You can read their story online here or in the print of the Sunday Globe Magazine.
Franklin, MA
Having participated in a number of discussions with Chief Gary McCarraher as he has presented to the Town Council, Finance Committee, or Financial Planning Committee, I can say that Franklin does very well in this area.
You can read the full article here:
How old are your town's firetrucks?
from The Milford Daily News News RSSI would recommend visiting the Fire Dept page on the Franklin website.
You can view the equipment housed at Station One (downtown)
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Fire/hqeqpt
You can view the equipment housed at Station Two (King St)
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Fire/st2equpt
Take a few minutes to explore the Fire Dept page. You can find a whole bunch of useful information there!
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Fire/index
BTW - the Globe decided to write about the effects that budget cuts are having to Fire Departments. You can read their story online here or in the print of the Sunday Globe Magazine.
Franklin, MA
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Bullying Plan - Presentation
The YouTube video/slideshow of the Anti-Bullying Task Force presentation can be viewed:
Updated 11/14/10
The Boston Globe West on Sunday posted an article on this
Franklin, MA
Updated 11/14/10
The Boston Globe West on Sunday posted an article on this
Antibullying policy ready for airing
Franklin, MA
Recycle to help the Panthers
ATTENTION: FRANKLIN PANTHERS FANS!
Support the Girls Ice Hockey team
at this
SPECIAL EVENT
CLEAN UP - CLEAN OUT
Electronic & Appliance Recycling Drive
Proceeds from electronics will benefit the Panthers.
Saturday, November 13
9am to 2pm
at
St. Mary's Charter School Parking lot
201 Main Street
Franklin
Big Brother Big Sister will participate by collecting used clothing. Please look for
the Big Blue Truck. Receipts available from our drivers.
Price List for Electronics/Appliances is as follows:
Large Home Appliances...............$10.00
Small Appliances............................$5.00
Televisions less than 48".............$20.00
Air Conditioners/Dehumidifiers....$10.00
Stereos/Speakers...........................$5.00
Computers, Monitors, Printers.......$5.00
Office Equipment.....................$5-10.00
Notebooks.....................................$5.00
DVD/VCR.......................................$3.00
All Fees are Tax Deductible.
Receipts given - cash only
For more information, call Franklin School at 508.520.7590
or call Big Brother Big Sister Foundation 1.800.483.5503
or contact us at: www.bbbsfoundation.org donate@bbbsfoundation.org
Thank you. We appreciate your support and participation.
Franklin, MA
Friday, November 12, 2010
Bullying Plan - Comments wanted!
You may recall that the School Committee formed an Anti-Bullying Task Force. This group has come together and developed a plan to address bullying in the Franklin School District. The plan is scheduled for discussion at the Nov 16th School Committee meeting.
The plan can be viewed below or on the School Committee page or on the Task Force page
Franklin Public Schools Bullying Plan
Don't be bashful, let your voice be heard.
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the document.
Franklin, MA
In addition to the public discussion, the committee is soliciting written comments by e-mail or letter. For e-mails, please send your comments to: millerd@franklin.k12.ma.us. For letters, please send your comments to: Franklin School Committee, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038.
The public comment period will be open through Thursday, December 9, 2010. The plan will be finalized and voted on at the December 14, 2010 school committee meeting.
The plan can be viewed below or on the School Committee page or on the Task Force page
Franklin Public Schools Bullying Plan
Don't be bashful, let your voice be heard.
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the document.
Franklin, MA
Yes, class size matters.
No surprise here:
Class size can increase with growth which Franklin has seen and Brookline is now seeing, or class size can increase due to cuts in teacher staff which Franklin has seen and is likely to continue to see until something changes.
Franklin, MA
But if the board hoped to hear that they could let class sizes creep higher without harming student development or achievement, Rivkin, who also sits on the Amherst School Committee, disappointed.
Extracting from two studies that met his criteria for reliability, the Tennessee STAR project and a 2005 study he did with colleagues on Texas schools, Rivkin told the panel that class size matters.
Moreover, he said, studies using STAR (for Student Teacher Achievement Ratio) data have found students in smaller classes were more likely to attend college, attend a good college, and earn more than peers in larger classes.You can read the full article in the Boston Globe West section of the print version or online
Class size can increase with growth which Franklin has seen and Brookline is now seeing, or class size can increase due to cuts in teacher staff which Franklin has seen and is likely to continue to see until something changes.
Franklin, MA
In the News - Franklin Food Pantry, Class of 1961, Civil War, Comedy Night tonight
'God of This City' Tour Stops at St Mary’s
The 2010 God of This City Tour stops at St. Mary’s on Thursday, December 2nd from 7:00-9:00 pm
Each night during the first week of Advent, the God of This City Tour will visit one parish in each of the five regions of the Archdiocese of Boston. It is a great honor for St. Mary’s to be chosen as the host parish of our region for one of the five awe-inspiring evenings. Cardinal Sean O’Malley will host the final night of the tour at the mother church of the Archdiocese, the Cathedral of The Holy Cross, in Boston.
The tour is organized by LIFT Ministries, whose ‘Worship for a New Generation’ format presents a fresh means for teens, young adults and people of all ages to reverently assert their Catholic faith. The tour nights will be similar to LIFT nights, providing a unique blend of contemporary music, opportunity for confession, a dynamic speaker and the occasion to bow down in Adoration before His holy presence. It is a night of both enthusiastic praise and quiet contemplation.
LIFT’s vision for the tour is to rally parishes throughout the regions to unite in prayerful support of our youth; and in the process renew their own faith and see, as it travels throughout the five regions of the Archdiocese, that the Church is alive in her young people.
Every person of every age, but especially teens and young adults, and your friends and family …come see the majesty of God up close and personal. The experience is life altering for many, faith affirming for all, and an extraordinary way to begin your Advent. As a time of preparation, Advent allows us to refocus on and make room in our lives for Christ. Eucharistic Adoration grants us time with Jesus to share our joys, troubles, gratitude, disappointments, needs, everything with Him, and listen to Him speak to our hearts. As Advent begins this year, open your heart and your over filled calendar to this amazing opportunity to spend time in conversation with the One. Prepare to receive the ultimate gift.
There is no fee to attend the God of This City Tour. For more information, including images of last year’s tour, visit http://www.godofthiscitytour.com/ or contact St Mary site coordinators, Jackie LaNeve or Jennifer Moccia, at therockyouthministry@verizon.net.
Franklin, MA
Each night during the first week of Advent, the God of This City Tour will visit one parish in each of the five regions of the Archdiocese of Boston. It is a great honor for St. Mary’s to be chosen as the host parish of our region for one of the five awe-inspiring evenings. Cardinal Sean O’Malley will host the final night of the tour at the mother church of the Archdiocese, the Cathedral of The Holy Cross, in Boston.
The tour is organized by LIFT Ministries, whose ‘Worship for a New Generation’ format presents a fresh means for teens, young adults and people of all ages to reverently assert their Catholic faith. The tour nights will be similar to LIFT nights, providing a unique blend of contemporary music, opportunity for confession, a dynamic speaker and the occasion to bow down in Adoration before His holy presence. It is a night of both enthusiastic praise and quiet contemplation.
LIFT’s vision for the tour is to rally parishes throughout the regions to unite in prayerful support of our youth; and in the process renew their own faith and see, as it travels throughout the five regions of the Archdiocese, that the Church is alive in her young people.
Every person of every age, but especially teens and young adults, and your friends and family …come see the majesty of God up close and personal. The experience is life altering for many, faith affirming for all, and an extraordinary way to begin your Advent. As a time of preparation, Advent allows us to refocus on and make room in our lives for Christ. Eucharistic Adoration grants us time with Jesus to share our joys, troubles, gratitude, disappointments, needs, everything with Him, and listen to Him speak to our hearts. As Advent begins this year, open your heart and your over filled calendar to this amazing opportunity to spend time in conversation with the One. Prepare to receive the ultimate gift.
There is no fee to attend the God of This City Tour. For more information, including images of last year’s tour, visit http://www.godofthiscitytour.com/ or contact St Mary site coordinators, Jackie LaNeve or Jennifer Moccia, at therockyouthministry@verizon.net.
Franklin, MA
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Property tax alternative
“We’ll be talking to different entities to gain support for this concept," he said. “We haven’t identified a champion yet. There’s a lot of new ground being plowed here."
The idea, Sinnot said, is to take some of the tax burden off property owners, particularly older residents who purchased their homes when values and taxes were lower, and shift it onto residents making more money. The average value of a single-family home in Concord is $835,697, with a tax bill of $10,128.
Sinnot said Pennsylvania and Maryland are among the states that allow local income taxes.
“We’re serious about dealing with particularly high property taxes and those earning a lot would have to pay a little more," he said. “House-rich people would benefit, older folks would benefit, and high earners would pick up the slack a little bit."Read the full article in the Boston Globe West print edition or online
Franklin, MA
Veterans Day
Some folks are off today as Veterans Day is celebrated. Some folks still need to work. Either way, if you get a chance to meet a person in the military or a veteran, please thank them for their service.
If you get a chance, walk around the Town Common. There are memorials to all the major wars that Franklin folks have served in. If you can't take time today, you can take this virtual tour in pictures.
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the photos.
Franklin, MA
If you get a chance, walk around the Town Common. There are memorials to all the major wars that Franklin folks have served in. If you can't take time today, you can take this virtual tour in pictures.
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the photos.
Franklin, MA
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Are you helping the Franklin Food Pantry this weekend?
Don't miss our first benefit THIS SATURDAY, November 13th at 3 restaurant, thanks to Rich Brachold and Bigelow Station. Tickets are $25/person and can be purchased at Village Ski or by calling the Franklin Food Pantry by this Wednesday (11/10/10).
We have 25 tickets left, first come first serve. A fun night of appetizers, drinks and great music begins at 7pm. The band, Bigelow Station, will begin playing at 8:00pm. Tickets will include a chance to win a mid-week ski or "get-a-way" vacation at Sugarloaf in Maine. We request ticket holders bring a food item on the listing below. Call a few friends and join us this Saturday night at 3.
If you cannot join us on Saturday, please consider purchasing a ticket to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry and we will enter ticket in our raffle. We would love our first event to be sold out!
____________________________________________________________________________
The Franklin Food Pantry is pleased to be one of the charitable organizations to benefit from the ‘Legacy of Giving’ being held at Legacy Place in Dedham, MA on Sunday November 14th.
The ‘Legacy of Giving’ is an evening of shopping in support of local charities, offering exclusive savings, prize giveaways, entertainment & more. Guests will enjoy one-time special offers in a festive atmosphere at participating businesses, including discounts up to 25%. The event will run from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
You can support the Franklin Food Pantry by purchasing a $10 bracelet and receive amazing one-time savings on your holiday shopping. 100% of the bracelet price will go to support the Franklin Food Pantry. If you wish to purchase a bracelet(s) please contact Maureen Roy at 508-528-5170.
____________________________________________________________________________
Visit http://www.igive.com/FranklinFoodPantry
Up to 26% of each and every purchase benefits the Franklin Food Pantry, and donation rates vary by store. Donation rates are clearly listed within the iGive Mall. When you shop, every penny of the advertised donation goes directly to the Franklin Food Pantry. No administrative costs, fees, no mark-ups. We promise, you’ll never pay more to shop through iGive.
Established in 1997, iGive.com is an Internet company whose goal is to enable the economic power of individuals to benefit their chosen communities. Hundreds of thousands of iGive.com shoppers have raised over $5,000,000 for their favorite causes - all at no cost. More information attached.
iGive.com’s online mall features over 800 of the web’s best stores, including Amazon.com, Pottery Barn, Best Buy, Staples, eBay, PETCO, Expedia, and QVC. From gifts to groceries, special occasions to everyday necessities, every purchase can help the Franklin Food Pantry.
Please forward to any friends or family who may be interested,
The updated holiday needs listing:
Food Pantry Holiday Needs 2010 11
Franklin, MA
We have 25 tickets left, first come first serve. A fun night of appetizers, drinks and great music begins at 7pm. The band, Bigelow Station, will begin playing at 8:00pm. Tickets will include a chance to win a mid-week ski or "get-a-way" vacation at Sugarloaf in Maine. We request ticket holders bring a food item on the listing below. Call a few friends and join us this Saturday night at 3.
If you cannot join us on Saturday, please consider purchasing a ticket to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry and we will enter ticket in our raffle. We would love our first event to be sold out!
____________________________________________________________________________
The Franklin Food Pantry is pleased to be one of the charitable organizations to benefit from the ‘Legacy of Giving’ being held at Legacy Place in Dedham, MA on Sunday November 14th.
The ‘Legacy of Giving’ is an evening of shopping in support of local charities, offering exclusive savings, prize giveaways, entertainment & more. Guests will enjoy one-time special offers in a festive atmosphere at participating businesses, including discounts up to 25%. The event will run from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
You can support the Franklin Food Pantry by purchasing a $10 bracelet and receive amazing one-time savings on your holiday shopping. 100% of the bracelet price will go to support the Franklin Food Pantry. If you wish to purchase a bracelet(s) please contact Maureen Roy at 508-528-5170.
____________________________________________________________________________
Visit http://www.igive.com/FranklinFoodPantry
Up to 26% of each and every purchase benefits the Franklin Food Pantry, and donation rates vary by store. Donation rates are clearly listed within the iGive Mall. When you shop, every penny of the advertised donation goes directly to the Franklin Food Pantry. No administrative costs, fees, no mark-ups. We promise, you’ll never pay more to shop through iGive.
Established in 1997, iGive.com is an Internet company whose goal is to enable the economic power of individuals to benefit their chosen communities. Hundreds of thousands of iGive.com shoppers have raised over $5,000,000 for their favorite causes - all at no cost. More information attached.
iGive.com’s online mall features over 800 of the web’s best stores, including Amazon.com, Pottery Barn, Best Buy, Staples, eBay, PETCO, Expedia, and QVC. From gifts to groceries, special occasions to everyday necessities, every purchase can help the Franklin Food Pantry.
Please forward to any friends or family who may be interested,
The updated holiday needs listing:
Food Pantry Holiday Needs 2010 11
Franklin, MA
Dean College to present "Medea"
Dean College will present the Greek tragedy Medea featuring Broadway actress Mary Vreeland in the title role.
Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. this Wednesday (November 10); 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 11, and 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, November 12 and 13; and November 19 and 20; and 2 p.m. on Sunday, November 14 and 21.
Tickets are $15 for general admission and can be purchased through the Dean College Box office at 508-541-1606 or online at www.dean.edu/performance
The play will be presented in the Main Stage, the new theatre in Dean College’s expanded Campus Center. Parking is available off of Route 140 near Emmons Street.
Franklin, MA
Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. this Wednesday (November 10); 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 11, and 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, November 12 and 13; and November 19 and 20; and 2 p.m. on Sunday, November 14 and 21.
Tickets are $15 for general admission and can be purchased through the Dean College Box office at 508-541-1606 or online at www.dean.edu/performance
The play will be presented in the Main Stage, the new theatre in Dean College’s expanded Campus Center. Parking is available off of Route 140 near Emmons Street.
Franklin, MA
School Committee - 11/09/10
The collection of posts live reported from the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Nov 9 can be found here:
Franklin, MA
- Live reporting - closing items
- Live reporting - Superintendent Report
- Live reporting - Action items
- Live reporting - MASC
- Live reporting - Calendars for 2011-12, 2012-13
- Live reporting - Capital plan - facilities
- Live reporting - Technology
- Live reporting - Capital plan - vans
- Live reporting - Capital plan - textbooks
- Live reporting - "let it snow"
- Live reporting - School Committee Meeting
Franklin, MA
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Live reporting - closing items
5. Information Matters
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
policy subcommittee met and will have a new policy on teacher research projects
school budget process started
School Committee Liaison Reports
6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.
FEF Casino night
public comment period is open, Nov 16th discussion on the bullying policy
period open until Dec 9th
for voting at meeting on Dec 14th
Dec 9th - Bullying Forum at Dean College 7:00 PM
7. Executive Session
Contractual Negotiations
motion to enter executive session with no intention to return to open session
Franklin, MA
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
policy subcommittee met and will have a new policy on teacher research projects
school budget process started
School Committee Liaison Reports
6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.
FEF Casino night
public comment period is open, Nov 16th discussion on the bullying policy
period open until Dec 9th
for voting at meeting on Dec 14th
Dec 9th - Bullying Forum at Dean College 7:00 PM
7. Executive Session
Contractual Negotiations
motion to enter executive session with no intention to return to open session
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - Superintendent Report
5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
need to conduct a visioning exercise as part of the high school renovation project, it could be an engaging several days
you do need to be there for all three days
it is an opportunity to help reinvent Franklin High School
A copy of a study that we had worked on previously
interesting to re-read the study to see what we said about where we need to go
the documents for both of these can be found here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/11/school-committee-superintendents-update.html
The walking club at the high school has been going very well
The Weight Watchers club joined us Monday
Franklin, MA
Superintendent’s Report
need to conduct a visioning exercise as part of the high school renovation project, it could be an engaging several days
you do need to be there for all three days
it is an opportunity to help reinvent Franklin High School
A copy of a study that we had worked on previously
interesting to re-read the study to see what we said about where we need to go
the documents for both of these can be found here
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/11/school-committee-superintendents-update.html
The walking club at the high school has been going very well
The Weight Watchers club joined us Monday
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - Action items
4. Action Items
a. I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed. motion to accept, passed 7-0
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. motion to accept, passed 7-0
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. motion to accept, passed 7-0
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $20.00 from Debra Meredith for in-house enrichment at Horace Mann Middle School. motion to accept, passed 7-0
e. I recommend approval of the FHS Classics Club Certamen Team field trip to Dover, NH for a competition on November 13, 2010. motion to accept, passed 7-0
f. I recommend the request of Joan Toye, Principal of JF Kennedy to declare 522 Harcourt Trophies books surplus. motion to accept, passed 7-0
g. I recommend acceptance of 4 checks totaling: $2,467.00 from the Parmenter PCC for grade 2 and 3 field trips. motion to accept, passed 7-0
h. I recommend approval of the 2012 Capital Plan as discussed. motion to accept, passed 7-0
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. motion to accept, passed 7-0
Franklin, MA
a. I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed. motion to accept, passed 7-0
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. motion to accept, passed 7-0
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. motion to accept, passed 7-0
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $20.00 from Debra Meredith for in-house enrichment at Horace Mann Middle School. motion to accept, passed 7-0
e. I recommend approval of the FHS Classics Club Certamen Team field trip to Dover, NH for a competition on November 13, 2010. motion to accept, passed 7-0
f. I recommend the request of Joan Toye, Principal of JF Kennedy to declare 522 Harcourt Trophies books surplus. motion to accept, passed 7-0
g. I recommend acceptance of 4 checks totaling: $2,467.00 from the Parmenter PCC for grade 2 and 3 field trips. motion to accept, passed 7-0
h. I recommend approval of the 2012 Capital Plan as discussed. motion to accept, passed 7-0
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. motion to accept, passed 7-0
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - MASC
3. Discussion Only Items
MASC Update
resolution on special ed funding circuit breaker
Charter school authorization
Charter school funding formula
mid-year retirements, did not pass
A booklet on efficiencies was provided
we are already doing all of these with the exception of two items between the Town and Schools
this speaks well for the efficiencies we have been doing
great suggestions for how to engage the community
Rohrbach - we do a lot of innovative stuff , more than we give ourselves credit for
Glynn - "CAVE" people - citizens against virtually everything
Franklin, MA
MASC Update
resolution on special ed funding circuit breaker
Charter school authorization
Charter school funding formula
mid-year retirements, did not pass
A booklet on efficiencies was provided
we are already doing all of these with the exception of two items between the Town and Schools
this speaks well for the efficiencies we have been doing
great suggestions for how to engage the community
Rohrbach - we do a lot of innovative stuff , more than we give ourselves credit for
Glynn - "CAVE" people - citizens against virtually everything
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - Calendars for 2011-12, 2012-13
3. Discussion Only Items
School Calendars – 2011-2012 and 2012-2013
Sabolinski - we will go back and tweak the 2012-13 calendar as Labor Day is so late.
If you have feedback, please provide it. We'll likely bring them back in January for approval.
Parents and the community will have time to provide feedback.
Mullen - There was some issue in regards to graduation day with reference to the last day of school
Sabolinski - the graduations are listed on the bottom, this doesn't look right. It will need to be adjusted. The graduation day can only be ten days from the end of school.
Cafasso - I would strongly support your effort to keep that.
Roy - I think it is a wise decision to keep the election day a no-school day especially with 12,000 folks voting.
Sabolinski - Yes, to try and move that many folks through the high school with the election, it really becomes a safety issue.
Franklin, MA
School Calendars – 2011-2012 and 2012-2013
Sabolinski - we will go back and tweak the 2012-13 calendar as Labor Day is so late.
If you have feedback, please provide it. We'll likely bring them back in January for approval.
Parents and the community will have time to provide feedback.
Mullen - There was some issue in regards to graduation day with reference to the last day of school
Sabolinski - the graduations are listed on the bottom, this doesn't look right. It will need to be adjusted. The graduation day can only be ten days from the end of school.
Cafasso - I would strongly support your effort to keep that.
Roy - I think it is a wise decision to keep the election day a no-school day especially with 12,000 folks voting.
Sabolinski - Yes, to try and move that many folks through the high school with the election, it really becomes a safety issue.
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - Capital plan - facilities
2. Guests/Presentations
b. Capital Plan
Jeff Nutting talks to the Facilities update (in place of Mike D'Angelo)
The document associated with this section of the budget can be found - Facilities
http://www.scribd.com/full/41397735?access_key=key-2c82ienbj93wrqqfm3as
Let me take a few minutes to cover the capital process. When I first came here, we had different systems, different process. You weren't included in the Town's capital plan
The Council has been supportive of my work on the capital plan. They have also supported $6 million dollars of bonding to fix school roofs, etc.
We use the 'free cash' for our capital budget. We can't use the free cash for anything operational as it varies and is one time funds.
$2, 133,000 is free cash this year.
We are recommending setting aside $800,000 for unemployment costs
The Council sub-committee will review the recommendations and bring it to the full council.
We always have financial constraints, that is not going to change.
With x or y employees, we still need tools for them to work with. We need to replace the school vans, police cruisers, etc. When you think of how much we have invested in our tools it is millions of dollars. If we skip some time, image how hard it will be to try and catch up. I am sure you know all that but sometimes some one wonders why.
Kennedy unit ventilators are 40 years old
Mike D'Angelo has a request for their replacement, if it is funded, I would request to do so with a bond so the first payment wouldn't be due for a couple of years.
If this gets funded, it gets almost all your buildings (with the exception of Davis Thayer) you'll be current.
With interest rates and construction costs at an all time low, this is a good time to do so.
Rohrbach - can you explain the track replacement?
Nutting - the track is about 7 years old, we are only talking about replacing the top layer quarter to half inch of the track
Roharbach - and for the removal of the portables?
Nutting - we will fund those on an as needed basis. You'll be deciding which ones, this is for the funding. I'll wait for the game plan that you decide. I don't think you'll take them all out at once. This will come out of the cash capital.
We put items on the listing to keep them on the radar. This is a long term capital plan. It doesn't mean that it will happen tomorrow or next year, it will get addressed over time.
Glynn - have we done an energy audit on the facilities?
Nutting - we do that all the time, Mike has worked with the utilities to do so. We have replaced lights, it is an on-going effort. We have been ahead of the curve. Our energy savings has been ongoing.
Roy - I can't remmeber what we talked about with Davis Thayer?
Nutting - we are waiting on the School Committee for how you are going to utilize your facilities. If and when you make a decision to redistrict or whatever you decide.
Nutting - we have 3.5% of debt service in each budget, we can go and fund up to that level. We have peaked in the utilization and over the next couple of years, we get capacity available. We don't have to ask for a debt exclusion as it is already budgeted for. The model has been successful over the last decade.
Nutting - Even though the School Committee deemed the portables at Davis Thayer surplus, the principal asked to have them maintained for another year.
Roy - Are you putting all these forward to the Council?
Nutting - every one asks for what you need, we see what we can get.
Roy - these are the priorities of the School Committee
Nutting - Am I going to cut out the police cruisers to give the schools what it wants? No, I have pared them down. We have $800,000 and your requests are more than half of that. That is not any different than any other year.
Roy - both the girls and boys soccer team won this evening.
Franklin, MA
b. Capital Plan
Jeff Nutting talks to the Facilities update (in place of Mike D'Angelo)
The document associated with this section of the budget can be found - Facilities
http://www.scribd.com/full/41397735?access_key=key-2c82ienbj93wrqqfm3as
Let me take a few minutes to cover the capital process. When I first came here, we had different systems, different process. You weren't included in the Town's capital plan
The Council has been supportive of my work on the capital plan. They have also supported $6 million dollars of bonding to fix school roofs, etc.
We use the 'free cash' for our capital budget. We can't use the free cash for anything operational as it varies and is one time funds.
$2, 133,000 is free cash this year.
We are recommending setting aside $800,000 for unemployment costs
The Council sub-committee will review the recommendations and bring it to the full council.
We always have financial constraints, that is not going to change.
With x or y employees, we still need tools for them to work with. We need to replace the school vans, police cruisers, etc. When you think of how much we have invested in our tools it is millions of dollars. If we skip some time, image how hard it will be to try and catch up. I am sure you know all that but sometimes some one wonders why.
Kennedy unit ventilators are 40 years old
Mike D'Angelo has a request for their replacement, if it is funded, I would request to do so with a bond so the first payment wouldn't be due for a couple of years.
If this gets funded, it gets almost all your buildings (with the exception of Davis Thayer) you'll be current.
With interest rates and construction costs at an all time low, this is a good time to do so.
Rohrbach - can you explain the track replacement?
Nutting - the track is about 7 years old, we are only talking about replacing the top layer quarter to half inch of the track
Roharbach - and for the removal of the portables?
Nutting - we will fund those on an as needed basis. You'll be deciding which ones, this is for the funding. I'll wait for the game plan that you decide. I don't think you'll take them all out at once. This will come out of the cash capital.
We put items on the listing to keep them on the radar. This is a long term capital plan. It doesn't mean that it will happen tomorrow or next year, it will get addressed over time.
Glynn - have we done an energy audit on the facilities?
Nutting - we do that all the time, Mike has worked with the utilities to do so. We have replaced lights, it is an on-going effort. We have been ahead of the curve. Our energy savings has been ongoing.
Roy - I can't remmeber what we talked about with Davis Thayer?
Nutting - we are waiting on the School Committee for how you are going to utilize your facilities. If and when you make a decision to redistrict or whatever you decide.
Nutting - we have 3.5% of debt service in each budget, we can go and fund up to that level. We have peaked in the utilization and over the next couple of years, we get capacity available. We don't have to ask for a debt exclusion as it is already budgeted for. The model has been successful over the last decade.
Nutting - Even though the School Committee deemed the portables at Davis Thayer surplus, the principal asked to have them maintained for another year.
Roy - Are you putting all these forward to the Council?
Nutting - every one asks for what you need, we see what we can get.
Roy - these are the priorities of the School Committee
Nutting - Am I going to cut out the police cruisers to give the schools what it wants? No, I have pared them down. We have $800,000 and your requests are more than half of that. That is not any different than any other year.
Roy - both the girls and boys soccer team won this evening.
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - Technology
2. Guests/Presentations
b. Capital Plan
Technology
Tim Raposa
Requesting to purchase additional netbook systems for the high school and to expand to the Remington Middle School
Electronic whiteboard replaced in request with a newer projector at half the cost for the same functionality
Laptop carts - requesting three additional
providing mobile technology to classrooms
Remington-Jefferson lab upgrade
speed and productivity gains for labs
The document with the details of this budget section can be found here: Technology
http://www.scribd.com/full/41397723?access_key=key-2bt9xmfrik6410wd4fr
Rohrbach - which are the whiteboards in this request?
Raposa - these are the Epson Projector units are half the price. They are more light weight, they use a pen to touch instead of your finger. They made this targeted for schools so we can afford to buy them and afford to keep them.
The whiteboards we bought before are portable, they can be moved from room to room.
A really good deal.
We are trying to raise the percentage penetration across the district, most schools are about 35-40%. Some of the buildings with their own money have purchased additional units.
Sabolinski - we are working with the schools to make sure that the units are being equitably allocated across the district.
Raposa - every grade level can use this technology to improve the experience
Glynn - The Gmate software, does that include Professional Development?
Kingsland-Smith - no we have been trained on this already so we did not need that.
Sabolinski - we had a question on jumping into iPad technology, Tim has been looking into this
Raposa - it is an eight month old product, it is a great consumer device but how to do manage the devices for a school environment. Everything that needs to be loaded to an iPad is via the iTunes store. Apple is working on developing a process to use credits with the iTunes store to avoid having multiple accounts.
We are looking at a 'mobi' device, it will connect to the iPad and allow the teacher to project and control the iPad as she walks around the room. We may try this in a lab environment before we do a major rollout. We are watching two districts that are small and complete Apple environment before we do something.
Let's get the wireless in first and then either they can bring in a unit or eventually we can continue to expand the population of netbooks, etc.
Textbooks can be replaced with e-readers. But that is a developing story.
Nutting - I want to note what a terrific job Tim and his staff does. It has been a good benefit for the Town and Schools. It saves lots of money and covers both sides of the house.
Franklin, MA
b. Capital Plan
Technology
Tim Raposa
Requesting to purchase additional netbook systems for the high school and to expand to the Remington Middle School
Electronic whiteboard replaced in request with a newer projector at half the cost for the same functionality
Laptop carts - requesting three additional
providing mobile technology to classrooms
Remington-Jefferson lab upgrade
speed and productivity gains for labs
The document with the details of this budget section can be found here: Technology
http://www.scribd.com/full/41397723?access_key=key-2bt9xmfrik6410wd4fr
Rohrbach - which are the whiteboards in this request?
Raposa - these are the Epson Projector units are half the price. They are more light weight, they use a pen to touch instead of your finger. They made this targeted for schools so we can afford to buy them and afford to keep them.
The whiteboards we bought before are portable, they can be moved from room to room.
A really good deal.
We are trying to raise the percentage penetration across the district, most schools are about 35-40%. Some of the buildings with their own money have purchased additional units.
Sabolinski - we are working with the schools to make sure that the units are being equitably allocated across the district.
Raposa - every grade level can use this technology to improve the experience
Glynn - The Gmate software, does that include Professional Development?
Kingsland-Smith - no we have been trained on this already so we did not need that.
Sabolinski - we had a question on jumping into iPad technology, Tim has been looking into this
Raposa - it is an eight month old product, it is a great consumer device but how to do manage the devices for a school environment. Everything that needs to be loaded to an iPad is via the iTunes store. Apple is working on developing a process to use credits with the iTunes store to avoid having multiple accounts.
We are looking at a 'mobi' device, it will connect to the iPad and allow the teacher to project and control the iPad as she walks around the room. We may try this in a lab environment before we do a major rollout. We are watching two districts that are small and complete Apple environment before we do something.
Let's get the wireless in first and then either they can bring in a unit or eventually we can continue to expand the population of netbooks, etc.
Textbooks can be replaced with e-readers. But that is a developing story.
Nutting - I want to note what a terrific job Tim and his staff does. It has been a good benefit for the Town and Schools. It saves lots of money and covers both sides of the house.
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - Capital plan - vans
2. Guests/Presentations
b. Capital Plan
Special Education Vehicles
Grant used to purchase the vans in 2000, a replacement plan was put together to replace them overtime
Maintenance is covered by the Town as part of the joint effort by the Town and Schools
The Council has embraced this plan and I expect them to continue as it has been a good partnership
$58,000 for the two vans (approx $27,000 each with special outfitting)
The inspections are not the normal few minutes at a local place, they do take all day and cover all aspects of the vehicles
Joint presentation by Sabolinski and Nutting
The presentation document for this section of the budget discussion can be found here - Van
http://www.scribd.com/full/41397732?access_key=key-wssu5c43h6ncrpatr7b
Franklin, MA
b. Capital Plan
Special Education Vehicles
Grant used to purchase the vans in 2000, a replacement plan was put together to replace them overtime
Maintenance is covered by the Town as part of the joint effort by the Town and Schools
The Council has embraced this plan and I expect them to continue as it has been a good partnership
$58,000 for the two vans (approx $27,000 each with special outfitting)
The inspections are not the normal few minutes at a local place, they do take all day and cover all aspects of the vehicles
Joint presentation by Sabolinski and Nutting
The presentation document for this section of the budget discussion can be found here - Van
http://www.scribd.com/full/41397732?access_key=key-wssu5c43h6ncrpatr7b
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - Capital plan - textbooks
2. Guests/Presentations
b. Capital Plan
Instructional Services / Textbooks - Michelle Kingsland-Smith
The summary document and associated documents were already posted and can be found
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/11/franklin-ma-schools-capital-proposal.html
$114,000 for a full phonics program for K-2, and for 3-5 for Response To Intervention requirements
Instructional supplies for teachers, they are durable cards
Professional development is included from Wilson based upon a 'train the trainer' model
Franklin, MA
b. Capital Plan
Instructional Services / Textbooks - Michelle Kingsland-Smith
The summary document and associated documents were already posted and can be found
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/11/franklin-ma-schools-capital-proposal.html
$114,000 for a full phonics program for K-2, and for 3-5 for Response To Intervention requirements
Instructional supplies for teachers, they are durable cards
Professional development is included from Wilson based upon a 'train the trainer' model
Franklin, MA
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