Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Race to Nowhere film screening in Franklin

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via Franklin (MA) School Committee Blog by Jeffrey Roy on 10/10/11


The Franklin Public Schools, in conjunction with the Joint Parent Communication Councils of Franklin, is hosting a screening of the film Race to Nowhere on Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at 7 p.m.  The film will play at the Mercer Auditorium at Horace Mann Middle School on Oak Street.  A panel discussion will follow the screening. [...]

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Reminder: Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club - Oct 12


The Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club invites you to their monthly meeting on Wednesday, October 12th at 7:30 pm upstairs at “3” Restaurant, 461 West Central St, Franklin.

This month, Town Administrator Jeff Nutting will visit to talk about local news, the upcoming town elections, the pending High School project, new businesses coming to town, and much more. He’ll also answer any questions you have, so bring your hot topics!

Complimentary appetizers and soft drinks will be provided. Cash bar available.

The Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club is a social club for residents of all ages and situations–not just those new to town. For more info, visit www.franklinnewcomers.com.

Monday, October 10, 2011

Giant Church Yard Sale - Oct 15th


Giant yard sale coming up Saturday, October 15th at the Franklin Federated Church.

Franklin Federated: Yard Sale - Oct 15th

In the News - Denommee, book sale



Meet the Franklin Candidate: Mark Denommee, town treasurer-collector

Friends of Franklin Library seeks volunteers for Book Sale

Teacher raises rankle council

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via Boston Globe -- Globe West by Evan Allen, Globe Correspondent on 10/8/11


Anger in Franklin over 1.5 in pay raises for teachers in a year marked by town-wide pay freezes and job losses came to a head last week when the Town Council voted unanimously to reopen hearings on the town budget nearly four months after approving it, a move that Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting described as "extremely unusual.'' The vote allows the council to reexamine the school budget, and gives them the option of taking money out of the school budget and allocating it to other parts of the town budget, like the police or fire departments.

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Sunday, October 9, 2011

Charles Hazlewood: Trusting the ensemble

TED shares such great ideas. How convenient and timely for them to share this one.

"Conductor Charles Hazlewood talks about the role of trust in musical leadership -- then shows how it works, as he conducts the Scottish Ensemble onstage. He also shares clips from two musical projects: the opera "U-Carmen eKhayelitsha" and the ParaOrchestra".

Charles talks about how his job as a conductor depends upon trust with his orchestra: "an unshakable bond of trust born out of mutual respect"

I trust you. You can watch this and connect the dots.



Enjoy the music!



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

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 September 27, 2011 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Glynn
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence:
1. Budget to Actual

2. Guests/Presentations:
a. MASS Academic Excellence Awards
1. Susan Mullen
2. Sarah MacLellan
b. Middle School – School Improvement Plans – MS Principals

3. Discussion Only Items
Calendar Adjustment
Superintendent’s Contract
FY 11 Budget

4. Action Items:
a. I recommend approval of the Horace Mann Middle School’s School Improvement Plan as detailed.
b. I recommend approval of the Remington Middle School’s School Improvement Plan as detailed.
c. I recommend approval of the Annie Sullivan Middle School’s School Improvement Plan as detailed.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $875.00 from the Oak Street PCC for a field trip.
e. I recommend approval of the field trip for 4th and 5th grade Oak Street students to the Rhode Island Philharmonic on April 12, 2012 as detailed.
f. I recommend approval of the recurring field trip for 80 middle school chorus students to NY City on May 12, 2012 to see a play as detailed.
g. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1500.00 from YMCA Healthy Futures Grant for Oak Street Elementary School for supplemental curriculum materials.
h. I recommend acceptance of a check for $42.56 from Follett for supplemental curriculum materials for Jefferson Elementary School.
i. I recommend amendment of the 2011-2012 School Calendar that makes March 23, 2012 a district wide reduced day.
j. I recommend acceptance of a check for $525.00 from the ASMS PCC for buses for a field trip.
k. I recommend acceptance of a check for $500.00 from Fidelity – Lilly Family Fund for Annie Sullivan Middle School.
l. I recommend acceptance of a check for $187.06 from Target’s Take Charge of Education Program for Annie Sullivan Middle School.
m. I recommend acceptance of the proposed Superintendent’s contract 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. Adjourn

In the News - Dacey



Meet the Franklin Candidate: James Dacey Jr., town treasurer-collector

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Looking for military uniforms


The Franklin Historical Museum is looking for military uniforms to display during November.

If you have any that you could share, the details are in the document on how to contact the museum.


Franklin Historical Museum Notice: Military Uniforms


In the News - tax bills, Jewell, trooper, state aid



Tax bills are due in Franklin

Meet the Franklin Candidate: John Jewell, School Committee

Franklin trooper honored at State House for saving choking girl

Franklin, Medway get boost in state aid

Does School Start too Early?

It is good to see students at Franklin High School using social media tools, like this blog - Pantherbook. Click through to read the full article and continue to explore their archives. They have a good mix of news and school discussions.

Way to go Panthers!

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via Pantherbook on 10/7/11

This question has been brought up many times in the past; do high school students start too early? Teachers complain about students sleeping in class all the time but it might not be their fault. In an issue of the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine they stated that there is more and more evidence [...]

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RMV Urges Customers: Renew Online

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 10/7/11

RMV Renew Online Billboard MassDOT RMV is again urging eligible drivers to renew their licenses online.

The number of license renewals is expected to increase by 50 percent beginning in November and continue at higher levels for the months thereafter.

November is the beginning of a five-year license renewal cycle that began in 1991, replacing the previous four-year cycle.   The result of that change is one year every five years with a reduced number of license renewals.  That lower volume year ends as of November 1, and transactions will increase. The RMV has responded by launching a publicity campaign through Highway Division billboards and public service announcements at the MBTA to urge drivers to check their license expiration dates and renew online.

The goal of the campaign is to let the public know that approximately 50% percent of drivers are eligible to renew their license online and avoid a branch visit. It also reminds customers that they can renew their licenses up to one year before the expiration date that falls on their birthday.

The RMV's online renewal application asks customers a series of questions. Customers eligible to renew online can pay the required fee and their license will be mailed to them in 7-10 business days. The online application also helps customers that aren't eligible to renew via the Internet. The web transaction informs customers 75 years or older that they must renew at a branch, in accordance with the 2010 Safe Driving Law. It also informs customers if they owe parking tickets or excise bills that have to be paid in order to renew. Customers that are required to renew in a branch can complete and print the web application to save time during their visit.

Customers not able to renew online should plan ahead and check branch locations and wait times online. To help prepare for the expected increase in customers, RMV recently expanded its hours at some of its busiest branches.  The RMV website allows customers to check branch wait times and locations

Services available on the MassDOT RMV website include applying for a first time license; converting an out-of-state license; scheduling a branch appointment; registration renewals; ordering a driving record, crash report or Fast Lane transponder; viewing the status of a license, registration, driver education certificate and title; signing up for organ/tissue donation; and canceling a registration plate.

You can also sign up online for a free license renewal or Massachusetts ID reminder service.

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Friday, October 7, 2011

Farmer's Market - today - (video)


Franklin Farmers Market,  Friday,  12:00pm to 6:00pm

Located on the Town Common

Franklin: Farmers Market

Berry Insurance shares this video they put together on the Farmer's Market




Reminder that the Farmers' Market now accepts SNAP dollars and can double your purchasing power.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/07/franklin-farmers-market-doubles-food.html

Visit the Food Pantry tent at the Farmers' Market for details.


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

In the News - McIntyre, Glynn



Meet the Franklin Candidate: Pamela McIntyre, School Committee

Glynn drops out of Franklin School Committee race

Amy Lockwood: Selling condoms in the Congo

Amy Lockwood in this TED Talk discusses selling condoms in the Congo. Yes, really.

Caution, this video is probably the riskiest shown here. Only four minutes long.



Why? What does this have to do with Franklin?
"And so the lesson is this: it doesn't really matter what you're selling; you just have to think about who is your customer, and what are the messages that are going to get them to change their behavior."