Monday, October 8, 2012

Franklin facility is a one-stop-shop for your dog

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via Wicked Local Franklin News RSS by Anthony C. Fireman/Daily News correspondent on 10/7/12

174408 MA_MW_destinationd#5.jpg
Although many questions surround a decision to get a dog, only one is important, at least for my family: Will we give our new pup, Baxter, a home or a life?

At the outset, giving Baxter a home is providing him the basics such as food, water, walks, affection and play, which are the norm. However, over time, the new dog novelty dissipates and, oftentimes, Baxter can end up ignored, if not neglected. However, to give a dog a life is so much more. A life includes the basics plus a daily dose of fun, socialization, treats, regular exercise, training and, strange as it sounds, a conversation.

Things you can do from here:

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Oct 9, 2012

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.

"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 25, 2012 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills - Mrs. McIntyre
Payroll - Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: none

2. Guests/Presentations
a. Middle Schools’ School Improvement Plans

3. Discussion Only Items

Policy – First Readings
1. JFAA – New Resident Procedures
2. JLCB – Student Immunizations

Policy Elimination – First Reading
1. JLCCA – AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) School Attendance Policy

4. Action Items
a. I recommend adoption of Horace Mann Middle School’s School Improvement Plan.
b. I recommend adoption of Remington Middle School’s School Improvement Plan.
c. I recommend adoption of Annie Sullivan Middle School’s School Improvement Plan.
d. I recommend moving Policy JFAA, JLCB & JLCCA to a second reading.
e. I recommend acceptance of the donation of $50.00 from Richard DiPrima for FHS Schaeffer Scholarship.
f. I recommend acceptance of the donation of a Bach TR 300 Trumpet and wire metal folding music stand (valued at $360.00) by Donna Estey for Remington Middle School.
g. I recommend acceptance of the donation of a Selmer USA Clarinet and Selmer USA Saxophone (valued at $550.00) from Susan & Jim Jacobson for the Franklin High School.
h. I recommend acceptance of a check for $500.00 from HMEA for a banner ad at the Franklin High School.
i. I recommend approval of the request of Mr. Fitzgerald for the recurring field trip for the Remington Adventure Club to Mt. Monadnock in Jaffrey, NH on October 20, 2012.
j. I recommend acceptance of the donation of art supplies from Mr. & Mrs. Richard Groth valued at approximately $300.00 for the FHS.

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

FPS: Draft Policy - New Resident Procedures

On the agenda for discussion at the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Oct 9 is a new policy draft. The policy establishes procedures for new residents looking to register their children to attend school in Franklin.





This policy is currently in draft. It will require review and approval before becoming effective.

All the existing policies can be found online in the Schools section of the Franklin webpage
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinCom_Emanual/index

Annie Sullivan MS - School Improvement Plan

The School Improvement Plan (SIP) for the Annie Sullivan Middle School is scheduled for discussion at the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Oct 9.





The full agenda for the School Committee meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/10/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-oct.html

Remington MS - School Improvement Plan

The School Improvement Plan (SIP) for the Remington Middle School is scheduled for discussion at the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Oct 9.





The full agenda for the School Committee meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/10/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-oct.html

Horace Mann MS - School Improvement Plan

The School Improvement Plan (SIP) for the Horace Mann Middle School is scheduled for discussion at the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Oct 9.





The full agenda for the School Committee meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/10/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-oct.html


New teacher evaluation system based upon MCAS data

The MetroWest Daily News reports on the use of MCAS results for teacher evaluations.
"In Massachusetts, it’s required that teachers be evaluated. Accordingly, we are making it possible for evaluators to access the ratings of educators for which they are responsible to evaluate. So an evaluator can access student growth scores and a teacher’s score in the Data Warehouse," Considine said. "An educator’s rating is considered part of his or her personnel record and will not be subject to disclosure." 
Districts that chose not to join Race to the Top – including Milford, Franklin, Hopkinton, Lincoln-Sudbury, Hopedale, Wayland and Holliston – will be required to implement the teacher evaluations by the start of the 2013-14 school year.
Later in the article
Franklin Public Schools won’t use the state’s evaluation system until next year, either, but Joyce Edwards, director of instructional services, said Data Warehouse is routinely used by the district to look at everything from growth percentiles for certain students, to specific questions from the MCAS test.

Read more of the MetroWest article here: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x21086594/Schools-will-use-MCAS-data-for-teacher-evaluations#ixzz28bwBAGdl

As an example of how the MCAS data is used by Franklin, the School Improvement Plans (SIP) for the three middle schools are scheduled for discussion at the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Oct 9. The High School plan was reviewed on Sep 25 and the elementary plans will be review at an upcoming meeting.


The Franklin High School SIP
Presentation Document
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/09/franklin-high-school-update-to-school.html

SIP Document
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/09/franklin-high-school-improvement-plan.html 


The Middle school plans

Horace Mann

Remington

Annie Sullivan

Weekend festival at Franklin school is all fun

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Jessica Trufant/Daily News staff on 10/6/12

Rather than a fundraiser, the annual festival at the Franklin Children's School is a chance for families to get together, relax and meet the preschool's staff.

Things you can do from here:

Saturday, October 6, 2012

JF Kennedy Elementary School Tour - October 2012

I was part of a few residents who took advantage of the first tour of the JF Kennedy School. This is the first of a series of tours. I would encourage everyone to find one or more to take advantage of. It is a great opportunity to see the school in a relaxed and informal manner.

Principal Joan Toye welcomed us. She was joined on the tour by School Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski, Asst Superintendent Sally Winslow and School Committee Chairperson Paula Mullen and Roberta Trahan.

We started in the entrance lobby

JF Kennedy School Tour

The PCC is very active

JF Kennedy School Tour

Down the corridor to the right to view a kindergarten room

JF Kennedy School Tour

another classroom (and you'll see ladybugs all over this school)

JF Kennedy School Tour

the library

JF Kennedy School Tour

the computer lab

JF Kennedy School Tour

back by the main office to the cafeteria

JF Kennedy School Tour

more classrooms

JF Kennedy School Tour

the gymnasium

JF Kennedy School Tour

do the ropes bring back any memories?

JF Kennedy School Tour

Smart boards are in most classrooms

JF Kennedy School Tour

Tile projects adorn some of the wall space

JF Kennedy School Tour

Another recent tile project

JF Kennedy School Tour

Yes, the tour got us into the maintenance room to see the furnace!

JF Kennedy School Tour

I love the tennis balls on the feet of the chairs, such a good idea

JF Kennedy School Tour


Join the next tour currently scheduled for 6:00 PM on October 25th. You get a three for one tour by visiting the ECDC, Oak St and Horace Mann as all three buildings are in the same complex.

For the remainder of the schedule check here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/09/schedule-for-school-tours.html


Debates announced for 10th Norfolk race

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc. on 10/5/12

Republican Richard Eustis and Democrat Jeffrey Roy, state representative candidates for the 10th Norfolk District seat, have agreed to hold two debates before the Nov. 6 election.

The first debate will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 16 at Medway High School, 88 Summer St. And the second is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 23 at the Horace Mann Middle School in Franklin, 224 Oak St.

Things you can do from here:

Friends of Franklin Library - Fall 2012 Newsletter


The Friends of the Franklin Library have shared their recent newsletter with us.



Contact information on how to join the Friends of Franklin Library is present in the newsletter. Or come out to the Library Book Sale over the Oct 19-21 weekend and join in person.

2012 HOCKOMOCK YMCA LEGENDS GOLF TOURNAMENT--TPC BOSTON


                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                                                       
LOCAL SPORTS LEGENDS TEE UP AT TPC BOSTON TO SUPPORT HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA INTEGRATION INITIATIVE FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

What:                 For the third year in a row, the Hockomock Area YMCA is expanding the scope and impact of its efforts to provide opportunities for children with special needs with the third annual Legends Golf Classic.  This event includes an exciting afternoon of golf on the world-class TPC Boston course, followed by dinner and a live auction program.  The YMCA is proud to once again be partnering with TPC Boston, site of the PGA Tour's Deutsche Bank Championship, to create a unique and memorable experience.

                            The Legends Golf Classic kicks off the Hockomock YMCA's fall fundraising season, and is the precursor to the Legends Ball, taking place on Tuesday, November 13th, at Luciano's at Lake Pearl in Wrentham, MA.  Former attendees Dick and Rick Hoyt, the famous father-and-son team who have completed over 1,000 races together, will be honored at the Legend's Ball next month, and will be in attendance at the Golf Classic, as well.
                           
Why:                   The proceeds from the Legends Golf Classic will provide opportunities for children with special needs to participate alongside their typically developing peers in Hockomock Area YMCA programs and services through our innovative and unique Integration Initiative. The Hockomock Area YMCA's Integration initiative was established in 2004 with a goal to provide children with special needs an opportunity to participate with their typically developing peers in all the programs, services, and activities offered at the Y. The program aims to improve social skills, build self-esteem, increase physical activity and independence, and to enhance mutual respect among people of all abilities.

When:                Tuesday, October 9, 2012
TIME: 11:00AM registration, 12:00PM shotgun start, 5:30PM dinner/auction
Golf cart transportation on TPC course is available for press.  Other special accommodations can be made for press, please inquire.

Where:               
TPC Boston
                              400 Arnold Palmer Blvd., Norton, MA 02766
                               
Who:                  We currently have 26 Boston Area Sports Legends confirmed and playing golf including: current New England Patriots Zoltan Mesko and Nate Solder, former Patriots Joe Andruzzi, Steve Grogan, Tim Fox, Pete Brock, Steve Nelson, former Boston Bruins Gord Kluzak, Derek Sanderson, former Red Sox Luis Tiant, Bill Lee and Joe Morgan, Ironman triathletes Dick and Rick Hoyt, and many more.

About Hockomock Area YMCA:
The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.  With over 32,000 members, half under the age of 18, our promise is to partner and collaborate with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities we are privileged to serve.

About TPC Boston
Originally designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer, TPC Boston's award-winning layout was re-designed in 2007 by celebrated golf course architect Gil Hanse, with PGA Tour player Brad Faxon serving as a consultant. The result is a compelling par-72, 7,241-yard masterpiece named by Golf Digest the "Best Private Remodel of 2007."

Friday, October 5, 2012

Friends of Franklin Library - Book Sale - Oct 20th


The Library Book Sale sponsored by the Friends of the Franklin Library is scheduled for the weekend of Oct 19-21. As part of the book sale, they will also be collecting donations for the Food Pantry.

This is one of the win-win situations that the Food Pantry loves to participate in. You get to help the Pantry and the Library at the same time as you obtain good books, videos, etc. for your family to enjoy!

Additional details on the event can be found in the flyer here:



The Friends of Franklin Library are a registered 501(c)3 organization chartered with helping the Franklin Public Library. For additional information about this group you can send an email to FOFL02038@gmail.com or join and participate in the group which meets the first Wednesday of the month at the Library.


This was originally posted to the Franklin Food Pantry webpage here
http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/2012/10/friends-of-franklin-library-book-sale.html

Farmers Market - Town Common - noon to 6:00 PM


Franklin, MA: Farmers Market


Where in Franklin is the Town Common?


View Larger Map

Franklin Library: Interviewing Skills

 
 

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

 
 

via Franklin Public Library by Franklin Public Library on 10/4/12



 
 

Things you can do from here:

 
 

In the News: cancer survivor, campaign finance, Vendetti Votors, fall festival


Franklin cancer survivor helps others battle the disease

Finance complaints filed against candidates





Vendetti Motors owner honored of employee in reserves





Franklin Children's School plans fall festival, Oct. 6

2012 Annual St. John’s Christmas Fair


This year St. John’s Christmas Fair will be held Saturday, December 1st from 9am - 3pm in the St. John’s Parish Hall located at 237 Pleasant Street in Franklin, MA.

There will be homemade gift baskets, Cookie Walk, pastry table, as well as hot soup and coffee to enjoy.

Pictures with Santa as well as other activities for the kids! Join us for a fun day!

Thursday, October 4, 2012

"we can offer options for our citizens"

The Milford Daily News reported on the Town Council meeting in part with the following:
Councilors accepted incorporating a real estate tax deferral and two laws which let seniors defer water and sewer charges. 
In place already for seniors is a property tax deferral program. 
Town Treasurer/Collector James Dacey Jr. said currently one family is participating in that program. 
“I know they are having a very difficult time,” Dacey said. “I looked into how we could help out in other ways.” 
In 2010, 9.4 percent of Franklin’s 31,635 residents were age 65 and older, according to census data.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x738671634/Franklin-OKs-tax-deferral-options-for-seniors#ixzz28JwPJdfW

Deferral of taxes simply postpones the date for payment, they still must be paid. What was also approved is a program for veterans under 65 to work off a portion of their taxes. This program is similar to that already offered to the seniors 65 and over. The program will be limited to the first ten people now but can be expanded by the Council as demand for the program grows.

The Town Council especially Tina Powderly has been instrumental in expanding the senior outreach program the past couple of years.This is not to negate any of the good work done prior, just recognize that the opportunity for seniors via deferment and reductions has increased.

In other matters before the Council not referenced in this article, they did approve the rezoning of the parcels along King St and i495 from residential to business. Any project would still be required to go through the full Planning Board and associated permitting process. That process provides considerable input from the residents abutting the property.

DPW Director Brutus Cantoreggi disclosed plans to remove another 11 trees from the Town Common. This action will improve the growth options for the remaining 97 trees.

The DPW will also do some work to remove the electrical box currently under the gazebo to a normal upright electric box along the Union St side of the common. Some concrete around the gazebo will be disturbed during this process and then returned to normal.

For the complete set of posts reported live during the meeting, visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/10/town-council-100312.html

Town Council - 10/03/12


The collection of posts reported while in the Town Council chambers for Wednesday's meeting can be found here:

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Live reporting - closing


K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT 
with DaVita's Market moving to a full liquor license we will have a beer and wine license to re-assign. Likely to bring that forward after the new year

thanks to the Downtown Partnership

Condolences to Councillor Bissanti on the passing of his father

L. OLD BUSINESS 
do we have a re-application of furniture within the schools and the town?
Yes, the DPW has a storage of items available
If they are truly excess, we do have a process to go through

If it has any value we get something for it
We should have the Purchasing Director come forward for one of the meetings, it would be a good topic

M. NEW BUSINESS 

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS 
Roy - Harvest Fest was well attended despite the rain

Bissanti - Thanks to the residents for the outpouring of condolences on the passing of my father

Jones- thanks for backing the zoning changes for exist 16 to offset the ever growing budget, can bring more revenue and jobs to Town

Pfeffer - sympathy to your family on your loss

Powderly - Chapter 90 public meetings, can you give us an update on what comes out of that

Kelly - condolences to your family

Mercer - project awarded to Agostini Construction, looking forward to the ground breaking, Sat Oct 13th. Met the contractor on Monday night, looking to begin work on the site. Weds Nov 14 a public update to the community on the project, hopefully here in the Council Chambers, update on plans, budget and tax implications

Nutting - three phases, one starts in three week, traffic changes due to a reduction in parking spaces. Parents should be aware of changes until June, then it will change in Phase 2 and again in Phase 3

Vallee - we lost s good citizens, condolences Andy


O. EXECUTIVE SESSION 
Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required 

P. ADJOURN 
motion to adjourn, passed 8-0