FHS Charity Event/Basketball Game

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hello On behalf of the FHS Peer Leaders I would like to invite you to attend a charity basketball game between the Harlem Wizards and a team of FHS students, faculty and the Franklin Police. The game is on October 21 at 3:00 pm in the FHS Field House. The Peer Leaders are sponsoring this event to raise funds for their annual "Light Up A Light" drive. This annual event provides gifts, funds for housing or to pay grocery and heating bills for our neighbors who may be in need. Peer Leaders will visit all school lunches this week to sell tickets. Schedule:   Tuesday 10/9  Keller/ASMS Wednesday 10/1 All other schools Ticket prices: Advanced price $12.00 adults and $10 students/ Senior citizens For more information contact Nick Montanaro at montanaro.nick @gmail.com Thank you, Maureen Sabolinski This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at (508) 613-1777. The Harlem Wizards have appeared in Franklin before http://www.franklinmatters.org/2009/03/slideshow-harlem-wizards-vs-sullivan.html http://www.franklinmatters.org/2010/02/harlem-wizards-return-to-franklin.html

Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee - meeting 10/9/12

The agenda for the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday evening, Oct 9 at 7:30 PM. The meeting will be held at the YMCA on 45 Forge Hill Road, Franklin.





A listing of proposed events up for discussion at the meeting



For additional information on the rail trail, visit their webpage here
http://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/

or their Facebook page here

In the News: Blackstone River, Bay Circuit

Blackstone River cleanup planned Oct. 21

by Mike Gleason/Daily News staff

For the rail trail fans and walkers among us, there is inspiration and a good trail in this story.

Happy Trails, suburban path to be preserved

by Chris Bergeron/Daily News staff

Other links for this story

http://www.outdoors.org/baycircuittrail/bay-circuit-trail.cfm

http://www.baycircuit.org/

2 important events this weekend at Franklin Federated Church

There are 2 important events going on at Franklin Federated Church this coming weekend - I was hoping you could help us spread the word!

On Saturday, Oct. 13, is the Annual Rummage/ Yard Sale from 9 AM to 2 PM at the church, 171 Main Street.

This important fundraiser helps to support the work of the church. Buyers can find bargains galore as they browse through books, toys, clothes, household items, jewelry, electronics, unique and antiques, and holiday decor. Many items are brand new with others priced to sell. Items half off last hour of sale, so come early and then come back! Rain or shine, this is a fun event for the whole family. Much of the sale is held inside the church. All items not sold will be donated to charity. No early birds please.

On Sunday, Oct. 14, at 6:30 PM the public is invited to a U2charist - a communion service accompanied by a live performance of U2 music – at the church.

 A U2charist service combines the spiritually expressive music of U2 with worship, communion, and a message of God's call to address issues of justice, peace and helping the oppressed. The service includes readings and reflections on the meaning and symbolism of U2's songs. The evening will be thought-provoking, addressing issues of spirituality and social justice, interspersed with rocking renditions of classic U2 songs.

A U2charist service is designed to bring together people of different generations and backgrounds in a worship context while raising awareness and encouraging others to rally around concrete action to address global reconciliation, justice for the poor and oppressed, and the importance of caring for our neighbors.  U2 has waived its copyrights for any of its songs used by churches in this way, as long as any proceeds collected are given to fighting poverty.

100% of the offering collected at the Franklin Federated U2charist will be donated to Church World Service, an organization that works with partners around the world to eradicate hunger and poverty and to promote peace and justice. There is no admission charge.

Performing the music of U2 will be a dedicated group of musicians led by Willie Sordillo on sax and the Rev. Lisa Durkee-Abbott on lead vocals and guitar.

Find out more about Franklin Federated at http://www.franklinfederated.org, find us on Facebook or call 508-528-3803.

Thanks so much!

Columbus Day - go explore!

It looks like it will be a good fall day.

In the spirit of Columbus, why not explore a part of Franklin that you haven't before!

• Check out the Community Garden at the King St fields
• Explore the DelCarte property along Pleasant St
• Take a walk on the SNETT Trail out on Grove St
• Find Indian Rock off Burning Tree Road

What else would you add to this listing?

Register to save for Education at Big Y

In September, I wrote to remind those who visit Stop & Shop for their food shopping to register their frequent buyer or savings card with one or more Franklin schools.

The Big Y also offers a donation to your local school by registering your savings card. Big Y as part of their opening promotion is adding a Silver coin to those who accumulate more than $1,000 spending at the store between Oct 4 and Dec 31 2012.

The registration is simple. Go to the Big Y webpage http://www.bigy.com/EducationExpress

You can link your savings card to a school. The selection defaults to CT schools, simply scroll down to find your Franklin school. Or you can start typing in your school name (for example, "Oak") and the page will return the results (in this case those containing "Oak").

Note: Shaw's also has a program based upon Box Tops that also earns cash for local schools
http://www.growinglocallearning.com/

Next step on the rail trail

The Milford Daily News is reporting that AM DCR grants are enabling improvements to the SNETT trail.

“We see our goals as really advocating for the trail, looking for new grants, building awareness, and working with (the state) on its overall development,” said Marc Kaplan, chairman of Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee. 

Kaplan said that something as simple as putting up gates goes a long way toward furthering those goals. 

“Gates aren’t the flashiest items, but they really are the foundation,” he said. “You have to have those gates, so you can level and clear and really cultivate the trail. If you don’t have the gates, you can’t really make the necessary improvements inside the gates. It’s a small start — a modest start.”

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x738673010/Trunkline-Trail-in-Bellingham-Franklin-to-be-tweaked#ixzz28hklMgbU

Take a walk on the trail this Saturday with Ron Clough from the MA DCR. Information and the link to register (for free) can be found here  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/10/trail-walk-scheduled-oct-13.html

For additional information on rail trails that are completed or in the planning stages in MA, the Assabet River Rail Trail website maintains a good map section
http://www.arrtinc.org/google_map5.asp

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

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

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

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

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.

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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

• Horace Mann
• Remington
• Annie Sullivan

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:

Weekend festival at Franklin school is all fun

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.

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