"expects the town to embrace Today's Special"

The idea is alive and work remains to be be done according to this article in the Milford Daily News:

In fact, Carlucci has already picked a name: Today’s Special. The restaurant, she hopes, will provide crucial job opportunities for young adults with special needs amid an engaging, vital social environment. 

"It’s important for a lot of reasons," she said. "I feel like young adults with special needs really live a separate life from other young people, and I would really like to blur the lines between them." 

She added, "Once they leave school … the opportunities really go away — social opportunities and employment opportunities. We are looking to give them a place to go and work. Not everybody is going to want that social type of job, but some do..."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x898141789/Restaurant-to-give-youths-with-disabilities-chance-to-succeed#ixzz2MZ6KZd6g


The Horace Mann Educational Association holds their major fund raiser in May. The 12th Annual Independence Day 5K Run and the Independence Day Walk, Roll and stroll are scheduled for May 19th. For more information on this event please visit http://www.hmea.org/events.html

FHS Winter Carnival

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

FHS Students Hosting Winter Carnival For All Children Sunday March 10                                12 to 4 pm FHS field house Cotton candy, popcorn, games,"Bouncy House" Proceeds will go to the Sandy Hook School support fund                                                       $5 admission - includes all games etc. ages 3 and under free               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.

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Mar 6, 2013

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
February 6, 2013

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by Franklin Matters.

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
1. Chief of Police, Stephan Semerjian
2. Financing the New High School

H. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

I. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 13-08: Swahn Lane, A Private Way Acceptance of Covenant with Owner
2. Resolution 13-09: Transfer of Tax Title Possession Parcels to Different Municipal Purposes
3. Resolution 13-10: Town of Franklin Net Metering Power Purchase Agreement Authorization
4. Resolution 13-11:Authorization to Expend Funds in Excess of Available Appropriations
5. Bylaw Amendment 13-700: Amendment to Chapter 82, Appendix A, List of Service Fee Rates – 1st Reading

J. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

K. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

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

P. ADJOURN


Note the full set of documents as published for this meeting can be found here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2013/030613.pdf

Keller Sullivan School Tour - Mar 7, 6:00 PM

The next stop on the tour of the school facilities here is Franklin is the Keller Sullivan complex on Lincoln St.

Join the principals, members of the School Committee and Central Office on the tour. This is a good opportunity to see inside the building, visit classrooms, and have questions answered along the way.


The Helen Keller Elementary School entrance



The Keller school webpage can be found here http://kellerelementary.vt-s.net/Pages/index


The Annie Sullivan Middle School entrance




The Sullivan school webpage can be found here  http://sullivanmiddle.vt-s.net/Pages/index

Respond to the event invite on Facebook here
http://www.facebook.com/events/468882659832077/

"as challenging as it is rewarding"

Joyce Edwards, Director of Instructional Services for the Franklin Public Schools, is quoted in the Milford Daily News article on the new PARCC test that will replace the MCAS test.

What is PARCC? PARCC is Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers.

What is the difference between the MCAS and PARCC?

The MCAS —influenced by the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks, whose creation followed the passing of the Education Reform Act of 1993 — has consistently tested for a collection of skills that educators expect students to learn during their elementary and secondary schooling. 

However, PARCC’s goal has been to use benchmarks that will accurately predict students’ chances of excelling beyond high school, should they choose to attend a four-year institution or dive into the workforce. 

"The MCAS was not developed to look ahead and signal whether or not students are ready for success after high school," said Massachusetts Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Mitchell Chester. "This assessment is very deliberately asking that question . . ."

While the current MCAS science test will remain, the other subject areas will move to the new PARCC test.

Bolduc added, "They are taking the MCAS and putting it on steroids." 

With two versions of the test given in one school year — though districts will have the option to administer up to four versions in a year — teachers will get initial feedback from a late year test before the comprehensive final exam, providing them with, as Edwards put it, "just in time intervention." 

To prepare for PARCC testing, districts have to make sure they have the infrastructure to administer the test (for those that do not, the state will offer a pencil and pen version) and continue fusing their curriculum with the Common Core.

When you read "the infrastructure required" what they really mean to say is the computer systems the student will used to take the test.

Read more: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x898141577/New-tests-for-Massachusetts-students-on-the-horizon#ixzz2MTYqd24v


For more information on the collaboration of the 24 states visit http://www.achieve.org/parcc/

For information from the MA Dept of Elementary and Secondary Education visit http://www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/parcc/

High School Experience - 2013 - Register now!

Franklin High School is pleased to offer its sixth summer of the High School Experience. This course is designed to welcome incoming grade 9 students to Franklin High School.


Who: Entering grade 9 students
Dates: August 12 - 16, Monday - Friday
Time: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Where: Franklin High School
Cost: $125.00, includes lunch each day
Scholarships available on the web site

Hockomock Sports: Franklin High results (video)

In the playoffs, the Franklin High School boys basketball took Mansfield to overtime before falling 57-48. Watch the Hockomock Sports.com video with Ryan Lanigan as he recaps the game with Canton's Coach Ryan Gordy.




On the hockey front, the FHS hockey team defeated Martha's Vineyard 4-3


For all the Hockomock playoff results for Saturday Mar 2 see here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/1/post/2013/03/hockomock-playoff-schedule-scoreboard-3213.html

Franklin Library: Krafty Mondays - Get Framed!

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

  

Krafty Mondays - Get Framed!

via Franklin Public Library by Franklin Public Library on 3/2/13

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to Franklin Public Library using Google Reader
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From the office of Rep Roy

The schedule of office hours for March:



A press release and photo from the FHS Girls Soccer Team visit to the State House in February

FHS Girls Soccer Team visits the State House

Hockomock playoffs: FHS girls win

Panthers Dominate Early to Blow by Marshfield

FRANKLIN, Mass -- The Lady Panthers made it pretty clear early on what kind of game it was going to be. Franklin opened up the game up 13-0 and finished the first quarter up 20-6, on their way to a 63-40 win over Marshfield. 

Read the full game report by following the link above

Hockomock Playoff Schedule & Scoreboard - 3/2/13

Here are Saturday's Hockomock playoff games.

Game of the Week - Boy's Basketball
#1 Mansfield vs. #9 Franklin, 1:00

Boys Basketball
#12 Sharon vs. #13 Quincy, 2:00
#7 Taunton @ #2 Newton North, 4:00

Game of the Week - Hockey
#1 Canton vs. #8 North Attleboro (@ Asiaf), 6:00

Hockey
#4 Oliver Ames vs. #5 Coyle & Cassidy (@ Asiaf), 2:00
#6 Mansfield vs. #14 North Quincy (@ Asiaf), 8:00
#7 Franklin vs. #2 Martha's Vineyard (@ Asiaf), 4:00

In the News: Dean College

Trial date set in Dean College sneaker assault case

by Matt Tota/Daily News staff

A trial date has been set in the case of a former Dean College student accused of pummeling a fellow student during a 2011 campus attack, leaving the victim  bloodied, shoeless, and staggering.

"It would be tremendously positive"

The funding to help the development of the SNETT trail maybe in the current budget proposal working its way through the MA budget cycle according to this from the Milford Daily News:

A pillar of Patrick’s transportation overhaul is promoting greener commuting. MassDOT, in its travel plan, suggests adding or expanding trails in several communities, though does not specifically mention the Trunkline Trail. 

"These projects were included in this transportation piece because there is a growing recognition that it is no longer just about vehicular transportation," Lambert said. 

He added that a fully developed Trunkline Trail would improve the value of the six communities it wends through. 

"Particularly in Franklin," he said, "(because) Franklin is a community that’s growing. Investments like these are a choice for growth. And employers and families looking to settle in Massachusetts are looking for some of these quality-of-life enhancements that aren’t easily replicated anywhere else."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x898140363/Patricks-proposed-budget-calls-for-SNETT-investment#ixzz2MHfP8FUw

SNETT entrance on Grove St, Franklin, MA

Related posts on the Rail Trail effort:

The Governor's budget proposal and maps as shared here on Thursday
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/02/governor-patrick-new-online-map-shows.html

The recent Franklin Junction presentation at the Historical Museum
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/02/franklin-junction-photo-essay.html

Severe Weather Spotter Training - FREE at the Franklin Library on March 26

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SKYWARN TRAINING

FRANKLIN MA – March 26, 2013

The National Weather Service (NWS) will be conducting a severe weather spotter training session, part of its SKYWARN program, in Franklin MA

The class will be on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 between 6:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. It will be held at the Franklin Public Library, at 118 Main Street.

The session is open to the public at no charge. Emergency managers, police, fire, and other first responders are especially encouraged to attend. Everyone age 16 and older who stays to complete the training will be able to become trained NWS weather spotters.

The training session includes a two-hour thirty-minute computer-based presentation, which discusses the development of thunderstorms, the criteria for "severe" thunderstorms, as well as the cloud features associated with severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. Additional information will be presented about winter storms and proper snow measurement. The session will also present the procedure for reporting weather information to the National Weather Service.

It is not necessary to pre-register for this training, but anyone attending should bring a pen or pencil. If you have any questions about SKYWARN or the training sessions, please contact Bill Babcock, SKYWARN Program Leader at NWS Taunton MA, or Glenn Field, NWS Warning Coordination Meteorologist, at 508-823-1900 during normal business hours.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friends of the Franklin Library * P.O. Box 147 * Franklin, MA  02038 * fofl02038@gmail.com

What Are You Doing For Lunch Friday?

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

What Are You Doing For Lunch Friday?

via Franklin Downtown Partnership by noreply@blogger.com (Franklin Downtown Partnership) on 2/28/13

FDP Networking Luncheon Reminder:

This Friday, March 1st is the FDP Networking Luncheon

1:00 at Dean College Campus Center Dining Hall

$6.00 for a great lunch and good company!

Come meet new members! Bring your business cards!

Please RSVP Joel Carrara at jcarrara@printsmartoffice.com

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MassBudget: Investments and Revenue in the Governor's Budget

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Governor's Budget: Investments and Revenue In his budget for FY 2014, the Governor proposed significant new investments in Early Education & Care, K-12 Education, Higher Education, and Transportation. To fund these investments--and avoid cuts to other vital public services--the Governor's budget also includes a detailed plan to raise new revenue. As part of our ongoing analysis of the Governor's plan, MassBudget is releasing two new budget briefs. The first, "Investments and Revenue in the Governor's Budget," presents a concise, 2-page overview of key initiatives in the budget proposal. Notably: Significant new funding for Education, including greater support for the nearly 1 million students in K-12 public schools, increased access to quality Early Education & Care, and steps to help make Higher Education more affordable Investments to fix and improve our statewide transportation system--roads, buses, bridges, and subways The tax proposals that would fund these investment Our second brief, "Tax Policy Proposals in the Governor's FY 2014 Budget," describes the Governor's proposals to raise new revenue while increasing the fairness of our tax system. Among other things, it analyzes: The major revenue-generating piece of the Governor's plan, which involves raising the income tax rate while lowering the sales tax Changes to various deductions, including the elimination of some popular income tax breaks and the doubling of the personal exemption How Massachusetts businesses would be affected by the tax changes As a reminder, all of our work on the Governor's budget--including these new briefs--can be found here. Read INVESTMENTS AND REVENUE IN THE GOVERNOR'S BUDGET Read TAX POLICY PROPOSALS IN THE GOVERNOR'S FY 2014 BUDGET See all of our BUDGET RESOURCES The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

Save the Date! Bay State Bike Week: May 11-19

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Save the Date! Bay State Bike Week: May 11-19

via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 2/27/13

Community groups and bicycling supporters in 2012 hosted more than 150 bicycling events across Massachusetts to celebrate Bay State Bike Week. These diverse, community-based events to show that bicycling can be fun, safe and healthy included organized bike rides, bike breakfasts and even a race to see which mode of transportation can provide the fastest work commute! The challenge pitted a bicycle against a car and transit, spanning a distance of three miles from Davis Square to Kendall Square. Which mode was the quickest? The bicycle of course!

This year, Bay State Bike Week will take place from Saturday, May 11^th thru Sunday, May 19^th.  For the first time, this celebratory week of bicycle friendly activities will include two weekends to extend the opportunity for even more bicycling events.

After last year's Bay State Bike Week, Massachusetts was recognized by the League of American Bicyclists as the 3^rd most "bicycle friendly" state. Ranked 19^th in 2009, this was a significant accomplishment for Massachusetts!

Bay State Bike Week also plays a central role in MassDOT's mode shift goals to triple the levels of bicycling, walking and transit users throughout the Commonwealth by 2030.
Bay Sate Bike Week Sponsors, MassDOT, MassBike and MassRIDES look forward to celebrating another successful Bay State Bike Week across the Commonwealth this May!

Specific event participation and registration information will be posted on the Bay State Bike Week website leading up to May 11^th.For more information, contact Becca Cyr at Rebecca.Cyr@state.ma.us

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Get your hats ready!

The Parmenter School is celebrating Hat Day on Friday, March 1.

What hat would you wear?

Governor Patrick: New Online Map Shows Transportation, Education Investments

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Governor Patrick: New Online Map Shows Transportation, Education Investments

via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 2/27/13

Governor Deval Patrick today unveiled an online map tool that shows members of the public, in real terms, what investing in growth and opportunity will mean for their communities.
"This tool will help people see exactly what to expect in their own backyard as part of the investments we've proposed," said Governor Patrick. "Meaningful investments in education and transportation today will significantly improve our economic future both in the short term and for generations to come."

Each map outlines transportation projects in every community that would be funded under the Governor's FY14 budget proposal, as well as the additional Chapter 70 education funding and support for public colleges and universities communities can expect to receive under the Governor's investment plan. The maps also show how many children in each community are on the waitlist for early education and care programs. As part of the Governor's investment plan, the 30,000 child waitlist for early education and care programs across the state would be eliminated.  

Each of the 400 maps in total, representing both Senate and House districts, can be found at www.mass.gov/governor/choosegrowth. There are two maps per district – one displaying transportation investments and one displaying education investments in each community.   
Governor Patrick's budget plan includes a $1 billion annual investment in the Commonwealth's transportation system to maintain the current transportation assets we have today and launch a number of high-impact transportation projects across Massachusetts that, if built, will create thousands of jobs and spur economic development across the Commonwealth. The plan also includes a $550 million investment in education, reaching $1 billion over four years, to provide universal access to high quality early education for children across the state, from birth through age five; fully fund K-12 education and allow for extended school days in high-need schools; make college more affordable and accessible for high school graduates; and allow our community colleges to expand their efforts to provide students with the knowledge and skill training needed to succeed in the workplace.

Check out the 21st Century Transportation Plan "The Way Forward" and the Governor's Choosing Growth website.

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation using Google Reader
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The map for education in Rep Roy's 10th Norfolk district is shown here



The map for transportation in Rep Roy's 10th Norfolk district is shown here



Visit the Governor's links as outlined in the article above for additional maps