Thursday, September 4, 2014

Blackstone Valley: Things to do in September



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Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor
September: Things to do in the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor

For a complete, detailed listing of events, see the event calendar

Greenway Challenge

greenway challenge


Saturday, September 27
Rain Date: October 4

The UniBank Blackstone River Valley Greenway Challenge.
An Adventure Race... Like No Other!

The mission of the UniBank Blackstone River Valley Greenway Challenge is to promote the recreational quality of life in the Blackstone River Valley. 

Coordinated by he Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, Inc, the UniBank Greenway Challenge supports clean water campaigns, hiking and biking trails, wildlife projects, environmental education and development of waterway access.

Interested in volunteering? Contact Barbara Dixon at 401-762-0250, ext 5503 or barbara_dixon@partner.nps.gov.



Canal Diggers 5K Road Race


Saturday, September 6
Starts and finishes at Fiddler's Green Pub, 
Temple St. in Worcester MA
Start time: 11:00 am


16th Annual Pawtucket Arts Festival
Pawtucket Arts Festival
Starting on Thursday, September 4 and going through Sunday, September 28
Multiple Venues
Pawtucket, RI

The mission of the Pawtucket Arts Festival is to promote the arts communities in the City of Pawtucket; and to enhance the quality of life of the residents of the city and the New England region by providing and supporting quality art and cultural events within the city, year-round.



Slater's Ar(t)chitecture and Manufacture Festival

Saturday, September 6
11:00 am - 5:00 pm

Sunday, September 7
12:00 - 5:00 pm

Slater Mill / Hodgson Park 
67 Roosevelt Avenue
Pawtucket, RI

S.A.M.FEST celebrates the innovative spirit in the arts and architecture, manufacture and creative enterprise of all kinds, at iconic Slater Mill, the place "where innovation starts." S.A.M.FEST showcases art and design, architectural restoration, artisan manufacture, new music and performance in the center park of downtown Pawtucket, aside the mighty Blackstone River. 

Unique, quirky, historic, futuristic, salvage, antique, and other dynamic vendors, presenters, and performers promoting themes of arts, craft, textile & fiber, jewelry, architecture, gadgetry, and wonder will be offered to the community at S.A.M.FEST.

Blackstone Canalfest

Saturday, September 6
Harding Street, Exit 13 or 14 off of Route 290 at Kelley Square
Worcester, MA
11:00 am - 5:00 pm

Fall is the time for festivals in New England, and Saturday, September 6, will see one of the most exciting of them all - right on Harding Street in Worcester's Canal District, directly accessible from Rte. I-290 at Kelley Square.

And, it's free!


Rhode Island Chinese Dragon Boat Races Taiwan Day Festival

Saturday, September 6
Festival Pier
Off School Street
Pawtucket, RI

Races are held on the Blackstone River off the School Street pier in Pawtucket with the festival running from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.

The event consists of dragon boat races for professional and amateur teams, along with many cultural and artistic events, including a Chinese dumpling eating contest, aimed at adults and children. With the emphasis on competition and fun, the event makes an entertaining day for participants and the entire family. 


French Farmers Market & Heritage Festival

Saturday, September 6
River Island Park
Main Street
Woonsocket, RI
9:00 am - 3:00 pm

The event is free and open to the public. In addition to the open air market, there will be food favorites like French meat pie and dynamites as well as other foods. Music and dancing will be provided by the local Rhode Island band, "Fleur De Lis" and from Canada, "Mathieu Allard Trio." 

Tractors and Trumpets

Tractors and Trumpets Daniels Farmstead Sunday, September 7
Daniels Farmstead
286 Mendon Street
Blackstone, MA
9:00 am - 5:00 pm


37th Annual RI Heritage Day

Rhode Island Heritage Day


Saturday, September 20
Roger Williams National Memorial
284 North Main Street
Providence, RI
12:00 pm to Dusk

Admission to thisfamily event is free. Rhode Islanders of all ages are invited to join in a lively celebration of our state's rich cultural heritage. The Roger Williams National Memorial will be filled with booths from countries such as Venezuela, India, Korea, Haiti, Bolivia, Sweden, Ireland and others that will showcase their culture, music, and dance. 

The booths will have cultural exhibits and display craft demonstrations from all over the world. The food court will have a mouth-watering array of traditional foods and drinks. The children's area will have The Peace Flag Project, face painting and arts and crafts. 

A parade of international flags representing over 30 countries will start off the day. Dancers and musicians from various countries dressed in native and colorful costumes will perform Saturday afternoon. Kobi Dennis of NightVision and Angela Sharkey will be the MCs.


Riverfest



Saturday, September 12
Riverfest by Night
Ciro's Tavern
Woonsocket, RI
7:00 - 10:00 pm

Riverfest by Night is an adults-only (18+), pre-event event Friday night, Sept. 12 from 7-10pm at Ciros! 

Sunday, September 13
Riverfest by Day
River Island Park
Main Street
Woonsocket, RI
12:00 - 4:00 pm

Riverfest by Day is an alchohol-free, family-oriented event featuring workshops, vendors, food trucks, live music, three different contests and so much more. Get to know the Blackstone River like you never have before by taking our guided river walk. We will provide overall-style waders for you to wear as a river systems expert leads you out into the rivers so you can see first-hand the plants and animals that are rejuvenating the Blackstone.



Northbridge Historical Trolley Tour
Northbridge Historic Tour
Saturday, September 27
9:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm

The Northbridge Historical Commission is sponsoring 3 free trolley tours of historical Northbridge. 

The history of Northbridge will be brought back to life by Paul Whitin (aka Ken Warchol) in the historical garb of the 1830s. The tours will depart from the 1770 James Fletcher House at 1 Elm Place in Whitinsville. Mass Registrants should be there 1 hour before departure of each tour for a short slide presentation. Tours will last 2 hours with 15 minute stops to tour the 1780 John Adams home and the 1890 Lasell Mansion of 29 rooms. 

There is no charge but reservations must be made by calling or visiting the Whitinsville Library at 508-234-2151 with the tour time requested and the number of attendees and your telephone number.

Event Calendar

Check out the event calendar for a more complete, detailed listing of Blackstone Corridor Events:

We are glad to include Corridor-related news and events, both on our web site calendar and in our monthly newsletter, Corridor Currents.

Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor
About The Blackstone River Valley
National Heritage Corridor
Congress established the National Heritage Corridor in 1986 to restore and preserve the nationally significant heritage of the Blackstone River Valley, where the industrialization of America began. It has become a successful program of partnerships between federal, state and local government agencies, as well as nongovernment organizations, pooling their resources and pursuing a common agenda of preservation and revitalization. 

Ongoing Blackstone Corridor programs and projects include historic preservation, river cleanup, land conservation and stewardship, visitor centers, ranger walks, programs with schools, recreational programs and events, support for arts and cultural events, training for partners and volunteers and assistance to towns trying to preserve their heritage while also improving the local and regional economy.
One Depot Square
Woonsocket, Rhode Island 02895
Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor
401-762-0250


Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor | One Depot Square | Woonsocket | RI | 02895

In the News: new high school, STEM roundtable, clean water grant


Every student has been assigned a Google Chromebook — affordable laptops — to use in class, Waite noted, saying it’s one of the things she’s been most excited about. 
Bates and Waite, as well as the other members of the student-led transition teams, were integral in preparing the school for the first day, Light said. 
"It was impressive work by a group of kids who were so enthusiastic and positive and willing to do all of the hard work behind the scenes to get the school up and running," he said. "That, to me, is really the most exciting thing: This is a place for the students, and we’re trying to create a culture where it’s led by the students, as well."
Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140904/NEWS/140908725/1994/NEWS

Sparking interest in science and engineering early at the middle school level is one way to build a stronger workforce in the high-tech manufacturing fields, according to officials in the industry. 
Executives from four such companies on Wednesday met with U.S. Rep. Joseph Kennedy III and state Rep. John Fernandes, D-Milford, for a roundtable discussion on potential solutions to the problems the industry faces. 
Kennedy, a Democrat who represents the state’s 4th Congressional district, organized the session in part to update leading manufacturers on his bill that aims to establish regional manufacturing institutes across the country for education and research. The government would dole out funding for the centers through a competitive grant system.
Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140904/NEWS/140908721/1994/NEWS


The town has received $117,650 in state funds to improve storm water runoff, the state Department of Environmental Protection announced today. 
The money will aid the town in "mitigating the effects of polluted storm water," according to a press release.. 
"Clean lakes and streams mean thriving communities and healthy ecosystems," said Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner David W. Cash.
Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140902/NEWS/140909473

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Friends of Franklin Library - Meeting Agenda - Sep 3


FOFL Meeting Agenda for Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Meeting time:  7PM
Meeting place:  Franklin Library, Community Room

·         Welcome and introductions

·         Public Comments

·         Library Director

·         Library Board of Directors

·         Acceptance of minutes from last (June) meeting

·         Treasurer's report

·         Committee updates
o   Membership 
o   Outreach – Facebook/Twitter
§  newsletter
o   Downtown Partnership  
§  Harvest Festival

·         Continuing items
o   Scholarship 2015
o   FoFL Bulletin board content, monthly themes

·         New Items
o   Fundraising 2014-2015      
o   Presenting/sponsoring programs in conjunction with other town groups
§  Upcoming:  October 7 with Garden Club at Alumni.          
·         Author of "Garden Club Mysteries' and other mysteries (Neal Sanders)
o   Other authors?  Topics?
o   Other

Franklin Public Library
Franklin Public Library

Starbucks: Another chemical dumped (almost...)

Given the recent hype about the new Starbucks, this seems appropriate to share. Caveat emptor!

Hi from New York City! 
I can't believe we did it again. We are bending policies of multi-billion dollar companies overnight. It really blows my mind! 
In this latest post, I reveal the email exchanges I had with the Starbucks PR team leading up to last week, including what happened after they invited me to their headquarters in Seattle.  
And…because of what you did last week, their stance completely changed. 
Watch me talking about this issue on national TV this morning & read the latest news HERE. 
At the end of this post, I have one little favor to ask. Even though Starbucks has agreed to some of our requests, they have a lot more work to do. Millions of people are still drinking these chemicals as I am typing! 
None of these changes could become a reality without you and your unwavering determination to improve the quality and safety of our food. 
I hope you are proud of yourself. I certainly am. 
Thank you for standing with me and for your continued love and support.

Xo,
Vani 


P.O. Box 31521 Charlotte, NC 28231


Drink Starbucks? Wake Up And Smell The Chemicals!

Drink Starbucks? Wake Up And Smell The Chemicals!


Franklin Area Kids Hiking Group - September hike descriptions

The hikes for September have been scheduled and posted to the group Facebook page:

Sept 5th Creatures of the night hike Delcarte Playground Franklin 6pm Join in this hike for a night of face painting and creature finding. We will discuss all the different nocturnal animals as well as a take home craft for each child! 15 child limit $5 per child

Sep 9th Open hike 4pm Join us for a free open hike through the cranberry bog and woods trail at Bass Pro Franklin Ma (Foxboro??)

Sep 11th Art in Nature Bird Park Walpole 4pm Join us for this beautiful hike and fun activity. The children will be using materials from nature to create their very own masterpieces. 15 child limit $5 per child

Sept 13th Owling Dacey Field 6pm Join us for a trip through the woods while we look for our friends of the night OWLS!! The kids will learn how to do owl calls and pick up some not so appetizing info on the owls digestive system!!! Take home craft provided for each child. 15 child limit $5 per child

Sep 14th Apples Apples Apples The Big Apple Wrentham Ma 10am This delicious hike is perfect for a weekend morning outing. The children will be making their own apple prints as well as exploring the farm land!! After the hike during our activity, the kids can enjoy apple cider donuts along with water and of course APPLES!!! 15 child limit $7 per child

Sep 17th Open Hike Hopedale Parklands 4pm. Join us on another free hike to explore a wonderful area with wild and plant life all around!!

Sep 19th Hike and Learn Plants. Choate Park Medway 4:30 pm Each child who joins this hike will be given their very own field guide and taken on a hike to identify and learn about different native plants that grow in the area. After the hike there will be a plant related Craft. !5 child limit $6 per child

Sep 22 Changing of the seasons SNETT Trail Franklin Ma 4pm This fun filled adventure will consist of take home field guides and lots of detective work to find the different signs of a changing season. After the hike the kids will be given a take home seasonal craft. 15 child limit $6 per child

Sep 25th Open Hike Bellingham Town Common. 4:30pm This is a fun afternoon hike as it is not to strenuous or even in the woods! A great place to walk and finish with some time on the playground

Sep 28th Yoga for kids and Moms Borderland State Park. Easton Ma !0am This is one of the most beautiful places to sit by the water and find some Sunday morning inner peace. A great way to get ready for a new week for both your child and you. All ages of children welcome. 15 child limit $2 entrance fee $4 per child hike fee

The schedule in a calendar view
September 2014 hiking calendar
September 2014 hiking calendar


The Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/groups/830232910335361/

Important Emmons St Meeting WEDNESDAY - 5:30 pm


The Economic Development Committee will be making their recommendations for the RFP on Emmons Street property on Wednesday.

At the last meeting they discussed cutting the greenspace and leaving in the possibility of a drive-thru. They are very interested in citizens input, but people need to attend the meeting.


Emmons Street Property Discussion
Economic Development Committee Meeting
Wednesday, September 3rd
5:30 pm-Town Hall meeting room-3rd floor

Committee will decide on specific recommendations to be included in the RFP
Public encouraged to attend

150 Emmons St
150 Emmons St

This is a reprint of the Downtown Partnership notice posted earlier

  

Franklin High School Preview for boys soccer and football

Hockomock Sports has the preview for Franklin in Boys Soccer and Football

Franklin
2013 Record: 13-2-5 (11-0-5)
2013 Finish: Lost in MIAA D1 South Quarterfinal
Coach: Fran Bositis

Last fall, the Panthers were a minute from upsetting one of the top teams in the state, before Klisman Sousa scored an equalizer for New Bedford, which went on to win on penalties. Franklin returns 14 players from that squad, including 13 seniors who will be looking to make it a perfect four for four in league titles over their careers. As coach Fran Bositis explained, “There are no real flashy players, but they all fit well as a team.” 
The Panthers will be without the box-to-box talent of midfielder Joe Kalil this season, but Bositis believes that he has a ready-made replacement in senior Tim Larowe, who played mostly at defensive mid last year. Bositis believes that Larowe, a two-year captain, has the capability of adding more attacking to his game. Offensively, Franklin will look to junior forward Austin Kent to provide the goals, but this will be a team based as always on energy, defense, and speed. 
Bositis also highlighted his other captains Cal Harmon and Ben Labelle and said that a player to keep an eye on this season will be sophomore midfielder Hatim Brahimi, who can add some creativity in the center of the pitch as he gets accustomed to the league’s physicality. 
With scrimmages against perennial powers such as Medway, Ludlow, and Algonquin, Bositis believes that his team will be ready to try and challenge Attleboro and KP for the title.
You can read the complete boys soccer Kelly-Rex Division preview here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-boys-soccer-kelley-rex-division-preview

new FHS Panthers logo
new FHS Panthers logo


Franklin
2013 Record: 5-6 (1-4)
2013 Finish: Missed Playoffs
Coach: Brad Sidwell (21st Year, 118-88-3)
Key Players: Colton Cardinal, Sr. TE/LB, 6-4, 235 lbs.; Andrew Parent, Sr. WR/CB, 5-9, 165 lbs.; Daevon Weathers, Sr. RB, 5-6, 170 lbs.; Luke Gordon, Jr. WR/S, 6-1, 175 lbs.; Sam Harrell, Jr. WR, 5-11, 180 lbs.; Kyle Skidmore, Sr. QB/DB, 6-3, 200 lbs.; Nick Yelle, Jr. WR/DB, 5-9, 175 lbs.; Jake Garrity, Sr. WR/DB, 5-8, 165 lbs.; Brian Sugrue, Sr. OL/DL, 6-2, 255 lbs.; Joey Giacalone, Jr. OL/DL, 6-1, 260 lbs.; Ben Riggs, Jr. OL/DL, 6-2, 285 lbs.; Brian Casali, Sr. LB, 5-9, 185 lbs.

Offense: Kyle Skidmore will take over the reins at quarterback this fall and the lefty will have to try and build an offense that features a number of new faces in the skill positions. Daevon Weathers will be the primary back with Sam Harrell, Luke Gordon, Jake Garrity, and senior captain Andrew Parent among the players that will be counted on to make plays at receiver. 
Franklin has plenty of size up front with Brian Sugrue, Joey Giacalone, and Ben Riggs all at least 6-1. The line will need to protect the passer against its speedier Kelley-Rex rivals. Weathers is a smaller back but likes to go downhill and attack the hole quickly, which will again make interior line play a crucial component to the offense’s success. 
Defense: Parent will be one of the key players in the Panthers’ inexperienced secondary. Many of the receivers will also be playing on the other side of the ball. Like Parent, senior linebacker Colton Cardinal, who has DI interest and was named one of HockomockSports.com Defensive Players to Watch, was missing during parts of preseason and will be a pivotal player for Franklin. Cardinal will be a key weapon in the pass rush and with his ability to recognize and call out screens or to judge the zone read, which is a component of many Hockomock offenses. 
The size that is a strength of the offense is also a factor on defense. Franklin is a team that can bunch the middle and will be tough to run against inside the tackles. Cardinal will get some help in the linebacking corps from senior Brian Casali. 
Outlook: Franklin struggled offensively against the top teams in the division last season and that could be an issue again as it searches for the right combination of playmakers and Skidmore becomes comfortable with the system. The Panthers do bring three of their rivals to Pisini Field, but reaching the playoffs could be a tough task this season.
You can read the full Kelly-Rex Division preview here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-football-kelley-rex-division-preview

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Franklin Newcomers and Friends - meeting Sep 10


Hi Steve,

Our committee is gearing up for our first official meeting of the year.  We're reaching out to see if you'd be able to post our events on your Franklin Matters blog.  We all subscribe and we're big fans of your blog.  We're thankful for the time you take to keep us all in know about anything that "matters" in Franklin!  We'd appreciate your help and thank you in advance!

Our first meeting will be on Wednesday, September 10th  at "3" Restaurant, 461 West Central Street in Franklin.  We gather at 7:30 for complimentary appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages.  A cash bar is available.  Our meetings start by 8pm.

We're a social gathering of local residents.  We welcome you whether you are new to the area or have lived here forever.  We meet the 2nd Wednesday of the month, September through May.  We have additional gatherings each month based on different interests.  We meet regularly for morning breakfasts, lunch or dinner.  We have Ladies Nights Out, Wine Tastings, movie nights, events for couples and families . . .singles too!  Everyone's input is valued and if you have something you'd like to do,  we offer a place to come together with your ideas and an opportunity to socialize with others.  We like to give back to the community so we hold events that raise funds that support local programs and organizations. Our goal is to provide friendship and promote camaraderie among local residents.

Giving back to the community is important to us.  The proceeds raised at our annual fundraiser, the Franklin Newcomers and Friends Craft Fair, is donated to local charities and organizations.  We also look for opportunities to lend our support through volunteering.

For more information, check out our website www.franklinnewcomers.com.  For ease in communication, we utilize MeetUp.com for events outside of our regular monthly meetings.  If you have any questions, contact us by email at franklinnewcomers@hotmail.com.

Thanks for helping us spread the word . . . 

Karilyn Hammer
Franklin Newcomers and Friends
Board Member

Franklin Newcomers and Friends website
Franklin Newcomers and Friends website

MA Candidates for Governor

Only a week remains before the Sep 9th primary election. There are a pack of candidates running for governor of MA. WBUR's website provides an intro to each candidate:

http://www.wbur.org/2014/08/04/massachusetts-gubernatorial-candidates


The campaign sites for each candidate are as follows:

Denocrat

Martha Coakley -  http://www.marthacoakley.com/
Steve Grossman - http://stevegrossman.com/
Donald Berwick - http://www.berwickforgovernor.com/

Republican

Charlie Baker - https://www.charliebaker2014.com/
Mark Fisher - http://www.markfisher2014.com/

Independent

Evan Falchuk - http://www.falchuk2014.org/
Jeff McCormick - http://www.jmacforgov.org/
Scott Lively - http://www.livelyforgovernor.com/

From the Milford Daily News we find:

Since Jan. 1, the gubernatorial candidates have spent a combined $9.16 million. Grossman has spent $1.78 million, followed by Coakley ($1.61 million), Baker ($1.40 million), Berwick ($1.16 million) and Fisher ($290,000). 
United Independent Party candidate Evan Falchuk has spent $865,000, while independents Scott Lively and Jeff McCormick have spent $9,400 and $901,000, respectively.
Continue reading the article on campaign spending here (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140902/NEWS/140909738/1994/NEWS


Absentee ballots are available to the Town Clerks office

Primary election notice for Sep 9, 2014
Primary election notice for Sep 9, 2014

Riding-mower tuneup promotion

Hello Steve,

Below is a late-summer incentive for you to keep your riding mower in top shape. If you don't own a riding mower, please ignore and sorry for the trouble. 
The rates below are for routine preventive maintenance for a fully operational machine with no known problems. Repairs extra.

Riding mower or commercial walk-behind up to 42"$30 off = $169 ($199)

Riding mower or commercial walk-behind over 42"$40 off= $199 ($239)

Extended area charge (where applicable): $10 off = $19 ($29)

Must be booked on-line by September 8, 2014.

Book now (Use promo code (RM914)



Mower n More



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Monday, September 1, 2014

Franklin Public Schools: Welcome Back

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

September 1, 2014

Welcome Back to our Students, Parents and Faculty!


As the 2014-2015 academic year begins let me welcome back our faculty, students and families. We will continue to offer opportunities for excellence and will reaffirm the importance of public education through our work with the children of Franklin. When we open our doors on Tuesday, our administration, faculty and staff will share their commitment, talent and passion to inspire your children to achieve. 
This school year will welcome the Class of 2018 to the new Franklin High School. Much of this short summer was spent completing the new school and preparing for the transition. The new high school is an amazing gift to our students from the community and we invite you to join us for a tour when we officially dedicate the facility. Dedication weekend will be September 20 and 21. (Details to follow). 
The Facilities Department and DPW personnel engaged in a number of summer projects. Anyone who traveled down Lincoln Street this summer will know that the town completed an expansive project and it include renovation and addition of sidewalks. Also the concrete curbs at the Keller/ASMS complex were replaced with granite curbs thus making the entry much safer. 
While students were vacationing many of our educators engaged in rigorous professional development. About 50 of our staff attended the Building Learning Communities (BLC) conference in Boston. Many of us learned much about using technology to support learning. We will be developing a Digital Learning Committee of educators and administrators to design a comprehensive plan to use digital learning. 
Also this summer our elementary teachers worked on developing lessons to support the implementation of the new mathematics program Envisions. We will be setting up a series of math programs aimed at parents to review the program and to understand the mathematical content in K-5. 
On September 4 and 5 all of our kindergarten teachers will attend a mandated training by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). This training will teach the educator how to use the MKEA, the Massachusetts Kindergarten Educational Assessment tool. As we accept state funds to implement free full- day kindergarten we are mandated to complete the assessment and staff must be trained. We will report back to the School Committee as the assessment of students begins in late fall. 
The Franklin Public Schools has gone global and you will be hearing from FHS teacher Mike Walsh and his students who visited China in early summer. Also our Director Art Education, Jane Hogan and Director Instructional Services Pre K-12, Joyce Edwards spent two weeks in China visiting schools and learning about education in China. We look forward to hearing about their journey at a School Committee meeting in late September. 
As we open school please extend your thanks and appreciation to the Facilities Staff and DPW who worked tirelessly to open all of our schools. Also as we now have busses, vans and students on the road again, we ask that you leave some extra time for traffic and to be mindful of all crosswalks. We want all our students to get to school safely.
Warm Regards and All the Best for a Successful Year,

Maureen Sabolinski
Superintendent of Schools


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. 



Franklin High School
Franklin High School

For more information about the Franklin Public Schools you can visit their webpage via the Franklin Town site or directly here  http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/index

Labor Day and 'back to school' week

The wikipedia entry for Labor Day reads in part:
To take advantage of large numbers of potential customers free to shop, Labor Day has become an important sale weekend for many retailers in the United States. Some retailers claim it is one of the largest sale dates of the year, second only to the Christmas season's Black Friday.[7] 
Ironically, because of the importance of the sale weekend, some of those who are employed in the retail sector not only work on Labor Day, but work longer hours. More Americans work in the retail industry than any other, with retail employment making up 24% of all jobs in the United States.[8] As of 2012, only 3% of those employed in the retail sector were members of a labor union.[8]

Parmenter School sign with opening schedule for 2014-2015 school year
Parmenter School sign with opening schedule for 2014-2015 school year
Labor Day is also the traditional end of summer and return to school. Franklin schools got out early in June 2014 in part due to the snow days but also deliberately to assist with the move out of the old FHS building. Schools are also opening after Labor Day this year to provide the time for the new FHS building to get completed (construction has been) and the facility moved into (by faculty, etc.).
In elementary, Grades 1-5 report on Sep 3
Friday Sep 5, there is a one hour Kindergarten orientation and on Monday, Sep 8th, Kindergarten will start their full day schedule.
The K schedule is different this year due to a new state requirement for an assessment of all kndergarteners.  The K teachers are being trained on the assessment process, Weds and Thur (Sep 3-4).
Middle school and high school opens for all grades on Sep 3


31 thermal totes collected and delivered

You may recall that Megan DeKing posted about collecting some thermal totes for new born infants at the intensive care unit of an area hospital. With your help she collected 31 totes and delivered them last Friday. She posted the following to our Franklin Matters Facebook page
Thank you so much to those that helped collect NICU totes! Just dropped them off and the moms there were so thankful!
Megan DeKing (far right) delivering the totes
Megan DeKing (far right) delivering the totes
The totes were delivered to the NICU at Newton Wellsley Hospital

The fund raising was initially posted here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/fund-raising-thermal-totes-for-infants.html