Monday, September 29, 2014

Franklin Library: Science Friday

Miss Gina returns to the Franklin Public Library on Friday, Oct 3rd. Exploring the night sky is the topic this time for kids in grades 1-4.

You can register online or at the Library. (Unfortunately, the Library is the best option in this case as they buried the link to register in the photo itself and I can't find it elsewhere on the Library web places.)

Exploring the Night Sky with Miss Gina
Exploring the Night Sky with Miss Gina

This was shared from the Library page here
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2014/09/science-friday.html

FHS Soccer - top of the table

Both the FHS boys and girls soccer teams on sitting on the top of their division in the Hockomock League.

You can check out the posts on Hockomock Sports for the details

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Girls

http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-girls-soccer-stats-standings-092814

Boys

http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-boys-soccer-stats-standings-092814

Sunday, September 28, 2014

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Oct 1, 2014


A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

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
Eagle Scout
The Franklin Garden Club

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS
- Franklin Cultural Council
Ian Kabat
Karen Wellerson Juhl

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
– Gary McCarraher, Fire Chief

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 14-59: Dedication of Town-Owned Land Known as Fletcher Field Located on
Peck Street For Use As A Public Playground Or Recreation Centre, As Provided In G.L. Chapter 45, Section 14 and Authorization For Town Administrator to Execute Grant Agreement With Commonwealth Of Massachusetts And To Take Other Action To Enable Town To Construct Playground
2. ByLaw Amendment 14-741: Chapter 65, Collection Containers – 2nd Reading

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

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

P. ADJOURN

Franklin Municipal Building, location of the town offices and site of the Town Council meeting
Franklin Municipal Building, location of the town offices and site of the Town Council meeting


You can find all the documents released with this agenda on the Franklin website here:
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2014/100114.pdf

Note: I would spend some time reviewing the proposed bylaw on collection containers.

Walk to Break the Silence - Oct 18th


Voices Against Violence provides comprehensive services including a 24 hour hotline, crisis intervention, counseling, advocacy and shelter to more the 3000 victims and survivors in the Metrowest area every year. Voices depends on the generosity of the community to ensure that life-saving services remain free and accessible to all. 
The "Walk to Break the Silence" is an annual, family-friendly, 1/2 day rally and walk-a-thon event in downtown Framingham that celebrates the strength and courage of victims and survivors. The event includes powerful visual art displays, games and face painting for the kids, inspiration from our speakers, and a little exercise too! Registration is free and there are several ways you can lend your support - you can be a Team Captain, a Walker, or a Virtual Friend!


The "Walk to Break the Silence" flyer:




For additional information about Voices Against Violence you can visit their webpage
http://smoc.org/voices-against-violence.php

To register for the Walk to Break the Silence, follow this link

Register to Walk to Break the Silence
Register to Walk to Break the Silence


Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda and documents for Sep 23 meeting

Due to a technical issue, the following info did not arrive until after the meeting that I already reported on last Tuesday. To complete the reporting, here is the full agenda and the associated documents.

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.

AGENDA
"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."

Franklin Public Schools - 'the key to learning'
Franklin Public Schools - 'the key to learning'

1. Routine Business

Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the September 9, 2014 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Clement
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: none

2. Guests/Presentations

a. Student Trip to China - Mike Walsh, FHS Students (Gabriela Blood and Haley Frank) (Note - the file size for this document is 26MB - quite large so it will take time to open - please be patient! It is worth opening and viewing.)




b. China Trip – Joyce Edwards, Jane Hogan




3. Discussion Only Items

Policy – First Readings:
1. GBGB – Staff Health and Safety
2. IJOC – School Volunteers
Collaborative Agreements – Maureen Sabolinski

Accept Collaborative


BICO Collaborative



Evaluation of Superintendent




4. Action Items

a. I recommend moving the following policies discussed to a second reading:
1. GBGB – Staff Health and Safety
2. IJOC – School Volunteers
b. I recommend approval of the Bi-County Collaborative Agreement.
c. I recommend approval of the Accept Collaborative Agreement.
d. I recommend adoption of the Superintendent Evaluation.
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $847.61 from Target’s Take Charge of Education Program for FHS.
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $500.00 from Reebok Foundation for in-house enrichment at Keller Elementary.

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


My recap of the live reporting for this meeting can be found here

Note: Email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the documents attached.  

THE BLACK BOX - now open

After spending sometime at the dedication ceremony for the new Franklin High School last Sunday, I did stop in to see THE BLACK BOX. While the views of the theater are nothing in comparison to the new high school, the concept and opportunity is as great an event for Franklin.

THE BLACK BOX - 15 West Central St, Franklin
THE BLACK BOX - 15 West Central St, Franklin

Yes, the new 850 seat FHS auditorium is amazing. If you need convincing, listen to the first concert held there. I recorded this while sitting up in the back where the acoustics still allowed for the capture of every note.

inside THE BLACK BOX last Sunday, Sep 20th
inside THE BLACK BOX last Sunday, Sep 20th


So how is THE BLACK BOX as great an opportunity for Franklin?

Simply, it is a black box and while there is nothing terribly unusual about it, the greatness of a black box is the potential it presents. This theater in downtown Franklin is already scheduled to provide cultural opportunities not previously available.

Yes, the Franklin School for Preforming Arts will use it for some of their productions. Peter Pan coming in October is the first.

Tickets are available for Peter Pan
Tickets are available for Peter Pan
A series of events for children is scheduled with Franklin's Jamie Barrett scheduled to appear first.

The first scheduled for the children's series is Jamie Barrett
The first scheduled for the children's series is Jamie Barrett
A series of performances featuring local groups has the Brothers McCann lined up to appear in November

The Brothers McCann are scheduled for November 28th
The Brothers McCann are scheduled for November 28th
Tickets for most shows go on sale October 1.

For more information on THE BLACK BOX you can visit their web page here


The Young Democrats of FHS [feedly]

With the Massachusetts' state election approaching in November it is good to see some engagement among the high school youth as they prepare to turn 18 and register to vote. While sports and the performing arts also offer good after school programs, the Young Democrats of FHS is a great opportunity for the students to become aware of their civic responsibilities.

Now more than ever, young Americans are not politically engaged. According to a poll by the Harvard University Institute of Politics, fewer than 1 in 4 millennials under 30 “definitely” plan to vote in this year’s midterm elections in November. This same poll also found that more people between 18-29 years old identify as Democrats than Republicans. This means that election results do not match the political makeup of our country, so our representatives in Congress do not truly representative us. 
So, why should you care? As high school students, we are on the brink of turning 18, the time when we can have a voice in the country’s political system. Voting is more than filling in some circles on a ballot in the gym at FHS. It is utilizing your power to make change. 
Young people have most likely lost their desire to vote out of cynicism. We see and hear about what Congress is doing – or, not doing – every day. We have lost hope for the future, picturing a life riddled with college debt and a lack of jobs. We are not wrong for having these feelings, because our elected representatives do not reflect the young people’s interests. If you do not vote, you will not see change be made.

Continue reading the article at Pantherbook: http://pantherbook.org/student-life/2014/09/27/the-young-democrats-of-fhs/#sthash.PGrY1XQZ.dpuf

pantherbook article screenshot
pantherbook article screenshot

Pantherbook is the website or blog published by FHS students. If you want to see more of what they talk about consider subscribing to Pantherbook.org/