Monday, October 6, 2014

Keep those pens and pencils around


When writing, your hand is used to form the shapes of the letters, therefore engaging your brain in the process. Handwriting requires a hand-eye coordination. As you write, your brain must work to recognize and remember the shape of the letter. This method exercises your brain and keeps it sharp and fast, especially as you get older. When you type, you are repeatedly striking corresponding key, which does not bring about the same effect in the brain. Typing involves less brain activity, and therefore doesn’t bring about the same results in the thought process. 
Next time you take notes, close your laptop cover and use pen and paper; you will retain more information and you will keep your brain healthy.

See more at: http://pantherbook.org/news/2014/10/05/its-right-to-write/#sthash.hZqGjbfE.dpuf

Pantherbook article on using pen/pencil for notes
Pantherbook article on using pen/pencil for notes

Sunday, October 5, 2014

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Oct 6, 2014

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 (MA) Public Schools - "the key to learning"
Franklin (MA) 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 23, 2014 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Clement
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: Budget To Actual – Miriam Goodman


2. Guests/Presentations

a. Sophia Addi – French Horn
b. Star Team Plaque Presentation
c. Tech Update / Plan – Tim Rapoza, Joyce Edwards
d. Facilities Update – Maureen Sabolinski


3. Discussion Only Items

Policy – Second Readings
1. GBGB – Staff Health and Safety
2. IJOC – School Volunteers


4. Action Items

a. I recommend adoption of Policies as discussed
1. GBGB – Staff Health and Safety
2. IJOC – School Volunteers
b. I recommend acceptance of three checks totaling $3,286.50 from the Keller PCC for Field Trips.
c. I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $1,200.00 from the JFK PCC for Field Trips.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $4,500.00 from the Jefferson PCC for Field Trips.
e. I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $746.80 from the Oak St. PCC for Field Trips.
f. I recommend approval of the request of the Remington Adventure Club’s field trip to Mt. Monadnock in Jaffrey, NH on October 25th (rain date 11/1/14) as detailed.
g. I recommend acceptance of a check for $400.00 from Shaws and Star Market for in-house enrichment at FHS.
h. I recommend acceptance of the donation of art supplies valued at $277.00 from DonorsChoose.org for FHS.


5. Information Matters

Superintendent’s Report
(Sept 2013 to Sept 2014 enrollment comparison)
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

Franklin Public Schools: Enrollment changes from Sept 2013 to Sept 2014

The September 2013 to September 2014 enrollment comparison for the Franklin Public Schools.

2013 2104 Delta
Elementary 2705 2556 -149
Middle Sch 1433 1385 -48
High School 1635 1706 71
Total 5773 5647 -126





the new Franklin high School, one reason for an increase in enrollment
the new Franklin High School, one reason for an increase in enrollment

don't call between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM

If you need to call for an emergency, don't call between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM Monday to Friday.

The frequency of simultaneous calls is raising a concern. The Fire Dept is barely staffed to serve two calls at one time. When the third one comes in, assistance from one of our neighboring communities is needed. It is not that they are not responsive, they are. The response time (travel time) from their departure point to the site in Franklin will be longer than if Franklin served the call.

Chief Gary McCarragher's presentation to the Town Council on Wednesday.




One other document provided to share is the marketing plan for the two RFPs currently out on the street. The Dept of Community Development and Planning is leading the efforts outlined here.




For the complete set of notes from Wednesday's Town Council meeting, check this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/10/jones-resignation-will-bring-special.html

Franklin - Fire Station #1 - West Central St
Franklin - Fire Station #1 - West Central St

FEF Casino Night - Nov 1

The Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) will hold their annual casino night on Saturday November 1, 2014.

Held at the Franklin Elks Hall, 1077 Pond St, from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM. There will also be a Texas Hold-em Tournament beginning at 6:00 PM which will require a separate entry fee.

Franklin Elks - 1077 Pond St, Franklin, MA 02038
Franklin Elks - 1077 Pond St, Franklin, MA 02038

Tickets for the Casino Night are $25 each or 2 for $40.





From the About us page on the FEF website
We are an independent, non-profit, community-based organization developed to support to innovation and excellence in education. We do this by funding grants for teachers and other staff within the Franklin public school system. 
Since 1997, FEF has funded hundreds of grants totaling over $300,000. These grants have touched students at all levels from the early childhood development center through the high school.

For more information on the Franklin Education Foundation, visit their website here
http://www.franklined.org/

YPO@ Game 7 Sports Bar and Grill on Thursday 10/16/14 from 6pm-8pm!


      
 Young Professionals Organization 

football


UPCOMING EVENTS

Kick off your Fall networking by joining the YPO for a night of friendly competition and conversation at:

Game 7 Sports Bar amd Grill Thursday, October 16th 6pm-8pm

Come and make connections over cocktails by networking with area professionals before Thursday Night Football. Conveniently located in Plainville, Game 7 provides sports fan's paradise by having plenty of TV's, plenty of beer and great tasting food.


Like a challenge? Test your paper flicking skills in our Paper Football tournament! Light appetizers will be served and a cash bar available. After the event wraps up, stay and root for the home team as the Patriots take on the New York Jets.

21+ event.
Registration is $5.00 in advance, $10.00 at the door.

Location:
Game 7 Sports Bar and Grill
60 Man Mar Drive
Plainville, MA 02762



The United Regional Young Professionals Organization is a community of diverse individuals who share a common interest in professional relationship building, career development, social engagement and civic leadership. As an affiliate of the United Regional Chamber of Commerce, the United Regional YPO provides a platform for individuals to engage with their peers and community while providing guidance and support to help them grow personally and professionally. 
Join Our Mailing List
STAY CONNECTED

Like us on Facebook   Follow us on Twitter   View our profile on LinkedIn   
Forward email
Privacy Policy.

United Regional YPO | 42 Union Street | Attleboro | MA | 02703

Oct. 7-13 is YMCA’s Arts Week


The Hockomock Area YMCA will host a week filled with activities at its Bernon Family Branch (45 Forge Hill Road, Franklin), Invensys Foxboro Branch (67 Mechanic Street, Foxboro), and North Attleboro Branch (300 Elmwood Street, North Attleboro) to educate, inspire and connect youth. Arts Week is an annual celebration at Ys nationwide that spotlights the nonprofit’s commitment to arts programming, ensuring youth have an outlet to express themselves creatively and discover and enhance talents.

Held in conjunction with National Arts and Humanities Month in October, Arts Week at the Hockomock Area YMCA is free to the public and will feature activities for youth to explore art and “turn up” their creative expression. Each branch will offer free art activities in their lobbies and in program areas for youth in the community to help children explore the arts throughout the week of October 6th.
Hockomock YMCA
Hockomock YMCA


The Hockomock Area YMCA offers many varied art programs which include cooking, mixed media art, video production, voice lessons, and many preschool art and music classes. In addition, the Hockomock Area YMCA offers two fantastic theatre programs based out of our Mansfield Arts & Education that is open to all area communities, the Broad-Y Academy for ages 7-14, and The Theatre Institute for high school aged students. These programs provide performance opportunities ranging from musical theatre, plays, original play righting, Shakespeare, camps and many workshops. “The mission for our theatre program is to create magic for students of all ability levels and to instill a deep love for the arts that will last the rest of their lives” explains Heather Utsler-Smith, Hockomock Area YMCA Mansfield Arts Director.

“At the Y, we are invested in helping young people recognize their potential, and providing them with an environment where they feel comfortable expressing themselves creatively,” said Michael Mahoney, Senior Program Director at the North Attleboro Branch of the Hockomock Area YMCA. “Art comes in many forms, from dance to drama and music to visual and digital arts. Whatever a child's passion, our Y offers a way for them to get involved in the arts. Join us for Y Arts Week or register for our Fall 2 classes starting October 7”.

To learn more about the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Arts Week or the arts programs, contact Michael Mahoney at 508-643-5265 or email michaelm@hockymca.org. To learn more about our Theatre programs, contact Heather Utsler-Smith 614-581-1783 or heatheru@hockymca.org.

About the Hockomock Area YMCA

We believe that lasting personal and social change can only come about when we work together to invest in our kids, our health, and our neighbors. That’s why, at the Y, strengthening community is our cause. Every day, we work side by side with our neighbors in our community to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Reach Out for Youth & Families is our annual support campaign to provide a YMCA experience to more than 15,000 local children and families in need.