Yes, exercise is good for learning

The exercise initiatives at Davis Thayer were featured at the School Committee meeting on Tuesday. There is a growing body of evidence supporting exercise as good for the overall health of individuals, especially in a learning environment.

The results of the 'school climate' survey conducted with the parents and staff during the Apr-May 2014 period were shared and discussed last night. The one thread that ran through all the results was a good opportunity for improved communication. From getting an increased participation in the survey to a better understanding of the effectiveness of Advanced Placement (AP) classes, you can tie to communications.

community entrance at FHS

The School district used to be at the forefront of using social media tools to communicate but it has dropped off recently. The School Committee blog was last updated when? Yes, the Twitter account usage at the high school is good. Finding appropriate methods of communicating with all segments of the school district remains the key challenge. If they solve that, the survey results will themselves be more accurate as the information captured will better reflect reality.

I included the two policy revision documents here. The one on 'gifts to staff' should be required reading for all parents to ensure their year end and special occasion gifts to teachers are compliant with the State ethics policy. Yes, the State ethics policy drives this and is applicable to all Franklin school and town employees.


My notes recorded live during the School Committee meeting on Tuesday:

• Live reporting: Closing
• Live reporting: policy revisions and action items
• Live reporting: School Climate Survey Results
• Live reporting: Fitness initiatives
• Live reporting: School Committee - Oct 21, 2014
• 
  

The proposed policy update on "gifts to staff"



The proposed policy update on "political activities of staff:

FHS girls and boys soccer teams win

Hockomock Sports writes about the Franklin vs. Taunton boys soccer game.

The Taunton Tigers and Franklin Panthers did battle Tuesday afternoon at Aleixo Stadium in Taunton's final home game of year. The Panthers spoiled the swansong of Class of 2015 winning 3-0 over the same Tigers that they eliminated from last year’s state tournament.

The Tigers were the better team for most of the first half and Marc Desousa did not have to make many saves early. However, one of the ones he did was on a wide open Scotty Donaldson in the fourth minute.

FHS Panthers

In the 12th minute, Franklin's Ben LaBelle took down Taunton's Austin Botelho in the box, earning himself a yellow card and giving the Tigers a penalty. Yuri Valente took it for Taunton but his shot missed wide to the left.

"When you get chances like that and you don't take advantage if just kills you," said Taunton coach David Purpura.

Continue reading the article here:
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/panthers-overcome-slow-start-to-win-at-taunton


The FHS girls soccer team played their last home game. It was "senior night" to recognize the seniors playing their last regular season home game. Hocokmock Sports reports on the final score:

Taunton, 0 @ Franklin, 2 - Final - Meg Adams and Alexis Stowell scored in the final 15 minutes to give the Panthers the win. Taunton goalie Kayla Wentworth made 18 saves in net.

You can find all the results from Tuesday's action in the Hockomock League here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-102114

Have your holiday party at 3!

3 461 W Central Street (Rt.140), Franklin, MA 02038 • 508.528.6333 • www.3-restaurant.com Please visit our other Let's Eat, Inc. restaurant in Norwood: SKY

Forward email Let's Eat, Inc. | 461 Central Street | Franklin | MA | 02038

Girl Scout Troop hosting holiday party - Oct 25th

"HOSTED BY FRANKLIN GIRL SCOUT TROOP 80637 Wear your costume! When: Saturday, October 25th 2pm-4pm Where: St. John's Church, 237 Pleasant Street, Franklin Cost: $5 per child, families welcome! What to expect: Games, crafts, face paint, food and lots of fun!! WhO: All elementary age students, Girl Scout membership is not required, but parental supervision is required." - Reply to this email to comment on this post.         Facebook         Elaine Mandell posted on Franklin Matters's timeline     Elaine Mandell October 20 at 9:08am HOSTED BY FRANKLIN GIRL SCOUT TROOP 80637 Wear your costume! When: Saturday, October 25th 2pm-4pm Where: St. John's Church, 237 Pleasant Street, Franklin Cost: $5 per child, families welcome! What to expect: Games, crafts, face paint, food and lots of fun!! WhO: All elementary age students, Girl Scout membership is not required, but parental supervision is required.     Like     Comment         View Post                 Facebook, Inc., Attention: Department 415, PO Box 10005, Palo Alto, CA 94303

Fred Astaire Dance Studio: Halloween party - Oct 31

Fred Astaire Franklin MA invited you to his event   FADS Franklin Halloween party Friday, October 31 at 7:30pm Fred Astaire Franklin MA in Franklin, Massachusetts   Join     Maybe     Decline   Hey you lovely people :) Fred Astaire Franklin will be hosting a special Halloween themed practice party on 10/31/2014 for all who wish to dress up, dance, play games and have fun :) (costumes are o... Franklin Art-Center and Kaitlyn-Amanda Berry Ins are also in the guest list.         Pending Invites (5) Block invites from Fred Astaire?             Fred Astaire Franklin MA invited you to his event FADS Franklin Halloween party Friday, October 31 at 7:30pm Fred Astaire Franklin MA in Franklin, Massachusetts Join     Maybe     Decline Hey you lovely people :) Fred Astaire Franklin will be hosting a special Halloween themed practice party on 10/31/2014 for all who wish to dress up, dance, play games and have fun :) (costumes are o... Franklin Art-Center and Kaitlyn-Amanda Berry Ins are also in the guest list.     Pending Invites (5) Block invites from Fred Astaire?         Facebook, Inc., Attention: Department 415, PO Box 10005, Palo Alto, CA 94303     Fred Astaire Dance Studio - Halloween Party Find out more about the Fred Astaire Dance Studio at their webpage http://www.franklinfredastaire.com/ or on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/fredastaire.franklinma

Live reporting: Closing

5. Information Matters

Superintendent’s Report
13 students recognized for scholarship

attended the NEASC model school conference, heading into accreditation next year; Maureen heading out next week on a visit, will be back in December to talk about the timeline for what needs to be done

Horace Mann Middle School Community Read - Monday, Nov 10th
"Unbroken"

Channel 5 - wake up call
Oct 30th - Remington

Ladybug 5K was a fun event

next meeting will be in the training room

School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
policy subcommittee continues to work its way through the manual

School Committee Liaison Reports

6. New Business

To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.
FEF Fund raiser at the elks 

7. Executive Session

Personnel Update

motion to go to executive session to not return to public meeting
seconded, passed 5-0 via roll call

Live reporting: policy revisions and action items

3. Discussion Only Items

Policy – First Readings:

1. GBEBC – Gifts to Staff

policy terminology brought into alignment with the State ethics law on gifts
it is for everybody, not just in schools, this applies to all public employees 

2. GBI – Political Activities of Staff

adjusted wording after consulting with attorney

4. Action Items

a. I recommend approval of the Budget Transfers as detailed.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 5-0

b. I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading:

1. GBEBC – Gifts to Staff
2. GBI – Political Activities of Staff

motion to send to second reading, seconded, passed 5-0

c. I recommend approval of the recurring field trip for FHS students to New Hampshire on November 2, 2014 for US Senate Campaign events as detailed.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 5-0

d. I recommend approval of the field trip for Parmenter students to travel to Providence, RI on April 16, 2015 as detailed.motion to approve, seconded, passed 5-0

e. I recommend approval of the recurring field trip to NY City for the 8th grade chorus students on May 9, 2015 as detailed.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 5-0