Saturday, December 13, 2014

FHS Principal Peter Light's letter to the parents and community


December 2014

FHS Community,

Last evening, Fox News ran a segment regarding ongoing discussions at FHS about moving to gender neutral robes for our commencement ceremony. The purpose of this communication is to clarify the issues and discussion process in which our school is currently engaged so that all members of our educational community including students, parents, alumni and involved citizens can develop a deeper understanding of the issue and how the school is working through it with our students.

This is not a discussion brought about by a minority opinion of Franklin High School students who wish to impose personal views on the majority of students as may be portrayed or misunderstood inside and outside of our school. Instead, this is a discussion that has its foundations in legal, educational and moral issues that our students and community should and deserve to understand.

In 2011, the Massachusetts Legislature, passed An Act Relative to Gender Identity (Chapter 199 of the Acts of 2011). In summary, the act sought to include gender identity as a protected class against discrimination, specifically with regard to access to all aspects of public schools. In essence, beginning July 1, 2012, schools were prohibited from discriminating against students on the basis of gender identity (also included under the law is discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin or sexual orientation). This was an important piece of legislation in that it sought to further ensure that all students are treated equally within the educational setting.

Subsequent to this legislation being enacted, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) released an advisory entitled Guidance for Massachusetts Public Schools: Creating a Safe and Supportive School Environment. In this advisory, the DESE discussed in detail the pertinent issues for public schools and recommended steps schools and districts should take in order to adhere to the new law.

In the advisory, the DESE clarified specific issues that high schools may face in responding to the need to adopt gender neutral practices. Some issues described discuss access to restrooms, locker rooms and treatment of student records. The document also includes high school-specific examples relative to school-based activities. Specifically, the DESE advises that
“As a general matter, schools should evaluate all gender-based policies, rules, and practices and maintain only those that have a clear and sound pedagogical purpose. Gender-based policies,rules, and practices can have the effect of marginalizing, stigmatizing, and excluding students,whether they are gender non conforming or not. In some circumstances, these policies, rules,and practices may violate federal and state law. For these reasons, schools should consider alternatives to them.”
The DESE also offers a specific example within the document:
“For example, some schools require students to wear gender-based garb for graduation or have gender-based dress codes for prom, special events, and daily attire. Schools should eliminate gendered policies and practices such as these. For example, one school that previously had blue graduation gowns for boys and white ones for girls switched to blue gowns for all graduates. The school also changed its gender-based dress code for the National Honor Society ceremony, which had required girls to wear dresses.”
As the Principal of the school, it is my obligation to act with the best interest of our students in mind ensuring that every student has the opportunity to be included in the culture of the school, and to ensure that my decisions are consistent with applicable state and federal laws as well as district policies. Based on the guidance from the DESE and the specific example provided within the document, it is clear that the issue of Franklin students wearing blue or white dress on the basis of sex or gender identity is inconsistent with the intent of the law and runs the risk of alienating students. As such, the school must take action to address this issue.

While there is a legal basis for the school taking action on this issue, there is great educational opportunity afforded to us as a community in teaching our students valuable life lessons. First, that an individual or group can raise an issue, follow process and effect change through rational discourse and communication with appropriate parties (in this case students, faculty and administration of the school). Additionally, we have an opportunity as a community to demonstrate to our students a willingness to seek to understand all facets of an issue, how the issue and proposed resolution can impact others, and work together toward a common goal, despite having begun with an adverse situation.

Graduation attire is clearly an issue that holds a place in our students’ and community’s mind at the moment. Today, I asked a group of students “when you talked to your friends last year around graduation, how many of them told you that they were excited because they were wearing a blue or white gown?” The answer I received… zero. I also asked our students that if we were not currently discussing graduation robes, and I were to ask them to list the top ten things they looked forward to about graduating from FHS, would the color of their robe have made that list? The overwhelming answer.. probably not. Instead, having been through 6 commencements as Principal, four as an assistant principal and having worked as a member of the faculty for 17 years, I believe that our students value things like senior week, all night party, coming together as a class throughout their senior year, and ultimately the memories they have made throughout their four years at FHS.

It is clear that what has been held as a tradition at FHS is about to undergo change. Some of our faculty and students have offered wise opinions that our country has previously held traditions based on race, color, religion and sexual orientation that today we would universally deem inappropriate for the educational environment.

In the 1970’s FHS students wore one color of graduation robe at commencement. At some point thereafter, they wore two. Our students today have an opportunity to work together as a school to determine which tradition FHS will adopt for its next generation of students.

One thing I do know about students at FHS is that for a long time, our school community has worked to create an inclusive environment for all of our students and I believe we have one of the most caring, accepting environments of any high school in the state. Our students in Best Buddies advocate for their peers with disabilities, and a multitude of our student organizations work throughout each year to serve those less fortunate in the school, community and around the world.

We have an opportunity to take a small step that will result in not just some or most students, but every student feeling included and comfortable with who he/she is in our school’s final activity… Graduation. We also have an opportunity to work through the process in a way that values the opinions of all and does not alienate any group. Finally, we have the opportunity to show our students that as a school community, we may not all agree on every issue, but that we can work together to find a solution that we believe benefits our kids and represents our school in a way that reflects all of the pride and passion we always have.

Thank you for your sincere understanding and support of our students as they continue to learn from each other and work toward a solution that meets their needs.

Sincerely,

Peter Light
Principal

the entrance to the new FHS
the entrance to the new FHS



Note: the only change to Mr Light's text was the switch from an underline to BOLD in one sentence. The underline for internet use indicates a link elsewhere and BOLD in this case was to mark the sentence for emphasis

Pipelines to Powerlines - The Climate Minute Podcast



New post on Mass Climate Action Network (MCAN)

Pipelines to Powerlines- The Climate Minute Podcast

by massclimateaction
As a leader in the fight against climate change, Massachusetts often has to deal with problems at the leading edge. Is a natural gas pipeline through the state a good idea? Is it wise to import hydro-power from Quebec in order to achieve our emissions goals? We discuss these topics, along with a review of the proceedings down in Lima.
Kinder Morgan re-routes it's controversial pipeline. We talk with Rich Cowan about what is happening on the front lines of the struggle. Better Futures Project's Craig Altemouse provides a run down of reasons to oppose the pipeline on the Huffington Post. For even more info, check out the MA Pipeline Action Network . The next hearing on the low-demand scenario is scheduled for December 18th.
The Globe's Business Page gives a somewhat unclear discussion of the Hydro-Quebec question. But the Op-Ed page has a simpler explanation. Alternatively, the State could save emissions by adjusting our thermostats or using tidal power.
In Peru, the COP20 in Lima has been on-going. ThinkProgress gives an update , and DemocracyNow talks to Pablo Solon. If you do nothing else, watch John Kerry's remarkable speech.
Because we recognize the necessity of personal accountability for our actions, because we accept responsibility for building a durable future and because we believe it is our patriotic duty as citizens to speak out, we must insist that the United States put a price on carbon.
Thanks for listening.
…Ted McIntyre
Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: 
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screen grab of MASS Climate Action webpage
screen grab of MASS Climate Action webpage

You can click through to the Climate Action page or listen to the podcast here:


Senator Spilka is looking for Your Feedback



Karen Spilka, State Senator



Steve,
We have had a great year in the Senate. Working with my colleagues, I took the lead on several key pieces of legislation including:
  • Led the conference committee on domestic violence legislation. We took important steps to improve protections for victims and increase penalties for perpetrators.
  • Sponsored The Electronic Privacy Act, ensuring our rights against unreasonable search and seizure extend to laptops, phones and other electronic devices.
  • Created the Massachusetts Tech Hub Caucus, facilitating conversations between legislators and leaders in tech industries, helping create good, high paying jobs here in the Commonwealth by growing our innovation economy.
As we look forward to the next year, I need your feedback on top priorities for my office and for the Senate next year.
I look forward to hearing your take on the issues most important to you, together we can keep the Commonwealth moving forward and build on our past successes!
Thank you for your support!
Sincerely,
Karen Spilka
State Senator & Majority Whip
Paid for by the Spilka Committee


Karen Spilka | info@electkarenspilka.com | Office of Karen Spilka | Committee to Elect Karen Spilka, P.O. Box 2323 | Framingham, MA 01702
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Families Helping Families

A Free Community Event to Support our Local Food Pantries


Saturday December 13, 6-8 pm at Living Buddha Nature


All monetary donations go to our local food pantries in Millis and Franklin to directly support local families.


Enjoy a free concert by international Virtuoso guitarist Aaron-Larget Caplan


Raffle at event for prizes including yoga and tai chi classes, massages, gift certificates, and surprise gifts! Share free refreshments and time together as a community during this event.

screen grab of Living Buddha Nature webpage
screen grab of Living Buddha Nature webpage


Living Buddha Nature 969 Main St. (Rt. 109) Millis, MA 02054 www.mylbn.com

The flyer for today's event:



Friday, December 12, 2014

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 12/12/14 - THU 12/18/14

FRI 12/12   7:30pm   Humbug! A Beggar’s Opera at The Black Box

SAT 12/13   9am-4pm   Book Sale at Franklin Public Library
SAT 12/13   9am & 10am   Breakfast with Santa at the Franklin YMCA (and other Hockomock branches), registration required.
SAT 12/13   1-3pm   Winter Event with Santa at KinderCare Learning Centers in Franklin
SAT 12/13   4-7pm   Beer and Bling: Fundraiser for Cameron Liberatore at Pour Richard’s Franklin
SAT 12/13   7:30pm   Humbug! A Beggar’s Opera at The Black Box

SUN 12/14   9am-12pm   Bag Sale at Franklin Public Library
SUN 12/14   2pm   Humbug! A Beggar’s Opera at The Black Box

MON 12/15   3:15-5pm   Cookies and Cocoa with Santa - Franklin Recreation - register HERE.

TUE 12/16   6am-8pm   Special Town Election in Franklin, location Franklin HS

WED 12/17  6:30pm   Doggie Tales at Franklin Public Library, registration required.

For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.

For event details click HERE.

*If you have any suggestions or events for the calendar, please email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com

Graduation gown discussion

From Pantherbook, their editorial written by Sammy Croteau
Recently the Franklin High School (FHS) Student Government was approached by the Gay Straight Alliance with a proposal to do away with the white and blue graduation robes, that are assigned by gender, and to adopt one robe color for all graduating students. This proposal has sparked much controversy and division within the student body. Even outside news agencies have come to the school to highlight the issue. 
I have spoken with many of my classmates who feel strongly of keeping the blue and white graduation robes. With all due respect for those who are petitioning for a change, we need to give voice to those who seek to preserve the blue and white tradition. 
In order for our school to be together as one we need to start considering what unites us rather than what separates us. We are all Franklin Panthers whose school colors are blue and white. Changing our school’s traditions to soothe the feelings of a few seems drastic and unnecessary. Tradition is important and so is representing our true school colors on the day we graduate. 
Individuals who feel uncomfortable having to choose between graduation gowns of blue and white should not be afraid to choose the color that best suits them. Today’s student body has learned to welcome the quality of our diversity and the traditions that unite us. 
I believe the student body should all have the freedom to choose what school color they would like to wear on their graduation day, despite their gender. Shouldn’t we promote freedom of choice for all students at FHS? This compromise can be achieved by opening up a vote to the whole student body on whether or not we should be free to choose. 
The power of the democratic process will allow us to rise above the politics of division and make any changes adopted acceptable to the majority.

See more at: http://pantherbook.org/top-stories/2014/12/11/power-politics-and-the-press/#sthash.hORuejWs.dpuf


entrance to Franklin High School
entrance to Franklin High School



From Fox25 their video summary

Boston News, Weather, Sports | FOX 25 | MyFoxBoston



"One would assume I’d be moving forward with the project after that"


Town planning officials received just one response to the request for proposals to develop a town-owned property at the corner of Emmons Street. 
While potential uses for the one-acre property had been hotly debated - with residents, downtown business owners and even Dean College officials all pitching ideas - only Franklin developer Roger Calarese submitted a proposal by the Dec. 2 deadline. Calarese is best known as the developer behind the Franklin Village Mall. 
His plan for the 150 Emmons St. site calls for a 5,300-square-foot commercial property that would include a bank with a drive-through service. He described it as being a Colonial-style building, designed to mesh with the downtown's aesthetic.

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20141212/NEWS/141218719/1994/NEWS

150 Emmons St, the building under discussion
150 Emmons St, the building under discussion

In August, the Calarese proposal for the "express of interest" was captured here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/08/responses-for-emmons-st-building.html

From the March public meeting, the handouts provided can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/03/emmons-st-building-discussion-documents.html