Live reporting: School Committee - Jan 13, 2015

Present: Douglas, O'Malley, Rohrbach, Clement, Mullen, Trahan, Jewell
Absent:  none


1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments - none

Review of Agenda - none

Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the December 9, 2014 School Committee Meeting.   motion to approve, seconded,  passed 7-0

Payment of Bills Mr. Clement
motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

Payroll Mrs. Douglas

FHS Student Representatives
re: the robe discussion
five options

• each choose
• alternate rows
• chhose color per grad/year
• alternate by person
• (one other to be added)

Correspondence: Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman

The Curry House - now open

Reporting by walking around Sunday, I grabbed a new photo of the sign changes for The Curry House, now open on RT 140.

The Curry House is now open on RT 140

I also stopped by Monday to pick up a menu. The menu is still a work in progress according to the gentlmen I talked with. The formal copies are due this week. (Note: the menu is one large double sided 11 x 17 sheet so I managed to make a PDF in four sections.)



You can find The Curry House on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Curry-House/996915603668154

The webpage linked to from Facebook is not yet ready

"join Rattle City in supporting the Panthers"

Caroline Cafasso writes about Rattle City in Pantherbook:

If you come to a Franklin High School sports game, there’s a good chance you’ll see the famous Rattle City. In fact, it probably would be hard to miss.  

You’ll see dozens of FHS students, some decked out in odd and festive costumes, and others holdings signs and pictures. Everyone, however, will be chanting and screaming, rooting for their beloved Panthers.  

So what exactly is Rattle City? Despite its size and prominence, there are still many FHS students, particularly underclassmen, who do not know or understand its role. It may be because the name “Rattle City” may not have an obvious meaning to everyone. The idea is to have a fan section that is so rowdy and enthusiastic that it psyches the opposing team out. It was inspired by various colleges whose students practiced such a strategy during sports games. 

Pantherbook photo of Rattle City at a Basketball game in January 2015

Read the remainder of the Rattle City story here: http://pantherbook.org/top-stories/2015/01/12/the-story-of-rattle-city/#sthash.8eBAR5tE.dpuf

LiveArts: Kevin Owen - Jan 25

From the LiveArts webpage, we read about the next concert, Sunday Jan 25 at 3:30 PM:

A first at LiveARTS: the featured solo instrument is the French horn! Liberated from the orchestral brass section, virtuoso French hornist, Kevin Owen, with his pianist wife, Asako Shibata, “cuts loose” in an awe-inspiring demonstration of what the French horn is all about. Often regarded as the most difficult of the instruments in the orchestra, the French horn and its lovely tonality will be demonstrated by Owen in performance and in informative remarks that will be not only illustrative but fascinating. Owen is widely recognized as one of the the finest horn players today, and his participation in an exceptionally wide variety of ensembles throughout his career is nothing short of astounding.

Kevin Owen, French Horn (LiveArts photo)

LiveArts postcard

For additional information and ticket procing, visit their webpage here
http://www.liveartsfranklin.org/

Kidz Plaster Zone - 524 W Central St

Reporting by walking around walk on Sunday, I found a 'new' business on RT 140. Located in the stores in front of Primrose Car Wash and next to Dadarrio Hardware. From their webpage, I find that they opened in Aug 2014. 

For those looking for crafty parties for kids, and those looking for a crafty adult night out this is an option!  

Our specialty is crafty fun for all ages!

Every kid loves plaster painting. We carry a large selection for boys and girls as well as adults. Pieces are ready to take home the same day! With a wide variety of plaster figures, plaques, curio boxes, picture frames to choose from, there is something for every age, interest and budget.

We have a fun and friendly place to create your very own masterpiece.

We provide kids safe paint, brushes, smocks, glaze, glitter - you provide the creativity.

Fantastic Birthday Parties and a delightful area to get together and celebrate.

Paint, eat and have fun.

Walk-ins are always welcome at our beautiful and conveniently located studio -

drop in anytime!

Prices range from $5-$30 with all materials included.

Gift Certificates are available in $10.00, $25.00, and $50.00 denominations.

Kids Plaster Zone - 524 West Central St

Looking for a perfect venue to celebrate your child's birthday? 

Check out our Birthday Party Package and let us take care of all the party details for you. 

Priced to fit everyone's budget!

For more information, visit their webpage here
http://www.kidzplasterzone.com/

or find them on Facebook here
https://www.facebook.com/kidzplasterzone

Kidz Plaster Zone street sign

Plan "a week-long celebration of the arts"

The Franklin Cultural District Steering Committee is in the process of planning a week-long celebration of the arts in downtown Franklin in July.

We envision a celebration that would include participation by all things Cultural that are Franklin-based.

We’ll celebrate Franklin’s

• Musicians 
• Dancers 
• Actors 
• Artists 
• Writers 
• Poets 
• History through Museum and Library tours and events 
• OTHER SUGGESTIONS

The week could include performances at venues throughout the downtown such as Franklin Common, THE BLACK BOX and others. Museum and Library tours. Events at our Downtown Restaurants. Let’s think out of the box.

BRING YOUR IDEAS. Plans are not finalized yet. The purpose our meeting is to develop some enthusiasm and get your feedback to drive this event to a wonderful week celebrating the arts and perhaps to build an annual celebration.


When:  January 15 at 7PM 
Where: THE BLACK BOX

THE BLACK BOX Theater - 15 West Central St, Franklin

Winter Dance – Friday, Jan 23rd

Franklin Chargers will have their next middle school dance on Friday Jan 23rd from 7 to 10pm 

The Dance is open 5th - 8th Graders 

Dances are held at Tri-County Regional High School from 7pm-10pm. 

Admission is $10 at the door.   

Snacks and drinks will be available for sale. 

Click here to view the post on the Franklin Chargers website http://franklinchargers.org/2015/01/08/winter-dance-friday-jan-23rd/

Franklin Chargers middle school dance

Franklin Library: LEGO Club - Jan 15 - 4:00 PM

The LEGO Club returns to the Franklin Library on Thursday. Gather the kids for a fun time building with LEGOs

LEGO Club at the Franklin Library

Good for kids aged 3-12, the club event starts at 4:00 PM

This was shared from the Franklin Library page
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2015/01/lego-club.html

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Jan 13, 2015

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."

The Key to Learning - Franklin Public Schools

1. Routine Business

Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the December 9, 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. MASS Academic Excellence Awards

1. Madison Wendell
2. Haley Frank

b. Trends in Special Education – Elizabeth Fitzmaurice
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/01/fps-special-education-update.html

c. Capital

3. Discussion Only Items

Policy – Elimination (First Reading)

o GCBA – Professional Staff Salary Schedules

BICO Collaborative Agreement 

2015-2016 School Calendar Draft

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/01/fps-school-calendar-for-2015-2016-draft.html

4. Action Items

a. I recommend moving Policy GCBA – Professional Staff Salary Schedules to a second reading for elimination as discussed.
b. I recommend approval of the BICO Collaborative Agreement as discussed.
c. I recommend acceptance of two checks Davis Thayer Elementary School totaling $550.00:
1. $50.00 from Lueders Environmental, Inc.
2. $500.00 from BOKS, Reebok Foundation
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,260.26 from O’Connor Portraiture, Inc. for supplemental curriculum materials at Keller Elementary School.
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $250.00 from the RMS PCC for field trips.
f. I recommend acceptance of six checks for FHS totaling $3,914.67:

1. $175.29 from PBC
2. $459.38 from All American Publishing
3. $1,800.00 from Franklin Music Boosters
4. $250.00 from Maura Schaeffer Jobin
5. $243.00 from various parents
6. $987.00 from various parents

g. I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $1,481.20 ($1,186.20 & $295.00) from Parmenter PCC for field trips.
h. I recommend acceptance of the donation of computer monitors from Sy Tech Inc. for the Technology Department. (approximate value $100.00)
i. I recommend approval of the Capital plan as presented.
j. I recommend approval of the request of Brad Sidwell for the Boys Ice Hockey team to travel to Barnstable, MA on 2/18-19/15 for a Hockey Competition.
k. I recommend acceptance of a check for $3,300.00 from the Music Boosters for district-wide extra-curricular music.

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. Executive Session

Personnel Update

8. Adjourn

FPS: Special Education Update

The presentation released for discussion at the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Jan 13, 2015.




The full agenda for the School Committee meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/01/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-jan.html

screen grab of Pupil Services page

For additional information on the Pupil Personnel Services, you can visit their webpage here
http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinDistrict_PupilServices/index

FPS: School Calendar for 2015 - 2016 DRAFT Only

One of the documents released for the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Jan 13, 2015 is the draft calendar for the next school year.

You can view the calendar here

community entrance to Franklin High School

The full agenda for the School Committee meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/01/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-jan.html

FHS boys basketball tops Mansfield at TD Garden

The FHS basketball and hockey teams had games on Saturday. The girls hockey team lost while the other three teams won according to the results from Hockomock Sports. 

While most Franklinites were likely watching the Patriots, the FHS boys basketball team beat Mansfield on the parquet floor at the TD Garden.

Girls Basketball

Franklin, 58 @ New Bedford, 19 - Final

Boys Hockey

Foxboro, 1 @ Franklin, 10 - Final - Foxboro's Gus Herlihy scored the Warriors' lone goal.

Girls Hockey

Franklin, 0 @ Medway, 3 - Final

FHS benchreactsto the game - Hockomock Sports photo by Josh Perry

Additional results from Hockomock League action on Saturday can be found here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-011015

Game of the Week - Boys Basketball

Mansfield, 54 vs. Franklin, 57- Final (@ TD Garden) - Dylan Reno scored nine of his 14 points in the fourth quarter to help Franklin come back from 49-44 to go on a 13-2 run to take control in the final minutes. Tim Prunier led the Panthers with 17 points and had four assists, Shawn Hanley had 13 points, and Marcus Geise finished with 10 points and nine rebounds. Mansfield was led by Ryan Boulter with 13 points (nine in the third) and seven rebounds. Michael Boen had 12 points, 14 rebounds, and five assists, and Nicholas Baskin scored 11 points.

An extended write up of the game against Mansfield can be found here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/late-run-helps-franklin-edge-mansfield-at-td-garden

Including Hockomock Sports photos of the game here
http://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/Franklin-Mansfield-Boys/

You can volunteer to help run Franklin

The Town of Franklin is looking for Members for the following committees: If you are interested in becoming a member, please complete the attached form and return the Town Administrator's Office.

Conservation    Conservation Commission 

Cultural Council        Cultural Council 

Disabilities Commission 

Municipal Affordable Housing Trust - Contact Maxine Kinhart 508-520-4949 

Zoning Board of Appeals - Associate Member      ZBA

screen grab of Franklin webpage with town committee openings

The application form can be found here
http://www.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01E3B9EF-000F8513.0/TOWN%20OF%20FRANKLIN%20VOLUNTEER%20FORM.pdf

BFCCPS Information Sessions Scheduled

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School (BFCCPS) has scheduled two events at the school

• one on January 22nd from 6-8pm 
• one on February 7th from 10am to noon 

Both events at BFCCPS will include building tours and an arts showcase


They will also offer information sessions 

• at the Bellingham Public Library on January 27th from 6-8pm 
• at the Milford Town Library on February 5th from 6-8pm

BFCCPS school sign

The BFCCPS brochure can be reviewed and downloaded from here

Hockomock Y: Winter Wonderland - Jan 16

The Hockomock Area YMCA invites area families to enjoy a free Winter Wonderland evening event on Friday, January 16th from 6:30pm-8:00pm 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). 

This free family community event offers lots of interactive winter games, activities and crafts for members and non-members alike. Some of the activities at our North Attleboro Branch include ‘snowman dress’ relays, S’more making, and Face Painting as well a dinner option for a nominal cost. 

Some of the Bernon Family Branch activities will include Ana’s Hot Chocolate station, winter freeze dance party, and journey through the ice tower. Some of the activities at our Invensys Foxboro Branch will include a bouncy house, winter games, music, crafts, and a dinner option for a nominal cost. 

These are just a few of the fun activities planned at our annual Winter Wonderland, an event sure to express the beauty and magic of winter.  

For more information, call 508-695-7001 (North Attleboro Branch); 508-543-2523 (Foxboro Branch); and 508-528-8707 (Franklin Branch) or visit our website at www.hockymca.org.

Winter Wonderland - Jan 16

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.