FHS girls basketball tops Milford, face Mansfield Friday night

From Hockomock Sports we find the girls basketball result from Thursday:

Milford, 30 @ Franklin, 74 - Final - Aubrie Kutil led the way for the Panthers with 14 points, all in the first half. Lauren Rudolph added 11 points and Jill Spolidoro had 10. Franklin jumped out to a 48-14 lead at halftime.

FHS Panthers

For additional results from the Hockomock League on Thursday
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-021215


On tap today, Mansfield visits Franklin for the girls game at 6:30 PM and the boys play at Mansfield in the Hockomock League "game of the week" also at 6:30 PM

http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-021315

Reminder: Soccer for Smiles Tournament --> February 17 - 19, 2015

Have Fun While Making a Difference!

Our next tournament is coming up quickly!

February 17, 18, and 19, 2015

Even though the tournament runs for three days, a player's commitment is just a couple of hours on one particular day. High schoolers come on one day, younger girls on the next day, and younger boys on the third day. The day is split by age groups in 2- or 3-hour blocks of time. It is great fun!


-----------

Soccer for Smiles crew

A group of students in Franklin, Massachusetts got together in the wake of the 2010 earthquake inHaiti motivated to do something to help.  A soccer tournament was developed over February's school vacation that provided an opportunity for soccer players to have a lot of fun in friendly competition.  The event raised a significant amount of money that was donated to the relief fund for Haiti.  The Soccer For Smiles tournament was born.

In subsequent years the team has focused on local charities with the majority of monies raised going toward the Random Smile Project.  The group has also supported Team Isabella.  Each year the tournament has grown in participation and donations.  The team of students has grown and changed as older team members move on to college and new students join in the effort.

2015 Beneficiaries

This year we will direct our donations to support two initiatives:

1.                Kathleen M. Madden Scholarship

This past year, Kathleen M. Madden passed away, losing a battle to Inflammatory Breast Cancer. She was very close with many of us at Soccer for Smiles.

In her honor, we have created a scholarship in her name, which will be awarded to an applicant that we believe demonstrates outstanding involvement in his or her community.

2.                Random Smile Project

In the last four years we have donated thousands of dollars to the Random Smile Project (RSP) as we are pleased with their mission.

Soccer for Smiles Tournament

RSP provides a bridge of support to people going through difficult times. Families in need are provided with clothing, groceries, books, and toys through a network of local support. Accessibility options for those in need are supplied through their construction and renovation projects like wheelchair ramps, handicap bathroom conversions and home repair. They also award the unsung heroes in our community who put themselves second and others in need before them. They inspire volunteerism in the youth of our community through scholarships, playground initiatives and school outreach programs. Through these efforts RSP promotes the spirit of giving and receiving that reflects the greater good of what a community really is.

RSP is a community non-profit organization. They have zero paid employees. Everyone associated with RSP donates their time, trades, and skill sets. Since they have no salaries and very limited overhead, you can be assured that your donation will go a long way in their various community endeavors.

For additional information and to register, please follow this link

http://soccerforsmiles.org/

A Safety Reminder From National Grid

To view this email as a web page, click here.

A Safety Reminder from National Grid: Be sure to avoid power lines when clearing snow and ice As snow accumulations continue to mount across New England and with more snowfall likely in the coming days, National Grid is urging customers to take precautions to avoid the potential hazards these conditions present. Massive amounts of snow and ice building up on roofs and piled beneath power lines are serious and potentially dangerous. Snow on roofs can lead to water damage and, in some cases, can cause roofs to collapse. Large piles of snow under power lines can bring the tops of those mounds, which children frequently use for sledding, dangerously close to energized power lines. In both cases, the chance of being injured by coming in contact with power lines increases and snow and ice build-up on roofs can damage electric service lines running to homes and businesses. National Grid is urging home and business owners to be especially cautious as they work to clear their roofs by following these safety recommendations: • Keep all ladders, shovels, roof rakes and other devices well clear of any lines coming from the street to the structure, regardless of material. In extremely wet conditions, even wood can be a conductor of electricity. • If necessary, start clearing snow from the opposite end of the roof from the service point where electricity is delivered. • If you are unsure of how to go about clearing snow, or if your roof is particularly steep, contact a qualified roofing contractor. • As snow is removed from the roof, be aware of what is below that could become buried as snow hits the ground. Be especially mindful of the location of your electricity and gas meters as they could be damaged by falling snow and ice. You should also be aware that heavy snow loads could damage the connections of your electricity service to your home or building, often known as the weatherhead. As snow melts or is removed, look at this connection point from a safe distance to be sure it hasn't been pulled away from the building, creating a potential fire hazard. National Grid is responsible for repairs to the overhead lines to the weatherhead, and the meter itself. Repairs to any other portions of the service are the responsibility of the customer. If any of that service is damaged, customers should contact a certified electrician to handle the repairs. Please see our website for more information about post-storm responsibilities. As we brace for the possibility of more storms over the coming days, remember that National Grid provides several ways for you to stay connected: • Download our mobile app by searching for National Grid in iTunes and GooglePlay stores. • To register for broadcast text alerts for major storms, text the word "STORM" to NGRID (64743). • Visit the Outage Central section of our website where you can view outage maps, access important safety tips and report outages. Alternatively, our mobile website can be accessed by going to nationalgrid.com on your mobile device and selecting "View safety and outages." • Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@nationalgridus) for the latest updates. National Grid Here with you. Here for you.   Connect Now Visit us online at nationalgrid.com

This email was sent by: National Grid 40 Sylvan Road Waltham, MA, 02451, U.S.A.

"Franklin offers an enviable combination of low property taxes and a top performing high school"

Realtor Warren Reynolds writes:

The Boston Globe provided a lot of data on suburban property tax burdens in Greater Boston in a recent article on how home buyers look at property taxes, public school rankings and quality of life issues when choosing where to live in suburban Massachusetts. 

Curiously, the article fails to highlight the Town of Franklin when it reviews communities in the suburbs popular with buyers for offering low taxes, good schools and a great quality of life.  But in data buried at the bottom of the article, you can find that Franklin’s average real estate tax burden is gratifyingly low.  Property taxes are a lot lower in Franklin than in most other communities in the I-495 region!

Real estate tax burden and high school test scores by MA community

Warren continues to write his detailed analysis:

Where the Globe went astray in skipping over Franklin in the article was in failing to recognize that Franklin High School recently posted stellar scores in the annual performance tests mandated for all Massachusetts high schools by the Commonwealth.  The chart at the top of this post is my attempt to set the record straight: when you compare suburban towns by both average property tax burdens and high school test scores, you see that Franklin offers an enviable combination of low property taxes and a top performing high school.  Franklin High’s test scores edge out high schools in such prestige towns as Sudbury, Concord, Carlisle and Lincoln, while the average property tax in those towns is more than double what you pay in Franklin! 

If you live in Franklin, MA, you get superior schools and low property taxes along with an award-winning community (including Safest City in the US), lots ofgreen space for recreation and a commute that is made all the easier by the town’s TWO commuter rail stations and TWO interchanges on I-495.  In terms of taxes, schools and quality of life, it’s a dream setup for home buyers!

Continue reading the article on Warren's 02038.com page. He has more charts and good info touting Franklin!  http://www.02038.com/2015/02/franklin-low-taxes-top-high-school/

Franklin authorized to continue spending on snow/ice removals

The public portion of the Town Council meeting was the shortest recorded in my time reporting for Franklin Matters. No presentations and only one piece of legislation (authorizing to continue to spend over the snow/ice budget currently set at $950,000). 

How much Franklin ends up spending on snow/ice over the current budget will reduce the amount available for capital items. You may recall that Franklin uses the 'free cash' amount to fund capital each year. In years when the snow/ice budget stays reasonably within its limit, the capital budget can be healthy. This winter, the snow and ice budget is going past the $950,000 set. How much we'll end up with is anyone guess.

Town Administrator Jeff Nutting provided most of the insights with his updates.

The Council went into executive session to discuss the strategic approach for the negotiating season. All the union contracts are up for renewal this year.

Look what a little sun can do. Tuesday morning the street was completely white. By late afternoon, it lookedlike this

• Live reporting - Closing
• Live reporting: Town Council - Feb 11, 2015

FHS Basketball teams and boys hockey win

From Hockomock Sports we find the results of Wednesday's FHS winter sports activities

Girls Basketball

Franklin, 47 @ Taunton, 43 - Final - The Panthers rallied from four points down with two minutes remaining. Franklin shot 8-11 from the line in the fourth quarter. Lexi Martin led the way with 13 points. Julianne Pisani added eight points and Lauren Rudolph scored seven. Taunton was led by Soraya Leon with 16 points and Jordan Wade added 14. The Tigers made nine three-pointers in the game.

Boys Hockey

Franklin, 1 @ Newburyport, 0 - Final - Ryan Spillane scored the only goal of the game on assists from Alec Borkowski and Joe Bourque. Ryan Shea earned the shutout in goal.

Swimming

Boys

Franklin, 38 vs. North Attleboro 56 - Final

Girls

Franklin, 45 vs. North Attleboro, 49 - Final

For the remainder of the Hockomock League action on Wednesday
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-021115

Taunton's Matt Midouin and Franklin's Marcus Giese battle for a rebound in the first half. (Tom Madigan/Photo)

Hockomock Sports Editor-in-chief, Ryan Lanigan writes about the FHS boys basketball game vs. Taunton.

They say defense wins championships. 

It also gets you to the big game. 

Franklin became the first team to limit the Tigers to less than 50 points this season, survived a last second offensive possession from Taunton and walked with a 50-48 win. 

The game between Franklin (15-3, 14-1) and Mansfield (17-2, 14-1) on Friday will determine who is the lone winner of the Kelley-Rex division of the Hockomock League.

You can read the rest of the article here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/bohmiller-and-defense-send-franklin-past-taunton

Live reporting - Closing

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
about 700 lbs received for Food Pantry during the year

new license to be available soon

bond agency discussion, refinancing to save money
water/sewer and debt excluded funds

recognize Chief McCarragher for professional development 

thank you note from a parent

Assessor seat vacant, please consider applying

preliminary drawing of the front of 150 Emmons St front, in process of doing P/S agreement, looking to transfer around July 1

requesting an executive session for collective bargaining strategy

L. OLD BUSINESS
Vallee - did we hear from MA DOT? re the train station
Nutting - had emailed and not heard back, likely caught up in the snow and other events at the MBTA


M. NEW BUSINESS
none

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Kelly - thank the Cultural Council and Ladybug committee for the work they did on the Ladybug project, the delegate ladybug will be displayed in the lobby

Bisssanti - wish Maureen Sabolinski a speedy recovery

Dellorco - shout out to the DPW for a good job done


O. EXECUTIVE SESSION 
– Discussion of Strategy for negotiations with all Town Employee Unions
motion to go to executive session, seconded, passed 9-0 (via roll call)

Live reporting: Town Council - Feb 11, 2015

Present: Feldman, Padula, Mercer, Kelly, Vallee, Pfeffer, Bissanti, Williams, Dellorco
Absent:  none

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
– May 14, 2014, June 4, 2014, January 21, 2015
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS – This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin Matters.

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
none

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS


E. APPOINTMENTS
none

F. HEARINGS
none

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
none

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
none

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
Economic Development - Pond St RFP discussed, input provided, discussion continues, meeting next month to look at traffic figures

Capital Committee met this evening, next meeting March 4
awaiting snow ice final to see what's left for capital

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 15-09: Authorization to Expend Funds in Excess of Available Appropriations
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

$950,000 was budgeted, expected to be surpassed

Local and state policy dominate discussions

I'll add additional summary comments to this later but for now here is the collection of posts reported from the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Feb 10.

Quick bites to summarize

• legislative delegates visited and provided updates on State House actions regarding the budget and unfunded mandates.
• the draft calendar for 2015-2016 is being redone as the initial version violated the current teacher contract regarding the start date for school. 
• the policy on the memorials and gifts which was redone by the policy subcommittee and brought forward to the full school committee drew some sharp distinctions. The process of review showed openness but some members are concerned about future implementation issues this policy enables. The policy was moved to second reading by a 4-1 vote. Two members of the School Committee were absent from the meeting.
• current snow days, 2 are left within the claendar, if we need more than that, the decision to make up on Saturdays and or take from the April vacation is open and no decision has been made at this time.
• there is a parent meeting on PARCC at Horace Mann Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM

• Live reporting: Closing items
• Live reporting: Action items
• live reporting: Discussion only items
• Live reporting: Middle School blended learning
• Live reporting: School Committee - Feb 10, 2015

Parmenter Elementary school in the snow Tuesday morning, Feb 10

Franklin Library: Adult Coffee and Craft - Fri, Feb 13th

The next adult coffee and craft is scheduled for Friday, February 13 at 1:30 PM. Get out from behind the snow to make a fabric covered memo board. Bring your own material or use what is available.

adult coffee and craft - Friday, Feb 13th

This was shared from the Library page here
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2015/02/adult-coffee-craft.html

"Towns will be lucky to see the assistance by the end of the fiscal year"

In the category of "nothing ventured, nothing gained" Franklin has joined other MA communities in filing for Federal assistance for dealing with the snow.

Cities and towns across the region are filing for federal assistance to help ease budgetary pains as a wave of consecutive snowstorms now stretches into its third week. 

“Every town in Worcester County and east is applying right now,” said Peter Judge, a Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency spokesperson. They're submitting for the initial storm costs, like plowing and extra police staff. Milford and Medway filed for roughly $160,000. Franklin filed for a little more than $350,000. 

The applications were due Tuesday. After MEMA receives a statewide total, they’ll appeal for federal assistance in the next several weeks, said Judge.

Continue reading the article here: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150211/NEWS/150219440/1994/NEWS#sthash.c3goDUPG.dpuf

On the Town Council agenda scheduled for Wednesday, the one action item is to authorize expenses in excess of what is budgeted. This is a 'normal' action in years where there is a lot of snow. Without such an authorization, Franklin would be forced to stop plowing and salting (which is not really an option in the middle of winter). 

Franklin will end up balancing the snow and ice budget with funds from 'free cash' which means the captial requirements of the town's departments will take a hit. How much remains to be determined.

sunset through the trees over a pile of snow

Live reporting: Closing items

5. Information Matters

Superintendent’s Report
school wellness award (School Wellness Advisory Council - SWAC) 

more SWAC news
funding for middle school students
to promote healthy options

recognition of the DPW to keep roads cleared and safe
glad to hear Sen Ross's comments on the roads in Franklin

we are in a snowy pattern, yesterday was out 5th snow day
we are looking at possible Saturday's possible April vacation
no decision yet
we have two days left, we do need 180, Fri Jun 26th
Annie Sullivan Jun 29th
will be talking with the FEA about this, we are not alone
I do not know if the DESE will consider any options

Can we have a discussion item in the future? yes.

PARCC parent night 6:30 - 8:30 at HMMS


School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
none

School Committee Liaison Reports
none

6. New Business

To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.
Trivia bee, Apr 8th Wednesday night to support the Franklin Educational Foundation

8. Adjourn

motion to adjourn, seconded, passed 5-0

Live reporting: Action items

4. Action Items

a. I recommend adoption of the 2015-2016 School Calendar as discussed.  (Note the draft calendar can be found here http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/02/franklin-public-schools-draft-calendar.html )

b. I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 5-0

c. I recommend elimination of Policy GCBA – Professional Staff Salary Schedule as discussed.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 5-0

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

1. KCDA – Memorial Commemorations 

2. KCD-E1 – Non-Budgeted Funds Donation Form 

3. KCD-E2 – Guidelines for Donations of Gifts/Memorials Non-Budgeted Funds to the Franklin Public Schools

motion to move to second reading, seconded, passed 4-1

e. I recommend approval of the request of Anthony Joseph to take Keller 5th graders to Roger Williams Zoo in Providence, RI on May 1, 2015 as detailed.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 5-0

f. I recommend approval of student activities as detailed.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 5-0

g. I recommend acceptance of the donation of pottery glaze from EMC (valued at $68.30) for the Empty Bowls program at Oak Street Elementary School.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 5-0

h. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,394.00 from the Keller PCC for field trips.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 5-0

i. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000.00 from the Davis Thayer PCC for Library books.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 5-0

j. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000.00 from the Franklin Music Boosters for Extra Curricular Music.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 5-0

k. I recommend acceptance of a check for $305.50 from All American Publishing for the Athletic Department.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 5-0

l. I recommend acceptance of a check for $3,725.00 from the Gen Youth Foundation for Remington Middle School.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 5-0

m. I recommend approval of the request of Dawn Lacerda to take 5th grade JF Kennedy students to the Marine Biology Center in North Kingstown, RI on March 10, 2015 as detailed.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 5-0

live reporting: Discussion only items

3. Discussion Only Items

Calendar revisions

Winslow - talking to calendar adjustments (need to get new copy of draft)
would need to bring back for the next meeting

Rohrbach - school year ending on Monday? without snow days
Winslow - if we have any snow days, it would go beyond Monday

O'Malley - I would suggest to have the Friday before as off, last fling of the summer
why do we have Election day

Winslow - no students, but it is a professional day and we do need two, so that gets also into the Election day which is the second day for professional day

motion to make the Sep 4th as a no school day, seconded
discussion around the lack of full weeks in Sep

Chandler-  what you have makes sense
vote 1 for, 4 against, motion fails

Policy

Policy – Second Reading – For Elimination

o GCBA – Professional Staff Salary Schedule

Policy – First Readings

o KCDA – Memorial Commemorations 

o KCD-E1 – Non-Budgeted Funds Donation Form 

o KCD-E2 – Guidelines for Donations of Gifts/Memorials Non-Budgeted Funds to the Franklin Public Schools

The policy documents can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/02/franklin-public-schools-memorial-policy.html

discussion around the Graci family gift and revisions to the policy

should it say "supplemental supply" rather than supply?

Clement - I was on the policy committee and will be voting against the change. They did work with several good experts on grief. The policy was unanimously approved twice. A total of four people came to the meetings, there may have been online participation but it did not result in seats in the chairs. In making the accomodations according to the experts, we have have gutted the policy. The policy is the same as having no policy by leaving it up to the principals. The first time the principal says no, they will be before us. The school is for the students who are there. 

In the sense of community, the Franklin student representaives talk about what is happening with their sports, their scholarships, etc. what they are doing. As far as the Graci memorial is welcomed at the sculpture park. The girls softball team wears a ribbon in their hair to remember. She was in college at the time she passed. 

We would create an arms race, we are opening up a pandoras box. We need to close this box.

Rohrbach - I think of our committee as open minded, maybe we should look at this again and decide how we shold proceed. I am not sure how I feel about this specifically. i know you have strong feelings about this. i give the committee credit for re-looking at this.

Trahan - We were very open, we did take into consideration the items that the four people brought before us. A policy that we have vetted out with the experts, should be standing for the. I am in conflict with myself. I share your concern that at any other intervention we could be opening the doors again.

O'Malley - I suppose I should say something but perhaps you should say something first.

Mullen - I think the numbers are wrong when there seem to be only the four, these seems to be a Franklin thing. I disagree that we had experts when we had one and I did not always agree with everything which she said. I opened the policy up because it was a process issue, not motivated by fear. I think it is important to listen to what people have to say. I can't say I am going to do something without the support of the rest of the committee. 

O'Malley - first I appreciate the intelligence and thoughtfulness of Trevor's presentation. Roberta spoke it well. To capture grief in a policy is not possible. My leaning here is to the committee as an open committee, not withstanding the heartfelt feelings to the contrary

Live reporting: Middle School blended learning

b. Middle School Blended Learning – MS Principals



Paul Peri, Sean Fortin

halfway through the third year across the three schools

blended learning = online, classroom and combination of the two

The Blended Learning presentation document can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/02/middle-schools-blended-learning.html

"It is not about technology. It is about teaching and learning."

Google Drive and real time feedback is available

"It is about how are students are learning and how our parents learn about what we do"

Aspen - grades
Virtual Town - websites
BBConnectedEd - 
newsletters, blogs, twitter feeds

teachers teaching teachers how to early in the morning before school

O'Malley - blended is the way to go, technology needs to be the ingredient of
couple of questions, majority of students? how many are in the blended learning?

Principals - Every student in middle school has some exposure to it, some teachers are more adept at it than other; need to make sure the human interaction remains at well

O'Malley - if the teachers are coming in at 6:30, you cant trumpet it enough
how about the parents? how are they doing?

Fortin - we are working on the education piece, we are doing a lot of work for the high school, and that is not meant to be negative. There is a tech learning curve. Where we are struggling with two way communications, we are sending out communications, but getting engagement back, getting involved with what is going on in school is a challenge. 

Peri - need to make it user friendly

O'Malley - what do we need to do here to help this initiative? What else do you need to make this more viable?

Rohrbach - I have experienced my own blended learning at the college level, how long has it been in middle school?

Fortin - 8-10, it is evolutionary, it can enhance education. Some things we do that don't exist anywhere else

Peri - exponential growth, 

Rohrbach - it can evlove in a variety of ways? Is there research?

Fortin - there is, part of my thesis. part of it looks at motivation, motivated by the tech or by the teaching? inside and outside of school. There is lots of research but it is all new. Overwhelming positive. Transforming education which was not possible before

Clement - how far are we from mitigating unproductive snow days?

Peri - on the cusp, there is a live component of that, how much really remains to come

Mullen - how are the teachers dealing with it? yu had a bunch of papers to read, now they are being looked at to provide immediate feedback

Peri - together are navigating those types of things, 

Fortin - it does require an approach, it can not be doing more, it has to be doing better, by the time you are getting it, you are seeing the final peice; it used to be writing for the teacher, now you are writing for the world with a blog post.

Peri - there are paradigm shifts. My grade book when I started was mine, what I did with it was mine alone. Now teachers are posting the grades on line

Failure needs to be part of learning, I heard a new term of a snow plow parent, clearing out the way

O'Malley - as this evolves, maybe there is a concept of office hours. Maybe we don't put the student work out in the big wide world, maybe it is more shielded.

Winslow - where this started several years ago, Sabolinski wanted to see this, Sean has been the guineau pig so to speak, it is fascinating to watch and see how you have grown this