WMRC and Franklin Downtown Partnership - Good News Initiative

Franklin Downtown Partnership webpage photo

Franklin Downtown Partnership

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Member Annoucements: WMRC 1490-AM's 'Good News' Initiative Posted: 03 Mar 2015 09:25 AM PST

WMRC First Class Media, a Milford-based media company and Franklin Downtown Partnership member, has launched a "Good News" initiative and wants to hear your positive stories. WMRC is a locally owned multi-media company that supports local businesses. WMRC 1490 AM broadcasts reach listeners in 14 local towns in 3 counties, and it's website has logged 22,000 visits. If you are looking for a new audience to tell your positive stories to, WMRC First Class Media may have a way to help. To download and print a copy of the WMRC-First Class Media press release click here.

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FHS all stars for swimming

The Hockomock Sports has announced the All Stars for swimming and Franklin is well represented on both the boys and girls teams as voted on by the coaches.

Ashley Loomis	Franklin	200 Free
Leah Zogby	Franklin	500 Free
Jennifer Ayotte	Franklin	400 F.R.
Molly Brown	Franklin	400 F.R.

FHS Panthers

Connor Bourgeois	Franklin	50 Fr
Austen Sholudko	Franklin	200 F.R.

For the complete listing of girls team all stars
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/the-2015-hockomock-league-girls-swimming-all-stars

For the complete listing of boys team all stars
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/the-2015-hockomock-league-boys-swimming-all-stars

Attention Franklin Residents: Letter from the Police Chief

March 12, 2015

To all Franklin Residents

Greetings,
               
Let me begin by saying I am sure everyone is aware that on March 10, 2015 the Franklin Police and Fire Departments responded to a bomb scare threat at the Franklin High School.  This is the second such threat at the High School this Academic School Year.  The first was on September 30, 2014.  We believe that we have some very solid information to work with and our Detective Division is aggressively following up on every lead imaginable. 
               
In light of these situations and the obvious concerns and fears associated with them I feel it necessary to write you this letter. It is important that I assure you your Emergency Services personnel, as well as your school staff, faculty and especially the students have handled each of these situations with courage; working in mutual cooperation to bring an end to a bad situation as quickly as possible. Police, fire and school officials continually educate and train in the best practice methods of dealing with situations as these.  

I would like to tell you that there is one accepted method of emergency response that will guarantee the safety of everyone in these situations. Unfortunately that would be naive and is not the case. There is no one given response or proven method that can possibly cover all of the potential variables for every bad scenario we may face.  The one most difficult variable would be within the mind of the perpetrator(s) themselves.  Only he or she would know what they are thinking.  Given this, we use those methods that have proven to be effective.  We train with those methods in mind and we adapt those methods to what we believe works well for Franklin and the given circumstance(s) at the time.

Some of the keys to limiting or averting tragedy are being well trained and equipped, which we are. Working cooperatively with the schools and students, which we do.  Responding quickly and decisively. Accurately assessing the situation and then attacking the threat with every asset we have at our disposal. It's important to understand that at the same time we must do our best to control the initial potential for chaos. As other police units arrive we will then begin with a safe and orderly exit for all of the students, school staff and faculty.  

I would guess that not many of you have experienced a situation like this.  As a first responder, me and my police officers, the fire personnel, school staff and faculty have.  I can tell you there is no greater sinking feeling than responding to, or being involved in a call for emergency service that has the potential for such disaster. 

I want you to rest assured that even faced with such circumstances your police, fire and school officials maintain composure and focus on the task at hand which is to respond, assess, attack or eliminate the threat, all the while worrying about providing the necessary safety and security for all of the school children or civilians involved.  No small feat by any means.  

I am confident in telling you that the response of Franklin Emergency personnel and school staff is done well and with the safety and security of all of the school children, school faculty and civilians paramount in our response protocols and decision making.  None of us would or should expect anything less.

Sincerely

Stephan H. Semerjian
Chief of Police

This e-mail has been sent to you by TOWN OF FRANKLIN. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call.

Shop Small Collaboration Efforts Getting into the Details, Rolling up the Sleeves

Another gathering of about 20 or so folks interested and energized in talking up and collaborating about small business in Franklin meet Wednesday night at The Cake Bar.

We received an update from Susan Palmer on a smart phone app that can help to set up a scavenger hunt for individual businesses or for the collaborative as a whole. A subcommittee was formed and will begin meeting to work out some plans in more detail to bring back to the larger group.  http://museumtrek.com/

Kristine Spillane provided an update on her efforts to bring OurTownDaily online soon. The plans for this online media news center include re-introducing a 'trade show' to Franklin. Franklin antives may recall the trade show that took place at the end of April vacation. The first re-introduction is targeted for October and then would slot into the last weekend of the April vacation in 2016 and thereafter. You can find OurTownDaily.com and currently set up to follow their Twitter account @OurTownDaily

Shop Small Co-op

There was discussion around a 'progressive meals' which also lead to a subcommittee to form to work on the idea and bring back to the larger group. Jane Curran of Jane's Frames will lead that subcommittee.

Mark Lenzi of Franklin Liquors provided an update on a video ad service that can be placed on screens in a facility. Even if you don't have a place for it, an ad could be shown on it. Contact information will be snt out ia the group distribution listing. (new members of the group would be added to the distribution after last nights meeting).

Ed Szymanski of the PC Handyman provided an update on the business showcase table at Rockland Trust. He is making progress on that front.

Lisa Piana, Executive Director of the Downtown Partnership, provided brief updates on the flyers done by MetroWest and the partnership. WMRC's effort on 'Think Positive' and a schedule of business networking sessions being set up.

As the meeting broke additional side dicussions were conducted by 2-3 following up on a particular point of interest or just making the more personal connection now that folks have met in real life.

It is really good to see such energy doing good for Franklin Business! The next meeting is scheduled for Apr 9, 2015 also at the Cake Bar.

Thanks to Tracie Turinese for leading this collaboration!

Franklin Historical Museum: Antique Appraisal Day

Antique Appraisal Day

Sunday, April 12, 2015

1:00PM-4:00PM

The Franklin Historical Commission invites you to have your collectables and antiques appraised by certified appraiser Nancy Wyman of Coyle’s Auction Gallery of Bellingham. 1 to 3 items per person will be appraised at a rate of $5.00 per item.

Items to be appraised include Decorative Stoneware and Pottery; Vintage Clothing and Costume Jewelry; Fine China, glass and art glass; Oriental Rugs; Paintings and Prints; Lamps, Clocks, Decorative Accessories; Hummels and Music Boxes; Sterling Silver, Pewter and Brass; American, Victorian and Country Furniture and Accessories.

NO fine jewelry, no coins, no stamps and no weapons.

All proceeds to benefit the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum

Franklin Historical Museum - maybe most of the snow will be gone by Appraisal Day?

not an April Fools Trick - monthly meeting - April 1

The Franklin Art Association will meet Wednesday, April, 1st, from 6:30 -9:00 pm at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street. 

Refreshments and socialization will begin at 6:30. The program will feature an oil stick demonstration presented by artist Carol Letvin. 

Meetings are free and opened to the public 

For more information, please visit our web site at www.franklinart.org and www.facebook.com/FranklinArtAssoc

Franklin Senior Center - how much snow will have melted by April 1?

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Franklin well represented on All Stars

The Hockomock League coaches have announced their all stars for Boys Hockey and Indoor Track.

The FHS boys hockey team had a historic season making it to the Super 8 this year. The first team to do so from the Hockomock League. Tht they were well represented on the All Stars and had the MVP in Ryan Spillane is no surprise.

Congratulations!

FHS Panthers

Boys Hockey All Stars

Ryan Spillane (MVP)	Franklin
Ryan Shea	Franklin
Alec Borkowski	Franklin
Joe Borque	Franklin
Kyle Filbert	Franklin

Mason Saunders, Franklin received 'honorable mention'

For the rest of the Hockomock Boys Hockey All Stars check here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/the-2015-hockomock-league-boys-hockey-all-stars

Indoor Track

For girls Indoor Track Franklin had Beth Neal (an 'at large' selection) and Brittany Robinson (as an 'honorable mention'). Luke Gordon represented the boys team.

The complete listing for the girls indoor
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/2015-hockomock-league-girls-indoor-track-all-stars

boys indoor
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/2015-hockomock-league-boys-indoor-track-all-stars

News from Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Reports on Feb '15 Real Estate Activity Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell reported surprisingly strong housing and mortgage finance numbers in the Norfolk County real estate market for February 2015. "Despite historic levels of snowfall experienced in Norfolk County during the month of February, real estate sales and average sale price of properties heated up and showed marked improvement from February 2014 numbers. Furthermore, the mortgage market also showed significant gains in February as an improving economy, coupled with continued low interest rates, resulted in increased mortgage refinance activity," noted Register O'Donnell. While the total number of deeds recorded in February 2015 increased by only 1%, compared to February 2014 numbers, the total volume of commercial and residential real estate sales rose by 27%, with overall sales at $334 million. Average sale price of commercial and residential property for the month of February 2015 also was up 25% to $740,024, compared to the same time last year. Register O'Donnell stated, "What these figures clearly show is that despite the brutal winter, there is a healthy pool of home buyers out there wanting to purchase property. The numbers also show that prospective buyers are competing amongst themselves for a limited number of properties. This seller's market is clearly driving up real estate prices. Usually, without a significant spike in inventory, real estate prices will rise." The total number of mortgages recorded in February 2015 rose 53% to 1,960 from 1,280 in February 2014. Total mortgage indebtedness for the same contrasting period of time actually fell by 73%. This was attributed to a $2.5 billion mortgage that was recorded against multiple properties in Massachusetts, including a Braintree property, in February 2014. Homestead recordings, which provide limited protection against the forced sale of an individual's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000, fell 3% from February 2015 to February 2014. A total of 557 Homesteads were recorded versus 575 during this comparative time period. Information regarding the Homestead Act can found on the Registry's website at www.norfolkdeeds.org. There was also good news on the foreclosure front. The total number of foreclosure deeds recorded fell 14% in February 2015 as a total of 25 foreclosure deeds were recorded compared to 29 in the previous February of 2014. The Register stated, "While one foreclosure deed is one too many, I am encouraged by its downward trend. Anyone who has received a Notice of Foreclosure from a lender is encouraged to contact our partners Quincy Community Action Programs at (617)479-8181 ext. 376 or Neighbor Works Southern Mass at (508) 587-0950 ext. 46. Both agencies can provide guidance and assistance to homeowners." Register O'Donnell concluded, "While the inclement weather experienced in February had a disruptive impact on commerce, the Norfolk County real estate market appears to have weathered the storm." To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, "like" us on facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com @NorfolkDeeds. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High Street, Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or on the web at www.norfolkdeeds.org. Register William P. O'Donnell Norfolk County Registry of Deeds email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-234-3336 web: http://www.norfolkdeeds.org

Forward email Norfolk County Registry of Deeds | 649 High Street | Dedham, | MA | 02026-1831

http://www.norfolkdeeds.org

School Committee gets updated on FHS, receives feedback on security incidents

The School Committee meeting was held in the Lecture Hall at Franklin High School on Tuesday. This had been scheduled for January but was snowed out at that time. Yesterday was another challenging day for the schools and in particular for FHS with the bomb threat. This was not like the ones that occured in September (where the notification went to the high school) as this notification was received directly by the Franklin Police Department. Investigation is underway.

As the meeting was held in the Lecture Hall, it was not available for broadcast. Wireless internet was available in the room but only as part of the School network, hence access to certain parts of the internet (i.e. Facebook) were not available. I was able to record the meeting. Assuming the audio is worth listening too, I'll make it available this week.

about 15 parents participated in the School Committee meeting at the FHS Lecture Hall on Tuesday

The focal point of the meeting were several updates on the high school and all the good work being done there. Check the live reporting for updated links, photos and notes on the individual presentations covering

• the high school overall
• Panther TV
• Health and physical education
• Science, Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) program
• the transition of the Tutoring Center to the Academic Center
• recently released numbers on the graduation rate and drop out rate
• Commencement planning

There was a good communiy presence to discuss the recent Parmenter incident and Tuesday's FHS incident. Most of the parents left after that portion of the meeting. Check the live reported notes for details on this portion of the meeting. The quick summary is the school district is 

• re-evaluating their current access process
• some of the buildings (i.e. the older ones) would need renovation to provide a more secure access
• the facility cost would need to be allocated as part of the Town budget
• parents would prefer to ere on the side of caution and have more 'administrative lockdowns' than less

Good Friday, Apr 3rd will be a half-day if necessary. Apr 11 and Apr 21 will also be used if the current 2 snow days available are used up. This passed by a 5-2 vote with some interesting discussion where Committee Chair Muallen went on record to agree with opposing views expressed by Committee members O'Malley and Jewel.


For all the live reporting captured during the meeting check here

• Live reporting - Closing

• Live reporting: Action Items

• Live reporting - Discussion only (continued)

• Live reporting: Discussion only items

• Live reporting: FHS Update (continued)

• Live reporting: School Committee - Mar 10, 2015

• 
  

One Book, One Community: Mr Penumbra's 24-hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan

For the 49 folks who bothered to vote, the selection was  "Mr Penumbra's 24-hour Bookstore" by Robin Sloan. Stay tuned to find out what events will be centered around the book.

Robin Sloan writes:

This is my first novel, and it grew from a story posted on this very website into a New York Times Best Seller published in more than twenty countries. 

It’s a tale of books and technology, cryptography and conspiracy, friendship and love. It begins in a mysterious San Francisco bookstore, but quickly reaches out into the wider world and the shadowed past. I talked about the ideas behind the book on NPR’s Morning Edition and had a real-life bibliophile adventure with the New York Times.

One Book, One Community: Mr Penumbra's 24-hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan

Shared from the Franklin Library webpage here http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2015/03/2015-one-book-one-community-winner-mr.html

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is now on Facebook and Twitter!

Happy March!

Did you know .... 

There are three easy ways to stay up to date on all the latest news from the Franklin Downtown Partnership?

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is now on Facebook and Twitter!

shared from FDP page

Find us on Facebook

Like and Follow us at https://www.facebook.com/franklindowntownpartnership.org

Franklin Downtown Partnership

Follow us on Twitter @FranklinDowntwn

Follow @FranklinDowntwn 

Subscribe Via Email 

On the website (see box to the right under Facebook and Twitter links) enter your email address into the box and click "Subscribe." You will receive an email prompting you to confirm. Once you confirm, you will receive an email after 3 p.m. each day that something new has been added to the website.

And we will soon be changing our e-mail address and adding Constant Contact so stay tuned....!   Watch for your membership renewals in the mail...you won't want to miss any FDP communication with the upcoming Streetscape project beginning this Spring!

Not yet a member?

You should consider joining. Franklin resident membership only $25. Students and senior citizens only $15. Business memberships start and $100 and scale to $275 depending upon the size of the company.

Additional info on member benefits and the application form can be found on the Franklin Downtown Partnership page here
http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/p/membership-info.html
  

Reminder: Bottle/Can Drive - Saturday, Mar 14

There will be a Bottle and Can Drive on March 14th. 

It will be held at the FHS parking lot from 8-1PM and supports the All Night Party.

Last year this was part of the collection:

Bottle/Can Drive for All Night Party

Help them top last year's collection!

For additional information and to help the All Night Party visit their webpage
http://www.fhsallnightparty.com/

Reminder: HMEA Career Fair - March 19th

                Who: HMEA Inc.             

                What: HMEA Career Fair

                When: Thursday, March 19th 2015, 4-7 pm

                Where: HMEA Inc., 8 Forge Park, Franklin MA 02038

HMEA Career Fair

On Thursday March 19th, 2015, HMEA will open its doors in Franklin to the public to welcome job seekers to apply and interview for positions available company-wide. The agency is looking for people who are passionate about gaining experience and becoming an important factor in the lives of individuals with disabilities.

Whether you have an interest in working with children with Autism or joining a team of staff assisting adults with disabilities to earn gainful employment, there is an something for everyone.

Anyone who attends the career fair will automatically be entered into a drawing for a $100 gas card and two $25 gas cards. Interested candidates are asked to bring a copy of their resume and to be prepared to interview on the spot. 

Visit our website for more information at www.hmea.org.

Sport Management and Entertainment Career Fair at Gillette Stadium - Mar 28th

The New England Revolution & Kraft Sports Group will host their annual Sport Management and Entertainment Executive Lecture Career Fair on Saturday, March 28 at Showcase Live at Patriot Place. College students and members of the general public who are interested in a career in the sports industry are invited to attend the fair, which will take place just prior to the Revs’ home game against the San Jose Earthquakes at Gillette Stadium. 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER 

The four-hour event will begin at 10 a.m. and feature a series of panels and presentations from sports professionals throughout the New England region. The career fair offers prospective employees an opportunity to network and interview with high-level professionals in the sports business that are looking to offer internships as well as part-time and full-time positions with their organizations.

Additional info on the career fair can be found here
http://www.revolutionsoccer.net/news/2015/03/new-england-revolution-kraft-sports-group-host-career-fair-march-28

Sports and Entertainment Career Fair - Mar 28

Live reporting - Closing

5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report

Mock trial advanced to final 16 next on Thursday

Hockey made it to the Super 8 for the first time

Cheerleaders were competing at Sates today

Girls Basketball finished 19-6
Boys Basketball finished 18-6

Pisani in Wrestling advanced to second day at the New Englands


School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
May 12th - Training Room, training on communications

School Committee Liaison Reports

6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.
Harlem Wizard's Nov 13th

O'Malley
Globe Scholastic Art
Writing awards, Franklin represented in both of this listing


7. Executive Session
Personnel Update - 
motion to executive session, seconded, passed 7-0 via roll call

Live reporting: Action Items

4. Action Items
a. I recommend the following dates be utilized, if needed, as school make-up dates in the event of school closures due to inclement weather. Dates:

1. April 3, 2015 as a half day
2. April 11, 2015
3. April 21, 2015.

motion to accept, seconded, passed 5-2

b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $361.52 from Target for In-house enrichment at FHS.
motion to accept, seconded, passed 7-0

c. I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $1,255.75 for Keller Elementary School as detailed:

1. BOKS $500.00 – In-house enrichment 

2. Keller PCC $755.75 - Field Trips

motion to accept, seconded, passed 7-0

d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $6.86 from Schoola for in-house 
enrichment at JF Kennedy Elementary School.motion to accept, seconded, passed 7-0

e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $220.00 from the Franklin Music Boosters for district wide in-house enrichment.
motion to accept, seconded, passed 7-0

Live reporting - Discussion only (continued)

Staff Snow Day Survey 

548 responded and identified, 38 did not identify which unit they were with
good response rate overall

14 possible choices provided, were asked to rank order their top five
1st choice - Apr 3 - Good Friday
2nd - Apr 10
3rd - Apr 21

hopeful not having to need to use these but just in case
Apr 3 could be a half day, and meet date requirements

O'Malley - don't like the 3rd to put a religous holiday up against the school day requirements. Hundreds of folks have already made plans, this would make too speculative a venture, we would have time to revisit the dates. I would like to table this for a futher discussion

Clement - How does today impact the town?
This was a school day

Winslow - this is aligned with what is coming down from the DESE. This is what many districts are doing with the knowledge that many people will not come.

Douglas - I am not for this, people made plans a year ago. Teachers would also be affected by this. This is a short fuse for everbody this year.

Rohrbach - we do have to give notice, if we can do a half day on the 3rd.

Jewell - I am not changing my plans when there is a vacation being taken away like this. It is silly not to plan to have to make up one. Some kids will miss but the schools need to be open

Mullen - I actually agree with John and Kevin. The issue of religious holidays is one we have not discussed and need to. The T is still not working right. At least we are giving notification. It is up to the individual parents to make their choice. I would support this with a half day on Apr 3.

O'Malley - making motion to table the issue
failed 5-2 (O'Malley, Douglas to table)

State Budget Update

Goodman
preliminary budget numbers from Governor's House 1 budget
budget would eleminate the quality full day kindergarten grant
7.5 FTE are covered by the current grant
potential circuit breaker cuts
Charter school reimbursements also being cut (could be a net loss of $600K)
House and Senate still need to review the budget to come to a decision

Live reporting: Discussion only items

3. Discussion Only Items

School Safety Update 

Sally Winslow, Asst Superintendent
(Superintendent Sabolinski recovering from a broken ankle and while remote has been in regular contact)

actions of staff at Parmenter may have contributed to the incident
have been dealing with 'rumor' issues raised via social media
meeting held last Tuesday night with Parmenter parents

Q - can you state what did happen?
what occurred, someone came to the school, knocked to come in
buzzed in, was let in, but instead of checking in, proceeded down one of the corridors
intercepted by a teacher and custodian, secretary joined them
queried individual about his presence, he was asked to leave, he did
Central Office was called, Franklin Police was called 
photo shared and individual identified

Next day, a retired secretary was on site stationed by the door for check ins
school working on getting schedule of parent volunteers for check in, also looking for Senior Center volunteers

Notified other schools of incident, including photo of individual

Adding signage and consistent language around check in process at each school

Want to address 'tail gating', need to be checked in separately

Parmenter establishing a school wide committee for re-evaluation of school safety

School Dept will sit with the Police Dept to review the process, what worked, what could be improved

We did get questions on why we did not get into 'lock down'?
the individual did leave without threat, other schools were notified
concerned with physical and emotional safety for all the students
did confer with Police and Admin office before that decision was made

Met with vendor last Friday who had installed the security system for options and improvements

possible pilot program being explored for a software program for facial recognition

any renovations for the buildings would require Facilities which is part of the Town side of the budget

audience participating at the School Committee at Franklin High School

O'Malley - unfortunate, yes. I feel confident our schools are safe

Trahan - I felt I needed to review our policies, we did follow the policies and procedures. Steps are being taken to address where possible.

Q - what was the decision on not telling the parents of the other schools. I have been in frequently and while buzzed in, was not checked in but maybe once in all the time
A - Winslow - we felt it was a Parmenter issue. It became apparent after the Tuesday meeting that we needed to do more.
A - Mullen - we do have to say how lucky we were that nothing did happen. We are re-visiting the policy. we do need to look at how the schools work.

Q - I would respectfully disagree with the decision to not go with a town-wide lockdown. My kids are at Jefferson but the guy could have tried one, and could go elsewhere.
Winslow - we relied on input from the Police

Police Officer - We had an incident today for a couple of different reasons. I did not see it required that under the circumstances. If it was a breach, i.e. he had run through. He had been immediately addressed upon his entrance. The way it played out, there was not lock down called. Really not necessary.

I have the same amount of interest. I have a family member in every level of the school district. I understand where you are coming from but it was not required.

This guy is at a facility now. We have been busy but we want to get out to the older schools to see how we can harden the entrance. The newer schools have that entry where you can get in the first door but not the second.

Dave Nee - I understand that it was what it was. Sandy Hook took only 7 minutes. It may not have been a threat, ere on the side of caution.  I am a roofer, I go to different schools, the others have a better system than we do. I go to Parmenter and it is an honor system, I'll admit I don't always check in. there was a failure last Monday. I am glad to see solutions being put together. 

I think the town as a whole needs to embrace social media. There needs to be better communications.

Trahan - there needs to be some discussion on what is posted. I don't know why people don't get the connectED message. If they can't, they should and we need to figure that out. I got the messages today. I don't want that on Facebook so someone could know what was going on and endanger our children.

Nee - Don't discount it, embrace it. Control it and send it yourself

Mullen - there isn't any one person who could keep up with it. 

Winslow - the struggle we have is we need to get our info correct before sending out. Kids are tweeting out so kids at Tri-County are finding out before I can get to send out the right info

Selena Cousins - I would beg you as a parent to ere on the side of safety. Layers of security make it harder and harder to get into the building. While Parmenter is doing stuff, this needs to be a district wide effort. Not the most effective way to address the issue. I got the notice today and appreciated it. When you ask people to honestly sign in, you could check in later and find Mickey Mouse signed in. Do we test trying to get in? We should try that as part of the evaluation. I was a school principal for 8 years. if upsets someone in the short run, so be it. We should be partners in this. We can use social media to help.

Winslow - custodians do a sweep of the building after events, but it raises questions about the music and other evening events

Parent teacher at Tri-County - my students knew before I did and my phone did blow up with notifications. The younger kids had no idea of the administrative lockdown today. The admin lockdown should always be an option. That little bit of safety is worth it. It was a brilliant call today. There were some bad comments on Facebook. It finallly shut down with the good ConnectEd notifications. 

Q - how is a volunteer going to help if the person has a weapon?
A - the volunteers would be a work in progress to getting something better at the doorways

Peter Light - FHS incident

during the lunch block the Franklin Police received a call with a threat
Sgt Spillane was notified, based upon the nature of the threat we did not lockdown, we did evacuate, as the evacuation occured, the piolice and fire were arriving and secured the campus. Horace Mann/Oak St were notified and went it lockdown. The Asst Superintendent put the district into lockdown

Police needed to sweep the building, it was about 90 mins before dismissal but we expedited the busses to arrive early. Students who drove and had keys with them, were allowed to leave. After the State Police completed the sweep, faculty and then student were allowed back into the building for their belongings. We wanted to return to normalcy as soon as possible. We had evening events, performance, as well as this School Committee meeting.

Some things from the fall incident were incorporated into the ConnectED messages. Parents were told not to leave their vehicles when students were dismissed. Parent night will go into more detail Wednesday night.

Investigation is still underway. Students are updated via the faculty. it wil be short and brief Wednesday morning. 

Schools were dismissed at normal times, after school events went on as scheduled.

Parents who did attempt to get their students were turned away. During lockdown, no one is allowed to leave.

Feedback from the Police was positive about the reaction of the students and faculty. Holmes Bus company stepped up to work with us. Had busses on the scene within 10 minutes. Really outstanding response by them!

Custodians came into the school when it was safe. When you dismiss students from the cafeteria and library when they are eating lunch, it does leave a mess behind.

5 minute recess