Live reporting: District Improvement Plan

2. Guests/Presentations

b. District Improvement Plan

Winslow, Sabolinski, Edwards

Goal

"We will define, identify, develop, and implement strategies to advance increased complexity and rigor across all curricula, instructional practices, and assessments within the Franklin Public Schools."

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looked at student work samples to see what was being done in light of what was needed

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Sub-Goals:

Standard 1 Instructional Leadership

• We will continue to align curricula to the Massachusetts Frameworks and develop corresponding common assessments to ensure that all students in each grade and course have the same opportunities to develop and demonstrate mastery in the required concepts and skills.

Standard 2 Teaching All Students

• We will utilize differentiated instructional strategies to meet needs of students at all levels, by using a Response to Intervention Program (RtI) and the implementation of high expectations for increased complexity and rigor for all learners.
• By implementing research-based curricula to support social/emotional learning all students will benefit from a safe and supportive learning environment.

Standard 3 Community Engagement

• Through effective partnerships with families, community members, and organizations, educators will promote learning expectations and initiatives that enable all students to grow academically, socially, and physically.
• Expectations for the appropriate mastery of concepts and skills and the demonstration of proficiency in these content and skills will be shared with families and the community, including celebrations of success.
• Through school-based activities and initiatives, we will create inclusive communities in all of our schools for all students and families, especially those coming from diverse backgrounds.

Standard 4 Professional Culture

• All staff will participate in the alignment of curricula, the development and implementation of common assessments, and will provide evidence of differentiated instruction in their classrooms.

• Using the Professional Learning Community (PLC) model, faculty and administration will collaborate and engage in professional activities to implement instructional practices that engage all students and establish expectations that challenge students to meet or exceed their potential.

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Looking to rebrand the school district

How do we talk about math today with the parents who might have had a different experience with math. How the classwork also translates to homework. 

More homework is not necessarily an example of rigor

revisiting our core values and mission
will want to look at transportation systemically since the late 90's
some of the traffic challenges around Horace Mann, Oak and the High School in particular
entering into negotiations with the FEA
exciting but a lot of work to be done


O'Malley - commend you for the overarching goal

Jewel - commend you on your planning, where are we 2-3 years from now, how do we educate parents?, parents are not used to thinking in the classroom right now; the classroom is different, how can we better facilitate kids helping kids? Many people think when we go to the new basis it is a down grade, it is not but we need to communicate that out better. I am in communication with other School Committees and they are not hearing what I hearing. Cross fertilization is the best way to get that done.

Live reporting: Summer program updates

2. Guests/Presentations

a. Summer Update – Pandora Carlucci
Without Supt Sabolinski's leadership the programs would not be enjoyed by 2500 people during the summer

10 presentations from 4 groups
multi-media demonstration about to begin

Nancy Schoen and Jane Hogan

(video shown)

39 FHS students participated as mentors to the younger students
500 attended the final performance and pizza party
75 international students from Dean took a tour of FHS on the last day

Slides shared for Summer Art Institute
4 courses, 3 middle school, 1 high school; 50 students total
were able to participate as part of the Cultural Festival

Ann Butler

biotech boot camp, supported by local businesses for 7th and 8th graders
about 25 students participated
did work via case studies
not pretend science, actual forensics science used

Brenda Reed

talks about the fall schedule for Lifelong Learning
the brochure and updates have been shared here on Franklin Matters
Community walking is one of the events that is high interest; restarts on Sep 15th
3 pilot programs tried during the summer

• adult men's basketball
• advanced coed adult volleyball
• private music lessons for students

88 people tried these programs this summer

establishing partnerships
Providence Performing Art Center, Hanover Theater
among the many being built

some suggested country line dancing, exploring to maybe make available this winter

Kristen Circe, Michelle Hess, Jessi Fanueli

High School Experience
305 freshman participated, the largest group thus far

toured the high school, got their Chromebooks and student IDs

project adventure is one of the student highlights

organized curriculum and activity session
enthusiasm was contagious all week
the new freshman class was inventive and creative

"if nothing goes right go left"
"we'd rather we hated for who we are than liked for who we are not"
(others to be added; final vote to be held by students to select the class motto)

combined history and literature for a session
combined math and science for a session
one session on "7 habits of highly effective teens"

Solutions Summer

water slides on Wednesday
housed at Jefferson Elementary for the summer

6 week program from K to 6th grade
weekly themes

Jeff Chaffee "Archimedes"

grown from 35 - 65 students in five years
will stay at elementary and middle school






Thanks for choosing math in July

Seth Diamond

thanks to the custodians for taking care of the 250 students
K to 6th grade

STAR program

Mullen - thanks to all for your enthusiasm and desire to do this for the students in the summer time

O'Malley - Archimedes could visit us if we had longer school days, these kind of activities belong in the classroom every day. We need air conditioning in the schools, we need longer days. We need to pay teachers more. That is a theme. I am not proposing an action item. I hope to see it during my time. Thank you again!

Jewel - I have to admit that this is my favorite time of year, I was talking with the Dean of Ohio St integrating different programs, allowing achievement. You do it every day with math, english and allowing them to be creative. I am disappointed in that you have only as many as you do. How many students do we have in the district? Maybe we have not done enough to advertise this.

LIve reporting: School Committee - Sep 8, 2015

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


1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments - none

Review of Agenda - no changes

Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the August 25, 2015 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
Julie Harrington (Student Body President)
Alanna Lynch (President of Senior Class)

FHS Girls cross country won the Hockomock Jamboree

Correspondence:

• Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman

Franklin Public Schools: Heat Precautions

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hello

We have had a few inquiries requesting that we cancel school or reduce the school day  due to the weather. Those are not considerations at this time.  

To make sure all students are hydrated, all principals have been directed to have an adequate supply of water available to all students. The district will make sure water from the cafe is available students in our K- 8 schools as most of those complexes have minimal air conditioned spaces.  

Principals at the elementary level will monitor conditions and may choose to limit recess or hold indoor recess. School health professionals are available to monitor students and will check in on  any student with an  individual health plan that indicates a child may have  issues with respect to heat. 

As always a parent may exercise their right to keep a child home from school if they feel attendance will have a negative impact on the health of their child/children.

Please contact the school office to let administration know you plan to keep your child home.

Thank you,

Maureen Sabolinski

Superintendent of Schools

This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you no longer wish to receive email notifications from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT, please click here to unsubscribe.

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Sep 8, 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."

1. Routine Business

Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda

The Key to Learning

Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the August 25, 2015
School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Clement
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman

2. Guests/Presentations

a. Summer Update – Pandora Carlucci
b. District Improvement Plan

3. Discussion Only Items

none

4. Action Items

a. I recommend adoption of the District Improvement Plan as presented.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $288.00 from All American Publishing for FHS.

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 Matter

8. Adjourn

What you should know about design! (video)

"Roman Mars is obsessed with flags — and after you watch this talk, you might be, too. These ubiquitous symbols of civic pride are often designed, well, pretty terribly. But they don't have to be. In this surprising and hilarious talk about vexillology — the study of flags — Mars reveals the five basic principles of flag design and shows why he believes they can be applied to just about anything."

For more about "Good Flags, Bad Flags"
http://vexillology.wikia.com/wiki/Appendix:_Good_flags,_bad_flags

For more about 99% Invincible, Roman Mars podcast on design
http://99percentinvisible.org/

FHS Football players to watch

Hockomock Sports has published their listing of Offensive and Defensive football players to watch for the 2015 season. In their selection, they only chose one from Franklin on the defensive side.

I grew up playing basketball and baseball. I know enough about football that it is a team sport and while only 11 are on the field at one time, everyone on the team needs to step up and contribute.

FHS Panthers

Kudos to Tyler for his selection. For the other members of the FHS football team, all you need to do is play your best as a team and you'll go places!

Tyler Gomes, Junior – Franklin

During his sophomore season, Tyler Gomes made himself familiar with opposing quarterbacks time and time again. In seemed like every game, Gomes was finding his way through the offensive line for a sack. Gomes’ athleticism and strength allow him to take opponents on one and one – if teams don’t double team him. Expect Gomes to draw a lot of attention and be a big factor as the Panthers make a push to return to the postseason.

For the complete listing of Hockomock players on offense
http://www.hockomocksports.com/football-players-watch-offense/

and defense
http://www.hockomocksports.com/football-players-to-watch-on-defense/

Franklin 5k this Sunday at Remington

Franklin 5k this weekend at Remington Middle School on Sunday, Sep 13 at 9:00am to noon. You can run or walk it.

Franklin 5K - Sep 13

Register here
https://hockymca.ejoinme.org/MyPages/2015Franklin5K/tabid/699574/Default.aspx

Additional information on the race can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/08/the-franklin-5k-invites-community-to.html

In the News: EDC meeting, Ride for Leanne

The Franklin Economic Development Committee meets this week to discuss, among other things, the use of a town-owned parcel on Pond Street. 

The committee has on its Wednesday meeting agenda a discussion on proposals received for the 33-acre property, which abuts Interstate 495. 

Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said the land had once been used by the town, but not since 1978.

http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150908/NEWS/150907318/1994/NEWS

When the revived Ride for Leanne Motorcycle Ride is held Saturday, it will be nearly 10 years to the day since the event's namesake passed away. 

“We miss her every day, no matter what,” said Randy Schmall of his daughter Leanne, who died Sept. 14, 2005, of complications stemming from a Stage Four melanoma diagnosis. She was 16 years old. 

The ride will rekindle what was an annual event. For the first five years after Leanne’s passing, her family put on the ride and used it to fund a scholarship for Franklin High School and contributions to Dana Farber that now totals close to $30,000.

http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/article/20150907/NEWS/150907315/1994/NEWS

How do you define 'best' by money spent or results achieved?

Realtor Warren Reynolds does the analysis on the Boston Magazine school rankings to summarizes that the methodology "penalizes Franklin."

"For its 2015 school rankings, Boston Magazine says it chose a methodology that lessens the importance of academic performance (as measured by standardized test scores). Instead, in a self-described effort to reward school districts that spend more money, Boston Magazine says its calculations intentionally favor districts with high costs per pupil, small class sizes and high teacher to pupil ratios:

“. . .we rewarded schools that have smaller class sizes, lower student-to-teacher ratios, and higher rates of per-pupil spending, among other characteristics. In response to criticism of such rankings, we’ve also tried to deemphasize test results. We still take standardized test scores into account—but we reduced the weight of those scores within the overall rankings.”

This “spending over academic performance” weighting seems to have penalized Franklin in Boston Magazine’s analysis. Franklin schools are known for achieving solid test results while spending LESS per pupil than many other top performing school districts in the Commonwealth. The Franklin School District’s limited budget helps keeps Franklin’s real estate taxes a lot lower than most other communities in MA that have good schools, but that seems to count for little in the eyes of Boston Magazine."

screen grab of 02038.com

Continue reading Warren's article here:
http://02038.com/2015/09/boston-magazine-rankings-penalize-franklin/

So for good school performance with less out of your pocketbook, chose Franklin!

FHS Volleyball and Field Hockey players to watch

Hockomock Sports has announced their preseason listing of players to watch for volleyball and field hockey. FHS has representation on both listings.

Volleyball

Aubrie Kutil, Senior – Franklin

Not many schools have both top offensive and defensive players back, but with Dayna McCue, Beth Neal and Aubrie Kutil, the Panthers have a lot of pieces back. Kutil had a team-high 116 kills in 2014 and had a near 40% kill percentage. With 16 blocks, Kutil is the Panthers’ top returning blocker at the net. Beth Neal (31 aces, 39 digs, 184 assists) will play a big role in getting Kutil the ball this year and could also be one of the standout players at the season’s end.

FHS Panthers

Dayna McCue, Senior – Franklin

The Panthers are fortunate enough to have back one of the best defensive players in the league this year. McCue had a whopping 538 serve receives (average 33.8 receives per match) last year and added team-high 217 digs. She also was a big boost in terms of serving with 30 aces, which was third for the Panthers last year. With the Kelley-Rex title race wide open heading into the season and no clear favorite, McCue’s reliable defense could be something that pushes Franklin to the front of that race.

For the complete listing of volleyball players to watch in the Hockomock League
http://www.hockomocksports.com/players-to-watch-on-the-volleyball-court-in-2015/

Field hockey

Sam Jones, Senior – Franklin

Franklin will once again be considered a favorite for the Kelley-Rex crown and goalie Sam Jones is one of the reasons why. After graduating some of the top scorers from last season, the Panthers will be counting on Jones, a HockomockSports.com Second Teamer from 2014, to backstop a tight defense. Jones, who had 10 shutouts last season, has the size and agility to be once again one of the top goalies in the Hock.

Taylor Reutlinger, Senior – Franklin

The Panthers will rely on the leadership of Reutlinger, who will be captain for the second straight year and will be in the stating lineup for the third straight year. Reutlinger controls the midfield and is a key player on corners, both on offense and defense. His distribution and vision will be key for the Panthers this season.

For the complete listing of field hockey players to watch in the Hockomock League
http://www.hockomocksports.com/field-hockey-players-watch-2015/

Franklin Food Pantry Announces Dean Bank as Official Bag Sponsor

"Dean Bank is now the Pantry’s official shopping bag sponsor, donating hundreds of re-usable shopping bags – a supply that we count on every day. As we approach our busiest time of year, the new supply of bags will be used in a number of ways as we serve our clients. 

They are used for emergency food packages for new visitors who come to our doors; to package our holiday meals for Thanksgiving; and to give to new clients who register with the Pantry for ongoing assistance. Clients bring in their re-usable bags each time they visit the Pantry. 

Thank you, Dean Bank, for caring about our community!"

Kevin Goffe, Dean Bank president, presents Erin Lynch, Pantry executive director, with one of the re-usable shopping bags Dean Bank has donated to the Pantry.

This was shared from the Franklin Food Pantry page

http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/2015/09/pantry-announces-dean-bank-as-official.html

"This brand and logo will relate directly to what downtown is."

Franklin Downtown Partnership

"Partnership members, speaking at the organization's Thursday morning session, said they had been in touch with the college about creating a formal program - to be called something along the lines of "Dean Discounts" - to attract students. The college will resume classes on Tuesday. 

"Our members can offer a discount to students," partnership Executive Director Lisa Piana said, noting that, while the original plan was a blanket discount, it had been loosened somewhat. "(The business owners) come up with the discount - 10 percent off, buy one get one or something else." 

Piana said the plan would be to have a visual marker - possibly a paw print sticker - at the business to indicate that it participates in the program."

Continue reading the article online
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150907/NEWS/150907413/1994/NEWS

Franklin Rod and Gun Club: Friday Fish Fry - Sep 11

FRIDAY NIGHT FISH FRY 

SEPTEMBER 11th!! 

Public Welcome!

Franklin Rod and Gun Club

Please join us for our Friday night Fish Fry September 11th. Dinner starts at 6pm and the cash bar opens at 5pm. Dinner includes fish & chips, coleslaw and a cup of chowder.

Donation: $10 per person



Visit the Franklin Rod and Gun Club webpage for additional info
http://www.franklinrodandgun.org/

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Sep 9, 2015

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 
– August 5, 2015, Executive Session June 24, 2015

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

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS 
– Conservation Commission - Tara Henrichon

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS 
- Transfer of Hotel/Innholder License – Residence Inn

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

1. Resolution 15-52: Order of Layout, Acceptance & Taking of a portion of Lewis Street, Currently a private way – Referral to Planning Board
2. Resolution 15-53: Funding Horace Mann Statue
3. Resolution 15-55: Ratification of the Franklin Public Library Staff Association Contract
4. Resolution 15-56: 2015 Amended Schedule of Town Council Meetings
5. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 15-750: Zoning Map Changes from Industrial to General Residential V District in an Area on or Near Dean Ave – 2nd Reading – 2/3 Vote
6. Bylaw Amendment 15-751: Changes to Chapter 181, Wetlands Protection – 2nd Reading
7. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 15-752: Nonconforming Buildings, Structures, and Uses – Referral to Planning Board

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

O. EXECUTIVE SESSION

P. ADJOURN

Lewis St newly repaved and up for approval for the portion that is a 'private way' to be taken over by Franklin

The full set of documents released for this agenda can be found here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2015%20Complete%20With%20Documents/09092015.pdf