In the News: food drive, Harlem Wizards, golf tournament, improvement plans

The brief extracts from the Milford Daily News with articles of interest for Franklin.

The St. Vincent DePaul Society of St. Mary’s Parish, 1 Church Square, will hold its monthly food collection on Oct. 3 and 4. 

The society is requests personal items for men and women, such as shampoo, tooth brushes, toothpaste, deodorant, soap and laundry detergent. 

In conjunction with the feast of St. Francis of Assisi on Oct. 4, the society also requests donations of cat food and dog food.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150922/NEWS/150929370/1994/NEWS

The Harlem Wizards will be in Franklin 7 p.m. Nov. 13 at the Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School gymnasium, 147 Pond St., for a two-hour charity tournament. 

The Harlem Wizards brand of “Trick Hoops & Alley Oops” entertainment basketball will play teachers and staff from Franklin Public Schools on Team FPS to raise funds for the Franklin Education Foundation. The show includes tricks, precision teamwork and humor.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150922/NEWS/150929288/1994/NEWS

The first annual Emma Frances Dalton Memorial Golf Tournament is planned on Oct. 9, starting at 9 a.m., at Juniper Hill Country Club, 202 Brigham St., Northborough. 

The event benefits the Emma Frances Dalton Research Fund, established in 2012 by William and Nicole Dalton, of Franklin, in memory of their daughter, Emma.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150922/NEWS/150928511/1994/NEWS

Principals from across the district spoke to the School Committee Tuesday night about how they would implement district improvement plan goals in their various schools. 

The principals - from the middle and elementary schools - said they would be working to increase curriculum complexity, ensure all students meet educational standards and communicate further with the community.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150922/NEWS/150928464/1994/NEWS

UNITE to Face Addiction: Additional Program Participants Announced

U.S. Surgeon General and White House Director of National Drug Control Policy to Join Over 650 Diverse Organizations in a Coalition Effort to Mark "The Day the Silence End at the UNITE to Face Addiction Rally  Additional Special Guests Just Announced Include Doctor Mehmet Oz, The Cast and Co-Creator of TV Show Mom – Allison Janney, and Chuck Lorre – and Many More  Event to Feature All-Star Musical Performances by Joe Walsh, Steven Tyler with his Nashville-based band, Loving Mary, Sheryl Crow, Jason Isbell, The Fray, and John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls "The Day the Silence Ends" will feature powerful remarks from celebrities, public officials and advocates, including U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, Director of National Drug Control Policy at the White House Michael Botticelli, Dr. Mehmet Oz, The Cast and Co-Creator of TV Show Mom – Allison Janney, and Chuck Lorre – Darryl Strawberry, Patrick Kennedy, Alex Newell, Chris Herren, Pat O'Brien, William Cope Moyers, Christopher Kennedy Lawford, Tara Conner, Dr. David Satcher, Governor Bill Weld, Chef Natalie Young, Councilwoman Rosie Mendez, Richie Supa, Elisa Hallerman, members of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), and Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and several others. Joe Walsh, Steven Tyler with his Nashville-based band, Loving Mary, Sheryl Crow, Jason Isbell, The Fray, and John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls will join these speakers on stage at UNITE for moving musical performances. "We live in a time when addiction touches every segment of our society – our friends, loved ones, and our communities," said Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General. "We need to stop treating addiction as a moral failing, and start seeing it for what it is: a chronic disease that must be treated with urgency and compassion." "Those of us who have lost loved ones and those of us in in recovery from substance use disorders must speak up and tell our stories," said Director Botticelli, who has been in recovery from a substance use disorder for more than 26 years. "By putting faces and voices to the disease of addiction and the promise of recovery, we can challenge the stereotypes and misperceptions that still keep too many people from getting the help they need." "On behalf of myself and everyone associated with Mom I want to say how proud we are to participate in this ground-breaking event," said Chuck Lorre, co-creator and executive producer of Mom.   "Since our first episode three years ago, our goal has been to highlight a simple fact - that there is laughter, joy and camaraderie in recovery from alcoholism and drug addiction.  It is not a lonely and glum process."   "Addiction affects people everywhere, regardless of political viewpoints, socioeconomic status, religion, sexual orientation, race or geographic location," said Greg Williams, co-founder of Facing Addiction. "The coalition coming together for this historic event is made up of diverse groups from across the country – from church councils to LGBT support groups and youth-focused organizations to labor unions. Though all of these groups vary in scope, size and purpose, they all have one thing in common. Together we are uniting to face addiction and end the silence, once and for all."  About Facing Addiction The UNITE to Face Addiction rally is being organized by Facing Addiction Inc., a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to finding solutions to the addiction crisis, as well as an independent coalition of national, state, and local non-profit organizations. For more information, visit FacingAddiction.org. To donate to Facing Addiction, you can text FACING to 41444 or visit FacingAddiction.org, where you can also find more information including updates about the UNITE to Face Addiction rally. Please also visit and follow @FacingAddiction and #UNITEtoFaceAddiction on Twitter.         Unite To Face Addiction · The UNITE to Face Addiction rally is being organized by Facing Addiction Inc., a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to finding solutions to the addiction crisis, as well as an independent coalition of national, state, and local non-profit organizations.

Live reporting: closing

5. Information Matters

Superintendent’s Report
nutrition nuggets newsletter going out monthly

Horace Mann candidate search
met with parents and students, and faculty
final interview scheduled and looking for feedback to make final decision
extending thanks to all those who participated in the process

FHS accreditation process will begin Mar 2017
committee leads appointed, training starting
more info to come

October 24, 9-11 in the morning - open house

October 15, music students will be performing at the October Stroll

gearing up for first snow planning meeting
some refinements on the listing for the FHS parking lots

last FHS building Committee will be officially disbanded as the work is now complete
scheduled for the Town Council agenda on Weds


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.

Harlem Wizards - FEF fund raiser
major event this year
team to compete against the Wizards in process

7. Executive Session

Personnel Update
motion to enter executive session, not to return to open meeting

8. Adjourn

Live reporting: Action items

4. Action Items

a. I recommend adoption of the Early Childhood Development Center’s School Improvement Plan as presented.
motion to approve, second, passed 7-0

b. I recommend adoption of the Davis Thayer School Improvement Plan as presented.
motion to approve, second, passed 7-0

c. I recommend adoption of the Jefferson School Improvement Plan as presented.
motion to approve, second, passed 7-0

d. I recommend adoption of the Keller School Improvement Plan as presented.
motion to approve, second, passed 7-0

e. I recommend adoption of the Kennedy School Improvement Plan as presented.
motion to approve, second, passed 7-0

f. I recommend adoption of the Oak Street School Improvement Plan as presented.
motion to approve, second, passed 7-0

g. I recommend adoption of the Parmenter School Improvement Plan as presented.
motion to approve, second, passed 7-0

h. I recommend adoption of the Horace Mann School Improvement Plan as presented.
motion to approve, second, passed 7-0

i. I recommend approval of the request of Mr. Light for Music students trip to New York City to attend a Broadway show and Metropolitan Opera from April 16 – 18, 2016 as detailed.
motion to approve, second, passed 7-0

O'Malley - heartily endorse seeing an opera at least once

j. I recommend approval of the request of Mr. Light for students to travel to New Hampshire on February 8, 2016 to hear presidential candidates speak as detailed
motion to approve, second, passed 7-0

Live reporting: Horace Mann Middle School

Horace Mann Middle School
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczelJlX2I2Z0NNbUU/view?usp=sharing

Shawn Fortin, Katelyn Demers

making community engagement a priority
involving students in the decision making process with the families

Jewell - question on meeting standards

rigor is not just giving more homework
achievement is important, even when standards are being met


Jewell - how are you going to educate the parents on how they can help

it can't be just putting out information, needs to be two-way
taking the core values, turning them into expectations
taking the opportunity to teach without being explicit

Live reporting: Elementary School Improvement Plans

2. Guests/Presentations

a. School Improvement Plans PK-5

ECDC
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczU0ZxS1IxZGZSNlk/view?usp=sharing

Kelty Kelly - 

added 3 goals to be specific for ECDC

family access to info and engagement with learning and information sharing

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Linda Ashley, Principal, Jefferson Elementary

provides an overview of the four standards

"increased complexity and rigor"

1 - instructional framework

use the data from the student work to ensure meeting the student needs

2 - teaching all students

utilizing co-teaching, sharing strategies

using response to intervention models

math workshop, 2nd year in this new program

3 - family and community engagement

looking to be an inclusive community

celebrate the differences

4 - professional development

teachers using the common planning time

schools paired to foster the learning and collaboration together

Jefferson
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczVVpBZlhpeS15YXc/view?usp=sharing

Davis Thayer
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczUkNQdGV1R2ZDSzQ/view?usp=sharing

Evemarie McNeil, Principal
ditto to many of the things that have already been mentioned


JF Kennedy
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczZTBRQVRpWlVyZGM/view?usp=sharing

Mrs Toye
JFK also has a twitter account, utilization of blogs

Keller
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczd3RwNThEQUwtVVk/view?usp=sharing

Keller also has a Twitter account

Oak St
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczN0NqQ0xZbnlya2M/view?usp=sharing


Parmenter
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczS0p2VmU0dVNxU0U/view?usp=sharing

Tom Morris
one of the teachers has set up a twitter account to help communicate to the families

flexible grouping, an outgrowth of the common planning time
combining students for special attention on a particular concept


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Live reporting: School Committee - Sep 22, 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 September 8, 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
Student Gov't planning for Homecoming
Franklin Friday's - themed dress up day

Sep 30 - curriculum night
homecoming - senior Class fund raiser, car wash at Davis Thayer

Correspondence: none

FHS Sports results for Monday, Sep 21

From Hockomock Sports we share the results of the Franklin High School athletic competitions on Monday, Sep 21. Boys soccer and golf team dropped their matches. The girls soccer, field hockey, and volleyball team won their matches.

Boys soccer

Mansfield, 2 @ Franklin, 0 – Final 

– A pair of throw ins from senior captain Chris Elsner turned into a pair of goals for Mansfield in a big win on the road. Just three minutes into the game, Elsner’s throw found Jared Miller who found the back of the net. Midway through the second half Elsner found Charlie Rogers to double the lead. Michael Kirejczyk picked up his fourth shutout of the season. Head coach Steve Sheridan credited defenders Max Gurnon, Nick Hyland and Harry Braidt, along with Elsner, for strong games.

Franklin senior forward Bailey Knous scored the eventual game-winner just four minutes into the game against Mansfield on Monday. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

Girls soccer

Franklin, 3 @ Mansfield, 0 – Final 

– Bailey Knous scored four minutes into the game to give Franklin the lead. The score stayed the same until there was 10 minutes left when Jamie Dragsbaek volleyed in a second off a corner. In the final seconds, Victoria Stowell scored on a 30-yard free kick to make it 3-0.

A more detailed write up of the game can be found here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/panthers-shut-out-mansfield-in-battle-of-unbeatens/

Volleyball

Franklin, 3 @ Attleboro, 0 – Final – Dayna McCue had 12 digs and five aces, Beth Neal had 14 assists, six kills and a pair of aces and Aubrie Kutil had seven kills. Head coach Kate Horsmann said Rose Morrissette and Sam Campbell played well defensively.

Field Hockey

Mansfield, 3 @ Franklin, 4 – Final 

– Freshman Annie Walsh scored what turned into the eventual game-winner 10 minutes into the second half for the Panthers. Walsh also had an assist on Franklin’s third goal, scored by Caroline Lounsbury with under five minutes to play in the first half. Freshman Cassi Roman and junior Dana Lewandowski also scored for Franklin while goalie Samantha Jones made 12 saves in net. Franklin head coach Lisa Cropper said Kenzi Pleshaw played an outstanding game on defense.

Golf

Franklin, 168 @ North Attleboro, 152 – Final 

– North Attleboro’s Robbie Congdon shot a match-low 35 to pace the Rocketeers while Tyler Sinacola carded a 37. Franklin’s Bryan Woelfel and Matt Pleshaw each shot 40 for the Panthers.

For all the Hockomock League results on Monday
http://www.hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-092115/

Franklin Public Schools: Elementary School Improvement Plans for 2015-2016

As listed in the agenda for the School Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Sep 22, here are the School Improvement Plans:

ECDC
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczU0ZxS1IxZGZSNlk/view?usp=sharing

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Davis Thayer
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczUkNQdGV1R2ZDSzQ/view?usp=sharing

Jefferson
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczVVpBZlhpeS15YXc/view?usp=sharing

JF Kennedy
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczZTBRQVRpWlVyZGM/view?usp=sharing

Keller
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczd3RwNThEQUwtVVk/view?usp=sharing

Oak St
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczN0NqQ0xZbnlya2M/view?usp=sharing

Parmenter
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczS0p2VmU0dVNxU0U/view?usp=sharing

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Horace Mann Middle School
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczelJlX2I2Z0NNbUU/view?usp=sharing

Remington-Jefferson sign

The full agenda for the School Committee meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/09/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-sep_20.html

Franklin Rod and Gun Club: First Annual Horseshoe Tournament

The Franklin Rod and Gun Club is holding our First Annual Horseshoe Tournament. I was hoping you could post it on your events calendar/website.

Franklin Rod and Gun Club 

1st Annual Horseshoe Tournament
Saturday October 3rd, 10:00 AM

Food and Cash Prizes! 

$25.00 Donation 

Spectators Welcome! 

Cash Bar and Food Available

51 Florence St Franklin, MA
(508) 528-2573

Franklin Rod and Gun Club

Franklin Garden Club Meeting on Creating Rain Gardens

Date:     October 6, 2015

What:   Franklin Garden Club Meeting on Creating Rain Gardens; co-sponsored by Town of Franklin, Department of Public Works

When:  7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Where:  Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street, Franklin, MA 02038, United States

Franklin Garden Club

In the News: Livestrong at the Y, October Stroll

Since 2010, The Hockomock Area YMCA has been facilitating the “Livestrong at the YMCA” program and new fall classes will be held at the Invensys Foxboro Branch, 67 Mechanic St., Foxborough, and the Bernon Family Branch, 45 Forge Hill Road, Franklin. 

Options for classes at the Ivensys Foxboro Branch are from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays, beginning on Sept. 19, or from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays beginning Oct. 5. 

The class at the Bernon Family Branch in Franklin is from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning Sept. 29.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150921/NEWS/150929474/1994/NEWS

The Franklin Downtown Partnership plans to celebrate autumn in downtown Franklin with the October Stroll 4-8 p.m. on Oct. 15. 

The October Stroll was created after organizers postponed the Harvest Festival this year due to downtown streetscape construction. The stroll will include a pumpkin decorating contest, crafts, entertainers, seasonal treats and other activities on a smaller, more intimate scale. 

“Our shops are open; groups and businesses want to connect with residents in Franklin and surrounding communities, and we are excited to offer some fun activities in many locations around our downtown,” says Nicole Fortier, Franklin Downtown Partnership president.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150921/NEWS/150929295/1994/NEWS

Reporting by Walking Around - Saturday, Sep 19, 2015

The walk was good Saturday. Follow along and see what is happening around town.

No school on Wednesday Sep 23

The photo was taken earlier in the week and not previously posted. With the Jewish holidays last week and this week, and Labor Day, the schools won't see a full five day week until the week of Sep 28. Not a bad way to ease into the school year!

construction continues to make progress albeit slowly downtown

The intersection of Emmons and West Central continues to be worked on. The updated project schedule was shared earlier this week. If you missed it, you can find it here:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/09/downtown-project-update-10.html

Monthly library book and bag sale weekend

Capstone project to raise money for wells and water worldwide

Framcisco Coakley is working on his capstone project for the Charter School. He organized a 'walk-a-thon' for Saturday morning to help raise money for Walk4Wells.org/   For every $249 raised, one well is installed in a community in need.

An information stat for the walk-a-thon Saturday

Walk4Wells is based in Rhode Island and seeks to build wells around the world to help improve accessibility to drinking water. As Franklin depends upon the underground aquifers for its own water supply, it makes sense to help raise awareness.

clean fill being added to the space where the parking lot will be expanded at the Senior Center

The building committee for the Senior Center 2nd Floor project will need the expanded parking lot for when the project is complete. A property on Beaver St became available, was purchased, the building razed, and now work is continuing to fill in the space.

The Senior Center building committee has a funding request before the Town Council on the agenda for this Wednesday's meeting.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/09/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-sep-23.html

the blue is padding to cover the cement wall

The new practice field is already being used. 

the blue is padding set to provide a cushion

The blue is set away from the cement wall to help provide a cushion.

new FHS tennis courts painted and ready

The tennis courts are painted and ready.

The Tower truck was used to hang a large US flag

Later in the afternoon, I came by West Central to find the Fire Dept's tower truck hanging a large US flag. Apparently hung out to honor the 10th Anniversary motorcycle ride in memory of Lance Corporal Shayne Cabino. Additional information on Shayne's Run can be found here
http://www.shaynesrun.com/

“Students can work at their pace”

"Newer to the method, Franklin Public Schools established one-to-one in the high school last year, in conjunction with their new high school opening. Administrators say they are already seeing successes. 

Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski said the Chromebooks used in the pilot program, typically about $300 each, worked well for students and teachers, but cautioned they’re not an end in and of themselves. 

“It's not meant to supplant actual books, creative problem solving and thinking. They’re a tool to support our learning expectations,” she said."

Continue to read the article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150920/NEWS/150929681/1994/NEWS

Franklin Public Schools: the key to learning

"In the past decade, most everyone with access has experienced what it's like to learn from anyone, anywhere at any time. In everyday life, this is no longer an event to behold but the way we learn. Any policy maker or leader who doesn't understand and live this needs to find other employment."

read this good article written by Dean Shareski in the Huffington Post
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dean-shareski/make-it-stop_1_b_8142928.html

Neighbor Brigade: Pam's Run early bird pricing ends soon!

Join us for our largest annual fundraiser! Sunday, October 18, 2015 Claypit Hill School, Wayland Registration Opens at 8:15 am Run/Walk Starts at 10:00 am Don't be late to the party! Register for Pam's Run 5K/10K no later than Monday, September 21st for our early bird pricing of $30 and a guaranteed race t-shirt! Registration will increase to $35 through 10/17, $40 on race day. Walk/run as an individual or form a team! Discounts for teams of 8 or more.   This year we are offering incentive prizes for top fundraisers! Raise $250 and you can get a Pam's Run Igloo lunch bag, performance shirt, or other great prizes. How about an OGIO SmartDevice backpack - raise $1K and it's yours! Help us reach our $100K fundraising goal this year! Pam's Run raises funds critical to Neighbor Brigade's continuing operations and ability to reach more individuals and families in need of support and assistance.   Click here for registration and prize program details. We thank our sponsors: Circle Furniture Lynch Landscape & Tree Service Kenneth Vona Construction Joint Ventures Physical Therapy Washek Electric The Local Charles River Insurance Company Capitol 401k Especially for Pets Middlesex Savings Bank Traditions of Wayland Aventive Leerink Swann The SIP Life: Science in Practice Somerby's Hair Salon Village Bank AJ Rose Carpets & Flooring Pam's Run  | www.pamsrun.com  |  info@pamsrun.com