This weekend in the Blackstone Valley

Holiday stroll, shopping, lighting, and of course...Santa!

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eNewsletter: December 10, 2015 Holiday fun happening all around Rhode Island's Blackstone Valley. In the community... Main Street Holiday Stroll Saturday, December 12th 1 pm - 8 pm  Between Market & Monument Squares Main Street Woonsocket, RI This winter-themed event will bring neighbors and business owners together to celebrate the holidays while renewing interest in Woonsocket's historic downtown Main Street area. Aside from shopping along the brightly decorated storefronts, attendees can enjoy carolers, street and musical performers, children's activities, arts & crafts, free Christmas movie screenings, a visit from Santa Claus, and much more! MORE INFO Foundry Artists Holiday Show Continues this weekend... December 11th (12 PM - 8 PM) and 12th and 13th (10 AM - 6 PM) The Pawtucket Armory 172 Exchange Street Pawtucket, RI For thirty years, this popular New England holiday tradition has offered the opportunity to both view and purchase work by 60+ top regional artists. With a juried selection of artists, caliber of work is high. Categories of fine art and crafts range from art glass to wood, and include painting, sculpture, metal, fiber, mixed media, jewelry, ceramics, photography, millinery, artisan beauty products, handmade books, and furniture. MORE INFO Santa at Stillwater Saturday, December 12th 1 PM - 3 PM Stillwater Mill Complex 100 Tinkham Lane Burrillville, RI  Head up to Burrillville for their annual "Santa at Stillwater" celebration. Santa arrives by Harrisville Fire Truck for you to tell your Christmas wishes. He'll even have a small gift for those on his "good" list.  Warm up with hot chocolate and donuts, and enjoy holiday music provided by the Burrillville Middle School Chorus. Plus, get your face painted in the Library Café & decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus in the library's community room. DON'T FORGET YOUR CAMERA! and bring Christmas to the Burrillville Animal Shelter by donating pet food, treats, & pet products in the drop box at the event. After that... Stop over at Mapleville Farm's 1st Annual Holiday Lighting starting at 4 PM. This quaint family-run farm will have caroling, hot cocoa and cookies, and a festive lighting at 4:45!  CLICK HERE for more info. __________________ MORE INFO An Old-Fashioned Christmas - Open House December 12th (4 PM - 7 PM) and 13th (2 PM - 6 PM) Hearthside House 677 Great Road Lincoln, RI  With a chorus of traditional carols being sung by costumed carolers, visitors are welcomed into the cozy warmth of Hearthside. Take a leisurely self-guided tour through the house to enjoy the treasured elegance of Christmas by the amber glow of candlelight and the twinkling lights of the ornate trees.  Enjoy the sounds of the season and capture memories with a picture taken with our Victorian-style Santa Claus.      MORE INFO Upcoming Blackstone Valley Tourism Council Events... THE POLAR EXPRESStm Train Ride Weekends from Nov 20th - Dec 20th Historic Woonsocket Depot 1 Depot Square Woonsocket, RI  Celebrating our 16th year, this holiday experience has become a classic for families far and wide. Join us for a 90-minute train ride complete with storytelling, holiday songs, games, delicious hot chocolate served in a souvenir mug, and a special gift for all the kids from Santa. Put on your pajamas...grab your camera...and get ready to make some memories on this "magical trip".  PURCHASE TICKETS Rent the "Center by the Blackstone"  for your next event this holiday season Blackstone Valley Visitor Center 175 Main Street Pawtucket, RI  The "Center by the Blackstone" meeting & event facility is a great alternative to banquet halls, traditional meeting rooms, and conference centers. This unique and trendy multifunctional facility provides a spacious interior that includes a gallery space and intimate 90-seat theater. It boasts a beautiful interior design with ample parking and close proximity to Slater Mill on the banks of the Blackstone River. Located just 5 minutes from I-95, the "Center by the Blackstone" is the perfect location to host your holiday party or upcoming public event.  MORE INFO Blackstone Valley Tourism Council | 401-724-2200 | TourBlackstone.com STAY CONNECTED:

Forward this email Blackstone Valley Tourism Council | 175 Main Street | Pawtucket | RI | 02860

FHS winter sports, wrestling won; Lauren Rudolph is a 'Player to Watch'

From Hockomock Sports, we share the schedule for Friday's competition, the results of Thursday's wrestling match, as well as the "Players to Watch" outlook for Girls Basketball.


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Friday's competition

Girls Basketball

Franklin vs. Holy Name, 6:30

FHS Panthers

Swimming

Franklin @ Stoughton, 4:00

For the complete schedule around the Hockomock League on Friday
http://www.hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-121115/

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Thursday's Results

Wrestling

Franklin, 60 @ Stoughton, 24 – Final

For the other results around the Hockomock League on Thursday
http://www.hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-121015/

Girls Basketball - Players to Watch

Lauren Rudolph, Franklin – Franklin is flying under the radar at the start of the season after losing a number of pieces from last year’s squad but one player who could make a big leap this winter is Rudolph. The senior wing has plenty of range, which works well in Franklin’s drive-and-kick attack and she has also developed the ability to take the ball to the basket as well. She suffered an injury during soccer last year that forced her to miss the beginning of the season, but this time around she is ready to jump in and become one of the primary scorers for the Panthers. There is talk that Franklin lacks some of the star power of recent seasons, but Rudolph has shown the potential over the last two years that she may be ready for a breakout.

Continue reading about all the players to watch for girls basketball here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/girls-basketball-ten-players-to-watch-in-2015-2016/

in the News: Franklin Police "wait and see"; children's school registration

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

Dean College

According to Team Ops’ website, no prior experience is necessary for applicants, and all training is provided prior to a first scheduled assignment. 

On Wednesday, Franklin Police Chief Stephan Semerjian said the department will “wait and see” how the situation plays out. 

“We’re certainly in discussion with the campus,” he said, adding that the department hasn’t had the chance to go over specifics on what Team Ops is responsible for and what police will have to pick up.

Continue reading the article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151210/NEWS/151219029/1994/NEWS

Registration for the Franklin Children’s School will take place beginning Jan. 22, 2016 and run through Feb. 7. 

The preschool will use a lottery system to fill all program openings. A priority will be given to all currently-enrolled FCS students, siblings and alumni. All applicants will be notified either by phone or email of their placement or waitlist status by Feb. 12.

Continue reading the article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151210/NEWS/151219420/1994/NEWS

Library Book sale and Holiday sing along

Monthly Library Book Sale - Saturday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and the Bag sale - Sunday, 9:00 AM to Noon

Library book and bag sale 12/12-12/13

And then Sunday, a Holiday sing along with Jamie Barrett at 3:00 PM

Holiday sign along - Jamie Barrett

These items were shared from the Franklin Library page here
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2015/12/franklin-public-library-book-bag-sale.html

and here
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2015/12/holiday-sing-along-with-jamie-barrett.html

Parmenter Holiday Shop

The Holiday Shop happens at Parmenter School today from 5:00 - 7:00 PM.

Holiday Shop

For more info about the Parmenter School check out their page on the web
http://parmenterelementary.vt-s.net/Pages/index

“On Monday, we found out everyone was terminated”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"Dean College has announced its plan to eliminate its campus police force and hire a private security company, causing the campus police union to file a complaint against the school. 

The newly-formed Dean College Campus Police Association has filed with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and is alleging that after informing the school president last week of its intention to unionize, officers were let go. 

The would-be union’s attorney, Scott Dunlap, said federal law requires a union to notify an employer of the officers' intent to organize before a petition is filed with the NLRB, and he did so to Dean College President Dr. Paula Rooney at 5:30 p.m. Friday via email, he said. 

“On Monday, we found out everyone was terminated,” he said."

Continue reading the article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151209/NEWS/151206324/1994/NEWS?template=printart

BFCCPS student fund raising for Walk4Wells

Walk4Wells is a program run by Plan USA that raises money and awareness for people in third world communities that do not have local clean drinking water. Women and children in this situation have to walk an average of 3 miles a day just to get water, even if it isn't the cleanest it can be. 

Walk4Wells uses the money to install wells in the communities in need. Wells access water that is naturally filtered in underground water chambers. Franklin is community that also depends on well water like many other communities around the world. 

Right now, they are working in Burkina Faso, an African country that suffers greatly from this issue. People like us can raise money for them by hosting walkathons for their communities.

-Francisco Coakley

FHS Boys Basketball - Toy Drive for the Santa Foundation - Friday, Dec. 18

FHS Panthers

The FHS boys basketball team is hosting a toy drive on Friday, Dec. 18, at their freshman, junior varsity and varsity home games. Game times are at 3:30, 5 and 6:30 p.m. 

The team is asking for attendants to bring an unwrapped toy to the game, which will benefit the Santa Foundation in Franklin. 

In exchange for a donated toy, each participant will receive a chance to win a $50 Visa gift card.

http://franklin.wickedlocal.com/article/20151208/NEWS/151206821

“I shot it until I didn’t have any money left” (video)

From the Milford Daily News:

"The S.A.F.E. Coalition opened its community forum with a half-hour video depicting just how easy it is for youth to start taking opiates, get addicted, and overdose. 

The video, put together by the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation this year, depicts a high school student pressured by friends to bring some of the “good stuff” to a party. He raids his mother’s medicine cabinet. The film depicts he and his friends fall into a circle of pill popping and social withdrawal. His mom checks him into rehab, while his friend overdoses on heroin, his parents unaware he was even using."

Continue reading the article on line (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151208/NEWS/151206626/1994/NEWS

• The trailer for the film shown Tuesday night

• The full 30 minute film

For additional information on the SAFE Coalition visit their webpage
http://safecoalitionma.com/

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

News from the Franklin Neighbor Brigade

From Linda Gagnon, Franklin chapter leader of the Neighbor Brigade:

"Franklin Neighbor Brigade (NB) is active in the community presently operating with 203 volunteers. 

With varying month's of busyness, the brigade handled close to 300 requests this year. Additionally, there have been many extra moments that volunteers went above and beyond for their neighbors. What has been heart warming, is the giving focus especially during the holidays and the extra love to check in on recipients after they have moved out of crisis and adjusting to what we have called "the new normal". 

The illustration below shows the kinds of crisis NB takes part in. 

activity breakdown across the full Neighbor Brigade

"Across the Neighbor Brigade network, we have served 3,210 requests for the year! 

We celebrate the impact this has brought to many of our recipient lives including our volunteers who often share like the following statement 

"I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate being a volunteer for Neighbor Brigade. The feeling that I get when dropping off a meal, a note, and a little extra cheer has left a mark on me. It has been a great experience for me and also for my children."

If you want to help with the Franklin Neighbor Brigade, visit their webpage
http://www.neighborbrigade.org/1-public/chapters/?chapter=FranklinMA


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You can find the full newsletter from the Neighbor Brigade headquarters:

View this email in your browser. Newsletter December 2015 Director's Letter As Neighbor Brigade celebrates our fifth anniversary in 2015, we couldn't be prouder of how far we've come since Pam Manikas Washek first harnessed the power of "neighbors helping neighbors" in 2010. From one small band of Wayland neighbors stepping forward with meals, rides, home visits, pet care and more for families in crisis, Neighbor Brigade now boasts 5,000 volunteers in 29 chapters across eastern Massachusetts from Charlestown and Needham to North Attleboro and West Bridgewater. Our chapters not only step forward year-round in times of immediate crisis, but as you will see below many of our chapters have initiated gift-collections and food drives for families and individuals that need a little extra support over the holidays. These spontaneous acts of kindness by our chapters - over and above our core mission - give us further resolve to continue strengthening Neighbor Brigade for many years to come. We are at an important junction for the organization. In the first half of 2016 we hope to launch new chapters across Massachusetts and beyond, broadening our service area to help neighbors in need. But to do this we need your help. With each new chapter funding is even more critical to sustain and grow our programs: Donations support our software platform, chapter leader support and outreach materials, staffing, and other necessities down to office supplies and technical support. Your donation to our upcoming annual appeal will ensure the continuation of Pam Washek's vision for the growth of Neighbor Brigade as a household name. We are grateful to the individuals and corporation that stepped forward to support our Pam's Run event back in October, and we hope you consider a renewed gift this holiday season to keep our programs running at full speed. Wishing you happy and healthy holidays, Stephanie Lawrence Contact Us: Neighbor Brigade P.O. Box 248 Lexington, MA 02420 781.325.8580 Media Inquiries: press@neighborbrigade.org General Questions: info@neighborbrigade.org Neighbor Brigade  |  P.O. Box 248  |  Lexington, MA 02420  |  781.325.8580 www.neighborbrigade.org  |  info@neighborbrigade.org Donate Now The newsletter was shortened for publication here. To read the full newsletter follow this link: View this email in your browser.

FHS Peer Leaders collecting through Dec 11th

FHS Peer Leaders collecting for Dec 2015

"Attention FHS Parents!

Please consider making a cash or check donation to "Light up a Life"!

Light up a Life is a charity FHS Peer Leaders runs with the Santa Foundation to raise money and purchase Christmas gifts for local families in need.

Every penny counts!

FHS Peer Leaders are collecting from students until this Friday, Dec 11th.
This one last push will help FHS Peer Leaders to reach their total goal!

Checks payable to Town of Franklin.

Thank you!"

FHS Music Department Winter Concert - Dec 9 - 7:00 PM

Wednesday, December 9th at 7:00pm in the Auditorium 

Close to 200 students performing in Chorus, Select Chorus,Orchestra, Concert Band and Wind Ensemble

FHS Music Department Winter Concert - Dec 9 - 7:00 PM

The link to the FHS Daily News feed as shown in the screen grab can be found here:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1REiMQYV0i_jZ7LY_0haAy4_un1oa-sbf1gg-37BLzxk/pubhtml?gid=0&single=true&widget=true&headers=false

Franklin, MA: School Committee - agenda - Dec 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

the key to learning

• Citizen’s Comments
• Review of Agenda
• Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the October 27, 2015 meeting, the November 10, 2015 Organizational meeting and the November 30, 2015 training session.
• Payment of Bills Dr. O’Malley
• Payroll Mrs. Douglas
• FHS Student Representatives
• Correspondence: Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman

2. Guests/Presentations

• Best Buddies Grants – Sue Streeter
• Snow Presentation – DPW
• PARCC / MCAS Update – Joyce Edwards

3. Action Items

1. I recommend approval for the Parmenter Elementary School 5th Graders to travel to The Vets in Providence, RI on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 for a concert.
2. I recommend approval for the Kennedy Elementary School 3rd and 5th graders to travel to the Vets in Providence, RI on Thursday, April 14, 2016 for a concert
3. I recommend approval of the following FHS Sports Trips:

1. FHS Boys Ice Hockey Team to Woonsocket, RI for a 3- day competition 12/28, 29 and 30, 2015 at Mount St. Charles.
2. FHS Wrestling Team to Bristol, RI on 12/12/15 for the Mount Hope Invitational Tournament.
3. FHS Boys Ice Hockey Team to Providence College on 12/18/15 for a game vs. Canton.

4. I recommend the recommendation of Mrs. Minkle to declare 13 broken music stands as surplus.
5. I recommend acceptance of a check for $300.00 from BJ’s Wholesale Club for districtwide in-house enrichment.
6. I recommend acceptance of a check for $5,000.00 from Alma R. DeBaggis for a scholarship.
7. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,079.26 from O’Connor Studios for supplemental supplies at Davis Thayer Elementary School.
8. I recommend acceptance of the following checks for Keller Elementary School:

1. Samuel Winer Family - $2,000.00 Supplemental Supplies
2. O’Connor Studios - $2,244.57 Supplemental Supplies

9. I recommend acceptance of the three checks totaling $4,547.00 from Oak Street PCC for Field Trips/in-house enrichment.
10. I recommend acceptance of a check for $200.00 from Westat for in house enrichment at FHS.
11. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000.00 from the Kennedy PCC for field trips.
12. I recommend acceptance of two checks, totaling $2,175.00 from the Parmenter PCC for Field Trips.
13. I recommend approval of the request of Peter Light for Strive students to travel to the Stadium Theater in Woonsocket, RI for a viewing of Peter Pan on February 21, 2016 as detailed.
14. I recommend approval of the request of Mr. Light for new clubs with associated activity accounts as detailed.

4. Information Matters

• Superintendent’s Report
• School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
• School Committee Liaison Reports

5. New Business

• To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.

6. Executive Session

• Purpose of negotiation strategy with FEA

7. Adjourn