Live reporting: Update on hiring of Football Coach

e. Update on Hiring of Football Coach

Sidwell has moved to the AD role and left the football coaching spot
a screening committee is working through 25 applications
9 candidates most likely on short list
search committee representative of the stakeholders
interview the 9 candidates starting tomorrow
looking for an educator role model 
focus on academics, social emotional development
be more visible in the community

as this is a high school position, the decision will be by the high school principle and staff
it is a coaching position, stipend position
hope to have the process shortened from 9 to next round at the end of this week

O'Malley - seems like an inclusive interview process to do this

Sabolinski - we have a good committee and want to thank them for their work in this matter

Live reporting: proposal for new sports teams

d. FHS Proposal for New Sports Teams
Brad Sidwell, Peter Light

working with a variety of folks in the community, to identify needs not currently being met
youth programs, booster groups, etc.
feasibility studies done, impact on budget, most cases budget neutral for sports
some are grant funded to defray the costs



inclusion of special education students
applied for a Best Buddies grant, also received a grant from Special Olympics to help with this
would need to get the special ed students paired with a partner

• unified track program an extension of Best Buddies

this is a no cost program for the students as it is being funded by grants

• lacrosse teams at freshman level

nothing currently elsewhere in the Hockomock League
would look around to get games for competition outside the league
need to be careful with Title 9 and offer similar programs for boys and girls

BC High, St John's Shrewsbury, Duxbury mentioned as possible competition at this level

'if Franklin builds it, the other Hockomock teams will follow'
Sabolinski - we started in 2003 with the girls hockey team, lead the way then and are continuing to lead as we need to

• gymnastics

the only team in the Hockomock League without a team
have met with parents for three years to review this team
would need to find space for the team to practice and compete, should not be an issue

gym equipment is large and expensive and hard to store so this would be a good start

discussion with School Committee members, then audience, then to be voted on later tonight

actual cost is the cost to the district

we have not decreased in number of kids at the high school participating
we have decreased in percent participation

Q - explored the opportunity for a second JV team
A - scheduling is even harder, the teams at the freshman level is usually available

did explore a variety of options, did try a freshman/JV program and it didn't work so well
this should get us with a good start

325-375 boys in the lacrosse program last several years
good success at this level, the quality of talent is there, the volume and interest is there

Live reporting: FHS Program of studies update

c. FHS Program of Studies Update
Peter Light





Note the doc linked to is in the process of being updated. It contains most of the new updates but the date for the program of instruction still refers to '2015-2016' school year (rather than the 2016-1017 school year)

• computer science, grant from State last year allowed development of this new aspect of training
• advanced placement of computer science principles; expand upon the current offering which is targeted for coders, this is more broadly based student; students develop a portfolio rather than finish with an exam
• advanced placement physic level 1 and increase over the physics C course (targeted for engineering students)
• overview of environmental science, currently offering a series of semester electives but those classes mostly do not end up being run as the enrollments don't reach the required level

O'Malley - how many AP classes do we offer?

Light - only 2 or 3 AP classes that we don't offer (languages, and micro economics as examples)

52-54% of the senior class takes an AP class

Jewel - stick with the fundamentals, sometimes the students go to fast through the intros and don't learn it as well as they should

Live reporting: Substance Abuse Presentation

b. FHS Substance Abuse Task Force

Peter Light, Kristin Circe, and Joshua MacCreery

Substance Abuse Education - 2016 from Franklin Matters

numbers lower than national average but can be better
data from MetroWest survey has not changed a whole deal over the years

substance abuse education from K-12
age appropriate through the years to create and enhance the awareness
more depth beginning about 5th grade

increase in clubs and activities at the High School helps
SADD is a key club in some of the activities

Panthers Club and Community Service Club

School Wellness Advisory Council (SWAC)
focuses on extra curricular healthy activities

FHS substance abuse sub-committee has three leads to focus on students, faculty and community to assist in raising awareness and education

Chris Herren (former NBA basketball player) coming to speak at FHS Feb 29th


Bilello - thanks for the information
it was disappointing that at the SAFE coalition forum, one student spoke to somethings that are not reflected here
what are you doing with the middle schools?

Circe - using the data to drive curriculum and awareness down to the middle school level, the 7/8 students actually participate in the survey

Light - did get about 80 FHS teachers show up to do something to help, looking to start small and build on success; activities being planned around the Chris Herren visit; possible event planned for the joint basketball games at FHS against KP. Police coming in to do some drug awareness training during March and extend to middle school personnel. This does have a district wide impact

Schultz - question on the numbers, 10% in middle school 
Circe - the answers are life time events, not necessarily an indication of a continued use. Later added that the average had decreased over the past several year. Still a decent number of users but a down trend.
Light - use of a 'party' bowl where extra drugs are brought to a party to be shared - not really a smart decision because you have no idea what is really being used
Sabolinski - academic stress increases as they get to juniors, taking more caffeine and other self medications to get through it. Can go back to the zones of regulation, helping kids learn to recognize and deal with the emotions. Have spent several years moving in this direction. The anxiety and depression increases

Jewel - concern with the guidance as not always be good, need to be able to decipher. Some of the consequences of taking one drug or another may not be recoverable.

Live reporting: School Committee - Jan 12, 2016

Present: Bilello, Scofield, Douglas, O'Malley, Schultz, Jewel
Absent:  Bergan

1. Routine Business

Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
- no changes

Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the December 8, 2015 School Committee Meeting.
- Motion to approve, seconded, passed 6-0

Payment of Bills Dr. O’Malley
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
- discussion on lanyard policy, lack of pencil sharpeners in the classrooms is also an issue

Correspondence: Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman

2. Guests/Presentations

a. Jefferson Elementary School Update
(doc to be added)

Reminder: Franklin Dog Park Committee forming Weds, Jan 13

Haley is looking to start a Franklin Dog Park Committee. 

My name is Haley and I am starting up the Franklin Dog Park committee, I was wondering if you would be able to help me promote it by posting about it? 

The first meeting is January 13, 7:00 PM at the New England Chapel - any and all are welcome. If you have any questions or are thinking about attending yourself, my email is franklin.dogpark@gmail.com

-----------

There is a signup sheet available for those looking to attend the formation of the Franklin Dog Park Committee meeting on Wednesday, Jan 13.

@FranklinMatters Here is a sign up for the Dog Park Committee meeting this wednesday! https://t.co/9COXkE55Id

— FranklinDogPark (@FranklinDogPark) January 11, 2016

dog park at Dacey Field on a sunny summer day

You can find the signup sheet online here -> https://t.co/9COXkE55Id

Franklin Library: Knitting Circle - Tues, Jan 12 - 6:30 - 8:30 PM

"Whether you knit, crochet or spin, all fiber enthusiasts are welcome to share their craft at the Franklin Library Knitting Circle. Open to all skill levels. Meetings will take place on the second Tuesday of the month"

For adults

Franklin Library - 2nd Tuesday of the month

This was shared from the Franklin Library page
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2016/01/knitting-circle.html

Hurry, Your Hatha Yoga class starts before you know it!

Hatha Yoga Classes begin soon! The Center for Adult Education and Community Learning has Hatha yoga classes starting on Wednesday, January 20.  AND there's still time to register.  Just click here » View all classes Stay Connected Franklin Public Schools   Lifelong Learning Institute  Center for Adult Education and Community Learning 218 Oak Street, Franklin, MA 02038 508-613-1480   adulted@franklin.k12.ma.us

Forward this email FPS- Life Long Learning | 355 East Central Street | Franklin | MA | 02038

"how substance-abuse issues derailed his life"

A substance-abuse coalition will host two events in February in an effort to better inform the public about the factors that lead to opioid abuse. 

The Support for Addicts and Families by Empowerment (SAFE) group will be hosting a talk by Harvard University Professor Robert Putnam on Feb. 2 and a program by former Boston Celtic Chris Herren on Feb. 29. 

State Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin, said the Putnam talk - scheduled for 7 p.m. at Franklin High School - is not solely about drugs. 

"It's going to be more about the sociological background and context of the opioid crisis," he said. "Dr. Putnam has done a lot of research - not on opioids specifically - and he does paint a good picture of what is happening in America at the same time this epidemic has exploded."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160111/franklin-substance-abuse-coalition-hosting-two-talks

S.A.F.E. Coalition

For more info about the SAFE Coalition and the services they offer
http://safecoalitionma.com/

Franklin Public Schools: January 2016 concert calendar

Are you ready for some musical entertainment this January? 

The concert calendar for the Franklin Public Schools is available. The January date for each concert is shown followed by the school/grade and time of concert. Snow dates are also shown in case that white stuff makes an appearance.

Enjoy!



11 - Keller 3rd and 4th Grade Winter Concert 9:00 a.m. (snow date 1/25)

12 - Parmenter 5th Grade Concert 9:00 a.m. (snow date 1/19)

13 - Parmenter 3rd and 4th Grade Winter Concert 8:45 a.m. (snow date 1/20)

13 - Keller 5th Grade Winter Concert 9:00 a.m. (snow date 1/20)

14 - Davis Thayer 3rd Grade Winter Concert 2:00 p.m. (snow date 1/21)

15 - Oak Street 3rd, 4th and 5th Winter Concert 9:00 a.m. Horace Mann Auditorium (snow date 1/22)

21 - Kennedy 4th Grade Concert 9:00 a.m. (snow date 1/27)

22 - Kennedy 3rd Grade Concert 9:00 a.m. (snow date 1/29)

27 - Franklin High School Jazz Concert 7:00 p.m. FHS Auditorium (snow date 1/28)

Franklin High School in the rain

The Franklin Public Schools website can be found here
http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/index

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds: Register O'Donnell Discusses 2015 Norfolk County Real Estate Activity

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Discusses 2015 Norfolk County Real Estate Activity Despite significant challenges resulting from last year's brutal winter, Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell reported the Norfolk County real estate market showed mostly positive and sunny results in 2015. Register O'Donnell noted, "When it came to the Norfolk County real estate market in 2015, the sun was shining brightly over most indicators. Last year, we saw healthy increases in the number of commercial and residential properties sold. A total of 17,819 properties were purchased in 2015 compared to 16,718 in 2014, resulting in a solid 7% growth rate." There were also some warm smiles when it came to the total dollar volume of commercial and residential real estate sold in 2015 which was $8.1 billion, a 10% jump from last year. Additionally, the average sale price of commercial and residential sales in Norfolk County was $719,679, a 2% increase from 2014. Also, another telltale sign regarding the improved real estate performance in Norfolk County was the 157,817 land documents recorded during 2015, a 12% increase from the previous year. "These numbers clearly indicate that despite a rough beginning, the Norfolk County real estate market weathered the storm and rebounded nicely, particularly in the summer and fall months," noted Register O'Donnell. There were a few mixed results, however, in 2015. Despite a significant 21% increase in the number of mortgages recorded, the overall amount of mortgage financing actually fell 9%, closing at $18.4 billion. This decrease is partly explained by a large mortgage that was recorded on commercial properties in Dedham, Canton and Medfield during the 3rd quarter of 2014. Last year, property owners were also active on the consumer front, signing up for protections accorded to them under the Homestead Act. A total of 12,077 Homesteads were recorded in 2015, an 8% increase from the previous year. O'Donnell stated, "A Homestead provides limited protection against the forced sale of an individual's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. I urge homeowners who have not recorded a Homestead against their primary residence to consider this valuable consumer protection tool." In a continuing sign that some of our neighbors have not benefited from the robust economy in eastern Massachusetts, 2015 saw 250 foreclosure deed recordings, a 22% increase from 2014. Furthermore, the number of Notice to Foreclose Mortgage filings - the first step in the foreclosure process - rose by 36%. "The increases in foreclosure activity," stated Register O'Donnell, "can be explained in part by lending institutions working to resolve foreclosure issues that in many cases date back to the height of the economic slowdown in 2008." The Registry has partnered with Quincy Community Action Programs at (617) 479-8181 x-376 and Neighbor Works Southern Mass at (508) 598-0950 to help anyone who has received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage from a lender. Another option for consumers is to call the Massachusetts Attorney General's HomeCorps program at (617) 573-5333. Register O'Donnell concluded, "Despite a stormy start, 2015 turned out to be a solid year for Norfolk County real estate. For the most part, I believe the positive trends seen in 2015 can continue into the new year. Clearly, Norfolk County remains a destination location for individuals and families to live and work. "However, the lingering concerns I have are that real estate inventory will remain low, potentially chocking off increased activity and also that any upticks in interest rates could put a chill on mortgage financing. Additionally, we need to watch for potential disruptions in the housing market as real estate professionals continue to get used to new federal disclosure rules for mortgages introduced this past October." To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, "like" us at 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

screen grab of Norfolk Deeds webpage

Town Council approves help for seniors, hears from anti-pipeline group

The Town Council meeting on Wednesday featured the presentation by local citizens against the Spectra pipeline.

With the new year, there are some changes that are noteworthy.

1 - Citizen Comments

When the agenda was published it included the citizen comment policy. This Council Chair Matt Kelly also read out load as the meeting opened.

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS – Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the Agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

This helps to better set the expectations of those who come and comment. Many were not aware of the process and clearly disturbed by needing to wait until the end of the meeting to get the matter addressed. That issue is not resolved. If the Council will not address the matter directly but will have the Town Administrator look into it, why wait? Be courteous and provide a more timely response.

2 - Anti-Spectra Pipeline presentation

The Anti-Spectra Pipeline presentation can be viewed here

Franklin Town Council Presentation - 01/06/16 from Franklin Matters

Spectra will make an appearance at the Town Council meeting on Feb 24 to present their side of the story.

3 - Council Subcommittee reports

The one subcommittee report was from Councilor Bissanti who had just chaired the Economic Development Committee (EDC) meeting held also on Wednesday that ended just prior to the Council meeting. 

The notes from the EDC meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/01/live-reporting-economic-development.html

4 - Legislation

The Council approved an increase in the tax exemption amount allowed for the senior work off program. In 2010, the Council increased from 500 to 700; this approval increased from 700 to $1000. Per Jeff Nutting about 30 residents meet the requirements.

The key discussion was around how many seniors are taking advantage of this. While authorized for up to 100, Franklin has never approached the limit. 88 people took advantage of the program last year. While some councilors were advocating for more to take advantage of the program (a worthy goal), there is also an issue on the Town side of being able to handle an increase. 

The work needs to be allocated by each department, some departments are more likely (Library, DPW, Senior Center, Schools, and Recreation) to have an appropriate kind of work for the people to do. Some qualifications are required. Some planning (including budgeting) within the departments are also required. 

Karen Alves, Director of the Senior Center, is reported to be working on expanding the program capabilities. This is also something we can keep an eye on during the upcoming budget cycle.

The Council in a related item also increased the minimum wage for such work to the state minimum of $10/hour.

The Council also approved an easement for NationalGrid to extend the proper power connection to the newly renovated Recreation Building on Beaver St. 

5- Fiscal Forecast

The annual update to the 5- year fiscal forecast was provided by Jeff Nutting. The doc is available in the agenda documents as released for the meeting and also published to the Town website as promised during the meeting. This will be referenced again during the upcoming budget cycle.

5 year fiscal forecast (PDF)


Other notes from the meeting captured live during the meeting can be found in the links below:

• Live reporting: to closing

• Live reporting: Legislation for action

• Live reporting: presentation on Spectra pipeline p...

• Live reporting: Town Council - Jan 6, 2016

The agenda for this meeting was published here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/01/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-jan-6.html

the pole on the left in this photo appears to be the new on added as a result of the easement approved

Of note: there was also a special publication called "Town Council Actions Taken January 6, 2016" made available on the Town webpage on Friday (after the meeting).  The actions referred only to the specific legislated items but it is a good first start. Now if the Town can also enable real automated notifications for when something is updated on the webpage, we will really be making progress.

Reminder: Christmas Tree Collection Days - week of January 11

The snow has been washed away by the rain but the Christmas trees are still around and scheduled for pick up with your normal trash pick up day this week.

---------------

Christmas Tree Collection Days

Week of January 11, 2016

On Your Regular Trash Day

put tree out with the trash on your day during the week of Jan 11

This was shared from the notice on the Town of Franklin page

http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/022D16DF-000F8513

Winter Bear Zentangle Fundraiser - Jan 14th

Thursday, January 14th, the Franklin Art Center is doing a fundraiser for the International Arts Foundation for Kids (IAFK).  IAFK is a new 501(c)3 organization based in Franklin to help art education.

IAFK zen bear poster

 "The mission of the International Arts Foundation for Kids a registered 501(c)(3), is to collect new art supplies, new and gently used music and dance equipment, lessons, studio time, tickets to museums, shows and concerts and distribute these items to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted."

From 7-9:30 pm, the class will feature Zentangle. Each participant will leave with an 8" x 10" framed Winter Bear and a gift tag. The class will be lead by by Sarah Del Mastro.

The cost for the class is $45.00. This includes the zentangle starter kit and a portion of the cost goes to the IAFK foundation.


Call the Franklin Art Center to register and for more information.

In the News: contractor chosen for Senior Center project, Franklin's fiscal prospects good

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"After a process that drew lower-than-expected bids, a local committee voted Friday to award a contract for a renovation of the Franklin Senior Center. 

The Senior Center Building Committee opted to hire general contractor GTC Construction Management of Haverhill. The company bid just more than $1 million on a project that had been estimated to cost in the neighborhood of $1.6 million. 

Committee chairman and Town Council member Tom Mercer said the project had garnered nine bidders - a higher total than expected. 

Fellow committee members noted that there was not much variance among the bids, which was another surprise."

Franklin Senior Center in the rain

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160111/franklin-senior-center-contractor-chosen

"The town should be in good financial shape for the next couple of years, but may face challenges in the future, according to a recently-released fiscal forecast. 

Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting put forward his five-year forecast during the most recent Town Council meeting. During a brief oral summary, he spoke about its basic conclusions. 

"It hasn't changed dramatically from last year," he said. "The town is in good shape in the short run, but there continue to be concerns about the future, as fixed costs continue to rise."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160110/franklin-short-term-fiscal-forecast-positive

You can find the five year fiscal forecast referred to here
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/022E2532-000F8513