In the News: firefighters graduate, HMMS update to School Committee

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"Chief Gary McCarraher is pleased to announce that three Franklin firefighters graduated from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy recently. 

Nicholas Garland, 34, of Franklin; Christian Mills, 30, of Taunton; and Keith Schnabel, age 40, of Wrentham were three out of 24 graduates from the 243th class of the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy’s 45-day Career Recruit Firefighting Training Program. A ceremony was held at the Department of Fire Services in Stow on May 20. 

All three firefighters have been with the Franklin Fire Department since March 7. They completed a two-week orientation at the department before their class began at the academy on March 21."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160525/franklin-firefighters-graduate

Franklin Fire Dept

"Educators from Horace Mann Middle School spoke at this week's School Committee meeting about preparing their students for change and grooming them to be leaders. 

Principal Rebecca Motte, Assistant Principal Mary Cotillo, reading specialist Erin O'Leary and a number of Horace Mann students gave a presentation to the committee about their efforts over the past school year. 

The talk included a video - intended to prepare fifth-grade students for their transition to middle school - in which a student asked his peers about common sources of anxiety the shift engenders. The hope, the presenters said, is to create a welcoming environment for new students."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160526/franklin-school-committee-hears-horace-mann-highlights

Team O'Neil Fundraiser for Chris B O'Neil Children's Fund - Jun 17

TO BENEFIT THE CHRIS B. O’NEIL CHILDREN’S FUND

JUNE 17, 2016 = 7PM TO MIDNIGHT 

• Silent Auction 
• 50/50, Squares, etc. 
• Photo Booth 
• Dancing and more ...

FRANKLIN ELKS LODGE 
1077 Pond St, Franklin 

$50 donation/ticket Register Online Only! 
Only 200 Tickets available! 
To donate visit website https://trooperchrisboneilchildrensfund.org/

or Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/trooperchrisboneil

TO BENEFIT THE CHRIS B. O’NEIL CHILDREN’S FUND

In the News: 2-way traffic coming to downtown, school explores growing hydroponic plants

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"The town has begun its efforts to inform local drivers of the upcoming change to two-way traffic in the downtown. 

The change, slated to take place in late June, will be the result of the two-year downtown streetscape project, and will affect West Central, Emmons and Main streets. 

Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen said local officials will be looking to inform the public through a wide-ranging campaign. 

"We'll be doing weekly posts on social media, as well as the traditional channels," he said, adding that local newspapers and websites had been approached about the change."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160524/franklin-informing-residents-of-traffic-changeover

work continues along Main St putting in curbing and new sidewalks in advance of redoing the road surface and then changing the traffic from one way to two way in June

"Officials from Parmenter Elementary School shared the lessons learned through a third-grade hydroponic gardening program. 

The program - new at Parmenter this year - was chosen to illustrate the school's approach to creating learning experiences for its students. The school's three third-grade teachers gave a presentation on the matter at Tuesday's School Committee meeting. 

Teacher Edward Tighe said that when students were first shown the hydroponic equipment, they did not know what it was. 

"It has been an amazing four months of discovery - not just for the students, but us teachers as well," he said. "We've made many mistakes, the kids have seen those mistakes and we've worked together to come up with solutions."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160524/franklin-garden-advances-science-learning

LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin is on Wednesday, June 1st

LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin is on Wednesday, June 1st !

laughter yoga

Experience the health benefits of joyful laughter on Wednesday, June 1st (and every first Wednesday of the month except in July and August)) from 7:30pm to 8:30pm at the Meetinghouse of the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. 

Laughter Yoga is a unique and playful practice that does not rely on humor, jokes or comedy. Laughter Yoga will have you smiling frequently and laughing heartily. It can strengthen the immune system, combat the negative effects of stress, and is a powerful antidote to depression and anxiety. 

LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin is on Wednesday, June 1st

Any age and any level of physical ability can participate in this uplifting experience! New laughers are always welcomed! $5 donation to the church, $10 maximum per family. Please bring your water bottle because laughing can be dehydrating. Led by Certified Laughter Yoga Teachers, Linda and Bill Hamaker. 

If you have any questions, just call them at 508-660-2223 or e-mail billandlinda@letslaughtoday.com. See more information and other opportunities to laugh at www.letslaughtoday.com.

FHS Boys Lacrosse completes Hockomock League season unbeaten

Boys Lacrosse

• Franklin, 19 @ Milford, 1 – Final 

– Franklin posted an undefeated league record for the season straight season. (Overall record is 12-4)

Girls Lacrosse

• Franklin, 5 @ Westwood, 15 – Final 

– Kendall Reardon and Kenzie Pleshaw each scored two goals for the Panthers and Emily Spath scored one.


For all the results around the Hockomock League on Tuesday
http://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-052416/

FHS Panthers

Live reporting: Discussion items to Closing

3. Discussion Only Items

Policy – First Readings

• IHBA-R - Programs for Students with Disabilities

policy with an "R" indicates the regulation
upon legal review shortening and simplifying the language
similar to parent handbook

• IHBHA - Alternative School Programs

also reviewed by legal council, updated language to bring to current regulations
to meet needs of diverse needs of students

• IJOAB - Extended Field Trips

added finger printing as a requirement in addition to CORI for volunteers on overnight trips
added language to enable the Superintendent to cancel the trip for the safety of the students

4. Action Items

a. I recommend moving the following Policies to a second reading at the next School Committee meeting:

IHBA-R - Programs for Students with Disabilities
IHBHA - Alternative School Programs
IJOAB - Extended Field Trips

motion to move to second reading, seconded, passed 6-0

b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $150.00 from various donors for the FHS Castelline Scholarship.

motion to move to second reading, seconded, passed 6-0

5. Information Matters

Superintendent’s Report

• New director of music - Diane Plouffe

a coordinated effort with multiple stakeholder groups involved
end result the candidate was among us

Senior project culminating events on Weds
Awards night Thursday
Graduation next week

• met with the Charter School last week to review their plans for the future

• Central office went as a team to a conf to participate in "return on investment"

there will be more to come, are what we spending our dollars on really helping what we need for/from the students
did bring a different perspective to the business approach
learning ways to analyze the data

School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
a. Policy Sub Committee

School Committee Liaison Reports

• school committee coffees being held, three more scheduled

attendance is growing at the sessions

6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.

consider better survey on school calendar to have data for next time

as this is mid-term, what is staus on progress to goals
Superintendent Sabolinski to provide


7. Motion to Adjourn
– Dr. O’Malley

Live reporting: Horace Mann update

b. Horace Mann Update

Colin came up with the idea of a transition video for the 6th graders coming to Horace Mann
should help to reduce anxiousness

lockers create nervousness
locker buddies
switching classes

"pencils are like gold"

The video will be used for the Oak and Thayer students 

"Keep your locker clean"

8th grader got a concussion during 7th grade and had subsequent incidents during this year but the teachers and her classmates helped her out

part of drama club, provided confidence to speak in public

part of student council, raising money for school mascot

screen grab of presentation showing field trip to Chatham to complete the "Finest Hours" reading activities

8th grader is also a soccer player and used to making quick decisions

started stress relief to begin understanding the transition to high school

viewed all of the options for elective classes to take, overwhelming at first

explained honors vs CP classes

select a variety of options to provide a variety of options for career path

taking a deep breadth and calming down, will try hard and while not scared will take next step to high school

"All In"

annual tradition of the 'crazy reading ladies'  just 'greatness'

if you have read the book and complete the work, you can go to the movie

'three-peat'

if they read the book each year, you earned the title 

the students chose the book "The Finest Hours" this year via popular vote

make books accessible, via library, audio book, and other creative ways

after school sessions to discuss as it goes

usually four to eight weeks to read

the power of social media is amazing, they are still getting used to

the author found about the school reading activity via a tweet

the author hosted a writing workshop for students

Mel Guthro sang every word to the Coast Guard song when introduced at the assembly

explained more detail than the book or movie covered

the piece of the boat was gifted the school

trip to Chatham to visit the lighthouse, beach where the event occurred

they saw the actual boat as it has been restored

How can they top that?

Follow the "Crazy Reading Ladies" on Twitter  https://twitter.com/allinreading

Live reporting: School Committee - May 24, 2016

Present: Bilello, Bergen, Douglas, O'Malley, Schultz, Jewell
Absent: Scofield


1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
none

Review of Agenda
none

Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the May 10, 2016 School Committee Meeting.
motion to approve, second, passed 6-0

Payment of Bills - Dr. O’Malley
Payroll - Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
last night for the students as they graduate on June 3rd
last day of school as on Monday, Chromebook returns on Wednesday
Senior week next week, beginning Tuesday
graduation on Friday, June 3rd followed by the All Night Party

Netflix unblocked for the summer on chromebooks
plastic bag petition being circulated

token of appreciation for both seniors

Correspondence: none

2. Guests/Presentations
a. Parmenter Update
Tom Morris, Principal
Shannon Barca, Assistant Principal

http://parmenterelementary.vt-s.net/Pages/index

3rd grade hydroponic garden
growing lettuce and understanding the growth process

sample unit plan provided to School Committee
seedlings planted in rock wool

tomato plant root structure approx. 7 ft long
Parmenter 'think board' used to post questions for the school community to answer and respond to

Parmenter Elementary School teachers at the School Committee meeting

3rd grade's hydroponics unit on display! What do you notice/wonder? #parmenterschool #thinkboard #hydroponics #ubd pic.twitter.com/utxSbcC72k

— Parmenter Elementary (@ParmenterAP) April 13, 2016

one of many units being worked on this year

hydroponic garden chosen to explore science and compare/contrast with traditional gardening
to be understanding and discerning 

YMCA provided a grant via Mass In Motion to the schools, some chose to start last year
some chose to start this year, need someone to 'own it'

Would also need to work with the Health Dept to provide the produce for school use in the cafeteria; currently the volume doesn't allow for such

use grade level research rubric to provide grading for the students with the learning process on the unit; students have come back with YouTube videos from other schools who are also exploring hydroponics

curriculum coordinators have been lost over time, should be a goal of the committee to bring the role back, each school is doing something but the coordination among is not as shared as it could be

You can follow Parmenter School via Twitter updates  https://twitter.com/ParmenterAP

Jewell comment on doing their own thing and fostering the science locally disagreed with by O'Malley as then the district would not be doing what it needed to do

Bilello added that use of the standards and the 'understanding by design' process tied in other aspects of the overall curriculum in the right way

Do you have some time to help FISH?

FISH is an all volunteer, non profit organization that provides free transportation to Franklin residents to medical appointments. They have been providing this service for almost 43 years. 

FISH - provides transportation to
Franklin residents for medical appointments

They are in need of volunteers, particularly drivers. They are looking for men and women who are able to volunteer for as little as a few hours per month. Most of the FISH clients have appointments within about a 20 mile radius of Franklin. 

If anyone is interested in helping or would like more information, they may call FISH at 508-528-2121, leave a name and # and they'll be in contact.

HMEA 5K Race Results - incredABLE Day!

"Horace Mann Educational Associates (HMEA), of Franklin, held its annual 5K -- the incredABLE Walk/Run and Family Fun Day -- on Sunday in Franklin, drawing a crowd to the festive event. The day celebrated the many talents and abilities of HMEA's clients, staff, volunteers and participants. HMEA provides services to nearly 3,800 children and adults with disabilities, and their families, in 110 communities in Massachusetts."

http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160523/one-incredable-day-in-franklin


HMEA CEO Michael Moloney and Franklin's State Representative Jeff Roy pushed the wheelchairs of two HMEA folks for their 5K run. The photo was taken as they passed the 2M marker on the way out to the turn around point. I was too busy reading the 2 mile splits on the return to take their photo at that time.

HMEA CEO Michael Moloney and Franklin's State Representative Jeff Roy pushing the pace for their 5K

• Complete results of the 5K can be found online

https://my.racewire.com/results/32439

• Additional photos from the family day on Sunday can be found on the HMEA Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/HMEAInc/

#incredABLE2016

FHS boys tennis post win on Monday

Baseball

"The top of the sixth inning of Monday’s contest between King Philip and Franklin could very well be what defines the Warriors’ season, and what ignites them into a lengthy tournament run. 

Losers of three straight coming into the marquee showdown against the Panthers, circumstances were not looking promising for KP as Franklin tacked on four runs in the bottom of the fifth to take a commanding 5-0 lead going into the sixth. However, that’s when everything began to go in the Warriors’ favor. 

In the top of the sixth, KP ‘answered the bell’ by plating a game winning seven runs en route to clinching at least a share of the Kelley Rex title with a pivotal 9-5 victory over the Panthers, who also had a chance at claiming a split of the title entering Monday."

Continue reading the full game write up online
http://hockomocksports.com/king-philip-baseball-clinches-share-kelley-rex-crown/

Softball

• King Philip, 3 @ Franklin, 0 

– Final – King Philip’s Kali Magane allowed just one hit while retiring 14 batters via strikeout to lead the Warriors to a shutout win. Meghan Gorman had a pair of hits and used excellent base running to score a run for KP.

Boys Tennis

• King Philip, 1 @ Franklin, 4 – Final

Girls Tennis

• Franklin @ King Philip, 3:30 (no results available)

For all the results around the Hockomock League via Hockomock Sports
http://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-052316/

FHS Panthers

In the News: marathon training for cancer, wine tasting and tour

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"Brooke Harrison, of Franklin, ran her first marathon May 1 in Providence, Rhode Island. 

Harrison is a freshman at Montrose School in Medfield. 

Harrison began training for the marathon last year when her father was diagnosed with cancer. 

“My dad’s diagnosis changed my perspective on a lot of things, and it inspired me to make the most out of life,” Harrison said. “I wanted to do something that would be challenging and motivate others who are trying to overcome obstacles in their lives.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160523/franklin-resident-completes-marathon

"The Center for Adult Education and Community Learning will host a Wine tasting Reception, Winery Tour and Entertainment event from 6 to 9 p.m. June 10 at LaCantina Winery, 355 Union St. 

Participants will be able to sample award-winning wines that have become a staple of the Franklin winery. Cheese and fruits will also be available. A tour of the winery will be given, and Clafin Hill Symphony's Assistant Principal Cellist Brent Selby will perform."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160523/center-for-adult-education-to-hold-winetasting-event

La Cantina Winery

In the News: steak master recognized, Rotary spaghetti dinner for seniors, Red Cross blood drives

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"Franklin resident Jessica Studley, a culinary team member at Long Horn Steakhouse in Franklin, was recently recognized as the regional winner of the company’s Steak Master Series competition. 

This title is given to the top performing culinary team members in the company. She is one of just 60 team members from Long Horn Steakhouse to achieve this distinction. 

Studley has been with Long Horn Steakhouse for almost six years. She started as a hostess and has advanced her career within the company. 

“I learned through the Steak Master Series competition that there are many talented people who help make Long Horn Steakhouse a great place to work and dine,” said Studley. “I’m proud to have been chosen to represent our team and showcase what I love to do.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160523/franklin-resident-is-regional-winner-of-long-horn-steak-master-contest

"The Franklin Rotary Club's Pasta Supper for Franklin Seniors will be held at 5 p.m. June 9 at Central Park Terrace. 

Sign-up sheets are available at the Central Park Terrace, and the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill St. Those interested can also call the senior center at 508-520-4945 to register."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160523/franklin-rotary-club-to-hold-pasta-supper

"The American Red Cross will host the following blood drives in Franklin:June 8: from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 91 Jordan Road. This drive will be in honor of Richie Beaulieau. June 9: 2-7 p.m. at the Franklin Elks, 1077 Pond St. 

Donors of all blood types are needed. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160523/american-red-cross-to-host-franklin-blood-drives

Did you think of snow on Sunday?

Probably not. 

It was around 60 degrees and while overcast with occasional drizzle, there was no cold white snow to be seen in these parts. Some of the Franklin DPW team were thinking and learning about snow removal techniques: 

"Your DPW Snow Removal team is attending the National Snow and Ice conference this Sunday morning. This morning we will be participating in the Winter maintenance supervisor certificate program. This is a great opportunity for us to work with other DPW professionals from across the country on the latest technologies, techniques, and cost savings measures in snow and ice removal operations."

image from Franklin DPW Facebook posting

• For more about the Franklin DPW your can visit their Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/FranklinDPW/

• or their website

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_PublicWorks/index

Franklin Library Board of Directors: Agenda - May 23, 2016

Franklin Public Library Board of Directors Meeting

May 23rd, 2016

7:00 PM

Franklin Municipal Building Room 106

Call to Order
Public Comment
Minutes
Report of Board members
Renovation/expansion update
Policies:

• Collection Development Policy
• Meeting Room Policy
• Bulletin Board Policy
• Art display/exhibit Policy
• Patron Behavior Policy

Library Director's report

• Introduction of Assistant Director
• Staff Information – Names, positions, job descriptions
• Status of Youth Services Librarian
• Staff Meetings and workshops
• FY2017 Action Plan
• Monthly Budget Expenditures
• Website update
• Relocation update

Agenda items for June 27th, 2016

Adjourn

Friendly reminder that the LIbrary is operating it's normal hours from the temporary location
at 25 Kenwood Circle while the renovations take place for the next year