Wednesday, October 26, 2016

In the News: Math update to School Committee; Tri-County shows off robotics progress

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Math educators from the town's schools said instruction in the district has shifted to encourage activity and problem solving, but School Committee members expressed concern about communication with parents and the standards set. 
Math specialists and instructors spoke at the committee meeting Tuesday night as part of a general overview on the curriculum and instruction in the district. 
Assistant Superintendent Joyce Edwards said the district's curriculum has been changed to align with state standards. 
"It involves the construction of knowledge - not just passively sitting and being talked at," she said.
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161025/franklin-school-committee-reviews-math-instruction

one of the elementary math specialists updating the School Committee during the Tuesday meeting
one of the elementary math specialists updating the School Committee during the Tuesday meeting



"It may have looked like play, but the robotic arm demonstration was really a glimpse at manufacturing's present and future. 
Students Andrew Plante and Candis Brodeur were showcasing the Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School's new robotic arm, using it to build a tower with assorted blocks Tuesday. 
"We're just starting now on this - trying to play around with it and learn how it works," Plante said, adding that the arm had just arrived last week. 
Brodeur said the school already had a smaller robotic arm, which introduced students to the basic concepts of programming robotics.


Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161025/franklins-tri-county-showcases-manufacturing

Pantherbook: "FHS Sound Record Department Receives Ableton Grant"

Riley Halliday, Writer for the Franklin High School "Pantherbook" writes about the grant received for the Sound Record Department.

"It’s no secret the FHS has an outstanding resources for its sound recording department, however things just got a little more interesting. 
Mr. O’Connors, the new sound recording teacher, has already made an impact in his first months here. He recently applied for a grant from Ableton, a music software company. This Wednesday, sound recording classes and the music production club received fantastic news which included 15 new Ableton Push boards, as well as Ableton Live software.
Continue reading the article online
http://franklinpanthers.us/student-life/2016/10/24/fhs-sound-record-department-receives-ableton-grant/

Pantherbook photo for the article on the sound grant received
Pantherbook photo for the article on the sound grant received
Find more articles in Pantherbook here   http://franklinpanthers.us/

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Real time reporting: School Committee - Oct 25, 2016

Present: O'Malley, Schultz, Douglas, Jewell, Scofield, Bilello, Bergen
Absent: none

1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the September 27, 2016 School Committee Meeting and the October 11, 2016 Worksession.
motion to accept, seconded, passed

Payment of Bills Dr. O’Malley
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives

  • Football team won against Attleboro on Saturday, going on to playoffs
  • Homecoming dance was a good time
  • two congressional candidates visited FHS to meet with an AP class


Correspondence:
1. Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman


  • acknowledgement of the increase of $162K for the budget to cover for the K-Grant shortfall, thanks to the Town Council for this action


2. FEA – Open negotiations with EA Unit
training and negotiations to begin again before the contract expires June 30, 2017



2. Guests/Presentations

a. Math Program Overview



Ron Taylor had an injury and is recovering


Joyce Edwards, leading the presentation in his absence
elementary math specialists
6 total, one for each school

Elementary school math link

(other notes to be added from Twitter feed)




(be sure to scroll within the Storify widget to review all the entries)





Calling All Franklin Independently Owned Small Businesses - Small Business Showcase - November 17



Calling All Franklin Independently Owned Small Businesses
November 17, 2016
5:00 to 8:30 PM
Franklin High School
The Center for Adult Education and Community Learning
and #shopFranklin are co-sponsoring

Small Business Showcase
for Franklin independently owned businesses.


Businesses pay a $50.00 Registration Fee

REGISTER here

Participating businesses may
Host a Roundtable Discussion,
Stage a Presentation or Product Demonstration

Create
Fun, Interactive, Educational 
Product Displays and; Demonstrations 
Food and Products to Purchase

This Showcase is FREE and open to the public


Franklin Public Schools   Lifelong Learning Institute
The Center for Adult Education and Community Learning
FPS- Lifelong Learning | 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038

Sent by adulted@franklin.k12.ma.us in collaboration with
Trusted Email from Constant Contact - Try it FREE today.
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FHS volleyball and field hockey top Attleboro

From Hockomock Sports we share the FHS fall sports results from Monday, Oct 24

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers



*** Volleyball = Franklin, 3 @ Attleboro, 0 – Final 

– Franklin picked up the sweep on the road to earn its 12th win of the season. Maddie Kuzio paced the Panthers with 28 digs and four aces while Maggie Doyle added five digs and three blocks and Erin Skidmore had nine kills and eight digs.


*** Field Hockey = Franklin, 4 @ Attleboro, 0 – Final 

– Caroline Lounsbury scored the game-winner four minutes into the game while Cassi Ronan, Erin Walsh and Annie Walsh each scored once. Kate Morse and Annie Walsh each had two assists along with one assist from Dana Lewandowski. Christina Lucini and Anna Jardine combined for the shutout in goal with four saves.



For the remainder of the results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-102416/

Milford Daily News: "Your guide to Massachusetts ballot questions"


"While attention across the nation will be focused on the presidential contest on Election Day, Massachusetts voters will also decide a quartet of ballot questions that could profoundly shape the future of the Bay State. 
When they cast ballots Nov. 8, Massachusetts voters will determine the fate of proposals to legalize marijuana, expand charter schools, limit farm animal confinement and authorize an additional slots casino. 
Here’s a closer look at the ballot questions."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161024/your-guide-to-massachusetts-ballot-questions


For the "election collection", where all the MA information is gathered for the Nov 8th election go to  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/election-collection-2016.html

http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elepdf/IFV_2016.pdf
http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elepdf/IFV_2016.pdf

In the News: bag bylaw sent to subcommittee; Dao to perform at All-National Honor Ensembles

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The Town Council has opted to send a proposed plastic bag ban to its economic development subcommittee after some local residents and businesses raised objections to the measure. 
The ban - which would affect single-use plastic shopping bags - had been before the council for a first reading at its meeting last week. A group of Franklin High School students had proposed the bylaw last month, citing the impact the bags have on the environment. 
Councilor Andrew Bissanti, who leads the economic development group, said a number of people had contacted the town after the law was proposed. 
"In between meetings, there was a firestorm of controversy - a lot of merchants complained," he said. "Big Y (supermarket) said they were not notified... there was significant opposition."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161024/franklin-committee-to-consider-plastic-bag-ban

screen image of the FHS student presentation on the proposed ban for plastic bags now assigned to a subcommittee of the Council with no scheduled meetings
screen image of the FHS student presentation on the proposed ban for plastic bags now assigned to a subcommittee of the Town Council with no scheduled meetings


"Matthew Dao, a student at Franklin High School, has been selected as a member of the 2016 National Association for Music Education All-National Honor Ensembles. 
Dao will join more than 670 of the most musically talented and skilled high school students in the United States to perform at a gala concert on Nov. 13 in Grapevine, Texas, at the Gaylord Texan Resort Hotel. 
The young musician will be led under the baton of William LaRue Jones, director of orchestral studies at the University of Iowa. 
Dao will play trumpet in the National Association for Music Education Symphony Orchestra. The high school musician is a member of the Franklin High School Wind Ensemble, Pep Band, Jazz Band and Symphony Orchestra, and a member of the Tri-M Music Honors Society."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161024/franklin-student-to-perform-with-national-music-ensemble


Monday, October 24, 2016

Early voting opens today

New to Massachusetts - all registered voters may cast early ballots in biennial state elections beginning with the November 8, 2016 Presidential Election.

When? Today, October 24th - Nov 4th

Where? Municipal building – Town Clerk’s Office
355 East Central St


Early Voting Dates and Times:

  • Monday Oct 24, 8 AM – 4 PM
  • Tuesday Oct 25, 8 AM – 4 PM
  • Wednesday Oct 26, 8 AM – 7 PM
  • Thursday Oct 27, 8 AM – 7 PM
  • Friday Oct 28, 8 AM – 1 PM
  • Saturday Oct 29, 8 AM – 1 PM
  • Monday Oct 31, 8 AM – 4 PM
  • Tuesday Nov 1, 8 AM – 4 PM
  • Wednesday Nov 2, 8 AM – 7 PM
  • Thursday Nov 3, 8 AM – 7 PM
  • Friday Nov 4, 8 AM – 1 PM


THE EXTENDED HOURS (BOLD) ARE FOR VOTING ONLY!
(During the normal office hours, all Town Clerk business can be conducted. During the extended hours, voting is the only service supported.


What is the difference between absentee voting and early voting?

  • Absentee ballots are for those who will be out of town on the day of the election and can not make it to the polling place 
  • Early voting is open to all registered voters but must be done at the early voting location (Town Clerk's office) 
  • Absentee ballots can be applied for and sent in via mail. Early voting needs to be done in person
  • Early voting ends on Nov 4th. Absentee ballots are accepted up until noon before the election  day

Sample ballots for Nov 8
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/sample-ballots-for-nov-8.html

More on Early Voting from the Secretary of the Comonwealth
http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/eleev/evidx.htm

Information for voters about the election on November 8th
http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/ele16/ballot_questions_16/message16.htm


  • Ballot Question 1
http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/ele16/ballot_questions_16/quest_1.htm


  • Ballot Question 2
http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/ele16/ballot_questions_16/quest_2.htm


  • Ballot Question 3
http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/ele16/ballot_questions_16/quest_3.htm


  • Ballot Question 4
http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/ele16/ballot_questions_16/quest_4.htm


Did you recycle your Voter Information mailing? You can download or view the PDF copy here
http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elepdf/IFV_2016.pdf

The Large Print version is available here
http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elepdf/IFV_2016_Large.pdf

voter information was mailed to all MA registered voters
voter information was mailed to all MA registered voters

Help sponsor the Downtown Partnership Gala on Nov 12

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is excited to be celebrating our 15-Year Anniversary at the upcoming Gala (Nov 12).  We hope you will be able to join in the celebration since you have been an important contributor to our successes over these many years!

Below is an opportunity to help the FDP continue our work by being a Gala sponsor or by placing an ad in the program booklet.

Please email the office if you are interested by October 28th so we can make sure you are included in this special one-time opportunity.

And thank you again for all of your continued support! We hope to see you at the Gala!


Download the Gala Sponsorship Letter

Download the Gala Sponsorship Letter
Download the Gala Sponsorship Letter

Download the Gala Sponsorship Form
Download the Gala Sponsorship Form
This was shared from the Franklin Downtown Partnership webpage




Franklin sophomore Annie Walsh has been selected as the HockomockSports.com Player of the Week


"Franklin sophomore Annie Walsh has been selected as the HockomockSports.com Player of the Week for October 16th through October 22nd; the seventh player chosen for the 2016-2017 season. Walsh had a tremendous week, helping the Panthers win three games and get within one point of the division lead with a week to go. 
On Monday, Walsh netted a pair of goals – including the game winner – and added an assist in a big 5-1 win over division rival Oliver Ames that qualified Franklin for the postseason. In Franklin’s ninth win of the season, a 5-0 decision at Beaver Field over Taunton, Walsh was one of five different Panthers to find the back of the cage for a goal. 
“We made the decision to keep Annie, her sister freshman Erin, and sophomore Cassi Ronan together on the same forward line, and it has allowed her to be more consistent and comfortable,” Franklin head coach Lisa Cropper said. “She has been looking for her shot much more aggressively in the circle, and it has paid off in the scoring column with multiple points in several games in a row.”

Continue reading the article online
https://hockomocksports.com/player-week-annie-walsh-franklin-field-hockey/

Franklin sophomore Annie Walsh has been selected as the HockomockSports.com Player of the Week for October 16th through October 22nd; the seventh player chosen for the 2016-2017 season. Walsh had a tremendous week, helping the Panthers win three games and get within one point of the division lead with a week to go.
Franklin sophomore Annie Walsh has been selected as the HockomockSports.com Player of the Week for October 16th through October 22nd..


Also in the Hockomock League news, the football playoff seeds and matchups were announced for teams in the MIAA playoffs. FHS will travel to play #1 Xaverian on Friday..


D1 South
#8 Franklin (2-5) will travel to #1 Xaverian (6-1) on Friday, 10/28 at 7:00.

For the remainder of the Hocokomock teams in the football playoffs
https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-football-playoff-seeds-matchups/

Register O'Donnell Stresses Need to File Mortgage Discharges



Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

Register O'Donnell Stresses Need to File Mortgage Discharges

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell today reminded homeowners about the importance of filing a mortgage discharge in a timely manner after their mortgage has been paid off.

Register O'Donnell stated, "One of the most commonly asked questions I receive on a daily basis from homeowners is whether they have clear title to their property. One way to check on your title is by accessing the Registry's online records and verifying if all mortgages associated with the property have been discharged."

The Register went on to say, "When a mortgage is paid off, a mortgage discharge document needs to be recorded with the Registry of Deeds to clear a homeowner's property title relative to that loan. A discharge is a document (typically one page) issued by the lender, usually with a title such as "Discharge of Mortgage" or "Satisfaction of Mortgage."

In many instances stated O'Donnell, "Discharges are sometimes filed directly by banks or settlement closing attorneys with the Registry as part of a property sale or as a result of a refinancing transaction. In other cases, the mortgage discharge is sent to the property owner who becomes responsible for making sure the document is recorded at the Registry. Whether or not a discharge is recorded by the lending institution or the individual property owner, it is prudent that the property owner make sure that all necessary documents have been recorded at the Registry of Deeds."

The Register further mentioned that there have been cases where no discharge has been recorded against a long paid off mortgage. Unfortunately, some of the lending institutions that provided funds for these mortgages are no longer in existence. In most other cases, financial entities have merged with another lending entity. "You cannot sell your property without having your mortgage discharged," the Register warned.

If a property owner needs to retrieve an original discharge of a mortgage and is unclear which lending institution is now responsible for providing the document, an option is to contact the Massachusetts Division of Banks at 1-800-495-2265. This government agency can assist the consumer in tracking down contact information for the lending institution that is responsible for the mortgage.

When recording a discharge, the original document is required. The Registry of Deeds does not accept photo copies or faxed copies of documents. The filing fee, set by state statute, is $76.00.

In conclusion O'Donnell stated, "After paying off all the mortgages on their property, homeowners want to be assured that they have clear title to their property, especially if they are contemplating selling. Being diligent and aware of what is required will go a long way in giving the homeowner peace of mind. Therefore, I once again urge homeowners to make sure their mortgage discharge has been filed with the Registry of Deeds once their mortgage has been paid off. There is no reason to wait."

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is staffed with a team of customer service representatives who can be reached Monday through Friday, 8:30AM-4:30PM at 781-461-6101. These representatives have been trained in researching documents and are well versed on the subject of mortgage discharges and what, if necessary, needs to done to clear title to a property."

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 and/or Instagram.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


phone: 781-234-3336
Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831

Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with
Constant Contact
screen grab of Norfolk Deeds webpage
screen grab of Norfolk Deeds webpage




Sample ballots for Nov 8

Whether you go to vote early, starting today (Oct 24), or wait until Tuesday (Nov 8), this is what the ballot will look like for Franklin voters. Note the difference in ballot is dependent upon your precinct. 

The early voting schedule can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/early-voting-opens-today.html

The Election Collection can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/election-collection-2016.html







You can also find a copy on the Official Town of Franklin page
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/nov_8th_state_election_specimen_ballots_0.pdf

screen grab of Franklin Town Clerk new webpage
screen grab of Franklin Town Clerk new webpage

Sunday, October 23, 2016

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Oct 25, 2016

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
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the September 27, 2016 School Committee Meeting and the October 11, 2016 Worksession.
Payment of Bills Dr. O’Malley
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives

  • Nicolas Gnaman
  • Alexander Chitarra

Correspondence:
1. Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman
2. FEA – Open negotiations with EA Unit


2. Guests/Presentations

a. Math Program Overview


3. Discussion Only Items

Policy – First Reading
o JKAA – Physical Restraint of Students



Charter Schools


Action Items

a. I recommend acceptance of a check for $4,500.00 from the Jefferson PCC for field trips.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $375.00 from the Remington PCC for field trips.
c. I recommend acceptance of three checks totaling $2,521.51 from Parmenter PCC for field trips and in-house enrichment.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $296.99 from the Davis Thayer PCC for supplemental supplies.
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $300.00 from the Keller PCC for field trips.
f. I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $1,275.00 from Franklin Music Parents for in-house enrichment.
g. I recommend approval of the Student Activity Accounts as listed.
h. I recommend moving Policy JKAA – Physical Restraint of Students to a second reading.
i. I recommend approval of the request to take MS Chorus students to NY City on May 13, 2017 to see a Broadway show as detailed.


5. Information Matters

Superintendent’s Report
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
a. Policy Sub Committee – MaryJane Scofield
School Committee Liaison Reports
a. PCC – Dr. Anne Bergen


6. New Business

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


7. Motion to Adjourn – Dr. O’Malley


The full agenda document can be found here


recent autumn glory at the entrance to Franklin High School
recent autumn glory at the entrance to Franklin High School