In the News: Snow removal for schools; Horace Mann book choice; Tri-County's Gerry's Place

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

"During a review of snow removal procedures between the schools and the Department of Public Works, a district busing policy was singled out for praise. 

DPW Superintendent Robert "Brutus" Cantoreggi, speaking at the School Committee meeting Tuesday night, praised a school policy in which buses - if sidewalks have not yet been plowed following a storm - pick up every student they pass by, even those who do not typically take the bus. 

"It's a great, great thing - I've told other communities about it," he said. "It's worked out really well."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161214/franklin-schools-dpw-prep-for-snow-season

one slide from the snow removal presentation highlights the parents responsibility

"Students at the Horace Mann Middle School were on tenterhooks Tuesday, awaiting the climactic reveal of this year's "All In!" book. 

A full assembly watched as Horace Mann alum Katie O'Neill opened a package to reveal the 2017-2018 selection: "Between Shades of Gray," a novel that documents the plight of Lithuanians during the Stalinist regime. 

The program - administered by the "Crazy Reading Ladies" team of Assistant Principal Mary Cotillo and teacher Erin O'Leary - is an effort to encourage literacy by having the entire school read through one book. 

"It's entirely voluntary - we don't want to force students to do it, but we do want to make it as irresistible as possible," said O'Leary, adding that "All In!" is now in its sixth year. "Last year, we had 302 students participate."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161213/school-reveals-all-in-book-selection

"Gerry's Place, the student-run restaurant at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School, will host an annual International Holiday Buffet from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dec. 20 at the high school, 147 Pond St. 

Menu offerings will include spanakopita, French onion soup, seafood espagnole, stuffed turkey, sweet and sour pork, Israeli chicken, latke, saffron rice, sweet potato casserole, and green beans with cumin and garlic. The dessert table will feature assorted sweet treats from around the globe, including koeksisters from South Africa. 

The buffet costs $12.95 per person. No reservations will be taken."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161213/gerrys-place-to-offer-buffet

Real time reporting: Capital Budget Process

Asst Superintendent Peter Light provides an update on the capital needs for the School Dept.

(no handout provided before the meeting)

Asst Superintendent Peter Light talks about the budget items

1 - Curriculum materials for new Science standards (top priority)

• K-8 proposal for a text book online, 5 year license
• teaching development and training to come from operational budget
• $200,000 is the final negotiated amount from vendor 
• 2 years ago, the K-5 math program was $185,000
• Q - What does this replace? A - nothing and everything, this brings a consistent approach to what we have which is outdated. Provides scope and sequence for the MA frameworks

Bilello - This product is aligned to the MA standards, developed by Rice Univ specialists, and involved the teachers in the evaluation and selection process. Kudos to the Central Office for the process to select this. Well done!


2 - Additional student chromebooks
additional units to continue the expansion of the 1:1 initiative at FHS. 1st round of replacement units, estimate at about 1,000 to be replaced across the district. The numbers will be updated during the school year as the inventory is updated and is also a function of the capital available. One other factor is also the replacement cost, seeking the best option.

Getting to develop a replacement and lifecycle for the chromebooks.
Need to get into the discussion with new superintendent to have an overall technology plan.
Could be an annual investment of $800,000 to $1M to incorporate the replacement plan. Needs to be part of the overall financial plan, where will the money come from? Current budget is 85% personnel costs.

Discussion on accidental policy and insurance coverage paid for by parents/students


(left off reporting for work meeting)

3 - Laptops for elementary staff 

4 - Older smart board to be replaced

5 - Improvements at Davis Thayer

6 - Cafeteria 

Real time Reporting: Snow Removal Program Update

The presentation by DPW Director Robert (Brutus) Cantoreggi, and DPW Highway and Grounds Superintendent Carlos Rebelo

DPW Snow Update from Franklin Matters

Real time reporting: DPW providing snow removal program update to SchCom #schcom1213 pic.twitter.com/4jEJWdsHy9

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) December 14, 2016

Real time reporting: reminder on the policy for parents #schcom1213 pic.twitter.com/j9M0YfHK4j

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) December 14, 2016

DPW does not have enough staff to clear fire hydrants so look to the residents to clear those near their houses.

Real time reporting: School Committee meeting - Dec 13, 2016

Present: Bilello, Scofield (slightly late), Douglas, Bergen, O'Malley, Schultz, Jewell
Absent: none



1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the November 15, 2016 and November 21, 2016 School Committee Meetings.

• motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

Payment of Bills Dr. O’Malley
Payroll Mrs. Douglas

FHS Student Representatives
1. Nicolas Gnaman
2. Alexander Chitarra

• students at the first FHS basketball home game "RattleCity Night"

Correspondence: Budget to Actual

2. Guests/Presentations
a. Gina Jones and Beth Carter Recognition

Two teachers at FHS who had stepped in when a student had a medical emergency in the cafeteria

Gina Jones, Beth Carter, SchComm Chair O'Malley, Superintendent Sabolinski

SchComm Chair O'Malley, Gina Jones, Beth Carter, Superintendent Sabolinski

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Dec 13, 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 November 15, 2016 and November 21, 2016 School Committee Meetings.
Payment of Bills Dr. O’Malley
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
1. Nicolas Gnaman
2. Alexander Chitarra
Correspondence: Budget to Actual

2. Guests/Presentations
a. Gina Jones and Beth Carter Recognition
b. Snow Presentation – Brutus Cantorreggi
c. FY18 Capital – Peter Light

3. Discussion Only Items
Policy – Second Reading
o JICA – Dress Code Policy

4. Action Items
a. I recommend adoption of Policy JICA – Dress Code Policy as discussed.
b. I recommend approval of the request for JF Kennedy 2nd grade students to travel to Biomes Marine Biology Center in North Kingstown, RI on May 26, 2017 for a field trip as detailed.
c. I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $1,565.60 as follows:

1. $1,165.60 Parmenter PCC for field trips 
2. $400.00 Franklin Shaws for supplemental supplies

d. I recommend adoption of the Capital Plan as presented.
e. I recommend approval of the recurring field trip for FHS Boys Ice Hockey Team to travel to Barnstable, MA on February 22-23, 2017 for a Tournament as detailed.
f. I recommend acceptance of three donations totaling $3,535.00 for FHS as follows:

1. $400.00 Shaws – in-house enrichment
2. $1500.00 Walmart – in-house enrichment
3. $1635.00 Various donors – Kitanosono Scholarship

5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report

•  ACCEPT Collaborative Annual Report
•  BiCounty Collaborative Annual Report

School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

•  Policy Sub Committee – MaryJane Scofield
•  Community Relations Sub Committee – Denise Schultz
•  Budget Sub Committee Report – Dr. O’Malley

School Committee Liaison Reports

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

7. Motion to Adjourn 
– Dr. O’Malley

Davis Thayer Elementary School - Winter Concert Dec 13, Grade 3 and 4

A Deadly Problem

"Massachusetts is currently experiencing an epidemic of opioid-related overdose and death.

These overdoses are driven by the underlying chronic disease of opioid addiction or opioid use disorders. People with opioid addiction are at high risk of overdose and death.

Opioid-related deaths in the state were more than four times higher in 2015 than in 2000. This recent rate of increase is several times faster than anything seen here before. In 2013–2014 alone, opioid-related deaths occurred in two-thirds of the cities and towns in Massachusetts.

The opioid-related death rate in Massachusetts has surpassed the national average, with an especially sharp rise in the last two years.
In fact, 2014 marked the first year since 1999 that the fatal overdose rate in the Bay State was more than double the national average. 

While opioid-related deaths have been on the rise across the country during that period, the situation in the Commonwealth has become especially worrying. 

In one way or another — through deaths, nonfatal overdoses, or disruptions to jobs, marriages, families, and neighborhoods — every community in Massachusetts has been impacted by this growing crisis."

http://www.mass.gov/chapter55/#top


The map is interactive and I grabbed a screenshot highlighting the Franklin details.

Average Annual Opioid-related Death Rate per 100,000 People - focus on Franklin

The SAFE Coalition also recently annouced the introduction of a hotline. If you or someone you know needs help for substance use disorder, please call 

SAFE Coalition hotline

If you want to make a year ending tax contribution, you can help S.A.F.E/ Coalition and their efforts to fight this deadly problem.
http://safecoalitionma.com/donate/

FHS Boys and Girls Basketball Outlook for 2016-2017 Winter Season

Hockomock Sports has published the outlook for the Hockomock League Kelly-Rex Division for the boys and girls basketball. The Franklin outlook has been shared here. Follow the link at the bottom of each summary to find out about the other teams in the division.

FHS Panthers

FRANKLIN Boys Basketball

2015-2016 Record: 19-5
2015-2016 Finish: Reached D1 Central Final
Coach: CJ Neely

"There is no rebuilding when it comes to Franklin, just reloading. Despite graduating a handful of talent, including the Hockomock League MVP Tim Prunier and a couple other strong players, the Panthers are still in a spot to challenge for the Kelley-Rex title. 

Two big reasons for that are juniors Paul Mahon and Connor Peterson. Both players started last year and were important pieces as the Panthers claimed a division title. With at least year of experience for both, look for both to be key players this season. Mahon has developed as a shooter to compliment his strong defensive game while Peterson continues to be one of the top big men in the league.

The Panthers will look to move the ball as much as possible on offense and hope to have a balanced scoring attack so defenses can’t focus in on just a player or two. Franklin has been on the better teams defensively in recent history and will look to continue that trend for the 2016-2017 season.

“We are very excited about this group of guys,” Franklin head coach CJ Neely said. “Having a good balance of talent has made our practice games very competitive, everyone has really been pushing each other hard. Each year our goal remains the same, we will focus on day to day improvement and let the results take care of themselves. 

“We want to be defined as a hardworking group that plays aggressively and shares the ball offensively. I think if we can stay committed to trusting each other and consistently competing on both ends of the floor we can have a good year.”

https://hockomocksports.com/2016-2017-kelley-rex-boys-basketball-preview/

FRANKLIN Girls Basketball

2015-16 Record: 13-8 (10-6)
2015-16 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Central quarterfinal
Head Coach: John Leighton

"Franklin has been consistently one of the top programs in the league and despite losing a strong group of seniors, the Panthers are once again in the mix for a league title and a return to the Div. 1 Central tournament. 

Leading the way this season is a core of five experienced seniors that offer Franklin a good balance of interior and perimeter scoring. Carli Koffinke is in her third year on varsity and is a threat from the outside, taking advantage of the Panthers’ drive and kick style of offense. Point guard Margaux Welsh will take over the primary ball-handling role and will be expected to get the offense going. 

Izzy Faught and Grace McDermott will add depth in the backcourt and forward Erin Skidmore adds athleticism and quickness in the paint. 

In order to stay consistently competitive, the Panthers have always been able to count on new players coming in to refresh the roster. This winter will be no different with junior forward Kate Morse in her first year on the team as well as sophomore point guard Shannon Gray and three-point threat Bea Bondhus, who had a team-high 11 points in the season opener. Freshmen Ali Brigham and Megan O’Connell will add to Franklin’s front-court depth. 

“With so many younger and newer players, we are hoping to build team chemistry and improve each and every day,” said Franklin coach John Leighton. “We are very encouraged with our depth and will lean on our seniors for leadership.”

https://hockomocksports.com/2016-2017-kelley-rex-girls-basketball-preview/