MBTA Commuter Rail: Cold Weather Preparations

With bitter cold temperatures expected throughout the region, Keolis Commuter Services is making preparations now to ensure normal operations for the MBTA Commuter Rail system over the next few days.

“Our number one goal is to operate every MBTA commuter rail train on time, every day, for the more than 127,000 passengers who rely on a well-functioning, safe and reliable system,” said Ernest C. Piper, Chief Mechanical Officer for Keolis. “Our riders deserve nothing less – even in the face of extreme cold and other winter weather – and that is what we are relentlessly focused on.”

Specific steps being taken to prepare for extreme cold include the following:

• Patrolling all lines and inspecting the rails for signs of weakness, which can occur during times of extreme temperature fluctuations 
• Pre-treating platforms, walkways and stairs at stations and facilities with salt and sand to prevent icy conditions from developing in case of precipitation. 
• Activating heaters on switches to ensure they are fully operational 
• Making de-icers and bagged sand available in control cars and at select stations to use as needed 
• Checking equipment and parts, such as air hoses and air reservoirs, to safeguard against moisture infiltrating the locomotive air systems 
• Ensuring continuous fueling and re-fueling of locomotives 
• Conducting ongoing safety audits at all facilities to catch any potential impacts on mechanical service, and to ensure that all train doors remain closed.

To reduce the risk of impact to the locomotive fleet, and the ability to operate the commuter rail in extreme cold weather, Keolis will also keep all trains in idling mode overnight from just before midnight on Thursday until regular service begins on Friday morning, and again from Friday night to Saturday morning. The extreme cold temperatures, coupled with high winds, can put certain systems within the locomotive, such as radiators and toilet lines, at risk for freezing, and can cause damage to piping, hoses, and the locomotive engine itself.

Residents living in close proximity to commuter rail layover locations may experience some extra noise on Thursday and Friday night. Local officials have been notified of these plans.

“While we recognize that this represents a temporary inconvenience for local residents, it is absolutely necessary to support continuous operation of the commuter rail system in the face of extreme weather,” said Piper.

Passengers will be alerted about the forecasted cold temperatures, with suggestions that they dress warmly, use caution on platforms and when boarding trains, and if there are any delays expected as a result of cold-related speed restrictions. Passengers and local residents are encouraged urged to contact Keolis Customer Service with any questions or concerns:

Email: customerservice@keoliscs.com 
Phone: Keolis Commuter Services customer service call center operates from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., weekdays and 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM weekends and holiday. 
Contact us at (617) 222-3200 (Deaf or Hard of hearing TTY 617-222-5146) 
Twitter: @MBTA_CR

Franklin Dean Station in light snow

Franklin Public Schools: yes, school on Friday, Dec 16

To Parent/Guardians/Faculty and Staff:

We have had a few inquiries about the status of school on Friday, December 16, 2016 due to excessively cold temperatures. We anticipate school being open at the regular time. We have consulted with facilities personnel and our transportation provider and we do not anticipate any concerns with the heat in schools or our busses. However, if we experience an HVAC/power problem or our busses are running late it may necessitate a status change at a specific school.

In the interest of safety, we have directed principals to open school doors early. We do not want students waiting outside of any school in these frigid temperatures. Additionally, our bus drivers have been directed to pick up any students who are normally walkers. If the parent of a walker cannot drive a child to school please feel free to use the bus that runs near your home. Bus stops can be found on district web site (Click on Departments-/Scroll down to Transportation -Click on 2016-2017 Bus Routes). This accommodation is only in effect on Friday 12/16.

If the impact of weather changes, we will communicate and respond as quickly as possible. 

For Your Information:

• Plan to start cars early to warm up
• Make sure students are wearing coats, hats and gloves/mittens while standing at bus stop
• Wear layers of clothing
• Note that Crossing Guards will be on duty. However, they will be permitted to park cars near crosswalks so they can stay warm and be safe - they will watch for students and cross them safely.

Thank you and stay warm. 

Respectfully,
Maureen Sabolinski

cold morning on the triangle downtown Franklin

The full memo can also be found here:

S.A.F.E. presents Resource Manual to First Providers

Representatives of S.A.F.E. Coalition’s Board of Directors and Advisory Council met with area police and fire department personnel on December 2 at the Wrentham Public Safety Facility to distribute the First Edition of the Resource Booklet “WHAT DO WE DO NOW?: Navigating The Substance Abuse System in Massachusetts.” 

“WHAT DO WE DO NOW?: Navigating
The Substance Abuse System in Massachusetts.”

Police from Franklin, Medway, Walpole, Plainville, Wrentham, Foxboro, Millis Police Departments and Massachusetts State Police as well as Franklin and Wrentham Fire Departments were present. 

Guests and members of the S.A.F.E. Coalition were introduced by Michelle Kelley (Clerk-Magistrate of the Wrentham Court and Member, S.A.F.E. Advisory Council) and including Steve Spiewakowski (S.A.F.E. Board member; Wrentham Court Probation Officer), Leslie Hazeldine (Assistant Clerk-Magistrate and Member, S.A.F.E. Advisory Council), Rep. Shawn Dooley (Member, S.A.F.E. Advisory Council) and Jordan Warnick (Secretary, S.A.F.E. Board of Directors).

Both Michelle Kelley and Steve Spiewakowski explained that the manual was developed by S.A.F.E. volunteers in consultation with area first responders and with the express intent of having them distributed by first responders to loved ones when they are called to the scene of a non-fatal opioid overdose. 

These easy to understand manuals contain a wealth of information on the many complicated and often confusing aspects of the Substance Abuse treatment system in Massachusetts, as well as resources for families and individuals affected by Substance Use Disorder (SUD). The goal is to assist loved ones in more easily navigating and understanding the signs of abuse and the steps taken in treatment, as well as ongoing support for all. It is expected that Resource Manual would be updated based on feedback from first responders.

“The need for these resource booklets is immense as the addiction crises continues unabated. These booklets will serve as an invaluable resource for those personally battling the disease of addiction and their loved ones as they navigate the sometimes-complex system of treatment services that are available in our area and throughout the Commonwealth. 

It answers many of the common questions people ask regarding addiction, but more importantly it provides treatment options, resources and contacts to obtain additional information and assistance. The SAFE Coalition has provided a much needed and tremendous resource to the communities it serves."

Chief T.J. Lynch, Franklin

L to R: Dr. Jordan Warnick, Walpole Chief of Police John Carmichael, Trooper Kevin Collins, State Representative Shawn Dooley,  Walpole Officer Billy Madden, Stephen Spiewakowski, Franklin Officer John Maloney

---


S.A.F.E. is a coalition of community partners who have come together to provide support, education, treatment options, and coping mechanisms for those affected by substance abuse disorder. We do so by empowering those affected, including their families, with the tools necessary to succeed on their journey to recovery. We understand that while I can't, we can.

Additional info can be found at http://safecoalitionma.com/

Victories all around for the FHS hockey teams, swim teams and wrestling

Boys Hockey = Franklin, 5 @ Bridgewater-Raynham, 2 – Final

– Juniors Luke Downie and Brendan O’Rielly each scored a pair of goals while classmate Jeremy Miller scored once. O’Reilly and senior James Kilroe each recorded two assists as the Panthers opened the season with a win.

Girls Hockey = Franklin, 6 vs. Leominster/St. Bernards, 3 – Final

– Sophomore Reagan Paterson netted a hat trick to pace the Panthers in their first game of the season. Junior Jackie Connelly added two goals and an assist while Maddie Hinkley scored once.

Wrestling = Sharon, 15 @ Franklin, 52 – Final

– Franklin’s Jordan Carlucci, Brian Farrell, Ian Bakalars, Dylan Maclean, Ed Cropper, Seamus Cogavin, Myles Polito, Kyler Colella, Jack Coughlin, and Brian Perry all won for the Panthers.

Swimming - Boys = North Attleboro, 70 @ Franklin, 86 – Final

Swimming - Girls = North Attleboro, 80 @ Franklin, 85 – Final

– Junior Ashley Loomis was a double event winner, taking first in both the 200 and 500 freestyle. Franklin swept the 100 freestyle with senior Helen Huang taking first, senior Leah Benoit coming in second and junior Audrey Finn finishing third.

FHS Panthers

From HockomockSports, all the results around the Hockomock League on Wednesday
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-121416/

FHS Hockey preview; Jeremy Miller one of the "Players to Watch"

Hockomock Sports has published the preview for the Kelly-Rex Division for hockey The Franklin preview has been shared here. Follow the link at the bottom of the summary to find out about the other teams in each of the Hockomock League divisions.

Franklin High School made it all the way to #1 last season. Where will they end up this season?

2015-16 Record: 18-4-5 (8-0-2)
2015-16 Finish: Won the Div. 1 State Championship
Head Coach: Chris Spillane

"After being the first Hockomock League team selected for the prestigious Super 8 tournament in 2014-15 and then graduating 21 players, Franklin was supposed to need a year to rebuild, but the Panthers showed just how strong their program is by bringing home the Div. 1 state championship in a dramatic double overtime thriller against St. Mary’s at the TD Garden. It was the program’s first state title at any level since 1983. 

The Panthers graduated another large class of 13 seniors from last year’s champions and lost promising freshman defenseman Kevin Mackay who transferred to Dexter. Still, expectations remain as high as ever for the Panthers, who have won four straight league titles. Much of that excitement comes from the potential in the offensive zone with Franklin returning last year’s title game hero Luke Downie, leading goal scorer Jeremy Miller, and Brendan O’Reilly and the top line of seniors Joey Blasie, Adam Assad, and James Kilroe. Sophomores Matt Holmes and Zach Falvey will add depth to the offense. 

Defense is where the Panthers will have some new faces, although seniors Tom Sicchio and Stan Carter will add some experience to the back line. Juniors Jack McGrath and Connor Norton will make the jump up from the JV team to add to the defensive lines and freshman Collin Opet will also see playing time on the defense as well. For the third season in a row, Franklin will have a new No. 1 goalie with senior Cam Benham and junior Owen Ginley will battle it out for the starting spot. 

“For the Panthers to be successful this year it will be a result of a team defense concept,” said Franklin coach Chris Spillane. “The offense will take care of itself, we will be focusing on strong play in our zone.”

For the preview on other Kelly-Rex Division teams
https://hockomocksports.com/2016-2017-kelley-rex-hockey-preview/

For the preview on the Davenport Division
https://hockomocksports.com/2016-2017-davenport-hockey-preview/

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

JEREMY MILLER, FRANKLIN

The junior forward is coming off a season in which he led the Panthers in scoring as a sophomore, helping Franklin complete an unbeaten league campaign, clinching another Kelley-Rex division title, and also making history as part of the Div. 1 state championship team. 

He had a team-high 15 goals and 20 points last season. This winter, Miller comes in with even more expectations, as Franklin continues to make itself a program to watch statewide and building its resume with tough non-league games, such as a rematch of the state title game against St. Mary’s. 

Miller will have a lot of help up front as the Panthers return a core of forwards, including Adam Assad and state title game hero Luke Downie, but Miller remains the lynchpin with his combination of speed and strength. He has no problem battling for a puck against the boards and can break free with his skating ability in open ice.

For other "Players to Watch" around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-hockey-players-to-watch-2016-2017/

MassBudget: In 16 Charts: Higher Education Funding in Massachusetts

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. In 16 Charts: Higher Education Funding in Massachusetts  Our Commonwealth's public colleges and universities are increasingly important for Massachusetts' economy and its residents. The majority of our state's public high school students who go on to college attend a public college or university in Massachusetts. And students attending public campuses are significantly more likely than those attending private ones to live and work in Massachusetts after graduation, contributing to our communities and our economy over the long-term. At a time when expanding access to higher education is more important than ever for our economy - and for our people - the costs of attending public college have been rising substantially. More students in Massachusetts are taking out loans to pay for public college and university in the state, and they are going deeper into debt to do so: inflation-adjusted debt for students taking out loans in Massachusetts has gone up from an average of $19,000 in 2001 to $29,000 in 2014 -- an increase of 55 percent. Why this sharp increase in student debt? In 16 Charts: Higher Education Funding in Massachusetts points to reduced state funding for our community colleges, state universities and UMass campuses as a primary cause. As state support has decreased, campuses have turned to tuition and fee increases to make up much of the difference, shifting the cost onto students and their families.   Other key findings from the paper: Massachusetts cut support for public higher education by 14 percent since FY 2001, after adjusting for inflation. As state funding declined, enrollment increased, meaning that per student funding decreased by even more: a 31 percent cut since FY 2001. Massachusetts ranks 30th nationwide in capital spending per student between FY 2001 and FY 2015. See all 16 charts and read the full paper. The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 15 Court Square, Suite 700, Boston, MA 02108 Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try it free today Massachusetts cut state scholarship funding by 31 percent

Hockomock League basketball players to watch

Hockomock Sports has published the "Players to Watch" for the Hockomock League boys and girls basketball teams. The Franklin representatives are shared here. Follow the link at the bottom of each summary to find out about the other players to watch around the Hockomock League. 

CONNOR PETERSON, JUNIOR – FRANKLIN

Like we said earlier, there aren’t a ton of true “big men” in the league or region, but Franklin junior Connor Peterson is definitely one of them. Standing at 6’5, Peterson is a matchup nightmare for almost every team that the Panthers play. Whether it be on offense, defense or just simply rebounding, Peterson is tough prevent from succeeding in the post. When Peterson gets going, he’s very tough to stop and he has the ability to change the momentum in a game with a dunk. He attracts a lot of attention on the inside, which can open things up for a lot for his teammates. The Panthers have had a lot of success moving the ball around and finding an open man and the attention Peterson draws is a big reason for that.

for other boys basketball players to watch
https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-boys-basketball-players-to-watch-2016-2017/

CARLI KOFFINKE, SENIOR – FRANKLIN

FHS Panthers

The senior shooting guard, who is in her third season on the varsity team, will be asked to take on more responsibility for the Panthers this season with the graduation of leading scorers Lauren Rudolph and Aubrie Kutil. Koffinke has shown the ability to be a dangerous threat for Franklin from beyond the arc but she can also take the ball off the dribble to make things happen going to the basket. As she develops on the defensive end, Koffinke can guard several positions and is a solid rebounder, particularly on the offensive end of the floor, and she will be another ball-handler to help new point guard Margaux Welsh against opponents that like to press high up the court. As one of five seniors on the Franklin roster, Koffinke will have to provide leadership on both ends of the floor but has the potential for a breakout season and could help the Panthers make another trip to the tournament.

for other girls basketball players to watch
https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-girls-basketball-players-to-watch-2016-2017/

In the News: 46 superintendent candidates; student held without bail

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

"The school district has received 46 applications for its superintendent position, officials revealed this week. 

School Committee Chairman Kevin O'Malley, speaking at Tuesday night's committee meeting, gave an update on the process, saying he hopes the search will end early in 2017. The district is looking to replace current Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski, who will be retiring at the end of the school year. 

O'Malley said the district's search consultant - Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates - reported the applicant figure as of earlier that day. He indicated that he was pleased that there was high interest in the position."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161214/franklin-receives-46-applicants-for-superintendent-position

The report from HYA defining what they believe to be the profile of the new Superintendent can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/12/the-leadership-profile-for-franklin.html

Franklin High School

"A Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School student was ordered held without bail in Wrentham District Court Wednesday for charges that he allegedly threatened to "shoot up the school." 

Julius Willis, 18, of 503 Ellis Road in North Attleborough, pleaded not guilty to charges of threatening to commit a crime, making a threat that caused serious public alarm, disturbing a school, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. Judge Emogene Johnson Smith ordered Willis held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing on Dec. 22. 

Franklin Police Lt. Mark Manocchio wrote in an affidavit that police were called to the school at about 11 a.m. on Tuesday for reported threats."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161214/tri-county-student-accused-of-making-school-shooting-threats

Franklin School Committee Newsletter

The Franklin School Committee has published their first in a series of newsletters.





You can subscribe to the newsletter by clicking on the "Follow" button

subscribe to the Franklin School Committee Newsletter

Families Share the Stage In FPAC’S Humbug!

When the curtain rises on Franklin Performing Arts Company’s Humbug!, a contemporary musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, several local families will share the stage. The FPAC original features 11 sets of parents and their children as part of a large ensemble cast of some 125 professional artists, community performers and students of the arts. 

“Live theater creates a space where we can come together and have a collective experience,” says Mireille Eastman, who performs in the production along with her husband, Charley Eastman, and all three of their children. “We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be involved in Humbug! as a family. Sharing our passion for live theater with our children has brought us all closer together.” 

The Eastman Family appears in Humbug!

Charley and Mireille starred opposite one another in FPAC’s 2014 production of Mark Twain’s The Diaries of Adam and Eve. They are cast as husband and wife in Humbug!, playing Fanny May and Freddy Mack. Among the couple’s theater training, Charley earned a BFA in Acting from the University of Connecticut at Storrs while Mireille received a BA in Theater from Hunter College, with additional training at William Esper Studio and the Actors Movement Studio. Charley’s FPAC credits also include Annie (Rooster), The Tempest (Prospero), The Dumb Waiter (Gus) and The Zoo Story (Jerry). Mireille has performed on stage in New York and in various film and video productions.

Daughter Ameline, age 8, is in Humbug’s Children’s Ensemble, while son Emmett, age 9, and daughter Phoebe, age 11, are in the Youth Ensemble. The kids have taken dance, voice and musical theater classes at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA), and Ameline and Emmett participate in FSPA’s new AfterSchool program.

“Emmett, who tends to be our toughest critic, turned to us after rehearsal one day and said, ‘Daddy, I really like being in the show. It’s a lot of fun.’ That is high praise from a nine-year-old boy! And Ameline already wants to know when she can audition for the next show.”

Youth development in the arts is a special focus of FPAC, founded in 1991 by Executive Director Raye Lynn Mercer. Productions provide ongoing opportunities for families to connect through the arts, with multiple generations sharing rehearsals and time on stage together.

“FPAC provides a safe intergenerational space, where we can all work hard and play hard, reaching a finite goal,” Mireille notes. “The experience allows us to interact as peers under the careful direction of Raye Lynn Mercer and volunteer our time and energy for something creative and beneficial for the community.”

The Eastmans are involved in a number of community initiatives in addition to FPAC, including Meals on Wheels, the Franklin Arts Association, and the Franklin Federated Church, where Charley is Pastor.

“All of these touchstones will be part of our life in Franklin and our children’s childhood,” says Mireille.

Other families performing in Humbug! this season include Kristen, Tony and Griffin Wilkins of Walpole, as well as the following Franklin residents: Janene and Madison Asgeirsson; Charlotte and Michelle Berry; Ed, Jocelyn and Wendy Jones; Greg, Madison and Sydney Leach and Michele Webster; Holly and Tatiana McAlpine; Debra, Matthew and Shane Packard; Chuck and Mackenzie Peters; Guy, Hannah and Madison Rezendes, with grandfather Steve Crowley; and Jaiden, Lindsey, Melissa and Peter Wyner. 

A family favorite since debuting as part of FPAC’s 2008-09 season, Humbug! is conceived, written and directed by Franklin’s Nick Paone, who also stars as Scrooge. The musical features Dickens’ familiar characters and story, but re-imagines the classic tale in contemporary America for a modern audience with updated references to current events and pop culture. The storyline is supported by musical hits of many genres with live accompaniment by a 10-piece band of professional musicians.

Humbug! will be performed on Saturday, December 17 at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, December 18, at 2 p.m. at the Franklin High School Auditorium, 218 Oak Street. Raye Lynn Mercer co-directs the production, with musical direction by Hallie Wetzell and choreography by Kellie Stamp, Mercer and Paone. Tickets are $30-$34 and may be purchased at www.fpaconline.com, or at 508-528-3370. Remaining tickets will be sold at the door. Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation and Waters Corporation are FPAC 2016 Holiday Sponsors. Northern Trust is a Performance Sponsor. 

Madalene Village - Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting - Dec 15 - 7:35 PM

"This Thursday, December 15th at 7:35 pm will be the last public Zoning Board of Appeals meeting regarding Madalene Village, a proposed 32-unit development next to Fletcher Field with entrances on both Cottage Street and Peck Street.

While attendance at these ZBA meetings has been strong when this development is on the agenda, we're looking to make the most impact possible at the last one. It's clear that the ZBA members have noticed our attendance and listened to our concerns, so I'm hopeful we can make a lasting impact.

Could you help us spread the word?

I've posted as much info as we have on the Facebook group, but if you have any questions, please let me know."

https://www.facebook.com/groups/savesprucepondbrook/

The revised Storm Water Report (270 pages)

Letter from Conservation Agent

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczSnJYbHJEeks4NTA/view?usp=sharing

Letter from Fire Chief

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczRTUwcE9hdXBMYU0/view?usp=sharing

draft of plan for Madalene Village proposal near Fletcher Field with entrance from Cottage and Peck Streets

FHS Boys Basketball tops North Attleboro 72-51

From Hockomock Sports we share the results of the FHS basketball games on Tuesday. The boys team won at FHS beating North Attleboro 72- 51. The girls team lost on the road at North Attleboro 43-36.

Boys Basketball = North Attleboro, 51 @ Franklin, 72 – Final

"High pressure defense has been a staple for Franklin over the past two years and if Tuesday night is any indication, you can expect more of the same this year. 

The Panthers used a full court press and a handful of traps to force 21 turnovers and come away with a 72-51 win over North Attleboro in both teams’ season opener. 

“I thought defensively we did a pretty good job,” Franklin head coach CJ Neely said. “I thought we were taking too many chances a little bit. Even though we were pressing and we wanted to create a crazy environment, I think one of the reasons [North Attleboro] had a high scoring percentage is because we were taking a lot of chances. Once we got it down, we were able to turn them over and get some stops.”

Continue reading the full game recap
https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-boys-basketball-rides-defense-past-north-attleboro/

FHS PAnthers

Girls Basketball = Franklin, 36 @ North Attleboro, 43 – Final

– The Rocketeers outscored Franklin 19-12 in the fourth quarter to pull out the win in their season opener. Ashley Ahern led the way for North with 15 points, including eight in the fourth, and sophomore Julia Feid had 10 for the Rocketeers. Franklin was led by freshman Ali Brigham who scored 18 points in her second varsity game.

For all the results around the Hockomock League on Tuesday
https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-121316/

Inclement Weather and School Closing Information

As winter has arrived, here is a reminder on the inclement weather and school closing information for the Franklin Public Schools.

Franklin HIgh School in winter time

60 Tri-County Adams Scholars Recognized

Sixty seniors at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School qualified to receive the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship for their performance on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System test.

The students were recognized on Tuesday, December 13, during a celebratory luncheon in the school’s cafeteria.

The recipients from the Class of 2017 are: Ethan Hardy, Rocio Henriquez, and John Shultz, of Attleboro, Zachary Keeler, Matthew Moses, and Morgan Shields, of Bellingham, Joseph Brown, Delaney Forbes, Gillian Geddry, Ryan Koester, Maxwell Lewis, Amy O'Brien, Angelina Rivera, Christopher Roy, Connor Schultz, Rachel Signori, and Adam Tozian, of Franklin, Oliver Anderson, Samantha Frey, William Galligan, Sarah Gordon, Daelyn Hiduchick, and George Wood, of Medway, Rebecca Tomlin, of Millis, Sean Dever, Hollyann Edwards, Kate Healy, and Cory Krasner, of Norfolk, Torin Amoling, Shannon Ballard, Allyson Bettencourt, Madeline Bettencourt, Katelyn Billington, Thomas Bourget, Amanda Didion, Abigail Fisher, Autumn Ghisalbert, Alye Gobin, Dane Hooker, Cameron Killian, Colleen Kinney, Madison Lema, Kathleen Loonie, Robert Malcolmson, Caroline Moriarty, Alexa Paulhus, Alexis Plantz, Mackenzie Rider, Jennie Twyman, and Cara Wolfe, of North Attleborough, Cameron Couto, and April MacRoberts of Plainville, Christian Brown, and Adriana Oliveira, of Seekonk, Tyler Curtin, and Katherine Pensak, of Walpole, and Brian Foote, Wesley Garza, Richard Hepburn, and Emily Small, of Wrentham.

The scholarship provides up to eight semesters of free tuition to full-time undergraduate students who attend a Massachusetts state college or university. To be eligible, students in the Class of 2017 had to achieve an Advanced score on one of the three high school state assessment tests in ELA, Mathematics or STE, and score at the Proficient level or higher on the two remaining tests. Their combined scores must also place them among the top 25-percent of students in the graduating class in their district.

60 Tri-County Adams Scholars Recognized

Tri-County RVTHS, located at 147 Pond Street in Franklin, is a recipient of the High Schools That Work Gold Achievement Award and serves the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole, and Wrentham

Franklin Police arrest Tri-County Student for making threats via social media

From the Franklin Police Dept:

On December 13, 2016 at approximately 11am this Agency was notified of a student making threats via social media at the Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School. School Resource Officers from the Franklin Police Department and School Officials began an investigation into the incident. 

While the investigation is ongoing, at this time we can confirm that Julius Willis, age 18 of North Attleboro was placed under arrest on school property and has been charged with the following offenses:

• Disturbing a School Assembly
• Threat of Serious Disruption of School
• Threats to Commit a Crime
• Resisting Arrest
• Disorderly Conduct

Willis will be arraigned in the Wrentham District Court on Wednesday morning at 9:30am. No information at this point in the investigation has revealed that any weapons were ever brought onto school property.

Due to the ongoing status of the investigation, no further information is available at this time.


The information contained in this press release does not imply listed individuals have been convicted in a court of valid jurisdiction of the crimes for which they were arrested. All individuals are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty by a court with proper jurisdiction over the matter(s) for which they were arrested.

Franklin Police Dept

http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/2016_willis_press_release_0.pdf

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.