"Students get targeted support in areas where they struggle"

"Calling for a personalized, student-centered approach to reforms, state education leaders gathered Thursday to mark the release of an annual report on the state of education in Massachusetts. 

"Unless we change the rules of operations in our state and give more schools the types of freedoms we allow charters, we will not see that type of personalization, and we will see a continuation of a top-down approach," said Board of Higher Education Chairman Chris Gabrieli, who advocated for empowering individual schools to lead the way on reforms.

A crowd of approximately 300 filled the ballroom at the Omni Parker House Hotel, where the Boston-based Rennie Center for Education Research and Policy released its annual "Condition of Education in the Commonwealth Report." While Massachusetts is a national leader in education, there are still deficiencies in the system that need to be addressed, Rennie Center Executive Director Chad d'Entremont said. 

"Even as a leader, if we stand pat, we will fall behind," d'Entremont said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170119/education-leaders-call-for-student-centered-reforms

Download the full PDF for the Rennie Center report
http://www.renniecenter.org/sites/default/files/2017-01/ConditionOfEducation%202017%20ActionGuide.pdf

screen grab of Rennie Center data dashboard

In the News: Superintendent search narrows to 3; another 'safest city' recognition

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

"In daytime work session Thursday, a special town committee narrowed its list of candidates for school superintendent to three. 

Making the cut following a series of meetings are Blackstone-Millville Assistant Superintendent David Thomson, Chelmsford Assistant Superintendent Linda Hirsch and Weymouth Assistant Superintendent Susan Kustka. The committee did not advance Wareham Superintendent Kimberly Shaver-Hood. 

The committee - which includes the Franklin School Committee as well as Town Councilor Thomas Mercer, high school Principal Paul Peri, teachers association President Donna Grady and parent Sarah Mulcahy - will now visit the home districts of the candidates. The group also scheduled a public forum with the candidates for Feb. 1."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170119/franklin-superintendent-candidates-narrowed-to-three

Spruce Pond sunrise

"A website has named Franklin the fourth-safest city in America, continuing a multi-year streak in which the community's safety has been lauded. 

The site - location-based analytics search engine NeighborhoodScout - released its lists of both the top 100 safest cities and top 100 most dangerous cities on Jan. 9. A company spokeswoman said the list is based on the latest FBI crime data - in this case, from 2015 - as well as the population of each city. 

This is not the first year NeighborhoodScout's list has recognized Franklin. In 2012, the community ranked as the second safest city in the U.S., and since then has been ranked first in 2013, first in 2014 and seventh in 2015."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170119/franklin-named-fourth-safest-town-in-us

NeighborhoodScout screen grab

DelCarte Pond Herbicide Treatment - Timeline for 2017

During 2017 and 2018, herbicide treatments will be applied to the DelCarte Ponds as part of the restoration and preservation of this important recreation area. The treatments are designed to eliminate the invasive plant species which are proliferating rapidly and threaten to completely “take over” the waterbodies unless action is taken to stop their spread.

The time frame for this work is as follows:

• Prepare and File MA DEP License to Apply Chemicals Permit - APRIL
• Pre-Treatment Survey – MAY
• Variable Milfoil Treatment – EARLY JUNE
• Initial Water Chestnut Treatment – EARLY JUNE
• Interim Survey – LATE JUNE
• Follow-Up Water Chestnut Treatment – EARLY JULY
• Final Post-Treatment Survey – AUGUST/SEPTEMBER
• Year-End Report – NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

Signs will be posted at the ponds concerning this work it is important to bear in mind that ON THE DAY OF THE TREATMENTS, USE OF THE PONDS WILL BE RESTRICTED.

Any questions on this project should be directed to the Conservation office at 508-520-4929.

The northern pond at DelCarte in winter

This was shared from the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/delcarte_pond_herbicide_treatment_notice_0.pdf

"There's no reason to do it, other than financial gain for the landowner"

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

"A controversial proposal to rezone a parcel on Summer Street to allow for denser residential development failed to pass at Wednesday's Town Council meeting. 

A full audience of residents applauded as the measure did not garner the needed two-thirds majority to pass, with only five of the needed six "yes" votes. 

The change would have affected the 11-acre parcel at 496 Summer St., altering its zoning from rural residential to a zone that would allow more residential units. Medway-based developer Grandis Homes indicated that they wished to put 34 single-family townhouses on the land. Developer representatives said the project would generate $270,000 in one-time permit fees, and about $250,000 per year."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170118/franklin-controversial-zoning-change-fails

snow covered trail in the Franklin Town Forest along Summer St

My complete notes from the legislation section of the Town Council meeting on Wednesday
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/live-reporting-legislation-for-action.html

The roll call votes was as follows: 

• Dellorco - No
• Jones - No
• Vallee - Yes
• Pfeffer - Yes
• Mercer - Yes
• Padula - Yes
• Pellegri - No
• Kelly - yes

vote was 5 yes, 3 no, the measure fails to pass as it need 6 votes to pass

FHS wrestling gets win against Oliver Ames

The FHS winter sports results from the action on Wednesday via Hockomock Sports and Twitter


Wrestling = Oliver Ames, 12 @ Franklin, 44 – Final
– Oliver Ames received wins from Liston Funai (138), Dean Pacini (195) and Jack Mills (285).

Outstanding 44-12 win against Oliver Ames with pins from Carlucci, Racca, MacLean, and Polito including a tech from Remillard #FHSWrestle

— Franklin Wrestling (@FHSWrestle) January 19, 2017

Boys Hockey = Franklin, 3 @ Taunton, 5 – Final

– Taunton battled to take a 3-2 lead through two periods and then finished off the Panthers in the third period. The Tigers scored an early third period goal to go up 4-2 before Franklin cut the deficit to one with 2:11 to play. However, Taunton scored an empty netter from its defensive zone with 34 seconds to go to ice the game. Zack Albert had four points, registering three assists and scored the game-winning goal. Nick Terry scored twice and had one assist while Jordan Hoey and Mike Volkmann each scored once. Justin Chappell made 24 saves to earn the win.

Boys Swimming = Franklin, 45 @ Taunton, 49 – Final

Girls Swimming = Franklin @ Taunton, 4:00 (no results)

Girls Hockey = Franklin, 0 vs. Medfield, 4 – Final

For the other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-011817/

getting ready FHS girls hockey vs. Medfield photo via @CoachMac

and via the Twitterverse

Girls put up a GREAT fight tonight, season bests all around & so much enthusiasm! Let's put this energy towards KP next week! #roadtohocks pic.twitter.com/V1njeaTxFH

— FHS Girls Swim (@FHSGVSWIM) January 18, 2017

8-3 win against Archbishop Williams at their own rink, coon hat to Tasker for a big game and 2 goals. 2nd big win over Archie's this season. pic.twitter.com/MTmPwHCPsF

— FHS Panthers JV Puck (@PanthersJvPuck) January 19, 2017

[Boys Winter Varsity Ice Hockey] Taunton HS defeats Franklin HS, 5 to 3.

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) January 19, 2017

[Boys Winter Varsity Swimming] Taunton HS defeats Franklin HS, 49 to 45.

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) January 19, 2017

[Boys Winter Varsity Wrestling] Franklin HS defeats Oliver Ames HS, 44 to 12.

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) January 19, 2017

Medfield comes away w/ 3 goals in the 3P to put this one away. Final from the Vet: Medfield 4-0 over FHS. @HockomockSports @FHSSports

— CoachMac (@CoachMacCreery) January 19, 2017

Getting ready to start 2P here at the Vet with Franklin girls trailing Medfield 1-0. @FHSSports @HockomockSports pic.twitter.com/LeTFgEGWIx

— CoachMac (@CoachMacCreery) January 18, 2017

MassBudget: Budget Explainer: Transportation

Transportation funding in one chart, plus two fact sheets comparing MA taxes to other states

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Budget Explainer: Transportation  Better transportation infrastructure makes the economy more productive, connects people to jobs, and reduces the amount of time people waste in traffic. Where do the resources come from to operate our transportation system, and where is the money invested? The flow chart below displays state revenues and spending, with the width of the arrows representing the dollar amounts. Read the fact sheet with a larger chart. MassBudget has also recently updated two fact sheets that compare Massachusetts taxes to other states:  Massachusetts Ranks near Middle for Taxes in FY 2014 compares state and local taxes in the Commonwealth to other states, and finds we're in the middle of the pack. Where Does the Taxachusetts Label Come From? describes how the state's old label as a high-tax state has more to do with history than reality. 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

Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try it free today

FUN One-Night Workshops In January

Your Winter Adventure

Franklin Public Schools ~ Lifelong Learning Institute The Center for Adult Education and Community Learning presents Your Winter Adventure Fun One-Night Workshops  Don't miss these ...... Easy Indian Cooking: Hands-on class Register Now Cooking authentic Indian food has never been so easy. In this 2-hour hands-on class, you will get the confidence to recreate your favorite Indian food, while also learning about the health benefits of various spices AND tasting some delicious dishes. Thursday, January 26 7:00 to 9:00 pm  Franklin High School, 218 Oak Street  Cost: $70 Keep the Memories Not the Stuff   Register Now  Learn how to downsize successfully by focusing on the memories not the stuff. During this class we'll discuss the difference between valid and invalid reasons for holding onto things. We will define what it means to keep the memories not the stuff, and we will discuss 10 different ways to hold onto the memories.     Thursday, January 26 Time: 6:30 - 8:30 pm   Franklin High School, 218 Oak Street Cost: $25       Investing for Retirement  Register Now Learn what it takes to create a successful retirement for you and your family.  If you are just starting out, midway through your career or closing in on retirement, this 2 hour seminar will give you the tools and information you need to lay the foundation to accomplish your long term goals.Tuesday, January 31   6:30 to 8:30 pm Franklin High School, 218 Oak Street Cost:  $40 adulted@franklin.k12.ma.us     508-613-1480

FPS- Lifelong Learning, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by adulted@franklin.k12.ma.us in collaboration with Try it free today