SEPAC Reminder: Parent to Parent Night Thursday!

Parent to Parent Night!

Please join us on Thursday, March 30th, 2017
At 7PM Coles Tavern

Come for a casual night out for some laughs, good food and a few drinks!

Look forward to seeing you there!

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Franklin Special Education Parents Advisory Council 355 East Central St. Franklin, Massachusetts 02038 US Read the VerticalResponse marketing policy.

April 4: Make Your Voices Heard, MetroWest!

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Greetings!  It's time to make your voice heard as part of the Massachusetts Senate's 2017 Commonwealth Conversations tour! After a very successful visit to MetroWest last session, my colleagues and I are bringing Beacon Hill back to MetroWest again.  Please join us at a Town Hall forum at the Warren Conference Center in Ashland from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm on April 4, 2017. {{{ REGISTER HERE }}} Commonwealth Conversations 2017 is the next step in our ongoing efforts to make your state government even more responsive and accessible to you.  But it can't work without your participation!  Please come to share with us your values, priorities, concerns and ideas. MetroWest is a dynamic and important part of the state, and I hope you will join us in shaping the future of our much loved community on April 4. {{{ REGISTER HERE }}} If you can't make the Town Hall on that day, there are still lots of ways to get involved: Take the online Commonwealth Conversations survey Join the Twitter conversation using #MAConvos & #MWConvos Call, write or email my office I look forward to seeing you all on Tuesday, April 4th!  For more information, please check out the MetroWest Commonwealth Conversations press release, or visit the Commonwealth Conversations website. Warm Regards, Senator Karen E. Spilka 2nd Middlesex and Norfolk Office of State Senator Karen E. Spilka Room 212, State House Boston, Massachusetts  02133 Phone: (617) 722-1640 - Fax: (617) 722-1077 http://www.karenspilka.com

Senator Karen E. Spilka, Massachusetts State House, Room 212, Boston, MA 02133 Sent by karen.spilka@masenate.gov in collaboration with Try it free today

State Representative Jeffrey Roy Hosts Tri-County Early Education Advocates at the State House

Tri-County RVTHS Freshman and Junior Early Education students were welcomed by State Representative Jeffrey Roy of Franklin and Medway to visit the State House and take them on a personal tour. Representative Roy listened and responded to the students' questions regarding how best to provide quality early learning experiences for young children.

"I enjoyed the opportunity to engage with the Early Education advocates from Tri-County," said State Representative Jeffrey Roy. "It is important that all students have access to the benefit of a world-class education, and that access must start at early ages. It was great to see these students take a vested interest in Early Education and the overall the betterment of their community."

Junior students learned about proposed legislation to improve Early Education in Massachusetts and identified additional areas which they believe are essential to provide quality early learning experiences for all children. Some of the topics the students broached with Representative Roy included the need for additional recess time for children, the expectations of young children as set forth in the Common Core State Standards, making quality early learning programs accessible to all children and attracting and retaining quality teachers in the field of Early Education.

Representative Roy encouraged students to continue to advocate for children by contacting their local and state representatives in their respective towns, and raising awareness among their friends and families by sharing their knowledge and understanding of the importance of quality early learning experiences for young children.

"I would like to thank Representative Roy for his continued support of our programs," said Superintendent Stephen Dockray. "This field trip, which Tri-County students have taken for the past four years, is a valuable opportunity for students to advocate for the children of Massachusetts."

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.

State Representative Jeffrey Roy Hosts Tri-County Early Education Advocates at the State House

THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series: The Fat City Band - Friday, April 7

The Fat City Band Friday, April 7

THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series presents The Fat City Band on Friday, April 7 at 8 p.m. at the downtown Franklin venue. For more than four decades, The Fat City Band has written, recorded, and performed a unique blend of blues, roadhouse rock, jazz, and New Orleans-style R&B. 

Performing coast to coast and beyond, the high-energy band has shared the stage with such legendary greats as James Brown, B.B. King, and Ray Charles. 

Bringing 40+ years of showmanship and entertainment experience to every show, the band remains committed to one idea: “Music Should Be Fun.” The Fat City Band invites audiences to come and join the party.

Tickets are $20. The home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company and a suburban hub for great music, THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 West Central Street. A cash bar is available. For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

Good Friday ‘Cross Walk’ - Franklin Town Common - Friday, April 14

Good Friday ‘Cross Walk’ is scheduled 

on the Franklin Town Common

Friday, April 14th – 12:00 Noon-1:00 pm

St Mary’s teen ministry is organizing a ‘Cross Walk’ procession on the Franklin Town Common beginning at Noon on Good Friday. Christians of all denominations and ages are welcome. 

Participants will gather on the Church Square end of the common. Together, they will walk through and around the Franklin Town Common and back to St Mary's lawn, pausing along the way to reflect on Jesus’ great love for us. Teens from The Rock Youth Ministry of St Mary’s parish will read reflections and prayers at each stop. 

Anyone who wishes to may help share the burden of carrying the heavy cross during the procession. All Franklin residents and their families and friends from surrounding communities are encouraged to take part in this meaningful procession on Good Friday to remember Christ's Passion.

Good Friday ‘Cross Walk’ - Franklin Town Common - Friday, April 14

Franklin teens raising funds - Karaoke - April 1

Unleash your inner Rock Star 

and support One Step's mission trip 

and the children/ adults 

of Mustard Seed Communities.

Along with singing, dancing, and crazy costumes 

the night will include

a cash bar, light snacks, and a silent auction.

April 1st, 7PM-Midnight

Tickets - $30/person

You must be 21+ to attend.

Franklin teens raising funds - Karaoke - April 1 

Tickets are available at www.mustardseed.com/karaoke. Ticket sales and silent auction benefit Franklin teen mission trip to Mustard Seed Communities

Pub Crawl Fundraiser - April 29

The Pub Crawl Fundraiser is set for April 29th. We'll go to 5 bars in Franklin

1. Alumni
2. Coles'
3. Teddy's
4. Rome
5. Jimmy D's

We'll have a bus that will tour people to each bar. Tickets are $25 per person

10% of your total bill at each bar will be donated back to Make Change for Change (erasing homelessness).

If you'd like to see more info about the charity, check out makechangeforchange.org.

They can now accept payment via PayPal by sending money to Courtney@makechangeforchange.org. 

PUB CRAWL Fundraiser - April 29

Downtown Partnership: Phone scam targeting local businesses

If you get this solicitation call Franklin Police

Franklin Downtown Partnership  9 E. Central Street, Franklin, MA  02038 (774) 571-3109   downtown.franklin@yahoo.com Phone scam targeting local businesses A new marketing scam that targets local businesses is circulating and may be headed to Franklin. If you receive one of these phone calls please alert the Franklin Police.  Thanks to Matt Lechter and Ken Corkran for the following information:  Late last week Dean College received a phone call from the Woonsocket Police Department informing us of a potential marketing "scam" going on in Rhode Island. An individual, claiming to be "Richard", is stating he works for Beacon Media News and is soliciting advertising space in a "Campus Life" publication. He further states that this publication is sponsored by other colleges such as Dean College, Bryant College, etc. Local business owners are then asked to purchase advertising space in this publication, which does not exist. Should anyone be approached with this solicitation, please contact Franklin Police and do not purchase "advertising" space.  Dean College has no affiliation with this.   Ken Corkran Director of Law Enforcement Services  and Risk Management 99 Main Street Franklin, MA 02038 508-541-1700 | kcorkran@dean.edu Franklin Downtown Partnership | downtown.franklin@yahoo.com | 774-571-3109 | franklindowntownpartnership.org

Sent by downtown.franklin@yahoo.com in collaboration with Try it free today

Downtown Partnership: April General Meeting (Apr 6), Networking Luncheon (Apr 11)

A few reminders

Franklin Downtown Partnership  9 E. Central Street, Franklin, MA  02038 (774) 571-3109   downtown.franklin@yahoo.com Next FDP General Meeting is April 6  Members and non-members alike are invited to our next General Meeting, which will be Thursday, April 6 at 8:30 a.m. in the Dean College Campus Center, Golder Room* *Please note: The Golder Room is located on the second floor of the Campus Center. Signs will direct you to the meeting location.  The meeting agenda will be posted soon on the FDP website. Next Networking Luncheon Join us Tuesday, April 11 for the next FDP Networking Luncheon.  These informal networking opportunities take place from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Dean College Dining Center, first floor of the Campus Center.  A delicious lunch and excellent conversation all for the low, low price of $6.55!  RSVP to Matt Lechter, mlechter@dean.edu, or Gary Donelan, gary.donelan@middlesexbank.com.  Franklin Downtown Partnership | downtown.franklin@yahoo.com | 774-571-3109 | franklindowntownpartnership.org

Sent by downtown.franklin@yahoo.com in collaboration with Try it free today

In the News: Ahern contract is near; school budget funding not sustainable

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

"The School Committee is in the midst of negotiations with its pick for superintendent, with officials hoping to see progress in the next couple of weeks. 

Committee Chairman Kevin O'Malley said the committee's preferred candidate, Holliston Assistant Superintendent Sara Ahern, had accepted the offer to succeed Maureen Sabolinski, who is retiring at the end of the school year. 

The committee, O'Malley said, must now negotiate a contract with Ahern and conduct a background check on her. 

"We expect no trouble with either," he said, adding that he expected a signed contract in the next week or so, or within the next few weeks at the latest. "We're fortunate to have someone as capable as Dr. Ahern."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170328/franklin-superintendent-contract-deal-expected-soon

"The town's schools presented a $60.2 million proposed fiscal year 2018 budget to the public Tuesday night, though officials said the revolving funds used to balance it are being depleted. 

The proposal represents an increase of $1.8 million - or 3 percent - over the 2017 budget. District officials cited healthcare costs and special education transportation as among the items that drove the budget higher. 

Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski said the budget would have the district maintain level services, and did not include a reduction in staff. She said some elementary school staff might be moved around, depending on enrollment figures. 

District Finance Director Miriam Goodman said salaries and healthcare costs account for about 86 percent of the proposed budget. The town is expected to receive about $28 million - around 47 percent of the proposed amount - through Chapter 70 state aid. In the proposal, schools would spend $6.3 million from district revolving funds."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170328/franklin-schools-propose-60-million-budget

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - March 28, 2017

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."

the key to learning

1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the February 28, 2017, March 15, 2017 and March 17, 2017 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 – Miriam Goodman

2. Guests/Presentations
a. FY18 Budget Hearing

3. Discussion Only Items

• Grant Procedures Manual
• 2017-2018 School Committee Schedule – Draft
• School Choice

4. Action Items
a. I recommend approval of the Budget Transfers as detailed.
b. I recommend adoption of the 2017-2018 School Committee Schedule as discussed.
c. I recommend adoption of the Grant Procedures Manual as discussed.
d. I recommend that the district not participate in school choice for the 2017-2018 school year as discussed.
e. I recommend approval of the request of Diane Plouffe to take music students to Boston from 3/9-3/11/17 for the MA All State Music Festival as detailed. (pre-approved remotely 7-0)
f. I recommend acceptance of checks totaling $1,560.00 for the Robert Lima Scholarship.
g. I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $1,265.80 from the Oak Street PCC for inhouse enrichment.
h. I recommend acceptance of the donation of $300.00 from Columbia Gas of MA as a Teacher Appreciation Award for Sarah Murphy (Gr. 4) to be used for supplemental classroom supplies at Parmenter Elementary School.
i. I recommend acceptance of a check for $5,000.00 from the Digital Federal Credit Union for the Robert Lima and Keiichi Kitanosono scholarships.
j. I recommend acceptance of checks totaling $2,245.00 from the JF Kennedy PCC for field trips as detailed.
k. I recommend approval for the recurring field trip for 8th graders to Providence Place Mall on April 13, 2017 as detailed.
l. I recommend acceptance of a check for $4,819.68 from the Jefferson PCC for Field Trips.
m.I recommend acceptance of a check for $220.00 from Franklin Music Parents for inhouse enrichment as detailed.
n. I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $801.75 from the Parmenter PCC for Field Trips.
o. I recommend approval of the recurring field trip for Keller 5th Grade students to travel to Roger Williams Zoo in Providence, RI on May 5, 2017
as detailed.
p. I recommend approval of the request for FHS cheerleaders to travel to Rochester, NY for Platinum Nationals Competition from April 8-10, 2017 as detailed.

5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

a. Budget Sub Committee – Dr. O’Malley 

b. Community Relations – Ms. Schultz

School Committee Liaison Reports

a. PCC Liaison – Dr. Bergen 

b. SWAC Liaison – Mrs. Douglas

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

7. Executive Session
a. Contractual Negotiations

8. Motion to Adjourn
– Dr. O’Malley

Franklin Public Schools FY 2018 Proposed Budget from Franklin Matters