Franklin Public Schools: Letter to Franklin Families and Faculty

Dear Franklin Families and Faculty:

We are deeply saddened to inform you that over the past week, graffiti depicting swastikas has been discovered on a playground at one of our schools (Remington/Jefferson) and in the entryway of another school (Keller/Sullivan). Following the discovery of these hateful symbols, we started our own independent investigations to determine who is responsible for these terrible acts. We also contacted the Franklin Police Department and we are fully cooperating with the police and their investigation.

Jefferson playground

We find this graffiti to be extremely disturbing, disrespectful and inconsistent with the diverse and inclusive community that makes up the Franklin Public Schools. If our investigation concludes that a school member is responsible for these acts, we will impose disciplinary consequences consistent with our student code of conduct and take other remedial measures to restore a sense of security and support for all. If the police determine which individual(s) perpetrated these behaviors there could be significant legal consequences as well.

We will continue to be vigilant in order to protect our school community with the safety and security measures that are in place continually. We will also work to remedy the negative impact of these events by working with local community partners and using our school resources to respond at both a school level and a community level.

Please know that the Franklin Public Schools is no place for hate, bias or for the disregard of the civil rights of all individuals. We work tirelessly to teach tolerance at school and will reinforce our core values in the days, weeks and years ahead. As this is a wider community issue, we are asking for your help and support to change attitudes and eliminate hateful speech and senseless depictions of symbols that hurt individuals and groups. Words and actions matter and we need to reinforce the values of tolerance and respect across all of Franklin.

Keller Sullivan school sign

If you have any information to share regarding the graffiti, please contact the Franklin Police Department at 508- 528-1212 and/or the Superintendent's Office at 508 -553-4819. If your child needs support to address these events, please contact your child's guidance counselor or an administrator at your child's school.

As we are deeply concerned about these hateful and disrespectful actions, the Franklin Public Schools has engaged with the Anti-Defamation League to establish a process for training students, faculty and administration in confronting bias in school and in the community. Teams from our three middle schools will engage in training this summer. Additionally this program will enable the training of our students to become peer leaders and trainers skilled in running anti-bias programs for other students and parents. There are plans for FHS to commit to this program as well. We anticipate this program will be impactful on all stakeholders and will propel positive change in our schools and community. You can expect to hear more about this initiative in the fall.

Thank you for supporting our school community and for your assistance in facing this issue.

Maureen Sabolinski, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

Franklin Police Officers Complete Advanced Training

Sergeant William Brigham, evening patrol division shift supervisor, recently completed an intensive two week first line supervisor training at Roger Williams University in Rhode Island. The First Line Supervisor Course provided sworn public safety professionals with contemporary, relevant concepts of leadership and management appropriate to the role responsibilities of first line supervisors in a modern criminal justice agency. 

Sergeant William Brigham

Sergeant Brigham examined topics including: Myers-Briggs Type Indicator; Leadership Principles; Interpersonal Communication; Discipline, Conflict Management and Performance Appraisals; Problem Solving and Community Engagement; Situational & Crisis Applied Leadership; Legal Updates and Liability; and Fair and Impartial Policing for Supervisors. The program was presented by experienced academics and law enforcement practitioners.

Patrol Officers David Gove, and Conor Ashe recently completed the eighty (80) hour Police Motorcycle Officer Training Course at the South Weymouth Naval Air Station. This course was presented by instructors from Northwestern University, and taught officers in the tactics and skills needed for emergency and patrol police motorcycle operators. 

This course is a grueling test of the operator’s abilities, and teaches evasive maneuvering, high speed braking, escape, and avoidance exercises. Both officers will now be out on patrol on the two motorcycles in the Franklin Police Department’s fleet.

http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/2017_media_release_bringham_ashe_gove_2.pdf

FHS representatives on girls and boys lacrosse Hockomock League all stars

Below are the official 2017 Hockomock League Girls and Boys Lacrosse All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league and published by Hockomock Sports .Com.

Girls = HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE MVP

Sophia DiCenso, Foxboro

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE ALL STARS

• Gianna Cameron, Franklin
• Caroline Lounsbury, Franklin
• Grace MacCallum, Franklin
• Annie Walsh, Franklin
• Erin Walsh, Franklin

HONORABLE MENTIONS

• Grace McDermott, Franklin

Boys = HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE MVP

Dan MacDonald, North Attleboro

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE ALL STARS

• Wyatt Arsenault, Franklin
• Jacob Alexander, Franklin
• Eric Civetti, Franklin
• Pat Morrison, Franklin
• Connor O’Rourke, Franklin
• Packie Watson, Franklin

HONORABLE MENTIONS

• Sam Arsenault, Franklin

https://hockomocksports.com/2017-hockomock-league-girls-lacrosse-all-stars/

https://hockomocksports.com/2017-hockomock-league-boys-lacrosse-all-stars/

https://hockomocksports.com/

MassBudget: MA ranks #2 in child well-being, Federal cuts threaten gains

Corrected links to new fact sheets

Massachusetts Ranks #2 in the Nation for Child Well-Being; But Federal Cuts Could Erode Gains New fact sheets show how proposed federal budget cuts would harm MA kids Children in Massachusetts lead the nation in educational achievement and also rank highly in health measures, but more than one in seven live in poverty, according to the 2017 KIDS COUNT® Data Book from the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The annual report measures state-by-state child well-being across four categories: health, education, economic well-being and family and community.  Four new fact sheets from MassBudget examine these Massachusetts rankings, describe investments the state and federal governments have made to achieve these results, and explain how repeal of the Affordable Care Act and proposed federal budget cuts would threaten child well-being in each of these areas: Health (pdf) Education (pdf) Economic Well-Being (pdf) Family and Community (pdf) The 2017 Data Book is available at http://databook.kidscount.org , The KIDS COUNT Data Center also contains the most recent national, state and local data on hundreds of indicators of child well-being, and allows users to create rankings, maps and graphs for use in publications and on websites, and to view real-time information on mobile devices. MassBudget is home to KIDS COUNT in Massachusetts, a national and state-by-state effort funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation to track and improve the well-being of children across the United States. The Massachusetts KIDS COUNT Advisory Council brings together leaders who work to make life better for all children in Massachusetts. #   #   # 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

Franklin TV Annual Open Meeting - Thursday, June 15

Franklin Downtown Partnership  9 E. Central Street, Franklin, MA  02038 (774) 571-3109   downtown.franklin@yahoo.com Franklin TV invites you to their open meeting Franklin TV Annual Open Meeting by Pete Fasciano, ExecutiveDirector 05/21/2017 The time has come once again for our annual open board meeting. This year our meeting is set for Thursday, June 15th at 7:00pm and is open to all. If you would like to be involved in Franklin●TV just send an email to: info@franklin.tv with your contact information. You can also call us for more information. 508-541-4118. This meeting is an opportunity to tour and learn about Franklin●TV's studio. Our facility enables us to provide full production support for Franklin residents and organizations who wish to create TV programs. It's also an opportunity to meet our current board and staff. Our progress to date, plus all the groundwork for our plans going forward are all thanks to our board members who contribute time and energy to help make Franklin●TV all that a public access TV studio can be and more. At our open meeting you may cast your vote for new and renewing board positions. This year there will be a vote by all in attendance to reaffirm those board members and terms of their office on the current board as voted and accepted at last year's open member meeting held on June 15, 2016. We will also vote for a new board member to replace retiring board member Nick Remissong. Dr. Pandora Carlucci is a candidate for our new board position. Excerpt from FCCA bylaws: (Available on our website.) Section 15. Election of Director by the Membership (a) Members shall be notified by the Clerk of the election of a director by the Membership at the Annual Meeting. Said notice shall be in accordance with the notice provisions of Section 4 of this Article IV. (b) Any eligible voting Member may be nominated for election to the position of Director by: (i) Written notification to the Clerk no later than seven (7) days prior to Annual Meeting; or (ii) By nomination from the floor of the Annual Meeting made and seconded by no less than three (3) eligible voting members. Meet Our Current FCCA Board L to R: W. Ken Norman, John Milot, Nick Remissong, Anne K. Bergen, Jay Horrigan, Rose Turco, and Wesley Rea. Please join us at our Franklin●TV event. Starting at 6:30pm we'll have tours of our facility, some good eats, and you can meet our board. Our brief open meeting begins at 7:00pm. Come meet, greet, and learn all about local TV in Franklin. And - thanks for watching! Franklin Downtown Partnership | downtown.franklin@yahoo.com | 774-571-3109 | franklindowntownpartnership.org

Franklin Downtown Partnership, 9 E. Central St., Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by downtown.franklin@yahoo.com in collaboration with Try it free today

“She’s accomplished a lot”

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

"With her retirement nearing, Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski looked back Tuesday on her time within the school district. 

Sabolinski, who is stepping down at the end of the school year, has served as superintendent for the past eight years, though she has been with the district for nearly a decade longer - she was assistant superintendent for four years, and worked in the special education department for four years before that. 

“I’ve had an incredible career here, and I think it’s time to move on,” she said. “I’ve accomplished the goals I’ve set for myself, and felt it was a good time for a transition.” 

The new Franklin High School, which opened in 2014, was among the milestones of Sabolinski’s tenure. She said she was proud of the efforts that led to the project’s fruition."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170613/franklin-superintendent-looks-back

Senator Karen Spilka, Representative Jeff Roy recognizing Supt Maureen Sabolinski
at the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, June 13

Live reporting: Information Matters to Closing

4. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
reiterate Chair O'Malley's comments on graduation week
the all night party did well, thanks to all the parents and volunteers for

FHS girls lacrosse got to the D1 semifinals

FHS girls 4x800 track relay team took 3rd place in New England Championships

some hateful drawings found at two of our school complexes
letter sent to community today (will be shared here later)
this is not just a FPS problem but a community problem
can not be tolerated
will not let this message be seen as it is okay, there is no place for hate here
looking to be proactive, collaborate with groups for training and awareness

School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

• a. Policy Sub Committee – Ms. Scofield

met last Tuesday evening on home work policy

all grade levels represented, good group participation

250 responses from parents from survey

meeting Tuesday, June 20, Dr Ahern to join to provide input

staff survey with 20 responses with 4 provided as well at a feedback session

comments ran gamut from no homework, no way; to my kid needs more homework

also included a review of policies of other districts

 

• b. Community Relations Sub Committee – Ms.Schultz

newsletter out, over 1,000 views
last coffee at Senior Center for this school year
newsletter in August, and new schedule for coffee hours in newsletter

School Committee Liaison Reports


O'Malley - out reach to Senior Center, to keep them informed
discussions with students at FHS with the seniors, 20 students at a time
schools are much more than 3 R's

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

6. Motion to Adjourn 
– Dr. O’Malley

Live reporting: Action Items

3. Action Items
a. I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,700.00 from the Franklin Music Boosters for in-house enrichment at FHS.
motion to accept, seconded, passed 7-0

b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,073.32 from the Parmenter PCC for supplemental supplies.
motion to accept, seconded, passed 7-0

c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $500.00 from John and Elizabeth Ombelets for a FHS Scholarship.
motion to accept, seconded, passed 7-0

d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $300.00 from the Jefferson PCC for supplemental supplies.
motion to accept, seconded, passed 7-0

e. I recommend acceptance of several checks totaling $188.00 from the Class of 1967 for inhouse enrichment at FHS.
motion to accept, seconded, passed 7-0

f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $262.76 from O’Connor Studios for Supplemental Supplies at Keller Elementary School.
motion to accept, seconded, passed 7-0

g. I recommend approval of declaring 5 Wenger Choral Risers as surplus as detailed.
motion to accept, seconded, passed 7-0

h. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000.00 from Franklin Library for a FHS Scholarship.
motion to accept, seconded, passed 7-0

i. I recommend acceptance of a check for $375.43 from Ahold, USA for supplemental supplies at FHS.
motion to accept, seconded, passed 7-0

j. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000.00 from Franklin Country Club for a FHS Scholarship.
motion to accept, seconded, passed 7-0

k. I recommend acceptance of several checks totaling $2, 095.00 from various donors for the Dr. Maureen Sabolinski Scholarship fund.
motion to accept, seconded, passed 7-0

Live reporting: School Committee - June 13, 2017

Present: Bilello (late - approx 7-:12), Scofield, Douglas, Bergen, O'Malley, Schultz (late - 7:10PM), Jewell
Absent:  none


1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
none

O-Malley - graduation week, 404 seniors, a job well done by the high school

Review of Agenda
no changes

Minutes: I recommend approval of the open session and executive session minutes from the May 23, 2017 School Committee Meeting.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 5-0

Payment of Bills Dr. O’Malley
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
Correspondence: Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman

2. Guests/Presentations
a. Sign off FEA/ESP Contract
Donna Grady - FEA President
job well done, new team, worked well with School Committee, good outcome with 'interest based bargaining'

Bergen - first time I was involved, the level of interest and passion was good

Sabolinski - a rather arduous process, but good results
a collaborative process, worked out well

Grady - we are all in the business for the Franklin children

Jewell - I learned a lot more this time than the last time. They keep expanding upon the understanding of the different groups. We don't always understand who is on the front lines with our children. They are a very important part of the school system.

b. Retirees
celebration of retirees

Ron Taylor - FHS Math
Gretchen Carr - Annie Sullivan
Ronni Cowen - Remington/Horace Mann
Chandler Creedon - School psychologist, former president of FEA
Jane Cronin - Jefferson 1st grade
Jane Hogan - K-12 Art Director "irreplaceable"
Randi Heiselmeyer - ECDC
Dr Pandora Carlucci - Lifelong Learning 

Dr Maureen Sabolinski, Superintendent

Senator Karen Spilka, with Senate citation for Sabolinski
Representative Jeff Roy, with House citation for Sabolinski

and jointly, with an official citation from the Governor, Charles Baker, Karen Polito (Lt Governor)

Chairman O'Malley with a plaque from the School Committee

Photos to be added later

Town Clerk's Office Closing at 4:00 PM on June 14

On Wednesday, June 14th the Town Clerks Office will be closing at 4:00pm.
I do apologize for any inconvenience.


Teresa M. Burr
Town Clerk

Franklin Municipal Building
355 East Central Street
Franklin, MA 02038
(508)520-4900
M-T-Th: 8-4:00pm
Wed. 8-6:00pm & Fri. 8-1:00pm

Read more: http://www.franklinma.gov/node/127503

This is an automatic message from Town of Franklin MA

Town Clerk page on the revised Town of Franklin website

Franklin Historical Museum: Maureen Taylor, The Photo Detective - June 18

As part of the Summer-long Bridal Gown Exhibit at the Franklin Historical Museum, we welcome the first of two guest speakers on Sunday, June 18 at 1:15PM. Maureen Taylor, known as the Photo Detective for her work solving photo mysteries, has created a special presentation to complement the museum’s exhibit. 

Her exclusive Wedding Images presentation, which will include a PowerPoint, clips, accessories, as well as a few photos of dresses used in the Franklin bridal display. The presentation will review how to identify photos by revealing details such as date of clothing, accessories, poses, props and documents. Hints can also be found in flowers, handkerchiefs, corsages, ribbons, veils, gloves and top hats. Join us Sunday and Maureen Taylor, The Photo Detective will explain it all. 

Bridal Gown Display at the Franklin Historical Museum

The exhibit, which opened Thursday evening June 8th will run through the end of August. It includes 12 dresses from the Museum’s collection. Featured this year is the ever popular parachute dress from 1946; a blue trimmed Priscilla of Boston gown; the dress worn by Franklin’s own Stella Jeon, the oldest dress in the collection from 1893, and many more.

The presentation by Maureen Taylor will identify fashion trends and a bit of the changing history of bridal fashions. It promises to be interesting, informative and entertaining.

The Franklin Historical Museum, located at 80 West Central Street, is open Saturday mornings 10am-1pm, Sunday afternoons from 1pm-4pm and Thursday evenings from 5pm-8pm. Admission is always free and the building is wheel chair accessible.

 

https://maureentaylor.com/

For more about Maureen Taylor  https://maureentaylor.com/

Leaving a Legacy of Kindness - Tri-County RVTHS Remembers Sophomore Student Zoe McMorran

They say a person's essence is not obvious to everyone, but there is one student at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School who was known for her positive energy, acts of kindness, caring and strength to all she encountered. That person was high school sophomore, Zoe McMorran. Zoe passed away on March 19, 2017 from a rare form of brain cancer. Many of the Tri-County community wish to reflect on Zoe's life and the impact she had on each of them.

Tri-County RVTHS Remembers Sophomore Student Zoe McMorran

Zoe began attending Tri-County in 2015 where she met her aid, Julie Caffrey. Julie fondly remembers how Zoe was always making her laugh. "The best times that we had were when it was just the two of us walking through the halls and talking about what happened during the day. Zoe was such a hard worker that I would have to tell her to take a break, since she would never tell me she needed one. We would walk down the hallways and she would say hi to everyone. This girl just wanted everybody to feel accepted. I will miss her presence in my life."

Zoe's love for children led her to enroll in the Early Education vocation as a freshman. During her time in Early Education, Zoe made an impact on all who knew her. Emily Doherty, a Tri-County sophomore in Early Education recalls, "I first met Zoe in freshman year in shop. I got along with her immediately. She walked in with a big smile on her face and looked like she was ready to take on the world. I remember a day that I had a lot of blocks everywhere to clean up. Even though she had a lot to clean up herself, Zoe dropped everything and came over to help me. It made me smile. I always think about it. She was just so caring of people. She was very selfless. She had so much love for the kids and love for all of us."

According to her Early Education teachers, Dina Taylor and Michelle Tilden, "Zoe was a ray of sunshine who had a passion that filled us up with joy. She was really happy and wanted to genuinely know how you were doing. She was such a good example of a pure good human being. She left a big impression on our lives to persevere through anything and keep on going. She also taught us to be kind to others because you never know what someone is going through."

Zoe enrolled in the Culinary Arts Program this past year to explore her love of cooking and baking. Anthony Tucker, a Culinary Arts sophomore student smiles while remembering, "I first met Zoe here in Culinary. She wanted to learn how to crack eggs. Zoe had some physical limitations, so I showed her how to do it properly with one hand. Every day she would tell jokes and would make us laugh. She was a good, positive person." Fellow classmate Abbey Pacheco from agrees, "I first met Zoe here at Tri-County. She approached me to say hi and we were instantly friends. She just loved cracking eggs. She was our designated egg cracker. Zoe definitely stood out because she reminded me of my mother, who passed away this past summer of cancer. My mother was always smiling and going and was never down. Zoe was the same way."

Nancy Haney, Zoe's teacher in Culinary first met Zoe as a freshman in Student Council. "She loved her snacks. She was always smiling, contributed to what we were doing, always had something to say, and always tried her hardest. I was thrilled when she came to Culinary because I loved her so much. The customers at Gerry's Place (Tri-County's own restaurant) loved her and gave her huge tips. She was so positive with them and they saw what she had to go through to wait on them and they appreciated her. Every day was special with Zoe. We had a thing where we told each other jokes every day. When she was in the hospital we'd text each other jokes. It was a special thing with us. She always made me laugh and smile. She worked so hard."

The friendships she made during her time at Tri-County were deeply meaningful to her. Fellow classmate and friend Shannon Zogalis recalls, "I met Zoe when we were in cheerleading together in North Attleboro and then again in high school. I remember when Zoe first got sick and Zoe was still singing and laughing to an ice cream truck song during cheerleading. Zoe was brave. When you talked to her she never acted like she was sick. She was just a normal kid. I would stay at the hospital with her and we'd do crafts and hang out all the time."

Adrianna Celese, a classmate and close friend of Zoe's describes her as, "One of the sweetest people you would ever meet. She never judged anyone on what's on the outside. She could see in your heart. We met in Middle School in 7th grade in North Attleboro. We became partners for a project and we were friends ever since."

Zoe's twin sister, Avery McMorran lovingly remembers her sister, "She was my best friend. She was really nice and always included everyone. If she saw someone sitting alone, she would go and include them and made everyone feel welcome."

Despite her untimely passing, Zoe's legacy at Tri-County will live on through her kindness, caring, courage and strength and the memories of those who knew and loved her.

"there’s a lot to look forward to”

Ryan Lanigan, founder and Editor-in-Chief of Hockomock Sports .com, provide the recap of the FHS girls lacrosse D1 semi-final game on Monday.

"It’s certainly no secret that Franklin girls lacrosse has a lethal offense that is tough to stop. 

But Longmeadow had the perfect game plan in the D1 State Semifinal: keep the ball away from the Panthers. 

The Lancers dominated draws and used lengthy offensive possessions, taking up to three or four minutes at times, especially in the second half. That formula resulted in a 12-6 win for Longmeadow and a trip to the D1 State Final. 

“You can’t win the game without the ball,” said Franklin head coach Kristin Igoe Guarino said. “I don’t think there is any secret that we didn’t win draws and we didn’t have the ball. When we did have the ball, we could score. But I think we won two draws in the entire second half and our offense was very short. No ball, no win.”

Continue reading the article online
https://hockomocksports.com/longmeadow-ousts-franklin-girls-lacrosse-in-d1-state-semifinal/

https://twitter.com/FHSSports/status/874392791840894978

#GameFacesOn LET'S GO FRANKLIN!!! @Fhsglax pic.twitter.com/8NWlLCdVlw

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) June 12, 2017