Jane's Frames: Music and Art on Thursday's in August

Join us and bring a friend or two!

You're invited! Join us for Music with Kai Olsson Art Demo with Jane  Select Thursday's in August 8/10, 8/24, 8/24 from 5:30-7:30 Guest artists, appetizers and more!  Plus, we'll be offering specials on all Art in stock Don't miss the fun and festivities.   Jane's Frames, 11 E. Central Street, 508-528-3256, janesframes.com

Jane's Frames | 11 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by janesframes60@gmail.com in collaboration with Try it free today

Newcomers and Friends: We're Back! - Meeting Sep 13

The Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club kicks off the 2017/2018 season at our next monthly meeting. On Wednesday, September 13 we welcome you to join us. We have planned some fun social games; so come have fun and make some connections in your community.

We invite any resident of Franklin, or a surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, to join us at "3" Restaurant, 461 West Central Street, Franklin. Complimentary appetizers and beverages are provided and a cash bar is available. 

We meet upstairs at 7:30 PM on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. We run our meetings September through May. Additionally, we hold many fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year.

For more information, please visit our website www.franklinnewcomers.com or our Facebook page, Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club.

Newcomers and Friends: We're Back! - Meeting Sep 13

Live reporting: Action items to closing

4. Action Items
a. I recommend budget transfers as detailed.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,000.00 from IBM Corp. for in-house enrichment at Keller Elementary School.
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $24.00 from the Red Robin/The Kula Foundation for in-house enrichment at Franklin High School.
d. I recommend acceptance of the Parmenter 5th grade class gift of a buddy bench for the Parmenter Playground ($400.00 value).
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $3.51 from Red Robin/The Kula Foundation for in-house enrichment at Davis Thayer Elementary School.
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,805.00 from Franklin Music Parents for in-house enrichment for the Music Program.


items being read, and a hold may be raised on individual item, otherwise, the whole block could be voted on and approved as a block

Question on the buddy bench item. are there buddy benches elsewhere?

motion to accept actions items as discussed, seconded, passed 6-0

5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report

• Sara Klim, Jefferson interim princpal, holding initial meetings, has a transition plans
• placement letters will be mailed Aug 15, will update the website as well
• high school experience underway, over 350 students, about 420-450 expected in the class)
• students will get their schedules this week
• Chromebook delivery is delayed, units will be swapped out with new ones when available

School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
workshops on subject specific topics possible

Community Relations to plan coffee dates for the Fall to be set

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

Live reporting: District Improvement Plan - preview

Sara - this is a preview of the District improvement plan which I will bring back to the Committee for your approval. 

"inclusive" was added to reinforce and stress safe collaborative environments

focus on the four strategic objectives

Peter Light - explains more on the first initiative around social emotional learning (SEL)

individual actions do not include items that have already been 'institutionalized'

nothing happens in one year, the changes take more than one to be effective

what is our leadership structure look like for SEL?
SEL is still in an infancy stage and there is not yet a defined measurement
what are the skills we are teaching via SEL then you can set up to measure

focusing on classroom practices, what is going on; looking at behavioral issues is equally important

MTSS (MTSS = multi tier system support) developed internally (within the District) needs to be published so the teachers can start using it, and then published publicly so the parents and community can become aware of it too

Joyce - explaining more on the second initiative

World of Difference program, pilot this year, what will the future years look like?

science and digital learning focus on alignment and instructional changes
1:1 environment at the High School, many Chromebooks available in elementary; what are rights and responsibilities for teachers and students

can add the move to the Google platform more fully, had been at the high school, it will be an opportunity across the district

goal of grading practices will be multi year, not a fast fix
starting the conversation, it is messy work, causing an innovative disruption
not sure if a timeline can be fully fleshed out, not that linear
low hanging fruit will be common vocabulary around the reporting standards within the reporting tool

creating an educator based focus group to look at a homework policy incorporating best practices K-12, some district wide work, mostly building based work, want the work to be grounded in research and best practices; it will be a full year effort

Sara - third area

the transition plan includes a work product on her initial findings

Peter talks about the peer coaching programs; coaching, mentoring, professional development; but after 4+ years, what are the opportunities for the veteran educators to share and continue to develop; piloting at elementary this year; for all teachers, and for targeted teachers

Sara - final area, communications
not a sole responsibility of Central Office, needs to be shared among the principals and staff; all stakeholders need to be involved
what communications channels are working well, how do you want to receive it?

School Councils have a place and key role to play

Comment - commendation on the first bullet for communications

c. District Improvement Plan Preview 17-18

Live reporting: Elementary Improvement Plans - End of Year Update

b. Elementary Schools Improvement Plan Update 16-17

Kate Peretz, principal of Oak St Elementary

• overview of the elementary program and what will be covered tonight
• mid-year updates are still in process, the work will continue
• data collection in the responsive classroom is key, how do we know that this is doing what we need to do?

Kelty Kelley, principal of ECDC

• work on curriculum
• started a play group with English Language Learner (ELL) families
• .4 school psychologist added this year, worked on smart goal to address social emotional learning for the 3-4-5 year olds at the ECDC
• for next steps, work on a common plan for intervention and continue to work on incorporating responsive classroom training with the other teachers (some have it, some don't yet)

Kathleen Gerber, principal of Davis Thayer

• has a strong set of teachers at DT, working on learning from each other, being empowered to pursue as necessary; set up and incorporated feedback via peer observation
• working on the co-teaching model
• piloting iReady in math
• partnerships with family and community, had fun Friday's for math, expanded to ELL and 
• partnered with Dean to have tutors come into the classrooms, looking to expand this year; piloting a mentor program as well
• PCC meetings are key to what happens, topics prepared for each meeting, including food services and food choices
• exploring partnership with Lesley Univ on impact of trauma
• working to develop clubs at DT; rock band, drama and chess club among other suggestions

Comment -"we learn best from each other"

Dean has been sitting there for all these years, to see them involved is great

Sarah Klim, Interim Principal of Jefferson

• inclusiveness is one of the core values; not one of the most diverse areas so paying attention to this is important
• a 'calm down tool kit', as a result of an FEF grant, placed in each classroom

Q - can you create a 'calm down' tool kit for the country?

Eric Stark, principal of Helen Keller

• emphasis on social emotional learning as that is key to doing everything else
• partnered with Dr Murphy to get professional development to work on behavioral support, set up a behavioral support team at the school
• collaboration across the teachers to create personalized learning for the students
• some programs received limited parent involvement; need to evaluate how to address this (possibly via the students themselves)
• parent learning site developed to help support the learning at home, looking to expand use and awareness of this

Dr Ashley, principal of JF Kennedy

• piloted before and after school programs; collaboration with Lifelong Learning
• fostering cultural awareness, bring the knowledge in from parents

Kate again (instead of overview, providing school specific info)

• REACH program assessment started last summer
• used Collaborative for Academic Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL)
• engaged all stakeholders in creating a collaborative culture
• looking to expand professional development opportunities
• Oak selected for pilot with William James College looking at school climate and culture
• creating a greater connection between social emotional learning SEL and academics

Shannon Barca, principal of Parmenter

• used Understanding by Design approach (kind of backwards learning)
• newly designed SEL modules
• monthly meeting, whole school mindful approach
• implemented a collaborative staff development (via ed camp model)
• inviting families in to be a partner in their students success
• partnering with Lesley as well to get training and awareness on how to deal with trauma

Comment - core values mean nothing unless we can use them in practice

Tonight was an excellent night, there are things we can all do better. hard not to be impressed and proud of what we do have here in Franklin.

Sara - I'd like to thank them as well. I have been talking about my transition plan. My impression on such a strong set of professionals

Elementary- End of Year - 2016-17 School Improvement Plan Updates from Franklin Matters

Live reporting: School Committee - August 8, 2017

Present:  Scofield, Douglas, Bergen, O'Malley, Schultz, Jewell

Absent:  Bilello

1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
none

Review of Agenda
no changes

Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the July 18, 2017 School Committee Meeting.
recommend to approve, seconded, passed 6-0

Payment of Bills - Dr. O’Malley
Payroll - Mrs. Douglas
Correspondence: none

O'Malley makes statement on the presence of "signs" that may or may not have resulted from an incident at a school. The School Committee did not act to place the signs. They do want to create and conduct an inclusive environment.


2. Guests/Presentations

a. Middle/High Schools Improvement Plan Update 16-17

Annie Sullivan update by Peter Light, Beth Witcoff could not attend tonight

• 6th teachers incorporated the responsive classroom into their curriculum
• recommitted to process of incorporating core values into the program with whole school efforts; revised mission statement; will next work on vision and core value updates
• 7th grade teachers working this summer on a program for their students this year
• SEL and mindfulness approaches had effects on the teachers as well as the students
• approx. 300 Tweets from the school Twitter account between Oct and end of school year

Middle and High School - End of Year - School Improvement Plan Updates from Franklin Matters

Rebecca Motte, principal of Horace Mann Middle School

• 6th grade teacher training
• school wide mental health awareness day held
• established school based committees on 
• explore science program
• teacher cluster based website for parents to get info

Brian Wildeman, principal of Remington

• brought back advisory program
• School Wellness Advisory Council (SWAC), piloted the full day mental health awareness in May; one parent taught Zumba for 6 hours as the day incorporated all aspects
• science standards, implemented units across all three grades
• all 3 middle school will participate in the Anti-Defamation lead course this year

Q - what are the measures to show success of the approach?
When you go and observe the classrooms, you can see the common language and approach in the rooms as the students participate

Paul Peri, principal of Franklin High School

• 10 year process came to an end with the NEASC visit
• week of mental health awareness held with multiple
• completed all observations of new staff, being in the classrooms and seeing what is going on 
• biweekly newsletter to parents successful
• the response of the Central Office and the community to the school family when loss was realized
• recognized as an AP Honor Roll school, while FHS received it, it really reflects on the school district as a whole
• regular meetings with the School Council were beneficial for the new administration
• Club fair showcased the 70+ opportunities, student generated and run
• did make Boston Magazines Top 50 listing
• learned quite a bit on underage drinking/substance abuse and look forward to continue to work the issue, did not have any issues during Senior Week
• focus on building relationships between students and adults (whether faculty or otherwise)
• the 1% tardies while a small group drives the numbers and more work to address this needs to be done
• looking at the grading practices to provide professional development and research to enable a good discussion among the staff

Comment - thanks for addressing the grading consistency as that was something we had heard from the community as a need of focus

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Aug 8, 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 July 18, 2017 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills - Dr. O’Malley
Payroll - Mrs. Douglas
Correspondence: none

2. Guests/Presentations
a. Middle/High Schools Improvement Plan Update 16-17
b. Elementary Schools Improvement Plan Update 16-17
c. District Improvement Plan Preview 17-18

3. Discussion Only Items
None

4. Action Items
a. I recommend budget transfers as detailed.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,000.00 from IBM Corp. for in-house enrichment at Keller Elementary School.
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $24.00 from the Red Robin/The Kula Foundation for in-house enrichment at Franklin High School.
d. I recommend acceptance of the Parmenter 5th grade class gift of a buddy bench for the Parmenter Playground ($400.00 value).
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $3.51 from Red Robin/The Kula Foundation for in-house enrichment at Davis Thayer Elementary School.
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,805.00 from Franklin Music Parents for in-house enrichment for the Music Program.

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

Files associated with this agenda:

The District Improvement Plan
https://www.slideshare.net/shersteve/fps-district-improvement-plan-20172018

Elementary End of Year Improvement Plan Updates
https://www.slideshare.net/shersteve/elementary-end-of-year-201617-school-improvement-plan-updates

Middle - High School End of Year Improvement Plan Updates
https://www.slideshare.net/shersteve/middle-and-high-school-end-of-year-school-improvement-plan-updates

Franklin Library: Bryson Lang - Wednesday, Aug 9

Bryson Lang, will appear at the Franklin Public Library on Wednesday, August 9, 10:00 AM.

Franklin Library: Bryson Lang - Wednesday, Aug 9

This was shared from the Franklin Library page
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2017/08/bryson-lang-wednesday-august-9-1000-am.html

Concerts on the Common - Mike Rutkowski - Aug 9

Set aside Wednesday evening for "family night" on the Town Common. Bring a blanket, chairs, and a picnic meal; relax and enjoy the evening.

August 9  - Mike Rutkowski

In the event of rain, the concert will be held at:St Mary's/Ben Franklin Charter School - across the street from the common.

Wednesdays 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Concerts on the Common - Mike Rutkowski - Aug 9

Note: The Leeds concert originally scheduled for July 12 has been rescheduled for Aug 23

In the News: Mixed messages on potential Federal interference with MA laws

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

"THE ISSUE: A proposal in Congress would prohibit states from taxing or regulating out-of-state businesses. 

THE IMPACT: Some analysts say the bill could affect parts of an approved 2016 Massachusetts ballot question, which bans the sale of pork, veal and eggs produced from animals that were confined in certain ways. 

While the 2016 Massachusetts law on farm animal confinement isn’t due to take effect for several more years, some industry analysts say a new federal bill could impact its rollout. 

“Generally speaking, our position is that regulation without representation should not be allowed,” said Jim Monroe, a spokesman for the Iowa-based National Pork Producers Council, which contributed funding to oppose the Massachusetts ballot initiative last year."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170807/federal-bill-could-put-pitchfork-in-massachusetts-farm-animal-welfare-law

"One big question marijuana entrepreneurs will face in states like Massachusetts is whether federal agents will crack down on the state-sanctioned business, which is still illegal under federal law. 

At a gathering of policymakers from around the country on Monday, a lawmaker from Washington state, a Vanderbilt University law professor and a Brookings Institute fellow all suggested pot proprietors can breathe easy. 

The three experts, who spoke on a panel held by the National Conference of State Legislatures in Boston, each said tight funding and other pressures should keep federal law enforcement at bay. 

“Trying to roll it back and trying to go back to the old War on Drugs - the terribly failed system - they will do it at their own peril,” Rep. Roger Goodman, a Democrat who lives outside Seattle, told the gathering at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170807/little-chance-seen-of-federal-crackdown-on-legal-pot

Franklin Election 2017 - Candidate Status as of Aug 4

As of Friday August 4, 2017, the following list of residents had taken out nomination papers for the upcoming Biennial Town Election this November 7, 2017

Town Council

Deborah L. Pellegri - Candidate for Re-Election
Judith Pond Pfeffer - Candidate for Re-Election
Glenn Jones - Candidate for Re-Election
Andrew Bissanti - Candidate for Re-Election
Thomas D. Mercer - Candidate for Re-Election
Robert Dellorco - Candidate for Re-Election
Eamon McCarthy-Earls
Melanie Hamblen
Patrick Casey

School Committee

Denise L. Schultz - Candidate for Re-Election
Dr. Monica Linden
Virginia (Gigi) Zub

Planning Board

Joseph Halligan - Candidate for Re-Election

Board of Health

Bruce J. Hunchard - Candidate for Re-Election


Via email from Franklin Town Clerk, Teresa Burr

Franklin Municipal Building

Economic Development Committee - Agenda - Aug 9

The Economic Development Committee (EDC) is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, August 9 at 6:15 PM. There are two items on the published agenda. (1) review accessory building set back bylaws (2) review Nu-Style RFP.

Franklin Municipal Building site of most of the Board and Committee meetings,
Rm 205 is the site of the EDC meeting Aug 9

#shopFranklin Family Movie Night on the Common - August 26

The #shopFranklin business community will hold its 2nd Family Movie Night Saturday, August 26 at 7 PM on the Franklin Town Common.

#shopFranklin Family Movie Night on the Common - August 26

For additional details stay tuned in here, or visit the Facebook event page
https://www.facebook.com/events/1891457511174249/

“It was supposed to be temporary, but it became permanent”

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

"After eight years of a 6.25 percent sales tax, some retailers are calling for a change. 

The Retailers Association of Massachusetts is looking to put a lower tax rate on the ballot, placing the rate in the hands of voters in the November 2018 election. 

Bill Rennie, the association’s vice-president, said retailers had been concerned about the government’s failure to pass a sales tax holiday. Beyond that, he said, the state’s store-owners must compete with tax-free New Hampshire and untaxed Internet sales. 

“The Internet is never going away, and we’re not under the impression that it will,” he said. “What smart tax policy can do is make sure we’re operating on a level playing field.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170806/voters-could-decide-on-lower-tax-rates

https://www.simonfurniture.com/

Register O'Donnell Announces July '17 Norfolk County Real Estate Activity Report

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Announces July '17 Norfolk County Real Estate Activity Report Continuing low real estate inventory, higher interest rates and reduced mortgage lending were three major factors which led to a flat real estate market for the month of July, according to Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell. Register O'Donnell stated, "Empirical evidence shows there is little doubt that certain housing and lending dynamics are having a sluggish effect on real estate activity in Norfolk County." He noted that for the month of July a total of 1,757 properties, both residential and commercial, were sold in Norfolk County representing a minimal 1% increase from the previous year. Other economic indicators were even less impressive for July, such as the 3% drop in the average sales price for the same time period in 2016 and a 3% year over year reduction in total sales volume. Furthermore, lending activity also showed decreases for the month of July. A total of 2,407 mortgages were recorded during the month, a 14% decrease compared to July 2016. "Higher interest rates," noted O'Donnell, "and the prospect of rate increases through the end of the 2017 calendar year are making consumers think twice before borrowing money to pay for high ticket expenses such as home improvements." An aberration seen during the month was the total amount of residential and commercial borrowing increased by 267% to $4.6 billion. However, this is mainly explained by a large $1.6 billion mortgage taken out against a commercial property bordering Weymouth and Quincy. Foreclosure activity was a mixed bag. A total of 18 foreclosure deeds were recorded in July compared to 17 in July 2016. Where the foreclosure story gets more promising was the total number of Notice to Foreclose Mortgage filings, the first step in the foreclosure process, closing at 34, a sharp reduction from the 43 recordings for the same time last year. "While one foreclosure recording is one too many, the reduced number of Notice to Foreclose Mortgage filings is a positive trend," stated the Register. For those who are facing challenges paying their mortgage, the Registry continues to partner with Quincy Community Action Programs at (617) 479-8181 x-376 and Neighbor Works Southern Mass at (508) 598-0950 to help anyone who has received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage from a lender. Another option is to call the Massachusetts Attorney General's Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400. On the consumer front, the number of Homesteads recorded in Norfolk County was 1,230 for the month of July, a 2% reduction from the same time period in 2016. While the reduced number of Homesteads can be explained in part by the sluggish real estate sales seen in the County, Register O'Donnell noted, "A Homestead is an important consumer protection tool that I urge property owners to consider. By recording a Homestead, a property owner receives limited protection against the forced sale of their primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000." Register O'Donnell concluded, "July 2017 was admittedly an unremarkable month for real estate in Norfolk County. The trend lines - flat real estate sales and reduced lending activity - are the same trend lines seen beyond the county. Until we see increased levels of real estate inventory, particularly for first time home buyers, the market will remain flat. In regards to lending activity, all signs indicate the Fed will increase interest rates causing consumers to pause further before borrowing money." To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street, Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website at www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org. Register William P. O'Donnell Norfolk County Registry of Deeds email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-234-3336 web: http://www.norfolkdeeds.org

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831 Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with Try it free today Norfolk Deeds - Consumer Alert Service