Wednesday, August 9, 2017

39th Feast of St Rocco - Aug 6 -13, 2017

The carnival rides were delivered to the grounds of the St Rocco Festival and will be set up to open on schedule.

carnival rides delivered and ready for set up
carnival rides delivered and ready for set up

The schedule for the rides is as follows:




The entertainment schedule is as follows:





ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE ST. ROCCO FAMILY FESTIVAL


On the Festival Grounds


THURSDAY, AUGUST 10
5:00-10:00 Ride all rides for $25 (bracelet)


FRIDAY, AUGUST 11
6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Andi the Clown
6:00 - 10:00 p.m. (ON THE BANDSTAND) The Reminisants


SATURDAY, AUGUST 12
11:00a.m.-3:00p.m. Ride all rides for $25 (bracelet)
1:00 p.m. Paws, the PawSox mascot will be on the field
1:30 - 4:30 p.m. (ON THE BANDSTAND) 
Bobby Costello D. J.
3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Andi the Clown
6:00 - 10:00 p.m. (ON THE BANDSTAND Sea Breeze


SUNDAY, AUGUST 13
12:00 - 4:00p.m. (ON THE BANDSTAND) Bob Costello D.J.
12:00 - 4:00p.m. Ride all rides for $25 (bracelet)
3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Andi the Clown
4:00 - 7:00 p.m. (ON THE BANDSTAND) Jerry Seeco Band
7:00 -8:00 p.m. Bob Costello D.J.
7:30 p.m. Drawing to be held


For additional information, you can visit the St Rocco's Festival page 
http://stmarysfranklin.org/93

Senator Spilka: FY18 Senate Budget + Session Wrap Up




Greetings! 
We did it!  Thanks to your calls, emails, tweets and testimony, we were able to stop the Baker Administration from pushing through the most sweeping reforms to Massachusetts health care without any input from the public.  The Legislature will now move forward with our efforts to vet these proposals in a formal, transparent manner.

Working with our colleagues in the House, we were also able to create a dedicated reserve for Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) in the FY18 budget, to support the important work of our bar advocates and ensure access to justice for all.  

I'm also proud to report that the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act is now law. Everyone deserves a safe, healthy work environment, and that includes pregnant and nursing workers.  Women are an important part of our economic success, and we must do all we can to make sure our laws reflect the everyday reality facing our workforce.

Below are more highlights from the final Fiscal Year 2018 state budget, the beginning of the 2017-2018 legislative session, and around the district.

Please remember that this newsletter is just a snapshot of my work at the State House and in the district.  If you want the full picture, be sure to follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

It continues to be my absolute pleasure to serve the people of the 2nd Norfolk and Middlesex district, and the Commonwealth.  As always, if you have any questions, comments or ideas, please don't hesitate to contact my office! 

PRESERVING ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE
Photo by Mike Deehan

Spilka: Our state's health care commitment
MetroWest Daily News
These proposals, arguably the most significant changes to the state's MassHealth program since the 1990s, would rescind MassHealth eligibility or reduce benefits for 400,000 low income adults. Many stakeholder groups and health care advocates have expressed concerns to me that these changes could seriously impact our most vulnerable residents, those who are least able to afford restricted access to medications, the loss of benefits or an increase in co-pays and deductibles.
Reforms Or Rollbacks? Baker Battles Dems Over MassHealth
WGBH

Ashland Sen. Karen Spilka, the Senate's top budget writer, said there need to be solutions to the cost problem that don't include limiting local Medicaid enrollment, which was expanded under the Affordable Care Act.

"If we accepted the governor's proposal on this, Massachusetts would be the first state in the nation to start rolling back Medicaid expansion. That is not a direction I would like to see Massachusetts going. We are a Commonwealth. We take care of our residents, particularly our most vulnerable residents," Spilka told WGBH News.

Commonwealth Magazine

WCVB Channel 5
Office of State Senator Karen E. Spilka
Room 212, State House
Boston, Massachusetts  02133
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Senator Karen E. Spilka, Massachusetts State House, Room 212, Boston, MA 02133

Sent by karen.spilka@masenate.gov in collaboration with
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This newsletter was shortened for publication here, to read the full contents Click here

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



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
Zentangle spoken here
Jane's Frames | 11 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038

Sent by janesframes60@gmail.com in collaboration with
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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
Newcomers and Friends: We're Back! - Meeting Sep 13

Tuesday, August 8, 2017

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






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





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
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
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
Concerts on the Common - Mike Rutkowski - Aug 9
Note: The Leeds concert originally scheduled for July 12 has been rescheduled for Aug 23