Monday, August 28, 2017

Schools may be ready but Beaver St turf field and high school track not complete

While the schools are ready to open, two key fields are not yet ready.
"Getting ready to kick off the 2017-2018 school year!! Looking forward to seeing everyone at the Ice Cream Social (9/8) and Curriculum Night (9/12)!"

Facebook image from Davis Thayer PCC

The new turf has been laid down at the high school field but the track is not yet complete so access is restricted until it is completed. When remains TBD?

sign clearly forbidding access until the work is complete
sign clearly forbidding access until the work is complete

turf field in but track not yet laid out
turf field in but track not yet laid out


The turf field at Beaver St is also not ready. A retention wall and drainage was still be worked when I was by a week or so ago.

retaining wall being added along the Beaver St side of the field
retaining wall being added along the Beaver St side of the field

no new turf yet
no new turf yet

What are the #2069 signs? (video)

The signs appearing around Franklin and other MA communities originated in Wrentham.





If the embedded FOX25 video doesn't work well, please try this link
http://www.fox25boston.com/news/2069-movement-helps-shed-new-light-on-opioid-crisis/596245838

signs were available from the SAFE Coalition table  Saturday at the movie night on the Town Common
signs were available from the SAFE Coalition table
Saturday at the movie night on the Town Common




"a better understanding of what police officers do and how we do it"

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

"The police department is taking registrations to join its citizen’s police academy, where citizens have the opportunity learn first-hand what their local officers are up to. 
The academy starts on Sept. 13, and runs every Wednesday from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. for ten weeks. 
“We’re resurrecting a program we used to run,” said coordinator Lt. James West. “It gives a complete overview over ten weeks about what a law enforcement agency is.” 
He said the program has been well received, and that residents walk away with a more secure and understanding relationship with law enforcement."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170827/sign-ups-open-for-franklin-citizen-academy


Citizen Police Academy begins Sep 13
Citizen Police Academy begins Sep 13

 
The full announcement was made earlier in August
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/franklin-pd-and-lifelong-community.html

Sunday, August 27, 2017

Franklin Public Schools: Letter from Superintendent Sara Ahern

Dear Students, Parents/Guardians, and Community Members,

I hope this letter finds you enjoying these days of summer. As the summer winds down, I eagerly anticipate the start of the 2017-2018 school year. I have been saying that I should not be wishing my summer away, yet I am finding myself more excited than ever to start a school year. Much of my excitement is due to the extremely positive impressions of our district and community that I have developed in these early months as your Superintendent of Schools.

This summer has been a busy one! Our principals and administrators completed a busy hiring season and, as I write, we are welcoming a cohort of talented, new educators at New Educator Orientation. We continued a robust and rich summer program with Extended School Year, STAR enrichment programs, High School Experience, and Solutions. This summer has also been busy readying the schools for opening. I want to thank the faculty and staff, secretaries, custodians, Department of Public Works, and the Facilities Department who have been instrumental in implementing summer programs and completing summer projects to get the school year off to a great start.

My excitement for the school year also stems from the opportunity I will have to develop and strengthen relationships with students, families, and community members over the coming months. As a newcomer to Franklin, I am engaging in a systematic entry process, where I will spend the next several months learning as much as I can about the Franklin Public Schools. I also want to use this time to allow you to get to know me. I have been reviewing key documents, I am listening to stakeholders in the schools and community through forums and focus groups, and I will directly observe teaching and learning. This winter, I will present a Report of Findings, which will inform strategic goal setting in the spring.

I will be connecting to students, holding parent forums at each of our schools, and hosting open community forums this fall. More information about dates and locations will be coming soon. I recently presented my entry plan to the Franklin School Committee and I invite you to access it in our District News feed: http://www.franklin.k12.ma.us/Pages/FranklinDistrict_News/

Additionally, you can expect newsletters from the Superintendent’s Office on a regular basis beginning this fall.

We look forward to welcoming students (grades 1-12) back to school on Tuesday, August 29, 2017 and Kindergarten students on Wednesday, August 30, 2017. Please note that Friday, September 1, 2017 is a district-wide professional development day, and there will be no school for students. The first day for students at ECDC is Tuesday, September 5, 2017. It is going to be a great year!

Sincerely,
Sara E. Ahern, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

Parmenter School sign with the school opening dates
Parmenter School sign with the school opening dates
Superintendent's Entry Plan
http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinDistrict_News/0259188A-000F8513

This was also part of the School Committee meeting on Aug 22 and can be found here as well
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczZmF5TTlBN2xwU3N6a0piT1dsdlkzZm9VUHlj/view?usp=sharing

Schools are ready to open on schedule in Franklin

The following is the recap of the School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Aug 22, 2017. 


  • Superintendent Ahern has a mentor provided by the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents as part of their Superintendent Induction program
  • New teachers and administrators were introduced
  • Professional development during the summer was reviewed and the plan for Sep 1 was provided (see links below)
  • A proposal for a Unified Basketball team was approved and later accepted along with the Action Items
  • Superintendent Ahern provided her entry plan as discussed during the Induction Program section opening the meeting
  • The District Improvement Plan previewed in the prior SC meeting was updated during the administrator offsite planning session and the revision was approved. The individual schools will now take this plan and work on their own goals to meet the objectives
  • Parent and student handbooks for each of the schools were approved and are now available from the School District webpage (see link below)
  • Schools are ready to open on schedule



Summer 2017 Professional Development
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczWXFQODhDYkRJbGZDNXBVcGNPbWdJdDNNbWFj/view?usp=sharing

Professional Development - Sep 1
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczc3FTdWJrbWVyc1dYOWREWUxCamNHWGZwRGJF/view?usp=sharing

Unified Basketball Proposal
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczSFhyM2VWaEpHcVV5ZExwcFZWeldlcTFYRFZj

Superintendent Entry Plan
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczZmF5TTlBN2xwU3N6a0piT1dsdlkzZm9VUHlj/view?usp=sharing

Revised - District Improvement Plan




Proposed agenda format
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczaDA4bWZhLUdkTGpvYUlLUHVTVWpJWG9vYWU4/view?usp=sharing

Current agenda format
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczalp4M2FCS0h2UGNVMXNDX2JkVUctVDdpNUVV/view?usp=sharing

School handbooks
http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/pages/FranklinDistrict_webdocs/handbooks/index


Additional information can be found in my noted captured live during the meeting


fresh pavement marking at the ECDC
fresh pavement marking at the ECDC

section of curbing at Parmenter replaced and painted
section of curbing at Parmenter replaced and painted

The facilities department has been busy this summer. What changes have you seen in your neighborhood school? 


Franklin Public Library getting ready to move back to Main St

The Franklin Public Library is getting ready to move back from its temporary location at 25 Kenwood Circle to its renovated home at 118 Main St. 

The temporary location will close on Sep 16 and the renovated building will re-open about 4 weeks later.

Franklin Public Library getting ready to move back to Main St
Franklin Public Library getting ready to move back to Main St

some of the bricks have been  installed. Have you purchased yours yet?
some of the bricks have been  installed. Have you purchased yours yet?
Information on the memorial bricks can be found here
http://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/pages/friends-franklin-library

#shopFranklin Movie Night on the Town Common

T\he weather was perfect for families to come out to enjoy the free movie on the Town Common Saturday night. Many of Franklin's small businesses sponsored the showing of "Finding Dory".


Make a donation to the SAFE Coalition and enter to win the #shopFranklin Movie Night Raffle Prize worth over $500 from local businesses including: 
$50 to Elizabeth's Bagels$50 American Express card from Fenton Financial GroupEyebrow threading from Rainbow Eyebrow ThreadingNail services from Bellezza Day SpaA beautiful wall mirror from Franklin Glass Company Inc. (value $150)And more gifts from:The Dance StudioFranklin School for the Performing ArtsFocus Designs & PhotosMy Little Sunshine Children's Consignment BoutiqueBrian Richard's SalonBig Biscuit BakeryAnd even more!

Message Sarah Mabardy with a screen shot of your confirmation and you will get 1 entry for every dollar donated at http://safecoalitionma.com/donate/


the crowd settled in for the show
the crowd settled in for the show

Jim Derick and Dr Jordan Warnick of the SAFE Coalition recording for Franklin TV
Jim Derick and Dr Jordan Warnick of the SAFE Coalition recording for Franklin TV

“A lot of these issues have to do with congestion”

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

"MetroWest in recent years has become an economic hub home to numerous global corporations and businesses. 
The large corporations bring increased tax revenue for local communities and much-needed jobs, but also more commuters and traffic congestion to the area’s main thoroughfare – Interstate 495. 
“The congestion has increased dramatically the past 15 years,” said Stephanie Hirshon, executive director of the MetroWest/495 Transportation Management Association. 
With more congestion comes more car crashes, said Hirson and Milford Fire Chief William Touhey."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170826/officials-hope-to-reduce-crashes-on-i-495



Saturday, August 26, 2017

Family Movie Night - Saturday, Aug 26, 7:00 PM

Be our guest as the #shopFranklin Business Community invites you to our FREE Family Movie Night on The Franklin Town Common.

Grab some free popcorn and water, buy some pizza, do some shopping and connect with our favorite business owners as you settle in for our showing of "Finding Dory"


Thank you to our#shopFranklin sponsors for making this event possible:
Additional thanks to
NHS Print for the printed signs
Focus Designs & Photos for the graphic
Franklin Recreation Department for porta potties!


Family Movie Night - Saturday, Aug 26, 7:00 PM
Family Movie Night - Saturday, Aug 26, 7:00 PM

In the News: Franklin native commands ship; Waiver sought for MCAS alternative

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

"The salty sea air, the never-ending expanse of blue, and the unmistakable beep on the sonar displaying a minefield off in the distance. 
Though not a typical day at work for Franklin native and commanding officer of the U.S.S. Champion, Joshua Kristenson, it’s something he’s been trained for and it’s the main focus of his job in San Diego, California. 
The 26-year-old vessel is 244-feet long and is an Avenger class mine-countermeasure ship. Her primary purpose is to detect and detonate sea mines. 
USS CHAMPION - ship's crest
USS CHAMPION - ship's crest
“Mine warfare is somewhat slow and unglamorous. It’s not shooting missiles out of space, and I’ve been on ships that can do that,” he said with a chuckle. “It’s slow and methodical, and extraordinarily vital when it comes to keeping sea-lines of communication open and protecting America and our interests.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170825/franklin-man-commands-military-vessel

Additional info on Lt Commander Kristenson and the U.S.S. Champion
http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/MCMDominant/Pages/bio1.aspx#.WaFesCiGPIU


"New federal limits on the number of students allowed to take an alternative to the state’s MCAS exam could have significant impacts for some special education students in Massachusetts. 
The federal Every Student Succeeds Act, the successor to No Child Left Behind, includes a requirement that no more than 1 percent of public school students in any state take the alternative assessment instead of the state’s standardized exam. Proponents of the cap say the vast majority of special education students are able to take the standard exam with accommodations, and that taking the alternative assessment in early grades could put students on a track that could delay or hinder the eventual attainment of a high school diploma. 
In Massachusetts, more than 1.6 percent of students currently take the alternative assessment, or MCAS-Alt, primarily due to severe cognitive disabilities. 
“Obviously, if a student is required to take MCAS, even with accommodations, if it’s not developmentally appropriate for the student, it’s going to have an impact on them,” said Jim Major, executive director of the Massachusetts Association of Approved Private Schools, an organization of schools that educates severely disabled students whose educational needs cannot be met by their public schools."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170825/massachusetts-seeks-waiver-from-mcas-alt-limit

"civics education is a rather limited offering for students"

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

"According to Michael Walsh, a history, government and politics teacher at Franklin High School, students often struggle with answering sample questions from the U.S. citizenship test. 
A general understanding of the material only goes so far. 
“They may know there are three branches (of government) but do they know they’re supposed to be equal branches?” Walsh asked in a recent interview."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170824/students-push-for-education-about-government

The full text of the US Constitution can be found online
https://www.whitehouse.gov/1600/constitution

The charter is the document that determines how Franklin governs itself
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/revised_2013.pdf


Franklin Municipal Building
Franklin Municipal Building

Back to School! Encore's September/October Newsletter


Welcome to our newsletter.  There is always so much going on at Encore - read on to stay up-to-date!
View this email in your browser
Promoting excellence in the fields of music education, performance, and the recording arts

September/October 2017 Newsletter

 
Welcome to a brand-new academic school year here at Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios! We hope you all had a fun-filled and relaxing summer, and we are really looking forward to the new year and all it promises.

Fall registration is currently in progress and is on a first-come, first-served basis.  We encourage you to call or stop by as soon as possible to secure your preferred lesson time slot(s), as we are filling very quickly.

We have a roster of brand-new classes we are offering this year including, but not limited to: a Songwriter's Workshop under the instruction of Brian Dollaway, our Wind Chamber Ensemble under the direction of Woodwind Specialist, Lea Botta, music theory classes in all levels, our boys' vocal ensemble known as The Encorrigibles, our Girls' Vocal Ensemble, and so, so many more.  Students are welcome to audit one complimentary class at any time.

We are very proud to be able to say that we offer private instruction in every conventional instrument, and even a few lesser-known ones, as well.  In addition to all woodwind and brass instruments, we have instruction in ALL strings, including harp.  Percussion, voice, and piano round out our many offerings.

For more information, please stop by either location, or call us! We would be happy to answer any questions you may have.
In This Issue

Welcome Back Announcements
Encore Policies
Location, Location and Encore Hours
Fall 2017 Classes: A Complete List
Important Dates
Did You Know?
Music For the Win! Raffle Tickets
Student Spotlight
Kudos Korner
RCMDP Name Change
Studio Stories
Trombone, Euphonium, and Tuba Available
Harp Lessons Available
Cello Lessons at Encore
Double-Bass Now Offered
Fundraising through Amazon S
mile
Stay Connected
Click to Review our Policies - Including Inclement Weather

Note the newsletter was shortened for publication here. To read the full contents
View this email in your browser


...




Friday, August 25, 2017

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 8/25/17 - THU 8/31/17

FRIDAY 8/25/17
9-11am   StoryWalk® on the SNETT rail trail @ Center Street in Bellingham
12-6pm   Franklin Farmers Market @ Town Common

SATURDAY 8/26/17
10-1pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
11am-3pm   Back2School Bash @ Russian School of Math in Franklin
7-10pm   #shopFranklin Movie Night @ The Town Common

SUNDAY 8/27/17
1-4pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open

MONDAY 8/28/17
7pm   Learn to Cope Franklin Chapter Meeting @ FUSF

TUESDAY 8/29/17
Franklin Public Schools - First Day of School

WEDNESDAY 8/30/17
5:30-7:30pm   Art and Music @ Jane's Frames
6:30pm   SNETT Rail Trail: Ride of Discovery @ Center Street Trailhead in Bellingham, bike and helmet required.

THURSDAY 8/31/17
5-8pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
7-8pm   Healing Hearts Community Support Group @ Franklin YMCA

For the Town of Franklin Public Calendar click HERE.

For all other events and Franklin happenings click HERE.

*To submit an event for the Community Calendar, please use this FORM

Franklin Rotary Club and Dean College will be hosting their first Annual Car Show - Sep 17.

The Franklin Rotary Club and Dean College will be hosting their first Annual Car Show for Charity and Community on Sunday, September 17th.


  • $15.00 per car entry
  • Show: 11:00 – 4:00 PM at Dean College Campus Center, located at 109 West Street, Franklin, MA
  • Judging at 3:00 PM
  • Trophies awarded for specified classes
  • Dean College Dining Hall will be open for a Discounted Brunch
  • Hamburgers and Hot Dogs, soda and water available for purchase
  • Entertainment and DJ hosed by The DJ Car Guy

All the proceeds raised will go directly back to the community:

  • The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Program. Rotary Clubs from the around the world, including the Franklin Rotary Club, participate in this leadership program geared towards developing young adults into leaders. Each year, thousands of young people participate in this program. Young people ages 13–30 are sponsored by Rotary Clubs to attend the event run by the club's district committee)
  • Grants to High School Seniors
  • Community Outreach Programs


Sponsorship Available through Business or Personal


  • $1,000 (Exotic Car Level) - Your company branded area space for 2 cars; live promotion by DJ during Show; large company logo display; Trophy Sponsorship – “Best In Show”; Coupons for handout
  • $500 (Luxury Care Level) - Trophy Sponsorship; company logo display; coupons for handout
  • $250 (Classic Care Level) - Trophy Sponsorship; company logo display; coupons for handout
  • $100 (Friends of Rotary Level) – Business Card on Flyer


Franklin Rotary Club and Dean College
will be hosting their first Annual Car Show - Sep 17.


DEADLINE FOR SPONSORSHIP – FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2017


Sponsorship Levels include all Print and Social Media Promotions

Hope to see you all at the Franklin Rotary/Dean College Car Show!


Contact Information:
Gary Convertino – Dean College – gconvertino@dean.edu (508-541-1681)
Terry Katsaros – Franklin Rotary – theodosios.Katsaros@rocklandtrust.com

FHS student sketch gathers attention

Another FHS student, Emma Trianese, gained attention this week with realistic artwork. Via Twitter, we find that the wonderful portrait of Tom Brady sketched by @trinanesemma has over 340 retweets and approx 1900 likes only a few days after being shared by OnlyInBoston.



https://twitter.com/OnlyInBOS/status/899723530216013824
https://twitter.com/OnlyInBOS/status/899723530216013824

Enrollment underway at Elemen-Tree House

Openings available for Before and After school care. Transportation to all Franklin schools included.

For more information, please visit the webpage  https://www.elementreehouse.com/


Enrollment underway at Elemen-Tree House
Enrollment underway at Elemen-Tree House

"The point was really kind of just to contribute to a cause and hopefully make an impact"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin, in this case ICYMI:

"There’s a new billboard in town - and a local student is its designer. 
The work by Franklin native and college student Kyle Pandiscio can be seen on highways and interstates across the nation, spreading the message not to text and drive. 
Pandiscio is a marketing student at UMass Amherst Isenberg School of Management who entered a nationwide billboard design competition sponsored by Project Yellow Light foundation. Out of 1,100 submissions nationwide, Pandiscio and his partner Julia Keefe, of Westfield, took the top prize. 
Project Yellow Light was founded by Julie and Lowell Garner who lost their 16-year-old son, Hunter, in a car crash in 2007. The organization hosts video, billboard, and radio competitions for high school and college students. Winners receive scholarships and they’ll get to see their content aired or posted around the country."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170824/billboard-design-by-franklin-college-student-goes-national

Student Team Wins National Advertising Competition
Student Team Wins National Advertising Competition (UMass immge)


Thursday, August 24, 2017

StoryWalk® on the SNETT - Aug 25 - 9 AM

"Come read and walk on the local rail trail. Book(s) are suitable for ages 3 and up, but all are welcome! Participants will be entered into a drawing for a free book. 
This is a pop up StoryWalk® that will only be available on Aug 25th between 9-11am. 
There is a parking area near the kiosk on Center Street, the StoryWalk® will be across the street from parking.

The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson.
 
Thank you to the Bellingham Public Library for help with the book selections."


StoryWalk® on the SNETT - Aug 25
StoryWalk® on the SNETT - Aug 25

For updates, follow the Facebook event from the Rail Trail Committee