Thursday, August 31, 2017

Reminder: Report problems via the DPW Work Order form

The app and service provided by SeeClickFix was discontinued by the Town of Franklin over a year ago yet, some folks still report problems via the service. The service will accept them but the Town of Franklin does not monitor them.

If you do have an issue (pothole, broken street light, malfunctioning traffic lights, etc.), you should report the problem with the DPW Work Order form
http://www.franklinma.gov/public-works/webforms/dpw-service-request-form

Reminder: Report problems via the DPW Work Order form
Reminder: Report problems via the DPW Work Order form

Furry Friends of The Franklin Dog Park - Work Day - Sep 9

Hello dog lovers, Furry Friends of The Franklin Dog Park Committee have scheduled a clean up and to spread wood chips on September 9th at 8 AM.

Volunteers are needed and students who need credit for community service. We need wheelbarrows, spade shovels, rakes and bring your own work gloves. 

Refreshments and snacks will be there for all the volunteers. 

Rain date is September 16th at 8am. thanks, Furry Friends of The Franklin Dog Park Committee. 

Woof! Woof!!



https://www.facebook.com/FranklinDogPark/
https://www.facebook.com/FranklinDogPark/

Online Academy Selects New Abbreviation to Simplify Its name

The Massachusetts Virtual Academy at Greenfield Commonwealth Virtual School is adopting 'GCVS' as its new abbreviation and 'nickname' to simplify administrative tasks and focus more clearly on its identity as a Commonwealth Virtual School. For the past several years, the school had used 'MAVA' as an abbreviation.

The school will call itself 'GCVS' on most references to emphasize its mission of providing comprehensive online education to students anywhere in Massachusetts.

"We want people to look at our name and immediately think - virtual education for any Massachusetts student," said Executive Director Dr. Judith Houle. "GCVS neatly expresses both our heritage and offerings as a full-service school offering an outstanding public school education in a 21st century model. Any student whose needs don't fit in a brick-and-mortar classroom has a place at GCVS."

GCVS is the state's first virtual K-12 public school of choice. It offers flexible, self-driven online learning programs and support services to any Massachusetts student. GCVS students are independent learners who need a different model than brick-and-mortar classrooms to accommodate their learning styles and individual interests.

GCVS' 2017-18 academic year starts when classes open on Aug. 30. Class opening will be followed by a series of picnics across the state on Sept. 8 to give students, families and educators a chance to meet and form connections face-to-face.

Greenfield Commonwealth Virtual School
Greenfield Commonwealth Virtual School

Massachusetts Virtual Academy at Greenfield, the Commonwealth's first virtual K-12 public school, delivers a transformative education with unique strengths and flexibility perfectly suited for the modern world. 
Our approach encourages critical thinking and an independent learning style that meets the key needs of diverse learners by providing educational resources that cultivate curiosity, exploration and inquiry.

Note the DESE profile for the school can be found here
http://profiles.doe.mass.edu/general/general.aspx?topNavID=1&leftNavId=100&orgcode=39010900&orgtypecode=6

"the program cannot run on autopilot"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Fear is growing in the immigrant communities in MetroWest and the Milford area who worry that President Donald Trump may dismantle an Obama-era program that offered protection to children who entered the U.S. illegally with their parents. 
Spearheaded by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, 10 Republican attorneys general have sent Trump an ultimatum: either he begins to dismantle the Deferred Action for Childhood program by Sept. 5 or they will challenge the program’s legality in court. 
Alice DeSouza, a Brazilian immigrant who owns a business on Milford’s Main Street, said she knows several people in town who rely on DACA and most of them are young. Without DACA, she wondered what its recipients might do, adding that it’s possible kids, teenagers and young adults, without work or school, could end up in trouble. 
“All these kids are working, they have to pay taxes,” she said. “It’s good for the country, it’s good for the government – then what’s the point (of removing it)?”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170830/locals-worried-uncertain-awaiting-trumps-plans-for-daca


"Jessica Vaughan of Franklin, director of policy studies for the Center for Immigration Studies, a nonprofit think tank that favors tighter immigration." is quoted in the article


Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Franklin School For The Performing Arts Celebrates Fall Expansion

Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) will expand this fall to assume the entire building of the Felix Cataldo Block in downtown Franklin. The renovation will connect all areas of the existing FSPA facility and provide spacious new dance and music studios, and a first floor waiting area for students and families. The expansion will also create and house Intermission, a new downtown cafe available to the FSPA community and open to the public.

“It will be exciting for FSPA to occupy the entire Cataldo Block and to have easy access throughout the building to all of our studios, offices, The Spotlight Shop, and the new Intermission cafĂ©,” noted Raye Lynn Mercer, FSPA founder and director. “We look forward to FSPA’s updated presence in the downtown and the opportunity to provide a destination at Intermission where the public is invited to enjoy a menu of drinks and snacks in a space with an eclectic, artsy ambiance. Happily our beautiful old buidling is getting a facelift as we expand our performing arts campus.”

Founded in 1985 by Director Raye Lynn Mercer, FSPA is dedicated to the enjoyment of the arts for all ages and to the artistic growth and development of young people. The school offers classes in all dance disciplines, acting, musical theater, voice, and instrumental instruction, whether for recreational enjoyment or serious study. FSPA is also home to the Little Music School, teaching children as young as 18 months to play the piano, as well as the FSPA Ballet Conservatory with pre-professional training for young dancers. 

An extensive calendar of performing opportunities features all-student musicals, plays, ballets, voice and instrumental recitals, opera scenes, dance and musical theater showcases, and more. Student ensembles include dance companies, glee club and musical theater troupes, as well as the international touring ensemble Electric Youth, featuring students trained at the school. Many FSPA students are also cast, by audition, in the affiliated Franklin Performing Arts Company’s annual season of shows. FSPA TALENT offers management services for young performers who elect to pursue professional opportunities.

The added space at 38 Main now allows FSPA to offer more classes at optimum times during the week and to build upon several innovative programs launched over the past few years. FSPA Academy, introduced last fall, provides an academic alternative for students seeking a challenging curriculum in a supportive, flexible environment that encourages their creative goals. Provided Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in collaboration with TEC Connections Academy Commonwealth Virtual School (TECCA), the FSPA Academy delivers TECCA’s state-approved online curriculum and features an enhanced emphasis on arts, language and culture, including Music Theory, foreign language conversation classes, cultural field trips and more. 

In addition, an FSPA AfterSchool enrichment program offers supervised recreational experiences, including games, crafts and other creative arts activities, for students in grades K-5. The program begins at the close of the regular school day, with transportation available from Franklin and Medway schools and supervised transition back and forth to FSPA for performing arts classes.

“As we begin our 33rd season, we look forward to welcoming new students and families to FSPA for fun and recreation or for preparation for college and career,” said Mercer. “With the renovation and expansion, it will certainly be a very exciting back-to-school season for our faculty, staff, student families, and our entire community!”

FSPA will host Open Houses on Saturday, September 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Tuesday, September 19 from 4-8 p.m. at 38 Main Street in downtown Franklin. The community is invited to tour the facilities, observe classes and rehearsals, speak with faculty and staff, and learn more about FSPA programs in music, dance, and drama. An early October grand opening is slated for Intermission.

Fall classes begin on September 11, with ongoing registration for all programs. Call (508) 528-8668 or visit www.FSPAonline.com for more information, including a catalog and class schedule.

Franklin School For The Performing Arts  Celebrates Fall Expansion
Franklin School For The Performing Arts  Celebrates Fall Expansion

Reminder: LiveARTS - Tickets available for the 2017-2018 Concert Series


SUNDAY September 17, 2017 Benefit Concert
Victor Rosenbaum, world renowned pianist
Tickets: $40 Adults, $30 Seniors, $75 Family with children, Students under 18 by donation

SUNDAY October 22, 2017
Live Arts String Quartet
Tickets: $20 Adults, $15 Seniors, Students under 18 free

SUNDAY February 25, 2018
Boston Trio
Tickets: $20 Adults, $15 Seniors, Students under 18 free

SUNDAY April 8, 2018
Keisuke Weikuko, Oboe Trio, Boston Symphony
Tickets: : $20 Adults, $15 Seniors, Students under 18 free

All concerts are given at the Meetinghouse, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin, MA at 3:00 p.m.

www.liveartsma.org

LiveARTS is supported in part by grants from the Franklin, Norfolk and Wrentham Cultural Councils which are sponsored by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

LiveARTS is an affiliated organization of First Universalist Society, Franklin, MA

LiveARTS: 2017-2018 Concert Series
LiveARTS: 2017-2018 Concert Series

School Day 1 complete, 179 to go

A sampling roundup of tweets from the opening of school across the Franklin Public Schools.
























https://twitter.com/farrell5thgrade/status/902606288353456129
https://twitter.com/farrell5thgrade/status/902606288353456129

Franklin Garden Club - Monthly Meeting Schedule Set for Sep to May 2018

The Franklin Garden Club will offer an array of educational programs for the 2017-2018 season. The first meeting of the year will be on Tuesday, September 5 at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street, from 7:00 – 9:00 PM. The meeting is open to the public, including those interested in becoming a member of the Garden Club.

The year’s programming schedule is: 

  • September 5: Kick-off Meeting and Perennial Swap 
  • October 3: Hydroponic Gardening
  • November 7: New England Hardy Succulents 
  • December 5: Holiday Auction
  • February 6: Attracting Birds in both Winter and Summer
  • March 6: Success with House Plants
  • April 3: Perennial Care 101
  • May 1: Hostas – the Best Perennial in Your Garden
  • June 5: Garden Tour and Annual Meeting


The Club engages recognized gardening experts to present the programs. Two field trips are planned, one to Borderland State Park in October and another to Bedrock Gardens and Sculptures in Lee, NH in June.

“The Garden Club, founded in 1987, offers members a wonderful opportunity to learn new information and tips from experts and fellow members related to many different aspects of gardening. Other Club activities include planting and maintenance of the Franklin Town Common gardens, sponsorship of an annual scholarship awarded to a high school graduate, and distribution of pine tree seedlings in the elementary schools,” noted Janice Cederquist and Mary Anne Dean, co-presidents. “We welcome anyone who is interested to attend the first meeting to learn more about the Club and planned activities.”

The Franklin Garden Club is a member of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts.

Franklin Garden Club
Franklin Garden Club

St. Mary's St. Vincent de Paul - "Rise and Shine" Food Drive

The St. Mary's St. Vincent de Paul Society would like to help our Franklin children to have a great start as they begin the new school year! It is so important for all students to have a nutritious breakfast before they head off to school each day! 

We are focusing on breakfast foods for our St. Vincent de Paul "Rise and Shine" food drive next weekend, September 2/3. We would appreciate donations of all kinds of breakfast foods, especially Pop-Tarts, protein bars, granola bars, pancake mix, maple syrup, jelly, juice boxes, crackers, graham crackers, school snacks and paper products. (Let's include coffee and tea for the adults too.)

Thank you all for your generosity and thank you also to our parents and teachers!

Donations may be dropped off at the doors of the church anytime.


St Mary's Parish, Franklin
St Mary's Parish, Franklin

“It’s very frustrating and there’s not a lot we can do”

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

"The track at the high school has yet to be completed nearly two weeks after the contractor’s deadline, making the completed turf field unusable to the football team. 
The replacement project began in late June and was scheduled for completion by Aug. 15. Until the track is completed, the contractors will not allow the use of the field by the football team since it will violate and void the company warranty. 
The reason for the delay is unclear. Representatives from the contractor, Sprinturf, were unable to be contacted. 
Town Administrator Jefferey Nutting said that the contractor must pay a $1,000 penalty for each day past the contracted deadline they fail to complete the job. He also mentioned it takes two weeks to complete the track. This could result in at least a $20,000 discount to the $1.6 million job."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170828/franklin-turf-field-remains-incomplete

the field is empty on Beaver St, the materials are not yet  delivered and ready for installation as of Tuesday evening
the field is empty on Beaver St, the materials are not yet
delivered and ready for installation as of Tuesday evening

a sidewalk has been added for the length of the Beaver St field
a sidewalk has been added for the length of the Beaver St field

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

11th Annual 9/11 Tribute Dinner

All present and past military service members and families are invited to a special tribute dinner to honor the heroes and victims of 9/11/01. This non-political free dinner is our gift to you.

When: Monday, September 11, 2017
Time: 6:00pm to 8:15pm
Where: DoubleTree by Hilton 11 Beaver Street Milford, MA
Reservations Required by August 31, 2017 at www.thankstoyanks.org

11th Annual 9/11 Tribute Dinner
11th Annual 9/11 Tribute Dinner

Election Prep: What does the School Committee do?

While the Town Council approves the overall Franklin budget including the school district, the oversight of the school district is the sole responsibility of the School Committee. They hire the Superintendent, who in turn is ultimately responsible (1) for the hiring of all the other school personnel and (2) the day-to-day management of the district..

Under MA law, the school principals are granted responsibility for all that happens in their building.

All seven positions of the school committee are up for election on November 7, 2017. As of the last notification from the Franklin Town Clerk, there are not yet seven candidates for these positions.


----------
Note: there was a request to remove this. It is factual and a historical record from August of 2016. 


From the Franklin Annual Report as published last year:


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.


Mission Statement

The Franklin Public Schools, in collaboration with the community, will cultivate each student's intellectual, social, emotional and physical potential through rigorous academic inquiry and informed problem solving skills within a safe, nurturing and respectful environment.




August 2016


Dear Members of the Franklin Community:


On behalf of the students, parents, faculty and community we are pleased to submit this report about the activities and accomplishments of the Franklin Public Schools for the 2015-2016 school year.


Our school infrastructure while aging remains solid. As out buildings age, however, issues continue to arise. Maintaining the school system at the level that our students deserve is a costly full time proposition. We are grateful to the many people who do this essential service for us. The technological structures in our schools are strong and have allowed us to maintain an enviable technological position in our classrooms and 
administration practices. Our new high school remains a place of pride for our entire community. School age population in our state has declined somewhat this year and this is the case with Franklin yet the population in the high school has increased again this year.

An issue of concern that cannot be ignored is the status of our operating budget. After completing a difficult fiscal year with a budget that was 18 percent below the state average our budget for the upcoming year is a full 20 per cent below the state budget. In the community that produced the great educator and Father of Public Education, Horace Mann the fundamental idea that all children are entitled to a free public education is an essential core value for the community. However, the continued decline in funding will impact the quality of the educational program over time. We need to engage this community at every level in the upcoming months to seek to seek a path forward in this area.


On a more positive note, we had a successful year academically. Our high school was rated a level one school, the highest rating the state awards. Our standardized testing was successful again this year. We implemented the PARCC assessments and will be working on transitioning to MCAS 2.0. Our college bound students were successful in fulfilling their aspirations attaining admittance to competitive schools such as 
Princeton, MIT, Brown and Cornell.

Athletically our teams performed well in all the sports. Our hockey team, in particular, won the state 
championship which was a remarkable achievement. Thanks to the help of parents and teachers, our students in all schools received the benefit of some wonderful school clubs and extracurricular activities.

This year we were able to successfully negotiate five employee contracts which will help us smoothly go forward into the future. We are blessed with a dedicated professional staff and a wonderful group of parents and students. We are a good school system on the path to being a great school system. With the support of this community we will get there which is a fitting destination for the community that gave America Horace Mann.


We must close on sad note. Dr. Maureen Sabolinski, our excellent school superintendent has announced her retirement at the end of this school year. In her 8 years as superintendent and over 30 years as an educator in our schools, Maureen has been the epitome of excellence as an educational professional. She leaves behind an outstanding record of accomplishments.


We are unanimous in our praise of this wonderful educator and all she has done for our children and we wish her the very best in her retirement.


As advocates for public education in our town, we extend our sincere appreciation to the parents, the employees and the residents of Franklin for providing support for the Franklin Public schools.

Respectfully Submitted,


Dr. Kevin O’Malley

Chair, Franklin School Committee


Parmenter school sign with the opening week schedule
Parmenter school sign with the opening week schedule


Download and read the full Annual Report for the Town of Franklin FY 2016
http://franklinma.gov/administrator/files/franklin-2016-town-report

Prior year annual reports can be found 
http://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/annual-reports

FHS Girls Cross Country: "Franklin (has) a trio of top runners in the league"

From Hockomock Sports.com we share

"One annual sign that the new school year is upon us is the Massachusetts State Track Coaches Association releasing its preseason poll for the upcoming cross country season. 
This year, three Hockomock teams are ranked. Both the Franklin and Sharon girls squad are inside the top 20 in the Girls Large School Poll while the Mansfield boys team placed inside the top 10 in the Boys Large School rankings. 
...

On the girls side, Franklin comes in at 14th while Sharon is ranked 19th. The Panthers won back-to-back division titles in 2015 and 2016, and with defending Hockomock League MVP Nicole Clermont and classmate Katherine Hartnett (first and second respectively at Hock championships) back for their senior seasons, Franklin is in a good pos
ition to go for the three-peat. Ella Gutkowski also finished in the top 20, giving Franklin a trio of top runners in the league."

Read the full article online here:
https://hockomocksports.com/trio-of-hockomock-cross-country-teams-make-mstca-xc-poll/

now a senior at FHS, Nicole Clermont was named "Player of the Week" in October 2016
now a senior at FHS, Nicole Clermont was named "Player of the Week" in October 2016

Franklin Federated Church: Rally Day - Sept. 10

Franklin Federated Church will kick off the program year with Rally Day on Sunday, Sept. 10 featuring a blessing of the backpacks during worship followed by a a catered barbecue cookout.

The day's activities begin at 8:45 AM with Adult Discovery Group, a Bible exploration. Sunday School registration for children preschool - grade 8 begins at 9:30 AM in the church parlor, just inside the front entrance.

Worship is at 10:00 AM. Children and adults are invited to bring backpacks and work bags to be blessed. The catered barbecue lunch will be held immediately after worship.

The day will wrap up with a Family Game Night at the church at 7:00 PM - kids and adults invited to join in the fun.

Franklin Federated Church is a Welcoming and Affirming Church affiliated with the United Church of Christ and American Baptist Churches, USA. ALL are welcome. Learn more at: franklinfederated.org or facebook.com/franklinfederated.

Franklin Federated Church
Franklin Federated Church

Monday, August 28, 2017

Election Prep: What does the Town Council do?

The key statement from Town Council Chair Matt Kelly is 
"The Town Council is the holder of all general, corporate, legislative, and appropriations powers of the Town of Franklin."

The Town Council approves the budget and authorizes all spending. One exception is that the School Committee is responsible for managing the school budget after the Town Council approves the amount as part of the overall Town budget. Hence, you'll often hear of the town side and the school side as the two groups provide separate oversight for their area.

The Town Council hires and reviews the Town Administrator. The Town Administrator (Jeff Nutting) is responsible for the daily operations of the Town departments (except as noted for the schools).

The Town Council is the legislative body to approve changes to the bylaws. Usually there is some controversy when the Town Council 'forgets' their legislative role and attempts to intervene in the day to day operations.

There are nine members of the Town Council all elected 'at large' (they represent all the voters of Franklin as opposed to the individual precincts). The Council chooses their Chair, Vice Chair and Clerk in the first session after each election.

All nine positions are up for election on November 7, 2017. Each position has a two year term.

Additional information on the Council, their process and procedures, fiscal policies, meeting agendas, minutes and a host of other information can be found on the Town of Franklin webpage  http://www.franklinma.gov/town-council

------------

From the Annual Report - 2016


"The Town Council is the holder of all general, corporate, legislative, and appropriations powers of the Town of Franklin. In that capacity, I present a summary of our annual accomplishments.  
Votes in FY 16 include: 
• Approving the FY 16 Capital Plan. The Capital plan appropriated $1,938,607.09 to fund the Capital requests of the Departments of the Town. Requests included Fire Department equipment and a new ambulance, Police department requests for 4 cruisers and body armor. DPW requests including 4 vehicles totaling $272,000, Town and School facilities improvements totaling $240,000 for the schools and $423,000 for the Town, mainly Police Dept. improvements and a Fire Dept. roof upgrade. 
• The Council voted to appropriate $1.8 million dollars for sidewalks on Pleasant and Chestnut Streets. 
• Voted to rezone a portion of West Central Street from Residential 4 to Residential 5.  
• Voted to accept a parcel of land off Prospect Street. 
• Voted to turn over 17 acres of land to the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust for senior housing. 
• Sold town-owned land on Pond Street near Rt. 495 for $1,560,000 for condos. 
• Voted to increase the Senior Citizen Tax Work-off abatement Program from $750 to $1,000 and increased the per hour credit for the Senior Work-off Program from $9.00 to $10.00 per hour. 
• Adopted a tax work off program for Veterans. 
• Voted to refund old bonds, saving $730,000 based on information and guidance from Treasurer Collector, Jim Dacey. 
• The Council created a bylaw to prohibit parking on public property during winter storms to help with snow plowing efforts. 
• Created a bylaw to impose a $25.00 penalty, after a 21 day notice, to anyone who does not allow their old water meter to be replaced with a new and current model. 
• Amended the current alcohol regulations to require all employees of an establishment serving alcohol to have “TIPS” certified training. 

It is my pleasure to serve my fellow citizens and to submit this annual report on behalf of the Franklin Town Council for your review. 

Respectfully submitted, 
Matthew T. Kelly, 
Chairman, 
Franklin Town Council"

Published here at the end of 2016
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/12/annual-report-2016-town-council.html



Download and read the full Annual Report for the Town of Franklin FY 2016
http://franklinma.gov/administrator/files/franklin-2016-town-report

Prior year annual reports can be found 
http://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/annual-reports

the sidewalks along Pleasant St and Chestnut St are complete. Most of Pleasant
was done last year and Chestnut St was completed this summer.

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?