Franklin Public Schools: Parent Forums scheduled with the Superintendent

As your new Superintendent of Schools, I am seeking to gain the perspectives of various stakeholders across the Franklin Public Schools. I am thrilled to invite parents of children at the following developmental levels to attend parent forums where I will engage in listening to your thoughts on the strengths of the district and opportunities for growth. Additionally, the forums will afford me the opportunity to share more about myself and my thoughts on education. 

-- Sara E. Ahern, Ed.D.


Elementary School Parents
October 23, 2017 6:30-8:00 P.M. Horace Mann/Oak St. Cafeteria
October 24, 2017 9:30-11:00 A.M. Horace Mann Health Classroom

Middle School Parents
November 8, 2017 6:30-8:00 P.M. Horace Mann/Oak St. Cafeteria
November 9, 2017 9:30-11:00 A.M. Horace Mann Health Classroom

High School Parents
October 30, 2017 6:30-8:00 P.M. FHS Media Center
October 31, 2017 9:30-11:00 A.M. FHS Lecture Hall

Franklin High School

North South Rail Link Meeting in Franklin, MA - Oct 4

The North South Rail Link (NSRL) Working Group Chairman, former Governor Michael S. Dukakis along with State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy, will host a NSRL meeting on Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at 7:00pm at the Franklin Historical Museum, 80 W. Central Street, Franklin, MA.

The public is welcome to attend this free event to learn more about the proposed NSRL project and ask important questions about this innovative rail initiative.

Former Governor Michael S. Dukakis will discuss the 21st century transportation solution for our area. The North/South Rail Link (NSRL) is a proposed 2.8-mile-long tunnel connecting Boston’s North and South Stations.

“The NSRL is one of the single most important investments in public transportation in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,” said former Governor Michael S. Dukakis. “It is critically important that we connect those two stations to dramatically improve not only the commuter rail but regional rail channeling. I look forward to working with Representative Roy and his colleagues to make this happen.”

“The NSRL will close a major hole in the core of our state’s public and private transportation systems and improve efficiency, mobility, and capacity throughout Massachusetts, New England, and the Northeast Corridor,” said Rep. Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin). “It will make commuting more convenient and accessible to all, and reduce the associated environmental impacts. It would also expand economic development for Franklin area residents through improved access to skilled workers, jobs, affordable housing, and new opportunities for much needed transit-oriented development.”

Led by Gov. Dukakis, the NSRL Working Group has been meeting for the past two years to promote this critically important and worthwhile rail infrastructure project that would be a tremendous benefit for all those who live, work, visit and do business in our area which hosts two commuter rail stations. At the Franklin meeting, he will lead a town hall discussion of the project with a panel of experts.

The construction of the NSRL would result in a reduction in commute times, consequently attracting public transit riders; it would improve air quality by eliminating approximately 55,000 cars off local and regional roadways daily alleviating highway congestion and decreasing carbon emissions; and it would also expand economic development.

North South Rail Link (NSRL)

You can learn more about the project at http://www.northsouthraillink.org/and view a short video of the plan at https://youtu.be/Ca1yTUf7mnc

DATE: Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at 7:00pm (Free and Open to the Public)
LOCATION: Franklin Historical Museum, 80 W. Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038
HOSTED BY: Former Governor Michael S. Dukakis and State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy
MORE INFO: Please visit, http://www.northsouthraillink.org/ and view a short video of the plan at https://youtu.be/Ca1yTUf7mnc to learn more about this project.

Child Care Continuing Education Class - Oct 12

Franklin Public Schools   -   Lifelong Learning Institute

Lifelong Community Learning

Child Care

Continuing Education

Problems and Solutions: Behavior Strategies for Extended Day and Child Care Providers This workshop provides extended and other child caregivers with concrete strategies and solutions for common behavior problems.   Improve and update your child care skills with us Join us for this one-night continuing education workshop aimed at the needs of the Child Care professional. Enjoy a relaxed setting in the company of colleagues AND get Two Contact Hours when you attend the class. Thursday, October 12       7:00 to 9:00 pm                         Franklin High School              Cost: $25 Still Time To Register - Click Here  Download PDF for office display

Senator Ross - Office hours at Franklin Senior Center - Oct 4

Senator Richard Ross will hold office hours at the Franklin Senior Center on Weds, Oct 4 from 10 to 11 AM

Holding office hours in October for @TOFranklinMA pic.twitter.com/wiiSgbWCME

— Richard J. Ross (@SenRichardJRoss) September 29, 2017

Senator Ross - Office hours at Franklin Senior Center - Oct 4

In the news: hurricane recovery collection; new Treasurer/Collector

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

"The Greater Franklin Community can contribute to the recovery of areas affected by hurricane flooding now and at the church booth of Franklin’s Harvest Festival on Oct. 14. A donation box is located at the Franklin United Methodist Church, 82 W. Central St. 

Relief supplies will be sent to affected areas through the international aid group the United Methodist Committee on Relief. 

The church will be collecting items for cleaning buckets and health kits until Oct. 14 each Sunday from 8:45 a.m. until noon. The office is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings as well. The contribution of funds for others to complete these kits are tax deductible when marked “Advance #901570” in the memo and made out to the church."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170929/strongfranklin-united-accepting-donations-for-hurricane-victimsstrong

Franklin United Methodist Church, 82 W. Central St.

"Treasurer-Collector, Jim Dacey is retiring in November after 18 years on the job. Franklin resident and current assistant treasurer-collector, Kerri Bertone is due to take his place. 

Bertone has lived in Franklin for 30 years, and has had a long career in private-sector finance. She was officially hired at the Town Council meeting earlier this week. 

Describe your career background. 

“I started as an administrative assistant with EMC corporation. Then I went to Putnam Investments when it was here in Franklin. ... I was with them for 21 years. They had a lot of work-life balance shifts, so I was able to work in the evening when my children were small."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170929/franklin-hires-new-treasurer-collector

"there will be further litigation concerning such matters”

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

"THE ISSUE: Several local public officials have drawn controversy over social media posts. 

THE IMPACT: When considering disciplining employees over inflammatory statements, public entities must consider many factors to avoid violating the First Amendment. 

Across Massachusetts, a series of recent posts that public officials and employees have made on social media about NFL players’ protests and President Donald Trump have sparked outrage and raised questions over the First Amendment. 

“If the government wants to try to restrict speech, it’s got to have a pretty compelling reason to do it,” said Dwight Duncan, a UMass School of Law professor who teaches courses on constitutional law and the First Amendment."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170929/public-officials-draw-ire-over-social-media-posts-incidents-shine-light-on-first-amendment

Editors note: Protests have a place in America. They are part of how we started. Recall the Boston Tea Party and other events that lead to the American Revolution. There have been other protests to advance causes from the women's right to vote to ending segregation in the South. One of the more notable sports protests was that of Tommie Smith and John Carlos with the raised black fists at the 1968 Olympics. 

By Original uploader was Cornischong at lb.wikipedia - Source:W.D. Cooper. "Boston Tea Party.", The History of North America. London: E. Newberry, 1789.Engraving. Plate opposite p. 58. Rare Book and Special Collections Division, Library of Congress (40)Transferred from lb.wikipedia (all following user names refer to lb.wikipedia):2007-02-18 21:38 Cornischong 696×393× (312674 bytes) *Sujet:Boston Tea Party *Source:W.D. Cooper. "Boston Tea Party.", The History of North America. London: E. Newberry, 1789.Engraving. Plate opposite p. 58. Rare Book and Special Collections Division, Library of Congress (40), Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=16857908

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 9/29/17 - THU 10/5/17

FRIDAY 9/29/17
All day   Tickets go on sale for Harlem Wizards event (www.harlemwizards.com)
11am    Franklin’s History In Photographs @ Franklin Senior Center
12-6pm   Franklin Farmers Market @ Town Common
12-6pm   Franklin Garden Club: Perennial Plant Sale @ Franklin Farmers Market
6-9pm   Tasting is Believing @ The Little Shop of Olive Oils, Fiori, The Cake Bar
7:30pm   FPAC performs ‘God of Carnage’ @ The Black Box

SATURDAY 9/30/17
9:30am   Elks Care Elks Share 5K Road Race/Walk @ Elks Lodge
10-1pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
7:30pm   FPAC performs ‘God of Carnage’ @ The Black Box
8-11pm   Rick Hamel @ The Alumni Restaurant

SUNDAY 10/1/17
7:30-10:30am   Sunday Breakfast @ Franklin Rod and Gun Club
9:30-11:30am   Soccer Shoot (free for all) hosted by Franklin Elks @ Kind Street Memorial Park
1-4pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
2pm   FPAC performs ‘God of Carnage’ @ The Black Box

MONDAY 10/2/17
7pm   Learn to Cope Franklin Chapter Meeting @ FUSF

TUESDAY 10/3/17
7pm   Franklin Garden Club Monthly Meeting @ Franklin Senior Center

WEDNESDAY 10/4/17
6:30pm   Christian Zen Weekly Meditation @ McMahon Guest House (1061 Upper Union Street)
7pm   Franklin Art Association Monthly Meeting @ Franklin Senior Center
7pm   Gov. Dukakis to Highlight the North South Rail Connector @ Franklin Historical Museum

THURSDAY 10/5/17
5-8pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
7-8pm   Healing Hearts Community Support Group @ Franklin YMCA
7pm  Informational meeting for Destination Imagination @ 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