Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Local Runners: The first Tour de Patrick price increase is Jan 1, 2018. Register early and save.

The Pawtucket and Providence running routes are good; the races well organized.

Accent Image

Tour de Patrick
March 2018
Prices increase January 1, 2018Run any one, two or all three Tour de Patrick 5k's and complete the Tour de Patrick. 

Save $6 when you register for all three 5k's online or 
save 
$4 
when you select any two 5k's online. 
These discount options are available when registering at any of the three 5k websites.
Pawtucket, March 3, Providence, March 10 and North Kingstown, March 24

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Downtown 5K Inc, PO Box 1940, East Greenwich, RI 02818

Sent by help@tourdepatrick.com in collaboration with
Constant Contact

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Franklin Public Schools: Message to Parents on Homework Policy

December 18, 2017

Dear Families,

In recent months there has been a great deal of interest in homework by both families and staff. A new Homework Policy was implemented by the Franklin School Committee this year and the policy can be found here (http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinCom_Emanual/i/Idocs/IKB). (And below to make it easy to find)

A K-12 Homework Committee has been meeting to study the research about homework and will be delving into our current practices about homework across grades and schools. Recommendations about these practices will then be developed so that our practices are aligned with research and provide a consistent framework across the district, yet maintain an individual teacher’s ability to have flexibility as well.

The spirit of the School Committee policy is centered around maintaining a balance between the academic work and the needs of the whole child. The needs of all children include having downtime, playing, participating in a variety of activities, and spending time with family. To that end, we are piloting with December “Homework Free” vacation for all of our students in Grades K-8. That said, we always encourage reading for and with children as a part of family activities. 

We are encouraging our high school teachers to take the same approach if possible, but understand that with certain courses, a Homework Free break may not be feasible. We are also asking our faculty to take a much needed and deserved break from the routines of correcting, responding to email, and lesson preparation so that they too can enjoy time with their families. 

We plan to conduct a survey after the vacation period of our faculty, staff, administrators, parents, and students to determine the reactions to this experience. This data will be used to inform future decision making about homework free vacation periods.

Best wishes for a Happy Holiday Season and a wonderful break!

Franklin Public Schools


Franklin Public Schools: Message to Parents on Homework Policy
Franklin Public Schools: Message to Parents on Homework Policy



IKB

Homework Policy

The Franklin Public Schools recognize that meaningful and purposeful homework assists a student in the reinforcement and extension of learning and provides an opportunity for families to better understand the academic work of children at their grade level.

The Franklin Public Schools are committed to the education of the “whole child” and recognize that students are active in many areas of daily life such as extra-curricular offerings, athletics, artistic and cultural endeavors, and participation in family routines and events. These pursuits help to develop students with strong social-emotional skills and will further instill a love of learning about topics of personal interest. Homework practices that are implemented in classrooms should both recognize the value of homework and maintain a developmentally appropriate balance between homework and other life activities.

As such, homework assignments should be:

  • Appropriate in time and frequency for the developmental stage of the child
  • Meaningful, relevant and aligned with work in the classroom
  • Have a clearly articulated purpose, educational objective and learning expectations
  • Personalized to meet the needs of the learner
  • Structured to provide students with feedback that leads to improved learning
  • Consistent, to a reasonable degree, across grade levels and among classrooms
  • Aligned with current research on best practice as well as school and District policies

Professional staff in grades 6-12 are encouraged to consult with each other to the extent possible regarding planning of homework and projects to strive for a manageable workload for students.

Homework should be used only as a learning tool, may not be used for punishment, and students should not lose privileges, including recess, for not completing homework.


Adopted by School Committee: 7/18/17

DPW Presentation on Sewer and Recycling

The DPW is scheduled to provide an update to the Town Council at Wednesday's meeting, Dec 20.

While it is best to hear what will be said during the update, there are several slides that can almost speak for themselves.


  • Page 10 shows the reduction in sewer water flow (much of this should be associated with a similar reduction in water usage)
  • Page 13 shows the annual sewer cost since 1995
  • Page 22 shows the annual recycling rate (and how it jumped since the single stream was implemented)
  • Page 24 shows the decrease in cost to the residents for the increase in recycling and trash






The full agenda for the Town Council meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/12/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-dec-20.html

Wins all around for FHS girls hockey, boys and girls swim teams on Monday

Via HockomockSports and Twitter we share the results of the FHS sports action on Monday, Dec 18, 2017


Girls Hockey = Franklin, 2 @ Medway/Ashland, 1 – Final

Boys Swimming = Franklin, 106 @ Milford, 62 – Final

Girls Swimming = Franklin, 103 @ Milford, 67 – Final
– Franklin’s Ashley Loomis and Katie Cashin each won a pair of individual races and both of the Panthers free relay teams took first in a win over Milford. Loomis finished first in both the 200 and 500 free while Cashin won the 200 IM and 100 breaststrokes. Freshman Katie Chew won her first career race, touching first in the 100 free. Both the Panthers 200 and 400 free relay teams clocked in in sectional qualifying times.


For the remainder of the results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-12-18-17/



Via the Twitterverse

















Great Hockomock matchup to kick off their season. Franklin at Milford. Let’s Go Panthers!
Great Hockomock matchup to kick off their season. Franklin at Milford. Let’s Go Panthers!


FPAC Presents Alice in a Winter Wonderland

FPAC Presents Alice in a Winter Wonderland

Friday, Dec. 22, 7:30 PM

Saturday, Dec. 23, 2:00 and 7:30 PM
at THE BLACK BOX

In Britain there is a wonderful holiday tradition called a “panto.” Back in 1717, the actor/manager John Rich first created a type of show that involved a well-known fairy tale told in an exaggerated style filled with audience participation, popular songs, slapstick comedy, jokes and dances. 
At its best, a panto thrills children with the opportunity to cheer for the hero and boo at the villain and sing along with some of their favorite songs. But the brilliance of a good panto lies in its ability to also entertain adults with double entendre, references to modern culture, open satire of other works and the opportunity to sing along with some of their favorite songs. 
Bring the whole family to FPAC’s second annual “American Panto” — a holiday tradition for us all!

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370

FPAC Presents Alice in a Winter Wonderland
FPAC Presents Alice in a Winter Wonderland

Monday, December 18, 2017

“Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Campaign

The Franklin Police Department was awarded a special grant from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) to increase the number of impaired driving patrols during the holiday season. Franklin police will join local police departments across the state and the State Police in the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over (DSOGPO) and enforcement mobilization and public information campaign.

“Drivers impaired by any drug, including marijuana or alcohol, are a major threat to the safety of our roads,” said Deputy Chief of Police James Mill of the Franklin Police Department. “Our officers will be stopping any motorist who is exhibiting signs of impairment, or driving in a dangerous manner.”

The DSOGPO educational component of the campaign will stress the responsibility drivers have to other motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians to stay off the road if impaired by any substance.
“Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Campaign
“Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Campaign

“We needlessly lost 119 people to impaired driving last year in Massachusetts,” said Jeff Larason, Director of the EOPSS Highway Safety Division. “As part of this year’s Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign we are asking drivers to acknowledge the responsibility they have to their passengers, other motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists on the road with them, to drive without impairment of any kind,” said Larason. “Plan ahead before you celebrate this holiday season and designate a sober driver, use a ride sharing service, or stay where you are – whatever it takes to avoid getting behind the wheel.”

Massachusetts and National Data:

  • From 2015 to 2016, alcohol impaired driving fatalities in MA increased 9 percent (from 109 to 119).
  • On average, 800 people have been killed nationally in December crashes involving drivers with BACs over the legal limit since 2012
  • Marijuana or marijuana-type drugs were the most prevalent types of drugs found in drivers killed in crashes in MA from 2011 to 2015.
  • Drivers using marijuana demonstrated decreased car handling performance, increased reaction times, impaired time and distance estimation, sleepiness and decreased motor skill coordination (NHTSA).
  • Mixing alcohol and marijuana may dramatically produce effects greater than either drug on its own (NHTSA).


***Media Note***
Distracted or impaired crashes are not “accidents.” We urge media to follow the AP Stylebook, which suggests avoiding the word “accident” in reference to negligent, drunk, or drugged crashes.


This was shared from the Town of Franklin webpage 
http://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/news/%E2%80%9Cdrive-sober-or-get-pulled-over%E2%80%9D-campaign

High School Concession Stand proposal

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

"The School Committee approved schematics for a new concession stand, which would include bathroom facilities, at Pisini Field near the high school. 
There are currently no bathroom facilities at the field. 
Superintendent Sara Ahern said at the Dec. 12 meeting that the project will improve cleanliness at big sporting events, instead of patrons having to use a porta-potty or the facilities at Horace Mann School."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171217/franklin-in-works-for-new-concession-stand



The proposal is scheduled for discussion at the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting on Wednesday, Dec 20, 2017. This has been previewed by the School Committee.



The full agenda for the Town Council meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/12/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-dec-20.html

High School Concession Stand proposal
High School Concession Stand proposal

"This Is What Happens to Your Brain on Opioids" - YouTube

"Driven by opioid addiction, drug overdose is now the leading cause of accidental death in the United States. Opioids are part of a drug class that includes the illegal drug heroin and powerful pain relievers such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, fentanyl, and many others. In 2015, more than 33,000 people died from overdoses involving opioids. Every day in the United States more than 1,000 people are treated in emergency departments for not using prescription opioids as directed. 
Lily Fang's animation, Susan’s Brain, is part of a free online course produced by HarvardX and Harvard Health Publications. The course, The Opioid Crisis in America, challenges preconceptions about addiction and about who can become addicted to opioids, and this animation illustrates changes in the brain that lead to addiction. Dr. Elena Chartoff and Dr. Hilary Connery, both of Boston’s McLean Hospital advised on the brain science within this animation. This video is provided courtesy of the President’s and Fellows of Harvard College © 2017."
Continue reading the National Geographic article
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/video/shorts/this-is-what-happens-to-your-brain-on-opioids/

For more on opioid addiction from Harvard
https://www.health.harvard.edu/addiction/understanding-opioids




Thanks to the Safe Coalition for point to this!
https://www.facebook.com/safecoalitionma/posts/1169533646510173

Franklin Public Library: Holiday Hours Announced

Holiday hours for the Franklin Library were posted to the Town of Franklin page and shared here

The Library is Closed on the following days:

  • Sunday, Dec 24
  • Monday, Dec 25 - Christmas Day
  • Sunday, Dec 31
  • Monday, Jan 1 - New Year's Day


Franklin Public Library: Holiday Hours Announced
Franklin Public Library: Holiday Hours Announced
Franklin Public Library: Holiday Hours Announced
Franklin Public Library: Holiday Hours Announced
This was shared from the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/bulletins/holiday-hours

Sunday, December 17, 2017

FHS ties in first Hockomock girls hockey game; wrestling and both track teams post wins

Via HockomockSports, we share the results of the FHS sports action on Saturday, Dec 16, 2017.


Wrestling = St. John’s Prep Quad (Franklin)
– Franklin had the best team at the meeting, sweeping all three opponents. The Panthers opened with a dominant 45-18 win over Lawrence, earned a hard-fought victory over the hosts St. John Prep (31-21) and finished the day with a 58-16 win over Salem (NH). Jordan Carlucci went 3-0 on the day with three pins.

Boys Indoor Track (@ Reggie Lewis) = Franklin, 61 vs. King Philip, 39 – Final
Girls Indoor Track (@ Reggie Lewis) = Franklin, 77 vs. King Philip, 23 – Final

Detailed event by event results can be found here
https://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/meet/319401/results/m/1/55m


Girls Hockey = Mansfield/Oliver Ames, 2 @ Franklin, 2 – Final

Josh Perry, Managing Editor for HockomockSports provides the game recap
"Hockomock League history was made on Saturday afternoon at Pirelli Veterans Arena, when Franklin hosted Mansfield/Oliver Ames (MOA) in the first girls’ hockey game to be played under the league’s banner. 
Previously, girls’ hockey teams had been part of the Southeastern Mass Girls Hockey League (SEMGHL), but now the Hockomock had expanded enough to have its own competition, although, as Franklin coach Margie Burke explained, her young Panthers squad was more concerned with the start of a new season rather than a new league. 
“There wasn’t a lot of focus on that to be honest,” Burke said. “Again, a young team, a lot of them don’t know the history. To them, they just assumed it was the Hock because that’s what the school is in.” 
Amanda Lewandowski scored the historic first league goal and Franklin led 2-0 until late in the game, but the Warriors scored twice in the final 7:27 of the game to come from behind and ensure that both teams went home with their first Hockomock League point."
Continue reading the game recap:
https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-and-mansfield-oliver-ames-hockey-tie-in-first-hockomock-game/

For additional girls hockey game photos from HockomockSports
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20172018/Winter-2017-2018/Franklin-MansfieldOliver-Ames-Girls-Hockey-12-16-17/

For the other results around the Hockomock League on Saturday
https://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-12-16-17/

Mansfield/Oliver Ames scored a pair of goals in the final seven minutes to rally for a 2-2 tie with Franklin in the first ever girls hockey game in Hockomock League history. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)
Mansfield/Oliver Ames scored a pair of goals in the final seven minutes to rally for a 2-2 tie with Franklin in the first ever girls hockey game in Hockomock League history. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Dec 20, 2017

The published agenda and documents for the Franklin Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, December 20, 2017

(Note: where there are active links in the agenda item, it will take you to the associated document)

You can also find the full set of documents in one PDF
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/december_20_town_council_agenda.pdf

Agenda ItemSummary


A. Approval of Minutes
A. Approval of Minutes - November 29, 2017
B. Announcements
B. Announcements - This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may also be recorded by others.
C. Proclamations/Recognitions
C. Proclamations/Recognitions
D. Citizen Comments
D. Citizen Comments - Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the Agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a  matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.
E. Appointments
E. Appointments
F. Hearings
F. Hearings
G. License Transactions
G. License Transactions - DeVita's Market - Change of Hours
H. Presentations/Discussions
H. Presentations/Discussions
1. State Representative, Jeff Roy
2. Sewer/Recycling - Brutus Cantoreggi
3. High School Concession Stand
I. Subcommittee Reports
I. Subcommittee Reports
1. Budget
2. Capital Plan
3. Economic Development
J. Legislation for Action
J. Legislation for Action
K. Town Administrator's Report
K. Town Administrator's Report
L. Future Agenda Items
L. Future Agenda Items
M. Council Comments
M. Council Comments
N. Executive Session
N. Executive Session - None
O. Adjourn
O. Adjourn

Note: I have a work event on Wednesday and will be unable to report on the meeting until the video replay is available

High School Concession Stand proposal
High School Concession Stand proposal

Franklin Historical Museum announces their winter and holiday schedule

The Franklin Historical Museum will be closed 

  • Sunday, December 24 
  • Saturday, December 30 
  • Sunday, December 31

The museum is now on their Winter Schedule and will not open on Thursday evenings until spring rolls around (soon!). 

The museum is open Saturday morning 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM and  Sunday 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM. The museum is handicap accessible and admission is always free. Think of us when you find that vintage object in Grandma’s attic or Grandpa’s workroom. If it has a Franklin story, we’d like to share it.

Find out more about the Franklin Historical Museum on the web at
http://franklinhistoricalmuseum.org/

Franklin Historical Museum announces their winter and holiday schedule
Franklin Historical Museum announces their winter and holiday schedule

FTC Scam Alerts: ‘Tis the season for stopping robocalls



Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information
by Ari Lazarus
Consumer Education Specialist, FTC


Nothing puts a damper on the holidays like unwanted calls interrupting your day.

Maybe you've gotten one — you answer the phone and hear a recorded message instead of a live person. Internet-powered phone systems have made it cheap and easy for scammers to make illegal sales robocalls from anywhere in the world.

Fortunately, you have some options to block robocalls and other unwanted calls. Some are free and others cost money.  Read more

This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.