Enrollment Open at BFCCPS

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School, located in Franklin, Massachusetts, is pleased to announce that it is currently accepting applications for the upcoming 2018-2019 school year.

Siblings of currently enrolled students will have priority enrollment status; thereafter applicants from all 13 communities in the school's district will have an equal chance at securing a spot for their child through the annual enrollment lottery to be held on, March 5th, 2018. Applicants from outside of the region, who reside within the state of Massachusetts, will be eligible for enrollment should additional spaces remain after all sibling and regional applicants have been placed.

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School has been in operation since 1995 and is located adjacent to the town common in Franklin. The school provides a well-rounded, rigorous academic program designed to educate the whole child providing yearlong courses in art, music, languages, technology, and physical education. The school's integrated character education, community service, and strong parent partnerships, have lead to local, state and national recognition. BFCCPS alumni continue to excel during their attendance local public high schools as well as independent high schools including The Commonwealth School, Noble and Greenough, Walnut Hill, and many others.

Enrollment Open at BFCCPS

Enrollment information sessions will be held at the school on January 20 from 10 AM to noon and also on February 10 from 10 AM to noon. Information sessions will also be held in the community on February 1  at the Milford Public Library from 6:30 -8:30 PM and at the Walpole Public Library on February 15 from 6:30-8:30 PM. All of the enrollment details, including applications can be found on the school website under the Enrollment category. Please note that the enrollment period will come to a close on February 28 at 4 PM EST.

If you'd like learn more about the educational mission of the school or have enrollment related questions please contact the school's Marketing Coordinator, Joanne Basile at jbasile@bfccps.org or 508-541-3434 x140.

About the Benjamin Franklin Charter School

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School's mission is to assist parents in their role as primary educators of their children by providing students with a classical academic education coupled with sound character development and community service. Our mission is supported by four distinct, yet interconnected pillars that provide for a collaborative, rigorous education for all students. These pillars guide, direct and define the school in all it does.

About the Benjamin Franklin Charter School

Recovery Yoga offered by SAFE Coalition and Sacred Tree Yoga Studio

The SAFE Coalition, in partnership with Sacred Tree Yoga Studio and Wellness Center announces FREE Recovery Yoga to all those struggling with Substance Use Disorder.

Sessions will run every Friday night beginning Friday December 22nd with two offerings each Friday night.

Sacred Tree Yoga Studio and Wellness Center

65 Holbrook Street, Suite 110

Norfolk, MA 02056

1. “Heart with Hope Restorative Yoga” is for Parents and Loved Ones at 5:30 – 6:30 PM. Heart with Hope Restorative Yoga is for parents and loved ones of those who suffer from the disease of addiction. This practice slows down the body and mind through passive movement while using props for support. Receive nurturing, comfort, inspirations, insights, and tools for daily living during a series of restorative poses that are supported with bolsters, blocks, straps, sandbags, blankets, and pillows. All props are provided. Honor yourself by allowing the physical, mental, and spiritual body to integrate and heal through relaxation and restoration.
Please join us!

2. “Yoga for Recovery” is for those in recovery from Substance Use Disorder at 7:00 – 8:00 PM Yoga for Recovery explores the parallels between yoga and the twelve-step path weaving together a tool for enhanced healing. This integrative practice offers breathing, stretching, inspiration, relaxation, and meditation while offering support for self-forgiveness, self-love, and self-care on the road of recovery. Absolutely no yoga experience is required. Dress comfortably. All props are provided. Come with an open mind and open heart for an opportunity that can improve the moment with a supportive community where people help people.

Please join us!

http://safecoalitionma.com/2017/12/22/recovery-yoga-offered-by-safe-coalition-and-sacred-tree-yoga-studio/

FHS girls and boys swim top Attleboro and girls and boys basketball top Taunton

Via HockomockSports and Twitter we share the results of the FHS sports action on Tuesday, Jan 9, 2018

Girls Basketball = Franklin, 55 @ Taunton, 41 – Final 
– Sophomore center Ali Brigham recorded a triple-double to help the Panthers earn the road win and stay within a game of first place Mansfield. Brigham scored 15 points, recorded 13 rebounds, and had 10 blocks on the night.

Gymnastics = Franklin, 130.85 @ Oliver Ames, 136.6 – Final
– Franklin junior Mia Lizotte won the all-around for the third straight meet with a 35.95, edging out Oliver Ames’ Hannah Moynihan (35.5). Lizotte earned an 8.85 on beam, an 8.7 on bars and a 9.2 on both vault and floor. Franklin senior Liz Traphagen was second for the Panthers on the vault (8.2) and the floor (9.0). Junior Sadie Rondeau was second for the Panthers on both the bars and the beam.

Boys Swimming = Franklin, 126 @ Attleboro, 45 – Final

Girls Swimming = Franklin, 103 @ Attleboro, 67 – Final

Boys Basketball = Taunton, 60 @ Franklin, 72 – Final

Ryan Lanigan, Editor in Chief of Hockomock Sports, provided the game recap

"The Franklin boys basketball team had little trouble finding its defensive identity this season, which is a big reason why the Panthers have won six of their first seven games. 

The search for an identity on the offensive end, however, has taken a little bit longer. But the Panthers seemed to find the balance they need in a 72-60 win over Taunton on Tuesday night. 

The Panthers exploded for 27 points in the third quarter, turning what was just an eight-point lead into a comfortable 20-point cushion with just eight minutes left. 

“I think we were just more aggressive and shared the ball,” said Franklin head coach CJ Neely. “When we play aggressive and guys look to attack the paint, and then when they get in there and make good decisions that can be the difference."

Continue reading the game recap ->
https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-boys-basketball-dominant-third-quarter-lifts-panthers/

For the photo gallery of the Boys Basketball game
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20172018/Winter-2017-2018/Taunton-Franklin-Boys-Basketball-01-09-18/

For the rest of the results around the Hockomock League on Tuesday
https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-08-18/

Franklin’s Jalen Samuels goes up for a shot against Taunton’s Malik Charles (35) in the first half. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

Via the Twitterverse

Beyond proud! @FHSSports pic.twitter.com/ILtqneqHzy

— FHS Gymnastics (@fhs_gymnastics) January 10, 2018

[Girls Winter Varsity Swimming] Franklin HS defeats Attleboro HS, 103 to 67.

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) January 9, 2018

[Boys Winter Varsity Swimming] Franklin HS defeats Attleboro HS, 126 to 45.

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) January 9, 2018

G V Swimming: FHS defeats Attleboro 103-67. Ashley Loomis and Katie Cashin were double winners. Senior Kat Gillies took 1st in the 100 fly (her first win ever!!)

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) January 9, 2018

B V Swimming: Attleboro 45 Franklin 126
Cashin '18 achieved a Sectionals cut in the 200IM
Franklin went 1-2-3 in the 200 Free, 500 Free & 100 Breaststroke

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) January 9, 2018

In the News: State primary set for Sep 4; School District seeking input on budget

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

"The 2018 statewide primary elections will be held Tuesday, Sept. 4, the day after Labor Day, and Secretary of State William Galvin has asked legislative leaders to pay for a five-day early voting period leading up to the primaries. 

The date of the state primary is usually settled without much discussion or public attention, but this year Galvin was required by law to move the primary to an earlier date in September due to a conflict with a Jewish religious holiday. His choice, Sept. 4, is the earliest possible date Galvin could have set for the elections. 

Galvin’s office said his determination came after consultation with House Speaker Robert DeLeo and Acting Senate President Harriette Chandler, and that it comes with a request that the Legislature pay for cities and towns to hold five days of voting before the Sept. 4 primaries. 

“Given the interest we are already seeing in the primaries and the successful implementation of early voting in the 2016 State Election, I believe offering early voting for the State Primaries would provide a greater opportunity for voter participation,” Galvin said in a statement Tuesday morning."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180109/state-primary-set-for-sept-4

"The (Medway) school district is seeking public input this week on its upcoming budget, moving up a forum so community input could be better integrated into the process. 

The School Committee will host the forum at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Town Hall. The event will be followed by the committee’s regular meeting at 7 p.m. 

Superintendent Armand Pires said that though the forum is a yearly occurrence, it usually takes place when the budget is more fully formed. This year, the committee opted to convene the meeting earlier, allowing more leeway for resident suggestions to be taken into account. 

″(The committee) is interested in hearing from parents and community members - identifying priorities in the budget process and having an open dialogue,” he said. “Typically, when this conversation is held, we’re further along in the process.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180109/medway-schools-hosting-budget-forum



Please stay involved and informed as the Franklin School Committee develops the FY 19 school budget.

School Committee Preliminary Budget Timeline -- FY 19 Budget

• October 10, 2017 -- School Committee Budget Workshop  (you can find the notes from this meeting and audio here http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/10/fm-133-school-committee-budgeting.html)
• December, 2017 - Budget Subcommittee Meetings
• December, 2017 and January, 2018 -- Budget Development with Principals
• January -- March, 2018 -- Budget Subcommittee Meetings
• February 13, 2018 - Community Forum at FHS Lecture Hall with Senators Ross and Spilka, and Representative Roy (additional details to be released)
• February 27, 2018 -- Proposed FY 19 Budget presented to School Committee
• March 13, 2018 -- School Committee Budget Discussion
• March 27, 2018 -- Budget Public Hearing
• April 10, 2018 -- School Committee adoption of FY19 budget

Davis Thayer School in the snow

Live reporting: New business to closing

6. New Business
a. To discuss any future agenda items

7. Consent Agenda
a. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from the November 28, 2017 and December
12, 2017 School Committee Meetings.
b. I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $4,802.65 for FHS as detailed:

i. $832.65 from All-American Publishingii. $3,970.00 from Vicario Studios

c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $800.00 from the Hockomock Area YMCA for in-house enrichment at Parmenter Elementary School.
d. I recommend acceptance of the donation of 125 Science eye goggles valued at $216.25 from the Keller PCC.
e. I recommend acceptance of the donation of an iPad with case and a communication App for a non-verbal child valued at $707.98 from Linda Bishop.
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $50.00 from Lueders Environmental, Inc.
for Davis Thayer Elementary School.
g. I recommend acceptance of the donation of an area rug, valued at $409.47, from the Parmenter PCC for supplemental supplies.
h. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,550.00 from Franklin Music Parents for in house enrichment for the Music Department.
i. I recommend acceptance of a check for $5,000.00 from Thomas A Wagner III for
a FHS Scholarship.
j. I recommend approval of the request of Brian Wildeman to declare the attached list of books as surplus from RMS.
k. I recommend approval of the request of Dr. Joyce Edwards to declare the attached list of books as surplus from Central Office.

motion to accept consent items, seconded, passed 6-0


8. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

9. Payroll Ms. Douglas

10. Correspondence 
– Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman

11. Adjournment

motion to adjourn, seconded, passed 6-0


The School Committee agenda and associated documents as released for the meeting Jan 9
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/pages/FranklinCom_Packets/v1-9-2018%20SC%20Packet/

Live reporting: Discussion only and Information Matters

4. Discussion Only Items
a. ACCEPT 
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/pages/FranklinCom_Packets/v1-9-2018%20SC%20Packet/ACCEPT%20Collaborative%20Annual_Report_FY17.pdf

and BICO Collaborative Annual Reports
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/pages/FranklinCom_Packets/v1-9-2018%20SC%20Packet/BICO%2012%2007%202017%20annual%20report.pdf

membership fee, obtains reduced rates for out of district placements
professional development opportunities also available

in ACCEPT, graph page 6 - about 34 students
rebranding and move to new building
18-22 program (page 9) assistance from companies in helping students transition to world of work

BICO collaborative, located down the street
14 students participated
some operate within host schools, i.e. at Keller

part of the team process, assessment on meeting the students needs with the least restrictive environment; sometimes student disabilities don't have peers, so going out of district to get those peers is needed; cost sharing through the collaborative vs private placement


5. Information Matters
a. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

Budget - put together fact sheet, town is going to be under pressure this budget year; meeting next week on how to disseminate the fact sheet; brochure has a schedule for budget meetings

Community Relations - first moved to this Sat, 10;30 AM, educator award program for discussion at school committee next meeting; coffees and possible themes; looking to have an overall comprehensive strategy

Policy - really exciting meeting, reviewing policies, some coming forward to future meetings
Monday, 1/22, 7:00 Snow date of Feb 6th

Transportation - question raised on how many students did take use of the emergency busing program

Public Schools Advocacy - forum first Feb meeting Feb 16? - Spilka, Roy, Ross invited, to be held at Lecture Hall; getting info out to community

Joint PCC - data gathering on equity; fabric fund raising

Substance Abuse Task Force - Feb 27 next meeting

School Wellness Advisory Council [SWAC] - discussing student use of technologies; revision of the wellness policy coming to the Policy committee before coming to the SchComm; working on the BOXX program for consistency, looking at high needs students to see how many of them are participating

Live reporting: Policy on Advisory Committees

3. Discussion / Action Items

a. Policy – First Reading
I recommend moving Policy BDF – Advisory Committees to the School Committee to a second reading at the next meeting.

http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/pages/FranklinCom_Packets/v1-9-2018%20SC%20Packet/Discussion%20Action%20-%20Policy%20BDF.pdf

motion to move to second reading, seconded, passed 6-0