FHS cheerleaders Div 1 State Champs!

Via Twitter sharing the good news

Congrats Panthers!!! Division One Winter Cheer State Champs!!! pic.twitter.com/ChJ5mFIgc6

— Pantherbook (@FranklinHSNews) March 11, 2018

Hockomock Champs, Regional Champs...and your MSAA Div 1 STATE CHAMPIONS!!!! Congratulations @FHScheer_ !!!! What a year! #PantherPride #StateChampions pic.twitter.com/QgI0Fl3hLA

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) March 11, 2018

Not a bad Sunday. @FHScheer_ is crowned Div 1 State Champs!!!! Congratulations on a TERRIFIC season!! #PantherPride

— FranklinHighSchool (@FranklinHS) March 11, 2018

Our very own @FHScheer_ about to take center stage.   Competing at Whitman Hanson today.  They were AMAZING!!!

Register O'Donnell Says February Real Estate Shows a Few Positive Signs

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Says February Real Estate Shows a Few Positive Signs Bucking a stagnating real estate market, February in Norfolk County showed a few positive indicators marked by significant increases in sales volume and average sales prices for residential and commercial properties. Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell noted, "While February saw a 0% percentage increase in the number of residential and commercial properties sold in Norfolk County compared to February of 2017, there was nevertheless a significant increase of 37% in the total volume of residential and commercial sales, totaling $463 million. Additionally, there was more good news with the average sales price, for both residential and commercial properties, rising by 46% to $866,610." However, countering these promising statistics were the number of land documents recorded at the Registry. During the month of February there were 9,455 land documents recorded, a 5% reduction from the previous year. A main reason for the decrease can be attributed to the lending market. Once again, Norfolk County saw a reduced number of mortgages recorded during February, a trend stubbornly seen for the past several months. There were a total of 1,589 mortgages recorded representing a 6% decrease from February 2017. However, the total amount of borrowing rose 598%, but the number was significantly skewered by a $2 billion mortgage taken out against the Calpine Fore River Energy Center in Quincy and Weymouth. Norfolk County homeowners continued to avail themselves of the benefits of the Homestead Act. A total of 621 Homesteads were recorded in February, an 8% reduction year over year. "I urge Norfolk County residents to consider filing a homestead on their primary residence. The Homestead law provides limited protection against the forced sale of an individual's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000," noted O'Donnell. Foreclosure activity was relatively flat during the month of February. A total of 17 foreclosure deeds were filed compared to 16 the previous year. Also, the number of Notice to Foreclose Mortgage recordings, the first step in the foreclosure process, was 47 compared to 49 filed in February 2017. Register O'Donnell stated, "Foreclosure activity appeared to have stabilized during the month of February compared to the past few months when significant increases in Notice to Foreclose Mortgage recordings were seen. With that said, we need to make sure any homeowner facing a challenge with their monthly mortgage payment is getting the help and counseling they need." The Registry continues to work with Quincy Community Action Programs, 617-479-8181 x-376, and NeighborWorks Southern Mass, 508-587-0950. They are available to help anyone who has received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage from a lender. A third option is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General's Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400. Each of these programs is staffed by knowledgeable professionals. I urge anyone who is facing a foreclosure issue to avail themselves of these excellent programs." Register O'Donnell concluded, "In many respects, Norfolk County real estate activity is mirroring what's happening with real estate activity across the northeast United States. Home prices are rising, but total real estate sales numbers are stagnant due to a historically low amount of inventory. This issue is especially burdensome for first time potential homebuyers. We are also seeing mortgage interest rates rise which may by causing some prospective buyers to pause." To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street, Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website at www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org. Register William P. O'Donnell Norfolk County Registry of Deeds email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-234-3336 web: http://www.norfolkdeeds.org

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831 Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with Try it free today

Register O'Donnell Says February Real Estate Shows a Few Positive Signs

In the News: stained glass being restored; student walkouts planned

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

"Accompanied by the shrill of an electric saw, and a clinking rainfall of decades-old glazing, an entire wall of stained glass windows was extracted over the course of three days from the historic Franklin Federated Church -- bound for a Minnesota workshop to be restored to their original glory. 

Under the guidance of project manager Kit Sherwood, of Willet-Hauser Stained Glass, each delicate panel was meticulously freed from the glazing and tiny nails that held them in place. Panels were carefully tipped out, set down and lowered to the ground on a mechanical elevated work platform. There, each panel was handed over to two other team members - Sherwood’s nephew, Tyson, and brother in-law, Jimmy Cope - to be taped and cautiously packed between layers of padding into a shipping container. 

“It’s a little nerve-wracking,” admitted Sherwood, seeming relieved to have the panel he just removed safely secured with an “x” of blue tape and nestled into place among the other panels in the packing container."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180311/stained-glass-from-franklin-church-to-undergo-restoration

Related posting
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/03/franklin-federated-church-stained-glass.html

The large center window was removed first

Then the smaller surrounding windows were removed

"As schools around the country brace for student walkouts following the deadly shooting in Parkland, Florida, principals and superintendents are scrambling to perform a delicate balancing act: How to let thousands of students exercise their First Amendment rights while not disrupting school and not pulling administrators into the raging debate over gun control. 

Some have taken a hard line, promising to suspend students who walk out, while others are using a softer approach, working with students to set up places on campus where they can remember the victims of the Florida shooting and express their views about school safety and gun control. 

Since the Feb. 14 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, demonstrations have sprung up on school campuses around the country. But the first large-scale, coordinated national demonstration is planned for March 14, when organizers of the Women’s March have called for a 17-minute walkout, one minute for each of the 17 students and staff members killed in Florida."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/ZZ/20180311/NEWS/180319987

The Pantherbook article on the FHS student walkout was posted here earlier
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/03/pantherbook-walkout-planned-at-franklin.html

Pantherbook: "A Walkout Planned at Franklin High"

Lifelong Learning: Wedding & Special Occasion Photography Class

Digital Photography Class - Beginning March 15
Don't miss out - Register Online

Wedding and Special Occasion Photography

3 Week Photography Class

Rich Powers

The Henry Studios

Thursdays - Mar. 15, 22, Apr. 5
6:30 - 9:00 PM - Cost = $75
Held at Franklin High School

Be that special occasion photographer you always wanted to be! Weddings are fun and beautiful and a great way to have fun with the special occasion photography..... but there is so much to learn before the event.

Beginning March15

Franklin Public Schools -  Lifelong Learning Institute Lifelong Community Learning 218 Oak Street, Franklin, MA 02038 www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com 508-613-1480

FPS- Lifelong Learning Institute, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by reedb@franklinps.net in collaboration with Try it free today

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Mar 13, 2018

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.

A G E N D A

“The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law.”

1. Routine Business
a. Review of Agenda
b. Citizen’s Comments

i. In the spirit of open communication, “the School Committee will hear public comment not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee Meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made. A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment” – from Policy BEDH

c. FHS Student Representative Comments
d. Superintendent’s Report

2. Guests / Presentations
a. Project 351 Student Representative ASMS
b. Update on Homework (District Improvement Plan – Goal 2) – Dr. Joyce Edwards

3. Discussion / Action Items
a. Policy – Second Reading
I recommend adoption of the following policies as discussed.

• Policy CBD – Superintendent’s Contract
• Policy ADF – Wellness Policy

b. Proposal for FHS Seniors late arrival or early release during study hall pilot
I recommend temporary suspension of policy JH – Student Absences for the purpose of piloting late arrival/early release for FHS Seniors during quarter 4 as discussed.
c. School Start Times Advisory Committee Appointment
I recommend approval of the remaining School Start Times Advisory Committee appointment as discussed.

4. Discussion Only Items
a. Budget Discussion

5. Information Matters
a. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Budget; Community Relations; Policy; Transportation; Public Schools Advocacy; Ad Hoc Superintendent’s Evaluation)
b. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC; Substance Abuse Task Force; School Wellness Advisory Council [SWAC]; MASC)

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 February 27, 2018 School Committee meeting.
b. Parmenter Gifts
I recommend acceptance of four checks totaling $518.67 as detailed:

• $340.72 Parmenter PCC for Supplemental Supplies
• $50.00 Parmenter Parent for Supplemental Supplies
• $77.95 Parmenter PCC for Supplemental Supplies
• $50.00 Parmenter Parent for Supplemental Supplies

c. Music Parents Gift
I recommend acceptance of $240.00 from Franklin Music Parents for in-house enrichment as detailed.
d. FHS scholarship
I recommend acceptance of a check for $5,000.00 from the Digital Federal Credit Union for a FHS Scholarship.
e. Davis Thayer Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000.00 from the Davis Thayer PCC for Library books.
f. Remington Middle School Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $594.00 from the RMS PCC for in-house enrichment.
g. Jefferson Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $4,159.00 from the Jefferson PCC for field trips.
h. HMMS Grade 6 recurring Field Trip
I recommend approval of the request to take HMMS 6th graders to Save the Bay, in Providence, RI on 5/30; 5/31; and 6/1/2018 (approximately 52 students each day) as detailed.

8. Payment of Bills = Dr. Bergen

9. Payroll = Mrs. Douglas

10. Executive Session
a. Strategy with respect to litigation.

11. Adjournment

The documents released for this agenda can be found on the School District page
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinCom_Packets/s3-13-2018%20SC%20Packet/

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Mar 13, 2018

Good Friday 'Cross Walk' is scheduled on the Franklin Town Common - Mar 30

St Mary's teens and families will host its annual 'Cross Walk' procession on the Franklin Town Common beginning at Noon on Good Friday. Christians of all denominations and ages are welcome. Participants will gather on the Church Square end of the common. 

Together, they will process through and around the Franklin town common and back to St Mary's lawn, pausing along the way to reflect on Jesus' great love for us. 

Anyone who wishes to may help share the burden of carrying the heavy cross during the procession. Teens from St Mary's parish will read reflections and prayers at each stop. 

All area residents and our families and friends from surrounding communities are encouraged to take part in this meaningful procession on Good Friday to remember Christ's Passion.

Friday, March 30- 12:00-1:00 pm

Good Friday 'Cross Walk' is scheduled on the Franklin Town Common - Mar 30

Franklin Dog Park Fund Raiser - May 6

Friends of the Franklin Dog Park Committee meeting on March 14, 2018 at 7 PM at the Franklin Library on the second floor conference room. New members are welcome.

We are having a wine and beer tasting fund raiser for the Franklin Dog Park on May 6 from 1 PM to 4 PM, to be held at Pour Richard's Wine and Spirits, 14 Grove Street, Franklin, Ma.02038. There will be snacks and door prizes. Tickets will be $10.00 per person plus live entertainment. All profits will be for the purchasing of 4 dog park benches and Agility equipment for the dog park.

If you can't make it on that day how about sending a donation to help us out. Make your donation out to: Franklin Dog Park, P.O.Box 111, Franklin,Ma. 02038.

dog park at Dacey Field on a sunny summer day