Monday, March 12, 2018

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
The large center window was removed first

Then the smaller surrounding windows were removed
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"
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.







Lifelong Learning: Wedding & Special Occasion Photography Class



Franklin Public Schools - 

Lifelong Learning Institute







Lifelong Community Learning

218 Oak Street, Franklin, MA 02038
FPS- Lifelong Learning Institute, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038

Sent by reedb@franklinps.net in collaboration with
Constant Contact

Sunday, March 11, 2018

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
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
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
dog park at Dacey Field on a sunny summer day

Saturday, March 10, 2018

Franklin School Committee Legislative Forum - Feb 13 (video)

The video of the Franklin School Committee Legislative Forum is now available.






  • Live reporting from the Forum

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/02/live-reporting-legislative-forum-feb-13.html


  • The audio of the Forum was published previously

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/02/fm-139-legislative-forum-on-school.html


  • Announcement of the Forum

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/02/franklin-school-committee-legislative.html

Franklin School Committee Legislative Forum - Feb 13 (video)
Franklin School Committee Legislative Forum - Feb 13 (video)

Where’s the Green? - Mar 17

A look at prospects for open space, agriculture, and recreational space in Franklin and a discussion about the town’s continued growth

On Saturday, March 17 Franklin in Focus is inviting all interested people to gather for a look at the past, present, and future of Franklin’s open space and continued growth with an eye to preserving town character, enhancing recreation and conservation, and encouraging agricultural activities.

We are inviting representatives from the Town Council, Town Conservation Commission and Planning Board, Metacomet Land Trust, Charles River Meadowlands Initiative, Franklin State Forest, and Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail, Agricultural Commission, and Community Garden and other to join us.

The event will be held at the Franklin Senior Center from 10 - noon.


For more information, contact franklininfocus@gmx.com

Where’s the Green?  - Mar 17
Where’s the Green?  - Mar 17

FHS boys basketball repeat as D1 Central Sectional Champions

Ryan Lanigan, founder and Editor-in-Chief of HockomockSports.com, provides the recap of the FHS boys basketball win to claim the D1 Central Sectional Championship on Friday, March 9.

The 2018 Franklin boys basketball team has relied on its defense all season long to win game after game. 
So it’s only fitting the Panthers came up with a pair of big stops to secure a 58-53 win over Algonquin to clinch the program’s second straight D1 Central Sectional Championship. 
Holding a 55-50 lead with 4:21 to go, the Panthers relied on the defensive end to clinch the title. The Tomahawks had the momentum, sandwiching a bucket from Nick Redden (25 points, 11 rebounds) around two defensive stops to get within two. 
The Panthers got a turnover but gave the ball back on an offensive foul that negated an and-one opportunity. Once again, Franklin got the stop it needed but the rebound bounced around and out of bounds. Algonquin called a timeout with an inbounds chance under the Franklin basket with 39.3 to go.

Continue reading the article online
https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-boys-basketball-beat-algonquin-to-repeat-as-d1c-champs/

For a photo gallery from the game, follow this link
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20172018/Winter-2017-2018/Franklin-Algonquin-Boys-Basketball-030918/

Franklin’s Paul Mahon drives to the basket in the first half against Algonquin. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)
Franklin’s Paul Mahon drives to the basket in the first half against Algonquin. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

Via the Twitterverse
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/lists/fhs-sports











Franklin Public Schools: Status Update on Our School Buildings' Systems - Mar 9 - 4:15 PM

Friday, March 9, 2018  4:15 PM Update

Dear Franklin Families, Faculty, and Staff,

We am writing before the weekend with an update regarding the status of our systems of operations within our schools.

Key Fobs
Key fobs had not been working for our entry doors, and staff were using door keys. Batteries in key fob entry pads are being or have been replaced.

Internet
As we had mentioned, Internet was out briefly but came back quickly across all schools, being functional by about 8:00 AM.  The Internet continues to function properly.

Heat
As we mentioned previously, a computer failure took down the heating system at Keller/Sullivan but the system was reset and heat came back online at 8:10 AM.  This morning, heat was on at Horace Mann/ECDC/Oak but not at full capacity. One boiler at Horace Mann/ECDC/Oak was restored at approximately 9:00 AM and heat is functioning properly there.

Phones
Phone lines have been restored to all schools but we are not yet at peak capacity.  We can receive incoming calls, make outgoing calls, and call internally. Work will continue through the weekend. Please be patient and try to call again or e-mail if you get a busy signal.

It appears that a significant majority of households would have power restored today. Please know we've been thinking of you, the challenges and discomfort that come when you don't have power in your homes, and understand implications for homework completion.

Many thanks to our Town Administrator's Office, the Facilities staff, the Technology Department, Fire Department and the Police Department for repair efforts and assistance throughout the day.


Regards,

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public Schools:  Status Update on Our School Buildings' Systems - Mar 9 - 4:15 PM
Franklin Public Schools:  Status Update on Our School Buildings' Systems - Mar 9 - 4:15 PM

In the News: local businesses help during power outage; not enough candidates in Bellingham

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"At the Cake Bar also in Franklin, owner Joanne Callahan said a lot of people came in to get work done, since the bakery did not lose power and offers free wireless internet. She said, though, that most of the people seeking refuge or respite came in on Thursday, as Friday had seen power restored to more customers. 
Callahan said she had lost power herself, and had sent her husband out to both make sure the business had lost power and to get her some coffee from the shop. 
The MetroWest YMCA also opened its doors to those without power, member or not. Many families used the WiFi and play spaces as they warmed up, said Lisa Mandozzi, branch executive director."


Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180309/local-businesses-institutions-help-people-warm-up


"The deadline for candidates to pull papers for this spring’s town election has passed, with only one potentially contested race on the ballot. 
Thursday, March 8 was the last day to seek papers from the town clerk’s office for the May 1 vote, in which multiple selectman and School Committee seats will be up for grabs. 
The only seat for which multiple candidates have pulled papers is a five-year Housing Authority position. Town Clerk Ann Odabashian said newcomer candidates Joseph Fleuette, Billiegene Lavallee and Mark Ladouceur had requested nomination papers; Lawrence Sposato, the incumbent, did not."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180309/dearth-of-candidates-in-bellingham-election


Reminder: Spring forward tonight for Daylight Savings Time


Reminder: Spring forward tonight for Daylight Savings Time
Spring forward for Daylight Savings Time

Mar 11, 2018 - Daylight Saving Time Starts


"Sunday, March 11, 2018, 2:00:00 am clocks are turned forward 1 hour to 
Sunday, March 11, 2018, 3:00:00 am local daylight time instead.

Sunrise and sunset will be about 1 hour later on Mar 11, 2018 than the day before. There will be more light in the evening."



MASSBudget: Data on EITC by community, and effects on parents and children



MassBudget  Information.
  Participation.
 Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center  Democracy.
March 8, 2018






Data on EITC by community, and effects on parents and children

The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center's new resources provide data on how many households in each Massachusetts city or town received earned income tax credit (EITC), a tax credit available to low- and moderate-income working people. The Governor's proposed budget includes an expansion of the state EITC from 23 percent of the federal credit to 30 percent, which would affect the economic security of more than 400,000 households in Massachusetts.

MassBudget's brief includes an interactive map, which shows the share of all tax filers in each city and town who benefited from the state EITC. The data can also be downloaded as a table from the Kids Count Data Center. Both use the most current data available from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue.

More than 400,000 households claim the Massachusetts state EITC each year. In state Fiscal Year 2019 lower wage workers and their children will receive a total of $214.1 million in credits.
For a detailed description of EITC and how it affects educational, health, and other family outcomes, see this updated fact sheet.


MASSBudget: Data on EITC by community, and effects on parents and children  
The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts.

MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER
15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700
BOSTON, MA 02108


Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 15 Court Square, Suite 700, Boston, MA 02108

Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with
Constant Contact

Friday, March 9, 2018

Franklin Public Schools: Schools are in session but .... Operations of Systems in Our School Buildings

Friday, March 9, 2018  9:00 AM Update


Dear Franklin Families, Faculty, and Staff,

It has been a busy morning so far and we are writing this message to convey accurate information regarding our systems operations in the early morning hours.

While power was restored broadly to our schools, we have been experiencing some problems with our systems. We have assessed across all buildings and feel we are able to operate normally with a few "workarounds".

Key Fobs
Key fobs are not working for our entry doors but door keys do work.  The buildings remain locked, however people in the building are able to get out.  Secretaries are able to buzz in visitors and check them per security protocols.

Internet
We experienced brief Internet outages early in the morning at some schools but all schools currently have Internet connections.

Heat
The heat was on in most buildings but a computer failure took the heat offline at Keller/Sullivan. The system was reset and heat came back online at 8:10 AM.  The heat at Horace Mann/Oak/ECDC is on but one boiler is not functioning properly. The contractors are currently working on it.

Phones
Our phone lines are experiencing problems across all schools.  Incoming calls are being directed to a "Town Offices" line here at the municipal building.  This line is being monitored and we are relaying the messages to the schools. If you need to reach the school, an alternative is to email the school secretary.

We are having difficulty making outgoing phone calls at ECDC/Oak St./HMMS and Keller/Sullivan.  Our workaround for emergency purposes is to use cell phone calls and/or text messaging. We will also have additional police and administrative presence at these locations for assistance.

Our communications vendor is currently working to repair the phone system.

We will continue to keep you apprised about conditions throughout the day.

Regards,

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public Schools: Schools are in session but .... Operations of Systems in Our School Buildings
Franklin Public Schools: Schools are in session but .... Operations of Systems in Our School Buildings