School Committee recap - March 22, 2018 (audio)

The Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting originally scheduled for March 13 and snowed out by the blizzard was rescheduled and held on Thursday, March 22. Due to the reschedule, Franklin TV was not broadcasting the meeting so the audio recording here is made available for the community.

Three items of note from the meeting:

• The budget was reviewed again and it was revealed that the plan to close the more than $900K gap was to utilize more funds from the revolving accounts. This is a concern as the revolving accounts are one-time use and simply continue to 'kick the can down the road' yet again and avoid the real decision on how to appropriately fund the school needs. 'Yet again' as there was significant use of the revolving accounts last year ($6.5M for FY 18 vs. $4.5M as proposed for FY19)
• Asst. Superintendent Joyce Edwards reviewed the homework planning underway. The slides from the presentation are not yet posted to the Schools webpage so the photos captured during the meeting can be reviewed along with the audio to better understand what was presented.
• It was revealed during the subcommittee update portion of the meeting that the School Start Advisory Committee actually met for the first time this week. The Advisory Committee was appointed in a prior meeting yet only one name for the committee has been posted for the membership. The Advisory Committee page did get updated (post meeting) to remove the form that was still asking for volunteers for this important work. 

My notes reported live from the meeting can be found in the links here:

Live Reporting: Action Items to Closing
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/03/live-reporting-action-items-to-closing.html

Live Reporting: Discussion / Action Items
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/03/live-reporting-discussion-action-items.html

Live Reporting: Homework Update
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/03/live-reporting-homework-update.html

Live Reporting: School Committee - Mar 22, 2018
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/03/live-reporting-school-committee-mar-22.html

Asst. Superintendent Joyce Edwards reviewed the homework planning underway

LiveARTS presents Keisuke Wakao - Apr 8

LiveARTS presents Keisuke Wakao, Oboist with the Boston Symphony, on Apr 8. Mr Wakao will be performing with Kazusa Mizutani, bassoon, Etsuko Hirose, piano, and Keila Wakao, violin.

Program: Previn, Bruch, Lalliet, Sarasate, Suk, Piazzolla

$20 Adults
$15 Seniors
Students under 18 free


All Concerts on Sundays, 3:00 pm (NEW TIME!) at the Meetinghouse of the First Universalist Society, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin, MA

Doors open at 2:30 pm. Open Seating. 
Handicapped accessible

LiveARTS presents Keisuke Wakao - Apr 8

For more information about LiveARTS, visit them on the web at
http://www.liveartsma.org/

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - March 28, 2018

The published agenda and documents for the Franklin Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, March 28, 2018

(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/news/3-28-18_agenda.pdf

Agenda Item	Summary
A. Approval of Minutes - March 14, 2018	A. Approval of Minutes - March 14, 2018
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 - Swearing in of Firefighter Paramedic Peter Ballou
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 - Council on Aging Faith Flaherty
F. Hearings	F. Hearings
G. License Transactions	G. License Transactions
H. Presentations/Discussions	H. Presentations/Discussions - An Act relative to establishing an animal abuse registry
I. Subcommittee Reports	I. Subcommittee Reports 1. Capital 2. Budget 3. EDC
J. Legislation for Action	J. Legislation for Action 1. Resolution 18-16: Authorization for the Town Administrator to Enter into Lease Purchase Financing Agreement to Fund New Municipal Telephone Systems (Motion to Move Resolution 18-16 - 2/3 Majority Vote (6))
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 - Strategy for collective bargaining with Police Unions
O. Adjourn	O. Adjourn

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - March 28, 2018

FM #141- School Committee Meeting - 3/22/18 (audio)

FM #141

This internet radio show or podcast is number 141 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording is of the School Committee meeting held on Thursday, March 22, 2018. The meeting was a reschedule for the meeting March 13 that was canceled due to the blizzard.

Due to the reschedule, Franklin TV was not broadcasting the meeting so the audio recording here is made available for the community.

The meeting runs an hour and forty minutes. My notes captured live during the meeting can be found on FranklinMatters.org/

Without further ado, here is the audio recording.






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This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can use your help.

How can you help?

• If you like this, please tell your friends and neighbors.
• If you don't like this, please let me know.

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
Thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark and Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes = search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes

Register O'Donnell Promotes Registry's Social Media

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Promotes Registry's Social Media Continuing a theme of communicating directly with the citizens of Norfolk County, Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell today reminded consumers about the various social media platforms available to them. O'Donnell noted, "A core mission here at the Registry of Deeds is to make important information readily available on a 24/7 basis. After all, just because our doors close at the end of the business day doesn't mean the Registry has to stop working for you. For example, our website www.norfolkdeeds.org lets people review scanned images of up to 6 million land documents back to 1793, as well as to learn about our latest consumer protection programs. I also want people to note that Registry information is available not just from using their workstations or laptops, but also from their smartphones and tablets." The Register also noted that you can print out an application of the popular Homestead Act, a law which provides a homeowner with limited protection against the forced sale of their primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000, or sign-up on-line for its free Consumer Notification System. This program will alert a person anytime a land document has been recorded or amended against their name in Norfolk County. Additionally, there is valuable county real estate information that can be researched and tracked based on the monthly and quarterly real estate statistical reports, such as the number of residential and commercial properties sold and average prices of property sold, and much, much more. Other forms of social media utilized by the Registry of Deeds include Facebook, facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds, Twitter, twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and Instagram. "The Registry has utilized Facebook and Twitter extensively to provide information to the public. We have also begun to use Instagram which will capture the demographics of younger property owners and real estate professionals. We are optimistic that first-time homeowners will use these social media platforms. They can learn more about home ownership and other consumer initiatives like protecting themselves against Deed Scam rip-offs, along with other outreach services, including learning about Registry office hours in the community," said O'Donnell. The Registry has also filmed multiple public service announcements (PSA's) which are available on the Registry's website and YouTube. These PSA's have touched on a variety of issues such as assistance for residents who have received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage from a lender. Videos highlighting the Registry's various philanthropic initiatives, such as its Annual Holiday Food Drive and its Suits for Success program, which helps people who are attempting to re-enter the workforce, can also be viewed. Concluding, Register O'Donnell stated, "My office recognizes the importance of using social media platforms to disseminate information. If you have questions related to real property, I urge you to take a look at our social media offerings." 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 Promotes Registry's Social Media

FTC: Get-rich scheme sold to wannabe Amazon sellers

Get-rich scheme sold to wannabe Amazon sellers by Robert Anguizola Attorney, Division of Marketing Practices, FTC "Get started selling on Amazon and make $5,000 - $10,000 in the next 30 days… even if you've never sold anything online before." That's one of the pitches the promoters of a large get-rich scheme used to lure people into a bogus business opportunity. Read more This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

In the News: Urban Air Adventure open; reverse commuters targeted for MBTA

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

"Though the local Urban Air Adventure Park franchise opened on March 17, anticipation had been building for some time before then. 

“Every night before we’d opened, we would see five or 10 cars driving by and looking in,” said co-owner Chad Darling. 

When the trampoline and family amusement facility had its grand opening, fellow co-owner Andy Powell said, that excitement had reached a fever pitch. 

“We had lines wrapped around the building,” he said. “It was cold, but everyone had a great time - we gave out coffee and doughnuts.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180325/fun-is-in-air-urban-air-adventure-park-opens-in-bellingham

Urban Air Adventure Park franchise opened on March 17

For more about Urban Air Adventure visit their webpage
https://www.urbanairtrampolinepark.com/bellingham-ma/

"The inbound trains are full on weekday mornings. Now Keolis and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority are trying to get passengers on the outbound trains at the same time, embarking on a new marketing campaign to encourage reverse commuting and leisure travel on the commuter rail. 

“The whole principal is driving ridership in ways that aren’t being utilized,” said Dave Walker, director of revenue and marketing at Keolis, the commuter rail operator. “What we’re trying to do is slightly change that balance of where our riders are.” 

Walker said about 90 percent of the roughly 125,000 daily journeys on the commuter rail are taken by 9-to-5 commuters to and from Boston."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180325/keolis-to-push-reverse-commuting-in-campaign-targeting-area

Editorial Note: As a regular Franklin Line commuter, I believe that if the MBTA/Keolis would focus on improving the ride, the ridership will increase. With reliable transportation available, folks will use it. With a poor record, why?

Lifelong Community Learning: Exercise Class for Active Agers

Starting April 25

Lifelong Community Learning presents Exercise Class for Active Agers REGISTER $55 6 Wednesdays, beginning April 25 5:30  to 6:30 pm Kennedy Elementary School 551 Pond St., Franklin Never too late to feel great!    This class is for active agers - men and women in their mid-40's,     baby boomers and beyond. It is designed for those interested in   developing a happy, healthy lifestyle.  Each one-hour class combines strength-training, flexibility, and cardio-conditioning. NOTE: Bring your favorite free weights LCL@franklinps.net           508-613-1480

FPS- Lifelong Community Learning, 218 Oak Street, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by lcl@franklinps.net in collaboration with Try it free today

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Mar 27, 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. FY19 Budget Hearing

Franklin Public Schools - FY19 Budget Hearing from Franklin Matters

3. Discussion / Action Items
a. School Choice Vote
I recommend that the School Committee not accept any new public school choice students for the 2018-2019 school year as discussed.
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinCom_Packets/q3-27-18%20SC%20Packet/Discussion%20ActionA-School%20Choice%20Vote.pdf

b. Draft 18-19 School Committee Schedule
I recommend that the School Committee approve of the 2018-19 School Committee meeting schedule as discussed.
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinCom_Packets/q3-27-18%20SC%20Packet/Discussion%20ActionB-SC%20Mtg%20Schedule%2018-19.pdf

4. Discussion Only Items

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; School Start Times Advisory Committee)

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

7. Consent Agenda
a. Keller Recurring Field Trip
I recommend approval of the request for a recurring field trip for Keller 5th Graders to Roger Williams Zoo, in Providence, RI on Friday, May 11, 2018 as detailed.
b. Jefferson Donation
I recommend acceptance of the donation of sporting equipment valued approximately at $300.00 from Dr. Maureen Sabolinski for supplemental supplies at Jefferson Elementary School.
c. Grant for Jefferson
I recommend acceptance of a check from Martin W. Richard Charitable Grant for $500.00 for supplemental supplies at Jefferson Elementary School as detailed.
d. FHS Senior Pilot
I recommend continued suspension of policy JH – Student Absences for the purposes of the late arrival/early release pilot for seniors at FHS on good standing during quarter 4.
e. Budget Transfers
I recommend Budget Transfers as detailed.

8. Payment of Bills 
Dr. Bergen

9. Payroll 
Mrs. Douglas

10. EXECUTIVE SESSION
pursuant to Purpose 7 (M.G.L. c 30A, Section 21(a)(7) ), to comply with or act under the authority of a general or special law when an open meeting would compromise the purpose for which the executive session is called, with the relevant citations of law being M.G.L. c. 71, §34D and 603 CMR 23.00 et. seq. and 20 U.S.C. § 1232g, which pertain to the confidentiality of student and education records, and to receive legal advice from counsel protected from disclosure under Massachusetts General Law with the relevant citations of law being M.G.L. c. 4, Section 7, clause twenty-sixth, MGL. c. 30A, s. 21 (a) (1), and M.G.L. c. 30A, Section 22 (f).

11. Adjournment


Other documents for the School Committee packet can be found online
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinCom_Packets/q3-27-18%20SC%20Packet/

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Mar 27, 2018

Franklin DECA Takes Home Awards at States

Joe Clark, Sports Editor of Pantherbook writes about the Franklin DECA program taking awards at the State level.

"On the weekend of March 8th-March 10th, 26 members of the Franklin High School DECA club headed to the Marriott Copley Place in downtown Boston for the 2018 Massachusetts DECA State Career Conference. At the event, students attended leadership and networking conferences, heard from guest speakers, and most importantly, presented their projects. 

Projects ranged from developing marketing plans for local businesses, promoting entrepreneurship, and creating their own ideas for an independent business. Students also had free time during the day, where they could attend seminars hosted by industry professionals. 

The club also took home some awards, none more notable than Arun Kavishwar and Saketh Saripalli taking home third place in the Individual Business Plan Competition, which clinched them a spot in the International Competition in Atlanta from April 21-25."

Continue reading the article online
https://franklinpanthers.us/student-life/2018/03/15/franklin-deca-takes-home-awards-at-states/

DECA President Isaac Nelson and Vice President
Steven Lutazzi hold the Franklin DECA flag