Wednesday, September 12, 2018

8th Annual Friends of the Poor Walk - Sep 29

In just two short weeks, the St. Mary’s St. Vincent de Paul will be holding its 8th Annual Friends of the Poor Walk. The Walk, 1 ½ or 3 miles, is our only fund raiser. SVdP members offer help to all Franklin residents in their time of need. Your support enables us to provide this assistance. Last year we were able to help 186 families.

Registration will begin between 8:30 AM and 11:00 AM in the Benjamin Franklin Charter School parking lot on Pleasant Street and then the walk will begin there at 9:00 AM rain or shine. 

Please walk with us in fellowship and contribute to our drive with generosity. To make this Walk better than ever, go to www.fopwalk.org where you can either join the Walk or make a donation.


Join together, with family and friends
to make our Walk better than ever!


8th Annual Friends of the Poor Walk
Sponsored by St. Mary’s St. Vincent de Paul Society
September 29, 2018
8:30 AM  - 11:00 AM

8th Annual Friends of the Poor Walk - Sep 29
8th Annual Friends of the Poor Walk - Sep 29

In the News: walkway ground breaking held; dispensary bans reversed

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

"With the outline of the future Veteran’s Memorial Pathway painted in white on the Town Common, an official groundbreaking ceremony was held on Tuesday. 
Residents as well as town and state officials gathered on the misty morning to witness and take part in the official start of construction. With more than 800 bricks engraved with the names of veterans far and wide, the pathway is already taking shape. 
The project started about three years ago when a discussion began on how to revitalize the names of the veterans that adorn memorial street signs across town. 
“The idea and outcome of that meeting was a genesis that is now culminating in the construction of the Veteran’s Memorial Walkway,” Franklin Veteran Service Officer Dale Kurtz said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180911/veterans-pathway-breaks-ground-in-franklin

The Brick order form  https://post3402.org/documents
Make checks payable to Franklin VFW Post 3402

"the outline of the future Veteran’s Memorial Pathway painted in white on the Town Common"
"the outline of the future Veteran’s Memorial Pathway painted in white on the Town Common"


"Six days after confirming approval of medical marijuana dispensary bans in Northborough and Bellingham, Attorney General Maura Healey’s office reversed its decision. 
In article on Aug. 25 Telegram and Gazette, a sister paper of the Daily News article, a spokesperson for the AG’s office confirmed that the office in June approved bylaws passed in the two towns that ban medical marijuana dispensaries. The 2012 Medical Marijuana law originally prohibited any municipality from banning medical marijuana dispensaries. An AG spokeswoman said at the time the approval was based on Section 56 (subsection d) of Chapter 55 Acts of 2017. 
But after being contacted by the Massachusetts Patient Advocacy Alliance and others with questions about the Telegram and Gazette story, officials in the AG’s office said they revisited the earlier decisions and the law and determined an error had been made - municipalities are not allowed to ban medical marijuana establishments."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180911/northborough-bellingham-now-told-they-cannot-prohibit-medical-marijuana-dispensaries

Franklin Residents: Public Health Alert - West Nile Virus risk level raised to moderate

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has elevated the risk level for West Nile Virus from low to moderate for the entire State of Massachusetts. To date there have been 10 human cases of West Nile Virus in Massachusetts.

The weather conditions are predicted to remain favorable for the mosquitoes that carry the West Nile Virus for at least the next several weeks. As such it is imperative for all individuals in Massachusetts to take personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Apply Insect Repellent When Outdoors: Use a repellent with DEET, Permethrin, picardin or oil of lemon eucalyptus according to the instructions on the product labels. Remember not to use products with DEET on infants under two months of age. DEET products in concentrations above 30% should not be used on older children. Oil of eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.

Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours: Mosquitos are most active between the hours from dusk to dawn. Limit your exposure out of doors during this peak biting time if possible. If you must be outside, wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks will help keep mosquitos away from your skin.

Drain Standing Water on Your Property: Mosquitos lay their eggs in standing or stagnant water. Drain birdbaths, flower pots, buckets and children's wading pools frequently.

Additional public health advisories/alerts regarding WNV and/or EEE will be provided by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Franklin Health Department as the situation warrants.

More information on mosquito-borne viruses can be found at the MADPH Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page at www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito

Public Health Alert - West Nile Virus risk level raised to moderate
Public Health Alert - West Nile Virus risk level raised to moderate

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Live reporting: Consent Agenda to Closing - Executive Session

7. Consent Agenda
a. Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from your August 28, 2018 School Committee Meeting.
b. School Improvement Plans
I recommend adoption of the following School Improvement Plans as presented:

  • Annie Sullivan Middle School
  • Horace Mann Middle School
  • Remington Middle School
  • Franklin High School

c. Parmenter Gifts
I recommend acceptance of six checks totaling $3,123.15 from Parmenter PCC as detailed:

  • $390.15 Supplemental Supplies
  • $150.00 Field Trip (Buses Gr. 2)
  • $650.00 Field Trip (Kindergarten)
  • $100.00 Field Trip (Bus Gr. 5)
  • $933.00 Field Trip (2017-18)
  • $900.00 Field Trip (Bus Gr. 3)
motion to accept consent agenda as shown, seconded, passed 70-0


8. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen
in order

9. Payroll Mrs. Douglas
in order

10. Correspondence 
– Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman, School Business Administrator

11. Executive Session
Strategy with respect to collective bargaining.

motion to adjourn to discuss strategy with respect to elective bargaining
passed 7-0

The PDF version of this agenda can be found online
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/agendas/scagenda_9-11-18.pdf

The documents released for this agenda can be found online (when released)
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/2018-19-meeting-packets

Live reporting: Discussion Items/Information Matters

3. Discussion / Action Items
a. None

4. Discussion Only Items
a. Draft School Committee Presentation Schedule
tried to map out presentations and updates incorporating your input from the summer workshop

for example:
report cards in December; include grading at FHS
March - proposed 2nd DIP update
April - 3rd DIP related to instruction
May - 4th DIP related to school council this year


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

  • Budget

meeting Weds, anything you'd like to bring up let us know


  • Community Relations

next meeting 9/25 - social media use
upcoming coffee Sep 14 at Senior Center 9:00 AM
next newsletter to be developed and sent out
also at Harvest Festival


  • Policy

meeting on Weds
from Superintendent/Asst Supt, policy revisions with impact
moving section by section through the manual; some take longer than others


  • Public Schools Advocacy

meeting to be rescheduled, need new date
attending Sen Spilka's Luncheon on SEL on Weds
newsletter targeted for 9/24


b. School Committee Liaison Reports 
Joint PCC


  • Substance Abuse Task Force 

multiple dates set to start meeting

School Wellness Advisory Council [SWAC]


  • School Start Times Advisory Committee [SSTAC]

research subcommittee presented finding
options proposed for time starts; constraints
different subcommittees tasked to look at the options
steering committee Monday, full meeting on 9/20
how to communicate if we might make a change

MASC


6. New Business
a. To discuss any future agenda items
for 9/25
elementary improvement plans
policy reviews likely



The PDF version of this agenda can be found online
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/agendas/scagenda_9-11-18.pdf

The documents released for this agenda can be found online (when released)
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/2018-19-meeting-packets


Live Reporting: Lifelong Learning Presentation


b. Lifelong Learning Presentation – Chris Nayler
20th year of program, thanks to Pandora Carlucci for this work starting this

multiple programs under the program umbrella all programs are self sustaining, paid for by the user fees

(presentation to be added later)




Live Reporting: Lifelong Learning Presentation
Live Reporting: Lifelong Learning Presentation

343 participated in High School Experience for the week of intro to the incoming 9th graders


partial slide capture showing linkage to the District Improvement Plans
partial slide capture showing linkage to the District Improvement Plans
Lifelong Learning will be present at the October Harvest Festival to listen and learn

we are looking to do more at the middle school level


The PDF version of this agenda can be found online
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/agendas/scagenda_9-11-18.pdf

The documents released for this agenda can be found online (when released)
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/2018-19-meeting-packets

Live reporting: Middle-High School Improvement Plans

2. Guests / Presentations
a. Middle School and High School’s School Improvement Plans
Dupre, Witcoff, Motti

presentation links to be added later
(no docs released as of meeting time)

1st page to talk to for the presentation tonight
1st page to talk to for the presentation tonight
2nd page of presentation for Middle Schools
2nd page of presentation for Middle Schools
3rd page of Middle School pres
3rd page of Middle School pres
4th page focusing on communications
4th page focusing on communications
question on the "World of Difference" program
built upon work from last year, peer leader lead, they facilitate discussions

question on responsive classroom, started at elementary levels and only recently has been expanded to middle school grades; principle aligned with social emotional learning

a lot of personalized strategies, emphasizes collaborative work among students
there is a lot of teacher buyin for this program

Illustrative Math (?) the program does allow for accelerated piece for students as they need

Peri, Klement for high shcool

also slides to be added when available (later)

not meant to be an eye test
not meant to be an eye test
A World of Difference program being added to high school this year
parents invited for age/grade specific evening programs

it is exciting to see the level of engagement and activity around the Algebra I and II classrooms, yes, really

"Portrait of a Graduate"to be brought into the high school this year, adds to what has already been done

series of 10 talks - being spearheaded by Asst Principal C Williams; first last week, remainder scheduled through the year

year two examining the grading practices
exciting work underway

examining the art and science of teaching
expanding new teacher academy; support provided through out the year
mentor and mentee program

cultural proficiency, town changing, school changing, how to meet the needs

engaging and supporting two way communications
really good start to the professional development for the year; Say Yes Institute

using the school council meeting to bring in other stakeholders
get communication out on time

social media platforms used, Twitter esp

when do the teachers do this?
excitement and buyin helps, the whole teacher matters to us here
we are working hard to listen to what is on our teachers minds

all the things the teachers do it is way beyond the school day, you are part of it too
self care is not just a buzzword, it does matter, we see it
we have a concern about how to do it


The PDF version of this agenda can be found online
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/agendas/scagenda_9-11-18.pdf

The documents released for this agenda can be found online (when released)
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/2018-19-meeting-packets

Live reporting: School Committee - Sep 11, 2018

Present: Feeley, Linden, Douglas, Scofield, Bergen, Schultz, Zub
Absent: none


1. Routine Business
a. Review of Agenda
no changes

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
none

c. FHS Student Representative Comments
Bea Bondhus
President Senior Class
2 yr Captain of girls basketball in addition to other clubs

Will Davis the new FHS representatives

the best opening in 20 year
FHS football team won opener, new concession stand well used
over 70 clubs this year
auditions for performances underway
new study parking system (by lot, rather than by spot)

looking forward to participating


d. Superintendent’s Report
rd week of school
concession stand wonderful soft opening, thanks to community for accomplishment building the stand; still some work to be done
more formal acceptance to be scheduled later

shout out to all the committee work underway
training for DESE project underway
homework committee met today

school start time advisory meeting next week



The PDF version of this agenda can be found online
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/agendas/scagenda_9-11-18.pdf

The documents released for this agenda can be found online (when released)
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/2018-19-meeting-packets


Franklin Garden Club - Flower Bouquet Sale - Sep 21

The Franklin Garden Club will sell flower bouquet arrangements in vases on Friday, September 21, at the Franklin Farmer’s Market, which takes place at the Town Common from 12:00 – 6:00 PM. 

The colorful arrangements featuring beautiful summer flowers, such as zinnias and daisies, will be made by members with flowers from their gardens and the Town Common. Prices will range from $5.00 - $10.00, a significant savings over the retail cost for similar bouquets. 

The sale offers residents an opportunity to brighten their homes with a lovely arrangement or to purchase a cheerful gift for others at a low cost. Proceeds will benefit Club community activities.

Franklin Garden Club - Flower Bouquet Sale - Sep 21
Franklin Garden Club - Flower Bouquet Sale - Sep 21

SEP 4, 2018 State Primary Official Results for Franklin, MA

Town Clerk Teresa Burr has posted the official results for the Sep 4 State Primary. The only observable changes I noted were in case of write in votes and the Libertarian results which as there were only 7 votes cast, I left out.

All 20 pages in the new voting report output. Note: the ballots are listed alphabetically (Democrat, Libertarian,Republican and then within each ballot by the position)


These results were shared from the Town of Franklin page
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/state-primary-official-results

or you can download a copy here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WGLRXqf5f89hbTsH4pNDe-Ouz2Kw99nO/view?usp=sharing



Official results for Franklin - State Primary - Sep 4
Official results for Franklin - State Primary - Sep 4

Registration for the Franklin Police Association 5K is now open

The 1st Annual 5K Foot Pursuit takes place at Franklin High School, 218 Oak St, Franklin, MA. There is plenty of parking on site. 

Registration opens Saturday, Nov 3 at 7:30 AM and the 5K race starts at 9:00.  At 8:15 AM there will be a Kids Fun Run, free for kids 13 and under.

The 5K course is USATF certified. The 5K will be professionally chipped timed by The Empire Timing Co.


REGISTRATION

Pre-Registration for the 5K is $20 for the first 100 registered and $25 thereafter. Race day registration is $30.

5K Pre-Registration for runners 17 and under is $10 and $15 on race day. The Kids Fun Run is free for kids 13 and under.

T-Shirts for the first 100 registered for the 5K.

For online registration:
https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/Franklin/FranklinPoliceAssociation5KFootPursuit

A mail-in race application can be downloaded from here:
http://firstmile-fitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/2018-Franklin-Police-Association-Race-App.pdf

Registration for the Franklin Police Association 5K is now open
Registration for the Franklin Police Association 5K is now open

Shared from Twitter:



MBTA: Franklin Line notice - Back Bay skipped for 2 inbound evening trains



Affected direction: Inbound Affected stops: Back Bay Affected trips: 722 (5:03 pm from Forge Park/495) 744 (5:05 pm from Norwood Central)
Franklin Line notice Franklin Line notice
Trains 722 (5:03 pm from Forge Park) and 744 (5:05 pm from Norwood Central) will not stop at Back Bay Station from Sept 10-14 due to Amtrak track work. Passengers for Back Bay will be assisted onto the next outbound trains from South Station.

Affected direction: Inbound

Affected stops:
Back Bay

Affected trips:
722 (5:03 pm from Forge Park/495)
744 (5:05 pm from Norwood Central)
Last Updated: Sep 10 2018 02:14 PM
© Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, all rights reserved.


MBTA: Franklin Line notice - Back Bay skipped for 2 inbound evening trains
MBTA: Franklin Line notice - Back Bay skipped for 2 inbound evening trains

FHS Volleyball tops Feehan 3-0 on Monday

Via HockomockSports and Twitter, we share the results of the FHS fall sports action on Monday, Sep 10.


Volleyball = Franklin, 3 @ Bishop Feehan, 0 – Final


For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-09-10-18/





FHS Volleyball tops Feehan 3-0 on Monday
FHS Volleyball tops Feehan 3-0 on Monday

MBTA Parking fee changes were effective Sep 1

Not sure how I missed picking it up on the radar but I was surprised last week to find the parking fee at Franklin/Dean Station increased from $4 to $6. The parking fee at Forge Park did not increase (it remains at $4).

Come to find out it is part of the plan to adjust prices throughout the MBTA arena. 

The good news: weekend parking went down from $4 to $2 at both Franklin/Dean and Forge Park Stations.

More about the parking rate changes overall
https://www.mbta.com/projects/parking-prices-update


Note: the listed price is for customers who use PayByPhone (the mobile app, the website, or their phone system). Mailed invoices are subject to a $1 fee per day of parking

MBTA Parking fee changes were effective Sep 1
MBTA Parking fee changes were effective Sep 1

Reminder: Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club - Sep 12

Just a reminder, that the Award Winning Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club meets for the first time this season on Wednesday, September 12th please join us at “3” Restaurant at 7:30 pm. Come learn what we won!!

Our first meeting of the year is a perfect opportunity to have fun while you make some connections in your community. We are a multi-generational club with an emphasis on fun and camaraderie. As a member driven organization . . . your ideas count and we want to hear them! We offer a wide range of activities for all ages and interests.

Find us upstairs at “3”. Complimentary appetizers and beverages are provided.

We invite any resident of Franklin, or a surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, to join us the 2nd Wednesday of the month (occasionally we switch Wednesdays to accommodate holidays or speakers). We run our meetings September through May.

Additionally, we hold many fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year. Look for us on our website www.franklinnewcomers.com, or on our Facebook page or on Meetup.com, Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club.


Reminder: Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club - Sep 12
Reminder: Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club - Sep 12