In the News: Article 1 Ballot Question; first gubernatorial debate set for Oct 9

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

"Nora Watts wakes up at 4:50 a.m. on days she’s working. 

The 66-year-old gets up, dresses and goes to the gym because she wants to ensure she’s in-shape enough to perform her duties as a nurse at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. 

“I’m not a spring chicken anymore,” Watt said. “I want to make sure I stay strong and healthy.” 

The job has become more difficult and more dangerous in recent years, Watts said, in part because nurses – like herself – are being asked to care for more patients at a time than Watts believes is responsible."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180925/nurses-hospitals-split-on-ballot-measure-in-massachusetts

For an independent review of the Article 1 question and issues covering both sides  https://www.cirmass.org/the-2018-citizens-statement

an independent review of the Article 1 question and issues covering both sides

"The first gubernatorial debate between Gov. Charlie Baker and Democratic challenger Jay Gonzalez will take place in two weeks on the night of Oct. 9, with WBZ-TV host Jon Keller as moderator, according to campaign officials familiar with debate negotiations between the two candidates. 

The televised debate at 8 p.m. will be one of three debates this cycle, and represents a potential turning point for Gonzalez, who continues to trail Baker in the polls and fundraising while also suffering from low name recognition. 

Days after the primary, Baker’s campaign announced that he had agreed to three televised debates against his general election opponent. Gonzalez had been pushing for more debates, and Baker received some criticism for turning down invitations to debate in western Massachusetts."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180925/first-governor-debate-planned-for-oct-9

Attention - Franklin Residents: Job Opportunities

Job Opportunities

• Police Patrol Officer - candidates must be graduates of the Full-time Basic Massachusetts Police Training Committee (MPTC) Academy or equivalent
• Firefighter/Paramedics - The Town of Franklin's Fire Department is in the Massachusetts Civil Service system. 
  • If you are currently a Firefighter/Paramedic in a Civil Service community and are interested in working for Franklin, send a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov. 
  • Please note: new hires must have and maintain a paramedic certification and complete an Associate's Degree within 5 years of the date they are hired.   

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email.  

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead.
http://www.franklinma.gov/human-resources/files/application-employment-town-franklin

Attention - Franklin Residents: Job Opportunities

Live reporting: Consent Agenda to Closing

7. Consent Agenda
a. Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from your September 11, 2018 School Committee meeting.
b. Elementary School Improvement Plans
I recommend adoption of the Elementary School Improvement Plans for the following schools as presented:

• F. X. O’Regan Early Childhood Development Center
• Davis Thayer Elementary School
• Jefferson Elementary School
• Helen Keller Elementary School
• John F. Kennedy Elementary School
• Oak Street Elementary School
• Gerald M. Parmenter Elementary School

c. Oak Street Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,232.00 from the Oak St. PCC for field trips as detailed.
d. Keller Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $3,891.00 from the Keller PCC for field trips as detailed.
e. RMS Recurring Field Trip
I recommend approval of the recurring field trip request of Mr. Fitzgerald to take 25 RMS students to Mt. Monadnock in Jaffrey, NH on October 20, 2018 as detailed.

motion to accept consent agenda, seconded, passed 7-0

8. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

9. Payroll Mrs. Douglas

10. Correspondence - none

11. Executive Session
a. Strategy with respect to collective bargaining.

motion to enter executive session not to return to open meeting
passed 7-0


12. Adjournment

The documents released for this agenda can be found on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/september-25-2018-packet-documents

Live reporting: Information Matters

4. Discussion Only Items

5. Information Matters
a. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports 
Budget
pre-meeting for the Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting scheduled for Weds

Community Relations
past coffee at Senior Center, a real fun meeting to have
next up at Oct 3, FHS Library
homework policy theme

meeting to talk about social media, newsletter
tie to the Senior Center, calendar linking to the community
at the Harvest Festival - Oct 13
looking for shift help from 11-4 to help man the booth

Policy
next meeting Oct 17, 7:00

Transportation

Public Schools Advocacy
meeting Tue, Oct 2 at Franklin TV

Ad Hoc Superintendent’s Evaluation

b. School Committee Liaison Reports 
Joint PCC
importance of volunteers, hot days at Davis Thayer - how to deal with, work underway
importance of school councils

Substance Abuse Task Force
meeting in Nov

School Wellness Advisory Council [SWAC]
met at FHS, reviewed the calendar for the year, to establish new goals
looking to expand some goals for continuity and equity sake
looking for strong goals rather than multiple goals
same three goals as District and looking to link with SEL goals to avoid redundancy

School Start Times Advisory Committee [SSTAC]
survey coming out
research says to change, options to be reviewed
busing would be required under the proposals
busing could be more efficient per the bus company, three tiers would be done with less buses total if start times were enough apart


MASC
delegate resolution to bring forward for discussion


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

next meeting to be a workshop format
committee self evaluation

superintendent goals
official enrollment as of Oct 1

Live reporting: Discussion - Action Items

3. Discussion / Action Items
a. Policy – First Reading
I recommend approval of moving the following policies to a second reading as
discussed:
motion to move to 2nd reading, second, passed 7-0

• NEW JFABE – Educational Opportunities for Military Children
• NEW JFABF – Educational Opportunities for Children in Foster Care
• BCA – School Committee Member Ethics

b. Policy – Second Reading
I recommend adoption of Policy BA – School Committee Operational Goals as
discussed
motion to approve, second, passed 7-0

c. Concession Stand
I recommend acceptance of the Concession Stand at Franklin High School valued
at $210,800.00 from various donors as discussed.

Ryan Jette, Wayne, Mike Socci
motion to approve, second, passed 7-0

without guidance and leadership of Ahern and Nutting it would not have been accomplished

the concession trailer needed to be replaced and with the new school, updated field, it was time to do so

DPW Water division (water and sewer connections)
DPW Grounds (all landscaping)
Mike D'Angelo, Facilities (up to standard for other buildings)
Gus Brown, Building Inspector
Board of Health inspected and approved

additional landscape work remains

new concession stand at Franklin High School

d. FHS Europe Trip Proposal
I recommend approval of the request of Mr. Walsh and Mr. McCarthy to take FHS
students to Berlin, Prague, Krakow (Auschwitz) and Budapest from June 23, 2019
through July 3, 2019 as detailed.

Education First (EF) could be accessible for someone who requires assistance
fund raising could be tight due to the time frame, linking to other teachers who have done similar trips
fund raising would be competing with all the other clubs and sports at FHS
opportunities for specific curriculum tie ins US History, AP, World History, etc.
limited to current high school students


motion to approve, second, passed 7-0

Live Reporting: Elementary School Improvement Plans

2. Guests / Presentations
a. Elementary School Improvement Plans
i. ECDC
Kelty Kelly, Principal

"Big Day for Pre K"
honors developmental appropriate practice
seeing increase of students with autism needs

Kelty Kelly, Principal of ECDC, leads off the elementary improvement plan discussion tonight #schcom0925 pic.twitter.com/uY22lVr739

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) September 25, 2018

ii. Davis Thayer
iii. Jefferson
iv. Keller
v. JF Kennedy
vi. Oak Street
vii. Parmenter

The listing of principals by school can be found on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinps.net/district/about-us/pages/school-principals

elementary school principals ready to provide an update on the improvement plans

partnering with Franklin Food Pantry for weekend backpack program to provide additional food for those in need

(Note: C Douglas arrives)

MA Personalized Learning Network (MAPLE)

PD Your Way - at Parmenter, professional development your way

ICE - intervention, correction and enrichment

new Schools webpage now available, faculty figuring out how to do things with the new page
leveraging Twitter for communications with links back to the school page

Keller Kids Calls - positive calls home for the student

Q - on MAPLE 
teachers can use it to provide some differentiated learning on particular topics, about student engagement, where are they coming from, not just where we are coming from

Q - examples of SEL skills for elementary students
resiliency would be one, multiple opportunities to identify the skills, hopefully they'll find self confidence and what tools they can use to self regulate

first PD day was focused for teachers and staff how to take care of themselves first

social studies curriculum overdue for an update but teachers are integrating current events and other items as they can

Live Reporting: School Committee - Sep 25,2018

Present: Feeley, Linden, Scofield, Bergen, Schultz, Zub
Absent: Douglas


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
Moving into normal pace, Friday football is also the best buddies game
teacher appreciation game as well

planning for a club fair for underclassmen to view the opportunities on each of the clubs available

Unified basketball practice has started

homecoming dance, Sat - football game on Fri

planning for the neon dance

fire drill first one last week, getting 2000 out of the building
volleyball team ranked 2nd in the State and currently undefeated

d. Superintendent’s Report

Dr Edwards attending conference tonight, professional development

follow up on the Horace Mann middle school auditorium, interior courrtyard flooded due to rain last week from a blocked vent, lower front of auditorium water damage as well as stage floor
work underway to repair sheet rock, etc.

FPS participated in Cultural District site visit
really exciting opportunity to collaborate across the town

Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting - Agenda - Sep 26, 2018

Franklin Town Council/School Committee/Finance Committee

Joint Budget Subcommittee

September 26, 2018 - 5:30 PM

Municipal Building, 3rd Floor Training Room

355 East Central Street, Franklin

Agenda

1. FY 19 Budget Update
2. FY 19 Capital Budget – Due Nov 9, 2018
3. School Committee Information Update
4. FY 2020 Budget
5. Next steps

Proposed FY 20 Budget Timeline

• Department request (includes Schools) reviews complete by mid-February
• Pension assessment - January
• State aid announced end of January
• Assessments: MECC, Tri County, Norfolk County – February
• Health Insurance- Late Feb/March
• General insurance - mid – March
• School Committee Public Hearing
• Fin Comm reviews budget late March, early April
• Town Council budget hearing late May

You can view/download the agenda document from the Town of Franklin page
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/joint_budget_subcommittee.pdf

Note: there are two pages to the agenda document

work on the Historical Museum had started last year and is finally continuing this year

Five year fiscal forecast
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/five_year_fiscal_forecast_fy17-fy21.pdf

Town of Franklin budget page
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget

Franklin Garden Club Hosts Speaker on Hostas - Oct 2

Bob Trainor, owner of Garden Tech Horticultural Services of Walpole, MA, will speak on the “The Wonderful World of Hostas” at the Tuesday, October 2, meeting of the Franklin Garden Club. 

The meeting will be held at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street, Franklin, from 7:00 – 9:00 PM, beginning with an informal social at 6:30 PM. It is open to members of the public at no charge.

Trainor, who established his company 20 years ago, is a horticulturist, nurseryman, and landscape designer with 40 years of experience in the green industry. He will speak on how to select the best varieties of hostas and integrate them into the landscape. 

A MA Certified Horticulturist and MA Certified Landscape Professional, he has won numerous awards for landscape design, customer service, and community beautification projects. His passion is learning about the ever-expanding pallet of plant varieties available for use in landscapes and sharing that knowledge with both beginner and experienced gardeners, alike.

Franklin Garden Club Hosts Speaker on Hostas - Oct 2

FHS volleyball and girls soccer post wins, field hockey ties on Monday

Via HockomockSports and Twitter, we share the results of the FHS fall sports action on Monday, Sep 24.


Boys Soccer = Taunton, 3 @ Franklin, 0 – Final
– Taunton exploded for three goals in the second half to pick up its second straight win. Alec Nunes scored the game-winner in the 52nd minute, taking a pass from Kyle Aubin and blasting a shot from range to put the Tigers ahead 1-0. Mateusz Hagemajer scored the next two goals, first off an assist from Brett Beaulieu in the 55th minute and then unassisted in the 67th minute. THS coach Taylor Whitters said Liam Crowley and Charlie Fiske also played well for the Tigers while Nolan Melo recorded his second shutout of the season.

Girls Soccer = Franklin, 4 @ Taunton, 0 – Final
– Sydney St. Marie scored a pair of goals, Calen Frongillo had a pair of assists and Hailey Toolin had a goal and an assist for the Panthers. Stella Regan also had a goal and Sabrina Addi had an assist in the win.

Field Hockey = Taunton, 2 @ Franklin, 2 – Final
– Taunton rallied from a 2-0 deficit to grab a point on the road with the draw. Goals from Cassi Ronan (from Regan Paterson) and Amanda Lewandowski (from Stephanie Bell) put the Panthers ahead 2-0 at halftime. But Taunton scored twice in the second, tying the game with 10 minutes to go. Lauren Torres (from Jillian Pagliuca) made it a one goal game and then Alana Tavares tied the game. Emma Sheehan had five saves in net for the Tigers. THS head coach Liz Hathaway praised the work of her defense, including Skylar Rheaume, who made a big defensive save for Taunton.

Volleyball = Taunton, 0 @ Franklin, 3 – Final


For the other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-09-24-18/

FHS volleyball and girls soccer post wins, field hockey ties on Monday

And via the Twitterverse

https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/lists/fhs-sports

Varsity had a tough battle against a very defensive Taunton team.... final score 2-2.... scoring for Franklin was Cassi R assist from Regan P and 2nd goal scored by Amanda L assisted by Stephanie B.... Anna J had 1 save in net and E-Val had a FANTASTIC defensive save!

— Franklin HS Field Hockey (@FHS_FH_02038) September 25, 2018

🎉 Congrats to the JV Team for their 1-0 WIN vs Taunton!! Goal scored by Lily K!! Still undefeated!!! WTG 🏑💕🎉😃

— Franklin HS Field Hockey (@FHS_FH_02038) September 25, 2018

🎉🏑 A great win for the FHS Frosh FH Team!! The girls beat Taunton 13-0 w/6 diff ppl scoring... 3 Hat Tricks 🎩 scored by Jill F, Caroline G, & Elizabeth S...Amanda P w/2 goals..Mia R & Maura C each w/ 1 goal.. Assists go to Olivia S, Maura w/2, Jill w/1, Caroline w/1, Mia w/4

— Franklin HS Field Hockey (@FHS_FH_02038) September 25, 2018

great win over Taunton today! final score 4-0. goals by Syd (2), Stella, and Hailey. assists by Calen (2), Hailey, and Sabrina. G2 goes to Sami!! nice job today girls!

— FHS Girls Varsity Soccer (@fhsgvsoccer) September 25, 2018

Hard fought 3 game match vs. Taunton! 25-22, 25-27, 25-13. Nice job JV ♡ pic.twitter.com/U12SyXspTs

— Sandy Sauer (@FHSCoachSandy) September 24, 2018

Thank you to all the golfers that came out & supported the FHS baseball program during our inaugural golf fundraiser yesterday. It was an amazing day & a lot of fun. Thank you to the players, parents, alumni & boosters for putting together such a special event! #PantherPride pic.twitter.com/5oWFM67Jxh

— FHS Baseball (@FHSCoachZBrown) September 24, 2018

Cultural Connections: "Engaging Your Community" roundtable on Oct 10

Cultural Connections is a free arts and culture roundtable. We will meet Oct 10 to discuss engaging your organization's community.

Join us! Cultural Connections, a free arts and culture roundtable, will be held Oct. 10 at 7pm in the Community Room at the Franklin Public Library (118 Main Street, Franklin). Anyone interested in arts and culture, from any organization in any town, is invited to attend. The subject of this roundtable will be Engaging Your Community, which will build on our May meeting of Defining Your Community (though attendance at the previous meeting is not required!)  How do you effectively engage with those in your community? What have you tried that has worked well, and what has not? How is your engagement different through social media vs email vs in person at an event? Is it enough to engage with those already committed to your cause or organization?  We will discuss all of these questions and more, plus share some creative ways you may not have thought of to encourage community participation. Come share your thoughts on the subject. A great opportunity to network!  Please RSVP using the link below.   RSVP Now! The Franklin Cultural Council will again be the community collaborator for ArtWeek in Franklin! This year's ArtWeek will be held April 26-May 5. For more information, visit www.artweekma.org Live or work in Franklin? Take our Community Input survey, and share your thoughts on the programs and events you think we should be funding through our grant programs. Copyright © 2018 Franklin Cultural Council, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 Questions? Contact FCC Chair Stacey David at franklinculturalcouncil02038 [at] gmail.com

“It’s just time to revitalize and restore it”

From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin:

"Apothecaries, shoe shiners, and of course, furniture stores like Simon’s were the bustle of downtown more than a century ago. 

One local business is keeping this spirit alive, revitalizing one of downtown’s most admired murals outside of Simon’s Furniture at 8 Summer St. The mural depicts a vintage early-1900s take on the vibrant sights and colors of the shops that era had to offer. 

Kirk Simon, one of the owner’s of Simon’s Furniture, said the mural has not only been a part of their business, but a staple in town. With paint chipping and the large mural fading, employees have taken it upon themselves to revitalize the art. 

“We’re trying to keep it the same as it was,” he said. “We’re trying to make it look like it did 25 years ago.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180923/simons-furniture-store-in-franklin-restoring-mural-to-early-1900s-look

“It’s just time to revitalize and restore it” 

2018 Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Awardees Announced

The Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center(CHC) proudly announced the 2018 Edward M. Kennedy Community Health awardees: Dr. Matilde Castiel, Commissioner of Worcester Health and Human Services, the Hockomock Area YMCA, YMCA of Central Massachusetts and MetroWest YMCA.

Each year, Kennedy CHC honors individuals and organizations making an impact on the health of the communities its serve, as well as those who support the Health Center in fulfilling its mission. This year Congressman Joseph P. Kennedy, III will be the keynote speaker as the honorees are recognized on November 1, 2018 at Mechanics Hall in Worcester, MA.

Hockomock Area YMCA

Awardee Profiles

Hockomock Area YMCA, YMCA of Central Massachusetts and MetroWest YMCA are each valuable partners of Kennedy CHC. The YMCA’s commitment to healthy living is apparent through their collaboration with Kennedy CHC on valuable programs such as the Diabetes Prevention Program, Prevention Wellness Trust Fund, and their focus on providing a safe, healthy environment for youth and families.

Dr. Matilde Castiel has always held a professional and personal mission to work with the underserved. She has spent her career focused on improving the collective health of the community through her work as a Board certified physician in Internal Medicine in the Worcester community for over 28 years, by founding the Latin American Health Alliance (LAHA), and her dedication to non-profits and community health centers. She has served on the boards of several Worcester nonprofits, including The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts, Centro Las Americas, and more currently Greater Worcester Community Foundation, Quinsigamond Community College, United Way, and the Boys and Girls Club.
For more information, visit https://www.kennedychc.org/2018

Congressman Joseph Kennedy III has held the office of U.S. Representative for Massachusetts’ 4th Congregational District since 2013, an area which includes Kennedy CHC’s Milford health care site. Congressman Kennedy has been a champion for health centers, stating that they “fills the gaps of a healthcare system that leaves too many without access to treatment.” Congressman Kennedy is also the grandnephew of the organization’s namesake, Edward M. Kennedy.

The mission of Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center (Kennedy CHC) is to “help people live healthier lives.” We believe that everyone has a right to accessible, high quality, comprehensive, integrated and compassionate health care. As a community health center, Kennedy CHC has always provided comprehensive care to its patients, who are at disparate risk for chronic disease and poor health outcomes. 

Our vision is to be a constantly growing, financially sound, Federally Qualified Community Health Center that:
• efficiently delivers high quality, accessible primary care services.
• becomes the health care home and provider choice of all our patients.
• achieves excellence in outcomes with our patients as partners.
• remains at the forefront of innovative health care practices.

Founded in a Worcester housing project in 1972, today Kennedy CHC has three medical facilities, three dental sites, two optometry practices and six school-based clinics serving residents of Worcester, Framingham, Clinton, Milford, and the surrounding communities of MetroWest and Central Massachusetts. Currently over 26,000 patients of all ages receive care and service through Kennedy CHC’s family practice model of care, a comprehensive approach to the delivery of quality primary and urgent care, medical specialties, nutrition counseling, dental care, optometry, pharmacy, behavioral health, social services, health education and youth development programs. Kennedy CHC is certified as a patient-centered medical home by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), a model that supports the flow of information among medical teams, coordinating health care visits, utilizing electronic technologies for tracking and errors prevention, and providing follow-up while, most importantly, engaging patients in their care.

About the Hockomock Area YMCA:

Where Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.

The Hockomock Area YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities they are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit hockymca.org.

"We’re going into what looks like an interesting year"

From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin:

"After using about $1.5 million to balance the 2019 budget, town officials hopes to re-stabilize funds for the new budget cycle in fiscal 2020. 

Franklin’s Joint Budget Subcommittee meets at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday in the Municipal Building to reveal and discuss their budget plan. 

The last budget revealed a deficit of almost $1.5 million. The crisis was averted by using an emergency fund, but town officials hope to rebuild those dollars and stop using that account. The FY 2019 budget for the town sits at about $124,223,367. 

“We’re trying to look at if we can take less of those funds,” said Town Administrator Jeff Nutting. “There won’t be any decision on that now, but that’s what we’re looking at.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180924/franklin-meeting-will-discuss-budget-for-fiscal-2020

The agenda for this meeting can be found online
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/09/joint-budget-subcommittee-meeting.html

Five year fiscal forecast
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/five_year_fiscal_forecast_fy17-fy21.pdf

Town of Franklin budget page
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget

work underway at DelCarte to improve handicap access to the boat launch area