“We are seeing persistent and troubling gaps in opportunities across communities and student subgroups”

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

Should students have a say on policy?

"When Maya Mathews was in fifth grade, her favorite subject was math. 

But when she entered sixth grade and asked to be placed in a more-advanced math track, her request was denied because a teacher said she “lacked the confidence necessary to handle a more rigorous curriculum,” Mathews recounted. 

“I was shocked. It had never really occurred to me that I had to show confidence as well as right answers in order to handle a more rigorous curriculum,” she said. 

Mathews is currently a senior at Newton North High School and serves as the student member of the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. She is also the chairperson of the State Student Advisory Council and a fourth-term class president."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190128/should-students-have-say-on-policy/1

The School Committee goals can be found
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/scgoals.pdf

Strategy for Improvement Presentation
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/strategy-improvement-presentation

Elementary Schools Improvement Plan
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/elementary-sip-presentation

Middle Schools Improvement Plan
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/ms-sip-presentation

Davis Thayer Elementary School in an early morning sunrise

"committee is preparing to model out the different options"

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

"A committee of elected officials, business leaders and transportation experts tasked with identifying possible improvements to the state’s commuter rail system is considering a wide range of options, from investing in new vehicles to electrifying the entire network. 

After months of research, the MBTA’s Rail Vision Advisory Committee has identified seven options for improving the system. All would require significant investment, and committee members hope their work will help improve service for the public. 

The panel’s work lies early in the planning phase — and the committee itself will not be responsible for the final decision — but progress is showing. Last week, the group discussed how the options will be analyzed with advanced modeling software to get a better sense of the impacts. In the coming months, the final findings will be presented to the public and to state leaders who will decide what, if any, changes to make."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190127/panel-envisions-range-of-options-for-commuter-rail

For more about the Rail Vision visit the MBTA page
https://www.mbta.com/projects/rail-vision

MBTA’s Rail Vision Advisory Committee

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Jan 30, 2019

The published agenda and documents for the Franklin Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, January 30, 2019.  

(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

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/town_council_meeting_agenda_for_january_30_2019_0.pdf

Agenda Item	Summary
Town Council Meeting Agenda	Meeting of January 30, 2019
1. ANNOUNCEMENTS	a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
2. CITIZENS COMMENTS	a. 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.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
3a. APPROVAL OF MINUTES	December 19, 2018 Minutes
3b. APPROVAL OF MINUTES	January 9, 2019 Minutes
4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS	Swearing in of Two Deputy Fire Chiefs
5. APPONTMENTS	None
6. HEARINGS
6a. HEARINGS	Acceptance of Brielle Way as a Public Way.
6b. HEARINGS	Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of Michael Road (Extension) and related easement.
6c. HEARINGS	Acceptance of White Dove Road, Mockingbird Drive, and Blue Jay Street as a Public Way.
6d. HEARINGS	Acceptance of Paddock Lane, Palomino Drive, Derby Lane & Carter Lane as Public Ways.
6e. HEARINGS	Acceptance of Padula Drive as a Public Way.
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS	New Annual All Alcohol License- Franklin Performing Arts Company
8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS	Public Works Water Presentation
9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS	a. Capital Budget Subcommittee b. Budget Subcommittee c. Economic Development Subcommittee
10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 19-02: Appropriation Capital FY19 (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-02 Majority Vote (5))
10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 19-03: Appropriation Turf Field Stabilization Fund FY19 (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-03 Majority Vote (5))
10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 19-04: Appropriation Fire Truck Stabilization Fund FY19 (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-04 Majority Vote (5))
10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 19-05: Appropriation Water Main Appropriation & Borrowing Authorization FY19 (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-05 Two-Thirds Majority Vote (6))
10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 19-06: Appropriation OPEB Trust Fund FY19 (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-06 Majority Vote (5))
10f. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 19-07: Appropriation SPED Van FY19 (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-07 Majority Vote (5))
10g. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 19-08: Appropriation Street Lighting LED Project FY19 (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-08 Majority Vote (5))
10h. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 19-12: Acceptance of Gift - Veterans Services Department (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-12 Majority Vote (5))
10i. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 19-13: Acceptance of Gift -Veterans Services Department (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-13 Majority Vote (5))
10j. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 19-14: Order of Acceptance of Brielle Way as a Public Way (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-14 Two-Thirds Majority Vote (6))
10k. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 19-15: Order of Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of Michael Road (Extension) and related easement (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-15 Two- Thirds Majority Vote (6))
10l. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 19-16:Order of Acceptance of White Dove Road, Mockingbird Drive, and Blue Jay Street as a Public Way (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-16 Two-Thirds Majority Vote (6))
10m. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 19-17: Order of Acceptance of Paddock Lane, Palomino Drive, Derby Lane & Carter Lane as Public Ways (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-17 Two -Thirds Majority Vote (6))
10n. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 19-18:Acceptance of Private Road Covenant with Owner of Sole Lot Accessed by Padula Drive (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-18 Majority Vote (5))
10o. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 19-19: Order of Acceptance of Padula Drive as a Public Way (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-19 Two-Thirds Majority Vote (6))
10p. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-822R: Changes To §185-20. Signs - 2nd Reading (Motion to Adopt Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-822R - Two-Thirds Majority Roll Call Vote (6))
10q. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-823: Changes To Sign District Regulations  - 2nd Reading (Motion to Adopt Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-823 -Two-Thirds Majority Roll Call Vote (6))
10r. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-824: Changes To Sign District Overlay Map - 2nd Reading (Motion to Adopt Zoning Bylaw Amendment 18-824-Two-Thirds Majority Roll Call Vote (6))
10s. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Bylaw Amendment 19-835: Changes to Chapter 47, Alcoholic Beverages-2nd Reading (Motion to Adopt Bylaw Amendment 19-835- Majority Roll Call Vote (5))
11. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
14. EXECUTIVE SESSION	None Scheduled
15. ADJOURN

work to redo the basketball courts at King St fields would be similar to that proposed for Fletcher Field

MyFM In The Morning - Jamie Hellen 1-25-19

Via Myfm103

Friday January 25th, 2019 - Franklin Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen makes his monthly visit and talks about Franklin's snow storm procedures, New England sports, and this Spring's ArtWeek.




Go to Myfm103 on the internet
http://www.myfm1013.com/news/myfm-on-demand

MyFM In The Morning - Jamie Hellen 1-25-19

“Our motto this year is ‘Team First’"

The Boston Globe spotlights the FHS girls basketball team in their "Team of the Week" series

"The Franklin girls’ basketball team has outscored opponents by about 22 points per game this season. 

What’s the formula? Simple: a star center, feisty defense, and an experienced coach. 

The Panthers are 12-1, the only loss coming in an exclusion game to defending Division 4 state champion Coyle & Cassidy that will not impact seeding for the Division 1 Central tourney."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/high-schools/2019/01/26/franklin-girls-basketball-team-steamrolling-opponents/HGH2v6gkvUwnZlpws9q7qN/story.html

Franklin star Ali Brigham looks for a passing lane against tight defense by Foxborough’s Abby Hassman during Tuesday night’s game. ROBERT E. KLEIN FOR THE BOSTON GLOBE 

FHS girls hockey, boys hockey, and wrestling teams all posts wins on Saturday

Via HockomockSports and Twitter, we share the results of the FHS sports action on Saturday, Jan 26, 2019


Boys Hockey = Franklin, 5 @ King Philip, 2 – Final

Girls Hockey = Franklin, 3 @ Medfield/Norton, 1 – Final
– Three different players each scored once as Franklin rolled to a win on the road over Medfield. Cassi Ronan (two assists), Regan paterson (assist) and Amanda Lewandowski each found the back of while Gabby Colace (13 saves) earned the win in net for Franklin.

Wrestling = Hock Super Quad (Canton, Franklin, Foxboro, King Philip, Taunton, Stoughton), 9:00 (@ Foxboro)

Photo gallery from the Super Quad at Foxboro
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2018-2019/Winter-2018-2019/Hockomock-Wrestling-Super-Quad-1-26-19/i-MzwxhDD

For the other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-26-19/

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

FHS Panthers

#PantherPride https://t.co/a7iCZzRABo

— FranklinHighSchool (@FranklinHS) January 27, 2019

Franklin G V Ice Hockey - defeats Medfield 3-1. Ronan 1 g 2 a Paterson 1g 1a lewandowski 1 g ... gAbby Colace 13 saves 12-0-1 over all 4-0 league!

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) January 27, 2019

3-1 Win vs Medfield!! Goals by Paterson, Ronan, and Lewandowski🏒 MVP Belt to Lewandowski!! #letsgo 🚨🎉‼️ pic.twitter.com/tUbKCImhLq

— FHS Girls Hockey (@fhsvgockey) January 27, 2019

Big hock win for the panthers by a score of 5-2 in favor of the good guys. Hard hat to @Holmesy183 (Matt Holmes) for getting a goal, working hard and getting revenge on his old youth teammates. #hoorah pic.twitter.com/aHZHaR9s0t

— Franklin Hockey (@FHS_Puck) January 27, 2019

Franklin 5 KP 2. G’s from Casella, Holmes, Elliott, McCaffrey and Lizotte. Hat to Holmes for grinding against his boys @FHSSports @In_The_Slot @MassHSHockey @MyHockeyLive @HockomockSports @BGlobeSports @MetroWestSports

— Coach Spillane (@FHS_PuckCoach) January 27, 2019

Team finishes the day 3-0. DiFilippo, Jake, Fracassa, Zogby, Colella, MacLean, Sackley, Nawn, Jacoby and Walker go undefeated. @FHSSports

— Franklin Wrestling (@FHSWrestle) January 26, 2019

70-7 Win over Stoughton. Pins from Jake, Fracassa, Colella, MacLean, Sackley, Nawn and Jacoby.

— Franklin Wrestling (@FHSWrestle) January 26, 2019

50-6 Win over Canton. Pins from Jake, Fracassa, Sauer, Zogby, Colella, MacLean and Sackley.

— Franklin Wrestling (@FHSWrestle) January 26, 2019

46-16 Win over Foxboro. Pins from Jake, Fracassa, Colella, MacLean, and Sackley.

— Franklin Wrestling (@FHSWrestle) January 26, 2019

Julia Fenerty takes 3in the 600 at the coaches invitational with a time of 1:39.47

— Coach Bailey (@FranklinHSXC) January 26, 2019

Both @FHSBVSWIM and @fhsgvswim1 end the regular season with a 5-1 record in the Kelley-Rex Division... 7-1 in the HOCK... 8-2 overall on the season! #bringonHOCKchamps #proudcoaches @CoachP_FHSswim

— Coach Balliro (@coachB_fhs) January 26, 2019

The Franklin Public Library is seeking your advice - It is time to fill out the survey

As mentioned earlier this month:

"The library is ready to release its newest trio of surveys to aid in a new strategic plan for the next five years. 

“We’re going to be rolling out a whole series of surveys and questions to our patrons to sort of help us shape the strategic plan,” said Children’s Librarian Caliegh Keating. 

The survey touches on suggestions on collections, programming, services,
Keating said that the kind of information they’re looking for is focused on areas that the library is succeeding as well as areas that may need improvement."

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/01/its-about-how-we-can-form-our-goals.html

Here are the three surveys

Franklin Public Library Adult Collections and Technology Survey
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdHc3uzIWxt65boe6WX1FMayJ1o2b3cvs1Cp4AsGAFjhimbow/viewform

Franklin Public Library Adult Programs Survey 2019
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdSLuC8TPprSBmcZ0d7QCCZ4BO650AoDHkBo4xMDPMCLed89w/viewform

Franklin Public Library Youth Services Survey - Children's Department
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdVsUBeIihOGmWQCr3h62l6HFczjyh-gBU-ZlESvAOAaWZHww/viewform

2 Surveys for Adults! Collections and Technology here: https://t.co/AnzWYDU6qZ

And Adult Programming here: https://t.co/4qM9jk6k17@franklinculture @FranklinMatters @FranklinSrCntr

— Franklin Library (@FrkPublicLib) January 24, 2019

This survey is specific to our Children's Department! Looking forward to hearing from Franklin families! @franklinculture @FranklinPSNews @FranklinMatters https://t.co/VOUh1Xcl0V

— Franklin Library (@FrkPublicLib) January 24, 2019

The Franklin Public Library is seeking your advice - It is time to fill out the survey

Tri-County Children’s Center to Host Registration & Open House for 2019-2020 Preschool Program

Registration and Open House for the Tri-County Children's Center preschool program for 2019 – 2020 will be held on Thursday, February 7th, from 12:15 pm -1:45 pm and Friday, February 8th, from 9 am to 10:30 am at the Tri-County Regional High School in Franklin at 147 Pond Street. Parents will be able to view the preschool while children can engage in developmentally appropriate activities. For more information, please visit www.tcchildrenscenter.com.

Placement is limited to residents of the 11 towns within the Tri-County District, Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleboro, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole and Wrentham. Admission is decided through a lottery system. Registration will be made open to other towns if spaces are not filled by residents within the district.

The number of children registered has traditionally far exceeded the number of spaces available so a random drawing was established. The random drawing for enrollment will take place on Friday, March 1, 2019. Those names not selected in the drawing will be placed on a waiting list.

Birth certificates for children being registered must accompany all registration forms. Registration is limited to those children who are at least age 3 years by September 1, 2019 for the three-day program, and 4 years by September 1, 2019 for the four-day program. A $25.00 non-refundable registration fee is due at registration time. Enrollment is limited to two years or part of two years for the preschool program, as long as the child is age eligible.

Preschool sessions are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8:50 to 11:20 a.m. for the three-day program and Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for the four-day program. Tuition is $36.00* per week for the three-day program and $48.00* per week for the four-day program. Class size is limited to 30 children. *Subject to change.

Three teachers in the Tri-County Early Education Program supervise the programs and are assisted by students in the Early Education Career Program.

Tri-County Children’s Center to Host Registration & Open House

Tri-County RVTHS, located at 147 Pond Street in Franklin, is a recipient of the High Schools That Work Gold Achievement Award and serves the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole, and Wrentham.

FSPA Students Learn from Broadway Stars in NYC

Over MLK Weekend, students from the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) traveled to New York City to study with Broadway professionals. FSPA Musical Theater students of all ages took Song Interpretation, Monologue, and Theater Dance classes with Broadway stars, casting directors, and agents, while FSPA Dance students took classes at the world-renowned Broadway Dance Center. This trip has been an annual offering for FSPA students since 2008.

The instructors for this year’s master class weekend included Tony Award nominees Jenn Colella (Come From Away, If/Then, Chaplin) and Alexander Gemignani (Carousel, Hamilton, Chicago, Violet, Sweeney Todd, etc.), Broadway performers Darlesia Cearcy (Once on This Island, Shuffle Along, The Color Purple, The Book of Mormon, Ragtime), Christopher Rice (The Book of Mormon, Jack Kelly in Disney’s Newsies with the Franklin Performing Arts Company), Clay Thomson (Wicked, Disney’s Newsies, King Kong, Matilda), Tyler Haynes (Cats, Hairspray, Oklahoma, The Boy from Oz), Tyrick Wiltez Jones (Hairspray, Finian’s Rainbow), Andi Hopkins (Nat’l Tour of Dreamgirls), and NY Casting Director Bob Cline. 

The weekend concluded with a showcase for a panel of staff from Broadway Artists Alliance as well as agent Greg Uliasz. From this showcase, some FSPA students will be selected to return to NYC in February to study at the Broadway Artists Alliance Winter Workshop.

The students also attended the Broadway show The Prom starring Tony Award winner, and frequent FSPA guest instructor, Beth Leavel. After the show, they were treated to a private question and answer session with Ms. Leavel. "I wish I had a Franklin School for the Performing Arts in my life when I was growing up,” says the Tony Award winner. “It's invaluable."

In addition to classes and shows, a tradition of FSPA’s annual New York City weekend is a dinner with FSPA alumni living and working in New York City. FSPA currently has alumni working on Broadway, off-Broadway, in National Tours, on film, TV, professional opera, and regional theater across the country.

For more information on programs at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts, visit www.fspaonline.com, call 508-528-8668, or stop by 38 Main Street in Franklin, MA. FSPA is currently offering an “All Access Pass” to new students which includes a free trial class as well as tickets to an upcoming performance.

FSPA students taking a theater dance class with Broadway's Clay Thomson
(Newsies, Wicked, Matilda, King Kong) and Christopher Rice (The Book of Mormon).