Thursday, March 28, 2019

In the News: Ryan Martin selected 'Celtics Junior Broadcaster'; Grave search for America's first published poet

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

Ryan Martin selected 'Celtics Junior Broadcaster'
"Like many 14-year-old boys, Ryan Martin enjoys playing baseball and basketball. But unlike some of his peers, he already knows what he wants to do when he can’t play sports anymore. 
Ryan aspires to be a sports broadcaster, and earlier this month he got a taste of what his adult working life might look like. He was selected as a “Celtics Junior Broadcaster” after submitting a short video of himself to the NBA team, and his reward was to join the radio and TV crews for a March 14 Celtics game against the Sacramento Kings at TD Garden. 
Ryan was interviewed on air by NBC Sports Boston anchor/reporter Kyle Draper. He also joined Celtics commentator Sean Grande of 98.5 The Sports Hub for the radio station’s halftime show. 
“That night was truly unbelievable,” Ryan told the Daily News last week. “Just seeing the Celtics shooting around and being three inches away from (players) Al Horford and Aron Baynes. It was really a great experience.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190328/franklins-ryan-martin-14-joins-celtics-as-junior-broadcaster

Grave search for America's first published poet

"Anne Bradstreet was the North American continent’s first published poet, yet her legacy has largely been lost to time. 
Now, professors and students at Merrimack College in Massachusetts are trying to pinpoint her burial site while at the same time restoring her legacy and what they say is her rightful place in the pantheon of Western literature. 
“Even though we don’t know much about her, she was a household name in the 17th century, both here and in England,” said Christy Pottroff, an assistant professor of English at Merrimack. 
Bradstreet’s 1650 book of poetry, “The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up in America,” was a sensation both in the Colonies and in her native England, where people were fascinated by her accounts of everyday life in the New World."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190327/search-on-for-burial-site-of-americas-first-published-poet

The Poetry Foundation has additional material on Anne and her poetry
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/anne-bradstreet

Poetry Foundation photo of Anne Bradstreet
Poetry Foundation photo of Anne Bradstreet

FTC Alerts: Robocallers, you’re out





FTC Alerts: Robocallers, you’re out
by Rosario Méndez
Attorney, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC


Most robocalls are prohibited by law, but scammers and dishonest people continue to send them. And even some legitimate companies violate peoples' privacy rights with illegal robocalls. Today the FTC announced several victories in the fight against illegal robocalls.

Read more online at the FTC
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/03/robocallers-youre-out?utm_source=govdelivery

This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.


Wednesday, March 27, 2019

FM #161 - School Start Times Report - 3/26/19 (audio)

FM #161

This internet radio show or podcast is number 161 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording shares the School Start Times Advisory Committee report to the Franklin, MA School Committee on Tuesday, March 26, 2019 in the Council Chambers.

School Superintendent Sara Ahern leads with the intro and overview before handing off to Kit Brady and FHS Deputy Principal William Klements who cover most of the presentation before Sara comes back to close it out.

My notes from the session can be found here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/live-reporting-school-start-times.html

Recall that the applications for the Start Times Advisory Committee were accepted early in 2018
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/01/friendly-reminder-school-start-times_15.html

The Committee was appointed at the Feb 27, 2018 meeting and began work shortly after that
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/02/live-reporting-discussion-action-items.html

The Start Times presentation is displayed here





Or downloaded from here
https://www.slideshare.net/shersteve/school-start-time-recommendation

If the School Committee decides to make the start time change, it would be effective no earlier than the 2020-2021 school year. As the meeting closed Tuesday, there was no indication of when the Committee would take this up for a formal vote.

If you have questions, the School Committee has been making themselves available. The coffee hour schedule is posted. Their contact information is available. Each School Committee meeting has a portion for audience input for items not on the agenda. During the meeting, there are spots for input for those items on the agenda. Take advantage of these opportunities and raise your questions.

School Committee page https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee

The total meeting recording runs just about 1 and 45 minutes. Yes, this is a long one. Settle in comfortably, have my Franklin Matters live reported notes handy, and have the Start Times presentation at hand.

Without further ado, here is the audio recording.





-------------

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

How can you help?

In particular, if you have an interest in real estate, zoning or construction, I would like someone to help us by following the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and or the Conservation Commission meetings. I’ll provide the guidance on note taking and sharing. You need to bring an inquisitive, open mind and willingness to learn and share.

Overall:

  • If you can use the information that you find here, 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 & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------


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
subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes

FSPA Ballet Conservatory presents Coppelia

The Franklin School for the Performing Arts Ballet Conservatory will present Coppelia at THE BLACK BOX March 29-31. The ballet tells the story of Swanhilda who is engaged to Franz, but he has his eye on a mysterious girl sitting on the balcony of Dr Coppelius’s house. Franz doesn’t realize that she is a doll whom the toymaker is trying to bring to life and when Swanhilda and her friends sneak into the Doctor’s workshop, it looks as though he has succeeded. Love triumphs over all in this comedy of mistaken identity and the finale is a joyful celebration of the lovers’ wedding. Coppelia is an enchanting, family ballet, perfect for young and old alike.

The students of FSPA’s Ballet Conservatory will be joined by guest artists Clyde Nantais (formerly of Boston Ballet), Lucas Melfi (Conservatory alumnus), and Rosario Guillen (Franklin Performing Arts Company’s The Nutcracker). The production also features original costume design by Merrie Whitney.

FSPA's Ballet conservatory Program offers classical ballet education of the highest quality. An extensive range of training and performance experiences provides exceptional opportunities for students of all ages and levels interested in the study of classical ballet. The FSPA Ballet curriculum is based on the foundations of the new American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum. As of 2015, all teachers on the Conservatory Track have been certified in the NTC program.

Coppelia is staged by FSPA Ballet Conservatory Director Cheryl Madeux. Madeux received her training at the Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts under the direction of Sharon Dante and Donna Bonasera. Ms. Madeux has enjoyed a long professional career, dancing with such venerable companies as the Joffrey Ballet and American Ballet Theatre, and as principal dancer with the Hartford Ballet. Ms. Madeux has performed extensively throughout the United States and Europe, worked with leading choreographers including Gerald Arpino, Kirk Peterson, and Twyla Tharp, and been coached by such ballet luminaries as Igor Youskevitch and Eleanor D’Antuono.

Her extensive classical repertoire includes all the full-length classical productions as well as principal roles in The Nutcracker, Giselle, Coppelia, The Firebird, Balanchine’s Serenade, Spectra de La Rose and much more. Among her accomplishments, Ms. Madeux was awarded first place in the National Society of Arts and Letters Ballet Competition at age 15, was a finalist in the Third Paris International Ballet Competition and the Prix de Lausanne, and was awarded a Level 1 Presidential Scholar in Dance. Many of Ms. Madeux’s FSPA Ballet Conservatory students have been accepted to some of the most prestigious summer programs available and a select few recently participated and advanced to the finals of the Youth America Grand Prix in NY. Ms. Madeux is also a summer faculty member for the ABT® Young Dancers Program in NY and an examiner for the ABT® National Training Curriculum.

For Coppelia tickets and more information on the FSPA Ballet Conservatory, visit www.FSPAonline.com or call 508-528-8668.

FSPA Ballet Conservatory presents Coppelia
FSPA Ballet Conservatory presents Coppelia

TOM RUSH with Matt Nakoa at OCC Coffeehouse - April 5

OCC COFFEEHOUSE
Original Congregational Church
1 East Street, Wrentham, MA 02093
Phone: 508-384-3110

The two concerts listed below are the final ones of our 2018-2019 season. Tickets for the Tom Rush show are selling briskly, so it is likely they will sellout. Tickets for all shows are available at the church office, 508-384-3110, or at www.musicatocc.org.

TOM RUSH with Matt Nakoa
Friday, April 5, 7:30 PM

Tom is a gifted musician and performer, whose shows offer a musical celebration and journey into the tradition and spectrum of what music has been, can be, and will become. His distinctive guitar style, wry humor and warm, expressive voice have made him both a legend and a lure to audiences around the world. His shows are filled with the rib-aching laughter of terrific story-telling, the sweet melancholy of ballads and the passion of gritty blues. 
TOM RUSH with Matt Nakoa at OCC Coffeehouse, Wrentham
TOM RUSH with Matt Nakoa at OCC Coffeehouse

Rush's impact on the American music scene has been profound. He helped shape the folk revival in the '60s and the renaissance of the '80s and '90s, his music having left its stamp on generations of artists. James Taylor told Rolling Stone, "Tom was not only one of my early heroes, but also one of my main influences." Country music star Garth Brooks has credited Rush with being one of his top five musical influences.


Matt Nakoa,Tom's keyboard player and vocalist, now tours internationally, recently performing at The White House, throughout India, and regularly with folk music icon Tom Rush. Matt's piano music has received favorable reviews in publications including The New York Times, and his film scoring has been featured by Disney.

Tickets are $45, in the church sanctuary.


OCC Coffeehouse is a non-profit organization affiliated with the Original Congregational Church in Wrentham. Doors open 30 minutes before the concert. Please call 508-384-8084, email occmusic99@gmail.com, or visit http://www.musicatocc.org for more information.

Inside the FHS Mock Trial Team's historic advance to the Finals

Each year, the Mass. Bar Association sponsors our statewide competition. They create a fictitious fact pattern. This year's case was a criminal case centered around a police officer's use of deadly force. The charges were brought under federal law as a civil rights violation. 

Teams had to explore and present on issues concerning whether the police officer's use of deadly force was objectively reasonable and if not, whether the excessive force was willful. Each side, Prosecution and Defense, has three witnesses. Attorneys must prepare direct and cross examination questions and an Opening Statement and Closing Argument.

Essentially, the entire season is one long single-elimination tournament. The 132 participating schools are placed into 32 geographical regions. In these preliminary trials, two schools face off in local courtrooms. Each school is told in advance which side they will play. This year, each of our preliminary round trials were extremely close. Franklin emerged as the Regional representative to the next round, which was held at Clark University on March 3.

From that point on, schools do not know which side they will represent until 15 minutes before the match. The two schools are told to meet in an assigned room and flip a coin. The winner of the coin toss decides which side they want to play. Interestingly, Franklin lost the coin toss every time.

This year, Franklin advanced to the Finals for the first time in school history. We were the last public school left in the tournament. The state Finals are held each year at historic Faneuil Hall in Boston. A three-judge panel adjudicates the trial. Franklin lost to the Winsor School, which has won the championship five out of the past eight years.

The FHS Mock Trial Team Roster is shown below. Giving a big shout out to the attorney coach, Mike Doherty.  The team also had help along the way from Rep. Jeffrey Roy and one of Mike Doherty's associates, Attorney Andrew Kepple.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bnvsjoEStLVQi2H0OKDoS1krq6lm0HDF/view?usp=sharing





FHS Mock Trial Team at Fanuel Hall
FHS Mock Trial Team at Fanuel Hall (@MockWalsh photo)

Baseball is Back! All 30 Teams Play on Opening Day

From the US Census Bureau comes the following graphic on the American baseball teams and their respective metropolitan audience.

The national pastime comes to us courtesy of 29 teams from 25 metropolitan areas across the United States and one team from Canada (Toronto).

The four metro areas with two teams each are New York, Los Angeles, Chicago — the nation’s three most populous — and San Francisco-Oakland (the 12th most populous).


Baseball is Back! All 30 Teams Play on Opening Day
Baseball is Back! All 30 Teams Play on Opening Day

Shared from the US Census Bureau


FHS Le Blanc makes listing of Top Hockey Sophomores

"With the 2018-19 Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association high school hockey season over, it’s time to look at the top 100 players in the Bay State circuit. 
New England Hockey Journal will unveil the top 100 players who played high school hockey this winter. Yesterday, we released the top 13 freshmen. Today, we move onto the top 32 sophomores. 
Over the course of the three-month season, there were many sophomores stood out as being a cut above the rest. An interesting trend in this year’s top sophomores is the fact that there were three sets of twins on our list."
Continue reading the article online (subscription is required)
https://www.hockeyjournal.com/mass-high-school-hockeys-top-32-sophomores/

FHS Joey Le Blanc ranks #30 in MA HS list of 32 best sophomores in MA Hockey according to New England Hockey Journal article.



"that’s not a one-time problem, either"

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

"Amid an effort to reform the state’s school funding system, the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education is getting a new leader. 
Chairman Paul Sagan, appointed by Gov. Charlie Baker in 2015, announced to his colleagues Tuesday morning in Malden that it was his last meeting and he was stepping down at the end of his four-year term. 
Baker subsequently nominated Katherine Craven, who has served on the 11-member board since 2014, as the new chair, and tapped Matthew Hills to take the newly vacant seat. A former chair of the Newton School Committee, Hills is a managing director at LLM Capital Partners in Boston."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190326/katherine-craven-tapped-to-replace-paul-sagan-as-chairman-of-education-board

What is the role of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education?

"The mission of the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) is to strengthen the Commonwealth's public education system so that every student is prepared to succeed in postsecondary education, compete in the global economy, and understand the rights and responsibilities of American citizens, and in so doing, to close all proficiency gaps. 
BESE's responsibilities include approving learning standards, voting on charter school applications, deciding when to intervene in the state's lowest-performing districts, and hiring the commissioner. The Board includes the secretary of education, a student (the president of the State Student Advisory Council), and nine members appointed by the governor. Those members must include a parent representative, a labor representative, and a business representative."
From the Board web page  http://www.doe.mass.edu/bese/
Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE)
Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE)

Tuesday, March 26, 2019

Live reporting: Consent agenda- Closing (Executive Session)

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

middle school improvement plans
Zub will be remote for next meeting

7. Consent Agenda
a. Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from your March 12, 2019 School Committee Meeting as detailed.
b. Transfers
I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
c. FHS Scholarship
I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000.00 from Robert Seide for a FHS Scholarship as detailed.
d. FHS Donation
I recommend acceptance of the donation of a Nikon D60 Camera and 55-250mm zoom lens valued at approximately $300.00 from Ivy Patten for FHS as detailed.
e. JFK Gifts
I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $1,075.00 for JF Kennedy Elementary School as follows:

  • $350.00 American Heart Association for Supplemental Supplies
  • $750.00 JFK PCC for Field Trips

f. Davis Thayer Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,700.00 from the Davis Thayer PCC for field trips as detailed.
g. Music Dept. Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $323.00 from various music parents for in-house enrichment for the Music Department.
h. Keller Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $4,098.50 from the Keller PCC for field trips as detailed.
i. HMMS Recurring Trip to Save the Bay
I recommend approval of the recurring request of Rebecca Motte to take 6th Graders to Providence, RI for Save the Bay program on June 5, 6, & 7, 2019 as detailed.

motion to accept, seconded, passed 7-0

8. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

9. Payroll Mrs. Douglas

10. Correspondence

11. Executive Session
a. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the FEA/RN unit as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.

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


The meeting packet and documents released for this meeting can be found online
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/march-26-2019-school-committee-packet

Not some of the documents will only be posted AFTER the meeting (usually during the day Wednesday)

Live reporting: Discussion Items - Information Matters

3. Discussion / Action Items
a. Policy – 2nd Reading/Adoption
I recommend adoption of Policy IJOAB – Extended Field Trips as discussed.

motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0


4. Discussion Only Items
none

5. Information Matters
a. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports 
Budget - met last week, meeting again
 Community Relations - Apr 27, portrait of a graduate

Policy - TBD

Public Schools Advocacy - 
hearing last week, (as reported) 
meeting Weds evening

b. School Committee Liaison Reports 
Joint PCC - meeting next week

Substance Abuse Task Force - met this AM
school based supports, also when students make choices, balancing disciplinary transactions; student reps helped a great deal

School Wellness Advisory Council [SWAC]
March 5 meeting

School Start Times Advisory Committee

Live reporting: Technology Presentation

2. Guests / Presentations

d. Technology Presentation
Tim Raposa

(presentation to be added when published)






Live Reporting: School Start Times

2. Guests / Presentations

b. Robert Seide – Art Scholarship
died recently from pancreatic cancer 
scholarship being created in her honor
she always believed in art and art scholarship
application along with 3 images of work to be submitted for consideration


c. School Start Times Advisory Committee Presentation



https://www.slideshare.net/shersteve/school-start-time-recommendation

work on sleep and research formed the basis for the other subcommittees
looked at implication for before and after school care
a subcommittee was focused on busing and traffic
what other districts have or are considering start times
implications for employees

lots of work by lots of folks
research on sleep drove the work
sleep patterns change over the course of adolescence

survey reporting differences between what the students say vs the parents on how much sleep is actually achieved

survey results compare with MetroWest survey
take away = parent perceptions of sleep don't agree with reality

American Academy of Pediatrics making recommendations on start times
Center for Disease Control = CDC also made similar recommendations

if you want to know how not to do it, do it like Boston did (via computer)

Seattle High Schools did a longitudinal study
sleep duration increased; tardiness and absentees decreased 

looked at transportation next
using 31 buses and $1.5M cost
proposing to transport each level separately, uses only 20 buses (and a cost savings)
requires a minimum of 30 minutes between runs to make it work

did talk with other districts, did implement similar changes; given enough time before starting, it can work

communication is key
it was imperative to delay implementation by at least a year

survey results from parents and employees
46% survey return rate and that is pretty good (usually anything above 10% is good)

with implementation at least a year away, there would be changes on the parents as the kids age; not the same for the staff

homework was a major concern, coincidentally a homework project is underway that pre-dated the School Start Times

teacher work life balance, technology (as in student use of tech)

other major concern is after school activities; i.e sports

scenario A would involve more frequent early release for athletics; hence Scenario B

swim and gymnastics are issues with pool and facility times;

What about Solutions? early start may minimize need for early times; and would also increase need for afternoon time
would require additional planning and adjustments

recommendation to move to Scenario B
13-2 was the vote (3 absent)

charter school would be served by the high school run of the buses

still an item for contract negotiation although length of day doesn't change

MJ - quite the experience, got to know folks over the year, thanks for the presentation, well done - any additional cost? how much will it cost?

Sara - with busing a net savings of approx $350K, it shouldn't cost the district more
maybe an increase cost for swim (due to pool rental)

Feeley - I have a lot of questions, I appreciate what you did, one of the Standard Univ articles - kids have activities, building resumes, etc. kids are ready to go to bed at 11, but then they get on their phone and are in communications during the night. How are we going to fix that? We need to help them. I am not convinced that this is the solution.

Sara - one of the issues from the parent guardian night was just this, it is a bigger and broader conversation, including homework etc. 

Feeley - what time do kids arrive?
Klement - I have 1800 different answers
buses will get there as early as 7, vast majority arriving just before or just after the schedule start times

Feeley - what would happen if the rides still deliver the students?
(consider the dominoes, there will be parent adjustments to the schedules)

Linden - for some of us, this was a process that was very thorough, and just what we wanted it to be. Found interesting on how much research there is; some many correlations with research and the impacts; less sports injuries, better sports performance

Douglas - parents may need to do some busing that had not been needed before; should consider students at middle and high school; concerned about early dismissal;

Klement - the most common sport for early dismissal at Sharon was golf, minimal matches but daylight and course time were requirements; 

Schultz - if the other town in the Hockomock would it make it easier?
Sara - it would make it easier but we also play some non-league games

Lifelong learning would need to do more research but based upon a specific set of info to get valid feedback

Sara - did make several attempts to resolve the student survey issues, we had a draft it was not approved as the questions were troublesome getting phrased properly. We did have 4 students actively as part of the process

Zub - it was a great experience, I have middle schoolers and would be freshman if we did go with this; at the end of the day, if this helps them for their social emotional learning; are we not doing a bad job, we need to work through the challenges, the reward is worth us working through this. this really helps our children, that is what we are here for

Feeley - I am very worried about the elementary school kids, when I heard the principals talking about their needs, that is not sitting well with me

Bergen - i had similar concerns, there is anecdotal evidence that it is a benefit
planning for an event in October for what social media is doing for kids

Donna Grady - President of the FEA
on committee, Franklin is the only committee that asked the faculty and staff of the impact; it can be a dividing issue; we have to weigh the pros/cons; the members are equally divided; most districts have looked at it for 3-5 years, Franklin did it for one

questions on what happens to ECDC?

what about work after school for students? home work, jobs, sports, staff is concerned about being available later

what about professional development? Many courses start at 3:30. A lot of work was done in the past year, and there are so many other items to review

Jessie Fanuele - high school teacher, and resident
I don't know whether to support this or not, I have heard but am not yet convinced
I appreciate the transparency of the committee; parents and students will adjust
I do like the idea of 11 less buses, great for the carbon footprint

there is a 20 minute guarantee of warm up time for every team/sport
teachers don't do this for the money, we are always for the students
may limit opportunity for a second job
I am nervous for those who do need a second job, health care is increasing, nervous about that

teachers will come to school to provide extra help with no extra pay
research is there, I can't say that it outweighs

Jamie Barrett - 2 kids one in middle school; simple question but it is not; where the elementary students considered? we talk about the impact for the teachers, the high school students, the middle school students, but where is the impact for the elementary?
instrumental music was cut in 2005, Spanish was cut year later; friends want to go to Charter and why, they offer French. You talk about SEL, those young minds, that is where the problem starts. I am speaking for the children, the elementary students

 - it is really an depth survey and research, I wished the high school students had stayed to tell us what they think; I think a lt was done but all you said was what wasn't going to work. (addressing Donna G). Parents need to adjust, and it is in our control. There is no research on elementary; yes. we will all get through the challenges together. We need more sleep, we need more recess. we need to put our kids first

Jim D'Entremont - middle school teacher and resident, wondering why your choosing 8 when the research on this says 8.5 and up?

Bergen - state representatives coming to Town Council on May 8th; before we take a vote we will be getting more information

Sara - 8 was CDC recommendation, APA said 8.5


Live Reporting: School Committee - Meeting - Mar 26, 2019

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


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
Term 3 ending Apr 5th
approx 100 student doing senior projects
this Friday is senior banquet
Mock Trial finished 2nd in state meet
Seussical at FHS this weekend

SADD presenter coming Apr 8
Dynamic Influence, open to 8th grade and up - on substance abuse
Monday also on vaping

d. Superintendent’s Report
exciting visioning process happening around the "portrait of a graduate"
focus group Apr 4 and Apr 8
more in memo (available Weds)

"Leap into Kindergarten" thanks for the presentation
to welcome kindergarten families and all things with the schools
another registration night coming Apr 3

school specific evenings to be scheduled and announced


2. Guests / Presentations
a. Special Guest – Ben Franklin
special visit, only 5 months old


Community Garden Meeting - April 1

Monday, April 1 at 6:30 PM there will be a meeting for all Franklin community garden members.

Director of Recreation; Ryan Jette will go over the community garden rules and regulations, bed renewals/membership, volunteering opportunities, be here to answer any questions you may have and much more. 

We will also have AGWAY owner Melanie Hamblen there to provide gardening insight and input.

The Meeting will be held at the Recreation Department (275 Beaver Street).

If you have any questions, please call our office (508) 613-1666.

Thanks,

Franklin Recreation

Community Garden Meeting - April 1
Community Garden Meeting - April 1

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group Kicks Off in Franklin

A new support group for grandparents raising grandchildren is launching in Franklin this April. A collaboration with the SAFE Coalition and the Hockomock Area YMCA, the group provides information, resources, and support for grandparents and kinship caregivers. Grandparents Raising Grandchildren begins on Wednesday, April 10 from 6:30 – 7:30 PM and the group will meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month moving forward.

The program is being offered at the Bernon Family Branch of the Hockomock Area YMCA at 45 Forge Hill Road in Franklin. It will be an ideal forum for a group of people with common experiences or concerns to provide support, compassion, comfort and understanding, encouragement, and advice to each other on issues affecting grandparents and all relatives raising grandchildren. All area residents from surrounding communities are welcome to participate in this free program.

“In meeting and talking with constituents throughout the district, I have encountered many grandparents who have taken on the role as the primary caregiver for their grandchildren and who are looking for additional support and encouragement,” noted Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin). “This group will show them that they are not alone and that there are many families in our area that share their experience. It’s great to once again have the SAFE Coalition and the Hockomock Area YMCA as partners in dealing with the fallout from the disease of addiction, and we are grateful for the fact that they are providing a forum for help, compassion, and guidance.”

The group will be facilitated by Meredith Poulten, a school counselor, social worker and member of the SAFE Coalition Board of Directors. “I am proud that the SAFE Coalition is able to partner with the Hockomock Area YMCA in providing a new approach to aiding those effected by substance use disorder,” said Jennifer Knight, President of the SAFE Coalition. “Grandparents raising grandchildren has been an underserved population and this style of community collaboration only enhances options for healing and for families as a whole to gain support.”

Light refreshments will be provided and child care at the Y is available for the meeting. Please contact the Y in advance if child care is needed 508-528-8708. For more information on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, email Meredith Poulten at mpoulten@verizon.net.

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.


A collaboration with the SAFE Coalition and the Hockomock Area YMCA
A collaboration with the SAFE Coalition and the Hockomock Area YMCA