School Start Times proposal gets petition "In Opposition"

Along with the news of the proposal on School Start Times, there is a petition to gather names against the proposal.
https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/franklin-residents-opposed-to-the-proposed-school?

There is also a Facebook group to discuss ways to plan against the proposal.
In Opposition to the School Start Time Change Proposal (Franklin, MA)

or
https://www.facebook.com/groups/333799380817742/


School Start Times Background Information:

The School Start Times presentation to the School Committee was March 26, 2019. The audio of the presentation was posted here on Wednesday:
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/fm-161-school-start-times-report-32619.html

The Summary document was released on Friday and published here on Saturday, March 30
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/school-start-times-advisory-committee.html

The recap of the full School Committee meeting was posted here on Sunday
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/school-committee-recap-march-26-2019.html

Additional info on the work of the School Start Times Advisory Committee 
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-start-times-advisory-committee

School Start Times Advisory Committee

Try Music Together FREE - Friday - April 5

Join us this Friday April 5 and see what all the smiles are about! 

Try Music Together FREE this Friday at Franklin Music, Movement & Mindfulness 10 AM. 

Sign up required- please email jennifer@swalley.net

Try Music Together FREE - Friday - April 5

In the News: Supermarket group backs plastic bag ban

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

"A group representing supermarkets and other food stores offered its conditional support Tuesday to a bill that if approved would make Massachusetts the latest U.S. state to outlaw single-use plastic shopping bags viewed by environmentalists as a major source of pollution and a grave threat to marine wildlife. 

The proposal would prohibit retailers from providing customers with single-use carryout bags at the point of purchase. Stores would be required to make recyclable paper bags available to customers for a charge of 10 cents, and food stores would have the option of making reusable grocery bags available for 10 cents or more. 

Nearly 100 cities and towns, including Boston, already have local plastic bag ordinances in place, though the specifics of those bans vary among communities. 

In testimony prepared for the Legislature’s Natural Resources, Environment and Agriculture Committee, the Massachusetts Food Association said it could support a statewide ban on plastic bags to replace the patchwork of local rules and create an “even playing field” for supermarkets and grocery stores."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190402/supermarket-group-backs-plastic-bag-ban

FHS students discussing the proposal with the EDC Nov 30, 2016

From the archives

A petition online had been created in May 2016
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/05/petition-to-franklin-town-council.html

FHS students brought their plastic bag proposal to the Town Council in Sep 2016
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/09/town-council-recognizes-helen-huang-and.html

After the Town Council presentation in September, the Economic Development Committee picked up the matter for their meeting Nov 30, 2016 (audio file of the meeting available)
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/12/fm122-economic-development-committee.html

Spring Kindergarten Registration - Apr 3

Spring Kindergarten Registration Night

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, 3rd Floor

Click to access the required Kindergarten Registration Forms
https://www.franklinps.net/district/kindergarten-registration-2019-2020/pages/kindergarten-registration-forms-2019-2020

Please fill them all out and bring them with you to register your child



Editor's Note: Kindergarten registration is a key planning factor for the School District concerning the elementary schools. Especially with this budget cycle (starting July 1, 2019) which affects the new school year starting in September, getting your child registered for kindergarten now, rather than waiting for August is really important.

Spring Kindergarten Registration - Apr 3

School Start Times: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The School Start Times Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page has been posted and will be updated as needed.

Go to 
https://docs.google.com/document/d/10XbvWjFn5bRgmnxTP2hRUa5apdfIQsnQVi4VKowzL-Q/edit?usp=sharing

School Start Times web page

Additional info can be found on the School Start Times page
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-start-times-advisory-committee

FHS softball - 2019 Hockomock League Preview

HockomockSports.com Staff has published their 2019 HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE SOFTBALL PREVIEW. We share the FHS portion here. The link to the full league preview is located below.


FRANKLIN
2018 Record: 9-11
2018 Finish: Missed Playoffs
Coach: Kate Fallon

Franklin has consistently been right behind perennial league leaders Taunton and King Philip in the Kelley-Rex division standings but has narrowly missed out on the playoffs by a single win in each of the past two seasons. This year, the Panthers have eight seniors coming back with the goal of getting the team back into the postseason and use a typically tough schedule to prep for a tournament run.

Pitching will be a strength for the Panthers this year with seniors Jackie Cherry and Emily Valentino giving the team depth and different options in the circle. Throwing strikes will be the key for both and limiting opposition base runners. Behind the plate, Franklin has plenty of experience as well with seniors Ally Shea and Maggie Hobby both capable of stepping in and handling the pitchers as well as providing power at the plate. 

Senior Tara Hartnett will be back at shortstop and provides strong defense up the middle. Junior Anna Balkus will be in centerfield and will set the table for the offense as the lead-off hitter. Junior Maddie White will be at third base and joins Shea and senior Kylie-Jade Bouzan as the team’s primary run producers.

“We are excited to see the Panther players on the field again,” said Franklin coach Kate Fallon-Comeau. “Overall our tough league and non-league schedule will keep us focused for tournament and we will rely on our solid pitching and defense.”


Read the full softball season preview for the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/2019-hockomock-league-softball-preview/

FHS Panthers

FHS' Alexander, Morrison - Boys Lacrosse Players to Watch

HockomockSports.com has published their "Boys Lacrosse: Ten Players to Watch for 2019" which features two players from FHS.

JACOB ALEXANDER, SENIOR – FRANKLIN

Franklin senior Jacob Alexander hasn’t led the league in any offensive category before but he might be the most dominant player returning this season. Alexander has been the best faceoff man (83.6% career win percentage) in the Hockomock League over the past three years, and was one of the best in the entire state last year. His ability to give Franklin extra possessions gives the Panthers an incredible advantage. If they have the lead, they can quickly add onto it. If they are trailing, its likely Alexander can get them the ball right back and start a comeback. Over the last two seasons, we’ve seen Alexander really expand his game and get more involved with the offense beyond just the faceoff, scoring five goals and adding 15 assists last year. He was named first-team All American in 2018.


PATRICK MORRISON, SENIOR – FRANKLIN

There aren’t too many players in the league this year that are as experienced as Franklin senior Patrick Morrison. Morrison, who is committed to play lacrosse at Boston University, has been a big part of the Panthers’ lineup since he was a freshman. Now a senior, this season could be Morrison’s best. His size (6’3) gives him an advantage on opposing attackmen, and over the past couple of seasons, his speed and strength have both increased allowing him to be a lockdown defenseman. He has no problem playing physical but his ability to read and anticipate plays along with strong stick work often results in cause turnovers. He will certainly be a key part of the Panthers turning defense into offense.

Read the full listing of boys lacrosse players to watch 
https://hockomocksports.com/boys-lacrosse-ten-players-to-watch-for-2019/

FHS Panthers

FHS boys and girls tennis teams top Milford

Via HockomockSports, we share the results of the FHS sports action on Monday, Apr 1, 2019

Boys Tennis = Milford, 0 @ Franklin, 5 – Final
– Franklin had an impressive win to open the 2019 season, winning four out of the five matches in straight sets. Liam Marr didn’t lose a game in a 6-0, 6-0 win at first singles, Rohan Herur won 6-0, 6-2 at second singles, and Saket Gandham picked a 4-7, 6-4, 8-6 victory at third singles. The team of Saketh Saripalli and Vayshnav Malhotra won 6-3, 6-0 at first doubles while Shoyaib Shaik and Shournik Sompally won 6-0, 6-1 at second doubles for Franklin.

Girls Tennis = Franklin, 3 @ Milford, 2 – Final
– Franklin swept doubles play, winning both by tiebreaker, and got another win in singles to get a 3-2 decision over Milford. The team of Ashvika Boopathy and Vagmi Kantheti won 6-4, 7-6 (7-1), 10-6 at first doubles while Tessa Cacioppo and Krissy Stoyanova picked up a 6-2, 7-6 (7-3) win at second doubles. Frankin’s Sarah Schiavo won 6-3, 6-4 at first singles for the third point. Milford’s Juliana France won 6-3, 6-1 at second singles while Olivia Marshall notched a 6-4, 6-3 victory at third singles for the Scarlet Hawks.

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-04-01-19/

FHS Panthers

Lizotte, Tasker recognized for 2019 HockomockSports Boys Hockey Awards

The Franklin High School boys hockey team has two representatives on the 2019 HockomockSports Boys Hockey Awards

Tom Tasker – Franklin – Defense 1st Team
Franklin senior defenseman Tom Tasker was both a physical presence at the blue line and in the corners and capable of popping up with an important goal or outlet pass for the league champion Panthers. He was one of the reasons for Franklin’s run to the Div. 1 South final, despite the Panthers entering the playoffs as the No. 11 seed. 

Tasker scored three goals this year and had 10 assists, and showed off one of the hardest shots from the point in the league. Franklin coach Chris Spillane said, “Tom Tasker has been the backbone of our defensive group for the last two years. He is an extremely gifted offensive defenseman, who has one of the heaviest shots in the league. Tom has the ability to play a finesse brand of hockey or play a physical style.”

Joe Lizotte – Franklin – Forward 2nd Team

Franklin senior forward Joe Lizotte was the spark plug of the Panthers attack with his energy, hustle, and speed driving the team forward and creating scoring opportunities, sometimes out of nothing. He led the team with 14 points and was second on the team with eight goals and could be counted on to come up with big plays in big moments, such as his game-tying goal that sent the playoff game with Mansfield into overtime. 

Franklin coach Chris Spillane said, “Joe has been an offensive leader for our team over the last two years. His breakaway speed north and south puts him on a different level than anyone else on the ice. Joe was an offensive threat every time he stepped on the ice.”


For all the HockomockSports boys hockey awards
https://hockomocksports.com/awards/hockey/2018-2019/

Photos courtesy of HockomockSports.com

Chili & Chowder Challenge - April 14

Chili & Chowder Challenge to support the Relay For Life of Western Norfolk County on April 14 from noon - 4 PM at the Medway VFW Post 1526. Some of the best restaurants and fire departments around will be presenting their version of chili and chowder for you to vote on. 

There will be a DJ, Raffles, Silent Auctions, Free Ice Cream and more Chili and Chowder than you can eat. Tickets are on sale now and are $10.00 with advanced purchase or $20.00 at the door. Contact me if you would like a ticket, have any questions or would like to help support the Challenge. We are still accepting donations for the raffle.

Tickets can be purchased in advance by making a donation directly to my Relay For Life page or contacting me directly. There is a link on our Facebook page below. We look forward to seeing you there.

Please take a moment to support these local business and fire departments that will be at the Challenge this year. (in no particular order)

• T.C. Scoops
• PJ's Smoke "N" Grill
• PJ's Bar & Grill
• The Alumni Restaurant
• Napper Tandy's Millis
• The Raven's Nest
• Jimmy D's Bar & Grill
• Pollard's Texas Que
• J & L Catering
• The Moonlight Chef
• Medfield Fire Department
• Medway Firefighters Local 4602
• Westwood Fire
• Hose Heads Chili Team
• Wrentham Fire Department
• Norwood Firefighters Local 1631
• Needham Firefighters - Local 1706
• Sherborn Fire

Follow the event on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/events/312734096267458/

Chili & Chowder Challenge - April 14 (Facebook event photo)

In the News: State can't keep covering Federal cuts; FCC rule change threatens local cable access; Culinary Cabaret - Apr 5

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

State can't keep covering Federal cuts

"The Legislature and Gov. Charlie Baker last week appropriated $38 million to offset federal spending cuts, but House Speaker Robert DeLeo says the state can’t keep replacing federal money. 

“We can’t continue to pick up all of the slack,” DeLeo told CBS-Boston’s Jon Keller during a TV interview Sunday morning. “So when we’re talking about funding, that’s something we have to keep in the back of our mind.” 

In the interview, DeLeo, a Winthrop Democrat who led the push in 2009 to raise the sales tax to 6.25 percent, seemed to show openness to further tax increases. 

“Looking at the needs of transportation, we’re going to probably have to take up, when I say everything and anything, I mean everything and anything,” he said. “I’m not ruling anything out.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190401/deleo-warns-of-further-tax-hikes-amid-federal-spending-cuts

FCC rule change threatens local cable access

"Blasting a proposed rule change as an “existential threat” to community television, Sen. Ed Markey on Monday urged other states to follow Massachusetts’ lead and push back against the Federal Communications Commission. 

“We’re the revolutionary state and this is where the revolution begins against the Federal Communications Commission,” Markey said after holding a public discussion in his Boston office with nearly 100 representatives of cable access channels across the state. 

The FCC, Markey said, is considering a plan allowing cable operators to assign a value to public, educational and governmental access channels, and then subtract that value and the value of other in-kind contributions from the franchise fees they pay cities and towns. 

Markey said local governments would be forced to decide between supporting cable access channels and schools and public."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190401/markey-rips-fcc-rule-seen-as-threat-to-community-access-tv

http://www.franklin.tv/

Culinary Cabaret - Apr 5

"The Franklin Performing Arts Company will present Culinary Cabaret 2019 from 7-10 p.m. on Friday at The Black Box, 15 W. Central St. 

The 8th annual food and wine event will showcase the culinary and performing arts, featuring creative dishes and gourmet specialties. The evening also includes a culinary-themed silent auction and entertainment by FPAC special guest artists and the international touring ensemble Electric Youth. 

Partners for this year’s event will include 3 Restaurant (Franklin), Tavolino (Foxborough), Intermission (Franklin), Alumni Restaurant (Franklin), JP Fuji Group (Quincy), The Curry House (Franklin), DAVIDs Tea (Wrentham), J & L Catering (Medway), The Gavel (Wrentham) and more."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190401/franklin-culinary-cabaret-features-food-music-auction

FSPA Students to Perform at Walt Disney World

Students from the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) will travel to Walt Disney World during the April school break to perform for Disney audiences and participate in master classes with Disney performers, choreographers, and directors. FSPA musical theater troupes Broadway Light, Broadway Ladies, and Broadway Bound, as well as the senior dance company, CenterStage, will entertain at Disney Springs’ Waterside Stage.

FSPA performing troupe and dance company members are selected at the beginning of each academic year by audition. The ensembles offer outstanding training and performing opportunities throughout the year.

The Disney-bound students will present their 25 minute sets at the annual Disney Showcase on Saturday, April 6 at THE BLACK BOX at 2 and 7 pm. Audiences will enjoy Broadway Light, Broadway Ladies, Broadway Bound, and CenterStage, along with Lite Brites, BLT2 and Next Step ensembles.

For tickets to the Disney Showcase and more information on FSPA performing ensembles, visit www.FSPAonline.com or call 508-528-8668. Follow FSPA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

FSPA Students to Perform at Walt Disney World

Portrait of a Graduate -- Invites to the Community

From School Superintendent Sara Ahern's report to the School Committee on Mar 26, 2019:

"We are excited to be engaging with community members in a VISIONING process, designed to define our Portrait of a Graduate and the essential skills we need to develop among all of our high school graduates in order for them to thrive today and in their futures. An invitation recently went out in the district’s newsletter, but we’d be delighted if additional individuals would join us, as we still have some spaces."

Thursday April 4, 2019 OR Monday April 8, 2019 at 7 PM

This is a PreK-12 experience and is not limited to those affiliated with Franklin High School.

We are asking for RSVPs for planning purposes:
Please join us! https://goo.gl/forms/pF5HU5Rou7SxWl3x2

If you are interested in learning more about Portrait of a Graduate, this background article may be of interest to you:
https://www.nsba.org/newsroom/american-school-board-journal/asbj-august-2018/what-shouldyour-graduate-know

At one time Davis Thayer was Franklin High School, what does a FHS graduate
need to look like to be successful in our changing world?

FHS baseball - 2019 Hockomock League Preview

HockomockSports.com Staff has published their 2019 HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE BASEBALL PREVIEW. We share the FHS portion here. The link to the full league preview is located below.


FRANKLIN
2018 Record: 21-5
2018 Finish: Division 1A (Super 8) State Champions
Coach: Zach Brown

"Coming off the program’s first-ever Super 8 state championship, Franklin is going to have a big target on its back — and the Panthers know it.

Franklin lost its top three pitchers in Jake Noviello, Bryan Woelfel, and Jason Ulrickson. Those were the only three pitchers to play during the Panthers’ Super 8 run. This season, the Panthers will turn to the experience of Ben Guzman, Brennan Rivera, and Will Pacheco. All three made appearances a year ago with Guzman and Pacheco registering wins. Guzman is currently recovering from an injury suffered in the preseason but the Panthers are excited for his contributions when he returns. Juniors Liam Dailey and Cody Trotin will also be in the mix after starting for JV last season.

While the pitching staff gets settled in, the Panthers will rely on its defense and offense. After an up-and-down regular season last year offensively, Franklin will be trying to carry over the success it had in the state tournament. Senior Alex Haba is back at shortstop and is one of the best two-way players in the Hockomock. Jake Macchi had a terrific postseason and will be looking to carry that over into his final year starting at catcher for Franklin. Scott Elliott will be the veteran in the outfield for the Panthers as well as a top offensive weapon. All three players — Haba, Macchi, and Elliott — are committed to playing baseball at Merrimack.

Cooper Ross is coming off a strong postseason and will start at third base while junior Jack Nally had a standout sophomore campaign in center field and will move up to the top of the order to set the table for the Panther offense. JB Floris will move from the designated hitter spot to first base and brings an experienced bat with him. Senior Joe Lizotte should see time in the outfield while senior Shane O’Neil’s versatility gives Franklin a lot of options defensively.

“We know this isn’t last year, this is a totally different team with different dynamics,” said Franklin head coach Zach Brown. “We like the makeup of our team, with guys working hard and the seniors being good leaders. I think we could be pretty good defensively, and we’ve shown at times in the preseason to be pretty versatile on offense.”

Read the full baseball season preview for the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/2019-hockomock-league-baseball-preview/

FHS Panthers

FHS Girls Lacrosse: Players to Watch for 2019

HockomockSports.com has published their "Girls Lacrosse: Ten Players to Watch for 2019" which features three players from FHS.


GIANNA CAMERON, JUNIOR – FRANKLIN

"Franklin junior goalie Gianna Cameron has been a standout for each of her two seasons in net for the Panthers, earning HockomockSports.com First Team honors both years. Cameron, a University of Oregon-commit, has been a rock for the league’s top defensive unit, showing off quick hands and the ability to read the intentions of opposing attackers. 

She led the league in goals against average with just a little more than six per game. The Panthers only allowed 127 goals last spring, which was almost 30 goals fewer than the second-best defense in the Hock, on their way to another perfect league campaign, another Kelley-Rex division title, and another trip to the D1 East semifinal. Cameron has that knack for making the big saves in big moments and will be a key figure if Franklin wants to regain its sectional title."

ANNIE WALSH, SENIOR –
ERIN WALSH, JUNIOR – FRANKLIN

"Franklin has dominated the Hockomock League for the past seven years, having not lost in 71 straight league games dating back to 2012, and the Walsh sisters have been a primary reason why the Panthers have continued that run in the past few seasons. Annie, a senior midfielder, and Erin, a junior, are both Boston College commits and have both been named HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year (Annie in 2017 and Erin last year). 

Annie has been the quarterback of the Panthers’ offense, setting things up, and getting the Panthers into the right spots. She scored 56 goals and had 15 assists last year and is an all-around threat with her ability on the defensive side of the ball and on draws. 

Erin is one of the league’s most creative finishers, pulling off highlight-reel shots even in the biggest moments. She was sixth in the league in scoring during the regular season with 77 points in 2018, scoring 53 goals and dishing out 24 assists. Playing against one of the state’s most difficult schedules, the Walsh sisters have continued to put up big statistics and will be key to Franklin’s run at another D1 East title this spring."

Read the full listing of girl lacrosse players to watch 
https://hockomocksports.com/girls-lacrosse-ten-players-to-watch-for-2019/

FHS Panthers