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Monday, April 8, 2019
Register O'Donnell Sees Reduced Real Estate Activity During 1st Quarter
Sunday, April 7, 2019
Franklin, MA: School Committee - April 9, 2019
Vision Statement
The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.
A G E N D A
“The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law.”
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 BEDHc. FHS Student Representative Comments
d. Superintendent’s Report
2. Guests / Presentations
a. District Improvement Plan Update – SEL – Mr. Giguere & Mrs. Marano
3. Discussion / Action Items
a. none
4. Discussion Only Items
a. FY20 Budget Discussion
b. School Start Times Discussion
5. Information Matters
a. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Budget; Community Relations;
Policy; Transportation; Public Schools Advocacy; Ad Hoc Superintendent’s Evaluation)
b. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC; Substance Abuse Task
Force; School Wellness Advisory Council [SWAC]; School Start Times Advisory
Committee [SSTAC], MASC)
6. New Business
a. To discuss any future agenda items
7. Consent Agenda
a. Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from your March 26, 2019 School Committee Meeting as detailed.
b. Executive Session Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from the Executive Session of your March 26, 2019 School Committee Meeting as detailed.
c. Parmenter Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $884.50 from the Parmenter PCC for field trips as detailed.
d. Keller Grant
I recommend acceptance of a check for $400.00 from Youth Services America for a grant for in-house enrichment as detailed.
e. Oak Street Gifts
I recommend acceptance of two check totaling $1,634.00 from the Oak Street PCC for Field Trips as detailed.
f. Oak Street Field Trip
I recommend approval of the request to take Oak Street students to the Providence Children’s Museum on May 24, 2019 as detailed.
g. Jefferson Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $6,101.00 from the Jefferson PCC for field trips as detailed.
h. MS Music Field Trip
I recommend approval of the request of Diane Plouffe for the recurring field trip for middle school Music students to Canobie Lake Park, Salem, NH on Friday, June 14, 2019 as detailed.
i. Heart Association Gift Certificates
I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,350.00 from the American Heart Association for supplemental supplies as detailed.
j. Davis Thayer Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $100.00 from the American Heart Association for supplemental supplies as detailed.
8. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen
9. Payroll Mrs. Douglas
10. Correspondence
a. Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman
11. Adjournment
School Committee Agenda:
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/scagenda_4-9-19.pdf
Documents released for this meeting
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/april-9-2019-school-committee-meeting-packet
Parmenter school flags in the wind |
Superintendent Ahern's Letter to School Committee on "School Start Times Discussion and Request"
To: Franklin School Committee
From: Sara E. Ahern, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools
Date: April 4, 2019
Re: School Start Times Discussion and Request
The purpose of this memo is for me to propose next steps with respect to the matter of adjusting school start times in Franklin in advance of the discussion on April 9, 2019.
I propose that the School Committee consider the matter of adjusting school start times in two steps. The first step would be to vote this spring to 1) dissolve the SSTAC and 2) authorize me as Superintendent to move the inquiry into a second phase. This second phase would build off of the work of the advisory committee by continuing to iterate the proposal as greater clarity is gained. As transparency and communication is critical on such important matters, I would build in regular and predictable checkpoints with the School Committee and the community with updates on progress.
The second step would be to vote on adjusting start times at the conclusion of the second phase of this work, once more of the potential impacts are resolved and a more detailed proposal is available. I would anticipate this vote to be during the 2019-2020 school year. This may delay any potential implementation, but I feel that it is important to gain greater clarity and have a more detailed proposal.
The rationale for this suggestion follows:
At your last meeting, on March 26, 2019, the School Start Times Advisory Committee (SSTAC) presented its findings and recommendation to the School Committee. The advisory group voted 13-2 in favor of adjusting start times. Further, the committee evaluated 2 scenarios and presented you with specific details on the votes on each. I would like to share a little more about the context of the advisory committee’s work and recommendation.
The purpose of the SSTAC was to study the prospect of adjusting start times locally in Franklin, based on what research supports about sleep and adolescents and its assessment of impacts locally. It was formed in December of 2017 and was intentionally comprised of both community and school department members. The individuals on this committee volunteered numerous hours of their time in both meeting as a group and in conducting independent investigations into the questions that were posed as part of the six subcommittees. Their efforts were invaluable, are much appreciated, and are to be commended.
As a public body, there were inherent limitations of the SSTAC. All members were sworn in by the Town Clerk and took an oath to abide by the Open Meeting Law, which limited the committee’s dexterity and flexibility in performing its research. All matters were handled in the public realm with agendas posted and minutes tracked. Work in between meetings was necessarily up to team members as individuals, making the task more difficult. On one hand, this was a very welcome approach as it kept the conversation transparent and open to the community. That being said, it limited the depth of the work in between formal meetings, which could realistically occur only once or twice per month.
The SSTAC’s recommendation comes forward with Scenario B being a favored situation based on “ideal” circumstances (based on the research), although it had not received unanimous support. I asserted to the SSTAC at its last meeting that I would need flexibility to alter the scenario in the next phase of the work because more details admittedly need to be worked out.
Many of the details that were identified by the advisory group, and some that the group did not consider, are now being identified and discussed within the community. I wish to express my thanks and gratitude for members of the community who have shared their thoughtful perspectives, on both sides of the issue, over the past two weeks. These e-mails add depth to the comments that were provided when the community was initially surveyed.
Themes that have arisen include but are not limited to:
I welcome this feedback as it can only make our consideration of the topic richer and fuller as well as any proposed solution a better one for the community.
Much of the feedback that has been received raises important questions, which can only be answered with more time. As such, as Superintendent, I would like to clarify my request of the School Committee.
Again, I propose that the School Committee consider the matter of adjusting school start times in two subsequent steps. The first, would be to vote this spring to 1) dissolve the SSTAC and 2) authorize me as Superintendent to move the inquiry into a second phase. This second phase would build off of the work of the advisory committee by continuing to iterate the proposal as greater clarity is gained. By authorizing me to move into the second phase, I could conduct this work with an internal team who can dive deeper into resolving the issues. I would welcome further collaboration with faculty and staff, coaches and advisors, families, students, and community members throughout this process. Additionally, as transparency and communication is critical on such important matters, we would build in regular and predictable checkpoints with the School Committee and the community with updates on progress.
The second step would be to vote on adjusting start times at the conclusion of the second phase of this work, once more of the potential impacts are resolved and a more detailed proposal is available. I would anticipate this vote to be during the 2019-2020 school year. This may delay any potential implementation, but I feel that it is important to gain greater clarity and have a more detailed proposal.
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/sst-discussion-memo
From: Sara E. Ahern, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools
Date: April 4, 2019
Re: School Start Times Discussion and Request
The purpose of this memo is for me to propose next steps with respect to the matter of adjusting school start times in Franklin in advance of the discussion on April 9, 2019.
I propose that the School Committee consider the matter of adjusting school start times in two steps. The first step would be to vote this spring to 1) dissolve the SSTAC and 2) authorize me as Superintendent to move the inquiry into a second phase. This second phase would build off of the work of the advisory committee by continuing to iterate the proposal as greater clarity is gained. As transparency and communication is critical on such important matters, I would build in regular and predictable checkpoints with the School Committee and the community with updates on progress.
The second step would be to vote on adjusting start times at the conclusion of the second phase of this work, once more of the potential impacts are resolved and a more detailed proposal is available. I would anticipate this vote to be during the 2019-2020 school year. This may delay any potential implementation, but I feel that it is important to gain greater clarity and have a more detailed proposal.
The rationale for this suggestion follows:
At your last meeting, on March 26, 2019, the School Start Times Advisory Committee (SSTAC) presented its findings and recommendation to the School Committee. The advisory group voted 13-2 in favor of adjusting start times. Further, the committee evaluated 2 scenarios and presented you with specific details on the votes on each. I would like to share a little more about the context of the advisory committee’s work and recommendation.
The purpose of the SSTAC was to study the prospect of adjusting start times locally in Franklin, based on what research supports about sleep and adolescents and its assessment of impacts locally. It was formed in December of 2017 and was intentionally comprised of both community and school department members. The individuals on this committee volunteered numerous hours of their time in both meeting as a group and in conducting independent investigations into the questions that were posed as part of the six subcommittees. Their efforts were invaluable, are much appreciated, and are to be commended.
As a public body, there were inherent limitations of the SSTAC. All members were sworn in by the Town Clerk and took an oath to abide by the Open Meeting Law, which limited the committee’s dexterity and flexibility in performing its research. All matters were handled in the public realm with agendas posted and minutes tracked. Work in between meetings was necessarily up to team members as individuals, making the task more difficult. On one hand, this was a very welcome approach as it kept the conversation transparent and open to the community. That being said, it limited the depth of the work in between formal meetings, which could realistically occur only once or twice per month.
The SSTAC’s recommendation comes forward with Scenario B being a favored situation based on “ideal” circumstances (based on the research), although it had not received unanimous support. I asserted to the SSTAC at its last meeting that I would need flexibility to alter the scenario in the next phase of the work because more details admittedly need to be worked out.
Many of the details that were identified by the advisory group, and some that the group did not consider, are now being identified and discussed within the community. I wish to express my thanks and gratitude for members of the community who have shared their thoughtful perspectives, on both sides of the issue, over the past two weeks. These e-mails add depth to the comments that were provided when the community was initially surveyed.
Themes that have arisen include but are not limited to:
- Research on elementary students, their sleep, and earlier school times
- Impact to sports, specifically more detail related to use of facilities for gymnastics, swimming, and hockey
- Student voice in the change process
- Before and after school childcare
- School start times as part of a holistic discussion on children’s health and schedules
- Continuation of middle school activities after school
I welcome this feedback as it can only make our consideration of the topic richer and fuller as well as any proposed solution a better one for the community.
Much of the feedback that has been received raises important questions, which can only be answered with more time. As such, as Superintendent, I would like to clarify my request of the School Committee.
Again, I propose that the School Committee consider the matter of adjusting school start times in two subsequent steps. The first, would be to vote this spring to 1) dissolve the SSTAC and 2) authorize me as Superintendent to move the inquiry into a second phase. This second phase would build off of the work of the advisory committee by continuing to iterate the proposal as greater clarity is gained. By authorizing me to move into the second phase, I could conduct this work with an internal team who can dive deeper into resolving the issues. I would welcome further collaboration with faculty and staff, coaches and advisors, families, students, and community members throughout this process. Additionally, as transparency and communication is critical on such important matters, we would build in regular and predictable checkpoints with the School Committee and the community with updates on progress.
The second step would be to vote on adjusting start times at the conclusion of the second phase of this work, once more of the potential impacts are resolved and a more detailed proposal is available. I would anticipate this vote to be during the 2019-2020 school year. This may delay any potential implementation, but I feel that it is important to gain greater clarity and have a more detailed proposal.
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/sst-discussion-memo
Parmenter School flags in breeze blowing the other way |
Franklin, MA: Town Council - April 10, 2019 - Agenda
The published agenda and documents for the Franklin Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, April 10, 2019
You can also find the full set of documents in one PDF
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/april_10_2019_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf(Note: where there are active links in the agenda item, it will take you to the associated document)
Agenda Item | Summary |
---|---|
Town Council Meeting Agenda |
Meeting of April 10, 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 |
March 13, 2019
|
3b. APPROVAL OF MINUTES |
March 20, 2019
|
4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS |
None
|
5. APPOINTMENTS |
None
|
6. HEARINGS |
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-837: Zoning Map Changes from General Residential V to Single Family Residential IV an Area on or Near West Central Street
|
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS |
None
|
8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS |
Veterans Agent Presentation
|
9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS |
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Budget Subcommittee
c. Economic Development Subcommittee
|
10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION | |
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION |
Resolution 19-27: Appropriation & Borrowing Well 3 & 6 Water Treatment Plant (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-27- Two-Thirds Majority Roll Call Vote (6))
|
10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION |
Resolution 19-28: Grove Street Water Treatment Plant (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-28 - Majority Vote (5))
|
10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION |
Resolution 19-29: Appropriation Sewer Enterprise Fund Beaver Street Interceptor (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-29 - Majority Vote (5))
|
10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION |
Resolution 19-30: Acceptance of Gift- Veterans Services (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-30 - Majority Vote (5))
|
10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION |
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-837: Zoning Map Changes from General Residential V to Single Family Residential IV an Area on or Near West Central Street- 1st Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-837 to a 2nd Reading- Majority Vote (5))
|
10f. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION |
Bylaw Amendment 19-838: Amendment to the Franklin Town Code at Ch. 153 Stormwater Management-1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 19-838 to a 2nd Reading- Majority Vote (5))
|
10g. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION |
Bylaw Amendment 19-839: Municipal Service Fees- Recycling Sticker Rate Increase- 2nd Reading (Motion to Adopt Bylaw Amendment 19-839- Majority Roll Call Vote (5))
|
10h. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION |
Bylaw Amendment 19-840: Municipal Service Fees- Curbside Trash/Recycling Rate Increase- 2nd Reading (Motion to Adopt Bylaw Amendment 19-840 - Majority Roll Call Vote (5))
|
11. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT | |
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS | |
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS | |
14. EXECUTIVE SESSION |
None Scheduled
|
15. ADJOURN |
Veterans Walkway at night |
Medals come home to Franklin from MICCA Festival
Via Twitter, we find a bunch of medals coming home to Franklin form the MICCA Festival.
ASMS Symphony Band earns Gold medal at MICCA festival Friday night! Congrats to members & Ms Butz-your hard work paid off! @asms_band @franklinpsnews @franklinpublicma @franklinmatters.ma @mrsvasms @asmsartroom @mrs.f.asms @mrs.almeida_asms @mrszogbyasms @mahanasmspe @miss.b… pic.twitter.com/rOVE24bwKr— Sully The Husky ASMS (@sullythehusky) April 6, 2019
Today at MICCA, the General Chorus was awarded a silver medal for their excellent performance today, while the Chamber Choir was awarded a gold medal for their superior performance! This is the first gold medal for the FHS choral program, and I’m very proud of ALL the singers! 🐾 pic.twitter.com/s5r7EISnq5— FHS Choral Program (@fhs_choral) April 6, 2019
Congratulations to the FHS Symphony and Repertory orchestras for great performances at MICCA! Symphony-Silver and Repertory-Gold! @FranklinHSMusic @FHSPantherbook @PaulPeri9 pic.twitter.com/W1QIbyHhIr— Mrs. Plouffe (@FranklinHSOrch) April 6, 2019
ASMS Symphony Band earns Gold medal at MICCA festival Friday night |
FHS Chamber Chorus performs "Orpheus with his lute made trees" (video)
Via Twitter I can share this item
"Mike Kregler and I are so happy to finally be able to share a recording of his piece with you! Commissioned for the 2018-2019 FHS Chamber Chorus, recorded in February after its premiere."
"Mike Kregler and I are so happy to finally be able to share a recording of his piece with you! Commissioned for the 2018-2019 FHS Chamber Chorus, recorded in February after its premiere."
"I gotta tell you, this one is really special to me.
A work for SSA chorus and piano, "Orpheus with his lute made trees" was commissioned by the Franklin High School Treble Chorus and their director, Olivia Goliger. Olivia is a good friend and without a doubt one of the finest musicians I have ever known. And the recording we managed to get after a fairly humble start? It's overwhelming. She is very proud of her singers and so am I.
The text for this piece is found in Shakespeare's Henry VIII and tells of Orpheus, the legendary musician whose musical abilities were so powerful that trees, mountaintops, the sea et al., all obeyed his commands. What's more, while those lines are nothing short of profound and eloquent, it is the final tercet that reads like a mission statement for musicians, like a motto we have tattooed on our souls, if you will:
In sweet music is such art,
Killing care and grief of heart
Fall asleep, or hearing, die.
I hope you enjoy this spirited setting of "Orpheus with his lute made trees!"https://www.michaelckregler.com/blog/new-music-recording-orpheus-with-his-lute-made-trees-ssa-and-piano
Mark your calendar: Kindergarten Information Night Schedule
The schedule of Kindergarten information nights is shown here
School | Date | Time |
Davis Thayer | Thursday, May 2, 2019 | 5:45 PM |
Jefferson | Thursday, May 9, 2019 | 6:00 PM |
Keller | Tuesday, May 14, 2019 | 6:00 PM |
Kennedy | Thursday, May 16, 2019 | 6:00 PM |
Oak St | Wednesday, May 29, 2019 | 6:00 PM |
Parmenter | Wednesday, May 15, 2019 | 6:00 PM |
Kindergarten Information Night Schedule |
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