Live reporting: School Committee - Aug 27, 2019

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


1. Routine Business
a. Review of Agenda
no adjustments

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

no citizen comments

c. FHS Student Representative Comments

d. Superintendent’s Report

really smooth opening of school today, faculty and staff back to school meeting Monday; recognized longevity benchmarks (10, 15, 20, 25 or more years of service)
235 earning professional teaching status, reception in the fall
Donna Grady, opening remarks on treating each other with kindness
validation of behavior that is already happening

admin team helped craft the message, formed during retreat this summer
cultural proficency in DIP later this evening
introduction with proper pronunciation of names

welcoming K students tomorrow
a few hiccups to iron out but overall a very smooth opening

last week at Town Council meeting did receive confirmation of additional funds, via state budget, allocated now versus later this fiscal year per processing internally within the Town; eliminated high school parking fee, and added back 2 K aides

Tyler Brogan won the High School Invitation mile at Falmouth recently with a race record

no school Friday, Aug 30 and no school on Monday, Sep 2 for Labor Day

Linden - thanks for inviting us to the welcome on Monday, well done





2. Guests / Presentations
a. Introduce New Administrators

Dr Kim Stoloski, Asst Director Student Services
Donna Krikorian, asst principal, Oak St
Michael Procacini, asst principal, Annie Sullivan
Jennifer Santosuosso, asst principal, FHS

b. New Faculty and Staff

listing in packet

still looking for nurses and substitutes for this school year

Franklin Historical Museum: new web site

We are happy to officially launch our new website at franklinmuseum1778.com. As a special Eagle Scout project, Sal Balkas, a 2018 FHS graduate, created the basic format for our new and improved website that includes links for historical documents, digitized Oskey’s 1928-2017, the amazing Anne Giardano post card collection, and much more. 

Check us out at franklinmuseum1778.com and let us know what you think! You can also find us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram!

 

Franklin Historical Museum: new web site

Franklin Cultural District meeting update - Sep 18

Hello Franklin Cultural District Partners,

The location of the next Cultural District Partners meeting has been moved to the studio of Franklin Cable TV and Radio. Meeting details are as follows:

Franklin Cultural District Partners Meeting

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

7:00 PM

Franklin Cable TV and Radio Station

23 Hutchinson Street, Franklin

There is on site parking and the building has universal access. A meeting agenda will be provided closer to the meeting date. We hope to see all Franklin Cultural District Partners at the meeting.


Best regards,
Pandora Carlucci

____________________

Pandora Carlucci, Ed.D.

Franklin Cultural District Committee Member
pcarluccifranklinculture@gmail.com
https://www.franklinculture.org/

Franklin Cultural District meeting update - Sep 18

FBRTC: Upcoming Events - membership drive; Labor Day walk

View this email in your browser Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Upcoming Events  Summer Membership  Drive:  Become a member between now and Labor Day and be eligible to win one of three $10 DD gift cards! More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/2358050251079771/  SNETT Group/Nature Walk    - Labor Day   Please join us for a walk on the SNETT on Monday, September 2, 2019 (Labor Day) at 10 AM. We will meet at the Grove Street parking area (next to Metcalf Materials) in Franklin. More info https://www.facebook.com/events/2319534728363380/  Copyright © 2019 Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you have opted in to stay informed about the Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Our mailing address is: Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee PO Box 68 Franklin, Ma 02038 Add us to your address book

3rd Annual Franklin Rotary & Dean College Car Show - Sep 15

3rd Annual Car Show

Franklin Rotary Club & Dean College

The show is scheduled for Sunday, September 15, 2019, 10 AM to 3 PM, at the Dean College main parking lot in downtown Franklin, on Route 140 just west of the intersection with Emmons St (traffic light).

Parking is available adjacent in Rockland Trust Bank lot 1/2 block east on Rt.140 or by the elementary school just west of the show on Union or School Streets.

For Sponsorship info and to Register please contact Terry Katsoros at Rockland Trust at theodosioskatsaros@rocklandtrust.com
or Gary Convertino at gconvertino@cox.net

Download your copy of the flyer:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczd0EycjJqZVVjVEtDRXRhN2VtZmQ4OHFOY3hZ/view?usp=sharing

3rd Annual Franklin Rotary Car Show - Sep 15

Franklin Historical Museum: French Neutrals during the French and Indian War - Sep 8

Our Second Sunday Speaker Series this month features Steve Joanis discussing local French Neutrals during the French and Indian War. Steve and his wife Bronya are historical re-enactors who will present in costume and discuss the time period between 1754 and 1763 when New France was at war with the British colonies, both supported by homeland military power and Native Americans. 

The presentation will focus on the Robichaud family, Nova Scotians relocated to the New England States during the war. Come learn about this little talked about, but fascinating time in our local history. Sunday, September 8 at 1:10 PM. Admission is always free, donations are always welcome. The Second Sunday Speaker Series is supported by the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum.

On Sunday September 15 join us as State Rep Josh Cutler discusses his recently published book, Mobtown Massacre. Back in the day, freedom of the press often had to be defended with pens and pistols! Learn how one Massachusetts town came to be named for a fiery Federalist newspaper editor from Maryland whose anti-war writings provoked a bloodthirsty mob, a midnight jailbreak and a brutal massacre that stunned the nation in 1812. 

It all started with a headline. Representative Cutler’s talk will start at 1:10 PM

The museum’s gift shop is the perfect place to a gift for anyone who loves Franklin. Get your Gazebo ornament before the Christmas rush. A choose from one of three black cat collectables, featuring the new library edition, the train station or the Red Brick School. The gift shop is supported by the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum. 

Franklin Historical Museum:  French Neutrals during the French and Indian War

Reminder: Harvest Festival Sponsorship Opportunities end Aug 28

Bring Attention to your Business While Supporting the Community

Be a sponsor of this year's Harvest Festival! Wednesday, August 28 is the deadline to have your business name listed as a sponsor on the Harvest Festival posters that are distributed throughout Franklin. In addition, your sponsorship includes:

• Logo listed on all related Promotional Materials, Posters and Signage - (Silver, Gold and Platinum levels)
• Smaller size logo listed on all related Promotional Materials, Posters, & Signage - (Bronze Level)
• Name listed on all related Promotional Materials, Posters and and Signage- (Friends Level)
• Listed in all related Press Releases
• Highlighted on Website: franklindowntownpartnership.org
• Advertised on local radio
• Advertised on Facebook and Twitter
• Sponsors get booth at event located on Exclusive Sponsorship Row area of event
• On-going announcement of Sponsors by DJ and Band during Event

Harvest Festival Sponsorship Opportunities

Just email us the sponsorship form and the level you would like to be listed as and we'll get you on the sponsorship list!

Please email the FDP office by August 28 to let us know you'll be a sponsor! 
Downtown.Franklin@yahoo.com

Sponsorship form
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kcHsCWKJHe4yakn5P_hRwbWhULYZvET9/view

"five additional minutes provides for additional flexibility within our school days to meet multiple needs"

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

"Some students may grouse a little when they hear this statement: Your school day is going to be longer starting this September.

But tell them to take heart - it will only be by five minutes.

Franklin Public Schools is advising families that five minutes will be added to all students’ school days, K-12, for the 2019-2020 school year.

Consequently, new dismissal times will be at 2:10 p.m. for Franklin High School, 1:55 p.m. for Annie Sullivan Middle School and Remington Middle School, 2 p.m. for Horace Mann Middle School, and 2:45 p.m. for all elementary schools."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190825/franklin-schools-slightly-lengthen-school-day-for-2019-2020

Links to other important Franklin schools information
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/08/franklin-public-schools-2019-2020.html
 

"five additional minutes provides for additional flexibility within our school days to meet multiple needs"

50+ Job Seekers Networking Group starts Oct 11

Franklin is offering a 50+ Job Seekers Networking Group. The group is scheduled to meet for the first time on Friday, Oct 11 and then on the 2nd and 4th Friday's of each month.


"NETWORKING WORKS!! Your AGE really is your EDGE!!

16 LOCATIONS! NETWORKING WORKS!! Your AGE really is your EDGE!!

Funded by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs, managed by Massachusetts Councils on Aging (MCOA) and supported by AARP, we offer a unique Job Seekers Networking & Training Group program to support and assist people in the 50+ demographic who are looking for a new job, a totally new career direction, re-entry into the workforce or a Second Act career.

Can you check off one or more of these boxes? We Want to Help YOU!:

• Stuck in your Job Search?
• Not Sure What to Do Next?
• Feeling Challenged by Ageism?
• Need Help with your Resume?
• Don’t Know How to Use LinkedIn?
• Uncomfortable with Networking?
• Perplexed by how to use Social Media?"

More info on the MCOA page
https://mcoaonline.com/employment/50-plus-job-seeker-networking-groups/

50+ Job Seekers Networking Group starts Oct 11

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Aug 26, 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 BEDH

c. FHS Student Representative Comments
d. Superintendent’s Report

2. Guests / Presentations
a. Introduce New Administrators
b. New Faculty and Staff

3. Discussion / Action Items
a. Strategy for District Improvement – Annual Goals 2019-2020
I recommend approval of the District Improvement Goals for 2019-2020 as discussed.

4. Discussion Only Items
a. Draft Presentation Schedule for School Committee Meetings 2019-2020

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]; MASC)

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

7. Consent Agenda
a. Minutes - I recommend approval of the minutes from your August 13, 2019 School Committee meeting as detailed.
b. JFK Gift - I recommend acceptance of a check for $3,339.00 from the JFK PCC for supplemental supplies as detailed.
c. Music Gift - I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,785.05 from Music Parents for in- house enrichment as detailed.
d. 2019 Student Activity Account Approval - I recommend approval of the 2019 Student Activity Accounts as detailed.


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 Cafeteria unit as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.

12. Adjournment

Documents released for this meeting
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/august-27-2019-school-committee-packet

 

Remington - Jefferson sign during the summer

 

Franklin Public Schools: 2019-2020 School Year Information

Handy links:
 
Welcome Back to School Letter from Superintendent Ahern
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/news/parents_guardians_and_students_back_to_school_letter_2019_revised.pdf

School bus route info
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/2019-20_bus_routes.pdf

Other busing info (pay to ride, etc.)
https://www.franklinps.net/district/transportation

School lunch menus
https://franklindistrict.nutrislice.com/menus-eula

School handbooks for 2019-2020
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-handbooks

2019-2020 school calendar
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/news/19-20_school_calendar_-final.pdf

School hours (5 minutes added to the length of day)
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/school_hours_0.pdf

For anything else, you should be able to find it on the school district page
https://www.franklinps.net/

"All School Offices, Including Central Offices will be Closed Monday, August 26, 2019 from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM."

https://www.franklinps.net/district/urgent-alerts/all-school-offices-including-central-offices-will-be-closed-monday-august-26

This will allow the school district to hold a meeting for all the personnel in the district.

Parmenter School on a summer day

FSPA Continues Renowned “Little Music School” Program

Now in its 35th year, the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) will continue to offer its renowned “Little Music School” program. Unique to FSPA, Little Music School (LMS) teaches children as young as 18 months to play the piano, engaging them from the earliest age in the joys of music-making and exploration of the arts.

Under the direction of Kim Rezendes, Little Music School is a dynamic and inspiring music program that teaches children to play the piano and explore the musical world around them. Built on the Three Cs – Color, Creativity, and Core – the LMS program welcomes children into a creative world where music making and enjoyment is fostered, through group play, while singing, playing the piano, imagining, and creating.

“Little Music School” program

The program uses color to make written music more accessible to young children by drawing relationships between notations and different hues. Creative activities encourage children to take ownership of the music-making process and to interpret and express music in their own way. 

Little Music School students build a solid musical foundation and benefit greatly from early music instruction. Children develop musical understanding and skills in numerous areas including ear training, sight singing, sight reading, tonal recognition, rhythm, and note reading. 

LMS students also become familiar with important musical terminology, concepts, and history beginning with their first class. A Little Music School mom from Norfolk remarked, "In the short time since our son has been enrolled, we have seen his confidence in social settings, willingness to follow instructions, and ability to interact with others grow remarkably."

With a maximum student-teacher ratio of 7:1, children enjoy individualized attention and not a “one-size-fits-all” curriculum. LMS students learn how to read, understand, and appreciate music while playing the piano in weekly classes and peer recitals throughout the year. At the same time, they gain confidence, independence, and self-esteem; improve gross and fine motor skills; enhance coordination, creativity, comprehension, and memory retention; and develop social, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and communication skills.

For more information on Little Music School at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts, visit www.FSPAonline.com, call 508-528-8668, or stop by the facility at 38 Main Street in Franklin, MA. 

In the News: Hopedale votes on an override Weds; DOR has Prop 2 1/2 video series

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

"Renee Polechronis walked away from her desk in the Assessor’s Office Friday morning with some paperwork.

When she returned moments later, fresh forms had been dropped off. Soon afterward, the phone rang. Before any of that, she had answered a resident’s question on senior citizen tax exemptions.

“I’m usually pretty busy on Fridays,” Polechronis, the office administrative clerk, said with a smile.

If Hopedale voters fail to pass the $430,000 tax override on Wednesday’s election ballot, residents might not have access to Polechronis’ cheerful attitude on Fridays.

Officials are asking for the money to bolster Hopedale’s operating budget, and have categorized the $430,000 as the amount needed just to keep basic services running. They aren’t yet sure where they’ll cut if voters don’t approve the override, but closing Town Hall the final day of the work week has made the list of possible partial solutions.

...

Residents overwhelmingly approved the override at Town Meeting this spring, but a majority vote in the townwide election is also required before the tax can be levied."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190824/final-vote-on-hopedale-tax-override-is-wednesday

The MA Dept of Revenue has a video series on Proposition 2 1/2 explaining overrides, debt exclusions, and other accurate info on this matter

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfBnwDVE7DgFBJePuMrBUMjVLGv8xp34S

In the News: "Selectmen agreed the bylaw needed to change"; third case of EEE found

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

A third human case of Eastern equine encephalitis has been diagnosed in the state, and horses in Mendon and Uxbridge have been euthanized after testing positive for the virus, the state Department of Public Health said Friday.

The patient is a man over the age of 60 who was exposed to the virus in northern Franklin County, health officials said. The risk level in two communities in Franklin County - Heath and Colrain - has been raised to critical as a result.

Uxbridge interim Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner told the Worcester Telegram & Gazette that the horse, which was on a farm in South Uxbridge near the Rhode Island border, had been sick and couldn’t successfully be treated for the infection, which is caused by a virus spread by infected mosquitoes.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190823/horses-in-uxbridge-mendon-euthanized-after-found-with-eee-virus


This article falls into the category of "Really?"

Selectmen are looking to update a policy that prevents nonunion employees from taking a vacation for as much as a year after their start dates.

“Probably my biggest challenge in soliciting folks to come in and work for the town is when I explain our vacation policy,” Milford Human Resources Director Maureen Gifford said.

Town employees – regardless of their prior experience or past benefit package – must accrue the available two weeks’ time off during their first year before being able to use it in their second year.

After five years, employees can earn a third week. The deal is written into the bylaws and is non-negotiable.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190823/milford-municipal-vacation-policy-gets-closer-look

FTC Summer Film Series: Unwanted calls to your mobile phone

Summer Film Series: Unwanted calls to your mobile phone by Megan Gordon, Intern, Division of Consumer & Business Education, FTC Ring, ring! The film series is back, this time with help to stop unwanted calls to your mobile phone. Unwanted calls are annoying. They interrupt your day, and many are meant to scam you. But what can you do about these calls? Today's video gives you some ways to stop unwanted calls on your mobile phone, so take a look. Read more https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/08/summer-film-series-unwanted-calls-your-mobile-phone?utm_campaign=unwanted-calls&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery  This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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https://youtu.be/NzYdsDb-_cY