"vaping is 'absolutely rampant'”

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

"While marketed as an alternative to cigarettes, vaping may not be as safe as originally thought. 

As of Friday, Sept. 6, at least five people have died, and many others have been sickened this summer from a “mysterious lung illness” linked to vaping, underscoring what many health officials have believed and warned about for years. 

More than 450 cases of respiratory illnesses resulting in coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, vomiting or fatigue have been reported in 33 states. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these cases could be linked to vaping. For some patients, symptoms developed over a few days. Others say it took weeks. 

The issue is so alarming, it prompted the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to contact health officials at the end of August, asking them to report any health problems they think could be linked to vaping, in an effort to compile enough data to figure out if there’s a big problem."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190906/as-death-toll-climbs-massachusetts-doctors-look-to-link-vaping-to-illnesses

In the News: 2 follow up articles on the Lodi sisters

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

"Maj. Gen. Maria Barrett and Brig. Gen. Paula Lodi are believed to be the first pair of sisters to become generals, the military branch’s highest category of rank. The sisters grew up in Franklin - the daughters of Clara and Ruston Lodi. 

One sister had wanted to be a soldier since she was young; the other planned to have a career in the Foreign Service. Both marked a milestone for the U.S. Army this summer: Maj. Gen. Maria Barrett and Brig. Gen. Paula Lodi are believed to be the first pair of sisters to become generals, the military branch’s highest category of rank. 

“The fact that both of us would have come from the same family, it almost makes you want to go out and get a lottery ticket,” Barrett told The Washington Post. “Except, this is not a game of chance. It is hard work, it is strong leadership skills, it’s strong technical competency. Then you realize that this is a very tough bar in and of itself for both of us to make it.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190908/franklin-natives-are-first-sisters-to-become-army-generals-they-say-it-was-not-game-of-chance-it-is-hard-work

"Carlo Lodi is in the awe of his younger sisters Maj. Gen. Maria Barrett and Brig. Gen. Paula Lodi. 

Being nearly 10 years older than both of them, he can still recall the times they spent on their bikes flinging newspapers on to people’s porches accomplishing their paper routes. 

Now, the two sisters are the first in the history of the United States Army to both earn the rank of general - the military branch’s highest rank. 

“They will always be my younger sisters,” Lodi said. “But when I go down and watch promotion ceremonies - whether it be for Paula or for Maria - and hear what people have to say about them, it’s unbelievable.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190908/franklin-natives---lodi-siblings---reflect-on-their-sisters-historic-achievements-in-us-army

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Sep 10, 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. Middle/High School Improvement Goals 2019-20
b. Seal of Biliteracy Presentation

3. Discussion / Action Items
a. Middle/High School Improvement Goals 2019-20

I recommend approval of the 2019-20 improvement goals for Horace Mann Middle School, Annie Sullivan Middle School, Remington Middle School and Franklin High School as discussed.

b. Authorization for Further Analysis

I recommend authorization for further analysis of the Davis Thayer Elementary School through a comprehensive closing study as discussed.

4. Discussion Only Items
a. none

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 the August 27, 2019 School Committee meeting as detailed.
b. FHS Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $659.39 from Ahold for supplemental supplies at FHS as detailed.

8. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

9. Payroll Mrs. Douglas

10. Correspondence
a. Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman

11. Executive Session

a. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(2) to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel or to conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with nonunion personnel.

12. Adjournment


The meeting agenda and documents released for this meeting can be found
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/september-10-2019-school-committee-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Sep 10, 2019

Retirement of Facilities: Recommendation for Further Analysis of Davis Thayer

To: Franklin School Committee Members
From: Sara E. Ahern, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools
Re: Retirement of Facilities: Recommendation for Further Analysis 
Date: September 4, 2019

Franklin School Committee Policy FCB -- Retirement of Facilities describes the process by which the Committee will examine school buildings which may be inadequate and can not be reasonably brought up to current education standards. In these circumstances, the facility should be considered for a comprehensive closing study. According to this policy, the Superintendent is directed to recommend to the School Committee which facilities appear to require further analysis.

Given the age and design of the school building combined with the decreased enrollment of students in the Franklin Public Schools, pursuant to policy FCB, I recommend that the Franklin School Committee authorize further analysis of the Davis Thayer Elementary School building through a comprehensive closing study. I believe this school warrants further analysis for the following reasons:

1. The age and design of the building. As an older building, there are security and safety concerns as the building is not constructed in a way consistent with security and safety features and construction found in more modern buildings. Additionally, due to its age, the facility is not universally accessible for those with mobility concerns/disabilities.

2. Reduced student population. The student population of the Franklin Public Schools has decreased by about 1200 students since an enrollment high of 6255 in 2009-2010. This elementary school is the smallest, with a 2019-2020 enrollment of 225. At this time, it appears that the current elementary population could be served within 5 school buildings. A study would further be able to determine the feasibility of this in both the short and long term, considering future enrollment projections.

3. Economic efficiency. It is my responsibility to manage facilities in a way that is both educationally and fiscally responsible. The costs of operating and maintaining the school warrant further examination.

According to Policy FCB, further analysis includes the examination of the age and current physical condition of the facility, adequacy of the site and location, reassignment of students, transportation factors, alternative uses of the building, costs and potential savings, as well as the continuity of instructional and community programs.

I anticipate the study to be a deliberate and thoughtful one, which will take time, likely to span multiple years. In order to accomplish the study, I advise that the school committee establish a subcommittee for the purpose of monitoring the work. Additionally, I propose that the work be assisted by an outside consultant to lend expertise in this area.


For your reference, Policy FCB is attached.

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

File: FCB

RETIREMENT OF FACILITIES

When a school building becomes inadequate by virtue of age, condition, size of site, lack of need, or other overriding limitations, and cannot reasonably and economically be brought up to the current educational standards, the building should be considered for a comprehensive closing study. The Superintendent will recommend to the Franklin School Committee which facilities appear to justify further analysis.

The School Committee may seek both professional advice and the advice of the community in making its recommendations as to the retirement of any school facility. This will permit the public, which originally acquired the property, to benefit from its recycling or retirement.

A closing study will include direct involvement by those neighborhoods considered in the study and will be concerned with all or some of the following factors:

1. Age and current physical condition of the facilities, its operating systems, and program facilities.

2. Adequacy of site, location, access, surrounding development, traffic patterns, and other environmental conditions.

3. Reassignment of children, including alternative plans according to Committee policy.

4. Transportation factors, including numbers of children bussed, time, distance, and safety.

5. Alternative uses of the building.

6. Cost/Savings
a. Personnel
b. Plant Operation
c. Transportation
d. Capital Investment
e. Alternative Use

7. Continuity of instructional and community programs.



Reviewed; No Revisions: 5-19-09

 

Retirement of Facilities: Recommendation for Further Analysis of Davis Thayer

"It is a time commitment, for sure, but it is rewarding and fulfilling"

The statement from Denise Schultz on her decision to not run for School Committee this year.

"It has been an honor and privilege to serve on the school committee since first elected in November 2015. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with committee members, playing a role in hiring our fantastic superintendent, and seeing a number of key initiatives and policies come to fruition. I am proud to have initiated our gender-neutral dress code policy, updates to our homework policy and more. I have spent countless hours at the state house and beyond advocating for a better public education funding formula, and for more resources for Franklin. 

However, due to personal and professional reasons, I will not be seeking a third term on school committee. 

I write this note to encourage YOU to run! It is a time commitment, for sure, but it is rewarding and fulfilling. It is not easy, and I could bore you with the details of the many hours I have spent to best serve Franklin in this role, but that is the beauty of the role - you can serve in the way it best suits you and the community. 

I will continue to serve Franklin in other ways, and thank you for your continued support. 

Sincerely,Denise Schultz"

Franklin VFW Post 3402 - high school and middle school essay contest announced

The VFW is dedicated to promoting patriotism and investing in our future generation. If you are a democracy-loving high school student interested in a $30,000 college scholarship or a patriotic middle school student interested in winning $5,000, these scholarships may be for you.

Patriot's Pen: The 2019-20 theme is: What Makes America Great

Each year more than 132,000 students in grades 6-8 enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest. The national first-place winner wins $5,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. The first-place winner from each state competes for national awards totaling $55,000, with each first-place state winner receiving a minimum of $500 at the national level. 

The essay contest encourages young minds to examine America’s history, along with their own experiences in modern American society, by drafting a 300- to 400-word essay, expressing their views based on a patriotic theme chosen by the VFW Commander-in-Chief. Want to apply? Read the rules and eligibility requirements, then download and complete the 2019-20 entry form. All student entries must be submitted to a sponsoring local VFW Post by midnight, Oct. 31, 2019.

Voice of Democracy: The 2019-20 theme is: What Makes America Great

Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Each year, nearly 40,000 9-12 grade students from across the country enter to win their share of $2.1 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program. 

The national first-place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships range from $1,000-$16,000, and the first-place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins a minimum scholarship of $1,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. Want to apply? Read the rules and eligibility requirements, then download and complete the 2019-20 entry form. All student entries must be submitted to a sponsoring local VFW Post by midnight, Oct. 31, 2019.

Official Entry Forms and Instructions can be found at:  https://www.vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/youth-scholarships 

Entries are to be mailed to:  Franklin VFW Post 3402, PO Box 96, Franklin, MA  

VFW Post 3402, Franklin, MA; VFW Auxiliary 3402 Franklin, MA; https://post3402.org/  Contact JoAnn Wright at joannw826@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Download the PDF of this announcement

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1knkkzfOcl8-iJTDzJhBT8dMYS8BtAFlr/view?usp=sharing

Franklin VFW Post - 1034 Pond Street

Furry Friends of Franklin Dog Park Volunteer Committee - meeting Sep 12

Furry Friends of Franklin Dog Park Volunteer Committee are having their monthly meeting Thursday on September 12 at the Franklin Library from 7 PM to 8 PM. The meeting will be on the first floor conference room near the School Street entrance. All are welcome.

dog park at Dacey Field on a sunny summer day