"Massachusetts is not alone in facing unprecedented circumstances"

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

"The Massachusetts unemployment rate surged above 15% in April, smashing four and a half decades of records as the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting public shutdowns caused massive job losses.

State labor officials announced Friday that Massachusetts shed 623,000 jobs in April, the first full month during which non-essential businesses were ordered to close their physical locations to employees and customers and most residents were urged to stay at home whenever possible.

From March to April, the unemployment rate increased 12.3 percentage points to 15.1%, the highest level since the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics began tracking seasonally adjusted unemployment rates at the state level in 1976. The numbers reflect the waves of new jobless claims that have been filed in recent weeks, and show how far the state now has to go to both defeat the virus and return people to their old jobs or new ones.

Michael Goodman, executive director of the UMass Dartmouth Public Policy Center and a co-editor of MassBenchmarks, said joblessness in Massachusetts may not have reached such elevated levels since the recession immediately following World War II."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200522/states-jobless-rate-surges-past-15

https://www.mass.gov/topics/unemployment

"Crisis communications professionals told the Daily News that nursing homes would be wise to share the number of fatalities, even if that means communicating rising death tolls.

“You have to be credible in crisis communications, because if your community loses trust in you, you are dead in the water,” said Capt. Thomas Lennon, a retired U.S. Coast Guard Captain and current chair of the emergency management department at Massachusetts Maritime Academy.

Administrators at North Hill and Briarwood Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Needham had already publicly announced 27 of the 33 reported deaths in the town before the town officially announced the first known COVID-19 related deaths.

Both skilled-nursing facilities hired Ball Consulting Group LLC - a crisis communications firm based in Newton - to help with external messaging during the pandemic."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200522/crisis-communications-experts-you-have-to-be-credible-in-reporting-effects-of-coronavirus

Town of Franklin FY 2021 Budget

Town of Franklin FY 21 Budget

The Town of Franklin FY21 Budget materials are now available on our website. 

Finance Committee Meetings begin next Wednesday, May 27th, and will continue on May 28, June 2, and June 4. 

All documents, agendas and meeting links can be found here https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/pages/fy2021-budget-materials


Town Administrator budget message and budget summary
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/fy21-town-administrator-budget-message
 
May 27 agenda
https://www.franklinma.gov/finance-committee/events/259774
 
May 28 agenda
https://www.franklinma.gov/finance-committee/events/259784

June 2 agenda
https://www.franklinma.gov/finance-committee/events/259794

June 4 agenda
https://www.franklinma.gov/finance-committee/events/259804

Library funding is one of many topics for the budget cycle in this pandemic period

Town Council - Recap of 5/20/20 meeting (and recording)

My notes were captured via Twitter and tagged #tc0520

• Real time reporting underway for Town Council meeting 5/20/20 #tc0520 Dellorco absent, other 8 Councilors present
• Motion to approve Apr 15 meeting minutes, passed via roll call. 8-0-1 (8 for, 1 absent) #tc0520
• Memorial Day parade and breakfast cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic. Film being edited for broadcast on Franklin TV. #tc0520
• Proclamation on "Purple Heart" community being read to acknowledge new designation. #tc0520 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/4a._proclamation_-_purple_heart_community_2.pdf
• Proclamation on American Legion Post Edward L Grant #75 #tc0520 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/4b._proclamation_-_american_legion.pdf
• Proclamation to recognize Larry Bedarian #tc0520 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/4c._proclamation_-_larry_bedarian.pdf

Animal Control

• Presentation by Tracey Taddeo on the Animal Control Dept, a quiet group that does good work. #tc0520
• Patrick Kelleher leads the Franklin side in the joint effort with Bellingham that Tracey covers

Franklin Food Pantry

• Next up, Franklin Food Pantry, Lynn Calling and Tina Powderly talking about the new building and updates due to the pandemic requirements #tc0520 intro by TA Jamie Hellen
• Presentation copy per agenda from Franklin Food Pantry https://franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/8b._franklin_food_pantry.pdf. #tc0520 in a normal BCE before coronavirus era there were about 9 new folks, last month 80. Changed from shopping experience to drive through pickup during this time
• Lynn Calling says seeing a familiar face (albeit masked) is important to the pantry clients, approx 60-80 per day drive through to get 5000 lbs/week. Hopefully to be in new building by summer of 2021 #tc0520 a capital campaign to be launched soon to help fund the building
• Empty Bowls would have celebrated the dinner May 7, they will go virtual during a week in June, approx 200 bowls made by students for this fund raising effort. #tc0520 listen to the students talk about empty bowls https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/fm-263-fhs-empty-bowl-club-stars-50420.html
• The father daughter group mentioned during the meeting building garden beds, VFJ renovations was interviewed recently and you can listen to their story https://franklinmatters.org/2020/05/fm-261-vfj-renovations-empowering.html?m=1. #tc0520
• The Food Pantry current needs list can be found online at https://franklinfoodpantry.org/give-help/donate-food/current-needs-list/. #tc0520
• Tina Powderly takes time to recognize Amy Cataldo as one of the 3 keys to the operation (Lynn, and Sue Kilcoyne) #tc0520

SAFE Coalition

• Next up, SAFE Coalition with Jen Levine and Jim Derick to present, copy of deck to be shared later #tc0520
• SAFE is busy, one contact leads to approx 8 others ( to confirm details, explore options, etc.) #tc0520
• 40 people/week reach out for support from SAFE Coalition, while they cover 9 communities, it is still a need that is rather large and being met #tc0520
• SAFE currently funded by grants and donations #tc0520

Metacomet Emergency Communications Center

• Next up, the Metacomet Emergency Communications Center (MECC) the regional dispatch center #tc0520 last week was first anniversary of operations so timely albeit delayed due to COVID-19
• Mendon/Millville regional dispatch will actually merge with the MECC final planning underway
• Collaboration with depts beyond Fire/Police in Franklin help to make the work that much easier; DPW, technology, Assessors, GIS, facilities, etc. #tc0520
• Regionalization of dispatch is a success and could be a guide for others to follow. MA had 300plus dispatch centers, CA has 4. With the MECC online and expanding (Millville , Mendon) a source of pride and savings #tc0520

Legislation for Action

• Moving to Legislation for action, first up https://franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/10a._20-27_cell_tower_easement.pdf. #tc0520 more of a house cleaning item, "this is an exercise for lawyers" moved, seconded, passed 8-0-1 (8 for, 1 absent)
• Next legislation, 2nd reading on plot line changes for Pleasant, Chestnut, Brook Sts. #tc0520 https://franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/10b._20-853_cestnut_pleasnt_brooke_streets.pdf moved, 2nd, passed 7-0-2 (7 for, 1 absent, 1 recused (Bissanti))
• Next legislation, Water resource district adjustment. Up for 2nd and final approval, https://franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/10c._20-854_water_resource_district.pdf #tc0520 map needed to be updated, moved, 2nd, approved 8-0-1 (8 for, 1 absent)

Town Administrator Update

• Senior Center coffee hour on Thursday at 8:30 AM with virtual meeting #tc0520 bring your coffee! Announcement of curbside cafe coming at the meeting but due to start June 1
• FY2021 budget coming out Thursday, Finance Committee meetings over the next two weeks spread over 4 nights, agendas to show which dept which night, etc. #tc0520 . Need Community engaged as these discussions will be challenging
• Parks and parking lots to open on Monday, playgrounds will remain closed, masks and social distance requirements still in place #tc0520
• Board of Health special session on 5/21/20 at 5 PM details on Town of Franklin page effectively #tc0520

Closing

• Council comments wrapped up, motion to adjourn, passed 8-0-1 via roll call. Real time reporting ends for this meeting with this tweet. #tc0520

The Twitter treads can be found online  https://twitter.com/hashtag/tc0520?src=hashtag_click

FM #273 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 273 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, May 20, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The Chair, Tom Mercer opens the meetings, all votes are via roll call, each person speaking is acknowledged by the Chair before speaking. Aside from an occasional bit of background from someone not muted properly, the meeting runs well.

The recording runs about 2 hours and 50 minutes, so let’s listen to the Town Council meeting of May 20, 2020.


https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/Hc9XZ1P7

screen capture during the SAFE Coalition presentation

Leaping into Kindergarten - May 20

Leaping into Kindergarten, the annual program for parents of incoming kindergarteners, was held via virtual meeting and recorded for replay via YouTube.

The video link:  https://youtu.be/jPh1jJVhr-8



The presentation copy:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1P-1IADJFm4kN3kl_kU8RtcHulZsAOVSs/view





Shared via Twitter  https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews/status/1263516493330944002?s=09

Panther News Special Edition: "Senior Sign-Off" May 22, 2020

The 'Senior Sign-Off' Panthers News   https://youtu.be/YuHlTQT-rp4

Why You Need Your Chamber Now More Than Ever

What Does a Chamber of Commerce Do?

No other organization represents the local business community like a Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber of Commerce brand is recognized across the globe as an organization fighting for the rights of employers. No other group balances the needs of the business community with the needs of the general community like the Chamber of Commerce.

Chambers are your businesses' life raft in the troubled waters of COVID-19. They were the life raft for you during the great recession and they'll be again the next time a crisis rolls around.

How Can Joining the United Regional Chamber Help Me?

Right now, the United Regional Chamber of Commerce (URCC) is learning to navigate complicated government processes while protecting your rights so you can stay focused on keeping your business afloat. We're talking to governors, state legislators, members of Congress, and any other person with a .gov email address, to convince them that the economy isn't the antithesis of public health. Both can coexist safely and prosperously together.

Our members get value through member discounts on office supplies and other tangible goods, but you can't put a price on the value they're receiving from the URCC's advocacy efforts aimed at the federal, state, and local government. Over many years, URCC leaders have built relationships with a myriad of public officials, always trying to find the right opportunity and opening to showcase a public official's comments while subtly (or sometimes not so subtly) educating them to the realities of providing jobs.

We hope you'll take advantage of all the webinars, Zoom meetings, and educational programming that we're providing (mostly free of charge) to keep you engaged with government and business leaders. We still have our monthly Executive Express-O hosted by URCC Board Member Charlie Miller of Business Advisory Solutions and our Extreme Networking Group that meets every other week. Same people, same timely topics, same great ideas. 

www.unitedregionalchamber.org

The only difference is that we're now conducting these meetings virtually via Zoom. We had one virtual Alive After Five facilitated by Rob Peters of Rob Peters Entertainment and we're going to have more. We have our on-line Job Board and we encourage you to send in your job listings.

We're doing it for YOU in hopes it'll help YOU survive. Visit our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/UnitedRegional/) and read our weekly enews to learn about the programs that we are offering.

If you have any ideas about the programs and groups you would like to see facilitated by the URCC, please contact me.

#URCC #Chamberstrong


Jack Lank, IOM
President & CEO
The United Regional Chamber of Commerce
310 South Street
Plainville, MA 02762
Phone: 508-316-0861
www.unitedregionalchamber.org
"People Do Business With People They Know"

In the News: "Franklin named Purple Heart Community"

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

The town is now recognized as a Purple Heart Community, joining more than 90 other Massachusetts communities in honoring local veterans.

The designation was approved by the Town Council on Wednesday night, and honors recipients of the Purple Heart medal, which is presented to U.S. military service members who have been wounded or killed by enemy forces.

The medal - the nation’s oldest military award - was created by George Washington in 1782 and was originally called the “Badge for Military Merit.” Part of the designation entails celebrating Purple Heart Day, which is held on Aug. 8.

The designation also adds Franklin as a stop along the Purple Heart Trail, a national network of roads, bridges, highways and other monuments honoring soldiers who have been awarded a Purple Heart medal. There are currently designated sections in 45 states, including Guam.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200521/franklin-named-purple-heart-community

The Proclamation making Franklin a Purple Heart Community did not need a Town Council vote on Wednesday. It was one of three proclamations made during the Wednesday session held via virtual meeting.

• Proclamation on "Purple Heart" community being read to acknowledge new designation. #tc0520 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/4a._proclamation_-_purple_heart_community_2.pdf
• Proclamation on American Legion Post Edward L Grant #75 #tc0520https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/4b._proclamation_-_american_legion.pdf
• Proclamation to recognize Larry Bedarian #tc0520 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/4c._proclamation_-_larry_bedarian.pdf

 
 

 The Edward L Grant granite marker along the Veterans Walkway photo taken in Nov 2018

This “game” is a chain letter scam

This "game" is a chain letter scam by Seena Gressin, Attorney, Division of Consumer & Business Education, FTC Are you tempted to play "The Circle Game," join a "Blessing Loom," or jump on a "Money Board"? These are some of the names for an online scam that's making the rounds at a time when millions of people are out of work and scraping for cash.  It promises a big return for a modest investment. Don't fall for it. You're virtually guaranteed to lose your money, or pull in friends and family who will lose theirs. Read more  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/05/game-chain-letter-scam  This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

---

FM #272 Senior Center Updates 5/15/20 (audio)

FM #272 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 272 in the series.

This session shares my conversation with Director Karen Alves and soon to be Director Erin Rogers of the Franklin Senior Center. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Meetings going virtual

• 50+ job seekers
• Caregiver support group
• 1-800-QuitNow
• Daily diversions available on SeniorCenter page
• Nurse Trish to start Balance Sessions via Zoom

Meals for breakfast or lunch coming in June = “Curbside Cafe”

The recording runs about 25 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Karen and Erin    Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HVtQtsP7




If you are not on the Senior Center newsletter and updates listing, please call 508-520-4945
If you would like a ‘wellness’ check in call, please call 508-520-4945

Additional info about the Senior Center can be found https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc


-------------- 
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

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

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I 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 or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

FM #272 Senior Center Updates 5/15/20 (audio)

Senator Rausch: COVID-19 Update #20

CORONAVIRUS / COVID-19 UPDATE #20

Wednesday, May 20, 2020

Hi friends,

Wow - this is our 20th COVID-19 update email. I remember wondering, when we sent the first one back in March, just how many we would issue. Here we are at 20, and I suspect there will be many more. This is perhaps several marathons all in a row, and even with the summer months nearly here and all of us getting antsy, we must remain vigilant in our physical distancing, hand-washing, and other personal and public health measures.

There's been a lot of news this week about Massachusetts moving toward reopening. As your State Senator, my top priority is protecting your health and safety, and I do that by working to ensure any reopening strategy is governed by a data-driven approach that prioritizes public health. I am still reviewing the details of Governor Baker's initial reopening sketch. I remain concerned that we need more information and better guidelines for small businesses, workers, and childcare. 

I am also concerned that the outline released earlier this week does not do enough to ensure compliance with public health best practices. While the emergency power to make these reopening decisions rests with the Governor, I am working with my colleagues to fully assess the Governor's sketch and offer improvements, particularly in the childcare space. 

As a parent of youngsters myself, the lack of focus on ensuring adequate childcare for working families keeps me up at night. If you are a childcare provider, a parent of younger children, or otherwise have expertise in the area, please email me at becca.rausch@masenate.gov with your thoughts and ideas.

...

As always, my team and I are here for you. Call us at 617-722-1555 or email me directly at becca.rausch@masenate.gov and one of us will get back to you as quickly as we can. Please follow me on Twitter and Facebook for real-time updates.

Wishing you and your families strength, health, and resilience.

Yours in service,


Senator Becca Rausch


The newsletter was shortened for publication here. To view the full contents visit
https://mailchi.mp/51a8fc33682f/covid19-update-12441474?e=0c2c9810fe

Senator Rausch: COVID-19 Update #20

Franklin, MA: Board of Health - Agenda - May 21

Franklin Board Of Health Agenda

Thursday, May 21, 2020

5:00 PM

Due to the growing concerns regarding the COVID-19 virus, we will be conducting a remote/virtual Board of Health Meeting. In an effort to ensure citizen engagement and comply with open meeting law regulations, citizens will be able to dial into the meeting using the provided phone number (Cell phone or Landline Required) OR citizens can participate by clicking on the attached link (Phone, Computer, or Tablet required). The attached link and phone number will be active for the duration of the meeting for citizens to ask questions/voice concerns.

Link: Join with Google Meet   meet.google.com/rxf-kpti-gfd

Join by phone  - - #


1) OLD BUSINESS

• A. None
• Chairman opens the floor for any other old business

2) NEW BUSINESS

• Discussion of Mandatory Workplace Safety Standards
• Chairman opens the floor for any other new business

3) CITIZENS COMMENTARY

4) ADJOURNMENT

Agenda doc in PDF format
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/agenda-5-21-20_revised.pdf 

 

Franklin, MA:  Board of Health - Agenda - May 21

FHS Oskey 2020 - Friday, May 22 - 7 PM

"Comedy is subjective. Memories are forever. This is OSKEY"

https://youtu.be/V5vBlJXISFQ




Shared via Twitter: https://twitter.com/FalangaAndrew/status/1263105140942180352?s=09

Did you subscribe to the Town of Franklin Newsletter?

"Do you receive the Town of Franklin monthly e-newsletters? Our next edition is coming soon! Sign up today to stay informed."

Sign up here:  https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/zVaN7el/News

Did you subscribe to the Town of Franklin Newsletter?

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1263214789846880259?s=09

Fletcher Field basketball/street hockey courts under construction

"New basketball/street hockey courts at Fletcher Field are coming along nicely. Concrete is curing and within 2 weeks, we'll have it painted and hoops hung. Hockey boards should be installed in July."

https://t.co/dg2fltWr8f

New basketball/street hockey courts at Fletcher Field

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FranklinRec/status/1263123113077878784?s=03

telephoto view from the Wachusett St side of Fletcher Field

MBTA: Commuter Rail notice for Monday - Memorial Day

The Commuter Rail will operate on a normal Sunday schedule on Monday, May 25, for Memorial Day. There will be no disruption on the Lowell, Fitchburg, Worcester, and Greenbush lines. The diversion between W Gloucester and Rockport will still be in effect.

Affected routes:

• Newburyport/Rockport Line
• Haverhill Line
• Lowell Line
• Fitchburg Line
• Framingham/Worcester Line
• Needham Line
• Franklin Line
• Fairmount Line
• Providence/Stoughton Line
• Middleborough/Lakeville Line
• Kingston/Plymouth Line
• Greenbush Line

Last Updated: May 20 2020 03:47 PM 

Franklin Line schedule  https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/timetable

Franklin/Forge Park Station

School Committee: Budget SubCommittee Meeting - May 22 - 1 PM

Franklin Public Schools 
Franklin School Committee
Budget Sub Committee Meeting

Virtual Meeting (Links in agenda)

Friday, May 22, 2020

1:00 PM

Per Governor Baker’s order suspending certain provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A sec. 20, the public will not be allowed to physically access this School Committee Subcommittee meeting. Members of the Public can access the meeting via remote conference. The School Committee reserves the right to implement additional remote participation procedures and will notify the public of these procedures as soon as practicable.

Location: Remote Participation Link   Meeting ID meet.google.com/daz-evdq-aus

Phone Numbers (US)+1 336-790-2784; PIN: 674 594 168#


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."

• FY21 Budget Development

Franklin Public Schools agenda doc  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/agendas/agenda-bsc_5-22-20.pdf

FY 2021 Budget page    https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/pages/fy-2021-budget

School Committee: Budget SubCommittee Meeting - May 22 - 1 PM

“It is not enough to simply ask passengers to comply -- it must be enforced,”

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

"Capping ridership on buses and trains is not on the table as the MBTA prepares for a monthslong, gradual resumption of public activity, nor is denying service to system users who do not cover their faces despite an executive order urging mask usage, MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak said Wednesday.

During a wide-ranging interview with WBUR’s “Radio Boston,” Poftak said leaders at the agency are exploring ways to manage demand but hinted that designating maskless-only vehicles, strictly enforcing face-covering or distancing, and significantly increasing capacity -- at least in the next few weeks -- are not within reach.

Under Gov. Charlie Baker’s executive order requiring face coverings when social distancing is impossible, commuters are required to wear a mask or similar garment on public transit. However, the order exempts individuals who have a medical condition preventing them from covering their faces, and Poftak said that language precludes a mandate to riders even though he agrees the practice is “really important.”

“No one is allowed to ask them to verify that they have this medical condition, so we’re in a position where we really can’t enforce it in a police action kind of way,” he told WBUR."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200520/mask-mandate-may-be-tough-to-enforce-on-t

“It is not enough to simply ask passengers to comply -- it must be enforced,”

FSPA Senior accepted to prestigious Carnegie Mellon Music Theater Program

The Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) is excited to announce that FSPA Senior Susana Wickstrom of Wrentham has been accepted to the prestigious School of Drama at Carnegie Mellon University to obtain her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music Theater. The Music Theater program at Carnegie Mellon only accepts six female and six male students every year.

For her high school education, Wickstrom attended FSPA Academy, a collaboration with TEC Connections Academy (TECCA), and the Franklin School for the Performing Arts. The FSPA Academy model combines the flexibility of a virtual education while providing warm, welcoming classrooms, supportive learning coaches, and a creative, community-minded school environment. For career-bound students of the arts like Wickstrom, FSPA Academy accommodates professional opportunities, rehearsal, and performance schedules. Partnering with TECCA, a virtual Massachusetts Public School, the curriculum is taught by licensed, certified teachers through a combination of live lessons and individual assignments.

Additionally, Wickstrom trained rigorously in the performing arts at FSPA, taking classes six days a week in singing, acting, and all disciplines of dance. On top of her academic and arts course loads, Wickstrom was cast frequently in productions with the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), appearing in productions at THE BLACK BOX alongside Broadway stars and working with Broadway choreographers. This past October, she got the chance to star as Miss Honey in FPAC’s production of Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical choreographed by original Broadway cast member Clay Thomson.

Wickstrom spent her last 4 summers touring Europe with the international touring ensemble Electric Youth. With this select group of young performers, she sang and danced her way across the U.K., France, Italy, Switzerland, and Austria performing all genres of music backed by the Boston Show Band, eight of Boston’s most in-demand musicians.

Of her training at FSPA Wickstrom notes, “FSPA has taught me absolutely everything that I know. I owe the world to it. My teachers there taught me why I love the arts, and why I want to pursue it for the rest of my life.”

Susana in the FPAC production of Tartuffe at THE BLACK BOX

Franklin Public Schools: Important Dates and Information

Important Dates and Information

---

May-June 2020

All Franklin Public School buildings are closed for the rest of the school year. Remote learning is in session.

---------------------------------------------------------
Wed May 20th- SENIOR Drop off day for books, and non-technology materials only  
Chromebooks will NOT be collected on this day

• Seniors should pull up in the bus drop-off loop; leave all materials you are returning in your trunk. Stay in your vehicle.  Someone will assist you
• Each item you are dropping off must be clearly labeled with your name and ID number. Any non-labeled items will not be taken from your trunk. 
• The two drop off times are between 8:15AM-9:45 AM and then again between 12:30PM and 2:00PM Do not attempt any drop off between 10 AM and 12:30 PM. Nobody will be there to assist you.

Senior Chromebook Return and the time to pick up your senior box of graduation materials will be the week of May 26-28. 

More information will be emailed home and posted on Grad info page

The Last Day of online learning for SENIORS ONLY is May 22nd.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Last Day of online learning is Thursday, June 18th for 9th, 10th, 11th grade. If this changes, this page will be updated with new information.
Having troubles with your Chromebook? Complete this tech work order form and someone will contact you to help

Click HERE to view the Remote Learning Schedule for FHS Students 

Click HERE to order an Oskey 2020 Yearbook.

FHS 2020-2021 Mock Trial team online information session meeting June 11th 7-8 pm. If interested, please email Mr. Mike Walsh at: walshm@franklinps.net with your email information and he will send you an invite.

Class of 2021 Prom to be held in the Fall; more information to come
___________________________________________
New FPS Learning Resources website (https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/fpscommunitylearningresource/home) - created by the Superintendent's office to support and guidance for our students, families, and teachers as we navigate these unprecedented circumstances together as a community. We will continue to curate resources throughout our closure period. We recommend frequently revisiting for the latest updates and information.
_____________________________________________________
Contact Information Changes-If you need to change an email address or phone number in your student's Aspen contact information, click here (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeY4jBgHKcpcfI5bKqPmeCQ7HD800zKcdlQps9XmVDudDTuYw/viewform) to send us those changes

Date	Event
5/25/2020	No School - Memorial Day
6/18/2020	Last day of School for 9th, 10th, and 11th grade -COVID calendar

Shared from the Town of Franklin Public Schools page

https://www.franklinps.net/fhs/news/important-dates-and-information

Franklin Public Schools: Important Dates and Information

HockomockSports.com: Teams of the Decade #8: 2015 Franklin Boys Hockey

Team: Franklin Boys Hockey
Year: 2014-2015
Record: 17-4-3
2015 Kelley-Rex Division Champions
First Ever Hockomock Super 8 Selection

"Following three straight appearances in the Div. 2 state title game at the TD Garden, Franklin hockey found itself bumped up to Div. 1. It was a new challenge for the program, but one that it met head on. After in the South quarterfinal in year one, the Panthers brought back a team loaded with experience and that group not only made Franklin history but broke new ground for the league as well.

In just its second season as a Div. 1 team, the 2014-15 Franklin hockey team became the first Hock team to get an invite to the prestigious Super 8 tournament.

“At that time, it was our second year in Div. 1, so we had a lot of doubters,” said Ryan Spillane, a senior center on the 2014-15 team. “It felt great to put Franklin hockey on the map and to prove people wrong. I remember the entire school was behind us, so it was definitely a special time to be wearing a Franklin hockey jersey.”

Even for a program accustomed to success, there were high expectations for that year’s team, largely because the Panthers were returning 21 seniors who had grown up through the town’s youth hockey program and had been playing together for the better part of a decade."

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HockomockSports.com: Teams of the Decade #8: 2015 Franklin Boys Hockey