FSPA Offers Annual Broadway Boot Camp - July 22-24

The Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) will offer its annual Broadway Boot Camp this July for students Grades 8-12 with an additional option for Grades 1-7. This year’s special guest instructors will be Ben Bryant and Lonnie E. Davis Jr. The three-day Broadway Boot Camp (Grades 8-12) brings Broadway headliners to FSPA for song and dance master classes and coaching on individual performance skills. 

Broadway Boot Camp will run July 22-24. Classes will be socially distanced and will follow the FSPA Reopening Control Plan guidelines. There is a virtual option if students prefer to take the classes from home.

Ben Bryant currently serves as the Vocal Director for Royal Caribbean Cruises and appeared on Broadway in The King and I. Lonnie E. Davis Jr. has taught and choreographed for institutions and companies all over the country. Some include Master Teacher for PROJECT DANCE NYC/ATL; Ruth Mitchell Dance Theatre; Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education; Georgia Dance Conservatory; Full Circle Dance Co., Ballet Dalton, Gainesville Ballet, Cobb County Center For Excellence in the Performing Arts; resident choreographer/company instructor for REFUGE Dance Co.; and the Georgia Governor Honors Program.

Ben Bryant and Lonnie E. Davis Jr

For students Grades 1-7, Broadway Boot Camp for Children will be offered July 17-22. The program will include two private coachings with Ali Funkhouser and Master Classes with the Broadway Boot Camp guests.

Families can view the FSPA Reopening Control Plan guidelines as well as FSPA’s Reopening Instructional video on their website www.FSPAonline.com. Call 508-528-8668 to register and get more information. FSPA is located at 38 Main Street in Franklin, MA. Follow FSPA on Facebook, Instagram (@FSPAonline), and Twitter (@FSPAonline).

Staiti Qualifies for Ballot for Norfolk County Commissioner

Atty. Richard R Staiti of Canton has officially qualified for the Democratic Primary race for Norfolk County Commissioner to be held September 1.

Despite the challenges presented by the novel coronavirus, Staiti and his supporters gathered over 1000 signatures (over twice the reduced requirement of 500) to qualify for the Democratic ballot.

A lifelong resident of Canton, Atty. Staiti currently serves as the Town Moderator. Prior to serving as Moderator, Staiti served nine years as a member of the Board of Selectmen (newly renamed the Select Board), being elected Chairman three times. Staiti represents Canton on the Norfolk County Advisory Board which oversees all county finances and spending. He is the longest serving member of the board and has been elected Chairman of this financial board three times.
 

Atty. Richard R Staiti

“The role of County Commissioner is to oversee the operation and expenditures of various county operations including but not limited to the maintenance of the Court system, the Norfolk County Agricultural School, the President's Golf Course, county roads and layouts, engineering and other agencies under their supervision."

“As an attorney and with my education and experience as a selectmen, town moderator and long time member of the county advisory board, I feel this skillset will enable me to deal effectively and professionally with the many issues confronting county government in the decade ahead", Staiti said.

Staiti added that his many years of service in education and first hand knowledge as a classroom teacher as well as Director of Science and Technology at Canton High School will be invaluable in providing leadership to maintain and improve upon the programs of study at the Norfolk County Agricultural school. The County School is the jewel of the county. "We need to improve and maintain high standards for the students, staff and parents."

"The pandemic has changed our life and forced us to rethink things the way they are at present. With the economic issues caused by the pandemic, and as revenues dwindle we need to investigate and explore new ways of producing revenue without increasing taxes."

Staiti is a proponent for clean energy. “We need to expand the use of clean renewable energy in the county to preserve our environment and increase sources of revenue to the county operation. As an attorney I permitted one of the largest solar fields east of the Mississippi. The revenue from that project will provide a steady stream of income over a 20 year period. In addition the town (Canton) derives energy credits on the utility bill. Clean and reusable energy is something that we need to act upon now, not in five years."

"We should also collaborate and expand regional services to help local cities and towns especially in light of the impending fiscal crisis. With the help of the county and local chiefs, a grant was obtained to establish a regional dispatch operation that serves several towns in the county." Staiti worked closely with the fire chiefs and director to make this regional service a reality. "As smaller communities struggle with budget shortfalls, the county can play a larger role in managing and providing regional services."

"Like any municipal entity, the county should have a well planned, long term capital program to repair and maintain our courts and buildings. We need to set aside funds in a stabilization account that should be used only for capital improvements."

The son of working class parents, Staiti has been endorsed by unions such as New England Regional Council of Carpenters Local 346. He has been an avid participant in and supporter of numerous Massachusetts Nursing Association (MNA) vigils, canvassing and other related social justice actions.

The father of five children, Staiti is also a member of the Board of Directors on the Canton Association of Business and Industry, (CABI) as well as Trustee of the Salah Foundation.

“Change is needed now at the county and in all phases of government, help make change happen now! I respectfully ask for your vote for Richard Staiti as your new County Commissioner on election day September 1."

For more information about the campaign, please visit : www.votestaiticommissioner.com

In the News: conference committee resolves difference on ballot bill; Big-E canceled

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

"The House and Senate are poised this week to approve compromise early voting and vote-by-mail legislation that should pave the way for a major expansion of options ahead of the 2020 election to encourage participation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

All six lawmakers appointed to find a compromise on the bill (H 4820) signed onto a report Monday, including Republicans Rep. Brad Hill and Sen. Ryan Fattman. Rep. John Lawn, the lead House negotiator on the bill, said he anticipates a vote of the full House on the final bill Tuesday while the Senate plans to take it up Thursday, according to a spokesperson for the Senate president’s office.

“Hopefully we’ll take this up tomorrow and then to the Senate and get it to the governor as soon as possible,” Lawn said.

The House and Senate versions of the bill instruct the secretary of state’s office to mail every voter an application to request a mail-in ballot for the primaries on Sept. 1 and the general election on Nov. 3. The goal, lawmakers have said, is to continue in-person voting but to allow voters cast their votes early if they wish or to avoid the polls altogether if they feel unsafe due to virus transmission risks."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200629/voting-early-by-mail-nears-approval-by-house-senate

"Organizers announced Monday their decision to cancel the 2020 Big E Fair in the interest of safety.

The event was scheduled to be held from Sept. 18 through Oct. 4. Approximately 1.6 million people attend the annual event.

“The Big E Fair is so much more than just a fair, it is tradition, it is celebration, it is the showcase of everything we are so proud of in New England. This is why our hearts are heavy as we bring you this news,” a spokesperson wrote.

Organizers said staff spent months trying to figure out a way to save the event, but “realized that The Big E experience that everyone has come to know and love would not be the same.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200629/2020-big-e-canceled-because-of-coronavirus-outbreak

In the News: Supreme Court maintains abortion rights; Broadway performances suspended for year

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

"A narrowly divided Supreme Court struck down state restrictions on abortion clinics Monday for the second time in four years, signaling that its conservative shift under President Donald Trump has not eliminated a deep split over abortion rights.

The court ruled 5-4 that a Louisiana law requiring doctors who perform abortions to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals would unduly burden women. Chief Justice John Roberts joined the four liberal justices in the majority.

The court reached the same conclusion in 2016 regarding a Texas law, but since then Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh had succeeded retired Associate Justice Anthony Kennedy, giving abortion opponents hope for even more substantial restrictions.

Associate Justice Stephen Breyer wrote the main opinion for the four liberal justices. He agreed with a federal trial court that found Louisiana’s law “poses a ‘substantial obstacle’ to women seeking an abortion” and “offers no significant health-related benefits.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20200629/supreme-court-strikes-down-abortion-clinic-restrictions-in-louisiana-defeat-for-conservatives

"Broadway performances are being further suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Broadway League announced Monday in a press release that Broadway performances in New York City will be suspended through the remainder of 2020 due to COVID-19.

Broadway theaters are also now offering refunds and exchanges for tickets purchased for all performances through January 3, 2021, the release states.

“The Broadway League continues to work with city and state officials as well as leaders in science, technology, and medicine to formulate the best plan to restart the industry,” the release states. “Some of the logistics being currently reviewed for audience members and employees include: screening and testing, cleaning and sanitizing, wayfinding inside theatres, backstage protocols, and much more.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20200629/broadway-suspends-performances-through-2020-amid-coronavirus-extends-ticket-refunds-to-2021

COVID mask exemption cards are not from the government

COVID mask exemption cards are not from the government by Colleen Tressler, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC  To help limit the spread of the Coronavirus, many states are requiring people to wear face coverings in places open to the public. But there are cards circulating online and on social media that say the holder has a disability that prevents them from wearing a mask, and that it's illegal for any business to ask them to disclose their condition.  Variations of the card include the seal of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), one of the federal agencies responsible for enforcing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The fact is, these cards aren't issued or endorsed by DOJ, or any other federal agency. Read more  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/06/covid-mask-exemption-cards-are-not-government This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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Virtual Coffee with Brutus - June 30 - Ask questions about water usage, resources, etc.

Join in for a brief presentation on the current drought conditions.

Residents can ask questions about water usage, development, water resources, etc...

Zoom link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84275794979​ or Call-In Phone Number: 1-929-205-6099, enter Meeting ID 84275794979, press “#”

Virtual Coffee with Brutus - June 30 - Ask questions about water usage, resources, etc.

Franklin radar found via Twitter
https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1277622714623238145?s=09

Franklin Public Schools: Updates on Re-opening, FY 2021 Budget, and Davis Thayer Status

June 29, 2020

Dear Members of the Franklin Community:

Reopening of Schools in the Fall

Governor Baker’s office and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education recently released their initial guidance about reopening schools this fall. These guidelines were developed by a representative team of educators, leaders, medical experts, parents, and students. An overarching goal is on meeting students’ academic, social, and emotional needs with the primary focus being the safe return of as many students as possible to in-person school settings.

The district will be spending time in the coming days to review this initial guidance. We understand that it is incomplete and that additional information will be issued later this summer. We are including the initial guidance if you would like to read it directly. 

Some key points include:
● Current medical research supports a safe in-person return to school - with preventive measures in place - as infection and transmission rates are lower for children than adults;
● Preventive measures include masks/face coverings, physical distancing, handwashing, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces;
● Masks/face coverings will be required for all students in Grade 2 and above and for all adults; they are recommended for students in Grade 1 and below;
● Based on current medical research, and in conjunction with other preventive measures, a minimum physical distance of three feet has been established.

We will be working to develop three learning plans - one for return to full in-person instruction with safety requirements, one for full remote learning, and one for hybrid learning that combines in-person and remote learning. Which plan is employed will depend on health data.

We acknowledge that there are still many questions. We will continue to communicate with you in the coming weeks and encourage you to review the guidance. Additionally, be on the lookout for family and faculty/staff surveys that will ask for your reflections on this spring’s remote learning as well as your perspectives on reopening in the fall. We thank you for your continued patience.

Budget Update

The School Committee adopted a revised budget of $65,658,500 at the Tuesday, June 23, 2020, School Committee meeting. This budget is a $3.4 million reduction from the budget adopted in April, which totaled
$68,767,873 and represented level service with some additions to support student services. 

This revised budget is a reduced service budget and includes several reluctantly made reductions:
● 5 classroom teaching positions at the elementary level and 1 at the middle level
● 2 special education teaching positions at the elementary level and 2 at the middle level
● 3 FTEs classroom teaching positions at Franklin High School
● 2 Educational Support Professionals
● Specialists due to reduced classroom sections at the elementary level
● Consolidation of two director positions to one for both fine and performing arts
● Reorganization of the high school leadership team from 6 to 5 administrators (reduction of Deputy Principal position)
● Reduction of central office administrative assistant to half-time (0.5 FTE)
● Reduced clubs and activities at middle school
● Reduce music stipends for afterschool and evening performances
● Reduction of the job coach position at the high school

Undoubtedly, these reductions will have an impact on students in terms of class size as well as educational services our students and families experience.

We anticipate that there will be further reductions in local aid due to a $6 billion shortfall in state revenue and that the school department will need to prepare for additional reductions to the budget. The magnitude of these reductions depends on Chapter 70 funding from the state, which is not yet known with certainty; many districts are preparing for a 10% reduction, which would amount to an additional $2.4 million (estimate) reduction.

In positive financial news, as we prepare for school in the fall, DESE has announced additional grant funding opportunities to support the safe return to school, about which we are also keeping informed.

We encourage Franklin community members to continue to follow the budget development this summer. Our budget materials are posted on a dedicated webpage:
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/pages/fy-2021-budget

Despite these difficult financial challenges, the District reviewed the list of non-professional status educators who had been non-renewed in early June. These non-renew notices were given prior to the statutory deadline of June 15 in order to afford us flexibility during an uncertain budget season. At this time, 54 educators have received re-appointment letters due to their specialization. We hope to be able to re-appoint additional non-PTS faculty soon.

Davis Thayer Closing Study
The Facilities Analysis Subcommittee of the School Committee continues to gather and review information and data related to the study of the potential closure of the Davis Thayer Elementary School. At this time, the architectural firm of Kaestle-Boos is preparing a Facilities Capacity Report that will detail the physical capacity and educational adequacy of each K-8 school building. This report uses the enrollment forecast developed by McKibben Associations in February to provide the School Committee with considerations related to building use across all facilities in the future.

The report is anticipated to be completed this summer when it will be first shared with the Subcommittee and then presented to the full School Committee. After the presentation, the Facilities Analysis Subcommittee will host a community informational meeting and the report will be shared on the DT Facilities Analysis webpage: https://www.franklinps.net/district/davis-thayer-facilities-analysis

The Five-Stage process can also be found on the webpage:
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/image_5.png

The Five-Stage process

At this time, the Subcommittee is also developing a questionnaire to elicit input from the Davis Thayer faculty/staff and families, as well as the community. We will continue to provide updates throughout this process.

Lastly, we want to acknowledge how difficult this spring has been for families and our faculty/staff. It is our sincere wish to the entire Franklin community that you have a healthy and safe summer break.

Sincerely,

Franklin Public Schools


Please contact the Superintendent’s Office at 508-553-4819 with any questions. Please leave a voicemail. Although we are working remotely, voicemails are sent to email and will be responded to in a timely fashion.

A PDF version can be found online 
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1F4gKt3IXaXb4Gxa5a0Lt8C1tQIGD-9x2/view?usp=sharing