“There’s a lot riding on us”

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

"Pan-Mass Challenge 2020 Reimagined — a virtual version of the 40-year-old bike-a-thon that raises millions of dollars each year for the fight against cancer — will get underway Saturday.

The annual bike-a-thon, which usually kicks off in Sturbridge, is going virtual for the first time due to social distancing guidelines and other protocols because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The organization’s traditional ride typically includes 12 routes spanning 25 to 192 miles over the first weekend of every August.

This year, participants will ride or show their support through individual activities — on or off the bike — with the goal of raising $41 million in support of lifesaving cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The PMC donates 100% of every rider-raised dollar to Dana-Farber as its largest single contributor, accounting for 57% of its Jimmy Fund’s annual revenue."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200731/pan-mass-challenge-goes-virtual-saturday?rssfeed=true

 There are a  number of Franklin riders, if you haven't contributed to the cause you can do so online  https://www.pmc.org/reimagined

 

“There’s a lot riding on us”  https://www.pmc.org/reimagined

FHS Update: Week 2 (video)

FHS Principal Josh Hanna provides an update and responds to questions submitted since last week.

• Click the link to offer questions / concerns to be shared in future updates. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdF9xbPGfZHC8RZZP2GdZCuek8nR1jW5WT9bfJMGblqIHhvQw/viewform

Link to video on YouTube  https://youtu.be/AVp7GU-P79o

Week 1 video can be found here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTx2cca8NRg





Week 1 video can be found here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTx2cca8NRg

The mural referenced in the video

Franklin Education Association (FEA) Statement on Re-Opening & more

July 31st, 2020 Greetings,  Franklin Education Association Statement on Education under COVID Dear Dr. Ahern, School Committee Members, and Community Members, As educators in the Franklin Public Schools, we miss our students and want nothing more than to be back in the classrooms. Fall is usually a time of excitement, eagerness, and hope. This fall, however, is hardly typical. We care deeply about the safety and well-being of our students, as well as the quality of the education we provide. Our obligation, professionally, morally, and ethically, is to keep students, educators, families, and our communities, out of harm's way. Members of the Franklin Education Association have shown time and again that we hold the interests of our students and their families, their continued success,  and the success of this school system, as our first priority. We feel this was exhibited this past spring in the hours spent preparing crisis learning, researching all kinds of resources and online platforms for ourselves, our students,  and our families, collaborating with teams, administration,  and colleagues, and connecting with students and families as much as possible. This "students first" philosophy compels our educators to go above and beyond in our efforts to elevate the opportunities for our students. We commit to these goals knowing that achieving them often means working long into the evening, sacrificing time with family, and ignoring self care and personal health needs. We do this out of our dedication  to teaching, and our commitment to our students. To ask us to put our lives, and those of our family members, on the line for the sake of reopening, is to ask too much. The district must demonstrate that health and safety conditions and public health benchmarks are met before buildings reopen to anyone. The FEA cannot support any plan that puts any members, any students, or the community, at such serious risk. Medical scientists have not fully reassured the public of the utmost safety to return to school buildings while the deadly disease of COVID-19 persists. More studies come out each day about complications and risks to younger students, middle school students, and impacts of trauma that could happen if we return too soon. In light of the current rise in COVID-19 cases throughout much of the country—directly caused by premature reopening of communities—our members feel it is unsafe for students, teachers, and staff, to return to buildings.  Specifically, the following are our some of our many concerns: Untenable and unsustainable scenarios for compliance with PPE/distancing guidelines puts the physical and mental health of students, staff, and administrators at risk.  (6 feet of distancing must be the minimum standard in all teaching and learning environments.  Face coverings must be worn by all students, staff, and visitors, with the exception only of documented medical conditions, where this practice is contraindicated) Teachers cannot be tasked with policing students' bodies and behaviors as opposed to being educators who seek to connect with students and cultivate a love of learning.  Staff who are vulnerable, or whose families are vulnerable to COVID-19 Environmental concerns loom large such as -  School buildings with poor ventilation, rooms without windows, inability to use fans, heat indices well over 90 in many rooms, outdated HVAC, cleaning schedules and protocols, lack of timeline and training for all protocols and procedures needed for reopening. We  understand that the District has an obligation to submit a plan to DESE, to meet the varied needs of students. We ask you to have that conversation, and to formulate that plan,  WITH us, not in spite of us.  The current choice before us is not education or safety. It is education with safety, with all of us working together in support of one another to help suppress, and defeat, this virus. If we were to return to any type of in-person schooling, including a hybrid model, at this time, our students, educators, staff, and faculty, would have a school experience that would tell us that we are not valued, not worth being heard, not worth ensuring safety, not important in the lives of our community.   At this time, the Franklin Education Association calls upon the Franklin Public Schools to begin the year remotely until such time that a phased-in return allows for proper health and safety measures to be brought into place and monitored.    Respectfully submitted, Donna Grady, President Franklin Education Association Our mailing address is: FEA PO Box 654 Franklin, MA 02038

Senate Passes General Government, IT Bond Bill Conference Committee Report

The Massachusetts State Senate passed a General Government, IT Bond Bill Conference Committee Report today, which authorizes $1.8 billion in investments to modernize the Commonwealth's general government infrastructure, improve cybersecurity capabilities, empower communities disproportionately impacted by the criminal justice system, support early education and care providers, and expand access to remote learning opportunities for vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Senate-led priorities in the report include the following:

• $65M in economic empowerment and justice reinvestment capital grants to support communities disproportionately impacted by the criminal justice system with access to economic and workforce development opportunities;

• $50M to enhance and expand access to K through 12 remote learning technology for vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 pandemic;

• $37M for a food security grant program to address infrastructure needs for farms, retailers, fisheries, food system food distribution channels to address growing food insecurity and food supply chain needs across the Commonwealth due to the COVID-19 pandemic;

• $25M to assist licensed early education and care providers and after school programs with capital improvements to ensure safe reopening during the COVID-19 public health emergency;

• $20M for a body camera grant program for police departments to ensure accountability in public safety;

• $10M for a statewide criminal justice data system modernization to help better track racial and ethnic disparities across the judicial and public safety systems;

• $5M for the creation of a common application option for Mass Health and Medicare Savings Program applicants to apply for SNAP at the same time, use the same core eligibility information and verifications;

• $2.9M for public health data warehouse for the analysis of population health trends including health trends and health inequities related to the COVID-19 pandemic;

• $2.5M for implementation of an automated electronic sealing process to seal certain criminal records.

The final bill now goes to the Governor for his signature.

Senate Passes General Government, IT Bond Bill Conference Committee Report

Senate Passes Bill to Increase Reporting Requirements for Department of Children and Families

Also establishes a Foster Parent Bill of Rights and Increases Access to Mental Health Care

The State Senate today passed a bill to introduce new oversight and reporting requirements for the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF). An Act relative to accountability for vulnerable children and families also moves the child fatality review board to the Office of the Child Advocate (OCA), establishes a 'Foster Parent Bill of Rights,' and increases access to mental health care for children in the Commonwealth.

"As a former Chair of Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities, ensuring the safety and well-being of the Commonwealth's children remains deeply and personally important to me," stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "I'd like to thank everyone who contributed to the strength of this bill by looking at the needs of our children from a holistic point of view. I'd like to particularly thank Senator Chang-Diaz and Senator Rodrigues for ensuring this bill moved forward."

"This bill represents an important step towards increased accountability in the child welfare system," stated Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz (D-Boston), co-chair of the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities. "While we must continue to push for improved data collection on racial disparities and LGBTQ+ youth, this legislation will strengthen transparency and increase support for system-involved children and families."

Under the bill, DCF would be required to publish consolidated annual reports and quarterly profiles, establish a 3-year plan with targets for safety, permanence and well-being outcomes for children, and submit a report on young adults who continue to receive services after reaching the age of 18. The bill also updates reporting requirements that are outdated, irrelevant or duplicative, and requires DCF and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to develop clear plans for maintaining close contact with, and providing quality education to, children who have open cases with DCF during the COVID-19 state of emergency.

"This bill will protect some of the most vulnerable children in the Commonwealth while strengthening our foster system and providing support for foster parents," said Senator Michael Rodrigues (D - Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.  "Thank you to Senate President Spilka for her leadership, Senators Chang-Diaz and Comerford for their work on this legislation, and all of my Senate colleagues for championing foster families."

"The mission of the DCF is vital and the Senate has consistently adopted bipartisan supported legislation to strengthen the agency so that the people who are tasked with protecting these vulnerable children have standards of accountability that maximize the well-being and safety of those they serve," said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R- Gloucester). "Importantly, this bill advances those goals in a timely and effective way."

To increase access to vital mental health care for children in care, the bill eliminates prior authorization for mental health acute treatment for children experiencing acute mental health crises. It also requires emergency departments to have the capacity to evaluate and stabilize a person admitted with a mental health presentation at all times, and to refer them to appropriate treatment or inpatient admission, expediting the process for individuals under 22 years old. Additionally, the bill establishes a pilot program, administered by the Department of Public Health, to increase student access to tele-behavioral health services in schools.

"This bill is an important step in maintaining the health and well-being of vulnerable children in our Commonwealth, particularly during this time of increased anxiety and need," said Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington), Chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing. "I'm pleased that this bill reduces barriers to mental health care for children and increases access to treatment, making it easier for parents to get their child the critical care they need and deserve. I'm grateful for Senate President Spilka and all of my Senate colleagues for recognizing the importance of improving mental health care in our state and making it a priority this session."

"This bill ensures that critical and timely health interventions are available to people experiencing trauma and mental illness—especially young people," said Senator Julian Cyr (D-Truro), Chair of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use, and Recovery. "When left untreated, trauma and mental illness can follow well into adulthood. Putting resources behind these interventions is a reaffirmation of the Senate's commitment to transform access to mental health in the Commonwealth."

The bill seeks to increase support for, and grow the pool of, foster parents in the Commonwealth through the establishment of a 'Foster Parent Bill of Rights.' Specifically, the bill includes several key rights important to foster families, including: access to training and resources; the right to appropriate communication between DCF, courts, and others involved with caring for the child; the right to be free from all forms of discrimination in carrying out their duties as foster parents; the ability to exercise rights without fear of repercussions; and establishing a reasonable and prudent parenting standard.

"This important bill will help the state do better business when it comes to serving one of the most at risk populations in our Commonwealth: children in DCF custody," stated Senator Jo Comerford (D-Northampton). "My heartfelt thanks to Senators Sonia Chang-Diaz, Michael Rodrigues, and Senate President Karen Spilka for their dogged work on this legislation. I am delighted that the rights of foster parents will be enumerated, strengthening their role and responsibilities within this complex system."

An Act relative to accountability for vulnerable children and families now moves to the House of Representatives for further action.

Senate Passes Bill to Increase Reporting Requirements for Department of Children and Families

"recent uptick can be attributed to individuals “'letting down their guard'”

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

"A backyard barbecue in picturesque Chatham has led to more than a dozen new coronavirus infections.

About an hour away, in the coastal community of Falmouth, an in-person high school graduation ceremony was scrubbed after school officials say some seniors were exposed to the virus.

And on the western side of the state, Baystate Medical Center in Springfield is dealing with an outbreak of at least 40 cases traced to a hospital staffer who recently returned from an out-of-state vacation.

Less than a month after Massachusetts allowed gyms, movie theaters, museums and other public venues to reopen, there’s an increasing sense of dread that the hard-hit state’s summertime respite from the pandemic is waning just as families are looking ahead to the start of school."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200731/hard-hit-mass-worries-covid-19-respite-is-fleeting?rssfeed=true

Gov Baker's press conference on Friday July 31 = https://youtu.be/oOSiqvC_cTw

In the New: An example of why you never share your password

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

A British man, a Florida man and a Florida teen were identified by authorities Friday as the hackers who earlier this month took over Twitter accounts of prominent politicians, celebrities and technology moguls to scam people around the globe out of more than $100,000 in Bitcoin.

Graham Ivan Clark, 17, was arrested Friday in Tampa, where the Hillsborough State Attorney’s Office will prosecute him as adult. He faces 30 felony charges, according to a news release. Mason Sheppard, 19, of Bognor Regis, U.K., and Nima Fazeli, 22, of Orlando, were charged in California federal court.

In one of the most high-profile security breaches in recent years, hackers sent out bogus tweets on July 15 from the accounts of Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Mike Bloomberg and a number of tech billionaires including Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Celebrities Kanye West and his wife, Kim Kardashian West, were also hacked.

....

Twitter previously said hackers used the phone to fool the social media company’s employees into giving them access. It said hackers targeted “a small number of employees through a phone spear-phishing attack.”

“This attack relied on a significant and concerted attempt to mislead certain employees and exploit human vulnerabilities to gain access to our internal systems,” the company tweeted.

After stealing employee credentials and getting into Twitter’s systems, the hackers were able to target other employees who had access to account support tools, the company said.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20200731/3-charged-in-massive-twitter-hack-bitcoin-scam/1?rssfeed=true 

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