Friday, August 14, 2020

Washington Post: "The recession is over for the rich, but the working class is far from recovered"

From The Washington Post, an article of interest for Franklin:

"U.S. stocks are hovering near a record high, a stunning comeback since March that underscores the new phase the economy has entered: The wealthy have mostly recovered. The bottom half remain far from it.

This dichotomy is evident in many facets of the economy, especially in employment. Jobs are fully back for the highest wage earners, but fewer than half the jobs lost this spring have returned for those making less than $20 an hour, according to a new labor data analysis by John Friedman, an economics professor at Brown University and co-director of Opportunity Insights.

Though recessions almost always hit lower-wage workers the hardest, the pandemic is causing especially large gaps between rich and poor, and between White and minority households. It is also widening the gap between big and small businesses. Some of the largest companies, such as Nike and Best Buy, are enjoying their highest stock prices ever while many smaller businesses fight for survival."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
Washington Post: "The recession is over for the rich, but the working class is far from recovered"
Washington Post: "The recession is over for the rich, but the working class is far from recovered"

Pour Richard's Pennywise - virtual sale through Sunday, Aug 16

"Have you ever had a great meal-and a superb bottle of wine- at a restaurant, then tried to recreate that experience at home, only to find you absolutely cannot buy that wine without going to a restaurant and paying approximately 4 times the wholesale cost of the bottle?

Well. Check this out-with restaurants closed or at limited capacity, we got our hot little hands on some of those coveted bottles. Not only that, but we're selling them at a discount! We have plenty of the usual crowd-pleasing penny-saving bargains you expect from Pennywise, but also: Magnums of Chateauneuf-du-Pape for $65. 50% off Premier Cru Burgundy. Stellar Pinot Noir. Bodacious Zinfandel. Mature vintage of an iconic Napa Cabernet. And more. SO much more. 

This is without a doubt the best Pennywise list I've ever put together. So if you love wine, know someone who loves wine, or even think you'd like to learn to love wine, tune in tomorrow at 9-you'll be glad you did!

Ordering ends Sunday @ 6PM. The orders will be ready for pickup anytime after 5 PM on Friday, August 21.

Then save some green on red, white, and pink!
"


Shopping starts at 9 AM HERE

 

Pennywise: THE ‘RESTAURANT-ONLY’ EDIT
Pennywise: THE ‘RESTAURANT-ONLY’ EDIT

Thursday, August 13, 2020

FM #328 Franklin (MA) School Comm Mtg - Reopening Plan - 8/11/20 (audio)

FM #328 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 328 in the series. 


This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, August 11, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.


In this almost four hour meeting, Sara presents the comprehensive plan supported by additional members of the Task Force. There is a lengthy discussion among the School Committee and then with the community attendees. 


The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and reference documents. 


The recording runs just about 4 hours, so let’s listen to the School Committee meeting of August 11, 2020. Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HZsClZsK

 

 


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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial


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!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

FM #328 Franklin (MA) School Comm Mtg - Reopening Plan - 8/11/20 (audio)
FM #328 Franklin (MA) School Comm Mtg - Reopening Plan - 8/11/20 (audio)


Town Council recap: special election coming in Dec, Planning Board associate selected, Purchasing process reviewed

Quick summary:

  • Councilor Eamon McCarthy Earls is leaving the Council to pursue law school in VA. A special election will be held in Dec to replace him. Additional timeline details to be shared on nomination papers, last day to register, etc.
  • Town Clerk Teresa Burr and newly promoted Deputy Clerk Nancy Danelo presented updates on the forth coming primary and November election.
  • Town Council and Planning Board had a unique opportunity to vote on a replacement for an associate position. Four candidates were whittled down from about a dozen, three were in person at the meeting and after three rounds of voting Jennifer Williams was selected.
  • John Bugbee, the Chief Procurement Officer, presented an overview of the detailed work done mostly behind the scenes for all purchasing activities.
  • The snow removal bylaw which had been deactivated in 2017 came back to the Council for a discussion to determine direction. There had been a discussion at the EDC meeting in June before this. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen will take the proposal back to work with DPW Director Brutus Cantoreggi for modification before bringing back to the Council in the future.
  • The State grant to fund the regional dispatch expansion to include Mendon and Millville was indeed granted. This will save some money for the budget for the next several years. We will need to put some of the savings aside to prepare for the full allocation return when the grant expires however.


As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.

The Twitter hashtag can be found online #tc0812  https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tc0812&src=typeahead_click

  •     Real time reporting underway for #tc0812 Town Council agenda posted to ToF page  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/august-12-town-council-meeting
  •     Announcement from Eamon McCarthy Earls stepping down Sep 26 (?) to start law school. Heading to VA for school hence leaving the Council for this opportunity. #tc0812
  •     Town Clerk Teresa Burr making some information announcements - (1) Nancy Danelo as deputy clerk. (2) Sat Dec 5th special election for Earls' seat, additional dates for nomination papers etc to be shared #tc0812
  •     They are busy processing ballot application, expect lines at the polls to ensure appropriate protection for all. #tc0812 masks, gloves and hand sanitizers to be issued. Each voter gets a pen, pens cleaned after. Early voting starts Aug 22 at the high school
  •     If you did apply for a mail in ballot, and want to go in person, your mail in ballot will be deleted and then record your in person vote. #tc0812
  •     Citizen comments, no hands raised, only 9 on Zoom tonight. #tc0812
  •     Motion to approve minutes from 2  prior meetings, both passed via roll call 9-0 #tc0812
  •     Moving to appointments, Barbara Steele as member of Library board of directors; seconded, passed 9-0 via roll call. #tc0812 of note all and participants wearing masks tonight (were not wearing masks for last meeting, this was while speaking, some did wear off camera)
  •     Special appointment selection process for planning board associate, charter not explicit on process, hence multiple candidates in joint session with Planning Board tonight #tc0812 Cobi Frongillo first up.  Youngest candidate
  •     Next up, Beth Wierling franklin resident, over 20 years experience in planning worked for ToF as planner, now at Kraft Group for planning and large projects. #tc0812 not opposed to change but it depends upon what the change was proposed to be
  •     Next up Jennifer Williams, lives downtown, came in 5 years ago is an architect, worked on from large scale to small, master plan, so experience from a different perspective, i.e from construction side. #tc0812 well accredited professional, looking at social impact
  •     Parks and rec is a huge asset that she didn't really appreciate until she had young kids, now what else do we need, how does it fit? #tc0812
  •     Roll call of council and planning board, each person says one name can add a reason #tc0812 would like to hear from Planning Board as they would be working with the individual. All the applicants are qualified per Padula, Halligan torn between the three
  •     After round of comments on appreciation for applicants, all quality individuals. Difficult choice recognized. #tc0812 Frongillo 6, Williams 6, Wierling 2. So top 2 go into second round; 7 - 7 in second round, also a tie
  •     Williams got 3-2 both times by my count from planning board, will go to vote again: Williams 8 to 6 on third round of voting. #tc0812 request for town Council seat in Dec or planning board next year.
  •     Applications are kept in file as other openings occur. Taking 3 mins recess #tc0812
  •     Meetings back to order, planning board public hearing closed, #tc0812
  •     Procurement presentation per request from Councilor Earls, John Bugbee covering the basics.
  •     Process defined by dollar value, #tc0812 full presentation doc online at ToF page  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8a._franklin_procurement_overview_3.0.pdf
  •     Chris Sandini, finance director adds to the presentation #tc0812 attny Mark Cerel adds also in regards to the written contract to provide legal protection for the Town (Mark remote via phone)
  •     Kelly: "I don't ever want to know how the soup is made, I just want to get it done" #tc0812 criteria built into the specs may permit leeway in not taking the low bidder, if auction process do have to take low bid as long as they meet the criteria.
  •     If the company/vendor is not on the state list, you can pick them. #tc0812 if procurement is not done properly or timely, things just slow down. Everything can back up behind it. All equipment is sold via municibid (sic)  (https://municibid.com/)
  •     Next up the snow bylaw for discussion and possible reposition for approval https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8b._snow_and_ice_removal_bylaw_discussion_memo_supporting_docs_and_proposed_bylaw.pdf…
  •     #tc0812 drafted a map for sidewalk clearing
  •     No legislation for action yet, open discussion to help provide direction on how to proceed. Was discussed at an EDC meeting 6/10/20 #tc0812 for reference, the meeting recording and notes are found here  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/fm-297-economic-dev-subcomm-61020-audio.html
  •     Link provides a good example from downtown, walking in the snow, and it shows the difference as you move from building to building, block to block, no consistency. Frankly (no pun intended) we can't afford to do it right #tc0812 h https://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/02/walking-franklin-in-snow.html
  •     Brutus (formally DPW Director) Cantoreggi addresses some of the comments and questions on the snow issues #tc0812
  •     Streets are always a priority, the route is prioritized and published. Since some Councilors are saying we won't have a bad winter, guess what we will get? #tc0812 Attny Cerel provides historical background on snow sidewalk bylaws for New England, and liability
  •     Just went down a legal deadend, per Attny. #tc0812 used to have contractors doing plows, have had trouble recently obtaining help. Understaffed also at DPW. School snow days will help per Kelly (except for when teachers go to the building to teach remotely?)
  •     Jennifer Williams (new planning board associate) speaks on her experience of walking in the snow downtown, hasn't been able to walk on a sidewalk safely after a storm #tc0812 (see my photo link shared earlier for proof)
  •     Jamie to regroup with Brutus to see if they can make changes, no dissent on the objective, trying to do something makes sense, it will be a challenge #tc0812 will talk with Superintendent to include the schools in the conversation
  •     Capital subcommittee no meeting, budget no meeting, EDC has met, will meet again on Aug 20 to work on Economic Development plan MAPC market study #tc0812
  •     Motion to accept donation #tc0812 https://franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda-items/10a-legislation-action-35…, passes 9-0 via roll call
  •     Motion to accept gift https://franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda-items/10b-legislation-action-36… passes 9-0 via roll call
  •     8 active cases yesterday, same as last week for COVID-19, formally awarded development grant for MECC which helps our budget for next several years, Mendon and Millville will join the regional dispatch #tc0812
  •     Future items, nothing at this time; Councilor comments: Chandler feels for working parents after SchCom meeting last night. Hamblen congrats on Earl's, congrats to Nancy, keep everyone safe so folks can get back to school #tc0812
  •     Pellegri looking for volunteers to work in the gift store at the historical museum for when they can open. (No timeline yet) may not be far away i.e.  after Labor day #tc0812 folks getting together for CPA, if interested let Jamie know.
  •     Bissanti thanks to chair for innovative leadership during this pandemic period. Kelly thanks and congrats for Earls, come back and be town attny when Mark gives up #tc0812 Jones congrats to Nancy, Earls to SchCom and school dept for their hard work on the plan
  •     Dellorco congrats to Nancy and Eamon, #tc0812 (clarification on Earls' end date Sep 6: I recall puting 26 with a ???) Earls saved for next to last word tonight, close to 3 years. Will miss time here. Mercer congratulations, was honored to write a letter, glad it didn't hurt
  •     Mercer echoes fellow Councilors comments, they spent many hours, made a smart decision last night, we want the kids back in school but not right now. #tc0812 important reminder of TC role is only a bottom line budget, everything else is SchCom and superintendent control
  •     "thank God it is their decision" I applaud them for putting this plan together. Motion to adjourn, passed via roll call 9-0 #tc0812   So that's all for tonight, catch you next time!


The agenda doc is linked to in the thread above and repeated here for ease of finding

Photos shared via Twitter during the meeting are found online in this album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/ff3xHRJisu2MtQLo8


Town Clerk, Deputy Town Clerk
Town Clerk Teresa Burr and newly promoted Deputy Clerk Nancy Danelo

St. Mary Franklin First Communion Update

Dear Parents,

We hope that all of our families are staying safe and healthy. We understand how hard these times are for everyone. With patience and prayer we will persevere and get through this together. The following is the new information for First Communion 2020.

After much thought, prayer, and discussion we have decided to hold First Communion on four Sundays during the month of October at 12:00 p.m. This will allow all of us to be safe and follow the COVID-19 Guidelines set forth by the Archdiocese of Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. There will be no practice for First Communion and each student will be sitting with his/her family households--no outside guests will be allowed.

The dates for First Communion are:

Date

Sunday, October 4 @ 12:00 p.m.

Sunday, October 11 @ 12:00 p.m.

Sunday, October 18 @ 12:00 p.m.

Sunday, October 25 @ 12:00 p.m.

 

 

 

Much more information will be coming out in the next few weeks.  We wanted you to have these dates for your future planning. As always if you have any questions, you can check the website at www.stmarysfranklin.org or give us a call at 508-528-1450.

Sincerely,

Karen Ackles

St. Mary Franklin First Communion Update
St. Mary Franklin First Communion Update

MA Legislature - Senate and House candidates

The state legislature of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is called the Massachusetts General Court (one of my college professors always called it by the original and formal name “The Great and General Court”, so that’s how I always think of it).

The name "General Court" is a hold-over from the earliest days of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, when the colonial assembly, in addition to making laws, sat as a judicial court of appeals. It was established in 1630, and meets in the State House in Boston.

The upper house is the Senate, which has 40 members. The lower body, the House of Representatives, has 160 members.

CANDIDATES FOR SENATOR IN GENERAL COURT

***if you need to look up your precinct, go to https://www.sec.state.ma.us/VoterRegistrationSearch/MyVoterRegStatus.aspx

NORFOLK, BRISTOL & MIDDLESEX DISTRICT

Franklin precincts 1-4, and 7  

There are no Libertarian or Green Rainbow nomination for this office

SECOND MIDDLESEX & NORFOLK DISTRICT

Franklin precincts 5,6 & 8

There are no Republican, Libertarian or Green Rainbow nominations for this office

REPRESENTATIVE IN GENERAL COURT

TENTH NORFOLK DISTRICT  (all Franklin precincts)

There are no Republican, Libertarian or Green Rainbow nominations for this office

For other information to prepare for the Primary (on Sep 1) and Election (on Nov 3) visit the 2020 Election Collection https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/2020-election-collection.html

MA Legislature  - Senate and House candidates
MA Legislature  - Senate and House candidates

St John's Paint Night, Stuff-a-Truck, and Outdoor Worship

St John's Virtual Paint Night fundraiser - Friday, Aug 28 from 7-9 PM

St John's Paint Night
St John's Paint Night
Learn to paint this masterpiece by Canvas 'n Cup in Milford. $38 includes canvas, brushes, paint, and 2 hours instruction by Zoom. RSVP to Admin@stjohnsfranklinma.org or 508-528-2387 by Monday, Aug 24. 

20% of proceeds go to St John's.

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Stuff-a-truck - Sunday, September 20 (11 AM - 2 PM)

Now that we've all got our closets cleaned-out and organized, bring those extra clothes and household items to St John's. We'll take them to Savers and get paid by the pound. 237 Pleasant St, Franklin

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

Join us for Outdoor Worship every Sunday at 10 AM on our lawn. Bring your own chair and mask. In the event of rain, we'll still be on Facebook Live, as we are every Sunday.


The Rev. Kathy McAdams, Rector
St. John's Episcopal Church, Franklin, MA
www.StJohnsFranklinMA.org


Commonwealth Magazine: state guidelines “confusing and disappointing”

 From CommonWealth Magazine we share articles of interest for Franklin:

"UNDER NEW STATE GUIDELINES issued Tuesday night, Somerville should be preparing to bring students back to school in person next month. It isn’t.

Somerville, a dense urban area outside of Boston, is ranked as “green,” or low-risk, on a new state map measuring COVID-19 rates. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education says green communities should have full-time in-person learning, or at least a hybrid model if there are extenuating circumstances. 

Somerville already decided to start with fully remote learning, and Mayor Joe Curtatone called the new guidelines “confusing and disappointing.” “To look at a color-coded map and say that should be a bright line as to whether to bring back students, staff, teachers to school really disregards all the other variables we must analyze…when we make these decisions,” Curtatone said."

Continue reading the article online  https://commonwealthmagazine.org/education/not-every-school-district-is-buying-bakers-guidance/


"Baker said Trump’s proposal is credible, but it takes money that states are already counting on to cover their COVID-19 costs and uses those funds to pay for the enhanced unemployment insurance benefit.

“That FEMA money, as far as most states are concerned, is what’s there for us to apply to be reimbursed for the costs we incurred in March, April, and May during the original emergency,” Baker said.

The same goes for using CARES Act funds to pay for the state’s share of the enhanced unemployment insurance benefit, Baker said. The governor said the CARES Act funding in most cases has already been designated for other needs. “It’s using most of a pot of money that’s already designated for a very particular purpose,” he said.

Baker said he would prefer that Congress step up and pass a comprehensive stimulus plan. “It’s really important that there be a fourth [stimulus] package,” he said."

Continue reading the article online  https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/baker-opposes-trumps-stimulus-alternative/


“Frankly it’s silly, the country faces serious problems"

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

"The Trump Administration wants to change the definition of a showerhead to let more water flow, addressing a pet peeve of the president who complains he isn’t getting wet enough.

Publicly talking about the need to keep his hair “perfect,” President Donald Trump has made increasing water flow and dialing back long held appliance conservation standards — from light bulbs to toilets to dishwashers — a personal issue.

But consumer and conservation groups said the Department of Energy’s proposed loosening of a 28-year-old energy law that includes appliance standards is silly, unnecessary and wasteful, especially as the West bakes through a historic two-decade-long megadrought.

Since 1992, federal law has dictated that new showerheads shouldn’t pour more than 2.5 gallons of water per minute (9.5 liters). As newer shower fixtures came out with multiple nozzles, the Obama administration defined the showerhead restrictions to apply to what comes out in total. So if there are four nozzles, no more than 2.5 gallons total should come out between all four."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20200812/trump-administration-eases-showerhead-rules?rssfeed=true


Wednesday, August 12, 2020

School Committee votes on plan to begin remote, transition to hybrid on a schedule

Quick Summary:

  • The School Committee after a lengthy presentation and discussion voted for the plan to begin remote learning in September and then transition to hybrid on a schedule prioritizing the high needs and younger learners first, with middle school and high school coming in at a logical break point (i.e marking period end)

  • The vote for the record was 6 for, none against with 1 abstain (D'Angelo). D'Angelo had made a motion to split the vote into two parts, one to begin remote, one on the plan itself. It was not seconded, hence dropped. The motion voted was to accept the plan as recommended by the Superintendent.

  • Dr Ed Quigley was announced as the interim principal at Davis Thayer. For those who viewed the tour of the schools via Zoom last Friday, he was the masked individual welcoming the tour to Davis Thayer.

  • The revision to the school calendar, reducing time on learning to 170 days (per DESE guidance), keeping the previously scheduled vacation periods as is, was approved by a 7-0 vote.

  • Note all votes were via roll call for this hybrid meeting, some members of the SchCom and Central office were in the Council chambers, the remainder of the SchCom was remote via Zoom. The meeting was well attended with over 320 participants via Zoom, another 16 (max) on the live steam and an unknown number via cable broadcast via Verizon/Comcast.


As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.

The Twitter hashtag can be found online #schcom0811

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23schcom0811&src=typed_query



  • Real time reporting underway for the #schcom0811 meeting, over 200 joined via Zoom. Also on cable and live streamed

  • Superintendent report: FY 21 being level funded per state, still awaiting final #s from State, able to restore many of the individuals previously notified. Some choose to move on. District will have long term issues with funding #schcom0811

  • Dr Ed Quigley joined as interim principal for Davis Thayer, has been principal and superintendent in previous roles. #schcom0811

  • Presentation on the re-opening plan to be shared and reviewed (page by page) some additional info added since shared this weekend  https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/reopening-presentation

  • District has until Aug 14 to submit plans #schcom0811

  • Lots of folks listening to this. Zoom has approx 250, another dozen viewing the live stream from Town page and countless others via Verizon and Comcast #schcom0811

  • For those zooming, make sure you have "speaker view" showing so you can see the slides and not the individual boxes of the participants. #schcom0811 kindergarten room shown, previously showed an FHS room.on this slide

  • Time on learning, more expected in Sept than was done in March. Teachers teaching from classrooms to enable collaboration among as well as do the health protocol daily in advance of in person learning. #schcom0811

  • Attendance taken either daily or period by period, instructional work to be graded, some visits planned to the classroom (a reverse field trip) #schcom0811 high needs students priority for in person learning.

  • Shannon Barca, principal at Parmenter, provides insights into elementary details. #schcom0811 consistent lunch time planned to enable all at remote to eat together (in person normally would go at different times grade by grade)

  • Middle school insights, Becky Motte from Horace Mann #schcom0811

  • Brief interruption from someone who didn't realize they were not muted, in speaker view you broadcast to interrupt the meeting and advertise who you are at the same time. Just in case you didn't know #schcom0811 mute is good!

  • Principal Hanna from FHS mentions the over 900 sessions in a normal FHS schedule. (By the way, did you catch his interview last week? No, check on http://franklinmatters.org ) #schcom0811 ECDC will be in person with about 5-6 students with special needs/class along with peers

  • Paula Marano provides update on the special education provided either  way in person, remote, or out of district #schcom0811 days of learning will line up, minutes may not (per IEP)

  • Quick update, over 310 now, 14 on live stream. #schcom0811

  • Transition to hybrid model for grades 2 and up at natural break points for both students and teachers benefits #schcom0811 hybrid for elem/middle aaxbb hence two cohorts. In FHS, due to size restriction of rooms there, they would be 25% each group

  • Moving to hybrid takes into account the teachers coming from areas in metro Boston as well as metro Providence, as well as franklin and surrounding Communities. #schcom0811 all models provide challenges.

  • Awaiting guidance from State on sports #schcom0811 MIAA has not updated in awhile and they also are waiting for state guidance

  • Some folks in the Council chambers for this meeting, some Committee members remote, #schcom0811

  • HVAC already set for occupancy, would need to increase air flow, being worked, contractor working in prep for Sep #schcom0811 possible installation of ultra Violet light to be added, priority for hybrid first areas Asst Superintendent Dr Joyce Edwards provides updates on the first 10 days what the teachers would do to prepare for remote learning, whether fully remote or hybrid #schcom0811

  • Asst Superintendent Lucas Giguere provides updates on SEL prep in the first 10 days, will be incorporating the learning from spring time, consistency needed, plan evolving to include #schcom0811

  • Part of task force working on approach to support students and staff, another survey coming to look for needs to address. #schcom0811 Marano provides updates on these points

  • Additional Chromebooks ordered, not yet delivered, looking into. #schcom0811 FHS Chromebooks were received along with the Senior class hand me downs. Adding bandwidth to allow for live Instruction

  • Business manager Miriam Goodman adds reminder on funding for school lunches being provided during summer, families can take advantage of this #schcom0811 some polices will need to be adjusted for the pandemic and remote learning situations

  • Proposed calendar for 2020-2021 on agenda for #schcom0811 to review and vote on. Pending vote, plan will go to DESE on Friday. Planning will continue. Communications to be executed to spread word on what is happening

  • Acknowledged work of the task force, can't thank them enough, meetings T W T for min 2 hours, #schcom0811 Dr Bergen seconds Dr Ahern's comments, thanks for the thoughtful feedback, this is complex

  • Starting around with #schcom811 questions, Elise Stokes starts.

  • Close to 100 k-5 students of teachers either in Franklin or outside, lifelong learning looking at this, may not be able to service all. #schcom0811 solutions not likely an option initially, more details to come, trying to work things out

  • Q on FHS last in priority? Not really it made sense to bring them at the marking period and that is how it fell. Q on when student assignments will be sent out? I.e. cohort assignment, info being gathered. It will be hard to accommodate request siblings 1st #schcom0811

  • Q still Aug 31? The date is likely to be changed for when the payment is expected pending decision tonight. Q  no support for only 50% of teachers rumored to be returning either in person or remote; not officially seeing #s like that, will need some but not 50% #schcom0811

  • If parents do want to go private school or home school, and leave district, please contact your principal or the central office so it can help with the planning for those staying in district. #schcom0811

  • Being mindful of screen time, intending to include low tech activities along with the screen time breaks, should be for all grades not just lower grades; reminder that this time the schools are open (they weren't in March) #schcom0811

  • What is date for teacher notifications? Tough question to answer as it is governed by other legalities, it is a fluid and rolling process, folks situations will change, and we have to accommodate #schcom0811

  • Q how will the additional support be provided, will they be fully used either remote or hybrid? Yes for the special need support, they will be more needed to help get back to a routine. Instructional specialist and coaches, would be full time #schcom0811

  • The math and literacy specialist would be full time to help assess where students are and then address the gaps as required, either with the student directly or support the teacher as needed #schcom0811

  • Q on busing? Savings or costs for parents? In process of working with bus contractor, with increased sanitization, reduced schedules, complex process but being negotiated. #schcom0811

  • Tim reads some of the 'spread kindness like confetti' in an interesting way to highlight the changes. (I hope the kids were not listening). Yes, everything changes when we go back, will need to find new ways #schcom0811

  • Tim observed that lots of folks tend to find things that help their point often ignoring an other point of view, should recognize different POV, #schcom0811

  • Approx less than 100 students in the high needs coming in for 1st phase, spread across buildings, state released guidance today for markers, Q on how to utilize facilities MS and FHS before they hit dates #schcom0811

  • Q on miscommunication, not from district may be due to changing guidance and adjusting to the changes, most of the time is quiet but July has been very busy, regroup being retooled (student population) #schcom0811 also doing radio shows to provide updates!

  • Dr Bergen adds that the Y is expanding their day care offering in additional sites in and around town, Recreation is also looking at outdoor activities. #schcom0811 Q on the rapid testing that Gov Baker has touted, not known now. No timeline on HVAC changes yet

  • Q on changes from remote to hybrid, vice versa, would like several weeks notice. #schcom0811 would like vote on plan, it will be a living doc, anything large SchCom would be informed before, there would be regular SchCom meetings to help keep informed

  • Clarification Q on staff cleaning responsibility, no, the custodians will do the cleaning multiple times a day. 

  • Health Director Cathleen Liberty has been on the task force and provided guidance along the way. #schcom0811

  • Students would be masked on bus, windows open except in most inclement weather, some routes would be shortened to reduce time on bus #schcom0811 Q outside is impractical for chorus and band for our New England weather, lessons would occur in remote settings

  • Lisa Trainor provides update on intersection of family first act and FMLA, complicated to be sure but we need to be responsive. Q can they move back and forth between remote and hybrid? Hasn't been part of conversation but can be considered. #schcom0811

  • Q raised by ECDC faculty to service IEP and peers, how to move about the building safely with PPE, much hasn't been said about us, concerned  that the decision doesn't reflect the situation #schcom0811 yes, the plan is biased on K-12 focus and we acknowledge that

  • Special training on PPE would be provided was acknowledged earlier but not specifically addressed the ECDC world. The students will require us to be closer to them, we are working to train our staff, it is process #schcom0811 would be over 50 in the school but not in a room

  • Various POV from parents and Community, valid, individual and no good answers would work for all. Wish the #Schcom0811 well with whatever decision they make. "We have ways to help folks come back from trauma, we do not have ways to have folks come back from death"

  • Donna Grady: not an easy decision for any of us, none are easy, educators will go above and beyond, it will look different this fall, we want what's best for your children, #schcom0811

  • Motion (D'Angelo) to separate plan from remote approach as two separate votes, not seconded: hence falls aside

  • motion to accept plan as discussed 6 for 1 abstain (D'Angelo) ) vote passes 6-0-1 #schcom0811

  • Motion to accept revised schedule #schcom0811 via roll call 7-0

  • Motion to accept policy from second reading, #schcom0811 via roll call 7-0

  • Moving to next meeting updates: likely updates on re-opening, policy changes per re-opening as discussed, Pfeffer objects to throwing away books (even outdated) when they could go elsewhere. #schcom0811

  • This was a question on the consent agenda which is usually is done in a block, adjustment to minutes of first set , motion to accept consent with adjusted mins. Passed 7-0 #schcom0811 via roll call

  • Motion to go to executive session to return to open session, passed 7-0 #schcom0811

  • #schcom0811 may be coming back after the executive session but sorry, that's all for me tonight. Catch you all next time!


Photos shared on Twitter for this thread can be found in one album