Saturday, August 29, 2020

MIAA Sports Rule Modifications for Fall 2020

MIAA (@MIAA033) tweeted at 0:02 PM on Fri, Aug 28, 2020:
Read the #MIAA statement regarding Fall 2020 sport modifications
#OneTeamOneMIAA  @MASchoolsK12 @MassEEA

==>https://t.co/7BHpt3Q2lf    https://t.co/7ae8ACNfiI
(https://twitter.com/MIAA033/status/1299376792294260736?s=03)

Go to the MIAA page for the individual sport modification requirements  or follow the links shown here  http://miaa.net/contentm/easy_pages/view.php?sid=38&page_id=317

(Editorial note: In my opinion, a quick review of some of the modifications change the nature of the game being played. I would also expect that statistics from such a season would be marked with an asterisk as they would not be comparable to prior seasons.)

“You’re right, the soccer purists aren’t going to be happy with all these”

The MIAA released guidelines and modifications Friday, which sent shockwaves across Massachusetts. (Dave Arnold Photography)
The MIAA released guidelines and modifications Friday, which sent shockwaves across Massachusetts. (Dave Arnold Photography)


Commonwealth Magazine: "Healey argues that Baker has broad discretion under the Civil Defense Act"

From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin:

"GOV. CHARLIE BAKER filed a court brief on Friday defending his use of a 1950 Civil Defense Law to declare a COVID-19 state of emergency, equating the virus to the “natural causes” referenced in the law and pointing out that the Legislature has not balked at his use of emergency powers to shut down the state’s economy. 
The brief, which includes citations to Alexander Hamilton and The Federalist Papers, is the first time Baker has publicly spelled out in any detail his legal authority for declaring a state of emergency. 
Attorney General Maura Healey filed the brief on behalf of the governor in response to a lawsuit filed by a group of business owners and pastors who say the Civil Defense Law is not applicable to COVID-19 and the governor’s many sweeping orders to deal with the coronavirus infringe on powers granted to the Legislature under the state constitution. The parties are scheduled to appear before a single justice of the Supreme Judicial Court on September 11. 
The Civil Defense Act of 1950 was passed at the beginning of the Cold War, a time when the United States was increasingly worried about the spread of communism and military threats from the Soviet Union. The law allows the governor to declare a state of emergency when the state is threatened by enemy attack, sabotage, riots, fires, floods, earthquakes, droughts, or “other natural causes.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)  
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/baker-defends-emergency-orders-under-civil-defense-act/

A COVID-19 testing tent outside the Bowdoin Street Health Center in Dorchester. (Photo by Michael Jonas)
A COVID-19 testing tent outside the Bowdoin Street Health Center in Dorchester. (Photo by Michael Jonas)


In the News: "the position is typically held by FDA civil servants, not political appointees"

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

"The credibility of two of the nation’s leading public health agencies was under fire this week after controversial decisions that outside experts said smacked of political pressure from President Donald Trump as he attempts to move past the devastating toll of the coronavirus ahead of the November election. 
The head of the Food and Drug Administration grossly misstated, then corrected, claims about the life-saving power of a plasma therapy for COVID-19 authorized by his agency. Then the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention quietly updated its guidelines to suggest fewer Americans need to get tested for coronavirus, sparking outrage from scientists. 
Trump’s own factual misstatements about COVID-19 are well documented, but the back-to-back messaging blunders by public health officials could create new damage, eroding public trust in front-line agencies. That’s already raising concerns about whether the administration will be forthcoming with critical details about upcoming vaccines needed to defeat the pandemic. 
“I do worry about the credibility of the FDA and CDC, especially at a time when the capacity of the federal government to advance public health should be a priority for all policymakers,” said Daniel Levinson, former longtime inspector general of the Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees both the FDA and the CDC."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

 

Please find links to current information regarding the COVID-19 outbreak from State and Federal agencies
Please find links to current information regarding the COVID-19 outbreak from State and Federal agencies

In the News: "UMass Amherst puts 850 workers on indefinite furloughs"

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

"Citing the “incredible financial cost” associated with not fully reopening its campus this fall, UMass Amherst Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy has calculated nearly $169 million in budget losses and is now placing 850 workers, including dining and residence hall staff, on indefinite furloughs effective Sept. 13. 
“Because their union representation agreed to a furlough rather than a layoff, they will retain their UMass benefits, including health care, while still being entitled to unemployment benefits,” Subbaswamy wrote in an email Thursday to the campus community. “This agreement will also enable a smooth re-employment process when the campus resumes normal operations.” 
And there will likely be additional labor impacts at the flagship UMass campus. 
“While some permanent layoffs are expected in the coming weeks, we are doing everything possible to lessen the number of layoffs and are currently in discussions with other staff labor unions with the hope of reaching an agreement that prioritizes temporary reductions in hours and furloughs, which will likely impact approximately 450 additional campus employees,” according to Subbaswamy."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 

Commonwealth Magazine has a related article on the UMass cuts  

 

What to do when you (and your kids) are online at home


Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission


by Jennifer Leach, Associate Director Division of Consumer & Business Education, FTC

If you have kids in school, there's a good chance they're kicking off their school year…in your living room. All the while, you might be working away, yourself, in some carved out corner at home.

Read more

This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.



 

Friday, August 28, 2020

Reminder: THE BLACK BOX: Montgomery and Marshall Duo - Aug 28

THE BLACK BOX welcomes the Montgomery and Marshall Duo with two shows on August 28 at 6:30 and 8:15 PM in the theater’s parking lot.  

James Montgomery and Bruce Marshall are celebrating 26 years together as a duo in 2020.  They started in 1994 after Bruce Marshall auditioned for the James Montgomery Band and asked James if he was interested in acoustic work as a duo. Their first gig was opening for the Band at the State Theater in Providence, RI and old friend Rick Danko introduced the pair as “the real deal”. Although Marshall didn’t get the electric gig, he ended up forging an enduring musical and personal relationship with James that continues to flourish.  


THE BLACK BOX:  Montgomery and Marshall Duo - Aug 28
THE BLACK BOX:  Montgomery and Marshall Duo - Aug 28



Nexamp solar presentation available for replay

Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) tweeted at 11:01 AM on Thu, Aug 27, 2020:
Did you miss the NEXAMP Community Solar presentation?  Find it here https://t.co/0gmRTlSheW

Video link = https://youtu.be/Jnqi1ExZtSs


The post sharing the information in advance of the session

On this Day in 1963 : "I Have A Dream" - Martin Luther King Jr.

 "I Have a Dream" is a public speech that was delivered by American civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 28, 1963, in which he called for civil and economic rights and an end to racism in the United States. Delivered to over 250,000 civil rights supporters from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., the speech was a defining moment of the civil rights movement and among the most iconic speeches in American history


Video link = https://youtu.be/smEqnnklfYs

 

FHS Chromebook support request form

FHS PCC (@FHS_PCC) tweeted at 7:58 PM on Thu, Aug 27, 2020:



FHS Chromebook support request form
FHS Chromebook support request form

WGBH Interviews the 4th District candidates

Adam Reilly (@reillyadam) tweeted at 4:27 PM on Thu, Aug 27, 2020:
TAKE A LOOK at our interviews with the Dems running to replace Joe Kennedy in #MA04. They're all here, available for your viewing pleasure at your convenience https://t.co/sulDNKfn9k #mapoli via @wgbhnews

WGBH Interviews the 4th District candidates
WGBH Interviews the 4th District candidates

In the News: "conditions have made 2020 a record-setter"

 From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Texas and Louisiana may have braced for the worst this week as back-to-back hurricanes Marco and Laura barreled toward them, but in this record-setting Atlantic hurricane season, almost every coastal U.S. state east of the Mississippi River should also be on high alert. 
All but one of the 18 states bordering the Atlantic Ocean or Gulf of Mexico face a greater risk this year of a hurricane strike, according to the forecast from Colorado State University’s Department of Atmospheric Science, which has issued seasonal hurricane forecasts every year since 1984. 
Only New Hampshire’s risk remains unchanged at a 1% chance of a direct hit. Every other state’s risk increased by 33-100%. 
In Massachusetts, the CSU team predicted the odds of a land-falling hurricane this year at 10%, compared to a historical probability of 6%."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

In the News: "conditions have made 2020 a record-setter"
In the News: "conditions have made 2020 a record-setter"


Franklin Residents: 3 upcoming meetings to be aware of and participate in

Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) tweeted at 3:33 PM on Thu, Aug 27, 2020:

Three Upcoming Public Meetings:
(https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1299067549557182465?s=03)


Franklin Residents: 3 upcoming meetings to be aware of and participate in
Franklin Residents: 3 upcoming meetings to be aware of and participate in

Thursday, August 27, 2020

Franklin Cultural District Committee - Agenda - Aug 31, 2020

Welcome

Franklin Cultural District Website
  • Anne Marie Tracey, Presentation and Discussion

Next Cultural District Meeting Dates
  • Monday, September 14, 2020 at 6:30 PM
  • Wednesday, September 30, 2020 at 6:30 PM, FCD & FDP Business Listening Session

Next Cultural District Partner Meeting Date
  • Monday, September 14, 2020 at 7:00 p.m.

Adjourn

The listings 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.

For Additional information, contact: 
Bryan W. Taberner, AICP, Director
Department of Planning and Community Development 
508-520-4907; btaberner@franklinma.gov 


Connection info contained in the Agenda

Franklin Cultural District Committee - Agenda - Aug 31, 2020
Franklin Cultural District Committee - Agenda - Aug 31, 2020


Stuff a Truck - Sep 20

Come and Stuff A Truck...with used clothing and household items

You’ve probably had some extra time recently to clean out your closets, basement, attic and other storage places in your home. And, you may have been at a loss for what to do with those extra clothes and household items that you want to discard. We can help!

Bring them to St John’s Episcopal Church, 237 Pleasant Street in Franklin, on Sunday, September 20th from 11 AM - 2 PM. We'll take them to Savers and get paid by the pound, to help fund our work in the Franklin community and beyond.

For more information:

Stuff a Truck - Sep 20
Stuff a Truck - Sep 20


Franklin Public Schools: Superintendent's Message - Aug 25, 2020

 August 25, 2020

Dear Franklin Community,

Reopening Plan Approved
The School Committee approved the Franklin Public Schools Reopening Plan at its August 11, 2020 meeting. Franklin Public Schools will be starting predominantly remotely and phasing into a hybrid model based on preparedness and health data. The Reopening Website has been updated to reflect the plan and the Comprehensive Plan has also been posted.

We will continue to provide updates and communications on what to expect to our students and families both at the district and school levels.
https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/returntoschoolplan/home

We anticipate that there will continue to be changes to the plan as we work on implementation details. The plan will be adjusted in the coming days and specific details impacting families will be communicated from the district and/or school buildings.

First Day of School
The first day of school for the 2020-2021 school year will be Wednesday, September 16, 2020 and the school year will be 170 days. The School Committee adopted this new start date on August 11; the Committee will be reviewing a calendar with proposed revisions of parent/teacher conference dates and professional development for adoption at its next meeting on August 25, 2020.

Remote Only Commitment K-5
Thank you to the many families who recently completed a survey for students entering grades K-5. Understanding your intention and a commitment to proceed with Remote Only  education,  once we transition to a hybrid model, is  very important for our ongoing planning. 

At this time, there is enough interest in Remote Only that we are working towards a model where remote only students in  grades K-5 will be grouped together by grade level with students across all elementary schools and taught by designated remote-only FPS  teachers. 

Curriculum, instruction, and pacing will be aligned with grade level hybrid classrooms in the district.

Should families wish to change from Remote Only to Hybrid, we will provide opportunities at the end of each trimester, and ask for four weeks of notice to be provided. Students will then be assigned to a Hybrid classroom in their assigned school with assigned days for a cohort.

For those of you who selected Remote Only for your child/children, please be on the lookout for a confirmation welcome letter.
 
Remote Only Commitment Grades 6-8
Thank you to the many families who recently completed a survey for students entering grades 6-8. Like with grades 6-8, understanding your intention and a commitment to proceed with Remote Only education, once we transition to a hybrid model, is very important for our ongoing planning. At this time and based on interest, we are planning to have the Remote Only students continue to proceed in class with the students assigned to hybrid cohorts.

Borrowing a Chromebook and Optional Insurance
Families who wish to be issued a Chromebook as we begin the school year may do so by requesting one through the Technology Department. The current Chromebooks are part of an older fleet of devices that we have been using in the District for the past several years.

Form to Request a Device/Remote Support
We have ordered new Chromebooks,  however, we anticipate a shipping delay. When these Chromebooks come in, families will have the opportunity to swap an older Chromebook for a new one. Families will be responsible for the care of these Chromebooks, consistent with expectations for care of other school materials. Families will be responsible  for replacement  in the event of breakage.  In order to assist families, Franklin Public Schools will be offering families the optional opportunity to purchase $40/year insurance to cover Chromebook failures and accidents. (Intentional damage is not covered). This is something that has been offered to our high school families as long as the 1:1 Chromebook model has been in place (since 2014).

Details about this insurance option will be clarified in future communications, after the new Chromebooks have arrived and are ready for distribution.

Bus Transportation
Even though the deadline has passed, parents/guardians can still register their student(s) for bus transportation via this google form, and we will do our best to accommodate families' needs.

Please wait to make payment until further implementation plans and timelines are announced. We expect that our busing contract will be amended this year with a varied schedule and reduced seating capacity. At this time, we are unsure of what and when refunds will be issued, so we encourage you to wait to make payment until we can assure that your student will have a seat. We will communicate future payment deadlines as they are determined.

The FPS transportation website has been updated with further information. Please contact schoolbus@franklinps.net with questions or to remove an already registered student.

Influenza Vaccine Requirement
Beginning with the 2020-2021 school year, influenza vaccine will be required for all students. Documentation of immunization status should be submitted to schools. This immunization is required in all models of learning, including Remote. Vaccinating against influenza is important for several reasons. Influenza vaccine is always important to receive to reduce the risk of getting sick with influenza, reduce the severity of disease if one does get sick (including the risk of hospitalization) due to influenza, as well as preventing the spread of influenzato others. During the COVID-19 pandemic, influenza vaccine will be especially critical to reduce the overall impact of respiratory illness on the population, protect vulnerable populations from severe illness, and decrease the overall burden on the healthcare system.

Exceptions may be granted for those for whom the vaccine is medically contraindicated or for families who attest in writing that the vaccine violates sincerely held religious beliefs. Families must submit a letter to the school nurse requesting an exemption and indicating the reason.

Please continue to send questions to reopening@franklinps.net and we will incorporate your questions into our FAQ page.

Sincerely,
Franklin Public Schools


Please contact the Superintendent's Office at 508-553-4819 with questions. Alternatively, you can e-mail reopening@franklinps.net as noted above.


Franklin Public Schools: Superintendent's Message - Aug 25, 2020
Franklin Public Schools: Superintendent's Message - Aug 25, 2020


Kid Superintendent (video)

Tweet from RAugusta (@r_raugusta):
"This video was shared with me today by one of our amazing teachers. The positivity and pause was a much needed break today! Thanks so much" @ms_gordo  https://t.co/Cl7v7nLtV4 great message and very well done!

Video link = https://youtu.be/a71O90UCF1U

 

In the News: Zannetos withdraws from 4th District primary; Supreme Judicial Court upholds Sep 1 deadline

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

A second Democrat in the 4th Congressional District race has decided to suspend his campaign and back Jesse Mermell ahead of next week’s primary.

Chris Zannetos, a tech entrepreneur and founder of STEMatchMA, announced his decision on Wednesday, less than a week before the final votes will be cast at the polls on Sept. 1. He pointed to Mermell’s focus on economic equality and support for working families.

“The easy path for me would be to finish this campaign on Election Day,” Zannetos said in a statement released by the Mermell campaign. “But that would only take votes from a candidate who is committed to fixing this issue, who can win this race. There is one candidate who has shown in her career a consistent commitment to helping working people and those disenfranchised, and a willingness to create the public-private collaborations required to solve this challenge.” 
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

 

"The Supreme Judicial Court has upheld the Sept. 1 deadline for local election officials to receive mail-in primary election ballots. 
The court ruled Wednesday in a lawsuit filed by Fourth Congressional District candidate Becky Grossman, who sought a 10-day extension of the period allocated for counting mail-in primary ballots. 
The 22-page decision, authored by Justice Scott Kafker, comes six days before a primary where several contentious races are set to be decided including the contest between U.S. Sen. Ed Markey and U.S. Rep. Joe Kennedy III, and the race featuring a crowded field of Democrats running in the Fourth Congressional District. 
At least 1 million registered voters in Massachusetts requested mail-in ballots this year under a new law aimed at boosting voting options, but questions have been raised about the law’s deadlines and the reliability of the U.S. Postal Service, which has been thrust into a major role in the elections."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

 

Supreme Judicial Court upholds Sep 1 deadline
Supreme Judicial Court upholds Sep 1 deadline

In the News: State Rep Roy would address early college; Franklin Fire Dept receives grant

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

State Rep Roy would make early college “one of my priorities"

"Highlighting new data showing greater academic success among high school students who take college courses, education experts called Wednesday for Massachusetts to continue investing in early college programs and broaden access to thousands more students. 
The early college courses available at roughly three dozen high schools have made a sizable impact on closing achievement gaps and improving equitable outcomes for students, analysts found in a study released by the Baker administration. Students who participated in the programs are enrolling in higher education at a rate 20 percentage points higher than their school and state peers, the Department of Higher Education said. 
Enrollment was more than 2,300 in 2020 and is projected to reach 4,200 students in fiscal year 2021, and proponents want to ensure that Massachusetts reaches a long-term goal nearly four times as high. Getting 16,000 students to participate, they said, would make major progress toward improving access to higher education for families that might view it as unaffordable." 
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

Commonwealth Magazine has an article on this topic also


Franklin Fire Dept receives grant
"Several area police and fire departments have received federal grants for pandemic-related needs. 
Although the money is from the federal Coronvirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program, the grants were awarded through the Baker-Polito administration. 
“These awards to municipal departments and state agencies throughout the commonwealth demonstrate our commitment to providing police officers, firefighters and other public safety personnel with the necessary tools to effectively serve their communities while continuing to fight the pandemic,” Gov. Charlie Baker said in a statement. 
The money is meant to be used to prevent, prepare and respond to coronavirus-related issues. The maximum grant amount was $50,000."

  • Franklin Fire Department, $48,724 for mobile data terminals

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

Franklin Fire Dept receives grant
Franklin Fire Dept receives grant


Wednesday, August 26, 2020

FM #337 School Comm Meeting - Policy 2 Close - 8/25/20 P3 of 3 (audio)

FM #337 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 337 in the series. 

This shares part of the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting that was held on Tuesday, August 25, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Part 3 - this segment picks up on the second Discussion Action on policy changes required to operate under the emergency order of this pandemic period. This section also includes the remaining items on the agenda through to the vote to enter Executive Session and not to return to a public meeting.

The agenda doc, including connection info
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/sc-agenda-82520
 
The meeting packet with all docs released for this meeting
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/august-25-2020-school-committee-meeting
 
My notes taken via Twitter during the meeting are summarized here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/school-committee-recap-sports.html
 
Photos used in the Twitter thread can be found in the Google photo album
https://photos.app.goo.gl/Pu8WV4CYc4kmvCvP7




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

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!

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

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

FM #337 School Comm Meeting - Policy 2 Close  - 8/25/20 P3 of 3 (audio)
FM #337 School Comm Meeting - Policy 2 Close  - 8/25/20 P3 of 3 (audio)


FM #336 School Comm Meeting - Sports Vote - 8/25/20 P2 of 3 (audio)

FM #336 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 336 in the series. 
This shares part of the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting that was held on Tuesday, August 25, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Part 2  - this segment covers the first Discussion Action item on athletics including the vote to approve sports.

The agenda doc, including connection info
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/sc-agenda-82520
 
The meeting packet with all docs released for this meeting
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/august-25-2020-school-committee-meeting
 
My notes taken via Twitter during the meeting are summarized here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/school-committee-recap-sports.html
 
Photos used in the Twitter thread can be found in the Google photo album
https://photos.app.goo.gl/Pu8WV4CYc4kmvCvP7




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

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!

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

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

 

Athletic Director Tom Angelo
Athletic Director Tom Angelo

FHS Principal Josh Hanna
FHS Principal Josh Hanna