Tuesday, October 20, 2020

Franklin Public Schools: District Newsletter - October 2020

Franklin Public Schools: District Newsletter - October 2020
WELCOME
BACK TO SCHOOL!
What is a Digital Learning Integrationist?
Laptop
The role of Digital Learning Integrationist (DLI) is a new position which was created this year in order to support the ever changing technology needs of our staff, students and families. Our three district DLIs, Marianne Zogby, Kate Merten and Jim d'Entremont, have over 70 years of combined teaching experience and are using their vast knowledge and tech savvy skills to support the use of technology in classrooms across the entire district.

The DLIs facilitated the PD sessions that led up to the start of the school year and have provided support with the Google Suite and its functionality for staff and families alike.They have been curating digital resources, creating support videos and offering assistance to staff on the best digital tools to use to meet their classroom objectives. The DLI team is also developing the FPS Digital Learning Center, which will serve as a unified source of all district supported learning apps and tools for students, families and staff.
The DLIs will be holding office hours for each school, including the Virtual Learning Academy, to offer face-to face planning time and support. Their role will evolve over the course of the year, as learning models change and new needs are identified.

Find helpful information on their their monthly TIPs Newsletter (Tech Integration Practices)
New 8th Grade Civics Curriculum

The 8th grade students in Franklin are learning a new curriculum beginning in the 20-21 school year: US and Massachusetts Government & Civic Life. This new state-mandated course is designed to give students the opportunity to study the foundations of U.S. democracy, how and why it has developed over time, and the role of individuals - including young people - in maintaining a healthy democracy.

Students have been exploring civic rights and responsibilities and what it means to be an informed citizen.They are learning to engage in conversations about controversial issues, how to disagree and debate in a respectful manner, media literacy, and the role of propaganda. The 8th graders are also reflecting and considering their own civic priorities and learning where American values fall on the political spectrum. These topics have been especially interesting as we approach the November 3rd election and have led to interesting and enlightening conversations!

After focusing on the current civic climate, the students will explore our history, learning about important documents such as the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. They will touch on topics and historical events that have shaped the growth of our nation and the development of our laws, making connections to current events along the way.

Throughout the year, the 8th graders will also we working towards a civic action project that will allow them to engage with local issues of their choice. This year long process is intended to educate students on how they can engage and try to make an impact as citizens of their community, state and nation.
Want to hear more? Listen on FPS Voice to Jonathan Mello and Jeff Anthony, 8th grade social studies teachers at Annie Sullivan Middle School, share more information about how this curriculum is being introduced in their classrooms, how the 2020 election is aligning and sparking conversations and their plans for the school year.
JFK Named National Blue Ribbon School
John F. Kennedy Elementary school was recently named a National Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education! JFK was one of only 367 schools nationwide (and one of 6 in MA) to receive this award! Congratulations!

FHS Math Department adopts new grading system for
the 20-21 School Year.
The FHS Math Department has implemented Standards-Based Grading across many of their courses including Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Precalculus and Calculus. The grading system was piloted last year, earning positive feedback and showing improved retention results. It is now being incorporated across the the majority of math courses offered at FHS.

"Research suggests that retention is a big challenge for many students when learning math," shared Ron Taylor, Math Department Head at FHS. "The new grading system assesses and grades student work in a manner than demonstrates growth over time, which is key to building on mathematical concepts." The research compiled showed that students frequently cram for tests, an ineffective way of learning concepts and retaining them at a deeper level. The research also revealed that teachers feel they spend too much time reviewing and/or reteaching content lost over the summer months or at the beginning of the year. The solution to alter both the frequency and type of assessments has proven to be helpful.

"We will move away from simply averaging grades collected during a term, and instead, for each standard, we will collect multiple pieces of evidence of student work to determine an overall grade that reflects the student's overall understanding of the standards covered,' explained Taylor.

This new grading system is explained in the following videos and covers the reasoning, issues and solutions in greater detail.


The FPS Middle Schools are excited to "virtually" welcome visiting author Jordan Sonnenblick! There are plenty of fun events planed over the coming weeks for our students and their families to engage in!

Stay tuned for more information including Stop, Drop & Read events, a Virtual Book fair and ways to learn more about Jordan Sonnenblick and his books!

On October 13th, the School Committee approved the strategic initiatives of the 20-21 District Improvement Plan. The plan details plans for the following objectives:
  • Social-Emotional Well-being of Students and Staff 
  • Engaging and Rigorous Curriculum
  • High-Quality Instruction to Meet the Academic and SEL Needs of Each Learner
  • Effective Two-Way Communication to Support Student Learning
Are you looking for information related to the facilities analysis? There is a dedicated page on our website which houses all of the pertinent information including timelines, presentations, research and reports.
Franklin Public Schools | www.franklinps.net

Town of Franklin | 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038
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Franklin Senior Center: Outdoor Concert - Tuesday, 1:00 and 2:15 PM

Free 45 minute concert in the Senior Center parking lot. Sponsored by the Franklin Cultural Council
 
Enjoy the concert from your vehicle or bring a lawn chair to sit out.
 
Please call 508-520-4945 to sign up! 
 
When: Tuesday, October 20, 2020 - 2:15 PM
 
Franklin Senior Center: Outdoor Concert - Tuesday, 2:15 PM
Franklin Senior Center: Outdoor Concert - Tuesday, 2:15 PM


Senator Becca Rausch: "Continuing to stay safe during COVID-19"

October 16, 2020 
 
Dear friends, 

The White House Outbreak of COVID-19 is a stark reminder that even though we are all tired of pandemic-related restrictions, COVID-19 is still here, still very much our reality. In Massachusetts, in fact, case levels are rising. The most recent data report from the Department of Public Health indicates that 9 of the 12 municipalities in our district experienced notably increased levels of COVID-19 infection (reflected as green, yellow, or red on the map below). You can find more information in the weekly and daily reports available at the Department of Public Health’s COVID-19 dashboard

Department of Public Health’s COVID-19 dashboard
Department of Public Health’s COVID-19 dashboard

I strongly encourage everyone to wear a mask whenever you are in a public space, practice physical distancing, and limit your social engagements to small groups, held outdoors. We should all take advantage of the last few weeks of Fall in New England, before the freezing temperatures arrive.

While COVID-19 has exposed holes in our public health infrastructure and serious gaps in social equity, this pandemic has also shined a light on the people and businesses that do the work, every day, to protect our collective health. I recently had the pleasure of visiting two businesses in our district that are aiding in the fight against COVID-19. I nominated Cold Chain Technologies, located in Franklin, for the Massachusetts Manufacturing “Making it in Massachusetts” award and had the great privilege of taking a socially distant tour of the factory. Cold Chain is a leader in thermal packaging to make sure vitally needed biomaterials, like life saving medicines and organs for transplant surgeries, arrive safely at their destinations. In a global pandemic, this work is perhaps more critical than ever before and I applaud them not only for their products and innovation, but also for preserving and creating jobs in our district through domestic manufacturing and continuing to make their products and processes safer for our environment.

In Needham, I had the pleasure of visiting Rafi Nova, a company that demonstrates outstanding innovation and adaptation in the wake of economic downturn and a public health crisis. Run by my constituents Marissa and Adam Goldstein, the business shifted its operations in the early stages of the pandemic to accommodate the growing need for personal protective equipment. They're keeping us safe and stylish with their beautiful selection of masks. Two of my favorites: their mask encouraging folks to VOTE, and a transparent mask (called the “smile mask”) enabling lip reading for folks who are deaf or hard of hearing and easing nerves for students and teachers.

As always, if you or any of your loved ones in my district have fallen on hard times during this pandemic, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office. My office line is 617-722-1555 and my email is becca.rausch@masenate.gov. We are here to help. You can also find robust resources to help you navigate through COVID-19 on my website.
 
Wishing you and your families strength, health, and resilience.   
 

Yours in service, 

Senator Becca Rausch

 

The newsletter was shortened for publication here, to view the full content please visit
 

“This year, more than ever, we have seen the importance of the Food Pantry to our Franklin Community"

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

"The Franklin Food Pantry recently announced that the annual Franklin Turkey Trot will still happen in 2020, but will occur with a few changes to keep runners safe and provide help to pantry neighbors.

While the turkey trot will still officially run on Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 26, each runner can run or walk their own personal 5-kilometer course when it is most convenient and can map out their favorite course anywhere throughout town. Once runners have finished the race, they can post a picture on social media sharing that they completed their run and their time while tagging the Franklin Food Pantry and using the hashtag #turkeytrot2020.

The registration fee of $25 goes directly to the Franklin Food Pantry, keeping donations local to help feed those in need, and participants can register at franklinturkeytrot.org.

The Franklin Food Pantry will not be able to accept food donations in lieu of the fee. The first 100 registrants will receive a commemorative T-shirt. Runners can also purchase a T-shirt directly from the registration page."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
 
2019 Turkey Trot Runners
2019 Turkey Trot Runners

 
 

In the News: "Secretary Galvin expects historical turnout to exceed 2016"

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

"Voter turnout for the Nov. 3 election is projected to be double the record-setting number of ballots cast in the Sept. 1 state primaries, and even exceed the historical 75% voter turnout in the 2016 election.

Secretary of State William F. Galvin said more will be known about the expected high turnout in the next week as early voting began Saturday and will continue through Oct. 30.

“I’m hopeful. It seems the level of interest is there,” Galvin said in a telephone interview last week. “We had 3.3 million votes in 2016. It seems we will exceed that. We’ve seen a continuing rising number of people registering to vote.”

The historical voter turnout — expected as well in some other parts of the country and driven by the hotly contested presidential race — is also the result of a massive expansion of mail-in voting due to concerns about crowded polling places during the coronavirus pandemic."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
 
When I talked with Town Clerk Nancy Danello at FHS on Monday, over 1,400 had already been to early vote on Sat-Sun and mid-day Monday. Over 12,000 mail ballots were sent out to registered Franklin voters.

The deadline to register to vote is Oct. 24.  Visit the Town Clerk page for office hours to register in person  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk  or register online  https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/eleidx.htm

 

the early voting schedule for Franklin
the early voting schedule for Franklin

Franklin Matters - Questions and Answers via Zoom - Oct 21

On Wednesday, October 21, 2020 - 10:00 AM via Zoom. This is an opportunity to get information and your questions answered.
 
Talk Franklin Matters With Steve Sherlock 
 
To join us, email: adoggett@franklinma.gov.
 
Franklin Matters - Questions and Answers via Zoom - Oct 21
Franklin Matters - Questions and Answers via Zoom - Oct 21

 
 


Town of Franklin, MA: Reason #3 - #ThinkFranklinFirst

Everyone loves a great customer service experience! Local businesses enjoy getting to know you, love sharing their passion for their business & want to do everything possible to make you feel good about choosing to visit their establishment! #ThinkFranklinFirst #KeepItLocal  
 
Town of Franklin, MA:  Reason #3 - #ThinkFranklinFirst
Town of Franklin, MA:  Reason #3 - #ThinkFranklinFirst

 
Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/GxZ6C3U7NE


Monday, October 19, 2020

Furry Friends of The Franklin Dog Park Volunteer Committee

Furry Friends of The Franklin Dog Park Volunteer Committee are in need of donations. We are a 501(c)(3) public charity. Contributions are tax deductible. 

Our tax # is: 82-3353876. With the fundraisers we had in the past we were able to purchase 

  • doggie poop bags (24,000 bags a year. cost is $678.56)  
  • hand sanitizer (12 bags a year cost $233.44) 
  • dog toys and tennis balls( cost $180.00)
  • and last year we purchase two park benches for the park (cost $783.00).  

Our next project coming up soon is a weather shed for the dog park so people can stay out of the rain and winter weather. We have set up a checking account with Dean Bank and your donation will go directly into our account. Please make your check payable to: Furry Friends of Franklin, Inc 

You can either stop in at any Dean Bank location or mail your donation to: Dean Bank, 21 Main St. Franklin ,Ma. 02038.

Thank you for your support.
Sincerely, 

Gennarino D'Onofrio    
President of Furry Friends Franklin Dog Park 

 

Furry Friends of The Franklin Dog Park Volunteer Committee
Furry Friends of The Franklin Dog Park Volunteer Committee

 

Reverse Trunk or Treat - Oct 24, 2020

"Get dressed up, pile in your car. Enter the high school through Panther’s Way and follow the signs stopping at each decorated site to collect a goody. 
 
This is a free event. Monetary donations will be accepted for the Franklin Food Pantry.

Must stay in Vehicle in order to obey COVID regulations. Truckers will be wearing masks and gloves and handing out individual bags of candy."

 
When: Saturday, October 24, 2020 at 4 PM EDT – 6:30 PM 
 
 
 

Bicycle recycling Event - Oct 24

Here’s an opportunity to get rid of those unwanted bicycles cluttering up your garage or shed: donate them for a good cause at the charity bike drive being held Saturday, October 24, 2020 from 9 AM to 1 PM at the Franklin Recreation Department Headquarters located at 275 Beaver Street in Franklin, MA. 

The bike drive is being held by Franklin High School senior Alex Gardenier, who is an Eagle Scout candidate with Boy Scout Troop 99. He is conducting the bike drive to benefit the charitable organization Bikes Not Bombs (https://bikesnotbombs.org/about). 

For more details on what, when, etc.  https://02038.com/2020/10/charity-bike-drive-in-franklin-oct-24/

Bicycle recycling Event - Oct 24
Bicycle recycling Event - Oct 24

 

 

Register O’Donnell Discusses Online Research Capability for Genealogy and History Enthusiasts

Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell today reminded genealogy enthusiasts and those with an interest in the rich history of Norfolk County that all Registry hand-written land documents have been transcribed and are available for viewing via our website www.norfolkdeeds.org.

Register O’Donnell noted, “Since the beginnings of the COVID-19 pandemic back in mid-March of this year, many have had to stay close to home. Certainly, freedom of movement has been curtailed for individuals and families who have a concern about contracting the coronavirus. Many have spent hours online catching up with family and friends via social media. If you are looking for something new to do and have always been curious about your family history or local history, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds can be a valuable source of relevant information via its online research offerings.”

“A few years back, the Registry and its vendor completed a project which transcribed all our hand-written land documents dating back from 1793 to 1900. Prior to this effort, these hand-written documents were in many cases difficult to near impossible to read. With the transcription project completed, our over 8 million land documents can be accessed for viewing from the comfort of your home via our website
www.norfolkdeeds.org.”

It should be noted that while the transcribers made a best effort to translate these hard to read documents, their accuracy is not guaranteed. “These transcribed documents,” noted O’Donnell, “are not legal documents in and of itself, and are not considered binding on the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds or its employees. It is considered merely a convenient reference for Registry users. For documentation purposes, users should refer to the scanned image of the original document instead of the transcribed image.”

Concluding his remarks, Register O’Donnell stated, “While the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds building in Dedham remains closed to the general public due to the COVID-19 state of emergency, our online research offerings remain a viable way for genealogists and history buffs to perform research from the comfort of their homes. Please know that as your Register of Deeds, I continue to take very seriously my core responsibility to be the custodian of land document information in Norfolk County. Myself and the Registry staff strive each and every day to ensure the accuracy and accessibility of these land documents. I am proud that future generations will be able to access these land documents and read the transcribed images with the ongoing goal of ensuring a correct record of land documents here in Norfolk County.”

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and Instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham.  The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information.  All land record research information can be found on the Registry’s website
www.norfolkdeeds.org.  Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.
      
 

Register O’Donnell Discusses Online Research Capability for Genealogy and History Enthusiasts
Register O’Donnell Discusses Online Research Capability for Genealogy and History Enthusiasts

Grateful Moments Memory Cafe - Oct 19, 2020 at 2 PM

Hello All,

We hope that you can join us today for our Grateful Moments Memory Cafe featuring board certified music therapist Linda LaSalle.  Linda's music is sure to lift your spirits and bring back memories.  She will also share tips on how to use music to bring more peace and happiness into your life!  Linda plays harp, guitar and sings.

Click below to Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86387129663?pwd=MDdmLzR6RnhnZ09SbVFMQ1JsRG4yQT09

Meeting ID: 863 8712 9663
Passcode: 614115

--
Ariel Doggett

Virtual Program Coordinator
Respite Coordinator

"We rise by lifting others" - Robert Ingersoll
There is no act of kindness too small 

 

Grateful Moments Memory Cafe - Oct 19, 2020 at 2 PM
Grateful Moments Memory Cafe - Oct 19, 2020 at 2 PM


In the News: 2020 Census is complete

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

"The counting for the 2020 U.S. Census official ended last week, and now the U.S. Census Bureau will use the data it has collected to determine how many people live in each city and town in the United States.

The U.S. Census Bureau says 69.3% of households in Massachusetts self-reported their data by the deadline (11:59 Hawaiian Standard Time on Oct. 15/5:59 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on Oct. 16) and another 30.6% of households were enumerated when a census taker was sent to the home or by another nonresponse followup method. People could self-report either through the internet site, by calling the Census Bureau or completing a paper census form.

“The Census Bureau creates a master address file that is used to reach out to every household in the country. This file is compiled and verified by multiple sources including state and local governments,” according to a statement from the bureau."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

How did Franklin do? The chart shows the response rate, what that will translate to in terms of population remains to be seen. For more info on the overall response rates  https://2020census.gov/en/response-rates/self-response.html

2020 Census is complete
2020 Census is complete

 


Sunday, October 18, 2020

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Oct 21, 2020

A NOTE TO RESIDENTS: Due to the continued concerns regarding the COVID-19 virus and Governor Baker’s declared State of Emergency, we will be conducting a remote/virtual Town Council Meeting for all public access and participation. In an effort to ensure citizen engagement and comply with open meeting law regulations, citizens will be able to dial into the meeting using the provided phone number (Cell phone or Landline Required) OR citizens can participate by clicking on the attached link (Phone, Computer, or Tablet required). The attached link and phone number will be active for the duration of the meeting for citizens to ask questions/ voice concerns. If residents are just interested in watching the meeting it will also be live-streamed by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29.

 -   Link to access meeting: October 21, 2020 Town Council Meeting Link HERE -- Then click “Open Zoom”
  -  Or copy and paste this URL into your browser: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82006714885
   - Call-In Phone Number: Call 1-929-205-6099 and enter Meeting ID # 820 0671 4885 --Then press #

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS    
    This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29.  This meeting may be recorded by others.

  •     Town Clerk’s Office: Nancy Danello, Temporary Town Clerk
  •     Chief of Police Thomas J. Lynch: Unemployment Fraud PSA
  •     DPW Director Brutus Cantoreggi: Massachusetts Drought Level 3


2. CITIZEN COMMENTS   
Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.


3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES   
None Scheduled

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS   
None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS   
a. Board of Registrars - Gail Karner   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/gail_karner_1.pdf
b. Election Workers   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/5a._2_appointments_election_workers.pdf
c. Finance Committee: Natalie Riley  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/fincom_natalie_riley.pdf

d. Fire Department Pinnings: 

Joshua Impey, Joshua Sables, Kristopher Smith

e. Police Department:

i. Pinnings - Jonathan Giron, Nicholas Storelli
ii. Retiree - Doug Nix

6. HEARINGS   
None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS   
None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS   
 -   National Grid Emergency Management (Trees & Power): Chief McLaughlin (Fire Chief), Brutus Cantoreggi (DPW Director)
  -  Beaver Street Interceptor: Brutus Cantoreggi (DPW Director), Doug Martin (Water/Sewer Superintendent)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8b._presentation_-_beaver_street_interceptor_.pdf

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS   
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Budget Subcommittee
c. Economic Development Subcommittee
 

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Resolution 20-61: Authorization of Town Administrator to Grant Temporary Food Truck Permits to Farmers Series Licenses (Motion to approve Resolution 20-61 - Majority Vote)
 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/20-61_food_truck.pdf

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Resolution 20-62: Acceptance of Easement on the Westerly Side of Spring Street (Motion to approve Resolution 20-62 - Majority Vote)
 https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda-items/10b-legislation-action-39

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-861: Zoning Map Changes on or near Oak Street - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-861 to the Planning Board - Majority Roll Call Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10b._20-861_oak_street_1.pdf

10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-862: Zoning Map Changes on or near Longhill Road and Pleasant Street - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-862 to the Planning Board - Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/20-862_longhill_and_pleasant.pdf

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT   
Drought Update
 

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS   

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS   

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION   
None Scheduled

ADJOURN   

Note:
Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting 
 
The released agenda and associated docs as of 10/17/20
 
The agenda folder and line items

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Oct 21, 2020
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Oct 21, 2020


Community Preservation Act Webinar - Oct 15, 2020 (YouTube)

This shares the Community Preservation Act Webinar hosted by the CPAForFranklin group on Thursday, October 15, 2020.

Video link = https://youtu.be/lM5xB9hgiuk 

The webinar agenda doc
https://drive.google.com/file/d/13SXYzw2QJidTitdOKVgrB8Le6I9kdC4x/view?usp=sharing 

The main presentation doc
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_qVhDBTTr3FzfPL6AeftTNiVbAczGJXS/view?usp=sharing 

More about the CPAForFranklin group and the Community Preservation Act can be found at  https://www.cpaforfranklin.org/ 

Restaurants, Hotels & Hospitality Business Listening Session Meeting - Oct 19

Hello!
 
Thank you for your interest in joining our upcoming Business Listening Session on Monday, October 19th at 6:30 pm!  Our focus of the evening will be the Restaurant, Hotel & Hospitality Industry.  We are looking forward to hearing from you and learning ways in which the Economic Development Committee and the Town of Franklin can help support your businesses during these difficult times.  We are also looking to the future and hoping to hear feedback and ideas to plan for 2021 and beyond.  

Our goal is truly to listen and learn from our businesses.  We encourage you to come with questions, ideas, strategies, and feedback.

Please find the agenda and meeting links attached  

Please reach out with any questions.  
Have a good weekend!
 
Anne Marie 

Anne Marie Tracey
Marketing & Communications Specialist
Franklin Public Schools/Town of Franklin
355 East Central Street
Franklin, MA 02038
Office: (508)553-4888



Restaurants, Hotels & Hospitality Business Listening Session Meeting - Oct 19
Restaurants, Hotels & Hospitality Business Listening Session Meeting - Oct 19


FPS Voice: Learn more about the new 8th Grade Civics Curriculum (audio)

FPS Voice:

Our Middle School curriculum now includes the important subjects of the United States and Massachusetts Government & Civic Life.  We talked with Jeff Anthony and Jonathan Mello, 8th-grade teachers from Annie Sullivan Middle School, about the topics covered, their approach in the classroom, and how they are connecting their lessons to what is happening today.

 

 

 

FPS Voice: Learn more about the new 8th Grade Civics Curriculum (audio)
FPS Voice: Learn more about the new 8th Grade Civics Curriculum (audio)

 

Live Events – Online

We are – LIVE! Online!  by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 10/18/2020
 
Our Franklin●TV channels are all streaming live in HD – online, anytime. Finding the channel you want is also easy. In a Google search we are always the first listing – Numero Uno!

You can watch our live sports on our Franklin Pride school channel, on Comcast 96 or Verizon 28. We are now streaming our three channels online in high definition.

How can you find our live streams? Visit our Franklin●TV website.

Click on the channel you want. Easy-peasy!

We will also post our games for Video-on-Demand replays.   Click on “Past Shows”. Video on Demand postings may take a week or so after a live event.

And – as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm
And, thank you for watching. 
 

Ad Hoc Superintendent's Evaluation Sub Committee Meeting - Oct 28, 2020


Ad Hoc Superintendent's Evaluation 

Sub Committee Meeting

Wednesday, October 28, 2020  -  6:30 PM


Complete Superintendent’s Evaluation

 

Virtual Meeting (Links in agenda) 

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/adhocsuptevalsub_com_agenda_-_10-28-20.pdf


Ad Hoc Superintendent's Evaluation Sub Committee Meeting - Oct 28, 2020
Ad Hoc Superintendent's Evaluation Sub Committee Meeting - Oct 28, 2020

Franklin Interact presents ... Monster Dash!

Franklin Interact is proud to announce that we will be holding a Monster Dash! Information is listed below: 

October 30, 2020 - 5:30 PM at Timeless Crossfit (90 Hayward Street Franklin MA) 

Please bring the following:  
• Mask (Required)
• Yoga mat
• Costume
 
 
 

 

Governor's budget "cuts the amount of K-12 school funding"

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

THE UNVEILING of Gov. Charlie Baker’s revised fiscal year 2021 budget raised eyebrows. Some called it a “miracle budget” because he proposed a balanced budget without large-scale cuts and — notably — without raising taxes.

To be clear, raising taxes on families and businesses already facing financial hardship is not the right thing to do — on this point, we agree with the governor.

Where we disagree is the idea that the state can get through this storm without raising any taxes. The wealthiest households and large, profitable corporations should be paying more taxes to support communities in this time of dire need.

We commend the administration for some proposals, like delaying the state charitable deduction, and for its overall budget-balancing prowess. However, there are many areas where this budget falls short of our communities’ needs.

.......

The prime example is K-12 school funding. A new law, the Student Opportunity Act, recognized the need to dramatically increase state support for students in low-income families, English Language Learners, and those receiving special education.

Not only does the governor’s new budget delay the Student Opportunity Act’s implementation, it also cuts the amount of K-12 school funding from his January proposal by $195.5 million. (The slight increase in his budget compared with last year accounts only for inflation and normal enrollment growth.) The pain of these cuts will fall hardest on our students, particularly from Black, Latinx, and Indigenous communities, which the new law was intended to support.

On top of these challenges, schools are trying to retrofit buildings for safe ventilation, ensure all students have access to online learning, and support children facing trauma. Federal relief will cover some of these unexpected costs, but that relief is insufficient, often restrictive, and contingent upon a mercurial Congress.

Continue reading the article online
 
Links to the Governor's updated budget can be found online
 


Chapter 70 Unrestricted Gen'l Gov't Aid
FY 2021 - January 2020 5,479,534,540 1,160,218,724
FY 2021 - October 2020
5,283,651,632
1,128,617,436
Difference -195,882,908 -31,601,288 

In the News: "the statewide rate of average daily cases is also in the red"

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

"The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported an additional 550 confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Saturday, bringing the statewide total to 139,903.

There were 12,395 new molecular tests conducted, with an approximately 4.44% daily positive rate. This marks the second straight day the daily positivity rate is above 4%.

State health officials also confirmed 21 new COVID-19-related deaths across Massachusetts, bringing the state’s confirmed coronavirus death toll to 9,503."

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In the News: "the statewide rate of average daily cases is also in the red"
In the News: "the statewide rate of average daily cases is also in the red"

Weekly Community report

 
And yes, in a small way, Franklin is contributing to these numbers...
 
Franklin is contributing to these numbers
Franklin is contributing to these numbers

 

Franklin Senior Center: Medicare Update with SHINE - Oct 19 - 2:00 PM

During the annual Medicare Open Enrollment period (October 15th-December 7th), you will have a chance to change your plans for next year. 

SHINE's certified Medicare counselors can help you understand your plan changes, as well as other options you may have. 

For the link to join, email: adoggett@franklinma.gov.


Franklin Senior Center: Medicare Update with SHINE - Oct 19 - 2:00 PM
Franklin Senior Center: Medicare Update with SHINE - Oct 19 - 2:00 PM