Franklin Voters: Election 2020 reminders

The early voting period completed Friday (Oct 30) at noon time.

 
If you have not sent in your mail ballot, please drop it off at the Municipal Building in the drive through (from 8 AM to 8 PM) or leave it in the dropbox at the Municipal Building.

If you plan on voting in person, all precincts vote in one location: Franklin High School. Parking should be available. It is a professional development day for the district, teachers may be around but no students.

Poll hours are from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. (Note: this is a change as most prior elections open at 6 AM but not this time. Plan accordingly.)

According to the Town Clerk, more than 50% of the registered Franklin voters have already cast their ballots (via mail or early vote) so while it will be busy (10,000 plus voters anticipated) it shouldn't be too crazy.

If you need information to prepare to cast an informed vote, the Franklin voters guide can be found here:  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/franklin-community-voting-guide.html

Info on Ballot Question 3 - Community Preservation Act can be found here

https://www.cpaforfranklin.org/

The "election collection" of all the posts from the Primary through today can be found here:  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/2020-election-collection.html

If you want to "track your ballot"   https://www.sec.state.ma.us/wheredoivotema/track/trackmyballot.aspx

Drive through hours posted
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/extended-drive-thru-hours-begin-friday-october-9th

voting booths at FHS, taken during an observation period this weekend

If you do have vision problems, there is a special machine to help you. Check with one of the election workers as you enter the high school 

there is a special machine to help you if you have vision problems

 

FM #379 SchoolComm Davis Thayer FA Mtg - 10/29/20 (audio)

FM #379 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 379 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA Davis Thayer Facility Analysis Subcommittee meeting held on Thursday, Oct 29, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Quick Recap:

• Meeting opened 7 minutes late. Prior meeting minutes approved.
• Review of current step by step process and where they are, now in Phase 2 of Stage 1 (see chart)
• Specialized programs conducted at DT and Parmenter not part of the analysis and should be considered. Concern over turnkey reference. Appearing to rush into keeping the mentioned Nov 4 community information night (when it will have conflict with the Town Council meeting, and won’t be able to be broadcast).
• Discussion around the work of this committee to complete in their term (before Nov 2021) and work of another ‘long term’ committee as separate.
• Discussion on questionnaire, what it captures, what does success look like, and communications around that survey and for the meeting itself

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to the presentation document.

The recording runs about 64 minutes, so let’s listen to the Davis Thayer Facility Analysis Subcommittee meeting of Oct 29, 2020.  

Audio file =  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-379-schoolcomm-davis-thayer-fa-mtg-10-29-20

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Agenda doc      https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/agenda_dt_subcom_10.29.2020_1.docx 

Comprehensive Facility Analysis presentation doc
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/files/facilities-analysis-presentation-10-27-20 

Facility Assessment report doc
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/files/facilities-assessment-report 

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/davis-thayer-facility-analysis.html  

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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 #379 SchoolComm Davis Thayer FA Mtg - 10/29/20 (audio)

FM #378 School Comm Workshop - Digital Learning Integrationist Demo - 10/28/20 (audio)

FM #378 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 378 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee workshop with the primary purpose to observe a Digital Learning Integrationist Demo on Wednesday, Oct 28, 2020. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: some of the School Committee and Central Office personnel were in the Council Chambers, the remainder of the Committee and DLI personnel were remote via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I have requested a copy of the presentation which was shared with one of the School Committee members to  help them follow along but have not yet received the doc. While viewing the screen images would be helpful, the conversation is more important hence this audio file.

The recording runs about 62 minutes so let’s listen to DLI demo of the School Committee workshop of Oct 28, 2020. (Note: the workshop started late and the trial and tribulations of getting folks connected was not copied here in the audio recording.)   Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/Hy6KBt1K

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Agenda doc  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda-dli_workshop_10-28-20.pdf 

Photos captured during the demo  https://photos.app.goo.gl/URDTd2cn8MU89inK8 (not many as I am expecting the presentation copy)

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

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"

Digital Learning Integrationist Demo - 10/28/20 (audio)

“It offers outdoor recreation and healthy exercise"

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

"For years, a steep hill along the Southern New England Trunkline Trail in Franklin severed the path, leading hikers and bikers to climb the hurdle and cross private property to get back on.

Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin said he knew he’d get funding to fix that in 2016.

Roy, an avid cyclist and veteran rider in the annual Pan-Massachusetts Challenge, took Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton for a bike ride on the path one day to show him first-hand what residents were dealing with.

Before reaching the hill, located on Prospect Street, Roy told Beaton that he was going to walk up it with his bike. Beaton said he’d ride up it."

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20201101/tunnel-bridging-troublesome-gap-along-southern-new-england-trunkline-trail-snett-has-been-reconfigured-and-is-open-once-again?rssfeed=true

MA DCR SNETT Link  https://www.mass.gov/locations/southern-new-england-trunkline-trail

Rail Trail Committee page  https://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/

Photos from a walk on the SNETT in 2013
https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/sets/72157636043702445/

And from a recent walk n October, actually the day the new tree identification signs were posted
https://photos.app.goo.gl/QqxR9VQA3VxhTbz48

autumn screen from a break in the treeline along the trail in Bellingham

“The holidays need to look and feel very different this year”

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

"Holidays will need to look different this year, state officials said as they recommended Thanksgiving celebrations be held virtually or limited to one household to minimize COVID-19 transmission risks.

“The science on this one’s pretty clear — gathering in groups indoors for an extended period of time with family and friends is likely the worst possible scenario for spreading the virus,” Gov. Charlie Baker said during a recent press conference.

Pointing to rising COVID-19 case numbers among Massachusetts residents under age 30, Baker again said people should stop hosting parties and other large social gatherings. He urged younger people, who may not experience severe symptoms of the respiratory disease, to think about the relatives they might infect, the health care workers gearing up for a second surge, and the children whose ability to attend in-person school hinges on the rate of virus spread.

Baker said his own Thanksgiving celebration this year will be “immediate family, and that’s it,” and said all families should “think long and hard about the well-being of your loved ones before you make your plans.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20201101/baker-limited-turkey-day-is-way-to-go?rssfeed=true

The DPH guidance for Thanksgiving and the holidays

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/thanksgiving-during-covid-19.html

Thanksgiving during COVID-19

Davis Thayer Facility Analysis Subcommittee - meeting Recap - Oct 29, 2020

Quick Recap:

• Meeting opened 7 minutes late. Prior meeting minutes approved.
• Review of current step by step process and where they are, now in Phase 2 of Stage 1 (see chart)
• Specialized programs conducted at DT and Parmenter not part of the analysis and should be considered. Concern over turnkey reference. Appearing to rush into keeping the mentioned Nov 4 community information night (when it will have conflict with the Town Council meeting, and won’t be able to be broadcast).
• Discussion around the work of this committee to complete in their term (before Nov 2021) and work of another ‘long term’ committee as separate.
• Discussion on questionnaire, what it captures, what does success look like, and communications around that survey and for the meeting itself

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in the album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/GUQ66am5yDzRxzUA6

Agenda doc https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/agenda_dt_subcom_10.29.2020_1.docx 

Comprehensive Facility Analysis presentation doc

https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/files/facilities-analysis-presentation-10-27-20 

Facility Assessment report doc

https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/files/facilities-assessment-report 

 
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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  #dtfa1029

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23dtfa1029&src=typeahead_click

 

• Real time reporting ready for facility analysis subcommittee meeting (when it starts) #dtfa1029
• Meeting opens at 6:07 PM, approved minutes of 9/30/20 meeting 3-0 via roll call Stage one of phase 1 complete with receipt of reports #dtfa1029
• For reference, the process of step by step (no timeline) #dtfa1029
• Specialized programs currently at DT and Parmenter not included in the report which are important considerations. There is a need for a broader analysis and plan, hesitant to do so without some further discussion on the Parmenter program #dtfa1029
• Turnkey reference makes it seem like it would be simpler than it is. #dtfa1029 awaiting update on demographics from McKibbens to see what he forecast vs. what did happen as of Oct 1. Will be interesting to watch along with housing market activity
• Discussion on complete report out to SchComm before next Nov when the SchComm membership may change. #dtfa1029 very luxurious to meet once a month, should be able to move quicker from here. All depends upon the real state of the pandemic as next year goes
• Maybe able to start putting dates to the steps in the plan moving forward to the decision. Ability to keep the DT folks together is an advantage. #dtfa1029 segway to questionnaire, when to start it, keep it open for a period before closing. Cover letter req'd to frame study
• Discussion on how to determine the end date, when do they have a representative sample of the various groups for the stats; 50% student/family, 50% staff, and 10% community in general. #dtfa1029
• Discussion on info session for next Weds, Nov 4 (would be in conflict with Town Council) same time to start 7 PM, target ending 8:15. #dfta1029 start with demographics, overview not study received, next steps on recommendations, etc.
• #dtfa1029 use of 'chat' (not within Zoom) to enable question capture and used for web page updates. Discussion on use of webinar vs meeting, webinar overly formal, if all could fit in living room with a beverage, that would be great
• Meeting info out Friday, questionnaire goes out Monday, can then follow up at meeting on Weds at meeting #dtfa1029 schedule audio session for radio update. Meeting adjourns via roll call vote 3-0 catch you all next time!

 

Davis Thayer Facility Analysis Subcommittee - meeting Recap - Oct 29, 2020

Franklin Public Schools: FHS Hybrid Start Delayed 2 Weeks - to Nov 16, 2020

November 1, 2020

Dear Franklin High School Faculty/Staff and Families,

We are disappointed to share that despite the excitement, preparation, and planning to welcome students to FHS for hybrid instruction, this transition will be delayed by two weeks as a result of a public health concern related to an underage drinking party that occurred last evening. We have consulted with our local health department in making this decision.

The administration learned of an indoor party that occurred last evening at a home where approximately 25-50 high school students had attended. Information from the Franklin Police, who broke up the party, identified a small number of students who had been in attendance, however many attendees scattered and we are unable to identify everyone.

Attendees were not wearing masks and were not social distancing. This behavior puts everyone at Franklin High School at risk and we have no choice but to remain in the remote setting for another two weeks, until Monday, November 16, 2020. This includes students who were in person last week.

Students in the STRIVE program will attend in person and will not be remote. FHS faculty and staff will still report to the school building. FHS athletic practices and games will be cancelled for two weeks.

Our preschool will remain in person and our K-8 schools will remain in a hybrid instructional model. However, if your child attended this party and has younger siblings, for the health and safety of all, we urge you to keep those children at home over the next two weeks. Remote instruction will be provided.

We know that there will be many students and families who share our disappointment and frustration. It doesn’t feel fair that the behavior of a small number has such a detrimental effect on the entire high school community. We know that there are many students who are eager to return and we are similarly eager to see them in our halls and classrooms.

Many, many hours have been spent adjusting schedules, planning lessons, and physically preparing our high school facility for safe in person instruction. Having students attend school in person requires a commitment on everyone’s part to follow the health and safety practices of wearing masks, washing hands, maintaining physical distancing, keeping gathering sizes small, and not taking unnecessary risks.

Sincerely,

Sara Ahern                               Josh Hanna
Superintendent of Schools               FHS Principal

photo of FHS taken in the sunny snow on Saturday