DPW installed rain garden at end of Griffin Road

"Things we do that you may never see or know about!

The Franklin Department of Public Works is installing a new "rain garden" at the end of Griffin Road. This rain garden will treat stormwater pollution from Griffin Road and Matthew Drive. The rain garden will then allow treated water to slowly seep into the aquifer under the Town that we can use as drinking water.

The cool part is all the construction materials needed for this project is being paid for by a $112,000.00 competitive grant that the we were awarded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for innovation and creativity for this project and others in Town."

 

Shared from the DPW Facebook posting:

https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=3610748805676230&id=931498886934582

My photo album (2 photos from November, and more from this weekend)

https://photos.app.goo.gl/WzLD25MC14KjTEPf8

a view of the new rain garden on Griffin Road

FM #430 SchComm Community Relations Mtg - 1/07/21 (audio)

FM #430 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 430 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee Community Relations Subcommittee meeting held on Thursday, Jan 7, 2021.

The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The agenda was short and simple.

• Approval of October Meeting Minutes
• Legislative Forum - March 2, 2021
• Budget Flyer

The show notes contain the link to the meeting agenda. I did not take notes during the meeting as I participated much more than I usually do.

The recording runs about 44 minutes. Let’s listen to the Community Relations Subcommittee meeting held on Thursday, Jan 7, 2021.

Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HrW1vPhS

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Meeting agenda:  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/franklin-school-committee-community.html  

 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

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 #430 SchComm Community Relations Mtg - 1/07/21 (audio)

Participate in the National Day of Service - Jan 18, 2021

What is the National Day of Service and how is it connected to the Presidential Inauguration?

Every year, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, thousands of volunteers from across the country unite in service. This year, ahead of the historic and exciting  inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, the Presidential Inaugural Committee will participate in the National Day of Service, modeling the empathic leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration and honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King.

As part of the historic Inauguration, we ask you to take up service in your own community. Together, we will aim to complete more than one million hours of community service to begin doing what we set out to do during the presidential campaign: restoring the soul of the nation and building back better.

When is the National Day of Service?
January 18, 2021, which is also Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Where will service events take place?
In states and territories across the country.

What kinds of service events will take place?
Service leaders, community members, and non-profit organizations from across the country are partnering with PIC to create events that will serve their individual communities. Service events will focus on COVID-19 relief and address issues worsened by the pandemic including hunger, racial injustice, homelessness, mental health, and educational and economic disparities. Many events will be virtual; some will have limited in-person components. All in-person events will include vigorous health and safety protocols and service programs that partner with PIC must strictly adhere to all CDC, state and local guidelines, and safety protocols.

How can I participate?
❖    Be a service leader by hosting an event

➢    Fill out this form to host an event http://bit.ly/doshost
➢    Use our host toolkit for advice on creating and running your service event  https://bideninaugural.org/national-day-of-service-toolkit/
➢    Click here for virtual service event ideas  http://bit.ly/picserviceideas

❖    Volunteer at National Day of Service events

➢    Find service events online and in your community here  http://bideninaugural.org/events

❖    Commit to continued service

➢    Go here to commit for future service hours during 2021  http://bideninaugural.org/service

 

Find out more https://bideninaugural.org/day-of-service/

Download a copy of the PDF with this info https://drive.google.com/file/d/1v2Fb1La0Ab6bu_kByzcXIjPQQaw48COk/view?usp=sharing

 

Participate in the National Day of Service - Jan 18, 2021

 

ParmenterPCC: Parmenter remote for 1/11/21

January 10, 2021

Dear Parmenter Families,
 
We have been monitoring staff attendance very carefully in recent days, striving creatively to provide classroom coverage in order to keep our school open for students. Unfortunately, we find ourselves at a point this evening where we do not feel we can appropriately and safely supervise our students for in-person learning tomorrow.
 
Parmenter Elementary School will be fully remote for cohort students on Monday, January 11, 2021. Students in the NECC Partner program will be in person as those classrooms are fully staffed. Students will follow their typical Monday schedule within the remote model. Grade level teachers will communicate any alternatives to the schedule through their virtual learning platform (i.e. Google Classroom).  Students should log in as they normally would during a remote learning day.
 
We hope this evening notification provides you some time to make arrangements for this unexpected remote day. We will continue to monitor our staffing for Tuesday and notify you tomorrow by mid-afternoon. We will continue to monitor the situation for the remainder of the week, as well.
 
A decision like this is never easy. We appreciate your understanding.
 
Sincerely,
 
Sara Ahern                                             Shannon Barca
Superintendent of Schools                 Parmenter Elementary School Principal 

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ParmenterPCC (@ParmenterPcc) tweeted at 6:53 PM on Sun, Jan 10, 2021:

IMPORTANT: MONDAY 1/11/21 SCHOOL SCHEDULE CHANGE!

Copy of notification   https://t.co/NC9HaQgbjp 

Shared via Twitter:  https://t.co/bdw6UAZSyx

 

ParmenterPCC: Parmenter remote for 1/11/21

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Jan 12, 2021

School Committee Meeting - Agenda

Call to Order

Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Citizen’s Comments

In the spirit of open communication, “the Committee will hold a public participation segment (also called Citizen’s Comments) about matters not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made…. A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment…. The Committee will hear public comments related to an agenda item when the Chair deems appropriate during the Committee meeting. Topics for discussion during the meeting must be limited to those items listed on the Committee meeting agenda for that evening…. ” - from Policy BEDH

C. FHS Student Representative Comments

D. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. Oak Street Elementary School Update – Brad Hendrixson

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/oak_street_presentation_school_committee_1.12.21.pdf

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. FHS Athletics if Remote

I recommend approval of the plan for athletics if remote as discussed.

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_fhs_athletics_plan_if_remote.pdf

B. Student Opportunity Act Plan 2021-2023

I recommend approval of the Student Opportunity Act Plan 2021-2023 as discussed.

(no document released)

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. Personnel Update

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/personnel_update_memo_jan._2021_.pdf

B. Kindergarten and Grade 1 Survey Summary (document posted at Schools page  doesn't display all the charts properly) (doc updated 1/11/21)  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/k_1_full_in_person_survey_summary_and_by_school_0.pdf

C. School Reopening Status Update (1/8/2021)

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/v._2_reopening_schools_status_update_jan._7_2020-2021.pdf

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Ad Hoc Supt. Evaluation, Ad Hoc Facilities Analysis, Budget, Community Relations/Public Schools Advocacy, Policy, Transportation)

B. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC, Substance Abuse Task Force, School Wellness Advisory Council, Franklin Racial & Social Justice Task Force)

VI. New Business

A. To discuss any future agenda items

VII. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from your December 22, 2020 School Committee meeting as detailed.

B. Executive Session Minutes

I recommend approval of the Executive Session Minutes from the December 22, 2020 School Committee meeting to be released as detailed.

C. Keller Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $790.56 from the Keller PCC for supplemental supplies as detailed.

D. Scholarship

I recommend acceptance of a check for $5,000.00 from Thomas A. Wagner for the Wagner Scholarship as detailed.

E. Music Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $60.00 from Franklin Music Parents for in-house enrichment as detailed.

F. Leuder’s Annual Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $75.00 from Leuder’s Environmental, Inc. for supplemental supplies as detailed.

VIII. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

IX. Payroll Ms. D’Angelo

X. Executive Session

 A. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the FEA as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on

the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.

B. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A §21(a)(2) to conduct strategy session in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel.

XI. Adjournment

The agenda doc (including connection info) can be found in the meeting packet folder

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/january-12-2021-school-committee-packet

Do your part Franklin!

Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda - Jan 13, 2021

Finance Committee meeting - Jan 13, 2021 - 5:00 PM

Agenda

1. Call to Order

2. Public Comments

3. Approval of Minutes

a. December 15, 2020

4. Stormwater Presentation

a. Stormwater Management Plan

b. Stormwater Brochures

5. COVID-19 Update

a. Vaccination Schedule

6. Future Agenda Items

7. Adjourn

Please find the agenda and links for the upcoming Finance Committee Meeting posted here https://t.co/dW6mG0DmbO  

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/UIdhW47lPI

rain garden at Parmenter, one of many examples of stormwater mitigation that can be found around Franklin

Franklin Arts Academy - Info Night - Jan 13, 2021

The FAA is a rigorous, 3-year interdisciplinary pathway offered at Franklin High School for grades 10, 11, and 12. Using multiple intelligence and interdisciplinary teaching models, students experience their academic courses (English, History, Science) with strong connections to architecture, design, music, theatre, visual arts, and video production.

The Franklin Arts Academy prepares a diverse community of aspiring scholars and artists to be successful in their college and professional careers and to be engaged members of our democratic society. The FAA operates as a focused learning community within the comprehensive school system of Franklin High School. The FAA offers both Honors and College Preparatory course levels. 

Entrance to the FAA for upcoming 10th and 11th graders  through an application and review process.

To find out more, join us at our Info Night!

For the complete notification flyer

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WrwBPzm08a8rPZd09dd-G3YQkXOUobwM-nR5XtnJJoQ/edit

Franklin Arts Academy - Info Night - Jan 13, 2021