Franklin Public Schools, MA: reminder on holiday weekend

Franklin Public Schools, MA (@FranklinPSNews) tweeted on Fri, Jan 15, 2021:

"Reminder: All Franklin Public Schools will be closed on Monday, January 18th, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. day.

Also, there is a Professional Development Day on Tuesday, January 19th.  No school for PreK-12."

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

Franklin Public Schools, MA: reminder on holiday weekend

Town of Franklin, MA: closed Monday, Jan 18 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day

"The Town of Franklin Offices/Departments will be closed on Monday, January 18th, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day."

Shared from Twitter:  https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1350119902091374592

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

"Most surprising .. was the governor’s rejection of the Legislature’s increase in fees on ride-hail trips"

"Baker vetoes key policy initiatives in transportation bond bill
New Uber, Lyft fees and Spilka toll restriction scrapped"

"GOV. CHARLIE BAKER signed the Legislature’s transportation bond bill into law on Friday, but used his line-item veto to remove proposals raising fees on Uber and Lyft rides, establishing means-tested fares on public transit, and an initiative pushed by Senate President Karen Spilka that would prohibit increases in Turnpike tolls to help pay for the Allston I-90 interchange project.

The $16 billion bond bill authorizes the state to borrow money to finance all sorts of ongoing transportation projects, including bridge repairs, road improvements, and public transit initiatives such as the Green Line extension and South Coast Rail. The bill passed by the Legislature in the wee hours of January 6 also contained a number of new policy initiatives that Baker decided to scrap. Because the Legislature that passed the bill is no longer in session, the governor’s vetoes cannot be overridden. "

Continue reading the article online 

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/transportation/baker-vetoes-key-policy-initiatives-in-transportation-bond-bill/

 

The Boston Globe version of this story (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/01/16/metro/baker-vetoes-uber-lyft-fee-increase-he-signs-off-16-billion-transportation-borrowing/

 

Spear Phishing makes the news (again)

 

"A prominent TV news anchor in India, Nidhi Razdan was looking forward to starting her new job as an associate professor of journalism at Harvard University in September.

Just one setback. Harvard doesn’t have a journalism program.

After months of delays that she attributed to the pandemic, Razdan had a jarring realization: the faculty position, it turns out, doesn’t exist. The offer she thought she had accepted was nothing more than an elaborate ploy to access her personal information, she said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/01/15/metro/reporter-nidhi-razdan-claims-she-was-victim-sophisticated-phishing-attack-that-led-her-believe-she-got-journalism-job-harvard/

 

Franklin Fire Dept: Open Burning Season begins - permits available

Open Burning Season begins today.  Go to the Franklin Fire Dept website to obtain your permit: https://t.co/I9J3V4gjb3 

 

Shared from Twitter:  https://t.co/Joi9sHKshl

 

Franklin Fire: Open Burning Season - permits available

 

 

Franklin's Weekend Outlook: Jan 16 - Jan 17, 2021

Heading into the long weekend for Martin Luther King Day, the weather doesn't look so great, but it is New England and it could be colder....

 

Saturday, January 16
10:00am -  Winter Farmers Market

Sunday, January 17
1:00pm -  Historical Museum (open and free admission)

Monday, January 18   Martin Luther King Jr. Day 

Library and Town offices closed

 

Find the full calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6
 

Community Calendar

 

Winter Farmers Market - Jan 16

Don’t forget about our winter market happening again THIS Saturday 10-2! 

Make sure to wear those rain boots, rain coats and bring those umbrellas as the forecast shows lots of rain. Never fear as we have some great vendors to help make your day great!

Fairmount Fruit Farm  https://www.facebook.com/fairmountfruitfarm

Winter Farmers Market - Jan 16 - vendor list

Winter Farmers Market - Jan 16 - schedule

GoFundMe: Jason McHenry Memorial Fund

"We are heartbroken to share that Jason Robert McHenry, 50, passed away on November 19, 2020. Jason leaves behind 2 beautiful children, Connor, 11 and Anelie, 8, along with his wife of 14 years, Kristen.

Jason was a kind, gentle man with a bright smile and great sense of humor. He had a passion for cooking and was amazing at it. Above all, Jason loved his family and cherished being a dad.

This fundraiser is set up by friends to help support Kristen, Connor, and Anelie during this devastating time. While we cannot take away their sadness, we can help alleviate their financial burden and provide support during this heartbreaking time. 

Thank you for any contribution you can make, we appreciate each and every one of you."

The GoFundMe page is here https://www.gofundme.com/f/jason-robert-mchenry

 

GoFundMe: Jason McHenry Memorial Fund

Finance Committee - Jan 13, 2021 - meeting recap = storm water utility fee and COVID-19 updates

Quick Recap:

• Storm water utility fee update provided prior to presenting to Town Council
• Overview of program as it developed, held info sessions during 2020, and is ready for Town Council discussion
• Check out the Storm water maps to check your property (link below)
• Curious to see what the credits will look like; in particular, in my own case, to see what the approved pervious pavers would be. I was to redo my driveway and to get a way from blacktop might be doable.
• COVID-19 vaccines started in distribution to first responders on Weds at FHS with over 200 delivered.

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one folder  https://photos.app.goo.gl/gXZbEs654E1F4Wgn9

----
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  #fincom0113 
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23fincom0113&src=typeahead_click

• Real time reporting underway for the Finance Committee meeting. #fincom0113 main topic tonight is storm water. Jamie touts a doc released today (maybe to the committee) that will lay out the financial impacts

storm water utility fee

• #fincom0113 DPW Director Cantoreggi reviewing the storm water presentation seen previously and adding updates where things have changed. Copy of presentation in agenda doc https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/01-13-2021_fincom_agenda.pdf 
• #fincom113 all of the storm water mitigation currently in the operating budget. Approx. $1.2m for storm water in budget for this.
• With roadmap and progress you can show the effort to the EPA as mitigation for the permit issued to clean up the Charles River. Residential property less impervious property #fincom0113 reducing phosphorus is key. When asked if the town forest should be raked the EPA was quiet
• #fincom0113 leaf pickup not in the first pass of the plan. Q Will we ever be done with the EPA? Maybe but these tend to be moving targets and something else could come along. So it doesn't seem like the fee would go away ever
• Utility fee is much more equitable. Post office doesn't pay taxes, but will pay this utility fee. #fincom0113 yes, there will be a previous paver listing for approved credit against the fee
• #fincom0113 Councilor Hamblen, had been chair for the ad-hoc Committee that worked on the utility fee. The fee for this will possibly be the lowest of the communities implementing a fee. Refers to the storm water page for additional info, pro/con, FAQs...
• For reference, the storm water page can be found https://franklinma.gov/stormwater-division. #fincom0113 SQ footage of impervious surface on the property would equate to billable units - check out the map for your property to see if it makes sense. There may be errors, and they should be raised
• Over a period of time, the ops budget for storm water would move to the storm water utility enterprise fund. Working to balance the sensitivity of the dollar impact. #fincom0113 discount would be equally applicable for storm water and other services for those eligible
• It will take time for the fee to settle some market forces will play, cost of services applicable, #fincom0113 storm water director and four personnel, likely some may transfer from other depts to this, and when remains to be seen.
• Initial presentation showed $2.3m and taking the leaf pickup out brought it to $1.2m #fincom0113 

COVID-19 update

• Clinic at FHS did 200 vaccines for first responders today. Bellingham Milford Millis Medway and Franklin served collaboratively
• Wait 28 days for 2nd shot for first responders, other smaller groups will be covered. Phase 2 is end of Feb/Mar. Can't answer yet as they don't have the info and guidelines to prepare yet. #fincom0113
• It is time to pay attention as the vaccine and delivery is underway, the regs are changing daily, sometimes multiple within the day. #fincom0113 This is hard, we have never done this before. Voluntary now, no mandate now. Stay tuned.
• Q schools have seen issues with staffing schools due to either contact or sickness, have we had any of that on the municipal side. Per Jamie, #s will change again as there is a 100 new cases here. #fincom0113 what the Federal govt will do after the 20th remains to be seen
• Money for CARES extended a year, so what we haven't spent we have time to do. Materials delivered for the campus school UV upgrades. #fincom0113 misc financial topics coming up next time can do an FY 2022 budget forecast in Feb, Gov Baker will have released his
• How do we compare with other similar towns re: reserve amounts or stabilization funds. #fincom0113 Motion to adjourn, passed
• Swivel seat to do listening session starting now. #edc0113
• Completing the #fincom0113 session earlier, with view provided unable to determine full attendance of Committee hence vote counts not included. All (x = ?) present voted.

The doc released for the Finance Committee meeting and background links 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/stormwater-utility-fee-recommendations.html

one slide of the presentation deck, and yes, the Charles begins here in Franklin

FHS girls basketball top King Philip 66-31

From HockomockSports.com we share the FHS sports results: 

Girls Basketball = King Philip, 31 @ Franklin, 66 – Final 

– Franklin picked up a big win over one of the contenders for the Kelley-Rex crown. Olivia Quinn scored in double digits for the third straight game, finishing with a game-high 18. Kayleigh Houlihan and Brigid Earley each had a dozen points in the win. Jackie Bonner scored 10 points and Cat Spellman added eight points for KP.  

 

For other results around the Hockomock League

https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-14-21/

 

FHS girls basketball top King Philip 66-31

 

School Committee - Jan 12, 2021 - Meeting Recap

Quick Recap:

• Excellent presentation and overview from Oak St on their in school learning. At least one parent said while that is rosy, the 'at home' situation is not so
• Superintendent Ahern updated on new pool testing option available, sessions to explain further scheduled, need to respond back to DESE if we'd use it. Need to get a good (?) number to participate to make it worth while 
• Recommends community #DoYourPart in following protocols esp. with long weekend, and Feb vacation breaks coming up
  
• K-1 survey results revealed and discussion, situation summarized as a "dilemma" with no clear path forward other than more study
• Student Opportunity Act (SOA) plan approved; a formality as there is no SOA money from the State, but DESE wants this, so be it
• School Committee voted 5-2 to suspend athletics if district goes fully remote due to increase in COVID cases (how much more red than the red we are was not provided to trigger this move)
• Hold the date for the next Legislative forum now scheduled for March 2

 

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via the Twitter thread can be found in one folder

https://photos.app.goo.gl/bkbJCUi4RhHQz3399

----

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  #schcom0112
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23schcom0112&src=typed_query

• I am ready for real time reporting of the School Committee meeting tonight at 7 PM #schcom0112 are you?
• #schcom0112 the packet folder with agenda and docs released for the meeting https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/january-12-2021-school-committee-packet
• Meeting opens, more than 70 participating via Zoom, another 9 on Live Stream, and xx? on the Verizon/Comcast cable channels #schcom0112
• Pool testing info received via email before meeting will be posted to FM page and shared after the meeting. Google doc link here https://drive.google.com/file/d/1s3EKa7HViWSOtO9J-SFwVGiK-_K91a46/view?usp=drivesdk #schcom0112

Citizen Comments/FHS Updates

• #schcom0112 ELL teacher traveling between Jeff/Kennedy shares during citizen comments. FHS student updates: yearbook superlatives shared, diversity club active esp after Capitol incident; AP government doing a fantasy game on media coverage
• Class of 2022 doing a flocking fund raiser, winter sports teams off to a good start. #schcom0112 

Superintendent's report 

• superintendent's report - appeal to Community "Do your part" ; rumors/videos of additional parties, can't tell if FHS participated or they are current. Pls follow safety guides!
• 2nd re: travel on weekends, re MA order, requires 72 hour window for testing upon return, or quarantine. If testing before, can't count that test upon return, you need another one. #schcom0112 weekend ahead, Feb vacation and April coming. Test 5 days after return
• Hearing of cases thru contact tracing (which is good) but there is a lag in processing, if positive test please contact schools directly so action can be taken quickly. #schcom0112 image on pool testing. Note: participation up over 140
• Explanation of pool testing process, cost of pool testing less than normal, first 6 wks covered by DESE then local funds would be applied however sourced #schcom0112 professional development day on Weds, hence half day for students.
• Asked Q on time for logistics of admin for the testing, would seem to come from instruction, is DESE considering that relative to their interest in time on learning? #schcom0112
• Item in report Dr Edwards is retiring at end of school year. Will be missed and plans underway to backfill. More recognition later this year as other retirement are acknowledged. #schcom0112

Oak St presentation

• Oak St highlights for tonight's presentation, principal and others contributing for update #schcom0112 presentation doc link here = https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/oak_street_presentation_school_committee_1.12.21_1.pdf
• Vice principal updating on SEL (2 avoid misspelling will add names later, they shd be recognized but I can't type that fast!) #schcom0112  (Added to this as promised: Principal: Brad Hendrixson; Donna Krikorian, Assistant Principal)
• #schcom0112 how to greet by name and express feelings/emotions with a mask. (Catching up on slides, Principal in this batch) finding ways to partner students with remote and in person fostering learning
• Sue Egan, REACH program at Oak (note Mrs Sherlock has subbed pre-COVID in this program) #schcom0112 appreciative if 10 days prep to put program together in COVID protocol to help the students, they came 4 days a week (only ones in building at that time)
• Jenna Perro, first grade teacher, tells of take home bags put together on Weds (during prep time) for students to take home #schcom0112
• Katherine Nayler, 4th grade teacher, speaks also of the value of the planning time on Weds as critical to what happens elsewhere in the instruction #schcom0112 developing a growth mindset, relationship building, in person and across cohorts
• Google meet open during day so students remote can reach teacher, teachers are juggling between in person and remote. #schcom0112 one math game went well, so we'll students asked to play it again. Closing meeting includes a shout out from students, "they check on us a lot"

Discussion/action items

• Moving to discussion action items, IF FHS needed to go remote, prepared action for vote if it were to occur, such that sports would not be interrupted by a delay in #schcom0112 vote https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_fhs_athletics_plan_if_remote.pdf
• This vote would actually be allowing to suspend sports if necessary. Could move in or out of model based upon prior vote. #schcom0112 Q what is the metric to make this decision? Metrics available to go other way, but since we are red now, how red do we need to be?
• Most cases are in family transmission, if found to be within school environment, that would be a criteria. #schcom0112 would be a pretty extreme circumstance for FHS. More risk now with rising #s, sports competition indoors (basketball, hockey, etc.) and higher risk
• Rather have it and not needed, than not have it and need it. #schcom0112 motion to approve plan as discussed, seconded, via roll call passes 5-2. Motion on SOA plan as discussed, seconded, passes 7-0 via roll call
• Next up, personnel update https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/personnel-update-0. #schcom0112 hiring issues as not a big available pool of candidates HR Director Lisa Traynor provides updates # of retirement increasing as it goes, hard to tell if normal or COVID specific
• If anyone looking for nursing position, there are openings and can be filled right away. #schcom0112 K-1 survey summary presentation https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/k-1-survey-summary we all have a common goal, caution not to put parties against each other

K-1 survey summary

• While dissatisfaction expressed with hybrid, there was recognition of great work being done by teachers. #schcom0112 detailed overview of survey results, work with other staff to get their feedback req'd, would also require negotiations with union. A dilemma ...
• With in person returning eventually, and the work needed to be done on that, I read between the lines not doing more on this K-1 scenario. Priority maybe getting ready for return in person with vaccine. #schcom0112 Q what more info needed? Process needs to be followed
• Distancing vs disruption is the challenge, discussion continues to be worked towards. #schcom0112 "I was hoping the results would be more clear but they are not" Issues with current hybrid can't be fully solved as is, never mind 'worsening' it with new scenarios
• Newsletter out today to help provide support for parents to help teachers on literacy, i.e independent reading practice. Also on math work and SEL single biggest request was for planning time, grade level development planned to share resources across the schools #schcom0112
• Responding to the planning time request is not going to be one and done, needs to be on going. #schcom0112 DESE just issued a webinar series for K-3 teachers. Have been cleared on learning time currently, i.e. meeting required hours.
• #schcom0112 Q are we going to see a clear plan on how to move forward? There will be work done, plans to come forward, pool testing, vaccine distribution expected, there is a lot going on. There is inequity in the buildings and inequity in service delivery in some scenarios
• rising case counts create added pressure, an increase in VLA would require additional hiring (which is already a problem) #schcom0112 suggestion, could use the data points collected this far to bring in those students 'behind' to benefit a 4 day in person?

Reopening status

• Moving to reopening status https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/reopening-status-update-1721 #schcom0112 additional staff in quarantine due to either student cases or family members. 41 of the 128 had been in buildings in prior 7 days DESE #s will differ
• MCAS testing changes this spring, staffing concerns covered earlier, FHS complex nearing completion on AC upgrade/purifiers, vaccine process starts for first responders on the 13th and 20th at the high school gym. #schcom0112 opening for public comment limited for 3 mins

Public comments

• Donna Grady, K teacher and president of teachers union. I understand the frustration around not getting an answer. We are forgetting we are in the middle of a pandemic, even in school it is not normal, #s are down now because of hybrid. When they go, they will spread #schcom0112
• "Educators do not do this to be first responders" #schcom0112 what is the overall goal? Bring back K-1, bring back all? Let's decide so it helps our discussion. Not clear on what info we need, what is it that is good for Franklin? Parmenter closed Monday, and now 4 rest of week
• "we can't help our high needs students" #schcom0112 "we are doing our best" students are making progress, same as normal time, probably not. "Logistically it is a nightmare" "while I appreciate the rosy picture of Oak St, the at home experience is not so rosy"
• "If we need to find additional planning time, don't take it from synchronous teaching time" #schcom0112 "a silver lining is that the school Committee meeting is virtual so I can participate" please continue. "Don't give up on finding a solution"
• #schcom0112 "not comfortable about the shorter distances" multigenerational families "would rather have all stay alive and stay healthy" so we can be together again "there is a way to do this without being in 5 days a week"
• #schcom0112 speak to the real effect on the staff. DESE as of Jan 6, 35/100k. 253/75k. A factor of ten more teachers with COVID per DESE #s in comparison to Franklin #s, " the numbers support their concerns" Budget Subcommittee 1/14, Community relations met last week

Information updates/closing

• Legislative forum scheduled for March 2, will be virtual. Policy meeting next on 1/21. DT Subcommittee meeting 1/14 #schcom0112 why review of the agenda before the meeting? To review or change the order or take something off
• New business, update on FHS, homework update, vote on next school year calendar. Consent agenda https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/january-12-2021-school-committee-packet #schcom0112 motion, seconded, passes 6-0 (1 left early)
• Motion to enter executive session, not to return to public meeting seconded, passes 6-0 via roll call. #schcom0112 That's all for tonight, catch you next time! 

 

School Committee - Jan 12, 2021 - Meeting Recap

Boston Globe: Gov Baker "signs economic and housing package, but vetoes some tenant protections"

"Governor Charlie Baker on Thursday signed a nearly $627 million economic development bill, but rejected a handful of measures in the sprawling package, including two designed to further protect tenants.

Baker’s signature will put in motion hundreds of millions of state borrowing over the next five years, which officials say will help jumpstart a state economy battered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The package includes more than $100 million in bonding authority to help small businesses, 15 percent caps on third-party delivery fees imposed by the likes of Grubhub and DoorDash, and legislation Baker has pushed for years to ease housing-related zoning changes.

The language, known as Housing Choice, will reduce the voting threshold from a two-thirds majority to a simple majority needed to pass a range of land-use issues in cities and towns. Baker has said the change will help spur much needed housing throughout the state."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/01/15/metro/baker-signs-economic-housing-package-vetoes-some-tenant-protections/

Direct link to the Legislation  https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H5250

CommonWealth Magazine article

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/economy/baker-signs-626-million-economic-development-bill/

“Reluctantly, I cannot sign this legislation as currently written"

"Governor Charlie Baker vetoed a far-reaching package of climate change and energy legislation Thursday, rejecting — perhaps temporarily — a bill that would have set the state on a path to in effect eliminate its carbon emissions over the next three decades.

The move disappointed but didn’t surprise lawmakers and advocates, who had feared the Republican governor would veto the bill, despite having laid out his own ambitious plan to achieve zero emissions on a net basis by 2050.

The legislation, considered the state’s most sweeping measure to address climate change since the landmark Global Warming Solutions Act in 2008, would have required the state to reduce its emissions by 50 percent below 1990 levels by the end of the decade."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/01/15/metro/reluctantly-governor-vetoes-mass-climate-change-bill-it-may-soon-be-back-his-desk/

Direct link to Climate legislation doc: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S2995

 

CommonWealth Magazine article:  https://commonwealthmagazine.org/environment/in-veto-letter-baker-objects-to-a-lot-in-climate-change-bill/

 

Statement from Senate President Karen E. Spilka and House Speaker Ronald Mariano:

“Climate change is the greatest existential threat facing our state, our nation, and our planet, and so Governor Baker should sign the climate change bill that is now on his desk. Should he not take this important step, the Senate and House are united in our intention to refile and pass the conference committee bill in its entirety and get it onto the Governor’s desk in the coming days.”

Emergency relief plan announced

"President-elect Joe Biden laid out a $1.9 trillion emergency relief plan Thursday night that will serve as an early test of his ability to steer the nation out of a pandemic disaster and rapidly deteriorating economy — and his promise to unite a divided Congress.

The wide-ranging package is designed to take aim at the twin crises Biden will confront upon taking office Wednesday, with provisions delivering direct aid to American families, businesses and communities, and a major focus on coronavirus testing and vaccine production and delivery as the pandemic surges."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/us-policy/2021/01/14/biden-stimulus-covid-relief/

The Guardian on the stimulus package

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/jan/14/joe-biden-coronavirus-stimulus-package

The New York Times also on the stimulus

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/14/business/biden-economy.html

The is light ahead

What are the COVID-19 symptoms?

"Symptoms of covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus, can range from mild to severe. The most common include fever, a dry cough or shortness of breath, but there are other indications you could need to be tested or have a conversation with your doctor.

Not everyone experiences the same symptoms, and the order in which they appear can vary. Some people don’t show any symptoms — what health experts call “asymptomatic” cases — but still could spread the virus to others.

Although this list is not inclusive of every possible symptom, it includes what physicians and health experts have determined are the most common. Some of these symptoms will coincide with one another. Symptoms of a coronavirus infection can emerge anywhere from two to 14 days after exposure to the virus."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2020/12/02/covid-symptoms/

You can also use the CDC symptom checking

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

Town of Franklin's COVID-19 Information Portal

https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/coronavirus-information-portal