Saturday, January 30, 2021

Franklin Public Library: February 2021 - News & Events

Franklin Public Library February 2021 News & Events

Library News

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Franklin Public Library is currently closed to the public. Curbside Pickup is available Monday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the vestibule of the entrance at the top of the parking lot ramp. Library Staff are available by phone (508-520-4941) and email (frkill@minlib.net) Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday hours are not available at this time.

The Library will be closed and Curbside Pickup will not be available on Monday, February 15 for Presidents Day.

No donations are being accepted at this time. Please do not place them in the return bins or outside the building.

Friends of the Franklin Library

Library staff would like to thank the Friends of the Franklin Library for their incredibly generous donation of $4000 to the Library. This gift will be used to fund programming for children, teens, and adults.

New Materials

Check out the list of new books, movies, and music added to the Library's collection in the last month!

https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/pages/new-materials

Curbside Printing

The Franklin Public Library is now offering Curbside Printing! Send your document as an email attachment to the following email address: frkill@minlib.net .

In the email subject line, in all caps, type: CURBSIDE PRINTING

  • Can only be printed on 8.5 x 11 or 8.5 x 14 inch paper
  • Can only be printed in black and white
  • Must be ten pages or less
  • Limit of one print job per week
  • Must be Microsoft Office compatible or standard PDF format
  • Single sided pages only
  • For Franklin residents only
  • You will receive an email when your document is ready for pick up
  • This is a free service

Staff members cannot alter your print job in any way prior to printing. Please carefully check the print preview option on your computer or personal device before submitting our document.

Privacy information: Please do not send print jobs that contain private or sensitive information. Your document will be placed in an envelope, but it will be left for pickup in the Curbside Pickup area – this area is open to the general public.

Have some questions about this service? Send an email to frkill@minlib.net . In the subject line, type CURBSIDE PRINTING QUESTION.

Book & Movie Bundles for Kids and Adults

Miss browsing the stacks? Looking for some book or movie recommendations? Help is here! Introducing Book & Movie Bundles! Fill out a form indicating your preferences, and Library staff will customize a bundle of five items just for you. Once your bundle is ready, you will receive an email that it is available in our Curbside Pickup area. To get started, visit the Franklin Public Library's website https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/pages/book-movie-bundles .

Programs for Children and Teens

Weekly Virtual Events for Kids!

Wake Up Wiggles! Mondays @10:30AM on Facebook Live!

Virtual Dungeons & Dragons! Mondays @3:30PM

email mgousie@minlib.net for more details!

Zoom Tummy Time for Babies! Tuesdays @9:30AM

          email Miss Caleigh at ckeating@minlib.net to register for Tummy Time!

Zoom Toe Tapping Tuesdays! (Super Silly Dance Class for Ages 2+!) Tuesdays @4:00PM

          email Miss Bree at bcomeau@minlib.net to register for Cool Cruisers!

Bookworm Bounce! Thursdays @4:00PM on Facebook Live!

Virtual Dungeons & Dragons! Mondays @ 3:30PM

Kids Ages 7-15! Join us each week for virtual D&D on Roll20.net! Then join a community of gamers for fun on FPL's own Discord Server! "Chairs" are open for New Players and Dungeon Masters are always in demand! Email mgousie@minlib.net for more details!

Teen Advisory Board, 2nd Wednesday of the Month on Zoom @6:30PM!

Teens! Want to get involved at the library from a distance? Join us as we plan teen-centric events, book displays, revamp our website and more! The perfect way to earn community service hours remotely! Email ckeating@minlib.net to get involved!

Girls Who Code!

Grades 3-5 Friday Feb. 5th & 19th @ 3:00PMGirls Who Code

A Coding club for grades 3-5. We are bringing back G.W.C. at the Franklin Public Library! Learn to Code, Join a community, and Share your passions. All kids interested are welcome! Email mgousie@minlib.net for more details!

 

Grades 6-12 Friday Feb. 5th & 19th @ 4:00PM

A Coding club for grades 6-12. We are bringing back G.W.C. at the Franklin Public Library! Learn to Code, Join a community, and Share your passions. All teens interested are welcome! Email mgousie@minlib.net for more details!

 

Special Programs for Families

Take and Make: Chinese New Year Dragon Puppets!Take and make dragon puppets

Starting Saturday, February 1st, stop by the library between 10:00am-7:00pm and call the children's room (508-520-4941 ext. 2) to pick up your very own Dragon Puppet Kit! Kits include supplies and instructions for making a charming Dragon Puppet to celebrate Chinese New Year! This year is the Year of the Ox! SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED! Dragon Puppet Kits will be distributed on a first come first serve basis!

 

Black History Month Book Bingo!Black History Month Bingo

Celebrate Black History Month with a special reading challenge! We've got a special BINGO board with reading prompts relating to Black historical figure, authors and illustrators!  Complete BINGO in any direction in order to receive a prize! Special prizes will be available for anyone who completes their entire board! Find the Bingo Board in the library vestibule or on our website starting February 1st, and email your titles to ckeating@minlib.net! All entries must be received by Sunday, February 28th!

 

Zoom Cooking Class for families with Miss Sandhya! Saturday February 13th, 1:00PMZoom Cooking Class for Kids

Join Miss Sandhya of Sandhya's Kitchen for a special zoom cooking class for kids and their grown-ups! To register for the class and receive the zoom link, email Caleigh at ckeating@minlib.net!

 

 

 

 

Take and Make: Slime!Take and make Slime Kits

Starting Saturday, February 13th, stop by the library between 10:00am-7:30pm and call the children's room (508-520-4941 ext. 2) to pick up your very own Slime Making Kit! Kits include supplies and instructions for making your very own slime, with glue and liquid starch! The perfect vacation week craft! SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED! Slime Kits will be distributed on a first come first serve basis!

 

February StoryWalk at DelCarte Reservation!February Story Walk

Starting Saturday, February 13th, the Franklin Recreation Department and the Franklin Public Library are teaming up again for a cozy StoryWalk on the trail! The StoryWalk will be up until mid-March, so you have plenty of time to enjoy the story, while social distancing!

 

 

Teen Zoom Murder Mystery Party! Wednesday, February 17th @6:00PM

Teens! Join us on Zoom for a teen-centric virtual soiree, as we celebrate February vacation week with a 1920s, Gatsby themed interactive mystery! To register and receive the zoom link, please email ckeating@minlib.net!

Make with Miss Mitzi Craft Class: Hand Warmers! Saturday February 27th, 1:00PM

Join Miss Mitzi for a special zoom crafting class! She will be teaching us how to sew our own heart-shaped hand warmers! To register for the class and receive the zoom link, email Mitzi at mgousie@minlib.net!

Adults

Love in All its Forms: A Valentine's Reading and Performance, Wednesday, February 10, 7:00 p.m.Love in all its forms

Love in All its Forms will feature four local authors reading and performing original works spanning literally all forms of love: gay, straight, undecided, male, female, cringe-inducing, heart-warming, humorous, pathetic, vanilla and not-so-much, millennial and middle-aged, romantic and platonic.

The New England Indie Authors Collective will present their latest work on the modern state of love. The Zoom event will include time for a Q&A. Authors will include Jenny Pivor, Judah Leblang, Jason M. Rubin, and Randy Ross. To register, please visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUqf-yvqDopHNGUcKO_rtyzEOrzgSC... .

 

Roots of Black Music in America presented by Karlus Trapp, Wednesday, February 17, 7:00 p.m.

The Roots of Black Music in America

Karlus Trapp's delightful, educational, and entertaining presentation "The Roots of Black Music in America" is a 100 year journey back through time to hear, experience anew, and learn about the music of America's black musical giants. It is a joyful show that encourages and comes alive through audience participation and interaction with singing, dancing, call and response and percussion playing. Please be warned: If you view this show, you may find yourself uncontrollably smiling, singing or humming for hours afterward.

To register for this Zoom program, please visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUudO-uqzMsHNKi6AUaGVu1mkziEz0... .

Take-And-Make Craft for Adults: Embroidery Kit

Embroidery Kits

In a collaboration with the Franklin Mill Store, the Franklin Public Library is now offering Take-And-Make craft kits for adults! The project for January is embroidery kits. The embroidery kits include everything you need to create your own hand embroidered hoop. The pattern design is pre-printed on 100% cotton fabric, so there's no need for transferring or tracing. Just pop the fabric in the hoop, thread your needle, and start stitching!
These make easy and wonderful gifts. Embroidery is a great way to slow down, get cozy, and get crafty. Each kit contains: pre-printed (in color) fabric pattern, coordinating embroidery floss, needle, wooden hoop(s), full color card with image on front and stitching notes on back, a 'getting started with hand embroidery' guide and instructional how-to for basic stitches. The finished design is sized to fit nicely in a 6" hoop.

Kits are available to the first 35 Franklin residents to register, and will be placed in Curbside Pickup. To register, please contact Assistant Library Director Kim Shipala at 508-520-4941, or email kshipala@minlib.net .

 

Franklin Public Library Book Club, Tuesday, February 23, 7:00 p.m.

Book Club

The book for discussion is Such a Fun Age, by Kiley Reid.

Alix Chamberlain is a woman who gets what she wants and has made a living, with her confidence-driven brand, showing other women how to do the same. So she is shocked when her babysitter, Emira Tucker, is confronted while watching the Chamberlains' toddler one night, walking the aisles of their local high-end supermarket. The store's security guard, seeing a young black woman out late with a white child, accuses Emira of kidnapping two-year-old Briar. A small crowd gathers, a bystander films everything, and Emira is furious and humiliated. Alix resolves to make things right. But Emira herself is aimless, broke, and wary of Alix's desire to help. At twenty-five, she is about to lose her health insurance and has no idea what to do with her life. When the video of Emira unearths someone from Alix's past, both women find themselves on a crash course that will upend everything they think they know about themselves, and each other. With empathy and piercing social commentary, Such a Fun Age explores the stickiness of transactional relationships, what it means to make someone "family," the complicated reality of being a grown up, and the consequences of doing the right thing for the wrong reason.

To reserve a copy of the book or for more information, please contact Assistant Library Director Kim Shipala at kshipala@minlib.net . To register, please visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcsf-yrrDIuGNZUG2MU5BiraLtGa3d... .

 

Online Resources

Even though we are closed to the public, the Library still has so much to offer! Here are updates and information regarding the Library's services during this closure:

Shared from the Town of Franklin page

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FM #446 School Committee Mtg - P1 of 2 - 01/26/21 (audio)

FM #445 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 445 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Jan 26, 2021.

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 was remote via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the just over two hour meeting into two logical segments:

  • ** First ** - covers the opening through the Horace Mann Middle School update (approx 1 hour)
  • Second - picks up from the FHS Program of Studies update through to the end of the public meeting as they entered Executive Session (not to return to public meeting) (approx 67 minutes)


The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to my notes. The meeting packet folder will hold the other documents released for the meeting (as we go to press, the Superintendent’s Report is not yet updated)

Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting of Jan 26, 2021. Audio = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HW2G1ZcS

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

Quick Recap:

  • Update from Horace Mann Middle School on what they are doing and how they are doing in these pandemic days. Exciting to see.
  • Update from Franklin High School on program of studies, some changes to class offerings to better follow "Portrait of a Graduate" and meet needs of students.
  • Reopening status update, challenges remain with staffing and keeping schools hybrid. Case counts are rising, still working on K-1 improvements but less likely to get them in school with current situation (case counts) and previously expressed concerns.
  • Pool testing reviewed, formal application has not yet been made
  • School calendar approved for first look at 2021-2022 school year. Additional info and dates (half days/professional development) to be updated in second pass TBD.

 
Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one folder
https://photos.app.goo.gl/78XYK77JhzZUWNxX7
 
Agenda doc
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_1-26-2021.pdf

Meeting packet folder
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/january-26-2021-school-committee-packet

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/school-committee-meeting-recap-jan-26.html

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

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!

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

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

 

FM #446 School Committee Mtg - P1 of 2 - 01/26/21 (audio)
FM #446 School Committee Mtg - P1 of 2 - 01/26/21 (audio)

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FM #447 School Committee Mtg - P2 of 2 - 01/26/21 (audio)

FM #447 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 447 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Jan 26, 2021.

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 was remote via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the just over two hour meeting into two logical segments:

  • First - covers the opening through the Horace Mann Middle School update (approx 1 hour)
  • ** Second ** - picks up from the FHS Program of Studies update through to the end of the public meeting as they entered Executive Session (not to return to public meeting) (approx 67 minutes)


The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to my notes. The meeting packet folder will hold the other documents released for the meeting (as we go to press, the Superintendent’s Report is not yet updated)

Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting of Jan 26, 2021. Audio = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HB7whP2S

 

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

Quick Recap:

  • Update from Horace Mann Middle School on what they are doing and how they are doing in these pandemic days. Exciting to see.
  • Update from Franklin High School on program of studies, some changes to class offerings to better follow "Portrait of a Graduate" and meet needs of students.
  • Reopening status update, challenges remain with staffing and keeping schools hybrid. Case counts are rising, still working on K-1 improvements but less likely to get them in school with current situation (case counts) and previously expressed concerns.
  • Pool testing reviewed, formal application has not yet been made
  • School calendar approved for first look at 2021-2022 school year. Additional info and dates (half days/professional development) to be updated in second pass TBD.

 
Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one folder
https://photos.app.goo.gl/78XYK77JhzZUWNxX7
 
Agenda doc
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_1-26-2021.pdf

Meeting packet folder
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/january-26-2021-school-committee-packet

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/school-committee-meeting-recap-jan-26.html

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

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!

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

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

 
 

FM #447 School Committee Mtg - P2 of 2 - 01/26/21 (audio)
FM #447 School Committee Mtg - P2 of 2 - 01/26/21 (audio)


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Winter Weather & Emergency Information

Winter Weather & Emergency Information

Hello Franklin,

The forecast over the next few days includes extremely cold temperatures and the potential for snow early next week.  Please take the necessary steps to stay safe and be prepared.  Emergency Management Information is available on our website, as well as this informational flyer with tips on how to prepare for a storm.  

 
Emergency Management Information
 
How to prepare for a snow storm
 
Winter Weather & Emergency Information
Winter Weather & Emergency Information

 
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“Four Week Illumination and Sound Experience” - Hatch Shell, Boston

"As is the case with so many of Boston’s beloved destinations, it’s hard not to think about the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade and get a little bummed out. All the celebrations that would normally take place in its giant shadow, like the Fourth of July Fireworks Spectaculars, the BSO performances, and all the free-to-all concerts held there every year, have been canceled. One of the loudest publicly-accessible outdoor spaces in the city has gone quiet, and dark.

But a new month long public art project slated to take over the Hatch Shell this winter will change all that, and in the process, give Bostonians something they have no doubt been craving of late: something cool to do outside.

Beginning later this month, the stage will host what the Esplanade Association is calling a “four week illumination and sound experience.” Called Hatched: Breaking through the silence, it will include laser-projected animations that will fill the 40-foot-tall arch, as well as music that can be played through smartphones and portable speakers.

It debuts on January 22, and viewings will last 15 minutes and run every 20 minutes from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. each night through February 21. It’s free to all, and the Hatch Shell’s lawn will be open to anyone who wants to see the show up close while keeping a safe distance apart."
Continue reading the article online
 
Shared from Twitter:  https://t.co/wrtjjLU4lf
 
“Four Week Illumination and Sound Experience” - Hatch Shell, Boston
“Four Week Illumination and Sound Experience” - Hatch Shell, Boston (Rendering via the MF Dynamics)


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Friday, January 29, 2021

Franklin's Event Outlook: Jan 29 - Feb 5, 2021

It's cold. Be careful... It's a pandemic. Be careful... The calendar is starting to look a little better, there is hope coming down the road. Hang in their folks!

Saturday, January 30
7:30pm -  Jazz in January: Live-Stream!
 
Sunday, January 31
1:00pm -  Historical Museum (open and free admission)
 
Monday, February 1
First Day of Black History Month
10:00am -  FPL: Dragon Puppet Kits
7:00pm -  Cultural District Partners Mtg
 
Wednesday, February 3
6:30pm -  FAA: Art by Chris Lamb Toubeau
 
Friday, February 5
3:00pm -  FPL: Girls Who Code (Grades 3-5)
4:00pm -  FPL: Girls Who Code! (Grades 6-12) 

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
Community Calendar
 
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School Committee Meeting Recap - Jan 26, 2021 = HMMS, FHS, homework, and reopening status updates

Quick Recap:
  • Update from Horace Mann Middle School on what they are doing and how they are doing in these pandemic days. Exciting to see.
  • Update from Franklin High School on program of studies, some changes to class offerings to better follow "Portrait of a Graduate" and meet needs of students.
  • Reopening status update, challenges remain with staffing and keeping schools hybrid. Case counts rising, still working on K-1 improvements but less likely to get them in school with current situation (case counts) and previously expressed concerns.
  • Pool testing reviewed, formal application has not yet been made
  • School calendar approved for first look at 2021-2022 school year. Additional info and dates (half days/professional development) to be updated in second pass TBD.
 
Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one folder
 
The audio recording of this meeting will be available soon


----

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  #schcom0126


  • Getting ready for the School Committee meeting at 7. Agenda doc and connection info available https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/january-26-2021-school-committee-packet #schcom0126
  • Updates from Horace Mann Middle school, on the FHS program of studies, and the homework policy are scheduled. Oh, and then a reopening update on the agenda. Multiple ways to watch and/or listen #schcom0126
  • Meeting opens, Chair Dr. Bergen reads standard announcement #schcom0126 all 7 members present
  • Approx 58 participating via Zoom at the open, another 7 via live stream, and unknown #s via Comcast/Verizon. #schcom0126
  • A new feature is that each meeting after the student led pledge to open the meeting, they add a statement on their individual school experience. Such hope for our future in these students! #schcom0126 "never stop learning because life never stops teaching"
FHS representatives
  • Next up FHS representatives; NHS tutoring now available for students 1:1, Franklin Arts Academy applications now open; #schcom0126 virtual music concert coming; prep underway for graduation exploring options, 26 students admitted to Central Districts for music
  • New project for theater for seniors to direct, music and podcast club started at FHS "to be honest"; sports underway, basketball hockey swimming gymnastics. MA DECA on Weds evening, over 100 projects submitted; Mock trial season underway #schcom0126
Superintendent's report
  • Next: Superintendent report, new secretary to be reporting on meeting notes; pool testing webinars underway, info gathering, more details forthcoming after another session this Friday. 1100 families responded, 50% yes, additional amount expressed interest #schcom0126
  • Over 600 faculty and staff responded, 73% yes. More info coming. Letter on Senator Rausch earmark to Sec Ed, amount to be released. Approach to civics education, 2018 curriculum revised actually runs K-12 not just 8th grade, nonpartisan approach #schcom0126
  • Habits of engagement in preparation for additional study in high school. 8th just happens to be the first grade getting it this year. #schcom0126 more on this coming later this spring. PD day, Jan 19, a review of what was done around district, elementary, middle and by subject
  • Via tele-health support available from You Inc. Talk to building administrator for access #schcom0126
Horace Mann update
  • Horace Mann update - looked to control the things they could control #schcom0126
  • https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/hmms_school_highlight_1-26-2021.pdf link provides copy of the presentation doc talked to for this update #schcom0126 photos from pre-COVID times
  • #schcom0126 more slides of presentation
  • #schcom0126 used landing pages to gather the students at the beginning of the day as well share info
  • Starting to live stream the morning announcement #schcom0126
  • #schcom0126 sample learning stations
  • #schcom0126 thanks to SchComm and to Community for supporting them in this time and environment
  • #schcom0126 digital learning does allow for almost immediate feedback for teachers to see questions well answered or those not, and adjust accordingly. Teaching has changed forever
  • #schcom0126 more slides from presentation deck
  • #schcom0126 all kinds of opportunity to check in on students and determine SEL status. Year book club last year and this, students are finding ways to capture input for the product. Clubs are virtual with one coordinator and students in club from all 3 middle schools
  • #schcom0126 important info as well as honest feedback via survey
  • #schcom0126
  • #schcom0126 last slides
  • #schcom0126 issue with the perpetual unknown, used to have a bag of tricks to pull from, hard to do so now; collaboration high and needed more so now than ever before. BTW participation up to 87 via zoom, SchComm all remote and no 1 seems to be in Chambers tonight
FHS 
Homework
Reopening status
  • #schcom0126 next up reopening https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/reopening-status-update-12221 update coverage remains an issue with teacher exposure or quarantine via family or school situation, do we have enough to safely open a school. Decide case by case, by school
  • #schcom0126 clarification on tech support, who to seek for what support? Digital learning integration or others. Phase 2 of vaccination and development of teachers moved down in the priority level, stay tuned for updates; more info on pool testing coming, likely post Feb break
  • FPS hasn't formally applied at this time. #schcom0126 DPH is confident with test and results from it, reiterate out of state travel requirements, testing required. Internet problems today was a Verizon issue, separately line upgrade to 10GB is complete
  • Still working on K-1 area, focusing on supporting families. Did identify some high needs students for 4 days, case counts increasing, not seeming 2 be likely a practical thing 2 do, lots of concerns about staffing the building, would likely be more unstable with more in building
  • SchComm member comment on educators bumped down while push continues to get students in school with numbers rising. Is there something we can do as a district? #schcom0126 what is the extent that teachers are feeling unsafe, what, where, is there something #s
  • Can the district do something to help the teachers with the stress if scheduling for the vaccines. #schcom0126 it is shared across the Commonwealth, could do a letter, urging a prioritization, happy to draft on behalf of FPS and SchComm
  • #schcom0126 consideration for virtual learning academy in the fall for immuno compromised or for other medical reasons; with uncertainty of vaccine for youth still open, yes, part of thought process. Suggestion for SchComm to do separate letter
Information matters
  • Moving along to information matters; subcommittee meetings scheduled, DTFA now meeting weekly, Stokes reads prepared summary of status. Working on recommendation or multiple, two meetings before next update, may have recommendations #schcom0126
  • FEF fund raising date May 4, Project Envoy starts Feb 1 to help restaurants and to help food challenged neighbors. Flyer out today on free classes from Y #schcom0126 New business, pool testing update next time
  • Consent agenda, motion for items as proposed, second, passes 7-0 via roll call #schcom0126 Motion to enter executive session not to return to the open meeting, second, passes via roll call 7-0 That's all for tonight, catch you all next time!

 

Key items on the School Committee agenda 

II. Guests/Presentations
A.    HMMS School Highlight -- Ms. Rebecca Motte and Mr. Craig Williams
 
B.    FHS Program of Study Update – Josh Hanna, Principal FHS
 
C.    Homework & Homework Policy – Dr. Joyce Edwards
III.    Discussion/Action Items
A.    2021-2022 School Calendar
I recommend approval of the 2021-2022 School Calendar as discussed.
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/disc-action-21-22-calendar
 
IV.    Discussion Only Items
A.    Reopening Status Update (January 22, 2021)
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/reopening-status-update-12221


Meeting packet folder containing the doc released for this agenda
 
School Committee Meeting Recap - Jan 26, 2021 = HMMS, FHS, homework, and reopening status updates
School Committee Meeting Recap - Jan 26, 2021 = HMMS, FHS, homework, and reopening status updates


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Franklin Art Association: February Monthly Meeting - Feb 3

The next monthly Franklin Art Association meeting will take place on February 3 at 6:30 pm, as usual, via Zoom.  Following an informal virtual social gathering from 6:30-7:00, the formal program will be devoted to a viewing of a Franklin TV Cable retrospective on the work of painter Christine Toubeau.  Toubeau, a member of the Franklin Art Association, is a graduate of Massachusetts College of Art and earned her Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 2004.  She has worked as a fashion illustrator, a free-lance graphic illustrator, an art teacher at Tri-County’s Graphic Arts Shop as well as at the Franklin County Technical School in Turners Falls, and for several years had her own wall mural painting business here in Franklin.  

Toubeau’s original, acrylic, paintings deal with the theme of the interaction of humans with futuristic technology.  She currently has an exhibit of her acrylic paintings on view at the First Universalist Society Church in Franklin.  Franklin TV cameraman Chris Flynn, in collaboration with Toubeau, combined footage of that exhibit with additional images taken from her larger body of work, including paintings featured in a 2010 solo art show at UMass entitled “The Robot Next Door” to produce the film to be shown at the FAA meeting.  During the show, she will also illustrate her approach to working with large, four foot canvases as well as a painting with acrylics demonstration from her home studio.  

The meeting is free of charge and open to all.  Anyone wishing to attend should email the FAA Corresponding secretary at faasecretary@gmail.com, and ask to be added to the contact list for the meeting.  A link to the meeting will be sent out to all attendees several days before the meeting.

Franklin Art Association: February Monthly Meeting - Feb 3
Franklin Art Association: February Monthly Meeting - Feb 3


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FHS girls basketball continue win streak, boys hockey top Mansfield 7-1

From HockomockSports.com we share the FHS sports results:

** Boys Basketball = Mansfield, 51 @ Franklin, 44 – Final 
– Mansfield set the tone defensively in the first quarter and then held off a late surge from Franklin to earn a season sweep over the Panthers. The Hornets limited the hosts to four points in the first quarter and carried a 25-14 lead into halftime. Mansfield’s advantage grew to 37-25 going into the final frame before the Panthers got going and clawed back into it, cutting the lead down to 47-42 with under two minutes to go but Mansfield held on for the win. Senior Matt Boen had a team-high 16 points, seven rebounds, and four steals, Jack Colby added 11 points and nine rebounds, Matt Hyland had nine points and six boards, and Brendan Foley chipped in with eight points and 10 rebounds.

** Girls Basketball = Franklin, 63 @ Mansfield, 47 – Final 
– Franklin jumped out to a 15-3 lead after one quarter and never allowed the Hornets to climb back into the game to stay perfect on the season. Olivia Quinn was the leading scorer for the Panthers for the eighth time in eight games, finishing with 20 points. Elizabeth Wilson had a season-high 16 in the win. Ashley Santos (14 points) and Kayla Vine (11) both hit double digits for the Hornets.

** Boys Hockey = Mansfield, 1 @ Franklin, 7 – Final 
– Franklin exploded for six goals in the second half to skate away with a big win over Mansfield. The Hornets opened the scoring but Justin Abely leveled the scoring on a power play chance with Dylan Marchand and Declan Lovett recording assists. In the second half, Dom Lampasona scored a pair of goals while JT Dwyer, Ben Jarosz, Adam Quinn, and Marchand scored once. Lovett, Marchand, Ryan Sicchio, and Joe LeBlanc all finished with two assists in the win while Gary Mandia made 15 saves in net. 

For other results around the Hockomock League 

 

Hard Hat tonight to #8 Dominic Lampasona 2 goals and an assist in tonight’s 7-1 win. 100% all night! Great game Dom!
Hard Hat tonight to #8 Dominic Lampasona 2 goals and an assist in tonight’s 7-1 win.   100% all night!  Great game Dom!

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Do you drink bottled water?

"For years, the debate has raged on: which is better, bottled water, or tap?

Despite its ever-growing popularity in the US, bottled water is atrocious for the environment. To quote Harvard University’s Office for Sustainability, “The entire life cycle of bottled water uses fossil fuels, contributes to global warming, and causes pollution.”

Although water bottles are recyclable, Americans throw away about 80% of the bottles they use – and, by some estimates, Americans use 1,500 plastic bottles of water every second. Plastic bottles contribute immensely to global environmental crises, in part due to the fact that they disintegrate into microplastics, the presence of which are so ubiquitous researchers recently discovered them in the placentas of unborn babies. Bottled water takes 2,000 times the energy to produce and ship than its tap equivalent. The extraction and manufacturing processes used by bottled water corporations can also have negative environmental and economic effects, and amount to the privatization and commodification of a limited and invaluable resource to which all should have a universal right."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
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Franklin Cultural District Meeting - Monday February 1 - 7:00 PM

Dear Cultural District Partners,

On Monday evening, February 1st the Franklin Cultural District Committee will be meeting. The focus of this meeting will be the "Recovery and Rebuilding Grant" for the Massachusetts Cultural Districts. 
This grant is a wonderful opportunity for the Franklin's Cultural District (FCD) Partners to work together to encourage interest and engagement in culture and the arts as well as economic development in the FCD. 
Below you will find the Zoom link for this meeting. 

____________________________________________________________________________

The Cultural District Committee is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.


Cultural District Partners Meeting

February 1, 2021 7:00 PM


Join Zoom Meeting


Meeting ID: 822 8634 0536

One tap mobile

+19292056099,,82286340536# US (New York)


Dial by your location

        +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)

Meeting ID: 822 8634 0536

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcM9DGAxS

________________________________________________________________________________________

We hope that you will all join us for this discussion.  

Regards,


Nancy Schoen

Chair, Franklin Cultural District Committee

nschoenfranklinculture@gmail.com

Franklin Cultural District Meeting - Monday February 1 - 7:00 PM
Franklin Cultural District Meeting - Monday February 1 - 7:00 PM


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Watch "Life Is A Walking || Native American Wisdom" on YouTube

"Life is a walking. At any time in your life you have the power to turn forward." -Good Buffalo Eagle, THE SEVEN PATHS

Anasazi Foundation is a nonprofit 501©(3) wilderness therapy program headquartered in Mesa, Arizona. Anasazi Foundation gives young people an opportunity, through a primitive living experience and a philosophy that invites healing at the hands of nature, to effect a change of heart--a change in one's whole way of walking in the world."
 
Direct YouTube link: https://youtu.be/ZQYPlEoU9ko
 

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CommonWealth Magazine: "State’s COVID-19 numbers trending down" and so goes Franklin - trending down!

 

"THE NUMBER of communities at high-risk for COVID-19 dropped 13.5 percent on Thursday and the state as a whole saw its numbers take a dive, according to the state’s weekly report.

The number of high-risk communities, identified as red on the state’s color-coded map, fell from 222 last week to 192 this week. The number of communities with more than 100 cases per 100,000 people over the last two weeks plunged from 29 to 9."

Continue reading the article online
 
 
Weekly case count report (not updated since 1/12/21)
 
We are making progress; from a high positivity of 7.7, down to 6.7 last week and 5.5 this week. That is good! 
 
down to 6.7 last week and to 5.5 this week. That is good!
down to 6.7 last week and to 5.5 this week. That is good!

 
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Vaccine call center to be set up; Gov Baker press conf link on small grant awards

 

"AMID GROWING frustration with the state’s process for arranging COVID-19 vaccination appointments, Gov. Charlie Baker announced Thursday that his administration intends to set up a call center next week for those who need additional help.

On Wednesday, people 75 and over who are not living in nursing homes or assisted living facilities started making appointments for vaccinations. Baker said 45,000 appointments were made over the last two days but the demand far outpaced supply. An estimated 500,000 people over 75 are eligible to obtain the two-dose vaccination, but he said the state has been receiving only 80,000 doses a week, a number bumping up to 100,000 next week."
Continue reading the article online

Maura Healey (@MassAGO):

"First, it was unemployment. The Department of Unemployment had no live call center.
Then, it was workplace safety.
After that, evictions. No system.
We've tried to help those frustrated constituents all year. The vaccine call center should have happened yesterday. "

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/MassAGO/status/1354882824109752329

Gov Baker Press Conf Link - https://youtu.be/z0IpZCRvFME

Press Release on Small Business Grants


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"highlighted cuts in youth jobs programs, at-risk youth programs, and adult basic education"

 

"When Gov. Charlie Baker made his $45.6 billion budget proposal Wednesday, he highlighted the things he is funding: education, economic recovery, mental health services, and local aid.

Left unsaid was the other story the numbers tell: With non-MassHealth spending increasing by just 1 percent – and an increase in education spending and COVID-recovery-related expenses – most line items will be level funded or cut. According to an analysis by the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, Baker’s budget cuts or eliminates 243 items, level funds 399, and increases funding for 126."

Continue reading the article online
 
MA Taxpayers Foundation report
 

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