"On Thursday, the CEOs of Facebook, Google, and Twitter will testify before Congress about online disinformation. Even before the gavel bangs, we can predict what will happen. Some members of Congress will demand that social media platforms do more to stop viral falsehoods from damaging democracy and triggering violence. Others will warn of needlessly restricting speech and say it could even inflame fringe elements and drive them to less-governed spaces.This same argument repeats itself after every crisis, from Christchurch to QAnon to COVID-19. Why can’t we break the impasse? Because the debate about countering disinformation can itself be a fact-free zone: long on theories, short on evidence. We need better expertise, and that means empowering experts."
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Friday, March 26, 2021
Nieman Lab: "The first challenge is data... The second is money"
Thursday, March 25, 2021
You can help us by confirming information on the non-profit listing
As announced earlier this week on March 29, 2021, we'll gather together the non-profit organizations serving Franklin, MA to
- create awareness of the work and services being provided by each org
- to improve the referral capability for each org
- to share best practices among the orgs
- review the listing, or send it to someone in an organization you know should be on this
- if your organization is on it, good. is there information to add or change? (please use the form provided)
- if your organization is not on it, please add it, (please use the form provided)
- if you know of an organization outside of Franklin serving us, please use the form to add it
Recap - School Committee meeting - Mar 23, 2021 - school budget presented, Jefferson Elementary provides highlights
- School budget shared in public hearing, insightful questions from 5 members, one with no questions makes negative comment, one School Committee member absent. Budget returns to SchComm for vote in April
- Jefferson Elementary provides highlights of their pandemic school year
- One policy approved, one moved to second reading
- Re-opening plans underway for in person education for those who are hybrid and choose to change from remote only
- FHS graduation date confirmed for Jun 4 outside, with a rain date of Jun 5. Car parade planning also underway. Additional details to be shared as they are firmed up
----
The Twitter hashtag can be found online #schcom0323
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23schcom0323&src=typeahead_click
- Getting ready for the School Committee meeting tonight. Budget hearing up as key item. Agenda doc has connection info. Zoom, cable (Comcast or Verizon) and live stream are all good options #schcom0323 https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_3-23-2021.pdf
- Budget doc for #schcom0323 can be found on the District page https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget They also released a video to help explain the budget. I thought it meandered along, let me know what you think of it. https://youtu.be/IXI95zuFbnw
- Meeting opens (interesting live captioning now available via Google Chrome browser for audio and video) #schcom0323
- Budget hearing opens, via roll call passes 5-0-1 (Keenan not present yet) (updated post-meeting D’Angelo not present although named called, recording has no response, nor acknowledgement of visual vote)
- #schcom0323 presentation doc being shared https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/fy22_public_budget_hearing_presentation_1.pdf
- Minimum aid district means not $30/student - noted but also because we have $11+m more than we should have received per the revised calculation. 2nd only to Boston across the Commonwealth. #schcom0323
- Multiple slides matter (lines up and down) confused? What the town will fund is open but slide assume they will provide what is needed? Question remains how much of that will they? #schcom0323
- More slides on teacher and enrollment status over the years by elementary, middle and high school #schcom0323
- Davis Thayer to Keller transition and positions associated reviewed with several slides (see deck) #schcom0323 anticipate supporting Title I at Keller next year. Looking to bring some staff back (i.e. restoration) on a page of the adds to prior year. Not tallied but my math …
- ... gets to just about $1m of the 3m increase. What is the other? #schcom0323 use of revolving funds always a problem.
- Citizens will have time to ask questions on budget, Chair addressing comments by TC budget Subcommittee chair that were made in the the TC budget meeting last week where he was 'disappointed' when #schCom0323 wasn't there to talk to
- Chair reading line items of the budget (per function codes for DESE accounting). Individual members can 'hold' an item for further discussion. Vice Chair keeping track of holds. #schcom0323
- FYI - 5 viewing live stream, approx. 68 on Zoom, and Keenan did arrive, see his name in listing now #schcom0323
- If you do want to look at the budget details, check this doc https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/pages/fy2022-budget #schcom0323
- Questions on replacement of Dr. Edwards and where those fall on the budget lines, Q on the use of legal advice, and on consultants (for the master plan and possible redistricting) Q on degree advancement (regarding steps and lanes per contract) #schcom0323
- Q on sped decrease, covered by grants. Q on removal of travel stipend; used by one position, by adding another position travel not required. #schcom0323 contract for the 10GB line accounts for the increase.
- Q on SPED out placements - all required per each student's level of needs, we are unable to provide within district. #schcom0323 interesting comment by one member saying it is not fair for the Town to give every dollar to the schools. (And yet she asked no Qs on budget)
- Student enrollment decline as well as the DT cost savings are signs of adjustments over the years. DT closing results in a total of about $900K for staffing and expenses (which includes about $120k on town side) #schcom0323
- Motion to close budget hearing passes 6-0-1 via roll call (updated post meeting - Keenan is there, D’Angelo not even has named called out)
- Now to regular schedule of meeting. #schcom0323
- FHS representatives promoting SEL during remote, via "what's up?" Sections during day. GirlUp club discussion on Thursday at 6 PM
- Touts DECA awards of 25 students to National. One acts coming Thursday. #schcom0323 FHS home football against Attleboro.
- Superintendent's report shorter this week mindful of the budget and agenda, speaks to the acts of violence in Atlanta and Denver
- Moving along to Jefferson Elementary for their update #schcom0323 Principal Sarah Klim leads the group
- The Jefferson presentation doc can be found here https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/jefferson_presentation_to_the_school_committee_3-23-21.pdf #schcom0323 many thanks to many folks, stakeholders across the district. Kids excited to return Apr 5
- Time for coloring let's kids light up #schcom0323 monkey fidgets have a little marble in the cloth pocket so it allows for fidgeting but quietly
- More slides and good conversation / information supporting these #schcom0323
- Staff slideshow at opening in September had photo of teachers/staff with and without masks #schcom0323
- Moving to discussion action items #schcom0323 https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_positions.pdf
- Looking to create positions to get into posting etc. Moved, seconded, would have preferred another asst superintendent but this is creative , passes 6-0-1 via roll call (updated post meeting - D’Angelo name not read out)
- #schcom0323 https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_policy_2nd_reading.pdf motion, second, for approval passes 6-0-1 (updated post meeting, D’Angelo absent) https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_c_-_policy_1st_reading.pdf for first reading, to second reading, motion, second, passes 6-0-1 via roll call (updated post meeting, D’Angelo absent)
- #schcom0323 https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/reopening_schools_status_update_march_19_2020-2021.pdf Caution on maintain protocol, distancing, masks, etc. Participation in pool testing increasing, experience with positive tests. Will pool testing be continued after pilot? Maybe funded with relief funds after pilot
- Custodian staff working Weds and weekends to move desks and reset classrooms to be ready, not anticipating challenges on accommodations either way for elementary, middle closes soon, FHS working numbers with info due in couple of days #schcom0323
- Attendance memo coming to parents to reinforce in person and no slide to remote, need to be in person. Principals doing to work with the parents on Communications, etc. Also thinking about summer programs for ELA and math #schcom0323 possible summer school at FHS
- A new beginning with students in 5 days at 3' playgrounds to be opened in near future, adjusting to travel advisory changes per Gov Baker's changes. 'Urge' to quarantine or test upon return. #schcom0323 vaccine changing circumstances for some teachers, etc.
- Swampscott situation due to a post football game party, would handle due to circumstances call DESE, no set guidelines. #schcom0323 individual schools working the volunteer situations at each school
- Testing being set for Sept to help assess the starting point
- FHS graduation will be first Friday in June, outdoor, rain date June 5, working on car parade which folks enjoyed last year. #schcom0323 budget meeting Apr 6, info for flyer using #s from video, Policy, meeting Apr 29, joint PCC amazing how much work these PCCs are doing
- Looking at vaping and justice models to best address violations #schcom0323 to work with SAFE Coalition as well Sch wellness looking at fitness for summer
- District improvement plan updates, budget vote, and how the return is looking.
- Consent agenda, motion to approve, second passes via roll call 6-0 (I apparently missed Jen D'Angelo).
- Motion to executive session, second passes 6-0 (no D'Angelo) #schcom0323
- That's all for tonight catch you next time!
a slide captured from the school budget presentation depicts local contribution to budget over time |
Statement on Anti-Asian Racism from Superintendent Dr. Sara Ahern
March 24, 2021
Dear Franklin Community,
Last night, during the School Committee meeting, we observed a moment of silence as a result of the horrific event last Tuesday in Atlanta where eight people lost their lives in a violent mass shooting. Seven of the eight victims were of Asian heritage and were targeted because of their race. The Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community has been targeted in the last year because of the hateful stereotyping which blames the AAPI community for the Coronavirus. We acknowledge, as well, that this is part of a longer, painful history of discrimination. We extend our support to all AAPI faculty/staff members and families in our community and across the nation.
We remain committed to honoring and protecting the rights and dignity of all members of our community. As leaders of the Franklin Public Schools, we denounce racism and embrace anti-racist actions. We want to make you aware of the following opportunity. On Thursday, March 25, the Asian American Commission of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will be holding a virtual town hall on Anti-Asian Racism:
https://www.aacommission.org/massachusetts-town-hall-on-anti-asian-racism/
Last June, we wrote, “Franklin Public Schools remains resolute in its enduring commitment to inclusive and equitable schools. Despite our greatest efforts, we are not immune to incidents of hate and bias. The painful incidents we have also experienced in our community are an affront to our core values. We will not tolerate, accept or condone acts or speech that are hateful, racist, anti-semitic, xenophobic, homophobic, or gender-biased.”
Since June, we have established the Franklin Public Schools Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D, E, I) Committee composed of students, staff, and administrators from the district, totaling nearly sixty members. This committee is addressing our actions, policies, curriculum, instruction, activities, professional development, and other systems to ensure they are without implicit bias and promote equity and respect for all. This year, the Franklin Public Schools staff engaged in a series of professional development workshops focused on cultural proficiency and practical tools on speaking up against bias and addressing acts of bias in the moment.
We are committed to this work in the future. The proposed FY 22 budget includes funding for the D, E, I Committee’s ongoing work, funding to support an Equity Audit to identify areas of growth for our district, and resources and materials for more culturally proficient literature for our school and classroom libraries. Franklin Public Schools is also proud to join invested community members as part of the Franklin Freedom Team, whose mission is to preserve freedom through unity in the community. The team is reactive, proactive, and retroactive in assessing and addressing hate and bias in the Town of Franklin.
We also want to provide faculty/staff and families with additional information. Many thanks to the MSAA/MIAA, who shared the resources below (originally compiled by the Lexington Public Schools).
Sincerely,
Sara Ahern, Superintendent of Schools, on behalf of the Franklin Public Schools Leadership Team
Superintendent Dr. Sara Ahern in a recent School Committee meeting |
St Mary's Parish - Passion (Palm) Sunday schedule
All Masses Live-streamed
- Saturday Mass 4:00 PM
- Sunday Mass 7:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:00 Noon
- 10:30 AM until 12:00 noon
Monday, March 29
Daily Mass in the Chapel - No live-stream - 7:00 AM
Tuesday, March 30
Daily Mass in the Chapel - No live-stream - 7:00 AM
Wednesday, March 31
Daily Mass in the Chapel - No live-stream - 7:00 AM
FHS Gymnastics' White named by Boston Globe to All Scholastic; Rudolph as Honorable Mention
Congratulations to Junior Emma White who has been named both a Boston Herald and Boston Globe All Scholastic! Your future is bright! @FHSSports @FranklinHS @FHSPantherbook @FranklinMatters @fhsgymboosters
Emma White
Check out the photos of Emma = https://t.co/nTHGgyUyjo
Congratulations to Junior Kate Rudolph who has been named a Boston Globe All Scholastic Honorable Mention! Your future is bright! @katerudolph17_ @FHSSports @FranklinHS @FHSPantherbook @FranklinMatters @fhsgymboosters
Check out the photos of Kate = https://t.co/PX1VATaDpB
Kate Rudolph
Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/fhs_gymnastics/status/1374706528243040256
Pantherbook wins SNO's Story Page Excellence Badge
Pantherbook has won SNO's Story Page Excellence Badge!Thank you to all the amazing writers that contributed to this achievement!