Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting - Nov 9, 2021

School Committee Meeting 

Municipal Building - Council Chambers 

 (Virtual Link in Agenda)

Call to Order 

Pledge of Allegiance

Moment of Silence

Organization:

• Election of Chair
• Election of Vice Chair

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. none

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. Policy 2nd Reading/Adoption

I recommend adopting policy GCRD - Tutoring for Pay as detailed.

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. Superintendent Update on DESE Mask Waiver for FHS

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Ad Hoc Supt. Evaluation, 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)

VI. New Business

A. To discuss any future agenda items

VII. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from the October 26, 2021 School Committee Meeting as detailed.

B. Athletics Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000.00 from the NE Patriots Foundation for Supplemental curriculum materials as detailed.

VIII. Payment of Bills TBD

IX. Payroll TBD

X. Executive Session

a. Executive session pursuant to Purpose 1 (M.G.L. c.30A, §21(a)(1)) to consider an Open Meeting Law complaint against public officers, namely the members of the School Committee, filed with the Committee by Christina Black and dated October 29, 2021.

b. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to litigation as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares.

c. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the FEA/RN unit as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.

XI. Adjournment

Meeting agenda ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_11-9-21_org.pdf

Meeting packet folder ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/november-9-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting - Nov 9, 2021

Not just for Newcomers . . . Meeting Weds - Nov 10, 2021

Come join your friends and neighbors at the Franklin Newcomers & Friends Club monthly Meeting.  Meet us upstairs at "3" Restaurant on Wednesday, November 10 at 7:30. Typically we meet the 3rd Wednesday of the month at “3” . . .  however, we switched nights this month.

Complimentary appetizers and beverages will be served and a cash bar is available.

No need to be a newcomer to the area . . . and no need to RSVP.  Come join us and have fun while you make connections in your community.  We are a multi-generational club offering a wide range of activities for all ages with an emphasis on fun and camaraderie.  We are a member driven organization and are always excited to welcome new faces and new ideas.

Residents of Franklin, or any surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, are welcome to join us the 3rd Wednesday of the month.  We run our meetings September through May.  We also hold many fun and varied events throughout the year to stay connected.  We meet at “3” Restaurant, 461 W. Central Street, Franklin, upstairs in a private room.  
 
So come join us on the 3rd Wednesday at “3”!

Look for us on our Meetup and Facebook pages for more information.   
https://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Newcomers-Friends 
https://facebook.com/FranklinNewcomersFriendsClub  

Franklin Newcomers & Friends

FHS football and volleyball teams win to advance in playoffs on Friday

Via @HockomockSports and Twitter, we share the results of the FHS fall sports playoff action on Friday, Nov 5, 2021  

Volleyball - Division 1 = #32 Lynn Classical, 0 @ #1 Franklin, 3 – Final

We'll follow the Twitter updates from FHS Athletic Trainer Jen Edmunds again (https://twitter.com/FHSTrainingRoom)

• Game 3 of the weekend has a match up between Franklin Volleyball and Lynn Classical.
• Franklin takes game 1 with a score of 25-18  over Lynn Classical 
• Franklin takes Game 2 25-14 over Lynn Classical. The Panthers are up 2-0
• Time out Lynn Classical. Franklin Volleyball leads Game 3 19-12
• Franklin takes game 3 with a 25-13 Volleyball Final over Lynn Classical. The Panthers won 3-0 over the Classical Rams. 

Football - Division 1 = #16 Braintree, 6 @ #1 Franklin, 42 – Final
1st Quarter: (F) Mack Gulla 1-yard rush, Garrett Portesi XP good; (F) M. Gulla 53-yard rush, G. Portesi XP good.
2nd Quarter: (F) Jared Arone 34-yard pass to Shane Kindred, G. Portesi XP good; (F) M. Gulla 67-yard rush, G. Portesi XP good; (F) Cullen Pek fumble recovery in the end zone, G. Portesi XP good; (F) J. Arone 28-yard pass to Will Tracey, G. Portesi XP good.
3rd Quarter: (B) Braintree 1-yard rush, XP failed.
4th Quarter: No scoring.

We'll follow the Twitter updates from FHS Athletic Trainer Jen Edmunds again (https://twitter.com/FHSTrainingRoom)

• Next on tonight’s program Franklin Football will take on the Braintree Wamps.
• Gulla runs it in for 6. Extra point is good. Franklin 7 Braintree 0 
• Gulla takes it to the house with a 40(ish) yard run!  Garrett’s extra point is good! Franklin leads Braintree 14-0. 7:31 left in 1Q. 
• After 1Q Franklin leads 14-0 over Braintree
• Kindred takes the hand off from Arone running it down field for 6. Extra point is good! Franklin leads Braintree 21-0!
• Mack Gulla is off for a 66 yard run for a Franklin TD. Extra point is GOOD! 28-0 over Braintree.
• Braintree punt blocked and recovered in the Franklin end zone for a Panther TD! Extra point is Good. Franklin leads 35-0.
• Pass to Tracey from Arone for a Franklin TD. Kick is good. 42-0 Franklin over Braintree to end the half.
• Braintree puts 6 on the board. Extra point is blocked. Franklin leads 42-6 heading into the 4Q.
• Final from Pisini Stadium Franklin 42 Braintree 6

Via Asst Superintendent Lucas Giguere (https://twitter.com/giguere_fps)

• Onward! Congrats to boys soccer, field hockey, girls volleyball, & boys football teams on advancing to the next round of playoffs! @rattlecity   fans represented Franklin with class & respect. Best of luck to the girl's soccer team tomorrow

For other results around the Hockomock League

https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-11-05-21/

https://twitter.com/giguere_fps/status/1456797456096706564

MASC School Committee group views video from @TeamProject351 on student experiences during pandemic

MASC-SchoolCommittee (@MASCSchoolComm) tweeted Fri, Nov 05, 2021:

Today's #MASCMASS21 general session on student voice opened with a new video featuring #MAEdu high school students describing their experiences living and learning through the pandemic.

Thank you @TeamProject351 & @UpperCapeTech!

Video => https://t.co/GzuEwqGtrg  or https://youtu.be/Y7UAG2FIhDM

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/MASCSchoolComm/status/1456626353906782214

Franklin School Committee: Policy reminders on Public Complaints & Public Participation

Via Denise Spencer, re-elected to School Committee:

"As we begin a new term, I believe now is a good time for a refresher on two of our policies: 

1) KE - Public Complaints 

("...In case of a complaint(s), the complainant shall take the matter first to the staff member, and if unresolved to the Principal of the building, then to the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee, who, if he/she is unable to satisfy the complainant, shall report the case to the School Committee for consideration and action.)

https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee-policy-manual/pages/ke-public-complaints

2) BEDH - Public Participation 

("Public comment is not a discussion, debate, or dialogue between individuals and the School Committee. It is an individual's opportunity to express an opinion on issues within the School Committee’s authority.)

https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee-policy-manual/pages/bedh-public-participation"

Shared from Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/groups/460474210785489/permalink/2099535663545994/

https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee-policy-manual

Interested in Public Records Law? This discussion might be for you

Join us Nov. 18 along with @RappaportCenter for a Greater Boston Debate Series event exploring whether the MA public records law promotes democracy in the state, featuring  @Becca_Rausch,  @raylaraja, and moderated by @CommonWealthMag 's  @shiraschoenberg. 

Register here ->    https://harvard.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_oVQ9MRZ-T7GaWpSvurjGbA

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/RappaportInst/status/1456360168443179051

Interested in Public Records Law? This discussion might be for you

Frequently Asked Questions - how to deal with rising heating and utility costs

The MA Attorney General's Office has prepared a Frequently Asked Questions page on how to deal with rising heating and utility costs this winter.

"Many residents are struggling to pay their bills, including their monthly utility bills. Electricity and Gas are essential services—that’s why it is important that customers know their rights and where they can go for help if they need it."

Visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/frequently-asked-questions-about-electric-and-gas-utilities-during-covid-19

• English version PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/17QqpZ0o9fkNhv3WBLVJ2jq-KJZYmaqvG/view?usp=sharing
• Spanish version PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/17TQgZmfwrFKlTpi-8APKeA7sFLunvUge/view?usp=sharing

Frequently Asked Questions - how to deal with rising heating and utility costs

Tip of the hat to Tyngsborough for the info links ->

https://twitter.com/TyngsboroughMA/status/1456248576418500608

World Health Organization (WHO) shares video on the Journey of a Vaccine

World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) tweeted Thu, Nov 04, 2021:

👀 Watch and follow the journey of a vaccine from development & clinical trials ➡️ to manufacturing & cold storage ➡️ to vaccination

Video link 👉 https://t.co/oLeDZSpZj6⠀or  https://youtu.be/CrsnwQZIak8

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/lrk6SNWnkq

More info on the manufacturing of a vaccine

https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/manufacturing-safety-and-quality-control

video on the Journey of a Vaccine

Franklin's Event Outlook: Nov 5 - Nov 11, 2021

A relatively quiet weekend to enjoy the good New England weather that is forecast. Don't forget to turn back the clock to get that extra hour of sleep on Saturday night.

Friday, November 5
10:00am - Blood Drive (Franklin Elks)

Saturday, November 6
10:00am - Historical Museum (always free)
7:00pm - FPAC Gala and Telethon

Sunday, November 7
Daylight Saving Time ends
1:00pm - Historical Museum (always free)

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

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

The School district calendar is found   https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26

Community Calendar

Superintendent's Letter to Franklin Community - Response #2 to School Committee Discourse

Superintendent's Letter to Franklin Community - 

Response #2 to School Committee Discourse

Outlining Immediate Actions in Response to School Committee Discourse

November 4, 2021

Dear Franklin Community,

I am writing to follow up on actions taken and planned after last week’s disruption at the Franklin School Committee meeting as well as student representative comments related to bullying and harassment at school. We have been processing the impact and have been working to solidify a safe and respectful environment for civic discourse and promote healing.

We recognize that gathering student feedback is instrumental in appropriately addressing student needs. Members of the administration met with students about becoming a “No Place for Hate School” and had a productive dialogue that assessed morale and drove hope for a better FHS for all. In attendance were student representatives from A World of Difference, the Diversity Awareness Club, and the Sexuality and Gender Alliance. Additionally, we also reviewed historical bullying and harassment data. Our data leads us to suspect that incidents are being under-reported. We also listened for more information about perceptions of inaction.

In response, we have done or are doing the following things:

● On November 2nd, all K-12 school adjustment counselors and school psychologists participated in a professional development webinar series on supporting LGBTQIA+ students and understanding legal rights. We have also disseminated DESE guidance to counselors and principals issued on October 28, 2021 related to the Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity. This will be an agenda item for an upcoming administrative meeting.

● We are developing an after school resource group for high school students to gather and talk about their experiences with bias-based incidents as well as actions that can be taken to make for a more equitable experience at school.

● We are accelerating the process of hiring a Director of Equity and Student Supports. We anticipate initiating this search within the next few weeks.

● We are accelerating plans to survey all students in Franklin High School for their perceptions of school climate and culture. We are in the process of preparing this survey with a highly regarded third-party resource (Panorama) and expect to be able to survey students the week after Thanksgiving. We anticipate surveying middle school students in the near future as well. This data will give us a greater understanding of the perspective of the student body and areas of focus for action. It will also serve as a baseline by which we can measure our improvement efforts.

● In response to potential under reporting and perception of inaction, we will revise our online reporting language and clearly define its use. Additionally, we will prioritize communicating the reporting, investigation, and response process.

● The high school administration is holding class meetings to start the beginning of quarter 2. Respectful, inclusive behavior of all will be a theme. They will also use this time to invite additional students to participate in the development of a series of activities for the school community towards becoming a “No Place for Hate School”. These activities will activate a school-wide effort that integrates productive dialogue and active learning on the topics of bias, bullying, and allyship.

 

The community can expect stronger protocols and processes during the School Committee meetings. The Chair of the School Committee will communicate the expectations for respectful civic discourse as well as the processes for handling disruptive behavior for both in person and virtual participants. These expectations will be readily available once enacted by our incoming Chairperson.

Our actions will not be limited to those above, but these actions are the ones most immediately tied to the meeting last week. We will continue to keep the community informed of our efforts to affirm diversity, promote equity and accountability, and foster inclusion throughout the year.

With continued respect for all in Franklin, 

Sara Ahern

Superintendent of Schools

Franklin Public Schools

Shared from  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/news/superintendents_letter_to_franklin_community_11.4.2021.pdf