Franklin Newcomers and Friends: Annual Yankee Swap and Holiday Party - Dec 15

Come join your Franklin friends and neighbors at the Franklin Newcomers and Friends annual Yankee Swap and Holiday Party.  Meet us upstairs at "3" Restaurant on Wednesday, December 15 at 7:30.  To participate in the swap, bring a wrapped gift ($20 limit) and get one in return during the swap - you never know what you'll get!  Complimentary appetizers and beverages are 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.  Occasionally, special circumstances may cause us to switch Wednesdays.  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 and Friends - Yankee Swap - Dec 15

A mother's song (essay, video)

Via  Dan Rather, Elliot Kirschner, and Steady Team:

"‘Tis the season to gather with family.

The notion of family is a complicated one. We are born into families, but we also make them and choose them. We join new families through our life partners. And families can grow, with new births, and as siblings, children, and other relatives bring in their own partners and have their own children. Families also shrink and fracture, with death and through trauma and miscommunication.

But at the most elemental level, family is often created and centered around one of the strongest bonds of nature, that between mother and child."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://steady.substack.com/p/a-mothers-song

Direct link to YouTube video => https://youtu.be/JLNr95zE5yA

On the second day before leaving Facebook My true love sent to me

"On the second day before leaving Facebook 
My true love sent to me
Two Talk Franklin sessions a month"

The two "Talk Franklin" session can be considered a bonus that you receive by subscribing (for free). These sessions with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen get you insights on what's going on that are not available elsewhere.

And because you acted promptly, we’ll include the Town Council Quarterbacking sessions with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. In about 20-30 minutes we provide a condensed view of what happened at the recent Town Council meeting.

These interviews are among those regularly scheduled and available to Franklin Matters subscribers. The audio session to celebrate the anniversary of Franklin Matters can be found here -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/happy-anniversary-franklin-matters.html 

On the second day before leaving Facebook My true love sent to me

 

MA city/town COVID-19 daily new cases - Nov 27, 2021

This Flourish view of COVID-19 data for the CommonWealth of MA is interactive so you can select and compare one or more communities to the State or each other. I set up a comparison of Franklin to the State level shown in the photo capture shown here.

This is not a good turn to the data. Let's be careful...

Thanks to Nathan Ahlgren for this tool -> https://app.flourish.studio/visualisation/4817758/?s=03

Updated in response to some questions via Facebook

A chart with the age group distribution for each week's reports since Sep 2021 (.jpg shown, PDF linked)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ay5ir3TKkCgT0F8B5fBqGnuaQOo3nNYu/view?usp=sharing

MA city/town COVID-19 daily new cases

Reminder: Christmas on the Town Common - Nov 28 at 4 PM

For the young and young at heart, Santa arrives on the Town Common, Sunday, Nov 28, 2021 at 4 PM. He is reported to be arriving via a special Franklin fire truck. Will Mrs. Claus be with him too?

Christmas on the Town Common - Nov 28 at 4 PM

Sponsored by Concerts on the Common. Donations to help with this and the Town Common decorations are appreciated. Checks can be mailed to 

"Concerts on the Common"
PO Box 92
Franklin, MA 02038

Download the flyer as a reminder of this special event

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kxaDVWd6MQaEBDa5k9xkuy3X_5j0NtZS/view?usp=sharing

Annual Christmas on the Common - Sunday, Nov 28 - 4:00 PM

On the third day before leaving Facebook My true love sent to me

"On the third day before leaving Facebook 

My true love sent to me

Three more reminders'

Very true; there are only three more reminders to sign up for the once per day newsletter before the info stops going to Facebook.

There are other ways to remain in the know (besides the daily newsletter). For info on those check out ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/on-sixth-day-before-leaving-facebook-my.html

The audio acknowledging the anniversary this November,

and the leaving of Facebook. There was life before Facebook

and there will be life after. https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/happy-anniversary-franklin-matters.html 

On the third day before leaving Facebook my true love sent to me

Recap: School Committee hears update on MCAS results; votes to implement optional mask for vaccinated students; votes on MOU for FEA

Quick Recap:

• MCAS performance declined during the pandemic, work ongoing to meet students where they are and bring them to the level appropriate for them
• Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion job description approved. The position will be posted and anticipated to be hired for approx. March 2021 or July 2021 depending upon potential candidate and timing
• Optional mask for FHS vaccinated students/faculty approval received from DESE (one of 11 districts thus far), plan for implementation approved by 4-3 vote; most voting against seemed to be looking to delay start until Jan 2022
• Open Meeting Complaint acknowledged but no action required. Complainer alleged violation but meeting had been gaveled to a break and then returned to open meeting after the disturbance was resolved (my twitter notes acknowledged such a comment from a Zoom participant during the meeting in question)
• Entered Executive Session and returned to ratify the memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Franklin Education Association (FEA) by 7-0 roll call vote and close the meeting

 
-------
 
As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter while I attended the meeting in the Council Chambers. 
 
The Twitter hashtag #schcom1123 can be found online The thread begins with  

 https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1463296814686294016

Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one album ->

https://photos.app.goo.gl/H3Hjwh8VK1tmddqR9

 

• Meeting packet folder ->  https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/november-23-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet…  Meeting agenda doc ->  https://franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_11-23-21.pdf…   #schcom1123

Superintendent's report

• no citizen comments this evening, next to Supt report, Mamma Mia was well done! kudos to the cast, crew, etc.  #schcom1123;  Congrats to fall athletic teams; football Thanksgiving vs. KP; robotics did well at WPI in soccer championship there
• parent teacher conf happened recently; more in person at elem, more remote at middle, even more at FHS; 2nd round for elementary in March; acknowledge Critical Conversations event last Thursday - thanks to those participating #schcom1123
• slides and resources to be shared soon, will share once available - #schcom1123 approx. 80 between online and in person. role of student representatives - per state law, ex officio and no voting; generally FHS students are student class officers
• lucky to have the SAFE resource here in the community; #schcom1123 DESE offering some funding via grant for hate crime work, apps due 12/8

MCAS presentation

• next up, MCAS presentation - doc shared earlier, putting it in context as this is not a 'normal' report  https://drive.google.com/file/d/19XOmQtVz2_MPrymgtUgQkIclhH3xgqMy/view?usp=sharing…  #schcom1123
• internet apparently went out, still live via Franklin TV - should be back soon; meeting continues #schcom1123
• student growth metric (SGP) is a concern; esp. in Gr 10 math where Franklin was lower than State (altho DESE says difference is insignificant) #schcom1123
• "recording in progress" announcement says the system is back #schcom1123 areas of strength slide high participation rate (i.e. 95 to 100%) vs about 90% at state
• areas for growth slide - achievement gaps being addressed, esp across all the high needs students #schcom1123 Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) an assessment system being used to help drive approach to meet needs of students
• NWEA assessment tool piloted last spring, implemented in the fall for grades K-8  #schcom1123 working to ensure educators have the same base of understanding on the assessments and resources, tools
• round of #schcom1123 member questions, comments; interested to see next years results - while participation was high, it was a decline from prior years; MAP = measurement of academic progress, learning math remotely was difficult, lack of manipulatives, etc.
• Dr. Tina Rogers and Dr. Linda Ashley - first time before committee in roles created after Dr Edwards retired; the positions were budget neutral; Stokes acknowledging their working together as apparently evident in this presentation and collaboration #schcom1123
• can you further expand on 'scaffolding'? gradual approach to support during the learning process at each grade level with the curriculum #schcom1123 just in time, providing support so they don't get stuck

Discussion/Action items

• moving to Discussion/Action items - A. Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Job Description - "I recommend approval of the new position of Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion as discussed.  https://franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_new_position_dei.pdf… #schcom1123
• job description approval allows for start of search, possible start for Mar 2022 altho may not be able to fulfill until Jul depending upon field, requirements, and candidate commitments #schcom1123
• some of the work of the individual would be addressing individual equity actions, or policy changes within district, or perhaps recommendations for #schcom1123 action; restorative process is already in place and developing, would assist with this as well
• motion and seconded, after discussion vote -> 7- 0 for  #schcom1123
• next up mask proposal for FHS, numbers verified by vaccination records; #schcom1123 FHS has 35% of the district population, had 10 cases year to date; not socially distanced in some cases, nor masked in others; unvaccinated students are still req'd to wear masks
• there are methods and stats to go back to masks if req'd #schcom1123 1 - attestation from parent/guardian, 2 - child is permitted to remove, 3 - permission granted to share info with faculty/staff; mask wearing does not indicate vaccine status; compliance through …
• progressive approach; in Hopkinton, about 40% still work masks in their implementation period; #schcom1123
• B. Proposal for Optional Mask Wearing by Vaccinated Students/Staff at FHS related to Policy EBCFA Face Coverings I recommend approval of the proposal for optional mask wearing by vaccinated students/staff at FHS as discussed.   https://franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_mask_proposal.pdf…  #schcom1123
• no plans currently for pool testing; only 26% participated last time; not enough to be effective for the work required to process; #schcom1123 positivity reported on Thur evening, could turn a pause on by Monday; Mr Hanna provides input on FHS 'feeling' …
• comfortable with option based upon choice; Supt - mask compliance has wanned during the year; hard to enforce when it is so spread; #schcom1123 need to take care and be kind across the board
• on compliance for those needing masks for those non-vaccinated; varies by case, starts with conversation; in a private setting; in rare case when the convo and call home didn't resolve, then escalation needed #schcom1123
• there has been an uptick but not yet seen at FHS, #schcom1123 could consider postponing start until Jan 22 to get by holidays
• only 11 districts with this type of waiver, comms among the 11 on what to do how to, etc. underway, Hopkinton was first and they have provided info; #schcom1123 DESE doesn't yet include boosters as part of the calc; may come on later (due to timing)
• boosters only or 18+, hence not much part of the FHS students population; CDC hasn't changed definition of vaccinated yet either #schcom1123 data would be input into the system, and appear in faculty student lists and info
• expressing concern on teachers taking on the added burden of mask enforcement; would be more comfortable with this after the holiday; students are traveling everywhere; #schcom1123
• suggestion that trial period and policy start could get postponed if uptick continues; another leaning toward postponing to Jan 22; Hanna jumps into to advocate no pause on behalf of the students #schcom1123 we'll do what is asked of us
• it could set us up in a confusing place; when there are too many changes, it is harder to keep the moment going #schcom1123 via roll call passes 4-3 (Bernstein, Charles, Whitmore voted no; Callaghan, McNeill, Spencer and Stokes voted yes)

Open Meeting Law Complaint Response

• moving to discussion only items: Open Meeting Law Complaint Response - Ms. Denise Spencer - there is no transcript due to break in the meeting; hence no further action needed or required, copy sent to complainer, and to Attny General #schcom1123

new business

• new business - workshop on finances; lifelong learning update; #schcom1123 

Consent agenda

• Consent agenda - I recommend approval (see listing) https://franklinmatters.org/2021/11/franklin-ma-school-committee-meeting_01900743034.html…  motion, seconded, motion amended to remove transfers from the action - approved 7-0

Executive Session and return to open

• motion to enter executive session, and to return in Open Session.  approved 7-0  #schcom1123
• meeting re-opens at 9:56 PM - motion and second to ratify the memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Franklin Education Association (FEA); passed via roll call vote 7-0. No details on memo provided. Motion to adjourn, seconded, passed via roll call 7-0

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

Recap: School Committee hears update on MCAS results; votes to implement optional mask for vaccinated students; votes on MOU for FEA

Franklin Youth Lacrosse registration is open!

Welcome to the Registration for the Spring 2022 season of the Boys Franklin Youth Lacrosse.

 

Your Registration Fee covers expenses necessary for the Franklin Youth Lacrosse Program to operate.   

Equipment, Coaching Education, Field Maintenance, Insurance, League Fees, Referee fees, Indoor Time, and Scholarships are among the expenses the organization has. 

 

To complete FYL Player Registration each player must be registered with MBYLL.  Please click on link and follow the instructions.... MBYLL PLAYER REGISTRATION 

More info on the registration process ->  http://www.franklinlax.com/Registration/Default.asp?n=121825&org=franklinlax.com

** Register link **  =>  http://www.franklinlax.com/app/index/list/?org=franklinlax.com

Home page for Franklin Youth Lacrosse ->  http://www.franklinlax.com/Default.asp?org=franklinlax.com

Home page for Franklin Youth Lacrosse

Good News: Conservation Resources for Our Community

Information You Can Use!

View this email in your browser Good News for Local Conservation In the press of daily life, sometimes the good news can be crowded out by the "less good" news. Yet, on the whole, it has been a very good year for land conservation in Massachusetts. Local land trusts, major state conservation organizations and the Commonwealth have been quite busy working to protect natural resources that you can enjoy with your families. We hope that if you're a farmer or land owner considering the future of your land, you take advantage of the information offered at Mass Woods and/or the MDAR. And, if you volunteer in your town or neighborhood or just want to learn more, please visit the Mass Woods website for town Open Space Committees. And all of us can take a moment to appreciate the ever-increasing success of the Community Preservation Act which passed a remarkable milestone this week. Links to all are below. We're looking on the bright side - and forward to another good year for conservation, Lisa Mosczynski President   New Website to Help Local Open Space Committees   MASS WOODS, a partnership of the State Extension service and U-Mass, continues to offer technical assistance to the conservation community, with help for landowners (https://masswoods.org/legacy)  and those of us working locally or regionally to preserve forests and open space. This fall, they expanded a program for local Open Space Committees and it's loaded with helpful info and networking opportunities. If you're volunteering in your town, check out this page which links to a number of additional resources. STATE MATCH OF CPA FUNDING SETS RECORD! A record $79 Million has been awarded to 77 cities and towns which have adopted the CPA! Great news for conservation, recreation, affordable housing and historic preservation across the state! "This year marks the single largest distribution of funds to CPA communities in the history of the program, even taking into consideration the years in which state budget surplus funds were added to the CPA Trust Fund. The $79.7 million distributed to CPA communities smashed the previous record distribution of $68.1 million set in 2007. Additionally, for almost all communities, this was the fourth straight year that the Trust Fund distribution increased." The full announcement and links to projects which have been funded by CPA are available at the Community Preservation Coalition  (https://www.communitypreservation.org/home/news/november-2021-statewide-trust-fund-distribution-announced) Copyright © 2021 Metacomet Land Trust, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email as a subscriber to our e-newsletter. Our mailing address is: Metacomet Land Trust P.O. Box 231 Franklin, MA 02038

The newsletter was shortened for publication here. To view the full contents and subscribe for future copies of your ownplease visit ->  https://mailchi.mp/c9dfd2b61ac8/good-news-for-conservation-5194323?e=935e913775