Recap: School Committee hears Lifelong Learning update, plans for FHS masking; approved FHS business trips

Quick Recap:

• Citizen commenters returned after a brief hiatus; one told of a sad story of her student being punished for something the IEP was supposed to be addressing; another advocated for inclusion of Diwali on the list of recognized religious holidays
• Superintendent's report covered scenario if cases continued to rise, how they would revert to the face required process; communications late Wednesday did revert policy on masks back to being required as case counts rose about 4% positivity
• Recognition of former SchComm member MJ Scofield; she had not been recognized earlier as she was running again and was not successful. She has long been an advocate and volunteer for schools and sports with a long list of accomplishments
• Lifelong Learning presented an overview on their programs which are almost back to normal. They had been significantly affected by the pandemic. Even the summer programs had been adjusted for COVID precautions as opposed to the summer of 2020 when they were simply not held
• two trips were approved for FHS DECA students and National Business Honors students

 
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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter while I attended the meeting in the Council Chamber. 

The Twitter hashtag #schcom1214  can be found online. The thread begins with  

https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1470906795317239811 

 

• switching to the Council Chamber for the regular School Committee meeting; #schcom1214 agenda doc ->  https://franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_12-14-21.pdf
  
• meeting called to order at 7:02 PM; Executive Session at end of meeting, not to return to open session #schCom1214
  
• roll call attendance as Meghan Whitmore is participating remotely for this session #schcom1214 all 7 accounted for
  
• moment of silence in memory of the Sandy Hook students #schcom1214
  

Citizen Comments

• citizen comment; request for sex ed documentation but hadn't received response; request left with Chair; parent with student issue (speaking rapidly and hard to understand) #schcom1214 KP Sompally requests to have consideration to celebrate Diwali within the district
  
• citizen comment; M Benson speaking on mask policy at FHS; claiming contradiction among DESE and DPH statements; #schcom1214
  

FHS student updates

• FHS student update from R Chaudhury, provides multiple items - spirit week, theater auditions, middle sch auditions too; raffle calendar fund raiser; online open through Dec 31; sports news - FHS did beat KP on Thanksgiving; Unified Basketball going to FL; cheerleaders won D1;
• action today on basketball courts; masks so far going well; looking forward to break; #schcom1214
  

Superintendents Report

• superintendents report; PD last week (12/10) at building level; prof learning communities; elementary focused on assessment; middle multi-tier system of support; FHS worked on curriculum development; congrats to Unified Basketball team; traveling in Jun '22 #schcom1214
  
• Congrats to Paula Lupien, named MIAA D1 gymnastics coach of the year; #schcom1214; shifting to FHS mask policy implementation - 75% of students/40% of faculty were choosing to unmask; case numbers are climbing and keep watching; masks will busing (Federal mandate)
  
• changing definition of close contact to 6' (from 3'); no change to test/stay; can't test vaccinated students per DESE; #schcom1214 positivity 3.27% in Franklin (less than the 4 at benchmark); numbers updated Thursday; if over 4, would have a decision for the following Monday
  
• apprehensive around cases and numbers; chart shared with the updated numbers (weekly from DPH); 129 students in quarantine (largest in while); published on Monday; to be included in District newsletter on Weds #schcom1214
  
• if over 4 on Thursday, encouraged to mask on Fri but req'd for Monday; suggestion to reverse order of the info to put the newest on top; shoutout to music boosters, etc. in person concerts this month, nice way to celebrate the season; #schcom1214
  

Recognition of MJ Scofield

• recognition of MJ Scofield former member of #SchCom1214 multiple policy updated under her leadership of Policy subcom; Keller/Sullivan building project in prior period of terms; MJ speaking, acknowledges being awkward; appreciates the free time; overtime 5 superintendents …
  
• worked toward a common goal, could tell stories, but won't; negotiation sessions; pre-interest based bargaining did go long; #schcom1214 "kids always come first", keep advised of what Town Council and other board do; you're responsible for quality of ed for all students
  
• Chair Spencer acknowledges the hard work and making a world of difference; an amazing mentor; a well of historical knowledge #schcom1214
  

Lifelong Learning Presentation

• Lifelong Learning Presentation – Pattie Gay, Interim Director of Lifelong Learning Institute presentation #schcom1214 off rhythm due to the pandemic; stabilizing the dept and building back
  
• presentation copy to follow along as req'd -> https://franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/lli_presentation_december_2021.pdf… #schcom1214
  
• Solutions - for K through 5th grade, at each elementary school; Lifelong Community Learning - resource/programs for all ages; Kid's Corner - students K-8; music academy for all ages #schcom1214
  
• Summer programs were offered in limited capacity for 2021; high school experience offered in one day versions for incoming 9th and those in 10th who missed prior year; #schcom1214 anticipating return to full programing in summer of 2022; summer registration opens Feb 1, 2022
  
• programs aligned with district improvement plans; #schcom1214 thanks to all who helped support our program around the District/Town. Shout out to the Solutions ladies who helped raise my kids; there are great offerings in the brochure, check it out; you can meet other folks
  
• STEM and Math academy are complimentary to what is taught in school, particular during the summer, where usually regular teachers are the instructors; the college essay course is popular and helps to jump start the seniors; #schcom1214
  
• Lifelong Learning has been able to develop programs (i.e. essay and common app) to help address identified needs of the students and community #schcom1214
  
• great to be able to be back in person, enables real time opportunities to get feedback; courses do have an evaluation sheet at the end of each course; info reviewed and incorporated as needed; #schcom1214
  

Discussion Action Items

• next up -> Dissolve Transportation Sub Committee
• I recommend dissolving the Transportation Sub Committee as discussed - moved, seconded, passes 7-0  via roll call - details in doc  https://franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_dissolve_transportation_subcom.pdf…  #schcom1214
  
• DECA club request to travel to Boston; https://franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_deca_trip-web_redacted.pdf…  moved, seconded, passes 7-0 via roll call
  
• National Business Honor Students trip to NYC - https://franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_c_-_ny_trip-web_redacted.pdf…  #schcom1214 - date changed to Apr 2; motion seconded, passes 7-0 via roll call
  

Discussion only item

• Discussion only item - https://franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/22-23_scschedule-draft.pdf…  draft SchCom meeting calendar for planning/review #schcom1214 most normal 2 mtgs/month with minor exceptions
  
• Info matters - Budget meeting Thu - 12/16 at 7:30; community relations TBD; Joint PCC meeting today; COVID concerns discussed; pilot of Remington with Unlikely Story for book fair, next meeting Jan 10; SWAC next meeting Jan 4; #schcom1214 plng 4 another …
  
• critical conversations event in the Spring - informing parents on how to recognize drug packaging, etc. #schCom1214 DEI cmte met 12/08, visit FPS page (link to be added later) - appointing Elise to SEPAC as rep
  
• new business, Jan 11 - Special Ed update; action items related to the budget; re: $93,000 reduction for decision; FY 2022 capital request for SchCom to then go to the Town; #schcom1214
  

Consent agenda

• Consent agenda - https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/december-14-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet…  #schcom1214 motion to approve, seconded, passes 7-0 via roll call
  
• motion to enter Executive Session, not to return to open meeting, #schCom1214 motion, seconded, passes via roll call 7-0

 

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

Citizen comment updates:

• KP Sompally statement advocating for Diwali was shared here ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/12/request-to-add-diwali-as-observed.html
• Handout from parent on punishment for student for what he should be getting help for was shared here -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/12/citizen-comment-about-punitive.html

School Committee meeting packet folder for Dec 14, 2021 includes the full Superintendent's report   packet folder -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/december-14-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet

Superintendent's report  ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/superintendents_report_to_school_committee_december_14_2021.pdf
 

School Committee hears Lifelong Learning update

COVID-19 Mini Vaccine Clinic For Ages 5-11 on Dec 29, 2021

COVID-19 Mini Vaccine Clinic For Ages 5-11 
on December 29, 2021

The Franklin Health Department is hosting a mini vaccine clinic on Wednesday, December 29th, 2021 for kids ages 5-11. The clinic will run from 1 PM-4 PM at the Franklin Senior Center (10 Daniel Mccahill Rd. Franklin, MA).

Register here: https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/franklin

Please call the Health Dept with any questions: 508-520-4905

Shared from the ToF page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/covid-19-mini-vaccine-clinic-ages-5-11-december-29th-2021

COVID-19 Mini Vaccine Clinic For Ages 5-11 on Dec 29, 2021

Town of Franklin has officially joined in the MA statewide opioid settlement

"The Town of Franklin has officially joined the statewide opioid settlement and looks forward to continuing its work at the local level with 

@SafeCoalitionMA   @FranklinPSNews  @franklinpolice   @FranklinMAfire"

"Municipalities have until Jan. 2 to join statewide opioid settlements that will provide up to $537M to the state, cities & towns over 18 years to fund additional prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery efforts.

@MassAGO

http://ow.ly/UgGH50H9oBK. 

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1470402435948728323

Town of Franklin has officially joined in the MA statewide opioid settlement

’Tis the season for student loan scam calls

'Tis the season for student loan scam calls by Emily Wu Attorney, FTC, Division of Consumer & Business Education If you have a federal student loan, you probably already know that the Coronavirus emergency relief program that has paused your payments is ending. Repayments will begin again after January 31, 2022. Scammers know it, too, and are looking for ways to take advantage: they're calling, texting, and e-mailing to try to use any confusion around restarting your student loan payments to steal your money and personal information. Read more ->  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2021/12/tis-season-student-loan-scam-calls?utm_source=govdelivery

FYI - Franklin (MA) Public Schools, Franklin Police prepare for another TIkTok challenge

Please see the attached message from the Office of Superintendent and the Franklin Public Schools

Dear Franklin Families, 

I find myself in the unfortunate position of, once again, writing to inform you of the latest TikTok challenge.  There have been reports of a “School Threat Challenge" encouraging followers, on Dec. 17, 2021, to call in bomb threats, school shooting threats, etc., at schools in the United States. We do not believe these posts originated in our area. 

We must remain vigilant when it involves these types of threats. Any situation that involves threats to our schools is taken seriously and acted upon immediately using our well-established threat assessment protocols.  Our partnership with the Franklin Police Department is an essential component for quickly investigating and assessing the level of concern. As a precautionary measure, we have notified the Franklin Police Department, and we will have a police presence at each school tomorrow. As of this afternoon, Dec. 16, 2021, the Franklin Public Schools have not received any threats.

As I stated in my last “November Tik Tok Challenge” communication, social media is a powerful tool often used to influence others, and not always for good. I enlist your support and strongly encourage you to discuss the negative impact of engaging in inappropriate TikTok challenges with your children. Students must understand that making violent threats towards the school is a criminal act, and violators will face disciplinary action, including suspension, expulsion, and criminal charges for making threats against the school. 

Despite the apparent threat these trends present to our community, many of our students are engaging in positive behaviors across the district worth acknowledging. 

I hope this information allows you to connect with your children about the concerning content on TikTok and other social media platforms. For resources on how to support your children’s healthy and safe technology use, we encourage families to access Common Sense Media for their social media monitoring guidance. 

Respectfully, 

Lucas Giguere

Assistant Superintendent

Shared from Franklin Police Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/162770995915/posts/10157968182015916/

FHS Girls Hockey Preview via HockomockSports for 2021-2022 Season

HockomockSports.com has published their preview of the girls hockey teams for the Hockomock League. The Franklin portion of the article is shared here along with the link to read the full article covering the remainder of the league. 

FRANKLIN
2020-2021 Record: 6-3-1
Coach: Margie Burke

Franklin has a true blend of veterans and rookies this season and will be hoping that combination can lead to a Hockomock League title.

The Panthers have just under a dozen players back from last year but got a big boost to the roster from the freshmen class, with six skaters and two goalies. While head coach Margie Burke is counting on the freshmen to make contributions throughout the year, she’ll be leaning heavily on her upperclassmen.

Having to replace the top two scorers from last season will be a challenge but the Panthers have plenty of capable options to step up. Senior forward Maggie McCaffrey is off to a good start with two goals in the opening game, and the same goes for junior Molly Hurley. Senior Samantha Wong and juniors Avery Greco and Dana Stott add a lot of skill to the offense. Shaw Downing will be a key piece along the blue line for Franklin.

“We will be young and competitive,” Burke said. “We will be looking to our defensive play to contribute to our success this season.” 

For other preseason views for girls hockey

https://hockomocksports.com/2021-2022-hockomock-girls-hockey-preview/

FHS Panthers

FHS' Hurley & McCaffrey - two of the Hockomock League girls hockey "Players to Watch"

HockomockSports.com has published the "Players to Watch" for the Hockomock League girls hockey teams. The Franklin High School representative is shared here. Follow the link below to find out about the other players to watch around the Hockomock League.  

MOLLY HURLEY, JUNIOR – FRANKLIN

Franklin junior Molly Hurley has been a strong presence in all three zones over the past couple of seasons, not only stepping up offensively to give the Panthers some needed punch on the offensive zone, she does a nice job backchecking and helping the defense. As a freshman, Hurley made an immediate impact for the Panthers. She scored four goals and had five assists and was one of the top scorers on the squad. With a lot of the offensive production from last year not on the ice this year, Hurley will be called upon to fill the void.

MAGGIE MCCAFFREY, SENIOR – FRANKLIN

One big challenge that Franklin has this season will be on the offensive end as the Panthers graduated two of its top three scorers from last year, and the other — Lyndsay Atkinson — is out hurt. But that means there will be plenty of opportunities for new faces to step up. One candidate for a breakout season is senior Maggie McCaffrey. McCaffrey has a lot of varsity experience and made an impact early on in her career, scoring six goals along with two assists for eight points during his sophomore season. She is confident with the puck on her stick and a strong skater that can make a lot of things happen in the offensive zone.

For other Hockomock League "Players to Watch"
https://hockomocksports.com/girls-hockey-players-to-watch-in-2021-2022/

FHS Panthers

FHS Boys Hockey Preview via HockomockSports for 2021-2022 Season

HockomockSports.com has published their preview of the Boys Hockey teams for the Hockomock League. The Franklin portion of the article is shared here along with the link to read the full article covering the remainder of the league.

 
FRANKLIN
2020-2021 Record: 10-2-1
Coach: Anthony Sarno

"This will be a new-look Franklin team that takes the ice this season, looking to win its 11th straight league title and make a deep run in the postseason. The Panthers graduated 16 seniors from last year’s team and only return seven players with significant varsity experience to try and manage a schedule loaded with some of the best teams in the state.

Senior forward Dylan Marchand is the key returning player in the forward line. The team’s leading scorer last year, the speedy center scored eight goals and nine assists in 13 games. Seniors Justin Magazu and Domenic Lampasona and juniors Ben Jarosz and Ryan Sicchio will also return to add more firepower to the attacking end of the ice. With 14 new players on the roster, there could be a lot of new names on the score sheet this winter.

Defensively, the Panthers will lean on experienced players like seniors Aidan Hunt and Jack MacKinnon to guide the younger players, as they take on the high-end talent that Franklin will face right from the start of the season. In goal, sophomore Cole Pouliot-Porter and freshman Jack O’Connor will both get chances between the pipes."

“I am optimistic with the youth we have and excited to watch us grow together,” said Franklin coach Anthony Sarno. “We will just have to weather the ebbs and flows, try to remain even-keeled, communicate, and trust each other as a team in order for us to grow and move forward as a complete unit.”

For other preseason views for boys hockey

https://hockomocksports.com/2021-2022-hockomock-boys-hockey-preview/

 

FHS Boys Hockey Preview via HockomockSports for 2021-2022 Season

FHS boys hockey top Canton 4-1 on Wednesday

Via HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the FHS winter sports action on Wednesday

Boys Hockey = Franklin, 4 @ Canton, 1 – Final 

– Franklin scored four unanswered goals in the third period to grab a non-league win over Canton. The Bulldogs struck first in the opening period on a goal from senior Andrew Valkanas, assisted by Brendan Tourgee. After a scoreless second period, the Panthers scored three times in a span just over three minutes. Senior Domenic Lampasona knotted the game at 1-1 (from Anthony Lampasona and Ben Paterson) and just two over minutes later, Paterson (from Ben Jarosza and Adam Quinn) converted a power play chance to take the lead. Less than a minute after taking the lead, Dylan Marchand extended the edge to two goals on a goal assisted by Logan Marchand and Domenic Lampasona. Jarosz tacked on an empty netter with just under a minute to go. Franklin sophomore Cole Pouliot-Porter had a stellar showing in net for the Panthers. 

For other results around the Hockomock League on Wednesday

https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-12-15-21/

FHS Panthers

Recap: School Committee Budget Workshop - all around the starting point for understanding the costs and drivers

Quick Recap:

• The budget workshop doc is rich with with links to supporting material. Each of the links was opened and info it contained talked of, clarification questions asked and answered. In one instance, there was a slightly different slice of data requested and it can be prepared.
• Of all the info shared, this budget workshop doc should be the basis for your dive into the information. This gets to the basic DESE categories, Chapter 70 funding, etc. The list goes on.
• Of note, a presentation is scheduled for a January meeting of the full committee on Special Education. I anticipate (based on prior views), this will go into more specifics on the overall programs and the in-house programs where the District saves money by providing the services here rather then sending out of District. At a minimum, it avoids the transportation cost. This is not something that can be done to provide all services, some for the number of students required is still better served by an outside resource

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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter while I attended the meeting in the 3rd Floor Training Room. 
 
The Twitter hashtag #schcommbudget1214  can be found online The thread begins with  
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1470892996333903880 
 

• #schcommbudget1214 budget workshop opens, being recorded so if the gremlins are held at bay, the recording will be available later this week.
• Miriam Goodman, Business Manager for FPS provides an overview of the budget process. meeting agenda for this session ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/agenda_budget_workshop_12-14-2021.pdf  #schcommbudget1214 
• Q on negotiation, how does it affect timeline if it does? We put a placeholder in for what we may expect required to keep the timeline #schcommbudget1214 
• comment on substitute pricing to be more competitive; comment on common planning time (time is money)
• Q - to be address along way, how do we get programs previously cut back? Comment on SEL supports for students, retaining what we have and possible expansion; #schcommbudget1214 what tech can we add to help prepare students for workplace?
• #schcommbudget1214 how to appropriately address learning loss due to pandemic (i.e. with tutors) comment on staff and student well being is a common thread being heard by cmte; amount of physical activity for FHS students; DEI cmte motivated; budget impact
• relook at support processes, Tier 1 used to be primary focus but there are other needs along the tier calling for help too; comment on 'boots on the ground' interventionists, both MS and ES #schcommbudget1214 these SchComm requests are aligned with principals, etc. feedback
• a special ed presentation coming in Jan 2022 for #SchCommbudget1214 to help understanding and budget prep; fees were increased in 2020 and first time since 2008; MA Supt spreadsheet does provide 'some' info from other districts for comparisons
• Q on clubs and activities; reduced offerings due to pandemic but overall they have grown in breadth and participation; it varies among elem, middle and FHS; #schcommbudget1214 principals monitor participation to ensure an appropriate offering for school
• can pull report together to determine offerings and participation; some were reduce for lack of participation, some combined to improve offering #schcommbudget1214 some clubs are not supported by stipend; aside - NHS has 115 students; some fund raising for clubs
• Portrait of a Graduate is kept in mind as budget is developed; see link to budget doc; 85% is salaries/benefits ... #schcommbudget1214 DESE counts 11 categories for the foundation budget; amt of revolving funds and grants/offsets included in pages of budget summary
• once through the Exec Summary doc, then the budget breaks down by school (according to the level of DESE codes) #schcommbudget1214 there are unbudgeted donations, via PCC's, FEF, etc.  details in packet; the concession stand donation helped to drive the 2019; ....
• District Analysis Resource Tool (DART) helpful info to do further drill down research on comparable districts for specific categories, etc. #schcommbudget1214 also a link for charter school finance; currently 372 student enrolled; most funding is handled by Town side/via State
• if charter school were to expand to high school, it would be a charter change with local impact statements and DESE decision; a planning process; but not on the known horizon #schcommbudget1214 could we survey charter families to see why? has been considered but not …
• a priority; a portion say the language offering is a factor; #schcommbudget1214 not at this time but likely many over the months to come; adjourn here, go to next meeting

 Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days 

Recap: School Committee Budget Workshop

Medical Experts, Legislators, and Community Organizations Urge Baker to Curb COVID Transmission Amidst Contagious Variants, Holiday Season

Sign-on letter and public health policy proposal for Governor Baker proposes data-driven solutions to reduce COVID-19 transmission in schools, workplaces, and frontline communities  

This afternoon (12/15/21), Senator Becca Rausch (D-Needham) and a dozen state legislative colleagues delivered a letter to Governor Baker urging the administration to adopt a slate of data-driven public health policies set forth in a Massachusetts COVID-19 Action Plan, crafted and endorsed by a coalition of over 100 public health and medical professionals and 36 community organizations, to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. This broad support comes amidst a winter surge of the Delta variant, detection of the Omicron variant in Massachusetts, and increasing virus transmission during the holiday season.   

On Monday morning, Governor Baker announced an effort to distribute 2.1 million rapid COVID-19 tests to high-risk municipalities, but noted that his administration has no intention to reinstate Massachusetts’ statewide mask mandate during a winter surge of the Delta variant, which has caused a doubling of COVID hospitalizations over the last month. Schools have experienced a notable spike in outbreaks, and stark racial and socioeconomic disparities of vaccination rates continue to persist in Massachusetts, with the proportion of people with 2 doses ranging from 52.1% to over 95% across Massachusetts towns.   

“Experts confirm that testing is not enough,” the letter said. “Our constituents and communities need a multi-pronged approach to combat COVID-19 and protect public health, especially through these colder months.” 

The Massachusetts COVID-19 Action Plan provides a comprehensive public health policy proposal for the Commonwealth’s schools, workplaces, health care providers, local health boards and frontline communities, drafted by Dr. Julia Koehler, Dr. Julia Raifman, and Dr. Regina LaRocque in partnership with numerous public health leaders and community organizations. To avoid crises of hospital resources, acute and chronic disease, deaths, long-term disability, and orphaning of children, the statewide coalition is encouraging the Baker Administration to:  

• Establish a statewide indoor masking policy in line with CDC recommendations, mandating county-based mask wearing predicated on local COVID-19 transmission risk 
• Fund and staff daily mobile vaccination clinics in frontline communities disproportionately represented in COVID-19 cases  
• Curb viral spread in workplaces through statewide workplace safety standards as well as paid sick time for employees experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, potential exposures, or temporary adverse effects from vaccination  
• Protect against foreclosures, evictions and rent increases to decrease home crowding  
• Reduce in-school transmission through universal masking and providing sufficient funding and staffing for contact tracing, opt-out pool testing, and remote learning options for infected children  
• Support frontline communities and local boards of public health through culturally relevant outreach, technical and infrastructural assistance to boards of health and community health centers, and financial support for struggling residents, regardless of immigration status 

“Protecting children from COVID-19 and answering parents’ concerns about vaccines in a culturally appropriate way is critically important, because it’s not true that children don’t get very sick from COVID,” said Dr. Julia Koehler, Pediatric Infectious Disease specialist and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School. “Children also get long COVID, and there are now concerns that children might have more severe disease from Omicron than from previous variants.”  

"The omicron variant is projected to take over in Massachusetts by January,” said Dr. Regina LaRocque, an infectious disease physician and associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. “It's absolutely essential for everyone in the state to have boosted vaccination, but we can't rely on vaccines alone to control this surge. We must use all of the tools at our disposal to protect people." 

"Mask policies are the opposite of lockdowns or school closures,” said Dr. Julia Raifman, assistant professor at Boston University School of Public Health. Mask policies help us continue to come together to reduce spread at work, in schools, and in public spaces more safely during surges. Mask policies are especially important while we continue to do the work to communicate about and deliver vaccines to the 11 Massachusetts Equity Communities with 40% or more of the population not yet vaccinated. I am so glad to see Governor Baker deliver free rapid tests to equity communities and hope he will also expand on the work Project N95 has done to deliver free, high quality masks to essential workers and low-income schools." 

"While I am pleased that the Baker Administration committed to free at-home rapid COVID-19 testing in our most vulnerable communities, we must go further," said Senator Becca Rausch. "Our Commonwealth’s public health experts and frontline workers know exactly what we must do to safeguard our communities’ health and curb COVID-19 transmission. We have the plan; now we need swift action to keep our kids in schools, our families safe, and our businesses open.”  

“The nurses and healthcare professionals of the Massachusetts Nurses Association support a multi-pronged approach to combating the latest COVID-19 surge that ensures patients are able to safely use essential healthcare services,” said Katie Murphy, practicing ICU nurse and Massachusetts Nurses Association president. “The Commonwealth must protect essential services such as behavioral health, hold hospitals accountable for improving conditions and staffing appropriately, and implement policy changes that reduce disparities in healthcare, education, food and housing access.” 

“COVID-19 devastated Chelsea a year and a half ago, due to lack of preparedness, action, and response to the pandemic as it arrived in Massachusetts,” said Cristina Alonso, Health Equity Specialist for La Colaborativa. ”We now have the data, information to prevent transmission, and capacity on-the-ground to save lives in our community as Omicron and the winter holidays approach. It is our responsibility to take action now to protect our most vulnerable communities.”  

In addition to the public health and medical experts who signed onto the Massachusetts COVID-19 Action Plan, the following 36 community organizations also endorsed the policy proposal:  

• Agencia ALPHA 
• Allston Brighton Health Collaborative 
• Boston Immigrant Justice Accompaniment Network 
• Brazilian Women’s Group 
• Community Action Agency of Somerville, Inc.  
• Center to Support Immigrant Organizing 
• City Life/Vida Urbana 
• Comité TPS Massachusetts 
• Equity Now & Beyond 
• Families for COVID Safety (FamCOSa) 
• The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts 
• GreenRoots 
• Groundwork Lawrence 
• Haitian Americans United, Inc.  
• La Colaborativa 
• La Comunidad, Inc., Everett 
• Immigrant Service Providers Group/Health 
• Immigrants’ Assistance Center, Inc. (IAC) 
• Jamaica Plain Progressives 
• Lundberg Health Advocates 
• Massachusetts Climate Action Network 
• Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health 
• Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless 
• Massachusetts Jobs with Justice 
• Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition 
• Massachusetts Nurses Association 
• Massachusetts Public Health Association 
• Massachusetts Voter Table 
• Metrowest Worker Center - Casa 
• New England United 4 Justice 
• St. Mark Community Education Program 
• Student Clinic for Immigrant Justice 
• True Alliance Center, Inc.  
• Union of Minority Neighborhoods 
• United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1445 
• We Got Us Empowerment Project 

Senator Becca Rausch represents the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District, comprised of Attleboro, Franklin, Millis, Natick, Needham, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Plainville, Sherborn, Wayland, Wellesley, and Wrentham. Senator Rausch serves as the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture and the Senate Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. 

Letter to Gove Baker ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Wt00R8mNnv4jYUBAiM9IftU5gFysodOy/view?usp=sharing

Action Plan -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oNhQXu1z-KJlHTCGvjPvFRONaEjd1rhp/view?usp=sharing 

Curb COVID Transmission Amidst Contagious Variants, Holiday Season