FM #679 - Franklin, MA: School Committee Mtg - 12/14/21 (audio)

FM #679 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 679 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, December 14, 2021.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: six of the School Committee members were in the Council Chambers along with some of the public, one member was remote (M Whitmore) along with some members the public via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The recording of the public meeting runs about one hour and thirty minutes. The School Committee enters Executive Session and does not return to a public meeting. 

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. The link to my notes taken during the meeting is also provided.

Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting Dec 14, 2021

 

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-679-franklin-ma-school-committee-mtg-12-14-21

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Meeting agenda doc ->   

https://franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_12-14-21.pdf

School Committee Meeting packet folder ->  

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/december-14-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet 

My notes captured during the meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/12/recap-school-committee-hears-lifelong.html

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

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/ or www.franklin.news/

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!

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

 

Franklin, MA: School Committee Mtg - 12/14/21 (audio)

School Committee Budget Workshop - 12/14/21 (audio)

FM #678 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 678 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Franklin, MA School Committee budget workshop held on Tuesday, December 14, 2021.

The budget workshop was conducted in the third floor training room of the Municipal Building. Six of the seven School Committee members were present along with the Superintendent, and other Central Office personnel. 

The recording of the public meeting runs about 51 minutes. 

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. The link to my notes taken during the meeting is also provided.

Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee budget workshop Dec 14, 2021  Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-678-school-committee-budget-workshop-12-14-21

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

Meeting agenda doc ->  

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/agenda_budget_workshop_12-14-2021.pdf 

My notes captured during the meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/12/recap-school-committee-budget-workshop.html 

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

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/ or www.franklin.news/

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"

School Committee Budget Workshop - 12/14/21 (audio)

FHS girls and boys swim teams top Mansfield on Thursday

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

Girls Hockey = Franklin, 0 vs. Algonquin, 10 – Final

Boys Swimming = Mansfield, 69 @ Franklin, 80 – Final 

– For Mansfield, Rico Palanza took first in both the 50 free and the 100 fly and 200 free relay team of Ryan Morley, Neil Dalpe, Jack Friedman and Xavier Gwynne. Palanza was just shy of the South Sectional qualifying time in the 50 free, swimming the fourth fastest time in Mansfield program history.

Girls Swimming = Mansfield, 63 @ Franklin, 99 – Final 

– Mansfield’s Sofia Seifert had a second and third finish individually and helped the 200 medley relay to a second place finish. Seifer took second in the 50 free and third in the 100 breaststroke, and teamed up with Carla Guirguis, Katherine Elliott, and Dana Guirguis for second in the 200 medley relay. For diving, Caitlyn Zajac was first with a score of 179.92 and Paige Pushee took second with a 140.40.

For other results around the Hockomock League

https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-12-16-21/

FHS Panthers

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