"We know our kids can"

"STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT REMAINS well below where it was in 2019, indicating a steep loss in learning during the pandemic that has yet to be made up, according to statewide MCAS results released Thursday. 

“Compared to pre-pandemic we still have a way to go across all subject levels to fully recover learning losses,” said state Education Commissioner Jeff Riley. 

The 2022 MCAS results reflect the standardized tests that were taken in the spring of 2022 in grades three through eight and grade 10. In every subject – math, English, and science – the percentage of students who scored as meeting or exceeding expectations fell between 2019, the last year of full, in-person education, and 2022.  

There were some hopeful signs, with both math and science scores rebounding slightly compared to 2021, indicating that some learning recovery has begun. However, there were also areas where scores have continued to drop, including in writing and elementary school English.  "

Continue reading the article online 

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/education/mcas-scores-show-major-drop-since-2019/

Or wait until November ? when Franklin School District has had time to get it's set of numbers and do some work with them to tell us the real story.

MCAS scores show major drop since 2019

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Monday, Oct 3, 2022

• wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Monday

9 AM 12 PM and 6 PM Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Todd Monjur
2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews

11 AM 2 PM and 8 PM A More Perfect Union – Discussing American Politics and Current Events - Peter Fasciano, Dr. Michael Walker Jones, Dr. Natalia Linos, State Rep Jeff Roy, Chris Woolf, and Nick Remissong host a round table discussion on current events and American politics, bringing about thoughtful conversation, compelling discourse, and a look at what the future might hold for the United States

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = MONDAY

8:00 am SAFE Coalition: Overdose Awareness

9:00 am 4th of July 2022: Michael Revelis

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: French Toast

12:30 pm Sandhya: Eclairs

1:00 pm Cooking Thyme: Candy Apples

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Black Bean, Roasted Pepper & Garlic Pizzetta

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Show 3

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 5

3:30 pm Physician Focus: Concussions and Brain Injury

4:00 pm Celebrate With Pride: Pt. 1

7:30 pm Frank Presents: Jeff Roy

8:00 pm Frank's Musings: Martha's Vineyard

8:30 pm Concerts on the Common: Ken DoRosario

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = MONDAY

7:00 am Public School Event: Concert Hour Day 1

8:30 am FHS PCC: Vaping Forum

10:00 am All-Town Showcase: Chorus & Orchestra

12:00 pm Public School Concert: MICCA Showcase Pt. 2 03-14-18

2:00 pm SAFE Coalition: Overdose Awareness

3:00 pm FHS Varsity Volleyball: v Sharon 09-21-22

7:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Soccer: v North Attleboro 09-23-22

9:00 pm FHS Varsity Field Hockey: v North Attleboro 09-22-22

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) = MONDAY

8:00 am Planning Board: 09-12-22

11:30 am Economic Development: 09-21-22

2:00 pm Planning Board: 09-12-22

7:00 pm Planning Board: LIVE, Chambers, 843 1091 7600

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf  

Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)

What does Sunday's schedule look like with the rescheduled events?

Due to the rain forecasted for Saturday, a number of events moved to Sunday so the full Sunday schedule now looks like:

Sunday, October 2

Fall Storywalk (Delcarte Recreation)

12:00pm - Harvest Festival (street fair with vendors, music, etc.) (Downtown Franklin)

12:00pm - Pumpkin Patch Sale (St John’s Episcopal Church)

1:00pm - Tyrolean Festival (food & music) (THE BLACK BOX)

1:00pm - Jimmy Fund Walk (fund raiser) (La Cantina Winery)

1:00pm - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1:00pm - Oktoberfest Celebration - Raina’s Plate (67 Degrees Brewery)

1:00pm - Oktoberfest Celebration - Scott Damgaard (67 Degrees Brewery)

3:00pm - LiveARTS: Musical Magic! (First Universalist Society - 262 Chestnut St)

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

The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

Find the full Community event calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

The Cultural calendar displays only the cultural events      https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/pages/calendar

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

Franklin, MA: Town Council meeting agenda for October 5, 2022 session

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

Agenda & Meeting Packet

October 5, 2022 - 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers

355 East Central Street

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

c. Municipal Aggregation Electricity Rates.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - None Scheduled.

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled.

5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled.

6. HEARINGS - 7:00 pm

a. Chapter 61A, Town’s Right of First Refusal to Purchase Approx. 113 Acres of Land together with any and all buildings and any other improvements thereon, located at 215 Prospect St., Franklin.   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/6a._1_-_memo_-_schmidts_farm_rofr.pdf

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. License Modification - Change of Manager: Mormax Corporation d/b/a BJ’s Wholesale Club #105, Located at 100 Corporate Drive, Franklin, MA 02038   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/7a_bjs_change_of_mgr.pdf

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Discussion: Norfolk County Commission

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 22-62: Request for Special Legislation Re: Authority for the Town of Franklin Acting Through the Franklin Town Council to Grant an All Alcoholic Beverages Not to be Drunk on the Premises Alcoholic Beverages License in Excess of the Town’s Quota to Madd Deli, Inc. D/B/A Dacey’s Market (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-62 - Majority Roll Call Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9a._web_22-62_daceys_market.pdf

b. Bylaw Amendment 22-884: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, Article IV, Stopping, Standing and Parking, §170-15 Parking Prohibitions and Limitations, D. Parking Prohibited, Downtown Parking Map - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 22-884 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9b._web_22-884_parking_map.pdf

c. Bylaw Amendment 22-885: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, §170-20, Additional regulations; violations and penalties. - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 22-885 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9c._-_bylaw_amendment_22-885_amendment_chapter_170_ta_auth_to_set_fees.pdf

d. Bylaw Amendment 22-886: Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service, § 82-6, Subsection K. Police - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 22-886 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9d._-_bylaw_amendment_22-886_amendment_chapter_82_municipal_service_fees_striking_quarterly_fees.pdf

e. Bylaw Amendment 22-879: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, Appendix A, Fines, Parking Violations - First Reading (Motion to Take off the Table and Move Bylaw Amendment 22-879 to Second Reading - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/bylaw_amendment_-_parking_fees.pdf

f. Resolution 22-63: Gift Acceptance - Police Dept. ($2,550), Fire Dept. ($2,500) (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-63 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9f._web_22-63_gift_acceptance.pdf

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

a. Beaver Street Interceptor

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Budget Subcommittee

c. Economic Development Subcommittee

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled.

15. RETURN TO OPEN SESSION

16. ADJOURN

Note:

Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting 

Agenda and documents released for this meeting

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/10.05.22_town_council_agenda.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council meeting agenda for October 5, 2022 session

Making Sense of Climate #16 - from municipal aggregation to zoning changes (audio)

FM #855 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 855 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Ted McIntyre, Franklin resident and climate activist. We recorded this via the Zoom conference bridge Tuesday, Sep 27, 2022.  

This discussion continues our journey understanding the MA roadmap toward net zero and while it helps me “make sense of climate”, we hope it helps with your understanding as well. 

Topics covered this time

Electric rate increases

DPU process, Inequity around New England, ISO New England

Municipal aggregation for Franklin shields us

Machin and side deal

FERC role mentioned for aiding in interstate transmission role

Ezra Klien podcast with Jesse Kenkins

Scope of work required

Heat pump explanation

Affordable housing, zoning for residential & commercial neighborhoods

 

If you have climate questions or Franklin specific climate questions, send them in and we’ll try to answer them in a future session.  

The conversation runs about 48 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Ted

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-855-making-sense-of-climate-16-09-27-22

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

Jesse Jenkins https://netzeroamerica.princeton.edu/   and https://repeatproject.org/

Podcast link

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS84MkZJMzVQeA/episode/NzEwY2Y1NTMtMGFjYS00YmI0LTg3YWUtMGUxYjAxNjk2Zjgw?ep=14 

There is a great section on heat pumps as well as an explanation on the side effect of reducing premature deaths due to improved air quality

Other climate podcast referral -> https://www.volts.wtf/p/welcome-to-volts

See the page that collects the “Making Sense of Climate” episodes -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/making-sense-of-climate-collection.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"

Franklin's Municipal Aggregation program

Franklin TV: Holiday Festival Postponed - Happening Sunday (10/2)

Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 10/02/2022

In their widely distributed email sent yesterday morning, the Franklin Downtown Partnership announced the postponement of their annual Harvest Festival, originally slated to take over the downtown (closing Main Street) this afternoon.

Franklin TV: Holiday Festival Postponed - Happening Sunday (10/2)

Due to predicted strong and steady rains, the event has been moved to Sunday, Oct. 2, noon to 5 PM. All event logistics and booth locations will remain the same.

"Please be prepared for the potential of wind and the chance of showers on Sunday; tents and items on your booths and displays must be secured for the safety of all event attendees.”

We’ll be posting pix on Monday. 

And – as always –

Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm.

And, thank you for watching. 

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf   

Franklin Public Schools, MA: hiring a director of human resources

Franklin Public Schools, MA (@FranklinPSNews) tweeted Fri, Sep 30, 2022:

The Franklin Public School District is looking for an experienced, hands-on, Director of Human Resources to join our great team!

Access the posting here: https://t.co/ztwCsPLGyI https://t.co/PCCBoioWAe

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews/status/1575903456354672640?t=sVLrlvRFXbYQW5ft-fglBA&s=03

Franklin Public Schools, MA: hiring a director of human resources

Take out or eat in to help the FHS Music Booster fund raiser with Jersey Mike's on Wednesday

The FHS Music Boosters are holding a fund raiser at Jersey Mike's on Wednesday, Oct 5, 2022. 20% of the dine-in or take-out sales will be donated to the program.

Take out or eat in to help the FHS Music Booster fund raiser with Jersey Mike's on Wednesday

Shared from Facebook -> 

https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid033xvDDD51tsNVxihNDA8dskzxMMagNiWcBDiygDwANvZjiRYu39ARigy3oS87yk8yl&id=100029115622784

Community Preservation Committee Meeting - Agenda for Oct 4 session includes Schmidt's Farm purchase

Community Preservation Committee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

October 4, 2022 - 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd Floor, Council Chambers

355 East Central Street

Agenda:

1. Approval of Minutes

a. June 7, 2022

2. Chapter 61, Town’s Right of First Refusal to Purchase Approx. 113 Acres of Land off 215 Prospect Street. Discussion and vote on recommending use of CPA funding for purchase to the Town Council.

3. Community Preservation Master Plan v. 2

a. Request for Appropriation: $50,000 for the Red Brick Schoolhouse

b. Other project updates:

i. Nason Street Tot Lot

ii. Historical Museum Cupola

iii. King Street Memorial Park

iv. Townwide Open Space & Recreational Plan

v. State Matching Fund update

Agenda doc and remote connection info

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/10.04.22_cpc_agenda.pdf 

cupola at the Franklin Historical Museum

Author Visits scheduled for Franklin Middle Schools Oct 25-27

Horace Mann MS (@HMMSLightning) tweeted Fri, Sep 30, 2022:

Exciting news! We'll welcome @LeslieConnor29 to HMMS in October - this will be her second tour of the middle schools and our first IN PERSON author in two years! 

Be sure to read before her visit @EscapeIntoFictn @FrkPublicLib https://t.co/kl8A7N2HWK

Shared from Twitter -> 
https://twitter.com/HMMSLightning/status/1575881728249339910?t=lk2ltmsX3s4kaW7eMbUUyQ&s=03

Author Tour scheduled for Middle Schools Oct 25-27

Town Council Quarterbacking: the short version of Wednesday's (Sep 28, 2022) Council meeting (audio)

FM #854 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 854 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior Council meeting. Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England,  this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting of Sep 28, 2022: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

Appointments

a. Agricultural Commission - Daniel Morse

b. Conservation Commission - Meghann Hagen

c. Council on Aging - Kimberly Mu-Chow

d. Finance Committee - Michael Hamilton

LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 22-61: Direction for Issuance of Request for Proposals for Town Property Containing "South Franklin Congregational Meeting House" Located at 762 Washington Street (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-61 - Majority Vote) 

TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

a. Bylaw Amendment 22-880: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, Article IV, Stopping, Standing and Parking, §170-15 Parking Prohibitions and Limitations, D. Parking Prohibited, Downtown Parking Map

Municipal aggregation protects Franklin residents from the proposed NationalGrid electric rate increase

Touch a truck – Oct 15 (10 AM to 2 PM)

Red Brick School exterior renovation underway

State flag resolution request – Oct 19 state legislation (Roy, Rausch, & Spilka) visits Council

Harvest Festival – Sat Oct 1, rain date Oct 2

Our conversation runs about 27 minutes:

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. 

Let’s listen to this session of Town Council Quarterbacking recorded Sep 29, 2022

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-854-town-council-quarterbacking-09-29-22

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

Meeting agenda =>    

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/september_28_town_council_mtg_agenda.pdf 

My notes -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eAHa49OpU8nK1RDzU42n74iDy77-smig/view?usp=sharing 

The meeting video is also available for viewing on YouTube  https://youtu.be/oZ84NlUKaNE 

Volunteer for boards & committees

http://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/newcaf.php 

Vacant terms -> http://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/vt.php  

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

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 your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Old South Meeting House, Washington St