Friday, November 18, 2022

Franklin Public Schools: District Newsletter - November 2022



Franklin Public Schools

District Newsletter

November 2022

22-23 School Calendar


Nov. 23 -25 Thanksgiving Break

Dec. 7 - Early Release Day


Access the 22-23 School Calendar 

We're Back in Action!

We are excited to welcome families from across the district and the greater Franklin Community to attend our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Deep Dives event!


Join us as we dive deeper into the Climate and Culture findings from our 21-22 Equity Audit and look towards the development of our Equity Action Plan throughout the 2022-2023 year. During this session, community members will be able to engage with District Adminstration to discuss questions, concerns, experiences, and solutions. The event will be held at the Franklin Public Library meeting room (School Street entrance) on Saturday, 11/19 from 10am - 11:30am.

You can review our D.E.I. Presentation to the School Committee here.

Art of Rangolis During Diwali

Oak Street teachers Ms. Kinney teamed up with Mrs. Parikh to help share the history of Diwali with their classrooms. Students were able to learn more about how many other people from around the world as well as their peers, celebrate this holiday. Students even designed their very own Rangolis, which is an Indian art form typically displayed at entryways to welcome prosperity and blessings. This was a wonderful way for students to learn more about their friends.


Clock is Ticking to See Cinderella

Franklin High School Theatre Company delivered a fantastic performance of Cinderella (Broadway Version) on Friday, November 11th. Audiences have two additional opportunity to experience this magical performance with shows...

Saturday, November 18th at 7pm

Sunday, November 19th at 7pm


Be sure to grab your ticket before this horse drawn carriage bids farewell!


Kindergarten Technology Win!

Our Digital Learning Integrationists work to educate our FPS community on how to effectively utilize the variety of digital tools. Recently, our DLI's streamlined a way to assist our educators and kindergarteners during instances of digital enrichment. Logging into a Chromebook can be difficult for our kindergarten kiddos who are still learning their lowercase letters and digital skills. When it's time to sign into these Chromebooks using their logins, it can be a challenge to get a classroom to login quickly. DLI's and IT techs developed a system which allows kindergarteners to login using their own unique QR code while these young learners begin to develop the important skill of being able to enter user and password information independently. Now login is a breeze for these students and they get right to the planned digital activity. What was once a task that took 20-30 minutes to master, is now accomplished in under 3 minutes! The confidence in the faces of these young learners and their teachers show how much of a game changer this system is!

Wednesday, November 16th was National Education Support Professionals Day! Our ESP's give their all to keep our schools running efficiently. We couldn't do it without our team of passionate and dedicated ESP's. Thank you for all that you do!

Inclement Weather Procedure

The FPS Inclement Weather Procedure outlines the decision making process for school cancellation or delays in response to weather related incidents. Families are encouraged to review the procedure as we enter the start of the winter season.

View the procedure here.

From the School Committee

Redistricting Analysis


As part of the Redistricting Analysis that is being done in collaboration with the Franklin School Committee, we established a Redistricting Advisory Group of 60 individuals composed of FPS parents/ guardians, educators, administrators. This group will meet with our redistricting consultant App Geo, through May 2023 to provide input, feedback, and local context on proposed scenarios to potential updates to attendance boundaries within Franklin. The initial meeting was held on Tuesday, November 15th.



The results and recommendations will be presented at the conclusion to the School Committee in the Spring of 2023. Any recommendations that may be approved by the School Committee will not go into effect during the 2022-2023 school year. The School Committee will continue to engage the public prior to reaching a final decision on any boundary adjustments.


We encourage folks to review the materials from the November 15th meeting here. You can learn more about the Redistricting Advisory Committee here.


Please join us for our next School Committee meeting on Tuesday, November 22nd, 2022 at 7pm.

Were thankful for the support of our FPS Families, Faculty Staff and Franklin Community!

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public Schools | 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 www.franklinps.net

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A Priest A Rabbi and A Minister Walk Into A Radio Station: 026 - Giving Thanks and Gratitude (audio)

In this episode, Dr. Pandora Carlucci and Jay Horrigan are joined by Reverend Juncker, Reverend McAdams and Rabbi Alpert to discuss the importance of giving thanks, feeling and expressing gratitude in honor of Thanksgiving and the holiday season.


A Priest A Rabbi and A Minister Walk Into A Radio Station: 026 - Giving Thanks and Gratitude (audio)
A Priest A Rabbi and A Minister Walk Into A Radio Station: 026 - Giving Thanks and Gratitude (audio)



A Priest A Rabbi and A Minister Walk Into A Radio Station - WFPR
Bringing More Faith Into Your Day
Jay Horrigan and Dr. Pandora Carlucci join Pastor Juncker, Reverend McAdams and Rabbi Alpert to discuss faith in their congregations and how listeners can embrace faith in their own lives.

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, Nov 18, 2022

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

9:00a/12:00p /6:00p Chapters – Jim Derick  Insightful, life-affirming stories and interviews

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p Music to Lift the Spirit - Jim Derick & Frank Falvey

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Senior Story Hour – Senior Center Scribblers Group

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

7:30 am Second Sunday Speaker Series: Ted Reinstein
9:00 am Frank Presents: Ed Augustus
11:00 am Senior Connection: Other Activities
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Brownies
12:30 pm Sandhya: Macaroons
1:00 pm Physician Focus: Electronic Medical Records
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Deep Dish
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 Show 6
3:00 pm Let's Talk Sports: Episode 7
3:30 pm Norfolk County Prevention Coalition: Safe Prescribing
4:00 pm Franklin Cultural Council: Pamela Means

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

7:00 am Public School Event: Horace Mann Winter Music 2021
8:30 am It Takes A Village: Ethan Dimarino
9:30 am Metrowest Arts & Culture Symposium
11:00 am FHS Varsity Volleyball: v Barnstable 11-12-22
1:30 pm Public School Concert: Elementary Winter Music Pt. 1 12-11-18
3:00 pm Sons and Daughters of Italy: Carlo Geromini
5:00 pm Let's Talk Sports: Episode 7
5:30 pm FHS Varsity Field Hockey: v Wachusett 11-11-22

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

8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals: 11-03-22
2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals: 11-03-22

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

Thursday, November 17, 2022

Franklin Police investigating multiple reports of vehicle break-ins on Wednesday night, check your vehicle, and call if necessary

At approximately 1:11 AM on November 17, 2022, Franklin officers were dispatched to the area of 418 Partridge Street for a report of an attempted breaking and entering of a motor vehicle.

The resident of that address observed someone with a flashlight trying to open her car door which was parked in the driveway. She yelled at the subject and the individual ran to a waiting vehicle and sped away toward Lincoln Street. The witness stated there were multiple people inside the car.

Officers remained in the area and began a search for the vehicle and subjects. A short time later, while checking the area of Partridge Street, an officer observed a vehicle interior light on and the resident there stated someone had just tried to break into his car and house. Officers then observed two vehicles that matched the description on Elm St. The officer attempted to stop the vehicles but they continued onto Lincoln St. The officers lost sight of the vehicles on Lincoln St. and attempted to catch up to the vehicles. As the officers approached Winterberry Drive they observed one of the vehicles had crashed into the wooded area at the corner of Winterberry Dr. and Lincoln St. This vehicle was unoccupied when the officers arrived. It was later learned that this vehicle was stolen from Partridge Street.

The second vehicle was observed by officers on Winterberry Dr. As officers attempted to approach this vehicle, it attempted to strike two police cruisers in an attempt to get away.

The officers pursued the vehicle into Wrentham where the Franklin Officers terminated their pursuit.

A K-9 search of the area around the crashed vehicle was conducted. During this search another vehicle was located and after an investigation, two occupants were arrested. Items, including stolen property and a loaded handgun magazine, were found inside of this vehicle. No firearm was found. An evidence search is being conducted this morning with assistance from the Metro- LEC search and rescue team to ensure a firearm is not in the area.
 
The following individuals were arrested and will be arraigned today in Wrentham District Court:
  • Jonathan Rodriguez, age 24, from New Britain, CT will be charged with possession of ammunition without an FID card, larceny of credit card, larceny of motor vehicle, receiving stolen property.
  • Rachel Hernandez, age 21, from New Britain, CT, will be charged with unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.
  • A third person in the vehicle, a juvenile, was released to a parent and charges may follow.
As of the time of this media release the Franklin Police has received approximately 33 reports of vehicle break-ins last night and this number is expected to increase. These breaks occurred all over town. Organized criminal groups have been known to travel to different towns and conduct these types of criminal acts.

This is an ongoing investigation. 

The police department requests that residents check their vehicles and homes and report any suspicious activity. Also, please check any camera systems for suspicious activity during the night of 11/16 – 11/17 and contact the Franklin Police Detective Unit Tips Line at 508-440-2780.


Franklin Police investigating multiple reports of vehicle break-ins on Wednesday night, check your vehicle, and call if necessary
Franklin Police investigating multiple reports of vehicle break-ins on Wednesday night, check your vehicle, and call if necessary

“Give us this day, our daily bread.” - Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, Sunday, November 20 at 7 PM

“Give us this day, our daily bread.” 

Many of us grew up saying some version of these words regularly, and quite a few of us still do. In this time of Thanksgiving, let’s consider what we are really asking when we request “our daily bread.” What is the deeper meaning in sharing a meal, in asking for relief, and is it the same today as it was for the Pilgrims of Massachusetts in 1621?

The Franklin Interfaith Council announces its annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service for the community. Everyone is welcome! Please join us on Sunday, November 20 at 7 PM at Franklin Federated Church, 171 Main Street, Franklin.

This year, the service features preacher Rev. Bev Waring, Interim Minister at First Universalist Society of Franklin, and live performance by the Interfaith Choir, directed by Mary Diehl of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The collection will benefit the Interfaith Fuel Assistance Fund, administered by the St Vincent de Paul Society.

The Franklin Interfaith Council is an organization whose membership is composed of faith communities in the town of Franklin, Massachusetts. It addresses the various needs of its community by recognizing the power of faith as defined by the individual spiritual traditions.  However, it is these same traditions that unite us in the common goal to initiate and sponsor activities that enrich and challenge the citizens of Franklin. The intent of the council is to sensitize the Franklin community to issues of deprivation and social injustice, and to promote tolerance and understanding through shared worship, programs, performances, and publications, and to bring the understanding of our faith traditions to bear on these issues. Additionally, through these same devices, the council seeks to acknowledge and celebrate both the diversity and the common values existing within the community. The council is a nonprofit organization that has as its primary purpose the betterment of the community it serves.

Participating Houses of Worship :
First Universalist Society in Franklin
St. John’s Episcopal Church
Temple Etz Chaim
St. Mary’s Catholic Parish
Franklin Federated Church
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Franklin United Methodist Church

For more information, go to www.FranklinInterfaith.org or on Facebook:  Franklin Interfaith Council.

Franklin Interfaith Council schedules Thanksgiving Service - Nov 20
Franklin Interfaith Council schedules Thanksgiving Service - Nov 20

The Topic: 005 - Caring for Dementia & Alzheimer’s (audio)

episode 005 - Caring for Dementia & Alzheimer’s 


A conversation with Tammy Pozerycki and Franklin (MA) Health Director Cathleen Liberty


Audio file ->

https://anchor.fm/franklin21/episodes/005---Caring-for-Dementia-amp-Alzheimers-e1qrs0a




Tammy’s consulting business -> https://alternativesinalzheimerscare.com/ 


She is also Outpatient Community Liaison for Westborough Behavioral Healthcare Hospital 

https://www.westboroughbehavioral.com/programs/outpatient-services 



Alzheimer's Association page - https://www.alz.org/ 


Franklin Senior Center Supportive Day Program - 

https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-senior-center/pages/sunshine-club 


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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 


For additional information, please visit  the Health Dept page at www.Franklinma.gov   


If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at  cliberty@franklinma.gov 


Prior episodes of The Topic can be found on the Heath Dept page ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department/pages/topic-podcast-links



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

The music for the intro and exit is called “Positive and Fun” by Scott Holmes Music and is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License  


Scott Holmes Music => https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes


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


The Topic: 005 - Caring for Dementia & Alzheimer’s (audio)
The Topic: 005 - Caring for Dementia & Alzheimer’s (audio)

FPAC to present "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" - 3 performances, Nov 18-20

The Franklin Performing Arts Company presents the stage adaptation of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime running November 18-20 at THE BLACK BOX. 

15-year-old Christopher has an extraordinary brain: He is exceptional at mathematics but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched, and he distrusts strangers. 

Now, it is 7 minutes after midnight, and Christopher stands beside his neighbor’s dead dog, Wellington, who has been speared with a garden fork. Finding himself under suspicion, Christopher is determined to solve the mystery of who murdered Wellington, and he carefully records each fact of the crime. But his detective work, forbidden by his father, takes him on a thrilling journey that upturns his world.

Winner of the 2015 Tony Award for Best Play, this adaptation by Simon Stephens of Mark Haddon’s popular novel will be directed for the FPAC stage by Nick Paone. A former Equity actor, Paone has performed with and directed for FPAC extensively, including starring roles in Sweeney Todd, The Sound of Music, The Music Man, Mary Poppins, and so many more. He is the creative mind behind and star of FPAC Holiday Productions favorite Humbug!. Paone has been on the drama faculty at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts and an actor and director at FPAC since 2001.

Noah Silverman
Noah Silverman
The production stars Noah Silverman as Christopher Boone. Silverman, a recent graduate of Penn State’s prestigious musical theatre program, is returning to the role of Christopher for the third time, most recently at West Virginia Public Theatre. The cast also includes Kim Frigon, Charley Eastman, Mireille Eastman, Kellie Stamp, Bob Matson, Greg Leach, Colie Vancura, and Erin Lynch. 

The Franklin Performing Arts Company at THE BLACK BOX is a professional Equity theater producing musicals, plays, and more, featuring Broadway stars, professional and regional performers, and emerging artists. 

For tickets and more information, visit THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call the box office at 508-528-3370 

Frank Presents: 048 - Ed Augustus (audio or video)

In this episode, Frank Falvey sits down with the first Chancellor of Dean College Ed Augustus, to talk about his background, the new Chancellor position, his work leading the college and what he hopes to accomplish at Dean College.



Frank Falvey - WFPR & Franklin TV
Frank Falvey dives into current events, hot button topics and invites guests give their insights

Frank Falvey examines everything from Franklin to U.S. politics; from current events to the local community, giving his personal thoughts and considerations. Frank is also joined by local guests to talk the Franklin community and dissect current events

Frank Presents:  048 - Ed Augustus (audio or video)
Frank Presents:  048 - Ed Augustus (audio or video)


State Election - Nov 8, 2022 - Franklin's "official" vote results

The final and official results for Franklin for the State Election held on and before Nov 8, 2022 can be found in the PDF file attached here. They were released by Town Clerk Nancy Danello.

The final total is 14,657 and increase of 196 votes over the "unofficial" tally released on Nov 8. 

The turnout percentage is 59% which is comparable to the general rule Franklin Matters has developed reviewing the election results since 2003. The general rule is
  • about 20% for local elections (odd numbered years for Town Council, etc.)
  • about 40% for money elections (school building and/or an override vote)
  • about 60% for State elections (like this one, the 'off cycle' to some)
  • about 80% for the Presidential elections (every 4 years)
Review the official results on the Town Clerk page ->

State Election - Nov 8, 2022 - Franklin's "official" vote results
State Election - Nov 8, 2022 - Franklin's "official" vote results

Town Council recognizes Carloni, appoints Wallace, approves license for La Cantina, hears from the Recreation Dept, and more at their Wednesday meeting (video)

The Town Council held their session Wednesday in Council Chambers beginning at 7 PM. One member (Frongillo was remote) so all votes were via roll call. One member absent (Dellorco).

  • The meeting opened with recognition of Becki Carloni of the Franklin Fire Department for her off duty life saving effort at a sporting event.
  • The appointment of Alison Wallace to the Library Board of Directors was approved.
  • The Special License to allow sale of wine at 2022-2023 Franklin Winter Farmers’ Market by La Cantina Winery Company was approved. The first market is this Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM.
  • Ryan Jette, Director of Recreation provided an update on the operation of the Recreation Department including near term plans and future plans.
  • There was also a discussion on the approach to determine the reuse of Davis Thayer. Consensus was to set up a Reuse Committee of town folks interested in this building and location to make a proposal to the Council for approval. Details on the volunteer application process will be forthcoming and the process will kick off sometime in 2023.
  • Legislation to approve of an increase to the minimum wage for both the senior citizen and veterans tax work off programs was approved.
  • Legislation to adjust the budget with some transfers and final numbers of state aid, etc. was approved. This had been previewed by the Finance Committee in their meeting last week and unanimously recommended. This adjustment step was needed before the tax rate is set. The hearing for the tax rate is scheduled for the Nov 30 Town Council meeting.
  • The Franklin Open Space and Recreation Plan Kickoff Process has begun. The Conservation Commission will lead this effort to update the plan.
The agenda and documents released for this session can be found

The Franklin TV video replay of the meeting is available on YouTube

My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting can be found in one PDF document ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Kcsiah2iONeLXjpPRlc9dOSEKNKpx8AQ/view?usp=share_link

firefighter/paramedic Becki Carloni Listens to Councilor Pellegri read the proclamation
firefighter/paramedic Becki Carloni Listens to Councilor Pellegri read the proclamation



Economic Development Cmte recommends next lot line changes; the "Plus" cmte gets into housing density proposal, will pick up again at Nov 30 meeting (video)

The Economic Development Committee "Plus" met on Wednesday, Nov 16, 2022 before the Town Council meeting to cover two agenda items. 

First - purely an economic development item - the next set of lot line zoning map adjustments. A continuing project and this is the next set of changes. The item after discussion was recommended to the Council for review and consideration.

Second - for the Plus side of the committee as it attempted to cover two zooning bylaw proposals that are an outcome of the Franklin For All study as well as part of the MBTA Community planning required. The committee got into a good discussion on one of the two changes proposed, did not get into the second and will pick up the discussion at their Nov 30 meeting.

Participants:
Chair, Melanie Hamblen; councilors Jones, Sheridan and Frongillo (remote participant)
"Plus" members are Hunchard, Rondeau and Wierling


My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting are found in one threaded PDF file

Franklin TV's video replay of this session is available ->

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen makes a point during the housing density discussion
Town Administrator Jamie Hellen makes a point during the housing density discussion




Curious as to where hunting/ trapping is or is not allowed in Franklin?

Curious as to where hunting/ trapping is or is not allowed in town? 
Here's a quick breakdown ...
  • Question about where to hunt in Franklin? Call @FranklinPolice (508-528-1212) 
  • Question regarding hunting/ trapping regulations in Massachusetts? Call @MAEnviroPolice (800-632-8075)

 

Curious as to where hunting/ trapping is or is not allowed in Franklin?
Curious as to where hunting/ trapping is or is not allowed in Franklin?

Shared from Twitter -> https://t.co/Minc0a9phT

Franklin Health Department: November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month
Reduce your risk of lung cancer. 
Visit becomeanex.org, smokefree.gov, or call 800-784-8669 to get help to quit smoking
Other tobacco users and ex-smokers on their own quit journey share their smarts and lessons learned
Other tobacco users and ex-smokers on their own quit journey share their smarts and lessons learned


Advent Series - Book Discussion And Daily Practice at St John's Episcopal

Join us on Zoom to discuss Fully Human, Fully Divine: an Advent Devotional for the whole self by Whitney R Simpson, which will introduce us to various forms of prayer and devotion. 

Please order soon and read thru page 43 during Thanksgiving week, then try the daily practices beginning November 27. 

Dates for the series are Nov 30, Dec 7, 15, 21 at 7pm. Contact Rev Kathy (Rector@StJohnsFranklinMA.org) for Zoom information.

Added bonus: During Advent, Rev Kathy will use these prayer practices during her Facebook Morning Prayer (Wednesdays - Saturdays 8:30am) on the St John’s Facebook page.


For more information:
Call 508-528-2387 Email Rector@StJohnsFranklinMA.org
Like us on Facebook  and Twitter
See our website at www.stjohnsfranklinma.org    

 
St John's Episcopal Church:  Multi-Family Yard Sale - Aug 6
St John's Episcopal Church

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, Nov 17, 2022

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

9:00a/12:00p/6:00p   A Priest, A Minister and a Rabbi

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p   Frank’s Music – Frank Falvey and Jim Derick

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm   Frank Presents – Frank Falvey Presents 

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

7:30 am FAA: Art Fr THURSDAY
7:30 am The Only Cure Is Education
8:00 am Veterans' Call: PACT Act
9:00 am Franklin Interfaith Thanksgiving 2021
10:30 am SAFE Coalition: The Hamlins
11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Apple Crisp
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Brownies
12:30 pm Sandhya: Macaroons
1:00 pm Physician Focus: Electronic Medical Records
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Deep Dish
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 Show 6
3:00 pm Let's Talk Sports: Episode 7
3:30 pm Once Upon A Town: Schools
4:30 pm Frank Presents: Ed Augustus
7:00 pm Extended Play Sessions: Roberto Morbioli
8:00 pm Metrowest Symposium: Festivals & Community Celebrations

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

7:00 am Public School Event: Annie Sullivan Winter Music 2021
9:00 am Sons and Daughters of Italy: Carlo Geromini
11:30 am Metrowest Arts & Culture Symposium
2:00 pm All-Town Showcase: Band
3:30 pm Let's Talk Sports: Episode 7
4:00 pm Universe of Adolescent Sleep
8:30 pm FHS Varsity Football: v Methuen 11-11-22

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

8:00 am Conservation Commission: 11-10-22
2:00 pm Conservation Commission: 11-10-22


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