Moving to Franklin Township, NJ (schools, stations, rating)

[AnthonyB]

Originally Posted by kalim2008

PS.

"nature likes to keep things interesting"

Twins are genetically identical - they have no variation for all practical purposes...numerous twin studies have shown twins even go through the same life changes and preferences even when separated at birth.

Ahem. Only identical twins are genetically identical, not fraternal twins.

I'm familiar with the interesting studies on identical twins raised separately. They do indicate amazing effects of genetics in the nurture/nature debate. They are also pretty limited in number, so while interesting there is still a tremendous amount of work to do. In terms of non-identical twins raised apart the variation is huge - not different to random individuals. As the non-identical twins still have the same parents, this would indicate a great deal of variation in the offspring of two individuals - ergo, "smart parents have smart kids" isn't necessarily true.

Just to give some background - my college background is in psychology and neurophysiology, so while I haven't been around the field in a long time, I'm not a hack.

[NORMGLO]

First of all standardized IQ test results have been questioned for years. What is an accurate measure of "intelligence"? I have met many people who are well educated (assuming that is the definition of intelligence) but whether or not they are "intelligent" could be questioned.

Parents contibute to a child's development in numerous ways (personality traits, speech patterns, values, etc) and there are numerous instances where parents with advanced degrees from top schools give rise to off spring who are underachievers.

IMO the home environment plays a greater role towards a child's "success" and happiness in life than geneology.

[Jerseyt719]

Back to Franklin. I can only tell you what I've witnessed at our sporting events when we've played them.

I would NOT send my kids to school there. No way, no how. It's a really good indicator of how a school is when you have security checkpoints and baggage searches at the entrances.

[NORMGLO]

Originally Posted by Jerseyt719

Back to Franklin. I can only tell you what I've witnessed at our sporting events when we've played them.

I would NOT send my kids to school there. No way, no how. It's a really good indicator of how a school is when you have security checkpoints and baggage searches at the entrances.

Unfortunately it is a sign of the times - I had similar feelings when I went to a Rutgers Stadium game and served on jury duty last year. You begin to question what types of people are attending. After the shootings that have been occurring across the country, the schools are taking some pretty drastic precautions. We will really be in trouble if the churches start implementing these procedures.

[AnthonyB]

Originally Posted by Jerseyt719

Back to Franklin. I can only tell you what I've witnessed at our sporting events when we've played them.

I would NOT send my kids to school there. No way, no how. It's a really good indicator of how a school is when you have security checkpoints and baggage searches at the entrances.

Entrances of what? The schools don't have those.

[lets_hope_for_newbruns]

Jesus and Mohammed were illiterate...yet millions strive to be like them

[Jerseyt719]

Originally Posted by AnthonyB

Entrances of what? The schools don't have those.

I believe it is your middle school and there are tables set up and people checking through bags and metal detectors. Yes they do have them. I've been there.

[AnthonyB]

Originally Posted by Jerseyt719

I believe it is your middle school and there are tables set up and people checking through bags and metal detectors. Yes they do have them. I've been there.

Did it cross your mind that maybe it was a special circumstance or concern over the visiting teams?

I waited to respond, just in case I was imagining things every time I walk into a metal detector-free Franklin School and asked the security lady at my daughters school. We don't have metal detectors and neither do the other schools. She'd never heard such a thing. The police department does have some, maybe they were on loan for the event.

I didn't see any security at the weekend either as hundreds of township kids descended on one school to happily play soccer in the morning sunshine.

To be honest, I'm really pretty upset that someone feels so comfortable denigrating my town and my kids school based on the extensive experience of a couple of visits to sports events. If you don't know what a district is like, or have very limited knowledge, say so. I'm pretty sure you wouldn't appreciate anybody trashing your home on such limited information.

[NORMGLO]

Thank you Anthony B for taking the time to investigate. I too think Franklin Township is a great place to live - I love the July 4th Fireworks event, the Halloween Party for the kids, the FT Little League, and the Foodbank drives and fund raisers. However, there seem to be a couple of bloggers who seem to enjoy trashing the Township.

[lastinshow]

2 things:

1. I also live in Franklin Township and have kids in the school system. I have been pleasantly surprised at every step having heard the rumors previously. And I can absolutely vouch for the fact that as mentioned above, I have never seen a metal detector or security check at any of the schools. Of course, visitors have to sign in and entrance is controlled but I just assumed that was to ensure strangers didn't walk in and do something to a kid. I'm sure the schools are worried about liability.

2. To respond to the OP's original question. The town is pretty suburban. In terms of nightlife I highly recommend both New Brunswick and Princeton for both restaurants and bars and also theaters as well as having a couple of multiplexes nearby. We are lucky to be in the middle of two large University towns. Franklin also has great transportation - close to Route 1, 287, the Turnpike and the NE rail corridor although I don't really recommend it to Manhattan commuters.
There are also extensive hiking and biking trails in the area as well as fishing and boating on the Delaware/Raritan canal.