January 2016 Parent Power News

Charlotte L. Matthew, M.Ed., Principal

Dr. Ramona J. Perkins, A.P.

Principal’s Message

Happy New Year to all of our Benjamin Franklin Families! Let’s resolve to make this our most loving, productive, and hopeful year ever. We are halfway through the school year and at a critical juncture for our students. One semester gone and we have only a part of next semester to make sure our students are ready for the state mandated tests which judge student and school progress. We will be taking a PARCC like test in grades 3-8 the week of April 25, 2016 focused on the Common Core Standards. Our teachers are preparing our students with rigorous lessons including dynamic instructional processes and high student engagement.

Students of the Year!

Each year we select two students as Students of the Year, one from fifth and one from eighth grade. Congratulations to Paris Carney and Chanaiyah King. Paris is our fifth grade Student of the Year. Chanaiyah is our eighth grade Student of the Year. To qualify for Student of the Year, a student must have an A average the two previous school years and the first semester of this year. Paris and Chanaiyah are true examples of wonderful Benjamin Franklin students who do it the Benjamin Franklin Way!!

Report Card Conferences 

It is very important that you are aware of your child’s progress in school. The District date for report card conferences is Tuesday, January 12th. We will be distributing report cards between 4:00 and 6:00 PM. If your child is in danger of failing due to not meeting state attendance requirements, and/or not meeting academic requirements you will be asked to sign a Student Study Educational Plan during your parent/teacher conference. The teacher will recommend interventions that will be done in the classroom and also things that need to be done away from school to help your child succeed.  

Behavior Expectations

As stated in our Student/Parent Handbook, our school operates within the framework of a positive discipline program to teach self-responsibility. We encourage appropriate behavior and use logical consequences when a student’s behavior interferes with their learning or the learning rights of others. Our focus in establishing rules is to protect students, property, foster health and safety, and avoid disruption of the educational process.

Our mission is for each student to excel academically and individually. The school’s primary responsibility is to maintain discipline and a climate conducive to excellent instruction in the classroom. Students must behave in a respectful manner to all students and adults in the building and when in the community to community members as well. We must have an academic focus at all times in order to make the necessary gains in student knowledge. Please discuss with your child the importance of following all school rules and doing things the Benjamin Franklin Way. There will be zero tolerance of students who disrupt the learning environment or exhibit a lack of respect for our hardworking staff. Violation of student conduct regulations may lead to detention, suspension, or possible expulsion. As well as discipline, we are taking a firm stand on the wearing of our school uniform. Shirts are to be tucked in and pants belted. White socks must be worn with solid black shoes. Sweatbands and bandanas are not allowed. Any unusual mode of hairstyle that calls for undue attention is discouraged. All students are expected to be in full uniform every day. All clothing items must be labeled with the student’s name. Any outerwear that is intended to be worn during the school day must coordinate with the uniform.