Ben & Us Newspaper
News In and Around Ben Franklin School
Benjamin Franklin Elementary School
Email: jayne.kulyassa@edison.k12.nj.us
Website: http://www.edison.k12.nj.us/Domain/14
Location: 2485 Woodbridge Avenue, Edison, NJ, United States
Phone: (732) 650-5300
Twitter: @BenFranklinES
PRINCIPAL’S CORNER
“Farewell and All the Best to our Fifth Grade Students”
Dear Benjamin Franklin students, staff, families and community; it is with mixed emotions that the 2014-2015 school year is coming to a close. It has been amazing to see our academic growth, our success with the integration of technology and how we have turned our learning environments into twenty first century classrooms. The library has become a media center where we split time between finding books and logging on to websites, and chrome books have become as common a task as opening a text book. Students are found collaborating, communicating, thinking critically and creatively preparing themselves for college and careers. It truly has been a year that has placed us on the twenty-first century highway!
While we worked hard to accomplish this goal, we also not only achieved academic growth but social growth as well. This was evident through our overwhelming student participation in our co-curricular clubs, PTA events, trips and special events. Through these programs you have learned how to interact with each other, how to work together and how to be good citizens. I am so proud of all the students who have taken on the challenge of getting involved beyond the classroom as this type of participation will help to build a strong foundation and will be a recipe for success as you move on to your next grade.
To our Fifth Grade students, I would like to say farewell and congratulations to all of you. As your tenure ends, I hope you look back fondly on the years spent here. The past six years have been a time of many changes and we have embraced them all. We have seen your academic lives go in directions we would not have dreamed of just a few short years ago. Although you were the last class to be educated in a full day kindergarten program, you were the first to use the Common Core State Standards and the first to go for a walk in the PARCC.
So as you go forth to new experiences, new relationships and new responsibilities, know that during your time here each one of you have made a difference in the lives of many. I hope that you remain true to yourself and that you value everything you have been given. I wish you the very best in all you do and everywhere you go, and always remember, “Character is not about what you say or do, it’s about how you make others feel.”
Work hard………play hard……….dream big dreams.
Once again, we have been very lucky to have an outstanding PTA. Thank you to all of the officers, committee chairpersons and parent volunteers who have given so much of their time and effort in supporting our school. Throughout the year, you have purchased equipment and sponsored activities and events. Take pride in knowing how much you have enhanced our learning environment by volunteering in our school. Your continued support to our teachers and students is exemplary. You are to be commended for your tireless and extraordinary efforts. Because of you, Benjamin Franklin School continues to be an outstanding educational environment. Thank you for all you do!
Lastly, I would like to take this opportunity to wish our retirees all the best and to say thanks for being so dedicated to our students. You have created a legacy that will stand the test of time and you truly represent what it means to be part of the Ben Franklin family. Happy Retirement to Mrs. Elkinson, Mrs. Norman, Mrs. Petruska, Mrs. Peterson, Mrs. Occimio and Mrs. Schnedier.
We also would like to thank the following staff members for their dedication as they will unfortunately be leaving the Ben Franklin family; Mrs. Sasway, Mrs. Herman, Mrs. Rodriguez, Mrs. Whalen, Mrs. Normant, Ms. Mastroianni, Mrs. Bartko and Mrs. Triola. You will be missed but never forgotten!
To the entire Ben Franklin community, thank you for another great school year. Your children have been a pleasure to teach. May your summer be safe, enjoyable and relaxing. We look forward to seeing you and your children back here on September 2nd for the first day of school. Until then, “Happy Summer!”
Mr. Preville
Principal
Reading With The Stars Book Swap Bingo Night
By: Rucha Deshmukh
Did you ever go to Bingo night? Well, if you didn’t, I’m going to tell you about it right now. First, you get your picture taken on the Hollywood walk of fame. Next, you put a raffle in a bucket for the basket you like the most (each basket has goodies inside it).Then you get to eat cheese popcorn. After that, you get to play lots of different types of bingo games and everyone wins a new book to take home. At last, they pick the raffles, remember to check your # on your left over raffles! Even though I didn’t win, I still got to choose two books to take home. Bingo night was so much fun! I loved it, and can’t wait for next year!
First Grade Reporters from Mrs. Grogan's Class
Shrika
Mrs. Grogan's Class
One day there was a bear. He was sad because he didn't have a friend. He never had a friend in his life time. But one day he met a little bee.He said "do you want to be my friend?" Yes! The bear was so surprised that he had a new friend. He was very proud to have a new friend. But the best thing was he wasn't lonely anymore.
Aditi
Mrs. Grogan's Class
Dear Mr. Preville,
I believe that recess should be longer because we can get more exercise. It also gives us energy. We also won't be so tired so we could have school longer! That would be fun. Can you? Please! If you want you could talk to Mrs. Grogan. That would be nice. Did you know that I was the Super G student of the month? So will you? Please call Mrs. Grogan. Do you know her phone number? I hope you do.
From the Super G,
Aditi
Saanvi
Mrs. Grogan's Class
"THE GIRL'S DREAM"
Once upon a time there was a girl. One day the girl saw a bear sitting next to her. " Ahhhhh!" she shouted. The bear said that it wouldn't harm her. The bear stayed a couple of days with her. As the girl got bigger and bigger the bear got smaller and smaller. When she got very big the bear was gone. The next day she woke up and realized it was a dream.
Ainie Syed
Mrs. Grogan's Class
The Lost Chocowa Wolf
Once, chocowa wolves were searching for their baby. They looked behind large green leaves. Both mommy and daddy wolves were alphas. Their baby was white, small, and was a male. They almost thought their baby was gone. Then, the daddy wolf got an idea. He howled very loud. The baby recognized the sound. The pup followed the sound home. They had a reunion howling night.
Genius Hour
By Eshan Pant
Ms. Lindsey’s class is doing Genius Hour! In it, you can learn anything you want, for an hour any day. There can be many different things being done in Genius Hour, and they are all unique. In the class you have everything; from engineers, to coders, and even beat creators. People have shown their projects in many different ways, including posters, slides, websites like weebly.com and ibuildapp.com, and much more. Genius Hour is a very fun time for all kids because it gives them a chance to express themselves.
I am doing coding on a website called codeavengers.com. While doing it, I am making video tutorials for how to do the code using an extension named SnaggIt. With it, I can record the coding lessons I go through, giving audio commentary while doing it. Certain other people are doing their projects physically. For example, someone in my class is working on Minecraft and how it is educational for kids. He actually built a small, realistic, house and printed out Minecraft skins, instead of doing a digital project. Other people (like me) are doing it digitally. They do the whole thing (or most of it) from the Internet.
American Museum of Natural History- 3rd Grade Clss Trip
Class Trips
By:Zoya Jadhav
This month there were many class trips happening at Benjamin Franklin Elementary School.T oday we will be focusing on the third grade field trip.
The third graders went to the American Museum of Natural History on May 14th. Guess what? They went in a coach bus, because the museum is in New York City. The drive to the museum was very long. They reached there at about 11:00 a.m. They were ready to go on many adventures. There were many exhibitsto see like the large blue whale, dinosaurs, mammals and the butterfly exhibits. The third graders went to see a short movie in the IMax theater and a space movie in the Planetarium. It was time to eat lunch and all the children went to the cafeteria. They quickly had their lunch and went to see more exhibits.
Before they knew it, it was time to go back home to New Jersey. In the end, the third grade class trip was successful!
BBQ Day!
Yum! I loved BBQ day! The tasty food was delightful and going outside made it fun! It was fun to play games with my friends and teacher too. Did you have fun?
Here are some foods that were at the BBQ: hot dog, cheeseburger, hamburger, and vegetarian burger with cheese on the bun. With the sides of a choice of milk, baked beans watermelon. Also, you could get ice cream too!
Yay! During the BBQ, you could have played on the playground, play hand games and more. The BBQ is a day of fun. Well, not as fun as fun field day. This is a tremendous event. You can also play games with your teacher too! What did you play?
Well, I think it is clear as day, that everyone had awesome day. It was a fun day being outside instead of being inside. So, it is understanding that everyone loves the playing and eating. Did you have fun to?
3rd Grade Projects
By Tanisha Angoth
In 3rd grade kids think that projects are fun! But it’s not just for fun, it is learning experience! Some projects are for teamwork and others are just for seeing to figure out structure.
In the beginning of the school year, 3rd graders read “Pop’s Bridge”. So, they researched, designed and created a bridge in groups! Then came… SLEDDING! In groups, students researched, designed and built a sled. They went outside and went sledding. They had to make a project out of leaves too. It was totally fun! After students read "Oliver K. Woodman", Mrs.Kulyassa and Mrs.Walitch assigned the students to make their own Oliver K. Woodman. Students had to take Oliver to many places and take selfies. They started having a business! This is called Bizworld, where they make bracelets! The students designed, created and sold friendship bracelets. First graders had the opportunity to purchase the bracelets!
Parent University
By Adarsh Patel
Did you ever know that parents go to school? Well, they do and the name is Parent University at Benjamin Franklin School. We have Parent University because our parents can get more involved in our school lives such as NJASK,PARCC and even special activities. Your parents also get quality time to talk with your teachers about, how they behave,your grades and much more. So, get a pen and be ready to sign up for Parent University!
The Museum Of Natural History
By Nicole Piecka
On May 14 all of the third grade classes went to The Museum of Natural History. We all boarded the buses each one holding two classes. The ride took about an hour and thirty minutes before we reached the museum. The museum was huge. We all stepped off the bus and went in with our chaperone group.
We walked inside the museum and headed to the first stop. Everyone went to this huge room called Nature’s Fury. It had lots of stuff to read about, look at and even some things to try that teach you about weather and natural disasters.
Between exhibits we got lots of exploring time. We went to the Native American Hall which seemed so much bigger than just a hall. We learned what the Indians did for survival and what they liked to do for fun. We even saw some of the huts they built, weapons that they used for battles and hunting, and some other types of resources.
Next we went to the Butterfly Conservatory where we go to see butterflies fly around and try to get one to land on your finger. After that we went to Tiny Giants. It was a film about what chipmunks and mice do to survive the big wide world. The chipmunk had to collect acorns for winter and then he had to get them back after another chipmunk stole them. The part about the mouse showed it exploring the world with all the dangers in life like heavy rain and scorpions.
Then we went down to the cafeteria to eat lunch. After lunch we went to Life At The Limits where we watched clips on animals and how they live in the wild. We got to also see the Giant whale. I looked like it was 96 stories wide!! That thing is gigantic.
3rd Grade Class Trip was Awesome!
by Tia Bajaj
Fizz, Boom, Science & History
Do you want a sneak peek of the third grade field trip at Benjamin Franklin Elementary Schools?
We went to the one of the most coolest places in New York City, the American Museum Natural History! All of third grade squealed in excitement while boarding the bus. It had super comfy seats, a tiny hanger to hang coats or other things and a small T.V screen to engage yourself in videos & movies. There was also a tiny bathroom corned in the back of the bus. The ruckus faded as the bus started its engine. All along the way students enjoyed the view, sung to the music or played games.
About 45 minutes later we were dumbstruck with the magnificent view of the Statue of Liberty. In a moment all of us were busy capturing the beautiful statue of the lady. Suddenly, it became pitch black. All that we could see were the rows of lights on the walls. We realized we were in the tunnel! At the end of it we were in New York City!!! On our right was the American Museum of Natural History. We had finally arrived at our destination!
The kids grouped with their chaperons and got off the bus. Oh! There was so much to see! Off we went! We started with the Morgan Hall of Gems. It exhibits an array of precious and ornamental stones. Museum has a collection of more than 100,000 minerals and gems. The collection included diamond, sapphire and ruby, emerald and other beryls, opal, garnet, and many others.They looked so pretty!
Next we walked over to the butterfly conservatory! This annual favorite features up to 500 live, free-flying tropical butterflies from South, Central, and North America, Africa, and Asia. We were surrounded with colorful butterflies. There were so many different kinds and they all fluttered around us.
Impatient we were to have a 3D experience in the theatre to watch the film ‘Tiny Giants ‘. We met all of third grade there! This is about small creatures like chipmunks and how they survive their journey. The smaller the creature, the bigger the journey!
Then we explored some more and then we went in the Hayden Planetarium to get a sneak peek on the digital universe called Dark Universe. A digital video system projects across the theater's 67-foot-wide hemispheric dome, and every seat has an amazing view.The Hayden Planetarium has an "immersive environment," in
which you feel as if you're part of the action taking place on screen. The journey may seem like science fiction, but it is all based on authentic scientific observations, data, and models.
I felt like I was floating in space with the stars! It was ‘sun’sational!
Lastly we headed towards the Easter Island head, upon which Dum-Dum is modeled, is in the Margaret Mead Hall of Pacific Peoples - the totem pole! This totem pole got it’s name from the movie Night at the Museum Secret of the Tomb. Everyone enjoys being with him!
My favorite part was the exhibition - ‘Life at Limits’. There was a display of weird but once apon a time creatures! Some had long skinny bodies with pink flaps while others looked like a squid in a shell!
Our last stop was the Gift shop - the most awaited stop. I got gummy bears, a magnet and candy that looked like gems. I always end up spending ALL my money on souvenirs! They help me keep memories. It was about 5: 25pm. time to board the bus. We all piled up on the bus and away we left. The third grade students enjoyed watching Hotel Transylvania on their way back munching on pretzels and candy all along the way. The trip to the American Museum of Natural History was SPECTACULAR!
Aladdin Jr.
By Katarina Moukazis
Did you like the assembly about the Aladdin Jr. play? If you liked the assembly read on and you will learn more about it.
The first people that saw the assembly were the kindergartners, first graders, and the second graders. The assembly started off with the towns people doing their talents. Everyone was enjoying the assembly so far!
Next everyone started singing except the kindergartners, first graders, and the second graders. Everyone laughed at how the genie was saying phasise.
In my opinion, I think that the assembly was great! Did you think the assembly was great?
Drama Club
This year, our Drama Club performed “Aladdin Jr.”. We practiced very hard for the play on May 29th. We also had to perform in front of a large audience - TWICE! Can you imagine how stressful that might be? It required a lot of practice. On the first and second day of play practice in the gym, we were just learning the songs and lines we all needed to know before or during a song. There were many days of practice - some successful and some not so successful. Mrs. Babst worked very hard with us. She is a really nice and fair teacher.
On the day of the dress rehearsal, everyone got into their costumes to prepare for the big show! We practiced for 3 hours straight! Up on stage it was so hot most of us were complaining that we wanted something cold, like water. But, in the end, it was worth it - we wanted the big night to be a success!
By: Amy Boslet
In the days leading up to the play, all the main performers practiced any free chance they could. We all practiced most of the week! At each practice, we would take a quick break when we came in, but then it was time to get serious! It took at least an hour to run through the whole play.
Finally, it was the night of the play! Everyone quickly got set up on stage. Most of the actors were nervous. Even the chorus! Well, I wouldn’t be surprised if they were. (I know I was!) I hope if you went to the play you enjoyed it! It was, most certainly, A WHOLE NEW WORLD!
Spring Concert
by Huda Ahmed
“Extra Extra Read my Newspaper” The day has finally arrived. 4th and 5th grade students have been working extra hard on rehearsing for the Spring concert. Missing class,Rehearsing at lunch.In the moring the group preformed for Kindergten to 2nd grade, at 1 pm the crowd performed for grades 3 to 5, and at 7’ oclock they preformed for there parents and other family members.
The performances was just wonderful. The piano was played by Miss Lindsey. which sounds remarkable. The solo’s were given to close friends of mine Brianna reed, Amaris Resto and Sneha Rajagopalan .
Reading parts were given to Alisha Edwards, Hirsh Patel,Vincent Ciampi,Mrs.Angelo and Mrs.Collins.
Brianna Reed did the song Buttermilk hill, Amaris resto did the song oh Shenandoah, and Sneha Rajagopalan did the song chariots are coming. All of them did an amazing job. They worked very hard and all their hard work payed off when they got to sing in front of the whole school and feel achieved in there big achievement.
We can't forget about our amazing band teacher Mr.Lopez! Mr.Lopez and his band students put in a lot of effort to give the best performance they could for everyone. One of my favorites (not that i don't like the other ones) is a song called “game day”. What a catchy tune! And we can't forget about the alumni. Some of the alumni were in 6th grade, and some of them graduated college already. That must have been so cool to see the alumni all grown up and still playing in band.
Last but not least Mrs.Ingram our amazing strings teacher did a wonderful job with her string students. All of them put their greatest effort into the performance on Wednesday night. The beginning orchestra did a jaw-dropping performance with the songs Allegro and French Folk song. The advanced orchestra played the songs Yo-Hahn Bells, and one of my favorites Concerto for Triangle. I’ll speak for the crowd here and say that Mr.Preville did a pretty good job playing that Triangle. I've tried learning how to play it. It just isn't for everyone.
I almost forgot one of the most important people of the whole,entire production! Mrs.Guzzi! As most of us know her Mrs.guzzi is our music teacher. She thought the chorus 8 songs from the book Blue and Gray which are songs from the civil war. The eight songs are The battle Cry for Freedom, Tramp,Tramp,Tramp, Suppertime-goober peas, The Cruel Civil War, Biding our Time, Good News, and for the finale act God Bless America.
The Performance overall was stunning and I wouldn't change a thing. Its was absolutely wonderful and it was very entertaining to see. It was amazing that I can say for all. Its pretty cool to think that they all (including me) worked hard and achieved something for the greater good. Good job for all.
5th Grade Class Trip
Samantha Kersey
On Thursday, May 21, the fifth graders went to Historic Philadelphia. Because Philly is in another state, we had to take coach buses. We saw things like the Liberty Bell, the Ben Franklin Museum, and Ben Franklin’s grave. When our groups split up to do our own thing, the first thing we did was go to the Liberty Bell. We had already pre-ordered our tickets, so we did not have to wait very long. We had to go through bag check every time we went to some place new, for security reasons. So, after bag check we walked through this hallway that lead to the actual bell. When we saw it, my group took a lot of pictures.
After the Liberty Bell, my group decided to go on the earlier tour of Independence Hall. The teachers had bought tickets for a 10:15 and a 10:30 show. Finally, the tour guide came out and took us into the courtroom. After the courtroom, we went into the room where they signed The Declaration of Independence. The chair they had sitting in the front of the room was the exact chair George Washington sat in. Pretty cool, right?
We also saw Betsy Ross’ house. I could barely walk up those stairs they were so tiny! Speaking of stairs, going down them was a completely different story. Let’s just say that if you’re over five feet tall, you need to duck. We saw a re-enactor in the house and she told us a little bit about the history of Betsy and the first American flag. Did you know that Betsy Ross was most likely not the person who sewed the first flag? People say that she was credited with sewing it, but other than that, they cannot prove she did.
I think Philly is something the fourth graders can look forward to because it’s definitely one of the best field trips you get to take.
5th Grade Herbert Hoover Trip
by Keya Raval
So as we all know, at the end of this year, 100 or so students will be leaving the school. These will be the 5th grade students, who are leaving our school to go to Herbert Hoover Middle School next year. On April 29, 2015, the fifth grade went on a trip to Herbert Hoover to see the hallways and classrooms of their soon-to-be-new school.
At upon our arrival, we ventured into the cafeteria, where the teachers and guidance counselor put us at tables, so we could later split up into groups. After we settled down, the principal of Herbert Hoover, Mr.Brian McGrath, told us a speech. He explained in detail about how we would be treated far more differently in this middle school, much different than how we get treated at Ben Franklin. Mr. McGrath said that we would be treated like young adults now, since that’s what we were becoming- as the teachers there believed that we were no longer children. After a couple minutes of our speech, he sent our groups off with one sixth grade student who would participate in a group to explain the rest about being a sixth grader in middle school.
As we went through the hallways, following one of the sixth graders- some were former Ben Franklin students! They led us into their classrooms, each one different. One group of students went to the Knights’ social studies room, while another went into the Rockets’ language arts room. Each of the twenty groups from our school went to a different classroom, and were given a Google Slides Presentation on everything about sixth grade, with the students of Herbert Hoover in charge.
We were told various times in various forms that we had to stay organized for each of our classes in whatever way we were comfortable. Also mentioned were locker problems, locker room and changing problems, and many other problems- each one had at least two solutions for us to be comfortable. We were also told about lunch, seating, and extracurricular activities. One very commonly asked question by our BFE students was, “Does it matter if I am a Rocket or a Knight?”- the two groups at their school. We were told it did not matter, and it was just so the students could be sorted. The other students in each classroom gave us answers to our questions, and some tips were given by the teacher in our classroom.
All in all, the morning of April 29th was a great time. We had gotten a chance to see what would soon be our school, and hear far too many tips for taking care of ourselves during our time as a sixth grader. Upon reaching back to school, we took our Fifth Grade Photo for our DVD, and went off to our classrooms. Most teachers decided to talk to their students about what they learned, and then everyone was off for lunch. That one morning just happened to be an amazing.The Amazing Race
By Sahil Desai
The Amazing Race is an event(Just for 5th grade)I decided to host for my GNT Passion Project. The Amazing Race is a kind of race that improves Team Building Skills because it motivates kids to work together for the first place trophy. If you get last in the race you are eliminated from the race. The Amazing Race is basically a bunch of clues leading to an end point which is the pitstop. These clues tell you to go somewhere and when you are at that place you must do a challenge to pass. For example on thing you had to do was go to the gym. Then when you were at the gym you would have to make two hoops and your partner would have to catch them. If you complete this task you will get your net clues and so on until the pit stop.
These are the team rankings after the first day are:
Good job Amy and Jennylyn in 1st
Jaden and Niko in 2nd
Siddarth and Talha in 3rd
Hirsh and Rusheen in 4th
Mikayla and Kaitlyn- 5th
Ryan and Vincent in 6th
Zahir and Steve 7th
Taylor and Deeksha 8th and eliminated
After one more day of The Amazing Race we will find out who are the winners who will take the trophy home.
FAMILY FITNESS NIGHT
By : Arha Gatram
Team Franklin hosted a Family Fitness Night on November 11, 2014 at Ben Franklin Elementary Gym from 6:30pm to 8:00pm. The event was created with pure teamwork by the students of Team Franklin. Exercising is really important because it prevents heart attacks as it conditions your heart to work hard and reduce the amount of fat that will build up in your arteries.
Parents warmed up by doing basic locomotor movements like walking lunges, high knees, running, and butt kicks. Then, they went through 8 stations of different difficulties. The stations were the t-shirt pull, stability balls, mat flip/ladder, rest, pushup/stretch, stacking, over under, and the bucket walk. At the rest station, other than resting, the parents made a story. The ending story came out hilarious because it had no plot and didn’t make sense a bit. By the end, parents were sweating real hard and were slowing down a lot, but nevertheless they completed every task. They were really thankful that there were free healthy snacks at the end. Every parent got a free “Fuel Up To Play 60” T-shirt. Everyone had a great time!
The club will be hosting another event on May 27, 2015. No children other than those who are in the Team Franklin club are allowed to attend the event.
Fuel Up To Play 60 is another organization that Team Franklin uses to help create events like this one (Fuel Up To Play 60 Is Not Team Franklin). Please follow the link to sign up for Fuel Up To Play 60 https://students.fueluptoplay60.com/login/ to have a chance to win awesome prizes, such as a football signed by Eli Manning or a trip to the Super Bowl. Please link to our school after you sign up.SCIENCE NJASK 2015
Article By : Arha Gatram
Children who are going to fourth grade often dread about the NJASK Science test that they have looming in front of them. Well, there really isn’t anything to dread about, because I have took the NJASK Science test this year. The strange truth it that it is surprisingly easy. Still, though it is NOT too easy that you should not study for it. Most of the things on there are really common sense, and things that are not really taught IN school. You also might be wondering what type of questions might be there, and how much time do you get. When I took the test, every section gave us only 15 minutes. They were all multiple choice on the first one, and the second, third, and fourth were multiple choice, and one open ended per section. You must be able to write fairly fast, to be able to finish the section. The most tricky part is not the question, but the timing. You should spend about 10 minutes on multiple choice, and leave the rest for the open ended. Also, if you do manage to finish early, DO NOT sit back, push your feet forward and relax. Instead, you should go over your work! If you are a parent, I would suggest giving your child a science workbook for the NJASK Science to study.