August 21, 2023
August 21, 2023
MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
What “old” and “new” experiences did you and your child(ren) have this summer? Did you and your family return to any old traditions or build any new memories that you can reflect on? My family was able to do a bit of both as we spent time in Winneconne, WI enjoying the lake and also ventured to Union, IL for “A Day Out with Thomas” with our children and family.
Preparing to come back to school always makes me think of the juxtaposition of “old” and “new” that comes with this time of year. For some students and staff, they are returning to a building that they are comfortable with, looking forward to seeing old friends, and recalling memories of past years. For others, they will be stepping into a building they have never seen before, they may be nervous about building new relationships, and they are anxiously anticipating the opportunity to make new memories. Regardless of whether you and your child(ren) have fond experiences to look back on or a plethora of new experiences to look forward to, there will be plenty that is new for all of us this year at Ben Franklin. For this reason, I encourage you to read through the weekly newsletter a bit more thoroughly in the upcoming weeks as we prepare for our return to school so that you don’t miss any of the new information, procedures, or opportunities that are in store this school year.
Mrs. Jewell
Ben Franklin Principal
STAFF UPDATES
We warmly welcome these new Staff Members:
1st Grade Teacher: Alex Lira
3rd Grade Teacher: Maggie Burmeister
4th Grade Teacher: Kari Balson
5th Grade Teacher: Emily Caya
Gym Teacher: Dustin Devine
Occupational Therapist: Kim Howe
Early Childhood Speech & Language Pathologist: Brenda Bulinski
District Social Worker: Joseph Stempski
Our Custodian team had a lot of changes near the end of last school year too!
Custodian 1: Matt Balistreri
Custodian 2: Collin Dorff
Custodian 3: Bonita Gaultney
BEN FRANKLIN OPEN HOUSE
Our Ben Franklin Open House is scheduled on Wednesday August 30th from 5:30 to 7:00 pm for all grades.
Families and students are welcome to meet their teacher and bring any school supplies they may want to bring before school starts.
ATTENTION 4K & KINDERGARTEN FAMILIES
4K & Kindergarten students will be picked up and dropped off with other elementary students at a designated stop. A parent or designee must assume responsibility for the child at the stop when dropped off.
If parents would like to designate a person other than themselves, they can send an email to heidi.engel@franklin.k12.wi.us
In regards to same day notification (this should only be done for emergencies), please call GoRiteway Busing at 414-571-9001 so they can pass along the information to the bus driver.
UPDATE TO CLASSROOM SNACKS
Please remember to pack daily snacks for your students. Snacks allowed in classrooms must follow the District Wellness Policy, meaning that your student may choose to bring in fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, or yogurts unless teacher or nurse discretion warrants further limitations. Specific examples include fresh fruit, applesauce pouches, fruit cups, raisins, carrots, celery, peppers, string cheese, cheese cubes, deli meats, and meat sticks.
New this year: Pretzels, popcorn, and goldfish crackers are also approved snacks. As we have many students with peanut and tree nuts allergies in all buildings, snacks that contain nut products (e.g. peanut butter pretzels) will not be permitted in classrooms. Some safe brands to consider for added snack options include Skinny Pop, Annie's, Snyder's, Smartfood, Pepperidge Farm, and Pretzel Crisps.
MEDICATIONS FOR THE 2023-24 SCHOOL YEAR
If your student will require ANY (over the counter or prescription) medication for the 23-24 school year please fill out the Request to Administer Medication form found on our district website and have it signed by your physician.
All medication can then be dropped off at school in its original container along with this form. Please feel free to drop off medication in the Ben Franklin office.
BEN FRANKLIN PICTURE DAY
Please click here to order your pictures online. School Pics is no longer sending home order forms for parents to fill out and return with their students.All orders will only be placed online.
Use the drop down menu to select your school name.
BEN FRANKLIN SCHOOL SUPPLY LISTS
Click here for the 23-24 Ben Franklin School supply lists.
ATTENDANCE REMINDER
ANY absence including leaving early and arriving late are reported on a google form. HERE is the link to report absences. It would be a good idea to bookmark this link for your convenience.
If you are picking up your student to leave early, please bring your drivers license or state id.
LOST & FOUND
BEN FRANKLIN PICTURES
Stay informed about Activities, Events, Fundraisers, and more on Ben Franklin PTO’s website!
Join our private Ben Franklin PTO Facebook Group
FHS ATHLETIC EVENTS REMINDER FOR YOUNGER FANS
As a reminder for our high school athletic events, students from the elementary and middle school attending any FHS athletic events must be accompanied by a parent/guardian/caregiver. Students that come to the event without an accompanying parent/guardian/caregiver will not be admitted to the event. Students who need redirection regarding their behavior at any FHS athletic events will be brought back to their parent/guardian/caregiver. Thank you for helping us do what we can to keep our events enjoyable for all fans and focused on the athletic endeavors of our players.
SCHOOL INFORMATION
All past newsletters are stored on our website here
All District newsletters are stored here
Parents, Guardians, and Staff are set to automatically receive our District and Building Newsletters. If you are a community member that would like to receive any of our newsletters, please complete our SUBSCRIBE FORM.
Email: Jennifer.Russell@franklin.k12.wi.us
Website: https://www.franklin.k12.wi.us/ben-franklin-elementary-school
Location: 7620 S 83rd St, Franklin, WI 53132, USA
Phone: 414-529-8270
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/BenFranklinElemFPS/posts