October 30, 2023
October 30, 2023
Our first Bobcat Bash Assembly of the year was filled with learning, collaboration, fun and togetherness! We started out as a whole school reviewing the Bobcat way and what it stands for. Students were then split into multi-grade level teams where they spent time discussing our whole school read “A Sick Day for Amos McGee.” They talked about the empathy that Amos’ zoo friends showed to him when he was feeling sick and how they supported him with kindness and compassion. Students transferred their learning from this book to an activity that asked them to reflect and discuss how they feel in different situations. Through their sharing, they learned how others might feel similar or different about those situations.
We wrapped up our Bobcat Bash celebrating the amazing work that we did as a school to raise money for our Bobcat Bolt Walkathon. We raised over $15,000 and were able to meet our “stretch” goal of $16,000! As a result, the top earners from each classroom had the opportunity to shave Mr. Devine’s head in front of the school!
Mrs. Jewell
Ben Franklin Principal
FPS School Closure Information
As we begin to move into the winter months, we want to share with you how the district plans to handle School Closures if needed for any reason including, most commonly, “Snow/Cold Days.” The state of Wisconsin’s Department of Public Instruction (DPI) requires a minimum number of instructional minutes during the school year. Our current school calendar allows for one School Closure day across the district.
If we were to see subsequent closure days, FHS will need to adjust scheduling for the remainder of the school year in order to meet DPI requirements. If we experience more than three school closures at the elementary and middle school level we will communicate around further adjustments that may need to be made. Outlined below is what families can expect:
Closure #1 - 4K-12 no school, no virtual learning
Closure #2-3 - 4K-8th - No school, no virtual learning
9-12th grade - HS will communicate adjustments to accommodate instructional minutes per DPIClosure #4+ - The district will communicate any further changes that may need to take place district wide
DRESS FOR THE WEATHER
Just a reminder that we seek every opportunity to get our students outside for fresh air during their school day. With the chilly temperatures forecasted this week, it is imperative that students come prepared for the weather. Our staff use their best judgment in determining whether or not a student is prepared to be outdoors, but this is not a confrontation our staff wants to be in with students who are yearning to run with their friends. Please send your child(ren) with appropriate attire. Here are some general guidelines for what we are looking for in regards to outdoor attire:
50-60 degrees: Long sleeves
40-50 degrees: Jacket
<40 degrees: Winter jacket, hat/mittens
VISITOR & VOLUNTEER PROCESS
As a reminder, if anyone is visiting our schools as a VISITOR or VOLUNTEER, this page on the Franklin website outlines the parameters for how individuals can enter our buildings. This page also includes the steps to follow for being a volunteer, including a background check. Individuals are encouraged to complete these steps early as the process can sometimes take a day or two for completion. We are very grateful for anyone who volunteers with us and helps in being part of a better community!
BEN FRANKLIN FALL PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCE SIGN UP
Please click BF Parent Teacher Conference Sign up for important information regarding conferences. We will be holding conferences on Thursday, November 9th and Thursday, November 16th. Sign up today to secure your time slot. Thank you.
BEN FRANKLIN BUS APP AVAILABLE
We are excited to announce the “Here Comes The Bus App” is now available for Ben Franklin Elementary! Our partners at GO Riteway Transportation have made the app available to families to use for free. Please see this communication that gives you the details on how to get started!
(NEW!) Report Cards Will Be In PowerSchool Parent Portal
As we approach the end of the 1st Quarter (November 8th for FPMS & FHS) and 1st Trimester (November 30th for all Elementary schools), we want to make parents/guardians aware of how report cards will work this year. Beginning with this first grading term of the year, all report cards will now be fully viewable in PowerSchool. As the first term ends for your child, you can expect to receive an email (and text message) with directions on how to access your child’s report card. We look forward to making this move to report cards being all digital.
Please note that you will receive communication from your school sometime after the term ends when report cards are available. This allows time for teachers to get all final term grades and comments in.
LOST & FOUND
Click here for items currently in the lost and found.
FALL SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR
The Fall Scholastic Book Fair is NEXT WEEK and we NEED volunteers!!
If you’re interested in volunteering (and earning a punch for your punch card) please click on the link below to sign up for a time slot that works! Questions? Contact Nicole Stuebner at bfpto53132@gmail.com
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0D4CAEA62CA2F94-45180592-fall
CREATING AN EWALLET IS EASY
Click on our Fair's Homepage link below, look for eWallet, and add funds. Your child’s eWallet is ready to use immediately. It’s also flexible and robust, with features like:
KIDS CAN SHOP IN-PERSON AT THE FAIR
Or shop together with eWallet at The Scholastic Store Online.
ANYONE CAN CONTRIBUTE TO AN EWALLET
It’s perfect for spoiling grandkids, nieces, and nephews. It’s as easy as sharing your eWallet link with friends and family.
NOT A PENNY GOES TO WASTE!
After the Fair, your remaining eWallet balance becomes a gift card to shop online with Scholastic or to fund a future eWallet.
REWARD TEACHERS WITH EWALLET!
Ask your students' teachers if they have created an eWallet so families can contribute to help build classroom libraries. That way, there’s something new to read for every kid in class. Ask a fave teacher for their eWallet link and add funds to help them stock their shelves.
***IF YOU HAVE FUNDS LEFTOVER FROM OUR LAST BOOK FAIR, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL. SCHOLASTIC SHOULD HAVE SENT YOU AND EMAIL WITH INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO ADD REMAINING FUNDS BACK TO AN EWALLET!***
SAVE THE DATE
November 6th-10th - Fall Scholastic Book Fair
November 13th, Cousins Dining Night | 4-7pm | Franklin location (by Target & Pick-N-Save on Drexel)
BOOKMARK
Ben Franklin PTO’s LinkTree so all the info. you need it just a click away!
Stay informed about Activities, Events, Fundraisers, and more Ben Franklin PTO’s website!
FREE 4-PART WEBINAR: THINGS WE WISH GROWN UPS KNEW
Your AAH Student and Family Assistance Program is proud to present a free 4-part webinar series, Things We Wish Grown Ups Knew, highlighting current trends of school-aged children that impact both their academic and home-life. Please see attached flyer with descriptions for each webinar, and please share with your district families!
Please Note: All presentations will be on Tuesdays, offered at both 12:00pm –12:30pm and 6:30pm –7:00pm. Families can register for single presentations OR the entire series! These webinars will not be recorded, to preserve confidentiality of attendees.
COMING IN NOVEMBER: Let Me Do It By Myself. I Need Help!
Presented by She’Leah Fisher, MS, NCC, LPC
This presentation will focus on the developmental stages of children. Knowing these stages can help families understand when to allow age-appropriate independence and when to offer support.
Click on either of the above times OR email EAP.LiveWellBeWell@aah.org to register.
As always, to access our free, confidential SFAP services, parents &/or legal guardians can call us at 800.236.3231
SEEKING SITE SUPERVISOR FOR YOUTH BASKETBALL LEAGUE
Look to make some extra cash? The Franklin Rec Dept is looking for a Site Supervisor for our Youth Basketball League this winter. Job duties would entail:
Set up/take down of courts
General game management
Acting as the point of contact for parents during the day
NO reffing is required
Games will run Saturdays, Dec 9th - Feb 10 (No games Dec 23 and 30) from 8:30am-3pm at Southwood Glen Elementary. Pay is $20/hour. Please email Leah Voss if interested!
NEW EVENT TICKET INFORMATION PAGE
With many local districts changing their ticketing policies for athletic events (i.e. online sales only, have to buy tickets before a certain time, using an online ticket vendor different from our Ticket Spicket site), we felt it was important to better organize where families, staff, and community members can find up to date ticketing information.
This page on our website (www.franklin.k12.wi.us/tickets) contains links to where we host tickets for our home athletic events, Saber Center performances, and upcoming WIAA Playoff events. We share this with you so you have one place to look when you have ticketing questions. We will do our best to update this page as we receive updates from those we partner with for events and happenings.
SCHOOL INFORMATION
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