The Roadrunner
Ben Franklin Elementary School
October 2021
Dear Families,
Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held this week. At this time, we are unable to provide Childcare during conferences as we have in the past. We ask that younger siblings remain at home during the scheduled conference unless the sibling attends Ben Franklin and has a conference as well the same night. As you are aware, conferences will be held in person or virtually. If you have difficulty finding childcare (for younger siblings), please let the teacher know by Monday, Oct. 4th so a Zoom link can be shared with you.
Earlier in the month, our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS) team, taught our students the importance of changing our mindset when things do not go our way. We want our students to understand that when we make mistakes or forget something, it does not have to ruin their whole day. We can "turn that frown upside down!" Every month a different grade level prepares a presentation to teach the school about a Character Ed topic.
We are excited to have opportunities this year that invite our families into the building. However, one line of mitigation that we still need to follow is to limit large crowds within a single space. For this reason, our team decided that our second-grade program would be held as a recorded event this year based on the following concerns:
~ Our gym size capacity does not allow for appropriate spacing for the number of students and for the number of family members who attend a program. Our gym is smaller compared to other schools in the district.
~ The stage area in the gym (where performers are placed) is currently being used as another breakfast/lunch location to allow for spacing in the lunchroom. By limiting seating in our main lunchroom, the number of close contacts is reduced.
We appreciate your understanding and flexibility at this time as it is our true hope that we have our families together for programs soon!
Thank you for helping us get our year off to a great start! We appreciate our families.
Mrs. Bjelde
October 5th - Walk to School Day sponsored by SafeKids
October 5, 7 & 8 - Parent/Student/Teacher conference 4:00pm-7:00pm
October 8 - Dismissal @ 11:20
- Last day to turn in Pizza Corner Forms
October 13 - Early Release @ 1:30
October 20, 21 & 22 - No School
October 27 - Early Release @ 1:30
Early Out Dates~ 1:30 Dismissal
School dismisses at 1:30 on the following dates (please mark these dates on your calendar):
Oct. 13th
Oct. 27th
Nov. 10th
Dec. 1st
Dec. 15th
Jan. 12th
Jan. 26th
Feb. 9th
Mar. 23rd
Apr. 6th
Apr. 20th
May 4th
May 18th
October 11th
November 1st
December 6th
January 10th
February 7th
March 7th
April 11th
May 16th
Ben Franklin Book Fair
The Scholastic Book Fair will take place October 4 through October 8. Students will visit the book fair during their regular library time. Parents can visit the fair from 4-7 pm on Tuesday and Thursday, and from 11:20 to 4:00 pm on Friday, during parent/teacher conferences. The Book Fair flyer, an option to set up cashless payment for your child, and the virtual store are available on the Book Fair homepage:
https://www.scholastic.com/bf/benfranklinelementaryschool2.
If you would like to volunteer to help during the fair, please email asalgado160@mygfschools.org.
Thanks,
Angela
Turn Lane Guidelines for All Families
District Information
Substance Use Prevention Tips
Make sure your child knows your rules — and that you’ll enforce the consequences if rules are broken. Kids are less likely to use nicotine, alcohol, and other substances if their parents have established a pattern of setting clear rules and consequences.
Source: https://drugfree.org/
School Cancellation and Postponement Procedures
Please click here for school cancellation procedures:
School Meals -- Free and Reduced Application
Grand Forks Public Schools offers healthy meals every school day to make sure children are well-fed and ready to learn! Students will not be charged for meals during the 2021-2022 school year. We ask that you still complete the Free and Reduced Application as there are other events that take place during the year where the cost could be reduced for families.
An application is available online at https://www.gfschools.org/Page/8333, or download the form below, fill it in, and submit it to the Ben Franklin office. After the application has been reviewed by the Child Nutrition Department, you will be notified by letter of your status. All information is confidential - names are never disclosed.
Covid-19 Resources
Daily At Home Covid-19 Screening
Ben Franklin Elementary Vision
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