The Roadrunner
Ben Franklin Elementary School
November 2018
Dear Families,
We would like to say THANK YOU for attending conferences in October. The teachers enjoyed discussing the progress of our students and creating academic goals that will be monitored throughout the year. At conferences, classroom teachers shared information regarding Standards-Based Report Cards. An email from the district was sent out last week with additional information to help our families gain a deeper understanding of SBRC's. Another letter will be shared with each of you at the end of the first trimester (end of November). Please note that report cards will be emailed to families this year.
The cold weather is upon us and that means children should be coming to school with proper winter gear (hats, gloves, winter jacket~ soon snowpants and boots). We have cloth bags for every student to store their winter gear in. Using a separate bag for their winter gear will protect their school folders and books from getting wet and ruined. Please be sure to label all of your child's winter clothing. If your child still needs a bag, please let your classroom teacher know.
American Education Week
American Education Week will be celebrated November 13-16th. Please mark your calendars for the events taking place so your child(ren) can participate!
Tuesday, November 13th ~ Wear School Colors (blue)
Wednesday, November 14th ~ Wear your Thinking Cap. Children can wear their favorite hat.
Thursday, November 15th ~ Support your Team. Children can wear your favorite team jersey or Ben Franklin clothing.
Friday, November 16th ~ Students can "Dress for Success" by dressing up to show what they want to be when they grow up (please just look for items around your house, no need to buy anything). The children will also be making cards to give to the Guest teachers who come to our building throughout the year.
We would like each of you or a community member you may know to have an opportunity to read to our students during this week. Please sign up through this link Guest Reader if you are able to join us during our Morning Reading program.
District Information
Child Nutrition Account Balances Policy
It is the expectation of the Grand Forks Public School District that funds will be readily available for students’ use during their breakfast and/or lunch period. If funds are not available, the student will continue to receive the meal of their choice. When the account has $5 remaining an automated email and/or text messages will generate from the district office one time per week. These emails will continue until adequate funds are received.
A referral will be made to the School's administration and/or their assigned social worker when a student's account reaches $30 negative. As funds are available the Grand Forks Foundation for Education will cover the meal cost when the account exceeds the $50 charging limit.
Each school's cook manager will send home a letter one time per week to Parents/Guardians of students carrying a negative balance in any amount. Other school officials may be notified at this time to assist in the collection efforts. The Child Nutrition Office will periodically run reports and attempt to collect on large balances throughout the school year.
Adults are not allowed to carry a negative balance. Prepayments may be made into a lunch account or cash must be provided at the terminal.
Grade Level Highlights!
First Graders observing and recording changes in the silkworms during science.
Artist Bradford Hansen-Smith visited 4th grade to show them how to fold tetrahedrons using paper plates. He will use the students work for an art installation at the North Dakota Museum of Art!
5th graders got to practice mixing colors to create a skyline and water for part 1 of their art project with Mrs. Kulas.
Second Grade had an artist work with students on an art project that will be displayed at the North Dakota Museum of Art in December.
Third Graders study the structure and functions of the animals as well as their life cycles. They are studying Crayfish, Bess Beatles, and Wax worms.
Kindergarten classes visited the Pumpkin Patch and learned about the life cycle of a pumpkin.
Please Mark your Calendars!
PTO News
Keep sending in Boxtops! We have a great start to our collection for the year. Please write the teacher's name on the baggie. Congratulations to Mrs. Johnson's class for collecting the most boxtops 2 months in a row! Her class was able to choose a game for the classroom.
Our Cherrydale fundraiser started on Friday, November 2nd. It will close on November 26th. The items will be delivered Tuesday, December 18th.
Ideas for Families to Support Reading
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