December 4, 2023
December 4, 2023
On November 21st, we had our second Bobcat Bash of the school year. During this assembly, we revisited our school motto “Model the Bobcat Way, Every Day.” At this assembly, we focused on our second core value of “owning our mistakes.” Teaching kids about making mistakes is crucial for supporting flexible thinking, encouraging students to try again when they don’t succeed the first time, and helping support a school community where we are all learners.
During this assembly, students watched a read aloud of “Beautiful Oops.” You can see the recording here.
Here are some ways to approach this when working with your child(ren) at home:
1. Normalize Mistakes: Help them understand that mistakes are a natural part of learning. Everyone makes them, and they're opportunities to learn and improve.
2. Positive Reinforcement: Praise their efforts, strategies, and resilience rather than focusing solely on the outcome. Encourage a growth mindset by highlighting the process they went through and what they learned.
3. Lead by Example: Show them that you, too, make mistakes and how you handle them. Share stories about mistakes you've made and what you've learned from them.
4. Encourage Problem-Solving: Instead of providing immediate solutions, guide them through the process of analyzing what went wrong and how they could approach it differently next time.
5. Create a Safe Environment: Ensure they feel comfortable expressing themselves without fear of judgment. This allows them to be open about their mistakes and seek guidance when needed.
6. Use Mistakes as Learning Opportunities: Discuss mistakes openly, discussing what was learned from them. Encourage them to see mistakes as stepping stones toward improvement.
7. Teach Resilience: Help them understand that setbacks are temporary and can be overcome. Teach them coping strategies to deal with frustration and disappointment.
8. Encourage Self-Reflection: Prompt them to think about their mistakes and what they've learned. Ask questions like, "What could you do differently next time?"
9. Avoid Punitive Reactions: Instead of reprimanding them for mistakes, focus on understanding why the mistake happened and how to prevent it in the future.
10. Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge their progress and improvements, emphasizing that mistakes are part of the journey to success.
By instilling a positive attitude towards mistakes, you're helping children develop resilience, problem-solving skills, and a healthy approach to learning that will benefit them throughout their lives.
If you are looking for an additional book to read aloud or watch with your child(ren) related to making mistakes, consider the following:
It’s Ok to Make Mistakes by Todd Parr
Mrs. Jewell
Ben Franklin Principal
ELEM REPORT CARDS VIEWABLE STARTING FRI 12/8
Beginning on Friday, December 8th, Elementary student report cards will be viewable in PowerSchool (please note you should sign in to PowerSchool in a web browser to view your child's report card as this is not viewable in the PowerSchool app).
This is different from past years where FPS would email blast report cards out. Please know that report cards will not be available until you receive an email from your child’s school office stating they are available.
Below are directions you can use to access your child’s report card when they are ready:
HOW TO VIEW STUDENT REPORT CARDS IN PS PARENT/STUDENT PORTAL
Sign in to your PowerSchool Account
NOTE TO PARENTS: please sign in using a web browser as the report card is not viewable in the PowerSchool parent app. If you forgot your password, please use the ‘forgot password’ link under the sign in area to reset your password to a password of your choosing.If you have more than 1 student in the district, select the appropriate tab/name
Select the Report Card icon from the left-side menu (it is at the bottom of the menu):
NOTE: If you would like a printed copy, or to save as a pdf file - Select the printer icon in the upper right-hand corner to print or save as a file on your device.
WINTER ACTIVITY DAY EVENT SAT 12/16 FOR 4K-5th GRADE
The FHS FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) club is sponsoring its second annual WINTER ACTIVITY DAY for any Franklin Public Schools students in grades 4K-5th grade. The event will take place on Saturday, December 16th from 2pm-4:30pm in the FHS Cafeteria. Need some extra time to shop? Let the kids enjoy snacks, crafts, activities and fun while you use the afternoon time to get ready for the holidays! The costs will be $15 for your first child, $10 if you have a second child and $5 for any additional children. If you are planning to have your children attend, please complete this REGISTRATION FORM before Wednesday, December 13th. We will communicate with those registered before the event about how to pay. If you have any questions, please reach out to advisor Lauren Zomboracz at lauren.zomboracz@franklin.k12.wi.us
REMINDERS ABOUT PARENT DROP OFF AND PARENT PICK UP
Please take a few moments to refamiliarize yourself with our drop off and pick up procedures. We are noticing that students and families are becoming comfortable with these routines but, as a result, are forgetting key pieces of these procedures that are in place to ensure safety.
DROP OFF
Students who walk or bike to school should not arrive at school before 8:55AM. There is no adult supervision outside of the building prior to this time as teachers have scheduled meetings every morning. Recently, students have been gathering outside of the north entrance prior to this time. When given down time with no adult supervision, students are engaging in potentially unsafe behaviors such as climbing trees on our property, chasing and tackling each other, running between cars, etc.
Students should not exit vehicles until the driver is signaled by a staff member when the parent drop off process starts between 8:55 and 9:00 am. Should you arrive at school with your child(ren) prior to the start of this process, you will not be allowed to drop your child(ren) and drive away. Instead, you will need to wait in the drop off line and your child(ren) will need to remain in your vehicle. Please plan accordingly.
If your student needs assistance getting out of your vehicle or you have something to drop in the main office, you will need to park in the lot in front of the building and walk with your child(ren) to the building. No students should be walking across the crosswalk unattended.
PICK UP (Midday)
Parents and family members who pick up students from 4K midday must accompany children across the crosswalk. No students should be crossing the crosswalk without an adult and no one should cross to the parking lot between buses.
PICK UP (Afternoon)
With the change to our dismissal procedures, it is expected that parents utilize the parent pick up line unless their child needs assistance getting into a vehicle (i.e., child in five point harness, injury, etc.) or there are other circumstances for parking and picking up that have been discussed with Mrs. Jewell. We moved the location of the parent pick up line to eliminate unnecessary car and foot traffic out front. This ensures that buses can load and exit campus without issue.
If the circumstances above apply to you and you park your car to pick up your child(ren), you must accompany your child(ren) across the crosswalk. No students should be crossing the crosswalk without an adult and no one should cross to the parking lot between buses.
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
WINTER/SPRING REC GUIDE IS AVAILABLE!
The 2023-24 Winter/Spring Rec Guide is now available online here and registration for Franklin families opens on Tuesday, December 5th (tomorrow as you receive this newsletter on Monday). We have a bunch of new programs including Basketball Camps, Athlete Performance Training, more Abby Martin cookie decorating, Kayak Trips, Adult Gym Classes and more! Sign up early as spots are limited!
LOST & FOUND
Click here for items currently in the lost and found.
ALL STAFF HOLIDAY LUNCHEON
Our annual All Staff Holiday Luncheon is on Friday, December 15th. We are hoping families can help us out by donating beverages and desserts! We are also looking for a few volunteers to help setup and decorate on Thursday, December 14th from 4-5PM. Please Follow the link below to sign up!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0D4CAEA62CA2F94-46121038-staff
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!
CHARACTER KIDS WINTER MUSICAL PRODUCTION
You're invited to join the cast of Disney’s 101 Dalmatians! Come learn what putting on a musical is all about!
In a loving home in the city of London, Dalmatian parents Pongo and Perdita happily raise their Dalmatian puppies, until the monstrous Cruella De Vil plots to steal them for her new fur coat! All the dogs of London rally for a daring rescue of the courageous puppies from the kidnapping villains. Don’t miss this “fur-tastic” musical adventure!
Rehearsals: Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30 pm (January 24 - March 6) at Country Dale Elementary
Dress Rehearsal: Wednesday, March 13th, 5:30-7:30 pm at Southwood Glen Elementary
Performance: Thursday, March 14th, 7:00 pm on the Southwood Glen Elementary stage
For grades 1st-5th. All students who register are guaranteed a role in the show. Low pressure auditions will take place on the first day of rehearsals (Wed 1/24) for role placement. No previous experience necessary. Learn more or register at www.characterkidsdrama.com/musical-productions
SCHOOL INFORMATION
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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