December Newsletter 2022
Ben Franklin Middle School
Message from the Principal
As 2022 comes to an end, the staff and students at Ben Franklin are gearing up for the holiday season, the upcoming new year, and the end of first semester. I look forward to seeing our talented students finish their fall sports seasons and showcase their musical talents at the annual holiday program and other winter performances.
To bring some extra cheer to the next few weeks we are hosting a Holiday Cheermeister Week from December 19th-22nd. These days will include holiday themed dress up days for staff and students, a door decorating contest, and a holiday music performance for all Ben Franklin students. Be on the lookout for more information about these events in the daily announcements.
We continue to reinforce Fargo Public School's middle school guidelines for success. If you have been paying close attention to the morning announcements, you have most likely seen our Behavior of the Week, a new addition to allow students and staff to focus on one of the major behaviors impacting our schoolwide culture and climate. Please take a moment to visit with your child about their behavior as it relates to the behavior of the week and fostering a positive learning environment for all.
At Ben Franklin we have so many students who are making positive choices everyday! The staff felt very strongly those students who continue to follow the guidelines for success should have a positive reward for their choices. In speaking with students across grade levels this fall, I heard many students express the wish for a middle school dance. And so, the End of Semester Dance will take place on Friday, January 13th, from 4:00-5:30pm. This event will be open to all 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Ben Franklin students who have met the positive behavior requirements. We are coordinating with our PTO to ensure students have access to other activities at the dance such as snacks and a photo booth. The positive behaviors required to attend the dance are:
- Reporting conflicts to an adult.
- If you see a physical altercation to get help right away.
- Be in all of your classes on time each day.
- Make up any detentions you need to serve.
- Make sure you are following the guidelines for success so that you do not get a suspension.
A reminder there will be no school December 23rd thru January 2nd, with students returning to school on Tuesday, January 3rd.
I hope you all find joy in the little moments this holiday season!
Kirstin Hanson
Winter Reminders
Ben Franklin Families,
As the weather begins to change we wanted to pass along the reminders below about student morning drop-offs, afternoon pickups, and also possible inclement weather days.
Before School Reminder
The main school doors (entrance #4) opens at 8am. Students will not be allowed in the building until 8am as we do not have supervision for students until that time. Please drop off students after 8am.
Dressing for Weather Conditions
Please have a conversation with your student about wearing appropriate winter clothing for the weather conditions. This is a tough one for some middle school students, but we want to do our best to encourage all to make safe choices and to dress warmly. If your student is in need of winter gear, please have them make an appointment with student services.
After School Reminder
Students are dismissed from their final class at 3:40 each day. If your student does not ride the bus, please make transportation arrangements for them to be picked up as close to 3:40pm as possible. All doors to locker bays and academic wings are locked at 4pm each day. After 4pm, students will not be allowed to enter these areas. We do ask that students who are waiting after 4pm do so in the main stairwell foyer (entrance #4).
In Case of Inclement Weather
Please remind your student to bring their PLD home each day in case of inclement weather and a potential virtual learning day.
Parking Reminders
Due to Ben Franklin's location in a residential area, pick up/drop off can become quite congested for parents and bus drivers. Please follow street signs directing areas where you can and cannot park to ensure traffic can flow easily.
Please do not pull up to drop off your student in the cross walk area. This creates a line of congestion so that busses are unable to reach the bus loop for students to arrive. There is additional space along 8th street, if you are headed south, to pull to the side and drop off your student without blocking passing traffic.
We all have the same goal and that is for all of our students to arrive at school safely. Thanks for your patience out there!
Inclement Weather
When our winter weather hits, Fargo Public Schools maintains close communication with officials of the U.S. Weather Service, local government, and neighboring school districts in order to make decisions regarding inclement weather and other emergency situations that are in the best interest of the safety of our students, staff and parents. The decision to hold classes is based on the general weather conditions which exist for the majority of Fargo students.
If school is in session, and a parent decides that a student should remain at home due to weather conditions, that decision will be respected by the school. Parents should use their own judgment in determining if the weather is suitable for their children to make the journey to school. It is always up to parents to make the final decision about whether or not to send their student to school if they believe weather conditions present a safety issue. The absence for the day would be considered an excused absence.
If school is called off, parents will be contacted via the automated phone, email and text system based on the contact information supplied to the school office(s). Parents are encouraged to update contact information with the school on a regular basis so we have up to date contact information. This can be done through PowerSchool or by calling the school office. School cancellation information will also be broadcasted via local media, and will be posted across our website and social media sites (Facebook and Twitter).
If weather or a situation develops during the day, and it is determined that an early dismissal is in the best interest of the students, parents will be contacted via the automated phone, email and text system based on the contact information supplied to the school office(s). Parents are encouraged to update contact information with the school on a regular basis so we have up to date contact information. This can be done through PowerSchool or by calling the school office. School closure information will also be broadcasted via local media, and the information will be posted on our website and social media sites (Facebook and Twitter).
For more information please see the school cancellation process on the Fargo Public Schools website.
CITIZENSHIP TEST AS A REQUIREMENT FOR GRADUATION
The North Dakota state legislature has passed HB 1087, requiring all students to demonstrate
proficiency in civics as a requirement for high school graduation. The law states:
“a student may take the test, in whole or in part, at any time after enrolling in grade
seven and may repeat the test, or any portion thereof, as often as necessary to demonstrate
proficiency.”
Every middle school in the district will be offering that test to students in grade eight this year.
The information on the civics test is closely related to the material covered in eighth grade social
studies. Students who do not demonstrate proficiency (70% or above) will have the opportunity
to take the test again at the high school. There is no penalty for taking the test multiple times
and there is never a fee to take the test.
The questions for the civics test are taken from the federal government’s Naturalization Test.
If you have questions or would like further information, please feel free to contact one of our 8th
grade history teachers. Jessica Rice 8-1 (ricej@fargo.k12.nd.us) or Ryan Gravalin 8-2
THANK YOU TO DEEK'S PIZZA & ALL WHO ORDERED!
End of Semester Dance
Staff Recognition Announcement
Fargo Public Schools Accepting Nominations Beginning November 28 for
Teacher, Administrator, and Support Staff of the Year Awards
Community members are invited to nominate a deserving Fargo Public Schools teacher, administrator, or support staff member for the annual Staff Recognition Program. The program honors FPS staff members who serve our students with excellence. Online instructions, forms, and the application process can be found at www.fargo.k12.nd.us/StaffRecognitionProgram.
Upcoming Events
*We have many activities coming up such as choir, band and orchestra concerts, 6th grade volleyball jamborees, wrestling meets and girls basketball games. Please refer to the "Ben Franklin Online Calendar" button below for dates and times.
December 19th-December 22nd
- Holiday Cheermeister Week
December 23rd- January 2nd
- No School
January 13th, 2023
- End of 1st Semester
- End of Semester Dance 4:00-5:30 pm
January 16, 2023
- No School
January 17th, 2023
- 2nd Semester Begins
FPS Delayed Bus Route Plan 2022-23
If a driver shortage occurs, Valley Bus will notify affected riders of select routes by a voice call, email and/or text message to the contact information on file with the school. The message will instruct the rider that their original route pick-up time will run one hour late. An example would be if a student were to be picked up at 7:55 a.m. at 12th Ave. South and 7th Street, the new time would be 8:55 a.m.
Parents can check their child’s pick-up time using the “Bus Route by Address” option on the FPS Transportation website. Please make sure your contact information is up-to-date in PowerSchool
Attendance
Research shows that attendance is the single most important factor in school success. Attendance is located next to Student Services or by calling Mrs. Buerkley at 446-3610.
Absences: Parents/guardians are reminded to call the attendance office at 446-3610 to inform us of your child’s absence before 9:00 a.m., the morning of the absence. Feel free to call the attendance number at any time, 24 hours a day, to leave a message. You can also email our attendance office at bfattendance@fargo.k12.nd.us. This message should include the student’s name, ID number, grade, the date(s) and reason they will be absent. If no phone or email contact has been made, the student must present a written excuse, signed by his/her parent to the attendance office when returning to school. Any absence not verified by phone or note will be considered unexcused.
Tardiness/Returning to School: Students coming to school after classes have begun or returning to school after an appointment must stop by attendance for a return slip. They need a signed note or doctor’s note to check in unless we have already received a phone call.
Ben Franklin PTO
The Ben Franklin PTA has now become a PTO through a vote at the October 3rd meeting and a year’s worth of discussion. As a PTO, Ben Franklin’s parents and teachers now control the bylaws and funds. You may still sign up through SchoolPay for the volunteer contact list but no longer have to register or pay dues to join the parent-teacher group. All current Ben Franklin parents/guardians and staff are automatically considered members of the PTO. We are all part of the BFMS community, after all. Welcome to the Fargo Ben Franklin Middle School PTO!
Website: https://sites.google.com/view/fargobfmspto/home
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/499729788375094/?ref=share_group_link
Email: fargobfmspto@gmail.com
Titan Replacing NutriSlice for Menus
ENTRANCE TO THE BUILDING DURING SCHOOL HOURS
Fargo Public Schools is pleased to announce that we use the Raptor Visitor Management System in all of our schools to strengthen our program of campus safety for students and staff. Part of keeping students and staff safe is knowing who is in our buildings at all times, and the Raptor system will allow us to do so. The Raptor system will allow us to better screen visitors, contractors, and volunteers in our schools to provide us with a safe environment for our students and staff.
Visitors should enter the main doors #4 by ringing the doorbell. Upon entering the school building, visitors will be asked to present an ID, such as a Driver’s License, which can either be scanned or manually entered into the system. If a parent or guardian for any reason does not have a US government-issued ID, the school staff member can use any form of identification and manually enter the person’s name into the Raptor system. Once entry into the building is approved, Raptor will issue a badge that identifies the visitor, the date, and the purpose of their visit. A visitor’s badge will not be necessary for those who visit our schools simply to drop off an item in the office or pick up paperwork.
Lockers
School Nurse
The Nurse is a support staff that works with medication issues, consultations and safety issues. The school nurse will not diagnose medical issues.
Hours -typically 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Monday-Friday
If you have questions call Nurse Ellen Sondreal @ 446-3640.
Health Information needs to be completed yearly online. Since little of the information on this card may change from year to year, the data is stored and you will simply be doing an update of this information as needed. Please remember that our school nurse needs permission to administer Ibuprofen, Tums, or Tylenol (Acetaminophen). If you wish this to be an option, please indicate this online.
Emergency Care Plan: If your student has a health issue that will require more than standard first aid care, a special form called the “Emergency Care Plan” will need to be completed by a parent/guardian and signed by the student’s Health Care Provider. These forms will be available at registration from the school nurse and are on line as well.
Medication at School: Daily medication, short-term antibiotics, and OTC medications: A “Medication Administration” form must be completed by a parent/guardian and signed by the student’s Health Care Provider. Medications brought to school must be in their original containers.
Self-Administration Medications: If a student needs to carry a medication on them while at school a “Medication Self-Administration” form must be completed by a parent/guardian and signed by the student’s Health Care Provider. If a student needs an Asthma inhaler, make sure they have their inhaler with them. The “Medication Self-Administration” form should be brought to school as soon as possible. Medication forms also need to be renewed each school year.
All required forms are also available on the Ben Franklin website under “Quick links - District Forms – Medication Forms” or at this link below: http://www.fargo.k12.nd.us/Page/446
Canvas Support For Parents/Guardians
Evidence Based Reporting Support for Parents/Guardians
Parental Communication- E-Alert Directions
Content E-Alerts are sent to users who have subscribed to a homepage or website section of interest. You will receive an email notification when newsletters, daily announcements or School Board agendas are posted.
Click here to sign up and begin the process of setting your subscriptions.
Content E-Alert Directions: In order to provide the best possible communication between our district and your household, we request that you complete 3 easy steps to sign up and subscribe to E-Alerts for sites and sections that you find relevant.
Click the link above to sign up and begin the process of setting your subscriptions.
Step 1 - Enter your First Name, Last Name, and Email Address
Step 2 - Select the areas of Fargo Public Schools that you wish to receive notifications
Step 3 - Click Sign Up at the bottom of the page
You will receive an email that will contain a link to verify your account. You may unsubscribe at any time by using the Unsubscribe Link at the bottom of the email notification.
STAY CONNECTED!
Ben Franklin has several helpful links that can be found on our webpage at https://www.fargo.k12.nd.us/benfranklin
You will find links for:
· Monthly Newsletters
· School Calendars
· Daily Announcements
· PowerSchool & SchoolPay Logins
· Student Handbook
· School Menus
· District Forms
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please contact our school office at 701-446-3600.
Mrs. Kirstin Hanson
Principal
6th Grade Principal
Ms. Jennifer Olson
Assistant Principal
8th Grade Principal
Mr. Matt Quintus
Assistant Principal/ Activities Coordinator
7th Grade Principal