The Roadrunner
Ben Franklin Elementary School
November/ December 2022
Dear Ben Franklin Families,
As we begin to embark on the second trimester November 23, I would like to ask for your help in working with your son/daughter on the following topics; reading stamina, respect, patience, screen time. Click the links to watch the short videos. During the pandemic education was very different for many of our students and our teachers have noticed a decline in the topics above. We continue to use our school counselor, social worker, as well as our monthly Roadrunner roundups to provide education on these topics, but as we all know it takes a village to raise a child and we would appreciate your help in this.
Thank you to those of you have were able to attend our character parade Monday, November 7 in the gym here at Ben Franklin; we had 57 parents/families attend!!!! We will be posting pictures on Facebook. We hope to continue this in the years to come as the feedback has been very positive.
Turkey Bingo is November 17, we look forward to seeing all who can attend!
I appreciate the patience over the last few weeks as we have transitioned our Dietrich buses into the turn lane for our Early Childhood student pickup each afternoon. While it was a slight adjustment to what has been done previously it is running smooth!
I welcome your feedback, please feel free to call Ben Franklin, 701-746-2250, and one of the secretaries will send you through to my office. You can also call the number above to set up an appointment to meet with me in person. If you would rather, you can email me; jmailhot040@mygfschools.org
Thank you for all your continued support of Ben Franklin Elementary! It's a great day to be a Roadrunner.
Josh Mailhot
Principal
Dress for the Weather
Cold weather is upon us! Please make sure that your son/daughter is wearing the appropriate gear to school each day. Gloves, hats, gloves/mittens, boots, and snow pants should starting coming to school daily. Students will be going outside daily (this is up to teacher discretion). Our younger students may not go outside on certain days; however, the 3-5 students may!
If your son/daughter is in need of winter gear, the school does have a limited amount, please reach out to our school social worker, Kim Lloyd.
RED (Read Every Day) Events at Ben Franklin
PTO
Meetings are usually the first Thursday of each month @ 5:15 in the library.
Dec 1st
Jan -- no meeting -- stay warm
Feb 2nd
March 9th (2nd Thursday)
April 6th
May 18th
November 11 - No School
November 16 - Early Release @ 1:30 pm
November 17 - Red Event at Ben Franklin 2:30-2:50 (Read Every Day)
November 17 - Turkey Bingo- Doors open at 5:00 and Bingo starts at 6:00
November 23 -End of Reporting Period
November 24 & 25 - No School
November 30- Early Release @ 1:30 pm
December 1 - PTO @ 5:15 in the Library
December 2 - Report Cards go home
December 14 - Early Release @ 1:30 pm
December 22 - January 2 - No School
January 3 - School Resumes
January 16 - No School Professional Development
January 18- Early Release @ 1:30 pm
January 19 - Red Event at Ben Franklin 8:30- 8:50 (Read Every Day)
Visitors
We welcome you to visit our school! Please use Door #1 and sign in/out when entering the school. Adults are asked to wait in the entryway or office when picking up their student(s) or will be escorted by a staff member to their desired location.
Dismissal Procedures....Reminder busses first
I appreciate the patience over the last few weeks as we have transitioned our Dietrich buses into the turn lane for our Early Childhood student pickup each afternoon. While it was a slight adjustment to what has been done previously it is running smooth!
Students will exit the building on a staggered schedule to prevent overcrowding in the hallway.
Dismissal Options:
If you choose to utilize the turn lane when picking up your child(ren), stay on the right side to pick up your child and follow the turn lane guidelines pictured below.
1. Drive all the way forward to fill any open space regardless of which door your child exits.
The turn lane is meant for "stop and go" only and not for parking. If you choose to exit your vehicle, you may park on the street and cross at the crosswalks to pick up your child. It is for your safety that we as you to utilize crosswalks.
2. If you choose to park on the street and walk up to the building to meet your child, please remain on the sidewalk as our students utilize the blacktop area.
Older siblings will remain with their own class while the crowd is heavy. When the crowd dissipates, we will have siblings join together.
If you are new to Ben Franklin or unsure of the turn lane rules, please read each of the guidelines posted below. Please make sure anyone who picks up your child(ren) knows and follow the rules for student and staff safety. A staff member will kindly remind you of the guidelines when they are not followed, please be courteous as they are doing their best to keep ALL students safe.
Thank you for your cooperation!
Families of 5th grade students
Parents Lead
Parenting isn’t always easy, especially in today’s world. The good news is there are steps that can help protect your kids as they grow older. Effectively monitoring your kids through
every stage in their lives is one important way to reduce their risk of becoming involved in
potentially harmful situations or engaging in risky behaviors. Start monitoring your kids early
on, in ways that are age-appropriate. In fact, the earlier you begin monitoring, the easier it will be to continue as your kids get older and the more they’ll expect it from you.
Source: www.parentslead.org
Parents Lead
One of the most influential factors during a child’s adolescence is maintaining a strong, open relationship with a parent/guardian. When we each create supportive and nurturing environments, children make better decisions. Though it may not always seem like it, children hear concerns, which is why it’s important that parents/guardians discuss the risks of using alcohol and other drugs. How do you start the conversation? Visit www.parentslead.org.
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! This year meals are NOT free and so we ask that you 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. A copy of the application will also be shared at Open House.
Ben Franklin Elementary Vision
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