Ben Franklin
Elementary School
Parent Handbook
2112 Speedway Avenue Wichita Falls, Texas 76308 Office Phone: 940-­‐235-­‐1156 FAX: 940-­‐235-­‐1157 Angie Betts, Principal [email protected] Letitia Willis, Assistant Principal [email protected] www.wfisd.net/franklin 2
Ben Franklin Parent Information Guide
Table of Contents
Welcome
Mission Statement
Services and Activities
Our School Day
• Arrival and Early Arrival
• Late Arrival
• Daily Attendance
• Leaving Early
• Inclement Weather
• Emergency School Closing
Office
• Eligibility
• Change of Address
• Transfer Students
• Registration
• Withdrawals
• Telephone Calls
• Student Cell Phones
Health Clinic
• Immunization Requirements
• School Nurse
• Routine Care
• Medication
• Absence Due to a Contagious Health Condition
• Lice
Cafeteria
• Cafeteria Rules
• Cafeteria Procedures
• Menu
• Payment
• Free and Reduced Meal Application
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Communications
• Website
• Morning Announcements
• Monthly Newsletter and Calendar
• Channel 14
• Marquee
• Progress Reports
• Report Cards
• Communication Take Home Folders
Dress Code and Conduct
• Dress Code
• Conduct
• Clip Chart
• Conduct Mark System
• PAWS
• Character Education
Curriculum
• TPRI
• STAAR
• Homework
• Make Up Work
• Grading Policy
• Successful Study Strategies
• Focus Time
• Classroom Instructional Teacher
• LEAD – Gifted and Talented Program
• Library
Safety
• Bus Time/Buses
• Safety Drills
Building Map
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The Mission of Ben Franklin Elementary School
The mission of Ben Franklin Elementary School
is to educate all children
to reach their full potential through an encouraging partnership
with school, family, and community.
The Vision of Ben Franklin Elementary School
All Ben Franklin students will
• master all appropriate skills,
• be responsible in all areas of learning,
• be respectful of themselves and others,
• be a family -- supportive and encouraging of others, and
• have pride in and ownership of their school.
The Staff at
Ben Franklin Elementary School
Pledge to:
F -­‐ Find potential in every child R – Respect students, parents and co-workers
A – Accommodate individual needs N – Never give up K – Kindle the flame of learning L – Lead by example 5
I – Instill Integrity N – Nurture students in a positive environment
SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES
ESL – English as a Second Language is provided for qualifying students. Students must
qualify based on their Home Language Survey and meet criteria through an English
Language Assessment. Parents have the right to deny ESL services. Students are monitored
annually through the LPAC (Language Proficiency Advisory Committee). More information
is available from a school administrator or the Bilingual/ESL teacher.
Bilingual Education – Bilingual Education (Spanish/English) is provided for qualifying
students. Students must qualify based on their Home Language Survey and meet criteria
through an English Language Assessment and a Spanish Language Assessment. Parents
have the right to deny Bilingual Education services. Students are monitored annually
through the LPAC (Language Proficiency Advisory Committee). More information is
available from a school administrator or the Bilingual/ESL teacher.
Child Care – Franklin Elementary School partners with the Wichita Falls YMCA to provide
after school care from 3:30 to 6:30 pm. Students enrolled in the YMCA after school programs
participate in a variety of activities. More information is available through the YMCA office
at 940-855-2301.
Choir – Franklin fifth and sixth grade students are invited to participate in the school choir.
Rehearsals are held weekly. More information will be distributed to students.
Counselor – Franklin Elementary has a full time school counselor who provides a variety of
services including individual counseling, classroom guidance lessons, peer mediation, social
and emotional learning groups, career awareness and parental support. Please contact the
school counselor for more information.
Dyslexia – Qualifying students may receive specialized dyslexia classes upon evaluation
and identification. Students are pulled from their general education classroom to receive
special reading lessons within the dyslexia program. Parents, teachers, administrators, and
other staff meet annually to review, discuss and plan for student success. Please contact the
school Dyslexia Specialist for additional information.
Gifted and Talented – Qualifying students in grades K-3 are served in the GT program
through differentiated instruction by GT endorsed teachers at their grade level. Qualifying
students in grades 4-6 are served in the LEAD program in a pullout program at the home
campus. Parents and teachers have the opportunity to nominate students for the GT
program annually. More information is available from the school’s GT liaison.
Response to Intervention (RtI) – Students needing additional support in Math and/or
Reading may qualify to receive targeted instruction at their appropriate level through Tier 2
or Tier 3 interventions in one or both subjects. Students receive special classes designed to
bridge learning gaps at their current performance levels. Teachers and/or parents may refer
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students to the Student Support Team to be considered for RtI classes. Please contact the
school counselor for additional information.
Safety Patrol – Fifth and sixth grade students maintaining at least a B average may
participate in Safety Patrol. Safety Patrol members assist students at specific crossing areas
coming to and leaving the school.
Special Education – Qualifying students in grades EE to 6 may participate in Special
Education Services depending on the nature of the students’ needs. Services provided
include Speech, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Adaptive PE, Adaptive Music,
Adaptive Art, Resource Classes in all core curriculum and Inclusion Support in the general
education classroom. Parents, teachers, administrators, and other staff meet annually to
review, discuss and plan for student success. More information is available from a school
administrator, diagnostician, or special education teacher.
Spelling Bee – Students in grade 1 through 6 may participate in the annual Franklin
Spelling Bee. The Spelling Bee is generally held in the spring semester. Students qualify
through for the campus contest through classroom competitions. Classroom representatives
from all grade levels compete in the Bee.
Student Council – Students in grades 4-6 may seek election into Student Council.
Homeroom representatives are selected each fall to represent their classes at monthly
Student Council meetings and various activities throughout the year.
Title I - Franklin Elementary qualifies as a Title I, Schoolwide Program
based on the number of students participating in the free and
reduced price federal lunch program.
The components of a school wide program include:
A) A comprehensive needs assessment
(B) Schoolwide reform strategies
(C) Instruction by highly qualified teachers
(D) High-quality and ongoing professional development for teachers,
principals, and paraprofessionals
(E) Strategies to attract high-quality highly qualified teachers to high-need schools
(F) Strategies to increase parental involvement such as family literary services
(G) Plans for assisting preschool children in the transition from early childhood programs,
such as Head Start, Even Start, Early Reading First, or a state-run preschool program, to local
elementary school programs
(H) Measures to include teachers in the decisions regarding the use of academic assessments
(I) Activities to ensure that students who experience difficulty mastering the proficient or
advanced levels of academic achievement standards shall be provided with effective, timely
additional assistance which shall include measures to ensure that students’ difficulties are
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identified on a timely basis and to provide sufficient information on which to base effective
assistance
(J) Coordination and integration of Federal, State, and local services and programs, including
programs supported under this Act, violence prevention programs, nutrition programs,
housing programs, Head Start, adult education, vocational and technical education, and job
training
UIL – Franklin students may participate in a variety of UIL activities. More information will
be provided about UIL activities and competitions
504 - Qualifying students in grades K-6 may be served with 504 accommodations in the
general education classroom. Parents, teachers, administrators, and other staff meet
annually to review, discuss and plan for student success. Please contact the school counselor
or 504 coordinator for additional information.
OUR SCHOOL DAY
Arrival
Arriving at school on time every day is very important. Free breakfast is available to all
students. The doors at Ben Franklin Elementary open every day at 7:30 am. If students
arrive between 7:30 am and 8:00 am, they will need to report directly to the cafeteria.
Students are dismissed from the cafeteria at 8:00 am and report to their homerooms.
Students arriving between 8:00 am and 8:30 am should report directly to their homerooms.
Student Drop Off and Pick Up
You may drop children off in front of the building or drive around the building and drop off
behind the main building at the cafeteria entrance.
Please do the following when dropping off or picking up your students:
• Kindergarten and 1st grade students will dismiss on the east side near the Women’s
Forum
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2nd , 3rd , 5th and 6th students will dismiss in the front
4th grade will dismiss on the west side of the building
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Remain in your car unless you are parked away from the building.
Park on the curb side next to the school when picking up students on the street
Always watch for children crossing the street
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Park on curb, in the street in front of the Women’s Forum, but not in the circle drive.
The Woman’s Forum has asked that parents refrain from using their driveway and
parking lots.
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Pay attention to the Safety Patrol. They may not direct traffic. Their job is to escort
students safely across the street.
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Remember that Speedway Avenue is a one-way street going east to west from 7:308:45 am and 3:00-4:00 pm. The street between the Woman’s Forum and the school is
also one-way going north to south. Camelot Drive, behind Franklin, is one-way
going west to east from 7:30-8:45 am and 3:00-4:00 pm.
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•
If you need to leave your car and come inside, there are a few extra parking spaces in
the west parking lot behind the building.
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Be patient. Waiting a few extra minutes is worth the safety of our children.
Call the school office if you have a concern about traffic around the school.
Do not park on the east side of the street between the Woman’s Forum and the
school. It is not safe for students to cross a busy street to enter a car.
Do not leave your car if you are parked along the curb in front of the building or on
the street on the east side. This prevents traffic from moving efficiently.
Do not pick up or drop off students in the east teacher’s parking lot. It is a very
congested area and is reserved for staff parking and deliveries.
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Do not park on the street behind the cafeteria. It is reserved for bus loading.
Do not make U-Turns behind the building or pull into staff parking areas to drop off
students. Make the loop around the building from Speedway.
Late Arrivals
The instructional day begins at 8:30 am and ends at 3:30 pm. Students should arrive on time.
Late arrivals cause a disruption in the learning environment. Please make every effort to
avoid unnecessary tardies. After 8:30 am, students will be considered tardy and must obtain
a tardy pass from the front office before reporting to class. Students with excessive tardies
will be referred to the principal.
Daily Attendance
Attending school every day is necessary for students to be able to make the most of their
education. In order to benefit from their teacher’s lessons and activities, children need to be
in attendance. Everyday of learning is built on the foundation of what was learned the days
before. If your child’s absence is unavoidable, please call the office at 235-1156 to report the
absence. Upon your child’s return to school, please send a note documenting the reason for
your child’s absence. Please include your child’s first and last name and grade. If your child
sees a doctor during the absence, please send a doctor’s note in addition to the parent note.
Absences for which there are no notes will be documented as being unexcused according to school
district guidelines.
Attendance is taken daily at 10:00 am. Students arriving after 10:00 am are considered
absent for the day and must be walked into the building by a parent to obtain a tardy pass.
Please note that if your child arrives at school after 10:00 am and the reason for being late is
due to a doctor’s or dentist’s appointment, the student will not be counted absent as long as
he/she brings a doctor’s note.
Attendance will be monitored by the classroom teacher, the office staff, and the district’s
attendance office. State law requires that students be present for 90% of attendance days to
be considered for promotion to the next grade level at the end of each school year.
Leaving Early
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For the safety of all children, a parent must come into the office and sign out
any student leaving before the 3:30 pm dismissal time.
When you sign your child out in the office, the office staff will notify the child’s teacher.
Your child will then be dismissed from the class to go home early – or leave for an
appointment.
Please wait in the foyer for your child. Your appearance at the
classroom door stops the flow of instruction.
Inclement Weather
School may be delayed or cancelled due to inclement weather.
An announcement concerning the delay or cancellation will be made on the
local news and radio stations between 6:00 am and 7:00 am. If no
announcement is made, then school will continue as usual.
Emergency School Closing
For safety reasons, during actual emergency conditions, the students and teachers will be
retained in the school building.
OFFICE
Attendance Eligibility
Classes at Ben Franklin Elementary include Kindergarten through the Sixth grade. Eligible
students are:
• Kindergarten: Students residing in the Ben Franklin attendance zone, who are at
least five years of age on or before September 1st are eligible for Kindergarten
• 1st thru 6th Grades: Students residing in the Ben Franklin attendance zone who are
at least six years of age on or before September 1st are eligible for First Grade
Changing Address After the Start of the School Year
In the event that a student moves out of the Ben Franklin Attendance Zone during the
school year, the parent must notify the school office of the change. If the school has
adequate enrollment space and the student is in “good standing” (behavior & attendance)
and would like to remain at Ben Franklin, the parent must apply for a transfer in order to
remain at the campus for the remainder of the school year. However, transportation for
“transfer” students is the responsibility of the parent.
Transfer Students
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Transfers are approved at the discretion of the school principal. A transfer student must remain
in good standing and student enrollment space must be available within the student-to-teacher ratios
as allowed by law and with the existing faculty and staff at the campus. The paperwork can be
obtained through the student assignment office by calling 235-1029 ext. 16001.
Transfers can be revoked due to attendance, academic performance or behavior concerns at
any time. It is imperative that students attending Ben Franklin have good attendance and be
on their best behavior. (Please see the following policy for additional information: FDB
Local. Board policy can be accessed on the district’s website at www.wfisd.net.)
The transfer is binding for the entire academic year, except under the following
circumstances:
1. The transfer is revoked before February 1 of the academic year by the receiving
school principal on the basis:
• Student misconduct
• Student tardiness
• Student attendance concerns
• Failure to provide transportation to and from school, or
• False information
2. The transfer is revoked by the receiving school principal on the basis that the student
to teacher ratio exceeds law (22:1) and such a revocation is made by the Friday
following Labor Day of the academic year.
Registration
Student registration is handled in the office. It is very important upon enrolling
your child that the school have both emergency contact numbers and
names of the people who are permitted to pick your child up from school.
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ONLY THOSE PERSONS LISTED ON YOUR CHILD’S AGR CARD WILL
BE ALLOWED TO TAKE YOUR CHILD OFF OF THE CAMPUS.
Please notify the office of any new additional information that would assist us in reaching
you in case of an emergency. Incorrect or missing information slows us down in making the
right decision for your child. Email addresses and cell phone numbers are very helpful!
If you have legal court papers pertaining to the custody of your child, the office will need to
have a copy on file.
Withdrawals
Parents should notify the front office at least three days in advance for an upcoming
withdrawal. That gives the office staff time to prepare the paperwork for the student
withdrawal. Federal law requires parents to sign a release form to have records sent to
another school. The new school will require the withdrawal form for enrollment. Upon
arriving at the new school, parents will request the official transcripts – which will be sent
from Ben Franklin Elementary.
Telephone Calls
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Students may make phone calls from the office before 8:30 am with office staff permission
(pertaining to forgotten homework, library books, etc.). Parents may bring the items to the
SCHOOL OFFICE. The items will be taken to your child by office staff. If your child has an
“early morning emergency,” the principal OR assistant principal will always be able to
assist your child.
Student Cell Phones
Many of our students have cell phones. Students may choose to place their labeled cell
phone in the secured Cell Phone Basket located in the office for the school day.
Otherwise, they are taking a risk of their phone being ”lost” or “stolen.”
IF a cell phone rings during the instructional day, it is taken up and taken to the principal’s
office. A parent must come to school and pick up the cell phone.
Every student is given one warning. After the warning, the parent will be required to pay a
$15.00 fee to pick up the phone.
HEALTH CLINIC
Immunization Requirement
WFISD, in compliance with the Texas State Immunization Law, Senate Bill 986, requires that
parents or legal guardians submit to the school documented data of student immunization
upon enrollment.
School Nurse
Ben Franklin Elementary has a full-time school nurse. She can be reached at
the school phone number. The school nurse has the responsibility for
completing the hearing and vision screening in Kindergarten, first, third, and
fifth grades, and the spinal screening for sixth grade students. The school
nurse checks all immunization records and is responsible for keeping all
health records current.
Routine Care
Should a student become ill at school, he/she will be sent home from the clinic. The nurse
will contact the parents with information regarding the illness. If the temperature is equal to
or greater than 100.3, the student may not return to class and will be sent home from school.
The school nurse is not able to provide medication for an elevated temperature.
The Clinic is
located on the first
floor, two doors
east of the office.
The nurse will make your child as comfortable as possible until you arrive. An emergency
card is kept on file in the clinic. This card includes telephone numbers of the family doctor,
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two other persons, and the home and business phone numbers of the parents. Please make
sure the office is aware of any changes in emergency contact numbers. These numbers
should be kept current at all times.
In no case will your child be sent home until the parent or the person indicated by the
parent has been contacted.
In case of minor accidents, first aid will be given.
If serious accidents occur, parents will be notified as soon as possible, and any necessary
care will be given.
Medication
All medication to be given at school MUST BE GIVEN BY THE PARENTS DIRECTLY TO
THE SCHOOL NURSE….AND ADMINISTERED TO THE STUDENT BY THE SCHOOL
NURSE.
• DO NOT SEND MEDICATION TO SCHOOL WITH YOUR CHILD.
• DO NOT LEAVE MEDICATION FOR YOUR CHILD AT THE FRONT OFFICE OR
IN YOUR CHILD’S BACKPACK.
If medication needs to be taken during the instructional day – or – during a field trip, the
following guidelines MUST BE FOLLOWED. In fairness to those giving the medications
and for student protection, there are no exceptions to this policy.
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All medications given at school are kept in the school clinic.
Prescription medication must be counted in the presence of the
parent/guardian/nurse to verify the number of tablets.
Prescription medication may be given only if a WFISD Medication/Treatment
Requests Form is completed and signed by the physician and parent or guardian.
Prescription medication must be brought to school in a pharmacy labeled bottle that
contains the child’s name, name of the prescription, physician’s name and
instructions on how and when the medication is to be given.
Over the counter medication may be given only after the completed WFISD NonPrescription Medication Authorization Form is signed by the parent or guardian.
Absence Due to a Contagious Health Condition
If she suspects a contagious health condition, the nurse has the responsibility to request that
your child be picked up by a parent or guardian and examined by a physician for diagnosis
and treatment. In the event of a contagious illness, please notify the school upon
confirmation of diagnosis.
Lice
Head lice present a nuisance for families and children. Parents will be contacted for any
child who is infested with lice or associated eggs/nits, and the child will be sent home by
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the school nurse. Upon returning to school, the student must be re-examined by the school
nurse. Please regularly check your child at home if your child has been exposed to lice. It is
extremely important to remove all the nits, even if your child receives treatment for the lice.
CAFETERIA
Cafeteria Rules
Students will practice good manners, show respect for all, and demonstrate responsibility
by:
• Entering and leaving the cafeteria by walking (not running) and waiting patiently
and politely in line.
• Talking quietly to their friends at the table at which they are sitting.
• Staying seated unless given permission from an adult.
• Placing trash properly into containers.
Cafeteria Procedures
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Students arriving at school between 7:30 and 8:00 am should report to the cafeteria.
Students are dismissed from the cafeteria at 8:00 am to go to their homerooms.
Breakfast will be provided free of charge for all students and will be eaten in the
classrooms beginning at 8:00 am
Students are escorted by their teachers to the cafeteria for lunch.
Staff members monitor students while waiting in line and while eating.
Classes are dismissed to line up and are escorted outside to the playground in an
orderly manner for the lunch recess.
Menu
A lunch menu is sent home at the beginning of the school year. Students may also bring
their lunch. A lunch menu is also provided on the WFISD school website.
Payment
Payment for the school lunches is made directly to the cafeteria manager. Parents can
deposit money into the lunch account in the cafeteria. At Ben Franklin, statements from the
cafeteria manager are sent home each week – regarding low or negative balances.
You may also check your student balances online through “My Lunch Money.com.” There
is a link on the WFISD webpage.
Information concerning the cost of meals in the cafeteria will be sent home with the school
menus.
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Free and Reduced Meal Application
WFISD participates in the National School Lunch Program and offers students nutritionally
balanced lunches daily.
Free breakfast is available for all students.
Students from households meeting Federal Income Guidelines are eligible for free and
reduced price meals. Free and reduced price lunches are available on a financial need basis.
Information about a student obtaining a free or reduced lunch is confidential. If you are
interested in having your children participate in the free and reduced lunch program, please
fill out the form (available through the office) and return it to the office or send it to the
district’s food service office.
COMMUNICATION
Ben Franklin Website
You can access information concerning Ben Franklin Elementary by
going to the WFISD Home Page, www.wfisd.net, and clicking on
Schools. By clicking on the Franklin link, the Ben Franklin website will
appear.
You can also access our site by going directly to:
http://www.wfisd.net/franklin/site/default.asp
Morning Announcements
Students will receive information on a daily basis through the Franklin morning
announcements. Additionally, students will participate in the Pledge of Allegiance, the
Texas Pledge, the Ben Franklin Pledge and a moment of silence.
Monthly Newsletter and Calendar
A monthly newsletter and calendar will be sent home the first of every month. This
information will help parents keep up-to-date on all events and activities for that particular
month.
Ben Franklin school events will also be updated on the school website, calendar and the
marquee throughout the school year.
Channel 14
WFISD uses Channel 14 to keep parents informed of what is happening
within the school district. Information regarding Ben Franklin will be shown
on this station (if your TV provider is Time Warner Cable). Please check it
weekly for current events.
Marquee
Our school will use the electronic marquee located in the front lawn to announce
specific events or celebrations.
Progress Reports
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The first progress report will be sent home the fifth week of school.
All other progress reports will be sent home the fifth week of each nine week grading
period.
A comment is required by the teacher (at the bottom of the progress report) if your child has
a failing grade.
Teachers check their email daily. If you are concerned about your child’s progress, please
contact the teacher by email or by phone and set up a teacher-parent conference.
Teacher-Parent conferences can be held any time before or after school or during the
teacher’s planning period. Conferences must be pre-arranged.
Report Cards
Report cards are issued at the end of each nine week grading period.
Parent conferences are held in October to review and discuss the first
report card together. The October report card is NOT sent home with the
student.
Communication Take Home Folders
Students in all grade levels have a “Take Home” folder. Most grade level
folders will be sent home on a daily basis. More information will be given
at Parent Pride Night. Please be sure to review this folder with your child.
DRESS CODE AND CONDUCT
Student Dress Code
Students are expected to take pride in their personal appearance. The WFISD dress code is
established to teach grooming and hygiene, prevent disruption, and minimize safety
hazards.
Ben Franklin Elementary has its own “standardized dress” policy, as follows:
Tops – Any solid color of polo style shirt or shirt with a collar and sleeves
• Small logos are acceptable
• No writing
• Solid color turtlenecks are acceptable
Bottoms – Pants, shorts, skirts or culottes
• Solid color: Brown, Black, Khaki or Navy
• Jeans - with no holes, tears or rips
Dresses and Jumpers may be worn
• Jumpers should be brown, black, khaki or navy
• They should be a solid color and should be worn with a collared shirt
underneath it
• Dresses should have sleeves and a collar. They can be any solid color.
Tights should be a solid color.
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Belts are optional based on individual preference
• Students will be required to wear a belt if their pants are hanging down
Sweaters or Light Jackets for classroom wear should be a solid color with no
writing or pictures
Pull-over sweaters (or solid color sweatshirts) should be worn with a collared
shirt underneath
Heavy coats and/or jackets will not be worn in the classrooms or other inside
areas of the school
Shoes should be appropriate for physical education activities
• Laces shall be tied
• Buckles shall be buckled
• Flip Flips are not appropriate for students at school
Ben Franklin Spirit Shirts can be worn any day of the week, as long as it is paired
with the uniform pants, jeans, shorts or skirts
No dyed hair or mohawks that are distracting in the academic setting.
All other WFISD policies related to dress codes should be followed.
• Sunglasses, combs, hats, bandannas, and head coverings cannot be worn
• Hair is to be neat, clean, well groomed and styled so that vision will not be
obstructed
• Male students may not wear earrings
For more detailed information on student dress and grooming, see the WFISD District
Handbook
FREE DRESS DAYS –
Occasionally, students will have the opportunity to participate in a “Free Dress”
Day. Please remember that students must always follow the dress code policies of the
district, even on “Free Dress” days. These policies are outlined in the WFISD Student
Handbook , which is sent home and/or published on the WFISD website.
Students who are not appropriately dressed on “Free Dress” days will be asked to
call a parent for a change of clothing or be given a uniform from the clothing closet.
Flip flops are NOT appropriate foot wear for students at school.
Conduct
The teaching-learning climate in school depends, to a great extent, upon
student behavior. Ben Franklin Elementary expects students to conduct
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themselves in an orderly manner. All students receive a copy of the
classroom behavior plan, incentives and consequences. Contact the teacher
with particular concerns. Email is a great tool to stay in contact with the
teacher. One important lesson students learn is self-discipline. It is the key to
good conduct and proper consideration to other people.
Clip Chart
Effective classroom management will be supported through the implementation of the clip
chart at kindergarten- 2nd grade with a corresponding weekly take home sheet to monitor and
communicate student progress. Serious infractions are misbehaviors that require immediate
administrative involvement and written documentation (Office Referral). These behaviors
include actions that are considered illegal, threaten the safety of one or more students, or
pose a threat to adult supervision. Severe behaviors include but are not limited to bullying,
harassment, profanity, and fighting.
Conduct Mark System
Conduct grades are earned on a weekly basis for 3rd- 6th grades. The first grade that has does
not have a mark through it, is the grade for the week. The weekly grades will be averaged
together at the end of the 9 weeks period. The conduct average will be the recorded grade on
the report card.
The rules and consequences are listed below. When a conduct mark is given, the highest
number grade will be marked through and will have a corresponding number that will
indicate which rule was broken. A comment section is also available for more detailed
explanations.
School Rules:
1. Talk at appropriate times.
2. Keep hands, feet, and objects to self.
3. Be respectful of people and property.
4. Follow directions/stay on task.
Consequences
0 marks = 1st warning
1 mark = 2nd warning /use of Teacher
Response
2 marks = student conference /use of Teacher
Response
3 marks = parent phone call (made aware the
next consequence is lunch d-hall)
4 marks = lunch d-hall (written notification sent
home)
5 marks = office referral
*The consequences are applicable for 1 week of school. Each week the consequences will
start over.
Scenario: Julie receives 3 marks in one school week. The teacher will contact the parent
about Julie’s behaviors. The following week, Julie receives 2 marks. She will have a student
conference with her teacher and the teacher may also use a Teacher Response of their
choosing.
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Office referral guidelines: a student will receive an office referral for every 5 marks that
they earn during one school week. Office referrals are cumulative for the entire 9 weeks
period. These consequences do NOT start over weekly. The consequences are as follows:
Office referrals per 9 week period - consequences may change at administrator’s
discretion
1 office referral – 1 day after school d-hall
2 office referrals – 2 days after school d-hall
3 office referrals – 3 days after school d-hall
4 office referrals – 1 day of In School Suspension
5 office referrals – 2 days of In School Suspension
Please note: Some offenses are considered severe enough to bypass the conduct mark
system, and will result in a direct office referral. (see complete list of Level 3 offenses)
Consequences for direct referral offenses will be determined by administration.
A direct office referral will result in a 30 point deduction from the weekly conduct grade.
Work Habits
Each students will also be expected to adhere to the following Work Habit Rules.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Respond to directions when given Complete all assignments on time. Bring all materials to class and be prepared to work. Obtain Parents’ signature when requested. The work habit grades for each week will be averaged at the end of the 9 weeks.
PAWS
Positive Attitude, Act Responsibly, Wise Choices, Show Respect
Students will follow the PAWS guidelines for positive behavior throughout the school
building including hallways, restrooms, cafeteria, and recess. Students can earn PAWS
tickets for demonstrating expected and positive behaviors in these areas. PAWS tickets may
be used for PAWS drawings and incentives.
Character Education
Franklin students and staff will focus on the following character traits through the year:
I. Trustworthiness – I will show that I can be trusted in words and in actions.
II. Respect – I will show respect in my words and actions for myself, others, and our
learning environment.
III. Responsibility – I will follow directions and procedures and be responsible for my
actions.
IV. Fairness – I will practice fairness by playing by the rules. My behavior will be free of
prejudice.
V. Caring – I will be kind and caring to others. I will work to make Franklin Elementary
a “Bully Free” school.
VI. Citizenship – I understand that I am an important part of a community larger than
myself. I will show good citizenship by understanding my place in the
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classroom, school, community, state, nation, and world. I will listen to the views
of others. I will be helpful and considerate. I understand that what is best for the
group is sometimes more important than what is best for me.
CURRICULUM
The elementary school curriculum includes Language Arts, Reading,
Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Fine Arts, and Physical Education.
Students will also learn to use the library, computers, and other technology.
Curriculum information for each subject area is online at www.wfisd.net.
At times, the subjects can be integrated.
TPRI – Texas Primary Reading Inventory
The TPRI is an assessment of reading skills designed to identify the reading development of
students in Kindergarten through Grade 2. The TPRI is administered individually by the
classroom teacher three times annually, at the beginning, middle and end of each school
year.
STAAR- State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness
The STAAR test is given in the following grades:
3rd grade:
Reading and Math
4th grade:
Reading, Math and Writing
5th grade:
Reading, Math and Science
th
6 grade:
Reading and Math
For the following grade levels, promotion will be partly determined based on whether the
students pass the indicated STAAR tests.
• Fifth grade student must meet the state standard on both the reading and math
assessment instrument in order to be promoted to the sixth grade
Homework
Homework is part of your child’s total learning experience. Students must, at times, finish,
study, or follow-up work at home. Homework is defined as instructionally based, out-of-class
tasks, assigned to students as an extension or elaboration of classroom work to reinforce academic
skills
Student responsibilities:
Complete assigned work on time and to the best of his/her ability
Assume responsibility for make up work when absent
Talk with the teacher when unusual circumstances prevent them
from completing the homework
Please balance your child’s school activities and schedules outside of school to allow for
successful completion of homework.
Allocation of time and suggested guidelines for daily out-of-class study for
Kindergarten through the third grade is no more than thirty minutes per
day. In the upper grades, (fourth through sixth), guidelines suggest no
more that forty-five minutes per day.
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Make Up Work
In order to be successful in school, students are expected to turn in their work on time.
If a student is absent, the teacher will let him/her know what assignments are due.
If you wish to pick up work when your child misses school, please call the office early in the
morning to request that the work be gathered together. You may then pick up the
homework between 3:00 and 3:45 pm.
Grading Policy
Grading is the process by which a teacher assesses student learning and progress towards
mastery of the objectives aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).
This process must include establishing clear learning goals and setting standards and
evaluative criteria which guide student learning. The grading process should provide clear
and consistent feedback to students in order to encourage them to take responsibility for
their own learning.
The purpose of this policy is to provide a consistent set of grading and reporting processes.
This policy describes Ben Franklin's grading system which all teachers will implement, and
fosters consistency in grading and reporting student achievement.
GUIDELINES FOR GRADING
These guidelines ensure that grading reflects a student's mastery of a skill and that a
sufficient number of grades are taken to support the grade average assigned.
GRADING SCALE
The grading in Kindergarten for all areas will be standards-based, utilizing the following
scale:
X - Mastered: Student consistently demonstrates knowledge of skill with limited errors and
limited teacher support.
/ - Not Mastered: Student sometimes demonstrates knowledge of skill with teacher support.
Improvement needed to completely master skill.
The grading in content area courses in 1st grade will be standards-based, utilizing the
following scale:
M - Mastery: Student consistently demonstrates knowledge of skill with limited errors and
limited teacher support.
PR - Progressing: Student sometimes demonstrates knowledge of skill with teacher support.
Improvement needed to completely master skill.
BL - Below Level: Student not consistently demonstrating knowledge of skill on grade level.
Excessive errors, high level of teacher support.
The grading scale for PE, Music and Art will be as follows:
S - Satisfactory: Student consistently demonstrates knowledge of skill with limited errors
and limited teacher support.
N - Needs Improvement: Student sometimes demonstrated knowledge of skill with teacher
support. Improvement needed to completely master skill.
1st grade teachers will use the following ratings for conduct and work habits:
S - Satisfactory: Student displays appropriate learning skills and behaviors.
N - Needs Improvement: Student does not apply learning skills and behaviors that lead to
success.
The grading for content area courses and conduct in 2nd grade will be as follows:
A = 90 - 100
B = 80 - 89
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C = 75 - 79
D = 70 - 74
F = 0 – 69
2nd grade teachers will use the following ratings for work habits:
S - Satisfactory: Student displays appropriate learning skills and behaviors.
N - Needs Improvement: Student does not apply learning skills and behaviors that lead to
success.
CLASS WORK, HOMEWORK and MAKE-UP WORK
During a nine week grading period, all content areas in 3rd – 6th grades are required to have
at least twelve grades averaging together for the final grade. The purpose of homework is to
improve student achievement and extend learning beyond the school day by providing
practice and developing study habits. Homework may be provided as an enrichment
activity to the material mastered in class. Homework shall not be given for learning new
material that has not been covered in class. Students who do not achieve 70% mastery on
class work or homework will be allowed to make corrections up to earn at most a 70%.
Students are permitted 3 days to hand in corrections after the teacher has returned the
graded assignment. All students will have time equal to the number of days absent to
complete make-up work when absent from school. Parents can request that assignments be
placed in the office for them to pick up or the student can pick up the work when they
return to school. Teachers will review the make-up work and reteach the concept that was
missed, if needed.
The grading scale for content areas, PE, Music, Art, work habits and conduct will be as
follows:
A = 90 - 100
B = 80 - 89
C = 75 - 79
D = 70 - 74
F = 0 – 69
TESTS
Students who do not achieve 70% mastery on assessments will be provided one opportunity
to relearn and re-test the non-mastered objectives to earn at most a 70%.
LATE WORK and ZEROS
Late and/or incomplete work will not be allowed. Sufficient time is allotted for each class
assignment, while homework is an extension of skills already taught during the school day.
In addition, there are times during the day for students to complete work. If work to be
graded is not completed, a student may need to finish his/her work during ZAP (Zeros Are
not Permitted) time. ZAP time will be scheduled once a week during recess, computer, PE
or Art classes. ZAP time will be held in a classroom with a grade level teacher supervising
students completing the unfinished work.
School Supplies
School Supplies are available for any student who needs them. Please see your child’s
homeroom teacher or the office for supplies.
Successful Study Strategies
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Taking the time each day to review homework assignments, homework folders, planners
and prepare for the next day is important. This helps your child to be better prepared.
Large assignments, such as projects and studying for an exam take long-term planning.
Breaking these up into small, more manageable parts is also helpful. Waiting until the last
minute to study or begin a project is not in your child’s best interest. Help your child “Think
and Plan Ahead” – to avoid unnecessary stress!
Below are some recommended strategies to help your child study or complete homework:
• Knowing where to study is important. Help your child find a quiet place without
the distraction of a TV or radio to study. This will aid in concentration, leaving
your child with more time to enjoy other things later.
• Get organized!! Have the needed supplies on hand. Provide the necessary tools
(such as pencil, paper…) for your child to complete the assignment.
• It is easy to get sleepy while sitting in a soft chair or lying on a bed. Sitting at the
table, in a well-lighted area, will assist your child and make it easier to read and
stay on task.
• Plan a block of time each evening at home to talk about the school day and get
organized for the next.
• Study for short periods of time, then take a short break.
• Allow more time for subjects that need improvement.
• Make school a positive; recognize your child’s efforts and be the encourager!
• Learn with your child and show interest in his/her learning; discuss ideas and
review completed homework assignments.
• Set a purpose for homework and discuss the purpose with your child (Why are
you doing this? What can we learn from this?).
Focus Time
Franklin Elementary has a daily 60 minute intervention period called “Focus” for each grade
level. During this time, students may receive additional support, re-teaching, small group
tutorials, or enrichment in math and reading. Focus hour is for the purpose
of providing differentiated instruction specific to individual students’ needs.
The Focus hour will enable the teachers to customize a plan for individual
students – each plan being established upon identified needs, streamlined
by an offering of programs designed to address those needs, and refined
with flexibility and fluidity to move the student within the framework of the
plan.
Classroom Instructional Teacher
There is no substitute for the instruction received by the classroom teacher.
They oversee your child’s general academic and social well being. The staff at Ben Franklin
is committed to your child’s academic growth and their social and emotional well being.
Please contact your child’s teacher with any questions or concerns about your child’s
academic performance, attitude, behavior, work habits, or peer relationships. Your child’s
teacher should always be the first contact for any questions or concerns.
LEAD – Gifted and Talented Program
Kindergarten students are nominated for the GT program in the fall.
First through 6th grade students are nominated for the GT program in the spring.
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Kindergarten through third grade teachers implement a GT differentiated curriculum
within the instructional day. The fourth through sixth grade GT students receive a pull-out
GT program (LEAD) each Thursday.
Library
The goal of the library is to support what the teachers are doing in their
classrooms and assist students with independent reading. Students have a
scheduled library time for thirty minutes every week. Our library is open
both before and after school.
SAFETY
Bus Time
Students who ride buses are dismissed at the end of the school day to go to the cafeteria.
They should go directly to the cafeteria, where they are monitored by school staff members.
Bus students are not permitted to wander the hallways, visit the library, or go outside before
reporting to the cafeteria.
During bus time, students are asked to abide by the following guidelines:
• Sit in the designated areas in the cafeteria.
• Remain seated, unless given permission by a school staff member to get up.
• No food, candy, or drinks will be consumed during bus time.
• Students may read, work on homework, draw, or talk to the other students seated at
their table.
• Use quiet “inside” voices during bus time.
• Be respectful of the other students and the staff members at all times.
• Students will not be allowed to play with toys or use electronic devices (such as cell
phones, gameboys, MP3 players, IPODs, or CD players) during bus time. Students
are not allowed to bring these items to school!
Buses
WFISD provides bus transportation for our students. Once students are seated on the bus,
the bus driver will monitor student behavior. If the students act up on the bus, the driver
will fill out a discipline referral. The bus company deals with bus referrals and determines
the consequences for misbehavior. Parents will be notified and a student can lose bus
privileges due to consistent misbehavior. We do receive copies of the bus referrals and
conference with the students concerning misbehaviors. Durham Transportation can be
contacted directly at 940-766-2113.
Safety Drills
Drills: Fire, Tornado, and Lock Down
Every month, students will participate in a fire drill.
Tornado drills and Lock Down (Shelter In Place) drills are held four times a
year.
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When the alarm is sounded, students should follow the direction of the
teacher, or other staff in charge – quickly, quietly and in an orderly manner.