At this time of year parents begin to wonder how class re-organization is handled for the coming school year. Our goals are:

• To create heterogeneous classes (academic, social and emotional)
• To maintain gender balance and class size balance
• To provide for the unique needs of all children

Unless parents have worked with a specific teacher in the past, they only know teachers by reputation; therefore, requests for specific teachers cannot be honored. In each year, there are likely to be staff changes on one or more grade levels. We will consider a request that a younger child have a different experience if it is placed in writing. While the child’s current teacher and school staff have a good understanding of each child’s needs, if parents feel additional information would be useful, they should send it in writing to Ms. McIlvenny.

The best way to prepare your child for a new school year is to realize that the end of June is a sad time for all children. Be positive and reassuring. Allow time for your child to meet others in his/her new class and become an active partner. We are fortunate to have an exceptional group of hard working and dedicated teachers.  We appreciate your understanding in allowing us to make the best placements for all our students using our professional judgment.

Music News

Spring Concert – May 13 at Lakeland High School; 7:00 p.m Orchestra members (string) should arrive at LHS at 6:00 p.m.Al other performers should arrive at LHS at 6:40 p.m.    

• All performing groups are currently rehearsing for the Spring Concert.
• The orchestra has been meeting on Wednesday mornings with Mr. Craig; 7:45 a.m.
• The band has been meeting on Thursday mornings with Mrs. Dashnaw; 7:45 a.m.
• The 4th and 5th grade choruses are meeting during the Friday recess time.
• These rehearsals will continue until the May 12th performance.
• The band, orchestra and choruses will be performing for the school on Tuesday morning, May 13; 9:00-10:15 a.m. 

Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week

May 15 is an observance in the United States that pays tribute to the local, state, and federal law enforcement officers who serve and protect us with courage and dedication. These observances also remind us of the ongoing need to be vigilant against all forms of crime, especially to acts of extreme violence and terrorism. The United States federal law requires the flag be flown at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day. The holiday was created 1 October 1961 when Congress asked the president John F. Kennedy, to designate the 15th of May to honor law enforcement officers. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peace_Officers_Memorial_Day

School Safety

School Safety is always a priority at Benjamin Franklin School.  This is just another reminder that ALL doors are locked during school hours so please use the main door to enter the building.  We want to thank you all for signing in at the main office and for wearing our official Benjamin Franklin visitor pass.  Please remember to return your pass to the office upon leaving the school.  Your cooperation is GREATLY APPRECIATED!

Appropriate Dress as Spring Approaches!

• The weather is always tricky as spring approaches. We can often continue to have cooler mornings, so please make sure that your child wears a jacket, a sweater, or something that will keep him or her comfortable during the chilly mornings.  At the same time, the days are warming up as we move closer to April, May and June. 

• Shorts are permitted; however, parents please help out by asking your children to save spaghetti strapped tops, blousy tank tops, mid-riff tops, and other “extremely casual clothes” for the weekends or after-school.

• In addition, backless sandals, flip-flops and platform shoes could be dangerous when your child is playing outside during recess; we highly discourage wearing these types of shoes to school.

Benjamin Franklin Homepage!

Please continue to view our homepage. We have new podcasts posted as well as many updates on events and happenings in the school.  www.lakelandschools.org