THE PARENT ORGANIZATION

The Franklin parent organization, (FPO) is a very important element of Benjamin Franklin Charter School. All parents become members of this parent organization and pay annual dues of $20.00 per family. The dues provide the funds necessary for the parent organization to ensure the smooth ongoing operation of the school and supplemental or extra-curricular activities that the parent organization deems necessary. The parent organization has a representative board (FPAC - Franklin Parent Advisory Council) consisting of 12 elected members that meet monthly to act on matters of policy and concern. The FPAC representatives are elected by the entire parent organization. Appointed representatives may be added to the council as needed. All parents of Benjamin Franklin Charter School students are invited and encouraged to attend these monthly meetings. Meeting dates will be published in the school newsletter. Please feel free to contact members of the FPAC at any time with questions, ideas, or concerns.

ATTENDANCE

If your child is ill or if there is an emergency, you are required to call the school promptly. PLEASE CALL BEFORE 9:00 A.M.

DAILY SCHEDULE - K—6th Grades

GRADE LEVEL	CLASSES BEGIN	CLASSES END
AM Kindergarten PM Kindergarten 1st - 6th Grades	8:30 a.m. 12:15 p.m. 8:30 a.m.	11:15 a.m. 3:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m.

DAILY SCHEDULE - 7th—8th Grades

ACTIVITY/CLASS	CLASSES BEGIN	CLASSES END
Tutoring Class All School Instruction (Flag Raising) Homeroom Classes Sports/After School Activities	7:40 a.m. 8:00 a.m. 2:35 a.m. 8:00 a.m. 3:10 p.m.	8:00 a.m. 8:05 a.m. 3:10 a.m. 3:10 p.m. 4:30 p.m.

Minimal supervision is provided for 1/2 hour before and 1/2 hour after school. PARENTS ARE EXPECTED TO PICK UP THEIR STUDENTS IMMEDIATELY AFTER SCHOOL.

EARLY RELEASE

To protect our students, and your children, parents are required to sign the register for early release before children will be allowed to leave the campus.

P.E. EXCUSED ACTIVITIES

If your child’s P.E. activities must to be restricted, a doctor’s statement is required; otherwise all students are to participate in physical education.

TRANSPORTATION

Because Benjamin Franklin Charter School is an alternative school with no specific school boundaries, parents are responsible for transporting their children to and from school, using the designated drive-through lanes for drop-off and pick-up points. Car pool lists will be available at orientation and in the school office for interested parents. Please make sure your children are at school on time to keep from disrupting the classroom environment and learning process.

SCHOOL VISITS

We encourage parents to come to school frequently to visit their child’s classroom and to take an active part in the education of their child. For reasons of safety and to help us keep track of campus visitors, we request that parents report to the office before going to a child’s class or visiting the campus.

Parents are asked to leave small children at home since young children often distract both students and the parent. (This also applies during designated classroom parties.)

We also ask parents to avoid conferences with the teachers during such visits, so the teacher can conduct class as usual. Younger brothers and sisters or non-Franklin friends are not permitted to attend classes.

PHONE CALLS

If you find it necessary to talk with your child’s teacher during the day, please call before or after school. Teachers can not leave their classrooms unattended to take calls once the school day begins. STUDENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO USE THE OFFICE PHONES EXCEPT IN CASES OF EMERGENCY. EMERGENCIES DO NOT INCLUDE FORGOTTEN HOMEWORK OR LUNCHES.

REGISTRATION

To register your youngster in Benjamin Franklin Charter School for the first time, you will need a certified copy of the student’s birth certificate and their social security number.

For the 2005-2006 school year, a child must be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2005 to enroll in kindergarten. To enter first grade, a child must be 6 years old on or before that date.

The school maintains health records on each child. An immunization record must be completed and in our files before a child can attend school.

BICYCLES

A bicycle rack is available for students who ride bicycles to school. To prevent bicycle thefts, parents should make sure children have and use bicycle locks.

For the children’s safety, we recommend that students in second grade and under not ride bicycles to school. In past years, the more serious bicycle accidents involving students generally involved younger students. WALKING BICYCLES WHILE ON SCHOOL GROUNDS IS MANDA-TORY.

HEALTH SERVICES

Either a nurse or a health assistant is on duty whenever students are on campus. If at any time your family is faced with an unusual health situation which could affect your child’s performance in school, please notify the school nurse.

We require all parents to complete an Emergency Medical Referral card for each of their children each year. Tell us how to contact you or another responsible, agreeable adult if your child becomes ill or is injured at school. List health problems, including allergies to food, medicine, and insect stings. Please let us know if your address, home phone, business phone, or emergency phone number changes during the school year.

Like you, we want to do what is best for your child. If we cannot reach you in an emergency, we will call paramedics who may decide an ambulance should be called. The cost of this service is the parent’s responsibility.

School personnel are often asked to administer medication to students. When it is necessary for the student to take medication during school hours, school personnel may cooperate if the following conditions are met:

1. Whether a prescription drug or an over-the-counter drug, the medication must come in its original container. The pharmaceutical label must be on the container of any prescription drug.
2. The parent must provide written direction to the school that the medication be administered.
3. For students on campus, medication must be kept in the health office. Where necessary, the nurse or health assistant will make provisions for and monitor students carrying their asthma inhalers.

Generally, health-services staff administers any necessary medication with exceptions made for such things as field trips or community-based education.

INSURANCE

The school does not carry insurance for students’ medical or dental costs if they are injured during school activities. Parents are responsible for their children’s insurance.

LUNCH PROGRAM (OPT.)

Lunches may be purchased daily or by the week. Students bringing their lunches may also purchase milk. Parents should make sure to send nutritious food in lunches that your children will eat. If your children buy lunch, please check regularly to be sure that there is lunch money available so that your child will not go hungry. Parents are welcome to eat with their children in the lunch room anytime by purchasing a ticket. DUE TO HEALTH CONCERNS, NO FOOD WILL BE ALLOWED TO LEAVE THE LUNCH ROOM.

STUDENT BIRTHDAYS & GIFTS FOR TEACHERS

Children are recognized by their teachers on their birthdays; however, no other treats or birthday recognition by parents are permitted. Parents and/or students are asked not to pass out party invitations on campus before, after or during school. It is not appropriate to give gifts or gratuities to teachers for any purpose.

It is recommended that children and parents express their feelings of appreciation for teachers through thoughtful homemade cards or notes. Parents are encouraged to share feelings of appreciation for teachers to the FPAC (Franklin Parent Advisory Council), the principal, and the school Governing Board.

LOST AND FOUND

Please put your child’s name on clothing and all other personal things brought to school. Lost things are stored at school until their owners claim them. Please check with us if your youngster loses something at school. At the end of each grading period, or when the “lost and found” becomes too full, we donate everything to a charitable group.

SOLICITATION

It is the policy at Benjamin Franklin Charter School that neither parents nor students offer any items for sale on school grounds.

EXTRA CURRIC. ACTIVITIES - Grades 1-6

Benjamin Franklin Charter School students have an opportunity to participate in a wide variety of programs. Students in 4th-6th grades have the opportunity to run for Student Council. Additionally, the FPAC may provide before and after school programs such as arts and crafts, drama, foreign languages, sports, etc., providing there is enough support to staff these programs and sufficient interest to hold the activity.

EXTRA CURRIC. ACTIVITIES - Grades 7 & 8

The 7th and 8th grade students will have an opportunity to participate in a variety of programs and clubs including: student government, student service clubs, student yearbook production, student council, after-school sports, chess club, or any other activity where there is sufficient numbers of interested students and parents.

The INTRAMURAL SPORTS program is run by the school in accordance with school and league requirements. It is an after school program for any 7th or 8th grade boy or girl. Sports include boys flag football, girls volleyball, boys and girls basketball, boys volleyball, girls softball, boys and girls track and other sports depending on league requirements. Specific information and grade requirements are available at the school. Students must maintain a 77% or above grade point average to remain eligible for participation in the sports program. Students are required to have a physical in order to tryout or participate in any sport.

THINGS TO LEAVE AT HOME

We ask students to be thoughtful of others both inside and outside the school buildings. Items or actions that might disrupt class, cause injuries or safety concerns are not allowed. These situations will result in serious disciplinary action.

Items to be left at home include, but are not limited to, chewing gum, pogs, trading cards, roller blades, skates, skateboards, sports equipment, balls, or any type of toy or personal item. No items for sale are to be offered or solicited on campus to students, faculty, or staff.

*TARDINESS

Tardiness is disruptive to the learning process. It has a negative impact on all of the student’s classmates, not just the tardy student. Students should be in their seat ready to work no later than 8:30 a.m. If students come to school after that time, they must first report to the office to have their name removed from the absence list. We have established the following plan to help control tardiness:

• After the 7th tardy, a letter from the principal will be sent to parents reminding them of the importance of punctuality.
• After the 11th tardy, parents will be required to meet in conference with the principal and submit a written plan of action to the principal detailing what corrective actions are being taken.
• If problems with tardiness continue, a referral will be made to the governing board for further action.

*DRESS CODE K-8

Benjamin Franklin students are expected to dress in a neat, attractive fashion reflecting pride in themselves and their school. The dress code is established to help ensure an atmosphere conducive to study. PRIDE IN STUDENT DRESS is one of the most observable differences at Benjamin Franklin Charter School. IT IS BOTH THE PARENTS’ AND THE CHILD’S RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH THE DRESS CODE.

DRESS CODE—BOYS

• Long slacks or jeans, clean and in good repair, should be worn. (Pants with holes are not acceptable.)
• Shirts are to be normal fitting, size appropriate, and worn inside pants if length extends below buttock.
• Tank tops and net shirts are not acceptable unless worn over a shirt with sleeves.
• Extreme haircuts are not permitted. This includes color, length and style.

DRESS CODE—GIRLS

• Long pants or jeans, to the ankle, clean and in good repair should be worn. (Pants with holes are not acceptable.)
• Skirts and dresses are acceptable. (Knee length minimum please!)
• Tops must cover the shoulders and must overlap the pant or skirt waistband (no bare midriff) when arms are raised.
• Capri pants, culottes, and skorts are NOT acceptable school attire.

DRESS CODE—BOYS AND GIRLS

• No clothing that displays inappropriate writing or pictures should be worn.
• Shoes must be worn with socks at all times.
• Shoes must be laced, buckled, and totally closed at the toe and heel. (Thongs, flip-flops, clogs, or other non-secured footwear is not acceptable.) (SAFETY REASONS)
• Loop or dangling earrings are not to be worn to school. (SAFETY REASONS)
• Bib overalls, if worn to school, must be fastened securely by both straps.
• Sagging or dragging pants and other "over-sized" clothing are not acceptable attire at school.
• Sunglasses, hats, and caps are acceptable but must be removed when students are inside any school building.
• Make-up is not to be worn to school. (Grades K-6)
• Make-up (Grades 7 & 8 only) may be worn in moderation, and should compliment skin tones and be natural in color/tone.
• Team jerseys may be worn, but must be tucked in if length extends below buttock.
• Tattoos and other forms of body decoration are not to be worn at school.
• If you choose to wear shorts, they must be purchased through the parent council and worn with the collared polo shirt which must also be purchased through the FPAC council. (Franklin standard school uniform is required when wearing shorts). Uniform shirts must be tucked in.

Exceptions: On P.E. days, non-uniform shorts may be worn under school clothing and worn during the P.E. period. On Field Days, students may change into shorts for outside activities.

THE PRINCIPAL WILL RESOLVE ALL QUESTIONS CONCERNING THE DRESS CODE.

*SCHOOL RULES

School rules are established by parents, teachers, and the principal. These rules cover vandalism and fighting as well as honesty, respect, courtesy, and proper language.

The teachers inform students of these rules, especially during the first weeks of school, with periodic reminders during the school year. Parents are expected to teach these rules at home before the first day of class.

The following is a list of Benjamin Franklin Charter School rules. Benjamin Franklin students will:

• tolerate and accept physical and cultural differences among others
• walk on sidewalks
• settle disagreements without fighting or threatening to fight
• talk quietly when on campus
• show respect to adults and fellow students
• display a positive, serious attitude about school and learning
• hold playground equipment (balls) while walking on sidewalks
• play only in designated playground areas
• use only wholesome and courteous language
• show consideration for property and others by not throwing rocks, clods, and sand at any time
• play non-violent games. (For safety reasons, they do not play tackle football, and are careful using playground equipment)
• be mannerly at lunch. (They do not throw food and they pick up after themselves when they are through.)
• behave properly when watching movies, plays, concerts, etc.
• always wear closed-toed shoes
• be on time to class and school activities
• realize teachers’ workrooms, supply room, and lounge are for faculty only, not students
• respect other’s possessions and not take items belonging to others
• walk bicycles at all times when on school grounds
• place trash in proper receptacles
• help preserve school property by not writing on school walls, furniture, and doors
• always get permission from the school office before leaving the school grounds
• not be allowed to bring or chew gum at school.

*HOMEWORK POLICY

Homework is a central theme at Benjamin Franklin Charter School. It has three major purposes: teach personal responsibility and time management skills, keep parents informed about what their children are learning, and provide additional academic growth and development for the student.

Parent responsibilities concerning homework are as follows:

Kindergarten - Sixth Grade Homework

1. Provide a time and place free from distraction for the homework to occur.
2. Sign the daily homework sheets or papers (whether completed or not); review the child’s work and provide encouragement.
3. Work closely with the teacher if a problem occurs.

All students K-8 receive homework four nights per week, Monday through Thursday. Homework will be directly related to daily instruction. Daily work not completed is not considered homework but must be completed by the next day. Homework will be reviewed by the teacher or as a class assignment daily. Standards of neatness and accuracy are to be maintained regardless of the subject matter area. Grades are kept on the percent of homework completed or worked on for the maximum time.

Grades 1-6 use the daily homework assignment sheets.

Parents should insist that the students dedicate at least the minimum amount of time to some academic study, but should not allow their child/children to exceed the maximum amount of time set aside for homework. Reading is the recommended activity if the homework from school is not enough to take the minimum amount of time.

Below are the minimum as well as maximum time guidelines for homework for which parents should plan. The required times by grade level are listed below:

Minimum Maximum Kindergarten 10 min. 15 min. First Grade 15 min. 30 min. Second Grade 20 min. 45 min. Third Grade 30 min. 60 min. Fourth Grade 30 min. 75 min. Fifth Grade 30 min. 90 min. Sixth Grade 30 min. 90 min. Seventh & Eighth Grade 75 min

Parents should also teach their children that if they do not finish their daily work in class, that work is in addition to the actual homework and is not part of the actual homework time. Therefore, reports, themes, and unfinished daily work could account for some students spending more than the maximum amount of time stated. Student punctuality and responsibility will ensure that this does not happen.

Students should be taught regularly that they are responsible for their homework and that no one other than the classroom teacher should help them complete assignments. This will help the students learn to concentrate during instructional time, as well as teach personal responsibility. Problems with incomplete homework may be referred for disciplinary action (see DISCIPLINE AT FRANKLIN).

ALL STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO READ ALOUD OR BE READ TO FOR A MINIMUM OF 10 MINUTES EACH NIGHT AS PART OF THEIR HOMEWORK TIME.

Seventh and Eighth Grade Homework

Seventh and Eighth grade students are given a daily planner to use. At the beginning of the year, the teachers will instruct the students on the use of the planner to help them organize and plan their homework assignments. Students are required to complete no less than one hour and fifteen minutes of homework outside the academic school day. Parents will monitor their students’ homework commitment. Parents are encouraged to work closely with the subject area teacher if a problem occurs. In cases where a student completes teacher assigned work in less than the minimum time required, parents will provide assignments from home which enhance teacher assigned homework. This could include reading, letter writing, practical application of math, study of current events, assisting with home management duties that are related to academics.

Students should be taught regularly that they are responsible for their homework and that no one other than the classroom teacher should help them complete assignments. This will help students learn to concentrate during instructional time, as well as teach personal responsibility.

In the 7th and 8th grades, students are assigned long term projects such as research papers and various reports. Because the assignments may take several weeks to complete, the students are expected to plan and manage their time in conjunction with their homework time in order to meet the required completion dates.

Students who have problems with incomplete or sub-standard homework may be referred for disciplinary action (see DISCIPLINE AT FRANKLIN).

*DISCIPLINE AT FRANKLIN

Benjamin Franklin Charter School has a highly disciplined, tightly structured, calm and orderly atmosphere. Respect, courtesy, friendliness, and cheerfulness are dominant. To ensure this, teachers establish and teach both school and classroom rules. Consequences for inappropriate behavior are clearly spelled out and enforced. Every effort is made to keep parents informed during each step of the disciplinary process.

Under most circumstances, the following disciplinary process is followed:

1st level Warning from teacher or supervisor.
2nd level Teacher discipline.
3rd level Teacher discipline-parent notified.
4th level Teacher, parent, child conference.
5th level Principal discipline-parent notified.
6th level Principal, parent, teacher, child conference manda- tory.
7th level Temporary suspension for less than five days (Student, parent, teacher, principal conference required).
8th level Long term suspension and/or expulsion (more than five days). Due process procedures will be followed, as prescribed in governing board policies.

* The seventh and eight grade discipline process utilizes the “Panther Pride” program, which is a modified (age appropriate) version of the K-6 disipline program previously outlined. The Panther Pride program expectations will be covered in more detail with parents and students during enrollment and/or orientation.

GRADES

Letter grades are given to reflect actual achievement.

     A 94-100 Percent
     B 86-93 Percent
     C 77-85 Percent
     D 69-76 Percent
     F Below 69 Percent

REPORT CARDS

Kindergarten through 6th grade report cards are issued every six weeks and are taken home by the students, signed by parents, and returned. All report cards must be returned to the classroom teacher within two days. The information on the report card includes letter grades and percentages reflecting student achievement in all subjects as well as an evaluation of the child's behavior. Progress reports are sent out during the fourth week of the six-week grading period.

Seventh and Eighth-grade report cards are mailed every six weeks. The report cards are mailed directly to the parents. The information on the report card holds the percentages reflecting student achievement in the core and elective subject areas. Sports and clubs are non-graded activities. These report cards do not need to be signed and returned to school.

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES - K-8

Parent-teacher conferences for kindergarten through eighth-grade students are held the week following the first six-week grading period and the week following the fourth six-week grading period. We feel that these conferences benefit the students, parents, and teachers at this level.

Our open-house for seventh and eighth– grade students and their parents is held in August. We provide parents with the opportunity to follow their childrens’ schedules (condensed time). They will be given information regarding subject requirements, use of planners, and expectations from their students’ teachers. An open-house is held for incoming 7th grade students and their parents in April.

PARENT CONCERNS

Communication and feedback are critical to the success of Benjamin Franklin Charter School. If parents or students have concerns about any part of the program, they are requested to communicate those concerns to the appropriate people. (e.g. teachers and principals) Every effort will be made to resolve those concerns as soon as possible.

STUDENT RETENTION

Moving automatically from one grade to the next is not always the best thing for all children. Some children have a better chance for success if they remain at a grade level for an extra year.

The Benjamin Franklin Charter School Governing Board has set standards consistent with state guidelines for promotion from grade to grade. The State Academic Standards required by the State Department of Education are available from your principal.

If the teacher thinks your child will benefit by staying in his or her current grade, you will be involved in meetings with the teacher, the principal, and other staff members involved with your child’s education. (However, state law provides that the final promotion/retention decision is for the classroom teacher.) If you choose not to accept the teacher’s decision, you may request in writing that the Governing Board review the decision.