THE PARENT ORGANIZATION

The Franklin parent organization, (FPO) is a very important element of Benjamin Franklin Charter School. All parents of enrolled students become members of this parent organization. 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. All parents of Benjamin Franklin Charter School students are invited and encouraged to attend these monthly meetings.

ATTENDANCE

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) Classes Sports/After School Activities	7:40 a.m. 8:00 a.m. 8:05 a.m. 3:10 p.m.	8:00 a.m. 8:05 a.m. 3:10 p.m. 4:30 p.m.

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.

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.

REGISTRATION

To register your youngster in Benjamin Franklin Charter School for the first time, you will need the original birth certificate and their immunization record.

A child must be 5 years old on or before September 1, to enroll in kindergarten. To enter first grade, a child must be 6 years old on or before September 1st.

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

HEALTH SERVICES

A nurse or a health assistant is on duty whenever students are on campus.

LUNCH PROGRAM (OPT.)

Lunches may be purchased daily or by the week. Students bringing their lunches may also purchase milk. Parents are welcome to eat with their children in the lunch room anytime by purchasing a ticket.

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

7th and 8th grade studentsl have opportunities 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 sponsored by Benjamin Franklin Charter 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.

*DRESS CODE

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.

*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. A complete listing of school rules are included in the Parent Handbook.

*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. Details and grade-level expectations regarding homework are included in the Parent handbook.

*DISCIPLINE AT FRANKLIN

Benjamin Franklin Charter School has a disciplined, 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. A detailed description of the discipline program is included in the Parent handbook..

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. 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 also issued every six weeks. The report cards are mailed directly to the parents.

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 believe that these conferences benefit the students, parents, and teachers.

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.