Student & Parent Handbook

The Student & Parent Handbook is designed to provide students and parents with greater clarity regarding the policies, expectations, and procedures for Ben Franklin Elementary. We ask each parent/guardian to thoroughly review the contents of this handbook; and to include their children in a discussion about the school rules and expectations. Throughout the school year, there will be changes, or additions to the handbook; therefore, it is advised that families visit the website regularly.

Grievance/Complaint Resolution Policy/Procedures

A Grievance Policy that includes a procedure through which parents, guardians, or other individuals or groups can address any issues or problems.

Board of Governance

Benjamin Franklin Elementary Mathematics & Science School is governed by the Legacy of Excellence Board.

Exceptional Children Services Notices and Forms

• Written guidelines and procedures adopted by the charter board regarding the use of seclusion and physical restraint of students with exceptionalities.
• Special education program description.
• FAQ for Special Education.

Notice of Non-Discrimination

Benjamin Franklin Elementary does not discriminate on basis of an individual’s race, color, ethnic group, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, or any other legally protected basis with participation of its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies:

Shaundrell Santa Marina, Title IX Coordinator
Director of Human Resources, Ben Franklin Elementary
1116 Jefferson Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70115
SSantaMarina@loenola.us

Dr. Shayla Guidry Hilaire, 504/ADA Title II Grievance Coordinator
Executive Director, Exceptional Children’s Services – NOLA Public Schools
2401 Westbend Parkway
New Orleans, LA 70114
(504) 304-4988

Abuse & Bullying

Anyone who provides or assists in teaching, training, and supervision of a child must report to the proper authorities any instances in which they have reason to believe that a child’s physical or mental health or welfare is endangered as a result of abuse or neglect.

The Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) toll-free hotline: 1-855-4LA-KIDS (1-855-452-5437)

For more information, go to the DCFS​​​​​​​ website.

Bullying Reporting

Homework & Assignments

Homework

Homework assignments are an extension of the learning day. Students are expected to record, complete, and return homework assignments on the due date. Parents are to become familiar with the teacher’s policies and procedures for homework and to ensure completion of assignments with quality and pride. It is helpful for students to have internet access in order to complete assignments. Homework assignments are not graded. Homework grades will be recorded as a class participation grade.

Homework Assistance

The State Library of Louisiana offers a free educational service, Homework Louisiana, an online tool that connects Louisiana K-12 students to a live tutor online for one on one help with homework. Students can access Homework Louisiana by going to www.homeworkla.org. For more information go to https://www.tutor.com/.

Make-Up of Missed Assignments

It is the parent/student’s responsibility to request missed assignments. Missed assignments include work missed as a result of absences, resource classes and/or field trips. Students must complete the missed assignments and submit them to the teacher according to the teacher’s timeline.

Power Parent / PowerSchool

Should you experience any problems PowerParent/PowerSchool, please contact Juli Blackwell at jblackwell@loenola.us.

Bear Care

Bear Care is a before-school and after-school tutoring and enrichment program for students whose parents need an extension to their child’s day due to the parents’ work schedule.

Language Assistance Services

Benjamin Franklin’s point of contact is Terrie Stepter.  Please contact her by submitting a request below.

Providing you with accurate and meaningful information regarding your child is very important to us.  Non-qualified interpreters or translators (including students, family members, and friends) may not be used for language assistance except for in emergency situations. Some documents may be interpreted rather than translated.

Records Request