Benjamin Franklin Elementary School

I go to Ben Franklin (used to) since I am going to middle school now. I went to the school since I was in kindergarten up to sixth grade and I had a blast! All the teachers were so warm-hearted and made everyone feel incredibly welcome! I had such great memories and I will never forget how hard everyone worked just for us to understand something.

My child started going to Ben Franklin this year. I feel as though my child and I have not had a very warm welcome. I've made an effort to introduce myself to parents who are more familiar with the school, and seem to be active with the school. I was snubbed, as if they are a higher class of people. I hope further into the year this will change, as I'd rather have my child go to a school that has equally good teachers, but also where the parents can be polite to eachother the way it was at the former school. It helps if there is a sense of community. Parents demonstrating alienation is not a good example to set for their children. It opens the door for bullying in the future.
--Submitted by a parent

I am disappointed to see such harsh comments about Franklin's administration and teachers. The changes that have occurred since the new administration started have been brought down from district and state administrators. As far as the teachers go, they give more of themselves than they are required to do. Apparently, you haven't truly got to the heart of the staff at Franklin, and you haven't compared it to most of the schools out there. The teachers there work weekends and their nights at home. They attend the many different activities their students ask them to go to like baseball games, etc..., and they spend their own personal money to enrich the curriculum & to make things fun for the students. Any teacher on staff that has not cared about the students more than 100%, has never stuck around, because the Franklin staff and parents will not tolerate mediocrity.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of 3 children that have all attended this school over the last 13 yrs, I am very dissapointed this year since Jean Aklufe left and how laxed the new administration seems. I used to be proud to say Franklin was my school, but not anymore. I believe alot of the teachers have forgotten why they became teachers and show little or no personal interest in their students. Each one is unique, and should be dealt with that way. Get inside their hearts and minds and learn to see what makes them want to learn. There should also be different people who do different volunteer or paid positions etc, not just the same old people who think they run the school. People need to remember the word volunteer and be grateful you have them! Its for the children and about the children, all should remember that!
--Submitted by a parent

I have been with Franklin for 6 years and thought it was a great school. However, this year 08/09 it has drastically changed, with the new principal and vice principal things have drastically changed for the worse. So drastic is the change that I was forced to put my son into homeschooling. Their motto is education and the concern is for the students...this is not so. I am sadly dissapointed.
--Submitted by a parent

Teachers are okay- some need to be more involved and caring Supervisors need to be let go and get ones whose children do not attend the school as to be unbiased.
--Submitted by a parent

My boys (5th graders) started at Franklin this year and the we couldnt be more pleased. The teachers are attentive to the students strengths and struggles while making it fun to learn. The fact that my kids are excited about school and doing schoolwork speaks volumes.
--Submitted by a parent

The quality of this school for special education children is seriously lacking. I would seriously consider placing your child in a private school if they are special needs.
--Submitted by a parent

The quality of education is outstanding. The teachers go out of their way to help each student succeed in class.
--Submitted by a parent

My oldest child started school here mid year and that year was extremely difficult. The years following have been much better. I like the year round system, they will be changing 06-07 to traditional. The teachers are very attentive, they stay on top of your child's progress. I also like how they reward the children, with achievment awards.
--Submitted by a parent