Changing Dismissal Plans

Safety is priority #1 at Ben-Hem. Dismissal is a busy time on any given day but it is particularly busy over the first few weeks of school. Students, families, and teachers are all settling into new routines and plans for the school year. As we work to make sure everyone gets home safely, there are two things that parents and families can do to help us out.

  1. Dismissal Plans: Complete and return the dismissal plan that came home in back packs this week. This will allow us to cross reference your plans with our records and ensure that they are correct.
  2. Change of Dismissal: In the event that you need to change your child/children’s normal dismissal plan, you must provide advanced, written notice to the main office. There are a number of ways parents/guardians can do this. Sending a note to the classroom teacher is a good way as is emailing the teacher. If you do email the teacher please be sure to copy the message to dokelly@natickps.org. This will ensure that the front office receives the email communication as well. Written notice of dismissal changes is a safety measure plain and simple. We cannot release students without your consent.  Obviously there are unforeseen circumstances that come up during the day that make advance, written notice possible. In the event of an emergency, please call the front office directly at 508.647.6580.

You have questions, we have answers!

Getting the year underway is a major endeavor for everyone. During this time teachers and parents have lots of questions and, at the same time, there is a great deal of information coming from the school. There are lots of ways that parents can access information about Ben-Hem’s ongoing events, programs, etc. Here are a few of the many ways to access information:

  1.  Friday Email
    • Mr. Kelly sends an email to the community every Friday. You can sign up to receive this email using this link.
  2.  Virtual Back Pack
    • The Virtual Back Pack contains all kinds of useful information about Ben-Hem events and projects as well as information about community based organizations and departments.
  3. Ben-Hem Community Calendar
    • The Ben-Hem Community Calendar holds specific dates and times for just about any Ben-Hem related event that takes place within or beyond the building.
  4. Facebook
    • Ben-Hem has a Facebook page and this is a place where you can get information and check out the more day to day happenings at Ben-Hem. It is a great place to get a peak at what goes on during the day. Mr. Kelly liked to post pictures of what school really looks like.
  5.  Twitter
    • Ben-Hem is on Twitter and this is also a place where families and community members can get great information about the school. Our Twitter updates tend to focus more on the day to day happenings at the school. Again, a nice place to get an inside look at Ben-Hem.
  6.  Bobcat’s Blog
    • The Bobcat’s Blog is a great place to catch more detailed information about specific areas of interest or projects going on at Ben-Hem. We have many guest contributors including students and staff.
  7.  Ben-Hem Parent Forum
    • The Ben-Hem Parent Forum is a google group created and facilitated by Ben-Hem parents. This is a great collaborative space to share information, ask questions, and connect with other families within the community. Be sure to check it out.
  8. The Bobcat Bulletin
    • The Bobcat Bulletin is a publication of Ben-Hem’s PTO. This is a great source of information all about the ongoing efforts of the PTO. Parents interested in getting involved with the PTO should certainly check this out.

 

At Ben-Hem, we value communication and we like to share all about what is happening in this amazing school. The list above provides a host of opportunities for families and community members to connect and get information about the school. Beyond those listed above, every teacher has a web-site where they house classroom and grade level specific information. As always, families and community members are always welcome to call or email any questions or concerns. You can reach the front office at 508.647.6580 and email using the following format, first initial last name@natickps.org (jdoe@natickps.org).

Opening Day 2012 -2013

The first day of school is always exciting! So much preparation and anticipation on everyone’s part comes together on the first day of school. It is great to have everyone back here at Ben-Hem for another amazing school year. Check out a few pictures from the first day!