• Take care of yourself
• Take care of each other
• Take care of our school
• Take care of our community and earth

Everything we do at BF ties back to these core values we seek to instill in our children. Children who learn to Take Care are children who work well together in their everyday learning. At BF, we strive to ensure that every child is learning both academically as well as social-emotionally. We take great pride in our children and the amazing work they do and are grateful for amazingly talented teachers and staff as well as wonderful and supportive families such as you.

Join us this year as we continue the journey of creative, playful learning that started in 1961! Join us at Ben Franklin: The Friendly School that Takes Care! #bfTakesCare

With the arrivial of a new school year comes many new faces as well in our staff:

• We are excited to announce that Ms. Meghan Yake returned to BF as one of our full-time second grade teachers. Ms. Yake is a dedicated and talented teacher who truly seeks to support every child reaching his/her potential.
• We are also pleased that Ms. Lauren Chin returned to BF as one of our first grade teachers while Mrs. Weiss extended her leave through this school year. Ms. Chin has a strong depth of knowledge in literacy and supports all of her learners.
• We welcome Ms. Stephanie Disbrow to our third grade team while Mrs. Shackleton is on leave. She is expected to return at the end of November. Ms. Disbrow is certified as both a teacher and school counselor and has a passion for helping children learn academically as well as social-emotionally.
• Ms. Nicole Paparella joined our preschool teaching team this year and comes to us with a unique variety of teaching experiences and talents. She is dedicated to her young learners and helping them love learning.
• Ms. Jessica Belmont is our school counselor. Ms. Belmont quickly develops a positive rapport with students and excels at helping them solve problems. Ms. Belmont will be with us while Mrs. Wolf finishes her leave. She is expected to return in October. Mrs. Umbach accepted a position at LES for this school year. She will be missed greatly at BF though it is good to still have her in the district.
• Mrs. Jessica Deak transitioned to a new role at BF serving as an academic support teacher/house leader. She will work with students and teachers to support many of our building goals and initiatives in this new role.
• Mr. Justin Dawlabani joined our Child Study Team while Ms. Ashley Craven is on leave. She is expected to return at the end of November. The children are enjoying seeing another male role model in the building and enjoy their time with him.
• Ms. Dana Maiuro is our music teacher for September and October until Mrs. Colleen LaFlamme joins us as our full-time music teacher in November. Both of these women are talented and creative musicians and teachers. While we will certainly miss Mr. Rigby at BF, we are excited for his new teaching opportunity and his shorter commute.
  
• We welcome Ms. Jennifer Nguyen to BF as our third grade world languages teacher. Ms. Nguyen has taught many grade levels during her 15 years in LTPS and thoroughly enjoys integrating technology.
• Congratulations to Mr. Colavita as he begins his retirement on October 1 after 40 years of service to the children of Lawrence. His special, artist touch will be missed at BF and throughout LTPS. We hope to see him here as a volunteer often. Mrs. Jen Skorupa will transition from LMS to BF during the later part of September. Mrs. Skorupa has taught at both the elementary and middle school levels in LTPS as well as led the Safety Town program. She truly enjoys blending art and literature.
• Congratulations also to Mrs. Pat Butler who will be retiring at the end of November. She has been a faithful parent, volunteer, and staff member of BF for over 25 years. Her kind and gentle spirit will surely be missed. More news on our new library aide will come soon.
• BF welcomes Mrs. Doreen Hoehne, Ms. Renu Bhagwati, and Ms. Quiser Raza as aides to our school. Mrs. Hoehne works with our Kindergarten students in the classroom and all students on the playground and cafeteria. Ms. Bhagwati and Ms. Raza work with our preschool students every day. BF is blessed to have many highly gifted and caring aides, and these three women add even more talent to the team.
• Mr. Shawn McLaughlin joins our amazing custodial staff during the evenings and keeps our school sparkling clean.

• 9/13 PTO Meeting 7:00 pm
• 9/16 Ice Cream Social 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
• 9/19 Back to School Night 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
• 9/20 Picture Day
• 9/29 Spirit Day (Blue and White)
• 9/30 School closed
• 10/3 School closed
• 10/12 School closed
• 10/15 Fall Fest and Fun Run 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
• 10/19 PTO Meeting 7:00 pm
• 10/21 Trunk or Treat at LHS 6:00 pm
• 10/28 Spirit Day (Blue and White)
• 10/31 Fall Parade and Parties

Website: http://www.ltps.org/BenFranklin.cfm?subpage=5920
Location: 2939 Princeton Pike, Lawrence Township, NJ, United States
Phone: 609-671-5540
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ben-Franklin-Elementary-School-1061038223946729/
Twitter: @bfes_ltps

Text @benfran to 81010

Trouble texting? Try texting @benfran to (609) 482-3342

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