CHARGER WEEKLY 2023-2024
February 16th, 2024
Parents/Guardians,
Internet Safety Day was February 6th, but your child's safety while using the internet is something you always need to think about all year long. Their safety requires your involvement. Every day we hear from parents concerned about things like social media, cyber bullying, and inappropriate content being shared. If your teen has a smartphone, they are most likely using social media apps and taking photos with it. It is a parent's responsibility, I'll even say duty, to check on their teens' internet usage occasionally. If you ask your junior high student to see what they are posting to friends on Snapchat or Instagram or look at their photo gallery and they are reluctant to show you, it should raise a red flag. You have control over their content and what apps your teen is allowed to use. There has been an increase lately of bullying and other inappropriate comments shared on social media apps and in the past, that has contributed to fights between students. Internet safety and appropriate content go hand in hand with the physical safety of our students as they see each other in person every day. Please help us keep our school a safe learning environment for everybody by doing your part. If you do find inappropriate content being shared among students, please reach out to me with your concerns.
SRO Kris Marchel
On February 27 and 28, the 8th and 9th graders will be getting brand new Chromebooks, cases and chargers! They will need to have their devices with them in order to exchange for the new ones. There have been reminders in parent letters as well as the hallway signage and the Chromebook wallpaper. These new Chromebooks were obtained through a grant, ensuring they did not impact our general funds or existing budget. The district budget could not have supported the purchase of these Chromebooks without these grant dollars. We hope that you see an improved difference in their speed. Please let us know if you have any questions!
Last chance to order a yearbook-FEBRUARY 23rd!
The Ben Franklin Jr. High Yearbook is a full color, hardcover book. Yearbooks are $35.00. To order, follow this link: https://www.jostens.com/?afterAffiliateUrl=/apps/jcom/router.mvc?error%3Dtrue%26errorGroupName%3DProductBrowseData-missing#affiliate or scan the QR code:
To celebrate and learn more about being conscientious Digital Citizens, Ben Franklin students participated in a virtual scavenger hunt on Safer Internet Day. Every student received a pop-it fidget keychain for participating and there was a drawing for AirPod's and AirPod Pro's! First place went to Emmanuel Fogliazza, and second place to Brooklynn Newton! Thank you again, everyone, for participating and continuing to be safe digital citizens!
UWSP offering MATH TUTORING - see flyer
Current happenings in Tech Ed
ONE VERY IMPORTANT reminder in the CO2 Dragster unit is that ALL 8th graders are required to bring in either $2 to purchase safety glasses from the Tech Ed Department or they can bring in their own (as long as they are not reflective safety glasses - like sunglasses. We need to see their eyes while they are on power equipment). Please have safety glasses money or glasses in by Feb. 23rd.
2024: 9th GRADE D.C. Reminders (those traveling in a month!)
Save the date! Pre-Travel MANDATORY Meeting
When: Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 6pm (during conferences)
Where: Ben Franklin auditorium
Why: Go over all pre-trip expectations, luggage info, meet chaperones, etc.
NOTE: Even if your student cannot attend (sports, etc), please make every effort to have an adult attend to hear the information. Please contact Mrs. Radke if you have any questions or you are unable to make the meeting so that I can share the information with you.
Please meet teacher Matt Jacowski!
I am in my 11the year teaching Technology and Engineering at Ben Franklin Junior High School, 20th year in education. I enjoy teaching in the Career and Technical Education area, because it gives some students a chance to showcase their talents. A lot of the students that excel in this area tend to struggle in more traditional classes. My wife and I have three children ages 19,10, and 7. When I am not teaching, I am working on my family farm, serving on the County Board, spending time outdoors, or most importantly spending time with my family. I look forward to continuing working together to make things better for all the students in the Stevens Point School District.