If the I & RS process exhausts all of the available school-based regular education interventions with minimal success, often, the student is referred to the CST for a comprehensive evaluation in order to gather additional information as well as to determine if the student is eligible for special education and related services. Even in these cases, the prior period of intervention is valuable. Prior intervention will illustrate that a referral is appropriate( as required by law) and it will help inform the CST team about strategies that have or have not produced success. It is important that I & RS interventions not be seen as merely a waiting process or a“ red tape” step for special education. The recommendation for a CST evaluation could come directly from the I & RS team or from the parent at any time during the process.
Students Identified as Academically Gifted
In the Teaneck Public Schools, students are evaluated and identified as academically gifted in the areas of mathematics and / or humanities. If you are one of these identified students, advanced courses in mathematics and special work in humanities are available. Advanced courses in the humanities are available as semester electives in grades 7 and 8.
Communicating Concerns
Please take the following steps when contacting the school regarding any concerns about your child’ s experience here at Benjamin Franklin Middle School. In order to facilitate the gathering of information and the utilization of the resources available to you and the school, you may contact your child’ s teacher through the main office, e-mail, voice mail at( 201) 862-1200 or guidance counselor and make an appointment to meet with them to discuss your concerns.
MAIN OFFICE( 201) 833-5450 GUIDANCE OFFICE( 201) 833-5455 Ms. Klein:( 201) 833-5456- Grades 6 & 8 Mr. Smith:( 201) 833-5565- Grades 5 & 7 Ms. Javalda Powell( 201) 833-5457- Behaviorist
School – Home Communications
Tuesday is our designated“ communication” day. Letters, forms, and flyers regarding all types of information, events, progress reports, report cards, trips, etc., are regularly sent home with students on Tuesdays, except where sending communications on another day cannot be avoided.
The Benjamin Franklin Technology Management Team
The Benjamin Franklin Middle School Technology Management Team develops and implements an action plan to achieve the instructional goals of Vision 2000 and Beyond, the District’ s comprehensive long-range technology plan. The BFMS team includes technology teachers, other teachers, parents, building support staff, the building principal and assistant principal. The team makes recommendations to the District Director of Technology Services regarding equipment allocation, software selection, and professional development.
32