Bell Schedule

• School Day: 7:30 AM – 2:09 PM
• Breakfast: 7:30 AM – 7:45 AM (served daily in the classrooms)
• Lunch: Assigned by grade level between 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM (45-minute cycles)
• Recess: Alternated with lunch periods daily (weather permitting)

For details on early dismissals, inclement weather procedures, delayed openings, and emergency closings, please refer to the Parent & Student Handbook.

Specific student schedules may differ depending on class sections.

Attendance

Attendance matters! The consistency for both students and teachers is critical to success. Consequences can come from excessive or unexcused absences.

• Attendance Policy
• Absence Excuse Form
• Helpful information, toolkits, and other resources to support your child’s attendance success

Out-of-School Time (OST)Out-of-School Time (OST) is the time that a child or youth spends in after-school or summer programming. In Philadelphia, OST programs are provided for young people in grades K through 12.
➜ Learn more and find a program near you

Summer Programs
Explore free summer programs from the School District of Philadelphia that keep students learning, engaged, and prepared for success.
➜ Learn more about opportunities for your student over the summer.

Participation in sports requires a completed physical form signed by a doctor.

Available Sports – Grades 6–8

• Girls on the Run
• Baseball
• Basketball
• Soccer
• Track
• Volleyball

Middle Grades Conference (MGC)
Grades 6–8 are taught the benefits of interscholastic athletics while learning discipline, structure, and competition.
➜ Learn more about MGC

• String Instruments
• Wind Instruments
• Seasonal School Shows
• Studio Visual Arts

• The Trust for Public Land
• Project GIVE Community Service Network
• The School District of Philadelphia Office of Family and Community Engagement (FACE)
• Boys and Girls Clubs of Philadelphia
• Lawncrest Recreation Center
• History Hunters
• Project Thrive
• The Barnes Foundation
• Girls on the Run

Partnership DashboardExplore programs and opportunities available to students across the School District of Philadelphia, including arts, STEM, wellness, mentoring, and more.

➜ Search the Dashboard

Our School offers several programs to broaden the horizons of our young scholars. We offer a variety of activities and clubs geared toward student interests and abilities.

• String Instrument
• Wind Instruments
• Cheerleading Grades 3–5
• Art Club Grades 3–8
• Step Team Grades 3–8
• Yearbook Committee Grade 8

Benjamin Franklin Elementary School is named in honor of Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790), one of America’s Founding Fathers, whose remarkable achievements as a statesman, scientist, inventor, author, and educator continue to inspire generations. Franklin believed that education, curiosity, and lifelong learning were essential to building strong communities, values that remain at the heart of the school’s mission today.

The current school building was designed by renowned Philadelphia architect Henry deCourcy Richards and constructed in 1915. Designed in the Late Gothic Revival style, the building was expanded in 1931 and 1954 to serve the growing community. In 1988, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in recognition of its architectural and historical significance.

For more than a century, Benjamin Franklin Elementary School has proudly served generations of students and families in the Crescentville community. Today, the school continues its tradition of academic excellence, innovation, and community partnership while preparing students to become confident learners, responsible citizens, and lifelong leaders.

• State-of-the-Art Green Space
• National Register of Historic Places
• Community-Powered Academic Tutoring
• Comprehensive Early Literacy & Math Focus
• Active Community Partnership for Literacy
• First-of-Its-Kind Neighborhood Playground

➜ Parent/Student Handbook & Code of Conduct
➜ District – Student Code of Conduct & Discipline Process

Policies

• Dress Code – Uniforms
• Cell Phone Policy
• Report Bullying, Harassment, or Discrimination
• Student Safety

School Improvement Plan – Title I Documents
➜ View your school’s School Improvement Plan
➜ Request a translation of your school’s plan
If you do not have web access or need additional assistance, please contact planningsupports@philasd.org for support.

Annual Notification of Rights under FERPAThe School District of Philadelphia is required to annually notify parents and eligible students of their rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). These rights include the right to inspect and review education records, request amendments, consent to disclosures, and file a complaint.

➜ View the Annual FERPA NoticeFor questions, contact the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities.

Students are expected to wear appropriate clothing at all times, including shirts, pants, shorts, dresses, skirts, and proper footwear that reflect an environment dedicated to learning.

Grades K–5

• Shirt/Top: Light yellow or light blue button-down shirt or polo (long or short sleeves). Shirts must be tucked in.
• Pants/Bottoms: Navy pants, skirts, skorts, or jumpers. Pants must fit properly at the waist. Skirts, skorts, and jumpers must be no shorter than one inch above the knee.

Grades 6–8

• Shirt/Top: Red button-down shirt or polo (long or short sleeves). Shirts must be tucked in.
  Note: During winter months, students may layer with a Benjamin Franklin school sweater.
• Pants/Bottoms: Black pants, skirts, skorts, or jumpers. Pants must fit properly at the waist. Skirts, skorts, and jumpers must be no shorter than one inch above the knee.
• Footwear: Students must wear closed-toe shoes or sneakers. Sneakers are required on designated gym days.

Not Permitted

• Footwear: Slippers, slides, flip-flops, high heels, or open-toe sandals.
• Clothing Style: Sagging or dragging pants, pajama items, or sheer/see-through clothing.
• Tops: Tank tops, spaghetti strap tops, halter tops, or midriff-baring shirts.
• Headwear: Hats, caps, hoods, and non-religious head coverings inside the school building.
• Graphics: Clothing containing derogatory language, double meanings, violent/offensive connotations, or advertisements for alcohol/tobacco.
• Accessories: Heavy jackets worn in class, hanging belts, or heavy chains.

If a student violates the dress code:

• A parent/guardian will be contacted.
• The school may provide loaner clothing or request that a change of clothes be brought to school.

➜ See our uniform policy for more details.

The School District of Philadelphia provides a variety of programs and services in many languages to support our multilingual families. Students whose first language is not English may qualify for ESOL services.

Need Help? Contact your school’s Bilingual Counseling Assistant

Programs & Services

Multilingual Curriculum and Programs
Learn more about the different programs and opportunities offered for multilingual students and families, and to get assistance with any District-related questions or processes.

• English as a Second Language (ESL)
• Dual Language (Bilingual)
• Newcomer Learner Academy (NLA)

Language Access Support Services
Learn more about accessing interpretation/translation services, including Bilingual Counseling Assistants (BCAs) assigned to your school, and other resources.

Language Access Concern
Your feedback is essential in helping us improve language access within our District. If you’ve encountered a language-related challenge, such as a communication barrier, translation issue, or interpretation challenge, your input helps us improve our services.

Our school is committed to providing specialized services to children in the least restrictive environment, as required by the law. Students receive accommodations and modifications as outlined in their Individualized Educational Program (IEP).

The District provides an extensive range of educational services and supports for students with diverse needs within our schools.

Learn more about IEPs and Special Education Programs.