About Us

Welcome to Benjamin Franklin Middle School

BF is a school where students truly care about one another, treat one another with respect, which in turn will foster an environment where learning is paramount - creating a school in which the mental, emotional, and physical aspects of life are addressed with each student.

B.F. Motto and Seal

The official seal and motto of BF was introduced in the yearbook of 1980. The motto “In luce scientiae lucet clavis futuri” translates “In the light of knowledge shines the key to the future.” In the motto the key to unlocking the mysteries of the future is found in the knowledge obtained in school. The key is also symbolic of Franklin’s scientific experiments with electricity.

The seal consists of an opened book (the book of knowledge), symbolizing the school and relating to Franklin as the founder of libraries in America, with the key lying across it. Behind the book is the rising sun with 19 rays to represent the 19 fields of study the school offers. The rising sun, a symbol of enlightenment, was referred to by Franklin at the signing of the Constitution. During the debates he often noticed a painting on the back of the Convention President’s chair, where George Washington presided. It was a painting of half a sun. Franklin told a colleague that he had wondered if the sun was rising or setting, and now he was certain it was rising. Laurel leaves, symbolizing honor and victory, decorate the sides of the seal, and the motto appears in Latin on a motto ribbon within the circle.

Special recognition goes to Mrs. Carroll and all the Latin classes who, with much work and perseverance, developed both as a special project for our school.

Organization of the Middle School
Benjamin Franklin Middle School meets the needs of students who are approaching intellectual, social, emotional, and physical changes at a rate more rapid than at any other time of their lives.

During these middle school years, students need academic challenges and social experiences in an environment which provides stability. To accomplish this, students work with the same administrator and guidance counselor during their three years at the school. Additionally, schedules are organized to allow students to spend part of their day in a small unit and part of their day with a larger number of students.

The academic program is organized to meet the needs of preadolescents. It is intellectually challenging and provides opportunities to discover and develop new talents and skills.

Social interaction is also an important aspect of the early adolescent's development. BF's aim in this area is to provide social activities which are appropriate for this age.

House Plan

Benjamin Franklin Middle School is a two house structure. Each house, Franklin and Ridge, is comprised of grade level teams. Five teachers and approximately one hundred students comprise each team. Student placement in a house is the result of an effort to balance the teams by using the following criteria: academic competence, gender, sending elementary school, and course selections.

There are advantages to the house plan. The "school within a school" concept creates a manageable environment for children and teachers. It provides opportunities for a group comprised of a house administrator, a guidance counselor, teachers, and students to get to know one another well over a three year period. At the same time, there is ample opportunity for contact with students in the other house through unified arts, music, physical education, health, and co-curricular activities.

Teams

An English teacher, a social studies teacher, a mathematics teacher, and a science teacher and their one hundred twenty five students comprise a team at each grade level in each house. These staff members teach five sections of their specialty and one section of an assigned elective. They have a common meeting time which provides opportunity for interdisciplinary planning, parent conferences, and the sharing of information about students' progress.