Policies & Procedures
Benjamin Franklin Learning Center Policies and Procedures
Mission Statement
Benjamin Franklin Learning Center (hereinafter referred to as BFLC) assists Parents or Guardians (hereinafter referred to as Parents) in fulfilling their Parental responsibility with the education of their children. While accepting children of all faiths, we offer, at an affordable cost, a Christian-based curriculum, and a positive classroom experience.
Benjamin Franklin Learning Center strives to instill in students a knowledge of values to better serve their God, Family and Country.
Administration
BFLC is directed by a local Administrator who is hired by the Benjamin Franklin Learning Center Parent Teacher Organization Board of Directors (BFLC PTO Board) with approval of the majority of the Parents. The Administrator represents the General Membership in all affairs with regard to the operations of BFLC. She/he additionally enforces all of the dress, grooming, code of conduct and day to day activities of the students and staff of BFLC.
The Administrator shall follow the standards itemized herein.
Faculty
All instructors are hired and employed by the BFLC PTO Board. The Administrator conducts a search for a qualified candidate(s) and then presents the qualified applicant(s) to the BFLC PTO Board. They in turn make the decision to whom they will extend a job offer. Termination of an instructor is administered by the Administrator after approval of the BFLC PTO Board representing the General Membership. Instructors shall also follow the standards itemized in this policy.
BFLC PTO General Membership
The BFLC PTO General Membership consists of Parents of currently enrolled Students, BFLC Instructors/Teachers and the Administrator.
BFLC PTO Board of Directors: Members
BFLC PTO Board of Directors Members are elected by the General Membership. They consist of:
President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer (The BFLC PTO Executive Board) and Three additional Representatives, who shall also serve as Chairpersons of the Fundraising and Publicity and/or other BFLC Committees as designated by the BFLC PTO Board. The Administrator shall serve as an Ex-Officio Member of the BFLC PTO Executive Board of Directors and all Committees. Compensated Instructors/Teachers are not eligible to hold Office as BFLC PTO Board President (If the BFLC PTO Board President is unable to fulfill his/her duty, the current BFLC PTO Board Vice President shall serve as acting President for the remainder of the term, and shall be exempted from this rule). The BFLC PTO Board shall meet monthly prior to the Meeting of the General Membership to discuss issues to be brought before the General Membership. Elections of BFLC PTO Officers are held annually at the regular May meeting. There is no limit to the number of years that a BFLC PTO Board Member can hold office but they must be re-elected by a vote of the General Membership each May.
Curriculum
BFLC is interested in providing the highest quality curriculum which serves the needs of parents and students. The curriculum is set by the Administrator and teachers with the approval by the majority of the BFLC PTO Board. The curriculum is selected in advance in order to ensure timely delivery of all material. Any parent who wishes to participate in curriculum selection should contact the Administrator.
Academic Year
The Academic Year begins the second week of September and ends the Third week of May. The exact scheduling and observance of holidays will be determined by the Administrator with the approval of the General Membership. A calendar along with additional parent materials will be put together by the Administrator and given to the parents at the September Meeting.
Core curriculum classes are held Three Days per week, four hours per day. If a language or any other class is desired by enough Parents, it may be offered after normal school hours for 1 to 1-1/2 hours depending on the Instructor. There may be an additional fee for this/these classes.
Field Trips
Field trips are an important part of BFLC. Whenever possible these trips will be scheduled at least once monthly. The cost for these trips will be taken out of the tuition if funds allow. If this is not possible, the Administrator will inform the General Membership of the cost of the activity. Field trips are mandatory and require all students to be in their "field trip uniform". Each parent will sign a "Permission Slip" at the beginning of the school year to authorize all field trips for the year.
Finances
All fees associated with attendance at BFLC (tuition, textbook fees, and operating expenses) are determined by the BFLC PTO Board. The Administrator is an extension of the BFLC PTO Board with regards to processing financial information. All fees are paid to the Administrator. All commitments of BFLC (utilities, lease, payroll, supplies, and advertising) are paid by the Administrator or Treasurer of the BFLC PTO Board. A review of BFLC accounting books will be made by a paid accountant once a year. Fees are based on the needs of BFLC. This is determined by the BFLC PTO Board with the approval of the General Membership.
Tuition
Tuition is due by the 10th of every month. A $25.00 fee will be assessed for any checks not honored by the bank. If tuition remains unpaid for more than 30 days, students are subject to dismissal from BFLC. If a family leaves BPLC due to a move away from the area, there will be no financial responsibility for the remaining month(s). If a family is asked to leave BFLC, there will be no financial responsibility for the remaining month(s). If a family leaves for reasons other than those stated above, they will be obligated for the remaining month(s). If additional money is needed to cover expenses i.e. Lab fees, special field trips, purchasing equipment, etc., the BFLC PTO Board will approach the General Membership for assistance.
Textbook Fees
All Parent(s)/Students will pay for their own textbooks. Math books are the property of BFLC. All other books belong to the Student.
Admission
Only students who contribute to a positive atmosphere and a wholesome environment
will be accepted. Inasmuch as Benjamin Franklin Learning Center is a private educational organization, student admission is not automatic. Prior to enrollment in BFLC, the Parents and prospective Students will be interviewed by the Administrator. At that time, all requirements, dress, grooming, code of conduct and responsibilities of the Parents and Students, will be explained.
All new Students are admitted under a Three Week Trial Basis, before full admission status is granted.
If a student is to be removed from BFLC for any reason, Parents/Guardians are to notify the Administrator immediately. Parents/Guardians who remove their student for a period of time during the academic year for 3 weeks or longer will be charged $75.00 per student as a reinstatement fee at the time of readmission. However, if a student is absent for 3 weeks or longer due to a family trip; overseas, etc., this fee will not apply.
The prospective Students and their Parents will sign "Letters of Understanding" committing themselves to uphold the standards and policies outlined in this document.
Academic Requirements
In order to attend BFLC without parental supervision, students must be able to read and write sufficiently to perform assignments in class. Otherwise, a Parent or Guardian must attend to help with special needs. Mentally or physically impaired students are welcome at BFLC: however, they require an approved adult to attend with the student to help with special needs or supervision.
Age Recommendations
Ages 10-18
Conduct and Behavior
A. Students must:
- Demonstrate a willingness to accept responsibility for their own educational advancement.
- Agree to all BFLC Policies and dress/grooming standards of modesty and good taste outlined below which would apply only when out of uniform.
- Agree to wear the designated uniform during regular school days, the designated field trip uniform on field trip days and participate in all school "costume/contest" days.
B. BFLC minimum Standards for Dress and Grooming are:
1. Hair should be clean and neatly styled. Hair length for boys is to be above the bottom of the ear on the sides and above the collar in the back. Hair styles which cause a distraction will not be allowed (i.e. multi-colored hair and spiked hair styles).
2. The hems of skirts and dresses must come to the kneecaps when standing and to the top of knee when sitting. Other skirts or dresses may be worn if non see-through tights are worn so that you can not see skin showing. However, anything that is shorter than 8 inches above the knee is not allowed. This only applies when out of uniform.
3. Shorts are allowed in the fall and spring but must not be shorter than 8 inches above the knee. Shorts cannot be worn over other clothing.
4. Pants or jeans may not be dragging the floor, be ripped or torn, or excessively baggy. Pants that show underwear is excessively baggy. Also pants or jeans cannot be skin tight.
5. Uniform shirts can be tucked in but not tied in the back, side etc.
6. No tight or form fitting or see-through clothing.
7. No midriff clothing.
8. Shoulders must be covered.
9. No hats or caps will be worn during school hours or on field trips.
10. No earrings on boys or facial hair.
11. No unusually distractive make-up or jewelry. This includes tongue, nose or eyebrow.
12. No inappropriate sayings on clothing or other belongings.
13. All tattoos must be covered.
When out of uniform on costume/contests or Dress Down Days, the Standards for Dress and Grooming also apply.
C. The minimum Standards of good Behavior are as follows:
1. Conversation should be free from:
-Swearing
-Vulgarity:this includes vocal, written, drawn or gestures
-Disrespectful remarks to or about anyone
-Defiant language of any kind
2. Classroom behavior should include:
-Treating others with kindness and respect.
-Demonstrating a willingness to learn.
-Demonstrating willingness to support the instructors, student officers and classroom assistants.
*Inappropriate or distracting behavior is prohibited.
*Sleeping or being otherwise inattentive during school is prohibited.
*Sexual harassment directed toward any person, irrespective of gender will
not be tolerated.
3. Respect for property should be maintained:
*Destroying or defacing any BFLC property (tables, chairs, carpet, walls, etc) or the property of other students will not be tolerated.
4. Courtesy to others should be demonstrated by:
-Maintaining personal hygiene and cleanliness.
-Not bringing tobacco, alcohol, drugs, or
weapons in or around the BFLC facility or to any BFLC function.
-Not bringing friends to any BFLC activity who is unwilling to adhere to our Standards.
-Headphones when used in class cannot be heard by other students and only at specific times (i.e. during Math). Also, parental consent must be given.
-Computer games, books, toys, cell phones etc. can only be used before or after school or during lunch. Cell phones must be dropped off in the Administrative Office upon entering BFLC and remain until the end of the day.
D. Additionally, if the Administrator becomes aware of any student's involvement in illegal or immoral acts whether inside or outside the scope of BFLC, The Administrator reserves the right to expel the student.
E. A student can be expelled IMMEDIATELY for:
1. Using alcohol, drugs or tobacco
2. Hitting another student in anger
3. Being disrespectful to any Teacher, the Administrator or otherwise to BFLC.
NOTE: This Code of Conduct, as well as the Dress and Grooming Standards will be in effect in the classroom, in or around the BFLC facility, on Field Trips and during extra-curricular activities.
F. Penalties for violating the BFLC codes will be based upon the severity of the infraction and whether or not it is a repeat offense. Penalties by degree of severity are:
1. Warning
2. Removal from the class or activity for disruptive behavior: 1 week suspension
3. Not doing or forgetting school work more than 3 times: 1 week suspension
4. Three (3) suspensions for any reason will result in automatic expulsion
5. Warning letters will be sent home if a student fails a test or assignment.
G. Although the penalties may be imposed by degree, they are mutually exclusive and can be imposed in any order by the Administrator. Parents/Guardians who disagree with an imposed penalty may appeal to the BFLC PTO Board.
Student Council
In an effort to give each Student the opportunity to have leadership responsibilities, BFLC encourages all students to run for Student Council.
Applications will be given to the students during the month of September. They must be filled out by the Student and signed by the Parent(s). Elections take place the first week of October. The elected students will then meet with the Administrator each month to help with the planning and running of BFLC. Participation on the Student Council is also beneficial on a college application and/or work resume.
The offices and requirements for election to Student Council are:
-President: Must be at least 16 years old and have been at BFLC for at least one year.
-Vice President: Must be at least 15 years old and have been at BFLC for at least one year.
-Secretary: Must be at least 14 years old.
-Representatives: Depending on the size of the Student body; at least one Representative for every four students.
Student Council Members serve as role models to the Student body and to BFLC.
Parental Responsibilities
Transportation:
Parents are responsible for the transportation of students to and from BFLC. If students desire to leave the Center during class hours, they must provide the Administrator with a signed note from a Parent. If the Administrator informs the Parent(s) of additional enrichment activities held during non-school hours, the Parent(s) will be responsible for costs, transportation and the child's well being at such activities.
PTO General Membership Meetings
The Administrator of BFLC will schedule monthly meetings for the General Membership. This is an opportunity for Parent(s) to be informed of any upcoming projects, field trips and other immediate happenings at BFLC. At least one parent is required to attend the monthly meetings. The Administrator must be informed if a Parent is unable to attend the meeting. If three meetings are missed, a $50.00 fine will be imposed for each missed meeting thereafter.
Parent/Teacher Conferences
The Administrator will schedule two Parent/Teacher Conferences a year. One in the fall and one in the spring. This is an opportunity for Parent(s) to review their students progress and discuss with the Administrator and Teacher(s) any concerns the Parent(s) or Administrator/Teacher(s) may have. At least one Parent is required to attend the Conferences. A Citizenship Report will also be given out to the Parent(s) at the Parent/Teacher Conferences. This helps the Parent(s) to monitor behavior, attitude and classroom participation of their student(s). A Student Transcript will be given out to the Parent(s) at the spring Parent/Teacher Conferences. This provides the Parent(s) with grades and vital future data for students going on to college. This also provides the information needed to fill out the home-school umbrella forms.
Homework/Assignments
Assignments/Memorandums, hereinafter referred to as Orange Sheets (Parent/Student Memorandums):
The Administrator will send home an Orange Sheet weekly with information on what is to be completed and when it is due as well as when tests are scheduled. Parent(s) should take the time to read this information so as to better assist their Student(s).
This information is also available on the BFLC Website: http://www.benjaminfranklincenter.com
Academic Progress
The BFLC curriculum is not designed solely for study at the BFLC facility. BFLC is an extension of the Homeschool. Because students progress at different rates and stages, parental involvement in their student(s) education is essential. Parent(s) should monitor their students’ academic progress. In certain subjects, student's progress at their own rate according to his or her abilities. In these classes, it is essential that Parent/Guardian review and set goals with their student(s). This will ensure proper advancement at a timely rate within a particular subject matter. In subjects such as history and science, daily review of materials discussed in class is advised.
State Compliance
All Parent(s) are responsible to comply with Maryland State Home School requirements. ALL students under 16 years of age MUST be enrolled in a Home School Umbrella: BFLC is NOT one. The Administrator can provide this information.
Parent Packets
The Administrator will provide the Parent(s) with a parent packet each fall, providing the following information:
1. Calendar
2. Roster
3. Daily Class Schedule
4. Curriculum information
5. Copy of a Student Counseling Report Form
6. Inclement Weather Policy
7. Policy and Procedure Statement
8. Copy of Letter of Understanding
9. Information on Maryland State Educational Requirements.
Policy Changes
Benjamin Franklin Learning Center reserves the right to delete from, add to, modify or change any of these policies and procedures.
Any such deletions, additions or changes will be brought before a Meeting of the General Membership for approval by majority vote.
Any question(s) regarding conduct of meetings, propriety of discussion, elections, procedures, etc., which are not specifically covered in these BFLC Policies & Procedures, will be governed by “Robert’s Rules of Order-Newly Revised”.
Benjamin Franklin Learning Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or religion in its programs, activities, enrollment or employment practices.
These BFLC Policies super-cede all previous versions of BFLC Policies and Procedures, and were last amended on September 11, 2008.