Support Services
Gifted and Talented
We offer Gifted courses in math and English, as well as talented theater and talented visual arts. If your student has a 1508 compliant Gifted evaluation at their current school, be sure to submit that paperwork (or current IEP) with their Admissions Application, so they can take our Gifted and Talented courses. If your student does not have a Gifted designation, but you are interested in pursuing Gifted,
consider these options.
For_students interested in pursuing a Talented Arts Program, please read about the screening process.
Special Education Coordinator ldefils@bfhsla.org
Support System
One of the reasons why our students are able to become the best possible versions of themselves in academics, athletics, and clubs, competitions, etc. is because of the strong support system provided by teachers, counselors, and other staff members. Franklin provides a solid network of support services including the Student Assistance Team, New Student Support Counseling, and Special Services for students with disabilities or temporary medical conditions that require additional support. Our
Exceptional Children’s Service Program Description
Special Services
At Franklin, we follow the Section 504 eligibility process outlined in the Orleans Parish School Board Section 504 Handbook when parents and/ or teachers identify a student who may have a disability. Our goal is to support students who come to Franklin with disability(ies) and a certified 504 plan from a Louisiana public school. For parents whose students do not have a Louisiana 504 evaluation and IAP from a public school, Franklin follows the district guidelines for determining eligibility. We also heed the OPSB Discipline Policy Procedures and utilize the OPSB Disability Discrimination Complaint Procedures. Please read the Parent FAQ and Parent Bill of Rights for further information on Special Education in Charter Schools or complete an OPSB Disability Discrimination Complaint form. Students’ Section 504 Rights are available in Vietnamese and Spanish as well. More information can be found on the OPSB website.Student Assistance Team
The Student Assistance Team (SAT) includes the counseling team, the social worker, the nurse, the 504 coordinator and, an administrator. Referrals are brought to this team from teachers, parents, or other professionals. The team aims to address individual needs of students who are experiencing difficulty in school due to academic, social, and/or behavioral concerns.
Sarah Heyl
School Nurse
School Nurse and Social Worker
At Franklin, we have a nurse who is available to assist students with medical concerns. She distributes medication, provides education for students with chronic illnesses, and responds to illnesses and medical emergencies. Our staff also includes a full-time Social Worker who is available to support students and parents. The social worker takes referrals from all of the school constituents.
Michele Beloney
Social Worker
9th & 10th Grade Support
Our 9th and 10th grades counselors are available to support students as they transition to a new school, which always includes new challenges. Please reach out if you would like for your student to receive help. Some commonly addressed concerns include: academic performance, student habits (study skills, organization, time management), and social adjustment. For help calculating your student’s core (or retention) GPA, reference this worksheet.
Paul Tran '03
9th & 10th Grades Counselor
Peer Tutoring
Ben Franklin students can sign up to tutor other students or to find a peer tutor by creating an account at bfhsla.peerkonnect.org. Only students with a Franklin email address have access to log in to this website. School counselors at Ben Franklin can help students select the best-fit tutor and find a time to meet while on campus.
Margaret Foley
9th & 10th Grades Counselor
Hotlines
- Suicide Prevention: (800) 273-8255 OR text “HOME” to 741741
- Bullying or Cyberbullying: (504) 304-5782
- Child Protection: (855) 452-5437