The school community at Benefield Elementary School is celebrating first-grade teacher Christine Marie Kennedy for being selected as a district semifinalist for the Gwinnett County Teacher of the Year honors. On campus, the reading momentum is higher than ever as students officially logged over 1,500,000 minutes during the "Blockbuster Readers" campaign. Additionally, families are flocking to the campus for the interactive "Tiny Titans" workshops, which help rising kindergarten students get comfortable with daily classroom routines before the school year officially kicks off.

Q1. My child came home talking about earning "Benefield Bucks" What are those?

Ans. Teachers give these out when kids follow rules or do something kind in class. Later, students can trade in the coupons for cool pens, erasers, and stickers in the school reward shop.

Q2. I am having trouble logging into my parent portal account. Who can help me?

Ans. You can walk right into the school's Family Center. They have staff members sitting at computers who will walk you through the setup for ParentSquare and ParentVUE so you can see your child's grades and message their teacher.

Q3. How will I find out if school is canceled or delayed because of hazardous winter weather?

Ans. Look at your cell phone for a text message or app notification from ParentSquare, which the school sends out the minute a decision is made. The district also posts these emergency alerts on their main social media pages and local TV news channels.

Q4. Does my child have to wear a specific uniform to class?

Ans. No, students do not have to wear uniforms to school. They only have to wear regular clothes that adhere to the typical Gwinnett County school rules for dress code, such as closed-toe shoes for recess and exercise class.

Q5. Can I come sit with my child during their lunch break?

Ans. Yes, parents are welcome to visit. When you arrive, buzz in at the main entrance and show your driver's license to the front desk staff, then head over to the cafeteria to eat together at the designated family visitor tables.