The Benteen Lunch Bunch

I enjoyed making friends during lunch at Benteen Elementary

On the menu today at Benteen was grilled cheese sandwiches, meatloaf and mashed potatoes, pears, apples and green beans.  The school, like all APS schools, also had a salad bar. I look forward to working with food and nutrition leadership and department to improve the quality and number of food options for our students and staff.

Frederick Wilson Benteen Elementary School has been a part of the APS family and southeast Atlanta community for over 80 years.  Students participate in activities such as the rigorous Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl, SEC Youth Football Clinic, the Fresh Fruit and Veggie Program and Book Character Dress Up Day.  The school has a tremendous amount of support from parents and local business partners thanks to the work of Principal McKeever and her staff.

Benteen teacher Jason Paggett was named a “Symetra Hero in the Classroom” last school year during a surprise school assembly.  Paggett was one of 16 teachers in Georgia honored at the Georgia Dome for educational excellence during the 2013 NFL season. 

In March, students participated in their first Wax Museum project.  Dressed as historical figures, students would ‘come to life’ when touched, and give details about their character.  The school also planted a vegetable garden earlier this year.

Benteen has 260 students (but the building capacity is much larger). The school was originally only 9 classrooms, a library, auditorium and cafeteria which served 250 students.  It was rebuilt after a fire in 1956. Today, the school challenges each of its students to read 25 books or more during the school year.  They use the Accelerated Reader program to chart success.  Some students read 75 books last year!

We were joined by Board member Leslie Grant – for a few of the other schools – who has been with us most of the morning.  Thanks Leslie for supporting our Day One work.

The school has a robust Twitter feed.  Follow them at @benteenes.