Ben Franklin Elementary School Home

“Where everyone is inspired and challenged to excel.”
Photo- Kelly Urbani

Message from Principal Urbani

Hello, I’m Kelly Urbani, and I have been Principal of Ben Franklin Elementary School since 2017.  At Ben Franklin, we have a team of dedicated professionals who are devoted to our students and each other. The incredible support we receive from our parents clearly indicates that a high-quality education is valued and supported at the homes in our community. I consider it a privilege to lead a school with such outstanding students, teachers, support staff, custodial team, cafeteria crew, bus drivers, and families!
 
I earned my Bachelor of Science in Education from Edinboro State University of Pennsylvania.  I received a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from Gannon University, and later went on to obtain Principal Certification at their institution. Staying true to my desire to be a lifelong learner, I am currently enrolled at Mount Saint Joseph where I’m working to earn a Reading Science Certificate.  
 
Prior to Ben Franklin Elementary, I worked as a primary teacher with Temecula Valley Unified School District in the state of California.  I made the decision to move back home and was lucky enough to become a 1st Grade teacher at my alma mater - Ligonier Valley School District.  I later became an Assistant Elementary School Principal at neighboring Marion Center Area before landing at Indiana Area School District.   
 
Ben Franklin is a vibrant learning community with dedicated, professional staff committed to making our school an exceptional place to learn and work together. I love being in classrooms and interacting with students as they learn new concepts or tackle a project together. I also thoroughly enjoy learning and growing with our staff as we work to provide the best school experience possible for our students.
 
Outside of school, I love reading, baking, walking our Golden Retriever, and spending time with my wonderful family.  I enjoy visiting my children, Dominic and Mia, who are attending college at Allegheny and John Carroll University. 
I would be happy to share more information or answer any questions about Ben Franklin Elementary. Thank you for visiting our website!
 
Every time I walk through the doors of our school, I think “It’s a great day to be a Ben Franklin Hero!” 
 
Kelly Urbani, Principal

In the News

Back-to-School Night

Wednesday, September 1st

Families with the last name beginning with A-M attend their child's homeroom class first.
6:00 pm-6:30 pm “Meet the Teacher”
6:35-6:55 pm “Curriculum Fair”

Families with the last name beginning with N-Z attend the Curriculum Fair first.
7:00 pm-7:20 pm “Curriculum Fair”
7:25-7:55 pm “Meet the Teacher”

2021-2022 Pre-K

Eligibility forms for the 2021-2022 school year are now available! Please complete the form to see if your child qualifies for the program.

CHIPOTLE NIGHT!

A fun way to raise money for our PTA! Buy dinner Wednesday, March 10 from 4-8 PM and 33% of the proceeds will be donated to Ben Franklin Eisenhower PTA!

Videotaping and Photographing in School

During the school year, we videotape and photograph many school activities. These pictures, plus candid shots, may be used in our annual yearbook, on our website or IASD social media sites. In addition, student teachers may videotape themselves teaching a lesson, as part of their professional development. If you have any objection to your child being photographed or videotaped in any of these circumstances, please write a letter to your child’s principal as soon as possible, stating your objection and providing your child or children’s names. You may email Ben Franklin's Principal, Kelly Urbani at [email protected].
Thank you for your cooperation!

Thank you IUP SPSEA!

IUP Student Pennsylvania State Education Association presents Ben Franklin and East Pike with a donation of decodable books. Thank you SPSEA of IUP!

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