One of the things I appreciate about the BFA community is the way our BFA dads, stepfathers and grandpas support our community. Last weekend, almost 200 dads brought their daughters to BFA for the Father Daughter Dance. Thanks to our Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), each year our BFA father figures have an opportunity to take their kiddos out for a date night. And, while the girls may abandon you on the dance floor--they'll always remember this special night out with the most important man in their life!

 

Tomorrow, all students will have the opportunity to bring their dad, stepdad or favorite uncle to Daybreak with Dads. Each year, the Community Events Committee (CEC) invites all dads to spend time at school with their students while enjoying a light snack. The students may not recall what they learned in Social Studies or Math, but they'll remember that they spent the morning eating doughnut holes with their dad. 

 

In addition, we're proud to have our very own committee of dedicated volunteer dads. Ben's Brigade is an organized group of dads who bond while helping out around the school, volunteering in carpool and spending quality time with their kids. Each year they have spring and summer workdays to improve our landscaping, paint, pick up trash, and help with general repairs as necessary. And, you'll often see Ben's Brigade members assisting with parking and set-up or tear-down for social events. They also offer a number of ways for dads and their kids to connect--this year, they are sponsoring firehouse tours, a Karate activity and an annual picnic. Dads, stepfathers, favorite uncles and grandpas are all welcome to attend their monthly meeting and learn more about their activities. 

 

And, I'd be remiss if I did not mention all the BFA fathers (and father figures) who volunteer on the Board or on our various committees, as well as those who routinely help out with carpool, lunch, go on field trips, volunteer in the science lab, and/or help with our events and performances. 

 

We appreciate all our BFA dads and the time you dedicate to the success of BFA students and our community! 

 

Sincerely,

 

Diana Simpson

SPIRIT DAY TOMORROW

 

DAYBREAK WITH DADS 

 

BFA is honored to host students and their real-life superheros, their dads, tomorrow , Feb. 9. Join us from 7 - 8 a.m. in the BFA Lightning Gym for coffee, juice and doughnut holes. 

 

This event is popular, so please arrive early and park in the overflow lot as not to disrupt carpool. Class will begin at the usual time (kids should be in class at 8:10 a.m.), but dads must remain with their children in the gym until 7:45 a.m.

Moms - let's show how much we appreciate the dads by volunteering to help with the event!  

 

Gluten free items available upon request. 

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

In case you missed our announcement via BFA's Facebook page, last Friday we raised $1,162.17 for the Fallen Officer Fund of Douglas County. Thank you for your support of our extra Dollar Dress of Choice Day and for the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.

 

Click here to be directed to the Fallen Officer Fund webpage.

FINAL WEEK TO RAISE MONEY FOR KIDS WTIH SPECIAL HEARTS

Ms. Lindgren's Class and Myles Ross STILL in the Lead!

 

Let's help kids like  Sam Leclaire (pictured here), a  BFA first grader who was born with a 'special heart,'  by raising money for the American Heart Association . 

 

This week, we're happy to tell you that we've raised $9,500 toward our $18,000 goal.  Ms. Lindgren's class is in the lead for participation with 16 members of her class participating and Myles Ross from Mrs. Brook's kindergarten class is in the lead for highest amount raised with $500. 

Thanks to all the parents who have supported their student's efforts to date.  We encourage those interested in raising money for kids with 'special hearts' to send emails out to family and friends--experts say this is the best way to reach our goal of $18,000 . 

If we are able to meet this goal, the class with the most participation will get to turn Mrs. Simpson, Mr. Gomez, and Mrs. Bauer into ice cream sundaes during an assembly. Envelopes can be turned in any time, but we'd like to receive all donations by the day of the event (Feb. 15 and 20). 

For the full article which includes the Jump Rope for Heart schedule, click here or see the recent news on the BFA website. 

Parents are welcome. And, we still need volunteers at the Jump Rope for Heart events on Feb. 15 and 20. 

WE'RE IN THE TOP 10, BUT STILL NEED YOUR VOTES! 

Macaroni Kid, an organization that takes pride in having the scoop on all the family events going on in our area, is holding it's annual DCSD school competition. And, since we think BFA is THE MOST FANTABULOUS school in Douglas County, let's show our support by voting for BFA EVERY DAY, NOW through Monday, Feb. 12, at 11:59 p.m.!

INFLUENZA IN DOUGLAS COUNTY

 

A message from Dianne Nugen, our school nurse consultant...

Influenza or influenza-like illness is widespread in Colorado, including in Douglas County. This year's influenza is particularly bad, causing more hospitalizations and deaths than other years. It is not too late to vaccinate.

 

Influenza-like illness is a fever greater than 100.4 and a new cough and/or sore throat. Tri-County Health Department recommends:

• Keeping children and staff with influenza-like illness home until they are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication;
• Increasing hand washing;
• Coughing into their arm, not their hands;
• Increasing cleaning and sanitizing of high touch surfaces; and
• Encouraging flu vaccine for children and staff.

The above control measures should be done at home and school. Should a child become ill with influenza like illness, they should be kept home from school to prevent any further spread. They should seek medical care for treatment and testing. 

 

Watch for symptoms of fever, cough, congestion, body aches, and sore throat; and if there is illness, please keep them home to help stop further spread of illness.

 

For more information visit the Tri-County Health Department website at or the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website.

MIDDLE SCHOOL DANCE 

 

The Middle School Dance will be held from 6:30-9 p.m. tomorrow, Feb. 9, at BFA. When the sun goes down on Friday night, they're invited to a dance party that's sure to be BRIGHT! We hope our sixth through eighth graders will join us for dancing, fun and refreshments.  Tickets are $10 per student at the door if you did not purchase them in advance. No dates please. Students are welcome to dress in formal or casual attire. 

SAVE THE DATE FOR SEUSSICAL JR. 

Date: February 23 and 24

Time: 7 p.m.

Location: BFA's Performance Stage

 

Step right up ladies and gentlemen, children and creatures,

The smallest of small and the tallest of tall,

Come old and young, come one, come all,

It's Seussical the middle school musical, the greatest show

On the face of the Earth, or wherever you go!

There, our middle schoolers 

Will take the BFA stage

how cool to see 'em up in lights

at such a tender age.

 

They'll play Horton, The Cat 

and the Whos on their Speck

Middle schoolers are runnin' THIS show,

Yes, even the tech!

In town on February 23 and 24 at 7 o'clock,

You don't want to miss it because these kids rock!

You just need to be there! Oh the sights you will see;

Plus, what a deal! The show's even FREE!

CELEBRATE YOUR PERFORMER WITH A CANDY GRAM 

 

Let your little star know how special they are with a candy gram for only two dollars ($2) each; then add your personal greeting to make it even more meaningful! Candy Grams now will be available at the concession table before performances. Save yourself some time by preordering your Candy Gram at least two days prior to the performance, then pick them up and pay for them at the concession table. Let's recognize our performers for all their practicing and hard work. Proceeds benefit the Disneyland Choir Fundraising team.

 

Upcoming Performance Dates:

February 23 and 24 : Seussical Performance, 7 p.m.

SHOW YOUR LOVE WITH SMENCILS

Send a pencil gram to your child for Valentine's Day!  Smencils are No. 2 graphite pencils made from recycled newspaper, that are fun to write with because they're colorful and have a unique scent, such as bubble gum or blue raspberry. You also can include a personal message with your gift. 

Smencils are $2 for a single pencil, and $10 for a set of six. Order online through the BFA Store by Tuesday, Feb. 13, and the eighth graders will deliver them on Valentine's Day! Proceeds benefit the eighth grade trip to Washington, D.C.

JOIN US AT THE PTO MEETING TONIGHT

 

The next monthly  PTO meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. tonight, Feb. 8, in the Sanders Science Lab . Come learn about what the PTO is working on, get connected, and get some volunteer hours just for attending. Whether you want to volunteer a little or a lot, we've got a role for you. Everyone is welcome.

PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES

 

We look forward to seeing you next week for parent teacher conferences! Students in grades K-4 should have received a Sign-up Genius from their teacher. Please arrive for your selected slot in a timely manner. 

 

The fifth grade teaching team will be in the Middle School Commons from 4:15 - 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 13, and Thursday, Feb. 15, for drop-in conferences. They will break from 5:30 - 6 p.m. for dinner.

 

Sixth grade parents may have received an invitation to meet with the team; but if you did not receive an invitation and want to meet with a sixth grade teacher, please email them to set something up. Sixth grade teachers will be meeting with invited parents on Tuesday and Thursday from 4:15 - 8 p.m. with a break from 5:45 - 6:15 p.m. for dinner.

 

Seventh grade parents may have received an invitation to meet with teachers on Tuesday, Feb. 13. If you did not receive an invitation, you are welcome to drop in and meet with the seventh grade teaching team from 4:15 - 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 15 (they will break from 5:15 - 5:45 p.m. for dinner), in the Thunder Gym. Please keep in mind that Mrs. Gibson sent out a separate sign-up, as she will not be available that evening. If you are attending either night of conferences, please make sure you bring the completed conference form emailed out last week from Ms. Poleschook.

 

Eighth grade teachers will be available for conferences from 4:15 to 8 p.m. in the Thunder Gym, with a dinner break from 5:30 - 6 p.m. Please note, Mrs. Pierce, (L/A substitute) will be leaving on Thursday evening around 6 p.m., so if you need to conference with her, please make sure to come on Tuesday evening or prior to 6 p.m. on Thursday. 

SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION OPEN FEB. 19

 

Ben Franklin Academy is happy to announce that we will offer an exciting Summer Camp program again this year. 

 

Do you need full-time daycare for the summer? Or perhaps you want to schedule something fun for your kids once a week while you run errands. Maybe your kids would like to connect with other Ben Franklin Academy kids and enjoy fun, summer social time? Whatever your situation, our Summer Camp is sure to keep your kids safe and entertained. And, the best part is--the program is staffed by people you know and trust!

 

Program Details

Dates:  May 30 - Aug. 10 (closed the week of  July 4th)

Hours:  7 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Days:  Monday through  Friday

Summer Camp is open to any BFA student age 5-years-old and above.

 

Program Costs

Registration: There is a $35.00/per child one-time registration fee. All registered campers will receive a camp T-shirt and day pack.

Daily Tuition: The cost of the camp is $35/day/child for non-field trip days and $50/day/child for field trip days.

 

Registration will open on Monday, Feb. 19. If you have any questions to please email the Summer Camp team. 

MODERN MARKET SPIRIT NIGHT

Take the night off from cooking, and come enjoy some delicious, healthy food while supporting BFA! Modern Market ( 537 W Highlands Ranch Pkwy #108)  will donate 50 percent of the proceeds from purchases made from 5 - 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 21. Please be sure to mention the BFA fundraiser.

THE PTO NEEDS YOU!

CONSIDER RUNNING FOR 2018-19 PTO POSITION

 

Are you interested in helping BFA while connecting with other parents who are passionate about our school? If so, we hope you'll consider becoming a member of the PTO team! When you join the PTO, you make a real, meaningful difference at BFA and build lasting friendships with other BFA parents.

 

The PTO is an integral part of Ben Franklin Academy. Since it began serving BFA, the PTO has raised funds to provide all sorts of items needed by the school, including playground equipment, library books, a climbing wall as well as tools and resources needed by the teachers, staff and administration. We also organize social events to bring together the entire BFA community.

 

This year, there are several Officer and Committee Chair positions up for election by the school community, and many Committee Manager positions that are selected by the PTO Board. If you are interested in becoming a PTO Executive Officer, Committee Chair, or Committee Manager, please submit the following information to the PTO co-secretaries by April 2, 2018. (For all elected positions, the information provided will be posted on the election ballot.) 

 

1. Your Name
2. Number of children enrolled at BFA
3. Grade of each child
4. How long your family has been at BFA
5. How many PTO Meetings you have attended in 2018-19
6. Why are you interested serving on the BFA PTO?
7. Why do you think you would be a good fit for this position?
8. Is there any other information you would like to share?

 

With approximately 30 open positions, there's a role for most all skill-sets! Please see the recent news article for a list of open positions, visit the PTO page on the BFA website and look under 'important forms' to view a description of each, or contact  Mollie Anderson, PTO president.  

Please note, if you are elected for multiple officer/committee manager positions, you may only serve in one position.   

SPRING BOOK FAIR

BFA's Spring Scholastic Book Fair will be held Monday, Feb. 12, through Thursday, Feb. 15, in conjunction with Parent Teacher conferences:

• Monday, Feb. 12, and Wednesday, Feb. 14: 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• Tuesday, Feb. 13, and Thursday, Feb. 15: 8:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. (closed from 3- 4 p.m.)

Use this link for a preview of all the exciting selections that will be offered this year. Visit the fair and enter your child's name in a drawing to be held the week of Feb. 20. We will be giving away books and miscellaneous items. We are looking forward to seeing you there!

ALL THAT CHANGE WEIGHING YOU DOWN? PUT IT TO GOOD USE! 

 

LOOKING FOR DEDICATED LEADERS TO SERVE ON BFA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

DODGEBALL FOR DOLLARS

 

The  student council and  Mr. Macias would like to invite our Middle School kids to participate in " Dodgeball for Dollars" from 12:45 - 3 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 22 , in the Thunder Gym. This event is held in conjunction with our elementary students' Jump Rope for Heart activities, and funds raised by our middle school students will benefit both the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society.

Each class will form a 10-person team to compete in the Dodgeball game. Each team will be charged a $50 competition fee ($5 per person if the team has the maximum number of players). If more than 10 students from one class want to be on a team, then they can talk to their homeroom teacher about creating a second team. The $50 team fee is due prior to the games on Feb. 22. A trophy will be awarded to the class that wins the tournament!

If your student would rather cheer on the teams, they are encouraged to bring in a $2 donation to watch the event. Students who don't want to participate as an observer or player will take part in an extra study hall. Observers (including any parents who want to watch) can bring in their optional $2 donation the day of the event.

We're looking forward to this friendly competition to raise money for the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society! 

STUDENTS GO EXPLORING

 

Mrs. Tickle and Mrs. Ward have organized another amazing experience for our students! T he week of March 5, they are bringing CaveSim to kids in grades K-5 (full day kindie and p.m. only)  and 8. Invented by a caver and MIT engineer, CaveSim makes highly realistic artificial caves that teach STEM concepts. During the programs, students explore 60 feet of cave passages filled with artificial cave formations, and learn a huge amount about caves, conservation, bats, geology, biology, chemistry, and a host of other subjects. 

 

Parents of kids in grades k-5 and 8--be sure to look for information from your teacher about registering for this activity. To find out more about CaveSim, check out their website.

   KEEP COLLECTING THOSE POP-TOPS

 

The BFA middle school Student Council is excited to support Ronald McDonald House Charities as their philanthropy project for the fall/winter. Ronald McDonald House provides a loving and low cost 'home away from home' for families needing to be near their seriously ill or injured children while they are being treated at one of our area hospitals. We've completed our collection of cleaning supplies, but are still taking soda pop-tops!  

 

Please see this  flier  for specific product needs and collection details.  Please show your support for the Student Council's efforts in helping this worthy charity! Collection boxes are located in the lobby. 

DCEF DISCOUNT EVENT TICKETS

     

Hockey fans--get tickets to see the Colorado Avalanche vs. Nashville Predators at 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 4. Tickets start at $25, and a portion of every ticket will be donated to school of your choice. There is also a back-up option at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 16. Click on the flier to find out more.   

WANT YOUR KIDDO TO HAVE THE BEST BIRTHDAY EVER? 

 

Send them a Birthday Bag!

Celebrating birthdays at BFA just got more fun! Order your child a Birthday Bag for just $10, and s/he will receive:  

• A bag full of goodies such as erasers, pencils, bouncy balls, etc. (no food or candy will be in the bags);
• A birthday certificate good for a free bake sale item at the next bake sale;
• A personalized note from you, if requested; and
• A 'Happy Birthday' serenade by the eighth graders who deliver the bag to your student's classroom.

Did your child already celebrate their birthday or do they have a summer birthday?   

We also will deliver "Un-birthday Bags" for students who have already celebrated their birthday, and "Half-birthday Bags" for summer birthdays.

 

You can purchase Birthday Bags online through the BFA Store.

The Parent Teacher Organization highlights a volunteer each month who has gone above and beyond in his/her contributions to the school. This volunteer receives recognition in the school newsletter and on the school website. S/he also has the privilege or parking in the reserved volunteer of the month parking space.

For the month of February, Tom Francen has been selected as volunteer of the month. Tom is being honored for the countless hours he puts in volunteering at Ben Franklin Academy with the carpool team. Staff and his fellow volunteers have stated that he is reliable, has a positive attitude, and is a pleasure to work alongside.

 

Tom and Connie are proud parents of Lauren in Ms. Boyd's fourth grade class. Tom, the fourth of six children, was born and raised in the frozen tundra of Minnesota. His Minnesota Vikings football team continue to cause him great pains each year. Tom is an entrepreneur at heart and has enjoyed working in the IT arena as a problem solver for more than 23 years.

He believes in volunteering at BFA not because he has free time, but rather because he chooses to make the time to do so. Tom has chosen to use a picture of Lauren to represent their family.  

 

Congratulations, Tom! And, thank you again for all you do for our school.

PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION MEETING  

 

The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is meeting from 6:30 - 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 8, in the Sanders Science Lab. All parents welcome!

SPIRIT DAY

 

 DAYBREAK WITH DADS

 

BFA is honored to host students and their real-life superheros, their dads, tomorrow , Feb. 9. Join us from 7 - 8 a.m. in the BFA Lightning Gym for coffee, juice and doughnut holes. 

MIDDLE SCHOOL DANCE

 

The Middle School Dance will be held from 6:30-9 p.m. tomorrow, Feb. 9, at BFA. Tickets are $10 per student at the door if you have not already purchased tickets. 

SPRING BOOK FAIR

BFA's Spring Scholastic Book Fair will be held Monday, Feb. 12, through Thursday, Feb. 15, in conjunction with Parent Teacher conferences:

• Monday, Feb. 12, and Wednesday, Feb. 14:  8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• Tuesday, Feb. 13, and Thursday, Feb. 15:  8:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. (closed from 3- 4 p.m.)

PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES

 

We look forward to seeing you next week for parent teacher conferences. Students in grades K-4 should have received a Sign-up Genius from their teacher. Please arrive for your selected slot in a timely manner. 

 

The fifth grade teaching team will be in the Middle School Commons from 4:15 - 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 13, and Thursday, Feb. 15, for drop-in conferences. They will break from 5:30 - 6 p.m. for dinner.

 

Sixth grade parents may have received an invitation to meet with the team; but if you did not receive an invitation and want to meet with a sixth grade teacher, please email them to set something up. Sixth grade teachers will be meeting with invited parents on Tuesday and Thursday from 4:15 - 8 p.m. with a break from 5:45 - 6:15 p.m. for dinner.

 

Seventh grade parents may have received an invitation to meet with teachers on Tuesday, Feb. 13. If you did not receive an invitation, you are welcome to drop in and meet with the seventh grade teaching team from 4:15 - 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 15 (they will break from 5:15 - 5:45 p.m. for dinner), in the Thunder Gym. Please keep in mind that Mrs. Gibson sent out a separate sign-up, as she will not be available that evening. If you are attending either night of conferences, please make sure you bring the completed conference form emailed out last week from Ms. Poleschook.

 

Eighth grade teachers will be available for conferences from 4:15 to 8 p.m. in the Thunder Gym, with a dinner break from 5:30 - 6 p.m. Please note, Mrs. Pierce, (L/A substitute) will be leaving on Thursday evening around 6 p.m., so if you need to conference with her, please make sure to come on Tuesday evening or prior to 6 p.m. on Thursday. 

BOX TOPS

 

Send in your Valentines AND your Box Tops on Wednesday, Feb. 14. Be sure to clip your Box Tops and send them in a baggie marked with the teacher's name.

VALENTINE'S DAY PARTIES

 

Wednesday, Feb. 14, students will be celebrating Valentine's Day. Look for more information from your student's teacher.

DRESS OF CHOICE

 

Students can wear Dress of Choice on  Thursday, Feb. 15, if they have not had two uniform violations since the last Dress of Choice Day. 

JUMP ROPE FOR HEART 

Bring in your donations and let's help kids like  Sam Leclaire (pictured here), a  BFA first grader who was born with a 'special heart,'  by raising money for the American Heart Association . 

Parents are welcome. And, we still need volunteers at the J ump Rope for Heart events on Feb. 15 and 20. 

FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING  

 

The Finance Committee is meeting from 5 - 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 15, in the Dana Library. 

NO SCHOOL

 

There is no school on Friday, Feb. 16, and Monday, Feb. 19, to celebrate Presidents' Day.