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| Vol. 7, Iss. 10 |
March 9, 2017
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Dear Parents:
Your Ben Franklin Academy Board of Directors (Board) works hard on behalf of students and parents to promote the vision and mission of the school. The Board plays an integral role at our school--setting policies, providing financial oversight, and determining our long-term strategic direction.
Our Board is comprised of seven individuals, and their terms are staggered to ensure continuity. Each year, open seats are filled by election or appointment. This year, there are two current Board members who are unable to run again due to the Board's term limit policy, so we have three open seats. O
ur community will elect two directors and the BFA Board will appoint one director. Each seat is for a 3-year term.
Since the Board plays such a critical role within the school, all parents are encouraged to participate in the process. The nomination period for this year's Board election ended in February, and the candidates will participate in a Board Candidate Question and Answer Session/Candidate Forum from 5 - 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 14, in the BFA Library. Please come to the forum and hear from your Board candidates!
Voting by the Parent Voting Group for the two open elected seats will take place electronically from Monday, April 3, through Friday, April 7. Each family can vote for one candidate for each elected seat. The results of the election and the Board's appointment will be announced on Tuesday, April 11, at the regularly scheduled Board meeting.
I look forward to seeing you next Tuesday at the candidate forum!
Sincerely,
Bob Barber
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BFA MOMS - SPEND THE MORNING WITH YOUR STUDENT TOMORROW
BFA's Community Events Committee (CEC) is honored to host students and their moms from
7 - 8 a.m. tomorrow, March 10, in the BFA Gym. There will be coffee, juice, sweet treats and some gluten free items available. Classes will begin at the usual time, so Moms are welcome to stay with their student until 8:10 a.m. or, beginning at 7:45 a.m., all students can go directly to their classroom.
BFA Dads - WE STILL NEED HELP! Please consider volunteering for this fun event! The CEC is looking for five dads from 6 - 7:30 p.m. tonight, March 9 to help set-up. On the morning of the event, the CEC will need a greeter, a photographer and five gentlemen to serve food and pour drinks. These dads should arrive at school at 6:45 a.m. and plan to stay until 8 a.m. They will also need five helpers to clean up from 8 - 9 a.m.
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DON'T MISS ENCORE PERFORMANCE OF
ALADDIN, JR. BY BFA STAFF
All are welcome to attend the staff rendition of Aladdin, Jr. at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 10, at BFA. There will be singing, dancing and (possibly) some tomfoolery, as BFA staff take on the roles of Princess Jasmine, Aladdin, Jafar and the Genie.
When the street urchin, Aladdin (AKA Mr. Emmons), vies for the attention of the beautiful Princess Kinsella, he uses a Totally Stolked genie's magic power to help him achieve his dreams.
After the gene, an enchanting magic carpet, and a mysterious baby help Aladdin escape from the Cave of Wonders--he heads North and gets entangled in a Webb of trouble. Thank goodness Sultan Barber is there to help save the day! Johnson, Ward, Bauer, Golden and more are here in Disney's Aladdin Jr., a musical adventure filled with magic, mayhem and the power of love.
It is going to be an entertaining evening, so please make plans to come! Tickets are $5 per person at the door, and proceeds benefit the Disneyland Choir trip.
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'A NIGHT IN PARIS' WAS A NIGHT TO REMEMBER!
Thank you to all of the volunteers who helped plan, decorate, bake, and run the event. The Father/Daughter Dance is a favorite tradition of BFA dads and girls, and everyone enjoyed being whisked away to Paris for an evening of dinner, dancing, painting, a runway show, and more. Special thanks to PTO Father/Daughter Committee Managers Sarah McMullen and Julie Prutsman, and PTO Social Coordinator Brooke Svanda. All our volunteers did an AMAZING job making this a successful event.
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BATTLE OF THE BOOKS FINALS TONIGHT
Both Battle of the Books teams participated in the semi-finals on Tuesday, challenging Cougar Run to make the finals.
The third/fourth grade team did a fantastic job battling and lost the battle by one question that Cougar Run was able to steal. The final score was 45 to 53. Congratulations to them on a fabulous season! They ended up placing second in their division.
The fifth/sixth grade team also did a great job battling against Cougar Run. Although they were very nervous until the second battle began, they quickly rose to the challenge and prevailed with a 56-40 win. The fifth/sixth grade team moves on to the finals at 6 p.m. TONIGHT at
James H. LaRue Library in Highlands Ranch
(9292 S. Ridgeline Blvd.). All are welcome to attend--the team would appreciate your support!
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TEACHER AND STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK BEGINS MONDAY, MARCH 13
Teacher and staff appreciation week is next week, March 13-17. In case you haven't already heard, this year's schoolwide theme is "You're the Star!" Let's take some time to spoil all the teachers and staff and say thank you for everything they do for our kids every day. Click
here for the flyer outlining proposed activities for the week. We hope you will participate in whatever way works for your family. Thank you in advance!
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DESTINATION IMAGINATION REGIONAL COMPETITION
Six BFA elementary and middle school Destination
ImagiNation (DI) teams are competing at the South Metro tournament Saturday, March 11, at Chaparral High School (located at
15655 Brookstone Drive, Parker, 80134
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Our teams will be showing off their problem solving skills in the following categories:
Technology: Show and Tech
8:40 a.m. - Kitty Litter
Scientific: Top Secret
8 a.m. - Fat Hippos with a side of Salted Carmel
11:54 a.m. - BFA Believers
2:50 p.m. - Super Snackers
Fine Arts: Vanished
8:40 a.m. - Colorful Monkeys Go Bananas with Awesome New Tigers
10:20 a.m. - Pink Fluffy Unicorns Dancing on Rainbows
The teams would enjoy your support, and everyone is welcome! The entire tournament schedule is available by clicking here.
Thank you to the parent manager volunteers and team members for your time and dedication to this year's participation in DI. The students have put in countless hours to devising creative solutions for the specific challenges, and the team managers helped guide them along the way. The teams are as follows:
BFA Believers:
Evan McDermott, Mina Poleschook, Tyler Sunahara, Siva Sundaresh, Anson Washeck and Brynna West Team Managers: Amy Sunahara and Missy Washeck
Colorful Monkeys Go Bananas with Awesome New Tigers:
Bryn McDermott, Caleb Olson, Natalia Poleschook, Téa Sunahara, Aubrie Titus and Makenna Washeck Team Managers: Genevive Gibson and James McDermott
The Fat Hippos with a Side of Salted Caramel:
Lane Taylor, Ashlyn Hayden, Cassidy Curtis, Elise Foss and Kaleb Weaver Team Manager: Sara Robertson and Michelle Hayden
Kitty Litter:
Tristan Bettis, Anthony Ligrani, Rohan Mansingh, and Matthew Thiessen
Team Manager:
Sarah Bettis
Pink Fluffy Unicorns Dancing on Rainbows:
Madeline Blum, Zaiah Olson, Zachary Ligrani, Jacob Farmer, Liliana Molieri, Kaia Watson
and Nate Watson Team Manager: Jodi Watson
Super Snackers:
Sophia Bettis, Kaitlyn Blum, Mary Kodenkandath, Sahithi Mathukumilli, Sreehitha Sajja and Emma Thiessen Team Manager: Sarah Bettis
Good luck to all of BFA's DI teams!
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THANK YOU
AMBER SIMONIS AND COLDWELL BANKER!
The PTO would like to thank one of our 2016-17 Silver Sponsors, Amber Simonis with Coldwell Banker. Your support year-after-year allows us to do so much more for the kids!
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ATTEND THE PROCUREMENT TEAM MEETING FOR 2017 BENEFIT BASH NEXT WEEK
The 2017 Benefit Bash procurement team will hold its first meeting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 15, in the back room of Lansdowne Arms (9352 Dorchester St.). The procurement team is essential to a successful auction and there are various roles available, including emailing and sending letters to businesses. Everyone will be able to share ideas and discuss what has worked in past years. Please join us!
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PIRATE AND PRINCESS COSTUME PIZZA NIGHT
Save the date for Pirates and Princesses Costume Pizza Night from 6:30 - 9 p.m. on Friday, April 7, at BFA! This exciting event is for BFA students in preschool through fifth grade, and tickets are only $10. Each little pirate or princess will receive one piece of pizza and one drink. Extra slices of pizza and concessions will be available for a minimal cost. Costumes are optional so kiddos are welcome to wear their favorite pirate or princess costume, or they can choose to come in their jammies. Sign up for this FUN event today! All proceeds of this event benefit the middle school Disneyland Choir trip. Click here for more information.
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MOST BOX TOPS COLLECTED WILL EARN PRIZE
Thanks to all the BFA parents who clip, bag and bundle Box Tops for the school. Every clipped Box Top is worth 10 cents for the school, and it adds up quickly. To date, we have received $1,910.50 in Box Top proceeds. We will receive one more check, so let's make it a good one!
In May, the elementary and middle school class with the most Box Tops submitted for the year will earn a pizza or ice cream party. The winning class will be allowed to choose their prize.
Not sure where to find them or which products participate? Click here to find out what products participate.
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PANDA EXPRESS SPIRIT NIGHT - MARCH 15
BFA's next Spirit Night is from 4 - 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 15, at the Village Center Panda Express (9563 S University). When ordering online, use code 227171 at checkout to ensure your purchase supports BFA. Proceeds go to all students.
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CHECK THE LOST AND FOUND TODAY!
It is time for your students to collect their items from the Lost and Found! Any unclaimed items that do not have a name on the tag will be donated during Spring Break.
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GIRLS SOCCER MEETING - MARCH 16
The girls soccer team (players only) is meeting at 7:45 a.m. on March 16, in Mr. Fourman's room (Room 268).
Please bring your paperwork.
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ALL BFA MOMS WELCOME TO ENJOY A NIGHT OUT
Your BFA PTO will be hosting a Mom's Night Out for
ALL BFA MOMS from
5:30 - 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 30. Join us at Hacienda Colorado (5066 S Wadsworth Blvd.) for a wonderful night of tacos, socializing, and FUN! This event is for all BFA Moms--if you are new to BFA or have not attended a Mom's Night Out in the past, we encourage you to come as this a great way to meet other BFA parents. Please
RSVP
so we know how many are coming.
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JOIN BEN'S BRIGADE FOR THEIR UPCOMING EVENTS
On Wednesday, March 29, Ben's Brigade will hold a meeting and Dad's Night Out at Bowlero Lone Tree (9255 Kimmer Dr.). Details coming soon.
Ben's Brigade will hold its First Annual Park/Picnic Outing at Redstone Park (3280 Redstone Park Cir, Littleton) on Saturday, April 23, for BFA dads and their kids. Save the date!
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PARENTS NIGHT OUT - MARCH 31
Mark your calendars for the next
Parent's Night Out childcare on Friday, March 31, to benefit the eighth graders going to Washington, D.C. Let your children wear pajamas and bring a pillow, blanket or stuffed animal. Students can watch Disney's 'Moana,' we will provide popcorn and water, and there will be stations set up to entertain kiddos with coloring, drawing and games. Concessions will be available for purchase upon drop-off. We will offer Sour Patch Kids, mini M&Ms, and granola bars for $1 each, cash or check.
NEW FOR THIS PNO:
Childcare will run from 6 - 9 p.m. (30 extra minutes!) and is just $5 per child. Volunteers will watch your child(ren) while you grab a bite to eat or do some shopping. We can only accept BFA students (including preschool students).
We must sign up at least 40 children by
Thursday, March 23, to host the event.
Sign up early to help ensure the event is not cancelled. Please sign up each child individually, and please be sure to feed your child(ren) dinner before they come.
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GET YOUR DCSD DISCOUNTED TICKETS
DCSD Appreciation Day with the Colorado Rockies
(vs. LA Dodgers) -
OPENING WEEKEND!!
Sunday, April 9, at 1:10 p.m.
Coors Field
2001 Blake St, Denver, CO 80205
$16 upper level, $24 lower level
Denver Center for the Performing Arts
April 21 - May 7
1101 13th St, Denver, CO 80204
$35 tickets (Promo code DCSD)
Limited tickets available!
Community Night with the Colorado Mammoth (vs. Saskatchewan Rush)
Friday, April 28, at 7:30 p.m.
Pepsi Center
1000 Chopper Cir, Denver, CO 80204
$15 Upper Level and $23 Lower Level
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BE A HERO FOR THE DAY--BUY A BIRTHDAY BAG
Celebrating birthdays at BFA is fun! For
$10, your child will receive the following:
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A bag full of goodies, such as erasers, pencils, bouncy balls, etc. (no food or candy will be in the bags) delivered to their classroom by eighth graders
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A personalized note from you (if requested)
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Eighth graders singing happy birthday to your child in his/her classroom while delivering the bag
Did your student already celebrate his/her birthday? Is his/her birthday in the summer? We also will deliver "unbirthday bags" for students who have already celebrated their birthday or "half-birthday bags" for summer birthdays.
Thank you for supporting the eighth graders' trip to Washington, D.C.!
To order your birthday bags, click here. If you have any questions, please email Mrs. Simpson.
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VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) highlights one (or more) volunteer(s) 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 to park in one of our reserved parking spaces.
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For March, the PTO has chosen Dylan Gregory. Dylan helped create the sets for BFA's recent production of
Aladdin, Jr.
Dylan is a Songwriter and Music Producer living in Highlands Ranch. He is also a member of the Arts Committee and father to a wonderful little boy named Morgan, who is now in third grade and in his second year at BFA.
Dylan has been married for many years to his beautiful and amazing wife Jen, who is a Global Employer Services Practice Leader at Deloitte. Dylan and Jen love living in Denver!
When asked why they chose BFA, Dylan said,
"Our son has been going to exclusive private schools since he was two, so it is very important to both my wife and I that he attends a school that recognizes his gifts and ensures that he receives the best education possible. We feel that Ben Franklin Academy provides this opportunity for our son, and the fact that he loves going here is just icing on the cake!
"The one thing we felt that was missing from BFA's curriculum, in the beginning, was a stronger focus on the arts... but now, with the addition of an amazing new stage and arts facility, we are certain we made the right choice.
"My family and I look forward to seeing Morgan learn and grow with BFA, and feel secure in the knowledge that he has a bright future ahead of him. A future, thanks in part, to the wonderful teachers and staff at BFA. Thanks! You are all truly amazing!"
Thank you, Dylan, for all you do for BFA!
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SPIRIT WEAR DAY
Friday, March 10, is Spirit Wear Day. Students can wear their spirit day T-shirt, a field day T-shirt from a previous year or their Apex Fun Run T-shirt.
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MORNING WITH MOMS
BFA's Community Events Committee (CEC) will host students and their moms from 7 - 8 a.m. on Friday, March 10, in the BFA Gym. There will be coffee, juice, sweet treats and some gluten free items available.
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ALADDIN JR.
All are welcome to attend the staff rendition of Aladdin, Jr. at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 10, at BFA.
Tickets are $5 per person at the door, and proceeds benefit the Disneyland Choir trip.
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DESTINATION IMAGINATION
Six BFA elementary and middle school Destination ImagiNation (DI) teams are competing at the South Metro tournament Saturday, March 11, at Chaparral High School (located at 15655 Brookstone Drive, Parker, 80134).
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TEACHER AND STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK BEGINS
Teacher and staff appreciation week is, March 13-17, this year's schoolwide theme is, "You're the Star!"
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FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING
The Finance Committee is meeting on Monday, March 13, in the BFA Library
. All are welcome to attend.
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BFA BOARD QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION/CANDIDATE FORUM
All BFA families are encouraged to attend the Board Candidate Question and Answer Session/Candidate Forum from 5 - 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 14, in the BFA Library. Please take this opportunity to hear from the candidates running for our open Board positions.
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BFA BOARD MEETING
All are welcome to attend the BFA Board meeting beginning at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 14, in the BFA Library.
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BOX TOPS
Please clip and bag your Box Tops and send them into school on Wednesday, March 15.
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PANDA EXPRESS SPIRIT NIGHT
BFA's next Spirit Night is from 4 - 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 15, at the Village Center Panda Express (9563 S University).
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ART COMMITTEE MEETING
Join the Art Committee at their meeting from 5 - 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 15, in the BFA Art Room.
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GIRLS SOCCER MEETING
Students signed up for girls soccer have a meeting at 7:45 a.m. on Thursday, March 16, in Room 268.
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SAC COMMITTEE MEETING
Join the School Accountability Committee (SAC) at their meeting from 4:10 - 5:10 p.m. on Thursday, March 16, in the BFA Conference Room.
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DRESS OF CHOICE DAY
Friday, March 17, is Dress of Choice Day for students who have not received two uniform violations since the last regular Dress of Choice Day.
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SPRING BREAK
Students are off school for Spring Break from Monday, March 20, through Friday, March 24.
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Ben Franklin Academy
2270 Plaza Drive
Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 |
Fax: (303) 974-1738
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Our mission is to create young adults with character like America's founding Renaissance man, Benjamin Franklin: well-read, scientifically curious, and civically engaged.
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Our students will excel academically through a challenging, sequenced curriculum that emphasizes math, science, and literacy. We will be a data driven institution, focusing on individual students. Our students, teachers, parents, staff, and leaders will be held accountable for the success of our school. Finally, we recognize that an education is incomplete without fostering the arts, sports, nature, and character.
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Temperance, Silence, Order, Resolution, Frugality, Industry, Sincerity, Justice, Moderation, Cleanliness, Tranquility, Purity and Humility.
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