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| Vol. 7, Iss. 16 |
April 27, 2017
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BFA DI TEAM QUALIFIES FOR GLOBAL FINALS
Congratulations to ALL BFA Destination Imagination (DI) teams! We are proud of all your efforts and accomplishments at last week's state competition.
The BFA Believers team placed second in the Top Secret challenge and earned a spot at the Global competition.
For the second year in a row, BFA will be represented at the DI Global Finals in Knoxville, Tenn., in May. More than 8,000 participants from 15 different countries will compete at DI Global Finals.
In addition, the Kitty Litter team from BFA received the Renaissance Award for their functioning kitchen, and placed sixth in the Show and Tech challenge. The Renaissance Award is given for outstanding design, engineering, execution and performance.
Kudos to the teams who competed at the state competition:
- BFA Believers: Evan McDermott, Mina Poleschook, Tyler Sunahara, Siva Sundaresh, Anson Washeck and Brynna West; Team Managers: Amy Sunahara and Missy Washeck
- Kitty Litter: Tristan Bettis, Anthony Ligrani, Rosan Mansingh and Matthew Thiessen; Team Manager: Sarah Bettis
T
hank you to the parents and volunteers who have supported our students on this fun journey.
GLOBAL FINALS-BOUND DI TEAM NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT
B
eing selected to participate in DI Global Finals is an honor and reflects positively on our school and the BFA community that supports them. BFA has approved additional (FUN!) fundraisers over the next few weeks to help support the students attending the competition:
Ben Franklin Bolting Fundraiser: Sunday, April 30, through Friday, May 19
- Bolting into a lawn near you! This is the DI take on the traditional Flocking Flamingo Fundraiser. For a suggested minimum tax-deductible donation of $25 to the BFA PTO, you can cover the lawn of your fellow BFA families with a dozen (12) Ben Franklin Lightning Bolts! The family "bolted" can choose to have the Bolts moved to another lawn for a tax-deductible donation of $25. You can do this by placing an order on the BFA Store. The Bolts will be removed the following evening regardless of giving a donation. A lawn full of Ben Franklin Lightning Bolts is a "gift" that won't be forgotten and one that will be the "talk" in the lunchroom and recess!
- The "bolting" begins THIS Sunday, April 30, and ends on Friday, May 19, but don't delay! If you are ready to get involved, head to the BFA Store today to be one of the first to "bolt" another family. You will need the address of the family you would like to "bolt." In addition, you can remain anonymous or let the family know you "bolted" them! Helpful hint: Use the Directory On Tap app to look up an address to "bolt."
- Note: Bolting Bens can be delivered only to families currently attending BFA; they cannot be delivered to a public space, townhouse, condo or an apartment complex.
EXTRA Dress of Choice Day and Frozen Treat Sale: Friday, May 12, Sale at Second Recess
- All students (with the exception of those going on field trips) can participate in an EXTRA Dress of Choice Day on Friday, May 12. To participate, send your child with $1 on May 12 (please have exact change!) to turn into his/her class/homeroom teacher, and s/he can join in the fun!
- In addition, DI team members and parents will be at school on Friday, May 12, selling frozen treats for $1 each during second recess to all grades (and during middle school recess). If your child would like to participate, please make sure they hold onto their Frozen Treat money until second recess for purchase. Single bills are greatly appreciated!
- Please note: Friday, May 12, is a previously scheduled Spirit Wear Day. If your child does not participate in the extra Dress of Choice fundraising effort, s/he is still welcome to wear a spirit wear T-shirt (includes former Field Day T-shirts) along with his/her uniform bottoms of choice. If your child chooses not to participate in the fundraising day or Spirit Day, s/he must be in full uniform.
Flapjack Fundraiser: Arrive anytime between 7:30-9:30 a.m., Saturday, May 13, Applebee's (8292 S. University Blvd., Centennial, 80122)
- Enjoy a short stack for a tall cause by joining BFA teachers Ms. Poleschook, Ms. Gibson and the BFA Believers' DI team as they greet and serve you a pancake breakfast at Applebee's (corner of County Line and University). Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased on the BFA Store or from team parents (Ms. Poleschook, Ms. Gibson, Amy Sunahara, Missy Washeck, Nandini Sundaresh, Anna West). The meal includes pancakes, eggs, sausage and a beverage (orange juice, milk or coffee). If you purchase a ticket on the BFA Store, your name will be listed at the door instead of receiving a ticket.
If you are interested in donating to DI directly to support the BFA team, you can make a donation to the BFA PTO. (Please put 'DI' in the memo section.) Any donation is greatly appreciated, as the cost of attending the competition is significant - nearly $10,000 per team. Additional information will be in Thursday folders. If you have questions, please contact Missy Washeck at (720) 935-5791 or via email
. Thank you for helping our DI Global Finals-bound team!
DI is a volunteer-led, educational non-profit organization that teaches 21st century skills and STEAM principles to kindergarten through university-level students through creative and collaborative problem solving challenges.
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A FEW DAYS LEFT TO MAKE BRAYDEN'S WISH COME TRUE!
A Message from BFA's Student Council...
This week, BFA is holding its very first Wish Week with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Wish Week is a series of events through the course of a week that raises money for a child facing a degenerating disease.
BFA is proud to announce that we will be sponsoring Brayden!
Brayden's wish is to be a cowboy. His favorite things include the color green, tomato basil soup and horses. If you have any questions, please
email
Caitlin Leonard, vice president of the Student Council, or
Bethany Vaught, representative at-large of Student Council, care of
Mrs. Denham.
The events are as follows:
Thursday, April 27, 4:15 - 6 p.m. - Volleyball Tournament
Boys and Girls teams will play; then the winner will play the staff. Tickets are $5; but watching the competition is priceless.
Dress as a cowboy or cowgirl to support Brayden's wish of becoming a cowboy, no charge.
Saturday, April 29, 9 a.m. - Noon -
Breakfast and Donate toward Rain Check for a Car Wash on Saturday, May 13
Unfortunately, due to weather, the car wash portion of Saturday, April 29, has been moved to May 13. But, on Saturday, we will still be selling bagels, coffee, and juice. (Cash only, please.) On Saturday, you can also buy your "Rain Check" for the car wash. And on Saturday, May 13, the day of the car wash, bring your rain check, put up your carpool tag, and park your car in the preschool lot.
Let's make Brayden's wish become reality!
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HELP MAKE MOMAPALOOZA A SUCCESS!
We need all the help we can get to make Momapalooza rock! There are still slots to be filled, so please take a look at the
sign up and see where you can lend a hand
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Remember - if you've met your volunteer requirement, you can take your BFA family to PTO's Night at Pirates Cove on June 16, for FREE!
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MOMAPALOOZA IS THIS SATURDAY
Don't let the cold weather get you down! Remember to bring the boys to
Momapalooza from 5:30 - 8 p.m. this Saturday at BFA.
Moms
- feel free to
wear workout clothes or your favorite concert tee, as this fun-filled event includes an obstacle course, self-defense challenges and music. Dinner and dessert is included, and there are gluten free options available. The deadline to purchase tickets was Tuesday, and there are no tickets sold at the door. This is going to be amazing--we can't wait to see you there.
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BEN'S BRIGADE UPDATES AND MEETING NOTICE
The first annual Ben's Brigade picnic was a blast! BFA dads brought their kiddos to Redstone Park for lunch, and everyone had fun playing and socializing.
Ben's Brigade will hold its monthly meeting at 8:00 p.m. TONIGHT, April 27, in the dining area at Lansdowne Arms (9352 Dorchester St.). NOTE: The location has changed. You don't have to be an official member to attend--they would love to see you there!
Keep an eye out for a sign up for an "All Ben's Brigade Carpool." They will be sporting their new Ben's Brigade T-shirts.
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CHECK OUT STEM VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT UPCOMING MIXER
The STEM Committee is hosting a mixer and recruiting event, and you're invited!
When
: May 3, 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Where
: Living the Dream (LTD) Brewery, 12305 Dumont Way, Littleton, CO 80125
Who
: Existing STEM Committee members and anyone interested in joining as a member, or filling one of their five open leadership positions.
What
: They'll cover a brief agenda and spend the rest of the time chatting about what they do, and how you can participate.
Other notes:
- Open positions for next school year: Co-Chair, Vice Chair/Treasurer, STEAM Expo Co-Coordinator, Middle School & Elementary Science Fair Coordinators
- No need to RSVP - for questions, or if you can't make it but want to be involved, email STEM.
- LTD is family & dog friendly.
- Appetizers will be provided!
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It's that time again...BFA Boys Summer Basketball Clinic will be held from 9 a.m. until noon, July 24 through 28.
Coach Knudsen and Coach Macias will be hosting a 5-day boys basketball clinic for grades 5-8. They will be working on dribbling, passing, shooting, and ball handling. They will hold a scrimmage game the last day. The cost is $125 per player which includes a T-shirt and prizes throughout the week. Registration will be open next week.
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DISNEYLAND CHOIR PERFORMANCE
Congratulations to the Disney Choir who performed at Disney's California Adventure theme park and attended a Disney workshop last weekend. Approximately 40 middle school students have been taking the Disneyland Choir elective this year to prepare for these activities. The students did a fantastic job performing on the Disney stage! Check out these videos of the kids singing a
Disney medley and "
Better When I'm Dancin'" by
Meghan Trainor, recorded for "The Peanuts Movie."
The students also had a blast at the Disney workshop where they were instructed by a professional voice over artist. She explained various voice over techniques and helped the students understand how the character she is 'playing' impacts the tone she needs to use. The students learned a new three-part song during the workshop and some of the students recorded voice overs of their own.
All the kids had a fantastic time showing off the skills they've learned this year. And, as a bonus, they also spent time at the beach and enjoyed time at California Adventure, Disneyland, and Universal Studios Hollywood.
Special thanks to
Ms. Johnson,
Mrs. Simpson, the chaperones, as well as to all the parents, grandparents and family members who came to watch the show.
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Have your kids had a growth spurt, or are you ready to get new uniforms for next year? If so, mark your calendars for the upcoming
Used Uniform Sale from 9 - 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 13, in the Middle School Commons.
If you would like to sell your clothes, please be sure your items are tagged and brought to the school with the inventory form
no later than Friday, May 12. Please follow the
tagging instructions and complete the
inventory form. Please note that no clothes will be held after the sale. Any unsold items will need to be picked up after the sale. More information will come soon about pickup times and locations.
If you would like to shop the uniform sale, please note that at this time we only accept cash or check. We have uniforms in all sizes and genders, so be sure to check it out!
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VOLLEYBALL SUMMER CAMP FOR BFA ATHLETES
Mark your summer calendar! BFA will be hosting a week-long volleyball skills camp July 10-14 in the BFA Gym in preparation for the 2017 fall season. The morning session will be for incoming fifth through eighth grade beginner players, and the afternoon session will be for incoming sixth through eighth grade experienced players. There also will be evening individual skill clinics focusing on specific volleyball skills. If you would like to represent BFA on the volleyball court, you are strongly encouraged to attend.
Registration will be open soon. If you have any questions, please email coach Kristen Haufschild.
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VOTE TODAY - PTO ELECTIONS END SOON
Voting for 2017-18 Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) positions runs through this Sunday, April 30. Please be sure to
cast your vote.
Each family unit is permitted to cast one vote per position, and
election results will be announced in the BFA Principal Newsletter on Thursday, May 4.
The mission of the PTO is to seek resources to strengthen, enhance, and encourage the educational and social experience at Ben Franklin Academy. Each year, the parent community is asked to vote for open executive officer and committee chair positions.
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COME TO BFA'S SECOND ANNUAL ULTIMATE SPIRIT NIGHT
The
final Spirit Night of this school year will take place at Aspen Grove (7301 S Santa Fe Dr.) on Tuesday, May 9, with three participants for the perfect outing! Visit any or all of the participating locations to support BFA.
- Start at Tattered Cover Book Store with a scavenger hunt: participating all day
- Head to Rice Bistro & Sushi for dinner: 4 - 10 p.m.
- Finish with dessert at Cold Stone Creamery: 4 - 9 p.m.
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MIDDLE SCHOOL PARENTS - MARK YOUR CALENDAR AND TAKE ACTION NOW FOR FIELD DAY!
The middle school field day will be held on
Wednesday, May 24, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Redstone Park. The students will leave Ben Franklin around 8:30 a.m. and walk to the park with their advisory teacher; they will walk home after field day ends at 1 p.m.
We have partnered with TRAINOC again to help design the middle school events. They will have a 25-piece obstacle course and a 10-station field day game competition for 400 students. It is going to be an exciting day for our middle school kids,
so be sure to complete the necessary information via the Field Trip link, as well as sign up through TRAINOC. Additionally, please be sure to read the middle school newsletter for important reminders from Mr. Macias.
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GET YOUR SPIRIT WEAR TODAY
Be sure to
order your spirit wear soon! The BFA Online store will close to Spirit Wear orders on Monday, May 15; ordering will resume again in August.
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LET'S GET READY FOR "A NIGHT AT THE SPEAKEASY"
The 2017 Benefit Bash, "A Night at the Speakeasy," is BFA's major fundraiser for the 2017-18 school year. It will take place on
Nov. 11, 2017, with preparations happening now until event night. See the attached
flyer to find out how you can help.
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MAKE PLANS TO ATTEND THE MIDDLE SCHOOL SPANISH FESTIVAL
The middle school students at BFA are proud to present a festival of Spanish dances, songs and food beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 12, in the small gym. Friends and family are welcome to come see their favorite C and D middle school Spanish students will participate in the festival. Spanish students in 'C-day' begin their program at 6 p.m.; and students in 'D-day' begin at 6:45 p.m.
There will be amazing food for sale as well beginning at 5:30 p.m. We will have two vendors; one of the vendors, "
Tapas de Jerez," will sell food typical of Spain, and "
Maria Empanadas," who was featured on the Food Network, will offer food typical of Venezuela. Admission is free, so please plan to come and support our students as well as enjoy wonderful food and entertainment.
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PTO RECOGNIZES VOLUNTEERS
Since Volunteer Appreciation Week is in April, it's the perfect time to let you know that the PTO is rewarding families who have met their volunteer requirement with
FREE admission to BFA's Pirates Cove Night on Friday, June 16. You still have time to fulfill your 30-hour requirement (15 hours for single parent households). Click
here for a list of volunteer opportunities. As always, please continue to log your hours above your 30-hour minimum, as they help BFA earn grants to support the school.
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REGISTER FOR SUMMER CAMP TODAY
It is hard to believe, but it's
already time to start thinking about Summer Camp! 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 31 - Aug. 11; Closed July 3-7
Hours:
7 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Days: Monday through Friday
Summer Camp is open to any currently enrolled BFA student age 5-years-old and above. Your child must be five on or before May 31 to participate.
Program Costs
Registration: There is a $35/per child one-time registration fee. All registered campers will receive a camp T-shirt and daypack.
Daily Tuition: The cost of the camp is $35/day/child for non-field trip days and $50/day/child for field trip days.
Detailed daily activity schedules available below:
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GET YOUR DCSD DISCOUNTED TICKETS
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
Elitch Gardens Douglas County Community Days
Take advantage of Elitch Gardens discount tickets and pay only $27.99 per admission (ages 3 and under are free) from June 2 - 4. If you purchase tickets by May 31, you will receive a free return ticket to the park valid mid-August through mid-October. Please remember to use our school code (BFA) at checkout and $4 from each ticket purchased will be donated to our school. Go to the Elitch Gardens website for more details and to buy tickets.
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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, go to the BFA Store. If you have any questions, please email Mrs. Simpson.
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PTO ELECTIONS
PTO elections go through Sunday, April 30. Be sure to vote today!
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MAKE-A-WISH WEEK - PENNY WARS CONTINUE
Donate your change and bills for Make-A-Wish Week. Each teacher will have a jar in their classroom for your contributions. Pennies and bills count positively toward grade level totals, silver coins lower them (put your silver coins in another grade level's jars to lower their totals). The grade with the most change at the end of the week will get an ice cream or popsicle party after their field day.
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MAKE-A-WISH WEEK - VOLLEYBALL GAME
Join us for several exciting volleyball games beginning at 4:15 p.m. today, April 27, when the BFA Boys and Girls teams play; then the winner will play the staff. Tickets are $5.00; but watching the competition is priceless.
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BEN'S BRIGADE MEETING
Ben's Brigade will hold its monthly meeting at at 8 p.m. tonight, April 27, in the dining area at Lansdowne Arms (9352 Dorchester St.). NOTE: The location has changed.
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MAKE-A-WISH WEEK - DRESS LIKE A COWBOY OR COWGIRL
Dress as a cowboy or cowgirl on Friday, April 28, to support Brayden's wish of becoming a cowboy, no charge.
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BUY BREAKFAST AND DONATE TOWARD RAIN CHECK FOR A CAR WASH ON MAY 13
Unfortunately, due to weather, the car wash portion of Saturday, April 29, has been moved to May 13. But, on Saturday, Student Council will still be selling bagels, coffee, and juice. (Cash only, please.) On Saturday, you can also buy your "Rain Check" for the car wash. And on Saturday, May 13, the day of the car wash, bring in your rain check, put up your carpool tag, and park your car in the preschool lot.
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MOMAPALOOZA
Momapalooza will be held from 5:30 - 8 p.m. on Saturday, April 29, at BFA. You won't want to miss out on this exciting Mother Son event with dinner, dancing, obstacle course and more.
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EIGHTH GRADE DC TRIP
The Eighth Graders are leaving for their Eighth Grade trip to Washington, D.C. on Sunday, April 30.
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STARLAB
To celebrate Space Week, Mrs. Ward is bringing the Starlab portable Planetarium to our school! Students in grades K-5 will be able to sit inside the planetarium and see the night sky displayed.
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NATIONAL TEACHER APPRECIATION DAY
Tuesday, May 2, is National Teacher Appreciation Day. The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is planning to recognize staff on your behalf that morning, but parents are welcome to recognize teachers if they wish.
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CEC MEETING
Join the Community Events Committee (CEC) from 6 - 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 2, in the BFA Library for their monthly meeting.
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FORMAL UNIFORM DAY
The first Wednesday of every month is Formal Uniform Day. Students should wear their navy polo shirt and tan pants, shorts, skirt or a skort.
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STEM COMMITTEE MIXER
All are welcome to attend the STEM Committee Mixer and Recruiting Event from 5:30 - 7 p.m. at
Living the Dream (LTD) Brewery, (12305 Dumont Way, Littleton, CO 80125).
Existing STEM Committee members will be there to talk about STEM to anyone interested in joining as a member, or filling one of their five open leadership positions.
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BAND POTLUCK AND CONCERT
On Thursday, May 4, the Band will be having a potluck and concert beginning at 5:30 p.m.
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BEN'S BRIGADE SPRING WORK DAY
Ben's Brigade is having a Spring Work Day to get things done around the school. BFA Dads - mark your calendar and stay tuned for more details.
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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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