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| Vol. 7, Iss. 19 |
May 18, 2017
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Dear parents,
Writing my lead article for this week's newsletter is bittersweet for me as it will be one of my last ones as your principal. As you know, my tenure at BFA is coming to a close. I want to take this opportunity to let you know how much of an honor and privilege it has been being your principal. I have enjoyed every minute of it.
Leaving BFA was an extremely difficult decision, but I have chosen to make a change that will allow me to be closer to home and to have more time with my family. I have come to know so many of you throughout the past six years, and I am very excited and proud of the community we have at BFA.
Of course, the primary reason I love this job so much is because of the students we serve. Thank you for entrusting me with your children - it was something I never took lightly. I have treasured my time with them, and feel that, along with the staff and the board, we have created a culture where all kids are valued, nurtured and academically challenged.
I have worked with an amazing staff and board and I could not have accomplished what I did without them. I cannot thank them enough. We have always ensured that BFA's mission, vision and virtues were integrated into everything we did.
I am confident that the board will select a new principal who adheres to our mission and vision. BFA will always have a special place in my heart and I look forward to watching as BFA continues to thrive.
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IMPORTANT LIBRARY UPDATES
Library Books
There are still more than 150 library books outstanding. Please help your child find their missing books and turn them in immediately!
Book Fair
School is almost over--so that means it is time to stock up on books for summer reading at the By One, Get One Book Fair sale! Join us at BFA'S Scholastic Book Fair May 22-26 and keep your kids reading all summer. All books, posters and miscellaneous items will be buy one, get one free. We need your help to ensure the Book Fair is a success. Please sign up to help today!
The schedule for the book fair is as follows:
- 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.: Monday, May 22; Wednesday, May 24; and Friday, May 26
- 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.: Tuesday, May 23, and Thursday, May 25 (Please keep in mind the office is closed from 3 - 4 p.m.)
We look forward to seeing you there!
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USED UNIFORM SALE SATURDAY!
Find a bargain at the Used Uniform Sale from 9 - 11 a.m. this Saturday, May 20, 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 TOMORROW, May 19. 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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BFA COMMUNITY: THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING DI
It has been said before, but
the BFA community rocks! The Global Finals-bound Destination Imagination (DI) team would like to sincerely thank BFA and all of its families who supported the team by "BOLTING" one another, participating in last Friday's Dress of Choice Day/Frozen Treat Sale and for attending the Applebee's Flapjack Fundraiser. Although the numbers are not yet official,
your generosity helped the DI team raise nearly $3,500 in three weeks to help defray the costs of traveling to and competing at Global Finals at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. The BFA Believers team is ready and looking forward to representing BFA, the South Metro region, Colorado
and
the United States next week at this international competition.
Good Luck BFA Believers!
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THANKS TO YOU, PTO PROVIDED
CONSIDERABLE SUPPORT AGAIN THIS YEAR
Thanks to your generosity, the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is able to provide BFA with tools, materials, and financial support for important BFA programs each year, including Lexia, Accelerated Reader incentives, Directory on Tap, new software, student planners, teacher/staff/volunteer appreciation and community events--just to name a few. This school year, the PTO has also purchased:
- Bookshelves for the Library
- Literacy kits
- A pilot program for Discovery Education student science online tech book
- Camera kits used in middle school STEAM classes
- Costumes and sets for the Aladdin performance
- Chain replacements for playground swings
- Contribution toward the purchase of new artificial turf above Zone B
- Kore Wobble chairs for SPED classroom
- Makeover and microwaves for teacher/staff lounge
- IHT wrist heart rate monitors and software for PE
- Irons and ironing boards for the middle school Life Skills class
- Cool and Creative Chemistry Assemblies for grades 6-8
- Fees for HawkQuest to attend BFA's 2017 STEM Expo
- T-shirts for Ben's Brigade
- Scripts and licensing for 'Seaussical Jr. Musical' for 2018
- Rugs for BASE/Summer Camp room
- Mirror wall for music classroom
- More than 1000 Field Day T-shirts for all students and staff
- Field Day bounce houses and Kona Ice
Also, the PTO is actively working on approval for additional playground and STEAM enhancements.
Thank you for your unwavering support!
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Registration will be open this week for two summer STEM camps! The first session is for
rising third and fourth graders, and will be held from June 19-22. The second session is for
rising fifth and sixth graders, and will be held from June 26-29. Both sessions are from 9 -11:30 a.m. at BFA, and the cost is $150 per session. Students will work in teams to perform experiments, discover the principles behind the experiment, innovate a new design with their team, and perform the experiment again. The fun increases as the week goes on as teams compete against each other to earn points. The winning team at the end of the week will receive a mad scientist award. Topics include: Phony Physics, Playing with Your Food, Build your own Egg Pod, and Responding to Disaster.
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ATTENTION ALL VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS!
The summer volleyball camp is now open to BOYS!
All incoming 2017 fifth through eighth grade BOYS & GIRLS are welcome! Join us in the BFA Gym to learn and develop your skills on the court. There are two sessions to choose from for the week-long camp as well as optional evening clinics. Week-long camp registration is not required for evening clinic registration. Pick and choose as you like! Incoming fifth graders are required to participate in the morning session.
Please see the attached
flier for additional details.
Register today! If you have any questions, please
email Coach
Kristen Haufschild.
ATTENTION MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRL VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS
! If you are interested in trying out for the BFA team this fall, you are encouraged to attend the summer camp or skills clinics! Sharpen your skills and get to know Coach Haufschild who will be coaching our girls this fall season. Also, BFA's sixth grade science teacher Mr. Emmons has signed on to be the assistant coach! Email coach Kristen Haufschild with questions.
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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 - 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 is open now so sign up today!
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GET YOUR VOLUNTEER HOURS DONE THIS SUMMER (WITH KIDS IN TOW!)
The 2017 Benefit Bash, "A Night at the Speakeasy," is BFA's major fundraiser for the 2017-18 school year. Procurement for the event is ramping up NOW and we need YOUR HELP! There are all sorts of procurement roles available and many of the tasks can be accomplished during the summer.
The event will take place on Nov. 11, 2017, with preparations happening now until event night. See the attached
flier to find out how you can help.
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All incoming
BFA Kindergartners are invited to sign up for a summer program designed to introduce students to kindergarten literacy and math. This Kindie Boot Camp is designed to provide an opportunity for new kindies to become familiar with BFA and the kindergarten classroom. Campers will learn a new letter every day, make new friends, and work on crafts. There will be two boot camp sessions, and space is limited to 16 kids per session.
The first camp will be held June 5-16, and the second is June 19-30; both are from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., Monday through Friday, at BFA. The cost of the camp is $125 per session.
Sign up for one or both sessions today!
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HAVE YOU MET YOUR VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENT?
T
he 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); but, be sure to log your hours in Help Counter by Monday, June 5. 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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FIELD DAY REMINDERS
Fourth and fifth grades kicked off field day season at BFA earlier this week, but we have a few reminders for the rest of our students. If the weather does not permit outside activities on Friday, we'll set up field day inside for Kindergarten and first grade. Either way, it is going to be a fun day for our kiddos!
Please apply sunscreen before school, and be sure to send your student(s) in with a water bottle that can be taken outside. Field Day T-shirts should be worn with athletic shorts that meet the Dress of Choice day standards. You never know what the weather will bring, so be sure to send jackets/layer clothing appropriately. Please remember that volunteers and spectators should check in at the front office. The theme this year is Arcade Games Come to Life!
Field Day 2017-18:
May 19 - kindergarten and first grade
May 22 - second and third grade
May 24 - middle school (see below)
Middle School Field Day - Sign up TODAY!:
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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TONIGHT'S PTO MEETING CANCELLED
Tonight's PTO meeting has been cancelled due to weather.
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BOX TOPS HAVE BEEN COUNTED
The following classes won ice cream or pizza parties for bringing in the most box tops for the year:
Ms. Lindgren's class brought in 1,483 Box Tops!
Ms. Denham's class brought in 960 Box Tops!
Way to go! Each class will choose what kind of party they would like, and they will take place before the end of the year.
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Educational Outfitters (EO), BFA's uniform vendor, distributed a flier the first week of May with information about upcoming sales, prices and styles. Unfortunately, some of the style codes listed on the flier no longer apply, as the Board revised the uniform policy in February of this year. Educational Outfitters has been made aware of the corrections, but we want to be sure you have accurate information when you shop for school uniforms.
- Pants and shorts can be purchased in any style as long as they are navy or khaki.
- Skirts and skorts can be purchased in almost any style as long as they are navy, khaki or our school plaid (#36). There is an exception; the girls skirt cannot be purchased in style 134 or ALE702, as that is an entirely different fabric which impacts the color of the garment. As always, EO can help you identify any exceptions to our list of approved choices.
- Jumpers are for students in grades K-5, and can be purchased in any style as long as they are in our school plaid (#36).
When you are purchasing uniforms, please keep in mind that there will be a one school year phase-out of the blue and khaki jumper, the plaid belt, the oxford button down, and the quarter zip pullover. Those items will not be permissible under the Uniform Policy after the end of the 2017-18 school year.
For additional information about upcoming sales, EO's hours and location, please see this corrected flier.
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GET YOUR DCSD DISCOUNTED TICKETS
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.
Give it a TRI!
Come for a day of fun, food prizes and sports. This annual youth triathlon is for young athletes ages 5 to 14. All kids are welcome to participate - from kids who have never even heard of a triathlon to seasoned competitive triathletes. Get out and give it a TRI!
Get 'em while they last! Frozen: The Broadway-Bound Musical
There are a limited number of tickets to this musical coming in August to the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. You can choose between an evening performance on Thursday, Sept. 21 or a matinee on Saturday, Sept. 23. Please read this flier for more details. To reserve and purchase tickets, email Stacey Briggs right away.
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YEARBOOKS COMING TOMORROW
The 2016-17 "The Power of Yet" yearbooks will be delivered tomorrow, May 19. Please
email any questions to
Katie Devlin, PTO yearbook coordinator.
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IMPORTANT REMINDERS FOR NEXT SCHOOL YEAR
Below are a few important reminders and key dates as we approach the end of this school year and prepare for next year.
Please keep your carpool tags, as we will use them again next year. During registration, bring your tags with you for the new 2017-18 validation sticker.
The current uniform policy can always be found on our website under the 'Parents' tab. The last significant uniform policy changes were made this past February, and include a one school year phase-out of the blue and khaki jumper, the plaid belt, the oxford button down, and the quarter zip pullover. Those items will not be permissible under the Uniform Policy after the end of the 2017-18 school year.
Keep in mind that Educational Outfitters, our uniform vendor, is having a 20 percent off sale May 15 - 31, a 15 percent off sale June 1 - 15, and a 10 percent off sale June 16 - July 15. The used uniform sale is from 9 - 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 20, in the Middle School Commons.
Beginning June 7, the front office will only be open Wednesdays from 9 a.m. until noon, except the week of July 3.
Registration for 2017-18 School Year
On July 21, you'll receive a link for Express Check-In, which is the first step in the Registration Process. To complete Express Check-In, you must have an active Parent Portal and be able to access it. If you have forgotten your username or password, please click on this
Frequently Asked Questions link. If you still have issues,
email our registrar.
Please note: Families new to Douglas County School District (DCSD), will need to set up their parent portal according to the instructions sent by DCSD on July 1.
Express Check-In will open on Friday, July 21, 2017. To avoid delays in your student's registration, you must complete Express Check-In and pay your student fees by Tuesday, Aug. 8.
The second step in the registration process takes place Wednesday, Aug. 9 - Friday, Aug 11. Parents should plan on coming to BFA to complete the registration process on their assigned date (see below). It is important to complete all necessary paperwork from Express Check-In and bring it, along with your carpool tag, to registration. Keep in mind, student photos will be taken during registration, so students should wear a uniform shirt to registration. Photos for volunteer badges will also be taken during this time. Registration dates are as follows:
Wednesday, Aug. 9
Families with last name beginning A-L
Registration hours: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (with lunch break from noon until 1 p.m.)
Thursday, Aug. 10
Families with last name beginning M-Z
Registration hours: 11:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. (with lunch break from 2 - 3 p.m.)
Friday, Aug. 11
New BFA Families ONLY
Registration hours: 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Teacher Assignments
Parents will be notified of their student's homeroom teacher via email by mid-July.
Middle School Electives
The complete Middle School Elective catalogue and instructions on how to make elective choices will be sent to Middle School parents on July 15. Class schedules can be accessed through Infinite Campus in early August.
Other Important Dates
Please mark these dates in your calendar:
Monday, Aug. 14 -
Teacher Meet and Greets - Additional information about teacher meet and greets will be sent out by your student's teacher later this summer.
Wednesday, Aug. 16 -
First day of school!
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FIFTH GRADERS NEED UPDATED IMMUNIZATIONS FOR NEXT SCHOOL YEAR
According to state law, students entering sixth grade next school year must have received the Tdap vaccination to protect against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis.
Students entering sixth grade, and students new to BFA for grades 6-8 must show proof of immunization. Records can be dropped off in the school health office,
emailed to the health office, or faxed to 303-974-1738. For more information, please see this
flier.
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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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SCHOOL ACCOUNTABILITY COMMITTEE MEETING
There is a School Accountability Committee (SAC) meeting from 4:10 - 5:10 p.m. on Thursday, May 18, in the BFA Conference Room.
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KINDERGARTEN AND FIRST GRADE FIELD DAY
Field Day for kindergarten and first grade will be held from 8:30 - 11:45 a.m. on Friday, May 19, at BFA. All parents and volunteers must sign in at the front office.
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USED UNIFORM SALE
Mark your calendars for the upcoming
Used Uniform Sale from 9 - 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 20, in the Middle School Commons.
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SECOND AND THIRD GRADE FIELD DAY
Field Day for second and third grade will be held from
8:30 a.m. until noon on Monday, May 22, at BFA.
All parents and volunteers must sign in at the front office.
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BOOK FAIR BEGINS!
Join us at
BFA'S Scholastic Book Fair May 22-26 and keep your kids reading all summer. All books, posters and miscellaneous items will be buy one, get one free.
The schedule for the book fair is as follows:
- 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.: Monday, May 22; Wednesday, May 24; and Friday, May 26
- 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.: Tuesday, May 23, and Thursday, May 25 (Please keep in mind the office is closed from 3 - 4 p.m.)
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MIDDLE SCHOOL 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.
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KINDERGARTEN PERFORMANCES
Half-day kindergartners will perform from 10 - 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 24, in the large gym; full day kindergartners will perform from 2 - 2:30 p.m.
on Wednesday, May 24, in the large gym.
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EIGHTH GRADE GRADUATION
Our BFA eighth graders will graduate at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 25, at BFA.
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LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!
Friday, May 26, is the last day of school. We hope you all enjoy your summer break and we wish our graduating eighth graders the best in high school!
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DRESS OF CHOICE
The last dress of choice day of the school year is Friday, May 26. Students can wear dress of choice if they have not had two uniform violations since the last dress of choice day.
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LAST DAY FOR BOX TOPS
Friday, May 26, is the last day to turn in Box Tops for this school year.
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BOOK FAIR ENDS!
This is the last day to pick up summer reading materials at buy one, get one prices! The Book Fair will run from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. today.
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CLASS PARTIES
End of year celebrations will be held Friday, May 26. Your teacher or room parent will send out details about your student's class party. The Middle School class party will be held from 1 - 3 p.m. in the Middle School Commons.
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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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