 |
| Vol. 7, Iss. 18 |
May 11, 2017
|
|
Below are a few important reminders and key dates as we approach the end of this school year and prepare for next year.
Carpool
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.
Uniforms
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.
Summer Office Hours
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!
|
CARPOOL REMINDERS - BACK TO BASICS
Following is a message from Burgandy Hodge, at-large director, BFA Board of Directors...
This is the time of the year when our Colorado weather can be unpredictable. As we have seen this week--if there is going to be a weather-related delay it tends to happen right in the middle of afternoon carpool. Please know that our staff and volunteers are working diligently to ensure that each student is dismissed as quickly and safely as possible.
We all play a crucial role in ensuring that our carpool process runs smoothly. Regardless if it's a sunny day or a stormy one, please cooperate with the staff and volunteers that are doing everything in their power to keep our students safe. Remember a few carpool basics:
- To keep carpool moving, please be on site by 3:45 p.m. to pick up your student(s).
-
'All call' will begin by 4 p.m. Please note, if it is a light carpool day, all call may start earlier.
-
Students not picked up at all call, will be sent to the BASE after school program and you will be charged accordingly. If your student is sent to BASE, you will need to park and come into the building to check them out.
-
If your student is in an after school activity such as sports, a club or choir, please be on site to pick them up by the time the activity is scheduled to end. Otherwise he/she will be sent to BASE and you will be charged accordingly.
-
Parents are asked NOT to use electronic devices of any kind while in carpool line.
-
Watch your speed whenever you are on BFA grounds.
-
Respect your fellow drivers.
Thank you for your continued support of BFA. Let's finish the year out strong!
|
|
|
|
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.
|
ALL WELCOME TO ATTEND FREE SPANISH FESTIVAL TOMORROW
The middle school students at BFA are proud to present a festival of Spanish dances, songs and food beginning at 6 p.m. tomorrow, 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.
|
MAKE-A-WISH CAR WASH THIS WEEKEND!
A message from BFA's Student Council...
We sincerely appreciate your generosity to Make-A-Wish for Brayden! He is scheduled to enjoy time at a dude ranch in June. Brayden will do some horseback riding and learn the 'ways of the cowboy' during his stay. We can't wait to tell you all about it this summer. However, before he leaves, we have one additional fundraiser to ensure his trip is AMAZING!
Please support the car wash from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. this Saturday, May 13, at BFA. The suggested donation is $5 to $10. Lets finish strong for Brayden!
|
SUPPORT DI TOMORROW AND SATURDAY
Remember to bring your George Washingtons (single $1 bills) tomorrow! The EXTRA Dress of Choice Day and Frozen Treat Sale is TOMORROW, Friday, May 12, to help support the Destination Imagination (DI) Global Finals-bound team!
- EXTRA Dress of Choice Day: All students (with the exception of those going on field trips) can participate. To do so, send your child with $1 on Friday, May 12 (please have exact change) to turn into his/her class/homeroom teacher, and s/he can join in the fun! (Please see Mrs. Simpson's note in her newsletter as to how seventh graders can participate.)
- Frozen Treat Sale: 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 s/he holds onto his/her Frozen Treat money until second recess for purchase. Single bills are greatly appreciated!
- Please note: 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 and Fun Run shirts) along with his/her uniform bottoms of choice. If your child chooses not to participate in the Extra Dress of Choice Day or Spirit Day, s/he must be in full uniform.
Got a soccer game or other sports activity on Saturday morning? Thinking about taking Mom out for breakfast a day early? Want to receive a chance to win a FREE "Bolting" of your choice? Then, come fuel up/reenergize at Applebee's and help the
BFA Believers get to DI Global Finals at the same time! You can assist them by purchasing tickets and attending Saturday's Flapjack Fundraiser at Applebee's:
- Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day - especially for BFA's DI team! Enjoy a short stack for a tall cause and have ***BFA teachers*** Ms. Poleschook and Ms. Gibson, as well as the BFA Believers' DI team and parents, greet and serve you a pancake breakfast at Applebee's (corner of County Line and University).
- Arrive anytime between 7:30-9:30 a.m., Saturday, May 13, at Applebee's (8292 S. University Blvd., Centennial, 80122)
- Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased on the
. PLUS, any tickets purchased BEFORE 11:59 p.m., TONIGHT, Thursday, May 11, will receive a chance to win a FREE BOLTING of your choice! We will notify the winning family on Friday morning.
- If you purchase a ticket on the
, you must do so by 11:59 p.m., TONIGHT, Thursday, May 11, and your name will be listed at the door. Get your tickets today! Tickets also will be available at the door on Saturday.
The Ben Franklin Bolting Fundraiser is still bringing the lightning and the thunder to BFA lawns all over place! Don't get left out in the cold (and rain) - yo
u can participate by "bolting" a fellow BFA family for a tax-deductible donation of $25 to the BFA PTO and cover the lawn of BFA families with a dozen (12) Ben Franklin Lightning Bolts!
- When you "bolt" another family, you contribute to BFA's Global Finals-bound DI team. Place an order on the BFA Store and enter the address of the family you want to bolt. When you enter the bolted family's address, you can choose to remain anonymous, or let 'em know who bolted them. All that's left for you to do is sit back and the DI team takes it from there. They head out and place the BFA "bolts" in the family's yard you paid for. You just have to wait for the family to find the bolts and share news of their 'bolting experience' with their BFA friends. Then, the family who is "bolted" can choose to have the "bolts" moved to another lawn for $25 by placing an order on the BFA Store. The "bolts" will be removed the following evening by the DI team regardless of giving a donation.
- Don't delay! There is only one week left of "bolting" - all orders must be in no later than noon, Thursday, May 18, to participate in the final day of "bolting" on Friday, May 19! 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.
If you are interested in donating to DI directly to support the BFA team, you can make a donation to the BFA PTO via the BFA Store in increments
of $50 or $100. (You're also welcome to write a check 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.
Information also will be in Thursday folders, but if you have questions, please contact Missy Washeck at (720) 935-5791
or via email.
DI is a volunteer-led creative problem solving program/competition that integrates STEAM principles and teaches 21st century skills.
Thank you for helping the BFA Believers get to Destination Imagination (DI) Global Finals!
|
USED UNIFORM SALE - MAY 20
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 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 Friday, 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!
|
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!
|
Attention incoming fifth through eighth grade girls! Registration is now open for the girls volleyball camp which will take place Monday through Friday, July 10 -14 in the BFA Gym.
Please see the attached flier for further description, times, and cost.
Register today! If you have any questions, please
email coach
Kristen Haufschild.
|
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!
|
The final PTO meeting of the school year is next Thursday, May 18, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. in the Sanders Science Lab. If you'd like to be more involved or just want to find out what the PTO is all about, please attend!
|
BOX TOP WINNERS ANNOUNCED NEXT WEEK
The final counts for the Box Tops winners will be announced Monday, May 15. Once we have determined the winning classrooms, we will allow the teachers to choose the day for the party. Thanks to all the families clipping and saving Box Tops for our school. You've made a difference!
Please remember to continue clipping and saving over the summer. We will collect first thing in the new school year.
|
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.
|
FIELD DAY SHIRTS ARE COMING!
Field day shirts have been ordered and will be delivered to your students by next Monday.
Below is a summary of upcoming field day dates and reminders for your reference. 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 18 - fourth and fifth grade
May 19 - kindergarten and first grade
May 22 - second and third grade
May 24 - middle school (see below)
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.
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.
|
IMPORTANT LIBRARY UPDATES
Library Books
All BFA library books are due by the
end of the day on Friday, May 12
. Any books checked out after this time will be assigned a fine. Please help your child remember to turn in all books before this day.
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.
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!
|
The 2016-17 "The Power of Yet" yearbooks will be delivered on Friday, May 19. Please
email any questions to
Katie Devlin, PTO yearbook coordinator.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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:
|
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.
|
|
BE A HERO FOR THE DAY--BUY A BIRTHDAY BAG
Celebrating birthdays at BFA is fun! For
$10, your child will receive the following:
-
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
-
A personalized note from you (if requested)
-
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.
|
|
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.
|
For May, the PTO has chosen
Brooke Svanda
. Brooke and her husband, Kyle, have been part of the BFA family for three years. They have two boys - Chase is in first grade, and Hudson is in preschool. Brooke has spent two years on the PTO and loves the opportunities it allows for her to get involved at the school. Last year she was one of the welcoming chairs, where she helped to welcome new families into the school. This year she took on a larger role as Social Coordinator, and helped plan Winterfest, the father daughter event, and the mother son event.
When asked her favorite part of being part of BFA, Brooke said she most values the community relationships she has made, as well as the phenomenal education her children are receiving.
Thanks for your incredible service to the BFA Community this year, Brooke!
|
AFTER SCHOOL MUSICAL THEATRE EVENT
Ms. Johnson is hosting an event for the after school musical theater (both jr. and 3-8 grade) at
6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 11, on the BFA stage.
|
EXTRA DRESS OF CHOICE DAY - DI FUNDRAISER
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!
|
LIBRARY BOOKS DUE!
All BFA library books are due by the
end of the day on Friday, May 12
.
Any books checked out after this time will be assigned a fine.
|
SPIRIT DAY
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.
|
FROZEN TREATS SOLD AT RECESS FOR $1 - DI FUNDRAISER
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!
|
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. tomorrow, May 12, in the small gym.
|
BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER FOR DI
E
njoy 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
).
|
MAKE-A-WISH CAR WASH TO SUPPORT BRAYDEN
Please support the Student Council's car wash from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 13, at BFA, to support Brayden's wish. The suggested donation is $5 to $10.
|
ARTS COMMITTEE MEETING
The Arts Committee will meet from 5 - 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 17, in the Art Room.
|
DISNEY CHOIR CONCERT
The Disney Choir will perform at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 17, in the large BFA gym.
|
FOURTH AND FIFTH GRADE FIELD DAY
Field Day for grades 4 and 5 will be held from 8:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. on Thursday, May 18, at BFA. All parents and volunteers must sign in at the front office.
|
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.
|
PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION MEETING
All are welcome to attend the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) meeting from
6:30 - 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 18, in the Sanders Science Lab.
|
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.
|
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.
|
Ben Franklin Academy
2270 Plaza Drive
Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 |
Fax: (303) 974-1738
|
|
|
Our mission is to create young adults with character like America's founding Renaissance man, Benjamin Franklin: well-read, scientifically curious, and civically engaged.
|
|
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.
|
|
Temperance, Silence, Order, Resolution, Frugality, Industry, Sincerity, Justice, Moderation, Cleanliness, Tranquility, Purity and Humility.
|
|
|
|
|
|
