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| Vol. 7, Iss. 24 |
August 31, 2017
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Dear Parents,
Earlier this week, the school was contacted by a Douglas County Traffic Engineer who wanted to share concerns brought to their attention about BFA carpool activity on Greensborough Drive.
The Douglas County Traffic Engineer has received reports of cars parked illegally, students running between parked cars, and adults and children not using the crosswalk. One especially disturbing story involved a dangerous situation where students came out from between two cars and darted across the road--these kids were almost hit by a car driving down Greensborough Drive.
This is disturbing to me as a parent and as an administrator. The safety of our students is my primary concern. Additionally, if these behaviors continue there is a possibility that they will restrict parking on Greensborough all together.
Please be courteous neighbors and follow all applicable traffic laws. Refrain from parking in front of the mailboxes and be sure to use the circle to turn around rather than making a U-turn in the street. We will talk to all of our walkers this week about being more aware of their surroundings and always using the crosswalk. Please reinforce these messages at home and encourage your students to practice safety while walking home, especially when crossing a road.
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CHECKING OUT BOOKS IS EASY WITH OVERDRIVE!
Ben Franklin Academy is committed to bringing unique learning opportunities to our students and we are pleased to continue a free reading service that provides digital books through
OverDrive.
Why OverDrive?
The OverDrive collection is an extension of Ben Franklin Academy's physical library; only it's online with 24/7 access to eBooks and audiobooks. It's convenient for students to check out titles at home, on the weekends or during school breaks with no worry about misplacing a book or running up fees - these digital titles automatically return themselves at the end of the lending period!
OverDrive can help students of all ages read more and improve comprehension. Struggling or reluctant readers, learning-challenged, second language learners as well as gifted readers can all benefit from this service. Specifically, this benefits students by:
- Enriching vocabulary and improving comprehension and pronunciation,
- Introducing students to books above their reading level,
- Teaching critical listening skills, and,
- Helping busy kids find time to check out books and read.
How does it work?
To use OverDrive, students browse our secure, custom
website, borrow with their Google Single Sign On and enjoy books anytime and anywhere--their computer, tablet, smartphone, or eReader.
One you click on the
website, use the following information to login:
Username: Student's last name beginning with a capital letter, then first initial and middle initial
Password: Dcsd (capital D) followed by student ID number
Example:
Username: Smithbk
Password: Dcsd123456
If you have a younger student, they may benefit from using a simple login. Use the simple login 'read' for quick and easy access to elementary titles. This feature allows students to read and listen to digital titles, which are automatically returned after two hours. See this
flier for additional details.
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IMPORTANT OFFICE REMINDERS
Please
remember your driver's license the first time you come to the
school to volunteer or attend a meeting. For safety reasons, every person who enters the school needs to have their driver's license scanned each school year. Please keep in mind, this is also a requirement for any friends or relatives who would like to enter the school.
In addition, please note that the office hours have changed this school year. T
he office will be open from 7:45 a.m. until 4:15 p.m.; and, similar to past years, the office will close from 3 p.m. until 'all call' for carpool.
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DRESS OF CHOICE, SEPT. 1
NO SCHOOL, SEPT. 4
Parents, please note that
tomorrow, Sept. 1, is a Dress of Choice Day. Per the policy, Dress of Choice Days shall be scheduled periodically as a reward for those students who have not received two (2) Uniform Policy Violations between the previous DOC day and the upcoming DOC day. Clothes worn by all the students during the DOC days shall be modest, in good condition, and neat in appearance. Students are not allowed to wear pajama items or clothing that contains wording or images that could be interpreted as racial, vulgar, or offensive in any way. Revealing clothes are not acceptable (i.e. tank tops, midriffs, sleeveless, etc.)
Monday, Sept. 4, there will be no school in observance of Labor Day.
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR BRONCO DAY
Next Friday, Sept 8, is Bronco Jersey Day at BFA! Students get to celebrate the beginning of the Bronco football season by wearing their favorite Bronco T-shirt or jersey. Students also can elect to wear a different team's T-shirt/jersey.
Regardless of what team your student supports, s/he should wear regular uniform bottoms.
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COME LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BENEFIT BASH!
This year's BENefit Bash is shaping up to be the bee's knees, but we are still in need of donations to make it perfectly swanky.
Want to help?
Join us at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7, in the Sanders Science Lab for our next BENefit Bash meeting. Come learn what the Bash is all about, get plugged in, earn volunteer hours, have a few laughs, and enter our drawing for a chance to walk away with something that's the cat's meow.
Can't attend the meeting but have an item you would like to donate?
We are in need of large and small items, such as trips, condos for beach or mountain getaways, holiday gifts, unique experiences, electronics, wine for the Wine Wall, growlers for the Growler Grab, and baskets for displaying donations. If you can help, please email today!
Please email Shele Steel, BENefit Bash Procurement Committee Manager.
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DON'T MISS THE 7TH ANNUAL HARVEST FESTIVAL
Join us for a night of family fun from
4 - 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16, at BFA. The Harvest Festival is a tradition at BFA because it's fun for kids and adults. Festival activities include: carnival games, face painting, balloon twisting, inflatables, outdoor field games, and of course, THE CAKE WALK!
Popcorn, baked goods and refreshments are included with your admission fee. And, we're excited to announce that
The Rolling Italian,
Mikes 2 Kitchen,
Costa Vida and
Kona Ice will be on site offering food for sale. Click
here to see the Harvest Festival flier.
Tickets
are $10 per child or max $25 for a family (siblings only), with advance purchase. Adults and children under three are FREE! Tickets at the door will be $10 per child; the family discount will not be available.
Purchase your advance tickets now through Tuesday, Sept. 12
, through the BFA Store, under the 'Events' tab. Wristbands for those
who prepay will be sent home with the oldest child before the event.
Families who have completed their 30 hours (15 hours for single family households) of volunteer service for the current school year, and have
logged them by Thursday, Sept. 7, will be given
FREE admittance to the event!
Volunteers are needed to make this event a success.
Please
sign up
today if you're interested in volunteering. And,
click here
if you'd like to sign up to bring baked goods for the event and/or cakes for the cake walk.
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ALL WELCOME TO ART AND STEM COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Please join us for a BFA Art Committee meeting
from 5 to 5:30 on
Wednesday, Sept. 6, in the Library, followed by a
joint Art/STEM Committee meeting in the Sanders Science Lab beginning at 5:30 p.m. We welcome new parents, so please attend one or both meetings if you are interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and/or Math.
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CHUCKING FRUIT IN THE NAME OF SCIENCE
Once again, the STEAM Fruit Toss Club is making science, technology, engineering and math FUN! Students who join this club will design and construct a 6-foot trebuchet while learning practical application of physics, mechanics and engineering. They will learn to apply the mathematics of arc, angles, force and torque while using a trebuchet to chuck fruit!
This after school club is open to students in grades 4-8. They will meet from 4 - 5:15 p.m. on Tuesdays beginning Sept. 12. The cost is $30 for a four week session and includes participation in the October 6-8 Punkin Chunkin Colorado event.
Sign up t
oday! Please see
this
flier for additional information or
email
Tobi Foss with questions.
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YEARBOOKS AVAILABLE AT INTRODUCTORY PRICE
Yearbook
If you did not purchase your yearbook during registration, you can still get yours today at
Yearbook Forever
for the introductory price of $26! Hurry before the price goes up!
Photographers Needed
We are in need of photographers for Harvest Fest on
Saturday, Sept. 16, from
4-7pm.
If you are interested, please
email
Alissa Motazedi, PTO Yearbook Committee Chair.
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PARENTS NIGHT OUT FUNDRAISER
Mark your calendars for the first Parents' Night Out fundraiser from 6-9 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 8, in the Lightning Gym. All BFA students are welcome--even preschoolers (potty trained please)! The cost is $10 per child, with proceeds benefiting the eighth graders going on the Washington, D.C. trip.
It's going to be a fun night with STEM-themed activities and the movie "Meet the Robinsons." Popcorn and water will be provided and concessions will be sold at the start of the evening.
Click here to sign up. Please register each child attending. Keep in mind, we must sign up 30 children to host the event. Be sure to sign up early to help ensure the event is not cancelled!
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DON'T MISS OUT ON THE SAVINGS
The eighth graders are selling an AMAZING coupon book this year! The books are $35 and contain coupons to many local restaurants and businesses, including:
Pierre Michel French Bakery, Indulge, Mici, Cuba Cuba, Fujiyama, Lil'Ricci's, Casa Caliente, Costa Vida, Coldstone Creamery, Rita's, Anthony's Pizza, Honey Baked Ham, Gigi's Cupcakes, Rocket Fizz, Big Tool Box, Julie's Hallmark, TIMBUK TOYS, Spavia, The Palms Tanning, Floyds 99, Vogue Nails, Pirates Cove, Dart Warz, Arts on Fire, Jungle Quest, and
College Drive Prep.
The paper coupons can be used once, and with the app, you get the discount AGAIN with duplicate coupons. Also, this year your purchase includes a small card for multiple uses at five businesses:
Grease Monkey, Freddy's, Rocket Fizz, Saj, and
Bowlero. (This can be used with the app as well.)
To purchase, contact your friendly eighth grader and ask if they are selling books, or
email
Erin Fierro, D.C. Fundraising Committee Manager.
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR BASE FAMILIES
A Bit About BASE
BASE,
Before/After School Enrichment
, is a 'pay as you use' system. We do not require you to sign up in advance, just be sure to complete the necessary application forms before you use BASE for the first time. The day or days you need to use the BASE program, you will need to email your child's teacher (you can also email Mrs. Savoy) to let him/her know that you will need your child to go to BASE after school. For before school care, feel free to just bring them in for drop off.
New Drop Off and Pick Up Procedures
The procedures for BASE drop off and pick up are now a bit different than in years past. You will need to drop off and pick up your BASE student(s) on the northwest side of the building.
Specifically, go to the double doors for the Lightning (small) gym located in the back (northwest) side of the building. The easiest way for you to get there is to park in the preschool
lot, which has the basketball hoops, walk up to the doors and ring the BASE doorbell.
The doorbell is located on the north side window of the foyer on the silver panel. Ring the bell
and someone will come to the door to let you in. If you have trouble or have questions, please
email BASE.
On another note...
Once you have completed the necessary paperwork and are registered in the BASE program
for the 2017-18 school year, you will be able to set up your
MyProcare account.
Please note, if your registration is not complete, you will be denied access to MyProcare. BASE billing will be processed on a weekly basis. If you are enrolled in Tuition Express, your BASE tuition due will be paid automatically from your account. You can review charges and payments anytime in your MyProcare account.
For those families not yet enrolled in Tuition Express, you will receive an email with instructions on how to make payment once billing is complete. Please note, currently it is optional enroll in Tuition Express.
As of Jan 1, 2018, we will be moving to mandatory automated payments for all BASE accounts. Please complete your Tuition Express Authorization form today.
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Show your spirit and style, while supporting BFA! Spirit wear items (shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, calendars, and car magnets) will be available to purchase
tonight at Back to School Night, and online through the BFA Store until Oct. 31. After that date, the online spirit wear store will close until the spring.
Spirit wear can be worn to school on the following dates this school year:
Sept. 8, Dec. 8, Jan. 26, Feb. 9, March 9, April 6, and
May 4.
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SPIRIT WEEK BEGINS SEPTEMBER 11
BFA's Middle School Spirit Week Committee is excited to announce the lineup for our third annual Spirit Week! It begins on Monday, Sept. 11, and runs through Friday, Sept. 15.
Each day will be filled with FUN and SCHOOL SPIRIT! Students are encouraged to participate, and arrive at school dressed according to the theme assigned to each day of the week; however, if a student chooses not to participate, s/he must come dressed in his/her school uniform.
Following are the BFA Spirit Week themes assigned to each day of the week:
- Monday, Sept. 11: USA Day - Show your American pride!
- Tuesday, Sept. 12: Twin Day - Dress identically to one or more of your friends.
- Wednesday, Sept. 13: Superhero Day
- Thursday, Sept. 14: Athletes vs. Mathletes Day
- Friday, Sept. 15: Movie Day - Dress as your favorite movie character.
We look forward to celebrating our students and showing off our school spirit!
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Make Their Day with a Birthday Bag!
Celebrating birthdays at BFA just got more fun! Order your child a Birthday Bag for just $10, and s/he will receive:
- A bag full of goodies such as erasers, pencils, bouncy balls, etc. (no food or candy will be in the bags);
- A birthday certificate good for a free bake sale item at the next bake sale;
- A personalized note from you, if requested; and
- A 'Happy Birthday' serenade by the eighth graders who deliver the bag to your student's classroom.
Did your child already celebrate their birthday or do they have a summer birthday?
We also will deliver "Un-birthday Bags" for students who have already celebrated their birthday, and "Half-birthday Bags" for summer birthdays.
You can purchase Birthday Bags online through the BFA Store.
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Labor Day is coming and, with it, a three day weekend. We know exactly how you can spend that extra time off school--collect and clip your Box Tops! They're worth 10 cents each and are FREE MONEY for our school. Box Top revenues add up quickly and, if we all work together, we can easily raise money for our students. The first box top collection day of the school year is Wednesday, Sept. 13. Enjoy the long weekend!
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I scream, you scream, we all scream for....Cold Stone Spirit Night!
Come enjoy some yummy ice cream, scooped by our wonderful BFA teachers, from 4:30-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 20, at the Cold Stone Creamery in the Highlands Ranch Town Center (9338 Dorchester St., Suite A-101).
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YOU'RE INVITED TO PTO MONTHLY MEETINGS
Join the PTO for our monthly PTO meetings to find out more about what's going on at BFA and connect with other parents.
Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Sanders Science Lab, unless otherwise noted. The dates for this year's meetings are:
Sept. 21, Oct. 19, Nov. 16, Dec. 14, Jan. 18, Feb. 8, March 15, April 19, and
May 17. All are welcome! They look forward to seeing you there!
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Is your student constantly exceeding the storage capacity on your electronics with their home movies? Then, we have the after school club for you!
Sign your fourth - eighth grade student up for Mini Movie Makers, an after school club sponsored by Mrs. Tickle. Kids will learn how to create an animated movie using Frames software.
The club will meet for ten sessions from 4 - 5 p.m. on Wednesdays beginning Sept. 6 through Nov. 15 and the cost is just $125. (No class during fall break!) Be sure to
register today!
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SCIENCE LOVERS - STEM CLUB IS BACK
This year
Mrs. Lewicki is sponsoring two STEM Club after school sessions for third through fifth graders!
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 first session, Phony Physics, begins Sept. 11; and the second session, Chemistry Chaos, begins Oct. 16.
Each session will be held from
4 - 5 p.m. and is only $60.
Register today!
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PRIVATE VOICE, ACTING AND PIANO LESSONS AT BFA
BFA offers private voice, acting lessons and piano on campus. Lessons are after school on
Wednesdays and Thursdays beginning September 6 in the Music Room. The pricing is $30 for 30 minutes and $60 for an hour.
The instructor is
Sydney Harper a performer and teacher from Denver. She has soloed with esteemed organizations such as the Colorado Symphony and the Denver Philharmonic. She has been directing professional and amateur children's theatre for 11 years and has a private studio of more than 50 students. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music Theatre.
For more questions email Sydney or contact Ms. Johnson. Click here to register; be sure to select one of the BFA offerings.
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SPREAD THE WORD - PROSPECTIVE PARENTS TOUR BFA
Parents interested in joining the BFA family are welcome to
tour the school Wednesdays in September, October and November. Tours begin at 9 a.m. each Wednesday (except Oct. 11 and Nov. 22) and will be lead by Principal Simpson. New families--all adults should
bring your driver's license and check in a few minutes before the tour is scheduled to begin.
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Are you curious about the playground and what's happened to the tetherballs?
The PTO has been upgrading the playground areas using funds raised from the 2016 Fun Run. Thanks to your generous contributions to the PTO, we're happy to announce the following playground improvements are in process:
- Construction of a paved, 3,500 square foot play area between the preschool parking lot and fenced border along Plaza Drive;
- Removal of the existing swings and installation of eight new swings and a 4-person disc swing;
- Relocation of the slide and vertical climber;
- Installation of five new tetherball sets in the new play area; and
- Addition of two four square courts.
Now that the new building construction and turf installation are complete, work has started on these playground enhancements. The new playground equipment has been ordered and should be installed early this fall.
Thanks again to all the parents who generously supported the PTO by participating in last year's primary PTO fundraiser.
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Ben's Brigade is an organization created especially for BFA Fathers and Grandfathers who want to work together to positively impact our school. Ben's Brigade is focused on helping the school in various ways throughout the year; for example, they complete various projects during Spring and Summer workdays, assist at annual school events and even have their own 'carpool day.' Ben's Brigade also serves as a social outlet for Fathers/Grandfathers to meet other Dads. They schedule time to get together and discuss topics such as professional careers, their children and BFA in general. Ben's Brigade meets monthly to discuss current and ongoing activities and functions. All meetings are held at 8 p.m. in the Starbucks located inside Target (1265 Sergeant Jon Stiles Dr.).
Mark your calendar for their next meeting: Sept. 28, Oct. 26, Jan. 25, Feb. 22 and April 26
Ben's Brigade Mission Statement
It is the mission of Ben's Brigade to be Extraordinary Men committed to the growth, development, success and safety of Ben Franklin Academy's students, families and staff members. Our supportive and collaborative engagement with before, during and after school activities contributes to a strong school family of continuous relationships and lasting community connections.
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DOUGLAS COUNTY EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION EVENTS
Click here for a flier with upcoming DCEF events.
Community Night with the Colorado Rapids vs. FC Dallas
Saturday, Oct. 7
, at 7 p.m.
Dick's Sporting Goods Park
Tickets $24 (reg. $32 - $65); Click here for a flier with more information.
Students eighth grade and under who purchase tickets will be given the opportunity to participate in the Halftime High 5 Squad and receive a FREE Rapids T-Shirt!
Community Events with the Denver Center for the Performing Arts
Denver Center for the Performing Arts Complex
Enter promo code: DCSDFUND.
The Snowy Day - September 21 through November 18; Tickets $15
From the joys of a first snowfall and learning how to whistle to thrilling encounters delivering a precious invitation, the delightful moments of childhood are perfectly captured in this medley of simple, sweet stories. The production kicks off the new Theatre for Young Audiences program, which focuses on performances especially tailored for youth audiences. Bring your little ones to their first theatre experience and relive the moments of your childhood through their eyes.
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BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT (GRADES 5-8)
Families with kids in grades 5-8, plan to attend the Back to School Night beginning at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 31.
The purpose of Back to School Night is to help the parents become better acquainted with the school, staff and information specific to their child's grade level.
For a detailed schedule, see our recent news.
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Dress of Choice day is Friday, Sept. 1, for students who have not received two uniform violations since the beginning of school.
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Monday, Sept. 4, there is no school as we observe Labor Day. Enjoy your three day weekend!
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COMMUNITY EVENTS COMMITTEE MEETING
The Community Events Committee (CEC) is meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5, in the BFA Library.
The mission of the CEC is to promote interaction between students, staff, administration, parents and the surrounding community with emphasis on community service and outreach.
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Formal Uniform day is Wednesday, Sept. 6. The first Wednesday of the month is Formal Uniform Day. Students should wear their navy polo shirt with the BFA logo, and tan pants, shorts, skirt or a skort.
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The Art Committee is meeting from 5 - 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6, in the BFA Library. All are welcome to attend.
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Mark your calendar for the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Committee meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6, in the Sanders Science Lab. All parents welcome!
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BENEFIT BASH COMMITTEE MEETING
The BENefit Bash Committee is meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7, in the Sanders Science Lab. Come learn what the Bash is all about, get plugged in, earn volunteer hours, have a few laughs, and enter a drawing for a chance to walk away with a cool prize.
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Friday, Sept. 8, students can either wear their favorite Broncos (or sports team) jersey or T-shirt, or they can choose to wear a Spirit Day shirt. Please keep in mind, field day T-shirts from a prior year can be worn on Spirit Day.
Regardless of whether your student wears a Bronco shirt or a Spirit Day shirt, your student should wear regular uniform bottoms.
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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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