Vol. 7, Iss. 35
November 30, 2017

A message from Mollie Anderson, PTO president...
 
On Saturday, Nov. 11, the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) held the bi-annual BENefit Bash at the Vehicle Vault in Parker, Colorado. Boy, does our community know how to have a great time and raise money for our school! Click here to be directed to the PTO page where there are pictures of the event; although they don't do the evening justice--it truly was a fantastic and fun event.
 
Congratulations again to the Ben Franklin Award winners - Tiffany Beffel, Michelle Bynum and Sarah Nisbet.
 
Thank you to everyone, especially all the teachers and staff, who attended the event. We appreciate the businesses and individuals who donated items to the auction and sponsored the event. And, a special thank you to all the volunteers who dedicated their time and talents to making the auction successful! The level of dedication and commitment demonstrated by everyone involved in the event is truly amazing.
 
Thanks to the tireless efforts of our incredible community and sponsors, we were able to gross approximately $82,000. THANK YOU!
 
If you were unable to attend, didn't "win" any items, and/or would still like to make a financial contribution to the school, you may do so by sending in a check payable to "Ben Franklin Academy PTO" with the word "donation" in the memo line. Checks may be left in the red lock box in the front office. You may also make a donation by credit card through the Ben Franklin online store under "Donate!"
 
Thanks again to each and every one of you for your continued generosity and support of our school and children.

Preschool
PRESCHOOL ENROLLMENT OPEN FOR BFA FAMILIES
 
Are you interested in a preschool that uses the Core Knowledge Sequence along with a nurturing environment and individualized instruction to ensure your little one is ready for Kindergarten? If so, we hope you'll consider the BFA preschool! 
 
Preschool enrollment is now open to current BFA families. To enroll, please complete the Intent to Enroll form by Friday, Dec 22. Please note that preschool slots are available on a first come, first served basis and spots do fill quickly. Enrollment will open to the public on Jan 17.  For more information, email our Preschool Director, Kristen Goldberg.    

BEN'S BRIGADE MEETING TONIGHT
 
You're invited to join the men of Ben's Brigade at their monthly meeting beginning at 8 p.m. tonight, Nov. 30, at the Starbucks inside Super Target ( 1265 Sergeant Jon Stiles Dr, Highlands Ranch). Hope to see you there!

 DECEMBER PARENTS NIGHT OUT 
 
Make plans now for your students to attend ONE or BOTH of the next  Parents Night Out held on Friday, Dec. 1 and Friday, Dec. 15 . These events are fundraisers for the eighth graders going to Washington, D.C. (Dec. 1) and students who plan to enroll in the Disneyland Choir elective (Dec. 15). Both events will entertain BFA students from  6 - 9 p.m. for only $10 per child while you shop or enjoy a well-deserved night out.
   
Sign up NOW for the Parents Night Out this week, Friday, Dec. 1, so your students can enjoy popcorn and hot chocolate while watching Polar Express. Pizza and other concessions will be available for purchase.
 
You also can sign up today for the Parents Night Out on Dec. 15. At that event, kids will play games, participate in activities and watch a movie. They will offer popcorn and water, and concessions will be available for purchase. 

Science Fair
JUDGES NEEDED, TRAINING AVAILABLE!
 
T he BFA STEM Committee is looking for judges for the upcoming Middle School (7th grade only) Science Fair on Friday, Dec. 8, from 8:30-noon . The goal of the Middle School Science Fair is to ensure that all students at BFA have an understanding of the scientific method and how to apply it. 
 
If you have never judged the science fair before, DON'T WORRY! A Judges Orientation will be offered from 8:30-9 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 8, to ensure that you are comfortable with the process. Then, judges will meet with students in 15 minute intervals from 9 to 11 a.m.; from 11 a.m. until noon, Judges will collaborate to determine the top projects.
 
Volunteer today and come see all of the hard work of our students!

HOUR OF CODE
 
Next week, BFA students will once again participate in the Hour of Code initiative. This annual event traditionally takes place during Computer Science Education Week and was designed to introduce students to computer science and computer programming. As part of BFA's emphasis on technology, students in elementary and middle school will participate in Hour of Code and have lots of opportunities to code throughout the next few weeks! 
 
In Mrs. Ward's lab, students will examine how to write code using basic commands, then act out those commands with partners as studies show that kids learn better when pair programming. During the following weeks, students in grades 1-5 will use laptops to complete various coding activities on code.org. Kindie students will give commands to BeeBots, then watch the BeeBots follow their instructions. In addition, Mrs. Ward's K-2 students will play an Osmo coding game on the iPads where they fit together puzzle pieces to make a character on the screen move. 
 
Mrs. Tickle has already started K-5 students on Kodable in anticipation of the Hour of Code with older students completing more advanced levels. She also has plans to use Tynker after Winter Break. Tynker gets rave reviews for providing a fun and engaging platform where children can learn to program.
 
In Mrs. Konesky's STEAM Lab, middle school students learn drag and drop as well as text-based coding throughout the year using Gamemaker, by programming Spheros and LEGO Mindstorms robots, and using the Swift Playgrounds app on iPads. Students will use Hour of Code week activities as an introduction to Python programming syntax. (Python is an easy-to-learn, powerful programming language.)
 
Click here to be directed to the Hour of Code website. 

PUNKIN CHUNKIN A SMASH HIT!
 
The 4th annual BFA Punkin Chunkin was a 'Smash Hit!' Students from the BFA STEM Fruit Toss Club showcased their award-winning trebuchet, Red Lightning. BFA students were thrilled to have special guest John Heffelfinger, from Littleton's own Team Pluto, helping out. Heffelfinger is the Colorado Punkin Chunkin record holder this year with a pumpkin toss of 2,613 feet! 
 
Students from all grades came to see these trebuchets in action as their teachers launched 5-pound pumpkins toward Tom, the blow-up turkey target 200 feet away.  Ms. Marchisio was the first to hit the target square and completely deflate the Tom the turkey. After some immediate EMT duct tape work by the team, the turkey was back up and running. In addition to Ms. Marchisio, several teachers and students had direct hits including Mr. Emmons, Zoe Hochhalter, and our own Mrs. Simpson!
 
Special thanks to members of the BFA STEM Fruit Toss Club and all the volunteers who helped put on this FUN and successful event. As Matt Keillor, BFA Board member, sponsor of the Fruit Toss Club and organizer of this event, likes to say, " The BFA students are launching pumpkins today, and will be launching rockets tomorrow!"

PTO Logo
ALL ARE WELCOME AT PTO MEETING/HOLIDAY SOCIAL   
You're invited to join the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) Committee beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 14, for a festive meeting/social and gift exchange!  
 
They will meet in the Sanders Science Lab at BFA, get business out of the way, enjoy a catered meal, and then head over to Max Taps ( 2680 E County Line Rd., Suite A) for a gift exchange/holiday social. Please RSVP by Monday Dec. 11, so we have enough food for all. If participating in the gift exchange, please bring a wrapped $20 gift.

winter-gift-holding.jpg
TEACHER AND STAFF GIFT-GIVING IS CHANGING THIS YEAR
 
Check your child's Thursday folder today for information on the SCRIP gift giving program, and the form for contributing to teacher and staff gifts. If you would like to give to teachers and staff through the SCRIP gift-giving program, be sure to turn in your form  and check by Friday, Dec. 8, to the lockbox in the front office. Alternatively, you can give your form and check to the volunteers collecting during afternoon carpool on Dec. 5 and 6. 
 
Please note, in addition to making a contribution to your teacher's gift, you can give to any member of the staff. Don't forget those who go the extra mile and make our school a wonderful place to learn! Every dollar donation adds up, so consider gifting $1 to some of your favorites!  
 
If you have questions about the program, read the information sheet or  email Rachelle Calahan, SCRIP Coordinator.  

snowman-family.jpg
ULTIMATE SPIRIT NIGHT, HOLIDAY EDITION
 
Get in the holiday spirit next Wednesday, Dec. 6, with the Ultimate Spirit Night at Aspen Grove (7301 South Santa Fe Drive, Littleton). Grab dinner at Rice Bistro and Sushi from 3-10 p.m. (even take-out!); then head to Cold Stone Creamery for dessert between 5-8 p.m. And do your holiday shopping any time between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. at Tattered Cover bookstore. You don't have to go to all three places to participate, rather choose what works best for your family. Your support is appreciated--just be sure to mention BFA when you're there!

For Sale
USED UNIFORM SALE, DEC. 9
 
Have your kids had a growth spurt or do you just need some new uniforms? If so, mark your calendars for the upcoming Used Uniform Sale from 9 - 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9, in the Lightning Gym.

If you would like to sell your uniforms, please be sure your items are tagged and brought to the school with the inventory form no later than Thursday, Dec. 7. Please follow the tagging instructions and complete the inventory form . It is important to note that no items will be held after the sale, so you will need to pick up any unsold items. Information about unsold item pickup times and locations will be sent out after the sale.
 
If you would like to shop at the uniform sale, please note that we only accept cash or check. We have uniforms in all sizes and genders, so be sure to check it out!   

Climbing Wall
PE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
 
We need two volunteers to help out with Physical Education for third, fourth, and fifth grade classes during the next few weeks. The students will be using the climbing wall and we need one volunteer to help put harnesses on students and one volunteer to help monitor the other students in a group game. No experience necessary for our harness volunteers--we'll train you on how to properly secure and adjust the harness to ensure the safety of our students. Please sign up TODAY for this fun volunteer opportunity. If you have any questions please email Mrs. Bauer.

Ice Cream Cone
COUPON BOOKS ARE PERFECT HOLIDAY GIFT!
 
Giving a loved one a coupon for local favorites like Pierre Michele French Bakery, Indulge, Mici's, Cuba Cuba, Cold Stone, Honey Baked Ham, Gigi's, Timbuk Toys, Arts on Fire, Pirates Cove, Dart Warz and Junglequest is a REAL TREAT!  
 
Coupon books are only $35 each and is a gift that you or a loved one can use all year! 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 good for multiple uses at five businesses.
 
To purchase,  email Erin Fierro, D.C. Fundraising Committee Manager. 
 
Hurry and get these valuable coupon books today before they're all gone!

Camera
 SUBMIT YOUR PICTURES FOR THE 2017-18 YEARBOOK! 
 
We need your help with pictures for the yearbook! We need more candid pictures, especially of elementary students--including past events such as Harvest Festival, after school activities, middle school sports, field trips etc. Earn some volunteer time and click here to upload photos. The code is 'yearbook2018.'

DCEF
DCEF PARK MEADOWS EVENT AND MORE!
     
The Foundation for Douglas County Schools has an exciting event planned this SUNDAY, Dec. 3, from 3 - 6 p.m. at Park Meadows Mall. They'll be sips, sweets, treats, drawings, giveaways, discounts/coupons and SWAG bags! In addition, Kendra Scott is offering 15 percent off their Elisa necklace and Athleta is offering 20 percent off one full price item.
 
Interested in the National Western Stock Show? The Foundation for Douglas County Schools has your discount tickets! BFA families can click on the Stock Show link and use the promo code DOUGCO.
 
Community Events with the Denver Center for the Performing Arts has several discounted opportunities available from now through December for our community.

WANT YOUR KIDDO TO HAVE THE BEST BIRTHDAY EVER? 
 
Send them 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.
Thursday, Nov. 30

school_supplies_desk.jpg
SCHOOL ACCOUNTABILITY COMMITTEE
 
The School Accountability Committee (SAC) is meeting from 4:10 - 5:10 p.m. tonight, Nov. 30, in the BFA Conference Room.   

BEN'S BRIGADE MEETING
 
The All BFA Dads are welcome to stop by the Ben's Brigade meeting from 8 - 9 p.m. tonight, Nov. 30, at the Starbucks inside the Super Target (1265 Sergeant Jon Stiles Dr, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129).  
Friday, Dec. 1

PARENTS NIGHT OUT
 
Make plans to sign up for the Parents Night Out from 6 - 9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1, in the Lightning Gym. All BFA students are welcome to attend, and the cost is $10 per child.  
Dec. 4 - 15

HOUR OF CODE 
 
BFA students will once again participate in the Hour of Code initiative. This annual event traditionally takes place during Computer Science Education Week and was designed to introduce students to computer science and computer programming. As part of BFA's emphasis on technology, students in elementary and middle school will participate in Hour of Code and have lots of opportunities to code throughout the next few weeks!  
Tuesday, Dec. 5

texture-graphic-community.jpg
CEC MEETING  
 
The Community Events Committee (CEC) is meeting from 6 - 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 5, in the Dana Library.
 

Music Notes
BAND CONCERT 
 
There is a ukulele concert at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 5, in the Thunder Gym.   
Wednesday, Dec. 6

Winter snowflake
FORMAL UNIFORM DAY   
 
Wednesday, Dec. 6, is a Formal Uniform Day. Students should wear a navy polo shirt with the BFA logo, and tan pants, shorts, skirt or a skort.
 

snowman-family.jpg
ULTIMATE SPIRIT NIGHT, HOLIDAY EDITION
 
Get in the holiday spirit Wednesday, Dec. 6, with the Ultimate Spirit Night at Aspen Grove (7301 South Santa Fe Drive, Littleton). Grab dinner at Rice Bistro and Sushi from 3-10 p.m. (even take-out!); then head to Cold Stone Creamery for dessert between 5-8 p.m. And do your holiday shopping any time between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. at Tattered Cover bookstore. Please be sure to mention BFA! 

STEM
STEM COMMITTEE MEETING    
 
The Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Committee is meeting from 5:30 - 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 6, in the Sanders Science Lab. 
Thursday, Dec. 7

Theatre Masks
AFTER SCHOOL MUSIC THEATRE     
 
After school music theatre has a performance at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 7, in the Thunder Gym.  First and second grade junior musical theatre will perform 'Flakes,' and third grade and up will be performing 'Elf Jr.
Friday, Dec. 8

Where'sBen
SPIRIT WEAR DAY     
 
Friday, Dec. 8, is a Spirit Wear Day. Students may wear a spirit day T-shirt or a field day T-shirt from a prior year, with their regular uniform bottoms. 
 

Science Fair
MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE FAIR     
 
The Middle School (Seventh Grade) Science Fair will be held on Friday, Dec. 8. Parents can stop by throughout the school day to view the projects.   
Saturday, Dec. 9

For Sale
USED UNIFORM SALE
 
The used uniform sale is from 9 - 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9, in the Lightning Gym. If you would like to shop at the uniform sale, please note that we only accept cash or check. We have uniforms in all sizes and genders, so be sure to check it out!   
Additional Upcoming Events: BFA Calendar
Middle School:  Athletics 
CONTACT US:
Ben Franklin Academy
2270 Plaza Drive
Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
Main Office: (720) 383-4519 info@bfacademy.org 
Attendance: (720) 432-9239 attendance@bfacademy.org 
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.