Vol. 9, Iss. 7
Feb. 21, 2019
 
Dear Parents, 
 
We are excited to announce the BFA Apple Award Nominees for the 2018-19 school year.  
 
Linda Wilson is our teacher nominee. Linda is well respected by her fellow staff members as well as our BFA parents. Here's what a couple of parents had to say about Linda:
 
"Linda Wilson is one of the most loving, caring individuals and teachers my children have been fortunate enough to know. She has made such a positive impact on both of my children. She creates a safe, nurturing environment where kids can thrive and learn. She is always available to discuss at length any difficulty a child might be facing. She also continually cares for her students long after they've left her classroom. There is no question that my children will remember the positive impact Mrs. Wilson had on their life for years to come."
 
"Linda Wilson goes above and beyond her role as a third-grade teacher. She has made every effort to care for our family beyond her job description. Not only does she make sure that a student succeeds academically, but socially and emotionally as well. She represents every character trait that BFA champions and bestows them on her students. When a teacher cares for a student in the years after they leave a classroom, it is a gift to a family. She has continued to mentor, befriend, empower, and equip our son as he has moved from grade to grade, and no doubt will be one of those key people in his life. When a teacher invests in their students beyond their duty for one year to teach, it is truly a gift worth recognition."
 
We are very excited to announce Linda Wilson as our Apple Award Teacher Nominee!
 
Our other nominee this year is Monte Brook. Monte has been our Facilities Manager for the past four years. Monte keeps everything in our building running smoothly and looking good. Monte does everything from carpool to construction, to plumbing and general maintenance. He is dedicated to the students, staff and community. Anytime anyone needs anything, the answer is, "Ask Monte; he'll know!" He takes such pride in his work and it shows throughout the buildings and the grounds. Each week on our prospective parent tours, we receive compliments on our beautiful building. Here is what parents say about Monte:
 
"Monte Brook is such an asset to our BFA family because he makes sure the building and outdoor area is safe for our kids. In a building the size of BFA, with more than 1000 people in and out daily, this is a major task!"
 
"Monte has the best demeanor! His positive attitude whether he is painting or cleaning up after sick kids is awesome!"
 
"I've seen Monte doing everything from running the Zamboni to reading to our kindies--he is so involved and works hard all year long to keep BFA running smoothly."
 
Monte is someone we all depend on a daily basis. Our school would not be what it is today with Monte!  We are thrilled that he is our Apple Award Classified Employee nominee.
 
Please join me in congratulating Mrs. Wilson and Mr. Brook on their accomplishments!
 
Sincerely,

Diana Simpson

TOMORROW IS THE FINAL DAY TO NOMINATE BOARD CANDIDATES  
 
As you've read during the past several weeks, we're currently seeking nominations for the BFA Board of Directors. If you are interested in this pivotal role or know of a great candidate, click here to complete the nomination form. 
 
Nominations from the BFA Parent Voting Group must be submitted online before  Friday, Feb. 22, at 11:59 p.m. (MST). Then, later this spring, our community will elect one (1) director and the Board will appoint one (1) director in accordance with the Board of Directors Election Policy.
  
Requirements are listed on the Board's election  webpage and additional information is available on the Board Election/Appointment  Frequently Asked Questions.

We hope you'll give this serious consideration and make a nomination today! 

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WE WANT YOU
TO FILL OUT THE PARENT SATISFACTION SURVEY 
 
The deadline is quickly approaching for BFA's School Accountability Committee (SAC) Parent Satisfaction Survey! Help us gauge parent satisfaction and identify opportunities for growth or enrichment. Follow this link to take the survey today! 

BATTLE OF THE BOOKS TEAMS HEADED TO QUARTERFINALS  
 
The regular season is over and BOTH Battle of the Books teams are moving forward to the quarterfinals on Tuesday, Feb. 26. The fifth grade team will compete at 5 p.m. and the third and fourth grade team will compete at 5:30 p.m. Both competitions will be held at the Recreation Center at Southridge. We hope you can join us! 

Pictured here are several members of Mrs. Lewiciki's third/fourth grade team.
 

EIGHTH GRADE SOCIAL STUDIES FAIR 
   
After school today, ask your student(s) what they learned at the Social Studies Fair! Ms. Saleh's eighth graders have been working hard for months on an essay and project to highlight an event in history. Students were able to choose from appropriate topics that were of interest to them from any 
event in history and any time period. 
We ended up with a variety of subjects, such as the
history of service dogs and the creation of penicillin . The eighth graders presented their research using a museum-style approach so kids who viewed their work were introduced to various topics using informational boards and artifacts.

Beauty
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, JR. 
 
This weekend, be our guest at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 22, or Saturday, Feb. 23, for a tale as old as time! You're sure to be enchanted by the performances of BFA's middle school students as they bring to life a classic fairy tale, in "Beauty and The Beast, Jr." This is the perfect family activity for a winter weekend, and there is no fee to watch this magical story unfold on BFA's performance stage. We hope to see you there!

And, in case you missed it, check out this video for exclusive backstage footage and interviews with the cast.

Beauty and the Beast, Jr., Video #2 
Beauty and the Beast, Jr., Video #2

Destination ImagiNation
SUPPORT BFA DI TEAMS COMPETING AT LITTLETON HIGH SCHOOL 
 
Come cheer on your BFA Destination Imagination (DI) teams at the South Metro tournament on Saturday, March 9, at Littleton High School ( 199 E. Littleton Blvd., Littleton, 80121)!
 
BFA has two elementary and two middle school teams competing throughout the day. Our teams will be demonstrating their problem solving skills in the following categories:
 
Engineering Challenge: Monster Effects
  • Kolorful Koalas, Elementary
  • Served with a Side of Fries, Elementary
  • BFA STARs, Middle
In the Engineering Challenge, teams must design and build a structure that can support weight without breaking while testing the structure by placing weights and then removing them. They also will create and present a story in which the sudden appearance of a monster has surprising results while designing a special effect to enhance the sudden appearance of the monster and/or the events surrounding the monster in the story.
 
Service Learning Challenge: Escape Artists
  • Did Someone Say Our Name?, Middle
In the Service Learning Challenge, teams must identify , design and carry out a project that addresses a need in a real community. They also will create and theatrically present a story that builds suspense about characters who attempt an escape and integrate information about the project through clues that help the characters attempt to escape, as well as incorporate information about the future of the project.
 
The teams would enjoy seeing BFA faces in the audience rooting them to victory! Everyone is welcome.  

Lost and Found
LOST AND FOUND WILL BE DONATED SOON    
 
The Lost and Found pile is growing again! Please stop by next time you are at the school and look to see if your family has a sweater, sweatshirt, coat, etc. sitting in the Lost and Found. Items will be donated in March during Spring Break.

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HEART CHALLENGE UPDATES    
 
We are four weeks into our Heart Challenge and so far we have raised $4,308 for the American Heart Association. If you would still like to register, click here and then search for our school. All envelopes and donations are due by Monday, Feb. 25.
 
The kids are doing a great job meeting the Heart Challenge! So far students have a total of 5,753 minutes in our target heart rate zone.

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THE BFA PTO NEEDS YOU! 
 
Are you interested in helping BFA while connecting with others who are passionate about our school? If so, we hope you'll consider becoming a member of the PTO team! When you volunteer with the PTO, you make a real, meaningful difference at BFA and build lasting relationships with other BFA parents.
 
PTO elections are April 22-26. For more information on the PTO and what we do, including open positions, please visit the PTO website or email Mollie Anderson, PTO president.

THE BEST THINGS HAPPEN WHILE YOU'RE DANCING!  
 
A new, FUN after school activity is being offered by our very own Ms. Whelan! Our fourth and fifth grade, as well as our middle school students are invited to sign up for Zumba!

Zumba takes the "work" out of "workout" by mixing low-intensity and high-intensity moves for an interval style dance fitness party. It is a total workout combining elements of cardio, muscle conditioning, as well as balance and flexibility, boosting your overall energy.
Sessions run from Feb. 26 until May 16 and are $25.
  • Grades 4 and 5: Tuesdays 3:30-4:15 p.m. in the Middle School Commons
  • Middle School: Thursdays 3:30-4:15 p.m. in the Middle School Commons
Register today via MySchoolBucks!

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR UNIFORM BUYBACK SALE PARTICIPANTS  
 
If you sold items at the uniform buyback sale in December, pay-out checks will be cut this month and you should receive yours by the end of February. Thank you for your patience!
 
While the PTO is grateful for everyone's generosity and interest in donating your gently used items to the PTO, we do not have enough storage space to hold everyone's items between sale dates. We kindly ask that you please do not drop off items until we notify you of an upcoming sale. The front desk has been asked to refuse donations until the two weeks prior to the May sale. We appreciate your cooperation!

soccerball
BFA VOLLEYBALL AND SOCCER TRYOUTS NEXT WEEK 
 
Volleyball
Middle school boys volleyball and girls soccer tryouts will be held next week.
   
Tryouts for boys volleyball are scheduled from 4:15 - 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 25, 27 and 28 in the BFA Thunder Gym.Tryouts for girls soccer will be from 4:15 - 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 25, 27 and 28 on BFA's turf field.

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PTO STORE REOPENING FRIDAY, MARCH 1 
 
The PTO is excited to announce that the online store will be reopening on March 1. From March 1 to April 15, you'll be able to purchase all your favorite BFA spirit wear items including hoodies and sweatshirts along with two new spirit wear items. Stay tuned for more information on these new items. All items purchased will be delivered to the classroom and sent home with your student.

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SIXTH GRADE FAMILIES - PLEASE VOLUNTEER IN FEBRUARY
 
SIXTH GRADE FAMILIES--please volunteer in carpool this February! To help fill crucial carpool volunteer roles, we're asking  parents in each grade level to make a special effort to volunteer one month of the school year. 

In February, we'd like our sixth grade families to sign up for open volunteer spots in carpool. If you don't have a sixth grade student, but enjoy volunteering in carpool--WE STILL NEED YOU so please consider signing up today. Just log into  HelpCounter and click on ' Check for Upcoming Opportunities.' 

BASE REMINDERS  
 
A message from the BASE director...
 
Students who attend the BASE program must be checked in/out by a parent, AND all paperwork must be completed and turned in before the student attends BASE. During the past several weeks, there have been many children not previously registered for BASE who were dropped off at the front of the school with the expectation that they would be checked into BASE.
  
A ll students must be checked into morning BASE and out of afternoon BASE by a parent.
 
If your student has morning tutoring and you need to utilize BASE for their siblings, then please ensure they are registered and follow the drop-off procedures.To register, visit our webpage to review the handbook and print the enrollment form.

If you have any questions, please contact Leigh Savoy, BASE director.
Yearbook
 
TIME TO PURCHASE YOUR 2018-19 YEARBOOK
 
Yearbook sales have officially launched! This year, the only way to purchase a yearbook is through our vendor, Walsworth. We will not be offering yearbook sales at any other events throughout the year. Only ONE more week until yearbook prices go up again so order yours today! 
  • Now - Feb. 28: $31 per book
  • March 1 - 31: $36 per book 
You may also order a dedication (or ad) for your student through Walsworth's website. What a fun way to help commemorate a great school year!
 
Order and pay for your 2018-19 yearbook and/or dedication today.

Camera
NEED PARENT PHOTOGRAPHERS
 
We need your help with pictures for the yearbook! We  need more candid pictures --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 'YEARBOOK2019.'

School
ATTENTION EIGHTH GRADE FAMILIES
 
As you prepare for your eighth grader's high school enrollment, you may need to request transcripts and/or other records. If that's the case, please email our registrar, Colleen Bobbin, and let her know exactly what the high school requires. (They should specify which records are needed, and understanding their exact requirements will eliminate delays in processing.)
 
It takes some time to gather all the necessary documents, so please allow three business days (72 hours) to complete the request. Once the student's packet has been completed, the registrar will email the requesting parent and leave the packet at the front desk for pick up. 

Spanish
BEFORE SCHOOL ELEMENTARY SPANISH
 
Is your elementary student interested in learning Spanish? If so, our middle school Spanish teacher,  Señora Connell, is offering a Spanish class for elementary students . You can sign up for classes by the month; the cost for this activity is $50 per student (less on shorter months).
Spanish
  • Kindergarten, first and second grade will meet Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:30 to 8 a.m.
  • Third, fourth and fifth grade will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:30 to 8 a.m.
Y ou can sign up for one month at a time; classes continue through the end of May and follow the regular BFA school calendar for breaks/days off. Sign up today through My School Bucks! Please  contact  Señora Connell with any questions. 

ROCK
GOT SOMEONE OR SOMETHING TO CELEBRATE?
RENT THE ROCK! 
 
Have a birthday to celebrate or a team to cheer on? Then rent the Spirit Rock! You've probably already seen the fun messages painted on the rock, and it's just $15 per day for you to display your message.
 
For more information on how to rent and paint the rock, visit the PTO webpage. If you have questions, email  Sara Hope , spirit rock committee manager. 

MAKE YOUR STUDENT'S BIG DAY SPECIAL--SEND A BIRTHDAY BAG 
 
Order your birthday bags today and help our eighth graders who are going to Washington, D.C. next spring. For just $10, our eighth graders will deliver a bag of goodies (no food included) to your child's classroom and surprise him or her with a special Happy Birthday song. We're happy to celebrate half birthdays too! Bags are available for purchase on the BFA online store. Please order early to ensure delivery on your child's special day.   
 
NEW SPRING EVENTS! GET YOUR DISCOUNT TICKETS TODAY  
 
The Foundation for Douglas County Schools  Community Events Program  is out with their latest fundraisers; check out their spring flier! The Foundation works with our community event partners to provide substantially discounted tickets to cultural venues and sporting events; and, best of all, your ticket purchases benefit DCSD. Go to their website for the latest information on discount tickets. 
Thursday, Feb. 21
 

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SOCIAL STUDIES FAIR  
 
Ms. Saleh's eighth graders will be sharing their vast knowledge with us during the Social Studies Fair on Thursday, Feb. 21, in the Middle School Commons. 
Friday, Feb. 22, and Saturday, Feb. 23
 

Beauty
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, JR. 
 
Be our guest at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 22, or Saturday, Feb. 23, for a tale as old as time! There is no fee to watch "Beauty and The Beast, Jr." so bring the entire family to enjoy this tale about the transforming power of kindness and love.
Tuesday, Feb. 26
 

SCHOOL TOUR FOR PROSPECTIVE PARENTS  
 
Tours for prospective K-8 families will be held at 9 a.m. on Tuesdays through March 26 (except March 19 as it's Spring Break).  
 
During the tour, we'll show prospective parents around the school so they can see firsthand why we are the STEAM School of Choice in Douglas County. Anyone going on a tour should bring a Driver's License and arrive a few minutes early so we can scan their license before the tour begins. 
Thursday, Feb. 28
 

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ACCELERATED READER DRESS OF CHOICE  
 
Elementary (grades 1-5) students who met their second trimester Accelerated Reader goal get an extra Dress of Choice Day on Thursday, Feb. 28!  Congratulations to the students who met their goal!

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SAC MEETING 
 
The School Accountability Committee (SAC) is meeting from 4:10 - 5:10 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 28, in the BFA Conference Room. All are welcome to attend.

BEN'S BRIGADE MEETING
 
Ben's Brigade is meeting from  8 - 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, at the Starbucks inside Super Target  (1265 Sergeant Jon Stiles Dr, Highlands Ranch ). All BFA Dads, Stepdads, Grandpas are welcome to attend.   
Friday, March 1
 

SPIRIT DAY
 
Friday, March 1, is a BFA Spirit Day! Students are welcome to wear their spirit wear T-shirts, a field day shirt from a previous year or their Fun Run shirt with regular uniform bottoms.
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 [email protected] 
Attendance: (720) 432-9239 [email protected] 
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.