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Vol. 9, Iss. 9
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March 7, 2019
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Dear Parents,
Our March virtue is tranquility. The definition that we use with the students when discussing this virtue fits perfectly with my message for the week, and is as follows:
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Keep yourself from reacting poorly to others.
- People are not perfect and the world is not fair.
- Learn to deal with both despite imperfections.
- Be patient.
We need your help with carpool. We have had an increase in people being rude and impatient with the staff and volunteers working carpool. In the past week alone, we've had several displays of bad temper and inappropriate behavior by parents. The carpool crew is doing the best that they can in a difficult situation. They are out in the elements ensuring that students arrive and depart safely. We need you to be patient and helpful; and we need everyone to follow the established carpool rules. I'd like you to carefully read the following specific areas where we need to see improvement:
1. When dropping off students in the morning, it is not acceptable to pull into the parking lot and drop off your children there instead of going through the A and B Zone drop-off points. An exception is made for families who have a reserved space and students who need to utilize the handicapped spaces for a medical reason. Many parents who drop off in the parking lot do not park legally and their children are left dodging cars in the lot to get to the crosswalk, creating a dangerous situation. Please go through the carpool line to drop off your children.
2. More and more students are getting dropped off late in the morning. If you are dropping off your student after 8:15 a.m. look to see if the front doors are shut. If they are, you need to come into the office and sign in your student. If you arrive between 7:45 and 8 a.m., your student will have plenty of time to get settled, and you will not have to wait in line nearly as long. There are usually very few cars during that time. In fact, we are rarely backed-up until a little after 8 a.m. If you are pulling onto property after 8:10 a.m., your student will most likely be late to class.
3. In the afternoon, we've had a problem with students who are approved to be walkers, but instead of walking home, they are getting picked up in the preschool parking lot. Walkers are supposed to either walk home or walk to a meeting point off campus. In the afternoon, the preschool lot is reserved as a waiting area for students who are late coming outside. Parking in the preschool parking lot causes a number of safety issues. This lot was not designed to be a waiting area to pick up walkers and avoid the carpool line. If there is inclement weather, you can email '[email protected]' and change the student's walker status for the day, then pick up your student(s) in carpool.
4. If you arrive later in carpool and we are in all-call, please stay in your car and stay in line. This will be the fastest and safest way for you to pick up your children.
These areas will be more closely monitored moving forward. We look forward to partnering with all of you to make sure that our students remain safe.
For those of you that follow the rules on a daily basis, thank you for displaying our virtue of tranquility during carpool and being an example to your children that following established
rules is important for everyone's safety.
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BFA loves its volunteers, and we want to show our appreciation for all of your work. This year, the PTO will be recognizing TWO volunteers each month. One volunteer will be chosen as the 'Volunteer of the Month,' and will get exclusive use of the dedicated 'Volunteer' spot in the parking lot for their month.
Each month, a second volunteer will be randomly chosen through a monthly drawing to win a fun, surprise gift. All you have to do to be eligible to win, is log at least ONE hour of volunteer service in the month prior to the drawing.
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CONGRATULATIONS AMY BAUGH!
For the month of March,
Amy Baugh has been selected as the Ben Franklin Academy Volunteer of the Month.
Amy is being honored for consistently volunteering in the library as well as all her efforts organizing the birthday bags. Her demonstration of
Ben Franklin's virtue of humility in helping the librarians and students, managing the birthday bags fundraiser, and being reliable and present throughout the school is remarkable and appreciated by many. For her efforts, we'd like to say thank you and are happy to recognize her.
Amy and her husband, Larry, have two sons, Elliot and Reid, and have been at Ben Franklin since the very beginning. Elliot started at Ben Franklin as a first grader in 2011 and Reid, now a fourth grader, join him a few years later in kindergarten. They feel very grateful that their boys have been able to attend the same school during the past five years. Amy says it's hard to believe that Elliot will soon be graduating and moving on to high school.
When asked what about Ben Franklin Academy she and Larry like best, Amy replied, "We appreciate the many teachers, coaches and staff members who have not only included and seen the good in our boys but encouraged them to be their best as well. We also love the other families at BFA who have offered us their friendship and support. We're thankful for you all!"
Congratulations, Amy! And, thank you again for all you do for our school.
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This month, Sara Sayers is the winner of our drawing. She volunteered in the library for the Book Fair and did Thursday folders for Ms. Wall. She has won a Shake Shack gift card. Congratulations, Sara! And, thank you again for your time and effort at BFA!
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BFA RULES AT MATH OLYMPIAD COMPETITION
We're excited to note that
38 students in grades 5 - 8 participated in last week's Math Olympiad competition. There were 11 students from Platte River Academy (PRA), and 27 students from BFA. Students demonstrated their math skills by solving complex problems, and awards and certificates were given to the first and second highest scoring students in each grade. Congratulations to the following winners:
5th Grade - First Place:
Isabell LeBoeuf (BFA), Second Place:
Nate Watson (BFA)
6th Grade - First Place:
Evan Roper (BFA), Second Place:
Quinlan Smythe (BFA)
7th Grade - First Place:
Parker Lollini (PRA), Second Place:
Siva Sundaresh (BFA)
8th Grade - First Place:
Kevin Lou (PRA), Second Place:
Ashton O'Connell (PRA)
In addition to BFA students receiving 8 of 12 of the top scores,
Evan Roper was the highest scoring BFA student. Everyone enjoyed the competition, and they're looking forward to another event at PRA after school on Thursday, March 28.
Thanks to all our BFA and PRA student competitors, the STEM Committee, BFA math teachers, parents, volunteers, and the PTO Baking Committee who made this event successful!
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CONGRATULATIONS to the
Battle of the Books teams who competed in the semi-finals earlier this week. Sadly, both teams lost, but we're proud of their effort. They worked really hard and had a great season.
Mrs. Mashburn and Mrs. Lewicki will be looking for more readers and battlers to add to our teams next year!
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CONGRATS ON A FANTASTIC SEASON OF GIRLS BASKETBALL
Our girls basketball teams had a terrific year! The B team worked hard every game and demonstrated much improvement, thanks to the effort and dedication of the girls and coaching by Ms. Mares.
The A team WON THE CHAMPIONSHIP! Congrats to the A team, our new League Champs--the team had an incredible season and they were so much fun to watch. Great job ladies and Coach Knudsen!
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GEOBEE CHAMP GOES TO STATE
Congratulations again to
eighth grader Maxwell Hatfield who was notified this week that he is one of the
semifinalists eligible to compete in the 2019 National Geographic GeoBee Colorado State Competition. The contest will be held at 1 p.m.on Friday, March 29, at the University of Denver, Davis Auditorium in Sturm Hall.
The semifinals are the second level of the National Geographic GeoBee competition, which is now in its 31st year. Max was our GeoBee champion earlier this school year so he qualified to take the online test, which was submitted to the National Geographic Society. The National Geographic Society has invited up to 100 of the top-scoring students in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense Dependents Schools and U.S. territories to compete in the State GeoBees.
This year, National Geographic increased the prize money for all State GeoBees. State champions will receive a medal, $1,000 in cash, and other prizes, as well as a trip to Washington, D.C., to represent their state in the National Championship to be held at National Geographic Society headquarters, May 19-22. Students that come in second and third place will receive cash awards of $300 and $100, respectively.
Congratulations again Max and good luck in the state competition!
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WE'RE EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE OUR BOARD NOMINEES!
We are so excited to announce the 2019-20 Ben Franklin Academy (BFA) Board of Director nominees who will be seeking a seat on the BFA Board this spring:
Bryan Molen, the current BFA Board Secretary will be seeking re-election,
Sarah Nisbet, who currently serves on SAC, and
Jason Page, who currently serves on STEM.
Please read more about each nominee, and attend the Board Forum at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12, in the Dana Library. (If you cannot attend the Forum in person, you may use the dial in number listed on the March 12 Board Agenda to listen to the Forum.)
This spring, the BFA community will elect one (1) director and the BFA Board of Directors will appoint one (1) director in accordance with the Board of Directors Election Policy to serve on the volunteer, seven-director BFA Board. Each seat is for a three-year term.
Voting for the Seat 3
, Class B, director will take place electronically April 5
-12. Members of the BFA Parent Voting Group will receive
access to an electronic ballot on Friday, April 5, and will have until Friday, April 12, at 11:59 p.m. to cast their vote. Results of the election will be announced and the appointment will be made on Tuesday, April 16, at the regularly scheduled Board meeting. All Board nominees are encouraged to be in attendance for the results of both (1) the election and (2) the appointment.
Please read about our nominees and plan to actively participate in the Board election process.
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The final Bake Sale is
TOMORROW, March 8! Be sure to get to school early, so your student(s) can buy a treat! The
Bake Sale will be held from 7:45 - 8:05 a.m. and during afternoon recess. Any funds raised will help BFA students offset some of the costs associated with going to Washington, D.C., so please support their efforts!
Interested in helping out with the bake sale?
We still need bake sale items and parent volunteers, so if you can help, please sign up today!
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CHARITY WEEK IS NEXT WEEK!
This year, the BFA Student Council has selected "
Wish of a Lifetime"
as the charity for which to raise funds. The charity's mission is, "to shift the way society views and values our oldest generations by fulfilling seniors' dreams and sharing their stories to inspire those of all ages."
Our goal this year is to raise more than $7,000 to grant a senior's lifelong wish. To do so, student council is organizing a number of activities, including kick-off assemblies on Friday, March 8, and several fundraisers during the week of
Penny Wars: Monday, March 11, through Wednesday, March 13
Monday - Pennies only
Tuesday - Sabotage other classes with silver coins
Wednesday - Paper money (not Monopoly!)
Skate City Social (all school): Thursday, March 14
Skate from 6-8 p.m. for a $5 admission fee and $2.50 skate rental. Food will be available for purchase.
Middle School Dodgeball for Dollars and Pizza Lunch: Friday, March 15
$5 per player, per dodgeball team (students may play on more than one team)
$5 for pizza lunch
Donations appreciated from spectators, $5 suggested donation
Payments can be made on
myschoolbucks.
Let's dig deep and make a wish of a lifetime come true for a deserving senior citizen!
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It's hard to believe, but it's time to start thinking about summer camp!
If you need full-time day care for the summer, want to schedule your own summer break, or are looking for a safe, fun way for your student to connect with other Ben Franklin Academy kids, then please sign up for Summer Camp! We'll keep your kids busy, safe and entertained. And, there's the added benefit that our summer camp is staffed by people you know, trust, and who genuinely care about your kids.
Program Details
Dates: May 29 - August 9; Closed July 1-5
Hours: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Days: Monday through Friday
Summer Camp is open to any currently enrolled BFA student 5-years old and above. Your child must be 5 on or before May 29 to participate.
Costs:
Registration - $35/per child, one-time Registration Fee (All registered campers will receive a camp t-shirt and day pack)
Daily Tuition - $35/day/child for non-field trip days and $50/day/child for field trip days
Watch for the summer camp calendar which will be available beginning April 2019.
If you have any questions please
email
Leigh Savoy or
Janet Harlow. Initial registration begins March 7. Go to MySchoolBucks or click
here to register.
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR MORNING WITH MOMS!
It's time for one of our favorite BFA traditions--Morning with Moms! BFA's Community Events Committee (CEC) is honored to host students and their moms from 7-8 a.m. on Wednesday, April 3, in the Lightning Gym for coffee, juice and sweet treats.
This event is popular, so please arrive early and park in the overflow lot as not to disrupt carpool. Moms must remain with their children in the gym until 7:45 a.m.; after that time, they can send their student(s) to their classroom(s). Please note, class will begin at the usual time so kids should be in class at 8:10 a.m. Thanks and we look forward to seeing you there!
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THE BFA PTO NEEDS YOU! YES, 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. We have big roles and small roles and roles where you can volunteer from home or at school. We've got something for everyone. All we're missing is YOU!
Nominations for PTO positions
open on Friday, March 1. If you or someone you know would be a great fit, please visit the
PTO website and submit your nomination using the "PTO Elections" link.
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.
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PTO STORE OPENING TOMORROW FOR SPIRIT WEAR
The PTO is excited to announce that the
online BFA Store is
now open! From now until April 15, you'll be able to purchase new short-sleeved tees and stainless steel BFA water bottles along with all your other favorite BFA spirit wear items. All items purchased will be delivered to the classroom and sent home with your student.
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GIVE US YOUR FEEDBACK FOR THE 2019 BENEFIT BASH
The BENefit Bash will be the PTO's primary fundraiser next school year. This biennial event has been a BFA tradition since before the school opened in 2011. Parents look forward to a night out with friends as well as an opportunity to support the school through a silent and live auction. We hope you'll save the date for the next Bash, which will be held on Saturday, Oct. 26.
The BENefit Bash committee has already begun preparations for this big event. In an effort to help us learn more about what YOU would like to see at the next event, please complete this BENefit Bash survey.
This quick, 3-minute survey will allow you to tell us what you've enjoyed in the past, what you'd like to see done differently next year, and sign up to help! We want to hear your opinion, so we're giving you until March 9 to complete the survey.
If you have additional questions, would like more information, or want to start volunteering today, please contact Julia Porterfield, PTO fundraising coordinator.
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THIRD GRADE FAMILIES - PLEASE VOLUNTEER IN MARCH
THIRD GRADE FAMILIES--please volunteer in carpool this March! 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 March, we'd like our third grade families to sign up for open volunteer spots in carpool. If you
don't have a third 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.'
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LAST CHANCE TO SIGN UP FOR AFTER SCHOOL ZUMBA!
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
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DESTINATION IMAGINATION TOURNAMENT PARTICIPANTS 'DI'ING FOR YOUR SUPPORT
Come cheer on your BFA Destination Imagination (DI) teams at the South Metro tournament THIS Saturday, March 9, at Littleton High School (
199 E. Littleton Blvd., Littleton, 80121)!
BFA has four elementary and middle school teams competing throughout the day. Our teams will be demonstrating their problem solving skills in the following categories:
Engineering Challenge: Monster Effects
- 9 a.m., Main Gym - Served with a Side of Fries, Elementary
- 10:20 a.m., Main Gym - Kolorful Koalas, Elementary
- 2:40 p.m., Main Gym - BFA STARs, Middle
Service Learning Challenge: Escape Artists
- 1 p.m., Library - Did Someone Say Our Name?, Middle
The teams would enjoy your support and to see BFA faces in the audience rooting them to victory! Everyone is welcome. The entire tournament schedule is available by clicking here.
THANK YOU
to the parent team manager volunteers and team members for your time and dedication to this year's participation in DI. The students have put in countless hours to devising creative solutions for their specific challenges, and the team managers helped guide them along the way. The teams are as follows:
Team Name/Challenge:
BFA STARs
, Monster Effects, Engineering,
Middle Level
Team Members:
Aidan Murphy, Reed Richardson, Sreehitha Sajjaand Tyler Sunahara
Team Managers:
Amy and Jason Sunahara
Team Name/Challenge:
Did Someone Say Our Name?, Escape Artists, Service Learning, Middle Level
Team Members:
Ollie Altonen, Kaitlyn Blum and Luke Trotter
Team Managers:
Doug Blum and Ed Trotter
Team Name:
Kolorful Koalas
, Monster Effects, Engineering
, Elementary Level
Team Members:
Sam Egolf, Caleb Olson, Téa Sunahara and Makenna Washeck
Team Managers:
Amy and Jason Sunahara
Team Name:
Served with a Side of Fries
, Monster Effects, Engineering, Elementary Level
Team Members:
Cooper Akin, Madeline Blum, Deagan Clendening, Megan Heckwolf, Benjamin LaSelle, Matthew LaSelle and Caleb Wilcox
Team Managers: Darick and Lynda LaSelle
Good luck to all of BFA's DI teams!
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PUT YOUR SCHOOL PRIDE ON DISPLAY!
GO BOLTS! Show your school pride by placing a BFA Bolts sign in your yard. There is a limited quantity of yard signs left, and they are being sold for only $10 each.
After you place your order on the
BFA Store, the sign will be delivered to your student at school. Now that the snow is starting to melt and spring is in the air, it's a great time to display your school spirit in your yard!
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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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TIME TO PURCHASE YOUR 2018-19 YEARBOOK
There's only one month left to purchase your yearbook! 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.
Sales end
March 31, and the cost is $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.
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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.'
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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.
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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).
- 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING
The Finance Committee is meeting at 6 p.m. tonight, March 7, in the BFA Conference Room.
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The
Bake Sale will be held from 7:45 - 8:05 a.m. tomorrow, March 8, in the lobby and during afternoon recess. Any funds raised will help BFA students offset some of the costs associated with going to Washington, D.C., so please support their efforts!
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Penny Wars: Monday, March 11, through Wednesday, March 13
Monday - Pennies only
Tuesday - Sabotage other classes with silver coins
Wednesday - Paper money (not Monopoly!)
Skate City Social (all school): Thursday, March 14
Skate from 6-8 p.m. for a $5 admission fee and $2.50 skate rental. Food will be available for purchase.
Middle School Dodgeball for Dollars and Pizza Lunch: Friday, March 15
$5 per player, per dodgeball team (students may play on more than one team)
$5 for pizza lunch
Donations appreciated from spectators, $5 suggested donation
Payments can be made on
myschoolbucks.
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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).
There is no need to RSVP. Tours typically run about one hour. Prospective parents should bring their Driver's License and arrive a few minutes early so we can scan their license before the tour begins.
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Plan to attend the
Board Forum at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12, in the Dana Library and learn more about the Board Nominees. (If you cannot attend the Forum in person, you may use the dial in number listed on the March 12 Board Agenda to listen to the Forum.)
After the Forum, stay for the monthly BFA Board of Directors meeting from 5:30 - 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12, in the Dana Library. The agenda will be available on the BFA website 24 hours in advance of the meeting.
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Members and non-members alike are welcome to attend the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) meeting from 6:30 - 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 13, in the Sanders Science Lab.
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Friday, March 15, is a Dress of Choice Day for students who have not received two uniform violations since the last Dress of Choice Day.
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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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