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Vol. 9, Iss. 11
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March 28, 2019
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Dear Parents,
Welcome back! I hope everyone enjoyed a safe and fun spring break. The rest of the year is going to fly right by--every year, it seems that within a blink of an eye April and May are over. There is so much happening here at BFA in the next several weeks, including field trips, performances, and state testing. Please keep an eye on your teachers' websites, as they will have up-to-date information posted about events that involve your children.
State testing (CMAS) for students in grades 3-8 will begin the week of April 8. These tests are important for several reasons. They give us critical information about how our students are learning and we use the results to help drive decision-making around staffing, curriculum, and programming. As our mission states, we are a data-driven institution, so having accurate data is very important.
Additionally, these tests are important because the results are communicated to the wider community and reflect how Ben Franklin Academy is doing as a school. Testing results are used for our School Performance Framework (which was used to renew our charter this year) and the results dictate how our "grade" is determined on the School Grades website. It was our CMAS results from last year that led us to win the John Irwin Award for 2018. Our goal is to continue to earn that award, as well as others, based on our students' academic achievement and growth.
In order for us to have the most accurate information, we need to have strong participation in our testing sessions. Students have been preparing all year and this is their opportunity to show off all they've learned. Please see the schedule below for testing sessions and times (these are also listed on the school calendar). It would be very helpful if appointments and other activities are not scheduled during these testing times. We appreciate your help with this. Students who arrive late, will not be allowed into class during the testing time, so it is important that students arrive on time.
April 8, 9, 10
ELA (English/ Language Arts): 8:30-10:15
Math: 12:15-1:35
Fourth Grade:
April 11, 12, and 15
Math: 8:25-9:40
ELA: 12:40-2:25
Fifth Grade:
April 11, 12, and 15
ELA: 9:15-11:00
Math: 12:50-2:10
April 16
Science: 9:15-10:50 and 12:50-2:25
April 17
Science: 9:15-10:50
Sixth Grade:
April 8, 9, 10
ELA: 9:30-11:35
Math: 1:00-2:20
Seventh Grade:
April 15,16,17
ELA: 8:30-10:35
Math: 12:55-2:15
Eighth Grade:
April 8, 10, 12
ELA: 8:25-10:40
Math: 12:55-2:15
April 9
Science: 9:15-10:50 and 1:05-2:40
April 11
Science: 9:15-10:50
It's also important, as it is every day, that students get enough rest and have a solid breakfast on these testing days. They need energy to do their best!
We appreciate you helping us in our efforts to make sure that our students demonstrate just how much they have learned this year!
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PLEASE READ ABOUT OUR BOARD NOMINEES
Voting begins soon, so please be sure you've taken some time to learn more about our three Board nominees,
Bryan Molen,
Sarah Nisbet and
Jason Page.
Please
read more about each nominee, and be ready to vote
for the Seat 3, Class B, director. Voting will take place April 5-12, via electronic ballot.
We hope all BFA families will actively participate in the Board election process this year!
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NEXT WEEK IS 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!
The PTO is an integral part of Ben Franklin Academy. Since it began serving BFA, the PTO has raised funds to provide all manner of items for the school, including playground equipment, library books, a climbing wall, the outdoor classroom, and the MakerSpace, as well as tools and resources needed by the teachers, staff and administration. In addition, we organize multiple social events to bring together the entire BFA community.
This year, there are several Officer and Committee Chair positions up for election by the BFA community, and many Committee Manager positions that are appointed by the current PTO Executive Officers. If you are interested in becoming a PTO Executive Officer, Committee Chair, or Committee Manager, please submit the following information to the
PTO Secretaries by April 5. (For all elected positions, the information provided will be posted on the election ballot.)
- Your Name
- Number of children enrolled at BFA
- Grade of each child
- How long your family has been at BFA
- How many PTO Meetings you have attended in 2018-19
- Why are you interested serving on the BFA PTO?
- Why do you think you would be a good fit for this position?
- Is there any other information you would like to share?
Nominations for PTO positions are now open! 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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MOMS' NIGHT OUT - APRIL 4
Calling all BFA moms! Need a little time to recharge? Take the night off and come join us for
Moms' Night Out from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, April 4, at Max Taps (2680 E County Line Rd, Highlands Ranch). Light appetizers will be provided.
Please RSVP
HERE so we know to
count you in. Max Taps will be having a game night and wing truck this evening as well. We hope you'll plan on joining us for this fun event!
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VIRTUES AWARENESS CONTEST WINNERS
Congratulations to Tea Sunahara in Mr. Knudsen's fifth grade class and Anthony Ligrani in Mrs. Stolk's sixth grade class! They are the winners of the March Virtues Awareness Bookmark and Poster Contest.
Tea's bookmark was chosen due to its pretty springtime design reflecting tranquility. Look for your copy of Tea's winning bookmark in your Thursday folder!
Anthony's cheerful poster is bright, colorful and relevant. Look for Anthony's poster in the Middle School Commons.
The new entry form for April/May will be in your Thursday folder, and can be found here.
This will be the last contest for this school year. The April and May virtues are: INDUSTRY, TEMPERANCE, and MODERATION.
Industry: Keep on task. There is a time for work and a time for play-do both with a good attitude.
Temperance: Control is the key to improvement. Keep your words, actions, and temper in control.
Moderation: Keep yourself in balance. Focus both on accomplishing things in which you excel and those you do not. Try new things.
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FINAL DAYS TO PURCHASE YOUR YEARBOOK
There are only a few days left to purchase your yearbook so order yours before sales end this Sunday, March 31! The yearbooks are $36, and can be ordered online
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SAVE THE DATE TO WATCH DI TEAMS AT STATE
Congratulations again to the Destination Imagination (DI) teams who competed in the South Metro Tournament earlier this month. Save the date to watch THREE of our teams - BFA STARs, Kolorful Koalas and Served with a Side of Fries - participate in the State DI Tournament on Saturday, April 6, at Auraria Higher Education Center in Denver. All three teams are competing in Monster Effects, the Engineering Challenge, and will be presenting their solutions in the P/E Center. We will share finalized competition times in next week's newsletter.
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APPRECIATE YOUR TEACHER WITH SCRIP
This spring, the BFA community will have the opportunity to participate in teacher and staff gifting with SCRIP. The program makes it easy for parents to choose which teachers and staff they'd like to gift, then make one payment for all of their gifts. After the PTO tallies the gifts, each teacher/staff member receives an email with the total amount collected, and selects which gift cards they would like to receive. By consolidating donations, we are able to provide teachers and staff with meaningful gifts.
The SCRIP program allows the PTO to purchase the requested gift cards at discounts ranging from 2 - 21 percent, depending on the retailer. That discounted amount comes back to BFA from SCRIP, and will be used for PTO-funded programs at school.
Families will be able to place SCRIP orders via the BFA store and pay by credit card. You may designate how much you would like to give to each teacher/staff member in whole dollar increments. Collections will take place April 13-19.
Participation in the SCRIP program is completely voluntary. You are welcome to participate with any amount, or alternatively gift the teachers and staff on your own.
The gifts will be given to the staff during Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week, the week of May 6, and will be in lieu of any other class gift/collection. Look for more information in future newsletters regarding details on how to contribute to your favorite staff members' gifts!
Questions? Visit the PTO webpage or contact Rachael Hamburger, SCRIP coordinator.
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BFA STORE OPEN FOR LIMITED TIME
CHECK OUT NEW ITEMS
The next spirit wear day is a week away. Do you need new spirit wear? Visit the BFA Store to see what's new and make your purchase! But don't wait - the store will close for the year on April 15. All items purchased will be delivered to the classroom and sent home with your student.
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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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SAVE THE DATE 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.
f 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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PLEASE VOLUNTEER IN CARPOOL!
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 April, we'd like our FIFTH GRADE families to sign up for open volunteer spots in carpool. If you
don't have a fifth 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 RENT THE ROCK!
There are NINE OPEN DAYS left this school year for you to rent the rock:
- Tues, April 23
- Wed, April 24
- Thurs, April 25
- Fri, April 26
- Mon, April 29
- Tues, April 30
- Fri, May 17
- Mon, May 20
- Tues, May 21
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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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 now 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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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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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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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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All are welcome at the School Accountability Committee (SAC) meeting from 4:10 - 5:10 p.m. today, March 28, in the Conference Room.
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BFA Dads, Grandpas, Favorite Uncles are all welcome to come to tonight's Ben's Brigade meeting from 8-9 p.m. at the Starbucks inside SuperTarget. We hope you can make it!
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SCHOOL TOUR FOR PROSPECTIVE PARENTS
We will host a school tour for prospective families beginning at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, April 2. This is the only tour in April. There is no need to RSVP and tours last about an hour. Parents attending the tour should bring their Driver's License and arrive a few minutes early to have it scanned.
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CLASS PICTURES
FIFTH GRADE, MRS. FERGUSON AND MRS. TRIPLETT'S CLASSES SHOULD WEAR FORMAL UNIFORM
Lifetouch will be at school on Tuesday, April 2, to take class pictures of our fifth graders, first graders in Mrs. Ferguson and Mrs. Triplett's classes, and students who attend preschool on Tuesdays.
Students having their pictures taken should wear their Formal Uniform on Tuesday, and they DO NOT need to wear it again on Wednesday.
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BFA's Science Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Committee is meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2, in the Sanders Science Lab. Come to the meeting to see all the great things this group does for our students!
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FORMAL UNIFORM DAY
(EXCEPT 5TH GRADE AND 1ST GRADERS IN MRS. TRIPLETT AND MRS. FERGUSON'S CLASSES)
Students should wear their Formal Uniform on Wednesday, April 3. As a reminder, Formal Uniform is a navy polo shirt with the BFA logo and tan pants, shorts, shirt or a skort.
Fifth graders and first graders in Mrs. Ferguson and Mrs. Triplett's classes do not have to wear Formal Uniform on Wednesday, April 3, as they had to wear formal uniform on Tuesday, April 2, for class pictures.
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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.
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Parents will hear from some of Hollywood's biggest stars, when our third graders put on a musical review beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 3, on the Performance Stage in the Thunder Gym.
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Calling all BFA moms! Need a little time to recharge? Take the night off and come join us for
Moms' Night Out from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, April 4, at Max Taps (2680 E County Line Rd, Highlands Ranch). Light appetizers will be provided.
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Friday, April 4, is a Rockies Spirit Day! Students can wear their favorite Rockies jersey or T-shirt (or a shirt from their favorite baseball team) with regular uniform bottoms. Alternatively, students can wear a BFA Spirit Wear, Fun Run or Field Day T-shirt.
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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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