Weekly Update
A Message from Principal Simpson
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Dear Parents,
It's the beginning of a new month, which means our teachers will highlight another one of our thirteen virtues with their students. In February, students focus on the virtue of Purity.
The definition we use is: Be pure in thought and deed. White lies, a little gossip, and small, mean words are painful and say more about you than others. What you think about others is how you will treat them. Develop good thoughts and feelings toward all.
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Our students had a unique opportunity to display this virtue through a service-learning project last week. Each student, including some of our remote students, decorated Valentine’s Day cards for Wish of a Lifetime. Wish of a Lifetime is an organization that grants wishes to senior citizens, much like how Make a Wish grants wishes to critically ill children. In addition to granting wishes, Wish of a Lifetime delivers valentines to nursing homes and assisted-living facilities each year. Pre-COVID, youth organizations from around the country would deliver thousands of valentines to hundreds of facilities on behalf of Wish of a Lifetime. This year, it’s even more important that residents in these homes feel loved since they cannot see family or friends due to COVID-19 restrictions. Of course, right now Wish of a Lifetime can't ask hundreds of kids to personally deliver valentines; instead, they asked for our help to decorate the valentines so the volunteers at Wish of a Lifetime can deliver them to seniors. Last week, BFA contributed almost 1000 valentines to their efforts! The students did a great job creating fun, colorful and joyful cards. Pictured below are just a few of our artists with their cards. You can find more information about Wish of Lifetime here
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Isaac and Naomi Van Deman |
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Mrs. Wilson's 3rd Grade Class |
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Parent Teacher conferences are next week. Below are the links if you would like to sign up for a conference with a member of our administration, specials or student support teams.
Administration:
Specials:
Support Services:
This is also one last reminder that if you'd like to change your child(ren)'s mode of learning for the third trimester, you must fill out this form by tomorrow evening. If you do not fill out the form by the deadline, your child(ren)'s mode of learning will not change for the third trimester.
Have a great weekend!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Simpson
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Next Wednesday, Feb. 10, is a remote learning day for all students.
The following day, Feb. 11, is a Dress of Choice day for students who have not had two uniform violations since the last Dress of Choice day.
Finally, we hope you enjoy the long Presidents' Day weekend! Friday, Feb. 12, is a comp day for teachers as it's a Parent Teacher conference week, so there is NO SCHOOL; and, Monday, Feb. 15, there is NO SCHOOL as we remember our great presidents Washington and Lincoln, as well as other past presidents.
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New Tour Dates Added for Prospective Parents |
We've added additional tour dates for the spring! If you know any parents who want to see our wonderful school, please share our tour webpage link with them.
In addition, please remind any prospective families you know that the second round of Open Enrollment for BFA is NOW OPEN! This round runs through 4 p.m. on August 2, but the sooner they go through the Open Enrollment process--the better their chances of getting an offer. Interested parents can go to DCSD Open Enrollment webpage for more information.
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Your Opinion Matters - Complete the Parent Satisfaction Survey TODAY! |
The School Accountability Committee (SAC) would like your feedback from this unique school year. Please complete the Parent Satisfaction Survey (one response per family) expressing your thoughts and opinions regarding the current BFA academic year. We genuinely value your feedback and hope to hear from every BFA family. The survey should take less than 15 minutes to complete, so please make time to complete it today
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Register NOW so You're Ready for the Kick Off! |
We’re only one week away from officially kicking off our DanceFit fundraiser, and we’re excited for this fun event! Donating is officially open on FUNRUN.com, and to get everyone moving, we have some fun incentives:
- 10 percent of every dollar pledged and collected from each class will go back to that classroom for teacher use.
- The top two middle school classes (grades 6-8) and top two elementary and pre-school classes (preschool-fifth grade) will receive a pizza party sponsored by the PTO.
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When we reach our goal of $45,000 for STEAM enhancements including stage lighting and sound improvements, the entire school will receive a Dress of Choice Day!
- Families can earn up to two hours volunteer time for their efforts in registering, sharing, and/or raising funds for our DanceFit fundraiser. A category of DanceFit has been set up in HelpCounter for families to record their time.
Here’s what you can do to support our school today:
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REGISTER your student(s) on FUNRUN.com today. It only takes 30 seconds!
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SHARE with five family/friends using the SHARE tools on funrun.com (Facebook, Text Message or Email) Students will earn rewards just for sharing from FUNRUN.com.
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GIVE a donation if you are able to give.
Remember that all families can support our school by either donating, sharing on FUNRUN.com, or both. And, all students get to participate in the Event Day, regardless of financial participation. For more information about our event, please view this video from our partners at Boosterthon.
All communication and resources given out at school also will be sent to families via email so that everyone has the opportunity to fully participate. We are working hard to make this fundraiser safe, fun and successful for everyone!
Key Dates:
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Today, Feb. 4: Donating is OPEN so register on FUNRUN.com, SHARE and GIVE!
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Monday, Feb. 8: Fundraiser Kick Off
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Friday, Feb. 19: SAVE THE DATE for Event Day!
See the flier for additional information. Thank you for supporting our school through the PTO Ben Franklin Academy DanceFit.
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Celebrate Moms with Blooms and Brunch |
The Community Events Committee (CEC) has a unique twist on our annual 'Muffins with Moms' Event. The newly named Blooms & Brunch will celebrate the moms and/or special women in our families virtually this year! A gift bag will be sent home with all families on Thursday, Feb. 11.
Remote families: The CEC will be distributing bags in the preschool parking lot from 8:30-9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 10 (only one bag per family please).
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Spirit Wear Store NOW OPEN |
The PTO's store for spirit wear and spirit items is open now; but just for the month of February. Shop for all your BFA gear including logo t-shirts, hoodies and sweatshirts, water bottles, cinch sacks, masks and gaiters (youth and adult sizes available), and much more! Make sure your kids have sweatshirts for chilly classrooms and fleece jackets or vests for recess. Find all your items at MySchoolBucks.com. The store will close again in March--so get your items TODAY.
Orders will be delivered and sent home through your child's classroom. Masks and gaiters are not returnable. If you are a remote family, please contact Rachael Hamburger, PTO spirit wear chair, to coordinate delivery.
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All Welcome to Join Next CEC Meeting |
The next CEC Meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 17, via Zoom (details will be on the BFA calendar). If you are looking for a way to become more involved in BFA or need to earn your volunteer hours, feel free to join them! All are welcome.If you have any questions please feel free to email the CEC at cec@bfacademy.org.
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Save the Date: Chipotle Spirit Night |
Mark your calendars for our next spirit night. We're getting a do-over at Chipotle since they weren't able to host us in November. Please join us from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 16, at the Chipotle on Wildcat Reserve Parkway in Highlands Ranch. Mention you're with BFA (or use our online order code NG3HM3W) and Chipotle will donate 33 percent back to BFA. See the flier for additional details.
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BFA Rocks - Sign Up to Rent the NEW Rock! |
The new spirit rock is ready for painting, and dates are available through the end of the school year! Reserve your dates on the BFA Spirit Rock SignUpGenius. Rental rates are still $15/day. Please only use paint to decorate the rock as adhering other materials to the rock makes it difficult for the next group to decorate it. If you have any questions about renting it, please see the flier or contact Sara Hope, Spirit Rock Coordinator.
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In Case you Missed It - Now Accepting Nominations for BFA Board of Directors |
A message from At-Large Director, Adam Lucero, and the Board Succession Committee...
The Succession Committee of the BFA Board of Directors is pleased to announce the Call for Nominations for the BFA Board of Directors ("Board") is open and will remain so until 11:59 p.m. MST on Friday, Feb. 19.
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The BFA Board consists of seven (7) members: four (4) are regularly elected by the Parent Voting Group, and three (3) are appointed by the Board. Service on the BFA Board is an opportunity to grow personally and professionally while helping guide the direction of our school and our students' development. We are seeking leaders who are passionate and committed to the mission, vision, and long-term strategic plan of BFA to serve on the Board.
This year, there are two (2) open director seats on the BFA Board, which will be filled according to the Board of Directors Election Policy. Each seat is for a three-year term. One (1) director will be elected by the Parent Voting Group, and one (1) director will be appointed by the BFA Board. Please read below for details regarding the upcoming Board Election/Appointment including the nomination, voting, and appointment processes, as well as the qualifications.
2021 Call for Nominations
The current call for nominations is for the following BFA Board seats:
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Seat 1, Class A, is currently occupied by Bill Castor. Bill has served on the Board for six (6) years and is term limited. This seat serves a three-year term, ending in May 2024, and is elected by the BFA Parent Voting Group.
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Seat 2, Class A, is currently occupied by Courtney Jurbala. Courtney has served on the Board for three (3) years and will not be seeking re-election. This seat serves a three-year term, ending in May 2024, and is appointed by the BFA Board.
2021 BFA Board Election/Appointment Process
To nominate someone (including yourself) for the BFA Board click here to complete the nomination form. Nominations from the BFA Parent Voting Group must be submitted online before 11:59 p.m. (MST) on Friday, February 19, 2021.
For the Board-appointed seat, nominees may be selected by the Board from the Parent Voting Group's nominations or nominated by a Board director at any time. The Board reserves all rights to fill Seat 7, Class C.
There will be a Board forum on Tuesday, March 23, at 5 p.m. (MST) before the regularly scheduled Board meeting. All are encouraged to listen in, and Board nominees are required to attend and participate in a Question and Answer session.
Voting for the Seat 1, Class A director will take place electronically April 10 - April 18. Members of the BFA Parent Voting Group will receive access to an electronic ballot on Saturday, April 10, and will have until midnight (MST) on Sunday, April 18, to cast their vote. Results of the election will be announced and the appointment will be made on Tuesday, April 20, at the regularly scheduled Board meeting. All Board nominees are encouraged to be in attendance for the results of both (1) the election and (1) the appointment.
To review the entire Board of Directors Election Policy, click here.
Qualifications to Serve on the BFA Board
The Succession Committee is seeking candidates who are committed and passionate individuals with a broad range of skills and knowledge in topics including but not limited to: organizational and financial management; strategic or long-range planning; banking and trusts; business/corporate; academic/education; and technology. We also encourage people with other competencies to seek nomination.
General expectations as well as Board activities, duties, and time commitments are highlighted below:
- Only one (1) person per family may serve on the Board at any one time.
- The Board shall not contract with directors or family members of directors.
- Neither directors nor family members of directors may be employees or independent contractors of BFA or serve as officers or voting members of the BFA Parent Teacher Organization.
- The average director logs 20+ volunteer hours for BFA a month.
- Directors are required to attend all Board meetings, strategy sessions and conferences as determined by the Board.
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Directors new to the Board are required to complete the online charter school governance modules created by the Colorado Department of Education or Colorado League of Charter Schools.
- Directors new to the Board are expected to review the following required materials within 30 days of being elected or appointed: "Cultural Literacy" by E.D. Hirsch, Jr.; "Boards That Make A Difference" by John Carver; and, “The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin."
If you are interested in learning more, please see the Board election webpage or email Adam Lucero, Board Director or any of our board members. Thank you for your time!
As a reminder, the deadline for Nominations is 11:59 p.m. (MST) on Friday, February 19, 2021.
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Mission:
Our mission is to create young adults with character like America's founding Renaissance man, Benjamin Franklin: well-read, scientifically curious, and civically engaged.
Vision:
Our students will excel academically through a challenging, sequenced curriculum that emphasizes math, science, the arts, 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 social emotional development, character, sports, and nature.
13 Virtues:
Temperance, Silence, Order, Resolution, Frugality, Industry, Sincerity, Justice, Moderation, Cleanliness, Tranquility, Purity and Humility.
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Ben Franklin Academy
2270 Plaza Drive
Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
www.bfacademy.org
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Main Office Phone: 720-383-4519
Email: info@bfacademy.org
Attendance Phone: 720-432-9239
Email: attendance@bfacademy.org
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