Vol. 9, Iss. 26
September 26, 2019
 
Dear Parents,

Thank you for supporting Goodies with Grandparents again this year. The event was fun for students and grandparents alike! And, special thanks to the Community Events Committee (CEC) for organizing the event--we received a lot of compliments from our grandparents!
 
We're looking forward to the STEAM Expo tomorrow. The STEM Committee has been working for months to make this a fun learning experience for our students. We'll be sure to put a picture or two on Instagram (@bfamazing). 
 
Our Second Step theme this week is "Be Responsible." Students show responsibility by completing and turning in their assigned work, keeping track of their supplies, and making sure they are helping to make school a place where all students can learn. We also encourage students to be responsible by admitting when they have made mistakes and taking ownership of their actions. Making mistakes is how students, and all of us actually, learn and grow. We encourage students to take responsibility for their behavior, academics, as well as their mindset. At a volleyball game last week, I heard a grandmother ask her first grade grandson, "What was the best mistake you made today?" I love this question! He had a great answer too, something about a spelling word. But he had obviously heard that question before and was not ashamed to admit his mistake. I have also heard parents ask, "Who were you kind to today?" or, "Who did you help today?" instead of the usual, "What did you do at school today?" I challenge you to change your typical after-school question and see if you can start a conversation about kindness, responsibility and growth.  
 
While you are welcome, and encouraged, to contact your child's teacher at any time about any questions or concerns you might have, our formal Parent Teacher Conferences are coming up soon. Please mark your calendar for Conferences, which will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 8, and Thursday, Oct. 10.  
 
Parents of kids in grades K-4 will be sent a sign up by their teacher on Friday, Sept. 27, and should choose a time to meet with their student's teacher. Please show up on time, and do your best to stay within the time frame allotted for your meeting. You are welcome to schedule a follow up discussion, if needed.
 
Fifth grade will offer 'drop in' conferences in the Sanders Science Lab, so feel free to come by any time between 4:15 - 8 p.m. Teachers will take a half hour break for dinner from 5:30 - 6 p.m. Please note, if your fifth grade teacher is not back in the science lab by 6 p.m., it may be because they were delayed in going to dinner.  
 
Sixth, seventh, and eighth grade teachers will be available to meet with parents in the Thunder (large) Gym from 4:15 until 8 p.m. Parents are welcome to come by during that time and talk to their student's teachers. The teachers will take a half hour break for dinner from 5:30 - 6 p.m. Please note, if your middle school teacher is not back in the Gym by 6 p.m., it may be because they were delayed in going to dinner. Kindly keep your discussions with the teacher to 10 minutes so all parents are able to meet with each teacher.

Sincerely, 

Diana Simpson

Spirit Week
SPIRIT WEEK BEGINS MONDAY
 
The Student Council has organized a fantastic Spirit Week, Sept. 30- Oct. 4! The whole school is welcome to participate in Spirit Week, but please follow Dress of Choice guidelines. If students do not want to dress up in the theme for the day, then they should wear their uniforms. We hope you'll join us in showing our school spirit!
 
Monday : Decade Day (dress up in the fashion of your favorite decade)
Tuesday : Vacation/Beach Day (Don your Hawaiian shirts and shorts) 
Wednesday : Wacky Wednesday (No formal uniform. Instead, put together your most bizarre outfit)
Thursday : Icon Day (Dress as your favorite celebrity or character)
Friday : Crazy Hat Day (Wear your favorite crazy hat with your outfit of choice)

party_dance.jpg
GET YOUR TICKETS TO THE MIDDLE SCHOOL DANCE!
 
This year's first Middle School Dance is going to be from 6 - 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, following a fun spirit week! Dress in your favorite fall outfit and come enjoy some fun autumn activities. Tickets will be $5, and are on sale NOW through MySchoolBucks . Ticket prices include two slices of pizza and a beverage. This dance is open to current BFA middle school students only and no tickets will be available at the door, so get them early!

Technology
 TECH FREE TUESDAYS

Ms. Konesky and Mrs. Tickle have announced that Tuesday, Oct. 1, will be our first Tech Free Tuesday! On t
his day students will not use iPads, chromebooks or laptops in school in order to help them appreciate the resources and tools technology provides as well as to demonstrate a balanced approach to using technology. BFA supports using various technologies to promote academics but also is aware that too much screen time may have detrimental effects such as reducing ability to focus, decreased interpersonal skills and exercise, difficulty sleeping, and emotional effects. On Tech Free Tuesdays, students will continue quality learning but may do research with books instead of searching for information online, handwrite instead of typing with spell-checking, and teachers will use whiteboards or other means rather than projectors to share lessons. It will certainly be an interesting day for all of us and we're excited to see how it goes! (And, don't worry--we'll still use technology in carpool!)

GOODIES WITH GRANDPARENTS 
   
A BIG THANK YOU to all who volunteered to make Goodies for Grandparents a huge success! We had more than 30 volunteers assist with both setup last night as well as hosting our grandparents this morning. We could not have done it without your support! 

There were almost 500 attendees at the event this morning--they enjoyed delicious cinnamon rolls, fruit, Starbucks coffee and water

Thanks to all the grandparents who were able to come to the event. It is always a pleasure to see our students interact with their grandparents and show off their school! 

If you would like to learn more about the CEC or volunteer for future BFA community events, please  email us!

Sponsor
SPONSORSHIP SALES END TOMORROW

The new school year means another opportunity to promote your business while supporting BFA. Each year, sponsorships allow BFA to continue to grow and to meet the needs of our school, as well as our teachers, staff and students. Sponsorships are on sale NOW, and selling out quickly. They are offered on a first come, first served basis, so be sure to reserve yours today. Sales end TOMORROW, Sept. 27. Visit the PTO Sponsorship  webpage for details on the various sponsorship options and pricing (look for the 'sponsors' tab). If you are interested in a sponsorship opportunity, please  contact  Denise Battista, sponsor committee manager.

PTO Trucker Hat
LAST CHANCE TO GET YOUR SPIRIT WEAR ON MYSCHOOLBUCKS 
 
The online store will be closing next Monday, Sept. 30, and will remain closed until the spring. So be sure to order your spirit wear today! You may purchase your spirit wear online at the School Store on MySchoolBucks. All purchases will be delivered to the classroom and sent home with your student. If you want to purchase in person, the PTO will be selling in October at parent teacher conferences.

VeteransDay
 MARK YOUR CALENDAR AND INVITE YOUR FAVORITE VETERANS!
 
The Veteran's Day celebration is just around the corner!  Military veterans and BFA parents are welcome to join us for our Veterans Day assembly programs on Monday, Nov. 11, at 8:30 and 10:30 am. A special reception for veterans will be held between the assembly programs, from 9:30-10:15 a.m., in the Sanders Science Lab.  Please invite veterans in your family or neighborhood to attend this wonderful event. More details to come on submitting a digital picture of loved ones who served or are currently serving in the military for our Veteran Wall of Honor! If you have any questions, or would like to volunteer for this event, please reach out to the Community Events Committee (CEC) by  email.

PTO SPIRIT NIGHT AT COLD STONE CREAMERY

I scream. You scream. We all scream for ICE CREAM! Join us from 4:30-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 1 at Cold Stone Creamery (9338 Dorchester St Ste A-101) in Highlands Ranch for our first spirit night of the school year. Come get some ice cream scooped by our very own BFA teachers and staff. Proceeds from the Cold Stone spirit night will go to the small group grant account. So, if you like ice cream or supporting BFA's small groups, mark your calendar. You won't want to miss out!

LIGHTS CAMERA ACTION BANNER

BENEFIT BASH 2019 - HOW CAN YOU HELP? 
   
The BENefit Bash is right around the corner, and we could use your help!
 
Do you have items that you would be willing to donate? We are looking for things like: autographed memorabilia, gas cards or rental car points, getaway/staycation donations, gift cards, items for kids and families, and sporting or concert event tickets. You can also purchase items from our Amazon Wish List to help fulfill gift baskets for the auctions, or donate an item of your choice.
 
Do you have a bottle of wine or liquor that you would like to donate? Drop off all unopened wine and spirits at the front desk.
 
Want to throw a party or host a social? Do you have a fun idea for a get-together, where you host, charge per-person to attend, and donate the proceeds to BFA? You could: host a BBQ in your back yard, a cooking class in your kitchen, bar hop, playdates, movie night, dinner party, or fitness class. The possibilities are endless! To sign up, click here.
 
Questions? Contact Julia Porterfield, fundraising coordinator.

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY FOR THE 2019 BENEFIT BASH

This year, the BENefit Bash is moving from a silent auction to mobile and online auctions to allow us to offer the auction to more parents. With more ways to bid and more ways to win, you won't want to be left out! There are many auction formats/options this year, including:


Please note: The online auction replaces the silent auction and the majority of the donated baskets with retail items will now be available in the online auction. Each auction will offer unique items, including parking spots, Spectacular Socials, Teacher Experiences, gift baskets, trips, and more! For details on the different auctions, click here for the flier.
 
Lastly, there will be limited pick-up at the Bash this year. Item distribution will take place on the Tuesday, Oct. 29, from 4:30-8 p.m. in the Middle School Commons. No more long lines. No rush to check out early. More time to socialize!!
 
Event ticket prices increase on September 29.

For more information on the BENefit Bash as well as more detailed explanations of the ticket options and packages,  go to the PTO webpage and look under 'Fundraising/BENefit Bash.'

cec
JOIN US FOR THE NEXT CEC MEETING 

Please join us for our next Community Events Committee (CEC) Meeting
at 6:30 p.m. on  Tuesday, Oct. 1,  at the Starbucks Cafe in Target in the Highlands Ranch Town Center. All are welcome! If you would like to learn more about the Community Events Committee (CEC), please feel free to send us an  email

Destination ImagiNation
DI INTEREST FORMS DUE OCT. 1
 
If you missed the Destination Imagination (DI) meeting last week, but are still interested in finding out more information and/or participating, please click one or more of the following:  BFA DI FAQ and/or DI Info Presentation.
 
If you are interested in participating in DI, please fill out the BFA DI Interest Form and email to Jason Sunahara, BFA DI coordinator, by Tuesday, Oct. 1. You also are welcome to contact Jason with any additional questions.
 
There is no guarantee that your child will be placed on a team simply by filling out the interest form. Once your child is officially part of a BFA DI team, there is a registration fee of $65 per participant ($30 for Rising Stars! which are DI's non-competitive participants). More information on the registration fee will come from your team manager/BFA DI coordinators at a later date.

Pink socks
PINK WEEK AT BFA
 
Monday, Oct. 7, through Thursday, Oct. 10, is Cancer Awareness Week at BFA. Although there are various months and colors associated with showing support for those fighting/surviving different types of cancers, we've chosen to show our love and solidarity with our family, friends and neighbors who have been affected by cancer by wearing pink accessories next week. Students may wear pink accessories (in their hair, bracelets, shoe laces and socks - no hair dye or colored hair spray) with their regular uniform.

DOT
PTO ONLINE SCHOOL DIRECTORY AVAILABLE NOW
 
Our  School Directory and Info App  is ready! The school community directory and school rosters may be found on the Directory on Tap (DoT) app. Install the latest app update on your mobile device from the App Store (for iPhone and iPad) or Google Play Store (for Android). The first time you log in this school year, you'll need to put in your user name (which is your email address, all lower case), then click on RESET PASSWORD. Your account has already been set up so there is no need to create an account. A one-time code will be emailed to you after you click on RESET PASSWORD. Please key in that code, then follow the prompts to choose and enter a new password. (The password must be a minimum of six characters.)

If needed, see these step-by-step  Detailed Instructions with screen images.

Email  directoryontap@gmail.com for any support questions. Your contact information comes from the data you entered into IC during Express Check-In. If you have updates to your contact information, you may update the app, but please remember that you still need to notify the school of changes to your contact information.

Please contact PTO vice president Natalie Lucero with questions.

BOOK FAIR
FALL BOOK FAIR 
 
BFA's Fall Scholastic Book Fair will be held  Monday, Oct. 7 through Thursday, Oct. 10.
  • 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m., Monday, Oct. 7 and Wednesday, Oct. 9
  • 8:30 a.m. - 8 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 8 and Thursday, Oct. 10
Please remember that the front office is closed during carpool from 3 to 4.
 
This year, Scholastic is offering e-Wallet so that you don't have to worry about sending cash, check or your credit card with your child. See our Scholastic homepage for easy sign up instructions
 
Scholastic is also offering a preview of all the exciting selections that will be offered this year. 
 
If you visit the fair, please take time to enter your child's name in a drawing to be held after the fair, as we will be giving away great books and fun miscellaneous items!

To ensure the success of the Book Fair, we'd appreciate your support. Sign up TODAY to volunteer.

We look forward to seeing you there! 

seasonal_pumpkins.jpg

BASE FALL BREAK CAMP

For the week of October 14-18, the BFA BASE program will have a Fall Break Camp, similar to the summer camp program we offer.  We need to have at least 15 families sign up for the program by Monday, Oct. 7 , otherwise we'll need to cancel the camp. The cost will be $35 per day for Monday-Thursday, but $50 on Friday as we will go on a field trip to Anderson Farms that day. Fall Camp will be open from 7 a.m.- 6 p.m. daily and our schedule of daily activities will be released soon.
 
Registration is OPEN NOW, and will close on Monday, Oct. 7. All registrations are non-refundable unless we do not have the required number of families. Enrolled families will be notified on Tuesday, Oct. 8, if we must cancel and refunds will be given at that time. Please register for the M-Th in house and Friday field trip separately. You will see the option for the in-house days and the field trip day on MySchoolBucks. Register for all the days you'd like your student to attend.
 
To register, please go to: MySchoolBucks.com. Families that have not enrolled in BASE for the current 2019-20 school year will be contacted to complete registration forms. If you are new to BASE this school year, you will also need to pay the 2019-20 BASE registration fee of $25. To obtain the registration paperwork and read the parent handbook please contact  base@bfacademy.org.
 
If you have any questions please contact Leigh Savoy, BASE director at base@bfacademy.org.

Spanish
ELEMENTARY SPANISH BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL OPTIONS
 
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 month, per student; and, payments should be made via Zelle or check (made out to Patricia Connell).

Morning classes: Kids in grades K-5 will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:30 to 8 a.m. in the Spanish classroom (#276)
Afternoon classes:  Kindergarten through second grade will meet Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30 - 4 p.m. in the Spanish classroom (#276). Third grade through fifth grade will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 - 4 p.m. in the Spanish room (#276).

You can sign up for one month at a time. Classes follow the regular BFA school calendar for breaks/days off, and continue until the end of May.  Please contact Señora Connell for registration, payment information and questions.

happy_baby_in_leaves.jpg
PARENTING SEMINAR POSTPONED

The Parenting Seminar scheduled to take place on Thursday, Oct. 3, has been postponed. Please keep an eye on the newsletter for the new date.
Thursday, Sept. 26
 

books_laptop_apple.jpg
SAC MEETING
 
The School Accountability Committee (SAC) is tasked with informing, encouraging, and providing opportunities for parent and community members to be involved in the planning and evaluation of the school's instructional program and quality improvement processes. All BFA parents are welcome to attend their meetings! The next meeting is from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26, in the Conference Room.

BEN'S BRIGADE
 
Ben's Brigade is meeting from 8-9 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26, at Lansdowne Arms ( 9352 Dorchester St., Highlands Ranch). Please note the location change. All BFA dads are welcome to attend!
Friday, Sept. 27
 

STEAM EXPO
   
The annual STEAM Expo is coming up on  Friday, Sept. 27;  f ollowing is the schedule for students:
  • 9:15-10:15 a.m. - Morning Kindie, Preschool, 1st Grade
  • 10:15 -11:15 a.m. - Middle school (6th, 7th, and 8th)
  • 12:15-1:15 p.m. - 2nd, Preschool
  • 1:15-2:15 p.m. - 3rd and 5th
  • 2:15-3:15 p.m. - Afternoon Kindie, 4th and All Day Kindie
Monday, Sept. 30 - Friday, Oct. 4
 

Spirit Week
SPIRIT WEEK 
 
The Student Council has organized a fantastic Spirit Week, Sept. 30- Oct. 4
 
Monday : Decade Day (dress up in the fashion of your favorite decade)
Tuesday : Vacation/Beach Day (Don your Hawaiian shirts and shorts) 
Wednesday : Wacky Wednesday (No formal uniform. Instead, put together your most bizarre outfit)
Thursday : Icon Day (Dress as your favorite celebrity or character)
Friday : Crazy Hat Day (Wear your favorite crazy hat with your outfit of choice)
Monday, Sept. 30 
 

classpicture
SPORTS PICTURES
 
BFA's fall sports teams will have their pictures taken after school on Monday, Sept. 30. Each coach will have specific details.
Tuesday, Oct. 1
 

TOURS FOR PROSPECTIVE FAMILIES
 
Group tours are offered at 9 a.m. every Tuesday from September 3 - November 19, and again from January 21 - March 31. We'll also have a tour on April 7 and May 5.  Please note, there will be no tours while students are on break--Oct. 15 and March 17.
 
Anyone going on a tour should bring a Driver's License and arrive ten minutes early so we can scan their license before the tour begins. There is no need to RSVP, and tours last around 45 minutes.

PTO SPIRIT NIGHT AT COLD STONE CREAMERY

Join us from 4:30-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 1 at Cold Stone Creamery (9338 Dorchester St Ste A-101) in Highlands Ranch for our first spirit night of the school year. 

cec
JOIN US FOR THE NEXT CEC MEETING 

Please join us for our next Community Events Committee (CEC) Meeting
at 6:30 p.m. on  Tuesday, Oct. 1,  at the Starbucks Cafe in Target in the Highlands Ranch Town Center. 
Wednesday, Oct. 2
 

trees-square-sm.jpg
FORMAL UNIFORM 

Wednesday, Oct. 2, is a Formal Uniform Day. Students should wear a navy polo shirt with the BFA logo and tan pants, shorts, skirt or a skort.
Saturday, Oct. 5
 

party_dance.jpg
MIDDLE SCHOOL DANCE
 
The Middle School Dance is from 6 - 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5. This dance is open to current BFA middle school students only and no tickets will be available at the door.
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.