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| Vol. 8, Iss. 14 |
April 19, 2018
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Dear Parents,
Last week we highlighted Destination Imagination, which focuses on the S (science) and E (engineering) in STEAM. This week, I'd like to focus on the M (math).
Our daily math curriculum is the rigorous Saxon math, which is a spiraling curriculum that focuses on building skills through repetition and daily math practice. That's why math homework is so important, as this is where the students get to practice what they are learning. In fact, BFA students should have math homework every night, except on test days and weekends.
Some of our older students learning Algebra and Geometry use books from Pearson publishing. Since these are high school level disciplines, we have moved to this curriculum because it more closely aligns with the area high schools.
Some of our students have shown an aptitude and passion for math that goes above and beyond their daily math practice.
I'm excited to recognize the following groups of students for their hard work and achievements outside of class and at various area math competitions.
Continental Math League
BFA competed in the Continental Math League (CML) national testing program in a big way this school year.
Many of our students in grades 3-8 participated in monthly tests of six questions each. While third graders tested in January, February and March, the students in grades 4-8 took five tests November through March.
Only the top six scores for each grade are combined to determine the total score for that grade.
Congratulations to the fifth grade for achieving a perfect score of 36 points on the second test in December and the sixth grade for scoring 36 points on the fifth test in March. For the five tests, the sixth grade scored the most BFA points with 149 out of 180 points possible, and the eighth grade was a close second with a total of 141 points.
We're happy to have the active support of many of our BFA teachers and students for this important program that measures our mathematical and problem solving skills. With enthusiastic support from parents, students and teachers, we're glad to share that the
STEM Committee plans to support CML for BFA next school year.
Math Masters Regional Competition
Ten talented BFA students participated in the Math Masters Highlands Ranch Regional Competition for fifth and sixth grade students at Northridge Elementary School on Saturday, April 14. The competition included 14 fifth grade teams and six sixth grade teams from six Douglas County Schools, with approximately 90 students participating in total. The competition included three levels of testing, 1) Math facts drill, 2) Individual testing, and 3) Team testing.
The sixth grade team included:
Braden Nagel, Evan McDermott, Reed Richardson, Tuhin Sur, and Vinisha Tripathi. Our fifth grade participants were:
Anthony Polo, Hansika Lakkireddy, Maria Mundackal, Rohan Mansingh, and Quinlan Smythe.
BFA did well and was awarded the following:
- Hansika Lakkireddy, Fifth Grade, 6th Place
- Quinlan Smythe, Fifth Grade, 11th Place
- Tuhin Sur, Sixth Grade, 6th Place
Individual Rounds
- Quinlan Smythe, Fifth Grade, 8th Place
- Tuhin Sur, Sixth Grade, 7th Place
Team Rounds
All the BFA students received a special Math Masters T-shirt and participation certificates. Everyone had a great time, and BFA students are excited about participating next school year.
Thank you to volunteers
Dee Duncan and
Abhi Sur, as well as the
STEM Committee and
Ms. Svensen for supporting BFA's enhanced math programs.
Sincerely,
Diana Simpson
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BFA BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION RESULTS
Following is a message from Bryan Molen, secretary, BFA Board of Directors...
Thank you to all of the families and staff members who voted and helped select our newest BFA Board members.
Bill Castor received the most votes this year and will be seated in Seat 1, Class A. The BFA Board also appointed
Courtney Jurbala to fill Seat 2, Class A. Both of these positions are for a three-year term, ending in May 2021.
On behalf of the entire Board, I'd like to say
congratulations to the new Board members and thank all of those who accepted the nomination, as well as those who took the time to vote. There were three very good choices this election, and I really appreciate the broad participation from all of those involved.
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There will be
no school for students on Friday, April 20, as it is a teacher planning day.
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TICKET SALES END TOMORROW FOR THE MOTHER SON BOWLING EVENT
The BFA PTO is proud to present a
Mother Son night of bowling fun from 4:30 - 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 28, at AMF Littleton Lanes (2530 E. County Line Road, 80126). Tickets are $25 ($10 for each additional son) and are
on sale now through the BFA Store. Your ticket includes bowling, shoe rental, pizza, soda, cupcakes and a souvenir! Boys in kindergarten through eighth grade can bring their mom, or any other special female guest. Get your tickets before
sales end tomorrow, April 20.
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The THREE Destination Imagination (DI) teams headed to Global Finals have started their fun Ben Franklin Bolting Fundraiser, and Bolts are "striking" all over yards in the BFA community!
Breaking News: The grade with the highest percentage of participants in bolting will win a
Crazy Hat Day later in May.
Congrats to fourth grade, who is currently in the lead!
We can't wait to see which grade will take the lead next week.
The Ben Franklin Bolting Fundraiser is the DI take on the traditional flocking flamingo fundraiser.
For a suggested minimum tax-deductible donation of $25 to the BFA PTO, you can cover the lawn of a fellow BFA family with a dozen (12) Ben Franklin Lightning Bolts!
The family "bolted" can choose to have the Bolts moved to another lawn for a suggested minimum tax-deductible donation of $25.
You can do this by placing an order on the BFA Store. The Bolts will be removed the following day regardless of giving a donation.
Imagine the smiles a lawn full of Ben Franklin Lightning Bolts will bring. It is a "gift" that will not soon be forgotten. And, we can be sure that the Bolting of Bens is going to be the main topic of discussion at the lunchroom and recess!
"Bolting" takes place from now through Friday, May 18, - but don't delay! If you are ready to get involved,
head to the BFA Store today and "bolt" another family. You will need the address of the family you'd like to "bolt."
Helpful hint: Use the Directory On Tap app to look up an address to "bolt." In addition, you can remain anonymous or let the family know you "bolted" them!
Note: DI teams can only deliver to families currently attending BFA. They cannot deliver to a public space or a townhouse, condo, or apartment complex.
Please
email
Missy Washeck with any questions and be sure to check your Thursday folder for additional information.
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TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK, MAY 7-11
Teacher appreciation week, May 7-11, will be here before we know it. Be on the lookout for a flyer outlining the fun activities for teachers and staff. There will be ways for everyone to participate and make the week special for our favorite BFA staff members. The PTO will be looking for donations, and the Baking Committee will be sending out a sign-up. It's going to be a fantastic week!
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SUMMER CAMP SCHEDULES AVAILABLE NOW
Ben Franklin Academy is happy to announce that we will offer an exciting Summer Camp program again this year.
In fact, the 2018 summer camp calendars are finished and ready for parents to view (see below for details).
Do you need full-time daycare for the summer? Or perhaps you want to schedule something fun for your kids once a week while you run errands. Maybe your kids would like to connect with other Ben Franklin Academy kids and enjoy fun, summer social time? Whatever your situation, our Summer Camp is sure to keep your kids safe and entertained. And, the best part is--the program is staffed by people you know and trust!
Program Details
Dates:
May 30 - Aug. 10 (closed the week of
July 4th)
Hours:
7 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Days:
Monday through
Friday
Summer Camp is open to any BFA student age 5-years-old and above.
Program Costs
Registration: There is a $35.00/per child one-time registration fee. All registered campers will receive a camp T-shirt and day pack.
Daily Tuition: The cost of the camp is $35/day/child for non-field trip days and $50/day/child for field trip days.
Program Schedule
This year the schedule will not be posted on the BFA website. If you would like to view the calendars, please
email
Summer Camp or
contact
Mrs. Savoy directly and they will happily send them to you.
Initial and daily registration is now open, so get signed up today! If you have any questions about the summer camp program, please feel free to
email us. It is going to be another fun summer at BFA!
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PTO VIRTUES AWARENESS BOOKMARK CONTEST: APRIL WINNER
Congratulations to Lila Tenhundfeld in Mrs. Murray's afternoon kindergarten class! She is the elementary school winner of the PTO's Virtues Awareness Bookmark Contest for April. Her winning bookmark design was chosen for its adorable and artistic interpretation of April's virtue, Industry.
Elementary students should look for your copy of Lila's winning bookmark in your Thursday folder!
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SAVE THE DATE: ADDITIONAL DI FUNDRAISERS
In addition to the
Bolting Bens, the DI teams will raise funds through an
EXTRA Dress of Choice Day and
Frozen Treat Sale:
EXTRA Dress of Choice Day: Friday, April 27
- All students (with the exception of those going on field trips) can participate in an EXTRA Dress of Choice Day on Friday, April 27. To participate, send your child with $1 on April 27 (please have exact change and (please!) no coins) to turn into his/her class/homeroom teacher, and s/he can join in the fun! (For students going on field trips, an alternative Dress of Choice Day has been approved so they can participate.)
Frozen Treat Sale: Friday, May 4, Sale at Second Recess
- DI team members and parents will be at school on Friday, May 4, selling Otter Pops for $1 each during second recess to all grades (and during middle school recess). If your child would like to participate, please make sure they hold onto their frozen treat money until second recess for purchase. Single bills are greatly appreciated!
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JOIN US AT THE PTO MEETING TONIGHT
The next monthly PTO meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. tonight, April 19, in the Sanders Science Lab. Come learn about what the PTO is working on, get connected, and earn some volunteer hours just for attending! Whether you want to volunteer a little or a lot, we've got a role for you. Everyone is welcome!
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What:
Chemistry Camp!
When:
9 a.m. - noon, June 25-29
Where:
Ben Franklin Academy, Sanders Science Lab
Cost:
$125 per student for camp
Curious about Chemistry? Come and discover some of the basic principles of chemistry through laboratory exercises and experimentation. Grow your own edible crystals, make ice cream with carbon dioxide, and explore how the substances of the world interact with each other.
Join Mrs. MacDonald, and your fellow classmates as we strive to uncover the unseen mysteries of the world around us!
The camp is open to middle school kids, including incoming sixth graders and outgoing eighth graders.
Register
today, or
email
Mrs. MacDonald
with any questions!
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REMINDERS FROM THE REGISTRAR
If you do not plan to re-enroll at BFA for the 2018-19 school year, it's time to notify us in writing by sending an
email to
Rachelle Patterson
, registrar. It's helpful to know who may be leaving for planning purposes, and parent/guardian confirmation is required before student records are forwarded to a new school.
If you have
recently moved, please bring your proof of residency to change your address in the system or
email it to the registrar. One of the following will be required:
- Lease Agreement
- Purchase Agreement
- Tax Notice
- Warranty Deed
- Deed of Trust
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DCSD Community Day with the Colorado Rapids
Tickets Still on sale for alternate game, Sunday Apr 29th at 2 pm vs. Orlando City SC
DCSD Community Days at Elitch Gardens
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 1 - 3
(Regular Admission is $54.99)
SPECIAL OFFER:
Purchase your ticket by May 31, 2018 and receive a FREE RETURN TICKET to the park.
DCSD Appreciation Day with the Colorado Rockies vs. Arizona
Diamondbacks
Saturday, June 9 at 5:15 pm
Use promo code DCSD
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DENVER YOUNG ARTISTS ORCHESTRA VOUCHER
The Denver Young Artists Orchestra is pleased to offer free tickets to our families for their next concert, "Transformations," which will begin at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 29, at the Boettcher Concert Hall. Click here for a flier with more information.
They also are offering a ticket voucher for Spring Prelude, held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 6, at Central Presbyterian Church.
Click here for the voucher form and instructions on how to get your free tickets.
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EARN MONEY FOR BFA WHILE YOU SHOP
Did you know you can earn money for BFA each time you shop at King Soopers and Safeway? Buy groceries, gasoline at fuel centers, lottery tickets and postage stamps while helping BFA at the same time! (Safeway gift cards also can be used at Albertson's locations.)
How?
Simply
order a dedicated BFA King Soopers and/or Safeway gift card from the BFA Store, and use it to buy your groceries. Then, re-load your King Soopers or Safeway gift card at Customer Service or at the register before you scan your first item.
Online shoppers can use grocery cards too! Shoppers using Safeway's online service can make purchases with their Safeway grocery card, while King Soopers online shoppers can pay using their grocery card when they pick up their order.
Ordering your King Soopers and Safeway cards is easy!
Just go to the
BFA Store, click on 'Grocery Cards' and order yours today. The cards are pre-loaded with $5. When ordering, be sure to include your FIRST/LAST NAME and FULL MAILING ADDRESS. Your King Soopers/ Safeway card(s) will be mailed directly to the address provided. Once the order is received, please allow five business days for processing.
Need a new card?
If it's been a while since you used your card, and it's been left with a zero balance, your card will expire! Please
order a new card through the store, as the zero balance card will no longer give rebates back to BFA.
The King Soopers and Safeway fundraising programs donate five percent of your purchases back to the school. BFA raised more than $5,500 through this program last year!
For more information or questions,
email
Rachel Molieri, PTO spirit wear and grocery card coordinator.
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PRESCHOOL PARENT APPRECIATION
We love our preschool families so much that we set aside two days to celebrate them!
Wednesday, April 18, and Thursday, April 19, are BFA Preschool Appreciation Days.
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PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION MEETING
BFA's Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) will meet from
6:30 - 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 19, in the Sanders Science Lab.
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There will be
no school for students on Friday, April 20, as it is a teacher planning day.
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There will be a special BFA
Board of Directors Meeting at 9 a.m. on Friday, April 20, via conference call. See the agenda for the dial in number and participant code.
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Join the School Accountability Committee (SAC) as they meet from 4:10 - 5:10 p.m. on Thursday, April 26, in the BFA Conference Room.
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The Ben's Brigade welcomes all BFA dads to attend their monthly meeting from 8 - 9 p.m. on Thursday, April 26, at the Starbucks inside Super Target.
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EXTRA DRESS OF CHOICE DAY
All students (with the exception of those going on field trips) can participate in an EXTRA Dress of Choice Day on Friday, April 27. To participate, send your child with $1 on April 27 (please have exact change and (please!) no coins) to turn into his/her class/homeroom teacher, and s/he can join in the fun.
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The Mother Son night of bowling is from 4:30 - 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 28, at AMF
Littleton Lanes (2530 E. County Line Road, 80126).
Your ticket includes bowling, shoe rental, pizza, soda, cupcakes and a souvenir!
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EIGHTH GRADE WASHINGTON, D.C. TRIP
Eighth Grade students who elected to attend the Washington, D.C. trip will leave for our nation's capital on Sunday, April 29. Students will visit many historic and important national sites in Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia. We hope you have a great time!
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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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