I'd like to also take just a minute to thank the STEM committee for bringing some paleontologists from the Denver Museum of Nature and Science out to the school yesterday to speak to the students about the Triceratops fossils that were found down the road last spring. The students loved hearing about what paleontologists do both at a dig site and back at the museum. I posted some pictures on our Instagram yesterday of the assembly, please check @bfamazing if you'd like to see them. If you have a passion for science, engineering, technology and/or math the STEM committee would be a great way for you to get some volunteer hours!

Another way we'd like to ask for your support in speaking kindly and being a positive example is on BFA's social media. While "Friends of Ben" is not an official communication tool for our school, many of our staff follow that page, mostly because they are also parents. That page was created by parents to build community and as a way for parents to connect with other parents. It is not an official communication channel, thus the Board has asked BFA staff to not respond on the page in an official capacity. Unfortunately, sometimes the page turns into a breeding ground for venting and misinformation.

 

We understand that parents often have questions and sometimes even a concern they'd like addressed; if that's the case, the best way to have your voice heard is to reach out to our staff through official channels instead of starting a negative stream on a Facebook page. It's very unfortunate that several very negative conversations have been posted in the past few weeks, all on different subjects. While staff are not allowed to respond, they do see your comments, some of which are hurtful. I have spoken with several teachers this morning who lost sleep last night over comments made on Facebook, and that is not acceptable. Like most of the comments posted on Friends of Ben recently, if you would have emailed the teacher or administration directly about your concern, you would have a better understanding of the reasoning/intention behind our practice. Everyone in this building comes in every day with the best of intentions and a love for your children.

 

In the past, I have given in and addressed concerns brought up through "Friends of Ben." Moving forward, I will not be addressing any concerns that are not brought directly to our staff through our official communication channels (email, phone call, open/public comment at Board meetings). I encourage you to bring any questions or concerns about classroom matters to your student's teacher(s). If you have a question or concern about a general school policy, procedure or process, please contact me, Mr. Gomez and/or Mr. Rau. We are here to help and we welcome feedback from our community when it is appropriately voiced.