Weekly Update
A Message from Principal Simpson
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Dear Parents,
We've had another great week here at BFA. I know everyone is looking forward to attending Franklin Fest on Saturday. A big thank you to the PTO for organizing such a fun community event!
Our COVID update for this week includes two new cases. Unfortunately, we've had another staff case in fifth grade and another student case in eighth grade. All classes directly impacted have been contacted.
I want to share a clarification about quarantines. As indicated earlier this year, Individual school exposures do not require a quarantine at this time. We need to have five connected cases to trigger a quarantine for a class. Please note, however, that if a child is exposed to a positive case in their home or outside of school, these exposures do require that the student quarantine. If anyone in your house has been diagnosed with or is getting tested for COVID, please keep all students home. If needed, please contact me and I will go over the quarantine timeline with you.
One of the cornerstones of BFA is our thirteen virtues. To study each virtue, we focus on one or two of them per month; see our webpage for the full list, a description and the month assigned to each. September's virtues are Silence and Justice.
Silence - There is a time and place to speak up and a time to listen. You learn more by listening than speaking. We emphasize this with the students in September because, as school begins, it's a good reminder about how to be a successful student and a caring friend. You'll notice that the definition doesn't say that people should be silent or that silence is the expectation. Especially in times where there are so many diverse opinions, listening is how we learn new perspectives.
Justice - Be respectful. Give everyone a chance to work or play. Allow others to express themselves. Share. Remember that others are counting on you, so live up to your duty. Kids often relate "justice" to things being "fair." However, our definition focuses more on being respectful of others and knowing that everyone has an equal voice. We encourage all stakeholders to express their opinions while remaining respectful to those around us with whom we may disagree.
There are two new committees forming in the coming weeks. The first of these is the Greenhouse Committee. We have run into several roadblocks with this project over the years, so we need a dedicated group of parents who want to help make this dream a reality on our campus. I already have a few parents interested, but I would love to have more! We need help with permits, the actual structure, and developing a strategic plan for how the school will use the structure. We also would like some parents for a Technology Committee. The Tech Committee will be discussing hardware and how best to use technology to support teaching and learning at BFA. Please email me if you are interested in either of these committees.
I hope everyone has a beautiful weekend! As always, don't hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Diana Simpson
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Our First Unit in Second Step |
As we approach completing our first month of the school year, most teachers have started the Second Step program in their classrooms. Across our school, we are setting the foundation for a successful year of Social-Emotional Learning with these essential first units.
Grades K-5
Skills for Learning
In the Skills for Learning Unit, children learn skills for listening, focusing attention, using self-talk, and being assertive. These skills improve children’s ability to have self-control, so they learn better in school. They also help children manage their emotions and solve problems.
Keep an eye out for the Family Letter or Home Links from classroom teachers describing why these skills are important and including fun activities to do with your child to practice them. We hope you enjoy them!
Grades 6-8
Mindsets & Goals
In our first Unit, Mindsets & Goals, students learn to develop a growth mindset and apply research-based goal-setting strategies to their social and academic lives. They work through lessons covering program themes, including academic success, belonging, growth mindset, helping others, planning ahead, perspective-taking, resilience, and starting right.
Keep an eye out for an email from the Mindful in the Middle Specials teacher, Tracy Pierce, including a Second Step Family Letter and further details on this first unit.
Resources
Below are a couple resources for parents, including one that was recently shared by Douglas County School District (DCSD) to support parents.
Mental Health Resource of the Week
Maintaining Mental Health During Coronavirus - Seize the Awkward - Dealing with the stress and anxiety during coronavirus may feel overwhelming. You may not have the same feelings as your classmates, coworkers, neighbors, family members, or others in your community — and that’s okay because everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. In times of uncertainty, connecting with friends and family can help manage feelings of fear and anxiety and be good for your health.
Generation Wild
The following is a resource to support kids. It's from a local organization whose goal is "changing an entire generation of kids by connecting them to the outdoor world." You can also learn more at www.GenerationWild.com, including 20 Ideas for 20 Things Outside.
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Tours for Prospective Families |
Do you know any families interested in sending their K-8 student(s) to BFA? If so, we'd love to show them our amazing facility! Please direct interested parents to our website or directly to the SignUpGenius
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Important Charter School Training |
There is an important election on Tuesday, Nov. 2, that will decide on four new members of the Douglas County School District Board of Directors. This election will have a direct impact on our school. Our partners at the Colorado League of Charter Schools are hosting an hour-long online training to ensure that you know what it means to be a charter school, how the DCSD Board of Directors and their decisions affect us, and most importantly that you know the steps you need to take to be able to participate in the election. The same training will be offered on four unique dates and times. We encourage you to register by clicking on the date and time that work best for you.
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Snow and cool temps will be here before you know it, so be sure to order warm weather uniform pieces now to allow time for shipping. See the BFA uniform webpage (click uniforms at the top of the page) for all the information you need to place an order.
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Say Cheese (Again!) for Photo Retakes |
Photo retakes are scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 7. If you need a retake or missed the first photo day, this is your final opportunity to have a school picture taken. Parents can also stop by to get a picture taken for their volunteer badge (bring your Driver's License!). Photos will be taken from about 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Click here for the photo form with a hyperlink to order.
Also, MJ Thomas' code to order is not working so if you already took pictures during BFA Annual Family Check-In and want to order OR if you do not have your proof from the first picture day, please call 720-441-1936 and/or 1-800-219-0199.
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Parents: We Need Your Support! |
Calling ALL BFA parents—please help us keep BFA library books in good condition. We’ve only been in school a month, but to date there are more than 20 library books in need of repair and some of those are new books.
Our librarian, Ms. Williams, discusses book care with all the classes, but this year we’re still seeing torn and water damaged books. In fact, eight books have already been taken out of circulation because of severe water damage. We sure could use your help!
If you know your student has damaged a book, please don’t send in a replacement from a local bookstore. We appreciate the gesture, but all of our books must be purchased through a district approved vendor so that they come in with library bound covers and barcodes which are then entered into the system by the vendor or district.
You can help by ensuring kids keep their library books (and other school work!) away from water bottles in their backpacks and encouraging the use of bookmarks. As you already know, a little positive reinforcement goes a long way too. Please reach out to Ms. Williams if you have any questions. Thanks for your help!
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National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) is open to all students in seventh and eighth grade. New members need to complete and turn in a full application and the policy form. Returning members only need to complete and turn in the policy form. Forms can be downloaded from the NJHS webpage located on the BFA website, or they can be picked up from Mrs. Murphy’s classroom during advisory. All applications and policy forms need to be turned in no later than Oct. 1. There is a $35 for new members and a $25 fee for returning members. The fee will be posted in MySchoolBucks the week of October third. If you have any questions regarding NJHS, please contact Mrs. Murphy.
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BFA Directory: Last Chance to Make Changes |
BFA’s 2021-22 online school directory will be available soon. If you would like to update your family's information for the directory or opt out, you need to act today! You have until tomorrow, Sept. 17, to do the following:
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If your child goes by a nickname or shortened name, contact: ptovp@bfacademy.org.
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If you have recently moved or changed an email address or cell number, update your information in the Douglas County School District database AND email the school registrar at: registrar@bfacademy.org.
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Go to the following site and complete the online form if you DO NOT want any or all of your personal information listed in the directory. You may OPT OUT completely, or partially, by filling out this form. If you take no action, your information will be included in the BFA Directory.
If you have questions, please contact Janelle Nichols, PTO vice-president.
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Final Day to Buy Advance Franklin Fest Tickets |
Join us for a night of family fun from 3 - 7 p.m. this Saturday, Sept. 18 at BFA. The weather looks like it will be great for the event, so the PTO has added a fun attraction - the Hydro-Blast - a maze with sprayers so be prepared to get wet! There will be many other activities too, including a dunk tank and the fan-favorite Cake Walk. It's sure to be a great time for kids of all ages and the whole family. We hope to see you there!
Today is the last day to purchase your tickets on MySchoolBucks. Tickets are $10 per child, with a maximum of $30 for a family. Adults and siblings who do not attend BFA are free. A limited number of tickets will be available for purchase at the event (check and card only).
Volunteers are needed to make this event happen. We hope you'll consider volunteering to help staff the event, or donating a cake for the cake walk or other baked goodies. Thank you in advance for your help in making Franklin Fest a success.
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STEM Opportunities for Parents |
The Ben Franklin Academy STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Committee invites you to join their next meeting, at 5:30 p.m. today, Sept. 16, via this Zoom link. The STEM Committee is seeking creative minds with STEM experience or interest to join their team of parent volunteers. Everyone is welcome to join their first open meeting of the 2021-22 school year to help organize and support STEM in BFA’s classrooms and school STEM events, including the annual STEAM Expo.
Click Here to join the STEM mailing list if you are interested in:
- Upcoming volunteer opportunities;
- Becoming a member of the STEM Committee;
- Contributing ideas for future STEM projects;
- Becoming a STEM speaker for classrooms; and/or,
- Participating in their monthly Zoom meetings.
The STEM Committee looks forward to your contributions, ideas and participation.
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Spirit Night at Parry's Next Week |
Parry's Pizzeria and Bar (9567 S University Blvd., 80126) will be hosting a BFA Spirit Night from 5 - 9 p.m. next Wednesday, Sept. 22. Parry's will donate 20 percent of purchases (dine in, carry out, or delivery) back to BFA. So, make plans for a pizza night and help BFA! Please remember to let them know you're with BFA.
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Want to know more about Destination Imagination (DI)? Please attend a DI informational/kick off meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 29, in the Middle School Commons (second floor) to learn about this great program. We encourage you to bring your student if s/he is new to DI.
In case you’re new to DI, below are a few highlights:
- International, educational program that gives kids an amazing outlet for their creativity.
- Teaches leadership, teamwork, positive thinking, project management and so much more.
- Annually offers new academic challenges in the fields of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), fine arts, service learning and early learning.
- Provides opportunities for students to solve challenges and learn the creative process from imagination to innovation along the way.
- Supplies students the skills needed to thrive in school, their careers and beyond.
- Teams (made up of two to seven kids) solve one main challenge in their own unique way and present their solutions at the South Metro Regional Tournament in the spring. They also solve an on-the-spot (instant) challenge where they must think quickly on their feet and work together to solve a problem (generally in five minutes).
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Volunteers (e.g., Team Managers, school coordinator, etc.) get to count their hours toward BFA volunteer hours.
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DI (in general), see the BFA DI webpage (includes FAQs and videos)
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2021-22 DI Challenges, click here to preview
In addition, the STEM Committee is looking to fill its BFA DI school coordinator for the 2022-23 school year. It is a fun volunteer position (and an easy way to get your BFA hours). NOW is a great time to shadow BFA DI’s current coordinator to learn about the position. If you have any interest in this position, your child joining a team and/or being a Team Manager, please email Jason Sunahara, BFA DI coordinator.
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Have your kids had a growth spurt, or do you need a few extra uniforms to bridge the gap until your order comes in? If so, mark your calendar for the upcoming Uniform Consignment Sale from 10 a.m. - noon on Saturday, Oct. 2, in the outside courtyard between the gyms. (If the weather isn’t cooperating, we’ll be in the small gym.) We’ll have uniforms in all sizes and styles, so come check it out!
If you’d like to consign items, drop off your clean, tagged garments at the office any time between 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 27, through Thursday, Sept. 30. Please follow the tagging instructions, and if you’d like guidance with pricing your items, a Suggested Resale Pricing Guide can be found here. After the sale, any unsold items you’d like back need to be picked up between 1-2 p.m. on Oct. 2. Unsold consignment items that are not picked up will be placed with the PTO donations.
Looking for some volunteer hours?
If you would like to volunteer to help with the sale, please visit the SignUp Genius.
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Invite Grandma and Grandpa
Goodies with Grandparents in October
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The Community Events Committee (CEC) is excited to host students and their grandparents at BFA’s annual Goodies with Grandparents, from 7-8 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 8, at BFA. Coffee, juice, and light morning treats will be provided in the Lightning/small Gym, followed by games, photo opportunities and flowers in the Thunder/large gym.
We ask that you please arrive early, as this is a popular event. Students should be in their classes at the usual time (8:10 a.m.). Grandparents are asked to stay in the gym with their grandkids until 8 a.m.
Please email the event coordinator, Marissa Patterson, with any questions at cec@bfacademy.org.
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Support BFA While Promoting Your Business
Consider Becoming a Sponsor
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The new school year means another opportunity to promote your business while supporting BFA. Each year, PTO sponsorships allow BFA to continue to grow and to meet the needs of our school, as well as our teachers, staff and students. PTO sponsorship options for the 2021-22 school year are being finalized and will be on sale soon! If you have questions, please contact Anne Giusti-Chacon, PTO sponsor committee manager.
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If you are a King Soopers or Amazon shopper, you can help earn money for BFA by signing up for King Soopers Community Rewards and Amazon Smile. Here's how!
To sign up for King Soopers Community Rewards:
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Sign in to your digital account at King Soopers Community Rewards. If you haven't already set up an account, set up your account and link your King Soopers card or phone number to your account.
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Click on Community Rewards, Enroll Now and search for Ben Franklin Parent Teacher Organization or enter our code XN773. Click Save.
- Next time you check out at King Sooper or City Market, scan your card (or enter your alternate ID), and BFA will get money back from your purchase.
This program adds up quickly, so please consider participating.
To sign up for Amazon Smile:
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Go to: smile.amazon.com, and click Get Started
- Enter ‘Ben Franklin Academy Parent-Teacher Organization’ in the search box, and select BFA PTO as the organization that you want to support
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Once you have signed up for Amazon Smile online, you can enable Amazon Smile through the Amazon app, by selecting Gifting and Charity from the menu in the lower right-hand corner, then Amazon Smile.
You can find out more information about the AmazonSmile program including how to link your Amazon account to BFA, click here.
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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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