From the Desk of Principal Simpson

Sept. 21, 2023

Weekly Update

A Message from Board President Haley Maglieri

BFA Board of Directors Meeting Summary - Sept. 2023

In partnership with Principal Simpson, the BFA Board of Directors is proud to work for the students, parents and patrons of BFA in promoting the mission and vision of the school. The following summarizes action taken during our September Board meeting.

BOD Updates:

Thank you to our student tech support for this month’s meeting: fifth grader, JD Kim!

Mindful in the Middle Content Review

Principal Simpson provided a content review of Mindful in the Middle. Here are some of the highlights:

A committee was formed in 2018 to explore a social emotional learning (“SEL”) curriculum - Second Step was ultimately selected.
K-5 has a 15-20 minute lesson once per week.
MS receives SEL lessons, including, but not limited to Second Step content, during the Mindful in Middle specials class about one week per month. As part of the content and feedback review, it was decided to focus more on state standards and our 13 virtues, and less on Second Step as the students progress through the program.
We reviewed MS data around Mindful in the Middle in last year’s parent survey (which had 179 responses) and compared it to the prior year's results:
71% (up from 50% in the 2021/22 results) of sixth grade parents who took the survey strongly agreed or somewhat agreed that Mindful has assisted students with social emotional skills. 16% strongly disagreed.
69% (up from 37% in the 2021-22 results) of seventh grade parents who took the survey strongly agreed or somewhat agreed that Mindful has assisted students with social emotional skills. 21% strongly disagreed.
55% (up from 42% in the 2021-22 results) of eighth grade parents who took the survey strongly agreed or somewhat agreed that Mindful has assisted students with social emotional skills. 21% strongly disagreed.
The students also weighed in during last year’s student survey:
82% of sixth grade students strongly agreed or somewhat agreed that Mindful taught a variety of skills. 8% strongly disagreed.
75% of seventh grade students strongly agreed or somewhat agreed that Mindful taught a variety of skills. 16% strongly disagreed.
57% of eighth grade students strongly agreed or somewhat agreed that Mindful taught a variety of skills. 26% strongly disagreed.
Mrs. Pierce recently reviewed the content for the class to ensure compliance with the Colorado state standards for the SEL curriculum.
The Board reviewed a lesson outline example for each grade level (6-8).
Parents should be receiving a communication from Mrs. Pierce with information and a general outline for each grade level’s class. If any parent/family would like something more specific (the actual content), Mrs. Pierce is happy to provide that, so please reach out to her.
We are also exploring making the content available on the grade-level websites. Stand by for additional information.

Financial Oversight:

Treasurer Sarah Nisbet provided a review of the August 2023 budget. Our financial health remains strong.

Principal Simpson’s Report:

BFA is offering a new teacher support group (in addition to mentorship) to help integrate our new teachers. Thank you to Linda Wilson (3rd) and Jenna Lukasiewicz (1st) for volunteering your time to lead this new group.
We are still missing accountability forms from some of our families, including a large portion (50%) of our MS families. It is important we have those returned--please be sure to do so. We will be following up with families who have missing forms. (MS form is linked here for your convenience.)
If you or someone you know is looking for a job opportunity, please check the website as there are still a few open positions.
The application has been filed to initiate the charter renewal process. The District has hired a consultant as part of the renewal process who will be at BFA for a site visit on Tuesday, Oct. 3.
Students not already on plans (504/IEP) can be referred to Mr. Redford (our school psychologist) or Mrs. Woudenberg (MS counselor). Please reach out if your child needs additional support because of something going on in his/her life.
The Board reviewed the Colorado Preliminary School Performance Framework. This is still in draft format and will be released to the public (and BFA community) in December or January. The performance framework evaluates district and school performance on Academic Achievement, Academic Growth, and Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness indicators. Despite low(er) participation, our rating either met or exceeded the standards.
We reviewed information related to the 2023 DCSD Mill Levy and Principal Simpson explained some important points regarding how much our staff will benefit from allocated funds, if passed. Additional information to follow.

Policy Governance:

The Board reviewed the following policies and took the following actions during our September meeting:

Parent Communication Policy

We updated this policy to make clear that teachers generally have 48 business hours while school is in session to respond to parent communications. We also clarified that this turnaround time does not apply to weekends, holidays, breaks (fall, spring, summer) or teacher workdays. We also changed the contact information for parent questions or comments regarding policy questions. Please direct all of these questions to the Board President moving forward.

Teacher Compensation Policy

There were no significant changes to this policy.

Volunteer and Visitor Policy

We clarified many points within this policy. Former BFA students are always welcome to visit our school, but they must have prior approval from a staff member, they must give that staff member’s name to the front office and they must stay with that staff member. These former students will not be allowed to walk freely in the hallways, outside or in other areas of the school as it is a disruption to the learning environment. Similarly, volunteers bringing siblings with them to volunteer is a distraction to the learning environment and is not permitted. We ask that all volunteers promote a safe environment, including abiding by school policies, complying with staff requirements/requests and maintaining confidentiality pertaining to information learned about other students.

The revised versions of these policies are linked above, or you can review them on the policies page of the BFA website.

Next month, the Board will review the following:

Principal Complaint and Grievance Form

Board BOLTS:

The Board recognized the following students who have achieved excellence in academics, character, effort and/or service. We are happy to recognize the following students who were recognized as our September Board BOLTS:

Riley Baker - Eighth Grade
Lucy Burgess - Eighth Grade
Brody Weibel - Sixth Grade
Emery Paroczai - Second Grade
Emerson Smith - First Grade
Carson Zobjeck - Kindergarten

If you would like to nominate a student to be recognized as one of our Board BOLTS in October, please use this nomination form.

October Board Meeting Date:

The next BFA Board of Directors meeting will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 24.

BFA News

No School Tomorrow

There is NO SCHOOL for students tomorrow, Sept. 22, as it is a Professional Development Day for teachers.

Tomorrow is the LAST DAY to Get Tickets to BFA's Fall Festival!

Tomorrow, Sept. 22, is the last day to purchase your tickets for Franklin Fest. No tickets will be sold at the door, so get yours today! Tickets are $15 per child, with a maximum of $40 for a family, and can be purchased on MySchoolBucks. Adults and siblings who do not attend BFA are free. When purchasing tickets, please enter the total number of attendees in your group so that we can ensure there is enough food for everyone.

Families who have completed and logged their recommended volunteer hours (30 hours per family or 15 hours per single parent household) for the current school year in Help Counter by midnight tomorrow, Sept. 22, will be given free admission to the event!

This time-honored event is a great way to connect with the entire BFA community! We hope you'll join us for activities, food and games from 3 - 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 30, at BFA. Bring the whole family for an afternoon of fun! There will be bounce houses and inflatables for all ages, a dunk tank, face painting, balloon artists, and the ever-popular CAKE WALK! The afternoon also will feature a signature appetizer from Urban Village Grill as well as salads and pizza (gluten-free and regular) from Parry's Pizzeria!

The PTO can't make this event happen without our volunteers! Volunteers spend a little time helping, then can spend the rest of the afternoon enjoying the event with their family. We hope you’ll consider volunteering to help staff the event or donating a cake for the cake walk! Volunteering for Franklin Fest is a fantastic way to support these types of amazing community events and earn hours towards your recommended family totals.

Please contact Ewelina Chrzanowski, PTO social coordinator if you have any questions.

BFA Moms - Don't Miss this Escape!

Moms, do you need an escape? The Community Events Committee (CEC) is excited to host a Magical Night with Moms for all students and their moms (or special adult). Join us and find out if you can unlock the clues and escape the room.

We look forward to seeing you from 7 - 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 6, at BFA for entertainment and fun! Light desserts and magician entertainment will be featured in the Lightning (small) gym. Clue/escape rooms will be featured in the Thunder (large) gym.*

*Please note, escape rooms will only be available from 7-8pm.

Ben's Brigade Meeting Tonight

BFA dads are invited to the next Ben's Brigade meeting at 8 p.m. tonight, Sept. 21, at Max Taps Highlands Ranch (2680 E. County Line Road).

Ben's Brigade is a PTO group open to all BFA dads that provides a place for dads to get to know each other, as well as opportunities for unique ways to give back to the school and earn volunteer hours.

Contact Curtis Anderson and Justin Mayhall, Ben’s Brigade co-committee managers to learn more.

Important: Online Directory Available Soon

Take Action NOW to Update Data or Opt Out

Now that school is underway, it is time to update and add new families to the BFA directory!

Again this year, the BFA Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) will be using DirectorySpot for the online school directory. It's an incredibly handy resource that contains each family's class roster(s) and contact information, as well as the entire BFA directory.

DirectorySpot is an app-based online directory. The free app is available for download through the App Store and Google Play, simply search for DirectorySpot. Once the directory is ready, you will receive an email from DirectorySpot with your one-time password.

If you would like to update your family's information for the directory or opt out, you need to act today! You have until end-of-day on Thursday, Sept. 28, to do the following:

If your child goes by a nickname or shortened name, contact the PTO at ptovp@bfacademy.org.
If you have recently moved or changed an email address or cell number, update your information in the Infinite Campus database AND email Colleen Bobbin, the school's director of admissions and records, at registrar@bfacademy.org.
If you DO NOT want any or all of your personal information listed in the directory, please contact the PTO at ptovp@bfacademy.org. You may OPT OUT completely, or partially. If you take no action, your information WILL BE INCLUDED in the directory.

The PTO anticipates the directory will be available on Oct. 6. If you have questions, please contact Alissa Motazedi, PTO vice-president.

Looking Ahead to our Veterans Day Celebration

We are already starting to plan for our Veterans Day celebration and need your help!

Veterans Video - Deadline: Friday, Oct. 13

During our ceremonies we play a tribute video that features YOUR family, friends and loved ones. If you have photos or videos of veterans or current service members you would like included in the video, please complete this form. Videos must be no longer than 30 seconds. Please contact Heather Kimball at hkimball23@gmail.com with any questions. The deadline to submit digital pictures or videos for the video will be Friday, Oct. 13. Please note, no late entries will be accepted due to the time intensive nature of producing this video.

Veterans Wall of Honor Forms - Deadline: Friday, Oct. 13

We love decorating the halls of BFA with patriotic decorations, art, flags and service branch Wall of Honor displays to show our respect for those who have or are currently serving our country. We invite BFA families to complete a Wall of Honor form for loved ones who are veterans or active duty service members. Forms can be downloaded and printed here. If you have previously submitted a form in the past, there is no need to resubmit. We have all forms from prior years that will again be on display. Please return all Wall of Honor Forms to the front office no later than Friday, Oct. 13. Please do not use original pictures, as they will not be returned.

Last Chance to Secure Your BFA Sponsorship

Thank you to those who have already secured a sponsorship for this school year--the PTO looks forward to partnering with you! There are still sponsorships available at every level (except bronze). For details on the various sponsorship options and pricing, click here to view the flier. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact Cassie Roberts, sponsor committee manager.

Second After School Choir Opportunity

Sing with us! Students in grades 2-8 can join the after school choir with Ms. LaCretia! Students will learn the basics of singing, public speaking and performing as they prepare the to sing some classic holiday music. Students will also take a caroling field trip to Wind Crest and sing for their community.

Meets on Wednesdays from 3:30-4:15 p.m.
Starts on Wednesday, Sept. 27
Click here for details and to sign up!

Prospective Parents Can Sign Up to Visit BFA

Do you know anyone interested in learning more about BFA? We’ve set up our K-8 grade tour schedule for the school year, and are looking forward to meeting prospective parents. Tours are scheduled from September through April, 2024. If you know someone who is interested in BFA but cannot make a tour, please share this video link to listen to what current and former students, teachers, parents, our Principal, and our former Board president have to say about BFA!

Questions about K-8 enrollment can be directed to Colleen Bobbin, BFA's director of admissions and records. If you know parents interested in BFA's preschool, they can go to our webpage or reach out to Lori Hafner, BFA's preschool director.

All Encouraged to Attend Forum

There is an important meeting hosted by the Alliance of Douglas County Charter Schools from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 5, at Parker Performing Arts Charter School. The forum will provide an opportunity to hear from director candidates for the Douglas County School Board of Education. Click here to see a copy of the Douglas County School Board Candidate Forum flier.

Support BFA as You Shop

If you are a King Soopers shopper, you can help earn money for BFA by signing up for King Soopers Community Rewards. Here's how:

To sign up for King Soopers Community Rewards:

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.
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 Soopers or City Market, scan your card (or enter your alternate ID), and BFA will get money back from your purchase.

It's CRAZY how quickly this program adds up and how much our school can earn. From January - June of 2023, BFA earned $5,013, back from this program!

Please contact Andreya Flanigan, PTO fundraising coordinator with any questions. Thank you for your support of BFA and the PTO!

Click here to see the SkyView Academy Hawkettes flier.

Upcoming Events

Foundation for Douglas County Schools

Discounted Tickets Benefit Both DCSD and Parents!

Click here to see the Community Events webpage with information about discounted tickets.

BFA's Guiding Principles

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.