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September 1, 2022

Weekly Update

A Message from Principal Simpson

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Dear Parents,


It was terrific to see you at Back-to-School Night! I hope you enjoyed learning about your student’s school day and all the interesting topics your student will study as part of this year’s curriculum. 

 

At BFA, parents and teachers work collaboratively toward the success of our school. Having parent volunteers at BFA shows our students that we take an interest in, and value their education. Moreover, we are teaching by example that it is important to participate in the larger community. Ben Franklin Academy requires all families perform 30 approved hours (15 hours for single family households) of volunteer service. More information can be found in the Volunteer and Visitor Policy. All volunteer service must be logged in Help Counter. Please see our Volunteer webpage for additional details.

 

Note: If you are a new single parent family, please email our Volunteer Coordinator, Michelle Bynum, so she can update your volunteer quota.

 

There are many opportunities to volunteer throughout the year—both at school and at home. As you read through the weekly newsletter, watch for sign-ups, look at our Volunteer webpage, or check out the ideas listed below:

 

  • Help with Lunch - Ben Franklin's lunchroom couldn't run efficiently without our wonderful parent volunteers. Our volunteers assist our lunch aides with setting up the lunchroom tables, help students open food and drink containers, monitor student safety, clean tabletops between lunch sessions, and assist with final cleanup after all students have eaten. Please sign up through Helpcounter (log into HelpCounter first to be directly linked) or show up at 10:15 a.m. to help. Please note, younger siblings are not allowed in the lunch room during volunteer shifts. 
  • Volunteer for Carpool - Parent participation in carpool is essential as it helps ensure the safety of our kids, other volunteers and BFA staff. You may show up and ask the front office if you can assist for a shift; or, you can also use HelpCounter (log in first) to sign up for carpool shifts. Please arrive by 7:30 a.m. for the morning shift, or 3:15 p.m. for afternoon carpool.
  • Recess - Spend time outside helping monitor students during recess. You can sign up here (log in first to be directly linked). Be sure to check in at the front office first for your badge.
  • Help in the Art Room – Email Mrs. HInkle or click here to volunteer for your student’s first through fifth grade class. Parents and Grandparents feel free to come in and help at any time.
  • Sign up to Volunteer in the Library - There are a few slots left--sign up today to help in the Library! This is a popular volunteer opportunity, so please sign up for a few shifts, then give others the opportunity to sign up. If you sign up, but are unable to show up, please delete your shift and let Ms. Williams know.
  • Look for Teacher Sign-ups - Many of our elementary teachers send out sign-ups to help with reading, science lab, Thursday folders, field trips, etc. Please watch for these and sign up to help your student's class.
  • Committees - BFA has many committees that work to support the mission and vision of the school. Many of these committees have opportunities to volunteer that fall outside of traditional school hours. To learn more about the committees and how to contact them, check out each committee's web page.

 

If you have questions about HelpCounter or logging hours, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Michelle Bynum.


I hope everyone is able to spend time with family and friends this holiday weekend! As always, please contact me if there is something you need to discuss. 

 


Mrs. Simpson

BFA News
Crisis

Colorado Crisis Services

Colorado Crisis Services is the statewide behavioral health crisis response system offering mental health, substance use and/or emotional crisis help, information and referrals. Its mission is to strengthen Colorado’s mental health system by providing the people of Colorado with greater access to crisis services wherever they are at, 24/7/365, regardless of ability to pay. No matter what you’re going through, help is available. Call Colorado Crisis Services at 844-493-TALK (8255) or text TALK to 38255. Learn more at ColoradoCrisisServices.org.


Please note, this is different than safe2tell Colorado where students, parents or community members can anonymously report safety concerns or anything that may threaten them, their friends, family, or the community. Safe2tell reports can be submitted by calling 1-877-542-SAFE (7233) or using the link on the website.

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No School Monday

There is no school on Monday, Sept. 5, as it is Labor Day. We hope you have a fantastic, three-day weekend! 


Did you know the first Labor Day celebration in America was on Sept. 5, 1882? Go to the US Department of Labor to learn more.

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Remember Your Driver's License

Please remember your driver's license when you come to the school to pick up your student early, volunteer or attend a meeting at school. For safety reasons, every person who enters the school needs to have their Driver's License available to be scanned. Please keep in mind, this is also a requirement for any other family members who would like to enter the school. Thanks for helping us keep our kids safe!

Borrow Books Anytime with SORA

Ben Franklin Academy is committed to bringing unique learning opportunities to our students and we are pleased to continue a free reading service providing digital books through SORA. SORA can help students of all ages read more and improve comprehension.

 

The SORA collection is an extension of Ben Franklin Academy’s physical library; only it’s online with 24/7 access to eBooks and audiobooks. It’s convenient for students to check out titles at home, on the weekends or during school breaks with no worry about misplacing a book or running up fees – these digital titles automatically return at the end of the lending period!

 

How does it work?

To use SORA, students browse the secure, custom website, borrow with their Google Single Sign on, and enjoy reading anytime, anywhere on a computer, tablet, smartphone, or eReader.


Once you click on the Website, use the following information to login:

  • Username: Students last name beginning with a capital letter, then first initial and middle initial
  • Password: Dcsd (capital D) followed by student ID number
  • Example:  Username: Smithbk, Password: Dcsd123456

Special Board Meeting Tuesday

There will be a special board meeting beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 6, in the Sanders Science Lab. During the meeting, the Board will interview candidates nominated to fill Seat 7, Class C. Each candidate will be interviewed for 15 minutes by the current board members. If you cannot attend in person, you’ll be able to listen/watch the meeting via Zoom (details available on the agenda 24-hours in advance via the Board Transparency webpage).

 

The appointment will take place at the Sept. 20 board meeting. No other business will be conducted at the meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 6.

Tours for Prospective Parents 

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, 2023. 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 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.

Franklin Fest

Get Ready for Franklin Fest

We hope you’ll join us at the annual Franklin Fest for food and fun from 3-7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17, at BFA. There will be activities and games for all ages--including inflatables, a dunk tank, and the fan-favorite, Cake Walk!   

 

Tickets are on sale NOW through next Friday, Sept. 9, on MySchoolBucks. Tickets are $15 per child, with a maximum of $35 for a family (one child is $15, two children are $30, three or more children cost $35). Adults and siblings who do not attend BFA are free. 

 

Families who have completed and logged their 30 hours of volunteer service (15 hours for single parent households) for the current school year by midnight on Monday, Sept. 12, will be given free admittance to the event!

 

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 the Franklin Fest a success!

BASE Handbook and Fall Break News

BFA’s Before/After School Enrichment (BASE) program is already busy and we’re enjoying seeing our returning families as well as meeting our new participants! For your easy reference, click here for an updated handbook.

 

Normally, we are able to offer a fall break camp for parents; but unfortunately, this year we will not have the appropriate amount of staff to safely and effectively conduct the program during fall break. We apologize for any inconvenience but hope making this determination early will allow parents to make other arrangements for their students. 

Gradelink
securly

Set Up Gradelink and Look for Information on Securly

Gradelink is a useful tool to help parents track their student's grades and stay on top of any missing assignments. Most parents received their individual login sheets at Back-to-School night. (For the Gradelink veterans--it has not changed.) But, ALL PARENTS should add their email to their Gradelink account as it will make your password recovery easier and is important for setting up alerts. Parents can set up alerts according to their preference; then they can use the information to praise their students for high achievement, and/or ensure they are aware of any grades that may not meet their expectations.

 

To learn more, watch this video about Gradelink and/or click here for an information sheet.

 

Also, parents of students in grades 3rd-5th and students new to BFA should look for an introductory email from Securly in the next couple of weeks. Securly is a helpful parent tool that allows you to see your student’s online activity.

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Goodies with Grandparents, Sept. 16

Mark your calendars and save the date for the next Community Events Committee (CEC) event, Goodies with Grandparents, at 6:45 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 16, at BFA. Look for more information and volunteer opportunities to come soon.

cec

All Welcome at CEC Meeting Sept. 6

The September Community Events Committee meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 6, at Prost in Highlands Ranch (53 Centennial Blvd., 80129). If you’re interested in volunteering or just curious about what they do, then please attend the meeting and help them plan upcoming events. Don't forget, you earn volunteer hours for attending. Please RSVP by Sunday, Sept. 4. They look forward to seeing you!

spirit wear

Need New Gear? BFA Store Now Open!

Now's the time to get your BFA spirit wear! The PTO's online store for spirit wear and spirit is open NOW and will remain open through Friday, Oct. 14. You can shop for all your BFA gear including logo t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, baseball caps, desktop calendars and more! The desktop calendars are printed and being delivered. We also have just a few fleece jackets and vests (new inventory is coming), so don’t wait to get yours! Find all your items at MySchoolBucks.


Orders will be delivered and sent home through your child's classroom. Questions? Contact Amy Marks, PTO Spirit Wear committee manager.

chess

Chess Club

PALS Chess Academy is offering a Chess Club at BFA for students in grades K-8.


  • Chess Club for students in grades K-5 will be held from 4 – 5 p.m. on Mondays beginning Sept. 12. See the flier for details.
  • Chess Club for students in grades 6-8 will be held from 4-5 p.m. on Tuesdays beginning Sept. 6. See the flier for details (but please disregard room assignment as that recently changed).


Click here to register!

Instruments

After School Musical Enrichment

NEW: Update on Orchestra Program

ThunderRidge Elementary Instrumental Music (TREIM) is offering a before and after school musical instrument enrichment program for BFA students in grades 4 – 8. Students can meet the band teacher and rent an instrument from 6 – 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 6, at Coyote Creek Elementary. Scholarships are available—click here for the application. See below for details:

 

Ben Franklin Orchestra at Coyote Creek Elementary:

Beginning Orchestra (begins 9/13): Tuesdays & Thursdays, 3:40 - 4:25 p.m.

Intermediate Orchestra (begins 9/13): Tuesdays & Thursdays, 3:40 - 5:10 p.m.

Instructor: Mr. Henning

For more information: kurtthetuner@gmail.com

Register now!


Band:

Beginning Band (begins 9/12): From 7:15 - 8:10 a.m.on 

Mondays and every other Friday

Intermediate Band (begins 9/13): From 7:15 - 8:10 a.m. on Tuesdays and every other Friday

Instructor: Mr. Sevy 

For more information:  bensevywoodwinds@gmail.com

Get started today!

rock

Something to celebrate? Rent the Rock!

The Spirit Rock is an opportunity to share exciting events with our school community by painting your own message. Parents, students, and staff may “Rent the Rock” to recognize a student’s birthday, show school spirit, wish a team good luck, thank a teacher, announce an event, etc. It is a great way to spread positive messages and increase excitement! The rate to rent the Rock is $20 per day. All proceeds benefit the BFA PTO.

 

Want to rent the Rock? Here’s how:

First, reserve the date you want by visiting the Rent the Rock SignUpGenius. Then, pay for your reservation through MySchoolBucks.

 

Have questions? Contact Lindsay Bullock, PTO Spirit Rock committee manager.

Civil Air Patrol

Interested in Aerospace? Emergency services? Community Service? Leadership? Possibly joining the Air Force or Military? Then, see this flier and/or please stop by the Highlander Composite Squadron Open House from 6:30 - 9 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 12, at  Highlands Ranch Law Enforcement Facility (6001 Ron King Trail, Littleton, CO 80136).


The Highlander Composite Squadron is a Civil Air Patrol (CAP) composite squadron that has both cadets (12 to 18) and senior members (18 and up).


CAP teaches leadership, aerospace, emergency service, provides volunteer opportunities, opens opportunities to fly Cesnas and glider planes.


Helpful links:

colorado chamber

Music Programs Offered by the Colorado Chamber Orchestra

Guitar Class:

Students in grades 4-6 are invited to participate in the Colorado Chamber Orchestra’s guitar class. No prior experience needed. The Guitar Class meets on Monday afternoons at Sand Creek Elementary School beginning September 12.


Rock Band:

An audition is required to participate in the Rock Band Class. Students can audition on guitar, bass, drums or keyboard. This class meets on Thursday afternoons at Sand Creek Elementary School beginning September 8.


See the flier or click here to register!

Landsharks

Introduce Your Student to Run with Landsharks 

Landsharks is a non-competitive youth program to introduce running to young athletes in a safe and fun environment. The focus is on self-improvement, being an encouraging teammate, and making new friends. The Fall XC Series is a fun-based program open to students in kindergarten through sixth grade. Practices consist of running games and workouts with a strong focus on fun. Registration is open now through 5 p.m. on Sept 5, or until limits are met. See the flier for details.

Upcoming Events

UPCOMING EVENTS

See what's happening this month.

BE SURE TO CALENDAR

Broncos Spirit Day - Sept. 2

Special Board Meeting - Sept. 6

Formal Uniform Day - Sept. 7

NO SCHOOL

Labor Day - Sept 5

Professional Dev. Day - Sept 23


Broncos

Spirit Day, 9/2

Throughout the school year, we periodically schedule Spirit Days when students can wear a t-shirt purchased through the PTO which has the official BFA logo, a t-shirt/sweatshirt from a BFA sport, or a prior year's BFA Field Day shirt. These Spirit tops should be worn with regular uniform bottoms. 


We've also scheduled several Spirit Days throughout the year to recognize the season opener for some of our favorite teams within the community. Our first Spirit Day this school year is on Sept. 2. Students may wear a Broncos (or other NFL team) shirt with regular uniform bottoms or they can choose to wear a regular spirit wear shirt.

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.
Ben Franklin Academy
2270 Plaza Drive
Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
www.bfacademy.org
Main Office Phone: 720-383-4519
Email: info@bfacademy.org
Attendance Phone: 720-432-9239
Email: attendance@bfacademy.org
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