Weekly Update
A Message from Principal Simpson
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Dear Parents,
Thanks to all the parents who joined the Board meeting via Zoom last week. Board meetings are a great way to stay informed on all aspects of the school--academics, budget and committee work. Last week, the Board reviewed the uniform policy and made a couple of changes I’d like to highlight.
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The Board changed the wording for the length of skirts, skorts, and shorts from no greater than 4 inches above the knee to no shorter than mid-thigh.
- The Board also removed nail polish restrictions, which had previously been limited to a single light color on all fingertips.
Please be aware of the length requirement of the skirts, skorts, and shorts, as it is a violation if they are being worn shorter than mid-thigh. We’ve seen some pretty short skirts/skorts lately, and will be issuing uniform violations now that we have received clarification on the policy.
We also discussed the SAC parent survey, which will come out in the next month or so. During the meeting, I mentioned something that I would like to reiterate here. While providing your feedback in the survey is invaluable, if you have concerns or issues, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your teachers, the Assistant Principals, or myself. We are here to help. Every so often, I hear about a parent reaching their boiling point regarding a frustration that has been going on for months, and I’m disheartened because if someone had brought it to our attention sooner, we could have taken steps to resolve the situation. Please don't assume that we know about a problem or that others are reporting things. We can't help if we aren't aware of what is happening. I think you will find our team to be very responsive and helpful when you reach out to us. It is much easier to take action on timely, specific concerns than to wait for survey results that don't come until the end of the year. Please reach out to us and let us try and help.
Since my earlier update this week, we have only had one additional COVID exposure. This exposure was in third grade.
I know many are excited about the Sweetheart Ball on Saturday. I hope everyone has a wonderful time building memories!
Diana Simpson
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Helpful Second Step Links for Families |
Second Step’s website has been designed as a dynamic resource not just for teachers, administrators, and other school staff, but also for families. A recent update to the website applies explicitly to improving the user experience for families. Second Step states, "As parents and caregivers, you are your child’s first and most important teachers, and play a vital role in their social, emotional, and academic development."
The Second Step website is constantly being enhanced based on user feedback, new/updated data, and the changing needs and circumstances of education. We encourage you to explore, click around, and get a bit lost in learning. The website is one of the best places to learn more about social-emotional learning (SEL) and the Second Step programs.
Below are two resources recently shared by Douglas County School District (DCSD). These are particularly well-timed, as they relate to our upcoming Second Step units about emotions.
One way children and adults alike can develop emotional intelligence is through mindfulness practices which help us be in the present moment with joy and ease.
Explore helpful links and resources that can help manage emotions and stress, such as music, meditation, creative activities and a virtual nature walk.
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Sweetheart Ball This Saturday |
We’re looking forward to seeing the BFA girls and their father or other special adult at the Sweetheart Ball, Boots and Beauties, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. this Saturday, Jan. 29, at BFA. As a reminder, country western apparel is encouraged, and barbecue will be served!
Also, we need your help to make this event a success. If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up today.
If you have questions, please contact Alissa Motazedi, PTO social coordinator. We can’t wait to see you there!
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Don't Miss Your Chance to Order a Yearbook and Dedication |
Yearbooks are on sale now and cost $36 per book. For details on pricing and how to order, see the attached flier.
You also may order a dedication (ad) for your student. Click here for more information about this fun way to help commemorate a great school year! The last day to order a dedication is NEXT TUESDAY, Feb. 1.
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The PTO's online store for spirit wear and spirit items is open now and will be open until Friday, March 4. You can shop for all your BFA logo gear including t-shirts, hoodies, baseball caps, masks and gaiters, desktop calendars, and more! Make sure your kids have sweatshirts for chilly classrooms and fleece jackets or vests for recess. Find all your items at MySchoolBucks.
Not sure what to order? The PTO will have a spirit wear booth at Parent Teacher Conferences where you can browse and try on items before ordering them online. (Items will not be available for purchase at conferences.)
Orders will be delivered and sent home through your child's classroom. Masks and gaiters are not returnable. Questions? Contact Jacqui Condon, PTO spirit wear chair.
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All Welcome to SAC Zoom Meeting |
If you would like to be involved in reviewing policies that impact our school and your kiddos, please consider joining the School Accountability Committee (SAC) for their monthly meeting from 4:30-5:30 p.m. today, Jan. 27, via Zoom. Details are on the BFA calendar.
They will review the following policies: Inventory Management, Book Donation, as well as the Volunteer and Visitor Policy. If you have any questions, please email Woody Haynes, SAC chair.
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Join CEC for Meeting on Feb. 3 |
The Community Events Committee (CEC) invites you to join them for their next monthly meeting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 3, at the Starbucks inside the Town Center Target. They look forward to seeing those of you who can make it!
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NJHS Offers FREE Babysitting During Conferences |
National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) will offer FREE babysitting during conferences on Feb. 15 and 17. Babysitting will be in the Maker Space room (go to the library; head west, then north down the first hallway to find the entrance to the Maker Space). Parents will need to sign their children in and leave a contact number in case of emergency. If a child needs a diaper change or is struggling in the babysitting room, NJHS members will call the parent and ask them come pick up their child.
Please note that children may not be dropped off in the Dana Library and left alone while parents are at conferences.
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We’re excited to offer our Spring Book Fair during conference week! We hope you’ll shop the Book Fair, as your purchases help us earn funds for new library books.
Book Fair Dates: February 14 - 17
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Monday and Wednesday – 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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Tuesday and Thursday – 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., fair closed from 3 – 4 p.m. for carpool
If you want to load e-Wallet so your student can purchase books at school, watch the video to learn additional details.
Children may not be dropped off at Book Fair while parents attend their Parent Teacher conference, rather feel free to drop off your child with our wonderful NJHS students who will be providing child care.
As always, we will need volunteers so look for the SignUpGenius, coming soon.
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Save the Date - Spirit Night at Kneaders |
Make plans to enjoy great food and support BFA from 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 8, at Kneaders (1105 Sgt. Jon Stiles Drive). They also will have cookies with the BFA logo and bolts on them for purchase!
Kneaders will give back 20 percent of all purchases, including merchandise, so be sure to mention BFA so the school will get credit for your purchase.
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A Second February Spirit Night at Modern Plate |
Save the date for another February spirit night event--next month you'll have two weeks to try a convenient and delicious dinner option, Modern Plate! In case you didn’t get to know them last fall, Modern Plate is a locally owned and operated, family-run company that makes meals and delivers them to your doorstep. They deliver fully cooked, heat and serve, family-style (serves 4) meals within the metro area. If you order by 10 a.m. on weekdays, you can get your meal delivered the same day! It's the perfect dinner solution for busy days. Meals range from $19.99 to $37.99. Sides, soups, appetizers, and desserts are available as well.
Purchase your meals between Feb. 10 - 24 by visiting www.modernplate.com. Use the code 'BFA' at checkout in the coupon code box at the top of the screen. Modern Plate will track our orders and donate 10 percent back to Ben Franklin Academy. Spread the word amongst your colleagues, neighbors, family and friends for our fundraiser to have a greater impact!
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Hearing and Vision Screenings Begin Monday |
BFA will conduct our annual hearing and vision screenings at school on Monday, Jan. 31, and Tuesday, Feb. 1. If your student wears prescription glasses or contacts, it is necessary that he/she wear them during the screening.
We still need parent volunteers to help. If you are interested, it’s a great way to get your volunteer hours! See the SignUpGenius for details.
Colorado Department of Education Standards for hearing and vision are available online.
Please contact Mrs. DeBellis in the Health Room if you have questions or concerns about your student.
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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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