Weekly Update
A Message from Principal Simpson
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Dear Parents,
One of the key differences between a charter school and a neighborhood school is that we have a separate Board of Directors that dictates policy and direction for our school. Since the school was founded, we have always had a very active and supportive Board. They’ve spent countless hours to ensure we remain true to our Mission and Vision, as well as working to maintain a stable and robust financial position. Their leadership has been essential to our continued success.
As you'll see below, we have not had a high response rate from the School Voting Group as it pertains to voting for a new Board Member. Casting your vote is critical to the future of the school. Please view the candidate forum video linked below, read the candidate bios, and vote. This is your opportunity to help BFA continue to be an amazing place for our students.
Another thing that makes our school so special is volunteering. There are many opportunities to get involved in the BFA community, but one that’s really unique is Ben's Brigade. This group provides an excellent way for Dads to connect and volunteer. They have two events coming up this spring, and I encourage our dads to look for their article below and check out all the details. We need more dads to get involved to keep this program going for our school.
I hope everyone has a great weekend!
Diana Simpson
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BFA loves its volunteers, and we want to show our appreciation for all of your work. The PTO recognizes two volunteers each month. A volunteer will be chosen as the Volunteer of the Month, and will get exclusive use of the dedicated, reserved Volunteer of the Month spot in the parking lot for their respective month.
In addition, each month a volunteer will be randomly chosen through a drawing to win a fun, surprise gift. All you have to do to be eligible to win, is log at least ONE hour of volunteer service in the month prior to the drawing.
Thanks to all our volunteers for your continued support of BFA!
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Congratulations Megan Swanson |
For the month of April, Megan Swanson has been selected as the Ben Franklin Academy PTO Volunteer of the Month. She is being recognized for all of the time she has spent volunteering in the science lab, at recess, in her children’s classrooms, and at PTO and CEC committee events. Megan’s kiddos are new this year, but she’s already set herself apart with her willingness to serve and her kind heart. Thank you Megan—we recognize and appreciate all your efforts.
Megan and her husband Erek have two kids at BFA--Parker (1st grade) and Noelle (kindie). When asked what she likes about BFA, Megan said, “We were drawn to the school for the academics, STEAM-focus, and character education. I continue to be amazed at how the staff, teachers, parents, and students demonstrate BFA’s thirteen virtues every day.”
Congratulations, Megan—and, thank you for all you do for BFA!
If you know someone who should be considered for volunteer of the month for outstanding volunteerism, please email Denise Battista, PTO president.
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This month, Devon Preeo is the winner of our drawing for her volunteer time in March. She earned hours by volunteering in the lunchroom, and has won a $10 gift card to Gelato & Co. Congratulations, Devon--we appreciate your volunteerism in March and throughout the year!
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Calendar Reminders/Updates |
Please also note that we added an EXTRA Dress of Choice day tomorrow, April 15, for students if their parents completed the SAC Parent Satisfaction Survey earlier this year.
Our regular Dress of Choice day for the month is Thursday, April 21, and students do not have school next Friday, April 22, as it is a teacher planning day.
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Only 134 Votes Cast - Be sure to Vote in the Board Election by Sunday Evening! |
Please take a few minutes to cast your vote in the 2022 Ben Franklin Academy (BFA) Board of Directors election. To learn more about the candidates, please visit the Board Election webpage or click here to watch the candidate question and answer session from March 22. Please note: Mr. Elmer has decided to withdraw his name from consideration.
Members of the BFA School Voting Group have until 11:59 p.m. (MST) on Sunday, April 17, 2022, to cast their vote for Seat 3, Class B. Results of the election will be announced and the appointment for Seat 4, Class B will be made on April 19, 2022, at the regularly scheduled Board meeting.
Your vote is important and, to date, we only have 134 votes. The ability of BFA to carry out its mission and vision depends upon the strength of our organizational foundation, beginning with the Board of Directors. Members serving on the Board of Directors advocate for BFA’s educational philosophy, successfully fulfill legal requirements and carry out its mission and vision. Board directors use their backgrounds, experience and skills to focus on oversight and matters of strategic importance. Serving on the BFA Board is an opportunity to ensure that BFA is and remains “The Core Knowledge STEAM School of Choice.”
Click here to cast your vote for the 2022 BFA Board of Directors.
Please contact Haley Maglieri if you have any questions.
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One Act of Kindness Highlights Foster Care |
Did you know May is National Foster Care awareness month?
The Community Events Committee (CEC) and BFA's Service Learning Team have partnered to host BFA's annual One Act of Kindness (OAK) week. OAK will take place from May 9-13. This year we will focus our efforts on foster care and how to support foster kids, as well as the foster parents that care for them!
Are you a current or past Foster Parent? If so, we would love to connect with you. Please reach out to Amy Marks by TOMORROW, April 15, for unique opportunities to collaborate with the CEC.
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Parents Invited to View and Judge Science Fair Projects |
It’s elementary Science Fair time at BFA! This is an exciting time of year when students use the scientific method and get creative to test a hypothesis (and all the parents learn to be extra patient about the strange substances growing on their counters!). If you want to see the end result of all this experimentation, you can come in to view students’ work on Monday, May 9 (bring your Driver’s License if you don't have a badge). Below are the times assigned to each class. (Keep in mind, the front office closes at 3 p.m. for afternoon carpool.)
8:30-8:50 a.m. - Hinz/Harms
8:50-9:10 a.m. - Triplett/DeRis
9:15-9:35 a.m. - Dunn/Buzalka
9:35-9:55 a.m. - Hodge/Walter
10:00-10:20 a.m - Hildebrand/Whelan
10:20-10:40 a.m. - Bauer/Ferguson
12:55-1:15 p.m. - Loehr/Gautier
1:15-1:35 p.m. - Wilson/Ciardullo
1:45-2:05 p.m. - Lindgren/Van Wyk
2:05-2:25 p.m. - Wall/Arnold
2:35-2:55 p.m. - M. McGinty/C. McGinty
2:55-3:15 p.m. - Pitone/DePasse
And, we very much need your help in judging the Science Fair projects on Tuesday, May 10, and/or Wednesday, May 11. Don’t worry if you’ve never judged before, Mrs. Ward will go over expectations with you—but what’s really important is having volunteers who are willing to listen to the students explaining their projects. Please sign up to help!
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NERF Battle Mother Son Event - Tickets On Sale
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Calling all BFA moms and their sons! The spring Mother-Son social event is just around the corner. It will be held from 3-8 p.m. on Saturday, April 30, at BFA. Tickets are on sale now through MySchoolBucks; sales will run through April 22. Space is limited, so get your tickets today!
Tickets are $25 per couple, and $5 for each additional participant (with a maximum cost of $35 per family). Please note that ticket sales are time-specific based on the age of your child, but you are welcome to come for the entire time (3-8 p.m.) to participate in all of the other activities and enjoy the food!
In addition to the epic Nerf battles, there will be other fun activities including board breaking and jousting. And, dinner will be provided. Come prepared to have tons of fun!
Please contact Alissa Motazedi with any questions.We look forward to seeing you there!
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2022 Summer Camp Registration Open
New This Week: Activity Calendar Complete!
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It may be hard to believe, but it’s time to start thinking about summer camp! Ben Franklin Academy will offer another exciting Summer Camp program this year.
Do you need full-time day care for the summer? Or perhaps you are just looking to get a break a few days per week. Maybe your kids would like to connect with other Ben Franklin Academy kids and enjoy fun activities and social time. Whatever your situation, our Summer Camp program is sure to keep your kids safe and entertained. And, the best part is that our Summer Camp is staffed by people you know and trust!
Please note: If you have never signed up for BFA’s Before/After School Enrichment (BASE) program, you will be required to do so before you are able to register for summer camp. If you need the link, please email base@bfacademy.org and it will be sent to you.
Program Details
Dates: June 1 - Aug. 17; camp will be closed July 4-8
Hours: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Days: Monday through Friday
Summer Camp is open to any currently enrolled BFA student age 5 and older. Your child must be 5 on or before Wednesday, June 1, to participate. The activities calendar is complete. Please email summercamp@bfacafemy.org if you would like to see the list of activities.
Costs
One-time Registration Fee: $25 per child; All registered campers will receive a camp t-shirt and daypack.
Tuition: $200/week/child
In February, the BASE program was awarded a grant from the state of Colorado. With the funds we received, we lowered the registration fee to $25 per student. In addition, we've lowered the weekly fee to $200, and will not be charging more for the field trips and other special activities we are planning for this summer.
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Seventh Grade Parents - 2023 Washington, D.C. Kick-off Meeting is Monday |
Going on the trip to Washington, D.C. is a special eighth grade tradition. Students see important historical sites with their classmates, and the World Strides tour guides make every day interesting and fun. If your seventh grader is interested in going to Washington, D.C. for the eighth grade trip, please attend the kick-off meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday, April 18, via Zoom. Zoom details are on the BFA calendar and in the email seventh grade families received earlier this week.
During the meeting, we will go over all of the details of the trip including a sample itinerary, the costs, as well as the reasons we partner with World Strides. Please don’t hesitate to send Principal Simpson an email if you have any questions.
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Disneyland Choir Informational Meeting |
Parents of students in grades 5, 6 and 7, if you missed the Disneyland Chior meeting, please click here for all the relevant information.
If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Johnson.
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Cold Stone Creamery Spirit Night |
I scream, you scream, we all scream for…Cold Stone Spirit Night!
Come enjoy some yummy ice cream from 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 27, at the Cold Stone Creamery in the Highlands Ranch Town Center. Cold Stone will give back 20 percent of all orders to the BFA PTO!
The PTO's March spirit night at Main Event raised $620.73 for BFA! That's impressive--thank you to everyone who supported the event. Let's see if we can make the Cold Stone Spirit Night even better! We appreciate your continued support.
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Moms Night Out after PTO Meeting |
Ladies of BFA--it's time for our spring mom’s night out! The PTO will be renting out the Library Room at Lansdowne Arms from 7:30-9:30 p.m. next Wednesday, April 20, following the PTO meeting. (The PTO meeting will be held at 6 p.m. that evening in the Sanders Science Lab.)
Come meet and connect with other mamas, let off some steam, and learn about BFA's incredible PTO organization! Finger foods will be provided. Please see the SignUpGenius to RSVP. All are welcome. Come for the mom’s night out, the PTO meeting, or both. We hope you’ll join us!
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Ben's Brigade Meeting and Picnic |
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. Ben’s Brigade handles work projects around the school, provides volunteers for school functions, and hosts a number of social events throughout the year.
Want to find out more? Join them at the Ben's Brigade Meeting at 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 28, at Max Taps (2680 E. County Line Road). Or, come to their end-of-year picnic from 12 - 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 1, at Redstone Park (3280 Redstone Park Circle). All dads are welcome!
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Donuts with Dads Details and Volunteer Opportunities |
The CEC will be hosting students and their dads (or other special adults) from 7 – 8 a.m. on Friday, April 29, in the BFA Lightning (small) gym.
Come start your day with a donut, fruit, and coffee or juice. There will also be games in the Thunder (big) gym, photo ops, and a small craft that kiddos can take home. This is a popular event, please plan to arrive early and park in the upper lot to ensure carpool is not interrupted. Dads can hang out with their kids until 7:45 a.m., then students can go to their classrooms. All students should be in class by 8:10 a.m.
Gluten free options available upon request. Donuts are being provided by Mr. Donut located in Lonetree.
We hope you can join us to celebrate all BFA's SUPER DADS!
Earn Volunteer hours!
Volunteers are needed to help the CEC make Donuts with Dads a special event! They need help to set up the event on April 28, as well as the morning of the event. Sign up here to claim your spot.
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2022 Summer Volleyball Camp |
All incoming 2022 BFA 5th-8th grade BOYS and GIRLS are welcome to register for the co-ed volleyball camp held at BFA! The day camp will be from July 11-15, with a morning session for beginners and an afternoon session for experienced players. The cost is $200 for the week. In addition, there are evening clinics July 11 - 13 for those who want to focus on specific skills. The evening clinics run from 6:30 – 8 p.m. and are $50.
To register, please complete this form which includes payment information.
MORNING SESSION: 9 a.m. - Noon
This session is for ALL incoming 5th, and incoming 6th-8th grade BEGINNER volleyball players. Beginner players have an introductory understanding of the game, but do not possess consistent skills of passing, setting, hitting and serving. This session will teach the fundamentals of the game and provide a refresher for those who want it. We will end the week with a Friday tournament. Games, fun and prizes will be won throughout the week!
AFTERNOON SESSION: 1 - 4 p.m.
This session is for incoming 6th-8th grade EXPERIENCED players who have played a volleyball season either with BFA or outside of BFA. To qualify for this session, you need to know the rules of the game, and possess basic consistent skills of passing, setting, hitting and serving. This session will review the fundamentals of the game, but will mainly focus on increased individual skill level and level of team play, as well as playing specific positions and a 6-2 offense. We will end the week with a Friday tournament. Prizes will be won throughout the week!
EVENING CLINICS: 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Evening clinics are open to all players and can be attended in addition to the day camp for extra skill development. Day camp registration is not required for evening clinic registration. The evening clinics are faster paced and more intensive skill based.
MONDAY, JULY 11: PASSING/DIGGING
TUESDAY, JULY 12: SETTING/BLOCKING
WEDNESDAY, JULY 13: OVERHAND SERVING/HITTING
Parent Volunteers Needed
Parents, if you are interested in volunteering and earning 2022-23 volunteer hours, please sign up now!
High School Players/BFA Volleyball Graduates
Coach Haufschild loves having high school players (boys and girls) come as volunteer coaches! It looks great on college applications and can help you earn any volunteer requirements for high school. Please read this flier and sign up to volunteer!
QUESTIONS? Please email Coach Haufschild.
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Lost and Found Donated at Year-End |
The Lost and Found is starting to fill up again! All items will be packed up on the last day of school and donated to charity. And, in case you did not know, our National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) goes through the inventory and returns items with READABLE names weekly. Please note: if you include your first AND last name on items, they are more likely to be returned.
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Fall Registration Open for Harper Arts Lessons |
Have your kids been asking you about the music lessons that happen during school? Harper Arts is thrilled to be returning again next year to offer music lessons and coaching at BFA. Students will continue to have the option to have piano, guitar, ukulele, voice, acting and audition coaching during the school day and after school.
Students are approved to participate in this during DEAR, recess, specials, electives (middle school) and advisory (middle school). There will also be a limited number of spaces available after school. The cost of this program is $155 per month for the school year (small supply and book fees apply as well). Lessons occur weekly during the regular school schedule. Sibling discounts are available. Unlock your passion and potential with Harper Arts at BFA!
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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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