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October 2012, Vol. 2, Iss. 26
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Dress of Choice Day
Fall Break
Middle School and Preschool Newsletters
Lunch Update
Upcoming Middle School Sporting Events
Destination ImagiNation Update
BSA @ BFA
Box Tops
Dine Out Night at Lil' Ricci's
Pre-Order Your BFA Cookbook
Book Fair
Teacher Appreciation and Yearbook Committees Need You
Business Professionals Network
Volunteer of the Month

Important Dates

DI Intent to Participate Due:  

     Oct. 7

Boy Scouts Parent Info Night:

     Oct. 8

Book Fair

     Oct. 9-11 

Box Tops Collection:

     Oct. 10

BFA Cookbook Pre-Order Deadline:

     Oct. 11

Dine Out Night at Lil' Ricci's Pizza:  

     Oct. 11-13

Boy Scouts First Den Meeting:

     Oct. 15

Dress of Choice Day:

     Oct. 16

Fall Break:

     Oct. 17-19

November Lunch Orders Due:

     Oct. 21

Spirit Day:

     Oct. 26

BFF Social:

     Oct. 26 

 

Upcoming Meetings

School Accountability Committee:

     Oct. 4

Parent Teacher Organization:

     Oct. 4

Finance Committee:

     Oct. 8

Board of Directors:

     Oct. 9  

Parent Advisory Committee:

    Oct. 11

STEM Committee:

     Nov. 7 

 

Ben Franklin Academy

Address: 2270 Plaza Drive

Highlands Ranch, CO 80129

Main Office: (720) 383-4519
Main Office Email: [email protected]

Attendance: (720) 432-9239 

Attendance Email:
[email protected]

Fax:  (303) 974-1738

Dear Parents,  

Late Homework: Homework must be completed regardless if it is late.  Students shall be held accountable for completing homework in a timely manner and, hopefully, teach them to be more responsible for their work. Ultimately, we want them to experience success.  It is our desire for our students to stay on track with all of their classes and to realize their greatest potential.

 

Students are expected to complete high quality work that is turned in on time. This will improve the quality of all student work.

 

Because students do not have the option of not turning in homework, a student who does not turn in an assignment will not receive a "zero" score.  Instead, the student will initially receive an "Incomplete" ("I") on any assignment not turned in or that is incomplete. The student will then be required to complete the assignment and turn it in.

Students will have points deducted for all homework that is turned in late in accordance with the following:

 

Grades K-2

  • The overall grade will be reduced by 10 percent per day for a maximum of four school days.
  • After four school days, the maximum grade a student can receive is 50 percent. 

Grades 3-5

  • The overall grade will be reduced by 10 percent per day for a maximum of three school days.
  • After three school days, the maximum grade a student can receive is 50 percent. 

Grades 6-8

  • The overall grade will be reduced by 10 percent per day for a maximum of two school days.
  • After two school days, the maximum grade a student can receive is 50 percent.

Homework Enrichment Class (Grades 3-7)

A homework enrichment class will be held after school for students who do not meet the grade level deadlines noted above or submit poor quality work.  Students will be required to attend homework enrichment class(es) until their late or low quality work is complete. When an "Incomplete" is noted for a particular student, the student's parents will be notified that the required work has not been received or is of poor quality and that the student will be required to attend homework enrichment class until the work is complete.  Attendance is required, and completing outstanding work will take precedence over any other after school commitments such as sports, clubs and other activities.

 

Students with multiple missing homework assignments may be assigned to a homework enrichment class from 4-5 p.m. on Wednesdays.  Ben Franklin Academy employees will staff these classes.  The teachers will be there to facilitate getting missing assignments done - not to serve as individual tutors.

Parent-Teacher Conferences   

Parent-Teacher Conferences are on Tuesday, Oct. 9, and Thursday, Oct. 11.  You should have received an email from your teacher with directions on how to sign up for a conference slot.  If you have not, please email your teacher. These conferences are a great way to discuss your child's progress and to share any compliments and/or concerns you may have.

Dress of Choice Day

Tuesday, Oct. 16, is a dress of choice day for all students.   

Fall Break

Fall Break is just around the corner.  We have a shortened break because of the school opening after Labor Day.  Our Fall Break begins Wednesday, Oct. 17, and school resumes on Monday, Oct. 22. 

Middle School and Preschool Newsletters            

If you are a parent of a Ben Franklin Academy student in middle school or preschool, you can get more in-depth information by clicking on the links or icons below.   

 
BFA web banner
Click here for the Middle School Newsletter
 
Preschool Newsletter Image
Click here for the Preschool Newsletter

Lunch Update   

Lunch is going great, and we are working on teaching the kids responsibility.  Students pick their own drink, then mark off their name.  Some students have been taking more than one, and others are taking a drink they have not ordered.  Please visit with your child about being responsible and honest.  We also are asking students to clean up after themselves. 

Lunch ordering closes on Sunday, Oct. 21, for November orders.  Late orders will be taken until Thursday, Oct. 25, with a $3 late fee per order.
 

Also, lunchroom volunteers can now sign up via HelpCounter.  If you have questions, please contact Brenda Sarconi

Upcoming Middle School Sporting Events  

Girls' Volleyball (all games start at 4 p.m.)

  • Thursday, Oct. 4, at BFA
  • Tuesday, Oct. 9, at BFA
  • Thursday, Oct. 11, at North Star Academy 

Boys' Soccer  

  • 4 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 4, vs. Aspen Academy, location TBA
  • Saturday, Oct. 6, League Tournament at Legacy Academy 

Cross Country (all meets start at 3 p.m.) 

  • Friday, Oct. 5, League Meet at Legacy Academy
  • Friday, Oct. 12, Wildcat Invitational, Elizabeth 

Destination ImagiNation      

Destination ImagiNation (DI) teaches creative problem solving, teamwork, time management and a multitude of skills students can use in all areas of their lives  If you are interested in having your child participate, please email the STEM Committee by Sunday, Oct. 7.  

BSA @ BFA

The Boy Scouts are coming to Ben Franklin Academy!   

  • Parent Information Night (this is a parent-only meeting) is at 7 p.m., Monday, Oct. 8.   
  • The first den meeting is at 7 p.m., Monday, Oct. 15.   

If you are interested in being a leader or assistant leader, please email us.  For more information, click here.     

Box Tops       

The first Box Tops collection of the school year is Wednesday, Oct. 10.  Remember to send in your Box Tops, Labels for Education UPCs and Tyson Project A+ labels in the Cookie Monster bag (or on applicable collection sheets) and return them to your child's teacher.

Dine Out Night at Lil' Ricci's Pizza 

Ben Franklin Academy's Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is hosting its first Dine Out Night from 5-9 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 11, at Lil' Ricci's NY Pizzeria in Highlands Ranch.  You must turn in the fundraising flyer for the school to receive its 20 percent donation from the restaurant.  Can't make it on Oct. 11?  The flyer is good through Saturday, Oct. 13.  We hope to see you next Thursday night!  Questions?  Contact Laurie Kerman 

Pre-Order Your BFA Cookbook

Last chance!  Pre-order your copy of the Ben Franklin Academy cookbook by Thursday, Oct. 11, so you don't miss out on the fabulous collection of recipes and helpful hints from your Ben Franklin Academy neighbors!  Cookbooks may be purchased either online in the BFA Store or in person with cash or check at both Parent-Teacher Conference nights.  Questions?  E-mail the Baking Committee.

Book Fair  

Ben Franklin Academy will host a Scholastic Book Fair Oct. 9-11.  The Book Fair will be open for purchasing during the day and Parent-Teacher Conferences:

  • 2-8 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 9
  • 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., and 3-6 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 10
  • 2-8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 11

Teacher Appreciation and Yearbook Committees Need You  

The Teacher Appreciation Committee is looking for coordinators for the following classrooms: Murray (morning kindergarten), de Besche (2nd grade), Murphy (5th grade) and Crespo (7th grade).  If interested, email Jen or Michelle at Teacher Appreciation Committee.  

 

The Yearbook Committee only has a few opportunities left, and we'd love for you to join us.  This a great way to earn your family service hours while photographing your child and their classmates.  We have openings in the following classrooms/activities:  Walton (full day kindergarten), Noonan (morning kindergarten), de Besche (2nd grade), Wilson (5th grade), Knudsen (5th grade), Crespo (7th grade) and Middle School Athletics.  If interested, email the Yearbook Committee.     

Business Professionals Network Committee 

The Business Professionals Network Committee has set up a Ben Franklin Academy Network on LinkedIn.  Join us today to network with parents and staff at Ben Franklin Academy, and keep updated on networking events.  Start a discussion or share articles of interest with the Ben Franklin Academy community.  Click here to find us at LinkedIn.com, and search for Ben Franklin Academy Network.

  
We also are compiling a Business/Service Directory.  If you own a business or provide a service and would like to be included in the directory, please submit your information to the BFA Business Professionals Network
 Once compiled, the committee will post a link on the Business Professionals Network page via the Ben Franklin Academy website.  This is a terrific opportunity for free advertising, and we can all reach out to the services within our community!  

September Volunteer of the Month  

The PTO will highlight one volunteer each month who has gone above and beyond in their contributions to the school.  This volunteer receives recognition in this newsletter and has the privilege to park in one of our reserved parking spaces.   

 

For September, we have chosen Angie Kersey.  Angie has been helping with car pool every day since school began this year.  She always shows up to volunteer with a smile on her face and a contagious laugh to share with those around her.       

When asked what she likes most about Ben Franklin Academy, Angie responded, "I can honestly say that I really like the team of educators at Ben Franklin.  They are a fantastic bunch of leaders who really love their jobs, and it shows in the love and direction they share with all of  our children every day.  Our family is very  blessed to be able to be a part of such a great school and family at BFA!"

Sincerely,  

 

Bob Barber 

Principal

Ben Franklin Academy