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Ben Franklin Academy NewsletterVol. 3, Iss. 13
April 2013
In This Issue
:: Jump Rope For Heart Results | PTO Elections | BFA Sends DI Team to State Tourney | Moving?
:: Bus Stop Updates | Food Drive Ends Tomorrow | PAC's Got Your Back | Field Day T-shirt Sponsors | Newsletters
:: EVERYTHING About the BENefit Bash: *NEW* Summer Fun Items, Ladies Night Out, Volunteers Needed, Doughnuts, Online Auction and More!
:: Fundraising at BFA | Volunteer of the Month | Important Dates
Dear Parents, 

  Summer Camp

If you have registered your child(ren) for summer camp, you should have received an email from our camp directors with an application and handbook. You must print these forms out, complete in full and turn into the office. Both the application and handbook need to be returned, as there are places for signatures and initials on both. Once your packet is turned in and verified complete by the camp staff, you will be given a password for you to complete the daily enrollment of the days you are interested in your child(ren) attending summer camp.  

 

There are 30 spots available each day with a waitlist. Everything is on a first come, first served basis. If the day you are wanting is full, please complete the waitlist information (no charge for waitlist enrollments). Depending on registration counts, we might open additional spots. 

 

We are looking forward to a fun summer!  If you have any questions, please contact our camp directors via email.

Jump Rope for Heart Results
Jump Rope For Heart
  

Congratulations Ben Franklin Academy students!  We raised more than $6,000 for the American Heart Association through Jump Rope for Heart and Dodgeball for Dollars! Students should have brought the thank you gifts home on
April 5.  


Congratulations to Alex Feifarek in Mrs. Hibpshman's first grade class. He was the top online fundraiser for Ben Franklin Academy. Alex received two free tickets to a Nuggets game and the opportunity to stand on the court during the national anthem. Way to go Alex!

AlexNuggets1 AlexNuggets2

BFA Sends DI Team to State Tourney 
Eight BFA Teams Participate at Regional
Destination ImagiNation Competition
 

Ben Franklin Academy participated in Destination ImagiNation (DI) for the first time this year with eight teams. At last week's regional competition, one of those teams took third place, which means they will compete at the state competition this Saturday, April 13, at the Auraria Campus.  

 

Congratulations to the VII Flaming Dragons! This team, consisting of third and fourth graders, took third place in the TWIST-O-RAMA Challenge. They were tasked with building a structure made entirely of materials from an approved list. The structure was then tested by placing weights on it and subjecting it to torque-inducing impacts. In addition, the team had to develop a story that had an unexpected twist or change and present that story. 

 The VII Flaming Dragons are as follows:
  • Team Manager: Dee Duncan
  • Team: Landon Carr, Paige Fuss,
    Jeff Lang, Max Morris, Anika Nair,
    Travis Smith and Ben Velasco
DI promotes creativity, teamwork and problem solving through its global program and tournaments. The main program is an unconventional team learning experience where student teams solve mind-bending Challenges. Teams are tested to think on their feet, work together as a team, learn critical thinking skills and devise original solutions that satisfy the requirements of their Challenge.  

The additional seven DI teams represented Ben Franklin Academy well and teams included every grade level at the school (from kindergarten to seventh grade - with some grades having multiple teams).

Already thinking about participating in DI next year? Sign-up forms will go out in August for Team Managers. DI is a popular activity at Ben Franklin Academy, and the program needs as many Team Managers as possible to serve all of the kids who want to participate.

Congratulations to all of the Ben Franklin Academy teams and their hard work, and thank you to the Team Managers who volunteered and stepped up to the "challenge" this year!
Moving?
For Sale

If you move at any time during the school year, please contact the office immediately to ensure we have accurate information. Please email proof of residency and your new address to the registrar.   
Bus Stop Updates
Highlands Ranch and Roxborough Bus Stops

For safety reasons, parents are reminded to remain at the bus stop for drop off (in the mornings) until the bus has left the stop.

 

Changes to Route 66, Roxborough Park

Due to safety concerns, another stop has been added to the Roxborough route. The current stops will remain unchanged, but the times will differ slightly. The new stop begins Monday, April 15.
  • Crosswalk at park on Rampart Range Road:  
    • Drop off 7:45 a.m., Pick up 3:45 p.m.
  • Stacy Place and West Village Circle:  
    • Drop off 7:48 a.m., Pick up 3:48 p.m.
  • Titan Road and Moore Road:  
    • Drop off 7:55 a.m., Pick up 3:57 p.m.

As always, please have your student(s) at the bus stop five minutes early and remind your student(s) to stay back from the bus until it is completely stopped.

 

If you have any questions, please contact Kathleen Orndorff at (303) 387-6156 or Julie Roy at (303) 387-6155.

Second Annual Food Drive Ends Tomorrow

Tomorrow, Friday, April 12, is the last day to donate to the Second Annual Food Drive. Canned food, non-
perishable foods and toiletries are accepted.

Each class has a donation box outside its classroom. The class that collects the most donations at the end of the week wins a pizza party and a trophy. Let's beat last year's donations of 3,500 items!


Ben Franklin Academy
and the Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) are the proud sponsors of the Second Annual Food Drive to support Coloradoans in need. Every day, families and individuals struggle to put food on their table, but you can help. By donating to the food drive you will be contributing to the Douglas/Elbert Task Force, which helps more than 15,600 Coloradoans yearly.

 

Please contact the PAC with any questions or to make large quantity or monetary donation arrangements.

PAC's Got Your Back
Question mark
   
Q: How do I report my child's absence from school?

A: Please call the attendance line at (720) 432-9239 or send an email to [email protected] by
8:30 a.m.


Each week, the Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) will have a Q&A in this newsletter regarding policies or procedures at Ben Franklin Academy. If you have questions you need answered, please feel free to contact the PAC, and we will answer your question via email. 
Field Day T-shirt Sponsors Field day

We are currently accepting sponsors for our Field Day, which will be held in May. It is our hope that through the funds raised, we can cover the cost of the T-shirts so every student will receive one for free. This is a great and low-cost way for your business to support the school while receiving recognition on the student T-shirts. Click here for details. Flyers also were sent home via Thursday folders.  
Newsletter
Middle School and Preschool
  
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
PTO Elections

Please take a moment to vote for candidates of the upcoming school year's PTO. To vote today, click here.

There are still two positions open: Business Network Professionals Chair and the Communications and Printing Chair. If you are interested in either of these positions, please contact the PTO.
Bash Benefits

Wondering what to do with the kids this summer? Look no further! The following are a few examples of Summer Fun tickets and passes available at the BENefit Bash:
  • Horseback riding lessons
  • Six Flags tickets 
  • Denver Zoo
  • Jungle Quest
  • Arts on Fire
  • Ballet classes
  • Swim lessons
  • Glenwood Caverns
  • Heritage Square
  • Laser tag
  • The North Pole
Ladies Night Out

The PTO is hosting a Ladies Night Out from 7-9 p.m., Thursday, April 18, at Charming Charlie in the Streets of Southglenn. Moms will get a preview of some of the hot auction items while eating cupcakes ad shopping for bling for the big event! Charming Charlie will donate 10 percent of all purchases back to Ben Franklin Academy. Come join us for this fun night with fellow moms while supporting the school. Click here for more information.    

Tickets to the BENefit Bash

BENefit Bash tickets remain on sale until Monday, April 22. They can be purchased here.
Please note: There will be NO tickets available at the door. Click here for details on the event.  
BENefit Bash Volunteers





For a list of available BENefit Bash volunteer positions, click here or sign up directly here. Specifically, the Silent Auction committee needs volunteers for the Event Breakdown team; click here to sign up. Please email the committee with any questions.

Our next planning meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 23, at Shelly Dana's house.  
Mmm...Doughnuts

Thanks to all of your generous support, we hit our goal of selling 200 tickets to the BENefit Bash last week. As promised, Principal Barber will be buying the school doughnuts on Friday, April 26. (There also will be a gluten free option for students with allergies.)  
Can't Make the BENefit Bash?  

You still can contribute by participating in our online auction from now through Saturday, May 18. Anyone can participate in the online auction - it operates similar to eBay - including family and friends from out of town. Items will be mailed to the winning bidder. Click here to view our catalog of online items.
Need a Babysitter for the Bash?

The PTO has arranged a Parents Night Out from 5:30-10:30 p.m., Saturday, April 27, at Peak Athletics. Kids will play games and eat pizza with their friends.

You may register and pay over the phone by calling Peak Athletics directly at (303) 797-8082. Parents will need to sign a waiver when they drop off their child(ren). You may print out the waiver here and bring it in with you.

The fee for one student is $25; each additional sibling is $5 off ($45 for two siblings, $60 for three siblings, etc.). If you are unable to pay over the phone before the BENefit Bash, you may pay by cash or check at the door. No credit or debit cards will be accepted at the door. 
BENefit Bash Proceeds

Wondering where the funds raised from the BENefit Bash are going? We have earmarked some great projects for our school. A few highlights: Expansion of the sound and security system for the entire school (including a new PA system for events in the gym), level and curriculum books for the development of a Professional Resource library for our teachers, books for the library and a rock climbing wall for our gym. Great reasons to support this wonderful event!     
Fundraising at BFA

Have an idea for a fundraiser to benefit Ben Franklin Academy? We'd love to hear it! Please contact the PTO or attend a monthly meeting (the first Thursday of each month) with your ideas. We are grateful for the support of our parent community, but please contact the PTO or Principal Barber before speaking with a business about a potential fundraiser. Our parent volunteers are actively pursuing donations through PTO programs, and we do not want to overwhelm our business community. 
Volunteer of the Month
  
DeeDuncan The PTO highlights one volunteer each month who has gone above and beyond in his/her contributions to the school. This volunteer receives recognition in this newsletter and on the school website. S/he also has the privilege to park in one of our reserved parking spaces.  

For April, we have chosen Dee Duncan. Dee volunteers by helping our students understand science. His commitment to growing the science emphasis throughout our school, as well as the fifth grade science project, has made a huge difference. You may have seen the beautiful red tulips in front of the building? He was a big part of the success of that project. Dee always can be seen around the school, and we can only imagine the countless hours he puts into assisting our students.
 
When asked what he likes most about Ben Franklin Academy, Dee responded, "All students are always very courteous and polite to visiting adults. They address me with a greeting upon seeing me in the hallways or classroom. Obviously, that is a trait that Ben Franklin Academy's teachers have cultivated into its K-7 students. Every member of the staff and teachers has fully supported my volunteer efforts. I am pleased to support the STEM programs at BFA. I firmly believe that the disciplines of science, technology, engineering and math are of value not only to these students, but also to society as a whole. Thank you for your recognition."  
 
Thank you, Dee, for all that you do!  Click here for more information about volunteering.
Important Dates
Calendar Clip Art
  • Annual Food Drive: Now through tomorrow, Friday, April 12
  • PTO Elections: Now through Friday, April 19
  • BENefit Bash Tickets On Sale: Now through Monday, April 22 
  • Destination ImagiNation State Competition: Saturday, April 13, Auraria Campus 
  • KidStage Drama Shows: 7 p.m., Monday, April 15, and Tuesday, April 16, Gym 
  • Third Grade Science Fair: Tuesday, April 16
  • Fourth Grade Science Fair: Wednesday, April 17 
  • Box Tops Collection: Wednesday, April 17
  • Dress of Choice Day: Thursday, April 18
  • Fifth Grade Science Fair: Thursday, April 18
  • Second Grade Ellis Island: Thursday, April 18  
  • Ladies Night Out: 7-9 p.m., Thursday, April 18, Charming Charlie, Streets of Southglenn       
  • No School for Students (Teacher Work Day): Friday, April 19 
  • Spirit Day: Friday, April 26 
  • Principal Barber Buys Doughnuts for BFA: Friday, April 26 
  • BENefit Bash Silent Auction and Dinner: 5:30-11 p.m., Saturday, April 27, Denver Marriott Tech Center  
  • Board of Directors Elections: April 29 - May 3
  • BFF Social: 8:30-10 a.m., Thursday, May 2, Redstone Park
  • Board of Directors Elections Results Announced: 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 14  
  • BENefit Bash Online Auction: Now through Saturday, May 18 

Upcoming Meetings 

  • Board of Directors: 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 16, Library
  • Grant Committee: 9 p.m., Monday, April 22, Teleconference
  • BENefit Bash Volunteers: 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 23, Shelly Dana's house  
  • STEM Committee: 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 1, Library 
  • PTO: 6:30 p.m., Thursday, May 2, Library

  • SAC: Thursday, May 2

  • Marketing Committee: 6 p.m., Monday, May 6, Conference Room

  • Finance Committee: 5 p.m., Thursday, May 9, Conference Room

  • PAC: 6:30 p.m., Thursday, May 9, Middle School Commons Area  
Ben Franklin Academy Calendars
Sincerely,
 
Bob Barber
Principal
Ben Franklin Academy
Contact Us!
Ben Franklin Academy

2270 Plaza Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129

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

Attendance: (720) 432-9239 or [email protected]

Web: http://www.bfacademy.org/

Fax:  (303) 974-1738  

Mission: Our mission is to develop 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, 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 the arts, sports, nature, and character.


13 Virtues:
Temperance, Silence, Order, Resolution, Frugality, Industry, Sincerity, Justice, Moderation, Cleanliness, Tranquility, Purity and Humility.