BFA web banner
Ben Franklin Academy NewsletterVol. 3, Iss. 19
May 2013
In This Issue
:: Quote of the Week | Field Day | Lost and Found Moved | Lost or Missing Library Books
:: Book Fair | Stay Curious This Summer | Elitch Gardens | Summer Tutoring, Art Classes and Reading
:: Room Parent Positions | THREE Yearbooks Available | Used Uniform Sale
:: Summer Hours | Summer Fun! | 2013-14 PAC Officers | Uniform Policy Changes
:: Middle School Newsletter | Pick Up Online Auction Items | Important Dates
Dear Parents, 

  Lunch bag

Don't forget! Tomorrow, Friday, May 24, is a dress of choice day.

I am pleased to announce that Ben Franklin Academy has contracted with the Douglas County School District (DCSD) to provide lunch service for the 2013-14 school year.

All food will be prepared in our kitchen, eliminating the need to have it cooked off-site and then transported to the school in coolers and warmers. Food will be fresher and healthier. All lunch options will include access to a harvest bar that includes salad and fresh fruits and vegetables. Perhaps one of the biggest benefits will be the opportunity to order lunch during the morning of that same day - parents will not have to order meals a month in advance. Another advantage is families who qualify for free or reduced lunch can have that service every day (more details about the free and reduced lunch program will be available in future newsletters).

I want to thank Lunch on the Go for their service over the last two years, and I am excited to move forward with the DCSD lunch program.
 
Cute Quote of the Week Quote marks
   
Principal Barber to a fifth grade student: "On a scale of one to 10, how much do you like Ben Franklin Academy?"
Student: "That's easy: 11." 
Lost and Found Has Moved Lost and Found

The new location for the Lost and Found has been moved to the middle school hallway exit. With only a week left of school, please remind your student(s) to check the Lost and Found.

Lost or Missing Library Books

Overdue notices were sent out May 20 to all students who still had a library book(s) checked out at that time. Replacement costs were listed on the notice in case the book is lost or damaged. Please return any outstanding books ASAP! Report cards will be held until the library account is settled by either returning the book or paying the replacement cost. If you have any questions, please contact Kimberly Blum
Summer Reading Book FairLIbrary

 

Mark your calendars! Ben Franklin Academy is hosting a Summer Reading Book Fair

right before school ends. The Book Fair will be held on Friday, May 24, and from Tuesday, May 28, through Friday,
May 31
.

Book Fair hours are from 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. every day the Book Fair is open; hours will be from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29.

Because it is the end of the school year, the Book Fair will be kept more simple. Kids will visit the Book Fair during Field Day and make mental notes as to what they want to come back and buy. This time, students and teachers will not be making wish lists, there will be very limited AR Labeling and there will be no online Book Fair option because all books have to be delivered to the school. 
Community Days at Elitch Gardens
 
It looks like summer is on the way just in time for the big Memorial Day weekend. Have you purchased your tickets for the exciting Douglas County School District (DCSD) Community Days at Elitch Gardens? In response to the demand for a longer and more varied Elitch Gardens event, DCSD has partnered with the theme park to present six full days of fun for your friends and family, at an excellent discounted price. Additionally, there is a special 20 percent discount parking and meal plan to choose from, and the Water Park opens on Saturday, May 25!

Choose any day from now through Monday, May 27, to enjoy Elitch Gardens. Remember, $3 of each ticket sold goes back to your school. What a way to celebrate Memorial Day weekend! Have fun and raise money for your school, too.


For more information and to purchase tickets, please click here.
 
Summer Art Classes

Mrs. Hinkle will be teaching art on Tuesday and Thursday mornings this summer. The focus will be on painting and drawing. There will be a different project each week, which she will start on Tuesday and complete on Thursday. Classes are from 10 a.m. to noon and the cost for each week is $30. Minimum six students; maximum 12. Age requirement is K-5. Parents can sign up a week in advance by email for the weeks they want. If you are interested, please contact Mrs. Hinkle via email. For more information, please click here.
Room Parent Positions for 2013-14

If you are interested in being a Room Parent or Room Parent Assistant for the 2013-14 school year, please email your name and contact information to [email protected] with the grade your student(s) will be in next year.

Used Uniform Sale

The Uniform Sale is from
4-6 p.m., Thursday, June 6, at the school
.
Clothes can be dropped off next week (May 28-31). Click here for instructions on how to consign your clothes. Make sure your uniforms are dropped off with an Item Sheet.   
Summer Hours Clock
 

Summer hours at Ben Franklin Academy are on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. beginning June 5 through Aug. 7 (closed July 3).  

  

Additional important dates are as follows: 

  • Express Check-In Opens: Monday, Aug. 5
  • Student Fees Due: Wednesday, Aug. 14
  • Registration/Meet and Greets: Thursday, Aug. 15, and Friday, Aug. 16
2013-14 PAC Officers

The Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) is proud to announce their 2013-14 Governing Officers and Representatives:
  • Chair: Julia Porterfield
  • Vice-Chair/Treasurer: Nathan Bobbin
  • Communications Officer: Maren Elliott
  • Social Officer: Lynsey Humphries
  • Policy Officer: Susie McCoy
  • Parent Representative - Social:
    Heather Smith
  • Parent Representative - Community Service: Janell Swan
  • Parent Representative - Preschool: Shannon Hinrichsen
The mission of the PAC is to organize events that build community within and outside of Ben Franklin Academy, encourage the involvement of parents and to help communicate Ben Franklin Academy policies. For more information about PAC, contact us via email
Middle School Newsletter
   
If you are a parent of a Ben Franklin Academy student in middle school, you can get more in-depth information by clicking on the link or icon below.
BFA web banner
Click here for the Middle School Newsletter

Field Day Field day

Thank You, Sponsors!

Thank you to our awesome sponsors for Field Day! Because of your support, we were able to provide free T-shirts to all Ben Franklin Academy students and staff. Thanks to Sound Relief Hearing Center; Moody Insurance Agency; Ben Franklin Academy's Parent Teacher Organization; Facilities Contracting, Inc.; TGA Premier Youth Tennis; CHBO - Corporate Housing by Owner; Firehouse Subs; EV Downhole Video; and Max the Dog. Thank you for supporting our school!

 

  • Field Day Schedule
    • Kindergarten/First Grade Field Day:
      8:30 a.m. - noon, Friday, May 24
    • Second/Third Grades Field Day:
      8:30 a.m. - noon, Tuesday, May 28
    • Fourth/Fifth Grades Field Day:
      8:30 a.m. - noon, Wednesday, May 29
    • Middle School Field Day: 8:30 a.m. -
      1 p.m., Thursday, May 30, Redstone Park 

    Reminder: Students are to wear appropriate attire for Field Day (Field Day T-shirts and uniform bottoms).  

     

    ***Since it is dress of choice day tomorrow, kindies and first graders may wear any pants or shorts for Field Day.*** 

    Staying Curious This Summer? Ben Franklin mini
    Take Ben With You...

    What are Ben Franklin Academy students doing this summer? Staying Curious? Show us how you "Stay Curious" with photos of Ben on your excursions.

    In a box near the front door of the school building, you will find a few miniature Bens. If you have plans to travel this summer, take Ben with you. He is small enough to fit inside a small bag. Take photos of Ben on your excursion, email them to the Ben Franklin Academy webmaster along with an explanation of where you were. Coordinates will be placed all across the globe to mark where Ben Franklin Academy students went this summer while Staying Curious.

    Ben may take a trip on the Transcontinental Railway or the train at the Denver Zoo. Curiosity can be inspired at any location, far or near, so show us how you Stay Curious this summer.
    Summer Tutoring

    Many wonderful Ben Franklin Academy teachers and staff are available for summer tutoring. Please see the attached updated tutoring list. All teachers will be charging a rate of $45 per hour. Please contact the teacher directly to schedule your tutoring sessions and discuss specifics. All fees will be paid directly to the teacher. 

    Summer Reading
      
    Ben Franklin Academy is proud to offer your student(s) access to both the Lexia Reading program and Tumblebooks for this (2013) summer!

     

    We have seen huge gains in the students' reading skills that are currently using the program. This is a direct result of the amount of time a child has been on the program, as well as their ability to progress through the program at their own pace. It is imperative that parents let their child work through the program independently.

     

    Lexia is a computer-based program that can be accessed at home. Below you will find the link and customer code needed to download Ben Franklin Academy's license of Lexia Reading to your home computer. Please note there are separate instructions for MACs vs. PCs.

    • Visit lexialearning.com and follow the download directions
    • Customer Code for Ben Franklin Academy: 4947-7385-3142-8210
    • Username: firstnamlastname
    • Password:firstnamelastname

    Tumblebooks is a web-based reading program where students can read, listen, quiz and play games on popular children's books.

    We are also happy to provide a Ben Franklin Academy summer reading handout that lists some excellent resources for the summer. You can access the flyer by clicking here.

    Three Yearbooks Available! Yearbook

    DR Photo was able to give us three samples of the Ben Franklin Academy 2012-13 yearbook. We know there are many people who were unable to purchase a yearbook by the due date, so here's your chance! The online auction will be open until Wednesday, May 29, with these last three copies. Click here to start bidding. Good luck!
    Summer Fun!
    Pirates Cove and
    Rockies Game


    Mark your calendars for 6:30-8:30 p.m., Friday,
    June 7, at Pirates Cove
    ! We have rented Pirates Cove for Ben Franklin Academy families and friends. Free tickets will be given to families who have completed their volunteer commitment.

    We also will be providing free tickets to the L.A. Dodgers vs. Colorado Rockies game at
    6:40 p.m., Tuesday, July 2, at Coors Field
    . Look for details in the coming weeks.


    For a flyer that details all of the upcoming summer events, click here.
    Uniform Policy Changes for 2013-14  

    The Uniform Committee made recommendations for next school year's uniform policy. The Board of Directors has voted on the following:
    1. Shoes: The shoe policy is no longer color specific or "2/3 predominantly one color." There were a lot of questions and confusion on this issue; however, neon is still not an accepted color.
    2. Nail Polish: The "clear or pale color" has been removed. Nail polish still needs to be a single color, and neon is not an acceptable color to wear to school.
    3. Finally, the biggest change: The Uniform Committee has recommended the Board approve a few new additions to the middle school girls' uniforms. The Board has approved a few new pairs of pants, shorts and skirts. Hopefully, this will allow girls more choices, and the new fits and styles will help with some of the problems the Board has heard about.  
    The new uniform tables and policy will be available on the Ben Franklin Academy website in June.   
    BENefit Bash   BENefit Bash
    Online Auction

    The online auction closed May 21. For those who purchased items at the online auction, your items will be available in the front office once you make your payment.
    Important Dates
    Calendar Clip Art
    • Kindergarten/First Grade Field Day: 8:30 a.m. - noon, Friday, May 24
    • Second/Third Grades Field Day: 8:30 a.m. - noon, Tuesday, May 28
    • Box Tops Collection: Wednesday, May 29
    • Fourth/Fifth Grades Field Day: 8:30 a.m. - noon, Wednesday, May 29
    • Middle School Field Day: 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Thursday, May 30, Redstone Park  
    • Summer Reading Book Fair: Friday, May 24, and Tuesday, May 28, through Friday, May 31  
    • Last Day of School: Friday, May 31  
    • Summer Office Hours: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Wednesdays, June 5 - Aug. 7 (closed July 3)
    • Uniform Sale: 4-6 p.m., Thursday, June 6, BFA 
    • BFA at Pirates Cove: 6:30-8:30 p.m., Friday, June 7 
    • Dodgers vs. Rockies Game: 6:40 p.m., Tuesday, July 2, Coors Field  
    • Express Check-In Opens: Monday, Aug. 5
    • Student Fees Due: Wednesday, Aug. 14
    • Student Registration (2013-14 School Year)/Meet and Greets: Thursday, Aug. 15, and
      Friday, Aug. 16      
    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.