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Ben Franklin Academy Newsletter | Vol. 3, Iss. 25 September 2013 | |
Dear Parents,
Testing at BFA
Parents often ask me the reason behind the various tests that their children are given at Ben Franklin Academy. They also ask what tests are administered and when. The following chart gives a summary of the tests that BFA uses, a brief explanation of the test, who is tested, when the test is given and whether or not it is a progress monitoring test.
ASSESSMENT TOOLS: 2013-14
Assessment
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Purpose
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Required
by State or District
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Subjects Tested
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When
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Progress
Monitoring
Tool?
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TCAP
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A standards based assessment to determine the level that students meet Colorado Model Content Standards
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YES
(State)
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Reading: 3,4,5,6,7,8
Writing: 3,4,5,6,7,8
Math: 3,4,5,6,7,8
Science: 5,8
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Spring
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NO
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Children's Progress Academic Assessment
(CPAA)
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A child-friendly adaptive assessment used to identify student needs, differentiate instruction and help each child succeed.
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YES
(DCSD)
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Listening: K,1,2,3
Phonemic
Awareness: K,1,2,3
Phonics and
Writing: K,1,2,3
Reading: K,1,2,3
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Fall
Winter
Spring
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YES
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NWEA/
MAP for Primary Grades
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A state-aligned computer adaptive test that measures student achievement and growth.
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YES
(DCSD)
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Early Literacy: K,1,2
Reading: 3,4,5,6,7,8
Language Skills: 3,4,5,6,7,8
Math: 3,4,5,6,7,8
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Fall
Winter
Spring
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YES
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DRA2
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Helps identify each student's reading ability and level, documents progress and tailors teaching to drive effective reading instruction.
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YES
(DCSD)
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Phonological
Awareness: K, 1, 2
Phonics: K,1
Vocabulary: K,1,2,3,
Fluency: K,1,2,3,
Comprehension: K,1,2,3,
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Fall
Winter
Spring
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YES
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STAR
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STAR Reading is a computer-adaptive assessment designed to give you accurate, reliable and valid data quickly so that you can make good decisions about instruction and intervention.
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NO
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Reading: K-8
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Fall
Winter
Spring
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YES
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I am going to focus on the progress-monitoring piece because it so important to what we do at BFA. Progress monitoring is a scientifically-based practice that is used to assess students' academic performance and evaluate the effectiveness of instruction. Progress monitoring can be implemented with individual students or an entire class.
To implement progress monitoring, the student's current levels of performance are determined and goals are identified for learning that will take place over time. The student's academic performance is measured on a regular basis. Progress toward meeting the student's goals is measured by comparing expected and actual rates of learning. Based on these measurements, teaching is adjusted as needed. Thus, the student's progression of achievement is monitored and instructional techniques are adjusted to meet the individual student's learning needs.
With progress monitoring, the benefits are great for everyone involved. Some benefits include:
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Enhanced learning because students are receiving more appropriate instruction;
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More informed instructional decisions;
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Documentation of student progress for accountability purposes;
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More efficient communication with families and other professionals about students' progress;
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Higher expectations for students by teachers; and
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Fewer Special Education referrals.
Overall, the use of progress monitoring results in more efficient and appropriately targeted instructional techniques and goals, which together, move all students to faster attainment of important state standards of achievement.
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Car Pool Update
Believe it or not, car pool is going so quickly that we are having a problem with parents not showing up in a timely manner to pick up their kids.
During the first week of school, we were still ironing out the wrinkles and car pool finished at around 4:10 p.m. Since then, the kids are getting used to the system and procedures, and we are now consistently waiting for cars at 3:55 p.m. This is impressive, considering that we have 100 more students this year than last year. Please make sure that you are on the property before 3:50 p.m. to pick up your child(ren). When car pool is finished, any student who has not been picked up will be sent to our after school enrichment program (BASE) and any appropriate fees will be charged.
Please remember that during inclement weather, car pool will most likely take longer to complete. We will always err on the side of safety. If there is lightning in the area, we will not let the students or adults outside. If it is raining or snowing, which apparently likes to start at 3:30 p.m., we will not delay car pool.
Thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation.
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Harvest Festival
The Harvest Festival is from 5-8 p.m., this Saturday, Sept. 21, at BFA. Tickets are $5 per person at the door.
No costumes are allowed at the event. Look for additional information in today's Thursday folders.
We need many volunteers to make it a fun evening for all of our families. Please sign up to volunteer for an hour or more to help during the event by clicking here.
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Check out the middle school restaurant fundraiser from lunch to close, on Tuesday, Sept. 24, at Pei Wei in Highlands Ranch. You can take-out or dine-in; just be sure to mention you are supporting BFA when you place your order. Proceeds will go toward the middle school trip to Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia.
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Sign Up for Boys' Basketball
The online registration for middle school boys' basketball is now open and can be found on the BFA athletic website. You can get to the link by either using the "Forms" tab or the "Boys Basketball" tab. Once you have registered online, please go back to the "Forms" tab to print out two forms: Medical and Authorization To Use Private Vehicles. All of these items need to be completed in order to practice. Online registration will close at midnight, Thursday, Oct. 3, and will not reopen.
If your son ran cross country or played soccer and has a current medical form turned in (e.g., has had a physical within the last year), you do not need to fill out this form again. The Authorization To Use Private Vehicles form needs to be completed for every sport because it is sport specific. As long as you have registered online by midnight on Oct. 3, the forms can be brought to the first day of practice on Monday, Oct. 7.
For additional information, including practices and games schedule, please look at the "Boys Basketball" tab on the athletic website.
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There will be a silent auction meeting at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 24, in the BFA Library. For any question, please email the Silent Auction committee.
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Volunteer Appreciation
Be looking for a volunteer appreciation gift in your youngest/only child's Thursday folder from the PTO. Please remember to PENCIL us in for your volunteer hours!
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PTO Gives Back
One of the goals of the BFA PTO is to provide funding for extra projects at our school that enhance the learning experience of our students. Here are some of the highlights from this month:
- Planners for every student to increase teacher-parent communication.
- The Lexia reading program to enhance literacy.
- Pixie Program for the technology room to teach graphic design concepts.
- Shelving units for the art room.
- Storage addition for the gym for lunchroom tables.
- Bulletin boards for the middle school to display students' work.
- Cricut blades and supplies for the teachers' work room.
- Books and games to be used during library lessons.
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Spirit Day
Spirit Day is tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 20. Students are allowed to wear a spirit wear T-shirt (includes former Field Day T-shirts) along with their uniform bottoms of choice. If your child chooses not to wear a spirit wear T-shirt, s/he must be in full uniform.
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Teachers' Weekly Newsletters
If you are not receiving a weekly newsletter from your child's teacher, please contact the teacher to make sure s/he has your correct email address.
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Lanyards and Lunch
All students have received breakaway lanyards so they can wear their school IDs, which have their lunch numbers printed on them. If your child has his/her ID at home, please have him/her bring it to school and put it on a lanyard to wear for hot lunch. Many students still do not know their lunch numbers, so we'd like them to wear them and get the lunch line moving faster!
Also, make sure your child tells his/her teacher if s/he is ordering "doubles" (especially on pizza day)! Your child will not be able to get "doubles" unless s/he does this. If s/he is getting "doubles," s/he must take a single serving first, eat that and then come back for "doubles." S/he will be asked to go to the cashier first to make sure they have enough money in his/her account. If s/he does not have enough money, then s/he cannot get "doubles."
On the whole, lunch is going well! We are happy with the quality of the food, and the students really seem to like it. If you have any questions about lunch, please email Pam Betts.
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STEM Expo
This year's STEM Expo will be from 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 26. Volunteers are needed to assist with the Expo. All training and information will be provided. To volunteer, click here.
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Check Out BFA's Preschool
There is never a dull moment in the preschool! Children are always eager to learn and share stories about their world. Just the other day, as the children were cleaning up for lunch, a child said with excitement, "My Mom lets me do chores!" I hope her enthusiasm continues as the years pass!
Come join us at 9 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 1, to learn more about BFA's Preschool program. It will be a great time to ask questions and see the classes in action!
Please RSVP to Kristen Goldberg, Preschool Director, as space is limited. To read more about our program, click here.
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Middle School Social
BFA Middle School students are invited to attend the Corn Maze Social from 7-10 p.m., Friday, Oct. 4, at the Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield. Tickets are $8 per person for the corn maze and hayride combo. The haunted maze portion (opens onOct. 4) will be an additional cost. More information will follow as the time draws nearer. Denver Botanic Gardents at Chatfiled is located at 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Rd., Littleton, Colo., 80128.
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Student Appreciation
The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) has created a new committee this year called Student Appreciation. The purpose of the committee is to recognize BFA students for displaying the 13 virtues and/or excellent behavior throughout the school year.
The committee will be giving each teacher "Ben Bucks" to give to their students for showing exemplary actions that go above and beyond expectations. These exemplary deeds can relate to the 13 virtues or for any action a teacher feels deserves a reward. Please note: Only teachers are to hand out Ben Bucks to students, not parent volunteers.
On Friday, Nov. 15, 2013, and Friday, April 11, 2014, the Student Appreciation Committee will have a table where students can bring their Ben Bucks to "buy" fun items the PTO has purchased. The more Ben Bucks they have earned will result in bigger prizes.
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Street Smarts at SouthGlenn
Do you like to shop the Streets at SouthGlenn? Now when you shop, go to Guest Services located in the Concierge Lobby in the building next to the parking structure, and get your receipts validated for BFA. Let them know you want your receipts to go towards points for BFA. At the end of the school year, BFA can earn up to $2,500!
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Important Dates
- Spirit Day: Friday, Sept. 20
- Harvest Festival: 5-8:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 21, BFA
- Flu Clinic: 2-3 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 24, BFA
- Middle School Restaurant Night: Lunch to close, Tuesday, Sept. 24, Pei Wei in Highlands Ranch
- STEM Expo: Thursday, Sept. 26, Gym
- Dress of Choice Day: Thursday, Sept. 26
- No School for Students (Teacher Work Day): Friday, Sept. 27
- Preschool Informational Meeting: 9 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 1
- Middle School Boys' Basketball Online Registration Deadline: Midnight, Thursday, Oct. 3
- Middle School Corn Maze Social: 7-10 p.m., Friday, Oct. 4, Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield
Upcoming Meetings
- Grant Committee: 9 p.m., Monday, Sept. 30, Conference Call
- Marketing Community Outreach (MCO): 6:30 p.m, Tuesday, Oct. 1, Library
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School Accountability Committee (SAC): 4 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 3, Conference Room
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Parent Teacher Organization (PTO): 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 3, Library
- Finance Committee: 5 p.m., Monday, Oct. 7, Library
- Board of Directors: 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 8, Library
- Find the latest BFA Board of Directors minutes by clicking here.
- Green Team Committee: 4:15 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 9
- Silent Auction Committee: 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 24, Library
Middle School Athletics
- Girls' Volleyball:
- 4 p.m., Thursday, Sept 19, at BFA vs. Legacy
- 4 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 24, at North Star Academy
- 4 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 26, at SkyView Academy
- Boys' Soccer:
- 4 p.m., Thursday Sept 19, at SkyView Academy
- 4 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 24, at Platte River Academy vs. Legacy
- 4 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 26, at SkyView Academy vs. North Star Academy
- Cross Country:
- Panther Invitational, Thursday, Sept. 19, at Botanic Gardens at Chatfield
- Runners Roost Meet, Tuesday, Sept. 24, at DeKoevend Park
Ben Franklin Academy Calendars
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Sincerely,
Bob Barber Principal Ben Franklin Academy |
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Contact Us!
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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.
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