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Ben Franklin Academy NewsletterVol. 3, Iss. 32
November 2013
In This Issue
:: Sibling Enrollment at BFA | Spirit Day | Candy Collection Due Friday | Honor Flight Update
:: Ben Bucks | Annual Audit Update | Doughnut with Dads | MS: Science Fair and Winter Dance Planning Meetings
:: BFF Social and Pinterest Night | Timbuk Toys FUNdraiser | Holiday Outreach Project | TRHS Academic Showcase
:: Volunteer Reception | Uniform Sale | BENefit Bash | Volunteer of the Month | Southglenn | Important Dates
Dear Parents,

School Safety: Being Proactive and Prepared

In an effort to demonstrate how important school safety is to me, our teachers and staff, I would like to reiterate the steps BFA takes to being prepared and proactive on a daily basis.

 

When you send your child to school, you should feel like you are sending him/her to the safest places s/he can be. After all, your child is going to a place to learn, a place to play and a place to belong. S/he is attending a place where s/he is loved by a caring staff who will always put him/her first.  

 

There are many components that make a school safe. The most obvious is the fact that all adults must check-in at the front office as they arrive at the building. We scan everyone's driver's license, which checks that person against a national database. Every employee or person who works with BFA students also goes through a background check. My priority is to make sure we know exactly who is working with your child. All secondary doors to the school remain locked throughout the day, forcing everyone to enter through the main entrance. Even the second set of doors at the main entrance remain locked during the day. Simply put, we do not want anyone in the building without first checking in at the office.

 

The second tier of safety at the school is practicing drills to be prepared in case of an emergency. Students and staff practice what to do in case of a fire, severe weather emergency, something dangerous in the vicinity of the school and a suspicious person inside the school. The goal is for our response to be automatic should a real emergency arise.

 

Another important component of student safety is the daily discipline that occurs at the school. We want all students to know that if they report an incident to a staff member - no matter how big or small - that we will deal with it. Students must know that if they need help that it will be provided. No one has to see anything happen to a student in order for a staff member to intervene or get involved with discipline. The fact that a student reports something is sufficient enough for us to look into their claim. The outcome may be inconclusive, but we will always investigate the claim.  

 

Specifically, if a student reports something being done to him/her or someone else (especially if it is physical in nature or bullying), we will look into it. The instructional aide or teacher will conduct the initial investigation. If they believe the situation needs to be addressed by an administrator, they will forward all information to the administration and a member of the administration will complete the investigation. After further investigating, a consequence may be handed out and parents contacted.

 

Sometimes we need to act as judges. We talk to students involved and make decisions based on what we feel truly happened. We always try our hardest to get it right. To do nothing, because we did not see the accused party do anything, would be remiss on our part. There may be times when we cannot come to a conclusion on what happened and move on, but we will explain why we acted or did not act.

 

I have mentioned in a previous newsletter that I treat every student at school as if they were my own when it comes to their safety and wellbeing. I expect all of the staff to do the same, and I am confident that they feel the same way.

 

Thank you for trusting us with your child. It is a responsibility we do not take lightly and never will.

Sibling Enrollment at BFA 

If you are planning on enrolling a sibling of a currently enrolled BFA student, please fill out the Intent to Enroll form on the BFA website and notify Kari Beers, registrar, by Friday, Nov. 15. Following this process ensures sibling priority before the lottery; however, this does not guarantee 2014-15 placement. The lottery takes place in early December. Please contact Kari at (720) 383-4519 x101 with any questions.
Honor Flightamerican-flag-wavy.jpg   
 
Thank you to all who helped in our Honor Flight Network collection event! BFA raised $867.23 for Honor Flight, so we will be sending a local veteran to visit the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. What tremendous generosity for a wonderful cause!
Audit
Annual Audit Update

 

The following article is from Jason Sunahara, BFA Board Treasurer.  

 

BFA just completed its second annual independent audit for the 2012-13 school year (July 1, 2012, to June 30, 2013), and we had another stellar year. We are on track and still working towards the goals of adding necessary staff and specialists, as well as buying out the building in the coming years. Even with our 15,000-square-foot addition and the school not completely full, we still experienced success.  

 

Hats off to Principal Barber and Brenda Sepan, Business Manager, for creating a budget, sticking to it and coming in just under the budgeted amount. We had a net position of $1,155,646 as of June 30, 2013, and we were able to retain $945,086 of unrestricted funds and $166,000 of TABOR funds (funds to be used in an extreme emergency). We have met our goals and are able to provide an outstanding education to our children.

Science Fair Ready for the Middle School Science Fair?

There will be a parent meeting on Tuesday, Nov 19, for this year's Middle School Science Fair. You can attend one of two sessions, and there is the capability to attend remotely.  The meetings will be at 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. in the Sanders Science Lab (room 145). To attend the meeting remotely via teleconference or webex, please click here.
Timbuk Toys FUNdrasier  TimbuckToys
      
The BFA/Timbuk Toys FUNdraiser is taking place now through Sunday, Nov. 17. Anyone who wants to participate in the fundraiser can shop at any of the Timbuk Toys locations or purchase products online. When making your purchase in a store, remember to mention BFA; when placing an order online, please type "Ben Franklin Academy FUNdraiser" in the comment box. The more people shopping that mention our school, the more funds we will raise. Get your holiday shopping done early, and support BFA!
ThunderRidge Showcase TRHS
       
Eighth grade prospective families are invited to ThunderRidge High School (TRHS) for an Academic Showcase from 6-8 p.m., Monday, Dec. 9, in the TRHS main gym. Teachers, students, parents and administration will provide valuable information aimed at empowering parents as they select the best academic environment for their high school students. The evening will include detailed sessions covering the following: 
  • Academic Pathways at TRHS
  • IB - International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
  • AP - Advanced Placement courses
  • Career and Technical Education courses 
  • Academic Intervention programs
  • Learning Support Services
For more information, click here or contact Irene Apostolopoulos, TRHS, at (303) 387-2205.
The BENefit Bash Wants You!
BENefit Bash
 
Display Team
The BENefit Bash Display Team is looking for baskets, boxes, trunks, cellophane and basket filler. If you have these items in your basement or happen to receive any for the holidays, please donate them to the BENefit Bash today! We are currently starting our collection of these items and appreciate any assistance you can provide. For any questions or to say, "Hey, I have stuff I want to donate," please email Kimberly Kent.

Procurement Team

Do you have an uncanny knack for obtaining something for nothing? Were you blessed with the gift of gab? Do you think outside the box? Are you lacking in volunteer hours and want a fun way to earn them? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then we want you!

The BENefit Bash procurement team is looking for volunteers to help with soliciting items for the silent auction. We need people who can pound the pavement, work the phones and tap the keyboard. Please email Tiffani Titus
if you are interested, and we will get this party started! 
Street Smarts at Southglenn  southglenfundraising
      
When you sign up for the Street Smarts email, BFA receives 1,000 points!

 

Visit shoppingpartnership.com, click on Shopping Centers and select The Streets at SouthGlenn. It will ask for your email address and name. After you submit your information, you will be sent an email. Please open and click on the link to confirm; once you do so, BFA gets 1,000 points!  

 

BFA is one of 20 schools in the metro area that gets to participate in the Street Smarts for Southglenn program. If BFA ends up being the school with the most points, we can earn $2,500 for the school.

 

Don't have time to turn in your receipts from shopping or dining? If you don't need the receipts returned, you can turn them into a box in the front office (near the name badges/window). Copies of receipts are not accepted by the program.

Megaphone Spirit Day 

Spirit Day is Friday, Nov. 15. 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.   
Candy Collection Due Tomorrow Candy
 
If you have candy you would like to donate to the troops overseas, please drop it off at the front desk by Friday, Nov. 15. Thank you for your support!  
Student Appreciation Ben Bucks Redemption 

The first student redemption of Ben Bucks is Friday, Nov. 15. Children with bucks can redeem them from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. in the main hallway. They will be allowed to come to the table at a designated time determined by their teacher.
Dance Middle School Dance
Student Planning Committee Members Needed 

BFA is looking for middle school students who would like to help plan and decorate for this year's middle school Winter Dance, Thursday, Jan. 30. The first student planning committee meeting is at 4 p.m., Monday, Nov. 18, in the Middle School Commons. For any questions, please email Angie Kersey
Doughnuts with Dads

Please join us Tuesday, Nov. 19, for our annual Doughnuts with Dads breakfast with your child(ren). This is a special morning for your student to enjoy breakfast with dad, grandad or a special guest. Come enjoy this time with your student, have a cup of coffee or juice and some breakfast. Don't forget to let your child give you a tour around the school. Doors open at 7 a.m.
BFF Social and Pinterest Night   
      
The MCO and PTO will be co-hosting a social event from 6:30-8:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 21, in the Middle School Commons.

The BFF Social is intended for parents to meet one another, ask policy questions and voice feedback about their experiences at BFA. The Pinterest Night is for parents to work on crafts together with other parents. Come to chat with other parents, work on your holiday projects or both. Hope you can join us!

The PTO will be providing pizza, salad and refreshments. Please RSVP to the PTO so as to get
an accurate count for food. Please email the MCO with any questions about the BFF Social.
Holiday Outreach Project   
 
This year, BFA will be performing its annual Holiday Outreach Project for our newest community member - Children's Hospital South Campus. During the week of Dec. 2-6, we will be collecting new arts and craft supplies for use by hospital patients. This includes crayons, markers, paint, brushes, stickers, etc. All items will be presented to the hospital at their Community Open House, which will be held Saturday, Dec. 7. Each classroom will participate in collection contests. Additional information and events to follow. 
Volunteer Appreciation Reception thankyou_paper_hdr.jpg
 
The PTO is hosting a Volunteer Appreciation Reception at 6 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 12, to thank volunteers for giving of their time. More details to come.
Used Uniform Sale clothing-boutique-sale.jpg
 

Stock up for winter while participating in BFA's Used Uniform Sale from 9-11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 14, in the Middle School Commons.  

 
Consignors need to bring clothing and their Item Sheet to the office by Friday, Dec. 6. Unsold items can be picked up at noon the day of the sale (Saturday, Dec. 14). Any items not picked up at this time will be sent home with students the following week. Proceeds will be mailed to consignors via check the following week.  

  • For Uniform Sale instructions, click here.
  • For the Item Sheet, click here.
Volunteer of
the Month
   
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 November, we have chosen Melissae Andersen. Melissae is the Social Coordinator for the PTO and has coordinated our annual Harvest Festival, Father/Daughter event, Mother/Son event and other socials of the PTO. These annual events would not be possible without her contributions. She is always at school, helping out wherever help is needed.     

  

When asked what she likes most about BFA, Melissae responded, "I'm so grateful to be a part of the BFA community. As a working mom, my kids often have to spend long hours at the school, and I have never doubted that they're in good hands! From their teachers to the ladies running BASE, it's obvious they're well cared for. I'm honored to be able to give back to a school that gives so much to us."


Thank you, Melissae, for all that you do, and congratulations to the Andersen family! For more information about volunteering, please click here

  Important Dates Calendar Clip Art
  • Timbuk Toys FUNdraiser: Now through Nov. 17 
  • Most People Sport Stacking at Multiple Locations in One Day:
    4:30-5 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 14, BASE 
  • Deadline for BFA Sibling Enrollment: Friday, Nov. 15  
  • Spirit Day: Friday, Nov. 15
  • Student Appreciation/Ben Bucks Redemption: Friday, Nov. 15    
  • Candy Collection Due Date: Friday, Nov. 15
  • Doughnut with Dads: Doors open at 7 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 19
  • Box Top Collection: Wednesday, Nov. 20   
  • BFA Thanksgiving Feast: Student lunch periods, Wednesday, Nov. 20  
  • BFF Social/Pinterest Night: 6:30-8:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 21, Middle School Commons  
  • Thanksgiving Holiday Break: Nov. 25-29    
  • Donations for Holiday Outreach Project: Dec. 2-6
  • Used Uniform Sale Clothing and Item Sheet Due: Friday, Dec. 6    
  • Children's Hospital South Campus Community Open House: Saturday, Dec. 7
  • ThunderRidge High School Showcase: 6-8 p.m., Monday, Dec. 9, TRHS Main Gym
  • Volunteer Appreciation Reception: 6 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 12     
  • Used Uniform Sale: 9-11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 14, Middle School Commons  
Upcoming Meetings    
  • Parent Teacher Organization (PTO): 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 14, Library
  • Middle School Winter Dance Student Planning Committee Meeting: Monday, Nov. 18
  • Middle School Science Fair Parent Meeting: 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 19, Sanders Science Lab (room 145)    
  • Grant Committee: 9 p.m., Monday, Nov. 25, Teleconference 
  • School Accountability Committee (SAC): 4 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 5, Conference Room
  • Finance Committee: 5 p.m., Monday, Dec. 9, Library
  • Board of Directors: 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 10, Sanders Science Lab (room 145) 
    • Find the latest BFA Board of Directors minutes by clicking here.
  • Green Team Committee: 4:15 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 11

Middle School Athletics    

  • Boys' Basketball:  
    • 4 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 14, at BFA vs. Platte River Academy  
    • 4 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 19, at BFA vs. Legacy 
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.