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Ben Franklin Academy NewsletterVol. 4, Iss. 2
January 2014
In This Issue
:: No School | BFA Board Corner | 2014-15 Academic Calendar | Science Fair Judges | Yearbooks on Sale
:: Jump Rope for Heart | Student Art Contest | BFF Social | Five Guys Fundraiser | Donate Unwanted Gift Cards
:: Pancake Breakfast | Father/Daughter Dance | BFA Service Day | Middle School Update
:: Discounted Avs Tickets | Calendar of Events
Spelling Bee
Being All She Can Bee:
Sasha Salvi, BFA sixth grader, won BFA's spelling bee on Jan. 15. She is congratulated by Ms. Gibson, sixth grade social studies teacher (left), and Principal Bob Barber. Congratulations!

Dear Parents,  

 

A Huge S-H-O-U-T Out

 

Every day, I am impressed by the quality of students we have here at Ben Franklin Academy. Day after day, the goals they accomplish are amazing and something of which everyone should be proud.  

 

On occasion, we have special events that showcase the various talents of our students. Yesterday was such an occasion. BFA's spelling bee was conducted with 17 students from grades 4-8. Each of these students qualified for the school final by being one of the top spellers in their grade level spelling competition. I cannot tell you enough how proud I am of the following students for representing their class in the BFA final:

  • Fourth Grade: Victoria Cerny, Madeline Dana, Lauren Schopen and Ian Stieg
  • Fifth Grade: Cade Buttery, Jeff Lang, Max Morris and
    Lucas Webb 
  • Sixth Grade: Nevaeh Fischer, Priya Kodenkandath, Sasha Salvi and Zachariah Woodward
  • Seventh Grade: Kyra Barrett, John Lang and Valerie Kakos
  • Eighth Grade: Nic Capucci and Aubrey Gerken  

After many rounds of tough words, the final four competitors were Priya Kodenkandath, John Lang, Jeff Lang and Sasha Salvi. These students battled until there were two remaining: Jeff and Sasha. Sasha was crowned the BFA winner by correctly spelling "circadian." She will now represent BFA at the Douglas County School District (DCSD) finals. Let's all wish her success.

 

Thank you to all of our finalists. You should be very proud of your accomplishments. We are very proud of you.

Happy Birthday, Ben! Ben Franklin

BFA honored its namesake's 307th birthday today. Benjamin Franklin was born on Jan. 17, 1706. To celebrate, the PTO provided cupcakes to all students during lunch. Happy birthday, Ben, and thank you to the PTO!
No School Closed Sign

Don't forget! Tomorrow, Friday, Jan. 17, is a teacher work day, so there is no school for students. BFA is closed on Monday, Jan. 20, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
2014-15 Academic Calendar Approved Red School Calendar

BFA's 2014-15 Academic Calendar has been approved. To view it, click here.
Science Fair Science Fair Judges Needed

The Middle School Science Fair needs judges. To sign up, click here.
Jump Rope for Heart Jump Rope For Heart

Jump Rope For Heart will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 19, and Thursday, Feb. 20. Students will participate in the Jump Rope for Heart event during their specials time on one of those days.

Donation envelopes will come home in Thursday folders on Jan. 23. All students will have learned about Jump Rope for Heart in class by the time envelopes come home. This is a great opportunity for us to talk about ways to keep our hearts healthy. On the envelope is a section titled "The Warning Signs of a Heart Attack." This also is a great time to discuss with your child(ren) the plan if the adult s/he is with becomes ill.

There are two ways to raise money for Jump Rope for Heart:
  • Use the envelope and ask for donations from people your child(ren) knows. Envelopes are due back on the day of your child's event.
  • Send emails (the easiest way). Click here, search for BFA and join the team. It will walk you through the rest. It is super easy, and students could win a free ticket to a Denver Nuggets game. More information about this opportunity will come home with the envelopes.  

For more information on Jump Rope for Heart and specific schedules, go to Mrs. Bauer's website. To sign up to volunteer for one of the events, click here. 

croissant2.jpg BFF Social
For Preschool through Second Grade
 

Parents of preschoolers, kindergartners, first and second graders, this Ben Franklin Friends (BFF) Social is especially for you! Do you want to get to know other BFA families with kids in these grades? Come to the BFF Social after drop off until 10 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 22, at the Lucent Super Target Caf� Starbucks.

 

The BFF Social is intended for parents to meet one another, ask policy questions and voice feedback about their experiences at BFA. Kids who are home with you are welcome.  

 

While the MCO is focusing on families with kids in preschool through second grade this month, BFF socials are always open to all BFA families.  Hope you can join us! For any questions, please email the MCO.   

Pancake Breakfast  pancakes
      

BFA is pleased to announce its Ben Franklin Birthday Celebration Pancake Breakfast. All funds raised this year will help support the eighth grade students who are going on an exciting trip to Washington, D.C., in May.

 

The Pancake Breakfast is an open house format from 9-11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 25, in BFA's Gym
 
� la carte pricing is as follows:  

  • Breakfast: $10 per adult, $8 per child
  • Family Pack (four or more): $35

Tickets are available through the online store. Click here for tickets. 

BFA Service Day  serviceday

Save the date! On Saturday, March 1, BFA is hosting its First BFA Service Day. This will be an opportunity for BFA families to come together to perform hands-on service projects that benefit the community. The MCO is looking for individuals that would like to take a lead is this event.  If you are interested, please contact Julia Porterfield via email. Sign ups for family service projects will be sent out in February.
Middle School Updates update  

Dance
The Middle School dance will be from 7-10 p.m.,
Friday, Jan. 31
 
Bake Sale
Watch for information regarding the upcoming bake sale!
BFA Board Corner
 
The following is from Becky Mullen, BFA Board Vice President.
 
BFA was founded on the principle of providing a well-rounded education for our students. Included in our curriculum is character education, based on Benjamin Franklin's 13 virtues. Each month of the school year is associated with one or two of the 13 virtues, and our teachers focus on that/those specific virtues in the classroom. We also use the 13 virtues to guide BFA's policies, community outreach, school groups, science projects and other endeavors.

In an effort to make it easier for families to discuss these virtues at home, we have started posting them on the digital marquee on the exterior of the building. The virtue of the month also will be on our website. We encourage you to take notice of the current virtue and discuss it at home with your child(ren) to reinforce what is taught at school. You can find a list of each month's virtue(s) here.
 
Yearbooks on Sale! Yearbook

Yearbook Sales
U
ntil Saturday, Feb. 1, BFA yearbooks are available for purchase at $20 each. If you are ordering three or more yearbooks, the price is $18 each.

The yearbook price INCREASES to $25 each beginning Sunday, Feb. 2, until Tuesday, April 1. If ordering three or more yearbooks, the price is $23 each.

April 1 is the absolute last day to purchase a yearbook - NO EXCEPTIONS.

Yearbook Dedications
You also may purchase yearbook dedications until Saturday, March 1

Dedications Info:
  • Kindergarten through Seventh Grade: $10 each, 150 character limit, no pictures
  • Eighth Grade: $15 each, 150 character limit, picture can be included
Please Note: Yearbooks and dedications should be available for purchase online by this weekend.

To purchase yearbooks and dedications, click here. Email
dedications and pictures (if applicable) here. Please indicate your child(ren)'s grade level when submitting the dedication/picture.
Student Art Contest

Do you have an artist at home? Students may participate in an art contest where winners' creations will be placed in BFA's silent auction catalog. For more information and contest rules, click here. Artwork is due Friday, Jan. 31.
Five Guys Burger & Fries Fundraiser FiveGuysBurgers

BFA's next Restaurant Fundraiser is from lunch through dinner, Thursday, Jan. 23, at Five Guys Burger & Fries in Highlands Ranch (University and Highlands Ranch Parkway). The fundraiser is for the eighth grade Washington, D.C., trip.
The BENefit Bash  
BENefit Bash
Donate Unwanted Gift Cards
  
Have any unwanted gift cards from the holidays? Bring them to the office and donate them to the silent auction. This is tax deductible. Forms will be given in exchange for cards. For questions, email the Silent Auction Committee. 
Father/Daughter Dance

The BFA Annual Father/Daughter Dance will be held from 5:30-9:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 1, at the Crystal Rose (8351 Southpark Lane, Littleton, 80120). Tickets include drinks, snacks and a photo. Cost is $40 (one dad and one daughter); cost is $55 maximum (dad and multiple daughters). Tickets are now available through the online store. Click here for tickets.

Please note: All tickets must be purchased in advance (by Monday, Jan. 27) - NO tickets will be available at the door. Come join in the fun!
Discounted Avalanche Tickets Avalanche

Discounted Avalanche tickets are available for the Douglas County School District. Games and ticket prices available are as follows: 
  
Colorado Avalanche vs. Toronto Maple Leafs 
7 p.m, Tuesday, Jan. 21, Pepsi Center
Discounted Ticket Prices:
  • Lower level center: $100
  • Lower level/Club level corner/end: $75
  • Upper level(includes food/drink voucher): $31.50
Colorado Avalanche vs. Minnesota Wild
7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 30,
Pepsi Center
AND/OR 
Colorado Avalanche vs. Buffalo Sabres
1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 1, Pepsi Center 
(Last game before Olympic Break!)
Discounted Ticket Prices:
  • Lower level center: $70
  • Lower level corner/Club level corner: $55
  • Lower level end/Club level end: $50
  • Upper level center: $35
  • Upper level corner: $25
To order tickets for any of the games, please click here. For questions or tickets to other games, contact Kristy Howell.
Important Dates / Calendar of EventsCalendar Clip Art
  • Teacher Work Day (No School for Students): Friday, Jan. 17
  • MLK Holiday (School Closed): Monday, Jan. 20
  • Middle School Science Fair: Jan. 21-24
  • BFF Social (Preschool through Second Grade): After drop-off until 10 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 22, Lucent Super Target Lucent Super Target Caf� Starbucks  
  • Five Guys Burger & Fries Restaurant Fundraiser: Lunch through dinner, Thursday, Jan. 23, Highlands Ranch location 
  • Ben Franklin Birthday Celebration Pancake Breakfast: 9-11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 25, Gym
  • Mountain Vista High School Registration Night: 6 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 29, MVHS    
  • Silent Auction Student Art Contest Artwork Due: Friday, Jan. 31 
  • Spirit Wear Day: Friday, Jan. 31
  • Middle School Winter Dance: 7-10 p.m., Friday, Jan. 31      
  • Father/Daughter Dance: Saturday, Feb. 1, Crystal Rose (8351 Southpark Lane, Littleton)       
Upcoming Meetings        
  • Grant Committee: 9 p.m., Monday, Jan. 20, Teleconference
  • Marketing and Community Outreach (MCO) Committee: 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 4, Library
  • Science, Technology Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Committee: Wednesday, Feb. 5, Sanders Science Lab (room 145)
  • School Accountability Committee (SAC): 4 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 6, Conference Room
  • Finance Committee: 5 p.m., Monday, Feb. 10, Library  
  • Board of Directors: 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 11, Library
    • Find the latest BFA Board of Directors minutes by clicking here.    
  • Green Team Committee: 4:15 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 12  
  • Parent Teacher Organization (PTO): 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 13, Library

Middle School Athletics     

  • Girls' Basketball:  
    • 4 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 21, at BFA
    • 4 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 23, at North Star Academy  
    • 4 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 28, at SkyView Academy
    • 4 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 30, at BFA vs. Aspen Academy  
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.