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Ben Franklin Academy Newsletter | Vol. 4, Iss. 3 January 2014 | |
Dear Parents,
Colorado School Grades Recently, the state of Colorado released the school grades for public schools. In part, Colorado School Grades is presented by a coalition of 18 community organizations that believe all children deserve access to a high performing school. Their mission is to provide community members, parents, students and educators with school performance information that is both accessible and easy-to-understand. Colorado School Grades for elementary and middle schools are based on two data measures: academic proficiency and academic growth. It is important to point out that these figures only come from TCAP testing data, which only measures BFA students in grades 3-8. - Academic proficiency reflects how a school's students are doing at meeting the Colorado model content standards. It is measured by the percentage of students scoring proficient or advanced on TCAP.
- Academic growth measures academic progress using the Colorado Growth Model. For an individual student, growth is a measure of progress in academic achievement in comparison to other similar students.
Ben Franklin Academy received the following scores from Colorado School Grades:
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Elementary
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Middle
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Overall Grade
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B
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B+
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Academic Proficiency
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B
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B
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Academic Growth
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C
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B
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Reading
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B
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B+
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Math
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B+
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A
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English
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B-
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B-
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Science
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A
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N/A
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It is important to note that both the elementary and middle schools received good grades. Where BFA is as a new school, we are pleased with these scores, but we also are committed to bringing these scores up to an "A." As younger students work through the grades and become more familiar with our curriculum, we expect these grades to improve. As students get used to learning the BFA way, these grades will increase. While these scores were recently published, they are no surprise to the staff at BFA. We received information about how students performed on TCAP in August. The staff has looked at all of the student scores and has made adjustments accordingly. Specifically, some students may be working in small, pull-out groups with our reading specialists or receiving additional help from their classroom teachers. Content in reading is differentiated according to student ability. And some students may just need a little extra practice with a particular skill or concept. BFA's teachers do not teach solely to the standards like many other schools. We teach the Core Knowledge sequence and have an emphasis on math, science and technology. Students are receiving a high quality education that will prepare them for high school and beyond. They learn so much more than the standards - so much more than what is tested on TCAP. With that said, I understand many people will focus on the overall grade and want to compare that to other schools. Remember, you know just how strong of an education your child is receiving, and we continually look at multiple academic data measures to gauge how our students are doing. Teachers make adjustments to their teaching in order to meet the academic needs of all students. In addition, BFA uses another test called the Measure of Academic Progress (MAP). This test is administered three times a year and provides teachers with immediate feedback while allowing for adjustments in teaching methods. A primary goal for teachers is student growth. Both TCAP and MAP can provide data on whether or not a student is performing at a level we expect. When we look at the data on students meeting academic growth goals on either TCAP or MAP, we find the following results:
Grade
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Number of students tested
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Percentage achieving reading growth on TCAP or MAP
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4
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101
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87%
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5
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100
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93%
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6
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62
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95%
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7
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47
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93%
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If you have questions about your child's individual achievement or growth, please contact his/her teacher. If you would like to see the Colorado School Grades website, please click here. |
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Spelling Bee Finalist
In last week's newsletter, one of our amazing fifth graders was inadvertently not listed as being one of the final contestants. Lucas Webb was indeed one of BFA's final contestants, and we wanted to make sure we recognized him accordingly. Way to go, Lucas!
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Broncos/BFA Spirit Day
Spirit Day is Friday, Jan. 31!
Because the Broncos are Super Bowl bound, students are allowed to wear a Denver Broncos top with their uniform bottoms of choice. Students are also allowed to wear a BFA spirit wear T-shirt (includes former Field Day T-shirts) along with uniform bottoms. If your child chooses not to wear Broncos/BFA spirit wear, s/he must be in full uniform.
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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!
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Middle School Dance
The Middle School dance will be from 7-10 p.m., Friday, Jan. 31.
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Yearbooks NOW on Sale!
Yearbook Sales Until 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 DedicationsYou 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
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.
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Scholastic Book Fair
BFA is hosting its Winter/Spring Book Fair Feb. 11-13. Hope to see you there!
- 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 11
- 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 12
- 11 a.m. - 8 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 13
Please note: Though the Book Fair will be open, entry into the building will not be allowed between 3-4 p.m. because of car pool. Re-entry will be allowed immediately following "all call," which is approximately 4 p.m.
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MCO Chair Nominations Now Being Accepted
Do you believe passionately in community connection at BFA? Are you dedicated and organized? Then the Marketing and Community Outreach (MCO) Committee needs YOU!
If you, or someone you know, is interested in becoming Chair of BFA's MCO Committee, please click here to fill out the nomination form. Feel free to nominate yourself or someone else. For more information, click here to view the MCO Chair job description. The nomination window closes at midnight, Saturday, March 1.
The MCO Chair position is fulfilled through unanimous vote by the BFA Board of Directors. The current MCO Chair's term is served throughout the remainder of this school year; the new MCO Chair begins his/her term on July 1, 2014. The Chair position is a three-year term and is a great way to get involved in a committee that focuses on community building. To learn more about what the MCO does, click here.
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The BENefit Bash Wants You!
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 contact Tiffani Titus if you are interested, and we will get this party started!
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Five Guys Burger & Fries Fundraiser
BFA's Restaurant Fundraiser is from today, 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.
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Pancake Breakfast
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 via the online store through today, Jan. 23. Click here for tickets.
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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.
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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 today, 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.
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PTO Gives Back
One of the goals of BFA's Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is to provide funding for extra projects at school that enhance the learning experience of students. This month, the PTO purchased a class set of ukuleles for the music program. In fifth grade, students are taught how to play the ukelele during music. In the past, each student was asked to purchase his/her own ukulele. With the class set the PTO purchased, however, families of fifth graders will no longer be asked to purchase ukuleles for their child(ren).
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Free Movie Day
To show our appreciation for the parent community, BFA's Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is hosting a FREE movie at 10 a.m., Valentine's Day, Friday, Feb. 14, at the Elvis Theatre in Littleton (6014 S. Kipling Pkwy., 80127).
The family movie (either G or PG) will be announced on Wednesday, Feb. 12. To RSVP for tickets, click here and include the number of attendees.
Please note: The movie is for BFA families only. Tickets are provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
Happy Valentine's Day!
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MCO Knows
Back by popular demand is the Marketing Community Outreach (MCO) Committee's policy Q&A blurb! If you have questions you need answered related to BFA policies or procedures, please email the MCO. Your question will be answered via email and possibly used in a future Q&A.
Q: Why does BFA require volunteer hours?
A: Volunteer hours are required because BFA believes that the success of our school is a shared responsibility between students, parents, teachers and staff. Families are required to volunteer 30 approved volunteer hours per family each school year. Families with a single parent are required to volunteer 15 approved volunteer hours each school year. It is mandatory that 10 hours of each family's volunteer time be served in either car pool and/or the lunchroom. For single parent families, the car pool and/or lunch requirement is five hours.
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Important Dates / Calendar of Events
- Five Guys Burger & Fries Restaurant Fundraiser: 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
- (Broncos) Spirit 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)
- Formal Uniform Day: Wednesday, Feb. 5
- Gleefulous Food (Second Grade Musical): 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 5, Gym
- Parent/Teacher Conferences: Tuesday, Feb. 11, and Thursday, Feb. 13
- Scholastic Book Fair: Feb. 11-13
- Free Movie Day: 10 a.m., Friday, Feb. 14, Elvis Theater (6014 S. Kipling Pkwy., Littleton)
- Jump Rope for Heart: Wednesday, Feb. 19, and Thursday, Feb. 20
- Deadline for MCO Committee Chair Nominations: Midnight, Saturday, March 1
Upcoming Meetings
- Grant Committee: 9 p.m., Monday, Feb. 3, 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
- Parent Teacher Organization (PTO): 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 6, Library
- 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
Middle School Athletics
- Girls' Basketball:
- 4 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 28, at SkyView Academy
- 4 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 30, at BFA vs. Aspen Academy
- 4 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 4, at BFA vs. Platte River Academy
- 4 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 6, at Legacy
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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