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Ben Franklin Academy Newsletter | Vol. 4, Iss. 11 March 2014 | |
Dear Parents,
"The pen is mightier than the sword." Many people are familiar with this phrase that was coined by English author Edward Bulwer-Lytton in 1839. The idea behind this phrase is to indicate that communication is a more effective tool than violence. There is no denying the power of the written word.
While the original phrase was coined so long ago, I feel an updated version of it might be, "The keyboard is mightier than the pen." Social media means any form of online publication or presence that allows end users to engage in multi-directional conversations. Social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, blogs and countless other social media outlets are readily available to anyone with a computer, cell phone or other personal electronic device. The value of using social media is undeniable. It is a great way to catch up with long lost friends, brag about your children for their various accomplishments, show pictures of your latest adventures and countless other things.
Social media is a powerful communication tool. There really is no other way to reach the magnitude of people in such a short time. Information can be pushed out to thousands of people in a matter of seconds. As with anything that is so prevalent in our society, there is great potential to misuse social media. Ben Franklin Academy is fortunate to have multiple communication outlets to inform parents about the school, events at school, homework and general information.
Lately, I have seen an increased number of posts on Facebook that are critical of the teachers or of the grade level. Posts are made that range from not entirely accurate to completely inaccurate. Unfortunately, these posts gain a following with other people commenting/expressing their support for the author by agreeing with their displeasure about a teacher or grade level. Many times, the information posted is based on a frustration an individual is having; however, there are times the information is inaccurate and could have been solved by contacting the teacher first.
As a reminder, BFA's Parent Communication policy states:
If a parent has questions or concerns pertaining to classroom practices, discipline issues, academic programs of his/her student, the parent should:
- Directly contact the teacher or staff member (if unsure which teacher to address, the parent should start with the student's homeroom teacher) regarding the issue by email. The teacher or staff member will return contact within 48 hours. The parent may not proceed to Step 2 until this discussion has taken place.
- If the issue cannot be resolved at the teacher or staff level, the parent should next discuss the issue with the Assistant Principal or Principal.
- If the issue cannot be resolved by the Assistant Principal or Principal. The parent should next contact the BFA Board of Directors (Board) President.
In almost all cases, an issue that is posted on Facebook could have been solved or explained by reaching out to the teacher first. All of the teachers at BFA work very hard to provide an outstanding education for every student in the building. While legitimate concerns can arise, it is hurtful for the teachers to read negative comments on Facebook and to see people piggyback on the comments - especially comments that are inaccurate. Any post that references a specific teacher or grade level in a negative manner will be removed from the site. Please address your concerns with the teacher first and save the social media to praise and brag about your child's teacher. The negative posts bring down the morale of the teachers who truly go above and beyond in what they plan and do for the students every day. Thank you to the great number of people who do post positive comments about the teachers and the school.
To conclude, I offer the following as a common code of online conduct:
- Be transparent. Do not misrepresent who you are. Never assume the identity of another person.
- Be reflective. Think before you communicate online. If you are upset or angry, give yourself time to calm down. Consider whether a negative communication you receive even requires a response. If it does, respond factually, not emotionally.
- Be respectful. Employees, parents and students are a diverse group of people with many different customs, viewpoints and beliefs. Communications that are racist, threatening or bullying are never appropriate. Broad generalizations ("all teachers ..."; "all students ...") are almost never accurate.
- Be factual. Add to the information available to others, not just the noise.
- Write well. In a school environment, everyone should try to express themselves effectively. Re-read your posts or emails for form and content. Check spelling, avoid slang and do not use excessive abbreviations. Use proper grammar, capitalization and punctuation. Send a polished communication, not a confused draft.
- Own your mistakes. If you make a mistake, correct it. If another calls you on a mistake, own up to it. Apologize, if an apology is due.
- Keep confidences. Do not violate the privacy of others. Social media may seem private, but it is both public and durable - many people you don't know are likely to see what you write or post, and it may last for a very, very long time.
- Make proper attributions. Follow copyright law and fair use protocols. When quoting or relying on another's work, make a proper citation to your source. When using a hyperlink, double check that it goes to the correct place and to appropriate content.
- Be smart. People often share too much information electronically. People who reveal the names of their pets, parents, children or other details may give hackers the clues to passwords. Information about planned vacations can be used by burglars. Think about how information can be used and misused.
- Behavior that is unacceptable in person is unacceptable online. If you would not say it in person, do not say it online.
- Discourage rumors. Do not rely upon or pass on unsubstantiated information or gossip. If information seems unlikely and inflammatory, it is most likely untrue and inflammatory. When in doubt, go directly to the source.
- Respect confidentiality. Many personnel issues and many issues involving other families and students are legitimately confidential (and many are confidential by law). Do not share information about others if you would not like that information shared about you.
- Debate sssues constructively. Schools often face legitimate controversies. BFA respects and solicits parent voices in addressing such issues. Effective arguments are usually civil, measured, well-supported and take into account the legitimate reasons for opposing views. Ineffective arguments are abusive, disrespectful of others, and marked by hyperbole or factual carelessness.
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Dress of Choice Day
Don't forget: Tomorrow, Friday, March 21, is dress of choice day!
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Spring Break/School Closed
Reminder: Spring Break is the week of March 24-28, and the school will be closed during that time. Enjoy the time off, and we look forward to seeing everyone back at school on Monday, March 31!
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Lost and Found
Please check the Lost and Found for missing items. Unclaimed articles will be donated to a local charity tomorrow, Friday, March 21, after school.
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Stay Curious
What are the students at BFA doing this Spring Break? We hope Staying Curious!
Show us how you "Stay Curious" with photos of Ben on your Spring Break excursions.
Whether your plans are to travel over break or stay around town, take Ben with you! He is small enough to fit just about anywhere, and we promise he will be quiet. Take photos of Ben on your adventures, and post your photo(s) to the BFA website (click here) along with an explanation of where you were. The photo with the most likes will get some BFA spirit gear!
Remember, curiosity can be inspired at any location, far or near, so show us how you Stay Curious!
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EVERYTHING You Need to Know About the BENefit Bash!
The BENefit Bash (BFA's premier fundraising and social event) is at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, April 26, at the Inverness Hotel and Conference Center (200 Inverness Drive, Engelewood).You won't want to miss this fun, end-of-the-year event as we celebrate our year together with parents, teachers and staff. Never been to the Bash? Click here for FAQs about the event. Tickets Tickets to the BENefit Bash silent auction and dinner are $45 each. Tickets will NOT be available at the door - ALL tickets must be purchased in advance.
Lynette, a grandmother of a BFA preschooler is our first drawing winner. We will have more drawings as individuals purchase tickets (non-staff, as they get free tickets courtesy of the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)). If a teacher purchases a ticket for his/her spouse/guest, s/he will be entered in the drawing. Ticket prices will increase to $50 per person beginning Tuesday, April 1. Click here to purchase your tickets today!
Classroom Baskets
BFA's Room Parents have been busy organizing baskets from each grade level. Donations are due by the end of THIS WEEK. Please contact your Room Parent for more information.
Donations (valued $10 or more) need to be brought to the front office and labeled for the auction with donor name and value. Art Contest A big thank you for all of the art submissions for the BENefit Bash catalog. Look for the winner in the auction catalog that will be distributed in April. ALL art submitted for the contest will be printed in the catalog. Display Team Needs You The Display Team needs volunteers to help with constructing and organizing baskets/items, as well as setting up the day of the BENefit Bash. If you are creative, organized and want to spend some fun time in April, join the Display Team by contacting Kimberly Kent.
The Display Team still needs decorative baskets, boxes, cellophane paper, basket filler and ribbon. Please look around your home or use Michaels/JoAnn's coupons and donate. These items may be dropped off in the front office.
Volunteering for the Bash
We need a ton of volunteers to make this event successful. It's a great way to get your volunteer hours done and meet other parents!
- To help organize the baskets, please contact Kimberly Kent.
- To help set up the day of the event, click here.
- To help with the Check-In/Check-Out Team, please click here.
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Gold Level Sponsor
Sound Relief Hearing Center
The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) sends a big thank you to Sound Relief Hearing Center for being our Gold sponsor for the BEN efit Bash. Sponsorships help cover the cost of the event so more money can go back to BFA. Thank you! Want to see your business highlighted? For more information on how your business can sponsor the BENefit Bash, click here.
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Got Yearbook?
Reminder: The absolute LAST day to purchase yearbooks is Tuesday, April 1 - NO EXCEPTIONS. (Yearbook dedications have ended.) Yearbooks are $25 each (if ordering three or more yearbooks, the price is $23 each) and can be purchased here.
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Landsharks Spring Track Program
Registration is now open for the Landsharks Spring Track Program.
- Practices are from 3:30-4:45 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays (beginning April 1) at BFA.
- Meets are from 5:30-7 p.m. on Mondays (starting April 28 through mid-May) at Cresthill Middle School.
To register, click here. If you are interested in assistant coaching, please contact Nina McVicker at ( 720) 938-1578.
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Restaurant Night
Don't feel like cooking? Join us for Restaurant Night from 4-8 p.m., Thursday, April 10, at Freddy's in the Highlands Ranch Town Center. Bring in the enclosed flyer, and Freddy's will donate 15 percent of its sales back to BFA. You can also show the flyer via smart phone. Click here for the flyer.
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Student Appreciation
Student Appreciation will be held on Friday, April 11, in BFA's main hallway. This will be the last day to redeem Ben Bucks for this school year.
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SAC Survey Winners
The Student Accountability Committee (SAC) thanks all of the families who completed the Parent Survey this year.
In addition, the following four families won the Parent Survey drawing: Bonney, Mendelson, Swan and Wilson Families. The winners can pick up their gift cards from the drawing in the front office. Congratulations!
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Staff Appreciation Update
Thank you for all the generous donations during Staff Appreciation Week. We were able to provide goodies every day for the staff, as well as give gift cards to thank them for all of their hard work this year.
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STEM Coalition at BFA
On Monday, BFA hosted members of the South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce STEM Education Coalition. This was an opportunity for BFA to show how Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) is being integrated into our amazing school. The presentation featured Gene Dionne, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Fellow, and a tour of the school. Participants were exposed to the middle school science lab with students reviewing their dissected lung specimens, presentation about the BFA mobile robotics elective program and new technology lab. Thank you to the BFA staff and joint efforts of the Marketing Community Outreach (MCO) Committee, Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and STEM Committee for making this event successful.
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BFF Evening Social Success
Thank you to all of the parents who attended the BFF Social on Tuesday night at Old Blinking Light. It was great to see the parent community enjoy some fun time together! And we'd like to send a very special thank you to the Yaccino Family and Old Blinking Light restaurant for generously providing delicious appetizers!
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PTO Ladies Night Out
Mark your calenders for an evening of fun with other BFA moms on Thursday, April 17. Details in the coming weeks!
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Student Qualifies for State Geographic Bee
Congratulations to Matthew Molfino for being named as one of the semifinalists for the 2014 Colorado State Geographic Bee! This is the second level of the National Geographic Bee competition.
Matthew won the BFA Geographic Bee and then took a written test to determine who would move on to the state competition. Only students with the top 100 scores in Colorado qualified.
Reaching the state competition is an impressive accomplishment, and BFA could not be more proud of Matthew. We are positive he will continue to represent BFA well. Matthew said his love of both history and geography has grown from conversations with his father.
The state competition will be held on Friday, April 4, at the University of Denver's Sturm Hall. We wish Matthew continued success and best of luck at the State Geographic Bee!
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DI Team Progresses to State
Takes First Place in Regional Tournament
Congratulations to the 4 Tension Makers and 3 Tension Breakers BFA Destination ImagiNation (DI) team! The team took first place in the structure challenge at the South Metro Regional DI Tournament on Saturday, which qualifies them for participation in the DI Colorado Affiliate Tournament on Saturday, April 12, at the Auraria Higher Education Center in Denver. The team consists of the following BFA students: Nikolas Foss, Paige Fuss, Jeff Lang, Max Morris, Anika Nair, Travis Smith and Ben Velasco. Dee Duncan is the team manager. This is the second year this team has participated in DI. Their challenge, "The Tension Builds," required the team to build a structure and to perform a skit that illustrates rising and then declining tension. The building of the structure was restricted to wood, fishing line and glue materials. The winning structure was determined by taking the ratio of the weight in pounds placed on the structure divided by the weight of the structure in grams. The team's structure held 350 pounds without breaking and weighed 29.9 grams for a ratio of 11.71. The skit was centered on passengers checking in at an airport and experiencing delays getting through airline check-in and security scanning. The team also performed an instant challenge that required finding task and/or performance based solutions. The team must now prepare a new structure and hopefully upgrade its performance and instant challenge skills before attending the tournament in Denver. Last year, this team placed third at the South Metro Regional Tournament and fifth place at the Colorado Affiliate Tournament.
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Expanding Recyling at BFA
In honor of Earth Day, BFA and the Green Team is expanding our current in-school recycling program to include you, our BFA families. We are participating in TerraCycle� Brigade� collection programs.
TerraCycle's goal is to eliminate the idea of waste by creating collection and solution programs for all kinds of typically non-recyclable waste. These programs are free, and for each unit of waste collected, BFA will earn TerraCycle points redeemable for payment to the school.
BFA's TerraCycle collection bin is located in the vestibule of the front door next to the MilkTops for Moola collection. BFA's TerraCycle collection includes empty Elmer's glue bottles, sticks and caps; empty tape dispensers and cores; and used inkjet and toner cartridges. Collecting TerraCycle items and recycling through our collection program is a great - and easy - way to reduce waste and raise money for BFA at the same time.
If you currently have a TerraCycle account or are part of a brigade as a household, you can donate your points to BFA. Please email the
Green Team for details.
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PTO Nominations
Are you or someone you know interested in holding a position with the BFA Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)? Information about the BFA PTO nomination/election process and job descriptions can be found by clicking here. To nominate yourself or someone you know for a PTO position for the 2014-15 school year, please click here.
Nominations must be submitted by Monday, March 24. After the nomination process, elections will be completed online from Monday, April 14, to Friday, May 2, for all open officer and committee chair positions. The offices of vice president, secretary and social coordinator are up for vote by the school community. Each of the preceding positions are two-year terms and run from 2014-16 (school years). All committee chair positions are up for election, and all coordinator positions are up for appointment. If you are interested in a coordinator position, submit a small paragraph on why you would be a good candidate to Nicole Eubanks by Wednesday, April 9.
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Board of Directors Elections
The BFA Board of Directors (Board) nominations window is closed, and there are 10 candidates to consider. There are six candidates running for the three three-year term seats (this includes three current Board directors members who are seeking re-election/appointment), and four for the single one-year term seat. You can view their nomination forms here.
The Board election takes place at the end of March, and the following are upcoming and important dates in regard to the elections.
- March 31 - April 7, Board Elections: By March 31, the parent voting group will receive an email from Staci Ferguson, Board Secretary, providing the procedures on how to vote. Parents will have until noon, Monday, April 7, to cast their vote.
- 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 8, Library, Election Results Announced: The Board election results will be announced at the monthly Board meeting, which will include the two elected seats, and the Board will fill the two Board-appointed seats.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Staci.
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SAC Nominations
BFA's School Accountability Committee (SAC) has two open voting positions that will be elected by the BFA parent community May 1-5. Each position has a two-year term. We are accepting nominations for the ballot now through Tuesday, April 15. Please email the SAC to nominate yourself or someone you know.
SAC is an advisory committee that evaluates and provides advice to BFA's principal and Board of Directors to ensure that BFA is providing its students with a challenging, appropriate curriculum that emphasizes math, science and literacy, as well as promotes the arts, sports, nature and character.
SAC is a state-mandated committee that is responsible for providing input for the Unified Improvement Plan (UIP) and recommending spending priorities to the principal. In addition, the SAC is responsible for the parent and student satisfaction surveys and providing annual reviews of BFA policies.
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MCO Knows
Q: What is BFA's policy on belts?
A: All students in third through eighth grades are required to wear a belt with pants and shorts. Belts can be braided or flat, and should be black or brown in color. For girls, there is navy/red plaid belt from Educational Outfitters (EO) that also is an approved uniform choice. For more information and to access the BFA Uniform Charts, click here.
Each week, the Marketing and Community Outreach (MCO) Committee will have a Q&A in this newsletter regarding policies or procedures at BFA. 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.
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Volunteer of the Month
The Parent Teacher Organization (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 March, we have chosen Kristine Haas. Kristine has been a dedicated volunteer at BFA since the day the school opened. Last year, she worked with the PTO organizing the yearbook and school pictures. She is frequently seen helping at school and is available at a moment's notice with needs that come up at school.
When asked what she likes most about BFA, Kristine responded, "When our family switched to Ben Franklin Academy almost three years ago, we were reluctant to leave the comfort of our Christian school. Little did we realize how quickly BFA would feel like home! The teachers have been phenomenal, the curriculum is fantastic and the office staff are always there when needed. We are constantly raving about BFA to our friends and family, telling them that BFA is more than just a school. BFA is a community of involved parents, teachers and staff who strive to make our school the best! We love the opportunity to play a role in our children's school experience by volunteering."
Thank you, Kristine, for all that you do, and congratulations! Click here for more information about volunteering.
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Important Dates / Calendar of Events
Upcoming Meetings
- Grant Committee: 9 p.m., Monday, March 31, Teleconference
- Marketing and Community Outreach (MCO) Committee: 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 1, Library
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Committee: Wednesday, April 2, Sanders Science Lab (room 145)
- School Accountability Committee (SAC): 4 p.m., Thursday, April 3, Conference Room
- Finance Committee: 5 p.m., Monday, April 7, Library
- Board of Directors: 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 8, Library
- Find the latest BFA Board of Directors minutes by clicking here.
- Green Team Committee: 4:15 p.m., Wednesday, April 9
- Parent Teacher Organization (PTO): 6:30 p.m., Thursday, April 10, Library
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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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