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| Ben Franklin Academy Newsletter | Vol. 4, Iss. 21
September 2014 | |
 Dear Parents,
There are so many wonderful things that define Ben Franklin Academy. Clearly, student achievement and student growth are two components that are visible daily and can be measured with progress reported on a regular basis. Another important concept at BFA is the 13 virtues. Ben Franklin sought to cultivate character by a plan of 13 virtues. At school, the staff teaches and models these virtues daily, and the students are provided many opportunities to demonstrate their understanding of these virtues.
While all of the virtues are important and referenced often, they can be a bit cumbersome and confusing for students. To make teaching the virtues easier, we have created a yearlong scope and sequence for each of the virtues. They are as follows: 
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Month
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Virtue
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August/September
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Silence/Justice
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October
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Order/Cleanliness
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November
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Humility/Sincerity
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December
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Frugality
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January
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Resolution
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February
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Purity
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March
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Tranquility
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April
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Temperance/Industry
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May
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Moderation
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The teachers work hard to incorporate the virtues into their lessons and to discuss them often. The virtues are taught at grade level appropriate understanding, and students have many different ways to demonstrate an understanding of each virtue. Teachers are quite creative in the ways they teach the virtues:
- Middle school students are making crests in which they select three virtues they exemplify the most.
- The newscasting/animation elective classes are creating short videos to animate silence. The goal is to share these videos with the classroom teachers and their classes.
- Third grade students in Mrs. Stolk's class are learning silence by having five minutes of silence at the end of each day as they pack up. This gives the students time to think about what they are responsible for as they get ready to leave.
- Mrs. Marchisio's third graders are using role playing/acting to demonstrate the virtues. Two to three students will act out a certain scenario and the rest of the class tries to determine which virtue is being demonstrated.
- Mrs. Sieradski quizzed the eighth graders on all of the virtues and reported that everyone could name and define them.
- Mr. Paul, eighth grade social studies, had students show how they use the virtues in their personal lives. They were not allowed to use the school definition of the virtue - they needed to use their own words to demonstrate they knew the virtues.
These are just a few ways in which the students are being exposed to the virtues and learning what they mean. As the year continues, I will update more fun and creative ways the staff and students are demonstrating Ben Franklin's 13 virtues.
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Goodies with Grandparents
BFA is excited for the upcoming Goodies with Grandparents event that will be held from
7-8:30 a.m., tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 5, at the school. We are expecting a large turnout for this inaugural event and are looking for eight carpool volunteers to assist us starting at 6:45 a.m. to direct traffic for our visitors. Please sign up on Help Counter to help with this event.
Additionally, we are asking all parents that will be parking on Friday morning at the school to please use the overflow parking lot to allow the paved parking spots open for our grandparent visitors. If you have any questions, please contact the MCO.
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 Where Was Ben This Summer?
We are still looking for those great "Where's Ben?" photos from this past summer. Please continue to upload your photos here. Final submissions must be received by tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 5. All pictures will be posted on the BFA Facebook page and BFA website. We also will host a contest for the best photo. Contest winner(s) will get great BFA gear. For more information, contact the MCO. Remember, curiosity can be inspired at any location, far or near, so show us how you Stay Curious!
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 After School Music Programs
BFA offers a number of after school music programs:
- Choir (Grades 3-8): This choir meets from 3:30-4:15 p.m., on Wednesdays, starting Sept. 10. This semester, students will perform the National Anthem at a Nuggets game and go caroling around Highlands Ranch.
- *NEW* Junior Choir (Grades 1-2): This new choir meets from 3:30-4 p.m., on Mondays, starting Sept. 8. Students will be taught the basics of singing. They will perform in a concert and go caroling around BFA.
- Beginning Band (Grades 4-8): This class is for students who want to learn flute, clarinet, sax, trumpet or trombone. Classes meet from 3:30-4 p.m., on Tuesdays, starting Sept. 16.
- Intermediate Band (Grades 4-8): This class is for students who already play a band instrument. Classes meet from 3:30-4 p.m., on Thursdays, starting Sept. 18.
- Percussion (Grades 4-8): Students learn to play snare drum and bells. Classes are from 3:30-4 p.m., on Fridays, starting Sept. 19.
Click on the BFA music site to sign up.
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Attention all fourth, fifth and sixth graders: It's time for the Third Annual Mountain Vista High School (MVHS) Feeder Elementary Cross Country (XC) Race! The race is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 17, at MVHS (located at 10585 Mountain Vista Ridge, Highlands Ranch, 80126).
Information regarding the race should have come home with your child. If you did not receive it, and your fourth through sixth grade student would like to participate, click here or email Mrs. Bauer.
Registration forms and fees are due by Tuesday, Sept. 9, to the BFA front office.
BFA students are invited to this event even if MVHS is not the high school you are planning to attend at this time. It would be great to have a HUGE BFA turnout at this meet. Let's represent!
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 Join the PTO
As we kick off another great school year, the BFA Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) would like to invite you to join our efforts to support our students, parents, faculty and community.The PTO's objectives are to serve as a volunteer resource for the school, build strong school spirit through great social events and to seek resources (materials, funds, and services) that help foster our school community.All parents are welcome and encouraged to attend the monthly PTO meetings, which are held the third Monday of each month at school. The PTO's next meeting is at 6:30 p.m., Monday, Sept. 15, in the library. Additionally, parents can support the PTO's efforts by volunteering, participating in fundraising activities and attending school events.To find out more about the PTO, learn how you can help earn money for our school and see what we've purchased for the school to date, click here. Be sure to update your Volunteer Interest Form in Help Counter to receive information about volunteer opportunities. Thanks for your support!
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Please join us for the MCO Parent Seminar: Core Knowledge 101 from 6:30-8 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 16, in the Middle School Commons. Diana Simpson, BFA's middle school assistant principal, will present how the Core Knowledge curriculum and sequence works. Light refreshments will be served, and there also will be time for socializing with other parents. Child care for BFA students will be provided by the BASE staff at no charge. (Unfortunately, BFA can't accommodate siblings who aren't enrolled at BFA because of state licensing). Tips are welcome and greatly appreciated by the BASE staff.
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 Spirit Night at Coldstone Creamery
Come join other BFA families for the first Spirit Night of the year from 5-8 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 17, at Coldstone Creamery (located at Town Center, 9338 Dorchester St., Highlands Ranch). Some of your favorite teachers will be scooping ice cream. Proceeds will go toward BFA's middle school Washington, D.C., trip.
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 BFA Fun Run
BFA families mark your calendars! The first inaugural BFA Fun Run will take place on Thursday, Oct. 30! This will be BFA's main fundraiser this year, taking the place of the BENefit Bash. We need all BFA families to participate, and it's going to be a BLAST! We will be emphasizing fitness while keeping it fun, fun, fun! More details soon.
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 Broncos Friday
Tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 5,
is officially Broncos Day at BFA. All students and staff may wear Broncos jerseys or shirts (or their favorite football team jersey/shirt) to school; the jersey or shirt must be football ONLY. The rest of student dress must be within the uniform guidelines.
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 Harvest Festival
Mark your calendars: The Harvest Festival will take place NEXT WEEKEND from 5-8 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 13, at BFA. Festival activities include cake walk, face painting, carnival games, balloon animals and plain ol' fun!
Tickets
Tickets are $5 per person or $20 per family (parents and their children in the same household only, max. 7). You may purchase advance tickets by clicking here. Tickets at the door are $5 per person (family discount not available). (Wristbands for those who pre-pay will be sent home with the oldest child before the event.) Families who have completed their 30 hours of volunteer service for the current school year AND have logged them by Monday, Sept. 8, will be given FREE admittance to the Harvest Festival!
Food and Drinks Popcorn, lemonade, apple juice and assorted baked goods are included with your admission fee. Anthony's Pizza (by the slice) and Kona Ice also will be available for purchase at the Harvest Festival. You also can pre-order your family's WHOLE Pizza (8 slices) at the BFA online store. Choices include cheese ($12), pepperoni ($13), gluten-free cheese ($8) or gluten-free pepperoni ($8.50). Click here to order.
Please purchase advance tickets and pizzas by Monday, Sept. 8.
Volunteers
More than 800 people attended last year's Harvest Festival, and we need YOU to make this year a success. If you are interested in getting a jump start on your volunteer hours, please click here to sign up.
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 Join Cub Scouts
Cub Scouts are gearing up for another fun year at BFA! If your son is interested in joining Cub Scouts (grades 1-5), please contact Cubmaster Jason Sunahara. If you would like to be a den leader/assistant leader, also contact Jason. For additional information, please click here. The first den meeting of the year is at 7 p.m., Monday, Sept. 8, in the Middle School Commons Area.
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 Thank You Summertime Volunteers!
While many of us were kicking back and relaxing at the pool, vacationing around the country or simply trying to figure out how to entertain our children all summer, BFA remained a busy community. Not only were your teachers, staff and administrators planning an exciting year ahead for their students, but many BFA volunteers were still hard at work planning community events.
Thank you to the PTO for its hard work in organizing and hosting the Pirates Cove and Skate City Volunteer Appreciation Nights. The summer events are a great way for our community to stay connected during the summer months. The PTO does a great job making sure our volunteers feel rewarded for all of their hard work. Your dedication to BFA does not go unnoticed.
The MCO also deserves props and a sincere "thank you" for organizing and executing all of the summer socials. They help our community get reacquainted after a long summer. While Boohoo/Yahoo did not take place until the first day of school, we know the planning was done during the summer months. The refreshments that were served and time to adjust with other parents after the emotional drop-off of a new kindergartener are greatly appreciated.
Ben's Brigade did an amazing job donating their time in order to complete maintenance around our beautiful school. Thank you to all of the community men who stepped up to make our school a more tidy and safe place to be. Even though it was rained out, we are also grateful for Ben's Brigade efforts to help us meet up at the car show at Arapahoe Community College this summer.
Thank you to all of the volunteers who took time out of their summer to support and build a stronger BFA community. The community gets stronger every day because of each of you.
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 Shopping at SouthGlenn Raises Funds for BFA
Do you shop, watch a movie or dine at the Streets at SouthGlenn? Did you know every dollar you spend at the Streets at SouthGlenn could earn prizes for BFA?
Simply drop off your original receipts at the BFA front office or in the BFA collectinon box at SouthGlenn's Guest Services (located between the parking garage and Bar Louie). You also can submit your email receipts here.
BFA can earn five points for every dollar you spend at the shopping center, and the points are collected to earn money ($250-$2,500) from Streets at SouthGlenn. BFA can earn double points for any purchases made from Aug. 15-Sept. 30. BFA can earn triple points during the same time frame at the following stores: 720 Board Shop, Dick's Sporting Goods, Floyd's 99, Barbershop, H&M, Old Navy, Pearle Vision, Sola Salon and Staples.
BFA used the funds earned from last school year to purchase items for the school, Silent Auction and appreciation gifts for teachers and staff, so your participation in this great program counts! For more information or questions, please email Vanessa Leonard or click here.
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 DCSD Night at Air Force
The Douglas County School District (DCSD) is kicking off the start of the school season with DCSD Night with Air Force football.
Details regarding this special offer are as follows:
- Game time: 5 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 27, Falcon Stadium, Boise State Broncos vs. Air Force Falcons
- Price: $18 per ticket (regular price $45)
- Choose your own seats: Seat locations are at lower level (L14-L16)
To purchase tickets online, click here. Online promo code is DCSD. To purchase tickets by phone, call (719) 472-1895 ext. 203. For a flyer, click here.
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Important Dates / Calendar of Events
- Goodies with Grandparents: 7-8:30 a.m., Friday, Sept. 5, BFA
- Broncos Day at BFA: Friday, Sept. 5
- Where's Ben? Photo Submission Deadline: Friday, Sept. 5
- Advance Harvest Festival Ticket Sales and Pizza Pre-Order Deadline: Monday, Sept. 8
- Cub Scouts First Den Meeting: 7 p.m., Monday, Sept. 8
- Registration/Fees for Third Annual MVHS XC Race Due: Tuesday, Sept. 9, BFA Office
- Harvest Festival: 5-8 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 13, BFA
- MCO Parent Seminar: Core Knowledge 101: 6:30-8 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 16, Middle School Commons
- Third Annual MVHS XC Race: 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 17, MVHS (10585 Mountain Vista Ridge, Highlands Ranch, 80126) (For 4th-6th graders only)
- Coldstone Creamery Spirit Night: 5-8 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 17, Coldstone Creamery (located at Town Center, 9338 Dorchester St., Highlands Ranch)
- DCSD Night at Air Force Football: 5 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 27, Falcon Stadium
- BFA Fun Run: Thursday, Oct. 30
Upcoming Meetings
- School Accountability Committee (SAC): 4 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 4, Conference Room
- Finance Committee: 5 p.m., Monday, Sept. 8, Library
- Board of Directors: 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 9, Library
- Find the latest BFA Board of Directors minutes by clicking here.
- Parent Teacher Organization (PTO): 6:30 p.m., Monday, Sept. 15, Library
- Grant Committee: 9 p.m., Monday, Sept. 22, Teleconference
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Committee: 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 1, Sanders Science Lab (room 145)
- Marketing and Community Outreach (MCO) Committee: 6 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 7, Library
Middle School Sports
- Girls' Volleyball:
- 4 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 4, at BFA vs. North Star Academy
- 4 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 9, at BFA vs. Sky View Academy
- 4 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 11, at Aspen Academy
- Boys' Soccer:
- 4 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 4, at North Star Academy
- 4 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 9, at Platte River Academy
- 4 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 11, at SkyView Academy
- Cross Country:
- Slaven's Meet, Friday, Sept. 12, at Harvard Gulch Park
- Runners Roost, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 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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