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Ben Franklin Academy NewsletterVol. 4, Iss. 33
December 2014
In This Issue
:: Board Corner | Spirit Day | Code Week | Lost and Found | School Closed
:: Yearbook Deadlines SOON | Preschool Enrollment | Box Tops | Used Uniform Sale
:: "Mo"vember Photos | Sports Photos Needed | Girls' Basketball Registration | Holiday Shopping
:: Nuggets Night | Streets at SouthGlenn | Target REDcard | Important Dates
Dear Parents,

   

silver-keyboard2.jpg "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."

As you know, social media is 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, Snap Chat, blogs and the 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 teachers or grade level. Posts are made that range from not entirely accurate to completely inaccurate. Unfortunately, these posts gain a following with other people commenting and/or expressing their support for the author by agreeing with his/her 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 when 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 or his/her student, the parent should:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 social media 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 and unfair for the teachers to read negative comments on social media and to see people piggyback on the comments - especially comments that are inaccurate. 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 Issues 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.

I close by issuing you a challenge. This is the season of holiday cheer and of giving. Please give your child's teacher a positive shout out via social media. Hearing or reading about compliments and kudos really does raise one's spirits and are well deserved.

 

I will start the challenge by commenting on items I feel contribute to the amazing culture we have at BFA. Culture is hard to define, but you definitely feel it when you are at the school. My comments are as follows: 

  • Thank you to all of the staff at BFA. It is truly the best staff anyone could hope for. Their hard work and dedication to the students is unparalleled.
  • My compliments to the parents of all of our students. You have made a choice to send your child to Ben Franklin Academy. You wanted something better for your child and put in the extra effort to get your child to school each day.
  • What an amazing group of kids we have at BFA. Students range in ages from 3 to 14 years old. They work hard every day and have helped create a school environment where everyone is welcome.

Board Corner

 

The following message is from Becky Mullen, vice president of the BFA Board of Directors.

 

Each member of the Board of Directors recently completed their fall classroom visits. We are happy to report that the mission and vision of BFA are alive and thriving throughout the school.  

 

I had the privilege of visiting Mrs. Ward's science lab. Consistent with our science focus, I saw hands-on, kinesthetic learning by the fifth grade students in preparation for their upcoming human cells test. Mrs. Ward set up a lab with clear, plastic cups filled with yellow Jell-O to imitate cytoplasm. Each child also was given an assortment of candies that represented different cell parts. The students were asked to correctly identify which candy corresponded to which cell part, then place it in the cytoplasm. Upon finishing the lab, the students were allowed to eat their sweet cell creation. To say they were excited would be a drastic understatement. Paramount to their excitement about the treat was witnessing how they learned the parts of the human cell through a variety of different learning styles, all of which prepared them for their in-class science test and the long term retention of that knowledge. The position of a K-5 dedicated science lab teacher is new this school year, and Mrs. Ward is doing an incredible job fulfilling the role. As a board, we are thrilled with what we observed in the classrooms.

Yearbook
Yearbook Sales and Dedication Deadlines
 
Yearbook Dedication Sales Deadline: Sales for dedications in the BFA yearbook end Monday, Jan. 5, 2015 - NO EXCEPTIONS. (See below for ordering information.)

Yearbook Prices Deadline: Yearbook prices increase to $31 on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2015. The deadline for the $26 price is Wednesday, Dec. 31.

Get your yearbook(s) today!
 

Yearbook Dedication Sales Order Information:
  1. Go to: YearbookForever.com 
  2. Select: Purchase a personal ad.
  3. Select from the following options:
    • K-7th grade: Select option 1/16 = $10 - Word Dedication only
    • 8th grade: Select option 1/9 = $15 - Picture and Word Dedication
  4. Fill out word dedication information. If applicable, upload your favorite picture.
  5. *NEW* Parents: Click on "Enter Special Instructions," and please enter/specify your child's grade and teacher in this section of the order form.
  6. Make your payment.
Yearbook Pricing Info/Deadlines:   
There will be a limited amount of books to purchase after Jan. 31, 2015, so order your yearbooks early! There will be NO "late" orders available after our last yearbook is sold. To order and pay for your 2014-15 BFA yearbook, click here

For any questions about yearbooks and/or dedications, click here.     

Mustache_MovemberVote for Movember Photos
 

Ben's Brigade Movember photo contest is underway. The prize for the most LIKED photo and one random participant will each win two lower level tickets to the Colorado Avalanche vs. Dallas Stars game on Saturday, Jan. 10, at the Pepsi Center. 

 

All pictures are on BFA's Facebook page, and followers of the page can LIKE their favorite photo(s). Facebook LIKES can come from friends, family, neighbors or anyone on Facebook. The more likes, the better - and more chance for you to win. The photo with the most likes by tomorrow, Friday, Dec. 12, will be the winner. In case of a tie, the winner will be randomly chosen from the most liked photos. Prize winners will be announced in this newsletter on Thursday, Dec. 18.

Holiday Shopping
 
As you complete your holiday shopping this year, remember BFA earns money simply by you shopping at certain stores and online. Specifically:
  • Use AmazonSmile when shopping on Amazon. AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know but donates 0.5 percent back of what you spend to the charitable organization of your choice - in other words, BFA! Go to smile.amazon.com, choose Ben Franklin Academy Parent-Teacher Organization as your charity, and start shopping.
  • Load up your BFA King Soopers and/or Safeway gift cards. Both stores' fundraising programs donate 5 percent back to BFA. All you have to do is load your King Soopers and/or Safeway gift card at customer service or the register before you scan your first item. You can use them for groceries and at King Soopers/Safeway Fuel Centers! Currently, BFA is receiving nearly $650 per month on average from the use of these grocery store cards.
  • Use your Target REDcard when you shop at Target. Target's REDcard donates 1 percent of your purchases to BFA. For more information, see the following Target article. 
  • When you shop at the Streets at SouthGlenn, make sure you get a duplicate copy of your paper receipt and turn it into Guest Services or in the envelope in BFA's main office to earn points/credit for BFA. The points turn into dollars for BFA near the end of the school year. For more information, see the following Streets at SouthGlenn article. 
Shopping Bag

Shop and Dine at Streets at SouthGlenn  

 
Shop and/or Dine: If you're planning on doing any holiday shopping and/or dining at the Streets at SouthGlenn, don't forget to get duplicate paper receipts and turn them into Guest Services (next to the parking garage) or in the envelope in BFA's main office to earn points for BFA. You also can email electronic receipts by clicking here.  
     

Earn Triple Points: Log your receipts from the following stores by Jan. 15, 2015: 18 | 8 Fine Men's Salon, Andrews Jewelers, Chuck & Don's, Linen Loft, Floyd's 99 Barbershop, Just Pet's, Salon AKA, Thomas Kincaid Gallery and Tropical Smoothie.

  

Earn 2,000 Points: When you buy a Streets at SouthGlenn gift card in any amount over $20 (with a $2 service fee).  

 

For more information/bonus offers, click here or check out this week's Thursday folder regarding all of the events taking place at the Streets at SouthGlenn.
If you have any questions about the Streets at SouthGlenn collaboration with BFA, email Vanessa Leonard.
Megaphone Spirit Day  
 
Spirit Day is tomorrow, Friday, Dec. 12. 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. (Any students participating in field trips tomorrow must be in dressed in their formal uniform.)
CodeWeek Computer Science/
Code Week
 
 
This week, students are completing one of the Hour of Code tutorials during their science lab time (for grades K-5) or one math class period (for grades 6-8). Students are encouraged to continue tutorials at home, too. We are very excited about this event! If you have any questions, please email Ms. Goldin or Mrs. Ward.
Lost and Found
Lost and Found

It's hard to believe, but the Lost and Found is already getting full. Check it out before Winter Break to retrieve any lost items.

Closed Sign School Closed

Don't forget! BFA will be closed from Monday, Dec. 22, through Friday, Jan. 2, 2015, for Winter Break. School resumes on Monday, Jan. 5, 2015. 
Preschool

Preschool Enrollment

 
BFA preschool enrollment for the 2015-16 school year is now open for current BFA families! If you are interested and need more information, please contact
Mrs. Goldberg, preschool director. 
Box Tops Logo Box Tops
 
Since the beginning of the school year, BFA has collected more than $1,100 in Box Tops! Let's keep adding to that amount - simply turn in your collected Box Tops by Wednesday, Dec. 17. For more information about Box Tops, click here.
 
BFA also participates in three other collection programs: Labels for Education (Campbell's), Tyson Project A+ and My Coke Rewards. For more information about each program, please click on the preceding links.

For questions about Box Tops or any of the other listed programs, please contact Patti Vessa, Box Tops and Labels for Education coordinator.  
unifrom

Used Uniform Sale

 
The PTO is hosting the next used uniform sale from 9-11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 10, 2015, in the middle school commons. Cash and check will be accepted; sorry, we are unable to accept credit cards.

Sellers: If you are interested in selling your items, please click here for instructions. All items must be turned into the office by noon, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2015. To access the Inventory Form, click here
Camera

Parents: We Need Your Sports Photos

 
Calling all sports team parents: Have you taken any photos at BFA sporting events? If so, the BFA yearbook team is in need of more sports pictures. Specifically, the Yearbook is in need of boys' soccer, girls' volleyball and cross country. If you have pictures from the current boys' basketball season, the yearbook team needs those as well. Thank you for your help! Please send pictures to Ms. Goldin.   
Basketball

Register for Middle School Girls' Basketball

 
Middle School girls' basketball begins the week of Jan. 5, 2015. For more information and to register, please click on the BFA athletics website here.

Please remember: You must complete the online registration, as well as fill out the medical form and the form that allows you to drive students to away games. The two additional forms also can be found on the website. If you turned in a medical form for volleyball or cross country and it is still current, then you DO NOT need to fill out another one. We have it on file. Unfortunately, the vehicle insurance form is specific for each sport and needs to be filled out again. 

Registration will close at midnight, Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2015.
The earlier you register, the earlier you will begin to receive information emails from the coaches. 
Denver Nuggets Douglas County Night at the Nuggets
 
Douglas County Community Night with the Denver Nuggets, sponsored by the Douglas County Educational Foundation (DCEF), is scheduled for the Denver Nuggets vs. Charlotte Hornets game at 7 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015, at the Pepsi Center.

In addition to the Community Night, discounted tickets are available to the following games:
  • 7 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015, Pepsi Center, Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
  • 7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2015, Pepsi Center, Denver Nuggets vs. San Antonio Spurs
Discounted Tickets:
  • Upper Level: $15 (regularly $30-$40)
  • Lower/Club Level: $35 (regularly $72-$150)
A portion of each ticket purchased will benefit the DCEF and Douglas County school of your choice.
Order tickets online by Monday, Jan. 26, 2015, by clicking here. For additional information, click here for the flyer. Questions may be addressed to Ellese Gold, Denver Nuggets representative, at (303) 405-1679 or via email.  
Target Target REDcard
 
Did you know that by shopping at Target you can earn money for BFA? Specifically, BFA received $4,400 from Target from purchases made during the last school year!

With holiday meals and celebrations right around the corner, now is the perfect time to get and use your Target REDcard.
Target's REDcard donates 1 percent of your purchases to BFA. You can obtain a Target REDcard debit or credit card at any Target location or online by clicking here. BFA's Target school ID is 152402. 
Important Dates / Calendar of EventsCalendar Clip Art
  • After School Choir and Band Concert: 7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 11
  • Spirit Day: Friday, Dec. 12
  • "Like"/Vote for Your Favorite Movember Photo Deadline: Friday,
    Dec. 12
  • Box Tops Collection: Wednesday, Dec. 17
  • Movember Photo Contest Winner Announced: Thursday, Dec. 18
  • Dress of Choice Day: Friday, Dec. 19
  • Holiday Parties: Friday, Dec. 19
  • Deadline to Sign Up for Stock Market Experience (Grades 6-8): Friday, Dec. 19
  • Winter Break/School Closed: Dec. 22 - Jan. 2, 2015
  • $26 Yearbook Sales Deadline: Wednesday, Dec. 31
  • Baxter's Backyard Creativity Contest Submission Deadline: Wednesday, Dec. 31
  • $31 Yearbook Sales Begin/Deadline: Jan. 1 - March 31, 2015
  • Yearbook Dedications Deadline: Monday, Jan. 5, 2015
  • Used Uniform Sale: 9-11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 10, 2015, Middle School Commons
  • Deadline to Register for Middle School Girls' Basketball: Midnight, Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2015
  • Discounted Nuggets Night: 7 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015, Pepsi Center, Nuggets vs. Timberwolves
  • Discounted Nuggets Night: 7 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2015, Pepsi Center, Nuggets vs. Spurs
  • Nuggets Community Night: 7 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015, Pepsi Center, Nuggets vs. Hornets
  • $36 Yearbook Sales Began/Deadline: April 1, 2015 - TBD

Upcoming Meetings

  • Parent Teacher Organization (PTO): 6:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 15, Library
  • Grant Committee: 9 p.m., Monday, Dec. 15, Teleconference
  • Marketing and Community Outreach (MCO) Committee: 6 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2015, Library
  • Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Committee: 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2015, Sanders Science Lab (room 145)
  • School Accountability Committee (SAC): 4 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 8, 2015, Conference Room
  • Finance Committee: 5 p.m., Monday, Jan. 12, 2015, Library
  • Board of Directors: 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2015, Library
    • Find the latest BFA Board of Directors minutes by clicking here.
Middle School Sports
  • Boys' Basketball:
    • 9 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 13, Tournament at SkyView Academy (A Team only)

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.