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Ben Franklin Academy NewsletterVol. 5, Iss. 12
April 2015
In This Issue
:: BFA AR Points | P.E.: Featured Special | Colorado Geo Bee Update | No Parking Zones | Elementary Science Fair
:: We Love Volunteers! | Mother/Son Event Deadline TOMORROW | Order Field Day T-shirts | MCO Elections
:: Field Day T-Shirt Sponsorships | BFA Summer Camp | PTO Elections | Calendar
School Dear Parents,

What's Going on in the Main Office?

 

If you have been in the main office since returning from spring break you should have noticed a new wall that has appeared.Understandably, many people have inquired why the wall was built.The two main reasons are for increased safety and for student privacy in the health room.We continually review the building to identify potential safety concerns and identified the door from the main office into the main hallway as a potential concern.While the door is locked on the office side, it is unlocked on the hallway side.This makes it easy for us to control entry into the main part of the school, but limits our ability to control someone who is coming into the office from opening the door.The new door (the actual door is on back order) will remain locked on both sides, requiring an office staff member to buzz anyone in or out of the office.  We take security seriously and saw this as an opportunity to improve.The second reason is to provide sick or inured students with increased privacy in the health room.Too often, people poke their heads into the health room out of curiosity.Sometimes calls are made to parents (with good intentions) alerting them that their child may be sick or injured. It is imperative that the health room staff controls the flow of communication to the parents, as they are privy to exactly what has transpired.

books-apple-sm.jpg Did You Know?

  

Illustrating BFA's emphasis on literacy, students in first through sixth grades earned a total of  25,445 Accelerated Reader (AR) points in the second trimester! The breakdown by grade level is as follows:
  • First grade: 1,438.3 points
  • Second grade: 2,790.2 points
  • Third grade: 4,574.4 points
  • Fourth grade: 6,390.1 points
  • Fifth grade: 6,082.1
  • Sixth grade: 4,170.2 points
Congratulations! BFA students, keep up the great work! 
Zack Kolbo
Fifth Grader Competes at Colorado Geo Bee    
 
Last Friday, fifth grade student Zach Kolbo represented BFA at the 2015 Colorado National Geographic State Bee. He finished one question away from the tie breaker round for the finals. We are proud of all of your hard work and representing BFA so well!
no parking
No Parking Zones    
 
This is a gentle reminder that there is no parking at any time in front of the school.It has been identified by the red curb, as well as the newly purchased "no parking signs." This area is designated for car pool only.Vehicles never should be left unattended in this area even for short time frames.
Science Fair
Elementary Science Fair

  

BFA's Elementary Science Fair is quickly approaching, and we need your help. Judging of the Elementary Fair is very informal, as it is non-

competitive. This is a great opportunity to talk with the younger students and have them showcase all of their hard work on their science projects. There will be more than 300 projects on display! Volunteers are also needed for setting up/taking down tables on which all of the projects will be displayed. There are morning and afternoon slots available. Sign up today - by clicking here!

 

The Elementary Science Fair will be held on Tuesday, April 14, and Wednesday, April 15, in the Gym.
Parents are invited to view the projects Tuesday evening or Wednesday during the day. Come see our budding scientists and all the hard work that has been done! BFA middle school students who advanced to the Denver Metro Regional Fair also will have their projects on display. Dr. Ben Franklinstein and Inspector Bolt look forward to seeing you there!   

Volunteer Update    
 
Attention, All Volunteers: Don't forget to log your hours in Help Counter! The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is continuing to distribute gifts to those who have met the 30- and 50-hour volunteer thresholds as of early March. The PTO will run another volunteer report in early April. Log your hours now to receive a small thank you gift later this month.   
Field day

Deadline to Order Field Day T-Shirts: April 10      

 

BFA's Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), along with our wonderful sponsors, are providing each BFA student and staff member with a free, specially designed T-shirt for Field Day 2015. The deadline to order Field Day T-shirts is Friday, April 10.

To order your child's shirt, please go to the BFA School Store/Academy Spirit Wear by clicking here. Scroll until you see the selection of Field Day T-shirts, which will have the name "Field Day 2015" in it and select your student's grade. Click on the link, choose your child's size, add to cart and fill out any additional pertinent information. Field Day T-shirts will be delivered to your child's classroom in May before Field Day.

BFA Teachers/Staff: Please order your Field Day T-shirts through the same link listed above. Click on "Field Day 2015-Teachers Staff." (You also can do so directly by clicking here.) Choose your size, click add to cart and fill out any additional pertinent information.   
Field day shirt

Field Day T-Shirt Sponsorships    

   

Thank you Santa Fe Suds/ Sunaharas' Car Wash, Moody Insurance, Amber Simonis, Sound Relief and Max the Dog for becoming Field Day T-shirt sponsors!  

 

There are still a few spots available. If you would like to join in on the fun, you can find more information by clicking here and emailing your sponsorship form to Tiffani Titus, PTO Fundraising Coordinator. (Sponsorships are first-come, first-served.)

  

Field Day T-shirts will be distributed to each student and staff member to wear during BFA's Field Day events. Students also are allowed to wear Field Day T-shirts on Spirit Days throughout the school year.

 

Thank you to our current sponsors. We couldn't do this without you! 

Vote ButtonPTO Elections

We are in need of some folks who are committed to making BFA a better place. Think about volunteering for the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO).  It is a great way to fulfill volunteer hours, meet and get to know new people and help BFA.

  

Nominations for the PTO in the 2015-16 school year are available online. The following positions

need caring individuals to fulfill them. Nominate someone or yourself. Click here for the nomination form.  
PTO Open Positions: 
  • Fundraising Coordinator
  • School Lunch Coordination
  • Business Professionals Committee Chair
  • BFA Online Store Admin
  • Hospitality Committee Chair
  • Spiritwear Committee Chair
  • Teacher Appreciation Committee Chair
  • Volunteer Chair
  • Birthday Coordinator
  • Middle School Fundraising Coordinator
  • Mother/Son Event Coordinator
  • Spirit Night Coordinator 
  • Streets of Southglenn Coordinator

For any questions, please contact Halsley Hoff, PTO secretary, via email. For additional information on the BFA PTO election process and job descriptions, click here.     

Physical Education
P.E.: Featured BFA Special of the Week  
 
Each week in this newsletter, we highlight one of BFA's Specials and what each grade in the school is learning in that particular Special. This week, we are focusing on P.E. (Physical Education).

Kindergarten and First Grade: Students will be learning how to be super heroes. Super heroes jump, leap and can land and roll without getting hurt. They have amazing strength and balancing skills. Students also will spend two days learning some basic yoga poses and then participate in "Whale Yoga Flow."  We focus on strength, balance and flexibility during our yoga days. We also talk a bit about breathing and how breathing can help us control our emotions at times. The poses we work on in yoga have names based on nature (animals, trees, etc.). 

 
Second Grade: Students will be participating in a gymnastics unit. We will pull out mats for them to tumble, beam to learn balance moves, bar for strength moves and spring board.  

  

Third Grade: Students will be learning how to juggle. They will start off with scarves, learning how to juggle with a crisscross pattern. They also will have the opportunity to try juggling with rings, clubs and bags. They also will learn how to use a diabolo (a juggling prop consisting of an axle and two cups or discs) and flower sticks.

Fourth Grade: Students will be line dancing. They will begin by learning some popular line dances that students can participate in during many social events. The students will then create their own line dance with a group and perform it for the class.

Fifth Grade: Students will be learning about heart rates. They will learn what their heart rates should be at when they are exercising and what kind of exercises will get their heart rates into their target heart rate zone. They also will begin to take the post fitness tests.
 

Workout Wednesday: This month on "Workout Wednesday," students will be doing the PACER (Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run) Test. The PACER Test is a fitness test given to students in fourth and fifth grades as part of their fitness test to measure cardiovascular endurance. Fourth and fifth graders will be doing their post tests to determine if they are able to achieve the goals they set for themselves in the beginning of the year. Grades K-3 will be doing "partner PACER." It is a great way to introduce them to the PACER test and really learn what it means to "pace" yourself.

 
Electives: In Field Day Planning, students have designed their stations for BFA's Field Day based on the theme "Games Around The World." They will begin practicing their stations on other students in the class and modifying as needed. Then, they will have the opportunity to practice on our amazing afternoon preschool students. In Strength and Conditioning, students have a different workout each day that will work on cardiovascular endurance, muscular endurance and muscular strength. The different workouts will be designed to help students meet their goals at the end of the trimester.
motherson
Deadline: TOMORROW Last Day to Sign Up for Mother/Son Event!  

  

The Mother/Son Amazing Race Event is Saturday, April 18. Tickets are available through 11:59 p.m., TOMORROW, Friday, April 3! Cost is $25 for a two-person team, $5 for each additional teammate. Click here to buy tickets.  

  • Race Start: 4:30 p.m., Saturday, April 18, at Civic Green Park Amphitheater (9370 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Highlands Ranch)
  • Post Race Party:  6 p.m., Lil' Ricci's (44 W. Centennial, Highlands Ranch); gluten free pizza will be available
To make this event a huge success, we need 12 to 15 more volunteers. To sign up, click here. It is a great way to earn your volunteer hours!

***Reminder: NO tickets will be sold past TOMORROW, Friday, April 3, so register your team TODAY!***   
Vote
MCO Elections

  

Do you believe passionately in community connection at BFA? Are you dedicated and organized? The Marketing and Community Outreach Committee (MCO) needs YOU! 

 

The MCO is looking for parents who want to play a part in the school's marketing, community outreach and community service events for the upcoming 2014-15 school year. If your passion is in these areas, please consider joining the MCO team. The committee offers positions for parents working both inside and outside of the home. This year's open positions include secretary, marketing officer, community outreach officer, Ben's Brigade Officer, community service representative and social representative. If you are interested or for more information, email the MCO or share your interest by filling out an online form by clicking here

 

The preceding MCO positions are fulfilled through unanimous vote by the MCO Board. The submission deadline for those positions is Wednesday, April 8, and candidates are asked to attend the MCO meeting on Tuesday, April 14. All positions begin their terms on July 1.  
BFA Summer Camp
Lightning Bolts Summer Camp
    

Do you need full-time day care for the summer? Perhaps you are looking to get a break from your children a few days during the summer? Maybe your kids would like to connect with other BFA kids and enjoy fun, summer social time? Whatever your situation, BFA's Lightning Bolts Summer Camp program is sure to keep your kids safe and entertained. The camp is staffed by people you know and trust.

 

***NEW: Daily registrations for the month of June are NOW open. Remaining registrations for July and August will be added soon.***  


Program details are as follows:
  • Hours: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.
  • Days: Monday through Friday
  • Dates: June 1 through Aug. 14
  • Additional Requirements: BFA Summer Camp is open to any BFA student 5 years old and above.  
  • Registration Fee: $35 per child one-time registration fee (all registered campers receive a camp T-shirt and day pack)
  • Daily Tuition (Non-Field Trip Days): $35 per child per day
  • Daily Tuition (Field Trip Days): $50 per child per day

We will communicate when the detailed daily Summer Camp activity schedule is finalized. There is no sibling discount. 

Important Dates / Calendar of EventsCalendar Clip Art
  • Mother/Son Event Tickets Purchase Deadline: 11:59 p.m., Friday, April 3
  • BFA Board Elections: April 6-10
  • MCO Positions Submission Deadline: Wednesday, April 8
  • Deadline to Order Field Day T-shirts: Friday, April 10
  • Elementary Science Fair: Tuesday, April 14, and Wednesday, April 15, Gym
  • Spirit Day: Friday, April 17
  • Mother/Son Event:
    • Race Start: 4:30 p.m., Saturday, April 18, at Civic Green Park Amphitheater (9370 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Highlands Ranch)
    • Post Race Party:  6 p.m., Lil' Ricci's (located at 44 W. Centennial, Highlands Ranch)
  • No School for Students (Teacher Work Day): Friday, April 24
  • Destination ImagiNation State Competition: All Day, Saturday, April 25, Metropolitan State University of Denver, Auraria Campus
  • BFF Social: Tuesday, April 28
  • At the Bandstand (Fifth Grade Musical): 7 p.m., Wednesday, April 29, Gym
  • Lightning Bolts Summer Camp: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, June 1 - Aug. 14

Upcoming Meetings

  • Grant Committee: 9 p.m., Monday, April 6, Teleconference
  • Marketing and Community Outreach (MCO) Committee: 6 p.m., Tuesday, April 7, Library 
  • Finance Committee: 5 p.m., Monday, April 13, Library
  • Board of Directors: 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 14, Library
    • Find the latest BFA Board of Directors minutes by clicking here.
  • Parent Teacher Organization (PTO): 6:30 p.m., Monday, April 20, Library
  • Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Committee: 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 6, Sanders Science Lab (room 145)
  • School Accountability Committee (SAC): 4 p.m., Thursday, May 7, Conference Room

Middle School Sports

  • Girls' Soccer:
    • 4 p.m., Wednesday, April 15, at Platte River Academy
    • 4 p.m., Tuesday, April 21, at North Star 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.