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Ben Franklin Academy NewsletterVol. 5, Iss. 22
September 2015
In This Issue
:: Reminders: Dress of Choice, Principal's Q&A, School Closure, Broncos Spirit Day | Get Involved!
:: Car Pool Reminder | Volunteer Hours | Art: Featured Special | Volunteer of the Month | Picture Retakes
:: Battle of the Books | Attn: Volunteers | STEM Committee Needs Liter Bottles | BENefit Bash Meeting
:: Ben's Brigade | Goodies with Grandparents | BFA Sponsors | BFA Directory | National Park Pass | Harvest Festival
:: Parent-Student Handbook | Parking Reminder | School Lunch Update | Box Tops | Calendar
Success Dear Parents,  

The Ben Franklin Academy (BFA) Virtues of the Month for September are as follows:
  • Silence - There is a time and place to speak and a time to listen. You learn more by listening than speaking.
  • Justice - Be respectful. Give everyone a chance to work or play. Give others a chance to express themselves. Share. Remember that others are counting on you, so live up to your duty.
The following message is from Paige Brock, Board of Directors president.
 
The Ben Franklin Academy (BFA) community has proven its commitment to the success of its students and school year after year. Last year, our BFA community collectively logged more than 23,633 volunteer hours - the equivalent of more than 11 full-time employees. We thank each of you. While the dedication of volunteers helped us to stretch our budget, the financial impact is only a part of the value added. BFA's dedicated volunteers are a critical reason BFA is more than just a great school.
  
Without your volunteering, your children would still receive an excellent education that will serve them well throughout their lives. BFA's dedicated teachers and administrators would continue to provide enriching academics and support; however, BFA would not be the strong community it is. Without volunteers, teachers would have to put in even longer hours to decorate their classrooms and bulletin boards - or they may have to go undone. The building itself would require additional expenditures or not look as well maintained. Without volunteers, BFA's fiscal position and efforts to improve school performance and satisfaction could be hampered. Field trips would be limited or nonexistent because there wouldn't be enough chaperones. There would be no family memories made at BFA community-building events, such as the morning treats with grandparents, dads and moms; Harvest Festival; Veterans' Day celebration; and father-daughter and mother-son events. There would be no fundraising activities to further enhance the educational experience of every BFA student. There would be fewer student activities, such as Benjamin Franklin's Birthday Celebration, the Green Team, Student Council, Destination ImagiNation and Pumpkin Chucking. BFA students would not have the same experiences with hands-on science instruction because there would be no volunteers in the science labs and for the STEM Expo, science fairs, Hour of Code or National Space Day. Field days and classroom parties would be limited.

These experiences, for parents and students alike, cannot be purchased, but can only be created by the time, heart and energy of our tremendous volunteers. We thank you. BFA's community's strength and support creates a priceless and unique experience for students, parents and staff. This is why we ask that each family annually commit to volunteering 30 hours (15 hours for single parents) for the benefit of our BFA community.

Last year, more than 93 percent of BFA families volunteered some time to the school. We understand that, as parents, you are busy. We know that your "to do" lists seem to never get any shorter; however, we encourage you to look at your calendar and find a way to make a difference at BFA. Even a little time can go a long way to creating an even better experience at BFA and ensuring the success of our school for your children, for you and for our community.Your investment of time is noticed by each of our students and appreciated by our teachers, staff, administration and Board of Directors.

On behalf of your Board, thank you for all that you continue to do to support the BFA community.
Announcement
Don't Forget!        
 
Mark your calendars:
  • The first Dress of Choice Day of the school year is TOMORROW, Friday, Sept. 4.
  • There will be a Principal's Q&A Session from 8:30-9:30 a.m., TOMORROW, Friday, Sept. 4, in the library. This is a great time to ask any questions you may have or to hear how the school year has been going so far.
  • The school will be closed in observance of Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7.
  • The first regular season Broncos game is Sunday, Sept. 13. This means Mr. Barber has designated Friday, Sept. 11, Broncos Spirit Day at school. Students may wear their Broncos jerseys/shirts or ANY football team they like (it does not have to be Broncos). The rest of the dress code remains in place. (If your child chooses not to wear a Broncos/football top, s/he must be in full uniform.)
Car Pool
Car Pool Reminder      

Car pool has been getting better each day. We have had a member of the Douglas County Sheriff's department out to observe over the last few days, and they have only had positive things to say about the process. With your help, we will continue to make progress.
 
Please remember to have your students ready to exit the car on the curbside at drop off. It helps the line to keep moving if students are ready to exit the vehicle. Please remember to enter through the southwest entrance for car pool.
 
Car pool volunteers are needed daily for the morning and afternoon. The weather has been great, and now is a good time to get your volunteer hours in and help us continue to make the process even better.
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Art: 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 Art.

Everyone at BFA this week is making a picture for our annual Original Arts fundraiser. Letters will be coming home soon to tell families more about this great opportunity to buy gifts online.

Kindergarten: We have been learning how to paint beautiful flower gardens. We have used sponges, brushes and paint to create our masterpieces.

First Grade: We have been having a lot of fun making adorable pound puppies. Each puppy is so unique and colorful.

Second Grade: We have been working very hard to create colorful parrots and wacky birds. The results are amazing.

Third Grade: Our most recent project was to create a beautiful sunset over the ocean. We have used watercolor pencils and watercolor crayons. The warm and cool colors in our paintings are so beautiful.

Fourth Grade: We have been inspired by the artwork of James Rizzi, pop artist, and have used his ideas as a starting point for our crazy city skyline pictures. They are so cool.

Fifth Grade: Using the work of Vassily Kandinsky, we have begun a piece on concentric circles. These shapes will be incorporated into a Kandinski tree. I am so excited to see the finished results.

Electives: In Jewelry Making, we have begun several projects, including using our new 3Doodlers to create key chains and learning how to make drop earrings. In Painting and Drawing, we have created some beautiful ocean scenes and cute cartoon faces. In both projects, students are learning how to mix colors to create more natural artwork.
classpicture
Picture Retakes
    
If you missed picture day or would like another shot at getting that perfect smile out of your kiddo, DR Photo will be back at school for picture retakes on Monday, Sept. 21.   
Battle of the Books
Battle of the Books
 
Last year, BFA participated in the Douglas County Libraries' Battle of the Books. The third/fourth and fifth/sixth grade teams did quite well through the competition. This year, we will be competing again. If your child is interested in being a part of this program, please email the coaches for more details:
Third/Fourth Grade Coach: Mrs. Poleschook
Fifth/Sixth Grade Coach: Mrs. Murphy  

Calling Volunteers Who Love to Read
Regardless of whether or not your child participates in Battle of the Books, you can earn volunteer hours by helping the Battle of the Books teams prepare. Please email Mrs. Poleschook and Mrs. Murphy for details.
Science Fair
STEM Committee: ISO Liter Bottles
    
The Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Committee needs empty 1-liter soda bottles for the water rocket launch at the STEM Expo on Thursday, Sept. 24. Please deposit your bottle donations in the labeled box at the front entrance of the school. Thank you!
BensBrigade Ben's Brigade Meet and Greet 
 
If you are interested in meeting other BFA Dads, Ben's Brigade is hosting a casual meet and greet at 7:45 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 10, in the Highlands Ranch Super Target Starbucks. 
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Goodies with Grandparents
    
Save the date! Goodies with Grandparents is from 7-8 a.m., Friday, Sept. 18, in the gym. We look forward to honoring our BFA grandparents while enjoying refreshments! Stay tuned for more details.   
Rooster
My Rooster Room Online Directory
    
Now that school is underway, it is time to update and add new families to the BFA directory!

The BFA directory contains names, addresses and phone numbers for BFA families. It is a very helpful resource for parents. You can access it via the BFA website with a password (that will be sent later this month) or using the directory app, My Rooster Room. The directory will be available Thursday, Oct. 1. There are some things BFA needs your help with to make the directory a useful tool, so be on the look out for an email with more information. If you plan to completely or partially opt out of the directory, click here
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Every Kid in a Park
Every Kid in a Park   
 
Earlier this week, the National Parks launched its Every Kid in a Park program, which provides an opportunity for each and every fourth grade student (and their families) across the United States to experience their public lands and waters in person throughout the 2015-2016 school year for FREE. To obtain your pass, click here. Once you've read the information, you can click on "Get Your Pass" at the bottom of the page and follow the prompts/ instructions to print your fourth grader's access pass. Be sure to bring your printed out pass to the National Park you visit (electronic copies are not accepted) and exchange it for your free pass (or use it for access until you can).
Handbook
BFA Parent-Student Handbook
 
In addition to the BFA cheat sheet that was shared last week, the BFA Parent-Student Handbook is a valuable reference resource for all families. The handbook, which is full of information, is divided into the following sections:
  1. General Information
  2. Student, Parent and Teacher Rights and Responsibilities
  3. Academic Calendar
  4. School Operations
  5. Student Attendance
  6. Health Services
  7. Academic Program
  8. BFA Rules
  9. Volunteering
  10. School Community
  11. Policies
You can access the complete parent-student handbook by clicking here and selecting "Parent-Student Handbook."
lunch bag
School Lunch Update
    
There are two lunch calendars for BFA this year: Grades K-5 and Grades 6-8. The ONLY difference between the two menus is that middle school (grades 6-8) has pizza as a third choice each day, as well as extra choices on Mondays. Pizza day for grades K-5 is now on Mondays (instead of Thursdays), but hamburger/cheeseburger day remains on Wednesdays for ALL students. Going forward, Douglas County School District's (DCSD) Nutrition Services is working on having both calendars under the Charter Schools BFA link to avoid confusion. If you have any questions about lunch, please contact Jodi Watson, PTO Lunch Coordinator.   
 
Peanut/Nut Restricted Lunch Table
A table in the lunchroom is designated as peanut/nut restricted. This table is available for use by any student with a peanut/nut allergy. As space is available, students who have a peanut/nut allergy may have friends sit with them at the peanut/nut restricted table as long as the lunches are a Douglas County School District (DCSD) provided hot lunch. If you would like your student to sit at the peanut/nut restricted table, please inform the office staff. 
Volunteer
Get Involved!

Now that school has started, include volunteering as part of your "new" routine. BFA offers volunteering opportunities for every schedule. You can assist with the lunch room, car pool, elementary science lab, field trips, in the classrooms and for special events. Consider joining the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO); Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Committee; School Accountability Committee (SAC), Grants Committee; Community Events Committee (CEC); Finance Committee; and/or Ben's Brigade. Each of these committees provide excellent avenues to be a part of this wonderful place and often need assistance on special, limited projects. To learn more about the many ways to get involved, use the BFA Rapid Reference by clicking here. More information about the committees can be found by clicking here. Many of these committees have opportunities that provide flexibility around family and employment obligations, including evening meetings and projects. In addition, BFA's upcoming meetings are always listed at the end of this newsletter. Thank you for making a difference at BFA! 
Every Volunteer Hour Counts

THANK YOU for rolling up your sleeves and volunteering at BFA! Now, make sure to log your hours in HelpCounter by clicking here.

After logging in, the following screen shot is what should appear. You can record your volunteer hours and update your profile from this screen. 

Did you also know that you also can use HelpCounter to mark your volunteer interests and receive information regarding related activities? To do so, click on "Update Your Volunteering Interest Form."

Of course, if you are looking for a volunteer opportunity - and there are many, especially with car pool and lunch - select "Check for Upcoming Opportunities" button.
HelpCounter Volunteer Opportunities
You will then see all things needing volunteers, as portrayed in the following screen shot:
HelpCounterVolunteersNeeded
What are you waiting for? Log into HelpCounter today!
Volunteer of the Month Volunteer of the Month
    
The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) highlights one (or more) volunteer(s) 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 September, we have chosen Kimberly Kent.
Kimberly has been involved with the BFA PTO for the past four years and served as co-president last year. In the 2014-2015 school year, she clocked in more than 275 volunteer hours. This school year, Kimberly has already contributed 10 hours towards her 30 hours. She plans to help out with the BENefit Bash, Baking Committee and being in the classroom.

When asked what she likes best about BFA, Kimberly said it's the people. "The teachers, staff and parents are all wonderful," she said. "My kids are receiving a great education, and I have found fabulous people that I am happy to call my friends!"   
 
Kimberly is married to Jacob, and they have two children - Natalie (fourth grade) and Preston (first grade). Kimberly works part time, helps lead a Vacation Bible School and loves volunteering at school. In her free time she loves to bake, scrapbook, play golf and just relax at the pool.   
Don't Forget
Attention:
Parent Volunteers   
  
As a friendly reminder to parent volunteers: When you arrive at school to volunteer, please go directly to your volunteer location. Parents should avoid walking the hallways or stopping by their child's classroom. While seemingly innocent, it can be disruptive to the classroom(s).
Ben Franklin
The BENefit Bash  
 
The BENefit Bash, BFA's main fundraiser, will be held Saturday, Nov. 14. Mark your calendars for this silent auction, live auction and dinner!

We still need lots of help to make the Bash a success. If you would like to participate, please attend our next meeting at 7 p.m., TONIGHT, Thursday, Sept. 3, in the BFA library. If you can't make the meeting, but still want to volunteer, please contact PTO Fundraising.  We have volunteer opportunities for everyone, including projects that can be done from home, opportunities to earn volunteer hours while you're out running errands and projects for folks who like to craft/decorate and/or organize. 
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Thank You, 2015-16 BFA Sponsors!
 
The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) would like to say a special thank you to BFA's 2015-16 sponsors!
 
Platinum Plus Sponsor
 
Platinum Sponsor
Cherry Creek Mortgage Company

Gold Sponsors
Santa Fe Suds (located at Santa Fe and Town Center Drive) 
 
Bronze Sponsor
 
Patron Sponsor
 
If you or your organization is interested in becoming a sponsor for the 2015-16 school year, please contact Tiffani Titus for more information.   
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Harvest Festival 
 
BFA's Fifth Annual Harvest Festival will take place from 4-7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 26, at BFA. Festival activities include a cake walk, face painting, carnival games, balloon animals and plain ol' fun! New activities for the older kids include Minute-To-Win-It challenges and outdoor field games by i9Sports.

Tickets
Tickets are $5 per person or $20 per family (parents and their children in the same household only, max. seven). Tickets are on sale at the school store by clicking here. Families who have completed their 30 hours of volunteer service for the current school year AND have logged them by 11:59 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 20, 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. Food trucks from Biker Jim's Gourmet Dogs, Big-O's BBQ, and Kona Ice will have some delicious food options at an additional cost.

Items to Bring
We will be collecting items for BFA's largest fundraising event of the year - the BENefit Bash!  We are asking families to bring bottles of wine for our wine wall, as well as large baskets, bubble wrap or cellophane for the BENefit Bash silent auction items. We hope you will contribute to this important school fundraising event.
  
Volunteers
More than 900 people attended last year's Harvest Festival, and we need YOU to make this year a success. Please sign up to volunteer by clicking here.
 
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Gwen Feifarek, Harvest Festival chair. We look forward to seeing you Sept. 26!
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Parking Reminder
   
Please park in BFA's designated parking areas, such as the preschool/visitor parking lot, main lot and newly graveled overflow lot. Refrain from parking in non-designated areas.  
Box Tops Logo
Box Tops
    
BFA is ready for your Box Tops! Thanks to your efforts, BFA has collected $16,500 in Box Tops since we began the program. Your Box Tops contributions make a real difference to BFA!
 
Our first Box Tops collection date is Wednesday, Sept. 23. Don't forget to put your child's name on the collection bag because those children who turn in 25 or more Box Tops will receive a special prize! There is a collection tub in each classroom for Box Tops.
 
When turning in your Box Tops, put them on the collection sheet with glue or tape - NO STAPLES are allowed. Also, we cannot use expired Box Tops, so check the dates before you turn them in. There are monthly competitions with a prize for the classroom that collects the most.
 
You can visit BoxTops4Education.com for more information or to participate in contests to earn even more money for our school.

Thanks for supporting BFA! If you have any questions, please contact the BFA Box Tops team
Important Dates / Calendar of EventsCalendar Clip Art
  • Harvest Festival Tickets On Sale: Begins today, Thursday, Sept. 3
  • Dress of Choice Day: Friday, Sept. 4
  • Principal's Q&A Session: 8:30-9:30 a.m., Friday, Sept. 4, Library
  • Labor Day Holiday/School Closed: Monday, Sept. 7
  • 4th Annual Mountain Vista Elementary Cross Country Race: 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 9, MVHS XC Course
  • 8th Grade DC Trip Informational Meeting: 6 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 9, BFA
  • Broncos Spirit Day: Friday, Sept. 11
  • Spirit Day: Friday, Sept. 18
  • Goodies with Grandparents: 7-8 a.m., Friday, Sept. 18, Gym
  • Picture Retakes: Monday, Sept. 21
  • Junior Choir Begins (Grades 1-2): 3:35-4:05 p.m., Monday, Sept. 21, Music Room
  • Beginning Band Begins (Grades 4-8): 3:30-4 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 22, Music Room
  • Box Tops Collection: Wednesday, Sept. 23
  • Choir Begins (Grades 3-8): 3:30-4:15 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 23, Music Room
  • STEM Expo: Thursday, Sept. 24
  • Intermediate Band Begins (Grades 4-8): 3:30-4 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 24, Music Room
  • Harvest Festival: 4-7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 26, BFA
  • My Rooster Room Online Directory Available: Thursday, Oct. 1
  • BENefit Bash: Saturday, Nov. 14, Inverness Hotel and Conference Center
Upcoming Meetings
  • Grant Committee: 9 p.m., Monday, Sept. 7, Teleconference
  • Finance Committee: 5 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 8, Conference Room
  • Board of Directors: 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 8, Library
    • Find the latest BFA Board of Directors minutes by clicking here.
  • Ben's Brigade Meet and Greet: 7:45 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 10, Highlands Ranch Super Target Starbucks
  • Parent Teacher Organization (PTO): 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 16, Library
  • School Accountability Committee (SAC): 4 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 17, Conference Room
  • Community Events Committee (CEC): 6 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 6, Library
  • Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Committee: 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 7, Conference Room
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.