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Ben Franklin Academy NewsletterVol. 5, Iss. 23
September 2015
In This Issue
:: Broncos Spirit Day | Music: Featured Special | Lunch Help | Battle of the Books | Ben's Brigade
:: Spirit Day | Online Auction: Parking Spots | Goodies with Grandparents | Harvest Festival | Online Directory
:: Picture Retakes | Help the BENefit Bash | Box Tops | Volunteer for STEM Expo | Fall Break BASE Camp
:: 4th Grade: FREE Natl Park Pass | 5th Grade: FREE Ski Pass | MS Party Planners Wanted | Flu Vaccine Clinic
:: Thanks to BFA Sponsors | Volunteer Hours Count | Get Involved | Calendar
Emergency Plan Dear Parents,  

Emergency Response Planning

The administration and staff of Ben Franklin Academy (BFA) have taken important steps to ensure the safety and well-being of our students while at school. The school has created an Emergency Plan in accordance with the Douglas County School District (DCSD) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This plan takes into consideration a variety of situations that could potentially arise in the school or the surrounding area, and plans have been created should such an emergency occur.
 
Standard Response Protocol
BFA uses the Standard Response Protocol terminology in practice throughout DCSD and Douglas County to quickly communicate emergencies among BFA staff and multiple outside agencies - and to determine the appropriate response. Parents are advised to learn these categories so you understand the nature of the emergency if/when we have to communicate with you. You can access DCSD's Emergency Response Protocol by clicking here.
  • Lock Out (Least Danger): This response occurs when there is a potential situation outside of the school building or nearby. It usually is a precautionary measure. Examples include animals, strangers, police activity in the nearby areas or near the school. Students and staff are all brought inside the building. The doors are locked, and it is business as usual.
  • Evacuate: This response occurs when there is danger inside the school, usually associated with the building itself. This is often a precautionary measure. Examples include smoke, fire, gas leak. Students and staff are moved quickly outside and away from the building.
  • Shelter: This response occurs when there is danger outside the school building. It is often a precautionary measure. Examples include tornado, severe weather, hazardous air/conditions in the area. Students and staff are located away from windows and doors.
  • Lock Down (Most Danger): This response occurs when there is danger inside the school. Examples include intruder, active person trying to do harm. Students and staff are locked inside rooms and will remain there until cleared by law enforcement.
BroncosBroncos Spirit Day
       
The first regular season Broncos game is Sunday, Sept. 13. This means Mr. Barber has designated TOMORROW, 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.)
Hot Lunch
Lunch Help: Needed and Appreciated
    
Please note that the NEW lunch volunteer time for the 2015-16 school year is from 10:50 a.m. -
12:45 p.m. daily
. Please consider helping with set up, cleaning tables between lunch sessions and assisting students as needed. To volunteer, click here. Sign in to HelpCounter and click on "Check for Upcoming Opportunities."
If you can't stay for the entire time, just show up - no need to sign up. We suggest you wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and a smile! No young kiddos please. Thank you for your assistance!
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.
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., TONIGHT, Thursday, Sept. 10, in the Highlands Ranch Super Target Starbucks. 
Megaphone
Spirit Day       
 
Spirit Day is Friday, Sept. 18. 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. 
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Goodies with Grandparents
    
We are a week away from this wonderful event, and we hope you can join us! Goodies with Grandparents is from 7-8 a.m., Friday, Sept. 18, in the gym. Look for the flyer in Thursday folders for more information. If you are available and interested in volunteering for this event, please click here to sign up.
Rooster
My Rooster Room Online Directory
    
It's time to update and add new families to the BFA directory! Our directory contains names, addresses and phone numbers of BFA families and is a helpful resource for parents. The directory will be available by Thursday, Oct. 1, but there are some things you must complete by Friday, Sept. 18:
  1. If your child goes by a nickname or shortened name, please email the PTO.
  2. If you have recently moved or changed an email/cell number, update your information in the Douglas County School District (DCSD) database and email BFA's registrar.
  3. If you DO NOT want any or all of your personal information listed in the directory, click here and complete the online form. You may OPT OUT completely or partially by clicking on the link above and filling out the form. If you take no action, your information will be included in the BFA Directory.
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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.   
Box Tops Logo
Box Tops
    
BFA is ready for your Box Tops! Our first Box Tops collection date is Wednesday, Sept. 23, so be sure to turn yours in. The more we collect, the bigger the check BFA will receive in December. Thanks for supporting BFA! If you have any questions, please email the Box Tops team. 
Science Fair
STEM Expo: ISO Volunteers
    
The STEM Expo is on Thursday, Sept. 24, which is only two weeks away! As always, we need many parent volunteers to make this day a success. The BFA gym will literally be buzzing with excitement over all of the hands-on experiments designed to enrich science, technology, engineering and math education. Morning and afternoon shifts are available, and a pizza lunch will be provided this year for all volunteers. To sign up, click here.  
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Fall Break BASE Camp
    
The BFA Before/After School Enrichment (BASE) program will provide care during the week of Fall Break (Monday, Oct. 12, through Friday, Oct. 16). It will be similar to summer camp, minus the field trips. At least 15 families must sign up for the program. BASE will be open from 7 a.m. - 6 p.m., and the cost is $35 per day per child. Registration opens on Monday, Sept. 21, and will close on Friday, Oct. 2.

All registrations are nonrefundable unless the required number of families do not enroll. (If this occurs, those who have already enrolled will be notified on Monday, Oct. 5, and refunded their money.) If the turnout is an overwhelming success, BASE could possibly open up a Spring Break BASE Camp as well.

To register online, please click here and choose BASE Camp. Families who have not paid the 2015-16 BASE registration fee of $25 will be contacted to do so. To obtain the registration paperwork and parent handbook please click here. If you have any questions, please email Leigh Savoy.
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Join the Party!
    
We are in need of some parent volunteers to join our Middle School Parent Party Committee. Our committee works with the Party Planning elective to host the Halloween, Winter Holiday and Valentine's Day parties, as well as the spring dance.  Time commitment is one short meeting a few weeks before the party and volunteering at the actual event.  This is a fun way to get volunteer hours! If you are interested, please email Karen Kopp.
Flu Shot Shoo the Flu   

BFA is offering a flu vaccine clinic, which is available for students, their siblings, parents and staff from 2-3 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 20, in the BFA conference room.

To participate in the vaccine clinic, please sign up in the office. Students CANNOT be vaccinated without a parent present. Consent forms are available in the office with the sign up or you may click here for the form. Please have the form filled out before your appointment. 

Type of Flu Vaccine, Cost and Front Range Flu Shots Age Policies:
  • Flu Shot: $33, 4 years or older
  • FluMist Nasal Spray: $35, healthy individuals ages 4 to 49 years who are not pregnant. Upon availability. Must sign up in advance.  
  • Fluzone High Dose Shot: $59, must be 65 years or older. Upon availability. Must sign up in advance.
Accepted Insurance Plans: 
(Insurance card must be presented at time of service. Co-payments may apply.)
  • Aetna
  • CNIC
  • Cofinity
  • Douglas County School District Cigna
  • Humana (not HMOx)
  • Rocky Mountain Health Plans/CNIC (when primary insurance plan) 
  • Medicare Part B or Railroad Medicare Part B (when primary insurance plan)
  • Medicare Advantage PPO
    • Medicare Advantage HMO (please contact your insurance company to confirm coverage)
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! 
Music Notes
Music: 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 Music. 

Kindergarten is learning the difference between their singing, talking, whispering and shouting voices. They also are singing songs and practicing keeping the beat with their bodies and instruments.
 
First Grade is also working on finding the beat. They have been singing the song Snail Snail and practicing marching to the beat.
 
Second Grade is reviewing the difference between beat and rhythm. They are taking turns conducting the beat to the song Engine No. 9. They also are playing instruments to the beat while they sing Ridin' That New River Train.
 
Third Grade is demonstrating their understanding of beat by playing the game "Plainsies Clapsies." This starts out as a hand clapping game. After they master it, they use tennis balls to keep the beat as they sing. They also are reading the song No Robbers. Students play the xylophones as they play this game.
 
Fourth Grade did a quick lesson on the instruments of the orchestra. Students were able to try out the trumpet, flute, clarinet, violin and alto sax. This week they started rehearsing for their musical, It's a Musical World. They are learning five folk songs from other countries; in P.E., they will learn the folk dances.
 
Fifth Grade is reviewing the instruments of the orchestra. They read a story called The Composer Is Dead by Lemony Snicket that reviews the family of instruments: strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion. On the last day, students get to play the flute, clarinet, trumpet, violin and alto sax.
 
Electives: In Acapella, students are learning the following four songs, Happy, Roar, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun and Best Day of My Life. They are learning to sing in three independent groups that are responsible for singing the melody, harmony and accompaniment. In Ukulele, students are playing the following songs: Under the Sea, Riptide, Can't Helping Falling in Love and Over the Rainbow.

If your child is interested in participating in any of the after school music programs, please click here for more information. To register for these programs, click here. Click on "Music Payments," then "Music" and sign up! 
ParkHere
Online Auction for Two Prime Parking Spots
    
Have you imagined having your own personal parking spot at school? Here is your chance to live the dream for the next two months!

Beginning TODAY, Thursday, Sept. 10, the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is auctioning off two parking spots in the very front row. The winners of this online auction will be able to use their parking spot from Thursday, Sept. 17, through Sunday, Nov. 15. (Beginning Monday, Nov. 16, the spots will be claimed by the families who win the spots at the BENefit Bash auction.)
 
Keep in mind that if you win a parking spot, you'll have prime parking for the Harvest Festival, Halloween parties and all of your volunteer activities! Click here; under Online Auction, click on "Online Items." Make your dream a reality today. Bidding starts at $150 per spot, and ends at 9 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 16.
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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 cakewalk, 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 
Come hungry! 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, The Rolling Italian 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
Show off your baking and decorating skills by donating cakes (for the cakewalk) or baked goods by clicking here to sign up. We need many people to make this event a success, so please volunteer! Click here to sign up.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Gwen Feifarek, Harvest Festival chair. We look forward to seeing you Sept. 26!
Ben Franklin
The BENefit Bash Needs YOUR Help
 
We need your help TODAY for the BENefit Bash Silent and Live Auctions!
 
If you have any personal connections to businesses or individuals who are in a position to donate something amazing to our Saturday, Nov. 14, auction, please reach out to them NOW! They can easily mail or drop off their donation at the school, or we can arrange for someone to pick it up.
 
If you prefer, forward the contact information of your potential donor to Ingrid Burke via email, and she will follow up with the organization to provide them with a donation letter and tax receipt.

Every donation helps, but things we need right now include the following:

  • Weekend(s) or a full week at mountain condos/homes
  • Ski equipment (including free rentals), lessons, lift tickets, etc.
  • Tickets to sporting events, concerts, shows
  • Unique experiences
  • Holiday gifts and/or activities
  • Restaurant gift certificates
  • Autographed merchandise
We would like to have all of the donations to the school by Friday, October 9. If each BFA family acquires one donation, we could all make this BENefit Bash a huge success and secure funds that will be used this school year!
Every Kid in a Park
FREE for Fourth Graders: National Park Pass    
 
The National Parks has 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).
Colorado Ski Country
FREE for Fifth Graders: CO Ski/Snowboard Pass
    
Colorado Ski Country USA's (CSUSA) 5th Grade Passport Program provides every fifth grader in the state of Colorado the opportunity to ski and snowboard for three FREE days at each of CSUSA's 20 member resorts. Ski all 60 days or just a few; the 5th Grade Passport opens up the best of Colorado to your child. Fifth grade students will receive a flyer for the 5th Grade Passport Program in Thursday folders. To sign up for the 5th Grade Passport Program, refer to the paper application sent home with your child.

6th Grade Passport Program
The 6th Grade Passport Program provides four days of skiing/snowboarding at each of the same 20 participating Colorado resorts for $99. 

For more information, click here; for FAQs, click here.      
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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.    
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!
Important Dates / Calendar of EventsCalendar Clip Art
  • Online Auction for Two Parking Spots: TODAY, Thursday, Sept. 10, through
    9 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 16
  • Broncos Spirit Day: Friday, Sept. 11
  • Spirit Day: Friday, Sept. 18
  • Goodies with Grandparents: 7-8 a.m., Friday, Sept. 18, Gym
  • My Rooster Room Online Directory Deadline(s): Friday, Sept. 18
  • Picture Retakes: Monday, Sept. 21
  • Fall Break BASE Camp Registration: Sept. 21 - Oct. 2
  • 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
  • Fall Break: Oct. 12-16
  • BFA Flu Vaccine Clinic: 2-3 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 20, Conference Room
  • BENefit Bash: Saturday, Nov. 14, Inverness Hotel and Conference Center
Upcoming Meetings
  • 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):
  • Grant Committee: 4 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 17, Conference Room 9 p.m., Monday, Sept. 21, Teleconference
  • 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
  • Finance Committee: 8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 8, Teleconference
  • Board of Directors: 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 20, Library
    • Find the latest BFA Board of Directors minutes by clicking here.
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.