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Ben Franklin Academy NewsletterVol. 5, Iss. 24
September 2015
In This Issue
:: Spirit Day | STEM Expo NEXT WEEK | Goodies with Grandparents | BFA Art on Display | Online Directory DEADLINE
:: Harvest Festival | Featured Special: P.E. | Gradelink Update | Picture Retakes | After School Music Programs
:: Join Cub Scouts | Lunch Update | Car Pool Tags and Parking Reminders | Box Tops | Walker/Biker Safety
:: Spirit Night | Bus Route Update | Fall Break BASE Camp | BFA Day at Target | BENefit Bash
:: Daybreak with Dads | STACK UP! Competition | Flu Clinic | Thanks to BFA Sponsors | DCSD Night at Rapids
:: MS Party Planning | 5th Grade FREE Ski Pass | Library's Little Buddies | Calendar/MS Sports Schedule
Charter Schools Rock Dear Parents,  

Charter Schools Refresher

Did you know that Colorado is considered a very friendly charter school state? Currently, there are 43 states that have charter school legislation that permits the creation of a charter school. States are ranked based on charter school laws, covering 20 components. I am pleased to say that Colorado ranks as the sixth best regarding charter school legislation. But what exactly does that mean, and why should anyone care? It means that we live in a state that embraces a choice in education. Parents are not tied to a school based on where they live. Parents are empowered to say they want something better for their kids and, in Colorado, have many options to choose something better. You should care that Colorado has such strong charter school legislation because it means school choice will not go away. It means your tax dollars will follow your child to his/her charter school.
 
Charter Schools are Public Schools
  • Charter schools in Colorado are funded in the Public School Finance Act, along with all other public schools.
  • Charter schools receive per pupil revenue (PPR) on the same basis as other public school students enrolled in the district that granted its charter except that districts may retain up to 5 percent of charter school students' PPR for actual administrative costs. The Douglas County School District (DCSD) does not retain this 5 percent.
  • Charter schools are subject to all state and federal provisions prohibiting discrimination and must enroll students in a non-discriminatory manner.
  • Although charter schools are public schools, they do not have the independent mill levy override and bonding authority that school districts use to finance their capital facilities. To the extent state funds are not available to support this cost, operating revenues are used to pay for these costs.
     
Colorado Charter School Facts
  • Free - no tuition except for full-day kindergarten and preschool.
  • Public, non-sectarian, nonreligious, nonhome-based schools.
  • Nonselective in enrollment. There are no admission tests or admissions requirements.
  • Often designed to serve underserved populations.
  • Appealing to students whose needs are not being met by traditional schools.
  • Frequently overenrolled; that is, more students apply than the school can accommodate. In that event, a lottery is held to determine admission.
  • Required to have students take all state assessment tests.
  • Required to have all teachers be "highly qualified" under the No Child Left Behind Act.
  • There are more than 220 charter schools in Colorado serving more than 103,000 students.
  • Charter school enrollment represents approximately 12 percent of total K-12 public school enrollment in the state.

Charter Schools are Pioneers and Innovators
  • Charter schools allow creative parents, teachers and educational leaders to design schools that better serve particular populations.
  • Charter schools can limit class and school size. Charter designers often heed to the research that states that small schools are generally safer and better able to nurture a community of learners than are large schools.
  • Charter schools select their own curriculum design. They can establish achievement-oriented cultures and choose staff to best support these structures from day one.
  • Charter schools are mission-driven schools created by educators who envision a school committed to a particular purpose and philosophy.
  • The tenor of relationships between charter schools and their districts vary widely. Ultimately, accountable implementation of a charter school's mission is what best serves students; however, accountability need not be sacrificed for the very spirit of educational innovation and flexibility that the Charter Schools Act was intended to foster.

So, what does this mean to you? It means that you made a conscious choice to provide your child with a better education by enrolling them in Ben Franklin Academy. It means you want to be involved in your child's education. It means you want to be involved in a school that has such an amazing culture of acceptance and caring. It means you want the best teachers and staff who are committed to being the best they can be. Finally, it means you are confident your child will be well prepared for every step in their academic journey. Primary grade students (K-2) are well prepared to become successful intermediate grade students (3-5). Intermediate students are well prepared to become successful middle school students (6-8). Finally, BFA middle school students are extremely well prepared to become successful leaders and scholars in high school. We have set the groundwork for your child in becoming a lifelong learner. We provide the knowledge and support necessary for your child to continue on as an outstanding high school student. This is our responsibility, and we do not take it lightly. Thank you for entrusting us with your child. As s/he journeys on to high school - which for some of you will be in seven months and for others a little farther off - it will be here before you know it. Even so, you will be amazed with the results and just what a great job Ben Franklin Academy is doing/has done with your child.
Megaphone
Spirit Day       
 
Spirit Day is TOMORROW, 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., TOMORROW, 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! If you would like to update your family's information for the directory OR opt out, you need to take action today. You have until TOMORROW, Friday, Sept. 18, to do the following: 
  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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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! Bring your whole family - volunteers from i9 Sports are donating their time, equipment and prizes to make sure this is a fun experience for older kids, too! 

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!
Gradelink
Gradelink Update
    
We would like to clarify some changes Gradelink made over the summer. If you refer to the Gradelink login sheet you received at Back to School Night, you'll see there is a family login and a student login. The family login is for parents to use to view all of their children under one account. Parents can select which child to view by using the drop down list near the upper right of the screen. The student login is for older students to use to check their assignments and grades themselves. With these two distinct accounts, alerts can be set up separately, and students can view their accounts separately from their siblings. If you have additional questions, please email Ms. Konesky.
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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.   
Music
After School Music Programs
    
Don't forget! BFA's after school music programs start next week, Sept. 21-24. If your child is interested in participating in any of these programs, please click here for more information. To register for these programs, click here. Click on "Music Payments," then "Music" and sign up!  
Boy Scouts Logo 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 email to the Cubmaster. If you would like to be a den leader/assistant leader, also contact the Cubmaster. For additional information, please click here. The next meeting is at 7 p.m.Monday, Sept. 21, in the Middle School Commons.
Lunch bag
Lunch Update
    
Douglas County Nutrition Services is still in the process of updating their system, so it's recommended that you check the lunch calendar daily for choices by clicking here.
 
Please remind your child(ren) s/he is not to swap or share food because of allergies. Also, if your child does have food allergies, specific dietary concerns or if you do not want s/he to be able to purchase certain items (e.g., doubles, cookies, snacks, etc.) please email Kelcy Porizky, BFA Kitchen Manager. If you have further questions/concerns, please email Kelcy Porizky or Jodi Watson, PTO Lunch Coordinator.

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! 
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. 
Cold Sone Creamery
Spirit Night at Cold Stone Creamery
    
Mark your calendars for the Parent Teacher Organization's (PTO) first Spirit Night at Cold Stone Creamery! The event will be held from 5-8 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 23, at Cold Stone Creamery in the Town Center (9338 Dorchester St., Highlands Ranch, 80129). Some of your favorite staff members will be scooping and mixing your custom ice cream creations. Your purchases help raise money for the middle school Washington, D.C., trip! Be sure to bring the flier you received in today's Thursday folders or mention the fundraiser when you arrive. Thanks in advance for your support!
Target BFA Day at Target
       
Did you know? In 2014, Target gave $2,234 back to BFA. Since the Take Charge of Education Program started, Target has given more than $12,000 back to BFA. But we can do more, so let's increase that total number!
 
Have a REDcard? Go online to target.com/tcoe. Make sure your card is set up to donate 1 percent of all your Target purchases back to BFA.

Don't have a REDcard? Come visit us at the Highlands Ranch SuperTarget to get signed up! Target is hosting a special BFA Day with dedicated staff to help you sign up for your REDcard (debit or credit).
 
BFA Day at Target will be from 8:30-10:30 a.m. AND 6-8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 1, in SuperTarget in Town Center (located at 1265 Sergeant Jon Stiles Dr., Highlands Ranch, 80129).

Enjoy expedited checkout times and coffee/treats provided by Target while you wait for your REDcard to be processed. It's a win-win for everyone!

For more information about the Target REDcard, click here. For information on the Take Charge of Education Program, click here.
Sunshine Daybreak with Dads  
 
Save the date! Daybreak with Dads will be from 7-8 a.m., Friday, Oct. 2, in the gym. This Community Events Committee (CEC) event is to honor our BFA dads. Coffee, juice and doughnut holes will be provided along with a little quality time for our BFA dads and their kiddos.
Stacking Cups
Do you STACK UP?
    
BFA will be participating in the
2015 World Sport Stacking Association (WSSA) STACK UP! competition from 4:15-5:15 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 12, in the gym. We need 30 to 35 student volunteers to sign up and play cups stacking games for 30 consecutive minutes. This opportunity will be on a first-come, first-served basis. This year, we will be using the jumbo cups that the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) purchased for us! It is sure to be a fun time.  If your child(ren) are interested in joining in on the fun, please email Mrs. Savoy, and she will get you signed up to participate.
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)
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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.
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.      
Science Fair
STEM Expo NEXT WEEK

The STEM Expo is NEXT Thursday, Sept. 24!
 
Thanks to everyone who has signed up to help! But we still need more parent volunteers (10 in the morning and 10 in the afternoon). Please consider signing up if you are available. It is a super fun day! To volunteer, click here.

The Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Committee still needs donations of 2-liter plastic soda bottles for the water rocket station. Please deposit your bottle donations in the labeled box at the front entrance of the school.

We encourage parents to attend and students to bring a reusable bag for any goodies that may be handed out. Teachers will know next week what time their classes will be attending the Expo.
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BFA Art Displayed During 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

Encouraging others to succeed is a part of BFA's 13 core virtues (specifically, Sincerity). BFA is proud and honored to have had our students' art on display in the stairwells during the Denver 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at CenturyLink Tower last week. Three hundred forty-three firefighters from eight different states climbed the stairs in the 55-story building - TWICE - to commemorate their New York Fire Department brothers who perished in the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. There were people on every level cheering them on and one of our parents, Chrisy Upright, thought it would be nice to involve the students this year.

"As the art teacher, it was an honor to be able to recognize these brave men and women and play a small part in honoring them," said Mrs. Hinkle. "We would gladly do it again."

The BFA student artwork was displayed in the stairwells to thank and encourage the firefighters, and now it will be distributed to the participating firehouses for display. The project was a great success. The fire fighters loved all of the artwork, and the posters were handed out at the luncheon to different fire stations. Their artwork is now being proudly displayed in fire stations around the region. In addition, the Douglas County School District (DCSD) featured BFA in its Newsline Photo of the Week. Click here and scroll down to see it.

Thank you to Mrs. Hinkle and Mrs. Upright for organizing this gesture on behalf of the BFA community. Sept. 11 is now designated "Patriot Day" and is annually recognized as "National Day of Service and Remembrance."
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Physical Education PE
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). (You can always find information about BFA's Specials by clicking here.) 

We would like to welcome Mr. Calhoun to BFA! He is a student at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, completing his student teaching in physical education at BFA this semester. He will be working with our students until Winter Break.
 
Kindergarten and First/Second Grade students spent the first week in P.E. working on locomotor skills, levels, pathways and speed. The students learned/reviewed many different ways to stay safe while moving in P.E. and on the playground. During the next rotation, K-1 students will begin using the climbing wall. Students K-2 will only boulder on the wall. K-1 also will spend two days learning different yoga poses and then participating in "Whale Yoga" flow. Second grade students will be learning playground games - specifically, tetherball, four square, Gaga ball and kickball. They also will play these games during P.E. so they will know and understand the rules for these games.
 
Third Grade students spent the first week in P.E. reviewing playground rules/games. The goal is that EVERY student feels comfortable enough to join any playground game during recess. During the next rotation, third
grade students will be playing some Frisbee activities. We will review how to throw and catch a Frisbee and then play some Frisbee games, including Frisbee Golf.

Fourth/Fifth Grade students are currently doing physical fitness testing in P.E. Starting in fourth grade, students are tested on the mile run,
 
Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run (PACER)
test, sit and reach, sit ups and push ups (testing the health related components of physical fitness). The students also have learned how to make goals and have been writing goals for the test in May. When we are finished with fitness testing, fourth grade students will be learning a specific dance to perform in their November musical. Fifth grade students will begin their flag football unit.
  
Workout Wednesday: We will begin Workout Wednesdays this week. Students have already been asking for them! This Workout Wednesday includes fitness stations where students are working on the health related components of physical fitness (cardiovascular endurance, muscular endurance, muscular strength and flexibility). We will begin to use the climbing wall this Workout Wednesday. K-2 students only will be bouldering and do not need to fill out the rock wall waiver this year. Students in grades 3-5 will be bouldering, as well as harnessed in and belayed up the wall. These students will need to have the rock wall waiver signed in order to climb above the red line (about three feet up). To fill out/sign the rock wall waiver, click here. Mrs. Bauer is the ONLY person who will be belaying students up the wall. If you have any questions, please feel free to email Mrs. Bauer

Electives: In Adventure Education, students in this class have been participating in some big group games to get to know each other and take some risks with each other. We have started to do some whole group and small group challenges. It is so fun to see how quickly students improve on their communication and problem solving skills. The field trip to the University of Colorado Challenge Course is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 29. This will be an all day field trip where students will participate in low ropes challenges, as well as the high ropes course. Students in this class will get more information on this field trip soon. In Strength and Conditioning, students will 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 goal at the end of the trimester.
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Car Pool Tags and Parking Reminders
    
Car Pool Tags
Please remember that car pool tags are needed in afternoon car pool for safety reasons.
  • If entering into the car pool line without a tag, you will be asked to pull into the parking lot in order to get proper assistance when the office reopens at "All Call."
  • When in car pool, make sure you remove the tag once you have your student(s) in the car. Leave the tag if you DO NOT have your student(s). The placement of the tag is a signal to those who are working car pool as to how many students need to be called via walkie talkie and how many cars need to pull over to the waiting area.
Parking
Please be respectful of assigned parking spots in the BFA parking lot. We have tried to limit the number of assigned parking spots, but there are still a few spots dedicated to volunteers and staff. In addition, every year we allocate several spots for fundraising. These spots have been purchased by families and are for their sole use. If you would like to purchase a parking spot, the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) will offer another opportunity to bid on parking spots at the BENefit Bash this November.
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Walker/Biker Safety
    
Please remind your child(ren) to be extremely careful as s/he walks or rides his/her bike home. Mr. Barber has received emails from parents this week expressing concern about some of our BFA students as they are heading home. It appears some are not looking while crossing the street(s) or major intersections and not being aware as they could be.  We understand that "kids will be kids," but it never hurts to have a safety reminder talk with your child(ren). 
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Bus Route Update

Please note: The Paintbrush Park bus route number 55 has been changed to 75. There are no changes to the route - just the number.
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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 is NOW open and closes 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 Mrs. Savoy.
BENefit Bash
The BENefit Bash 
 
You're Invited... 
BFA's 2015 BENefit Bash
5:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 14
Inverness Hotel & Conference Center 
 
The BENefit Bash is organized by the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and is the primary fundraiser this year. In addition to having lots of fun, we hope to raise enough resources to purchase e-readers and provide upgrades to our current technology, as well as enhance our library's shelving system and procure additional books. In addition, we hope to improve the playground and fields around the elementary and middle school areas. Auction proceeds also go toward fulfilling various teacher requests throughout the year. Our goal is for the majority of the money raised from the auction to go directly toward benefiting our school and not toward auction expenses.
 
Buy Your Tickets Early and Save!
  • Tickets are $50 per person, Monday, Sept. 28, through 11:59 p.m., Friday, Oct. 23
  • Tickets are $55 per person, Saturday, Oct. 24, through 11:59 p.m., Friday, Nov. 6
  • Nov. 6 is the absolute last day to purchase tickets. NO TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR.
  • Tickets may be purchased by clicking here staring Sept. 28.
Auction Items Needed
We are still in need of auction items to make this year's Bash a success. We could use your help in procuring lodging for mountain destinations, such as Breckenridge, Keystone, Winter Park, Copper Mountain and more. In addition, please email Ingrid Burke if you can help with unique, one-of-a-kind experiences like helicopter rides, white water rafting, tours of TV news stations, tickets to sporting events and more.
 
For more information, visit the BENefit Bash site via the BFA web page. 
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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.  
Colorado Rapids
DCSD Night at Rapids
    
The Douglas County School District (DCSD) is kicking off the fall with DCSD Night at the Colorado Rapids:
  • Game time: 5 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 4, Dick's Sporting Goods Park (located at 6000 Victory Way, Commerce City, 80022), Real Salt Lake vs. Colorado Rapids
  • Price: $20 per ticket
A portion of every ticket sold will benefit the DCSD school of your choice. The three schools with the most tickets purchased will carry the flag onto the field during the national anthem.

To purchase tickets, click here. For more information or to order via phone, contact Amanda Dennis at 303-727-3591 or via email
LIbrary
Library's Little Buddies
    
The James H. LaRue Highlands Ranch Library is accepting applications for its Fall Reading Buddies Program. This program pairs a trained teen volunteer with a first through third grade child who is having challenges with reading. Click here for the application to the library's Little Buddies program. Applications should be turned in to the Highlands Ranch Library (located at 9292 S. Ridgeline Blvd., 80129) no later than Friday, Oct. 9. The program runs from Monday, Oct. 26, through Tuesday, Dec. 8. The library also is in need of teen Big Buddies (ages 13-18) who are interested. To apply to be a teen Big Buddy, click here.  
Important Dates / Calendar of EventsCalendar Clip Art
  • 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
  • Fall Break BASE Camp Registration: Through Friday, Oct. 2
  • Picture Retakes: Monday, Sept. 21
  • Junior Choir Begins (Grades 1-2): 3:35-4:05 p.m., Monday, Sept. 21, Music Room
  • Cub Scouts Meeting: 7 p.m., Monday, Sept. 21, Middle School Commons
  • Beginning Band Begins (Grades 4-8): 3:30-4 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 22, Music Room
  • Box Tops Collection: Wednesday, Sept. 23
  • Spirit Night: 5-8 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 23, at Cold Stone Creamery in Town Center (9338 Dorchester St., Highlands Ranch, 80129)
  • 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
  • Seventh Grade Keystone Science School: Sept. 26-28
  • My Rooster Room Online Directory Available: Thursday, Oct. 1
  • BFA Day at Target: 8:30-10:30 a.m. AND 6-8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 1, SuperTarget in Town Center (1265 Sergeant Jon Stiles Dr., Highlands Ranch, 80129)
  • Daybreak with Dads: 7-8 a.m., Friday, Oct. 2, Gym
  • DCSD Night at Rapids: 5 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 4, Dick's Sporting Goods Park (6000 Victory Way, Commerce City, 80022)
  • Fall Little Buddies Reading Program Applications Due: Friday, Oct. 9, Highlands Ranch Library (9292 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Highlands Ranch, 80129)
  • No School: Friday, Oct. 9
  • Fall Break: Oct. 12-16
  • Fall Break BASE Camp: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m., Oct. 12-16, BFA
  • BFA Flu Vaccine Clinic: 2-3 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 20, Conference Room
  • Fall Little Buddies Reading Program: Oct. 26 - Dec. 8, Highlands Ranch Library (9292 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Highlands Ranch, 80129)
  • STACK UP! Competition: 4:15-5:15 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 12, Gym
  • BENefit Bash: Saturday, Nov. 14, Inverness Hotel and Conference Center
Upcoming Meetings
  • School Accountability Committee (SAC): 4 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 17, Conference Room
  • Grant Committee: 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.
  • Parent Teacher Organization (PTO): 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 21, Library
Middle School Sports
  • Girls' Volleyball:
    • 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 22, at North Star Academy
    • 4:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 24, vs. Aspen Academy at BFA
    • 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 29, vs. Southeast Christian at BFA
    • 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 6, at Aspen View Academy
    • 4:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 8, at SkyView Academy
    • 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 20, vs. Platte River Academy at BFA
    • 4:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 22, vs. North Star Academy at BFA
    • 9 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 24, Tournament at Sky View Academy (A Teams Only)
  • Boys' Soccer:
    • 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 22, at SkyView Academy
    • 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 29, at Aspen View Academy
    • 4:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 1, at North Star Academy
    • Tournaments start Monday, Oct. 5 (Semi-Finals are Wednesday, Oct. 7; Finals are Friday, Oct. 9)
  • Cross Country:
    • Littleton Runner's Roost Invitational, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 22, DeKoevend Park (6301 S. University Blvd., Centennial, 80121)
    • Dakota Ridge Invite, 4-6 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 30, Dakota Ridge High School (13399 W. Coal Mine Ave., Littleton, 80127)
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.