Weekly Update
A Message from Principal Simpson
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Dear Parents,
It was lovely seeing so many of you at conferences on Tuesday and we are looking forward to seeing more parents this evening. I am glad the weather was not as severe as some forecasters expected so we could still meet in person tonight. Please be respectful of others' time; if you need a longer conference, let the teacher know so they can schedule another meeting with you.
February's virtue is Purity: Be pure in thought and deed. White lies, a little gossip, and small, mean words are painful and say more about you than others. What you think about others is how you will treat them. Develop good thoughts and feelings towards all.
We encourage all of our students to be kind and thoughtful toward each other. As adults, we also need to be careful about how we speak about and to others. BFA’s administration, teachers and staff work here because we’re dedicated to providing students with the very best educational experience and are committed to preparing them for a bright future. We are one big team, and work much better when we all collaborate in a positive way to achieve our goals for these wonderful kids.
Thank you to all the parents who created encouragement cards on Tuesday night. We already have quite a stack that we’ll use to decorate next week, but we’d love to have everyone participate so there will be cards and markers out again tonight. Please take a minute to write a note of encouragement for our students and staff.
Also, thank you to all of the families who have contributed to the PTO’s direct giving campaign! There is still time to give if you haven't already—keep in mind, this will be the only large fundraiser this year and 100 percent of the donations come back to BFA.
I hope everyone has a safe and fun extended weekend!
Diana Simpson
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Beyond the research, lessons, and home links that the Second Step program provides, there are other resources which offer valuable ideas about how to incorporate Social Emotional learning into everyday life. Below are two websites with researched-based input from experts that you may find helpful. The main goal of any social-emotional learning tool that connects home and school lessons is to help parents turn everyday moments into opportunities for social-emotional growth and interaction. We hope you'll find these sites helpful:
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No School Tomorrow and Monday |
There is no school tomorrow, Feb. 18, as it is a teacher comp day, and there is no school on Monday, Feb 21, as it is Presidents Day. Enjoy the long weekend!
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Final Days to Submit Board Nomination |
Tomorrow is the final day to nominate yourself or someone you know to serve on the BFA Board of Directors. If you know someone who would have a positive and lasting impact on the future of BFA, click here to complete the nomination form before 11:59 p.m. MST tomorrow, Feb. 18.
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Battle of the Books Teams Victorious! |
We’re happy to report that both Battle of the Books teams won their competitions this week! Congratulations to the third/fourth grade team who won 51-40, and to the fifth/sixth grade team who won an exciting tiebreaker battle (they went five rounds!). Good luck to both teams who will participate in the playoffs next week. Pictured here is the third/fourth grade team.
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PTO Fundraiser and Online Auction |
Don’t wait! The direct-giving campaign and online auction CLOSE TOMORROW, Feb. 18! Make your donation online today! Once you make your donation, be sure to check out the online auction. Bid on items like reserved parking spaces, front row seats to the grade-level musicals, and reserved seats to eighth grade graduation. You also can purchase Pathway to Learning commemorative bricks.
The homeroom classes in which 80 percent of families donate in the direct-giving campaign will earn an extra Dress of Choice day! The suggested donation is $100 per student ($250 per family), but any amount is appreciated! If you’d prefer to make a donation with a check, you can make it out to ‘BFA PTO’ and drop it off in the red mail box in the main office.
Please contact Sage Felux, PTO fundraising coordinator with questions or for more information. Thank you for supporting BFA and making our school The Core Knowledge STEAM School of Choice!
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Town Hall Meeting Next Tuesday |
As part of the BFA Board nomination process, the Board invites parents to attend a Town Hall Meeting at 5 p.m. next Tuesday, Feb. 22, prior to the BFA Board meeting which begins at 5:30 p.m. The Town Hall is an opportunity for potential nominees and families to meet current Board members and hear about the current state of BFA.
This year’s Town Hall will focus on an overview of the differences between a neighborhood school and a charter school.
All families are encouraged to attend in person or via Zoom (the Zoom details will be on the Board agenda). And, as always, community members may provide an open comment, but the following guidelines apply:
- All Ben Franklin Academy (BFA) Board of Directors (Board) meetings are open to the public and are conducted in compliance with Colorado Open Meeting Requirements.
- The BFA Board works for the students, parents and patrons of BFA in promoting the vision and mission of the school. Community input that can help the Board meet the challenge of educating children to BFA’s high standards is always welcome. Thus, the Board welcomes comments from members of the public during the public comment time set aside on the agenda on any topic.
- The Board may choose to respond to public comments during this open forum but is not required to do so. The Board will only take action on items listed on the agenda. For other matters, the Board will receive comments only, and may, at its discretion, refer the matter or calendar the issue for future discussion.
- This is our opportunity to hear from students, parents and patrons for deliberation and discussion.
- Remarks will be limited to three minutes per person.
Open comments submitted through the online form before noon MST on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022 will be read at the Board meeting.
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ALL ITEMS in the Lost and Found will be donated after conferences this evening. Please visit the Lost and Found during conferences where members of National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) will be helping parents find items.
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Make Plans to See 'James and the Giant Peach' |
The middle school drama and tech students are preparing for the musical "James and the Giant Peach." They will perform at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 25, and Saturday, Feb. 26, on the BFA stage. If you've never been to a BFA musical--now is the time. All are welcome and tickets are FREE!
In the captivating musical, James is sent to live with his two terrible aunts, Spiker and Sponge. One day he meets a strange man, and they create a concoction that produces magical crocodile tongues. James soon finds himself in the center of a giant peach among human-sized insects with oversized personalities. The group faces hunger, disagreements and even sharks. As James travels in the peach, his new friends help him feel part of a family again.
Will James’ quick thinking save them all? Can they find their way home? “James and the Giant Peach” will take you on a great adventure with a bit of silliness, laughter and even sweetness. Below are several pictures offering a sneak peek--don’t miss this captivating musical!
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Register Now for Boys Volleyball Tryouts |
Attention middle school boys: Volleyball season is right around the corner!
Registration is now open through MySchoolBucks. There is no cost to register for tryouts, but you MUST register before 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 26. No exceptions.
BFA will have three boys teams this season with 10-12 players each; the season game schedule is listed on the BFA Boys volleyball website (it is subject to change). We are excited to have a full season this year!
Practices will be on Wednesdays plus either a before-school or after-school practice on Mondays. More information will be provided at tryouts.
TRYOUT SCHEDULE:
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Monday, Feb. 28, 4 -6 p.m. - 6th graders only
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Wednesday, March 2, 4 - 6 p.m. - 7th and 8th graders
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Friday, March 4, 4 - 5:30 p.m. - Callbacks by invitation only.
Tryouts will be held in the Thunder Gym. Participants must have a water bottle, and good court shoes.
Please contact them with any questions. Go Bolts!
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Schedule Released for Upcoming DI Tournament |
Come cheer on your BFA Destination Imagination (DI) team at the South Metro tournament on Saturday, Feb. 26, at American Academy (Lincoln Meadows Campus; 10260 Twenty Mile Road, Parker, 80134).
BFA’s middle school team – Calm and Collected Mother of a Cat Bottle – will be competing and demonstrating their problem solving skills in the Improv Challenge: Festival Frenzy at 11 a.m.
BFA’s DI team would enjoy your support and to see BFA faces in the audience rooting them to victory! Everyone is welcome.
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Please Help Spread Messages of Encouragement |
As mentioned last week, we're hoping to enlist your help to spread messages of kindness, encouragement and support for our BFA students. Tonight, at the final night of parent teacher conferences, you'll find bins of paper and markers and we hope you'll take a few minutes before, after, or in-between conferences to write an uplifting message for the BFA students and staff. These messages will be displayed on bulletin boards throughout the school in the weeks that follow.
We hope these inspirational and powerful messages will have a meaningful and positive effect within BFA. Thank you in advance for your special contribution.
"Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple
with no logical end."
- Scott Adams
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2022-23 Immunization Letters |
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment would like us to share the following letters with you regarding immunizations for next school year. These letters are important as they provide information about required vaccines, resources for low cost vaccines, and details about the exemption process.
Please contact our school nurse, Peggy Brown, or email our Health Assistant, Teri DeBellis, with any questions.
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Parent Satisfaction Survey |
The School Accountability Committee (SAC) would like your feedback about this school year. Please complete the Parent Satisfaction Survey (one response per family) expressing your thoughts and opinions before end-of-day on Friday, March 11. We genuinely value your feedback and hope to hear from every BFA family. The survey should take less than 15 minutes, so please make time to complete it today!
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Hope to See You at Muffins with Moms |
The Community Events Committee (CEC) is looking forward to hosting students and their moms (or other special adult) from 7 – 8 a.m. on Friday, March 4, in the BFA Lightning (small) gym.
Moms and their kids can enjoy time together over muffins, fruit, juice, and coffee. A small craft will also be available to create as a memento. Photo opportunities and games will be available in the Thunder (big) gym, once you are finished eating and creating your craft.
This is a popular event, so please arrive early and park in the upper lot so carpool is not disrupted. Moms should remain with their children until 7:45 a.m., after which students can head to their classroom. Please note, students should be in class by 8:10 a.m. A gluten free option will be available upon request.
Volunteers Needed!
The CEC needs volunteers to make this a great event. This is the perfect opportunity for dads to get some volunteer hours so our BFA moms (and committee members) can attend with their kiddos. Please see the SignUpGenius to help.
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NJHS Offers FREE Babysitting During Conferences |
National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) will offer FREE babysitting again this evening during conferences. Babysitting will be in the Maker Space room (go to the library; head west, then north down the first hallway to find the entrance to the Maker Space). Parents will need to sign their children in and leave a contact number in case of emergency. If a child needs a diaper change or is struggling in the babysitting room, NJHS members will call the parent and ask them come pick up their child.
Please note that children may not be dropped off in the Dana Library and left alone while parents are at conferences.
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We’re excited to offer our Spring Book Fair for one more evening! Please come shop today until 8 p.m. (fair closed from 3 – 4 p.m. for carpool).
Children may not be dropped off at Book Fair while parents attend their Parent Teacher conference, rather feel free to drop off your child with our wonderful NJHS students who will be providing child care.
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Modern Plate Spirit Night |
There’s one week left to try the Modern Plate dinner delivery service while benefitting BFA. Purchase your meals now through February 24 by visiting www.modernplate.com. Use the code 'BFA' at checkout in the coupon code box at the top of the screen. Modern Plate will track our orders and donate 10 percent back to BFA. Spread the word amongst your colleagues, neighbors, family and friends for our fundraiser to have a greater impact!
If you didn’t get to know them last fall, Modern Plate is a locally owned and operated, family-run company that makes meals and delivers them to your doorstep. They deliver fully cooked, heat and serve, family-style (serves 4) meals within the metro area. If you order by 10 a.m. on weekdays, you can get your meal delivered the same day! It's the perfect dinner solution for busy days. Meals range from $19.99 to $37.99. Sides, soups, appetizers, and desserts are available as well.
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UPDATED: Mountain Vista Speed Camp |
Seventh and eighth grade middle school students are invited to attend the Mountain Vista Football and Landow Performance ALL IN Speed and Strength Camp. The camp will be held from 4 - 5 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from March 1 – April 28. (Please note time change.) The cost is $275 - that’s ONLY $11 per session.
Register today as they need at least 25 participants to run the camp.
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Sign Up for Community Rewards! |
If you are a King Soopers or Amazon shopper, you can help earn money for BFA by signing up for King Soopers Community Rewards and Amazon Smile. Here's how!
To sign up for King Soopers Community Rewards:
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Sign in to your digital account at King Soopers Community Rewards. If you haven't already set up an account, set up your account and link your King Soopers card or phone number to your account.
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Click on Community Rewards, Enroll Now and search for Ben Franklin Parent Teacher Organization or enter our code XN773. Click Save.
- Next time you check out at King Sooper or City Market, scan your card (or enter your alternate ID), and BFA will get money back from your purchase.
This program adds up quickly, so please consider participating.
To sign up for Amazon Smile:
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Go to: smile.amazon.com, and click Get Started
- Enter ‘Ben Franklin Academy Parent-Teacher Organization’ in the search box, and select BFA PTO as the organization that you want to support
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Once you have signed up for Amazon Smile online, you can enable Amazon Smile through the Amazon app, by selecting Gifting and Charity from the menu in the lower right-hand corner, then Amazon Smile.
You can find out more information about the AmazonSmile program including how to link your Amazon account to BFA, click here.
Please email [email protected] with any questions. Thank you, again, for your support of BFA and the PTO!
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Mission:
Our mission is to create 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, the arts, 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 social emotional development, character, sports, and nature.
13 Virtues:
Temperance, Silence, Order, Resolution, Frugality, Industry, Sincerity, Justice, Moderation, Cleanliness, Tranquility, Purity and Humility.
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Ben Franklin Academy
2270 Plaza Drive
Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
www.bfacademy.org
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Main Office Phone: 720-383-4519
Attendance Phone: 720-432-9239
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