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| Vol. 8, Iss. 11 |
March 29, 2018
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BFA BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION BEGINS TOMORROW
Following is a message from Bryan Molen, secretary, BFA Board of Directors..
The Ben Franklin Academy (BFA) community is seeking leaders, who are passionate about, and committed to, BFA's mission and vision to serve on the seven-director BFA Board of Directors (Board). In the next two weeks, our community will elect one (1) director and the Board will appoint one (1) director in accordance with the Board of Directors Election Policy. Each seat is for a 3-year term.
We are fortunate this year to have three very qualified BFA community stakeholders that have accepted a nomination. Information on each candidate is now available on the BFA website. Please take the time to read about each one.
Voting by the Parent Voting Group for the one (1) open, elected seat will take place electronically beginning tomorrow, March 30, and continuing through Monday, April 9. Each family within the Parent Voting Group can vote for one candidate for the available elected seat. Results of the election will be announced, and the appointment by the Board will made, on Tuesday, April 17, at the regularly scheduled Board meeting. All Board nominees are encouraged to be present at the meeting for the results of both (1) the election and (2) the appointment.
Your involvement in our school is the key to our continued success.
Please take the time to review the qualifications of each candidate and actively participate in the selection of our Board.
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DCSD SUPERINTENDENT FINALIST FORUM
There is a DCSD superintendent finalist community forum at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 3, at Chaparral High School (15655 Brookstone Dr., Parker). The forum is designed so stakeholders can meet the superintendent finalists. Audience members will have the opportunity to submit questions. If you can't go in person, you may also view the forum via
livestream.
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PLEASE CONSIDER VOLUNTEERING FOR BFA'S SCIENCE FAIR
Spring means elementary SCIENCE FAIR, and we need you! Take advantage of this great opportunity to participate in the Elementary Science Fair. You don't need science experience or a science background to help. This fair is non-competitive, so it is really about getting kids excited about experimenting, igniting their passion for science and celebrating our students' hard work.
Sign up here to be a part of the team that talks to our elementary students about their amazing projects and shows support for their efforts to demonstrate the scientific method.
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It's time for one of our favorite BFA traditions--Morning with Moms! BFA's Community Events Committee (CEC) is honored to host students and their moms from 7-8 a.m. on Wednesday, April 4, in the Lightning Gym for coffee, juice and sweet treats.
This event is popular, so please arrive early and park in the overflow lot as not to disrupt carpool. Class will begin at the usual time (kids should be in class at 8:10 a.m.), but moms must remain with their children in the gym until 7:45 a.m.
Gluten free items will be available.
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BFA STUDENTS RAISED MORE THAN $3,000 TO FIGHT CHILDHOOD CANCER
On Friday, March 16, the students of Team KCA for Trey shaved their heads in unity with, and in honor of, former BFA student Trey Sieradski and all other children fighting childhood cancers.
More than 10 BFA students in grades second through eighth participated, and they collectively raised over $3,000 for the St. Baldrick's Foundation.
At the event, many students, families, and even strangers
showed their support for the Sieradski family, other children and families battling cancer, as well as those of us shaving our heads.
THANK YOU BFA community for joining the team at the shaving, by generously donating, and by spreading awareness. Together, we will beat childhood cancer!
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THE PTO NEEDS YOU!
APPLICATION DEADLINE IS NEXT MONDAY
Are you interested in helping BFA while connecting with other parents who are passionate about our school? If so, they hope you'll consider becoming a member of the PTO team!
When you join the PTO, you make a real, meaningful difference at BFA and build lasting friendships with other BFA parents.
The PTO is an integral part of Ben Franklin Academy. Since it began serving BFA, the PTO has raised funds to provide all sorts of items needed by the school, including playground equipment, library books, a climbing wall as well as tools and resources needed by the teachers, staff and administration. They also organize social events to bring together the entire BFA community.
This year, there are several
Officer and Committee Chair positions up for election by the school community, and many Committee Manager positions that are selected by the PTO Board.
If you are interested in becoming a PTO Executive Officer, Committee Chair, or Committee Manager, please submit the following information to the PTO co-secretaries by April 2, 2018. (For all elected positions, the information provided will be posted on the election ballot.)
- Your Name
- Number of children enrolled at BFA
- Grade of each child
- How long your family has been at BFA
- How many PTO Meetings you have attended in 2018-19
- Why are you interested serving on the BFA PTO?
- Why do you think you would be a good fit for this position?
- Is there any other information you would like to share?
With approximately 30 open positions, there's a role for most all skill-sets! Please see the
recent news article for a list of open positions, visit the PTO page on the BFA website and look under 'important forms' to view a description of each, or
contact
Mollie Anderson, PTO president.
Please note, if you are elected for multiple officer/committee manager positions, you may only serve in one position.
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MIDDLE SCHOOL SPANISH FESTIVAL APRIL 13
Come enjoy a night filled with Spanish culture at BFA's annual Spanish Festival! Middle school students and their parents should plan on attending this fun night filled with great food sold by Casa Caliente, as well as singing and dancing from our middle school Spanish students.
The festival will be held from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 13, in the Lightning and Thunder Gyms. Attendance is free-just bring cash/credit card to purchase dinner from Casa Caliente restaurant.
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5:30-7:30 p.m.
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Lightning Gym
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Casa Caliente offering Mexican food for sale
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6 - 6:30 p.m.
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Thunder Gym
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Sixth Grade Performance
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6:30 - 7 p.m.
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Lightning Gym
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Sixth Grade Pinata Party
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6:30 - 7 p.m.
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Thunder Gym
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Zumba Dancing Party (open to everyone)
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7 - 7:30 p.m.
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Thunder Gym
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Seventh and Eighth Grade Performance
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We hope to see you there! And, if you still need volunteer hours, Sra. Connell needs help with set up and take down. Please email her if you can be of assistance or if you have any questions.
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SCRIP PROGRAM USED FOR END OF YEAR GIFTS
The BFA community will be using the SCRIP gift-giving program again this spring to gift our incredible teachers and staff. SCRIP streamlines the gifting process by allowing each family to consolidate all their gifts by sending in just one order form and payment. Order forms are coming home in today's Thursday folders but can also be found HERE or on the PTO webpage under 'Important Forms.' (There was a minor correction to the form sent home today, so feel free to download and use this form.)
If you would like to participate in the SCRIP gift-giving program, please complete the order form and return it along with your payment to the red lockbox in the front office. OR, you may turn it in to one of the PTO collection volunteers during afternoon carpool on April 3, 4, and 6. All order forms and payments must be received by Friday, April 6. The gift cards will be distributed to staff on May 11, the last day of Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week.
BFA receives fundraising dollars from SCRIP in the form of a rebate, ranging from 2-21percent per gift card. This rebate is a result of buying the gift cards in bulk and does not affect the staff gifts.
The SCRIP gift-giving program replaces any other class gift/collection. Room parents will not be collecting money for class gifts nor will they be collecting SCRIP order forms. Participation is voluntary and you are still welcome to gift staff members outside of the SCRIP program.
The PTO hopes you'll remember all those staff members who go the extra mile and help make our school such a wonderful community. Every dollar donation adds up.
If you have questions, please email the SCRIP Coordinator.
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STEM AFTER SCHOOL CLUB BACK FOR SPRING
Third and Fourth graders...if you love science and you enjoy building, experimenting and engineering, then STEM club is the place for you! The spring session is right around the corner. We'll be exploring wind, water and solar energy through engineering and building a waterwheel, testing a wind turbine and creating a solar oven.
We will meet on Mondays from 4-5 p.m. in the Sanders Science Lab, beginning Monday, April 9, through Monday, May 7. The cost is
$75 for five sessions.
Email
Mrs. Lewicki for more information. Registration will open soon under After School Clubs/Activities.
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BFA DI TEAMS WILL PARTICIPATE IN STATE TOURNEY
Congratulations again to the Destination Imagination (DI) teams who competed in the South Metro Tournament earlier this month.
Save the date to watch FIVE of our teams -
Awesome is Our Middle Name, BFA BEASTs, Colorful Creative Kangaroos, Fire Breathing Rubber Duckies and Magnificent Mangoes - participate in the
State DI Tournament on Saturday, April 7, at
Auraria Higher Education Center in Denver
. We will share finalized competition times in next week's newsletter.
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REMINDERS FROM THE REGISTRAR
If you do not plan to re-enroll at BFA for the 2018-19 school year, it's time to notify us in writing by sending an
email to
Rachelle Patterson
, registrar. It's helpful to know who may be leaving for planning purposes, and parent/guardian confirmation is required before student records are forwarded to a new school.
If you have
recently moved, please bring your proof of residency to change your address in the system or
email it to the registrar. One of the following will be required:
- Lease Agreement
- Purchase Agreement
- Tax Notice
- Warranty Deed
- Deed of Trust
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DCSD Community Day with the Colorado Rapids
Saturday, April 14 at 1 p.m.
Alternate game:
Sun. Apr 29th at 2 pm vs. Orlando City SC
DCSD Community Days at Elitch Gardens
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 1 - 3
(Regular Admission is $54.99)
SPECIAL OFFER:
Purchase your ticket by May 31, 2018 and receive a FREE RETURN TICKET to the park.
DCSD Appreciation Day with the Colorado Rockies vs. Arizona
Diamondbacks
Saturday, June 9 at 5:15 pm
Use promo code DCSD
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Parent University: How Do I Know If My Child has an Eating Disorder?
April 11, 6 - 7:30 p.m., SkyRidge Medical Center
Dr. Jennifer McBride will equip parents and children to know the early warning signs and symptoms in order to address the underlying causes of this disease.
No cost to attend. Reserve your spot.
Screenagers: Growing Up in the Digital Age
April 17, 7 p.m., Chaparral High School
Are you watching kids scroll through life with their rapid-fire thumbs and a six-second attention span? Physician and filmmaker Delaney Ruston saw that with her own kids and learned that the average kid spends 6.5 hours a day looking at screens. She wondered about the impact of all this time and about the friction occurring in homes and schools around negotiating screen time-friction she knew all too well. SCREENAGERS explores the struggles over social media, video games, academics and internet addiction.
This film is appropriate for students grades 6 and up.
Tickets are $5. Click here to purchase.
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The PTO's online store is now open
through April 15. What does that mean to you? This is your chance to get that coveted T-shirt, hoodie, or other spirit wear items before the school year ends. Please visit the
store to check out all the terrific items for sale. If you have any questions, please
email
Rachel Molieri, PTO spirit wear coordinator.
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EARN MONEY FOR BFA WHILE YOU SHOP
Did you know you can earn money for BFA each time you shop at King Soopers and Safeway? Buy groceries, gasoline at fuel centers, lottery tickets and postage stamps while helping BFA at the same time! (Safeway gift cards also can be used at Albertson's locations.)
How?
Simply
order a dedicated BFA King Soopers and/or Safeway gift card from the BFA Store, and use it to buy your groceries. Then, re-load your King Soopers or Safeway gift card at Customer Service or at the register before you scan your first item.
Online shoppers can use grocery cards too! Shoppers using Safeway's online service can make purchases with their Safeway grocery card, while King Soopers online shoppers can pay using their grocery card when they pick up their order.
Ordering your King Soopers and Safeway cards is easy!
Just go to the
BFA Store, click on 'Grocery Cards' and order yours today. The cards are pre-loaded with $5. When ordering, be sure to include your FIRST/LAST NAME and FULL MAILING ADDRESS. Your King Soopers/ Safeway card(s) will be mailed directly to the address provided. Once the order is received, please allow five business days for processing.
Need a new card?
If it's been a while since you used your card, and it's been left with a zero balance, your card will expire! Please
order a new card through the store, as the zero balance card will no longer give rebates back to BFA.
The King Soopers and Safeway fundraising programs donate five percent of your purchases back to the school. BFA raised more than $5,500 through this program last year!
For more information or questions,
email
Rachel Molieri, PTO spirit wear and grocery card coordinator.
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COUPON BOOKS ON SALE AND GOOD THROUGH AUGUST
Buy yourself something the entire family will enjoy--a coupon book containing discounts for some of our favorite places, including:
Pierre Michele French Bakery, Indulge, Mici's, Cuba Cuba, Cold Stone, Honey Baked Ham, Gigi's, Timbuk Toys, Arts on Fire, Pirates Cove, Dart Warz and Junglequest.
Coupon books are only $35 each and is a gift that you or a loved one can use all year! The paper coupons can be used once, and with the app, you get the discount AGAIN with duplicate coupons. Also, this year your purchase includes a small card good for multiple uses at five businesses.
To purchase,
email
Erin Fierro, D.C. Fundraising Committee Manager.
Hurry and get these valuable coupon books today before they're all gone!
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WANT YOUR KIDDO TO HAVE THE BEST BIRTHDAY EVER?
Send them a Birthday Bag!
Celebrating birthdays at BFA just got more fun! Order your child a Birthday Bag for just $10, and s/he will receive:
- A bag full of goodies such as erasers, pencils, bouncy balls, etc. (no food or candy will be in the bags);
- A birthday certificate good for a free bake sale item at the next bake sale;
- A personalized note from you, if requested; and
- A 'Happy Birthday' serenade by the eighth graders who deliver the bag to your student's classroom.
Did your child already celebrate their birthday or do they have a summer birthday?
We also will deliver "Un-birthday Bags" for students who have already celebrated their birthday, and "Half-birthday Bags" for summer birthdays.
You can purchase Birthday Bags online through the BFA Store.
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Join the School Advisory Committee (SAC) at their monthly meeting from
4:10 - 5:10 p.m. today, March 29, in the BFA Conference Room.
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All BFA dads are welcome to attend the Ben's Brigade meeting this evening from
8 - 9 p.m. at the Target Starbucks (
1265 Sergeant Jon Stiles Dr).
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COMMUNITY EVENTS COMMITTEE MEETING
BFA's Community Events Committee (CEC) is meeting from
6 - 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 3, in the Dana Library. They do so much for our community--feel to attend their meeting and learn more about their organization.
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Wednesday, April 4, is a Formal Uniform Day so students should wear their navy polo with the BFA logo and tan pants, shorts, skirt or a skort.
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BFA's Community Events Committee (CEC) is honored to host students and their moms from 7-8 a.m. on Wednesday, April 4, in the Lightning Gym for coffee, juice and sweet treats.
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SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATH COMMITTEE MEETING
A few weeks ago, we highlighted all the wonderful things this group does to promote STEM at BFA. Come to their meeting to learn more and see how you can get involved. They meet from
5:30 - 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 4, in the Sanders Science Lab.
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THIRD GRADE MUSICAL, 'IT'S A HIT!'
A new girl in town has joined the boys baseball team. No problem. But wait! She wants to be the pitcher? That has never been done before! Come see how it all turns out at the third grade performance beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 4, on the Performance Stage in the Thunder Gym.
Let your little star know how special they are with a candy gram for only two dollars ($2) each; then add your personal greeting to make it even more meaningful! Candy Grams now will be available at the concession table before performances. Save yourself some time by preordering your Candy Gram at least two days prior to the performance, then pick them up and pay for them at the concession table. Let's recognize our performers for all their practicing and hard work. Proceeds benefit the Disneyland Choir Fundraising team.
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Friday, April 6, is Spirit Day. Students can wear their spirit wear T-shirts, a field day T-shirt from a prior year, or a BFA Fun Run T-shirt with their regular uniform bottoms.
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We're excited to offer Junior Achievement for K-5 students again this year. On Friday, April 6, trained volunteers will teach lessons and offer hands-on activities to help students understand business and economics concepts.
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Ben Franklin Academy
2270 Plaza Drive
Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 |
Fax: (303) 974-1738
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Our mission is to create young adults with character like America's founding Renaissance man, Benjamin Franklin: well-read, scientifically curious, and civically engaged.
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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.
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Temperance, Silence, Order, Resolution, Frugality, Industry, Sincerity, Justice, Moderation, Cleanliness, Tranquility, Purity and Humility.
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