Zaccaria November 21

Report cards are a valuable tool for parents to see how their students are performing each trimester, offering insights into their progress and successes. They provide a clear snapshot of academic achievements and areas for growth. We encourage families to regularly check Gradelink, our grading system, to stay informed about their student(s)' progress throughout the term. Staying engaged helps ensure students have the support they need to thrive!

The first trimester report cards are ready to view in Gradelink. It is also a great time to familiarize yourself with our Grading Policy and Homework Policy so you can support your student(s). If you have questions about any of the grades,

As our academics are rigorous, we reward our Grade 6 - 8 students who make Principal's Honor Roll (greater than 4.24), High Honor Roll (3.81 to 4.24) and Honor Roll (3.5 to 3.8). This year, we are rewarding those students with an Honor Roll assembly tomorrow morning.

Have a wonderful break and we will see everyone in December!

Mr. Rick Zaccaria
Assistant Principal

Mr. Wood was born and raised in a suburb of Chicago and moved to Wisconsin in Second grade. His mom was a school teacher all her career and his dad retired as a Captain in the Navy after serving over 20 years. He lived in Wisconsin until two years ago after meeting the girl who he married this past September.

Mr. Wood currently lives in Morrison with his new bride and a handful of dogs including a rescue that they brought back from Mexico after their honeymoon in October. He has two brothers, one older and one younger. Both of them have two kids, a boy and a girl, who he has always enjoyed spending as much time with as possible when he was living close to them in Wisconsin.

Mr. Wood has visited quite a few National Parks and enjoys backpacking / hiking trips there. A few memorable ones were Mauna Loa in Hawaii, the Narrows in Zion National Park, and the Kalalau Trail in Kauai. Now that he lives in Colorado, he hopes to take on the challenge of completing more of the 14ers.

Click here to see his favorites.

Mrs. Atkins is a proud Kansas City native (go Chiefs!). This is her third year at Ben Franklin Academy, where she serves as the 5th-8th Learning Specialist. She works with her students for up to four years and enjoys seeing them excel academically and mature into confident learners.

Mrs. Atkins graduated from Colorado Christian University in 2022, where she ran cross country and track as an all-academic athlete in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. Her passion for working with children who face challenges has been with Mrs. Atkins from a young age, and it continues to inspire her every day in the classroom.

She married to her college sweetheart and has two dogs—a corgi and a husky—that keep her on her toes. Outside of teaching, Mrs. Atkins is also passionate about coaching. She currently coaches cross country and has previously coached boys' volleyball, which has given her the chance to mentor students both in sports and in life.

Click here to see her favorites.

Our Middle School Dance is moved to January 10. Details will come soon for registration and ticketing information.

Reading Little Women in 5th grade offers students a window into life during the 1800s while also exposing them to values, challenges, and traditions of a different era. Through the experiences of the March sisters, students explore themes like family, perseverance, and individuality, gaining a deeper understanding of history and how it relates to their own lives. This timeless story encourages both reflection and empathy as they journey through its pages.

As 5th graders read Little Women, they engage in thoughtful reflection on each chapter, exploring themes, exposition, and various literary terms. This deep dive into the text helps them develop critical thinking and analytical skills, laying a solid foundation for their final essay about the book. By connecting literary elements to the story, students gain a richer understanding of the novel and sharpen their writing abilities.

5th graders, Felicity Nisbet and Emma Hines, worked together on this special art drawing that was picked as one of the "Featured Artists" for Education.com's contest. Their art is mentioned under "Featured Artists". Way to go Felicity and Emma!

The 6th-grade class enjoyed an immersive Mediterranean Day filled with exciting themed activities. One station offered a culinary adventure, where students sampled new Mediterranean foods, broadening their palates and appreciation for the region's flavors. Another station showcased the students’ creativity, as they proudly presented projects inspired by the rich cultures of the Mediterranean. Adding a competitive edge, an Intellectual Olympics station challenged their minds with engaging games and puzzles. To complete the experience, students embraced the spirit of ancient Greece by dressing in traditional costumes, making the day both educational and memorable.

The 7th-grade class had an exciting and educational experience observing the life cycle of chickens. From carefully monitoring eggs in an incubator to witnessing the moment of hatching, students were captivated by the process of new life beginning. They learned about the stages of development and the care needed for the chicks, fostering a deeper understanding of biology and a sense of wonder for the natural world.

Once the chickens started to fly out of their enclosure, it was time for them to go to their forever home. The chickens went to a BFA Family who is raising them at their home.

On November 22, 2024 the 8th grade classes will be going on a field trip.

Parents must register in MySchoolBucks by November 22. There will be no cost for each student.

Students must be in Formal Uniform for this field trip. 8th Grades dress of choice has been moved to November 21.

In 8th-grade math, we embrace a hands-on approach to learning, making the subject both engaging and accessible. To further support our students, we bring in additional staff to assist in the classroom, providing personalized guidance as they tackle new concepts or revisit foundational ones. This collaborative environment ensures every student has the resources and support they need to build confidence and succeed in math.

In our middle school STEAM specials class, we are diving into the world of Lego Robotics, focusing on coding with EV3. Students are learning how to program their robots to move and complete specific tasks, combining creativity with technical skills. Through hands-on activities, they explore concepts like sequencing, loops, and sensor integration, gaining a deeper understanding of robotics and programming. It's an engaging way to develop problem-solving abilities and teamwork while having fun with technology.

Our 2nd trimester of electives is in full swing, offering a wide range of opportunities for growth and exploration. From honing artistic skills in sketching to diving into engaging books in reading, and staying active with exercise-focused options, these electives allow our middle school students to discover new passions and develop their talents. It’s an exciting time for learning and creativity!

Deputy Jensen leads the Y.E.S.S.(Youth Education and Safety) program, providing students with essential lessons on safety, decision-making, and personal responsibility. Through interactive discussions and activities, Deputy Jensen helps students understand the importance of making positive choices and staying safe in various situations. The program fosters a strong connection between law enforcement and youth, emphasizing trust, respect, and community engagement. By equipping students with the tools they need to navigate challenges, the Y.E.S.S. program plays a vital role in promoting a safe and supportive school environment.

Wednesday 12/11: Concert

• calltime is 5:40 p.m., students go to music room
• dress in formal uniform with optional holiday accessories
  
• concert starts at 6:00 p.m.
• looking for help with setup and clean up

The beginning and intermediate band will also play at this concert. Please stay for their hard work too!

Tuesday 12/17: No Choir Practice

Wednesday 12/18: After School Choir field trip

• Please sign the permission slip on MSB before 12/18
  
• dress in formal uniform with optional holiday accessories

Each year, our Middle School proudly presents a musical, and this year’s production will be Mary Poppins! Two electives—acting and design—work together to bring the show to life. The acting elective focuses on rehearsing songs, perfecting choreography, and developing stage presence, while the design elective handles the technical aspects, including set construction, lighting, and costume design. This collaborative effort allows students to showcase their talents both on stage and behind the scenes, making the production a truly magical experience.

This is free for all our families. There will be 2 shows on February 28 and March 1.

This weekend marked an exciting milestone for BFA as our First LEGO League team competed for the first time in several years—and they didn’t disappoint! Facing tall challenges and navigating a competitive coding environment, our team rose to the occasion and surpassed their personal goals. Their hard work, determination, and teamwork were truly inspiring, setting a strong foundation for future competitions.

Did you know that all our sports games are on our Event Calendar? Check it out and Come Support our Teams!

Parents-when you are attending functions after school, as a courtesy, please do not park in the 6 clearly marked parking spots for the BASE parents during the hours of 4pm-6pm.

November's Virtues are...

Sincerity – Be kind. Say kind words and treat others as you want to be treated. Encourage each other to succeed.

Tranquility – Keep yourself from reacting poorly to others. People are not perfect and the world is not fair. Learn to deal with both despite imperfections. Be patient.