Zaccaria April 2026

Why CMAS Is Important & How Parents Can Help Students Prepare

The Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) is an important part of your child’s education in Colorado. While it’s just one measure of learning, it provides valuable insight for students, families, and schools.

Why does CMAS matter?

CMAS helps:

• Measure student progress in subjects like reading, writing, math, and science
• Guide instruction so teachers know where students need support or enrichment
• Provide school and district data to improve programs and resources
• Build important skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and perseverance

It’s not about perfection—it’s about showing what students know and how they think.

How Parents Can Help Students Prepare

You play a big role in helping your child feel confident and ready:

1. Encourage a Positive Mindset: Talk about CMAS as an opportunity to show learning. Confidence goes a long way.
2. Prioritize Rest & Nutrition: Ensure your child gets a good night’s sleep and eats a healthy breakfast each day of testing.
3. Keep Routines Consistent: Maintain regular schedules for bedtime, homework, and screen time to help students feel secure and focused.
4. Practice Basic Skills: Reading daily, practicing math facts, and writing regularly can build confidence and stamina.
5. Be On Time & Present: Attendance during testing days is crucial. Arriving on time helps students feel calm and prepared.
6. Reduce Stress: Avoid overemphasizing the test. Encourage effort and remind your child that doing their best is what matters most.

CMAS is one way we partner together to support student growth. With encouragement at home and support at school, students can approach testing with confidence and success.

Rick Zaccaria

We are excited to announce that the 2026 Ben Franklin Science Fair is going to be held from May 4th to May 6th, with a parent viewing night on May 5th from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. For parents of 3rd and 5th graders, please put on your calendars. The event will be held in the Lightning (small) gym. The 3rd and 5th graders will begin talking about their projects in their classrooms starting in March and April.

If you would like to come to view all of our student’s hard work, please fill out your information on the viewing volunteer signup genius link (click here). If any parents are interested in helping us judge students' science fair presentations, please complete the form on the judging signup genius link (click here). We only ask that you refrain from signing up to judge your child’s grade.

More information will be sent out closer to the event date, including Science Fair project expectations, viewing, and judging logistics. If you have any other questions, please refer to the BFA Science Fair Handbook linked on the BFA Science Lab webpage.

The Greatest Talent Show is coming for 6th–8th graders, and we can’t wait to see our students shine! Sign up MySchoolBucks by April 22 at 3:00 p.m., and audition dates will be emailed to those who register.

Each individual student must register, even if they are performing in a group.

Neon Nights

April 17

7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Ben Franklin Academy

Enter through the main doors

(Doors Open at 6:45 p.m.)

Please read the Dance Guidelines, Dress Code, and more on our Middle School Dance webpage. Parents must register their student(s) at MySchoolBucks by April 16 at 3:00 p.m.

We are looking forward to a great month in Middle School. Our monthly assembly will be on April 15 and will honor our monthly SuperStar and more.

Please note that if you plan to pick up your student early that day, do so by 2:30 p.m.

Throughout the year, we use this section to celebrate classroom or grade achievements, post a snapshot of what each grade level is doing and post important information to help each parent.

You can use the Table of Contents on the left side of your screen to quickly navigate to information that is important to you (on desktop version only).

Our 5th graders had a fantastic time at Ameritowne, stepping into real-world roles and running their own mini city. From managing businesses to making important decisions, students had fun while building teamwork, leadership, and financial skills!

Our 6th graders explored LEGO Engineering, where they are designing and building creative structures and machines. Students had a great time collaborating, problem-solving, and bringing their ideas to life through hands-on challenges.

Our 7th graders created their own speakeasy where our students learned the history behind its significance in American History. They even tried to "bribe" Officer Mauro to enter.

Our 8th graders are studying the events of September 11 attacks and examining the lasting impact they had on the United States. Through thoughtful discussions and analysis, students are gaining a deeper understanding of how this moment shaped our nation’s history.

As our 8th Graders look towards their next chapter in their academics, we would love to celebrate where they have decided to go to high school. Please send us an email or DM through Instagram with the following information.

1. YOUR FULL NAME AND RECENT PICTURE OF YOU.
2. HIGH SCHOOL DECISION
3. ANY SPORTS OR ACTIVITIES THEY WILL PARTICIPATE IN

Deadline is April 30 and we will post on Instagram throughout May.

This is completely optional for our parents. Submissions must be made by parents only.

May 19: 8th Grade Dinner - Students Only 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the middle school commons.

May 21: 8th Grade Clap Out - 1:30 p.m. Front of School.

May 21: 8th Grade Graduation - 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Upper Parking Lot

Middle school students are learning the game of chess, building strategic thinking, patience, and problem-solving skills while having fun challenging their classmates.