Zaccaria Oct 24

BFA Middle School electives offer an opportunity for students to explore different interests beyond our core subjects. From creative arts like painting and theater to tech-focused classes such as coding and robotics, these electives encourage self-expression and skill development. We offer a diverse range of choices not only enriches their education but also helps them discover new passions and talents, fostering a sense of community and collaboration among peers.

This past trimester, we added 2 new electives.

Many of our students requested to take a foreign language which we now offer 3 trimester elective for Spanish. Our students embarked on a year long journey into the Spanish language and culture. Through interactive activities like games, songs, and conversations, they are developing essential vocabulary and grammar skills while building confidence in speaking. This year, we opened it up to 6th and 7th grade only.

READ for Success was piloted to a select few students. It was created to enhance the fluency and accuracy when reading plus it has increased students comprehension and recall. The elective has such a positive outcome that it will be offered to all students for our 2nd trimester.

We continue to offer a wide variety of electives for our 2nd Trimester. Each student will select only one A Day and one B Day elective. (If your student is signed up for Middle School Musical, please only select one additional elective on the opposite elective day.)

This trimester's elective's catalog is full of amazing classes. Some electives are selected faster than others, so please have a few back ups to make the process easier when going into MySchool Bucks. If the elective is not listed, this means it is full. Once you chose an elective, students will not be allow to change.

Dates for Electives Opening in MySchoolBucks

Nov. 4 - 8th Grade

Nov. 5 - 7th Grade

Nov. 6 - 6th Grade

Mr. Rick Zaccaria

5 - 8 Assistant Principal

Ms. Nikki, as everyone calls her, has been at BFA since the very beginning. From her stylish outfits to her contagious smile, she brightens our day. She loves being a part of the community. During the day, she is always seen going from classroom to recess to help our teachers and students. She is the first to step in to help and the last one to leave when someone is needed.

Ms. Nikki couldn't be prouder that both her daughters, who attended Ben Franklin Academy and have returned to also work here. Her oldest, Emma, is a senior at CSU. Her daughter, Elyse, was the first class to start in Kindergarten and graduate in 8th grade. Elyse is currently our Kindergarten Instructional Aide and BASE summer and school program, and will be heading to Grand Canyon University in December. Along with her daughters, Nikki has worked BASE Summer Camp and BASE throughout the school year. This has brought her much joy and happiness.

Click here to see her favorites.

Save the date for our Starry Sky Evening. This dance is for Grades 6 - 8.

November 9, 2024

6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

More details to come.

The Civil War Re-enactment was incredible. The weather was ideal, the location was scenic and the students was fabulous. This hands-on experience allowed our students to explore the complexities of the Civil War, including its causes, key events, and impact on society. By embodying historical figures and scenarios, students gained a deeper understanding of the struggles and sacrifices made during this pivotal time in American history. The reenactment fostered teamwork, creativity, and critical thinking, encouraged students to analyze different perspectives and appreciate the importance of empathy in historical narratives. Ultimately, this immersive approach made learning more impactful and helps solidify their knowledge of the past.

Science

In 6th grade, students embark on an exciting journey to explore the Earth's layers through imaginative 3D models. Armed with different elements, they were challenged to transform everyday items into a geological wonderland, layering different materials to represent the crust, mantle, outer core, and inner core. Some use papier-mâché to craft vibrant, textured models, while others opted to create a wobbly, translucent version of the Earth, showcasing how the layers interact. As they presented their models, the classroom buzzed with curiosity, sparking discussions about how these layers shape our planet and its phenomena.

In Social Studies, sixth grade students did a Julius Caesar escape room. They had to work with a partner using Julius Caesar facts to get a secret code to "escape"

Language Arts

In 7th grade, students are diving into the world of poetry, exploring its vibrant forms and expressive power. They doing a poetry study on "The Cremation of Sam McGee" by Robert Service. Through creative writing exercises, they experiment with their own voices, crafting poems that reflect their experiences and perspectives. This exploration not only enhances their understanding of literary techniques but also encourages self-expression and critical thinking, fostering a deeper appreciation for the art of words.

Science

We have hatched 3 chickens! In 7th grade, students embark on an exciting journey as they learn to incubate and hatch chickens, combining science with hands-on experience. They start by understanding the biological processes of reproduction and development, studying the needs of eggs, such as temperature and humidity. As they carefully monitor the incubator, anticipation builds, and they observe the changes in the eggs over time. This practical project fosters teamwork and responsibility, as students take turns checking on the eggs and documenting their progress. When the chicks finally begin to hatch, the classroom buzzes with excitement, and students gain a deeper appreciation for life cycles and the delicate balance of nature.

We know this isn't the best video but watch as the chicken hatches.

Growing Beyond Earth (GBE) is a science program developed in collaboration with NASA and Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Florida to research growing plants in space. Middle and high school students, including those from Ben Franklin Academy, will conduct experiments that mimic space conditions, collecting data on plant growth. The program supports NASA's goals of feeding astronauts on long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars, and the data collected contributes to improving food production technologies in space and on Earth. Ben Franklin Academy's research team will participate in two 49-day grow-outs. The first will occur before Thanksgiving, using three radish cultivars; Hybrid Round Radish, Round Radish, and Specialty Radish. After winter break, students will design their own variable for the second grow-out, contributing further to NASA's research. GBE fosters STEM education by involving students in real-world scientific research and has grown to include over 500 schools in 48 states and 10 countries since 2015.

In our budget simulation activity, students were given a set budget to work with and tasked with making financial decisions, such as renting or purchasing a house. They must research real estate listings, calculate expenses, and manage their budget, ensuring they don't overspend. The activity helps students practice math skills like addition and subtraction, while also introducing real-world concepts of budgeting, financial planning, and decision-making. This hands-on learning approach made abstract math more relatable and practical.

Both our Girls and Boys A Team Cross Country have done amazing this past year. From winning various Invitations to earning bids to the State Championship, this team has rocked it. This Saturday, the team will compete in State at Fehringer Ranch Park in Denver.

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.

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

October's Virtue is...

Humility – Be mindful of others before yourself. Treat them as you want to be treated. Think about how you can help others before being asked. Let others speak when it is their turn.