Friday, February 15, 2013

From our Executive Assistant.....


Dear Parents,
We understand that many of you could not attend the informational meeting that was held on Tuesday night regarding our new junior high/high school that will be opening in the fall.  We would like to take this opportunity to provide a few highlights from this meeting in order to keep parents up to date and well-informed. 
Ø  Location
o   The school will be located on 20 acres at the northwest intersection of Rittenhouse and Germann.
Ø  Principal
o   Mark McAfee, current principal at the BFCS Crismon Campus will be the principal.
Ø  Curriculum
o   BFHS will provide a college-preparatory curriculum.  Our goal to prepare all of our students to attend a four-year university. 
o   We also understand that some students may be interested in some vocational training such as it taught at EVIT, though vocational training is not our primary focus.  We will work hard to accommodate students at all levels and interests.
o   There will be Honors, AP and dual credit opportunities.
o   BFHS plans to provide the academic rigor that has become our hallmark in a safe, family-friendly environment. 
o   BFHS will immediately begin the two year accreditation process.
Ø  Policies
o   A shuttle for junior high and high school students will run from the Crismon Campus to the high school, similar to how it currently operates.
o   There MAY be a shuttle for junior high and high school students from the Gilbert Campus, if the demand warrants.
o   This will be a “bring your own technology” campus.  Students may bring e-readers, iPads, laptops, etc. to enhance their learning experience.  The school will not tolerate students viewing or using inappropriate content.
o   Students will be able to wear shorts that reach their knees.  The dress code will stress modesty.
o   We will be forming an Advisory Board made up of teachers, parents and administrators in order to help:
-solicit information, ideas and advice
-make decisions regarding curriculum
-formation and implementation of policies
o   We will be forming a Student Advisory Committee made up of 8th grade students that plan on attending the high school in order to
                              -Solicit input and feedback from a student perspective
Ø  Extra-Curricular
o   BFHS will offer the opportunity to participate in after-school clubs.  The specific clubs that will be offered will be driven by students’ interest and input.
o   As a part of the campus, BFHS will have an 8,000 square foot gymnasium and outdoor ball fields are planned.  We will compete in the Charter School Athletic Conference with the possible goal of joining the AIA in the future.
o   We are working with the local LDS church in order set up seminary classes for students that are interested.

Please be on the lookout for more updates as the Advisory Board gets started on their tasks.  (If you are interested in serving on the advisory board, please email your contact information to hs@bfcsmail.com with the words “Advisory Board” in the subject line and, in the body of the email, include your full contact information along with the name of your children and the grade level they will be entering during the upcoming school year.
Please understand that these are only highlights from this very informative meeting.  If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to call 480-558-1197, which is the phone line dedicated for just such calls or send an email hs@bfcsmail.com.
Sincerely,

Tricia Groe
Benjamin Franklin Charter School
Executive Assistant