Banning Lewis Academy Newsletter
Information for Kindergarten-12th Grade (September 17, 2021)
What's Happening at BLA!
Elementary School: We had a great week of learning at the Ranch. It is so much fun watching the students learn and grow both academically and social-emotionally each day. We hope you and your families can enjoy a little extra family time this weekend with our e-learning day this Friday. Please check your child’s Schoology page for their e-learning work.
The weather is changing so please remember to send you children with layers for the ever-changing Colorado weather in the coming weeks.
We are in need of crossing guards, lunch aides, and instructional aides. Please reach out if you are interested in becoming a member of our AMAZING team!
Our BLA (K-12) administrative teams are working together to create a cohesive plan for alternate release days. We want to thank you for your patience as we work together to find the best way to approach these unfortunate weather scares that happen during dismissal. A comprehensive plan will be shared with the community next week.
I have really enjoyed getting to know you and your families these past couple of weeks and am looking forward future opportunities to continue to build relationships. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you need support, have questions, or simply want to get to know me better (cprosch@blracademy.org)
Prep-MS/ HS: Homecoming Week will be here soon!
Monday September 27th - Saturday October 2nd.
The theme this year is the 80's!
Activities for the week:
Please Note: Only High School students may participate in Spirit Week – Monday – Thursday – Middle School can participate on FRIDAY ONLY
Monday - September 27th = High School Only - Colors Day - wear your favorite color(s)
Tuesday - September 28th = High School Only - Pop Culture Day - dress as your favorite TV, movie, or music personality
Wednesday - September 29th = High School Only - Athlete vs. Nerd Day - dress as an athlete or as a nerd
Thursday - September 30th = High School Only - 80's Day - dress like the 1980's
Friday - October 1st = Middle School and High School - Stallion Spirit Day - wear school colors
Parents - the Homecoming Dance will be on Saturday, October 2nd from 7:00pm - 10:00pm in the Gym. Tickets are $15.00 per individual and $25.00 per couple. You can purchase tickets and find out more information about the dance by clicking on this link: BLPA Homecoming 2021 Tickets, Sat, Oct 2, 2021 at 7:00 PM | Eventbrite
Letter From a Leader: Mr. Jim West, HS Assistant Principal and Athletic Director
As we begin a brand-new school year, I am looking forward to carrying last year’s momentum to this year. I am excited to work with new teachers, coaches, and students, in helping BLPA become an academic, and athletic, powerhouse! This year has already brought new traditions and celebrations! It is exciting to see students coming together again and bringing back a “normalcy” to their school experiences.
I am a firm believer that role modeling, confidence building, and sportsmanship are three of the most important pillars of an athletic program. These characteristics are the centerpiece of a successful program, and our athletes and coaches continue to impress! We continue to receive compliments from our opponents’ fans, coaches, administrators, and athletes. We want to do things the “right way,” to “do what’s right,” and with this approach we will achieve success.
Please find a way to get involved in a positive manner at BLPA whether it’s attending events, cheering for our Stallions, or joining our Booster Club! Involvement will breed a positive culture and allow for positive experiences. I look forward to seeing you at the court, field, or anywhere in-between!
Mr. Jim West joined Banning Lewis Preparatory Academy in 2020 as Assistant Principal and Athletic Director with over 20 years of experience as a college and high school football and track and field coach, strength and conditioning teacher, and dean of students. Mr. West was the 2015 Colorado Springs Gazette Track and Field Coach of the Year and won a collegiate football national championship (back in the day). Mr. West holds a bachelor’s degree in business and economics from Western Oregon University and a master’s degree in sports administration from Central Washington University. He received his Principal Certification through City University in Seattle, WA.
Chocolate Milk in the Lunchroom
This message was sent to District 49 Nutrition Services regarding milk supply:
We are seeing an unprecedented increase in school milk volume this year. In order to keep up with this increase in demand, we are going to temporarily halt choc milk sales. We will compensate that volume with 1% white milk, when we are able. This change in our production schedule will help us keep up with the volume, and keep all our districts stocked with enough product to feed all students, at all districts, and keep outs and shorts, to a minimum.
iConnect Zone Visit
What is iConnect Zone?
Rather than geographical boundaries, District 49’s iConnect Zone encompasses schools and programs acting on new and innovative ideas in education, or those seeking to serve students in exceptional circumstances. iConnect Zone’s schools represent a wide range of approaches to education , but each of them has in common a genuine commitment to student centered learning environments. We’re exploring new and exciting opportunities in the world of education.
The Prep is having representatives from the iConnect Zone visit on September 22nd. As part of their visit, we will have a parent panel. If you are interested in participating in this panel, please sign up using the link below. More specifics about the visit are included in the link. Thank you!
iConnect Zone Parent Panel
Parents, Please Join Us on the SAC!
The School Accountability Committee (SAC) is a group of BLRA and BLPA parents, teachers, and administrators who discuss topics mandated by the State of Colorado: review school performance and improvement plans, approve BLA’s use of Mill Levy tax funds, and make recommendations to the School Board for budget priorities. We meet bi-monthly and it's open to all. Please join us this year.
Next meeting is October 11 at 6:00 pm. Find info here:
Food Truck Thursday!
Food truck Thursdays are at Vista Park from 11:30am-1:30pm. Next week's line up:
Smile High
Splits N Dips
PTO Update
PTO MEMBERSHIP FALL GIFT DRAWING!
Joining as a PTO member before October 1st will give you a chance to win our Fall gift! All current members and members joining up until October 1st will be entered into our drawing. *Winner will be announced on October 1st!*
Membership Dues are "per family." If you have students at both campuses, only one membership is needed.
Click to join -> Family Membership = $20.00
Click to join -> BLA Faculty/Staff Membership = $10.00
Swap Your Hours for Dollars! -> Donations
SPIRIT WEAR UPDATE!
For orders placed from July 21-August 17:
BLRA- Orders have already been delivered to the classrooms! Thank you, Gigi and Jessica!
BLPA- Orders will be handed out during dismissal at the front of the building on Monday, Sept 20th!
Orders placed from August 18-September 19 will be available mid-October.
**SUNDAY NIGHT, SEPTEMBER 19th, WILL BE THE FINAL DAY TO ORDER THE ANNUAL UNIFORM SPIRIT WEAR HOODIE (not to be confused with the Booster Club Spirit Wear)**
Order here! We will have a very limited quantity left on-hand after the link closes, so inventory will only be available while supplies last.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Monday, Sept 20th- We need help handing out Spirit Wear Hoodies at the Prep! See link for details and sign up!
PTO LIAISONS UPDATE
Our PTO Liaisons are working hard to provide more classroom help for our teachers! Please continue to look for updates from your teachers about Room Parent opportunities.
MONTHLY MENTIONS
OUR NEXT PTO MEETING - Wednesday, October 6, 2021 @ 6:30PM. Please join us!
Location: BLRA, Library - Check out our meeting minutes here!
Websites:
Banning Lewis Ranch Academy (k-12)
Facebook Pages:
Banning Lewis Ranch Academy (K-5); Banning Lewis Prep Academy (6-12)
PTO Page | BLA Parent Page | BLPA Booster Page | BLA PTO Marketplace (Parent pages)
CLICK HERE to check out other ways you can help support Banning Lewis Academy!
--> amazon smile | King Soopers | Kroger | Box Tops | Coca-Cola GIVES | and more!
Warmest Regards,
Your PTO Board - Erika Krider, President | Marv Torcedo, Vice President | Mary Lloyd, Treasurer | Sara Clark, Secretary | Jessica Popp & Gigi Stangle, BLA Liaisons
Any questions, or comments – and because your feedback is important to us please reach out directly.
Email pto@blracademy.org
BLA is Hiring!
K-12 Substitutes $140/Day!!
BLPA and BLRA are looking for substitutes for this year!
If you are interested in subbing at either or both campuses, please click on the link to apply.
https://blracademy.org/careers/
Substitute Teacher Qualifications:
- A Substitute Authorization https://www.d49.org/Page/424
OR
- A Colorado Teacher License
If you have any questions regarding being a substitute at either campus, email Cynthia Harding at charding@blracademy.org
Banning Lewis Academy
Email: info@blracademy.org
Website: https://blracademy.org
Location: Banning Lewis Ranch
Phone: 719-638-3040
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BLRAcademy