Communications

Communications Pathways

At Ben Franklin Academy, we believe that communication is paramount to the success of our students, and we believe that parents are essential in the communication process. Therefore, we ask that all members of the school community adhere to the following guidelines:

How to keep up-to-date with our communication

  • Check the school website (at least weekly for updated information)
  • Check the grade level webpages
  • Check Gradelink (frequently to stay apprised of your student’s grades)
  • Read BFA emails and communication updates
  • Check your student’s planner daily
  • Download the BFA App

Steps regarding any issue

There are times when a parent needs to report an issue or complaint.  We ask that parents follow the Parent Communication Policy found on our Policy webpage.

  1. Directly contact the teacher or staff member regarding the issue by email. If unsure which teacher to address, the parent should start with the student’s homeroom teacher. The teacher or staff member will return contact within 48 hours. If contact is not made within 48 hours or if it is time sensitive, the parent may proceed to step 2.
  2. If the issue cannot be resolved at the teacher or staff level, the parent should next discuss the issue with the Assistant Principal.
  3. If the issue cannot be resolved at the Assistant Principal level, the parent should next discuss the issue with the Principal.
  4. If the issue cannot be resolved by the Assistant Principal or Principal, the parent should next come to the BFA Board of Directors (Board) President.

In the event of a conflict with a BFA teacher or staff member, parents must follow the BFA Conflict Resolution Policy.  

  

Communications Icon

In an effort to reduce the number of school-wide notifications, we will reduce the use of text/email to urgent messages such as school closings, important actions, etc. If you wish to continue receiving school-wide notifications, we ask parents to download our app to receive app notifications or follow us on Social Media. You can also refer to the calendar for dates for dress of choice, formal uniform, field trips, and more.

The best place to get information is through our teacher/grade webpages and their newsletters for grade level information, then our weekly Thursday newsletters for school-wide information.

  1. When Parents get an email:
    • Committee Newsletter on Tuesdays
    • Weekly Newsletter on Thursday
    • Board or Committee Nominations
    • Important Messages
  2. When Parents will get an email and text message:
    • Closures or Delays
    • No School Days not linked to week(s)-long break
    • Board or Committee Important Deadlines
    • School-wide Surveys
    • Urgent/Emergency Messages
  3. App Notification/Social Media Posts:
    • Dress of Choice (AR/HR DOC)
    • Formal Uniform Day
    • Special Themed Spirit Wear Days
    • Meeting or Event Notices
    • Volunteer Opportunities
    • Closures or Delays
    • No School Days 
    • Board or Committee Important Deadlines
    • School-wide Surveys
    • Urgent/Emergency Messages
    • Committee Newsletter on Tuesdays
    • Weekly Newsletter on Thursday
    • Board or Committee Nominations
    • Important Messages
  •  
BFA App Icon
Starting December 2025, the BFA APP will become the Hub of Communications. Download the BFA app. It is available for free on both Android and iOS platforms. Don’t forget to allow push notifications!
 

On the app, you can easily find,

  • Weekly Newsletters
  • Notifications
  • Lunch Menu
  • Daily Calendar
  • Report Absence, Tardy or Early Release

Here is a peek at what the landing page looks like.

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Landing Page On App
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Hamburger On App
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How to get notifications

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App Notifications Apple Setup

✅ How to Enable App Notifications on iPhone

  1. Open the Settings app
  2. Tap Notifications
  3. Scroll to find the app you want to adjust and tap it
  4. Toggle Allow Notifications ON
  5. If you want, adjust how you receive them — e.g. Lock Screen, Notification Center, Banners, Sounds, Badges.
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Android App Notification Steps

✅ How to Turn On App Notifications on Android

  1. Open Settings on your phone.
  2. Tap Apps or Apps & notifications.
  3. Select the BFA App from the list.
  4. Tap Notifications.

  5. Toggle Allow notifications ON.

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How to subcribe to our calendars

Subscribe to our BFA Calendar

Most events, special spirit wear/uniform days, and important committee dates are on our calendar, which include the necessary details, such as how to RSVP, dates & times.

You can also subscribe to our calendar, which will automatically keep your device or digital calendar up to date with any changes.

  • Apple iCalendar - Copy/Paste the following into Settings>App>Calendars>Calendar Accounts>Add Account>Other>Subscribed Calendar> webcal://www.bfacademy.org/?mec-ical-feed=1
  • Google Calendar
  • Outlook 365
  • Outlook Live

Export Calendar Into Your Calendar

You can add all important dates to your personal calendar by opening the school calendar, scrolling to the bottom, and selecting “Add to Calendar.”

 To add an individual event, simply click on the event name within the calendar. Then scroll to the bottom of the event details and choose “Add to Google Calendar” or “+ iCal/Outlook export.” Both options will save the events directly to your calendar.