Having made my rounds to the various schools, I am happy to announce that we have had a smooth start at all levels.
We did have a few tears in the early grades—but very few—and those students quickly perked up as the Monday morning activities progressed. In the Primary Center, teachers are patiently and clearly communicating daily classroom and hallway procedures. Although for the most part, students appear attentive, it will still take a week or two for them to settle into the daily routine.
At the Elementary Main, the fifth graders are doing a good job assisting with carline in the mornings as they assume the leadership role now that the sixth grade has moved to the middle school. And lunchtime, with the new charge system, appears to be working well with no students left without a meal. The students look sharp in their school uniforms and are eager to learn their new lessons.
The middle school had an alternate program Monday morning, which started with an assembly and then outdoor mixer activities to break the ice and help the students get acquainted with each other and their teachers. With both the sixth and seventh graders new to the middle school this year, two-thirds of the middle school student body is getting acquainted with the new opportunities and expectations. Even though all 240 students eat at the same time, lunch is running smoothly and with room for all.
The new high schoolers met for an introductory welcome meeting Monday morning. The energy level is high, and the students are grateful to be at BJA. All high schoolers attended the first student body assembly, where the new officers presented a very entertaining program titled AcaDisney. You’ll have to ask your student about it! Later Monday morning, both the middle and high schools attended a special dedication of the brand new Academy gym floor. Among others, Dr. Bob III spoke and gave a brief history of the Academy gym, which was originally built around forty-five years ago. Current and past coaches and physical education teachers participated along with the builder, Scott Koenke, of Done Right Services. Both Coach Harwood and Dr. Bob prayed a prayer of dedication.
Both the middle and high schools ran abbreviated class schedules Monday afternoon so that students could meet their teachers and be introduced to the class subjects. On Tuesday, we began our regular schedule of classes at all levels.
The rest of the week has been busy as Chromebooks were distributed to high school students and extracurricular groups began to meet. There have already been several volleyball games on the new wood floor and more tomorrow evening along with the first soccer games.
As with every year, we realize that there will be ups and downs, blessings and disappointments, but through it all teachers and students alike are challenged with the principle of this year’s theme verse—“Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” May we shine brightly for the Lord this year. To God be the glory.
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