Dear Parent:
This new adventure—BJA online learning—has officially begun.
The keys to success will be flexibility, creativity, and communication for teachers, parents, and students.
Undergirded with prayer and drawing on the grace that the Lord so generously bestows, we can do this.
Here’s a little from our principals about the current status of this adventure.
From Dr. Copeland: With nearly 900 student posts by 9 a.m. and almost 3,000 by the end of our first day on Wednesday, I would say we are off and running! How exciting it has been to be back “in school” and back in daily communication with our students and families. We have received so many encouraging comments, as well as excellent feedback from students and parents–thank you! As we settle into a routine, both on the school and the home sides, this format will become easier and easier. From the start and going forward, the delivery will be predictable—short instructional videos delivered the day before. Next week we will also add a weekly Bible video containing a devotional challenge from God’s Word for students in grades 1–5. What other fun items might just find their way into the students’ Seesaw accounts—you just never know! (HINT: be sure to check Seesaw this morning!) As always, if we can be a help in any way, please don’t hesitate to contact your teacher or me directly. And don’t forget our online resources for troubleshooting and answering questions.
From Mr. Hunt: We are underway! After these first two days, students should have heard from all their teachers either by assignments or by a friendly contact through Google Classroom or email. We have experienced a few technology issues such as Chromebook glitches, links that don’t work, and videos that don’t seem to play. But overall, we are thrilled that there have been minimal difficulties, praise the Lord! Please feel free to contact your teachers if necessary and let them know how things are progressing. We want to sharpen our delivery methods and enable our students to use the technology to take them where they’ve never been before in their learning. Secondary students will receive their first weekly Bible/chapel lesson on Monday, April 6. We are thrilled that Rand Hummel, Director of The Wilds of New England, has prepared 15–20 minute videos for us to use. Along with the video will be a passage of Scripture to read from the book of James and a verse to memorize for the week. The video link and a short question form will be in the Bible class assignment for every student in grades 6–12 each Monday in April.
We’re all learning together—let us know how we can help you. As administrators and teachers, we want to exercise flexibility to facilitate learning in the home environment. We are all ears and continue to incorporate ideas and address problems as they come. We hope to solve any problems quickly so let us know what you are struggling with. Reach out to us and we can direct the question to the person/s best equipped to address it.
Inside peeks. Creativity is essential to keep the students involved. Keep your eye on our Facebook page to catch a glimpse of what teachers and students are doing. Today is BJA spirit day, and the administrative team prepared a special video for you. And today is the last day to be included in a drawing for a Lands’ End gift card—by sending in a picture of your students’ new learning spaces.
Communication. This takes work. We hope to provide answers before you have questions and want to provide the student support necessary for each individual’s success.
Easy access to updates. While we anticipate we may see some weariness along the pathway, with the Lord’s help we will continue to be flexible, creative, and communicate well as we march on. Don’t forget the information and resources available on the COVID-19 Updates page on the website.
Changes since our last email:
- Canceled: elementary concerts; high school spring cheerleading tryouts and athletics awards ceremony
- Adjusted: the high school’s Student Body Officer elections—being held online
- Won’t be held as scheduled—may be rescheduled or another creative solution may be found: middle and high school concerts and the Jr-Sr Banquet
- Convenient links to the content of the school-wide emails sent since this situation began
- Updated information about accessing the middle and high school’s learning platform.
Comments. Here are some comments we have received over the last several days:
I’ve been working through all the fabulous resources you have put together. You’re amazing. Thank you for your excellent communication and for the time you put into making this as understandable and doable for us non-homeschooler moms. You guys rock—and that’s why we can do this. (parent)
I just want to let you know how encouraging parents and students have been this week. I have received numerous emails from both parents and students thanking me and telling me they are praying for me and you all. I know this is a very difficult time, but it’s been a joy to see the love and gratitude! Also, I am having live Google Hangout chats today for a few minutes with each class—what fun it has been to “see” my students! They miss us, as we do them! (teacher)
I have heard so many great things about the commitment of the faculty and also parents through this time. Thank you for all that you are doing and also for your team. (board member)
Keeping you in the loop. In the last few days we’ve made decisions that have impacted some BJA families. We’ve communicated directly with them—but we want to keep the rest of our families in the know, too.
- K3–K5 tuition adjustment: full-day students will be billed as half-day students
- CDC closure: very sadly, it will be closed at least through May 18; possible reopening earlier for BJU employees who receive a CDC benefit as part of their employment package.
This is a difficult situation for all of us; but we accept it as from the Lord with the knowledge that God is in control, He has a purpose for each of us, He provides the daily grace we need and the hope that only He can give. Thank you for your prayers. We are praying for you.
Dr. Dan Nelson
Administrator
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