Last year we introduced the “synchronization” program in our upper learning center. I am happy to announce that it was a great success. This program gives students the flexibility of completing work; via laptop computer; while away from school (i.e., sick, family trip, etc.) This program will be available again for the 2008-2009 school session. If you did not use a laptop last school session and plan to use one this coming session; or, if you plan to purchase a new laptop for the coming session, speak with either Mr. Abshire or Mr. Andrews before purchasing any equipment, as there are minimal requirements for this equipment.

Classes for the 2007-2008 school year are officially closed as of Wednesday, June 4th. Summer classes for June are as follows:

June 10; June 12; June 17; June 24; June 26 - all classes are held from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

The cost for this program is $150 per student, per month, and must be paid in advance. Please speak with Mr. Abshire about enrolling in this program. Students may use this time to complete their current courses or begin working on next semester’s courses.

We will offer summer classes for all interested students enrolled in junior and senior high school; however tutoring will be offered in two subjects only: Math and Science. Classes will be held on Tuesday and Thursday. I will be present to offer assistance in these subjects from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The cost for this summer school program is $150 per student, per month. Payment will be due in advance. A complete schedule will be provided for those who register at the school office.

By popular vote, we are heading to Marine World in Vallejo, Friday, May 16, 2008.  The cost will be $30 per teen (this will cover the cost of entry and transportation).  Each student will be on their own for meals at the park.  We will leave the school at 9:30 a.m. and will return between 6 and 7 p.m.  We will need drivers for this trip, so if any of you parents can help out I would greatly appreciate it.  Please let me know asap if you can help out by driving.  Also, if you would like to come along just for the fun of it feel welcome to do so.  For more information please contact the school office, or drop by the class and see me.

April is always a busy month for us at BBCA. Achievement tests are coming up next week, April 15-17, as well as five volleyball games to be played this month. Then, we cannot forget the Fine Arts competitions, April 24th and 25th.  This is always an exciting time for our older students. This year the students are very excited about the culinary and strategy game competitions. Also, with the start of our new music program, students are encouraged about competing in music. Please help me encourage the students by taking an active interest in the areas that they wish to compete. The competitions will be open to any parent that would like to attend. I will send a schedule home in the next few days, so you will know exactly when your student will compete in the different categories.

On Thursday, April 3rd, Berean Baptist Church will conduct a memorial service for our dear departed brother, Claude McGlade.  This service will take place at 10 a.m.  Classes for the upper learning center will be conducted; however, the students are required to attend school in their chapel uniform, and will attend this service.  The regularly scheduled chapel service will not be held, and students may wear their everyday uniform on Wednesday.  The students will return to their classroom following the memorial service.  If you prefer that your student not attend the memorial service, you may keep them home without incurring a day of absence.  Students working on laptops may complete their daily assignments at home.

This Friday, April 4, marks the end of the third quarter for this school year.  Quarterly report cards will be sent to you via email no later than Friday, April 11.  I do not have have any plans to schedule conferences; however, if you desire to meet and discuss your student’s progress please contact me and I will set up an appointment to meet with you. 

Why should you invest the cost of emotional and financial stress to keep your teenager in a private school?  This is a question that many parents face on a daily basis.  Considering the high cost of living, sky rocketing mortgage rates, increased costs of utilities, food, gasoline and automobile insurance; how can parents justify expending this money when public education is free?

I am so glad that you asked me that question.  I will answer by citing God’s Word:  Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. Psalm 127:3;  And again: Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it; Proverbs 22:6; and once more: And ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the LORD. Ephesians 6:4.  Our children are a gift from God.  They are loaned to us by God; they are His first and ours second.  It is our responsibility as parents to raise our children to know, serve, and love God.  Now, considering this, what price are you willing to put on the education of your children.  Public education is free, but remember the old adage, “You get what you pay for.”  Pay nothing, and you can expect little, if anything, in return.  Oh, your child may receive an education (of sorts), but what about the important aspects of their life?  Things such as patriotism, morality, fidelity, honesty, discipline, compassion, spirituality; these characteristics are either banned, discouraged, or extremely anemic in the public school agenda of today.  The core values, upon which our forefathers built this nation, are being compromised and systematically eliminated by the liberal, secular humanists of today.  Gone from today’s public schools are a student’s right to pray, carry a bible, or speak of the LORD!  Liberals tout the separation of church and state; they state that religion has no place in the classroom; yet, they teach their philosophies of secular humanism; situational ethics, no absolute right or wrong, and evolution (without allowing creationism as a comparison), just to name a few.  They hand out condoms and birth control pills, allow counseling on abortion for teenage girls (without their parent’s knowledge or consent).  They turn a blind eye to the alcohol and drugs flowing as water in the hallways and lockers of their institutions.  Metal detectors and armed security guards are necessary for the protection of students and staff.  And all the while they cast disparaging judgments upon schools such as this.  So, you tell me; why should you invest the cost of emotional and financial stress to keep your teenager in a private school?  How much is your child’s character worth to you?  What kind of person do you want your child to be? 

To read more on the plight of our youth today, click here