|
|
|
December 1, 2011
|  Vol 21, Issue 5 |
|
|
|
|
The CommuniK-8or
A newsletter dedicated to news from and about
Bryn Athyn Church School |
|
|
|
|
BACS Christmas Program
|
 BACS CHRISTMAS PROGRAM  BA Society Building
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16th,
at 10:30 a.m.
Let us help you get into the Christmas spirit.
We have a sleigh-full of musical treats.
All parents, grandparents, relatives & friends are warmly invited to join us.
PLEASE PLAN TO BE SEATED IN THE GYM
BY 10:20
After that time, the entrance will be blocked by the student procession. When the procession is finished,
ushers will direct you to a rear entrance.
|
|
No Shuttle Provided This Year
| |
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but due to reduced staffing, and limited use, BACS will not be able to provide shuttle service for the Christmas Program this year.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Technology Grants
| |
If you have visited a BACS classroom recently you may have noticed a computer projector on the ceiling and a "Smartboard" on the wall. These have been made possible by a series of generous grants over the past several years from the Asplundh Foundation specifically for classroom technology. Teachers are very excited and energetic about integrating these technology tools into their classrooms. Below are a couple of examples of how this technology is being put to use. Some classrooms are making use of "Google Earth", a free program that shows photos of the earth from satellite cameras, to teach about geography and maps. Math classes make use of a giant movable transparent compass that allows students to explore angles in a unique way. Bryn Athyn Church School would like to thank the Asplundh Foundation for their support.
Lucas Mergen, BACS Director of Technology
|
| School Spirit Day |
On Friday, Dec. 9, we are inviting all students to show their school spirit and to have some fun by: wearing dress code compliant shirts in Christmas colors and "accessorizing" their outfits with Christmas wear - caps, scarves, socks, belts, baubles, bells, antlers and the like. 
All accessories should be removable, in case they become distracting. Dress code compliant bottoms and shoes should be worn. We think this will be a fun way to celebrate the season!
|
| Toys for Tots |
BACS is participating in the Marine Foundation Toy-for-Tots program. You are invited to bring a gift to contribute to the BACS collection at any time right up until the Christmas Program on Dec. 16. New toys (no gift wrap please) will be gratefully received near the main entrance of the school. On the day of the program, gifts may be deposited on a table in the Society Building. We are very grateful to the local crew of retired marines and volunteers who continue to provide man (and woman)-power for this program.
|
Save the Date - Diversity Meeting for Parents
| |
The Diversity Team is putting together a parent presentation based on the Diversity Inservice the teachers engaged in this fall. Please come to hear about what was discussed, to ask questions, and maybe even to engage in an experiential activity. It will be the evening of Tuesday, Jan. 24. Stay tuned for more details in the weeks to come.
|
3rd - 8th Grade Ice Skating - what should students wear?
| On the day that your child's class goes skating, in mid December, your child should come to school in dress-code-compliant clothing. Before leaving for the rink, students will be allowed to change their pants/skirts and shoes. Modest jeans/sweatpants, with no writing on them, and warm foot wear will be permitted. Students will need jackets, hats, and gloves. This is a fun event that we and the students look forward to each year. We want them to be warm and comfortable.
Heather McCurdy & Alex Rogers
|
After Christmas Program - Logistics
| 1. Students return to classrooms.
2. Parents can come directly to classrooms to collect children. 3. Teachers remain in classrooms until 12:15 dismissal with bus and walking students. Parents of bused students: All buses will be running according to the regular Friday schedule. whether or not you plan to use the bus. We don't want to keep drivers and other students waiting while we try to determine if a child has gone home another way. |
Dress Code for Christmas Program
|
For the Christmas Program, formal event wear is required. As a reminder, here is a brief description of formal event wear, including changes that were made last summer.
- For both boys and girls, a white button-up, oxford-style shirt is required. (Girls may wear a tailored blouse.) No polo shirts.
- Boys are expected to wear a BACS plaid tie. Girls may wear one.
- (For your convenience, Mrs. Childs has some ties for sale for $9.00 each.)
- Navy OR Khaki pants. Skirts/jumpers must be navy, khaki, or BACS plaid.
- Boys and girls must tuck in their shirts.
- A belt must be worn if garment has belt loops
Optional: students are permitted but not required to wear a navy blue blazer, or a red or navy sweater/fleece or vest.
|
|
Cancel Christmas?
| |
On December 1 the Hallmark Channel will air an original movie entitled "Cancel Christmas." Because the world has become too commercial and material Santa has been tasked with changing children's hearts before Christmas can be celebrated. I doubt you will find much attention given to the Christ Child but the plot has some promise.
Have you ever thought about canceling Christmas? Christmas is weeks ahead so there's still time to make the call. Just for a change maybe we should simply take a year off. Imagine the savings! Imagine the relief from all that extra work of shopping, cooking and decorating.
Bah humbug, you say? Canceling Christmas is a preposterous idea!
I agree with you! But if you allow yourself to consider the possibility, you will discover what you really value about Christmas. What would you miss the most? Would it be the hymns and songs, the stockings by the fire, the presents, or maybe the loving company of family and friends? These are all good things.
Reflecting on the use of Christmas in our lives reveals our values. How much does our "reason for the season" depend on the external elements and how much do we see and feel the Lord's coming as the essence of our celebrations?
Over the Christmas season, if you get a chance, walk the hallways of the school and I think you will find that both spiritual and natural qualities are given their due. And of course, the BACS Christmas Program for the community on December 16th is a must see. Cancel the Christmas Program? Preposterous!
Best wishes for a joyful December and a merry Christmas! Phil Schnarr School Pastor |
Detention Update
| In case you missed the email from the school about the new location for and notification of detention for 4th-8th grade students, please note the following key points:
1) If your child receives a detention, he or she will serve it the following day in the Conference Room near the Pastor's Offices and
2) You will be notified via email on the day he or she received the detention.
Please check email in the late afternoon or evening so that you will be aware if your child will need to stay for a detention.
Thank you.
|
| Next Director's Council Meeting: Wed. January 25 , 7:30 p.m. | |
Parent Reps:
Jenn Asplundh Sean Connelly Taney Friend Christina Irwin
Kym Brock David Cooper Melinda Friesen Tor Pitcairn
Cameron Childs Jenny dePadua Naomi Haus-Roth
Teacher Reps:
J. Soneson Primary Unit Carol Nash Upper Unit
Cara Dibb Intermediate Unit Sharon Neiger Specialist Unit
The purpose of this council is to provide a communication link between the school and parents, and to discuss any issues affecting the school. Please contact a member of the council if you have thoughts or suggestions.
|
| BACS Google Calendar |
BACS now has a Google calendar for school events that is available at http://www.brynathynchurchschool.org/calendar.html. The calendar is printable and is viewable in week, month and agenda style formats. To link it to your Google calendar or for other subscription options click the "+ Google Calendar" in the bottom right corner.
|
|
December 2011
|
Sunday
|
Monday
|
Tuesday
|
Wednesday
|
Thursday
|
Friday
|
Saturday
| |
4
| 5
|
6
|
7
|
8
|
9
|
10
| | |
| | | | School spirit
Christmas accessories day
|
| |
11
|
12
|
13
|
14
|
15
|
16
|
17
|
|
|
|
|
| Students arrive
normal time
Christmas Prog.
10:30 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
