Time waits for no man. This is a very old, and very true, statement. Our annual retreat is behind us, and it is time now to focus on the Harvest Carnival. There is much work to be done, and I am counting on all of you to help me reach our goal this year.

Please stop by the classroom and sign up to work one of the game booths, as well as donate some of the items posted. Together we can make this carnival a great success for our school. Please speak to me if you need more information.

Also, please remember the “farewell party” for Jacob this Friday. Bring along some snacks and help us say goodbye to Jacob and Mrs. Graves.

It is hard to believe that it is time, once again, to retreat to the beautiful redwoods of Mt. Gilead Christian Conference Center. This is one of the highlights of our year, and a favorite of all the students. We will depart from the school parking lot on Monday, September 15, 9:15 a.m., and will return on Wednesday, September 17, approximately 12:30 p.m. Please make arrangements to pick-up your teen at that time. Classes will be closed on Thursday and Friday, September 18 and 19. Students should bring in their laptops on Monday morning and synchronize before departing for camp. Then, upon return, they will be able to work at home on Thursday and Friday. Information was sent home last week detailing what to bring and what not to bring. Please confirm that your teen is in compliance with these guidelines before arriving at school on Monday morning. Please remember, there are no wireless phone signals at the campground; therefore, cell phones will not work. A pay phone is available, and you may contact the campground (707-823-4508) and they will get a message to us. Also remember, parents are invited to attend our evening services (7:00 p.m.) on Monday or Tuesday evening. Driving directions are available at: www.mtgilead.org. Copies of all sessions (5 total) will be available for purchase on CD upon our return. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

Classes are off to a great start. We began the year with 20 students, and quickly added another on day two. A warm welcome to: Alex, Caleb, and Richie; our three newest students in the Upper Learning Center (ULC). Please make time to get acquainted with these young men, and their families.

As most of you are aware, we make every effort to create an environment of love, trust, and concern in our school. This, in a very real sense, makes us more like family than acquaintances. It saddens me to lose one of our family members this year. Mrs. Graves will leave us in October to move in with and provide care for her widowed mother. Her influence and friendship will be missed, and can never be replaced. With her will go her son Jacob. We will miss Jacob in our class, and would like to take time to show him our love and appreciation. Therefore, we will hold a special “bon voyage” party for Jacob Graves on Friday, September 26, at 1:00 p.m. All parents are invited to attend and say good-by to Jacob and Mrs. Graves. Please R.S.V.P. to Mrs. Smith in the school office. Everyone is asked to bring a snack, and a fond memory, to share.

Please remember the upcoming retreat, September 15 through 17, at Mt. Gilead Conference Center. ULC students do not have to report to school until 9 a.m. on Monday, September 15. They will return to the campus by 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 17. Classes for the ULC will be closed on Thursday and Friday, September 18 and 19. Students should bring spending money for snacks or souvenirs. All meals are provided at the campgrounds. A detailed list of supplies will be sent home in the near future.

Our first field trip is scheduled for Tuesday, October 21. Students will set sail on an authentic schooner, The Alma, for a day of adventure they will never forget. The cost for this trip is $40 per student, and is due by Wednesday, October 15. We will need drivers for this trip; therefore, please contact Mrs. Smith and inform her you would like to sign up to drive for the ULC field trip on October 21. She will give you the necessary information. The cost is $22 per adult. Times of departure and return will be announced as soon as we know which time-slot we will be given.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me. You can send me an email to dabshire@bbaptist.org; contact me via AIM, username: bteacher1957; or, stop in to see me (please call the school office first).

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.