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).