School News 2009-2010 Archive

The CommuniK-8or

HEADMASTER'S NOTES

June 3, 2010 - Valuing our Cultural Diversity

In the coming year BACS will be engaging in a school-wide visioning and strategic planning process. Through this process we will determine where we envision BACS in five years and develop a plan to achieve our collective vision. One area BACS will develop a plan for is fostering a sense of belonging within our increasingly diverse school community. One step we have taken in this direction this year is developing an articulated curriculum to celebrate Martin Luther King Day. Additionally, I have asked Carla Reuter to head a committee charged with providing recommendations as to how BACS can be more inclusive. The committee will offer insights and steps that will aid us in continuing to foster an environment where students of all cultural backgrounds feel comfortable and loved. Committee members include: Chris DeMaria, Natasha Keys, Jodi Carr, Elaine Asplundh, Taney Friend, Kim Cooper, and Sacha Wade. In the coming year we will be communicating how BACS will continue to value the richness of our diverse population by building a growing sense of belonging.

Dr. Reid Prichett

May 27, 2010 - BACS Worship

As the BACS academic year comes to close I thought it would be useful to reflect on our annual school theme: “The Lord is a sun and a shield.” That the Lord is a sun means that the Lord provides for us. One thing that the Lord provides us at BACS is a daily opportunity to worship. At least once during the day faculty and students pray together and reflect on the Word. On special occasions at worship students perform for us, playing an instrument and/or singing. It is truly a gift the Lord provides us to worship Him and hear the beautiful sounds our students produce. Worship is a special and powerful experience that is central to our being a New Church school.

Dr. Reid Prichett

May 13, 2010 - Hallmark BACS Experiences

Five events that are hallmarks of the BACS experience occurred this past week.

Seventh grade students traveled to Gettysburg where they took in the place where Chamberlain made his stand on Little Round Top.
Rain forest poems and foods were provided by the 4th graders.
The Primary Unit celebrated May Day with bubbles, crafts, and other joyous activities.
The first graders presented four Beatrix Potter plays including The Tale of Peter Rabbit.
The Kindergarten Music Show featured students singing some of their favorite songs such as Every Girl in Heaven.

Congratulations to the students who put on fine performances. Thank you to all the teachers and parents that made these events possible.

Dr. Reid Prichett

May 6, 2010 - BACS Visioning Process

Bryn Athyn Church School will be engaging in a broad-based visioning process next year. The purpose of the process is to develop a vision of the school we want to be and a plan to realize that vision. We will identify what we already do well and clearly articulate the objectives of a BACS New Church Education. Teachers, school administrators, parents, trustees, and community members will be involved in this process. I am interested in hearing your ideas about how Bryn Athyn Church School might continue to fulfill its mission of delivering a high quality New Church Education.

Dr. Reid Prichett

April 29, 2010 - BACS Earth Day

A number of Earth Day events engaged students in thinking about the natural world. Rev. Phil Schnarr began the day with a sermon on our responsibility to take care of this beautiful planet created by the Lord. Science teacher Gail Neukum organized Earth Day events for the 7th and 8th graders. These students helped mulch paths through the woods, plant pumpkins, and reinvigorate the school recycling program. 5th grade students walked along the Pennypack and marveled at the edible plants. Recently Kindergarten and 1st graders planted flowers around the school. Special thanks to all the teachers who helped BACS students to appreciate the Lord’s creation this past week..

Dr Reid Prichett

April 22, 2010 - BACS Health

The BACS mission states that we prepare students for “this world and the next.” Part of preparation for the natural world is teaching children to live a physically healthy life. Here is a sampling of what the BACS community does to stay healthy:

4th-8th graders each run a mile
7th grade girls are selling fruits and vegetables during lunch
Teachers are participating in a stepping program to raise awareness of our daily mobility.

Please let us know what BACS does that helps students live a physically healthy life.

Dr. Reid Prichett

April 21, 2010 New Elementary School BACS Director

Kirsten Cronlund will join BACS as the Elementary School Director. Kirsten brings a wealth of experience to the position having taught 3rd and 6th grade at BACS. She earned a BA from Bryn Athyn College. Recently, Kirsten earned a masters degree in positive psychology from The University of Pennsylvania and is completing a second masters in Positive Organizational Development and Design from Case Western Reserve University. Additionally, she has been helping people throughout the country realize the potential the Lord has provided them through resilience training. Kirsten is thrilled to be working in a New Church school again.

I want to thank everyone that contributed to the search process, in particular, members of the search committee: Jennifer Pronesti, Phil Schnarr, Brita Conroy, Cara Dibb, Linda Kees, Alex Rogers, Howard Thompson, and Kelly Treacy

Dr. Reid Prichett

April 15, 2010 - from Rev. Phil Schnarr - BACS Moral Virtues Project

The BACS Religion Team is assembling materials for a 2010-2011 school theme to foster moral and spiritual growth in our school community. Our goal is to provide the entire BACS family (including students, families and school staff) with practical instruction in applying moral virtues to everyday life in support of spiritual goals outlined in the Writings.

The Moral Virtues Project will focus on a different moral virtue every month. Some morning chapels will be organized around these virtues and materials will be presented for specific application of each one. With such a rich variety of topics, we expect the school theme will become a strong force in school life throughout the year.

The Religion Team invites you to share comments or suggestions that will help this project meet the needs of our school and its families.

Team members: Liz Switzer, Sheila Daum, Jay Barry, John Odhner, Mac Frazier, Phil Schnarr (chairman).

April 8, 2010 - Infrastructure Update

The Infrastructure Committee met on March 23 to further examine facility placement and refurbishing possibilities. We have found society feedback useful in informing our work. Teachers Greg Henderson and Judy Soneson continue to meet with teachers to determine the necessary features of a New Church classroom. I want to thank them for their efforts with this essential work. The Committee will meet again in April to further refine our plans in preparation to present to the board and society.

Dr. Reid Prichett

April 8, 2010 - Pilgrimage from BACS

The 4th grade students went on a pilgrimage to the Bryn Athyn Cathedral this past week. Students dressed in character representing a medieval community. Upon reaching their destination the royalty, nuns, knights, serfs, and other peripatetic travelers learned the history of the cathedral and stained glass blowing techniques. Next time you come across a BACS 4th grader, ask them about the cathedral or medieval times. You may be surprised by what you learn.

Dr. Reid Prichett

April 1, 2010 - Learning about the Lord at BACS

You may know that this years BACS theme “The Lord is a sun and a shield” means that the Lord provides for us all that we need. This past week the first grade students saw first hand how the Lord provides for us when they hatched chicken eggs. The newly hatched chicks stayed with the class for a few days before returning to their farm. The students marveled at the Lord’s creation of the newly hatched chicks.

Dr. Reid Prichett

March 25, 2010 - Student Performances

BACS celebrated two hallmark events of our curriculum this past month: the 8th grade play and the 5th grade puppet play. This year the 8th grade performed Sleeping Beauty to packed audiences. The 5th graders presented their choreographed stories of Captain James Cook and Ferdinand Magellan. All of the shows were an impressive blend of planning, hard work, creativity, and good humor. I want to thank the students, teachers, and volunteers that put on these events that enriched our lives.

Dr. Reid Prichett

March 18, 2010 - Summary Results BACS Infrastructure Questionnaire

Input received from almost 70 questionnaires filled out by those who attended the Open House and Update on February 16th is most appreciated and very helpful to the committee as it continues its important work. Of the four concepts on review at the open house, a clear favorite (Scheme “S”) emerged which preserved the three original 1950s – 1960s structures with an addition of a multi-story classroom building. There were 38 votes for this concept while the other three concepts shared a total of 26 votes. Forty-seven people said “yes” to renovation of the original three structures if this was deemed to be cost-effective, while 7 people said “no.” Of the 50 who answered, 32 said “yes” that they would consider supporting the construction of a new BACS complex while 18 said “no.”

Along with the specific questions asked, there were many thoughtful comments regarding the need to include society functions and the Pastor’s Office as part of the plan, that any plan should reflect the New Church in its design, be sustainable (built to last), be environmentally responsible (green), conserve land, and preserve the wetlands.

Although it is not possible to include all the comments, the committee wishes to thank all those who took the time to fill out the questionnaires. This valuable input allows the committee to focus its energies on very specific planning ahead. We will continue to keep you informed and encourage you to make your ideas and views known to any member of the committee listed below.

Infrastructure Committee

Chair – Reid Prichett
Building/Architectural Advisor – Jim Adams
Board Members – Nick Rose & Thayer Pendleton
Parents – Julie Carr
School Personnel – Rev. Phil Schnarr, Greg Henderson,
Judy Soneson & Angela Rose
Shops Representative – Brenna Synnestvedt
Society Representative – LynnEllen King
Community Representative – Pete Boericke

February 22, 2010 - Elementary School Director Search Update

The elementary school director search committee is composed of current parents, teachers, and administrators. The committee has met twice to date. We have reviewed school needs and the desired skills and experiences for qualified candidates. In early March the committee will meet with candidates. Qualified candidates will be invited to the school to interview with school personnel, parents, and students. If you have any thoughts about the search that you would like to share, please direct them to committee members.

Dr. Reid Prichett

Elementary School Director Search Committee Members:

Headmaster: Reid Prichett
Board Member: Jennifer Pronesti
School Pastor: Phil Schnarr
Teachers: Brita Conroy, Cara Dibb, Linda Kees, Alex Rogers
Parents: Howard Thompson, Kelly Treacy

February 22, 2010 - LynnEllen King Joining Infrastructure Committee

The Elementary School Infrastructure Committee thanks the hundred plus people who came to the Open House to share their thoughts and learn about the possible project. The Open House provided another opportunity for people to meet with committee members and Spillman-Farmer Architects, Dan Harrigan and Joe Biondo. Attendees reviewed schemes of possible building projects, took in a presentation on the history and current state of the facility, completed questionnaires, and asked questions of the committee. Questionnaires submitted at the meeting are being tabulated. Questions from the audio portion of the meeting are being transcribed. Questionnaire data and participant questions will inform the committee work. Two important needs were heard by the committee: more thought about the society building and that facilities be environmentally sound. As a result, LynnEllen King has agreed to join the committee as a Society Representative. The committee takes seriously the environmental and economic impact of sustainable infrastructure. If you have input on elementary school infrastructure, please share it with a committee member.

Elementary School Building Committee:

Chair: Reid Prichett (Headmaster)
Building/Architectural Advisor: Jim Adams
Board Members: Nick Rose, Thayer Pendleton
Parents: Julie Carr
School Personnel: Rev. Phil Schnarr, Greg Henderson, Judy Soneson, Angela Rose
Shops Representative: Brenna Synnestvedt
Society Representative: LynnEllen King
Community Representative: Peter Boericke

February 18, 2010 - Our Fondest BACS Memories

To understand what a Bryn Athyn Church School education provides, I ask BACS alums: “What are your fondest memories of BACS?” This question elicits a wide range of responses, but some patterns do emerge across responses. Many people recall class or school-wide events: forming a human tabernacle, collectively constructing the school seal, or putting on the 8th grade play. Other alums refer to activities such as playing in the courtyard or climbing on the jungle-gym. Some people remember relationships with teachers or school mates, like the 8th grade students welcoming the kindergarten students. One gentleman shared his full-page, written report from his 1st grade teacher. His teacher’s words were a reminder that he was seen as an individual being nurtured toward a useful life in this world and the next. A BACS education provides many fond memories from the relationships students forge to an assuredness that New Church educators see the gifts the Lord has provided each individual child.

“What is your fondest memory of your time at BACS?” I would like to hear from alums and invite you to share your stories and reflections in person or via email. I look forward to hearing your fondest BACS memories.

Dr. Reid Prichett, Reid.Prichett@BACS-GC.org

BACS Infrastructure Conceptual Schemes

We are eager to hear your response and ideas about infrastructure. Please send feedback to bacs.email@bacs-gc.org and it will be forwarded to the Reid Prichett and the Infrastructure Committee. Reid can also be contacted at 215-947-4086.

Please keep in mind as you view the conceptual schemes:

The schemes are designed to elicit your thinking on major facility features.
Important features are omitted from some schemes but would be part of a final presentation (i.e. Pastor’s office, Preschool)
During this phase of the process you can pick up and move entire pieces of the building complex (i.e. Primary Unit)
Costs of the different schemes will be made available in the next phase of the planning process.

Features of the sketches:

Scheme O preserves the 1950’s structures (Primary, Intermediate, and Society Buildings) and sits on the existing footprint.
Scheme Q show a complete tear down of existing facilities following the building of completely brand new facilities.
Scheme R is the least expensive option and builds off of the 2002 study
Scheme S is similar to scheme O but saves more land by constructing a multi-story addition

We look forward to receiving your feedback on these schemes.

BACS Infrastructure - Open House and Update - Tuesday February 16th, 7:30-9:30pm, Heilman Hall

The Bryn Athyn Church School Infrastructure Committee is committed to an open and transparent process. The purpose of our work is to propose infrastructure that meets the future needs of all students who attend our elementary school. We have reached a point in the planning process where we wish to share our findings to date. We are actively seeking your feedback and input on conceptual plans that have been developed by Spillman-Farmer, Architects in consultation with committee and teacher input. With this in mind, we cordially invite you to an Open House and Update at Heilman Hall on Saturday, February 6th from 9:00am – 12:00 Noon with an update presentation at 10:00 am. Members of the committee, as well as Dan Harrigan and Joe Biondo from Spillman-Farmer will be on hand to answer your questions and listen to your ideas. Prior to the Open House, you are welcome to stop in and review some of the conceptual plans that will be posted in the Board Room at the Pastoral Offices beginning January 19th. We also plan to make these drawings available on the Bryn Athyn Church website (www.brynathynchurch.org) and will let you know when they are to be posted.

The concepts that will be shared reflect the thinking of the Infrastructure Committee to date in light of previous planning work and input from school personnel. Previous planning included a 2002 Master Plan by Ewing, Cole, Cherry & Brott and the 2009 Comprehensive Plan completed by Sasaki Associates. Our committee has met five times since September. During that time, we have worked to identify (1) the range of current uses performed and desired uses for the future, (2) the condition and suitability of existing structures in the school complex and, (3) the parameters for building on BAC property.

As the committee continues its work to insure and enhance the learning environment for our teachers and children alike, we will seek your active input to help design a facility that reflects the collective wisdom and needs of the Bryn Athyn community. Meanwhile, should you have any questions or concerns, please call upon any member of the committee. We hope you will join us as we plan for the future of Bryn Athyn Church School.

Sincerely,

Bryn Athyn Church School Infrastructure Committee

Chair: Reid Prichett (Headmaster)

Building/Architectural Advisor: Jim Adams

Board Members: Nick Rose, Thayer Pendleton

Parents: Julie Carr

School Administrators: Rev. Phil Schnarr

Teachers: Greg Henderson, Judy Soneson, Angela Rose

Community representative: Peter Boericke, Brenna Synnestvedt

January 14, 2010 - Volunteers provide for BACS

The BACS theme this year is “the Lord is a sun and a shield.” That the Lord is a sun means that he provides for us. One of the many ways He provides for us at BACS is through the generous assistance provided by volunteers. BACS benefits from the efforts of parents, the Tuesday Ladies, community members, and others. These volunteers prepare materials for student activities, assist in class, sponsor school events, bake treats for students, and chaperone field trips among other things. BACS thanks everyone that volunteers their time and service.

Dr. Reid Prichett

January 7, 2010 - Moving Forward with Funding Future School Infrastructure

I want to thank everyone who attended the Bryn Athyn Church Society meeting on December 17. Despite busy holiday schedules; society members made time to gather, pose important clarifying questions, and vote on joining the Healthy Church Match Program. An overwhelming majority of two hundred fifty people voted in favor of utilizing the General Church’s matching program to help fund future Bryn Athyn Church School infrastructure. This affirmative vote will help strengthen our application for the matching funds offered by the General Church. In the coming month, the Infrastructure Committee expects to share options for school renovations and/or new buildings. We hope that you will join us at that time to share your input. Should you have suggestions and/or recommendations at any time, do not hesitate to share them with committee members.

Dr. Reid Prichett

December 24, 2009 - Gift Giving at BACS

At Christmas we celebrate the gift of the Lord’s birth on earth. Bryn Athyn Church School honors the tradition of gift giving on multiple occasions:

The school community presented representatives from the US Marine Corps with numerous gifts for Toys for Tots
4th graders gave handmade mangers to kindergarteners
5th graders shared stories they wrote and illustrated with 1st grade students
8th grade boys gave over $1,700 to build schools in Afghanistan

From all of us at Bryn Athyn Church School, we hope you have a wonderful Christmas full of the many gifts that the Lord provides for us.

Dr. Reid Prichett

December 17, 2009 - BACS Infrastructure Vote

This past week provided a pointed reminder of the need for new BACS infrastructure:

Three days were spent fixing the heat in the primary wing.
Buckets caught melting snow and ice dripping into the hallway between the Intermediate wing and Heilman Hall.
Wednesday morning rain provided a steady stream of water into bins placed across the gym.

These inconveniences have a negative psychological impact on the people that work and learn in our facilities. I invite you to improve the quality of New Church education. I urge you to turn out to vote on December 17th to support the New Church education we offer each child.

Dr. Reid Prichett

December 10, 2009 - BACS Infrastructure Committee Update:

I invite you to improve the quality of New Church education. Your vote on Thursday, December 17th can support the Purpose for New BACS Infrastructure. In September, the Bryn Athyn Church Board decided to focus strategic planning efforts on elementary school infrastructure. The BACS Infrastructure Committee, composed of members throughout the community, has held four meetings to date. The primary aim of our work is to develop infrastructure that improves the New Church education we offer each student. A tour of the existing building brought to light facility concerns that compromise student learning: antiquated electrical infrastructure, flooding problems, inadequate handicap accessibility, and cramped classrooms. We are working with Spillman-Farmer Architects to assess the uses the school currently provides and the potential for maximizing future uses. Our work is informed by two previous professional studies and feedback primarily from the people that work in the school. We hope to preserve historically significant structures on BAC property and maintain the wetlands, while thinking through traffic flow, parking, and cost implications. We look forward to sharing the product of our work in the coming months and gathering further feedback from BACS personnel, parents, and community members. I urge you to turn out to vote on December 17th to support the New Church education we offer each child.

Dr. Reid Prichett

November 19, 2009 - Teaching Civic Responsibility at BACS

The BACS mission calls for us to teach students to be “useful citizens of this world, and the Lord’s heavenly kingdom.” One way BACS students learn to be useful citizens is through developing a sense of civic responsibility. Each day following chapel students say the Pledge of Allegiance and sing a patriotic song. This past week we observed Veterans Day to honor those in our armed forces who keep our world safe. A presentation on the Boy Scouts -- a long standing tradition within the school community -- was also made this past week. BACS students learn to be useful citizens of this world through experiences that teach civic responsibility.

Dr. Reid Prichett

November 12, 2009 - BACS Students stay active!

BACS students and teachers live full lives outside of school. Aline Brown and many students helped BACT put on a rousing rendition of Anne of Green Gables this past week. Other students stay fit through HVAA soccer or Bryn Athyn Youth Hockey. Several of our students serve as greeters at NewChurch LIVE. Under the direction of Chris Simons, several students have enhanced the worship atmosphere at the Family Contemporary service by singing. The 8th grade boys are raising money to help educate students in Pakistan and Afghanistan through Pennies for Peace. These are just some of the ways our BACS students contribute to the local and global community as useful citizens.

Dr. Reid Prichett

November 5, 2009 - Connecting Students with the Lord

The purpose of New Church education is to connect students with the Lord in His second coming. To understand how BACS delivers on this promise I regularly visit classes and speak with a diverse cross-section of people about the BACS student experience. Additionally, I recently spent a day shadowing a student. Each student at BACS begins the day with chapel, thereby focusing them on the Lord. Throughout the day a student is reminded of their relationship with the Lord during religion class, through integration of New Church doctrine within disciplinary studies, and as the result of teaching techniques that empower students to pause and reflect. At BACS student relationships with the Lord are fostered through our schedule, curriculum, and pedagogy.

Dr. Reid Prichett

October 28, 2009 - BACS Administrative Restructuring to focus on New Church Education

New Church education resides at the heart of the mission of Bryn Athyn Church School. Delivery of that education is dependent upon a rich, evolving curriculum implemented by our committed teachers. Continuously improving New Church education requires educational leadership that supports teachers and curriculum design. With the future of New Church education at BACS in mind, Gail Simons has been invited to assume a significant instructional leadership role at the conclusion of this academic year. Gail’s 25 years as a New Church educator positions her well to support teachers and build a robust 21st Century New Church curriculum. A search for a new Elementary School Director will take place over the course of the next few months.

Dr. Reid Prichett

October 22, 2009 - BACS becomes an NAIS member

This past week the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) informed me that Bryn Athyn Church School has been accepted as a member. We join more than 1400 schools nation wide that benefit from the many resources offered by NAIS. BACS will immediately benefit from high quality leadership training, financial sustainability tools, and resources for crafting a powerful vision for the school. Our membership will also assist BACS in improving New Church education. Belonging to NAIS connects us with independent school educators through whom we may better understand what makes our New Church educational practices distinctive. I encourage you to learn more about NAIS by visiting their website: www.nais.org. I want to thank the Bryn Athyn Church Board for investing in this valuable membership.

Dr. Reid Prichett

October 15, 2009

People and organizations become better at what they do through a process of continuous improvement. This process goes as follows:

identify something to improve,
develop a plan to improve,
engage in the activity, and
reflect on the activity.

Multiple repetitions of this process enable the development of expertise. Research indicates that it requires at least a decade of sustained effort for an individual to become an expert professional. Here are sampling of the activities educators at BACS and BAPS are engaging in to develop their expertise:

Williamsburg In-service – An elementary school teacher training that brought historical figures to life
“Keys to the Future” – An early childhood education workshop for preschool teachers
ADVIS New Trustee Training – A training that prepares board members to be effective school trustees
Collection of school documents for Middle States Accreditation -- a process for organizational improvement

Please don’t hesitate to ask one of our educators about the many rich opportunities our schools are using to improve our professional practice.

Dr. Reid Prichett, Headmaster

October 8, 2009 - BACS New Infrastructure Committee

BACS facilities require some serious attention. To that end I have called a committee (see below) to address school facilities. We will provide the board with answers to four questions:

When will the Bryn Athyn Society begin building elementary school infrastructure?
How will the society finance new school infrastructure?
Where will the society place new school infrastructure?
What will the new school infrastructure look like?

The committee will draw on planning done a decade ago and the Sasaki Associates strategic planning to create a proposal for new facilities.

More than ever BACS needs your support as we plan for the future. The work being done today will shape the future of New Church education. It will be important for us to build broad based support for our future school facilities. That support will come in two forms, verbal and financial. The Bryn Athyn Church Board has taken on a leadership role. They have pledged to join the New Church Match Capital Campaign based on the recommendation of the committee and society support. The future of community children and New Church education depend upon your contributions.

Dr. Reid Prichett

Elementary School Infrastructure Committee:

Chair: Reid Prichett (Headmaster)
Building/Architectural Advisor: Jim Adams
Board Members: James Horigan, Nick Rose
Parents: Thayer Pendleton, Julie Carr
School Administrators: Rev. Phil Schnarr, Steve Irwin
Teachers: Greg Henderson, Judy Soneson
School Staff: Angela Rose
Community representative: Peter Boericke, Brenna Synnestvedt

October 1, 2009 - Planning for a New Infrastructure

Bryn Athyn Church School has long been a model for excellent New Church education, but the community should be greatly concerned that our facilities have decayed to a point where they impinge upon the delivery of this education. There are a number of problems with our 60 year old plant:

ancient electrical infrastructure runs through the building,
rooms are left damp and musty from flooding,
music is taught in a space where it competes with the hum of computer servers,
learning spills into hallways due to cramped classrooms, and
some rooms are not wheel chair accessible.

Consequently, I have called together a committee to develop a plan for our facilities. The Bryn Athyn Church Board has taken an important step forward by financially supporting the committee’s work. We will provide greater detail next week I am eager to speak with anyone who hopes to productively contribute to the future of the school.

Dr. Reid Prichett

BACS Becomes an ADVIS Member

This past week the Association of Delaware Valley Independent Schools (ADVIS) informed me that Bryn Athyn Church School has been accepted as a member. We join more than 120 area schools that benefit from the many resources offered by ADVIS. Examples of immediate advantages for BACS include high quality professional development for board members and advice for parents on budgeting for school tuition. Our membership will also assist BACS in improving New Church education. Belonging to ADVIS connects us with other area independent schools through whom we may better understand what makes our New Church educational practices distinctive. If you wish to learn more about ADVIS, please visit their website: www.advis.org. I want to thank the Bryn Athyn Church Board for investing in this valuable membership.

Dr. Reid Prichett

President’s address to students

President Obama welcomes students back to school with an address on Tuesday, September 8. He will urge students to set learning goals and work hard to achieve these goals. Educational research suggests that the student habits being endorsed improve student learning. The New Church Education emphasis on students being useful by engaging in school informed our decision to show the address to students. Given the disruption the live address would cause the BACS schedule we plan to show the address to the 4th-8th grades following worship on Wednesday, September 9 at 8:15 AM. Further information on the President’s address can be found at http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/My-Education-My-Future/

Dr. Reid B. Prichett

August 31

Children reside at the heart of New Church Education practices. We believe that children are best served when the school and home work together. The new dress code is a prime example of what can result from such collaboration. Working together educators and parents developed a dress code aimed at meeting the diverse needs of the community. It will take time for everyone to acclimate to the new dress code. Many parents have been asking thoughtful questions in an effort to support the spirit of the dress code. Building strong working relationships between the school and home will enable our community to nurture the growth of our children.

Dr. Reid Prichett

August 24

Thank you to all those who helped tend to the health of the grounds of the Bryn Athyn Church School and Society buildings. Thanks to the Cathedral grounds crew, especially Rich Show for directing the pruning of trees and bushes. Brickman Company, Danielle Odhner and volunteer gardeners cleared root systems, aerated flower beds, and dragged away dead branches. The result of their efforts is a healthy and vibrant looking campus that is ready to welcome students and their families on the first day of school.

The collective effort of the Brickman Company, the Cathedral grounds crew and volunteer group reminds me of our school theme, that “the Lord is our sun and shield.” That the Lord is a Sun means that He provides for us all things, including the plants of the earth. As stewards of these gifts from the Lord, we share responsibility for nurturing these plants. That the Lord is our shield means that He protects us. In this case, removing dead limbs or a tree insures student and building safety. As we begin this school year it is reassuring to know that the Lord provides for and protects us.

Dr. Reid Prichett

WEBSITE BECOMING THE MAIN SOURCE FOR NON-EMERGENCY INFORMATION

The newly designed www.brynathynchurchschool.org website was launched in mid July. The new look is part of the renewal process across the General Church. Locally, the BACS site takes on a look that coordinates with the Bryn Athyn Church and Bryn Athyn Church Preschool.

But beauty is more than “skin” deep in this case. We hope the website will become the main resource for non-emergency information for our parents. We’ll continue to communicate via the school newsletter, the CommuniK8or, and paper notes home. But notes and other messages can be shorter and direct attention to the website, where postings will provide more depth and more options. A Website Development Team will be guiding the direction of the website’s evolution as we strive to make it more useful.

In the meantime, the technical team consists of Steve Irwin, Lucas Mergen, and Anita Halterman, with support from Tracy McCardell and ANC Helpdesk. If you have ideas or questions, please feel free to contact Steve, Lucas, or Anita.