Eagle Eye 10-30-2016

October 30, 2016

What's in Your Backyard
Like a lot of subdivisions, our smallish collection of 34 homes in Roswell was built in the middle of what used to be a wooded area. When we purchased our home, much of our steeply sloped backyard had been left in its original wooded state. The state of those “woods” however, wasn’t something worthy of a line from Walden or Frost. Instead, we became the proud owners of a scrubby, impenetrable thicket of pine, sourgum, and saplings. Making matters worse, this greenish mélange was bound together by an evil climbing vine that laughed off weedeaters and drank Roundup for breakfast. Over the years, I made several efforts to clear the area, but hours of sweaty work produced nothing but a sore back and legs scarred by thorn bush, battles I always lost.

This sad story found a happy ending when a postcard came in the mail. It advertised the services of a company devoted entirely to taming overgrown backyards. They don’t cut grass, apply mulch, or prune trees. All they do is reclaim spaces that have been lost to mother nature. I gave them a call and this past week, four strong guys with a lot of heavy equipment spent two days revealing a third of an acre I had paid taxes on for years, but had never laid eyes on. In short, it was a thing of beauty and well worth the expense.

The truth is this. My backyard issues were never going to be resolved until I admitted they were outside my control and turned them over to a professional. Our emotional backyards are no different. I think far too many of us are dealing with a hot mess of issues that we know need to be addressed, but we choose to ignore them or try to address them alone, and fail. Just this week, I’ve counseled with one student, two parents, and a staff member, each dealing with an emotional backyard overgrown with hurt feelings, bitterness, and doubt. This isn’t healthy and certainly isn’t God’s will for our lives.

When we admit to God that we’ve been dealing with guilt, anger, sadness, or worry that we can’t fix, and we invite Him into our hearts to help, He can work wonders. 1 Peter 5:7 says this,

“ Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you.”

Could it really be that simple? I believe it can! Let’s all agree to answer that postcard from God and invite Him to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves. When we do, He can begin clearing out what doesn’t belong so that light can shine once again.

Blessings,

Jim R. Callis

Head of School

Dates to Remember

Tuesday, November 1: Blue & White Tip-Off Night - 5:30p.m.; Main Campus

Thursday, November 3: Amazing Grace Night - 4:30p.m. and 5:30p.m.; Main Campus

Friday, November 4: White Out Night - 4:00, 5:30, 7:00p.m.; 3rd - 5th Spirit Night; Main Campus

Monday, November 7 - Friday, November 11: Scholastic Book Fair
Tuesday, November 8: Election Day; 9:00 a.m. start for LS and MS
Thursday, November 10: Open House, Main Campus; 10:00 a.m.
Saturday, November 12: Open House, North Campus; 9:00 a.m.

Development

Annual Fund Update: THANK YOU, MBCA!

As of Friday, Annual Fund pledges or gifts were received from 99 percent of our Academy families, with the Middle School and Upper School both reporting a perfect 100 percent participation. Amazing! Kelly Petroff, chair, and the Annual Fund volunteers have worked tirelessly for 30 days to achieve these truly remarkable levels of participation. We are so grateful for your service to our school!

The Annual Fund is an essential piece of the school’s operating budget with these dollars directly affecting every single student. The incredible show of support we receive each year from the board, faculty, parents and grandparents is what makes MBCA so special. Thank you, families, for choosing to invest in our students in such a meaningful way. We are blessed!

If you have not already done so, please take a moment to turn in your pledge card. Although we have your “YES,” we are still watching the dollar amount climb as many of you prayerfully consider what the best giving level is for your family. Remember, you have until June 30, 2017 to satisfy your pledge. There are several ways to make your pledge:

Return your pledge card by mail, drop it off at the front desk, or place it inside your child’s backpack. If you need a pledge card, they are available at the front desk, or we will happily send one home in your child’s backpack. Just ask!
Inform the Development Office of your pledge by emailing or texting Sharon McGehee at sharon.mcgehee@mtbethelchristian.org or (678) 770-8708
Make a payment online by clicking here.

Questions? Please contact Sharon McGehee, Director of Development, at sharon.mcgehee@mtbethelchristian.org, or contact the Development Office at 678-202-4056.

Admission

Help Us Spread the Word!

It's that time of year when we reach out to the community to spread the word about the wonderful work we do here at MBCA and encourage prospective families to come visit our campus. The admission season is open for the 2017-2018 school year, Open Houses are scheduled and we are actively seeking new students.

So how can you help? Our best and most effective marketing tool is you...word of mouth! Tell your friends, neighbors and co-workers about MBCA; encourage them to come take a look at our campuses; if you have preschoolers or a church affiliation, drop off brochures to their offices (brochures are available in the Admission Office or reception desk); visit Great Schools website and post a review.

Thank you for helping us continue to minister to the community and give others the opportunity to receive an exceptional Christ-centered education.

Main Campus Open House
4385 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta
November 10 at 10:00 a.m.

Mark your calendars for the first open house at our Main Campus for junior kindergarten through 8th grade. We hope you can join us, and please be sure to spread the news to friends and neighbors as well! Questions? Contact Jackie Grasty , Director of Admission.

Upper School Open House
2509 Post Oak Tritt Road, Marietta
November 12 at 9:00 a.m.

If you missed the first Open House at the North Campus, be sure to mark your calendar for November 12 to visit the fully renovated Upper School campus. We hope you can join us, and please be sure to spread the news to friends and neighbors as well! Questions? Contact Cal Boyd , Upper School Director of Admission.

Save the Date

Winter Wonderland Scholastic Book Fair

November 7-11
Book Fair is just around the corner! You can be a part of this fun and festive event in many ways. Please consider volunteering to set up on November 3 and 4, working sales November 7-11 or helping with take down November 11. If none of these are right for you, we could use several volunteers to bring in food and drinks during our hours of service. We would love any and all the help we can get. Please click the links below to volunteer to bring food and/or work the Book Fair. Thank you for your support every year! The Book Fair could not happen without the support and help of our amazing parents!

Book Fair Volunteers

Book Fair Snacks & Treats

Thanksgiving Feast

Thursday, November 17
Friday, November 18

MBCA invites you to join your children for our traditional Thanksgiving Feast on Thursday, November 17 and Friday, November 18. We will be serving roast turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls, dressing & gravy, cranberry sauce, fruit medley and pumpkin pie. Classes will be served according to the schedule below:

Thursday, November 17

Friday, November 18

Order Tickets

Volunteer

Announcements

Election Day Time Change

Tuesday, November 8

On election day, Tuesday, November 8 , the school day will begin at 9:00 a.m . on the Main Campus. Early Eagles will begin at 8:15 a.m. Middle School students can be dropped off beginning at 8:15 a.m. and Lower School carpool will begin at 8:45 a.m .

Halloween Candy Overload!

A message from Mrs. Kelly…
A good friend of mine runs Operation Homefront, an organization dedicated to helping the families of Georgia soldiers currently deployed overseas. Supporting the troops is a cause near and dear to my heart, so I help her whenever I can.

One of the things she's in need of at this time of year is candy. Not only will she send hard candies oversees to the troops, but she will put together goodie bags for the holidays for the children here at home. To help support her effort, I'm happy to accept the Halloween candy you would prefer your children not eat. I know that my kids loved to trick or treat, but I only let them have one piece of candy a day - which meant I always had a whole lot of extra candy that mostly ended up in the garbage. If you find yourself in similar circumstances, please feel free to send it in with the students to room 223, and I will make sure it gets to the right place! Candy collection runs from November 1 to November 10. Thank you for helping support our troops.

Operation Christmas Child
Presented November 10
Through Operation Christmas Child, we have the opportunity to make a difference in the life of an underprivileged child and to teach our children the joy of sharing with others. How wonderful it was last year to see the hundreds of shoeboxes donated by Mt. Bethel students.

Please bring your shoeboxes on Thursday, November 10. Follow the instructions on the brochure that is sent home with your student(s) carefully. Remember to include a $7.00 check in each shoebox, or pay online then attach the provided label to your shoebox. The $7.00 helps defray the cost of shipping and other expenses.

Additional brochures are located in the Academy reception area.

Friday Morning Breakfast
Come early and join your classmates for breakfast. All profits go towards the 8th grade mission trip. We start selling no later than 7:30 a.m. Tables will either be outside or in the main foyer of DeVore Hall. Students should be sure to finish their breakfast before going to class.

We will offer:
Chick-fil-A Biscuits - $3 each
Chick-fil-A Minis - $3 per box
Donuts - $1 each (glazed and chocolate glazed)
NEW - Gluten Free Scone from Cherry on Top Delights Bakery - $3 each

Questions? Contact Nancy Ostergard or Paige Valentine 678-907-0779.

Uniform Update
Beginning November 6 when Daylight Savings Time ends, boys in JK-8th grade will no longer be required to start wearing long pants; they may continue to wear shorts, if they prefer. However, please be aware that Lower School students will go out for recess if the temperature is above 32 degrees, so dress your MBCA student appropriately.

Class News

MBCA Goes To the Polls

In an unprecedented turnout, MBCA students went to the polls today to cast their vote for our next president of the United States of America. Visit our Facebook page to see photos of more dedicated voters.

First Grade
The 50's rocked in 1st Grade

First grade celebrated the fiftieth day of school by dressing up and learning about life in the 1950's. They had hula hoop and bubble gum blowing contests and enjoyed root beer floats while they learned that life in the 1950's was WAY different than it is today.

Third Grade
The Great Escape

Mrs. Kramer's class was able to "escape!" With the help of Mrs. Hampton, our third graders solved clues and riddles to unlock boxes, find more clues, and solve the mystery! Our riddles included math questions to help review, as well as clues about our upcoming Ancient Greece unit. The students loved getting to play detective and learn interesting facts. Everyone was able to solve their mystery and "escape!"

Ancient Greece

Third Grade is studying Ancient Greece in October and November. Mrs. Cohen’s class had fun learning new facts about ancient Greece.

Fourth Grade
Sailing the Caribbean with Mr. Parsons

Fourth graders enjoyed learning from our own MBCA sailor, Mr. Rustin Parsons! Mr. Parsons explained how he uses new technology and older techniques, like early explorers used, to sail their family boat in the Caribbean Sea. Students explored nautical maps, investigated an instrument called a sextant, and even heard the loud call of a conch shell! Students were able to see how God’s amazing universe, with all of its chaos, has an intricate plan and order. Thank you Mr. Parsons, for sharing your knowledge with us. (Parent of Riley, 6th, Nancy Clare, 4th, Tripp, 2nd)

Fifth Grade
Georgia Works!

A big thanks to our 5th grade class! They donated a ton of towels to help the 'towel drive' at the Georgia Works! program. Georgia Works! has now expanded their program to be able to help up to 175 men, and donations like this make all the difference! Most of the men pictured will be graduated and on their own in a few months. This very kind gesture will play a big part in making that a reality. Thank you again to MBCA's 5th grade class.

Upper School
Art on the ATL Beltline

Upper School art students took part in the “Art on the ATL Beltline” tour on Friday, October 21. Students walked about 2-3 miles (and back!) of the downtown Beltline loop to experience the current street-art phenomenon. After spending class time researching and creating street art through stenciling and spray-painting, students were encouraged to create a piece of Free Art to share a meaningful message. Not only did students view and photograph the Beltline art, but every student also created a piece of art to leave on the Beltline to be shared by all who pass by. It was truly a thought-provoking experience to challenge the definition of “fine art” while spreading a message of inspiration and beauty.

One Act Play

Lower and Middle School students enjoyed watching our MBCA Upper School actors perform a comedic One Act Play entitled The 10 Best Worst Things about High School. Visit our Facebook page to view more photos.

Homecoming Night
The Upper School celebrated Homecoming week October 10th thru the 14th with themed dress days, Volleyball Games, and then a Homecoming dance. Great fun was had by all!

Last Saturday, they had their 2nd Annual Homecoming dance, complete with a photobooth and props! Check out just some of the fun photos of our upper school students. If you want to see more photos from that night, visit the link from Photo Frenzy Booth.

House Points
Fortes - 2840
Veritas - 2640
Fidelitas – 2383
Integritas – 2353
Servimus – 2296
Humilitas - 2233

Sports

Don't Miss School-Wide Basketball Events
MBCA Parents:

Our Mt. Bethel Varsity boys basketball team finished their inaugural season just one game short of the State Championship.

Our new basketball season is around the corner and we need your support!!

Here’s how you can help:

BLUE /WHITE TIP OFF NIGHT

Tuesday, November 1

Main Campus
Our basketball season begins with our 2nd annual Blue/White Tip-Off Night at the CAC on Tuesday, November 1. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for a fast paced night of family fun events - a Parent vs. Faculty basketball game, skill contests for the younger MBCA students, a poster signing by our Varsity Players, and introductions of ALL MBCA basketball and cheerleading teams. All proceeds from this event will go to our MBCA Athletic Association, for the benefit of all our sports programs.

AMAZING GRACE NIGHT
Thursday, November 3
Main Campus

Please join us on our home court November 3 for the first MS basketball games of the season. We will be celebrating our Amazing Grace Detling as we take on Cornerstone Prep. She will be our special guest as the A team's ball girl for the afternoon. Grace would love to see you there in your Amazing Grace T-shirts.

There will also be a chance for you to shower Grace and family with love, support, and donations. Games begin at 4:30 and 5:30 . There will be a few Amazing Grace T-shirts available for purchase on game day. Sizes YL - XXL

See you on the court along with our Amazing Grace! Go Eagles!

HOME OPENER/WHITE OUT NIGHT: 3rd - 5th Grade Spirit Night

Friday, November 4

Main Campus (please note the change from last week)
Right on the heels of Tip-Off Night, our middle school boys' B team, JV boys' and Varsity boys' teams will make their season debut on Friday, November 4 at the Main Campus gym against DEFENDING STATE CHAMPION, Cumberland Christian. Game times are 4:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. This game is a “WHITE OUT,” and we want all of our fans to wear white.

*We expect a really big crowd for this game. Please expect to arrive at least one hour before Varsity tip-off to get a seat.

Upper School

Cross Country

On Saturday, October 22, our boys' and girls’ cross-country teams traveled to Cross-Point Christian to compete in the Region meet. Our ladies had their best performances of the season with Sophia Ostervold and Martha Pjetri both running their best times of the season! The boys’ team had strong performances with most of them improving their personal records! Top medals were awarded to Stone Riley (10th), Ethan Parker (3rd), and Beau Milam, Individual Region Champion!! With strong performances from the rest of the team, the boys’ dominated the race and brought home the Team Region Championship!