Eagle Eye 12-4-2016

December 4, 2016

The Potential of Teens

This past week in a Starbucks in south Nashville, two teenage girls, Hannah Grace and Emily, were working on a school project when they noticed an older gentleman enter the store. He ordered a plain coffee and sat down at a table. A short while later, they looked his way and noticed he had spilled coffee on his chest, his head was tilted back, and his eyes appeared to be closed. The busy store was filled with patrons much older than they were, but none of them seemed to notice that something clearly didn’t look right with this man. Uncertain, but concerned, they approached the manager who took one look at the man and quickly called 911 before starting CPR. The girls watched anxiously as he lay on the floor motionless, his face turning purple. He was not breathing; the CPR was not working. As paramedics rushed in, the girls began to fear the worst as they clasped hands to pray. Within a minute, EMS was able to restart his heart and he began to breathe. As they wheeled him out of the store, Emily asked a paramedic if the man would live. “Yes”, he said. “But it was very close. Just one minute longer and he wouldn’t have made it.” The girls returned to their table, reliving the last 15 minutes, texting their parents and friends, and thinking about the gravity of what just happened. Things could have ended differently. They could have easily waited another minute before asking for help. They could have followed the age old “children should be seen and not heard” advice and waited for an adult to notice the situation. But instead they acted on their concern and as a result, they saved someone’s life.

I have spent nearly three decades working with teens as well as raising a couple of my own. In that time, I’ve learned a few things about them that are at odds with the image most media portrays. For starters, they are far more thoughtful than we give them credit for. Can they be careless and irrational? With frontal lobes that aren’t yet fully developed, of course they can! But they are also empathetic and observant as our Starbucks story illustrates. In fact, I think such stories are more common than we understand, so let’s not buy into the stereotype of the brooding, apathetic, or clueless teen. Let’s acknowledge teenagers’ capacity for good in the world. Like all children, our teens are capable of impressive things when they are confident their parents see their full potential, not just their screw-ups. Scripture reminds us that God holds us accountable for the gifts he gives and children are one of those gifts. If you have a teen or pre-teen in your house, make a point to notice something positive about their behavior this weekend and praise them for it. It may not seem important and they may blow it off, but trust me. They are listening. And they remember. And it matters.

Blessings,

Jim R. Callis

Head of School

Dates to Remember

Wednesday, December 7: MS Christmas Program @ 6:30 p.m.

Friday, December 16: LS End of 2nd Quarter / MS & US End of 1st Semester

Friday, December 16: LS Chrismas Program @ 8:30 a.m.

Friday, December 16: LS & MS Early Release @ 11:45 a.m. No ASP

December 19 - January 1: Christmas Break

Tuesday, January 3: Re-enrollment opens

January 3 - January 4: LS & MS Teacher Conferences

Tuesday, January 3: US classes resume

Thursday, January 5: LS & MS classes resume

Development

GOAL Update: Exciting news!
MBCA is just a few applications away from achieving our highest level of GOAL participation ever! PLEASE take a minute to visit the Georgia GOAL website to secure your 2017 tax credit. Roughly two weeks remain before all applications must be submitted to GOAL for 2017. GOAL must have your application by December 22.

As you visit with loved ones during this most special season of advent, please share with them the good news of GOAL and ask for their help. The application process takes less than five minutes and you do not have to be a MBCA family in order to participate. With no extra cost to you, you are simply reallocating a portion of YOUR state income tax to Mt. Bethel Christian Academy. Visit www.goalscholarship.org to apply today and help us offer financial assistance to more families than ever before.

If you are a tax-paying Georgian, you can participate in this free program. You do NOT have to be a current MBCA parent. Tell your friends and family!
Individuals filing jointly can claim up to $2,500.
Owners of S-Corps, LLCs and Partnerships can contribute up to $10,000.

If you have questions, please contact the Development Office at 678-202-4056 or email Alison Stephens.

Corporate Matching Gifts
By taking advantage of your employer’s matching gift program, you can potentially double or triple your contribution to MBCA. Matching gift dollars are included in our Donor Recognition Giving Levels. Thousands of corporations offer a matching gift program to their employees and employee’s spouses. Please inquire with your HR department to see if your gift to MBCA is eligible for a match, or utilize the matching gift services provided on your company’s website. If you have any questions, please contact the Development Office at alison.stephens@mtbethelchristian.org .

Stock Gifts to Mt. Bethel Christian Academy
The simplest way to transfer stocks to MBCA is through a depository trust company (or DTC). For more information on how to make a stock gift, please contact Lane Sims, Business Manager, at lane.sims@mtbethelchristian.org or 678-202-4051. Please have the following information available: (1) the name and type of securities to be gifted (public, restricted, mutual fund, etc.), and (2) the number of shares. Please note it may not be possible to reach someone by phone during our Christmas break, which begins Monday, December 19. U.S. stock markets will be closed on December 26 in observance of Christmas, and again on Saturday, December 31.

Thank you so much for the financial support and resources you provided MBCA this year. May this Christmas season be filled with blessings for you and your family, as you are a blessing to us.

Admission

Plan Now for Re-enrollment
When to re-enroll : Re-enrollment for the 2017-2018 school year will begin on Tuesday, January 3 . When re-enrolling for the next grade, there is no need to re-apply. Your child is already a student here and will automatically be promoted to the next grade upon receipt of your re-enrollment contract and a tuition deposit equal to 10% of full tuition. This procedure also applies to students moving to the upper school campus for 9th grade. Families with multiple children enrolled will sign a contract and submit a deposit for each sibling. The deadline to secure your child's placement for next year is January 31.

How to re-enroll : On January 3, each family will receive an email with instructions on how to re-enroll electronically. You will be prompted to sign into your My Backpack account, click on Enrollment/Re-enrollment, review and update your family profile, sign and submit your 2017-2018 re-enrollment contract(s), and remit payment. Plan now (before Christmas) for this important investment in your child’s future!

Re-enrollment Exceptions - If any of the following conditions apply, please conference with the appropriate teacher or administrator before attempting to re-enroll:

Your child may be repeating a grade (Teacher)
You are in arrears in your financial obligation to the school (Business Office)
You are not planning to re-enroll for the 2017-2018 school year (Admission Director)
Any other extenuating circumstances that may preclude your re-enrollment (Admission Director)

Now Accepting New Applications for 2017-2018
Applications are now being accepted for new students for the 2017-2018 school year. Siblings of current students applying for the first time will also need to submit an application and schedule a shadow day. Students applying to Junior Kindergarten through 5th grade will be assessed for admission on March 4, 2017. New applicants interested in 6th through 12th grade will need to register to take the SSAT (school code is 5260). The SSAT is administered monthly at our upper school campus.

For more information, contact Jackie Grasty, Director of Admission for grades JK- 8th or Cal Boyd , Director of Admission for the Upper School.

MBCA Siblings
For our current families, if you will be applying a sibling for admission for the next school year (a rising Junior Kindergartner, Kindergartner or unenrolled sibling), please go to our Admission page on our website to begin the application process. Siblings of current students applying for the first time will need to submit an application and schedule a shadow day. We love seeing brothers and sisters join the MBCA family!

Financial Aid
For families anticipating a need for financial aid next year, the deadline to apply is Friday, February 24. Plan accordingly, as your completed 2016 Federal Tax Return must be submitted before a request for aid can be considered. The Parent Statement of Need will also need to be submitted to Jackie Grasty, Director of Admission. If you've received financial aid this school year and will need assistance again next year, please note that you must reapply. Link here to begin the application for financial aid. For more information, contact Jackie Grasty .

Did you know...
Tours of the main campus are conducted every Wednesday at 10 a.m. No appointment necessary!

Save the Date

Combined Christmas Chapel

Tuesday, December 6 @ 8:30 a.m.

Lower and middle school will have their joint Christmas Chapel on December 6 at 8:30 a.m. This chapel will feature the Eagle Choir and the MS Band and Chorus.

Night of the Arts/Christmas Concert

Wednesday, December 7

Please join us Wednesday, December 7 starting at 6:00 p.m. to celebrate our wonderfully creative and talented middle school Art students! Artwork created throughout the semester by MS students will be displayed throughout the first floor of the Academy, as well as in the Church narthex.

Come peruse the artful creations before enjoying an evening of Christmas music brought to you by the Middle School Band and Chorus in the Sanctuary at 6:30 p.m. Join us as we bring in the Christmas Season!

FTC RoboDragons Qualifier

Saturday, December 10 / 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Come out and support MBCA's Robotics team as they compete at Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, & Technology in the Georgia First Robotics FTC RoboDragons Qualifier.

Miracle at Midnight

Friday, December 16 @ 8:30 a.m.

Third through fifth grades will present a Christmas musical entitled “Miracle at Midnight ” on December 16 at 8:30 a.m.

Seating
Seating will be available for parents on the main level of the Sanctuary. Students in grades 3-5 will be performing on the stage. Students in grades JK-2 will need to remain with their class while sitting in the balcony.

Lower School Dress Code for the Day
All LS students can wear their “Christmas Best.” Please consult the dress code in the handbook for dress lengths and shoe requirements. If tops are worn with leggings, they should be no shorter than 3 inches above the knee.

Announcements

Adjusted LS Carpool & Walk-Up Schedule for Early Release

Friday, December 16
Carpool and walk-up times for early release are:

Walk up for JK/Kindergarten & 1st, 11:35 a.m. from hallway
Walk up for 2-3 grade, 11:35 a.m. from library
Walk up for 4-5 grade 11:40 a.m. from library
Carpool starts at 11:45 a.m.

Publix Partners

Reminder
Take the sting out of those high December grocery bills by knowing that a percentage of each transaction made using a Publix Partners card is allocated to Mt. Bethel Christian Academy. Don’t forget to swipe the green Publix Partners card (available at the MBCA reception desk) on your key ring every time you shop at Publix! Don't want to put loyalty cards on your key ring? There are apps for that. Visit your app store to download a loyalty/reward card app, such as Key Ring , and save your cards to your phone.

Lost & Found
In the Main Lobby
December 12 – 16
Has your child lost a water bottle, a fleece jacket, a shoe, etc? Please take a moment Monday, December 12 through Friday, December 16 to look through the items in the Academy lobby. All lost and found items not claimed by Friday will be donated.

Studio 7

Fall Madness

Still haven't seen your child's school photo or photos from sporting events? Don't worry, you can link here to view all things MBCA! Studio 7's Fall Madness sale is still on with $5 digital images. They also do books, collages, posters, Fatheads, you name it! Perfect idea for holiday gifts.

Operation Homefront

A Thank You

From the folks at Operation Homefront, THANK YOU! Mrs. Kelly took over 50 pounds of candy to them before the Thanksgiving break, and they are so grateful for the outpouring of love and support for our Georgia soldiers and their families. They were planning to use some of the candy for the huge Thanksgiving feast they were preparing for over 30 families, and the rest they will use in care packages for soldiers and other holiday activities they have planned for the families. Thank you so much for your generous donations!

From the Art Department

With the end of the semester fast-approaching, middle school students are beginning their traditional rug-hooking projects and they are in need of yarn donations! Yarns of all types and colors are welcome and greatly appreciated!

Please send donations to the Art Department.

Chick-fil-A Breakfast

At the North Campus

The Upper School will be selling Chick-fil-A biscuits and calendars at the North Campus on Friday mornings from 7:30 – 8:10 a.m . All profits go toward the Upper School Mission Trips.

We will offer:

$3 - Chick-fil-a Biscuits

$7 - Chick-fil-a 2017 Cow Calendar with coupon card which includes 12 FREE food and drink coupons. *Makes for great Christmas gifts, teacher gifts and stocking stuffers!*

Friday Morning Breakfast

At the Main Campus
Come early and join your classmates for breakfast. All profits go toward 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:
$3 - Chick-fil-A Biscuits
$3 - Chick-fil-A Minis box
$1 - Donuts (glazed and chocolate glazed)
NEW $3 - Gluten Free Scone from Cherry on Top Delights Bakery

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

Christmas Lunch for MBCA Teachers & Staff

Dear Lower School and Middle School Parents,

We're looking forward to celebrating our amazing teachers and staff this season as we host a Christmas Lunch for them on December 9 from 11:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m. But Parent Council needs your help! If you'd like to join us in spreading holiday cheer by donating something yummy (can be homemade or store-bought), we'd so appreciate it! Items can be brought to the Main Campus conference room at 10:30 a.m. on December 9. Thanks in advance for your help...and Merry Christmas!

Blessings,
MBCA Parent Council

Date: 12/9/16 (Friday)

Time: Drop-off items between 10:30 and 10:45 a.m.

Please link here to sign up to donate for the Christmas Lunch.

Class News

Kindergarten

G ingerbread Girl Escapades

Mrs. Dean's kindergarten class has been reading lots of gingerbread stories this week. They have read about the gingerbread man, baby, girl, cowboy, etc! They love hearing about all of the gingerbread’s escapades and whether or not it will get eaten. The class made a life-sized gingerbread girl and decorated her with all kinds of stickers and such. They guess after hearing all of those stories, she decided to make a run for it while they were at lunch on Friday! Gingerbread girl left them clues as to her whereabouts. They looked in the library, front desk, nurse’s office and finally find her in Mrs. Lovett’s office with a peace offering of gingerbread cookies. The kindergartners were so excited when they found out she was missing and did a great job finding her!

Second Grade

Violin Solo
Penny Nour played her violin for her second grade music class on Friday. They are currently studying the string family of instruments and students are encouraged to bring an instrument from that family to share during class. Penny and her sister Audrey have been taking lessons on the violin since they were 3 years old.

Fourth Grade

A Visit from Dr. Okwumabua

Dr. Okwumabua, Chuka’s mother, visited with Mrs. Davis’ class on Tuesday, November 29 after their chapel service. During chapel, Stanley from the upper school, came to share what his life in Nigeria was like and how he is adjusting to life in America. Dr. Okwumabua is also from Nigeria and from the same tribe as Stanley. They learned about the history of Nigeria, the different dresses of the tribes, the many languages that are spoken, and about daily life in Nigeria. Dr. Okwumabua’s grandfather was a King and her father is a Prince, which makes her a Princess. They enjoyed having both Stanley and Dr. Okwumabua come and tell us more about Nigeria.

Eighth Grade

Math Meets Art

The 8th grade math classes stepped up and provided cover for the 3rd floor main hallway bulletin boards. There are brief biographies posted for 30 different mathematicians ranging from the early Greeks of 200 - 500 BC up to the Swiss, French, and Germans of the late 18th - early 19th centuries. The students each selected a mathematician’s portrait and used their imaginations to color them. The results are everything from Pop Art in the style of Roy Lichtenstein to the psychedelic colors of Peter Max.

Upper School

United Nations Conference
On November 14-15, MBCA Upper School sent 11 delegates to the Georgia State University United Nations Conference 2016. The delegates from MBCA ranged from 9-11th grade students and represented 5 committees:

United Nations Environmental Program:
Paola & Caroline Prout

General Assembly Plenary:
Beth Dickerson, Chloe Beacham, Jackson Risey

Economics and Social Council:
Daniel Jones, Isabel Robertson, Connor Lamb

Food and Agricultural Organization:

Katelyn Bond

World Health Organization:
Hannah Chang & Gracie Grogan

MBCA was 1 of 42 metro Atlanta schools competing, including Alpharetta High School (ranked #6 in GA), Blessed Trinity, Fulton Science Academy, Lassiter, Riverwood, The Walker School, Walton, and the Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology (ranked #1 high school in GA) to name a few.
Of the 11 MBCA delegates, the Georgia State University United Nations awarded the freshmen team of Hannah Chang and Gracie Grogan "Outstanding Position Paper." Hannah and Gracie's paper was 1 of 5 papers recognized from the multitude of delegates by the World Health Organization. Congratulations to all of the MBCA Upper School delegates and to their mentors, Mrs. Tracy Hoskins, Mrs. Susan Prout & Mr. Patrick Dickerson.

House Points
Fortes - 4,754

Veritas - 4,734

Integritas - 4,181

Servimus - 4,155
Fidelitas - 4,017
Humilitas - 3,998

Sports

Holiday Basketball Camp

Coach Boyd and several of the Varsity players are holding a Holiday Basketball Camp on Monday, December 19 through Thursday, December 22 from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. for all boys and girls ages 6 – 14. Please look for the link on Schoology or view the flyer here. For more information, please email Coach Cal Boyd

Upper School

Boys' Varsity Basketball

The boys' Varsity basketball team won against Paideia 71 – 50 in a great game on November 18. They represented Mt. Bethel well. A few highlights: Jordan Meka scored 17 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and had an incredible 10 blocks. Coleman Boyd scored 19 points, dished out 8 assists and had 4 rebounds and Jaquez Gilbert chipped in 16 points. The Eagles improve to 4 – 0 on the season!

Next the boys' team played in the prestigious Dai Jon Parker Classica at Milton High School o n November 25 and 26. They represented our community on a big stage extremely well. Friday, November 25, they faced the almighty Gainesville Red Elephants. They are currently ranked #2 in the state in one of the largest classifications in Georgia. Their starting 5 are 6’8, 6’6, 6’6, 6’5 and a very quick 6’ guard. They play 10 players and press you the minute you get off the bus. They have 7 coaches on the coaching staff, yes 7! It is a city school, so a great deal of support in the community. With all of that said, the boys' team played extremely hard and tough. There were some incredible plays throughout this game. Freshman, Jordan Meka blocked 9 shots including several on the 6’8 player, KT Buffen. Jaquez Gilbert led all scorers with 20 points while JaVontae Kruger and Coleman Boyd handled the press very well all night making some great passes. Matt Gilliland matched up against a player who was 5 inches taller and about 20 pounds heavier, but Matt played tough and hard. With about 4 minutes left in the game, it was a 4-point game, but they ended up losing by 11, 53 – 42.

Less than 24 hours later on Saturday, November 26 they had to play against another much larger school out of Athens, East Jackson. The players came out clicking on all cylinders jumping on them 22 – 4 and never looked back. Everyone played in the game and contributed to the win. The Eagles were up by as many as 25 and ended up winning 63 – 49 to improve to 5 – 1! Will Ross scored 11 points, Perry Schilling chipped in 4 points, and Michael Fuller, DJ Radtke, and David Deaderick all played tough defense.

The boys were back in action Monday, November 28 with their 3rd game in 4 days. The Eagles played against a solid Horizon Christian School. They got off to a quick start leading 18 – 5 after the first quarter. Matt Gilliland hit 5 threes in the first half to lead our team. They had 4 players in double figures with Jaquez Gilbert scoring 20, Jordan Meka 11 and 10 rebounds, Coleman Boyd with 10 and 6 assists, and JaVontae Kruger had 7 assists and a good floor game. The boys improve their record to 6 -1 on the year.

Varsity Girls' Basketball

The Varsity girls' basketball team played their third game on Monday, November 28. They took a commanding lead over Horizon Christian and never looked back. The leading scorers were Alissa Banes with 15, Lauren Schwartz with 14, Nadia Barnes with 12 and Gracie Grogan adding 8. Lauren had 12 rebounds and Gracie pulled down 7. The final score was 59-6.

JV Boys' Basketball

The JV boys' basketball played on Monday, November 28. The Eagles played hard and jumped out to an early lead and never looked back. A host of young Eagles saw ample playing time. The final score was 69 - 20.

Swimming
Upper school boys' and girls' Varsity teams combined for a 9th place finish out of 11 schools competing. With just 6 athletes competing, this is an outstanding result!

Top 5 Finishes:
3rd Place - V Men 100 Free - Haden Wise
5th Place - V Men 100 Fly - Jack Neumann

Top 10 Finishes:
8th Place - V Men 200 Medley Relay - Jack Neumann, Stone Reilly, Warren Puy Arena, Haden Wise
8th Place - V Men 200 Free Relay - Jack Neumann, Ethan Parker, Warren Puy Arena, Haden Wise
10th Place - V Women 50 Free - Jordan Milligan
10th Place - V Women 100 IM - Jordan Milligan

Middle School

Basketball

The A teams played host to two different schools on November 29 in the CAC. The ladies were up first playing a friendly game with a very good King's Ridge. Although the girls were up most of the game, KR came back in the 4th to take the lead and eventually win 41 - 36. The A boys' played GICAA opponent Stonehaven, and were dominant from the tip. Final score was 69 - 15.

Swimming
MBCA middle school girls finished in 2nd place and middle school boys finished in 3rd place for a combined MBCA 2nd place overall with 13 schools competing.

Top 5 Finishes:
2nd Place - JV Girls “A” Medley Relay - Olivia Bechtel, Lindsey Milligan, Claire Petersen, Maggie Minear
3rd Place - JV Boys “A” Medley Relay - Andrew Herrmann, David Vicknair, Nate Smith, Michael Herrmann
3rd Place - JV Girls 100 Free - Claire Petersen
3rd Place - JV Boys 200 Free Relay - Andrew Herrmann, Michael Herrmann, David Vicknair, Nate Smith
4th Place - JV Girls 50 Free - Maggie Minear
4th Place - JV Boys 100 Free - Nate Smith
4th Place - JV Girls 200 Free Relay - Maggie Minear, Lindsey Milligan, Olivia Bechtel, Claire Petersen
5th Place - JV Girls 100 IM - Claire Petersen
5th Place - JV Girls 50 Back - Claire Petersen
5th Place - JV Boys 50 Back - Andrew Herrmann
5th Place - JV Boys 50 Breast - Nate Smith

Top 10 Finishes:
6th Place - JV Girls Medley Relay - Hannah Leerssen, Saena Cox, Brenna Sculac, Katherine Servaes
6th Place - JV Boys 100 IM - Nate Smith
6th Place - JV Girls 50 Breast - Saena Cox
6th Place - JV Girls 200 Free Relay - Evie Papenhagen, Brenna Sculac, Saena Cox, Charlotte Morgan
7th Place - JV Girls 50 Fly - Brenna Sculac
7th Place - JV Girls 50 Breast - Lindsey Milligan
7th Place - JV Boys 50 Breast - David Vicknair
8th Place - JV Girls 100 IM - Brenna Sculac
8th Place - JV Girls 50 Breast - Brenna Sculac
8th Place - JV Boys 50 Free - Andrew Herrmann
8th Place - JV Girls 50 Fly - Olivia Bechtel
9th Place - JV Girls 100 IM - Lindsey Milligan
9th Place - JV Girls 100 Free - Olivia Bechtel
9th Place - JV Girls 50 Breast - Maggie Minear
10th Place - JV Girls 100 IM - Olivia Bechtel

Parker School Uniforms December Sale

Parker School Uniforms is having a holiday sale December 1 - 31. All merchandise is 25% off in-stores and online. Free shipping when you spend $100 or more.

Lands' End Promo

Lands' End is offering a free school logo now through December 31. Add MBCA's logo to polos, tees, blazers and more. Free shipping on orders $50 and over. Use promo code: LOGO & PIN: 3275.