It’s hard to believe that we are beginning our last quarter of the 2018/2019 school year. We have a full calendar of events scheduled for April and May and staff and students are working hard to finish the year well. At the same, time we are looking forward to the 2019/2020 school year and are already planning for a successful year. Robert Mayes, Chairman of the SBCA Board of Directors, recently shared with parents that the administration and board are reviewing policies and procedures in preparation for the upcoming school year. SBCA teachers, administration, and a board academic advisory committee are also reviewing curriculum and course offerings to ensure that our staff and students are set up for success in the coming year and to best capitalize on the additional time offered by the extended school day.
When considering the best use of instructional time for secondary students, it is our goal to not just to graduate academically prepared students, but to send forth productive citizens into society. Middle and high school students will now have time for enrichment classes that will enhance their learning beyond what the traditional academic class schedule offers. More time in the school day provides teachers with opportunities to educate the whole child, providing them with excellent academics as well as valuable skills and experiences. The middle and high school enrichment classes will include courses such as life skills, yearbook, and computer skills for middle schoolers; ACT prep, career prep, and senior internships for high school students.
For elementary students, the additional time will be spent daily enriching and remediating students in math and language arts utilizing small group strategy. Research suggests that a strong base in these two subjects builds the foundation for success in all other school subjects. Our school will continue to offer small class sizes and teacher goals will continue to be to meet students individual learning needs, whether that is to provide enrichment for students who are ready for more of a challenge or remediation for students who are struggling. More time in the school day provides more time for teachers to meet student needs. We have a workshop scheduled for this August to provide kindergarden-8th grade teachers with tools and instruction on how best to accomplish this through the use of small group strategy. Students will also benefit from the addition of an enrichment course where they will receive instruction in Spanish.
As we pour our time, energy and efforts into wrapping up the 2018/2019 school year and planning for a successful 2019/2020 experience, we do so with the focus on our mission to provide a Christian education with academic excellence in a safe, caring environment that allows students to achieve their full potential and discover God’s plan for their lives. Our staff is intentional about providing an education that meets the individual needs of each student. We believe that your child is one of God’s precious creations. We teach our students that God has a plan and a purpose for their lives and are intentional about helping your child be the best they can be.
