Martha's MessageDear Parents, Last week, the upper school teachers and I had the opportunity to spend time with the 5th and 6th graders in Hendersonville, North Carolina at the Mountain Trail Outdoor School on the Kanuga Conference Center Campus. The students had a wonderful time hiking, learning, playing games, square dancing, building community, and stretching their comfort zone. The counselors told us several times how pleased they were with their level of knowledge, participation, and behavior. It is always such a good experience for the students to get away, in a safe environment, to reflect and learn more about themselves and each other. I honestly believe we all came back a little braver and closer as a group. For those of you who have been at BES awhile, you are well aware that the months of October, November, and December are our busiest months of the school year. I want to encourage you to read The Connections weekly and check the online calendar often to stay abreast of the events, school hours, and important news pertaining to your children. Most of the time, extended day is available for our students on planning days and half-days with reservations. Please make a special note that Thanksgiving Break will begin on Friday, November 16th so all the teachers can attend the FCIS Conference in downtown Jacksonville. There is no extended day on the 16th. Have a restful long weekend! Sincerely, Join Us for the Sixth Grade Spaghetti Dinner on Thursday, November 8thStart making plans to attend the Sixth Grade Spaghetti Dinner on Thursday, November 8th from 5:00-7:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall. This event is always an enjoyable time as our sixth grade students serve a delicious Italian meal and entertain our guests during a memorable evening of music, food, and friendship. Reservation order forms are due into the school office by Monday, October 22nd for dine-in or carryout. We look forward to seeing our BES families and friends there to support our sixth grade students and to have a joy-filled dinner. Make Your Gift or Pledge to the Starfish Fund Today!Thank you to all who have already given so generously to the Beaches Episcopal School Starfish Fund Annual Giving Campaign. Like last year, we will recognize our donors in the front office. The starfish will have the name of each donor as stated on their pledge card (including anonymous). For those where no specific name is given, we will simply list the name of the family. If you have not made your gift to the Starfish Fund, there is still time! The campaign runs through December 31, 2018. Every gift of every size makes a significant impact to our school and students. Be the one who helps Beaches Episcopal School continue our 65 year tradition of setting students on a trajectory towards success and significance. Donate or pledge your gifts by December 31, 2018. Pledge payments are accepted until June 30, 2019.If you have any questions about the campaign or ways to give, please contact Stacy Nash, Director of Development, at (904) 246-2466.Be the one…make the difference. Admissions Open House Coming in November, Sibling Applications Being AcceptedUpcoming Admissions Open House If you know of a neighbor or family member that is looking for an independent school with over 65 years of academic excellence and a loving, Christian environment, please let them know that we would enjoy getting to meet them at an Admissions Open House on Thursday, November 29th at 9:00 a.m. During the Open House, they will enjoy refreshments, a guided campus tour, and a question and answer session from our administration, faculty, and parents. Sibling Applications Being Accepted We hope you're already considering registering other family members for the 2019-2020 school year. We are currently accepting applications and due to high volume of early applications, we have only a few spots remaining in our PreK3 and PreK4 classes. If you have any questions, please contact Ashley Davis, Director of Admissions, at 904-246-2466 ext. 137 or adavis@beachesepiscopalschool.org. Athletics UpdateBasketball season has been a great experience for our players. This week, the girls team competed against RPDS. After they went down by double digits, they rallied and came back to score 10 points. They had an excellent 4th quarter as they outscored their opponent 8 to 6. In one particular play, Ella had an amazing drive as she grabbed the rebound and then drove down the court to score. What an amazing effort by a first year player! Thank you to all the girls for their hard work and dedication. Next week is our last week of scheduled games, then we will enter the playoff tournament. Go Rays! Message from the Yearbook Coordinator: Parents are welcome to submit pictures of school events for consideration in the yearbook. All parents interested can submit via the Lifetouch link below and type in the Community Image Access Code: VCMHBF https://community.lifetouch.com For any questions regarding the yearbook please contact Ms. Harding at mharding@beachesepiscopalschool.org Upcoming Events and Dates of InterestFall Holiday (No School and Extended Day Closed) Vision Screening in Movement Room (by Vision is Priceless) Picture Day (Individual) October Birthday Free Dress Day Costume Parade at 8:10 a.m., Early Dismissal at 11:30 a.m., Extended Day with Reservations, Fall Pottery Begins |