The BES community is heartbroken about the devastation Hurricane Harvey is causing to residents in Houston and so many other areas along the storm’s path. The Storms family, one of our incredible sixth grade families, approached us this week about having BES put on a Canned Food Drive to help those affected by this tragedy.

We want to do everything we can, so we are encouraging all BES families and friends to bring in non-perishable canned goods to the school through Friday, September 1st. You can drop off your canned items in the front office of McCormick Hall throughout the week. Donations received will be picked up for delivery to affected areas on Friday.

Thank you in advance for your generosity as you, our families and friends, extend love in a tangible way to people in such tremendous need.

Canned Food Drive for Hurricane Harvey Victims (bring donations to McCormick Hall)
Through Friday, September 1st

Labor Day Holiday (No School)
Monday, September 4th

PSO Internet Safety Meeting
Tuesday, September 19th at 8:05 a.m. in the Common Room of Stormes Hall

First Eucharist Chapel
Wednesday, September 20th at 8:10 a.m. in the church

Interims Go Home
Thursday, September 21st

CTP4 Testing – 6th Grade; OLSAT – 2nd Grade
Monday, Sept. 25th - Friday, Sept. 29th

First School Store
Thursday, September 28th from 7:45-8:00 a.m. in McCormick Hall

Denim Day
Friday, September 29th

Take a moment to read this wonderful new "BES Blog" post from our Athletics Director, Mrs. Tricia Novak, as she reflects on the importance of athletics to students in the context of building memories, instilling values, promoting a healthy lifestyle, and creating a culture of embracing challenge.

Follow this link to read Mrs. Novak's blog.

See the full archive of BES blogs here.

Running Club
The first session of Running Club is underway! The group will be training for the first event of the season, the Avondale 5K, on September 23rd.

Below are more details about that event, or check out the an event flier here.

Avondale 5K
September 23, 2017
5K at 8:30 AM
1 Mile at 8:00 AM
The Shoppes of Avondale

Run for a great cause! This event benefits Sanctuary on 8th Street.

Come run this great race in Avondale! It is a 5K course through Jacksonville’s historic Avondale district. The course runs around Boone Park and along St. Johns Ave. Don’t miss the post-race block party which will include music, free beer, and drawings for prizes!

All runners will receive a finisher medal and a technical running shirt.

As always, check out the Athletics page on the BES website for details on current offerings for your students, and this flier with all of the athletics opportunities available to students throughout the 2017-2018 school year.

Tricia Novak
Athletics Director

BES is excited to take part in a Shoe Drive for Soles4Soles, an organization that provides gently used shoes for people of all ages, locally and internationally. BES families may bring in their shoes to the front office now through September 17th. We hope many of you would give generously to those in need. St. Paul's by-the-Sea Episcopal Church will be taking our donations and sending them to Soles4Souls after the Shoe Drive concludes.

Watch the "Power of a Pair of Shoes" video.

Learn more about Soles4Souls here.

Soles4Souls was founded as a disaster relief organization after philanthropists and shoe executives provided footwear to those most impacted by The Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Soles4Souls was officially formed as a 501(c)(3) non-profit in 2006. They continue to act as second wave responders providing footwear and clothing to those In need during times of disaster.

Sandals, Shorts and Steel Drum Service:
Check out this new Sandals, Shorts, and Steel Drum Service video about an exciting opportunity to worship in a casual environment on Sunday mornings!

Every Sunday from 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m., we invite you to put on your sandals and shorts and join us for a more casual worship service! All are welcome to come and celebrate the Eucharist and enjoy the tropical sound of Steel Drum music. We hope you will join us for this short, but wonderful service!

Yoga Class:
Join us for our weekly Yoga class at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays in the church! Feel free to bring a mat if you have one, or use one of the chairs that we provide. All ages and skill levels welcome! We hope to see you there!

Ministry Fair:
Looking to get involved at St. Paul’s but don’t know where to start? Come see us at our Ministry Fair Sunday’s (August 27th, September 3rd, September 10th)! After the 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. services, all of our ministries will have information on how you can get involved, as well as an opportunity to sign up.

Luau:
On September 17th, we invite you to join us for a Luau! Put on your Hawaiian shirts and beach attire and join us as we celebrate the beginning of a new year! Enjoy the steel drum band, play some games and enjoy some delicious Barbeque. This event will be from 12 p.m.-2 p.m. after services have concluded for the day.