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March 16, 2017
New BES Blog from Martha Milton: The Importance of Persistence

We are delighted to share this new BES Blog submission from our Head of School, Martha Milton. She beautifully addresses "The Importance of Persistence" as it relates to the parent-student relationship. 

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Along with providing a solid academic program, one of our primary goals as educators should be teaching students to work through challenges, deal with disappointment and hardship, and help them achieve realistic goals they have set for themselves.

Observing the runners in the Gate River Run made me think of what it must be like to run a race. Participants who make it to the finish line are the ones who persist in training regardless of weather conditions or how they feel. They learn to pace themselves and handle slumps, engage in positive self-talk during tough times, and adjust expectations to fit reality. I don’t pretend to be a runner, but I do have goals that relate to other interests. The quote I refer to when I feel over whelmed is, “A thousand-mile journey begins with one step.” It gives me the courage to try.

I think our children experience an attitude of “can’t do” rather than “can do” more often than we would like to admit. So, we must be intentional about how to help them develop a Growth Mindset. If you haven’t seen the bulletin board outside the IDEAStudio, stop by soon to see how the children define a Growth Mindset. It’s the mindset to understand, that with effort, they have the power to grow, learn, and change.

Sometimes children (and adults) just need a little bit of encouragement to overcome an obstacle. As parents and teachers, we need to teach positive self-talk. Instead of encouraging statements such as, “I can’t do this,” or “I’m not good enough,” give them wording, like “I know I can do this if I just keep at it.” They need to make the connection between effort and achievement. It’s okay to take a break when it gets too tough. The important lesson is to come back and continue to try.

Our goal is for learners to become intrinsically motivated to engage in long-term success. As parents, it is so difficult to allow our children the time to work through a difficult situation. We tend to want to jump in, wipe away those tears, and offer the solution. What parent in their right mind wants to see their child unhappy, right?

I want to suggest that it is so much more meaningful to model persistence, teach positive self-talk, and help them understand that it is through positive self-talk, repetition, and setting realistic goals that we connect effort and achievement. Let your children know that you have high expectations and that you have confidence in their ability to be successful (I said successful, not perfect). The cumulative effect of this mindset will be intrinsic motivation for even greater learning.

Martha Milton
Head of School

Link: BES Blog page

Boosterthon Fun Run Coming to BES!

The Boosterthon Fun Run is coming soon to Beaches Episcopal School!

Parents, to give your child the best educational experience possible, BES is excited to raise funds for classroom and playground enhancements! And we’re hosting a Fun Run to make that happen. Family and friends anywhere in the world can support our school by giving pledges toward the number of laps your student will run on the day of the Fun Run - Friday, April 7th.

Our 2-week Fun Run program kicks off on Wednesday, March 29th at 2:00PM in the lunch room at Stormes Hall. Plus, leading up to the Fun Run, students will learn how to make a difference in their world through an unbelievable character theme, "Backyard Box Office."

Help Beaches Episcopal School in Four Steps:
1. Register on www.funrun.com on Wednesday, March 29th.
2. Connect to sponsors—friends and family who can donate to help our school.
3. Cheer on your child! Come to the Fun Run on Friday, April 7th at 8:30AM on Hixon Field.
4. Collect! Pledge money is due one week after the run. Checks are payable to the school.

Be on the lookout for an official pledgebook with more details.

Thank you for your support!

Important Dates for 2017-2018

The following is a list of significant dates for the 2017-2018 school year so that you can begin making plans for your family.

Orientation: Monday, August 14
First Day of School: Tuesday, August 15
Thanksgiving Break: November 20-24
Christmas Break: Dec. 18, 2017 - Jan. 2, 2018
Spring Break: March 26 - April 2, 2018
Last Day of School: Friday, May 25, 2018

Register Now for BES Summer Camp 2017!

Many of our families have already registered students for the 2017 BES Summer Camp, and you can be next! Children will "Live the Adventure" as they experience an enormous variety of exciting activities centered around amazing themes for each week of camp.

Summer Camp is open to all students entering PreK4 through sixth grade (students must be 4 years old by July 21, 2017 to attend as a PreK4 student). Students will be separated into two groups based on their rising grade level. One group will be comprised of PreK4 through first grade students while the other group will consist of second through sixth grade students.

Morning Only (9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.) and Full Day (9:00 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.) programs will be available for each week of camp.

BES Summer Camp 2017 Weeks:
June 12-16, June 19-23, July 10-14, July 17-21

Each week will feature activities based on a theme (Under the Sea, Princesses and Superheroes, Ooey Gooey Fun, and The Mighty Jungle) in the areas of Art, Cooking, Science, and Games. And don't forget about Water Day every Friday of camp! Discounts will be offered to Beaches Episcopal School students, and you can register week by week if you prefer.

Learn more about BES Summer Camp 2017

Register Online for BES Summer Camp 2017!

BES Movie Night Thank You

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our first ever BES Movie Night this past Friday!  It was a fun-filled evening under the stars with many of our BES families. A huge thank you to Nikki and Duke Lewis for chairing this PSO sponsored event, as well as Blenda Berrier for her amazing balloon designs!

Mark Your Calendars: Important Dates to Remember

Girls Volleyball Game vs. BES Teachers (parents welcome)
Friday, March 17th at 2:00 p.m. on basketball court behind McCormick Hall 

Spring Break (No School, No Extended Day)
Monday, March 20th - Friday, March 24th

Boosterthon Fun Run Pep Rally
Wednesday, March 29th at 2:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall

Denim Day (Colon Cancer Alliance) 
Friday, March 31st

Boosterthon Fun Run
Friday, April 7th at 8:30 a.m. on Hixon Field

Athletics Update

Soccer practice has begun. We have a full squad of players. We have a lot of new players to the team. I am excited to see them develop soccer skills and grow as a team. It is a special moment to represent your school on an athletic team. This will be an exciting season!

Our flag football team played amazingly during their tournament this past weekend! They won their first round game and advanced to the second round! We are so proud of their efforts to better themselves and each other as they played for our school!

Our volleyball jamboree was a success. The girls played two great games.They consistently served over the net and were able to return the serve back over the net. Our team even had a few spikes at the net. Great job, volleyball girls. Their next opponent is the BES teachers on Friday, March 17th at 2:00 p.m. Come cheer on the team as they play against their teachers!

Email Tricia Novak with any questions.

Go Rays!

ChurchChat: News from St. Paul's by-the-Sea Episcopal Church

The SPBTS weekly Chair Yoga class meets on Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m. in the nursery over at the church. This class is open to everyone, and all skill levels are encouraged to attend!

Youth Bible Study is offered for 6th-12th grade students on Wednesday evenings at The Youth House. We hope your children will join us!