Broadfording Christian Academy

No School – Labor Day

     School will be closed on Monday, September 6 for Labor Day.  Enjoy your long weekend!

Dress Down Day Schedule

     Dress down days are a fun tradition at BCA—students get to dress down for $2.00 or $1.00 if they wear a BCA shirt to school.  The money raised on these days goes to support school programs and special needs that come up throughout the year.  The dates are listed below, so go ahead and mark them all on your calendar! J

• September 1, 15, 29
• October 13, 27, 29
• November 5, 10, 24
• December 1, 15, 22
• January 12, 26
• February 9, 18, 23
• March 9, 11, 23
• April 6, 20, 21
• May 4, 18, 27 (the last day of school will be a free dress down day)

Fall Sports Pictures

     Soccer and volleyball pictures will be taken on Wednesday, September 8.  Mrs. Haldeman has handed out picture forms to the athletes.  Please see her in the school office if your child did not receive one.  Order forms and money are due on the day pictures are taken.

School Picture Day

     Individual school pictures will be taken on Thursday, September 16.  Order forms will be handed out by classroom/homeroom teachers.  Order forms and money will be due on the day pictures are taken. 

Could Your Child Benefit from Science and/or Math Tutoring?

     Ms. Oliver, our new high school math and science teacher, is available to tutor middle and high school students who need some extra help in math or science.  Her rates are reasonable and she has lots of experience tutoring.  If you are interested, please contact her at vicki.oliver@broadfording.com.

All County Christian Band

     Students are invited to join the first All County Christian Band directed by Mr. Chip Stickler.  Anyone in second grade or higher is welcome to learn a musical instrument, and as they progress, be a part of the band. Students from Grace Academy have also been invited to join the band—several of them have already started. 

     The only requirement to be a part of the band is that the students must be taking lessons either at BCA or from a qualified instructor.  The cost is $15 per semester, which covers the music and any other materials you will need for the band.

     Students who need instruments can purchase used, reconditioned instruments from Larry Mizell of Mizell Music (301-791-1305).  These instruments have been thoroughly gone over and are backed by Mr. Mizell personally.  Dave Nicely of Guitar Works (301-416-7876) has also agreed to help with any guitars that may be needed.  Both of these men have been extremely gracious with their time and resources by supporting the band effort here at BCA.

     Parents are welcome to come and watch the band practice, and if you play an instrument, please feel free to lend your expertise to a student or two.  Please contact Mr. Sticker at 301-797-8886, ext. 214 for more information on private lessons and/or the band.

Voice & Piano Lessons

     Mrs. Michelle Snodderly has a few openings left for voice and piano lessons on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  Lessons have just recently started, so if you’re interested in signing your child up, please contact Mrs. Snodderly at 717-643-0654 a.s.a.p.

     Mrs. Sandy Paine also provides piano lessons at BCA.  Her lessons are given on Wednesdays.  You can contact Mrs. Paine at 717-597-9803.

Ms. Hendricks to Start a Student Council at BCA

     Ms. Erin Hendricks is starting a Student Council at BCA.  Student elections are planned for the end of this month or the first of October.  Student Council is a great way to engage students in learning about democracy and leadership.  The Student Council helps share students’ ideas, interests, and concerns with teachers and the school administration.  This is a great opportunity for our middle and high school students that would like to bring about change, would enjoy a future career in politics or want to add a great leadership experience to their resume.  Look for more information in the near future!

High School Retreat at Camp Hebron in Halifax, PA

     Students in grades 9-12 will be participating in a three day retreat along with high school students from Grace Academy.  The retreat will be held at Camp Hebron in Halifax, PA.  During this retreat, the students will focus on the theme for the school year—Be a Blessing!  They will also make connections with one another and participate in team activities. 

     Students will depart from school on Thursday, September 22 at 8:00 a.m. and return on Friday, September 24 at 3:00 p.m.  Students will stay in overnight cabin accommodations.  The cost for the retreat is $125 per student.  This will cover all student-related activities including transportation to and from the camp, overnight lodging, and four meals.  A deposit of $50 is due by Wednesday, September 8, and the remaining balance is due by September 21.

     Please pray that the students have a fun and spiritually enlightening time together! J

See You at the Pole

     Students, parents and staff members are all invited to meet around the flagpole on Wednesday, September 22 at 7:45 a.m. for the SEE YOU AT THE POLE event.  This is a wonderful time of prayer and worship.  Set your alarm clock a little earlier and make it a priority to come out for this special event.  You’ll be glad you did! J 

Parent/Teacher Fellowship Supports Several School Projects

     The PTF at BCA is an active group that has supported many school programs in recent months.  The group has financially supported the following projects:

o       Laminator - $125

o       Air conditioning project - $4,000

o       New lighting in Petre building - $1,200

o       New carpet shampooer - $1,700

o       Mulch for the school campus/Serve-A-Thon - $119

     We wish to thank the PTF for supporting these big projects!

Seniors!  Your Packet of Pictures is due by October 15

     Hey seniors!  Don’t forget to turn in your formal, casual and childhood pictures for the yearbook and the other year-end ceremonies.  We also need your Last Will & Testament.  The due date for all of this is October 15!  Please submit your pictures and your Will in the clasp envelope that was sent to you over the summer.  (Pictures can also be sent electronically to hsguidance@broadfording.com.)  Formal pictures can be taken at any local photographer and your yearbook picture can be e-mailed to Mrs. Luhn at the address above.

Two Exciting Mission Trips Planned for this Year

     We have two amazing trips planned this year for students in grades 9-12.   Students in grades 11 & 12 are eligible to go to Costa Rica for an eight-day trip during spring break in March.  Students in grades 9-12 will have an opportunity to serve in Chestnut Ridge, WV on a four-day trip where students will be learning how to make and install solar panels, doing energy audits in the community, and helping residents save energy by caulking windows.  The WV trip will be during spring break, too.

     Interested students should contact Mrs. Janet Croson at janet.croson@broadfording.com or 301-797-8886, ext. 154.  There is a $200.00 deposit due by the end of October for both trips.

Community Service Spotlight

     Tenth grader, Ben Cradduck, and eighth grader, Matt Cradduck, volunteered this past summer by helping with The Chambersburg Project.  The Chambersburg Project is an interdenominational youth work camp.  The project strives to reflect Jesus’ teaching on servanthood by serving those in need in Franklin County, PA. 

     Ben and Matt worked with one hundred other young people during one of the hottest weeks of the summer!  The group of young people “camped out” at Chambersburg Middle School and spent each day of the week doing home repairs, gardening, painting, remodeling, clearing and cleaning. 

     Ben and Matt were purposely put into groups with other teens they did not know.  They learned team building and social skills as they worked with “strangers.”  By the end of the week, they were able to call these “strangers” good friends.  Not only did they get to know their teammates better, but they also got to know the people that they served.  Matt helped with the construction of a new first-floor bathroom and ramp for a ninety year old woman, and Ben helped put a new roof on a widow’s house.  Both brothers say that the week was “both tiring and fun, and it was definitely worth their time and effort.”

High School Guidance Announcements

• Candidates for National Honor Society – Don’t forget your deadline for submitting your Student Activity Form and essay—it’s September 27.  The Faculty Council will meet on September 29 to review the candidates’ information.  Selection letters will be mailed the first week of October, and the induction ceremony will take place on Monday, October 18 at 7 p.m.
• Maryland General Assembly Student Page Program – Since 1970, MD high school seniors have been serving as student pages for members of the State legislature.  Each year, 105 pages and 36 alternates are selected from across the state to represent their schools and counties in Annapolis.  Duties include keeping the members’ bill books up to date, distributing materials on the floor to the members, running errands, answering the phone and assisting visitors, and delivering messages to the members.  Each page is paid $50 per day worked.  Lodging and meals must be paid by the page.  Lodging homes within walking or a short driving distance of the State House are arranged by the MGA Page Office.  Cost is $22 per night.  Two students from Broadfording can apply for a page position.  This is a great resume builder!  BCA graduate, Stephen Torres served as a page last year.  If you are interested, see Mrs. Luhn for an application.  Deadline for submission is October 8, 2010.
• PLAN – On Wednesday, October 13 all tenth graders at BCA will be taking the PLAN test from 8:43 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.  Taking PLAN is a great way to prepare for the ACT test.  It covers the same subjects and gives students an estimated ACT score.  PLAN includes tests in English, math, reading, and science.  It also includes a career interest inventory that can help students find the best career choices for them.
• PSAT – On Wednesday, October 13 all eleventh graders at BCA will be taking the PSAT test from 8:43 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.  The PSAT measures critical reading, math problem-solving and writing skills development.  This test will measure students’ reasoning and critical thinking skills.  This test will provide students with feedback that will be helpful to them before taking the SAT.
• ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) – On Monday, November 15 all eleventh graders at BCA will take the ASVAB test from 12:52 to 3:20 p.m.  This multiple-aptitude battery will test a student’s knowledge in eight areas including:  general science, mathematics, word knowledge, paragraph comprehension, electronics information, auto and shop information, and mechanical comprehension.  The program also offers an interest inventory and other activities designed to help students explore the world of work and gain confidence in making career decisions.  A follow up session including test results is scheduled for Monday, December 20 from 12:52 to 2:07 p.m.
• SAT/ACT – The 2010-2011 registration information for these two college entrance exams has arrived in Mrs. Luhn’s office.  Stop by her office if you need any information.
• 2010 National Christian College Fair – This fair will take place on Tuesday, October 19 from 7-9 p.m. at Grace Academy in Hagerstown (13321 Cearfoss Pike).  Admission is free and a financial aid workshop will be available.
• Christian College Guide – The 2010-2011 Edition is available in Mrs. Luhn’s office.  This is a wonderful resource for any student interested in attending a Christian college.
• WV Promise Scholarship – This scholarship is a merit-based scholarship program designed to make college affordable to all qualified West Virginia students.  The program provides WV high school graduates meeting certain requirements with an annual award of $4,750 or the cost of tuition and mandatory fees, whichever is less.  A student must graduate with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and must have at least 4 credits of English, 3 credits of Mathematics, 4 credits of Social Studies, and 3 credits of Natural Sciences.  Students should apply for state level financial aid in November 2010 and then complete the FAFSA online in January 2011.  The actual PROMISE application will need to be completed in March 2011, and award letters will be sent in April 2011.  Call 1-877-WVPROMISE for more information. 
• Attention seniors who plan on applying to college this fall:  What’s the difference between early action and early decision?  Early admission programs are designed for students who apply to college in the fall of their senior year.  The student applies in October or November and hears a decision from the college within a month.  There are two kinds of early programs:  early action and early decision.  Early decision involves a commitment on the student’s part—so that if accepted, the student is automatically enrolled.  Early action, on the other hand, does not involve that commitment, and the student has until spring to notify the school whether or not he/she will attend.  Make sure you understand the difference!
• Transcripts and Letters of Recommendation – Please remember to give Mrs. Luhn one week’s notice for transcript requests and two weeks notice on letters of recommendations. 
• Community Service Hours – High school students should get their summer community service hours turned in to Mrs. Luhn a.s.a.p.  It is the student’s responsibility to get their hours signed off by the supervising adult overseeing the project.  Parents, please encourage your children to take care of these responsibilities themselves.  Every part of the community service experience is an opportunity to grow their skills. J
• The Community Service Bulletin Board – Students in middle and high school that completed projects this past summer are welcome to submit a brief write-up and a picture to Mrs. Luhn.  She wants the bulletin board to be completely full, so get your information to her soon!