Sunday, December 31, 2017

Happy New Year!


For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Thursday, December 28, 2017

Thank You!


I think you will all agree, our BLS students were amazing at this year’s  Annual Christmas program! A huge THANK YOU to Dr. Nomura, Miss Donna, Mrs. Bakken and the whole Bethany staff for all of their hard work and dedication in creating and directing this year’s program. It truly was amazing.

Monday, December 25, 2017

Christmas Blessings


The Bethany school faculty and staff, along with the entire Bethany Ministries team, extends to each and every one of you our sincere wishes for a blessed Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year

Friday, December 22, 2017

16th Annual Dinner And Auction : Crab Feed



Friday, March 2, 2017

Doors open at 5:30 pm

Dinner Served at 6:30 pm

Ulatis Community Center
1000 Ulatis Drive
Vacaville, CA. 95687

Ticket Prices:

Early Bird until 02/09/18

$ 55.00 Individual (Open Seating)

$ 105.00 Per Couple (Open Seating)

$ 440.00 Per Table (Includes reserved table with 8 tickets and 2 bottles wine)

After 02/09/18

$ 60.00 Individual (Open Seating)

$ 120.00 Per Couple (Open Seating)

$ 480.00 Per Table (Includes reserved table with 8 tickets and 2 bottles of wine)

The Menu is Garlic Bread, Caesar Salad, Pasta, Crab.

*Chicken option available upon request

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

5 DIY Christmas Recycled Decoration! Amazing DIY Crafts For Christmas!



5 DIY Christmas Recycled Decoration! Amazing DIY crafts for Christmas!
In today's video I show you 5 recycled DIY for this Christmas! I hope you like it!

Saturday, December 16, 2017

Principal’s Post: Parent Survey


Last week, Bethany Lutheran administration sent out the link to parent’s surveys for both the K-8 and preschool families. These surveys are vitally important as they provide necessary information for school improvement. The primary goal of many parent surveys is to collect and understand parent opinions, perspectives, attitudes, and perceptions towards the school, their students, and education in general in order to improve the learning environment in general or specific ways. By participating in the survey, parents are providing a critical step because, as many studies have proven, parent involvement in schools has a significant impact on student performance. In fact, “ongoing research shows that family engagement in schools improves student achievement, reduces absenteeism, and restores parents’ confidence in their children’s education. Students with involved parents or other caregivers earn higher grades and test scores, have better social skills, and show improved behavior.

I want to encourage all of you to participate in this years’ survey today. By sharing your opinions, you, the parents, provide useful insights that may otherwise go unnoticed. For those of you who have already completed the survey, thank you! Please also remember that free dress and all pizza parties are at stake for full parental participation by class and schoolwide.

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Annual BLS Christmas Program!



Remember to mark your calendar for the night of December 14 for Bethany’s Christmas Program. This is a school-wide (grade K-8) production so every student will be involved. The location of the performance is at Vacaville Performing Arts Theater across the street from Bethany school. 

This FREE event will begin at 6:30 P.M. and will feature our Kindergarten through second grade students performing musical selections and third through eighth grade, performing “An Unplugged Christmas” In addition, both of our bands will also be performing! You do not want to miss this great event!

All students (grades K-8) are expected to participate in the Christmas program. Students have been instructed that PERFORMANCE takes PRECEDENCE over a rehearsal, meeting, practice, and sorry to say...even birthdays. A performance does NOT take precedence over a wedding, a pre-booked vacation, or a once-in-a-lifetime event. All absences need to be documented AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Please inform your student’s teacher or Dr. Nomura. Emergencies will be treated as such.

Students must be at VPAT by 6pm. (K-2nd) Students have been instructed on what they should wear through a notice that went out to parents. (3-8th) Band students MUST wear their chapel uniform but they are allowed to wear Santa hats if they would like. For the Christmas musical, students are allowed to wear nice holiday attire (school appropriate) or chapel uniform UNLESS they have specific costumes in the musical.

Thursday, December 7, 2017

Bethany Lutheran Receives Grant


On Wednesday, November 29th, Bethany Lutheran School along with several other local and Bay area schools, received the “Step up to the Plate” grant from Wells Fargo and KNBR! The grant was presented to BLS during at ceremony held at AT&T Park. The San Francisco Giants shortstop, Brandon Crawford, was on hand for a photo-op and Q&A. Attending this fun event was student council rep Kendall Silva, student rep Paden Duncan, student council advisor Kari Bakken, and Dr. Smith. The grant will provide sports equipment and PE equipment for the 2017-2018 school year. BLS received the $2500 grant after submitting a proposal in the summer.

Monday, December 4, 2017

An Unplugged Christmas


This year's Christmas Musical Program is called: An Unplugged Christmas

The kids and stall have been hard at work with this production and are looking forward to performing it for you and your families on:

Thursday, December 14 at 6:30pm

Location: Vacaville Performing Arts Theater-VPAT

This is a FREE event

More information to come.....

Friday, December 1, 2017

Bethany Movie Night At Brenden Theaters


Tuesday, December 5 @ 6:30pm

150 tickets available
First come, first serve basis

Ticket: $9; snack: $3

Please sign up in school office and pay with exact change and cash ONLY

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

7 Ways A Christian Education Can Make A Difference



There's no question that a Christian education is special. It doesn't matter if you're in a primary school, seminary, or somewhere in between. To be able to spend your time around people who love God and want to obey Him is a joy that is almost unequaled by anything else in this life. We are to be in the world, rather than of it; but spending more time in a Christian environment, especially when you're young, can encourage you to maintain your witness when you do find yourself in it full-time.

Although there are probably others, here are seven ways that a Christian education can make a difference in the lives of your kids.

1. It will provide daily spiritual food.

Some schools will have worship services as part of their daily or weekly schedules. Teachers may open their classes with prayer and Bible reading. That alone can set the tone for the rest of the session.

2. It can help students to establish lifetime values.

Studies have shown that students who attend any faith-based school come away with a clear idea of what their values are. Those who are left to their own devices seldom know what they believe in. Like all children, they need to know what the boundaries are and, if they don't, then they tend to drift from one set of values to another, often for their entire lives.

In today's world, it's especially important for students to be grounded in Christian values, not least because they will be challenged to compromise them in almost every area of life once they leave school and start to make their own way.

One value that is essential is learning what the Bible says is the difference between right and wrong. The world makes no such distinction, preferring instead to leave it up to the individual. The Bible clearly teaches, however, that men and women will naturally choose evil over good. This is one reason why parents are exhorted to "train up a child in the way he should go."

3. It can reinforce Christian values.

It's not enough to be taught Christian values. There also needs to be reinforcement.

Think of a Christian retreat, for example. If you've ever been on one, then you know how easy it is to come away from that experience on a spiritual high, all pumped up for service to God. But a few months down the road, it all seems like a distant memory. You find that you're back to the same old routine and have the same bad habits.

If you continued to meet with other Christians for the purpose of reminding yourself of what you learned and discussing how to put those principles into practice, then your life would more closely reflect the good intentions you had when you left.

The same thing is true in a school. Listening to one or a handful of Bible-based lecturers on the necessity of Christian values may generate some enthusiasm; but it won't be lasting. In order for that to happen, those values need to be reinforced.

4. It provides Biblical role models

Teachers in any institution are role models to their students. In a Christian school, however, those people will have a vibrant relationship with God.

Think for a moment of the impact that Christ had on the eleven disciples who spent three years with him day after day. It's easy for us to sit on the sidelines and criticize the impulsiveness of Peter, for example; but he wrote two letters that are included in the New Testament, and his experiences recorded in the Acts of the Apostles exemplify the influence that Christ had on him.â�¨Ã¢Ã¯¿½¨Christ was the ultimate role model. His modern day disciples should be worth copying, too.

5. It gives students the opportunity to make the right friends.

We all know how cruel children can be to one another, as the playground will testify. While Christian schools are not immune to this, their emphasis on glorifying God and teaching children to do the same can help students to recognize the characteristics that their friends should have. Because many of them will try to practice the behaviors that are consistent with what they're taught, they will learn to identify who their friends should be outside of a Christian environment as well.

6. It teaches students to respect authority

This is a biggy.

Since the 1960s, society has encouraged everyone to challenge authority. While it's true that not everyone who is placed such positions fulfills them responsibly, it is nevertheless proper for young people to learn to respect those who hold them.

God has placed these people over us to protect us, and so when we rebel against them, we're ultimately rejecting Him.

7. It teaches kids that education is a privilege

A Christian education also teaches kids the privilege of being able to study at all.

There's no question that a Bible-based environment is special for a lot of reasons, but few people in the United States realize just how privileged they are to be able to live where they do.

Children especially, need to know that there are millions of people in the world today who can't read or write in their own language. And kids need to cherish their education because it frees them to do so much more than they could do without it.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8688363

Saturday, November 25, 2017

Save The Date


Save the date: Friday, March 2, 2018

BLS Crab Feed and Auction

Ulatis Cultural Center (across from the school)

More details soon!!

Money raised will go for wonderful things for our school and students, such as: Outdoor security system and classroom technology.

This is the biggest fundraiser of the year! If you can help out, please come to our first meeting Monday, December 4, 2017 at 6:00pm at BLS or contact Amy Ledford at amy.ledford@gobethany.com

Sunday, November 19, 2017

Principal’s Notes: Being Thankful – Try Something New



“Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 

As we embark on vacation in order to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, I am reminded of all of the things that I am thankful for and how blessed I truly am. I also start to think about all the things I have put off doing and want to experience. It’s good to occasionally (or perhaps frequently) do something that would be unexpected, something new or “out of the box.” Do something that will surprise people and perhaps stretch you a bit. It will keep your life interesting, and you’ll end up thanking God for your exciting new challenge and adventure.

We are not created by God to merely do the same thing over and over until it has no meaning left at all. In case you haven’t noticed, God frequently changes things up in our lives. God is creative. Just look at the amazing variety in His creation and you will have to agree that His creativity has no end. Don’t be afraid of trying new things. Go ahead and do some of those things you have been putting off over the Thanksgiving holiday or Christmas season. Experience all that God and this life has to offer and above all else enjoy your family and family time.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving break,
Dr. Smith 

Thursday, November 16, 2017

End Of Year Banquet For Top Performing Students



At the end of the school year, Top Performing Students: those who have achieved Honor Roll, High Honors, Principal List and Individual Academic Achievements at any point throughout the school year will have an opportunity to enjoy a special Banquet with the Principal in their honor. More details will come towards the end of the school year. Keep up the good work and STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE!

Monday, November 13, 2017

Picture Make Up Day & Class Group Photos


Wednesday, November 15 will not only be our picture make up day but the whole school will be taking group photos with their classes. Since it is also Chapel day everyone should already be dressed in their finest.

Friday, November 10, 2017

Consumable Supply Request Lists



Class Supplies—Our classrooms are still in need of winter supplies: Clorox Wipes, Hand sanitizer, Tissue, etc. Cold and flu season are right around the corner and these items will be in demand. Please check out the classroom Consumable Supply Request Lists on www.gobethany.com Thank you in advance!

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Harvest Festival Was AMAZING!


A huge THANK YOU to our PTO, Staff and many parent volunteers for their tireless efforts in organizing this year’s event. Without all of those who helped, this event would not have been possible. Our Harvest Festival was a major success because of your participation! The Trunk or Treat displays were fantastic! All of the themes were truly unique and creative. Congratulations to this year’s winning classrooms:

1st place: Mrs. Fernandez's Kindergarten class—Mad Hatter's  Tea Party —They will receive a pizza party and free dress day.

2nd place: Mrs. Escalante’s 3rd grade class—Gotham Theme

3rd place: Mrs. Thomas’s 1st grader class—Surfing Theme

2nd and 3rd place winners will receive a free dress day.

Honorable Mention: To the Gamble Family and their wonderful Charlie Brown Halloween. It is always so wonderful and makes the event that much better when Bethany Families get involved.

Until next year, HAPPY HARVEST!

Saturday, November 4, 2017

Bethany Basketball


Parents,
We have successfully joined a new basketball league comprised of various schools in and around Vacaville. We are offering one boys’ team and girls team, however, the coaches we had lined up are unable to coach this Fall. We are asking for a volunteer coach for each of the teams. There is an 8 game schedule and practices are scheduled by the coach, meaning practices times and days may vary based on the availability of the coaches. If you are interested in helping coach a team please email me as soon as possible. You may also call Paula and indicate your interest to her as well. Thank you in advance for considering to help coach our wonderful students in basketball this year

Wednesday, November 1, 2017

16 Fall Kid Crafts



http://bit.ly/Fall-Kid-Crafts Join Tanner Bell, as he shares 16 Fall Kid Crafts. You're going to love crafting with kids this fall season. You won't believe how these fall kid crafts are!

Sunday, October 29, 2017

Principal Page


ITBS Testing Right Around the Corner!
As October is rapidly ending, my attention is now focused on the all school ITBS assessment tests we will administer in just two weeks. Whether you are a supporter of assessment testing or lean in the other direction, Bethany Lutheran School will be utilizing the results of this assessment to potentially help drive our curriculum. Assessment data helps all stakeholders answer important questions about student learning. Assessment data can: help teachers differentiate instruction by student readiness. set academic goals evaluate programs and target professional development provide insight as to where students are currently performing More importantly, in order to fully benefit from assessment data, we need our students to do their very best. In order to do their best, they must prepare by eating appropriately the day before and the day of the assessments, get plenty of sleep and rest, and relax during the process. Studies show that when students go into an assessment well rested, relaxed, and focused, they tend to do very well.

Chapel Take Over
As many of you are aware this year our chapel services have incorporated our very own students. Each class and student groups have been given the opportunity to be a part of chapel or take over it completely. So far, we have seen some wonderful Christian themed skits, heard some uplifting and inspiring songs, and just recently witnessed a combination of song, music and acting by our 4th grade class. We invite you to attend chapel with us at your leisure. This is still a great way to fellowship with the student body and be treated to some amazing talent from our very own students. Chapels are Wednesday mornings from 8:30 – 9 AM. We hope to see you there.

Attendance Reminder
Parents just a gentle reminder that teachers are taking roll every morning between 8 and 8:15. Students who arrive after roll are considered tardy. Students who arrive after 30 minutes of instructional time are considered truant and tardy, without a valid excuse. For more information on the California Education Code for attendance, please refer to https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/ai/tr/

Attendance is critical as students have so much to learn every single day, and the instruction itself is increasingly rigorous. Missing even one day can put students at a disadvantage. In fact, research shows for every day a child is absent, they fall two to three days behind their peers because they have to play catch-up. So, if a student is absent once a month, they could fall about 30 days behind by the end of the school year. School is also where children learn to socialize and practice skills such as leadership, problem-solving and goal-setting, which can help them throughout their lives. We encourage everyone to practice good attendance and arrive on time, however, we do understand that “life” happens, we just want to make certain that good attendance practices are observed.

Monday, October 23, 2017

This Friday Is Our Trunk Or Treat Festival!


This years festivities will take place October 27th at 6pm on the Ulatis campus. In order to make this year's event successful we need help in the following areas:

  • Set-up
  • Clean-up
  • Games
  • Photos
  • Food
  • Activities/Arts&Crafts
  • Organize parent trunk sign ups
  • Decorations
  • Organize class candy


If you can help in any of the following areas please email shauntey.hill@gmail.com or let Mrs. Rush know in the front office.

Friday, October 20, 2017

Family Paint Night


Put the ART in our fun family paint PARTY!

Friday, November 3rd at 6pm at the Ulatis Campus

Tickets are $25 each, includes all paint supplies.

Room is limited so be sure to RSVP to save a spot. Lookk for flyers being sent home or RSVP by email to SHAUNTEY.HILL@GMAIL.COM

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Volunteers Needed!



October 27th Trunk or Treat Festival- 6pm Ulatis Campus

November 15th Apple Hill Pick Up & Distribution

December 2017 (Date TBD) Christmas Tree Lighting 

March 31st 2018 Annual Easter Festival & Egg Hunt

(Date & Time TBD) 16th Annual Dinner & Auction

Saturday, October 14, 2017

Fall Festival & Trunk Or Treat


This years festivities will take place October 27th at 6pm on the Ulatis campus. In order to make this year's event successful we need help in the following areas:

  • Set-up
  • Clean-up
  • Games
  • Photos
  • Food
  • Activities/Arts&Crafts
  • Organize parent trunk sign ups
  • Decorations
  • Organize class candy


If you can help in any of the following areas please email shauntey.hill@gmail.com or let Mrs. Rush know in the front office.

Wednesday, October 11, 2017

Don't Forget To Come Out Tomorrow Night! Thursday October 12th 2017

Our next Dine and Donate fundraiser will be on Thursday, October 12, 2017 at
BOUDIN SF in VACAVILLE
From 4:00pm to 9:00pm

We’ll be raising funds for Bethany Lutheran Elementary & Preschool where 30% of sales generated (excluding tax and alcohol) from Dine-In and TO GO purchases will be donated to their organization. Not including online orders.

Please bring flyer to the event, printed or displayed on mobile device.

Sunday, October 8, 2017

Dine And Donate This Thursday!

Our next Dine and Donate fundraiser will be on Thursday, October 12, 2017 at
BOUDIN SF in VACAVILLE
From 4:00pm to 9:00pm

We’ll be raising funds for Bethany Lutheran Elementary & Preschool where 30% of sales generated (excluding tax and alcohol) from Dine-In and TO GO purchases will be donated to their organization. Not including online orders.

Please bring flyer to the event, printed or displayed on mobile device.


Thursday, October 5, 2017

Preschool Is Important For Healthy Child Development


Preschool Activities And Games Help Create The Personality Of A Child

Preschool children should have a variety of different activities and games to encourage physical and mental development. Young children by nature are easily distracted, having very little attention span and any attempt to introduce them straight to academics will be met with frustration and failure. On the other hand, they would embrace learning willingly and well if imparted through fun and games.

How important are fun and games in the process of learning

Children are born learners because they become curious about their surroundings as soon as they can fix their eyesight. Haven't you noticed the curious eyes of a newborn looking at every object around their field of vision? All you may have to do is to turn that curiosity to actual learning. Once they come to know that they have to learn to achieve something or even to please those whom they love, they will do that on their own.

There is nothing special about it. Children learn various things such as drinking from a cup, using a fork, using the potty, walking, talking by watching and copying. Teaching children by example is a very practical way of guiding a child through a new task.

Then there are other things that they learn like eating from a plate, not writing on the walls, keeping the toys in order, not breaking the toys, etc in order to receive a happy nod from people they love and adore.

Another type of learning children go through in their preschool activities and games involves their participation and taking turns. Take for example a lesson in spelling where they are asked to hunt for the right letter from a tray containing an assortment of letters, taking turns telling a story.

Preschool activities and games can make a world of difference to children in their learning process during school days. What they learn in these preschool days has a high retention value, and so the imprint stays for years and has an impact on personality and attitude. How receptive they will be also depends on this.

A recently conducted study on children who dropped out of school found that those that went through preschool activities and games and encountered early socialization skills were less likely to become high school drop outs.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/465579

Monday, October 2, 2017

Fall Book Fair Oct. 9-13


Each class will be visiting the book fair during school hours. We will have separate events for each day so stayed tuned!

Volunteers are needed for: register hours, decoration projects, set up, and break down. My email: dickerchristine@hotmail.com

We will be having a door decorating contest (pizza party prize for one class) and bookmark grams for sales the week before the book fair (sales from the bookmark grams will be used to purchase books for a organization in need (which will be determined by BLS student council).

Also, this is a GREAT event that encourages our children to read, but it also puts supplies (not just books), through the money raised, in the hands of our teachers, so please stay turned and support the book fair.

Friday, September 29, 2017

Principal Post: In A Word "Testing"


As we start our rapid decent toward much cooler temperatures and Fall, I wanted to speak briefly about testing. More to the point, I wanted to speak briefly about the upcoming ITBS tests that the students will attempt November 6th – 9 th, grades 2 – 8. Since we have quite a few new families to Bethany, I felt it vitally important to pass on some data regarding the assessments.

The ITBS or Iowa Tests are standardized tests provided as a service to schools by the College of Education of the University of Iowa. The tests are administered to students in kindergarten through eighth grade as part of the Iowa Statewide Testing Programs, a division of the Iowa Testing Programs (ITP). Over decades, participation expanded and currently nearly all school districts in Iowa participate annually in the program, as do many other school districts across the United States. In a cooperative relationship, participating schools receive ITBS test materials, scoring and reporting services and consultation in the use of ITBS for instructional purposes, and ITBS utilizes participation by schools in research and test development. Both the ITBS and Iowa Tests of Educational Development (ITED) were revised in the 2011–2012 school year. They were rebranded the Iowa Assessments 2016-2017 (Iowa, 2017).

ITBS are written in levels 5-14. Each test level consists of a series of tests administered in content sections with each section designed to measure specific skills. Test levels 5-8 are administered to students from kindergarten through second grade (K-2). School districts employ the series of tests in primary grades to gain information about classes and students for instructional planning, to supplement teacher observations regarding student abilities, and to establish a basis for subsequent annual evaluation of student progress. Sections for levels 5-8 include: Vocabulary, Word Analysis, Reading Comprehension, Listening, Language, Mathematics, Social Studies (Levels 7 and 8 only), Science (Levels 7 and 8 only), and Sources of Information.

Bethany utilizes the results of these assessments in a variety of ways. The scores provide our instructional staff an idea of where are students are academically, as compared to those students across the United States who take the exam. These assessments also provide direction for the school in terms of curriculum. It helps us identify areas which we thrive in and areas which may need improvement.

In preparation of the assessments, it is imperative that students eat well, get plenty of rest and study. There are free assessments tools online that can help. Here are just a few places to take the practice test and prep:

http://www.tests.com/practice/ITBS-Practice-Test

https://www.criticalthinking.com/articles/test-preparation-practice-foritbs-assessment

https://www.testprep-online.com/itbs-practice

Blessings,
Dr. Chris Smith


References
Iowa, U. o. (2017, September 21). Retrieved from Iowa Test Research : https://
itp.education.uiowa.edu/ia/documents/ITBS-Research-Guide.pdf

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Coloma Trip For 4th and 5th Graders


September​ ​27-29​ ​-​ ​Coloma​ ​Trip​ ​4th​ ​and​ ​5th​ ​Grade

The Coloma Trip is right around the corner. Please have all paperwork turned in to Mrs. Beall. Further questions should be directed to the school office.

Saturday, September 23, 2017

Rita’s Italian Ice @ BLS Sept. 29


Rita’s Italian Ice—with special thanks to our PTO, Rita’s Italian Ice will be on campus Friday, September 29 after school (12:00 PM). Cost is $3 for kid’s size/ $4 for regular size. A percentage of all sales will be donated back to BLS. 

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Back-To-School Night Is Tonight!

Bethany Lutheran School
Wednesday, September 20th
6pm—7pm

The evening begins in the Fellowship Hall, and then parents will separate into groups and spend the evening with their child’s teacher(s).

While this event is for parents only, childcare will be provided.

Sunday, September 17, 2017

Christian School Versus Public School



These days the major concern of any parent is the education of their children. They start getting tense as soon as their children reach the school going age. Nowadays most of the American parents send their children to public schools but there is also a significant increase in parents who choose private schools. Amidst these schools Christian or parochial schools are also increasing. Although parents generally like to enroll their child in Christian school depending on their beliefs, thinking and neighborhood but still there is confusion in choosing the best school for the child.

It's a fact that majority of children will do well in either public or private school. What you choose will depend on the options that are available and the price of enrollment. You must look at all the options before you select public or private schooling for your child.

Despite various advantages of enrolling their wards in a Christian or private school many parents still avoid that mainly because of the high tuition fee. If any school interests you then it is wise to look for the scholarship programs. Nowadays majority of schools offer financial advice and are always ready to help parents in regard to tuition fees. They also propose discounts if parents volunteer at the time of any event and gathering.

Christian schools focus on religion and incorporate it into the scholastic realm. If you are unpleased with public schooling or want to focus on religion in your child's life, then choosing a Christian school is the perfect choice. If you would like to incorporate religion into your child's life, but are not a Christian, check out other options in your community.

Most parents that choose to enroll their children into private schools do so because they usually provide more specific education for children to meet that child's needs. Kids with learning disabilities usually perform better in a private institution. Private schools usually have a small student to teacher ratio, allowing teachers to provide their students with more one on one interaction.

The private schools have a cutting edge over other schools as their students are well placed in colleges and universities. These days certain private schools are allied with many top-level colleges and universities including the famous Ivy League schools. Private schools are stepping-stone to the colleges in comparison with other high schools.

Many kids wish to attend certain Christian private schools due to certain programs. These programs may include art, drama, music, science, literature, mathematics, civics, or sports. Due to drastically cut funding and other financial problems, public school systems have lost many of their specialized programs. Children interested in specific aspects of schooling find themselves at a loss due to nonexistent or incredibly limited programs. Choose a private school that meets your child's interests and needs to ensure success in both the academic and extracurricular activities.

When contemplating enrolling your child in a Christian private institution instead of a private school, be sure to include your child's opinion. Since he or she will be the one attending the institution, ensure the choice is favorable for your child. Carefully consider your options and visit several schools in your area. Finding the perfect school for your child will ensure your child's success.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2828905

Thursday, September 14, 2017

Timothy Bartik: The Economic Case For Preschool



In this well-argued talk, Timothy Bartik makes the macro-economic case for preschool education -- and explains why you should be happy to invest in it, even if you don't have kids that age (or kids at all). The economic benefits of well-educated kids, it turns out, go well beyond the altruistic. (Filmed at TEDxMiamiUniversity.)

Friday, September 8, 2017

About BLS: FAQs



Where are you located?

We are at 1011 Ulatis Drive in Vacaville, CA. For those of you who are familiar to Vacaville, it’s rather simple. We are across the street from the Vacaville Cultural Center at the corner of Ulatis and Harbison Drives. For those not familiar with Vacaville, we are minutes off of I-80 taking either the Allison Drive (EB I-80) exit or Nut Tree Drive (WB I-80) exit to Allison.  [East bound travelers may turn right onto Allison Drive; whereas, west bound travelers will want to turn left onto Allison Drive, going over the freeway. Proceed to Ulatis to then turn left at the light. Continue past the school to the next light after Harbison Drive and make a u-turn to allow access to the front parking lot. (It’s actually much simpler than it reads.)

What does it mean to be “Lutheran”?

Lutheran Christians believe in the inerrancy and authority of Scripture and that salvation comes as a free gift by God’s grace through His Son, made possible by the Holy Spirit nurturing in our hearts the faith God has given us. Faith is the confessed sinner’s acceptance of Jesus Christ as Savior and a trust in all of God’s promises. Forgiveness is the believer’s daily need, for total holiness is possible only after entering eternal life.

Do I have to be Christian/Lutheran to attend Bethany Lutheran School?

No. It is our desire that our actions as an overall ministry are a reflection of God’s love for us. If you desire to know more about what it means to be a redeemed child of God, you are welcome to ask any member of the church or school staffs. Know that your family will be in our prayers as a Christian community, regardless of your religious affiliation.

What is a “Christ-centered education?"

A Christ-centered education is an education that, quite simply, makes God’s love for all of us through His Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, the reason why we do what we do. Having that freedom allows us the freedom to look at multiple viewpoints when addressing classroom topics. Being Christ-centered also allows us to use any opportunity that comes along as a moment where we can reflect to everyone in our midst the same love we understand as God’s redeemed people. In other words the understanding of Christ as Lord is not limited to just Bible class or Chapel.

Is there a school uniform?

Yes. Chapel day (Wednesday) requires a specific uniform, and there is standard school attire for the remainder of the days. All acceptable clothing is outlined in the handbook and available through Dennis Uniform Company. We also operate a used uniform closet for the drop-off and purchase of previously used uniform clothing.

Are you accredited? What does it mean to be accredited?

We are dually accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the National Lutheran Schools Accreditation (NLSA). Being accredited means that we have given a strenuous look into everything that makes us who we are, where we want to be, and how we are going to get there. Private schools are not required to be accredited; it is a voluntary process that allows a school to put into place a formal process for school improvement that involves the whole school community.

What are the average class size and teacher-to-student ratio?

While numbers fluctuate from one year to the next, it is expected that enrollment in any one class will not exceed twenty-five students (Kindergarten not to exceed 22). At this time the average class size is nineteen students and the staff:student ratio is 1:13.

What co-curricular opportunities are available for students?

The school’s Parent teacher Organization facilitates and After-School Enrichment program for students that covers a wide range of interests. Band, Art (K-4), Computers, Physical Education, and Music are contained within the scheduled school day; athletics are slated for introduction beginning the 2013-2014 school year.

Is there a requirement for parent involvement?

Parents of Bethany students are not required to purchase SCRIP to lessen their cost of tuition. Parents are required to give hours of service to the school as part of the Partnership Program. More information and forms for completion of required hours can be found through the Parent Teacher Organization section of this website where you can also be updated on ways to get involved.

Is there Extended Care available?

Yes. There is before and after school Extended Care available for a cost specified in the registration materials. For further information on the program, please fell free to contact the school’s office at 707-451-6683.

Is there Financial Aid?

Yes. Information on Financial Aid is available through the office of the Business Administrator at the church by calling 707-451-6681.

Monday, September 4, 2017

Three Reasons To Send Your Child To A Christian School



There are an incredible amount of benefits of sending your child to a Christian school. While some of the often quoted, negative statistics about government schools should be enough, I have decided to lay out three primary benefits for those who may still need convincing. These three benefits are as follows.

One benefit of a Christian school is that your child is raised among fellow believers. As the old adage goes, "bad company corrupts good character." By sending your children to a Christian school, you are likely to see that your child's friends are the some of the best people that your child could be around. If you're child grows up around other believing children, it is far less likely that your child will be involved in drugs, sex, underage drinking, or other negative actions.

Another benefit of a Christian education is the education itself. It is especially true of Classical Christian schools that there education is often times much better than the government schools in the area. The students of these types of schools tend to score higher on standardized tests and are generally more prepared for college as well!

A final benefit of Christian schools is that by sending your child to one, you help ensure that your child will remain a Christian. With Barna Group statistics saying that 70% of kids who go to church will leave the faith when they leave home, it is the Christian duty of any Christian parent to not add to this negative statistic! Chances are undoubtedly better when sending your child to a school that teaches the Bible through and through.

As Proberbs 22:6 says, "Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it." Training up a child in the way he should is ultimately the responsibility of the parents of the child. And this training must go far beyond Sunday school and youth group! Sending our children to receive Christian educations is one way to fulfill our responsibility to the call of God for our children.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4221925

Friday, September 1, 2017

Student Activities


Chapel

Chapel is held on a weekly basis and serves as a time when the whole student body can come together for community worship. Through the chapel program, students serve needs in the community by collecting canned foods, used clothing, raising money to find a cure for leukemia, making greeting cards, and the like. An upbeat worship style with applications of Biblical truths to their lives greets the students every Wednesday morning. All parents are also welcomed to come and participate in praise-filled worship.

Student Council

Students in grades 4 – 8 are allowed to serve their classmates, school community and the general community through an organized Student Council.  The Student Council is responsible for the school-wide recycling program as well as for determining which charitable organization the weekly chapel offering will support. Students can serve in an elected position as an officer, committee member, or as a representative of their class.

Enrichment Programs

The school facilitates the After School Enrichment Program, a program that serves to allow students to experience multiple opportunities to either learn something new or grow in knowledge already acquired. Offerings change on a periodic basis and are held immediately after school, so as to better accommodate parents schedules and have included the visual and performing arts, athletics, and Mad Science.

Athletics

Physical activity is a great way to allow for better focus in the classroom. Students in grades Kindergarten-8 are exposed to physical activity through intentional physical education time with a P.E. teacher and recesses in the day. All students in grades Kindergarten-8 are able to participate in team sports. Volleyball is offered in the fall for boys and girls in grades 5-8 and soccer in the spring. As interest dictates and facilities allow, our athletics program will grow for the purposes of glorifying God through healthy use of the body, as well as for learning teamwork, sportsmanship and leadership through experience.

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

Mission and Expected Schoolwide Learning Results (ESLR)


MISSION

Bethany Lutheran School is a family of hope-filled Christian believers dedicated to nurturing all children to love, honor and serve God.

ESLR

Graduates of Bethany Lutheran School will be prepared to be:

Active Christians


  • They will look to the Bible for guidance and growth, upholding its teachings.
  • They will serve God, home and the community.
  • They will respect and maintain their bodies as the temple of the Holy Spirit.

Productive and Socially Responsible Citizens


  • They will collaborate to accomplish tasks as members of a group.
  • They will learn about, experience, and appreciate the contributions of various cultures.
  • They will exemplify good citizenship and social skills.
  • They will recognize and respond to the needs within their community.

Effective and Self-expressive Communicators


  • They will receive, process, and respond to information in clear and appropriate ways.
  • They will utilize various technological resources.
  • They will experience and participate in a variety of art forms.
  • They will creatively express themselves through the arts.

Critical Thinkers


  • They will collect, analyze, interpret and evaluate information.
  • They will formulate and implement plans of action addressing challenges and opportunities.

Sunday, August 27, 2017

Hot Lunch



Food For Thought carefully prepares and delivers tasty, healthy meals with nutritional emphasis to schools within Northern California. Every child’s education should include healthy eating and learning to prepare nutritious foods. Our commitment to giving our children a better planet begins with organic produce and fruits, biocompostable packaging, grass fed beef and free range/hormone free chicken breasts. It continues with making meals the way your mother did, from scratch. Not frozen, not processed!! That means our meals are made without chemicals, preservatives or Trans fats. We are very pleased to be the caretakers of your student’s lunch needs. We take painstaking pride in the food we serve and the menu preparation so that your child is receiving a well balanced, nutritious and great tasting meal.

Welcome to Food For Thought,
Michael and Denise Lewis

Registering Your Child and Placing an Order

The Registration process is relatively simple. Go online to www.f4tc.com and click on “new account". If you already have an account, click “order lunches". Proceed to the menu you wish to purchase from and place the order. You can order anytime throughout the month up to 9pm of the night before the lunch is desired.

Our School Code is: 117

Food Allergies

We are sensitive to the special needs of children with life threatening food allergies. No tree nut (e.g. walnuts, almonds, cashews, pine nuts, etc.) or peanut products (including butters or oils) are used in our lunches. We are so adament about this that they aren’t even allowed in our facilities.

Questions or Comments?

Please call us at (925) 876-3150 or email us at michael@f4tc.com

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Need Uniforms?


To shop for new uniforms, please visit our school’s page on the Dennis website.

Don’t forget to check out our used uniform closet for a wide variety of gently used uniforms!

Sunday, August 20, 2017

Choosing A Private Preschool


Choosing a preschool for your youngster can be challenging; and the first decision of many to come regarding their education. Determining the program that will best meet your child's needs is by far the most important thing. Whether this can be accomplished by sending your child to a private preschool is something that only you can research and decide.

In many cases, private preschool is the only choice available to parents. Preschool programs that are offered through the school district are often only available to children who are in need of special services in order to prepare them for Kindergarten. Children can receive speech, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and specialized learning environments through programs such as these.

Towns that offer district funded preschool programs for the general population are few and far between. But certainly, if they are offered, this can be a wonderful way to introduce your pre-Kindergarten child to school in a much less formal environment where they can learn to socialize and follow the directions of teachers, as well as mastering skills necessary to be successful in Kindergarten.

However, as is most often the case, a choice to send a child to preschool means the choice between a variety of private preschool programs. Deciding between them depends largely on curriculum, schedule, and price.

There are a number of private preschool programs that are offered through churches and synagogues that offer both religious based and non-denominational programs. For a family who is already involved with a particular church program, this may be the perfect fit for private preschool as it offers the child a level of familiarity. Most often, private preschool programs of this nature are less expensive then their competitors.

Other private preschool programs are independent programs that offer a variety of experiences. It is most important that you and your child feel comfortable within the school and that you, as a parent, are satisfied with the school's safety measures, curriculum quality, diversity, teacher qualifications, and school accreditation. The schedule should also meet your family's needs, as should the price.

A private preschool program can offer your child an educational and social head start, equipping them with the tools necessary to be successful in Kindergarten and, hopefully, instilling in them a love for learning that lasts throughout their lives.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/522030

Thursday, August 17, 2017

Admissions


Thank you for considering Bethany Lutheran School for your child’s education! At Bethany we strive for the highest level of academic learning and achievement and offer all our services in the context of a Bible-based and Christ-centered community of faith. Our students develop Christian character and excel academically while serving God and others.

Our staff is here to answer any questions you may have about Bethany Lutheran School and to assist you in every step of the enrollment process – and then help your student adjust to those first few days in a new school.

We would like to provide you additional information about Bethany Lutheran School and to arrange for a personally guided tour based on your availability. You can reach our Admissions Office by telephone through the school office, 707-451-6683, or via email at myschool@gobethany.com. Admissions forms and additional information are also available online at the bottom of this page.

After reviewing the information, visiting our campus, and submitting your Registration paperwork we will schedule an assessment test. (The $75.00 testing fee covers the cost of the assessment.) Once your child has taken the assessment test, we will work with you regarding the best placement for your student.

If your family is in need of financial assitance, scholarships are available through The BASIC Fund, a privately funded organization providing partial-tuition scholarships to low-income families across the Bay Area. For more information on how to apply for one of these scholarships, please visit: basicfund.org.

We encourage our new families to participate in the many activities and events at Bethany Lutheran School. This not only provides families with the the opportunity to meet the faculty and staff at Bethany, it also provides us an opportunity to introduce you to returning and other new families.   Before you know it, the school year will begin, and your child will have many new friends and experiences to tell you about.

We look forward to having you as part of our Bethany School family!

For more information and forms lease click HERE

Monday, August 14, 2017

Accepting New Students


  • Dually accredited with Western Association of School & Colleges (WASC) & National Lutheran School Accreditation (NLSA)
  • Christ-centered education
  • Meeting the needs of the community
  • Qualified teaching staff
  • Family oriented, child-focused learning
  • An environment that is conducive to learning
  • Quality programs and individualized opportunities
  • Centrally located in Vacaville, minutes from I-80
  • Before and after school care programs available

Friday, August 11, 2017

The Foundation Of Bethany Lutheran School



The Bethany Lutheran Church congregation had a vision to build a Lutheran elementary school as an extension of its ministry to the Vacaville and surrounding communities.  The involvement and support of the church congregation continues, as it works with purpose to nurture in each person an active, personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  What began as a Preschool serving the community since 1974 has now extended into a full-service education through the eighth grade.

H. Spenser said, “To prepare us for complete living is the function which education has to discharge."  A traditional, academic education is only enhanced by the Christian faith development that occurs at our school, allowing it to be a complete educational experience.  Students who experience a Bethany education graduate with the knowledge of not only who they are, but also Whose they are.  That firm footing allows them to enter into an ever-changing world knowing that their foundation is ever-present and solid.  It is also an experience that allows the whole family to be a part of the Bethany community, a community that is held together by the love, mercy and grace of our Lord Jesus.

We have been blessed with a wonderful staff who continues to guide each child to receive the education needed to be successful in the future.  We look forward to meeting with you about how any of our ministries may be of service to your family!

Tuesday, August 8, 2017

Movie Night Date Change!


Friday, August 18 – Movie Night – 6:30pm, the movie begins 7:00pm

The PTO will be hosting the first Movie Night of the year and providing water, soft drinks, popcorn and other snacks. Come out and enjoy a night of fellowship and catch a movie! 

The mystery movie will be announced prior to Friday night – stay tuned!

Saturday, August 5, 2017

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!


Friday, August 11 – Movie Night – 6:30pm, the movie begins 7:00pm
The PTO will be hosting the first Movie Night of the year and providing water, soft drinks, popcorn and other snacks. Come out and enjoy a night of fellowship and catch a movie! The mystery movie will be announced prior to Friday night – stay tuned!

Saturday, August 12 – Open House 9am – 3:00pm
(This open house is geared towards those families who may be considering Bethany for their child and have not yet made a decision.) INVITE YOUR FRIENDS!

Monday, August 14 – BLS Orientation – 6:00pm
Our Back to School Night will give all of our Bethany families an opportunity to meet with their teachers, explore their classrooms and get those last minute questions answered.

Wednesday, August 16 – First Day of School! 8:00am
Not only is this our first day back to school but it is Chapel Day so be sure to wear your Bethany Chapel sweater with the Bethany Shield on it. Go to Bethany.com and click on the Dennis Uniform link to purchase.

*All Emergency Cards/Forms must be turned in by the 1st day of school!

Wednesday, August 2, 2017

5 Simple DIY Summer Crafts And Activities For Kids



Get ready for summer with these super fun crafts and activities.

Ocean in a Bag:
You Will Need:
-Plastic bags
-Hair gel
-Food Coloring
-Animal Toys
-Bowl
-Rice, plastic grass, crepe paper, glitter

Frozen Yogurt Bites:
You Will Need:
-Plain yogurt
-Honey or jam
-Fruit
-Pistachios or almonds
-Ice cube trays
-Bowls
-Spoons

Sand Art:
You Will Need:
-Chalk
-Bowls
-Funnel
-Scoop or small cups
-Salt
-Plastic bags
-Recycled bottle

Sea Jellies:
You Will Need:
-Paper bowls
-String, Yarn, ribbons, streamers
-Markers or crayons
-Googly Eyes
-Scissors
-Tape

I Spy Bottle:
You Will Need:
-Plastic bag
-Hand sanitizer
-Food Coloring
-Rice
-Bowl
-Recycled plastic or glass bottle
-Funnel
-Scoop or Measuring Glass
-Paperclips, candlesticks, bouncy balls, dice, small toys (items to hide/search for)
-Pen and paper
__

Sunday, July 30, 2017

Smaller Class Size In Private Schools Leads To Bigger And Better Opportunities


The world is a crowded place, and it's getting more and more crowded with every passing minute. There's a struggle for opportunities and resources everywhere in the world. It has become so easy to get lost in the crowd, to become one of the numbers. It is important for use to ensure that our children don't get lost in their overpopulated classrooms. But in this scenario, how do we know what's best for our children?

When it comes to child care, we need to leave it to the experts, especially in kindergarten. Child care programs help us work towards the future of our children, and right from the time they are born until they graduate, it is our job to look for the best educational institutes. One of the most important aspects of a good child care program or a child day care is the teacher to child ratio. What does this mean? It means that every student requires a certain amount of attention in order to grow and learn correctly. If one teacher is overlooking 15 students, there is no way that she can keep track of everyone's physical, mental and emotional growth.

It's for this reason that small class sizes in privates schools are leading to bigger and better opportunities. With smaller classes, each student is given personal attention when it comes to their class work, their personal health and their mental growth. It allows the students to learn things in an in depth manner, to ask questions when unsure and to increase their self-confidence when interacting with others.

There are too many downsides to large sized classes. When there are too many children in a class, individuals get lost in the crowd. They tend to develop a herd mentality in order to fit in. They act out in order to get attention. When it comes to the educational aspect of it, they don't learn well because some are afraid to ask questions in front of so many people. Others get ignored because of their introverted ways.

Each student has his own individual ways of learning, his own interests and his own quirks. These cannot be identified in a crowd. They remain within the child who either chose never to express it, or find other (sometimes harmful) outlets for their energy.

Public schools are overcrowded these days. Leave any other aspect of growth, most children don't even get their basic educational work done in schools. How is one expected to grow into a successful, healthy adult if the basics are not done? For the right opportunities it is absolutely essential for class sizes to be reasonable, especially in private schools. For these and several other reasons, private schools with small class sizes are turning out to be extremely beneficial for children.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7137470

Thursday, July 27, 2017

Support Our Scrip Program


What is Scrip?

SCRIP is an everyday gift certificate from stores at which we all shop!  Bethany buys these gift certificates at a discounted price and then makes them available to our families at face value. It’s so simple! Remember to shop with SCRIP for all of your purchases, and Bethany Lutheran School will earn money!

How do I order?

Scrip is sold before and after school on Fridays.

MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO:  BETHANY LUTHERAN SCRIP

It is our prayer and goal to provide a reliable, efficient and user-friendly SCRIP program for Bethany families. We hope you will spread the word to friends, family, and co-workers and involve them in this great fundraising program.

Monday, July 24, 2017

Earn Cash For Our School!!

Campbell’s Labels for Education



The PTO would like to introduce you to a fun and easy fundraising program, Campbell’s Labels for Education. By collecting UPCs and beverage/sauce caps from over 2500 participating products, we earn “FREE" items such as academic, athletic and art equipment/supplies for our children at Bethany.  We have attached the collection sheets for your convenience. You will see from the school newsletter we offer a classroom contest from time to time.

If you have any questions about the program, please contact the school office at 451-6683.




Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Partnership Hours


Each family is to perform hours of service to Bethany Lutheran School through our Partnership Program. While creating opportunities in which relationships between parents and the school are strengthened, these hours also help to keep the cost of tuition and fees down.

Thirty (30) hours per year are required for one student, with five (5) hours dedicated toward fund raising. Fifty (50) hours are required for families with two or more students, with (10) hours dedicated toward fund raising. Hours not satisfied through involvement are billed at $10 per hour.

Opportunities for involvement arise throughout the school year and are announced via The Eagle, the school’s weekly newsletter; letters from the classroom; and via email.

Involvement Opportunities:

Annual Dinner and Auction
Other fundraising events
Providing transportation for school events
Helping in the classroom
School- building maintenance
Parent Teacher Organization meetings


Saturday, July 15, 2017

2017-2018 Student Supply Lists




Classroom Consumable Supply List

Kindergarten

*Classroom supplies for our kindergarten students are provided by Bethany Lutheran School.*