Superintendent's Messages
June 19, 2018
__________________________
Dear BC Family,
I hope you are all enjoying this early summer weather as much as I am. I have truly become accustomed to the beach lifestyle this past year, even though I have not yet learned how to surf. As we end one year, and plan for the next, I wanted to take a few moments to share some important updates with you.
Our 8th grade promotion and high school graduation were both well received from all whom attended. I am so proud of the wonderful young men and women who celebrated their accomplishments on these wonderful occasions.
Our teachers and staff have been hard at work to make next year a great one! We had Block Schedule and Ed Tech training last week, and I can tell you that our teachers are excited about the new teaching and learning opportunities provided by the synergy of these two new approaches.
Our team is completing the Self-Study for our ACSI/WASC joint accreditation process that occurs once every six years. This is a tremendous amount of work, but it focuses our self-reflection, and it serves to make us an even better school in all areas. Our Accreditation Team visit will be during the 3rd week of October, but there will be no interruption of classes or services during that time.
Ms. Flippin is back at school! She is doing great and is experiencing a full recovery from surgery. She begins scheduling of next year’s classes this week, so stay tuned for updates on that.
Our Junior High School enrollment has been dropping for a number of years, so we will be eliminating our 6th grade this coming school year. Since we just graduated 56 seniors, our overall enrollment will be a bit lower next year. This has precipitated some faculty and staff changes to come in line with our student population, while properly stewarding our finances. We will miss our departing staff, yet we will carry on the high quality of service and programming you have come to expect from BC. I want to thank Mrs. Staller, who led our Activities for many years here with quality and excellence. One of our teachers will be taking on this role, so stay tuned for an announcement on that soon.
We have hired three new Math and Science teachers for next year. I will introduce them formally before the start of the year, but be assured that each of them is of the highest quality, and they will significantly strengthen our math and science programming. They are already beginning to prepare their lesson plans for the start of school on August 13th.
Some of you may have heard of Measure Q, which is a bond measure that provides for school building improvements for the Huntington Beach City School District (HBCSD). The BC school board and I have been in ongoing conversations with HBCSD regarding Measure Q as it relates to the Gisler Facility upon which we reside. I will keep you updated on this issue, but please know that BC will remain on the Gisler Facility next year. It is likely that we will move to a new facility in the next few years, but exact dates are not yet determined. I want to thank the HBCSD for working with us to achieve a win-win for their school system and ours.
I encourage all members of the BC community to email me directly at jmoran@bchs.net with any questions or concerns you may have about our great school. I will continue to communicate with you over the summer, but I will be out of the office intermittently until August. However, we will have staff working in the office from 9AM-3PM every day throughout the summer to meet any need you may have.
I thank God for the miraculous year we have just concluded, and I hope you join me in my excitement about the great year ahead. In the meantime, I wish you and your families, a safe, happy and blessed summer!
__________________________
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
1 Corinthians 2:9 (KJV)
But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
__________________________
May 25, 2018
__________________________
We look forward to a special commencement ceremony for our seniors this year, which will be held at Mariners Church HB at the corner of Warner and Beach on June 9th at 2pm. We will NOT have unlimited seating, so each graduate has been granted a limited number of tickets for friends and family.
We know that alumni and others ordinarily come to the commencements even if not invited, but folks won’t be able to enter the venue without a ticket this year due to the limited size of the hall. I wanted you to know this in advance, so there are no disappointments on June 9th. Thanks everyone.
__________________________
I am thrilled to announce that BC has been accepted into the coveted Logos Forensic Association (LFA)! This is the top Christian Debate League in California. Brethren Christian will compete against the 16 other member schools in the LFA next year. We are now all set to build a debate team in anticipation of the fall season. Please encourage your children to join our new debate team. It goes a long way to build:
- Critical thinking
- Reasoning/Logic
- Research skills
- Public Speaking
- Confidence
It also helps when applying to top colleges and universities. This is another step forward in making BC a top preparatory school. Kudos to Mrs. Marcia Maresh for making this happen. Please contact her at mmaresh@bchs.net with any questions or if your children want to join the team.
__________________________
- Yihan Wang placed 2nd in 12th grade division with his self-portraits acrylic painting, "Me, Myself and I"
- Nina Nguyen placed second in 11th grade with her oil pastel floral drawing "Summer"
- Bethany Diment's acylic pour painting "The Journey to the Cemetary" inspired by the Phantom of the Opera placed 3rd in 8th grade division.
- Ryan Harper's mixed media piece "Sleep in Heavenly Peace" Took the Theme Award for 11th grade division. The festival theme was Beautiful Things
__________________________
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
__________________________
May 21, 2018
I am pleased to report a new $700,000 donation!
This raises our one-year total fundraising to $1.3 Million. Let us praise God, and thank our generous donors, for this miraculous provision.
This is an anonymous, unrestricted gift to go where it is most needed. We will prudently use these funds to further strengthen our teaching, programming and services. This will go a long way to build excellence in our A5 = Academics, Athletics, Arts, Activities & AMSE (Applied Math Science & Engineering). Our board of Trustees and I are committed to stewarding these funds wisely to achieve maximum results for your children.
I am sure you will be pleased with all we have in store for next year, which includes:
• 1:1 computers
• Block scheduling
• 8-man football
• Athletic league realignment (to achieve competitive equity)
• A debate team
• More mission trips
• Stronger Math & Science Programming
This new infusion of funds will go a long way to implement these programs and others. Please join the board, our staff and me in rejoicing over the continual blessings the Lord Jesus is bestowing upon our beloved Brethren Christian. I am humbled and honored to serve all of you in this great school ministry.
__________________________
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
Philippians 4:4
Keep on rejoicing in the Lord at all times. I will say it again: Keep on rejoicing!
__________________________
May 7, 2018
Ms. Flippin has just begun a medical leave that will last for 4-6 weeks. She will have surgery, and is expected to have a full recovery. During her absence, please direct any academic requests to Mrs. Stone, Mrs. Martes or me. Please join me in praying for Ms. Flippin’s complete and rapid recovery.
__________________________
Our Open House was fantastic! Over 200 people attended, and there were many new families visiting for the first time. Many thanks to all of the volunteers, students, teachers and staff, who made this event a tremendous success. Congratulations to the winners of the half-off tuition drawing as well. This was a great night to celebrate the great year we have had at BC, while forecasting the new initiatives for next year: Football, 1:1 Computers, Debate Team, Block Scheduling, new missions opportunities and much more.
__________________________
Math Olympics
Congratulations to all our JH Mathletes for representing their class at the 2018 ACSI Math Olympics! The following students won honors at the event:
6th grade
Reasoning: 3rd place - Bob Nehrig
7th grade
Computation: 3rd place - Emily Le (photo)
Reasoning: 2nd place - Noah Monteiro
3rd place - Joyce Hong
8th grade
Computation: 1st place - Jeilyn Rhee
3rd place - Velmar Amador-Lankster
Reasoning: 3rd place - Ethan Fast
Their ribbons will be presented at our Award Ceremony later this month.
__________________________
Dr. Clara Amador-Lankster is the mother of Velmar, who is in our 8th grade. She conducts an annual missions trip to an orphanage in Haiti called Foyer Renovation D’Haiti. She will be leading a group of women there again on May 12th to share the gospel and to provide education. They will be providing Professional Development in Language and Literacy to teachers. They will also play, tell stories, sing, read the Word, pray with the students; and they will worship God with everyone they meet along the way. Dr. Amador-Lankster’s dream is to serve and to provide her testimony of the work our Lord Jesus has done in her life. Her wish is to touch the lives of others in a way that gives Glory to Christ, the Prince of Peace.
Velmar and I will make a brief presentation in Chapel this Wednesday at 9:35AM, and we will give all students (and parents, who wish to attend) an opportunity to financially support this important mission to Haiti. As a missions school, BC is blessed to support missions locally and around the world.
I invite the entire BC community to join us this Wednesday. Thank you!
__________________________
(for Disney's Beauty and the Beast)
(for Disney's Beauty and the Beast)
__________________________
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
Philippians 4:6-7
Never worry about anything. Instead, in every situation let your petitions be made known to God through prayers and requests, with thanksgiving. Then God’s peace, which goes far beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your hearts and minds in union with the Messiah Jesus.
__________________________
May 1, 2018
This musical was nothing short of spectacular! I congratulate Mrs. Stella Griffin and her support team for producing such a high quality show. Kudos also to Mr. Len Montgomery and the band members, who made the musical magic happen. Thanks to Ms. Marian Mine for training the singers, and to Patrick Quinn for the choreography and acting lessons. Thanks also to the financial supporters and volunteers, who made this show possible. What a special way for Mrs. Griffin to complete her tremendous career at Brethren Christian. Please join me in wishing her love, blessings and gratitude for all she has done for our school and the countless students she has touched.
__________________________
Please join us for our Annual Open House this Friday evening, May 4th. Come out and watch us showcase our wonderful teachers, students and programs. Our current parents, who attend that evening, may enter into a free drawing to receive 50% off tuition for next year for one of their children! Please invite as many new families as well, who may also enter into a drawing for 50% off of their first year tuition. There will be a Q&A session for new families at 6:00PM, then at 6:30PM the campus will open for current and new families to visit classrooms and talk to our teachers. The free drawing will happen at about 8:00PM in the Mall.
__________________________
Car Accident
Charis Sanders, Jessica Holloway, Jojo Roque and Sofia Miceli were involved in a minor car accident after the Musical Saturday evening. Charis received treatment at the hospital for a concussion and a laceration, she is now resting at home, and she is expected to make a full recovery. Jessica and Sofia are bruised but OK, and Jojo was unharmed. Please keep them all in prayer for a complete recovery from the physical and emotional effects of the accident. Let us all thank God that this was not more serious.
__________________________
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
Hebrews 11:6 ISV
Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who diligently search for him.
__________________________
April 21, 2018
IT’S SHOW TIME! You won’t want to miss our production of Beauty and the Beast continuing tonight and going through next weekend. I congratulate Mrs. Griffin and all of her helpers for making this musical happen. Thanks also to the financial supporters of this production, without whom it would not be possible. Now let’s come out and support our students in this special event! Enjoy!
__________________________
Color Run & Chili Cook-Off
Congratulations to Mr. Len Montgomery and our Band students for a fantastic trip to Boston over the Easter break. It was so fun for me to visit my hometown with our students. Their spirit, character and excellence were evident. We can all take pride in our school, our band and our students for representing BC with excellence. A special thanks also to our parent chaperones!
__________________________
Mark your calendars to join us for our Annual Open House on May 4th. Come out and watch us showcase our wonderful teachers, students and programs. Our parents attending the evening will enter into a free drawing to receive 50% off tuition for next year for one of their children. Please invite as many new families as well, who will enter into a drawing for 50% off of their first year tuition.
__________________________
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
2 Corinthians 4:18
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
__________________________
April 12, 2018
2nd Annual Color Run & Chili Cook-Off
The race starts at 1:30PM here at the school. Please park in the student parking lot. The chili cook-off setup will take place at 1:00PM, the Tasting Contest will start at 3PM, and the Chili Cook-Off award will be announced at 5:30PM.
__________________________
BC parents and students, please note that next week we will be on Block Schedule, and from April 17th - 20th we will be doing Terra Nova Testing. These tests will be each morning starting at 8:00AM, Tuesday-Friday with classes following. On Monday, April 16th, students will be released at 12:25PM. The bus will leave at 12:45PM.
Congratulations, to our Varsity Girls Cross Country team. They have been selected as the 2018 CIF Southern Section Team Academic Champion. The team’s grade point average of 4.0 was the highest in the enrollment category of 1499 and below.
The Varsity Girls Cross Country team will be honored at the Academic Awards ceremony on Tuesday, May 1st, 2018, at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. The team will be awarded a championship banner during a ceremony at 6:45PM prior to the baseball game between the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and the Baltimore Orioles.
If you would like to attend the Angels game, tickets can be purchased in the activities office for $8 per ticket.
__________________________
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
1 Corinthians 9:24
You know that in a race all the runners run but only one wins the prize, don’t you? You must run in such a way that you may be victorious.
__________________________
March 30, 2018
Have a blessed, joyful and safe Easter break, and we will see you all back at school on Tuesday, April 10th.
__________________________
Beauty and the Beast
__________________________
Color Run & Chili Cook-Off
Don’t forget to attend this fund-raising event on April 14th at 1:30PM here at school. You can register for the color run, the chili cook-off, or become a sponsor at www.bchs.net/colorrun/. Also, the PFC needs volunteers, and you can sign-up to help at the event on our Sign-Up Genius page. Please contact Shawn Thomas for more details at sthomas@bchs.net.
__________________________
Our entire roof was successfully repaired this past Monday! Our improved financial position, along with financial help from the Parent Fellowship Council, has made this possible.
__________________________
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
Matthew 28:6
He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
__________________________
Thursday, March 29, 2018
1:1 Computer Program
__________________________
March 20, 2018
New Business Manager
Please join me in welcoming Mrs. Kimberly McGovern as our new Business Manager. She comes to us with substantial experience in school finance and HR. She is already working to improve our systems and processes to provide exceptional service to all of our parents. You may contact her at kmcgovern@bchs.net. Let’s give her a warm Warrior Welcome…thank you!
__________________________
Color Run & Chili Cook-Off
Here are 2 ways to get involved and to help BC move forward in its Quest for Excellence. The events are scheduled for April 14th at 1:30PM here at the school. Please contact Shawn Thomas for details at sthomas@bchs.net or go to the Color Run & Chili Cook-Off event page to sign-up. The PFC will greatly appreciate your support.
__________________________
Prayer Vigil
We invite the entire Brethren Christian community to join our student led prayer on holy Thursday evening (March 29th) during the BC Worship Night in the mall. A section of that time will be dedicated to pray for those affected by the Parkland shooting and all other shootings in American schools. Please join us in prayer.
__________________________
The Junior HS ASB is hosting this event on April 13th. This JH dance will be a fun and well-supervised event. It is a healthy and fun opportunity for our JH students to socialize. Students should contact the JH ASB for details and tickets.
__________________________
Roof Update
The roof is now scheduled for March 26th. We will let you know if it gets completed on that day.
__________________________
The high school choir participated in the annual ACSI Musicale, a two-day choir festival, where they were adjudicated and rehearsed by guest conductor, Dr. Shawna Stewart from Biola University, and were adjudicated on other solo and ensemble pieces. Brethren Christian had four entries in the command performance: Brethren Christian Choir sang "Yo Le Canto Todo El Dia" (HS Choir), Chamber Choir sang "Hosanna In Excelsis," and soloists, David Salas and Charis Sanders sang their songs respectively. The choir was inspired by Dr. Stewart and other ACSI schools that participated and enjoyed making new friendships. Congratulations to the Brethren Christian high school choir students!
__________________________
Irvine Jazz Festival Recap
Our jazz band students all did a fantastic job at the Irvine Jazz Festival on Saturday. JH took 2nd out of three bands in the division. HS took 2nd out of three bands in their division, and the combos all played well, with our top combo taking 4th out of the 10 combos in the division and earning straight "superior" ratings.
__________________________
CASMEC Recap
__________________________
Security
We had a successful lockdown drill last week, and we will do other types of shooter on campus drills on a more regular basis. We are looking into security cameras for the entire campus, and we are doing a number of other things to improve the safety of everyone on campus. Our current security guard can no longer continue the job due to changes in his personal schedule, so I am now looking for a new armed security guard. If anyone in our community is qualified and interested, or if you know anyone who is, please contact me directly at Jmoran@Bchs.net. Thank you.
__________________________
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Pray without ceasing.
__________________________
Lock Down Drill
We will conduct a Lock Down Drill on campus this Wednesday at 1:30 PM. Please note that this is only a drill. In the case of a real emergency, we will notify parents ASAP.
__________________________
"Parkland" Walk Out
Some of our students wish to join other students around the country, who are honoring the memory of the 17 people killed at the recent school shooting in Parkland, Florida. In support of our students, we are adjusting our school schedule for tomorrow, so no students miss class time or feel they would be punished for participating in this National Walkout. Students will be instructed on the walkout process and revised schedule during first period. I will personally accompany the students on the 17-minute walk out to ensure their safety. Students who do not wish to participate in the walk out will be supervised by teachers and staff in the BC mall. Wednesday’s schedule is as follows:
PER 1 8-9:10 (70 min)
PASSING 9:10-9:15
PER 2 9:15-9:50 (35 min)
WALK OUT 9:50-10:30 (40 min)
PER 2 CONTINUED 10:35-11:10 (35 min)
CHAPEL 11:15-12:00 (45 min)
SMALL GROUPS 12:05-12:35 (30 min)
LUNCH 12:35-1:15 (40 min)
PER 3 1:20-2:35 (75 min)
__________________________
Roof Update
Our roof repair is being rescheduled again due to the rain. Thank you for your patience.
__________________________
Please let me know if you would like to fill 3 flower beds near our parking lot. You can email me at jmoran@bchs.net. Thanks!
__________________________
Volunteer Opportunity
Ms. Nancy Patrick will be leading a team of volunteers to continue our campus beautification process on March 19-22 between the hours of 8AM-2:30PM. Please come in comfortable clothing any time on those days and times. Please RSVP to npatrick@bchs.net, so she can best plan the time and process. Thank you!!!
__________________________
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
Ephesians 6:18
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
__________________________
Message from Dr. John Moran
International Students Director
Please join me in welcoming Mrs. Mimie Chow as our International Students Director. Mimie received her degree in Business Management from City College of San Francisco in 1986. Prior to working in education, Mimie worked in the banking and travel industries. She has over 15 years of experience in education and international student programming at a private Christian school in West Covina. She looks forward to growing our international outreach, supporting our international students and enhancing the integration of domestic and international students in all aspects of school life.
__________________________
Junior High Basketball
CONGRATULATIONS to our JH Basketball team, who finished second in the CALOC D3 league championship last Friday! I am so proud of Coach Tyler Ubl, who is a BC alumnus and of all the players, who fought so hard all season to attain this exceptional goal. Go Warriors!!!
__________________________
Junior High Volleyball
CONGRATULATIONS also go to our JH Volleyball team, who finished as the CALOC Division 3 JH Girls Volleyball Runner-up last Saturday! I am so proud of Coach Sierra Starke, and all of her team, who persevered to accomplish this exceptional goal. Go Warriors!!!
Spring Sports
High School Spring Sports are up and running: Softball, Baseball, Boys Volleyball, Golf and Track. JH teams have finished their winter season with two of our teams going to the CALOC D3 Championships last weekend, the JH Boys Basketball and JH Girls Volleyball teams, as mentioned above. Middle School Spring Sports - Boys Volleyball and Girls Softball will begin soon.
__________________________
Island Restaurant Fundraiser
Please join us at Islands Restaurant at 18621 Brookhurst Street tomorrow night, March 6th from 4PM onwards. The proceeds will raise money for the PFC and all of their activities that benefit the school. Many parents have asked me how they can volunteer for the school, and joining the PFC board is a great place to start. Please contact the PFC President, Mike Donahoe at mdonahoe@bchs.net. Thank you!
__________________________
Canvas
Our Canvas platform is now completely updated, and all parents should be able to login to the system.I encourage you to check it regularly to monitor your children’s progress. If you are still experiencing issues, please contact jsimonds@bchs.net. Thank you.
__________________________
Roof
Our roof repair has been rescheduled several times due to rain (ironic, but necessary). It is now scheduled for MARCH 12th; so let’s hope it does not rain that day. I want to thank the PFC and our generous donors for making these repairs possible.
__________________________
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here.
__________________________
Message from Dr. John Moran
We received another $100,000 donation last week from a donor, who wishes to remain anonymous! Combining this with the revenue from the Chinese camps and the increased revenue from converting to Tuition Assistance, enables us to return our teachers and administrators to full salary beginning on March 1st! We thank God for His faithfulness to our ministry, and we are so grateful for the continued giving from our BC Family!!! Please thank a teacher today for their willingness to sacrifice financially for BC these last few months.
Future fundraising will now go to moving BC boldly into the future with new programs, facilities and technologies. Let us also take a moment to thank the Lord Almighty for the miraculous turnaround at our school this year. “But Jesus looked at them and said to them, 'With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'” Matthew 19:26.
__________________________
Fees
We have listed the average cost of fees per grade on our website at www.bchs.net/tuition/. The complete list of fees may be obtained by requesting them from sthomas@bchs.net.
We are planning our 1:1 computer roll out, which will inform us as to the final amount of the technology fee for next year, which will be $600 or less. Stay tuned for details on this program and the related fees.
__________________________
We are now training the focus group facilitators and then we will schedule an evening for all focus groups to meet at the school to give their input on our strategic future. Please stay tuned for that date.
__________________________
Chinese Camps
We are hosting our last camp of Chinese Students this week. There have been many positives arising from these camps – most importantly that several of the students have accepted Jesus Christ! We have also planted seeds of faith with over 200 students who have attended. There are some challenges to hosting so many visitors as well, so we will review if we will have more camps next year. I want to thank: the host families, our ambassador students, Mrs. Stone, and all of our teachers for making this a great success financially, academically, culturally and spiritually.
__________________________
Honduras Mission Trip
The dates have been changed from the April vacation to June 20-27th. Please consider having your child join us on this life-changing trip. You can find out more information at www.montanadeluz.org.
Students under 14 may come if a parent accompanies them. Please contact me at jmoran@bhcs.net or Mrs. Wadsworth at kwadsworth@bchs.net with any questions you may have. Vamos a Honduras! (Let’s go to Honduras!)
__________________________
The Global Ambassador Program in Germany
BC has partnered with the Semita School (which rents a site on our campus) to offer a unique leadership and travel opportunity for our students!
The Global Ambassador Program is a full immersion and leadership opportunity in Germany for American high school students. This program in western Germany offers students an engaging, fun, and intellectually stimulating environment while exploring historical and contemporary sites. The participating students in this program are from Asia, Europe, and the United States.
Please contact johnahn@semitaschool.org for more information.
__________________________
Debate
Mrs. Maresh is forming a BC Debate Team that will compete with other schools beginning next school year! This is a fantastic way to build logic, public speaking and critical thinking skills. It is also a great way to enhance college applications. Please contact mmaresh@bchs.net for more details.
__________________________
Special Chapel Tomorrow
I will be leading a chapel this Wednesday to discuss the Parkland school shooting and the larger issues it represents. I invite parents to attend. The goal is to hear the students’ perspectives and to discuss our response as Christians and responsible citizens. I have attached a statement from the ACSI leadership on this topic, which I thought was solid and thought provoking.
__________________________
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
Lamentations 3:22-23
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
__________________________
Message from Dr. John Moran
I am pleased to announce that Mr. Leon Green has become our Football Head Coach! He is a BC alumnus and a former football coach and teacher at Brethren. He will hold a meeting for all players and their parents in the very near future. Please contact our Athletic Director, Mrs. Stacey Whitmire, for more details. Please join me in giving our new coach a very warm welcome, and let’s praise the Lord for the return of football to BC!
Go Warriors!
__________________________
Block Scheduling
I am pleased to announce that we will be transitioning to block scheduling next school year. This differs from the straight scheduling we have now that delivers all subjects every day in 50 minute periods. Block scheduling delivers courses on alternate days in 85-minute periods.
Some benefits of block scheduling include:
- Depth over breadth - Instead of covering more material, teachers can uncover material more.
- Longer class periods are ideal for:
- labs
- small or large group discussions
- cooperative learning activities
- debates
- simulations
- guest speakers
- trips to the school library or computer lab
- instructional videos and applications
- role plays
- More time for teacher training on a weekly basis
Please follow this link to view the block schedule we will implement next school year: https://www.bchs.net/blockschedule18-19/
__________________________
Preview Night Feb 15th
Please invite a friend (or two) to our next Preview Night on Thursday, February 15th. Let folks know how much you love BC, and ask them to come by that night to see the great things happening here. They can register to attend Preview Night at www.bchs.net/preview/. Thank you! Please contact Mr. Thomas for details at sthomas@bchs.net.
__________________________
Re-enrollment Discount
February 15th is the last day to save over $200 on your re-enrollment fee. Please contact me directly at jmoran@bchs.net if you have any questions about the school, our plans for next year, tuition or any other topic. Next year is shaping up to be the best year ever at BC!
- 1:1 computers
- An Applied Math, Science and Engineering Program
- Improved teaching practices
- More competitive sports program
- Expanded extra-curricular activities
- And many other initiatives
__________________________
ACT and AP Testing Prep
Spring ACT and AP tests are around the corner! Learn about two upcoming events that can help your high school students get the scores they want – as well as other helpful college information. Contact Ms. Flippin for more information.
__________________________
Spiritual Emphasis Week
Salt and Light (our chapel leadership group of students and teachers) planned and delivered a powerful week of chapels that culminated today with two student testimonies that touched all of our hearts.
The chapel ended with a call to students to accept Jesus, re-commit to Jesus and for any other needs they may have had. Many students answered these calls and prayed with staff and other students.
I thank the Lord for the continual move of His Holy Spirit to draw His children to Himself through this school ministry. Please pray for all of the students, who came forward today. May God bless Brethren Christian School!
__________________________
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
Psalm 3:3-4
But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I call out to the LORD, and he answers me from his holy mountain.
__________________________
A Special Request From The Superintendent
We are continually grateful to the Lord, and to all of you, for the turnaround at BC this year. Some of the changes have been challenging, but they were necessary to place the school on a solid financial footing. I am glad to announce that we have made it possible for every family to remain at BC regardless of their financial situation and based on their individual need.
One of the major changes we made this year is a significant pay reduction to our teachers and staff. They originally sustained a 20% pay reduction, but that was reduced to a 15% reduction after we received another large donation. The Bible states that the workman is worth his wage (Matthew 10:10b), and I am sure you’ll agree that our teachers and staff are worth their full pay. In order to restore their salary now, we need a $300,000 infusion to our budget.
We have avoided the closures that have affected over 45% of ACSI schools, but our teachers and staff have borne a large part of the financial burden. Make no mistake that our school will survive, but our goal is to thrive, expand and grow into a school of excellence in all areas. Our competitive advantage is through our people, so I ask our community to dig deep again to support these people that make an enormous difference in the lives of your children. Next year is shaping up to be a strong financial year for us, but we need your financial support to restore salaries this year.
Thank you again for all you do to make BC a tremendous school ministry. Let’s continue to partner, so we can move from a ministry to a Movement that will make an ever-expanding impact on the world for Christ!
May God bless you, and may God continue to bless Brethren Christian!
__________________________
February 2, 2018
College Planning Night
We are inviting all BC sophomores and juniors, and their families, to join us on the evening of February 5th at 7pm in the BC Library to review some very helpful topics and strategies for college planning. We will be joined by Janice Royal and David Coen who are college planning consultants, as well as Ms. Flippin, who can help our students plan and fulfill their collegiate goals. Please RSVP with Dorothy MacDonald if you plan to join us.
__________________________
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
Psalm 37:5-6
Commit your way to the Lord; Trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.
__________________________
Message from Dr. John Moran
Please invite a friend (or two) to our next preview night on Thursday, February 15th. Let folks know how much you love BC, and ask them to come by that night to see the great things happening here. They can register to attend Preview Night at www.bchs.net/preview/. Thank you! Please contact Mr. Thomas for details at sthomas@bchs.net.
__________________________
New Roof
Our roof will be repaired on February 12th. Please do not park in the spaces closest to the school in the Northeast parking lot (the one near our office and fields) that day. Thank you to the PFC and our generous donors for making this possible.
__________________________
Admissions Director
Please join me in congratulating Mr. Shawn Thomas on his promotion from Social Media Coordinator to Admissions Director. He has done an exceptional job at upgrading our website, improving our social media presence and getting the word out about the great things happening at BC. He will continue to do those things, while taking a more direct role in recruiting and admitting more students to the school. Mr. Thomas is experienced, capable and winsome. We have great hopes that he will help BC grow now and in the future.
__________________________
Please join me in welcoming our new Facilities Director, Mr. Ron Van Duseldorp. He will lead our efforts to maintain and improve our facilities. Let’s give him a warm Warriors welcome.
__________________________
Choir Retreat
The high school choir had a wonderful weekend in Yucaipa, at Oak Glen Christian Center, where they worked on music and had opportunities to get to know one another better. Mr. Paul Smith, who is a Brethren alumnus (class of 1970), as well as a recently retired professor from John Brown University of 30 years, was their guest clinician, who challenged them both musically and spiritually. Ms. Carleda Hutton, Choir Director of Brethren from 1954-2007, also joined them for the weekend to watch her former student do some amazing work with current Brethren students. On the last night, the group had time to share their testimonies and pray for one another. Excellent music is what we strive for, but it would not mean anything if it didn't lead us to know our Creator deeper and reach out to our brothers and sisters in meaningful ways.
__________________________
ACSI Honor Band
Brethren Christian will be represented by 24 of our top instrumental music students this weekend at the ACSI JH and HS Southern California Regional Honor Bands. The honor bands are conducted by Faith Valdez, professional tuba player and music educator, and Bob Feller, Director of Instrumental Music at Biola University. The students will participate in two days of intense rehearsals, culminating in a free concert open to the public, Friday at 7:00pm, at Arbor Road Church (5336 E. Arbor Rd., Long Beach, CA 90808). Please join me in congratulating Mr. Montgomery and these exceptional students for earning this honor:
Brandon Bautista – french horn
Mike Contreras – percussion
Paige Coultrup – clarinet
Giang Dang – euphonium
Claire Daniels – flute
Effie Hill – bassoon
Eunice Hong – flute
April Huan – percussion
Alona Kellick – clarinet
Madison Kobel – baritone saxophone
Ethan Montgomery – clarinet
Luke Montgomery – trombone
Colby Peterson – trumpet
Amanda Ramsey – clarinet
Hannah Ramsey – alto saxophone
Derek Reiser – alto saxophone
Shirlyn Rhee – flute
Vanessa Royal – alto saxophone
David Salas – percussion
Jessica Tu – flute
James Wang – tuba
Dakota Whitmire – trombone
Kate Johnson – trumpet
Luke Johnson – contra alto clarinet
__________________________
Drop-off/Pick-up
This is a reminder that you may only drop off and pick up students in the back of the school. We have had some near misses in the front of the school recently, so please help us keep everyone safe by using the back parking lot for dropping off and picking up students. Thank you.
__________________________
Chinese Camp
We have an opportunity for our students to visit a Chinese school during Easter week. The cost is $250 per student plus airfare. Please contact me directly if you have an interest in this.
__________________________
Message from Dr. John Moran
I wanted to let you know about a new State Law, AB 500, which has gone into effect this month.
The law provides that every school in California must post their policies on Staff/Student interactions on their website. ACSI (The Association of Christian Schools International) legal counsel has advised us to review and update our policies on such interactions to align with the intent of the new law, which is to minimize the chance of inappropriate activity between staff and students.
Although our staff will not be able to maintain students as contacts on personal social media sites or to post photos of students on those sites, we may continue to interact with students and post photos on all of our official: BCHS websites, BCHS Facebook pages, and any other official BCHS social media sites. As always, we will endeavor not to post photos of those students, whose parents have asked that their children’s photos not be posted at all.
Student Safety is our top priority at BC, and these steps improve the safety of each of our students, while complying with state law. These policies do not in any way intend to diminish the warm, friendly and caring environment of our school community. While we have not had a single complaint from parents or students about inappropriate Staff/Student interactions, it is prudent to have policies in place to further improve the safety of our students wherever possible.
As you will see in the policies posted on our website there may be exceptions that can be approved by the Superintendent in special cases required to assist a student and his/her family. Please note that these policies are similar with every other school in California and are common practice throughout the country.
Please review these policies, and let your children know why we are implementing them. I will speak with the students about these policies in chapel next week, since we do not have a chapel this week due to final exams.
Thank you so much for your understanding, and know that we will continue to take every step possible to maximize the safety of your children, while maintaining the kind and friendly atmosphere that makes BC such a great place for children and their families.
__________________________
Message from Dr. John Moran
__________________________
Homestay Families
Please contact Mrs. Stone at mstone@bchs.net if you would like to be a homestay family for our international students on short-term camps or for our permanent I-20 students. You will be compensated for doing this, and you will be a real blessing in the lives of these students..
__________________________
Finals
Finals continue tomorrow and complete on Thursday, so please note the following:
• School ends at 11:30 tomorrow and Thursday.
• The bus leaves at 11:45 tomorrow and Thursday (there is no late bus either day).
• No lunch or snacks will be provided either day.
• No school on Friday.
__________________________
Our first camp of 60 students from China went really well, and we have 3 more camps coming up. The next camp starts next Monday and lasts for one week. We have changed the format so that our Ambassador students will have a greatly reduced role. Kudos to all of our Ambassadors for doing an amazing job of hosting our Chinese student-visitors.
__________________________
Spirit Week
We celebrate King Warrior week all next week! The King will be crowned at our basketball game on Saturday, February 3rd during the halftime show at Ocean View High School. Please see our website and Mrs. Staller’s communiqués for details on Spirit Week.
__________________________
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
James 1:5 (NIV)
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
__________________________
January 12, 2018
__________________________
Dear Returning BC Family,
It is time to re-enroll your child(ren) for the 2018/19 School Year.
This has been a year of many changes at the school, which have solidified our financial position as a school and have secured our long-term future. We have appreciated all the positive feedback from you on our improved: facilities, faculty, academics, chapels, discipleship, openness, service and overall culture.
Next year is shaping up to be an even better year with:
· 1:1 computers (with most curriculum being online)
· Block Scheduling (allowing deeper study in each subject area)
· The International Space Station (ISS) Program (building and launching experiments to the ISS)
· A robotics program
· A debate team
· A new sports league in which we can be more competitive
· An 8-man football program
· Continued facility improvements
· More international missions opportunities
· A “strings” program added to our band offerings
We have incrementally increased our tuition and fees to support our quest for excellence as a school, and those new rates are outlined on our website on the Admissions policy page.
We have streamlined the re-enrollment process this year by placing all of the forms online. You will see our new tuition and fees on our website as well. Please note that you may apply for Tuition Assistance for next year via the FAST program link found on our website as soon as you receive your 2017 tax information.
Please follow the 3 simple steps below to re-enroll:
Step 1: Go to our website via this link www.bchs.net/reenrollment/.
Step 2: Complete the Domestic Re-enrollment Forms by entering your information, and hitting “Continue” when prompted.
Step 3: Follow instructions for payment, and your done.
NOTE: Re-enroll early to receive lower re-enrollment fees.
Pay full tuition to receive tuition discounts.
These discounts and related dates are listed on the rate sheet on the website.
Thank you and God bless you for your support of Excellence in Christian Education at Brethren Christian School!
__________________________
Thank you,
Dr. John G. Moran, EdD
Superintendent of Brethren Christian Schools
I wanted to share the PowerPoint presentation I presented last night at the Town Hall meeting. Feel free to contact me with any question you may have. BC is on its way towards building a bright future in every area of our school.
Many blessings, and Happy Martin Luther King Day!
__________________________
Message from Dr. John Moran
__________________________
Message from Dr. John Moran
We are thanking God for all He has done this past year to improve the state of our school. He has enabled us to overcome many challenges, and we are now positioned for growth and development in all areas. I want to personally thank every member of our community for your prayers, support, commitment, giving and volunteering. It has ALL contributed to the great turnaround of this 70-year ministry. I am grateful and humbled to serve you all, and I am excited about what the Lord will do through and in us in 2018. Praise the Lord!!!!
__________________________
Town Hall Meeting
Please join the school board and me at 7PM in the Mall on Thursday, January 11th. I will review our accomplishments, where we stand now, and our vision for the future. I will also talk about our 5-year Strategic Planning process. There will be time for Q&A as well. Hope to see you all there.
__________________________
PFC Dine Out
Tired of cooking after the holidays? PFC has got you covered! Their monthly dine-out program gives you the perfect excuse to eat out or order take out – all while benefiting our great school! It’s a win-win! Our next Dine Out is scheduled for Thursday, January 11th at First Class Pizza in Fountain Valley off of Brookhurst between Ellis and Garfield – conveniently down the street from school! Plan on attending the Town Hall Meeting that evening and grab a bite to eat before hand--what could be easier? 15% of the money earned will be returned to BCHS. Make sure you tell the cashier that you are supporting Brethren Christian School for their PFC Dine Out program when ordering, or ordering over the phone for take-out, and we will get the bonus!
Another chance to dine out this month will be on Wednesday, January 31st at Chipotle in Fountain Valley – also off of Brookhurst and Garfield. Chipotle offers a whopping 50% back to the school! Please mark your calendars to attend both of these events – an easy way to bring money into the school.
__________________________
We will have several groups of students from China visiting our campus in January and February (not during finals week). Our first group will be here during the third week of this month, and the other groups in February. They will be following our Ambassador students throughout the day and auditing our classes. This is a great revenue generator for our school, and a nice cultural experienced.
__________________________
Re-enrollment and New Tuition/Fees
We will be posting our 2018/19 rates for next year on our website within a week. Please keep your eyes open for a re-enrollment letter from me next week providing specific instructions. Thank you.
__________________________
Tuition Assistance
We are working diligently with all parents, who have applied for Tuition assistance to ensure they can continue to afford a BC education. If you complete the FAST form now, please just enter your 2016 tax information, even though it asks for 2017 information. You will enter your 2017 tax information later if you apply for Tuition Assistance for the 2018/19 school year. Thank you very much.
__________________________
Campus Beautification
Please join Mrs. Nancy Patrick from Monday Jan 8th to Thursday Jan 12th from 8am-2:30 to clean, sort, lift, move and paint. Come part or all of the time - any time you can help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much!
__________________________
Roof Repairs
We will be repairing the roof this month, which will completely eliminate the leaks. This is due to the generous giving of our parents and PFC!
__________________________
We would like to launch our International Space Station (ISS) program this summer, so please let me know if you or a friend would like to coordinate the program. We need a retired engineer or scientist to lead this effort. Please contact me for details.
__________________________
Message from Dr. John Moran
Let us rejoice in the birth of our Savior Jesus during this season, and let us thank him for all He is doing in our midst. Despite trials, the Lord is seeing us through and building our character in the process.
Please have a safe and happy time with your families this Christmas!
__________________________
Tuition Assistance Program
We are working with every family to provide the financial assistance they need to remain at the school. Please go into this Christmas season knowing that you will be able to keep your children at BC.
Please come see me if you any questions about Tuition Assistance. Those parents, who have met with me in the last 2 weeks have learned that we are still working with them to keep their children in the school they love. We are now providing financial assistance in the way that all other private schools do (needs based), which helps both families and the financial health of the school at the same time. In other words, families that can afford to pay more do so, and families that cannot afford to pay more do not.
I hope this clears up some questions you may have about our new approach to financial support.
__________________________
A Generous Community
I want to thank everyone who gave such generous gifts to all of the teachers and staff. It means so much to us. May God bless you for your kindness.
__________________________
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
Ephesians 3:20-21 (KJV)
"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen"
__________________________
Message from Dr. John Moran
Save the Date: January 11th, 2018 at 7PM in our Mall
Please join us in January for a Town Hall Meeting with the Superintendent and Board of BC. This is a perfect time for reviewing the wonderful things the Lord has done for us during this transitional year. I will also lay out our 5-year strategic planning process that will begin in February. We look forward to seeing you there!
__________________________
Christmas Festival
You won’t want to miss our BC Festival of Christmas on Wednesday, December 13th in the BC Mall.
The Junior High Bands and Choir will perform from 6-7PM.
Art Walk and refreshments from 7-7:30PM.
The Senior High Bands and Choir will perform from 7:30-8:30PM.
It will be very crowded, so please come early to get a seat. See you all there!
Tuition Discounts
We have removed Tuition Discounts effective February 1st of 2018. We are instead utilizing Tuition Assistance to help families afford a BC education based on individual financial need. This will enable families to remain at BC, while improving our long-term financial sustainability as a school. Tuition Assistance is the approach that virtually all other Christian schools utilize.
There is some confusion regarding Tuition Certainty, which allowed parents to pay last year’s tuition rate this year. The certainty program was a discount program that is no longer being continued.
Families who paid in full for the year may also have received a letter as well, because there is a new annual rate for them if they were receiving any type of discount. The new balance on the letter is an Annual amount – not monthly – as stated on the letter.
Please contact Mrs. Kim Ostermann at kostermann@bchs.net or call her at 714-962-6617, x. 15 if you have any questions about your letter.
Please complete a FAST application on our website if you wish to be considered for Tuition Assistance. Be assured that we will work with every family to help them afford the tuition costs at the school.
__________________________
Calendaring Note
Our last day of school before the Christmas break is this Friday, December 15th, and we resume school on Wednesday, January 3rd. I pray a joyous and safe Christmas time for every BC Family.
Holiday Shopping while Supporting BC!
If you have any last minute shopping to do, remember that every time you shop through the Amazon Smile program it helps support BC! Wrap-up your holiday shopping at smile.amazon.com/ch/95-3956057 and Amazon will donate to Brethren Christian School.
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
Luke 2:10-11
“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."
__________________________
Message from Dr. John Moran
I am thrilled to announce that the school has received a $200,000 donation today from a parent, who wishes to remain anonymous.
This is a tremendous blessing from the Lord – To God be the Glory! (Jude 1:25)
We will use these funds to reduce some of the recent pay cuts, and we will use the balance to address our most urgent facilities needs.
Generous parents and others have donated close to $500,000 in the last seven months. This should give us all great hope in the future of this school. The Lord is certainly restoring this wonderful ministry. Hallelujah!
__________________________
Adopt An Employee
The PFC and Prayer Warriors have developed a financial support program to help each of our employees this Christmas. There are still a few employees, who need adoption, so please visit our front office to pick up a Christmas Tree with their name on it. It will go a long way to show how much you love them…thanks!
__________________________
Campus Clean Up
The Amazing Ms. Nancy Patrick is at it again! She is looking for volunteers to help with some important clean up activities on January 8th -11th . Please email Ms. Patrick at Npatrick@bchs.net to register your interest in helping out. Many folks have been asking me how they can help the school, and this is a great way to do so.
Christmas Festival
You won’t want to miss our BC Festival of Christmas on Wednesday, December 13th in the BC Mall.
The Junior High Bands and Choir will perform from 6-7PM.
The Senior High Bands and Choir will perform from 7:30-8:30PM.
It will be very crowded, so please come early to get a seat. See you all there!
Homestay Opportunities
We will be hosting several, short-term, winter camps at BC for International students from China in January and February. Please contact Ms. Margaret Stone at mstone@bchs.net if you are interested in being a homestay family for these students. You will be financially compensated for hosting these students.
Coffee Shop
Our Honeycomb Coffee Shop in the Mall, which is student-run, is looking for a couple of more coffee machines. Please contact Mrs. Heffernan at dheffernan@bchs.net if you would like to donate. Thanks so much!
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
Matthew 6:33
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God and all his righteousness, and all these things will be added to unto you.”
__________________________
Message from Dr. John Moran
Message from Dr. John Moran
We have so much to be grateful for during this holiday season. I am grateful to be a part of the wonderful legacy of BC and to serve this faithful community. I am also grateful for all of the financial giving and volunteer efforts on the part of so many people. All of that goes a long way to strengthen our school now and in the future.
__________________________
BC Playhouse Production
Please come out to see our students perform in The Trip to Bountiful this weekend on Friday and Saturday night at 7PM in our theater.
__________________________
No Class Next Week
There are no classes next week, but our staff will be in training on Monday. I wish our entire school community a blessed and grateful Thanksgiving holiday,
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
Psalm 136:3
O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth forever.
__________________________
Message from Dr. John Moran
__________________________
You won’t want to miss the BC Playhouse production of The Trip to Bountiful playing this weekend and next here at our school.
Show times: November 10, 11, 17 & 18 at 7PM.
Admission is $10 at the door.
Please come out and support our exceptional theater arts program!
__________________________
• We will be on block schedule next week.
• There will be no school during Thanksgiving week, but the staff and teachers will be on campus Monday and Tuesday that week for professional development activities.
• We will have a late start the first day back after Thanksgiving, Mon. Nov 27th: 1st period will begin at 8:50AM.
__________________________
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
Matthew 8:8
The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that you should come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.
__________________________
Message from Dr. John Moran
Dear BC Family,
We will hold a half day of school tomorrow to conduct "Friday Forum (4Him)" It is a wonderful part of the Brethren tradition, where students and faculty join together for a half day worship service. We are focusing on being real with God, ourselves and others throughout the year, and this half day is dedicated to advancing that goal. We will be worshipping together, listening to an alumn speak about what it looks like to trust God with our future, and spending time to reflect in our small groups. We ask that you prayerfully look forward to this Friday as we continue to see God moving in our student body.
__________________________
Message from Dr. John Moran
I have GREAT news to share with you about our fundraising efforts. Nine families have joined the Warriors Club by donating $1000 or more, and eight other families have joined the Superintendent's Circle for a donation $5000 or more. We now have close to $49,000 donated before the gala even begins!
Parents have paid for the dinner, table set-up and lighting, so all donations will go directly to improving our school. This amounts to cash of over $20,000 dollars to support the event. Another parent has installed 9 lights in our parking lot this month, which is well over a 50K gift to the school. We have people doing free construction inside of the building estimating $20,000 dollars in building improvements (mostly bathrooms and interior walls). This does not even include all of the work done by countless volunteers this summer, which would be hard to estimate in real dollars, but trust me that it would be an enormous figure.
Let's not forget the family that donated $100,000 to the school last June, which paid for our materials during last summer's facility overhaul, and which continues to help the school in numerous ways. We also cleared over $20K in the Fireworks booths, and raised various other monies in a variety of smaller events.
This means that the total cash donations to the school in the last 6 months stands at $189K! When you add in-kind donations of at least 70K, we stand at $259K. This gives us tremendous momentum going into the gala this Saturday to raise a few hundred thousand more to support this wonderful school ministry. Remember that you can still give even if you are not attending the event by going online to our donation page at www.bchs.net/donate/.
Let's thank God for what He has done, for what He is doing, and for what He will do!
Many blessings to you all!
__________________________
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
Matthew 8:8
The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that you should come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.
__________________________
Message from Dr. John Moran
Our November 4th Gala is fast approaching, so I wanted to talk to you frankly about our strengths and challenges as a school community.
At 70 years old, we are one of the first Christian Schools in the country, which is a great honor. We reached a peak of nearly 1000 students in the late 90’s. We have earned and retained our sterling reputation for excellence in discipleship, academics, athletics and the arts. Our accomplishments in music, drama, college placement, missions, community service and many other areas are among the best in Orange County. Many of our staff members have been loyal employees for 30 to 40 years or more, which shows their commitment to good Ole Brethren. We enrolled 91 new students this year, which is the largest number in recent history. We had approximately one thousand people attend our Homecoming last Friday night, where many parents complimented the positive changes we are making at BC.
You may or may not know that we only have 273 students this year, which is the result of a ten-year enrollment decline. When enrollment goes down, so do the funds needed to run the school. The board made a change in the head of school position at the end of last school year to turn this situation around, which reflects the seriousness of the challenges we face. Although we have strong projections for enrollment growth next year, our low enrollment this year has left a financial gap that must be filled by your generous donations. We reorganized our staff, revised our financial practices, and cut our budget to reduce our cash shortfall. However, more financial help is needed, so we do not have to further tighten our budget, which would directly affect our teachers and staff.
Although we will ask for donations every year, this year is particularly important to get us past our short-term financial hurdles. We are indeed turning BC around, and quickly, but we need your sacrificial giving to keep that turnaround going strong.
All can give some, and some can give much. I challenge every family at BC to do the very best they can to help the school they love. Thank you in advance for helping us turn the page at BC to a bold and financially secure new chapter in the story of our school!
May God bless you All,
__________________________
Message from Dr. John Moran
All after-school activities and athletic practices will be cancelled. The first bus will come at 12:15PM, and there will be no late bus.
__________________________
Message from Dr. John Moran
This 70th Anniversary Fundraising event is just 2 weeks from this Saturday, so please RSVP now to mstone@bchs.net to reserve a seat. One hundred folks have already reserved their seats, and we can only seat 300, so please make sure you RSVP ASAP. We want to see you all there, and we need your help to reach our financial goal. Thanks everyone!
Our Spirit Week is going great! The staff and students are having fun dressing up in different costumes.
Please remember that booths open this Friday evening at 6 pm. Some of the fun includes bounce houses, face painting, balloon animals, cotton candy, pumpkin decorating, popcorn and the Cultured Coffee Cafe will be open for your enjoyment. There will also be a small car show and art show in the mall.
The main stage events in the mall starting with cheer dance routine, Comedy Sportz, 8o'clock Jazz, Choir, Band Night featuring students from Grace Brethren and Los Altos Brethren joining our Warrior Band, Queen Coronation and topping the evening with Alumni joining the Warrior Band as we play some traditional fight songs and end with Hail Christian Warriors.
Saturday evening finishes the spirited week with the High School Homecoming "Glo- Dance" at the Coleman Warehouse.
ASB hopes to see you all at the BC Phone Homecoming 2017..... Warriors, it's time to come home.
Calling all parents to join us at the next PFC Meeting on Wednesday, November 15th at 3PM in the Teachers’ Lounge. We need all of your input and support…thanks!
BC Band 5th Annual Pancake Breakfast & Used Book Sale
Saturday, October 28, 7:30-10:30 a. m.
Brethren Christian's Band will be having their 5th annual Pancake Breakfast & Used Book Sale on Saturday, October 28th from 7:30 to 10:30 am.
Live music! Pancake Eating Contest! A fun, relaxing morning with Fresh Pancakes and Sausage!
Tickets are $6, available from the Activities office or from any band student.
The first quarter of the school year ends on October 27th, and report cards will be available on Aeries by November 2nd. We will not be mailing quarterly report cards home this year, so please do check your children’s progress online.
Please visit our website at www.bchs.net , hit the “Parents” button at the top right, and then go to the green bar on the right to access Aeries and Canvas. Please email rnamahoe@bchs.net
if you have any problems accessing these applications.
If you have NOT yet gone on to Aeries to create an account, please contact dmacdonald@bchs.net to receive the access code to create your account.
We will start school at 8:45 on this day, so please mark your calendars. We will end at the regular time.
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
__________________________
Message from Dr. John Moran
This 70th Anniversary event is just 3 weeks from this Saturday, so please RSVP now to mstone@bchs.net to reserve a seat.
I am seeking 20 people to join the Warriors Club by donating $1000 or more before the gala, and I am seeking another 8 people to join the Superintendent’s Circle for a donation of $5,000 or more. BC has lost enrollment every year for the last 10 years, but we now have a solid plan to turn it around by improving every aspect of what we provide to students. We project a much higher enrollment next year, but the downturn has left a financial deficit this year that must be made up by the generous donations of our families and alumni. I am pushing hard to raise more than we ever have before, because we urgently need your help to rebound this fantastic school ministry. The board members are all giving generously to lead the way. I am personally taking a large reduction in my salary to contribute to the cause. Please prepare your hearts to give generously and sacrificially, and may the Lord bless you as you give.
Our ASB is super excited to be hosting the BC PHONE HOMECOMING 2017 here on the Brethren Campus on October 20!
Homecoming week kicks off Friday the 13th as the class councils will be decorating the school with the many posters celebrating our homecoming court and fall festival. Spirit Jugs are in the Activities Office and students are dropping in their spare change to earn spirit points for the Spirit Trophy awarded at the PEP RALLY 10/20 at noon. Spirit Week theme days are: Movie Monday, Tired (PJ) Tuesday, Cosmic Spacey Wednesday, Throwback Thursday to the 80's and Friday is Warrior Pride Day.
The evening of the 20th will start with the Class Council and group booths opening at 6 pm. Some of the fun includes bounce houses, face painting, balloon animals, cotton candy, pumpkin decorating, popcorn and the Cultured Coffee Cafe will be open for your enjoyment. There will also be a small car show and art show in the mall. The national anthem will be sung by our choir at 6:20 in preparation of the main stage events in the mall starting with cheer dance routine, Comedy Sportz, 8o'clock Jazz, Choir, Band Night featuring students from Grace Brethren and Los Altos Brethren joining our Warrior Band, Queen Coronation and topping the evening with Alumni joining the Warrior Band as we play some traditional fight songs and end with Hail Christian Warriors. Saturday evening finishes the spirited week with the High School Homecoming "Glo-Dance" at the Coleman Warehouse.
ASB hopes to see you all at the BC Phone Homecoming 2017..... Warriors, it's time to come home.
Concordia Wind Orchestra High School Invitational Concert –Tuesday, October 17, 7pm
Concordia University, Irvine, in the CU Center, 1530 Concordia, Irvine, CA 92612
The Brethren Christian High School Wind Symphony, conducted by Len Montgomery and Matt Thacker, is the only high school ensemble performing on this concert, alongside two college bands: Fullerton College Concert Band and the Concordia Wind Orchestra. (Our group is the first “repeat performer” in this high school invitational concert series.) The BCHS Wind Symphony will perform Toccata by Frank Erickson, Let the Amen Sound by Travis Cross, and King Cotton by John Philip Sousa. The concert will conclude with Concordia Wind Orchestra's performance of Toccata and Fugue in D minor by J. S. Bach, featured faculty organist Tom Mueller.
Free admission, free parking.
We have a tremendous group of PFC leaders, who are movers and shakers. The problem is that we don’t have many parents joining our monthly PFC meetings. Every parent is a member of the PFC, and we really need your support to make it all that it can be. Please consider joining us at our next meeting – we generally meet every 2nd Wednesday of the month at 3PM in the Teacher’s Lounge, but please stay tuned for updates on time and place.
BC Band 5th Annual Pancake Breakfast & Used Book Sale
Saturday, October 28, 7:30-10:30 a. m.
Brethren Christian's Band will be having their 5th annual Pancake Breakfast & Used Book Sale on Saturday, October 28th from 7:30 to 10:30 am.
Live music! Pancake Eating Contest! A fun, relaxing morning with Fresh Pancakes and Sausage!
Tickets are $6, available from the Activities office or from any band student.
100% of the profits go to the band program! Help the HS Wind Symphony get to Boston this spring! Help the JH Wind Ensemble fund their Disneyland performance!
Do you eat like a Warrior? Pancake Eating Contest tickets are $8 for students and $10 for friends & family. (The cost of these tickets also includes the "regular" breakfast if a contestant is still hungry. Pancake Eating Contest Tickets are available in the Activities Office or by contacting Cindy Biddle)
Book donations can be dropped off BEFORE school on Monday, Oct 23 - Friday, Oct 27 in the drop off area in the back parking lot. (Please no magazines or encyclopedias.)
To make this event successful, please volunteer and donate supplies! Non-perishable food items (tablecloths, syrup etc) can be dropped off the mornings we are collecting books. For perishable items (oranges, orange juice, frozen sausage), please drop off before or after school on Friday, October 27.
The Lions Club of Huntington Beach has graciously volunteered to do all the cooking! To show our appreciation, we will also be collecting used eyeglasses for their charity work. Eyeglasses can be dropped off with books, taken to the BC Front Office, or turned in at the event.
All parents should be using Aeries and Canvas now to view your children's progress and to communicate with teachers. Please visit our website at www.bchs.net, hit the “Parents” button at the top right, and then go to the green bar on the right to access Aeries and Canvas. Please call the front desk if you have any problems.
We will start school at 8:45AM on this day, so please mark your calendars. We will end at the regular time.!
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
Psalm 62:1
For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation.
__________________________
Message from Dr. John Moran
I look forward to seeing you!
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
Matthew 17:20
__________________________
message from Dr. John Moran
The purpose of the event is to:
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
Matthew 6:33
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added unto you."
Mr. Kirk Chittick, Chairman of our School Board, wishes me to share with you that Mr. John Veale has resigned from the School Board today.
We thank him for his service on the board this last year during a critical transition period for BC. Please join us in thanking him for all he has done and continues to do for Brethren.
The board meets this Saturday, and will discuss the addition of one more board member at this time. Please know that we are moving forward on all fronts to strengthen every aspect of this great ministry.
Superintendent of Brethren Christian Schools
Mr. Kirk Chittick, Chairman of our School Board, announces the addition of two new board members: Mr. Steve Stong and Attorney Howard Yamaguchi. Both of these gentlemen have been on our board before, and we are blessed to have them return. I am on the board as a non-voting member, which separates governance and operations of the school. This board expansion was the result of months of careful deliberation and prayer. The board plans further expansion later this school year, and they have identified other solid candidates, who can also move our school forward. Please join us in welcoming Mr. Stong and Attorney Yamaguchi back to the board!
I invite everyone, who volunteered this summer to join Nancy Patrick and me for a party to celebrate YOU on Saturday, September 30th from 4-6pm at the home of Steve and Robyn Stong.
We could not have transformed our campus without them this summer!
Address:
3401 Venture Dr.
Huntington Beach, CA
Please RSVP to npatrick@bchs.net
Many of our students have a Band/Choir event conflict, so we will host another celebration for them. Students that are available are certainly welcome on the 30th.
Please remember to drop off and pick up your children at the back of the school near the Mall entrance. Only staff and visitors may use the front parking lots. Please drive slowly and safely on campus at all times for the safety of everyone on campus.
Here is the link for parents to sign up on Canvas. Be sure to go to our web URL before trying to log in. Please don’t skip this very important step. Then visit the site below to complete the process…thank you.
https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-10913-414473163
__________________________
We have a late start on Monday at 8:40AM for teacher training. Thank you.
We had a great turnout at our Alumni gathering this past Sunday. It was great to meet and interact with so many alums from all generations. What a great legacy we have at ‘good old Brethren.’
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
Ephesians 4:29
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those whose listen.
We have begun a new approach in some of our chapels. We will have short talks on a specific Biblical topics and then students will meet in assigned groups with a staff member, who will facilitate focused discussion around the topic of that day. Our goal is to involve students in the spiritual formation process through this give and take method. It is our hope that these group settings will allow students to be real with God, themselves and others. Please pray for good and godly results.
This is the learning management system we are using in conjunction with Aeries. All students will have access to Canvas by the end of this week. Parents will receive an instruction sheet within the next few days outlining the steps to access and set up your Canvas account. For your convenience we've created a dedicated link at www.bchs.net/canvas/. There is a mobile app capability that you may use on your phones or other hand held devices.
Esteemed alumni, John Howard and Ed Cashman, have asked me to meet with all alumni this Sunday at 3PM at Cottonwood Church in Los Alamitos. Alumni parents are invited to join us. I will share some of my vision about our future, and I will be taking questions. I would love to see all alumni join us this Sunday!
We are creating a new culture of cleanliness at the school, so we have asked all students to keep their backpacks and other belongings with them or in their lockers at all times. Some students are still leaving their bags on the floor in the hallways, which creates a cluttered look to the campus. We will begin bringing the bags to the office, and students will need to pay $5 in cash to recover their bags. I ask that you reinforce this new approach with your students, so we can all be proud of how our campus looks - thanks so much.
__________________________
This Friday (tomorrow) and next week we go back to regular school day schedule.
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
Galatians 2:16b
And we have come to believe in Christ Jesus, so that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by doing the works of the law, because no one will be justified by the works of the law.
Mr. Shawn Thomas, our Social Media Director, has worked diligently with our web hosting company to develop a dynamic new website for BC! It is fashioned to respond to input from staff and parents. We hope you will find it fresh, informative and user-friendly. The new site will be launched on September 8th, so please keep a look out, and let us know what you think.
__________________________
Coffee Shop
Please let your children know if you do not want them to purchase coffee, tea, or snacks. at our coffee shop during break-time. While the students love this service, we understand that parents may wish their children to have some restrictions on what they eat and drink.
__________________________
Back to school Night
Please join us for this important and informative event on Sept. 6th. Our BBQ will start at 5:30PM in the Mall cafeteria area, and the whole family is invited! This free event is hosted by our PFC and you are welcome to bring children of all ages with you who will be generally supervised in our Mall area. Your whole family is encouraged to come and enjoy some great food and get to know the BC community. Then at 6:30PM our Back to School Night event will begin. You will not want to miss the exciting new things happening at the school!
__________________________
PFC
PFC meetings will meet every second Wednesday of the month, 3PM on the BC campus (room TBD). We have a fantastic PFC committee led by President Mike Donahoe. And yes, Mr. Donahoe is also our volunteer Safety Officer. If you see him, please thank him for protecting our most precious commodity – your children.
__________________________
Face Time with the Superintendent
As a reminder, the PFC will be hosting our first Face Time with the Superintendent this Friday from 8-9AM, and will continue every first Friday of the month. Come on by to share tea, coffee, donuts and ideas with me. Hope to see you there!
__________________________
New Website
Mr. Shawn Thomas, our Social Media Director, has worked diligently with our web hosting company to develop a dynamic new website for BC! It is fashioned to respond to input from staff and parents. We hope you will find it fresh, informative and user-friendly. The new site will be launched on September 8th, so please keep a look out, and let us know what you think.
__________________________
Next Year Calendar
We will start school on Monday, August 13th next year (2018). This is 2 weeks earlier than usual, so students can finish the first semester and take final exams before the Christmas break. We will take a 3 week break at Christmas next year, and we will still be able to end the year early (exact end date TBD).
__________________________
New Email Addresses
We have changed our email addresses to jdoe@brethrenchristian.org for marketing purposes. Our jdoe@bchs.net still works, so either will be fine.
__________________________
__________________________
Gala
__________________________
__________________________
New Website
Mr. Shawn Thomas, our Social Media Director, has worked diligently with our web hosting company to develop a dynamic new website for BC! It is fashioned to respond to input from staff and parents. We hope you will find it fresh, informative and user-friendly. The new site will be launched on September 8th, so please keep a look out, and let us know what you think.
__________________________
Back to school Night
Please join us for this important and informative event at 6:30PM on Sept 6th. You will not want to miss the exciting new things happening at the school! We will be offering free burgers and dogs starting at 5PM that evening, so please join us for food and fun!
__________________________
Face Time with the Superintendent
The PFC will be hosting this time with me from 8-9AM every first Friday of the month. Our first Face Time with the Superintendent sessions will be Friday, September 8th. Come on by to share tea, coffee, donuts and ideas with me. Hope to see you there!
__________________________
PFC Meetings
PFC meetings will meet every second Wednesday of the month, 3PM on the BC campus (room TBD). We have a fantastic PFC committee led by President Mike Donahoe. And yes, Mr. Donahoe is also our volunteer Safety Officer. If you see him, please thank him for protecting our most precious commodity – your children.
__________________________
Gala
Please plan to attend our 70th Anniversary banquet to celebrate our past and look towards our future! We will provide dinner here in our Mall for this event on November 4th. Please keep your eyes open for an invitation soon.
__________________________
Homecoming
We are planning a special Homecoming celebration this year, so please plan to attend on October 20th. Details to follow.
__________________________
Coffee Shop
Mr. Ryan Van Deussen will be selling coffee and treats during morning break time at our new Warrior Depot! This will begin next week, and it will be on a cash basis. Enjoy!
__________________________
New Website
Mr. Shawn Thomas, our Social Media Director, has worked diligently with our web hosting company to develop a dynamic new website for BC! It is fashioned to respond to input from staff and parents. We hope you will find it fresh, informative and user-friendly. The new site will be launched on September 8th, so please keep a look out, and let us know what you think.
__________________________
Hurricane Harvey
Please pray for all those affected by this enormous storm. I ask that each member of our community consider a donation to an agency helping with the rescue work. I recommend Samaratin’s purse, since they are a wonderful Christian relief organization https://www.samaritanspurse.org.
__________________________
Freshman Retreat
Our 9th graders have left for the Freshman retreat with Mrs. Martes, Mr. Montgomery and Mrs. Heffernan. Please pray for them all as they get closer to God and each other at this foundational event in their high school journey.
__________________________
Scripture for the week
Acts 2:38-39a
Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you, for your children…
———————————————————————
Lunch Program Reminder
I encourage all families to register for “Choice Lunch” this week. This is our new lunch program, and we believe your children are going to enjoy the tasty food and healthy variety. You will order online via compute or smart phone app for your convenience. You will order the food for the day, week or month, and pay Choice Lunch directly via credit card. The food is delivered hot or cold each day, and served in our remodeled cafeteria. Please read their welcome letter attached here for directions.
———————————————————————
BBQ Reminder
Our BBQ has been rescheduled from this Thursday to Wednesday, September 6th from 5-6:30PM. This welcome back / meet-and-greet BBQ will be followed by our back to School night events on campus that same evening. Hope to see you there!
———————————————————————
College Application Process
The College Application Process Meeting for seniors and their parents is Wednesday Aug 30, at 7 PM in the Library. Important information provided. Look for the Flyer in the mail. RSVP to Dorothy MacDonald at (714) 962-6617, or email at dmacdonald@bchs.net.
———————————————————————
Scripture of the Week
Joshua 1:5-7
5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. 6 Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous...
August 18, 2017
Hello Warrior Family,
I think folks will be pleasantly surprised with the many physical plant improvements we have made this summer.
We have come a long way, but we could really use some more volunteer help this week and next anytime between the hours of 9AM to 5PM. Please just show up with work clothes and a willingness to serve. I want to thank all of our volunteers without whom we could not have made such great progress on the campus.
Some of the improvements include:
- Removal of the gym floor
- Clean up and reduction of the cage areas in the mall
- Renovation of the Café
- Painting of many classrooms and hallways
- Removal of all blackboards and installation of new white boards
- New look to the mall hallway and new landscaping of “Jurassic Park” (the indoor tree gardens)
- Major improvements to the Science classroom and lab areas
- Rodent extermination
- Repair and renovation of both Boys bathrooms in the mall (the girls rooms needed no repairs).
- Carpet cleaning and some replacement. More carpets will be replaced throughout the year.
- Front office improvements
These are just a few of the improvements and renovations this summer, but there are many more. All of this has been led by the hard work of Nancy Patrick, Bob Everett and Ryan Van Dussen. None of this would have been possible without the financial donations of a BC family and the incredible work of our student, parent and employee volunteers.
Let’s make a final push these last 2 weeks and cross the finish line together before school starts on the 28th.
We have staff orientation next week from Monday through Thursday, culminating with an All-School BBQ in the mall at 5:30PM on Thursday the 24th. Hope to see you all there! You may receive more frequent updates from me this week and next, so please stay tuned.
Many blessings to all,
Dr. John Moran
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. Revelation 3:20
Dear Brethren Christian Community,
I am honored to become a Warrior and to join the 70-year history, culture and tradition of serving youth and families for Christ! You can be proud of that history, and you should be gratified about the countless young people BC has blessed for time and eternity.
We now have the privilege and responsibility to chart a bold new course for the future. We have some challenges, but I believe God is bigger than any obstacle facing us (Romans 8:31). We need to come together as a community to “pray as if everything depended upon God and to work as if everything depended upon us” (Augustine).
I believe the nature, character and works of God are most excellent, so as a Christian school, we should reflect His excellence in every thing we do. I believe the formula to achieve that is A3 = Academics, Arts & Athletics. We must strive for optimal excellence in each of these critical areas, while steeping all of them in a biblical worldview for the glory of Christ.
To advance our bright future, we’ll need to utilize those skills we teach our students: critical and creative thinking, innovation, flexibility, problem solving and forward thinking. Let’s get those creative juices flowing in an organized and communal way to come up with the best short, mid and long-term strategies to advance our core mission.
Over the next few weeks, I will be working closely with the Board and the entire BC team to fully understand the issues and to take actions to address our most immediate needs. I look forward to meeting all of you at a town hall meeting in the very near future, but please call, email or visit me with any questions or comments you may have in the meantime.
I am energized by the journey ahead of us, and I trust the Lord to guide and bless us on this journey (Proverbs 16:3). I want to thank the Board and the Search Committee for working diligently on your behalf. I also want to thank all the prayer warriors for standing in the gap for BC. Most of all, I wish to thank the Lord for the opportunity to serve BC on its path to a bright and vibrant future!
Your fellow servant in Christ,
Dr. John Moran
Superintendent
“I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not harm you. Plans for a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
———————————————————————
New Teachers and Employees at BC
The Lord has sent us some tremendous people to be co-laborers in our ministry. Please join me in giving a warm Warrior welcome to our newest teachers and employees.
Mrs. Danielle Contreras
Middle School English Teacher
She graduated from Pensacola Christian College with a degree in Education. She taught in Texas before she and her husband moved to Spain in the year 2000. They were missionaries there for 14 years, where she taught English to all ages, including college students preparing for their future jobs abroad. She is a mom of three teen boys and had the privilege to homeschool them through their 9th grade year. They are so thankful that their two older boys are beginning at Liberty University and Vanguard on academic scholarships this year. Their youngest son will be a junior at BCHS this year. She has been teaching English for many years and she loves languages. She is a writer at heart and looks forward to encouraging young minds to love reading and writing as well. A favorite saying of hers is “The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles, but to irrigate deserts.” C. S. Lewis
Mr. Zachary Luginbill
High School Bible Teacher with Chapel Responsibilities
He earned a degree in Cross-Cultural Ministries from Huntington University with a minor in Bible. Having grown up with parents who were educators and a grandfather, who was a pastor, both influences helped guide him to follow God’s calling to ministry and teaching. After an internship in Cape Town, South Africa, working with a local church, he was a youth leader and worship pastor in Ohio and Florida. Responding to a desire for more international ministry experience, he went to Seoul, South Korea where he was a chaplain at a Christian school for 5 years. In addition to teaching Bible, he coached varsity soccer and led students on a yearly mission trip to the Philippines. He and his wife just moved to Southern California in 2016. He is thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the Brethren Christian School community and is excited for what God has planned for him and his students this year.
Ms. Danielle (Henry) Heffernan
Middle & High School Bible Teacher with Chapel Responsibilities
She is so excited to have the opportunity to teach your students about our amazing God! She is a third generation alumna from BC. She went on from Brethren to receive a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Theology at California Baptist University, and she is currently working on a Master’s degree at Talbot Seminary in Theology. She loves studying God’s Word and teaching other people along the way. She has worked in youth ministry the past five years and has a passion to disciple this next generation in the ways of the Lord. She has a strong heart for missions in our local communities and overseas. Her desire for every person she interacts with is to know Jesus and the power of his death and resurrection. She is grateful to have an opportunity to teach and serve the students of Brethren Christian this year.
Mr. Gary Buckles
Physical Education & Health
He has lived in Huntington Beach his entire life: graduated from Huntington Beach High School (1983), attended Golden West Junior College (1983-85), and attended Cal State University of Fullerton (1985-87). After leaving school, he played eight and a half years of professional baseball (California Angels, Detroit Tigers minor leagues, St. Louis Cardinals minor leagues and MLB) and continued on with coaching professional baseball as a pitching coach (St. Louis Cardinals and the Florida Marlins). He graduated from CSUF in 1997 with a BA in Kinesiology. The Lord saved him in the year 2000, and since then he has been an active disciple of Christ - teaching Adult Sunday School for the past seven years, leading Bible studies. He has also continued to instruct baseball with the many MLB prospects. He has been married to his wife for 27 years, and they have four beautiful daughters between the ages of 12-23. He is anticipating what the Lord will do this year in the lives of the students that are placed in his charge.
Mrs. Faith Graham
HS Math and Science Teacher
After earning a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Cal State/Long Beach, she served 17 years as an engineer for Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems in El Segundo, CA. During her latter years at Raytheon, she felt called to minister to young people through STEM, so she went back to school and earned a Master's degree in Mathematics Education at Western Governors University along with her California Teaching Credential. She is passionate about passing on the problem solving skills (and the required perseverance) she learned as an engineer with her students. She and her husband, Leonard, reside in Long Beach, with their two children. Faith comes with a desire to teach and invest in the lives of students.
Mrs. Judyth Yonkers
Middle School Math & Science Teacher
She has lived in Costa Mesa since she was 4 years old. She attended private school from K-8, and graduated from Mater Dei High School. She received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from San Diego State University with a major in Liberal Studies, and continued her fifth year to acquire her California Life Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. She also has a Computer Based Education Certificate from Cal State University Dominguez Hills. She came to a saving relationship in Jesus Christ at 22, as the Bible became alive as the Truth for her life. Her teaching career began at age 23 with five years of teaching math and science in Christian high schools. She then taught 5th and 6th grade math, computers, and science for three years at Lake Country Christian School, and spent each summer teaching Algebra at Fort Worth District High School. She taught 6-8th grade math and science classes until the close of Shoreline Christian School this past summer. She and her husband, Jim, have been married for 33 years; they are blessed 2 children and 2 beautiful granddaughters. They are members of Rock Harbor Church in Costa Mesa. She feels blessed by God's faithfulness to her family and His mercy and goodness that have allowed her to join us at Brethren Christian! She prays to be a blessing to the students at BC in this new opportunity!
Ryan Van Deussen
Maintenance
He applied to be a Bible teacher earlier this summer, but his background in facilities, landscaping and carpet cleaning led to an offer as a maintenance man. He has already done yeoman’s work this summer by greatly advancing our campus renovations. Ryan is committed to the personhood of Christ, and is a dedicated husband and father of three small children. He graduated from the Calvary Chapel Bible College; spending two semesters in Costa Mesa under Chuck Smith, and two semesters at the campus in Jerusalem. He also completed the two-year School of Ministry at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa. He taught at the Calvary Chapel Bible College, and did so for 7 semesters. Ryan received his call to ministry at the age of 12, and preached his first sermon at the age of 16. He has held various positions as youth pastor, and associate in various ministries since that time. Currently he is the president of a global ministry known as Ambassadors and Embassies, whose primary goal is to exhort the body of Christ to love the Lord their God with all their heart soul and strength, and love their neighbors as themselves.
Mr. Mike Donohoe
Security Guard
He is already the President of our Parent Fellowship Council (PFC), and now he has volunteered to be our Security Officer. Mike is a retired policeman with advanced training in security. He will be uniformed and armed. The safety of your students is our top priority, and Mike's service will go far to advance that goal.
———————————————————————
Revised Parent-Student Handbook
With the new school year comes our revised Parent-Student Handbook for 2017-2018. Please take some time, along with your family, to look through this helpful guide and familiarize yourselves with the Brethren Christian School culture.
———————————————————————
2017-2018 Bus Schedule
———————————————————————
College Application Process
The College Application Process Meeting for seniors and their parents is Wednesday Aug 30, at 7 PM in the Library. Important information provided. Look for the Flyer in the mail. RSVP to Dorothy MacDonald at (714) 962-6617, or email at dmacdonald@bchs.net.
———————————————————————
Lunch Program Reminder
I encourage all families to register for “Choice Lunch” this week. This is our new lunch program, and we believe your children are going to enjoy the tasty food and healthy variety. You will order online via computer or smart phone app for your convenience. You will order the food for the day, week or month, and pay Choice Lunch directly via credit card. The food is delivered hot or cold each day, and served in our remodeled cafeteria. Please read their welcome letter attached here for directions.
Book Sales - Will be held on August 7th, 8th and 9th in the Mall from 3-5PM. We will begin to pass out numbers for your place in line one hour before book sales begin (2PM).
Please note the following:
- Tuition and bus contracts must be turned into the business office before getting in line, preferably by this Friday, August 4th.
- All book sale fees must be paid in full at time of purchase (by cash, check, money order, cashier check, or credit card [3% fee]). Returned checks will incur a $40 fee.
- Registration fees, July Tuition, and all other required fees must be paid.
Before and After School – We have had many safety issues with unsupervised students on campus outside of school hours, so we are making an important change beginning on August 28th to ensure student safety:
Before School starts each day, students may arrive at 7AM and will remain under general supervision of school staff in the Mall and main hall area until the start of school at 8AM.
After School – ALL students remaining on campus between 3PM and 5:30PM must be in one of the following:
- A school-sponsored activity led by school employee or volunteer (e.g., sports, band, drama, tutoring, etc.)
- Our After School session located in the Media Center (Library) at the rate of $6 per hour. Any part of an hour will be billed at $6/hour. Parents must pick up their children at 5:30 or before. Late fees of $1 per minute will apply after 5:30 and will be added to the monthly billing statement. Parents will pick up students at the front office if after 5:30.
August Web Changes – We have been making incremental changes to the website and updating information recently. You will see more changes in the coming weeks, and a major re-launch of the site by late August. We believe you will like the changes, which will make it more appealing, user-friendly and useful to both current and prospective families.
Athletics Update - We are looking forward to all God has planned for us this year in our Athletic Program. The Cheer Team is excited about new opportunities to serve the school in lieu of cheering for Football. The Boys & Girls Cross Country team will compete in the first race of the season on September 2nd. The Girls Volleyball team will start their season with a non-league game on August 22nd. Sport schedules will be on the BC Website soon. GO WARRIORS!
God bless you all,
Dr. John Moran
By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established -Proverbs 24:3
Dear Returning BC Family,
It is time to re-enroll your child(ren) for the 2018/19 School Year.
This has been a year of many changes at the school, which have solidified our financial position as a school and have secured our long-term future. We have appreciated all the positive feedback from you on our improved: facilities, faculty, academics, chapels, discipleship, openness, service and overall culture.
Next year is shaping up to be an even better year with:
· 1:1 computers (with most curriculum being online)
· Block Scheduling (allowing deeper study in each subject area)
· The International Space Station (ISS) Program (building and launching experiments to the ISS)
· A robotics program
· A debate team
· A new sports league in which we can be more competitive
· An 8-man football program
· Continued facility improvements
· More international missions opportunities
· A “strings” program added to our band offerings
We have incrementally increased our tuition and fees to support our quest for excellence as a school, and those new rates are outlined on our website on the Admissions policy page.
We have streamlined the re-enrollment process this year by placing all of the forms online. You will see our new tuition and fees on our website as well. Please note that you may apply for Tuition Assistance for next year via the FAST program link found on our website as soon as you receive your 2017 tax information.
Please follow the 3 simple steps below to re-enroll:
Step 1: Go to our website via this link _____________.
Step 2: Complete the Domestic Re-enrollment Forms by entering your information, and hitting “Continue” when prompted.
Step 3: Follow instructions for payment, and your done.
NOTE: Re-enroll early to receive lower re-enrollment fees.
Pay full tuition to receive tuition discounts.
These discounts and related dates are listed on the rate sheet on the website.
Thank you and God bless you for your support of Excellence in Christian Education at Brethren Christian School!