As a stimulation to discussion, Dr. Nelson reviewed the changes that the Lord has allowed BJA to make in the last three years since the 2011 consolidation. They ranged from significant academic adjustments to significant athletic adjustments, from a new website and extensive upgrade of classroom technology to expanded elementary community service opportunities and a new high school leadership development program.
Using the mission statement as an outline to organize the questions, Dr. Nelson opened each session for questions. Parent questions and suggestions addressed a broad range of topics—from classes to sports, from trips to school activities. Several questions were asked about greater parent involvement, and Dr. Nelson expressed the desire to expand opportunities for parent involvement and input with this meeting being an initial step in that direction.
BJA’s administrative team is in the process of reviewing each of the items, has already addressed some of them, and will continue to seek ways to improve the BJA school experience through the feedback that we received.
Make your plans now to come to several additional opportunities for parents to be informed and to give input. On Monday, February 2, BJA will host its annual Academy Parent Seminar. Dr. Nelson’s opening session will give an overview of BJA’s accreditation process and discuss its purpose, benefits, and timeline and provide opportunity for questions. Additional sessions that evening will be on a range of topics, with details being made available at a later date.
In addition, on Tuesday, April 14, we are planning another meeting to give opportunity for parental input, to give an accreditation update based on what we learn at the late-February accreditation site visit, and to give other important updates. This will be in conjunction with the annual high school parent registration meeting, though presented so that parents can easily choose to come to either meeting or to both.