Holiday Fundraiser Meeting

Dear Parents,

I would like to thank all of you who attended our PTO potluck last month. It has now come to that time of year again when we are preparing for the Holiday Fundraiser. Every year we make Chocolate Fudge and Russian Tea Cakes, nicely packaged in a tin, to sell to the community as a means for raising funds for the school. Typically we make approximately $2000-3000 profit over two weekends.

For this to happen, we really need the help and involvement of as many families as possible! If you are new to the school this year, or if you have been with us for a few years, we really encourage you to participate. This is a great way to do something good for the school, your children, and to meet and interact with other parents. So please, volunteer!

The HOLIDAY FUNDRAISER meeting will be this Friday, November 19th from 2:15-3:15pm. *Playground supervision and a home-baked snack will be provided!*

At this meeting we will discuss the different tasks and duties that need be performed and have a sign up sheet available for volunteering.

Thank you, and I hope to see you all soon!

Padmaksi Sutherland
PTO Chairperson

Vedic Arts Studio Program

Beginning December 3rd, in collaboration with Swati Mahalaxmi, Bhaktivedanta Academy will be offering nine weekly one-hour classes in sanskrit, classical music, and dance. Click here for more information.   

Govardhana Puja Performance

The students of Bhaktivedanta Academy put on a heartwarming performance of The Lifting of Govardhana Hill this past Sunday.  Below are links to the video:

• Part 1 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0uiWuYKdVg
• Part 2 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLsG8PJEJCw

I want to thank our students and the following teachers and volunteers for helping to make the performance possible:

• Bhagavan - Choreography
• Gaura Shakti - Sound
• Jatamamsi - Props
• Jvalamukhi - Props
• Manu - Sound
• Mrkanda - Makeup
• Param - Sound
• Radha Kunda - Director
• Satyaki - Director
• Shantipur - Director
• Yadurani - Makeup

As you can tell from the quality the video, we are in need of some higher quality video equipment to better capture these events.  We are looking a acquire a high-definition camcorder for this purpose.  Here is a link to the model we are considering.  If you are interested in helping make this possible, please contact Visvambhara at visvam@bhaktivedantaacademy.org or 386-462-2886.

Cow Seva Opportunity

As part of our effort to honor Mother Cow during the auspicious month of Kartika, Bhaktivedanta Academy students are raising $60 to purchase a new water trough for the temple's cows.

Classes are currently working on plans to raise funds together. We are also encouraging students to bring money from home but only if it is earned by doing some chores or other work at home. Please help your child in their endeavor to make this gift to Mother Cow by supporting their class endeavors and by creating opportunities for them to earn money at home.

Thank You!

Winter Season Drop-off Procedure Change

Along with Sunday's time change it appears that the cold weather will also be taking hold.  As mentioned during the beginning of year parent orientation, we will be trying out a new winter season drop-off procedure starting Monday, November 8th.  

Audarya and Madhurya Bhavan:  Parents are requested to park in the parking lot and escort their child to their class.  Weather permitting, students will reassemble outside for morning prayers and announcements after the bell rings.

Bhakti Bhavan: Exercise and outdoor time are an important aspect of a child's development but we are also conscious of the concerns expressed about the effects of cold weather.  During the winter season, we will not have the morning outdoor play period.  Instead, we ask parents to park in the parking lot and escort their child directly to their classroom using the west ramp (side ramp next to the older students' play area).  A staff member will be there to greet your child and escort them into the class where they will store their shoes and belongings, and quietly choose a work until they are called to join the morning circle.  The sign-in sheet will be outside the class for you to sign.  Please allow us to escort your child into the class, as too many adults coming in and out disrupts the concentration of the students already at work.

All Students:  Please ensure that your child comes to school dressed adequately for the weather.  Layers of clothing are recommended since the cold mornings often turn warm in the afternoon.  Also, make sure that your child's name is on every article of clothing that they bring to school.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we work to implement this new procedure.