Important Dates for February

Tue., Feb. 4	Temple Tuesday (Family Guru Puja and Kirtan) @ 7:20 a.m.
Thur., Feb. 6	Appearance of Lord Varahadeva
Fri., Feb. 7	Appearance of Lord Nityananda
Mon., Feb. 10	Alachua County Bookmobile @ 10:30 a.m.
Tue., Feb. 11	Temple Tuesday (Krishna Sharanam Guru Puja and Kirtan) @ 7:20 a.m.
Thur., Feb 13	Appearance of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura Title I Family Meeting @ 6:00 p.m.
Mon., Feb. 17	Holiday - President’s Day
Tue., Feb. 18	Temple Tuesday (Madhurya Bhavan Guru Puja and Kirtan) @ 7:20 a.m. Santa Fe College Dual Enrollment Parent/Student Night @ 7:00 p.m. (@ Santa Fe)
Tue., Feb. 24 - Fri., Feb. 28	Bike Week
Tue., Feb. 24	Temple Tuesday (Audarya Bhavan Guru Puja and Kirtan) @ 7:20 a.m.

Save the Date

Mar. 9	Appearance of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
Mar. 19	Grandparents’ Day
Mar. 20	Student Holiday/Teacher Work Day
Mar. 23 to Mar. 27	Spring Break

Prospective Family Open House Recap

Thank you to everyone who joined us (in person and online) for the Prospective Family Open House and Middle Years Programme Overview. It was great to get an opportunity to meet together and talk about the unique educational program Bhaktivedanta Academy offers from Pre-k through 10th grade.

Here are links to the presentations and handouts from the meeting:

• Prospective Family Open House Presentation
• Admissions Process
• Tuition and Fees Schedule
• Introduction to Montesorri
• Introduction to International Baccalaureate MYP

If you did not get an opportunity to attend the meeting, please take a little time to review the information linked above as it will give you a general idea of what was discussed.

Applications will be accepted at the beginning of February (an email will be sent out as soon as the application is available). One of the criteria we utilize in selecting students for admission is the date of application, so don't delay, as we have a limited number of spaces available this year. You may apply online at www.bhaktischool.org/admissions.

The financial aid programs we offer have their own deadlines that are independent of our admissions schedule and are often on a first come, first served basis. Please take a moment to review the aid programs listed on our website at www.bhaktischool.org/financial-aid.

We also require all applicants to visit the school and observe in the classroom that serves the grade your child will be considered for. Please schedule your observation soon, as time slots tend to fill up quickly. You can schedule by calling 386-462-2886.

Again, thank you for your interest in Bhaktivedanta Academy. We look forward to getting to know you and your child more throughout the admissions process. Don't hesitate to call or email us if have any questions. We can be reached at office@bhaktischool.org or 386-462-2886.

Prospective Family Open House

Prospective Family Open House

Event Details: Prospective Family Open House at Bhaktivedanta Academy. Learn about our pre-k - 10th grade educational program, meet our teachers, tour our classrooms, and get answers to any questions you may have. Children 6 years and older are welcome to attend.

DATE/TIME: Wednesday, January 15                     6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. WHERE: Bhaktivedanta Academy 17414 NW 112th Blvd, Alachua, FL CLICK TO RSVP ONLINE: www.bhaktischool.org.org/live

Call 386-462-2886 for more information.

Si usted tiene alguna pregunta y necesita ayuda en español,  puede solicitarla llamando al 386-462-2886 (oficina).

Important Dates for January

Mon., Jan. 6	Student/Teacher Holiday
Tue., Jan. 7	School Resumes Temple Tuesday (Family Guru Puja and Kirtan) @ 7:20 a.m.
Mon., Jan. 13	Alachua County Bookmobile @ 10:30 a.m.
Tue., Jan. 14	End of Quarter One / Semester One Temple Tuesday (Krishna Sharanam Guru Puja and Kirtan) @ 7:20 a.m.
Wed., Jan. 15	Prospective Family Open House @ 6:00 pm
Thur., Jan. 16	Spirit Day (Words that Start with Assigned Letters Costume)
Fri., Jan. 17	Student Holiday/Teacher Work Day
Mon., Jan. 20	Holiday - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Tue., Jan. 21	Temple Tuesday (Madhurya Bhavan Guru Puja and Kirtan) @ 7:20 a.m.
Tue., Jan. 28	Temple Tuesday (Audarya Bhavan Guru Puja and Kirtan) @ 7:20 a.m.
Fri., Jan. 31	Hot Chocolate Sale @ Lunch

Save the Date

Feb. 17	Holiday - President’s Day
Feb. 24 - Feb. 27	Bike Week

Kartika Fire Safety Policy

Dear Families,

ISKCON’s North American Child Protection Office (NACPO) recently published fire safety recommendations for temples to observe during the month of Kartika, where it is customary to offer lamps or candles. The policy is quoted below:

FIRE SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS

For the safety of children and devotees in general, the CPO recommends ISKCON temples implement a Fire Safety Policy, in particular during the month of Kartika. 

Suggestions include:

• All children less than 11 years old must be directly accompanied by their parent/guardian while offering a ghee light.
• Children must be 11 years or older to light the ghee wicks being given to the devotees.
• Children should not be allowed to use lighters or matches. That is an adult responsibility.
• Make sure children of all ages are wearing cotton clothing when handling fire. Synthetic clothing (sweaters, jackets, etc.) catches fire easier and burns faster.
• Teaching children to respect fire, even when having a celebration is important for the safety of all.

Based on these recommendations, we have instituted the following policies to keep our students safe while participating in lamp offerings at the temple on Tuesdays:

•  Only students in Krishna Sharanam (Middle Years Programme) may serve as lamp/candle helpers.
•  A teacher is now tasked with directly supervising all elementary-age students  while making lamp/candle offerings at the temple.

Our goal is to continue to give students the opportunity to participate in the yearly traditions of Kartika and to keep them safe while doing so.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Yours in service,

Visvambhara Dasa
Head of School