Step Up for Students Update

Over the last several weeks Step Up for Students has been sending out information to families who receive Corporate Tax Credit Scholarships about changes in the program enacted during the most recent legislative session.  A few families have mentioned that they did not receive the news, so below is a recap of what changes are coming for the 2012-13 school year:

 

Prior Enrollment in Public School Requirement Change

Previously, all students entering the scholarship in grades 2-12 had to attend a Florida public school the prior year. That requirement now is limited to grades 6-12.  In practical terms, this means that any new scholarship student who is entering grades K-5 for the fall will meet the eligibility requirements for the program as long as the household income meets the standard for free or reduced-price lunch. It will no longer matter where these students attended school the previous year. As you may recall, this provision previously applied only to students entering grades K-1.

 

Scholarship Increase

The state appropriations bill that is soon to be signed by Gov. Rick Scott will result in the maximum scholarship amount increasing from $4,011 to $4,335 this fall. That's the one-year largest increase since the program was created. An increase in the tax-credit cap that governs contributions should also allow Step Up to serve at least another 6,000 students next year.

Books for Henryville Follow-up

Thank you to everyone who donated books for the kids affected by the tornado in Henryville, Indiana.  Due to your kindness we were able to send over 70 books to be used in the temporary classrooms.  Below is a note of appreciation we received yesterday:

On behalf of the students at Henryville, IN Elementary School, I want to thank you for the books you sent to their school.  As you probably know, Henryville Elementary, Middle, and High Schools were demolished by a tornado on March 2, 2012.  Thankfully, school had dismissed for the day and there were very few students and teachers in the building; none were injured.  However, all of the books, school supplies, furniture, etc. were destroyed.  Since then, the students have returned to school in temporary buildings and are all happy to be back.  Your wonderful donation of books demonstrates your giving spirit; the kids and teachers were so happy to receive them.  It was so kind of you to think of others in a time of need. 

- Bev Leslie

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

Father's Day Pictures and Video Online

Thank you to all the dads who came and spent time at the school last Friday for our annual Father's Day.  Pictures and video are now online.  Click here to view the Father's Day Photo Album.  

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

Tapasvini dasi Joins Bhaktivedanta Academy Board of Directors

On behalf of the Bhaktivedanta Academy Board of Directors, I would like to welcome Tapsvaini dasi as its newest member.  She brings to the board a perspective formed by her experiences as a mother, teacher, and committed Vaisnavi.  As we begin the process of planning and instituting a middle school program, Tapasvini's many years of teaching adolescents will be extremely valuable.  We are all extremely pleased that she has joined the Board and look forward to many years serving together.

I would also like to thank Gaura Shakti for his two plus years of service as a member of the Bhaktivedanta Academy Board of Directors.  Over that time he has made significant contributions of time, money, and ideas that have helped move the school forward.  His involvement on the board will be missed but I look forward to continuing to serve with him as a Bhaktivedanta Academy parent and friend.

The members of our Board of Directors are:

• Jaya Govardhana das
• Mukhya dasi
• Radhikesh das
• Tamohara das
• Tapasvini dasi

Yours in service,

Visvambhara das
Director

New Bhakti Bhavan Teacher's Assistant - Karuna Manna

I am happy to announce that Karuna Manna will be joining Bhaktivedanta Academy as a Teacher's Assistant in Bhakti Bhavan.  

Karuna is an initiated disciple of His Holliness Bhakti Swarup Damodara Maharaja,  certified yoga instructor, and ballet teacher who has been working with young children for many years.  While getting to know her and speaking with those who have known and worked with her, it became clear that Karuna is exactly the type of person we were looking for - a spiritually committed, caring, and kind person who loves working with young children.

Karuna will be moving to Alachua from Hillsborough, North Carolina with her husband and two children over the summer and will begin serving in the class next school year.  Thank you to Nilamadhava for postponing her maternity leave until mid-May in order to facilitate a smoother transition in the Bhakti Bhavan class.

Please join me in welcoming Karuna and her family to the New Raman Reti community and to Bhaktivedanta Academy!