Now Hiring: Teacher's Assistant

The Bhaktivedanta Academy, a Krishna-centered Pre-K thru 6th grade school located in the Alachua, Florida devotee community, is seeking applicants for the position of Teacher's Assistant.

The school has been part of the devotee community in Alachua since 1990 and is presently serving 50 students in grades pre-K - 6th, making it one of ISKCON's largest elementary schools in North America. The Bhaktivedanta Academy is committed to providing both a strong Krishna Conscious program, as well as academic excellence. We are seeking teachers who have a genuine love for working with children, who like working with a team, and who are committed to devotional life.

Under the direction of the Lead Teacher, the Teacher's Assistant works cooperatively with the other members of the educational team to maintain an environment conducive to the children's academic and spiritual development. This is an hourly part-time position that will begin immediately.

Qualifications:

• ISKCON member in good standing that is committed to his/her spiritual development.
• Able to pass local, state, and federal criminal background screenings.
• Able to speak, read, and write English fluently.
• Must be US citizen or possess documentation of right to work in the US.
• Knowledge of Montessori educational methodology or willingness to attain.
• Prior experience working with young children in a classroom and/or daycare setting.
• Completion of 40 clock-hour Introductory Child Care training preferred.
• Current first aid and CPR certification preferred.

Download the full job description.

Interested applicants should download the employment application and may either scan and email the completed application along with current resume to office@bhaktivedantaacademy.org, fax to 386-462-2886, or mail to P.O. Box 937, Alachua, FL 32616. Send all correspondence to the attention of Visvambhara das.

Applications will be accepted through December 3rd, 2010.

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!