Welcome to Bhaktivedanta Academy - Bhakti Bhavan 2021-22

Dear Families:

On behalf of the teachers and staff of Bhaktivedanta Academy, I would like to extend a warm welcome to our new and returning families for the 2021-22 school year. We are honored that you have entrusted your childʼs education with us and are looking forward to the start of school on Monday, August 16.

After a very unique school year we are looking forward to a new year that hopefully will be closer to a “normal” experience for everyone. We continue to be committed to providing the safest and friendliest learning environment possible for all our students and teachers.

As we get closer to the start of school, we will share more specific details on what our health protocols will look like. In the meantime, attached to this email is important information for your review prior to the start of school:

• Bhakti Bhavan Class Welcome Letter

• 2021-22 School Calendar

• Student Supply List and Supply List with Links

• Uniform and Dress Code Guide

• Phase-In Schedule (new 3 and 4 year old students)

• Student Teacher Visits (new students only)

There are 2 important events coming up that we hope you will save the dates for:

• New and Returning Family Welcome Meeting and Classroom Orientations (Online) - Friday, Aug 13

• Family Welcome Picnic - Saturday, Aug 14

Please be on the lookout for additional information, event invitations, and forms that will be sent out to you in the coming weeks.

If you have questions about any of the information contained in this packet please call 386-462-2886 or email office@bhaktischool.org. We are happy to answer any questions you may have.

Yours in service,

Visvambhara Dasa
Head of School

Hiring - Teaching Interns and Substitute Classroom Teachers/Assistants

The Bhaktivedanta Academy in Alachua, Florida, a thriving spiritually-centered pre-k thru 10th grade Montessori and International Baccalaureate school, is seeking applicants for the following positions:

Teaching Intern - Pre-K and Elementary
Our paid teaching interns will be placed into a multi-year career track under the guidance of a highly-qualified classroom instructor that ultimately leads to becoming a certified Montessori teacher at either the Pre-K or Elementary level. These part and full-time positions are for someone interested in pursuing a career in education or who already has teaching experience. All training and certification costs are  covered by the school.

Qualifications:

• BA or BS degree or currently completing coursework toward attainment - required for Elementary classroom interns.
• Knowledge of Montessori educational methodology or interest to attain.
• Able to pass local, state, and federal criminal background screenings.
• Able to speak, read, and write English fluently.
• US citizen or possess documentation of right to work in the US.

Substitute Classroom Teachers/Assistants
Substitute teachers and classroom assistants will undergo an initial orientation period that includes classroom observation and training. Once training is complete, they will be placed into our substitute pool to be called in to support a classroom whenever a teacher or assistant is unable to come to school or has planned time off.

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of Montessori educational methodology or willingness to attain.
• Prior experience working with students in a classroom setting.
• Completion of 40 clock-hour Introductory Child Care training - preferred for Pre-K.
• Able to pass local, state, and federal criminal background screenings.
• Able to speak, read, and write English fluently.
• US citizen or possess documentation of right to work in the US.
• Current first aid and CPR certification preferred.

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Qualified candidates for all positions should have an enthusiasm for working with children in a highly collaborative and professional teaching environment. If you are a self-starter who wants to be part of a mission-driven school that provides an opportunity to grow personally and professionally, we encourage you to apply.

Interested applicants should download the employment application and may either scan and email the completed application along with a current resume to office@bhaktischool.org or fax to 386-518-2314. Send all correspondence to the attention of Visvambhara Dasa, Head of School.

ISKCON News Article Highlighting Our Unique School Year

ISKCON News has published an article about our the unique school year we have had. The article is linked below:

Alachua’s Bhaktivedanta Academy Successfully Keeps Students Safe Throughout Pandemic School Year

Upcoming School Calendar Reminders

Please note the following items coming up in the school calendar:

STUDENT HOLIDAY / TEACHER WORK DAY - FRIDAY, APRIL 9
There is no school this Friday for students.

FATHERS' DAY RESCHEDULE - FRIDAY, APRIL 16
Like Grandparents’ day, we are honoring all our dads with special online presentations. To allow more time for each class to complete their special offering, we are shifting our school’s Father’s Day to Friday, April 16. Be on the lookout for special presentations in honor of our fathers, which will go out to families on that day.

SCHOOL SPIRIT DAY "WORLD CULTURE" - FRIDAY, APRIL 16
Next Friday is also school Spirit Day, and the theme is "World Cultures". Students are invited to come to school in either the traditional dress of the student's own cultural heritage, or the dress of a culture they are interested in. We're looking forward to seeing everyone dressed up and learning about different cultures!

Hiring - Staff Assistant (POSITION FILLED)

The Bhaktivedanta Academy, a spiritually-centered pre-k thru 10th grade school, located in Alachua, Florida, is seeking applicants for the position of Staff Assistant.

We are seeking qualified candidates who possess an enthusiasm for working in a highly collaborative environment focused on the education of children and teens. If you are a self-starter who wants to be part of a mission-driven school that provides an opportunity to grow personally and professionally, we encourage you to apply.

Bhaktivedanta Academy follows a 175 day school year with time off during summer and holidays. This is an hourly full-time position.

Qualifications:

• Able to effectively and professionally communicate orally and in writing using the english language.

• Experience with word processing, spreadsheet, e-mail, and online communication software.

• Able to prioritize tasks and manage a dynamic workload.

• Able to pass local, state, and federal criminal background screenings.

• US citizen or possess documentation of right to work in the US.

• Current first aid and CPR certification preferred.

Click to download the full job description and employment application.

Interested applicants should download the employment application and may either scan and email the completed application along with a current resume to office@bhaktischool.org or mail to 17414 NW 112th Blvd, Alachua, FL 32615. Send all correspondence to the attention of Visvambhara Dasa, Head of School.