Audarya Bhavan April Newsletter

Dear Families,

We had a great time in March. First, in the mood of glorifying Lord Chaitanya* was our Japa Marathon. It was a wonderful way for the children and their families to come together and chant the holy names of Krishna; the school chanted over 1,000 rounds of japa! There were lots of smiles on the children’s faces during Bike Week. Not only did we reinforce bike safety rules, but we got some exercise in the great outdoors. Next, we can’t forget Gauranga’s birthday and the wonderful dosas prepared by his parents. They were very, very delicious. Last, March ended with our Spring Cookout and Holi celebration. We want to thank Mother Radha Kunda for cooking, Mother Adi Gopi for organizing the color play, and all the families who helped us celebrate by volunteering and/or bringing in different preparations.

April will be a time of special days and activities—planting seeds, exploring ways to take care of the earth, reading poetry, observing the moon, spending time with fathers, and always hearing and chanting about Lord Krishna. One special focus will be on planets, and we will visit the Santa Fe College Planetarium. Just before we visit the planetarium, we will tour the zoo to see some rare animals. It is guaranteed to be a fun and educational field trip.

On Fridays, we are able to serve Radha Shyamasundara and Tulasi devi at the New Raman Reti temple and Tulasi house, so send your child to school in a clean uniform, showered, and wearing tilak.

Sunscreen. . .The hot weather is here, and the sun is shining brightly. Please apply sunscreen on your children before coming to school.

Here are some important dates to remember:

• Planetarium/Zoo Field Trip April 3rd
• Report Cards 9th, Father’s Day April 11th
• Syamali’s Birthday April 16th.

Parent conferences will be held the week of the 9th. Please be sure to make an appointment by contacting the school office. I look forward to seeing you.

Sincerely,

Satyaki dasi

*Lord Chaitanya is the 15th century incarnation of Lord Krishna who brought us the practice of chanting the Hare Krishna maha mantra:

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare

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

Recent Event Pictures and Videos Online

As is often the case, breaks allow the opportunity to get caught up on work left undone. One such work has been the editing and posting of pictures and videos of our students engaged in the various aspects of their education at Bhaktivedanta Academy. Below are links to pictures and videos that I hope you will all enjoy:

Videos

• Black History Month - Part 1

• Black History Month - Part 2

• Bhakti Bhavan Dragon Dance

• Holi Celebration

Pictures

• Feb./Mar. Special Guests

• Grandparents Day

• Holi Celebration

We look forward to seeing you and your children when school resumes on Tuesday, April 2nd.

Parenting Seminar Presented by Bhakti Cohen

The Art of Parenting — the hardest job in the world

Date: Saturday, April 20th
Time: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location: Bhaktivedanta Academy - 17414 NW 112th Blvd, Alachua, FL

Bhakti Cohen, M.ED, ED.S, NCC, LMFTBhakti Cohen, a licensed marriage and family therapist, with many years of experience in private practice and as a mother of 2 children is offering a free seminar to parents interested in learning more about:

• Communication skills to enhance parent/child relationships.
• Dr. John Gottman's The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (relationship poison)
• Encouraging cooperation
• Choices vs. punishment
• Fostering autonomy
• Appropriate praise

This informative seminar will be held on Saturday, April 20th from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Bhaktivedanta Academy - 17414 NW 112th Blvd, Alachua, FL 32615.

Please call the New Raman Reti temple office at 386-462-2017 for more information.

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

Holy Name Gathering Invitation

The time between Lord Nityananda's and Lord Chaitanya's* appearance days is our annual japa marathon.  Each 1st - 6th grade student has a daily japa meditation goal which they commit to during this period as an offering to Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.  To date our students have chanted close to 700 rounds of japa together.

As a nice way to finish off this special offering, we are hosting a Holy Name Gathering at the school, where students and parents can chant japa together.

We would like to extend an invitation to you and your child to join us for this special event on Tuesday, March 26th (Gaura Purnima Day) from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in the Audarya Bhavan classroom.  We will have a japa circle and set the space for a focused attention on the holy name of the Lord.  

We look forward to seeing you!  

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

*Lord Chaitanya is the 15th century incarnation of Lord Krishna who brought us the practice of chanting the Hare Krishna maha mantra:

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

Important Dates for April

Monday, April 1st...............	Pupil Holiday - Teacher Workday
Tuesday, April 2nd.............	School Resumes
Wednesday, April 10th.......	Family Community Meeting at 6:00 p.m.
Friday, April 12th................	Father’s Day
Friday, April 19th................	Spring Picture Day
Tuesday, April 23rd............	BASI Testing Begins (3 days for 3rd - 6th grade students)

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