Prospective Family Open House Recap

Thank you to everyone who joined us (personally and online) for the prospective family open house last night. It was great to get an opportunity to meet together and talk about the unique educational program Bhaktivedanta Academy offers.

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

• Bhaktivedanta Academy Overview
• School Prospectus
• Montessori 101 Excerpt

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

As we talked about yesterday, it is important to submit your application by March 22nd, if you have not already done so. 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. You may apply online at www.bhaktischool.org/admissions.

We also require all applicants to visit the school and observe in the classroom that serves the grade your child will be entering. 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 me if have any questions. I can be reached at d.aguilera@bhaktischool.org or 386-462-2886.

Yours in service,

Visvambhara das
Head of School

Step Up For Students Accepting Scholarship Applications

Step Up for Students, the organization that administers Florida's Tax Credit Scholarship program has advised us that they are accepting applications for the 2013-14 school year.

We are excited to announce that the Step Up For Students 2013-14 application season is now open for New and Renewal Families! As you know, scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis with priority given to our renewal families, so please encourage families to apply as soon as possible.

Florida Tax Credit Scholarships pay up to $4,335* in annual tuition costs per child for families that meet income eligibility guidelines. Click here to get more information and to apply.

*Florida law sets this amount based on a percentage of the Stateʼs per-pupil funding for public school students, so it varies from year to year. The amount stated above is for the 2012-13 school year. 2013-14 funding will be known in May.

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

New Raman Reti Temple Newsletter Article About Bhaktivedanta Academy

Bhaktivedanta Academy, the Alachua Hare Krishna community's innovative pre-k through 7th grade school is about to begin taking applications for admission for the 2013-14 school year and will be hosting a prospective family open house on Monday, March 11th at 6 p.m.

This coming August will mark a major milestone in the school's history as it opens it first middle school class, headed by Jaya Sri Radhe dasi. The middle school will begin by accepting 7th grade students and will ultimately take them to 10th grade as part of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme*.

As it does at the pre-kindergarten and elementary levels, Bhaktivedanta Academy will provide its adolescent students a comprehensive educational experience where they are given the opportunity to:

• Gain insight into their true self and their relationship with Krishna through spiritual practices that include yoga, meditation, kirtan, and the study and discussion of scripture;
• Flourish intellectually within a comprehensive and challenging academic system that promotes exploration and deep thinking, driven by one's own interests and abilities;
• Engage in positive social interactions in a respectful and diverse classroom environment that facilitates freedom of movement and peer learning;
• Grow emotionally in a nurturing environment that stresses problem-solving skills, empathy, and compassion for all beings;
• Remain physically fit through play, sports, and exploration of the outdoors.

Altogether, Bhaktivedanta Academy's educational program is designed to give children the opportunity to grow to their highest potential — academically, socially, emotionally, and physically — all the while developing their spiritual identities in a nurturing and positive environment.

Call 386-462-2886 or go to www.bhaktischool.org to learn more about the school and to schedule a visit.

Bhaktivedanta Academy offers a variety of scholarship programs to help offset the cost of tuition. Go to www.bhaktischool.org/financial-aid for more information.

---

*Bhaktivedanta Academy is a applying to be a candidate school for the Middle Years Programme. This school is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. IB World Schools share a common philosophy — a commitment to high-quality, challenging, international education — that we believe is important for our students. Only schools authorized by the IB Organization can offer any of its three academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP) or the Diploma Programme (and in addition the IB Career-related Certificate). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted.

Prospective Family Open House

Join us Monday, March 11th at 6:00 p.m. for a prospective family open house at Bhaktivedanta Academy.

This is a great opportunity to learn more about Bhaktivedanta Academy's unique educational approach, meet our teachers, visit our classrooms, and get answers to any questions you may have, including financial aid.

Childcare and light refreshments will be available.

---

For more information and directions:
www.bhaktischool.org or 386-462-2886

Lord Nityananda's Appearance Day Performance

Saturday, February 23rd is the holy appearance day or Lord Nityananda. Bhaktivedanta Academy students have been practicing a beautiful song in honor of Him and are scheduled to perform it for the pleasure of the New Raman Reti temple community at 8:15 a.m.

Please bring your child to the New Raman Reti temple room (south entrance) by 8:00 a.m. groomed and dressed for the occasion. Students will be performing at 8:15 a.m. for approximately 10 minutes and will be released back to a family member at the south entrance/exit of the temple immediately afterward.

Thank You!