From the Elementary Assistant Principal

Exciting things are happening in our senior kindergarten classes!

With the addition of several iPad2’s for kindergarten, students are getting their hands on these fabulous educational tools.  Teachers have searched the App Store for applications that complement the topics the students are learning.  Math exercises, comprehension activities, basic sight word drills, and much more are available for preschool in a fun format. Students are able to use the touch screen to play games while they learn important age-appropriate skills.

The teaching staff is amazed and thankful for the student engagement level the iPads have brought to their classrooms.  Teachers are learning about the capabilities of this unique classroom technology device.  This has enabled them to provide a fresh approach to daily practice in important areas while maintaining a playful atmosphere for five and six-year-olds. 

Thanks goes to Emily Hopkins, who serves as SBEC’S technology integrator, for assisting the kindergarten teachers in helpful training and wonderful ideas for their students.

Cathy Laster

Elementary Assistant Principal

From the High School Principal

Genesis 1:26
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness… 

Because we are made in the image of God, every student, every teacher, every staff member of SBEC is a special individual. Each is unique in their gifts and talents and each is worthy of respect and encouragement. As we heard in chapel on January 12^th, God has a unique plan for each student and we try to provide a curriculum that nurtures the student. SBEC exists in part to help students realize what their talents are and to help them develop those talents in a safe environment where failure can occur. Our faculty and staff are ready to assist in student explorations and to pray with and for our students.

With the start of the second semester, seniors are determining their post high school plans, the spring musical Oklahoma is in rehearsal, and basketball is in mid-season. These activities, as well as the academic program, are designed to provide opportunities to help our students flourish. We want each student to reach his or her God-given potential. Since a student’s particular calling may not be known until after graduation, a varied curriculum is provided so that the student will be equipped for whatever God calls for them.

It is easy now to think ahead to spring break or even graduation and miss the daily joys that God places in our path. I try to encourage students to not look too far down the road but to enjoy each day that God provides and to experience His joy. The month of May comes soon enough. For now we will enjoy today.  

Sam Wrigley

High School Principal

A Word From Our Director of Development

January, 2012 brings a new year, new semester, and a chance to begin anew. We enjoy every beginning of a new year. New students have enrolled and our current students have the opportunity to score better than they did last semester.

January also is the month in which we begin our enrollment process for the 2012-2013 school year. For prospective parents and students who want to know more about the school, SBEC will host an Open House on Sunday, January 8, 2012, from 2:00-4:00 pm. Information about our school and personal tours will be available. Families can talk with school administrators and teachers and learn the many benefits of an SBEC education in a relaxed setting with light refreshments. Our school is a Christ-centered, college preparatory school with opportunities in drama, band, and choir for elementary and high school students. In addition, there are seventeen different high school boys and girls athletic teams as well as competitive 5^th and 6^th grade and elementary intramural athletic programs for all students. You may come and go or stay as long as you wish. For more information, contact our Admissions Director Sheila Sheron at 662.349.5127.

We have great news for our enrolling families. SBEC will be offering online enrollment beginning later this month. This web-based advancement in the admissions process confirms our commitment to being a leader in the integration of technology.

For our elementary students, “MUM's the word!” Elementary parents and students are looking forward to "Move Up Mornings" (MUM) in January. Families will be able to "move up" to their child’s grade for next year to hear from the teachers of their next grade level about the exciting and fun things prepared for them. The dates are:

January 10, from 8:30 - 9:15 A.M. for grades Senior K through 2

January 10, from 2:15 – 2:45 P.M. for Junior K afternoon classes

January 12, from 8:30 - 9:15 A.M. for grades 3-6

There is much to be excited about as we begin this new year.

George Carnall

SBEC Director of Development

A Word From Our President

This morning, for the second time in ten days, we woke up to fresh fallen snow. As the snow accumulates people have different responses. For the students and faculty, there is the anticipation of school being cancelled and an unscheduled day out of classes. For the parents, it is waiting to see if there is a need to make adjustments for their child’s supervision and how their work day would be impacted. But for the administration, snow fall means getting out in the very early hours of the morning and driving various routes to check the roads and the school parking lot conditions. In addition, time is taken to converse with the local public school officials regarding their plans for the day. Needless to say, snow days do not always bring the same excitement as when we were younger.

However, after driving the streets to determine the status of the roads during this most recent snow event, I was reminded of two verses. The first is Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God”. Though it is not something I would schedule every day, I do experience an enjoyable quietness as I drive. There are few cars out on the road, no stores are open, only street lights are shining, and the snow is steadily falling. It is as if the world is still.

The second verse is found in Isaiah 1:18, “Though your sins be as scarlet they shall be as white as snow.” Just as the brown grass, green shrubs, barren trees, and black pavement are all covered in white, because of Jesus Christ, our sins are also covered. The darkness and blackness can no longer be seen because we are washed as white as snow. During the high school fine arts chapel today, I stood where I could see snow falling outside the door. As the snow caught my attention, the speaker simultaneously referenced this same verse. I could not help but think that the ultimate purpose of Christmas is found in Isaiah 1:18. 

So let me encourage each of you this Christmas to do two things. In the midst of the hustle of shopping, events, cooking, and travel, take time together to “be still” and reflect on who He is, what He has done, and what he has prepared for those who love Him. Second, the next time that it snows, take a moment to marvel that because God loved us so much He sent His Son on the most important mission trip ever taken. As a result, though our sins be as scarlet, they may be as white as snow.

May you and your family experience God’s blessings this Christmas. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to partner with you in Christian education. 

David Manley

From Our Elementary Principal

 ELEMENTARY MISSIONS AT SBEC

Each year, especially during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons, our Bible, chapel and spiritual emphasis programs stress to our Elementary students the importance of supporting and being involved with both local and foreign missions. Our students learn that in today’s world active participation in missions is an integral part of being a Christian. It is our hope that through this process of serving and helping others, our students will gain a better understanding of not only the vast needs that surround us but that they would also learn the many lessons that Jesus taught us about service to others.

  

Throughout the entire school year our elementary students are given an opportunity each week to bring an offering to help support various missions around the world.  Also each year every class or grade is encouraged to select a specific local or world mission for students to identify with, pray for and support.  Many of these missions revolve around the Thanksgiving and Christmas season and some even offer the opportunity for our students to actually go to a local mission site.  Some of the missions that have been selected for this special time of the year are The Desoto Interfaith Food Program, Operation Christmas Basket, Calvary Rescue Mission, Christmas Cards for Soldiers, Operation Christmas Child, Good Shephard’s Fold Orphanage in Africa, Gospel for Asia, and ARMS Ministry in Chicago.

The Bible tells us throughout the Old and New Testament we are to share with others who are in need what we have been so blessed to receive.  Through emphasizing missions to our students at SBEC, it is our hope and prayer that students will grow up with servants’ hearts but even more a heart for sharing  that marvelous story of the Christ Child who came to this world to be our Savior and our King.

David Fox, Elementary Principal

From Our Elementary Assistant Principal

A laptop cart has recently been acquired for use as a mobile computer lab for the elementary division.  This was a result of careful planning over many months.  The first teacher to implement the laptops in the classroom has been Allison Moffett, sixth grade social studies and science teacher.

Mrs. Moffett, with the help of Emily Hopkins, SBEC technology integrator, has set up a blog for every student so they can post what they have learned from that day's lesson.  Mrs. Moffett can give immediate feedback to each student which they see the next class period.  This informal assessment guides the students to any corrections or changes needed in their learning.

The students are also using "Edmodo," a website specifically designed for classroom use.  The classes can view assignments, answer poll questions, and see immediate results of the class's responses to the poll.  Each class also accesses the textbook online to watch videos and explore interactive features that correspond with that day's lesson.

In the near future we hope to see these students creating Power Point presentations and virtual posters which they can present to the class on the SMART Board.  We also plan to expand the use of the laptop cart to other subjects and grades.

Cathy Laster

A Word From Our High School Principal

November is an exciting time for our high school students. Fall sports are in post season play; winter sports are starting to practice; the band has successfully completed their competitive season; the fall drama students are ready to perform; and students are busy in their classes, working toward the semester completion. As the season changes, it seems our schedule increases in intensity.

Because SBEC is a Christ-centered school, we set aside Oct 31^st through November 3^rd as our Spiritual Emphasis Week. This year our speaker was Pastor Ernie Frye from Central Church. Pastor Frye used Genesis 37-42 and the story of Joseph as his focus. He spoke about how Joseph’s life reflected the life of a Christian. God’s vision to Joseph that included trials, temptations, and the forgiveness of others can also be viewed as elements in our own Christian lives. Undoubtedly, our students were challenged and encouraged by what they heard.

On November 7^th the SBEC faculty joined the faculties from five area Christian schools as we came together to hear Dr. William Brown, president of Cedarville University. Dr. Brown challenged our teachers to view our subject areas as reflections of our worldview, which then will affect our perception, explanation, and interpretation of the world around us. From sciences to language arts, we need to discuss and analyze with our students the viewpoints presented in what we read and hear.

As I was reminded today, SBEC exists to help our students obtain knowledge and academic skills, but our primary mission is to introduce our students to the God of the Universe. Whether it is the first time, a re-introduction, or a continuing relationship, SBEC exists to walk alongside our students as they get to know or grow in Jesus Christ. Yes, we play sports; yes, we have a great fine arts program; and yes, our students score well above the national average on the ACT - but our desire is to show Christ. Dr. Brown’s definition of a first- century Christian was “lover of strangers.”  In the first century, a person who possessed a problem would seek out Christians because he knew he would receive help. The prayer of SBEC is that because we are lovers of students, families would seek us out to help with the raising of their children. 

Christmas is coming. What a wonderful birthday to celebrate.

Sam Wrigley

SBEC High School Principal