Issue 38: May 25, 2018

From the CFO’s Desk

For my final BUZZ article of the school year, I am thinking about the BAIS senior class. This is the largest graduating class we have had here at BAIS! This is also one of the few remaining classes that made the move with us from the Ciumbuleuit campus. These students sure have seen a lot of change here at BAIS from the big move out to Kota Baru, to the construction of the outdoor sports court and playground, and finally to the addition of the soccer field, locker room, and swimming pool. These are just to name some of the facility changes.

Some of our seniors completed their entire schooling, from Pre-School 3 to 12th grade, here at BAIS. I had the opportunity to look through some of the old yearbooks and noticed four of our graduates have been here since the beginning. Most of our graduates have been here over six years. We have witnessed them change from cute little Pre-K students that followed their teacher around, to interesting middle school students who were trying to get comfortable with themselves, to amazing young adults ready to take on their next challenge.

As the seniors were finishing up their final days at BAIS, they were taking all the chances they had to invest in the lives of the underclassmen. During their years here, this group of seniors could be seen hanging out with students that were younger than they on a regular basis. Whether it was through sports, theatre productions, clubs, or just around the campus, one could usually see students of various ages together. One student shared with me that because a previous BAIS graduate had spent time with him, he wanted to do the same with younger students too. That is not the first time I have been told that at BAIS our students invest down in the next group of students. During their final chapel, the seniors had the opportunity to share one last time with their underclassmen. They encouraged the other students to take advantage of both the academic and the spiritual aspects that are uniquely available at BAIS. One of the seniors, who became a Christian here at BAIS, encouraged them to stay true to their faith. Great words of advice!

I had the pleasure of being involved in the senior exit interviews this year. It is always a great time to be able to see how our students have developed throughout their high school careers. During this time, they share with us about their family, their future plans, examples that demonstrate their growth in the four BAIS ESO’s, and about their experiences at BAIS. The students also had the opportunity to share about any areas where they thought BAIS could be stronger. One of the students shared he was thankful the teachers are so approachable and that the cultural diversity is what makes BAIS a special place. I had more than one student express that BAIS is where they found their faith in Christ. To end the exit interview, we had the privilege to pray with each student. It was wonderful to hear their hearts and to have them share their dreams with us. What an amazing opportunity!

Moms and dads, you can be proud of your graduate. You have done a commendable job raising them. It has been an honor to be able to partner with you to develop your children into the young men and women they have become. High School Seniors, go off into the future with the support and blessing of the entire BAIS community behind you. We can’t wait to see where your path leads you.

Blessings,
Mark Boccaccio

Face the Facts

Elementary Parents & Students – Just a reminder, the Face the Facts prelims are coming up next week, so practice hard! The finals will be on June 5th from 10:35-11:25 and parents are invited to watch the finals. Yay math!

Upper Elementary Finalists

Good job to all the UE students who competed in FtF yesterday, and a special congratulations to Lucas, Ju Eun, Yves, Jim, Yoyo, Darrel, Erica and Jeremy for moving on to the Face the Facts Final round! The Final will be held on June 5th.

Athletics & Club News

IISSAC

Thank you parents, athletes, coaches, administration, all that came to the Sports Banquet this past Monday.
Congratulations to all the award recipients. But I want to specifically recognize the following athletes for their achievements this past year:
- Athletes of the Year: Paul Walker and Bethany Chun
- Academic Athletes of the Year: JunSeon Hong and Emily Nielsen
- Eagle Legacy Award: JooIn Seo

Elementary and After School Clubs/Activities

Battle of the Books Pre-Season Meeting & Book List Reveal
Students in grades 6-11 are invited to a meeting during secondary lunch in the library on Monday, May 28th to learn more about Battle of the Books and discover the next book list.
Battle of the Books is a fun book based trivia competition in which teams work together to answer questions. We will begin the 2018 season in August. This meeting is just to give information and build excitement. Hope to see you there! Please contact Ms. Ribbens with any questions. (clarissaribbens@baisedu.org)
In preparation for this coming summer and the 2018-2019 school year, the Athletic Department is looking for ideas and leaders for afterschool activities and clubs! We know our community has a wealth of talent and ideas. If you are interested in leading or co-leading an after school club or activity for next year, please contact Mr. Powers or Ibu Dias.

Keep your eyes on the BAIS Buzz for updates, changes, and more information!

Athletic Director
Justin Powers