A Message from Mrs. Simmons on the 2014-2015 School Year

As our first successful school year comes to a close, I believe it is important to stop and reflect upon what all we have achieved and accomplished our first year together.  We could not have successfully achieved these noteworthy milestones without the Lord’s help, and the support of many others.

 First, let me thank Mrs. Gayle Guillott and Mr. Dave Rhodes for the groundwork they laid as principals here at FBCA. Their leadership and vision for our school has been the foundation on which our school is built and the constitution of this establishment.

Second, a special appreciation to our parents and staff for their continued help and support throughout our 2014-15 school year. We have accomplished a great deal together in a short time. 

Third, I would like to thank our committed FBCA Advisory Board for their dedication and service to our school.  We welcomed two new Advisory Board members:  Denton Hendrich, Advisory Board President with over 40 years of leadership and educational experience, and Kelli Manor Advisory Board Member & Parent of FBCA students who adds financial insight and in budget making skills along with growth strategies for the school.  Additionally, Gregg Cavener new Advisory Board Member is a deacon and long time member of First Baptist Church of Moss Bluff. He brings an objective and compassionate point of view in the creation of policy and decision-making.  We appreciate the commitment and loyal service of our other FBCA Advisory Board Members:  Dr. Steve Bennett, Dickey Dardeau, Vickie Barto, Mike Busby, Stephen Nichols, Gregg Cavener, and Janet Simmons.

Together, we have:

• Improved the technology lab (Smart Board, new lap tops computers) and student engagement through enhanced interactive instruction
• Improved communication through the creation and implementation of the new FBCA Website, Facebook page, and the weekly addition of the Eagle News
• Implementation of a school-wide online grading program that increased effecificy in the reporting of mid-nine weeks progress reports and report cards systematically
• New programs for student participation through ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) Spelling Bee, Desktop Publishing, Math Olympics, and Art Festival:  Congratulations to Brooke Baily who represented our school at the Regional Spelling Bee in Dallas, Texas
• Initiated our first Student of the Year Competition: Congratulations to Sophia Lomard and Olivia Shephard
• Improved safety and security by continually improving policy and procedures
• Implementation of professional development for teachers through the use of Title II Professional Development Funds. (Teachers participated in training throughout the school year to increase student engagement with the A BEKA curriculum) (2 teachers attending ISTE National Conference in Philadelphia, PA) (4 teachers attended Kagan Cooperative Learning training in Houston, Texas)
• First school wide fund raiser (Color Run for Technology) which earned $16,000
• To meet the needs of our growing school, the position of Program Developer was formed to promote the school and coordinate the FBCA PTO in organizing fund raising opportunities with family friendly recreational activities. Thank you, Denise Oubre for being a positive support for our school in our community.
• Implementation of TerraNova 3, ACSI Edition Standardized Assessment Program that is in partnership with CTB/McGraw-Hill & ACSI. The assessment contains content area subtests and Bible assessments that meet the highest technical standards of the testing industry and incorporates the most current innovations in measurement methodology.  This ensures results that accurately measure and report your students’ performance relative to the latest national norms.
• Purchase and installation of the “Eagles’ Nest Playground”. Thank you Rebecca Buquet and LaVerne Vest for coordinating the installation, and to First Baptist Moss Bluff for allowing the school to use valuable parking areas for our playground. 

As we look forward with anticipation to the 2015-2016 school year, we are excited to announce the following:

• State Approved Preschool 3 & 4 year old classes (A BEKA Curriculum) which includes a 4 year degreed/certified teacher in each class, participation in Spanish, PE, and music enrichments
• MDO Preschool program which consist of 2s, 3s, and 4 year olds (2 or 3 days a week) A BEKA curriculum
• Introduction of Spanish enrichment classes/program which will include Spanish field trips and activities
• Introduction of a vocal music program: complete with 4th & 5th Grade Performance Choir and a middle school Performance Choir, which will compete in music festivals, perform for school events, and promote school by performing throughout the Lake Charles/Moss Bluff area.
• Introduction of full time PE teacher and enhanced PE program that consists of the implementation of the SPARK curriculum for elementary grades and Crossfit training for the middle school students.

Our Awards Day Program reminded us of the hard work and dedication it took to make this year a successful and productive one.  Although we have faced difficult challenges and arduous obstacles, we have grown as a Christian family with many students growing closer to Christ and accepting Christ as their Savior. FBCA is committed to partnering with parents to equip students to reach their full potential by providing academic excellence in a Christian environment. 

We look forward to celebrating FBCA’s 25th Anniversary in the 2015-2016 school year. What was once a small church ministry has blossomed into a large state approved Christian school.  Our ministry will always be to lead students to Christ and teach His word while equipping them to be leaders in tomorrow’s workplace.  Christ demands a higher standard from us in our work and our ministry. Let us always remember, “whatever your hand finds to do, do it well” (Ecc. 1:9).  Every work for Jesus will be blessed, and He asks from every one of us our absolute best. Our talents may seem to be few and small, but unto Him is due, our BEST, our ALL! 

Please be in prayer for FBCA as we continue to bring glory to God by continuing to raise our standards of excellence, always asking for God’s guidance and blessings. 

Janet Simmons NBCT

FBCA Principal