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Welcome back to school!
I want to share a few highlights from the past school year and provide insights on things to come. First, I encourage you to remain involved in your child’s education both inside and outside the classroom. Your children will be more successful now and in the future because of your involvement. No matter what the age, or what they say, there’s nobody like mom and dad or extended family!
As you know, Nathan Barber left PBS in June to return to Texas. While Mr. Barber was here for only two years, his influence was significant. He began the “Eagle Experience” which allows high school and middle school students to read the same book, culminating with the author’s visit. We enjoyed having two “Eagle Experience” speakers this past year. The high school read Refined by Fire by Lt. Col. Brian Birdwell; an account of his recovery after receiving major burns in the attack on the Pentagon on September 11, 2001.His visit to PBS was meaningful to everyone, including the media. The middle school “Eagle Experience” brought Marion Blumenthal Lazan who wrote Four Perfect Pebbles with co-author Lila Pearl. Mrs. Lazan spoke candidly about her family’s experiences during the Holocaust. The high school “Eagle Experience” this year is with Burl Cain as students read Cain’s Redemption, by Dennis Shere. Burl Cain, the warden at Angola prison, will visit PBS on August 25th. I encourage you to read the book and attend. Hopefully, high school parents saw it around the house this summer.
In February 2010 a special visit was made by Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger to present Calob Leindecker the first annual High School Rudy Award. Calob received this national award after being nominated for courage and determination in overcoming a serious injury following an accident. Calob received $10,000 in scholarship money and he and Rudy gave inspirational speeches.You may have seen part of “Calob’s story” during local television commercials.
We look forward to 2010-2011 as we move toward SACS/SAIS reaccreditation. We will be sending parent surveys and asking you to participate in several ways. Mr. Don Green has taken the position of Assistant Headmaster over high school and hit the ground running this school year! You may see him coaching or directing traffic, whatever the moment requires. Mr. Green is a mature, experienced leader who has been in leadership positions at Bethany, PBS, Carroll High School, Desire Street Academy and Capitol Charter School. His previous history at PBS will allow for a smooth transition and will give needed expertise during reaccreditation.This fall, we will provide several opportunities for you to meet him.
Middle School has begun to feel “at home” in their new building. The final step in the middle school move will be this year’s completion of the science lab. It comes at an opportune time as we have established a relationship with Pennington through one of our parents, a recognized researcher in the area of exercise science. Middle School has chosen 1 Timothy 4:12 as their motto which supports their theme of “do hard things”. Faculty and students are reading Do Hard Things by Alex and Brett Harris as their “Eagle Experience”. A group of eighth graders traveled to Georgia with Joana Dieterich, Bentley Brown and Kristie Smith to a related conference to support leadership among peers.
Elementary School has chosen Psalms 105:1 and “Books of the Bible” as their theme. This year students learn books of the Bible, they will hear Truth and insight from each book. Last week I ran into a group of kindergarteners, looking for the Gingerbread man, and all I can say is “precious, precious, precious….” What a gift God gives PBS as we spend thirteen years with your children. It is always fun to hear the memories of these 13-year students during their senior year. Our first annual “Sip and Sob” on the kindergarteners first full day included kindergarten parents and a few of those seniors.
I spent some of the past year participating in activities that would allow me to get to know PBS families. Highlights include trips with the Heart ‘N Soul Jump Rope team, the dance team, and the band and flag teams. I also traveled to New Orleans to watch our football team compete in the Super Dome and to Sulphur, LA for the state swim meet and softball playoffs. This has been a remarkable year in athletics once again as PBS was state runners-up in football and softball with individual first places in swimming, golf, track and tennis. We were sad to see Coach M.L. Woodruff leave PBS after 25 years to follow God’s newest calling as a recreational pastor. We are pleased that Darron Mitchell has agreed to “step up to the plate” as Head Coach.
PBS is proud to have Paul Ramsey join us as our Chief Financial Officer. Paul earned his accounting degree at LSU and has been in public accounting since 1980 working with many non-profit organizations.
We are excited to continue to grow our Alumni base and have increasing participation in Alumni events. An Alumni Board of Directors was formed and consists of 16 graduating classes. This diverse group has one common goal…continuing the PBS tradition. God has blessed PBS with many generous and talented alumni. If you are an alumnus or know an alumnus, please contact Lisa Miller at 225-291-2500 x189 or lisa.miller@parkviewbaptist.com. We want to know you!
Thank you again to Parent, Teachers and Friends (PTF) for your work and support. You gave over $30,000 to fund programs for your children. This included money for the HS library, MS science lab and Elementary technology, in addition to funding ACT incentives and Brother Bob scholarship recipients. This does not include the hours you volunteered for cookie dough sales and distribution, spring festival, and teacher appreciation events. PTF always needs volunteers, so if you are willing to serve in any capacity, please email krista.corwin@parkviewbaptist.com.
This year, faculty and staff are focusing on trust. Trust and Obey is a personal favorite hymn. “Trust and obey, for there’s NO other way to be happy in Jesus.” Trust in any organization forms an unbreakable bond. A team of any kind is stronger when it builds trust. I hope and pray that this year would be a year for PBS to solidify the foundation of trust for each of you. Join us as we work toward that goal.
Thank you for the opportunity to work with you and your children. May God bless you and your family during the coming year!
In Christ,
Melanie C. Ezell, PhD
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