Ready to earn $30,000? – Saturday, June 13, 2015
High School Division Head Blog – June 13, 2015
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. – Jeremiah 29:11
I often ask our students, “If I were to pay you $10,000 if you earn an A on your next test, would you study and prepare for that test?” Not surprisingly, each student’s eyes light up as he/she gives me a huge affirmation that every priority would be set aside in order to study for that test. I always follow up with the question, “Did you know the LA TOPS Scholarship Program will pay you approximately $30,000 if you perform well on the ACT Test and keep up your GPA?” That’s the moment those sparkling eyes turn dark.
Ever since I’ve been in education, I have quite often seen a disconnect between students and the importance of college preparation, particularly when it comes to taking the ACT test seriously. College preparation does not begin when a student reaches his/her senior year. I believe it starts back in the 8th grade at the latest, arguably well before then. When our students have a goal in mind and are aware of the expectations, more often than not they rise to the occasion. As we partner with you in preparing our students for every educational opportunity that may come their way, we need to begin speaking those goals and expectations clearly and often. This is a major priority of mine.
It is a great privilege for me to announce to you that Mrs. Jessica Shelton will be taking over the role of College and Career Advisor beginning with the 15-16 school year. Mrs. Shelton has been an excellent Chemistry teacher here at Parkview since 2007 and is passionate about preparing students for the ACT and beyond. I believe Mrs. Shelton brings a proven skill set and leadership to the position that will benefit our students in countless ways. She is very excited about the opportunity and is eager to work alongside our fellow administrators and faculty to take our College and Career department to new heights. I hope you will join me in congratulating Mrs. Shelton on her new position!
I have set a high bar for Mrs. Shelton to achieve with our College and Career Program, and I believe she is the right person for the job. I am looking forward to seeing our students benefit from the opportunities that will be provided in the future. She will be communicating with you and our students on a regular basis.
It is my hope that our students will not only be prepared to get into college, but they will be prepared to get out of college. I foresee colleges calling us asking for our graduates to apply because they want PBS graduates on their campuses. As our students seek the Lord’s will for their lives, I believe He will make their paths straight as they completely depend upon Him for direction and purpose. How amazing is it to imagine the world impacted for the kingdom of Christ traced back to a spark fanned into a flame in the hearts of students at Parkview Baptist School?
*If you have not attended one of my ‘Table Tuesdays,’ you have two more opportunities! Tuesday, June 16 and Tuesday, June 23 from 12:00-1:00. This is an open forum to ask questions, address any concerns, and hear my vision for the High School. Sign up online here!
For His Glory,
Ben D. Haindel
High School Division Head