2017-2018 has been outstanding for BFS! Athletically, artistically and academically we have accomplished more than ever before. Our inclusive and welcoming community helped us all to grow as learners and leaders. As the end of the year approaches, we are preparing to say goodbye to our senior class. They have accomplished so much here at BFS, and their 81 acceptances to 64 of the best global universities speaks to their character, intelligence and perseverance. We all share in their accomplishments. For every student here at BFS, June is a time of transition, reflection and celebration.
In April, we were fortunate to have members of a WASC accreditation team visit and report on our school. Since 1999, when BFS received its first accreditation, we have been proud of our association with WASC. Three of the highlights from the draft of their report are:
All of the stakeholders within this community feel they have a voice and are part of the positive transitions taking place.
During the three day visit the students and faculty, when asked about school culture, mentioned ‘feeling like a family’, ‘students help at BFS and care for each other’, ‘we have dedicated teachers who care about us’, ‘we have a sense of community in our classroom.
The management, faculty and staff deeply believe in their school and are dedicated to providing an outstanding educational environment.
The positive WASC report noted the number of changes that have taken place in the last year. In 2018, we were proud to offer many new Advanced Placement courses, including Studio Art, Music Theory, Computer Science Principles, Computer Science A, Spanish, and Seminar. 2018 was also the first time that we had a fully articulated Computer Science, Art and, Spanish program from kindergarten to the college level. We implemented Responsive Classroom to ensure that every student was engaged in our community, every single day. We put in place the celebrated Eureka math in kindergarten through grade 2. We are especially proud of the new renovations in the Early Childhood and the adoption of Reggio Emilia to welcome our youngest students. We all strive to live our motto, «Embrace diversity, strive for excellence.»
In the last week of May, the Middle and High School Student Council held elections for 2018. Students prepared media campaigns and made speeches to their colleagues. Our candidates excel at forming connections, influencing decisions and motivating decisions. In the words of John Maxwell, «A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.» Student leadership is in great hands at BFS!
I hope that your summer brings adventure, discovery, and joy. For those of you who are moving on to new and exciting challenges, I wish you all the best.
For those of you returning to BFS, I can’t wait to see you in August.
We have exciting work to do!
Iain Macfarlane
BFS Principal