End of School Year Message

Dear Families,

Today marks the official last day of the 2019-20 school year. This will certainly go down as one of the most unique and interesting years in the history of Bhaktivedanta Academy. 

I don’t think anyone could have imagined that we would all be home for the last two and a half months. I am so impressed with how our teachers, students, and families have handled this unprecedented event. The collective flexibility, commitment, and perseverance through all of this have been incredible to witness. Thank you for all you have done to support your children through our schooling at home period. 

It was so gratifying to close out the year with a series of mini-ceremonies for all our graduating kindergarten, 3rd, and 6th graders. Although different than our usual end of year ceremonies, we were able to individually honor each student and celebrate their accomplishment in a heartfelt and safe way. 

Our experience with these events gives us confidence that we can hold an in-person 10th-grade graduation on June 12. An RSVP form and event details will go out shortly to the families of our graduates. 

We are planning and preparing for the resumption of on-campus schooling in August. We have all missed the daily bustle of the school day and look forward to seeing everyone back on campus soon. In the meantime, I pray that all our families remain healthy throughout the summer. 

Wishing you all the very best.

Yours in service, 

Visvambhara Dasa 
Head of School

COVID-19 Edition Bhaktivedanta Academy T-Shirts

Dear Families,

By popular request we are arranging to produce a special edition Bhaktivedanta Academy t-shirt featuring our mascot being socially responsible.

Shirts are available in two styles: standard yellow or light blue "ringer" tees. All shirts are 100% airlume combed and ring-spun cotton.

This offer is completely optional for whoever is interested. These are not uniform shirts. Standard and PE uniform order forms will be sent separately. 

Please make your selections on this form by Tuesday, May 19 to order the shirts you want. Shirts will be available approximately 2 weeks after order date. 

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school office.

Yours in service,

Sucitra Wygmans

Fall 2020 Return to On-Campus Schooling Survey

Dear Families,

As discussed at our online family meeting last Tuesday, preparations are being made for a return to on-campus schooling in August and operating our school in an environment that is significantly different than when we were together previously. This preparation is based on what we know today and is in full understanding that circumstances are likely to change, which will require flexibility along the way. At present, these preparations include:

• Daily health checks for all students and teachers with strict criteria for being at school.
• Facilitated social distancing on campus and where appropriate in classrooms.
• Segregating classrooms into discrete communities with exclusive teachers and not mixing between classes throughout the day.
• Modifying classroom spaces to facilitate distancing, hygiene, and sanitization.
• Staggered schedules for drop-off, pick-up, lunch, and recess to maintain distancing. 
• Providing for appropriate protective gear (masks) worn by teachers and possibly students old enough to manage them.
• Enhanced emphasis on personal hygiene and classroom sanitization practices.
• Limit access to classrooms to teachers and school personnel only – no visitors or volunteers.
• Preparation for flexing in and out of on-campus and at-home learning as-needed for individual students, classrooms, and the entire school as conditions dictate.

Although lengthy, this list is not inclusive of everything discussed at our meeting but is intended to give you a sense of the measures we will be taking to keep our students and teachers as safe and healthy as possible when we return to campus. 

Based on this information we would like to get a sense of how you're feeling about your child returning to school on campus in the fall. Please take a moment to let us know your thoughts and questions by filing out this survey. 

Thank you for your participation. Your input is extremely helpful as we plan for what school will look like in the fall.

Yours in service,

Sucitra Wygmans

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Related School Closure Notification

Dear Families,

Based on CDC guidance for our state, the Florida Department of Education is recommending that all schools extend their spring breaks. In Alachua County, that means schools will be closed as of Monday, March 16 and will remain closed at least through March 27.  We are sorry for the sudden closure notice but is a necessary measure as local, state, and federal authorities attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19.

We will be taking next week as an opportunity to finalize our virtual education plans in the event school remains closed beyond March 27. Prepare now for the possibility of school remaining closed past this date.

Updated guidance from the Florida Department of Health has extended the required 14 day exclusion from schools to any students or school employees who have traveled to any country, not just the CDC Level 3 or 2 advisory countries  listed in yesterday’s communication. 

We wish you all the best under these difficult circumstances. During the entire break we will continue to keep you updated on any developments via email and Facebook. 

Yours in service, 

Visvambhara Dasa
Head of School

Important Dates for March

Sun., Mar. 1 - Mon., Mar. 2	Krishna Sharanam: PHE Camping Trip (Grade 7 & 8)
Tue., Mar. 3	Temple Tuesday (Family Guru Puja and Kirtan) @ 7:20 a.m.
Mon., Mar. 9	Appearance of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Alachua County Bookmobile @ 10:30 a.m. NO AFTERCARE
Tue., Mar. 10	Temple Tuesday (Krishna Sharanam Guru Puja and Kirtan) @ 7:20 a.m.
Tue., Mar. 17	Temple Tuesday (Madhurya Bhavan Guru Puja and Kirtan) @ 7:20 a.m.
Thur., Mar. 19	Grandparents’ Day Krishna Sharanam: Wisdom of the Elders Day @ 10:30 a.m.
Fri., Mar. 20	Student Holiday/Teacher Work Day
Mon., Mar. 23 - Fri., Mar. 27	Spring Break
Mon., Mar. 30	End of 3rd Quarter
Tue., Mar. 31	Temple Tuesday (Audarya Bhavan Guru Puja and Kirtan) @ 7:20 a.m.

Save the Date

Apr. 1 - 3	Krishna Sharanam: Krishna House Experience (Grade 8) Krishna Sharanam: Student Internships (Grade 9)
Apr. 10	Fathers’ Day
Apr. 17	Spirit Day (World Culture)