Palmer's Point   Mark Palmer, Elementary Principal

It is a continual struggle to find creative ways to fund the worthwhile projects at Bracken.  There never seems to be enough money to go around.
This may sound like a familiar line but it is one we  want to address.  When there is not enough money
to pay our obligations, the witness to our community
is certainly in jeopardy.  We want to take  positive, God honoring steps toward a solution.  One easy
and doable solution would be to bring our classes
up to capacity.  I am not even suggesting raising
that capacity.  In the past, we have readily doubled classes when we have passed the class limit. This has kept us from turning people away, and has
usually resulted in two small classes.  Educationally, this has provided for a great student/teacher ratio, but has created major stress on the school's finances.

I believe it is important for us to be better stewards of our resources and avoid taking on what we cannot afford.  I would like to explain the steps we will be following for this next year's enrollment. February
is the month for Bracken families to reserve places for the next school year.  On March 1st enrollment will be open to others outside the school. This could mean that a class might fill up and a spot not be available to your child, if you wait to enroll. Currently, we have four grades in the school that are full. It is likely that they will be full next year as well.  Others could also fill up.  If you desire to be here and delay enrollment, you may not be able to return next year.

We will only guarantee one class per grade in the elementary.  Sufficient additional numbers of students will need to be present to warrant an additional class.  In elementary, for example, a full class is 20 students (limits for pre-kinder and kindergarten is a little less).  Those enrolling after twenty will be put on a waiting list.  If a list reaches eight students
(a total of 28 students in the grade), we will double the class.

If it does not reach this amount, those over twenty will be refunded their enrollment, and a class will not be provided.  A decision to double a class will probably need to be made by  mid-June at the
latest.  Beyond this point, it becomes difficult to hire teachers.  Plus, those families on a waiting list need to know so they can decide on a school. 
Middle and high school classes will be treated a
little differently.  There is a greater degree of flexibility because of different classes (levels) within
a grade.
 
To re-enroll for next year you will need to pay the $250 enrollment fee. Your account will also need
to be current.  One enrollment fee will hold the spots for all of your children but the additional
enrollment fees will need to be paid by July 1st for these places to be secured.  The enrollment fee
will go up to $300 beginning June 1st for all
children enrolled on and after this date.  Enrollment fees are nonrefundable or transferable unless they are paid to secure a spot on a waiting list and
a class is not provided.  These will be refunded by the end of June.

We do have several grades that could use more
students even in a single class.  It grieves my heart when I see a small class, knowing that we could
be equipping more children for Christ.  You as
parents are our greatest source of salesmanship. 
Let me encourage you to talk up Christian education to those in your church and around you.  This could not only be a blessing to them, but to our school as well.

Mark Palmer

February 2002                                                                                                                  Bracken Christian School  BrackenNotes   5