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#Post#: 3687--------------------------------------------------
Bransom Christian Academy
By: Jack Date: February 12, 2018, 4:58 pm
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I started to write a bit about BCA, and realized that I didn't
have a thread devoted to it here. Let me start by sharing some
past information
Quote From 21 September, 2014:
I've been thinking about this post for a while, and with Colt
attending there again, now seemed like a good time.
There are generally three types of students at BCA. The first
type is the children of Christians who don't want their kids in
public schools for some reason. Personally, I have absolutely
nothing with Bransom schools in general. While there are a few
exceptions, I think we generally have good teachers who respect
students and different views. Some groups, for whatever reason,
prefer fear-mongering to truth, and have scared some people away
from all public schools, though.
I would not send me kids to BCA if I thought they were going to
get a faulty education there, no matter what the benefits. I had
a long talk with some of the administrators and teachers there,
before deciding to have Van attend.
While BCA does have a short period of Bible study ever day, what
they teach is the literal Bible - the students memorize verses
and, as they get older, they study related materials -
archeology and the history of the area among those. What they do
not teach is doctrine, leaving it to the students and their
families to decide how they apply what they're learning.
They also do not teach a literal, 6,000 year creation. They
teach that God created the world, and that science studies how
he did it.
Generally speaking, these are the type of students who start at
BCA in first grade. The class sizes in the lower grades are
generally about 15 students.
The second type of student tends to filter in over the next few
years, and those are students like Colt and Gordy - kids who
have some special need, which can be better attended by smaller
class sizes. You also have to remember that private schools have
more flexibility in some areas than public.
The final major type of student you seem to have at BCA are the
discipline problems. When a child is expelled from school, you
really need to find him another place to go. It's rare for a
student younger than middle school to be in that situation,
which is why the class sizes for high school are so much larger
than the lower grades.
That also explains why BCA seems so strict about some things.
While they generally know which students have been discipline
problems and which aren't, you still have to be fairly
consistent in enforcement. That means that sometimes, someone
like the Tidwells playing keep away, run afoul of rules. It's
also why BCA has such a wide range of discipline options, and
why they tend to call parents in.
When Steven started at BCA, he was 'on probation' for his entire
(repeated) freshman year. That means that they stand to receive
stricter discipline, under the theory that they've already
failed once, and they need someone riding herd on them. That's
not always true, and I've found the staff and administrators at
BCA to be considerate and flexible. These days, being on
probation also means not being able to participate in
extracurricular activities. There is some discussion as to
whether that's a good idea or not, and I think they're
considering making that decision on a case by case basis - or at
least changing things so the extent of the probation depends on
the reason for expulsion.
While BCA doesn't have the student body size to offer a huge
array of classes, they do seem to be very good about seeking out
tutors to help students get the classes they need. And they
really have worked miracles in putting together a group of
teachers that can handle a wide variety of subjects.
And I think that covers the main points, but feel free to ask if
I missed something.
About a year ago, I shared this information about discipline
specifics (which have also been often addressed in stories and
anecdotes).
Quote from 17 February 2017:
I was going to make a reference to BCA from my current update to
the Spanking Report, and realized I hadn't been very specific in
how things are handled.
For the reasons I mentioned above (the mix of students,
including kids sent there for religious reasons, kids sent there
for special educational needs - even if it's just for extra
attention, like Van needed - and kids sent there for discipline
reasons), the staff at BCA has a wide variety of discipline
options.
Teachers in the class room can use all the standard methods -
time outs, lines, detention, and corporal punishment. CP is what
you basically think of as school punishment, except they don't
have as low a limit on the number of swats. They're actually
encouraged to use more swats, but not apply them as hard. There
are also strict rules on reporting punishment, and each student
does have a file, so special considerations can be evaluated.
For certain situations, such as repeat problems, a special needs
kid of some type, or severe infractions, a teacher may refer a
child to the office, or may call a parent in. I wrote a story of
one of Steve's teachers calling me in one time - Class Clown
Caught with his Pants Down, so you can see how things are
handled.
While class room teachers aren't allowed to have a student
undressed for punishment, someone sent to the office can be
paddled with their pants down (on underclothes, not bare).
However, if a parent is called in, it's because either the
parent requested it, because the parents input is needed (once
again, like in the case of foster kids who may have special
discipline needs), or because it's thought that the discipline
options the school has available aren't enough.
No boy with a Dad who'd send him to BCA wants to be in that last
situation, though it still happens pretty often.
Hope that clarifies a bit. If it doesn't, feel free to ask.
There was more discussion, but it was about specific details
that aren't really relevant, or that have been covered again on
the new forum One day, I hope to share it all again, but for
now, that brings us up to date and our current topic.
BCA now has almost 800 students. That doesn't seem huge,
considering that BHS is 6A (minimum of 2,100 students), and not
a small school in that conference. However, only about four
years ago (I think) they were only about 600. That's a pretty
large increase.
It turns out that Mr. P had only been with BCA a year when Van
and Gordy started there, and I give him the credit for a lot of
that growth. While he's not the only principal, besides male
discipline, he handles a lot of the decisions that effect the
direction of the school. I understand and believe that he's the
one who sat policies that encouraged kids who needed more
individualized lesson plans, and kids who'd had discipline
problems elsewhere, to apply. Despite the fact that they're a
'Christian Academy', I don't think religion is even the main
reason the majority of students are there anymore. However, at
the youngest ages, that is still true, and it's why the grades
tend to get larger as they get older.
An interesting phenomena is that BCA has also gained a larger
male than female student body. A lot of the reason for this is
that ADHD tends to afflict boys more, and that boys tend to
suffer more traditional (re: obvious and blatant) behavior
problems.
That's also the explanation for several things that are
happening First of all, it's why they asked me to teach my
class this semester - they're looking for new ways to engage
students who haven't been engaged the traditional way. Second
(and third, actually) I found out about today.
Mr. P stopped by this afternoon, when they'd finished cleaning
and disinfecting the school. He asked me how I thought things
were going. I admitted I should have either chosen an abridged
version or possibly just a better translation. On the other
hand, Hatchet is going great, and even with the Count, we're
having some good discussions and research into related fields.
What he wants is me to work as part of a panel. Remember,
currently at BCA, most of the academic classes between 5th and
9th grade are gender segregated. He wants to build a new
curriculum using books that are boy-centric, and to consider
other approaches that might be non-traditional, but work better
for these cases.
The final thing comes from the board of trustees. While Mr. P
(and the lady principals) do have final say on the day to day
stuff, the board hands down the major decisions (rules, etc.)
and also oversee what the staff does, having final decision on
hiring/firing. They've decided that Mr. P is spending too much
time on discipline. While they understand and support the
decision to have him handle the older elementary kids, they feel
the grown in boy population is keeping him to busy there. They
want him to focus more (not necessarily all) of his attention on
his other responsibilities, so they've suggested hiring someone
else to handle much of the boys' discipline issues.
He suggested me.
He said it with a straight face and wouldn't change his story,
so I think he's serious.
At this point, they're unclear if they'll be changing one of the
women's jobs, if they'll just be adding a fourth position, or if
they'll be making some other change.
#Post#: 3688--------------------------------------------------
Re: Bransom Christian Academy
By: David M. Katz Date: February 12, 2018, 5:26 pm
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It would be a good position for you as you are fair. I would
make sure they didn't just have you do discipline as I would not
want that to be my only role with the students.
#Post#: 3690--------------------------------------------------
Re: Bransom Christian Academy
By: Zyngaru Date: February 12, 2018, 6:18 pm
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I seem to remember I said this very thing, when you posted about
coming to school and Mr. P had three boys waiting for you and
another join the queue while you were dealing with the first
three. I am guessing Mr. P already knew this idea was coming
down the line, and he used that day as a dress rehearsal. You
were auditioning for a job you didn't know existed.
Dean of Boys, would be a good position for you. In my high
school that position was our vice Principal. He was also the
wrestling coach and taught classes when needed.
You already teach a class. So adding the position of Dean of
Boys, would be a natural fit. But will that mean you would have
to be at school all day every day? Or will you be able to
continue with a half day and postpone any discipline until you
are at school? Possibly a morning session when you get to
school and an afternoon session, before you leave.
I don't know how close you live from the school, so not sure if
you could perform this duty on a call in basis. They call you
when a boy is in need of your services.
If it is going to be an all day position, do you want to commit
your full days to that position? You have so much going on
already. The boys at BCA need you in that position, because you
can see through most of their excuses and bull. You can also be
fair and deal with each boy individually. The paddle won't be
the only method you use. You have the ability to think what
disciplinary action will mold the boy in the direction he needs
most.
I do think you are the perfect fit. I just don't know if you
can take on another responsibility with everything else you are
doing. Only you know that. Will your current health allow you
to take on something else?
Keep us informed. I am very curious as to what you are going to
do.
#Post#: 3697--------------------------------------------------
Re: Bransom Christian Academy
By: db105 Date: February 12, 2018, 8:05 pm
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[quote author=Zyngaru link=topic=396.msg3690#msg3690
date=1518481119]
If it is going to be an all day position, do you want to commit
your full days to that position? You have so much going on
already.
[/quote]
Yes, that would be the main problem, whether you can devote the
time you'd need for those duties.
#Post#: 3702--------------------------------------------------
Re: Bransom Christian Academy
By: Jack Date: February 13, 2018, 4:12 am
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To be honest, I've already turned this job down - almost as a
knee jerk. It wouldn't take a lot of time away from my kids,
but it would kill the time I have to run my businesses. Being
fair once again, the comic store is the only one I have to worry
about much (the rest are either managed by my brother, Jason, or
I have partners - in all those cases, my main job is to review
quarterly paperwork that was already prepared by my accountant).
Talking about this in chat last night, David Katz said something
that reflected other thoughts I had - I may like spanking boys,
but I wouldn't want it to be my only interaction with them. If
I were to take something like this, I'd want to still be able to
teach a few periods a day, or maybe work in the library, which
would allow me to interact with the kids in an open,
non-threatening way.
Thinking about it, it would be great in a lot of ways. I did
enjoy the time when I occasionally filled in for our VP (when I
was teaching middle school, our vice principal was diagnosed
with cancer, and he was out several days every couple of weeks,
and more towards the end of the semester - a couch and I filled
in around our classes, or occasionally they'd bring in a
substitute so one of us could fill in all day). I enjoyed
paddling a lot of different boys, but I also enjoyed talking to
them, and sometimes being merciful or even helping some of them
solve a problem. At BCA, where I'd have a much wider choice of
CP, it wouldn't be a worse job.
Now that I'm on medication again, my blood pressure wouldn't be
a problem. It's still not as stable as we'd like, and it
occasionally spikes (especially later in the day), but it's
nowhere near as bad as it was and, looking at my calendar, it
seems to be getting more stable as we go. On the other hand, I
love when I finish teaching, have lunch with Daniel and discuss
the stores, do some paperwork or check on some details, then
head home and have a little time before the kids get home where
I can just be by myself and enjoy my house. I guess what I
really have to do is decide if the pleasures of being boys' dean
would outweigh the pleasures of having that free, quiet time.
Oh, and allow me to repeat and stress the last thing I said in
my previous post - they don't know exactly what is going to be
included in this job. Though I already said 'no', I may still
end up discussing it with Mr. P today, maybe see if I can shape
it to something I'd want to do before it's set in stone.
#Post#: 3712--------------------------------------------------
Re: Bransom Christian Academy
By: db105 Date: February 13, 2018, 8:13 am
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This makes sense. You have so much going on that at some point
you have to say no, even if it's something you want to do,
because you can't be in several places at the same time.
#Post#: 3713--------------------------------------------------
Re: Bransom Christian Academy
By: Adric Date: February 13, 2018, 8:21 am
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[quote author=Jack link=topic=396.msg3702#msg3702
date=1518516723]
I guess what I really have to do is decide if the pleasures of
being boys' dean would outweigh the pleasures of having that
free, quiet time.
...
Though I already said 'no', I may still end up discussing it
with Mr. P today, maybe see if I can shape it to something I'd
want to do before it's set in stone.[/quote]
I see you're still interested, and still considering. Good luck
with those continuing discussions - maybe there is some middle
ground that would work for you.
#Post#: 3718--------------------------------------------------
Re: Bransom Christian Academy
By: Jack Date: February 13, 2018, 2:35 pm
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If the time not spent in discipline could be spent in something
fun and interesting - and if I could avoid being nothing but a
disciplinarian, it could be a fun job. Still, I'm just not sure
I'm willing or able to devote full time to it, and I'm pretty
sure that's what it would require.
#Post#: 3722--------------------------------------------------
Re: Bransom Christian Academy
By: kalico Date: February 13, 2018, 3:03 pm
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Wow jack.....
Good luck on figuring out and deciding on what works best for
you....
Hugs kal
#Post#: 5760--------------------------------------------------
Re: Bransom Christian Academy
By: Jack Date: May 18, 2018, 4:43 am
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I wasn't sure where to post this, but this seems like a good
place.
I was in second period yesterday and we were trying to finish up
a discussion, because I'm giving an actual test today. There
was a knock on my door.
I didn't recognize the young man. He was about 5'8" or 5'9",
with red hair (not as orange as Ryan's, but still very red)
nearly parted on the side, a lot of freckles, and gold wire
glasses with tortoiseshell on the nose and ear pieces. He was
pretty lean through the hips and shoulders, though he had a
decent build. His trousers were wrong, but he was wearing long
sleeves and a tie, so I figured he had some kind of event that
afternoon. He told me his name. I assumed he was there because
a female teacher wanted me to paddle him, so I asked him to wait
in the hall, while I brought the class to a stopping point.
"I think Mr. P wanted me to observe your class."
That brought me to a halt.
"What was your name?" I asked, because I was beginning to have a
suspicion.
"Bo... Robert Wight, and yes, it's spelled W I T T E."
I nodded and stepped back so he could come in.
"Sorry, Mr. Wight" I said quietly, "I thought you were..."
"... a student," he completed. "I get that a lot. And call me
Bobby."
"I'd be happy to, bot in front of the students. You're Mr.
Witte and I''m Mr. Wells."
"Yes, sir," he agreed, stepping in.
Besides being cute and having a very spankable rear end, Bobby
Wight (or Robert Witte, as I'd seen his name when I was first
told about him), just graduated college last week, so I'm
guessing he's at least 22 years old, despite looking younger
than at least three of my students. He has a degree in
education with a concentration on special needs, and he's
planning to work on a Master's in ADHD education. That's
actually the reason BCA hired him, and the reason he applied.
BCA has worked over the last few years to develop classes to
really help ADHD students, as well as dealing with other special
needs that tend to go along with it. I had to take a special
course in dealing with those students before starting there, and
it's one of the in-service topics that comes around on a regular
basis. While they are also working to deal with girls' special
needs, those tend to lie in other areas, and are outside my
field of expertise, while I've actually lead a practical
in-service for dealing with hyper boys.
They're still working out what Bobby's exact duties will be, but
he will be teaching a short class (probably during home room
period) on boys to help recognize and cope with the problems
they're having. He's also going to be reviewing and helping
improve teacher's tools for dealing with those boys with various
behavior problems, and trying to help keep those boys in regular
classrooms without disrupting or hurting the other students.
While I already have a full weekend, I invited him over for
burgers and discussion Saturday, and it should work out that he
can meet Paul and Ben and their parents as well.
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