STEM Success at Bios

For just a second, or less, I was considering writing just below the definition for STEM from the National Science Teachers Association. Boring. Instead, here is my interpretation of the oft cited acronym. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and math. The idea is that a successful STEM education in science, technology, engineering, and math, taught through building on previous concepts learned and using real world applications will develop students with critical thinking skills, science literacy, and who will become our future innovators. It is such an important goal in education that in a speech to the National Academy of Sciences last April, President Obama included this statement, "Reaffirming and strengthening America’s role as the world’s engine of scientific discovery and technological innovation is essential to meeting the challenges of this century. That’s why I am committed to making the improvement of STEM education over the next decade a national priority."

In the ten year employment projections put out by the US Department of Labor, fifteen of the twenty fastest occupations require a lot of knowledge in math and science.

So how does Bios Christian Academy fare statistically and in graduates declaring their college majors? Quite well and only getting better.

Percent of ACT-Tested Students Ready for College-Level Coursework

* College English Composition: Bios 100%; Arizona 53%; national 64%

* College Algebra: Bios 60%; Arizona 38%; national 44%

* College Biology: Bios 60%; Arizona 28%; national 36%

The percentages above are the results of the much higher than average ACT scores achieved through the hard work of the students , teachers, and parents. I included English for fun and to make a point later. Those high math and science scores result in 68% of our graduates entering college with science or math related majors. If you want to have students desire the higher paying and in-demand occupations, then you give them the skills and confidence to make those choices. That is one of the many things we do really well.

Out of our 34 graduates, here are the specific majors declared at graduation and the number who declared so. Engineering-4, chemistry-2, kinesiology-2, nursing-2, science-1, biology-2, equine science-1, art-1, technology-1, business-1, premed-2, music-1, education-1, writing-1, forensic science-1, medical tech-1, veterinarian tech-1, physical therapy-2, computer science-1, film/media-2.

Now for my comment on English. As I have shown above, our English scores are really, really good on the ACT. This is a reflection of the students hard work in this area. The scores also reflect the schools commitment to an outstanding education in all subject areas, not only for the STEM subjects. Great reading and writing skills are just as important for our STEM majors as the rest of our students.

Supporting Arizona Reservation Ministries

Following are some excerpts from a letter we received today from Diana Lawrence of A.R.M.  Thank you for helping us to make an impact on the lives of these missionaries and the people they serve.

“We thank God for the team you brought to work alongside us this past Thursday!  We continue to praise God for those He sends to help us accomplish tasks which would be near-impossible alone.

As mentioned, your visit was God-orchestrated, as we were able to continue to have our Church Bus on a day with so many children, that without your presence, we would have had to cancel.  I appreciate your willingness to use your bus to help transport the kids to the playground and then home.  That was also an answer to prayer!

As always, the children truly enjoy the hugs, kind words and so much more that the students of Bios so willingly share.  I am confident that you are proud of your students.  We thank God for them.

When you return in November, Faye and I will be representing ARM at the International Conference on Missions in Kansas City.  Without your presence then, again, we would need to cancel!  Knowing how much we can count on all of you to fill in the gaps so well will help Faye and I rest assured that all are in good hands.”

Bios in the AZ Republic

Teaching sisters see students net honors

The Republic| azcentral.com

As sisters, Kelly Maguire and Anne Sanford have competed for recognition throughout their years.

The native Arizonans graduated from the same elementary and high schools. Although nearly 10 years apart in age, they both sought degrees in education: McGuire from the University of Arizo­na, and Sanford from Grand Canyon Uni­versity.

On Sept. 13, Maguire, who teaches English at Bios Christian Academy in Gilbert, and Sanford, an English teacher at St.Francis Xavier Elementary in Phoenix, both honored students who won an essay contest titled “Letters About Literature” for students in Grades 4-12.

More than 49,000 students from across the country entered the contest.

Maguire’s winners were McKenna Crawford and Kaylee Phillips while San­ford’s winning student was Johnny Van­derwey.

Donantions Update at Bios - A Generous Summer

The parents and friends of Bios Christian Academy have been very generous in their giving to the school already during this soon to be setting summer. Cash donations have totaled $1,595 for the playground. Non-cash donations are $10,635. Among the items included in the non-cash categories are three new iPads for high school science, three wireless access points, a Dell laptop for student computer programming, a Van Der Graff Generator for science, air conditioner repairs, science donations, and the flagpole.

Nine individuals contributed to our grand total of $12,230.

Thank you to everyone for their generosity in support of the school through volunteering their time in service as well as financially.

Fall Donations/Needs at Bios

It is that time of year where I put out my list of needs that, at least for now, are outside my budget's abilities to finance. This is no fundraising campaign or a sign of desperation. Instead, needs are made available which you may prayerfully consider.

Playground: six swings, outdoor basketball court with three baskets, climbing equipment shaped as a boat; $74,000

Fall/Spring gardens (K-6): raised gardens, tools, and sink; approx. $2,500

Building: We are working towards adding 8,000 additional square feet to our campus before June 1st. Donations towards that cause are always appreciated. The additions include four primary/elementary classrooms, the cafeteria, an office, two music rooms, improvements to current buildings, additional space for 7-12, and two music rooms; $1.4 million

With the building, we have some pressure to complete the project soon because  of building extension deadlines granted by the Town which begin to come due at the end of May, 2014. These extensions include removal of the modular building currently on campus, the addition of an expensive electrical panel, and the installation of over $100,000 of additional landscaping.