BB 08-15-25

BRADFORD BULLETIN

VOLUME XVIII, ISSUE 6

Aug 15, 2025

 

FROM THE OFFICE

NEW STUDENTS:  We look forward to introducing your students to their Bradford House:  Austerfield, Leiden, Plymouth or Scrooby!  We will give them their house scarf during a ceremony and parents are invited to come.  It is always exciting for returning students to welcome new students into their house.

  • Upper school (5th – 12th grade):  Scarf Ceremony on Wed, 8/20 at 8:00 a.m. in the auditorium.
  • Lower School (K – 4th grade):  Scarf Ceremony on Fri, 8/22 at 8:00 a.m. in the auditorium.
  • Transitional Kindergarten:  On Thurs, 9/11, parents are welcome to join us for coffee and donuts right after drop off, followed by the Scarf Ceremony at 8:15 a.m.

YELLOW CAR TAGS:  

  • Every person picking up a student MUST have a yellow car tag.  You may request additional copies by emailing office@bradfordacademy.org
  • At dismissal, car tags should be displayed from the passenger side visor facing the front for easy readability.  (Car tags on the dashboard are not visible.)  PRO TIP:  Use a skirt hanger to attach the card and hang from the visor.

ZIPCAST:  Have you signed up for Zipcast yet?  If not, please text code BANC to (833)-409-4823.  The first Zipcast comes out on Monday!

LOWER SCHOOL IMPORTANT NOTES:

  • FROM MRS. MITCHELL:  Students fell right back into the Bradford Way and new staff always express gratitude for these instilled routines. They prime the pump for learning and for loving one another well. New students are quickly catching on as we spend the first 3 days teaching classroom expectations before our first full week of curriculum instruction! Weekend goal for families: establish your homework routines with these options: prepare a distraction-free space; remain in uniform until finished, enjoy a working snack, sign off before the child is dismissed to change and play.
  • ARCHER CREW:  Archer Crew Sign-up Genius
    • Parents, The Archer Crew is a dedicated group of dads (for heavy lifting) and moms who work behind the scenes on one or multiple Fridays to vacuum, spot clean, and reset classrooms for Sunday School use.  It is a huge blessing to our staff to see smiling faces come to serve at the week’s end.  Work begins at 2:40 PM while your student/s enjoy time with friends in the car line until 3:00.  With a full crew we can typically finish by around 3:15.  In addition, we could use help in the parking lot: 2X/month for 10 mins. on Wednesday afternoon; & early Monday/Thursday mornings for 10-15 mins.  We would ask that children not help in the parking lot, for the sake of everyone’s safety.  Thank you for prayerfully considering this.

UPPER SCHOOL IMPORTANT NOTES:

  • Senior Info Night:  Tues, 8/26 at 5:00 pm for parents and students (Please note: this is a NEW date.)  

 

UPCOMING

NEXT WEEK:

  • Tues, 8/19:
    • First Day of Transitional Kindergarten and Moms’ Helper
    • MS Boys Soccer – at Haw River Christian Academy
    • 3:30 – V Boys Soccer – HOME (Mebane Arts and Community Center)
  • Wed, 8/20:   8:00 am –  Upper School Scarf Ceremony –  Parents of new students are invited!
  • Thurs, 8/21:  4:00 – V Girls Tennis – AWAY
  • Fri, 8/22:  8:00 am – Lower School Scarf Ceremony – Parents of new students are invited!

IN THE NEAR FUTURE:

  • NEW DATE – Tues, 8/26 – Senior Information Night, 5:00 at upper school campus
  • Mon, 9/1 – Labor Day – No School
  • Thurs, 9/4 – 8:00am – First Thursday Coffee and Conversation with Mr. Johnston – at Traveling Addiction
  • Thurs, 9/11 – 8:00am – TK Scarf Ceremony, coffee and donuts for parents
  • Fri, 9/26 – Last day of Q1
  • Mon, 9/29 – Fri, 10/3 – FALL BREAK

FROM THE TEACHER’S DESK

 

GRAMMAR SCHOOL

 

Lower School Art (Mrs. Knight)

3rd
  • Mrs. Knight looks forward to meeting students on Tuesday of next week for our first art class together. Our theme for this year will be “slow down and learn to see”. 
4th
  • Mrs. Knight looks forward to meeting students on Thursday of next week for our first art class together. Our theme for this year will be “slow down and learn to see”.

Kindergarten (Mrs. Rivera and Miss Burdeshaw)

This Week: 
  • Our kindergarten scholars had a wonderful first week of school! They learned so much during our first three days and seemed excited to learn. We went over classroom expectations and school protocols, as well as our line order. We introduced our math meeting, which discusses the date, the days of the week, the months of the year, and how many days we’ve been in school. We also practiced counting on our hundred number chart and writing out the numbers 1-5. In science/history, we discussed the Creation story in Genesis and about how God created the universe in seven days. 
Memory Work: 
  • Proverbs 1:7

1st Grade (Mrs. Cantaffa & Mrs. Smith)

This Week: 
  • We had a wonderful first week of school together! Students spent time learning our classroom procedures and behavior expectations to help set us up for a great year. We explored where our materials are kept and what each one is used for. We practiced how to sit properly, hold our pencils with a strong grip, and use good posture while writing. We enjoyed reading a couple of fun books together, and students took a beginning-of-the-year math assessment so we can see what they already know and how best to help them grow. It was a great start, and we’re looking forward to all the learning and adventures ahead!
Memory Work:  
  • Proverbs 1:7 

 

2nd Grade (Miss Verroi & Mrs. Eng)

This Week: 
  • It was a delight to welcome each of the second grade students to our classes this week.  We look forward to getting to know each of them better as they each present their “I’m in the Bag” assignment next week.  We reviewed 1 Corinthians 13:5-8a and will use this verse to help each of us make our classrooms a loving environment for learning.  We began our history with the truth that God created all things by His Word and Spirit.  The students sang, colored and memorized the days of creation.  We completed our first book “Mouse Soup” by Arnold Lobel and the students completed their first reading packet.  We reviewed a few math concepts and alphabetical order as well as the proper cursive formation of each letter.  Next week we will begin all our subjects to include Latin, Spelling, Grammar, Art, Math, Science.  Physical Education will be on Wednesdays and Music will be on Fridays this year.  

 

3rd Grade (Mrs. Clark and Mrs. Meredith)

This Week
  • Third grade students had a wonderful first week of school! They learned about procedures and expectations for this year. In math, they reviewed place value and took a beginning-of-the-year math assessment (to see what skills they remember from last year!) We also looked at our Latin books and did some writing about our summers! Lastly, we started our read aloud book, The Secret Garden this week. What a busy, but exciting, first week!
Upcoming Memory Work:
  • Proverbs 1:7

4th Grade (Mrs. Graham and Mrs. Rankin) 

This Week
  • It has been a wonderful start to 4th grade! Our students have been settling in, reacquainting themselves with familiar routines while learning new procedures and expectations. We’ve also begun introducing parts of our new curriculum, such as the history timeline song and the math sound-off. We also shared about our summers by creating key word outlines to help us express our thoughts clearly. 

Mr. Johnston reminded the class that, as they oldest students on the lower  campus, they are now the role models the younger students will be looking up to. We’ve encouraged them to take this responsibility to heart – choosing words that build up and encourage, ensuring both their speech and actions are done in love, and striving to rise above. In all these things they are to seek to glorify God.

We’re looking forward to a great first full week ahead.

Upcoming  Memory Work:
  • Matthew 7:12 and Catechism 86

 

LOGIC SCHOOL

 

Mrs. Bennington

5th-6th Band
  • This week we spent time going over the course objectives for the year, protocols, procedures, and  rules for class. Students were also given information on how to get instruments and needed books and/or supplies. Sixth grade students will start bringing instruments to class on Thursday, August 21st. 
7th-8th Band
  • This week we spent time going over the course objectives for the year, protocols, procedures, and  rules for class. Students were also given information on how to get instruments and needed books and/or supplies. Sixth grade students will start bringing instruments to class on Thursday, August 21st. 

Mrs. Johnston

5th – 8th Choir
  • 5th Choir – We reviewed the basics of reading music: what is the Grand Staff, how do we identify notes, what kinds of notes are there, etc. We also focused on identifying the distance between notes and being able to sing them accurately. We applied all this by creating a staff on the floor with tape and standing on the pitches and singing them.
  • 6th Choir – We reviewed note intervals (the distance between notes) as well as Do-Re-Mi (Solfeggio). We made a staff on the floor with tape and practiced note accuracy by standing on the notes and singing them.
  • 7th/8th Choir – We reviewed note intervals (the distance between notes) as well as Do-Re-Mi (Solfeggio). We made a staff on the floor with tape and practiced note accuracy by standing on the notes and singing them.

Miss Stevenson 

5th-8th Girls’ PE
  • This week the rain kept us inside, so we spent our time going over protocols, class rules, and plans for the future. 

5th Grade (Mrs. LaTour and Miss Johnston) 

This Week
  •  This was a great first week! The students learned and practiced many rules and protocols. We began learning our verse, we learned about expanded form in math, we created maps of our neighborhoods in preparation for learning about cartographers, we began reading The Hobbit, and much more. It was a busy week but the students worked hard and stayed on task. I am excited to see what they accomplish in the upcoming weeks! 
Memory Work:
  • Romans 12:1-2

Mrs. Knight

5th Art
  • Mrs. Knight looks forward to meeting students on Tuesday of next week for our first art class. Fifth graders will have art on Tuesday and Thursday mornings this year. Our theme for the year will be “slow down and learn to see.”

 

6th Grade (Mrs. McDorman and Miss Stevenson)

6th Reading and Literature
  • This week we started reading The Sign of the Beaver.
6th Grammar and Writing
  • In Grammar this week, students completed their diagnostic essays. These are to give us an idea of where we are so that we can more effectively plan what we need to cover this quarter. 
6th Bible
  • In Bible we discussed the fourth-quarter compare/contrast essay on the four gospels. We also began reading the gospel of Matthew.
6th History
  • Our card for History this week was on the Monroe Doctrine.
6th Science
  • Science this week consisted of reviewing how to take Cornell notes. We also started taking notes on the nature of science. 
6th Logic
  • In Logic this week we read the first part of the introduction to Fallacy Detectives and briefly discussed exercising your mind.
6th Latin
  • This week the 6th grade Latin classes were introduced to their new Latin curriculum, discussed why we study Latin, and set up their workbook binders.  Students then began translating chapter one together with their class, identified new vocabulary and noticed grammar concepts within the text.  We started all the assigned exercises in class before they were sent home as homework.  

Mrs. Crotts

6th Math
  • This week students ventured into the world of 6th Grade Sadlier Math.  They received text books and workbooks. They will be able to write in the workbooks and additionally on notebook paper.  We spent a few moments playing a name game to better acquaint new students with returned students.  Students began work on lessons 1 and 2.

Mrs. Palmer

6th Art
  • Students spent this week learning all about expectations in art class!  

Dr. Wright

7th Omnibus
  • Literature:  Students took a quiz on the summer reading. 
  • History: We began examining Genesis 1-11 in preparation for our study of Old Babylon and Gilgamesh. 
  • Composition: Students summarized chapters from Genesis 1-11.  

Mrs. Frueh

7th Science
  • Our science class only met once this week, but we were able to review the Cornell note-taking method and set-up our notebooks for the year ahead. We also started discussing the definition of the word science, as well as the scope and limitations of science. 
7th Pre-Algebra
  • The students were excited to jump right into our curriculum! This week we reviewed place value, naming numbers, expanded notation, and rounding, as well as the four fundamental operations of arithmetic. 

Mrs. Palmer 

7th Art
  • We spent this week learning about art class expectations.  We also talked through why we create and possible careers in art.  We discussed the importance of creating because we were created to glorify God and imitate our Creator. 

Mrs. Wright

7th Latin
  • This week the 7th grade Latin classes were introduced to their new Latin curriculum, discussed why we study Latin, and set up their workbook binders.  Students then began translating chapter one together with their class, identified new vocabulary and noticed grammar concepts within the text.  We started all the assigned exercises in class before they were sent home as homework.  
7th Logic
  • This week the 7th grade Logic class spent time discussing what is logic, the difference between an argument and a quarrel, and what it looks like to discuss an issue as a philosopher (seeker, friend, or lover of wisdom or truth).  They were also introduced to the difference between informal and formal logic, defined the term fallacy, and learned the basics of how fallacies are organized in Logic.  

Dr. Wright

8th Omnibus 
  • Literature: We also discussed the different ways of reading a book (survey, view, skim, read, study).  Ask your student!
  • History:  We examined Luke 24 and Acts 1, in preparation for our study of the early church and Eusebius’s Church History. 
  • Composition: Students took a quiz on the summer reading, which included several short essay responses. 

Mrs. Wright

8th Latin
  • This week the 8th grade Latin classes were introduced to their new Latin curriculum, discussed why we study Latin, and set up their workbook binders.  Students then began translating chapter one together with their class, identified new vocabulary and noticed grammar concepts within the text.  We started all the assigned exercises in class before they were sent home as homework.

Mrs. Frueh

8th Science
  • The students were excited to jump right into our curriculum this week as we started our study of physical science! We were able to review the Cornell note-taking method and set-up our notebooks for success this year. We jumped right into our first unit by discussing the difference between physical and chemical changes in matter.
8th Algebra I
  • Learning Algebra is like learning a language. Algebra has its own grammar rules, just like we see in English composition. This week we learned the difference between algebraic expressions (which require simplifying and evaluation) and algebraic equations (which require solving). We also learned how to evaluate algebraic expressions.
  • All students are required to join Google Classroom within the next week. (Parents are also welcome to join the Google Classroom).  The code for this class is: 7kpqzypg.

Mrs. Palmer 

8th Art
  • We spent this week learning about art class expectations.  We also talked through why we create and possible careers in art.  We discussed the importance of creating because we were created to glorify God and imitate our Creator. 

Mr. Crotts

8th Logic
  • We met twice this week to get to know each other, as well as understand our coursework for the year.
  • God has made us to be rational & reasonable creatures
  • Logic is the science & art of reasoning well
  • Our work will be in-class and involve lectures, exercises, discussions, and writing.

RHETORIC SCHOOL

From the COLLEGE COUNSELING Office:

9th-12th:
  • Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year!  Please share questions with me! Mandy Crotts, College Counselor  mcrotts@bradfordacademy.org
  • Rhetoric students’ parents received an email with the invitation to set up meetings and also a working list of calendar dates for events and tasks to prepare for college and scholarship searches and applications.  Students are challenged to begin an Activities List which should include hobbies, volunteer and paid work, music, art, and sports participation and awards for each school year (9th-12th grade).
Seniors
  • Senior Info Night will be Tuesday, August 26 from 5 PM-6 PM in Room 305.
  • ACC College Fair is scheduled for September 22 during the school day. This is an opportunity to visit with admissions representatives from colleges all over the area–Elon, Ole Miss, Liberty, NC State, etc.
  • Seniors should sign up at College Board for the SAT and ACT for Fall or Spring dates.
  • Seniors should begin to narrow college choices and visits and also begin the application process.  An initial step is to speak with teachers, coaches, and bosses to request recommendation letters.  Share your Activities List with them. These can be submitted by paper or through the Common App and online.  The second step will be to write application essays stating why he/she would be a great fit for a particular college.
  • Seniors should also focus on scholarship applications and deadlines.
  • Seniors &/or their parents should arrange a College Counselor meeting.
Juniors
  • ACC College Fair is scheduled for September 22 during the school day. This is an opportunity to visit with admissions representatives from colleges all over the area–Elon, Ole Miss, Liberty, NC State, etc.
  • Junior/Senior Preview Day is scheduled for October 8 from 3 PM-4 PM in Room 305.
  • Juniors take the PSAT at Burlington Christian Academy on October 9 from 8 AM- 12 noon.
  • Junior Info Night will be October 30 from 5 PM-6 PM in Room 305.
  • Junior/Senior Preview Day will be October from 3 PM-4 PM in Room 305.
  • Juniors are required to take the ACT to receive the NC Opportunity Scholarship.  Register at College Board.  Juniors are encouraged to take the SAT for the first time in the spring.
Sophomores
  • ACC College Fair is scheduled for September 22 during the school day. This is an opportunity to visit with admissions representatives from colleges all over the area–Elon, Ole Miss, Liberty, NC State, etc.
  • ACC Librarian, Rebekah Scott will address 10th Graders about online research for papers and scholarships on September 24 from 9:25 AM-10:00 AM.
  • Junior/Senior Preview Day is scheduled for October 8 from 3 PM-4 PM in Room 305.
Freshman
  • ACC Librarian, Rebekah Scott will address 9th Graders about online research for papers and scholarships on September 23 from 10 AM-10:45 AM.

Mrs. Palmer 

9th Spanish 
  • We spent this week learning the ropes of Spanish class.  We talked about our daily dialogue, class expectations and jumped right in with some Spanish vocabulary and beginning grammar. 

Coach Johnston

9th History
  • We spent the first day of class going through the syllabus, highlighting class expectations and introducing the range of topics we will cover in modern history this year.

Ms. Oldham

9th Rhetoric I
  • Students have begun their foray into the study of Rhetoric. We are excited to begin this year and cannot wait to see what the Lord has in store for us. 

Dr. Byrd 

9th Bible Survey 

  • We began our year well. We discussed the question – what does a survey of the Bible mean?
  • Bible Memory for next Wed – Joshua 1:8

Mrs. Frueh

9th Biology
  • The students were excited to jump right into our curriculum this week as we started our study of biology. Our first module will focus on the classification of the abundant diversity of living things. The students are already hard at work studying the new vocabulary for this unit.
  • All students are required to join Google Classroom within the next week. (Parents are also welcome to join the Google Classroom).  The code for this class is: zh3j2bkl.
9th Geometry
  • We started this week with a discussion of Euclid’s Elements and the importance of this most prominent math textbook of the last 2000 years. We discussed the history of the book and read about Abraham Lincoln’s particular affection for the text. As part of our discussion of Euclid, we introduced the axiomatic method and the practice of writing 2-column proofs.
  • All students are required to join Google Classroom within the next week. (Parents are also welcome to join the Google Classroom).  The code for this class is: pqetpk77.

Mrs. Crotts

9th Literature
  • 9th Graders each received a syllabus as well as helpful materials for enhancing writing–formal essay requirements, strong verbs, literary term definitions and examples, adverbs, etc.  They were challenged to work hard for God’s glory, but also to be balanced in their pursuit of excellence.  We also discussed how works will be read and viewed through a Biblical worldview.  This class will begin reading John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress.  They will have a quiz, write an essay and also complete an artistic plot map about the work.

Mrs. Fairchild 

9th – 11th Art Foundations
  • We began our year with an introduction to art analysis and previewed a few topics for future socratic discussions. The students quickly realized that there was much more to art than just brushstrokes on a canvas. I hope to challenge them to think critically about worldview and to more fully understand what the Bible has to say about art.

Mrs. Bennington

9th-11th Band 
  • This week we spent time going over the course objectives for the year, protocols, procedures, and  rules for class. Students were also given information on how to get instruments and needed books and/or supplies. We reviewed music theory concepts and focused heavily on reading rhythms and applying key signatures to our music . We played multiple exercises utilizing our Bb scale. Students worked hard and I am very excited to see what they are able to accomplish this year!  

Mrs. Palmer

10th Spanish
  • We spent this week reviewing the ins and outs of Spanish class.  We reviewed past vocabulary and beginning grammar concepts.  I look forward to a great year ahead. 

Mrs. Byrd

10th Algebra II
  • Our class is up and running.  We are considering the basic goals of algebra II and how it serves as a gateway to higher math.  Our first topic of the year is a  review of algebra basics.

Mrs. Crotts

10th Literature
  • 10th Graders each received a syllabus as well as helpful materials for enhancing writing–formal essay requirements, strong verbs, literary term definitions and examples, adverbs, etc.  They were challenged to work hard for God’s glory, but also to be balanced in their pursuit of excellence.  We also discussed how works will be read and viewed through a Biblical worldview.  This class will begin reading Aesop’s Fables and then the Proverbs from the Old Testament.  They will have a quiz, write an essay and also present a contrast and comparison of one of the fables and a Proverb.

Miss Oldham

10th Rhetoric II
  • Students have begun their foray into the study of Rhetoric. We are excited to begin this year and cannot wait to see what the Lord has in store for us. 

Coach Johnston

10th History
  • We spent the first day of class going through the syllabus and highlighting class expectations. Following that, we began our first assignment to read six origin stories in preparation for a class discussion on Friday.

Dr. Smith

10th Historical Theology 

  • We have begun by considering the definitions of the terms “Christian” and “theology” and the inherent historical character to the Christian faith.

Mrs. Byrd

11th Precalculus
  • Our class will be expanding and adding to the basic functions that were introduced last year.  Our concern is learning to use these functions to model real world situations in order to predict and make decisions.  We are beginning the year with a quick review of function basics before diving into polynomial functions.

Miss Oldham

11th Literature
  • Students took their summer reading quiz this week. We will begin our first book next week. 

Dr. Smith

11th NT Greek
  • We have begun by learning the alphabet, the vowels, pronunciations of letters, and some vocabulary.

Mr. Webster

11th History
  • This week we went over the class syllabus and discussed class expectations. We also discussed the importance of understanding history through a Christian worldview. 

Dr. Smith

11th-12th Apologetics
  • We have begun by reading and discussing the Introduction and first chapter to my book on An Introduction to Apologetics. We are looking at the organic union between apologetics, discipleship and evangelism.

Coach Johnston

12th History
  • We reviewed the syllabus and then connected where their history course ended last year to what we will be covering this year.

Miss Oldham

12th Literature
  •  We have jumped right in with Milton’s Paradise Lost. 
12th Rhetoric III
  • Please be in prayer for our seniors as they begin the difficult work of their theses. This quarter is focused on researching their topics and then will begin writing over IST in October. 

Mrs. Byrd

12th Calculus
  • We began the class by learning a brief history of calculus and what prompted the invention of this branch of mathematics.  Our first topic is “limits” – getting infinitely close to a value without actually reaching it- a foundational concept for the rest of the course.