Yellowstone Academy Visit

Students in the Lower School are paired up with a student at Yellowstone Academy each year to write encouraging notes to and pray for throughout the year. Last Thursday I had the joy of welcoming Yellowstone on to our campus, experience chapel and then go out to the fields to have a treat and pray with their prayer partners.

This is a moving experience as I saw each of the students praying with their Yellowstone student. Students were holding hands out to the fields and asking them about their year in school. They were laughing and hugging, as they were elated to finally see each other.

I am convinced our students were blessed by this great opportunity. It was a great sight to see the culmination of a full year of our students praying for someone and now getting to meet and pray together. Thank you Yellowstone for partnering with us on this.

This is what this School is about.

Dr. Jeff D. Williams

US Musical – South Pacific

What a weekend of fun and laughter. I was amazed at the Upper School Musical South Pacific this weekend at the Hobby Center. I took my family Sunday afternoon for an experience that put big smiles on our faces. What a treat to see a “Broadway” level production from Upper School students. It was a fantastic event that inspired not only my three girls, but me as well. I could not help but think about the countless hours these students spent using their gifts and talents to glorify God. The show was flawless and all of their work paid off.

The Cast & Crew of South Pacific

Great job cast, crew, Production Team, and all those involved!
Dr. Jeff D. Williams

EagleFest 2011

What a day! How can I begin to thank all of those involved in such a special day?

EagleFest 2011 was another big success. I was moved to see so much laughter and kids having fun. School should be fun and should be a time where students and families come together to celebrate.

Thank you to all those involved in making this special day happen.
Thank you SBS families for a great day.
Thank you Lord for holding off the rain.

Looking forward to EagleFest 2012.
Dr. Jeff D. Williams

Activities on Campus: April 7

Last Thursday I had the chance to see one of the great traditions at SBS: the fourth grade Jesus Freak program. I watched our fourth graders participate and I would say shine as they clearly communicated the gospel. It was amazing seeing our children sing and dance as they share the beauty of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I always think this program is so enjoyable to watch because the kids look like they are having so much fun. School should be not only fun but also focused on eternal values.

I did not have the opportunity to stay and join the grandparents at the reception because I needed to observe another wonderful experience going on at our School. Two of our seniors were signing their letters of intent to play college football next year. What a joy to see two of our young men, their families, and our students, celebrate their great accomplishments.

To God be the Glory,
Dr. Jeff D. Williams

Upper School Prefect System

Last Thursday the freshman, sophomore, and junior classes gathered together to introduce the new Prefects for next year.

The purpose and rationale of the Prefect System is this:
• Prefects are student leaders selected from the senior class who possess a high degree of commitment to the School’s values and ideals.
• Their influence within the School community is based on their character demonstrated through service to the School.
• Prefects create impact within the School community through servant leadership, deliberately avoiding special privileges.
• All Prefects are responsible for forming a committee of students from each grade to assist in the management of their office.
• Prefects are senior leaders who are capable of overseeing the work in their particular areas and managing the underclassmen involved therein.
• They do not carry the power of authority over other students; their effectiveness derives from their personal convictions and the quality of their lives as role models.
• Prefects assume significant responsibilities in the daily life of the School.

There were 26 students who applied for seven Prefect positions. They went through a rigorous application process and interviewed in front of a selection committee chosen by the junior class. The current seven Prefect’s also served on the committee. The Prefect selections were submitted to me and I accepted these servant leaders for the 2011-2012 Prefect System:

Admissions Prefect: Miss Emma Raymond
Mentor: Mrs. Andrea Prothro

Academic Prefect: Mr. Adam Hammer
Mentor: Mr. Nathan Barber

Service Prefect: Mr. Josh Kee
Mentor: Ms. Jeannene Simonton

Student Life Prefect: Miss Molly Tollett
Mentor: Mrs. Kim Orr

Publicity Prefect: Miss Ashley Petkas
Mentor: Mrs. Kathy Payne

Unity Prefect: Miss Kayla Chambers
Mentor: Mr. Jim Shewmake and Mrs. Tamara Gallagher

Head Prefect: Miss Emily Harvin
Mentor: Dr. Jeff D. Williams

Congratulations to our new Prefects!
Dr. Williams

Second Generation Breakfast

Last Thursday, I had the joy of attending the Second Generation Breakfast. This event is for all of the alumni who currently have children at Second Baptist School. It was a special morning filled with great memories of SBS in the past and new memories of SBS being created today. We are blessed to have so many legacy children back in the hallways once occupied by their parents.

Thank you Second Generation Parents.
Dr. Williams

Pre-Kindergarten/Bridge Hoedown

The stars at night ARE big and bright deep in the heart of SBS. What a treat it was to experience the stars of Pre-Kindergarten and Bridge at the Hoedown last Thursday. It was so fun to see our students say the pledges, square dance, and sing songs about our great state of Texas. I was amazed at how much the students learned and recited. Many thanks to the parents who not only provided the fantastic decorations but also helped outfit our wonderful cowboys and cowgirls.

I sure am proud to be a Texan,
Dr. Williams

Second Grade President’s Program

“Washington, Adams, Jefferson and Madison, James Monroe and Adams J.Q. . . .” I left the Sanctuary last Thursday singing the same song that the Second Grade has been singing for the past two months. What an experience of American Pride. The Parade of Presidents has been a powerful tradition at SBS for many years and many more to come as long as I am here. I saw young men and women express with pride the great blessing it is to live in this country. How often we fail to thank the Lord for the blessing of this nation. I was moved by the “Salute to the Armed Forces” as they honored the United States Army. I rejoice once more for the opportunity to be a part of SBS which not only sings “God Bless America” but raises young men and women up to bless God.

God Bless America,
Land that I love.
Stand beside her, and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans, white with foam
God bless America, My home sweet home.

Dr. Williams

Lower School Carpool

I know I have written about this before but I sure do love Lower School Carpool. What a blessing to begin the day with welcoming students to school. Their faces are smiling and they are eager for school. I realize many times mornings are chaotic and stressed, trying to get everyone dressed and some kind of food in their stomachs. The thought of it being joyful and exciting seems opposite of what is really happening. I will say that the high fives and smiles tell me a different story. They tell me that they are excited about school and ready to see their fantastic teachers and good friends.

Relationships . . . is that not what it is all about?

See you at carpool-
Dr. Williams

Eighth Grade Guest Speaker

I had the privilege of joining the eighth grade students, faculty, and a number of parents last Thursday as we heard from Mr. Walter Kase. He is a Holocaust survivor that was at 5 different concentration camps, including Auschwitz.

He shared his life story of growing up in Poland and being moved to a Ghetto. He shared about his horrific train ride and then being separated from his mother and sister. Some of his greatest memories included: liberation by the US Army, his first Hershey candy bar, and coming to America as part of the Eleanor Roosevelt save the children program. When he finished his presentation, he pulled up his sleeve and showed the students his number and stated it represents “Victory” not death.

This was an incredible experience for our students. Having the opportunity to listen to a Holocaust survivor last week and then travel to Washington, D.C. this week will be life changing for our eighth graders.

Dr. Williams