March Herald.indd - Lake Union Conference

The Science Zone at BCA
Michigan —Ben Roy’s mobile “Science Zone” came
to Battle Creek Academy (BCA), enabling students
and teachers to witness spectacular demonstrations of
physical and chemical science. Dazzled by the “magic”
of science that Roy reveals during the show, students
were amazed as they watched a hydrogen gas rocket
lift off before their eyes, a liquid nitrogen cannon, and
much more.
BCA senior Tana VanderWaal commenting on the
show said, “I have never seen anyone blow anything
up before, so it was really interesting for me. It was a
lot of fun to see chemistry in action.”
Ben Roy came
to the Battle Creek
area from Calhoun,
Ga. He has been a
grades 1–8 classroom
teacher for 28
years. Roy teaches
science methods for
the University of
Tennessee and is also
EDUCATION NEWS
Jamie Mattson volunteered to assist Ben
Roy with one of his experiments.
an adjunct professor at Southern Adventist University.
He is the regional coordinator for the Tennessee
Environmental Education Association, and is a teacher
resource agent for the American Astronomical Society.
For more information, visit his Web site at www.
gosciencezone.com.
Michelle Cain, Battle Creek Academy marketing director
Michigan Conference Schools
Score High on National Tests
Michigan —For the first time in well over a decade,
and perhaps ever, students in Michigan Conference
Adventist schools scored at least 20 points higher than
the national average at each grade level on the Iowa
Test of Basic Skills, the most widely used achievement
test in the U.S. The test is given yearly at grade levels
three through nine in our conference. Each grade
scored from 20–22 percentile points higher than the
national average.
During the first week in November, students take a
battery of tests covering all the core subjects—reading,
language skills, math, science, social studies, and
study skills. The testing company then grades the tests,
and the results are compared with both public and
private school students who have taken the same tests
throughout
the country.
Our students
averaged better
than seven
out of every
10 students
who took the
test. Another
statistic shows
that when
compared to
entire schools
across the
country, our
Students in Michigan Conference Adventist
schools scored at least 20 points higher than
the national average at each grade level on the
Iowa Test of Basic Skills, the most widely used
achievement test in the U.S.
system would rank in the top 14%. That is great news
for parents and church members who are sacrificing so
much to have their children in Adventist schools!
It is interesting to note that while our schools are
exempt from the No Child Left Behind Act, the Iowa
Tests meet the testing requirements outlined in the
law. These scores verify that students in Michigan
Conference schools are receiving top-quality education
as measured by secular standards. However, we have
an even higher calling. We not only want to educate
our students to be successful in this life, but even more
importantly, to know Jesus and prepare for eternity
with Him.
Bill Reinke, Michigan Conference
associate superintendent of education
BCA Campus Ministries Hosts
Prayer Breakfast
Michigan —The Battle Creek Academy (BCA)
campus ministries team, under the direction of their
sponsors Ronie Fogg and Ken Wilson, hosted the
annual “See You at the Pole” breakfast. Breakfast was
served early so
that the 24 high
school students
and staff could
meet around the
flagpole at 7:00
a.m. Wednesday,
Sept. 17, 2003.
Students all
across the nation
BCA students met and prayed around the
academy flagpole just as the sun was coming up.
met around their flagpoles to participate in this annual
national event and pray for their country, their schools,
and their fellow students.
Michelle Cain, Battle Creek Academy marketing director
Visit our Web site at luc.adventist.org Lake Union Herald, March 2004 • 23