G R E A T E R B O S T O N A C A D E M Y August 26 – October 18, 2013 1 Beacon A new year brings new and exciting changes to Greater Boston Academy. This year finds increased enrollment, new faculty members, facility improvements, and classroom rearrangement. ENROLLMENT INCREASE GBA’s enrollment for 2013-2014 has increased by over 16% thanks to recruiting efforts by administration, faculty, staff, board and church members, and even students. According to principal Angela Walton, enrollment increased in the elementary grades by 20 at press time, and more students may still register. Registered students in academy grades 9 - 12 increased as well, up 2 from last year to 38 for this year. Though that increase may seem small, consider that last year’s graduating class had 13 students, one of the largest in over a decade, while this year’s senior class has just 6 members. Since the incoming freshman class adds 12 students, and several transfer students have signed up as well, the total number is higher overall. This increase in enrollment has affected more than just numbers. The third grade class has expanded the most of any, from 12 students last year to 19 students this year, up more than 60 percent. As a result, the fourth graders have moved in with the fifth graders, and the sixth with the seventh, and conjoining the eighth graders with the academy. Any way you count it, the numbers add up to success. “If I had to say it in one word, it would be ‘wow,’” Mrs. Walton says. “The benefits of having increased enrollment are many. Of course we can bring more people to Christ. On top of that, having more students means having more resources to improve our school, and more diversity. I”m truly excited about the diversity and opportunity increased enrollment brings.” The number of new students can be attributed mostly to word of mouth advertising and recruiting efforts. Mrs. Walton says many people were instrumental in “getting the word out.” “Mr. Walton and I preached in many churches; Mr. Silié did a lot of work recruiting, and our teachers and staff members got out to churches, too,” she explains. “Board members, parents—lots of people worked together. It was truly a whole school effort.” The whole school effort also involved senior and Student Association president Rodney Bruno, who added “Student Recruitment Director” to his many jobs over the summer. Bruno helped plan several trips to local schools last year and followed up on contacts made at churches and schools. Mrs. Walton expects strong enrollment throughout this school year and plans for GBA’s numbers to continue to rise. Her goal for next year is to increase the same amount for the elementary next year and retain or increase the numbers for academy. “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16 Volume 13, Issue 1 August 26 – October 18, 2013 The New year, new people, new changes By Ciara Jordan-Sanders, Merypaula Lara, Paola Mendez, Eden Perozo, Soniel Valentin, and Astrid Wendth Principal Angela Walton is excited about increased enrollment and other changes she helped bring about for the 2013-2014 school year. Photo: Paola Mendez FOR MORE, SEE PAGE 4. “If I had to say it in one word, it would be ‘wow.’ I’m truly excited about the diversity and opportunity increased enrollment brings.”
Transcript
G R E A T E R B O S T O N A C A D E M Y
August 26 – October 18, 2013 1
BeaconA new year brings new and exciting
changes to Greater Boston Academy. This year finds increased enrollment, new faculty members, facility improvements, and classroom rearrangement.
ENROLLMENT INCREASE
GBA’s enrollment for 2013-2014 has increased by over 16% thanks to recruiting e f f o r t s b y a d m i n i s t r a t i o n , faculty, staff, board and church members, and even students.
According to principal Angela Walton, enrollment increased in the elementary grades by 20 at press time, and more students may s t i l l r e g i s t e r . Registered students in academy grades 9 - 12 increased as well, up 2 from last year to 38 for this year. Though that increase may seem small, consider that last year’s graduating class had 13 students, one of the largest in over a decade, while this year’s senior class has just 6 members. Since the incoming freshman class adds 12 students, and several transfer students have signed up as well, the total number is higher overall.
This increase in enrollment has affected more than just numbers. The third grade class has expanded the most of any, from 12 students last year to 19 students this year, up
more than 60 percent. As a result, the fourth graders have moved in with the fifth graders, and the sixth with the seventh, and conjoining the eighth graders with the academy.
Any way you count it, the numbers add up to success. “If I had to say it in one word, it would be ‘wow,’” Mrs. Walton says. “The benefits of having increased enrollment are many. Of course we can bring more people to
Christ. On top of that, having more students means having more resources to improve our school, and more diversity. I”m truly excited about the d i v e r s i t y a n d opportunity increased enrollment brings.” The number of new students can be attributed mostly to word of mouth advertising and recruiting efforts. Mrs. Walton says many
people were instrumental in “getting the word out.” “Mr. Walton and I preached in many churches; Mr. Silié did a lot of work recruiting, and our teachers and staff members got out to churches, too,” she explains. “Board members, parents—lots of people worked together. It was truly a whole school effort.”
The whole school effort also involved senior and Student Association president Rodney Bruno, who added “Student Recruitment Director” to his many jobs over
the summer. Bruno helped plan several trips to local schools last year and followed up on contacts made at churches and schools.
Mrs. Walton expects strong enrollment throughout this school year and plans for GBA’s numbers to continue to rise. Her goal for next year is to increase the same amount for the elementary next year and retain or increase the numbers for academy.
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16 Volume 13, Issue 1 August 26 – October 18, 2013
The
New year, new people, new changesBy Ciara Jordan-Sanders, Merypaula Lara, Paola Mendez, Eden Perozo, Soniel Valentin, and Astrid Wendth
Principal Angela Walton is excited about increased enrollment and other changes she helped bring about for the 2013-2014 school year.
Photo: Paola Mendez
FOR MORE, SEE PAGE 4.
“If I had to say it in one word, it would be
‘wow.’ I’m truly excited about the
diversity and opportunity increased
enrollment brings.”
G R E A T E R B O S T O N A C A D E M Y
2 August 26 – October 18, 2013
GREATER BOSTON ACADEMY’S annual trip to Camp Winnekeag gave students and staff an opportunity to recharge their “spiritual batteries” over three days in September. According to new Chaplain and Bible teacher Fabio Ayala, who planned most of the trip’s activities, the goal for Winnekeag this year was for students to draw closer to God and to one another.
The experience measured up to expectations. In addition to enjoying traditional popular activities like gym night, outdoor volleyball, kayaking, and water tubing, students participated in team challenges, themed worship services, and a foot washing ceremony. Main speaker Fabio Ayala, along with guest speakers Pastor Josue Feliciano and Pastor Cesar Perozo, delivered powerful messages about spiritual identity, Ayala’s major spiritual theme for the school year.
The team challenges incorporated fun into a spiritual message of cooperation. One challenge had students constructing structures as high as possible using only marshmallows and raw spaghetti sticks. Some students began to argue with each other because they each wanted to construct the tower in their own way, rather than cooperating with each other. Our spiritual walks can be similar, Mr. Ayala reminded us. We sometimes like to listen to ourselves, but we need to remember that we need to work together in order to reach higher.
Another challenge had students divide into four groups and stand on a blue tarp. We
were challenged to stay on there for ten full seconds. At first it was easy, but after each victory, we had to fold the tarp in half. It was hard to fit everyone onto the tarp when it was barely the size of one person. “We had to be creative and communicate well with each other in order to fit,” junior Eden Perozo
explained. Junior Regina Dumont added, “Some of us even had to climb up on top of each other to get all of us to fit! It was a lot of fun.” Junior Sarah Logan-Cruz suggested the spiritual moral of this challenge is that though sometimes our spiritual journeys can be inconvenient, uncomfortable and even
Winnekeag trip recharges spiritualityBy Regina Dumont and Paola Mendez
Sophomore Renata DaSilva, seniors Kervins Jean-Baptiste and Alben Mendes, junior Herby Jean-Baptiste, freshman Angie Carmen, and sophomores Ben Louissaint and Jamal Allen grew closer to God and to each other during the spiritual retreat.
Photo: Randy Barros
Photo: Randy Barros
Freshman Luis Abreu, junior Soniel Valentin, sophomore Jamal Allen, and freshman Olivier Louissaint enjoyed old and new activities at Winnekeag.
G R E A T E R B O S T O N A C A D E M Y
August 26 – October 18, 2013 3
turbulent, it’s worth it to achieve a worthwhile goal.
Students experienced humility firsthand by washing their classmates’ feet. Pastor Perozo reminded us that practicing humility is an essential part of understanding Christ’s identity and the spiritual identity we should all strive for.
Mr. Ayala followed the foot washing ceremony with a reconciliation ritual he called the “Grape Ceremony.” Students and staff
were invited to take a grape from a bowl overflowing with the fruit, and then give it to anyone with whom they wished to make amends, or someone with whom they wanted to start a new or renewed friendship. “It was a good way to overcome some trials that I had been through with friends,” senior Karim King said.
Students appreciated the messages shared by the speakers, and the spiritual tone of the entire retreat. “The spirituality was very
moving,” senior Chris Barros said. “It gave me peace. The guest speakers were really amazing.”
Most of the students at GBA that were asked how they enjoyed the retreat to Winnekeag gave positive answers. “If there was one thing I would change, it would be to make it longer,” Freshman Jewel Soares said. “I loved every single thing about it!”
Photo: Soniel Valentin Photo: Soniel Valentin Photo: Regina Dumont
Q: What’s your favorite Winnekeag memory?
I enjoyed the team building challenges.– Christopher Barros, Senior
The Grape Ceremony, because I got to mend some broken bonds.– Alexandra Ulrich, Freshman
The gym night, because I got to bond with lots of different students.– Randy Barros, Junior
Above: Chaplain and Bible teacher Fabio Ayala planned a weekend of fun activities with a spiritual emphasis on identity. Here, he tries to distract junior Eden Perozo off the “path of righteousness.” Right: Juniors Soniel Valentin, Regina Dumont, and Paola Mendez work together in a team challenge.
Photos: Randy Barros
G R E A T E R B O S T O N A C A D E M Y
4 August 26 – October 18, 2013
NEW TEACHERS
The influx of elementary students necessitated change for faculty members. Mrs. Noemilia Cristian and Mrs. Michelle O’Geare are two new faces “upstairs.”
Mrs. Cristian took over for Mrs. Purba, and Mrs. O’Geare for Mrs. Daniel in the first and second grade classrooms, respectively.
Mrs. Shawna Cook is now teaching a full classroom of third graders, and Mr. Gowasack has the fourth and fifth grades. Ms. Keturah Hughes joins the faculty as the sixth and seventh grade teacher, and Mr. Byas is the new homeroom teacher for the eighth grade class. Finally, Mr. Ayala has taken over the chaplain position and teaches the academy Bible and Spanish classes, as well.
GBA’s administration has changed as well. Mr. Silié has rejoined the faculty as the new vice principal and athletic director, while Mrs. Tulloch is the new assistant to the principal.
8TH GRADE CHANGES
Greater Boston Academy’s 8th grade class has undergone more changes this year than most, including having a homeroom instead of a classroom. Instead of sitting at desks with storage spaces lined up in a classroom, the 8th graders now sit around seminar-style tables in the computer lab, and they have lockers and uniforms with ties for the first time.
The students like the fact that since they are no longer paired with 7th graders, their new classroom isn’t crowded and is much quieter. “It's definitely better,” 8th grader
Andy Van explained, “although it will be harder for fundraisers since they won’t be there to help us.” The other 8th graders agreed that with the fundraisers, class trip, and fall festival coming up soon, they definitely will have a lot on their plate.
Fortunately, the students also have a new homeroom teacher, Mr. Willis Byas, to help them. The 8th graders all love him, saying he’s strict but very funny.
One of the biggest changes for the 8th grade is the incorporation of a new uniform, which distinguishes them from both the lower elementary grades and the academy. It is befitting, says principal Angela Walton, because the 8th graders are being prepared for
their next academic stage. 8th graders wear white dress shirts, ties, and navy sweaters in place of navy polo shirts. It’s “different,” they say, “but cute.” Eighth grader Cailen Silveira (pictured above third from left) says she loves the new uniform because it’s more classy and it makes her feel older. Wolfgang Angulo, however, (pictured above, 5th from left) says he would much rather wear the polo because it’s “more of a comfortable look.”
Though the 8th graders might disagree on many topics like the uniforms, Mr. Byas is happy to say he's never met a group of kids quite like the 8th grade class. "When I look at the 8th grade class, I see a special group of students with endless possibilities,” he explains. “To me, the 8th graders are my family, and I have their back and would even take a bullet for them if need be. I plan to lead them as best I can to the Promised Land."
It looks the like this year's 8th grade class is very blessed to have such a caring and wonderful teacher The best of luck to them and we wish them a refreshing and amazing year!
FACILITY CHANGES
Students returning to GBA this fall found a variety of building and classroom changes waiting for them.
The biggest changes involved classroom assignments. Whereas last year the modular buildings were used primarily as the Bible and English and History classrooms for grades 9 - 12, they now house the 6th and 7th graders with Ms. Hughes on the left side, and the 4th and 5th grades with Mr. Gowasack on the right. New Chaplain and Bible teacher
Changes, continuedfrom front page
New Eighth grade homeroom teacher Willis Byas, far left, poses with his enthusiastic and well-dressed students.
Photo: Paola Mendez
Mr. Gowasack teaches his fourth and fifth graders in his air conditioned new classroom on the right side of the modular.
Photo: Robert Boismier
G R E A T E R B O S T O N A C A D E M Y
August 26 – October 18, 2013 5
On Thursday, September 5th, students, parents, faculty and staff came together to enjoy Greater Boston Academy’s annual Corn Roast. Though the Corn Roast has been a staple of Greater Boston Academy’s event calendar for many years—even Mrs. Maloney, a GBA staff member for 26 years, isn’t sure when the tradition started—several recent changes have made it even more enjoyable.
Administrative and marketing from Mrs. Walton plus volunteer support from Home and School director Michelle Moore brought together record numbers of parents, as well as school board, church and community members. In addition, while originally the meal consisted of only roasted corn and salad side dishes, thanks to generous elementary and faculty members, hot dogs, rolls, and condiments now round out the meal.
Cheryl Wilkins, GBA’s food service director and longtime corn roaster, noted that the corn roast “felt better” this year.
“I was more organized this year!” Wilkins said. “Plus it was a beautiful day. I told God to not send rain after 7 o’clock, and he didn’t send any! A lot more people came, and I had people helping me. And the food was really good.” Wilkins added “I felt a different vibe this year that I didn’t feel last year.”
Students new and old appreciated the time to mix with friends and family as well. “I had a good time,” new academy junior Eden Perozo said. “The food was good, and there were a lot of people there. It wasn’t just students; it was the students and their families there. It was nice.” Returning senior Kevin Jean-Baptiste added “It was fun to sit and relax with your teachers and friends at the same time.”
Faculty enjoyed the Corn Roast as well. “It was the best one yet,” said Fabio Ayala. “Because of the numbers. The food was great, and best of all, we had a lot of parent support.”
Well attended Corn Roast a highlight of SeptemberBy Randy Barros
Nirvana Walton, sophomore, goes against the grain and roasts marshmallows at the annual Corn Roast and Open House.
Photo: Randy Barros
Fabio Ayala moved into Mr. G’s old room at the end of the hallway on the left, and Ms. Wendth returned to the room next door where Mr. Ayala had the 8th graders last year.
Increased elementary enrollment challenged teachers of many grades to move their classrooms in a relatively short time between when the rooms were rented and used by the Stoneham Theater and pre-session meetings began. Despite the added work, though, teachers are happy for the change. Mr. Gowasack, for example, says he thinks the move helps his students because they have fewer distractions from the hallway. He also appreciates having air conditioning.
Academy teachers are even more enthusiastic. “I am so happy with my room,” Mr. Ayala explains. “The best part about moving to this classroom is that I could really make it my own. I could decorate it the way I wanted and make it meaningful and welcoming. And I like being next door to my colleagues, like Ms. Wendth, whom I practically never saw last year.”
Having the Bible, Science, English/History and Math rooms all near each other has improved staff communication and rapport. “I’m excited to be able to pop over and see Mr. Gaynair when I need to, or share supervision with Mr. Ayala,” Ms. Wendth says. “I’m between Mr. Ayala on one side, and Mr. Byas on the other. I’ve gotten to know them both a lot better, and we help each other out. I loved my old room, but I like being closer to my colleagues, the photocopier, and the office. Location is everything!”
GBA’s principal is pleased with the classroom changes as well. “I am so impressed with what the academy looks like since we’ve moved the classrooms back to one place,” Mrs. Walton says. “It has really boosted the academic atmosphere. Just walking down the hallway and being able to look into classrooms and see all the students working together diligently in one area makes me proud.”
Some classroom changes are less obvious than others, but are still very welcome. The math and English/History classrooms and computer lab have new carpet, and Mr. Ayala’s room has new paint. “I loved being able to choose whatever color I wanted,” Mr. Ayala says. It’s hard not to feel that the classroom changes were meant to be. After getting the paint on his classroom walls, Mr. Ayala realized that the creamy color he chose is called “Heavenly.”
Ms. Katurah Hughes, the new 6th and 7th grade teacher and 9th grade English teacher, has the classroom on the left side of the modular.
Photo: Randy Barros
G R E A T E R B O S T O N A C A D E M Y
6 August 26 – October 18, 2013
One of the changes at GBA this year is in your hands right now. The Greater Boston Academy student paper, over the years known as Panther Prints, Panther Pause, and most recently called Panther Perspective, is now The Beacon.
New paper advisor Astrid Wendth explains that the name change coincides with the changes taking place at GBA overall.
“We have new leadership, both at the administration level and in the board, and we have a renewed spiritual emphasis,” Ms. Wendth says. “We want the paper to reflect the place that GBA is and is becoming.”
The new name and logo symbolizes the light spread in the Stoneham community and to alumni and churches. The beacon logo reminds us of our role spreading the Gospel.
Students are enjoying some changes at the production level, too. Journalism students have “press” passes and use worksheets to construct stories.
“We’re still working on writing good lead sentences, using the inverted pyramid structure, and of course, editing,” Ms Wendth says. “But so far I think it’s going well.”
If you happen to wander onto GBA’s campus this year and are startled to see 40 students in blazers and ties, don’t worry: that’s the way it’s supposed to be.
This year Principal Walton and I worked very hard to solidify a uniform policy for academy students that everyone at GBA can be proud of, and I’m happy to say that I think that by making sure the students put it on, we have finally pulled it off.
Uniform policy is always a controversial subject, but few can deny that the uniform GBA students wear this year is attractive and professional. Students in grades 9 - 12 now sport blazers with school crests on them from school uniform supplier Land’s End, and grey dress slacks or skirts. Burgundy ties round out the look that we’ve been working on tying together for some time now (pun intended). Seniors are allowed to wear special striped ties.
Of course, the students have opinions about the uniform, but overall, they have been pleasantly compliant. “I don’t like having to wear a uniform,” freshman Kleber Hernandez explains, “but I think it looks really good. To be honest, even people outside of school treat
me better when I wear it. People call me ‘Sir.’ That’s pretty cool.” Sophomore Renata DaSilva chimes in, “People totally look at me differently. It’s like I get more respect.”
From a teacher’s perspective, the uniform has additional benefits. My students are better
behaved and more attentive in class, and they carry themselves with more maturity.
Please visit GBA’s website, or stop by and see me, for more information about the uniform and about how to order and purchase uniform items.
Uniform by Astrid Wendth
Senior Rodney Bruno, Sophomore Sinthia Bonilla, Junior Hassan Kambon, Freshman Ruth Perez, Senior Chris Barros, and Junior Regina Dumont show off their new blazers.
Photo: Robert Boismier
Journalism students use “press” passes to move freely around campus in search of stories.
Photo: Robert Boismier
Panther Perspective becomes The Beaconby Beacon Staff
G R E A T E R B O S T O N A C A D E M Y
August 26 – October 18, 2013 7
Our Daily Bread, or ODB, is a regular devotional thought written by GBA students.
Students at GBA may wonder whether our school really has what it takes to order for students have a true connection with Jesus Christ. Yes, they may say, students here are Christian, but are they really living it?
When I was a freshman, the spiritual atmosphere here was fun, but sort of weak at the same time. I’ve seen spiritual growth since my first year here three years ago. Now that I’m the Junior Class Pastor, I hope to see even more spiritual improvement. So far, I think we have a good beginning.
Since my freshman year, students here have been on many trips, telling about and sharing the gospel of God.
The school has taken us on many spiritual-focused trips, like the Dominican Republic Mission Trip and the Wellness/ Music Clinic in New York City last year, to name just two.
We have learned this year at Camp Winnekeag about humility and spiritual identity. At our spiritual retreat, we got to speak to other about our feelings, and washed each other's feet. I have to say that it was emotional. Many people were crying and giving each other hugs, and praying with each other.
Throughout this year, Mr. Ayala is helping us focus on our spiritual “identity.”
Junior Herby Jean-Baptiste told me he believes that the spirituality here at GBA is good, and that he’s glad our principal Mrs. Walton and faculty members plan activities and field trips for us to learn more about God. Another member of the junior class said she thinks that the spirituality at the school is getting better.
Overall, we as Christian teenagers need to learn how to have better view of Christianity and all that comes with it. By focusing on our own spiritual identity, we can make sure we have what it takes to have a true connection with Jesus Christ.
ODB: Spiritual identityBy Ciara Jordan-Sanders
Mr. Edwin Silié is Greater Boston Academy’s new Athletics Director. Silié, who also worked at G.B.A. from 2008 to 2013, accepted the Athletics Director job in addition to several other roles because he “wanted to see a change in GBA.” Mr. Silié leads the gymnastics program this year as he did before.
“I’m expecting a lot from the students this year,” Mr. Silié says. He believes sports can motivate students to do well in school, and he wants them to focus on their school work so they can get the grades they need to participate in sports. Silié also hopes that the sports program will help students earn scholarships for the sports they work hard to play.
“I think gymnastics can make a big impact to GBA’s sports program this year,” Silié says. He’s already making a difference. “I LOVE gymnastics practice!” sophomore Renata DaSilva explains. “Mr. Silié makes gymnastics fun and safe, and he makes it easy even for people who have no experience whatsoever.”
Silié directs athleticsBy Herby Jean-Baptiste and Kervins Jean-Baptiste
Art: Vladstudio
GBA’s freshmen and sophomores took advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity when they visited the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit at the Museum of Science in October. Mr. Ayala orchestrated a last-minute miracle and found a way to take his freshman and sophomore Bible class and Ms. Wendth’s sophomore World History class to the Museum of Science on very short notice. “There was no way I was going to miss this,” he said. “I prayed about it. I’m so glad we were able to make it happen.”
The students, along with Mr. Ayala and an excited Ms. Wendth, viewed fragments of the famous scrolls along with hundreds of priceless artifacts from the time of the second temple and even earlier. They also saw an omni film on the history or Jerusalem and its three major religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Sophomore Renata DaSilva's favorite part of the trip was seeing the scrolls, which for her was a reminder that God is still here. Sophomore Jamal Allen also loved seeing the scrolls. "I was actually really surprised that they were found in the first place,” Jamal said. “They were especially important to me because it showed me that the Bible really did exist back in the old times."
Sophomore Sarah Cabral was “really impressed” by the trip. " I was so close to [the scrolls], I felt I got to witness a part of history."
Dead Sea ScrollsBy Eden Perozo
Vice Principal Edwin Silié is also GBA’s athletics director and gymnastics coach.
Photo: Randy Barros
The Dead Sea Scrolls can’t be photographed, but visitors could take photos of items like these iron spear heads from ancient Lachish in Judah.
Photo: Astrid Wendth
G R E A T E R B O S T O N A C A D E M Y
8 August 26 – October 18, 2013
Upcoming EventsOctober 18-20:" Alumni Homecoming
October 25:" GBA Illumination Vespers
October 27:" Fall Festival
November 4-8:" Fall Week of Prayer
November 7:" Parent Appreciation " Night
The BeaconVolume 13Issue 1Lead EditorPaola MendezLayout/Copy EditorRegina Dumont
Lunch MenuOctober 21:" Grilled cheese "sandwiches" Tomato soupOctober 22:" Fri-Chik and gravy" Potatoes" Peas and carrotsOctober 23:" Haystacks with fixingsOctober 24:" Pizza" SaladOctober 25:" Grinders" Chips
Got books? Got some you’re not using? Donate them at GBA! Thanks to senior and Student Recruiter Rodney Bruno, GBA has collaborated with Got Books, Inc. to raise money for the school and help people in need.
Here’s how it works: if you have any items such as books and clothes, bring them to the big gray box on GBA’s campus, right inside and to the left of the parking lot entrance. Donated items will be brought to the Got Books, Inc. headquarters in Wilmington, Mass. Once there, the items will be processed, and GBA will be awarded a percentage of the estimated total value.
Donating items helps more than just Greater Boston Academy. Clothing articles are distributed to people in local communities who need them, and books in good condition will be resold at the Got Books Inc.’s used book superstores in a variety of locations, where teachers receive a discount on top of already low prices.
Bruno thought of using Got Books while working at GBA over the summer. “I knew there had to be a way to get rid of the huge amounts of books that were piling up as the school was being reorganized,” he says, “So I started looking around online and found the
company. I didn’t want to just throw the books out; that would be a waste, so this was a perfect solution.” Bruno says that the donation program has many additional benefits, as well. “The best part is that no items are thrown away; everything is recycled. Even clothing that can’t be used to give to people in need is used as insulation in buildings, and books that the superstores don’t sell are given away.”
Got Books, Inc. gives our school community the opportunity to help those in need and support our school community at the same time. Don’t forget to take a visit to GBA’s donation box and do your part, and visit a local Used Book Superstore.
Donation box helps GBA give backBy Sarah Logan-Cruz
Student Association President Rodney Bruno poses with the drop box he made possible outside of GBA.
