Hello everyone, and welcome back to another Horizon Highlights- a general recap of everything that has happened on campus this past month. Happy new year! January brought new resolutions and motivation to all our students. With the new semester in full swing, students got used to their new and returning classes, workload, and studying. Let’s take a look at everything that happened on campus in January.
The last day of winter break was on Monday, January 5th, with students returning to classrooms that Tuesday. With the new year came a fresh start for students who might be struggling with grades and academics. As students readjusted to the school lifestyle, the first week breezed by eventless. Students and staff alike took the week to get back into their normal routine, dusting off the books and pencils that had been sitting on the shelves since mid December. That Friday, January 9th, report cards were issued for the first semester, a pivotal moment for many middle and high school students.
The next week passed by quickly, with a rush of homework and extracurriculars. This was followed by a long weekend, as Martin Luther King Jr. day was on Monday, January 19th. Dr. King was a powerful leader whose accomplishments continue to inspire people today. As a central figure in the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. King dedicated his life to fighting racial inequality through peaceful
protest and nonviolence. He helped lead the Montgomery Bus Boycott, played a key role in the passage of many Civil Rights Acts, and delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech during the March on Washington, which brought national attention to the African American struggle for equal rights. Through his leadership, Dr. King brought the US closer to equality and left a lasting impact that is honored every year on this day, much to the appreciation of students across the country.
After the long weekend, middle and high school students were welcomed back to school with their quarterly MAP tests, measuring their progression throughout the year. Though these exams are quite demanding, there was one small motivating factor that kept the students going. News reports began claiming that a giant winter storm was headed BHA’s way. Though this felt unlikely, students checked the weather report on their phones daily, praying that the chance of snow had gone up. On Saturday, January 24th, Dallas saw its rare snowfall, claiming its title as “Dallaska” and leaving students eagerly waiting for the reaction of the school districts. Brighter Horizons Academy was completely closed on Monday, January 26th and Tuesday, January 27th. On that Wednesday and Thursday, the roads were still too slippery to drive, so students finished assignments at home through an asynchronous (without meeting)
online learning day. Because of the snowfall, MAP testing, the annual college and career fair, spirit week, and the hijab and manhood forums had to be postponed to a later date. After a brief “second winter break,” students returned to school for just one Friday before the weekend claimed their time once more. On Saturday, January 31st, BHA held a Robotics club competition, hosting many schools and teams in the gymnasium to compete. Though BHA did not claim the winning title, it was a wonderful and fun learning experience, and the club members are looking forward to the next one!
What a month! Though not much happened on campus, it was certainly an eventful January for students at BHA. Through academics, snowfall, and many (some failed) resolutions, we are back at it at BHA and ready for the great year ahead. Stay warm, and see you in February!
