Friday Focus

Editor's Note: We apologize that last week's Friday Focus did not get emailed to you. You may access it online HERE.

SF Central Church

Thank you to everyone who supported our school at the SF Central Church last weekend. A BIG thanks, too, goes to Ms. Linda for all the work she put into getting our school ready to lead adults in worship. The kids did a great job! The church service can be viewed online with the link below. The video will be available for about a week.

View SFAS students at SF Central...

Ice Skating

Everyone seemed to have a great time ice skating yesterday. Thank you to all the parents who were able to go with us. Our next field trip to go ice skating will be on Wednesday, May 17.

Yerba Buena Ice Skating Center...

Spring Pictures

Spring pictures should be back to school in about two weeks. Information about how to order pictures will be included in your child's packet. You pay for only what you want and simply return the rest of the pictures to school.

Visitors from Singapore

Yesterday our school had the privilege of hosting Julie Wu and Nora Teo from the Singapore Ministry of Education. While attending a conference in San Francisco they were curious to learn about Adventist schools in the United States. They were very eager to hear about "Journey to Excellence" and look forward to implementing several components of J2E with schools in Singapore.

Our third and fourth grade students will also become pen pals with the Canpassrale Primary School in Singapore.

Click photo to enlarge...

Pennies for Patients

Monday will be the last day for students to turn in money for "Pennies for Patients."

More about "Pennies for Patients"...

New Items for Student Handbook

At our school board meeting Monday evening, two new items were added to our school handbook:

• Wireless Communication Devices. Students may bring wireless communication devices to school and/or to school sponsored events. They must be turned off and stored in a locker or backpack at all times while in school or at a school sponsored event. The school is not responsible for broken, damaged, or stolen property.
• Microwave Ovens. Microwaves are not available for students to use to heat/reheat their lunches.

Student Conferences

Student Conferences are scheduled for next Wednesday and Thursday, April 19 and 20. Wednesday is a minimum day--school is dismissed at 12:00 PM. After-school care is available until 6:00 PM on Wednesday. There is no school on Thursday. Extended care is available from 7:30 AM until 6:00 PM. A schedule of conferences is attached.

View Parent-Teacher Conference Schedule...

"From the Hood to the Hill"

Next Saturday, April 22, Barry Black, Chaplain for the US Senate, will be speaking at the Philadelphian Church. Our school will be having an information booth there that evening. Please stop by and talk to other interested parents at our booth. Students in Jr. High may be able to receive some extra credit for attending.

View PDF flyer...

Japanese Church May 6

Students in grades 4-8 will be presenting the worship service at the SF Japanese Church on Saturday morning, May 6. All students in grades 4-8 should plan on being there that day.

Map and directions...

Voice of Hope Church

On Saturday morning, June 3, the Jr. High will be providing the worship service at the Voice of Hope Church that meets here on campus.

Spring Fling

Our Spring Fling and Annual Art Exhibit will take place on Sunday, May 7, from 12:00–4:00 PM. Plan to attend this event as a family. There will be several things to do around campus that day. Watch for more information in the weeks to come.

Last year's Art Show...

Quote of the Week

"I wish everyone from our schools could visit your school."

--visitors from Singapore

The Things that Matter

My theory is that most people spend most of their time sweating over things that won't really matter when all is said and done.

You've probably heard the one about the up-and-coming entrepreneur who was opening the door of his sleek new Jaguar when a truck roared by, hit it, and ripped it off its hinges. The police arrived at the scene quickly and found the man jumping up and down in the street. He was shrieking to anyone who would listen about the horrible damage done to his precious automobile.

"You wheeler-dealers are all so materialistic!" began the investigating officer, shaking his head in bewilderment. "You make me sick."

"What's your problem?" the driver snapped.

"You're so worried about your precious Jag," said the cop, "that you appear not to have noticed that your left arm was ripped off!"

"Oh, no!" bellowed the guy as he looked down at the grisly stump where his arm had been a few minutes before. "Where's my Rolex?"

When one of us gets where my young friend was when he was told that he likely had less than six months to live, he or she will focus intensely on the things that really matter in life. There will be far less concern about the newest electronic gadget, a bigger house, liposuction, a luxury car, or some other inconsequential indulgence. In fact, I doubt that a one of those items will come to mind at all.

When your time on Planet Earth is about to end and you are reflecting on how your one-time trip through life has worked out, you'll think about and reach for the people who are most important to you. And you will think about what happens after you have taken your last breath. These are the really important things -- as opposed to burning yourself out at the office, neglecting your family and friends, and pushing spiritual concerns to the fringe of your life.

Being responsible and working hard are good things. And there is nothing wrong with enjoying the fruits of honest labor. Yet the Bible cautions us to remember that we came into the world without a company, portfolio, or fortune -- and will leave it the same way. So the smart thing is to major in what will matter at the end and not to fritter away your life with what cannot go into eternity.

Judged by that standard, how does your plan for the week look now?

--Rubel Shelly