Throughout the DaySpring web site in the past, and throughout the enrollment packet as late as the 2004/05 revision, there were references to the DaySpring Newsletter. During the last two weeks of October 2004, an e-mail explaining the changes to our Newsletter policy was sent to all known e-mail addresses of DaySpring families. Due to the problems we had experienced, these e-mails had to be "hand" - handled and addressed. As a result of the many different situations that can arise with such a project -- old or inaccurate e-mail addresses on file, e-mails that bounced due to storage problems, and the black hole of cyberspace -- we continue to learn that not all families received this e-mail explaining the changes to our Newsletter practices. The information from that e-mail is below, and following that, some additional information and thoughts.

For the last several years, DSA has put out an e-mail newsletter about field trips and activities being planned. Over the last 2 years, it has become increasingly complicated to maintain the list. The size alone has caused issues, and with people changing e-mail addresses and e-mails bouncing, it has been hard to keep it up to date. The other major problem is spam filters on many of the servers. An e-mail list with such a large base has caused some to reject our e-mails and put us on the spam list.

SO ... after much thought ... we have found a solution that removes the stress of people letting me know their new e-mail address and me making sure I have it :)

We have created a message board mainly for field trips, announcements and activities. It will be updated as necessary, and it will be the responsibility of the family to check this board for information. This eliminates the need for me to have an updated e-mail address.

It will not be possible for users to post on this board except for a few places. You do not have to register to read it, but only to post. If you are registered, I can contact you if need be from that registry.

Please send in info to me to add to the board, or to one of the other moderators listed.

The board address is http://dayspring.evecommunity.com/eve

Thanks for your patience, and don't forget there is still a conversational e-mail list that you can join to discuss homeschooling issues and exchange info.

Please check the board at the first of each month. We will not be sending out reminders to do so, or sending notices when it is updated, as that would effectively eliminate some of the cost effectiveness, and even more importantly, the time savings. We rely on the willingness to embrace personal responsibility that our families have shown, and are proud of the results of our trust in our families.

As with any change to existing practice, there may be things that we discover through the rest of the school year that may bring other changes. We assure you that we will work out any "kinks" discovered, and that we will, as always, continue to have the best interest of our families in mind.

This is one of the steps we have taken through the years that has helped us contain administrative costs and avoid increasing the cost of enrolling in DaySpring. It remains an important part of the ministry of DaySpring to provide a school open to families of all financial situations.

Thank you. Again. For being a part of DaySpring, and a part of the tapestry of my life.