Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Pep Rally

We kicked off our School Spirit activities with a fall sports pep rally today. 



We recognized golf, soccer, volleyball and cross country teams today. 




The teams also were able to participate in some silly games. 





The mascot, Leo the Lion, was there and trying to lead our crowd in some dancing and cheers. 



Good luck to all our athletes this season!

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Helping Students Use Their Planners

This week during advisory homeroom period, we are focusing on study skills: using your planners.

I recorded two separate videos using biteable.com (GREAT website).

Here is the middle school one:



Here is the high school one:



It is so important for students to learn an organizational system that works for them!  We really encourage our parents to let their middle school students become independent.  Let them be responsible for turning in their work, following up on assignments, even checking their grades and homework on Renweb.  

As parents, here are some ways you can help your child:

* Have a family meeting once a week, (Sunday night is a great night!), where you all get out your calendars.  Help your child not only look at what homework, tests and projects they may have due, but also look at extra-curriculars.  They need to learn that life is about balance.  If you know you have a test on Friday, but Thursday night is gymnastics or soccer night, they should study before Thursday night!

* Help your child develop a system for not only doing their work, but turning it in to the teacher.  Teachers cannot grade work that is at home or in their locker!  Whether they mark through it in their agenda book or put a check mark beside it, have a way to determine they actually turned it in on time.

* Help them break big assignments or studying for tests into smaller, more manageable chunks.  For example, if they have a presentation to do for class, do the research first.  Then make an outline of what they want to include in their power point or poster.  Assemble the presentation. Finally, practice giving their presentation.  This helps them not feel so overwhelmed and avoids waiting until the last minute.

* Urge them to write in their agenda/planner every class period, even if it is to write "no homework".  This makes writing in there a habit.

* Help them set up their own student account through ParentsWeb so they can take responsibility for checking homework that is posted and look at their grades.  

We all want to aid our students in becoming independent, responsible young adults.  These are life skills they need to succeed as adults in college and/or careers.  Your guidance now and allowing your child room to make some mistakes will be invaluable to them later in life!

Thursday, August 18, 2016

Elementary School Focus



All of our elementary classrooms have Disney related themes this year. Their doors are decorated and corresponding labels and decor in classrooms are organized to coordinate. Here are a few examples:




I also love walking the halls and already seeing student work on display. Even this first full week of school, teachers have put up student work. Here are a few examples:






Students are engaged and enthusiastic when I pop into classrooms. I observed kindergarten morning meetings today and students were excitedly answering questions. 




Our teachers have done a fabulous job gearing up for the school year. Students are learning, growing and having fun. 2016-17 is off to a great start!

Monday, August 8, 2016

New Year, New Theme

Our school adopts a yearly spiritual emphasis. The theme for the 2016-17 school year is "Put Your Armor On" and is centered around the passage in Ephesians 6:10-20 about the Armor of God. 


We want our students to be firmly planted in God's word and truth. We want them to be prepared for anything the world may throw in their path. We want them to be able to withstand temptation and know what they believe. 

Our chapels will be centered around unpacking this passage all year. 

We have the verses up in our main hallway along with a "soldier" and we will add the different pieces of his armor all year as we study them. (Thank you to Mrs. Cull for our soldier). 



We are excited to welcome families tonight to our Back to School Open House. We are ready for the 2016-17 school year to begin!