Globally Conscious Meal Times
During lunch, our value of “global consciousness” is demonstrated by introducing students to culturally diverse meals. Learning to eat a meal from another culture can start at a very early age and will allow students to have a diverse pallet into adulthood. Including culturally diverse meals isn’t just about giving students options, it is rooted in teaching them about world outside of themselves. Students can truly learn to appreciate other ways of life by learning to eat foods that taste and smell different from what they may normally eat.
At the Academy our mission is to holistically educate children, which occurs throughout their entire day whether in the classroom, at recess or at lunch. It is important to ensure that all aspects of a schools program reflect the mission and vision of the school. Part of the Academy’s Mission is to educate children to be “Globally Conscious.”
Globally Conscious as defined by our Mission Statement: “highlights an awareness of culture, race, customs, language, and perspective. Students will know that they are a part of a diversely beautiful world designed by God, where perspective taking becomes an inherent mode of interaction.”
During lunch, this value is demonstrated by introducing students to culturally diverse meals. Learning to eat a meal from another culture can start at a very early age and will allow students to have a diverse pallet into adulthood. Including culturally diverse meals isn’t just about giving students options, it is rooted in teaching them about world outside of themselves. Students can truly learn to appreciate other ways of life by learning to eat foods that taste and smell different from what they may normally eat.
Our students in particular are given the opportunity to travel to El Salvador on mission and even other culturally diverse populations in Tennessee. It is utmost importance that they learn to adapt to other cultures and appreciate foods that are prepared for them by other communities.
Over the years we have implemented culturally diverse meals in a variety of ways. We introduced bone in chicken one year, which for many young students was new. Students learned that people around the world eat their meals regularly with meat still on the bone. Students one year had a special class featuring fruits around the world and had the chance to eat anything from Lychee to Papaya. On another occasion students had a class where they were learning about Japanese culture and we served a special meal of Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls). Other years we have introduced Thai Curry, along with Indian and Greek entrees.
We hope that all of our students can learn this important value of global consciousness in our cafeteria and step into adulthood with an ability to appreciate people from other cultures.
Fostering a Love for Reading and Supporting Education: The Annual Elementary School Read-a-Thon
The Read-a-Thon is not just a competition; it's a celebration of literature and the joy of reading. With the goal of fostering a lifelong love for books, students are encouraged to explore diverse genres and learn through this meaningful competition. The event provides an opportunity for students to develop critical thinking skills, expand their vocabulary, and enhance their comprehension abilities.
The Read-a-Thon is not just a competition; it's a celebration of literature and the joy of reading. With the goal of fostering a lifelong love for books, students are encouraged to explore diverse genres and learn through this meaningful competition. The event provides an opportunity for students to develop critical thinking skills, expand their vocabulary, and enhance their comprehension abilities.
As students participate in the Read-a-Thon, they are encouraged to set personal reading goals. Whether it's completing a certain number of books, exploring new genres, or conquering more challenging texts, the competition becomes a catalyst for literary growth. Through the process, students learn the value of goal-setting and perseverance, skills that extend beyond the realm of reading and into various aspects of their academic and personal lives.
The Read-a-Thon goes beyond the individual act of reading; it becomes a communal effort to support our school. Families, friends, and community members are invited to sponsor students in the read-a-thon. During the Read-a-Thon weeks, classroom corners become cozy reading nooks, teachers organize reading challenges, book discussions, and literary-themed activities to spark excitement and curiosity.
As the Read-a-Thon concludes, winners of the most minutes read and most funds raised as individuals and classes will be recognized at our school assembly in February. Will you join us in supporting our young readers? The videos below have been made by our students to share with other classes to promote enthusiasm surrounding the read-a-thon. We hope you’ll join in the fun and competition. Thank you for supporting our school!
Pure Pastures Farm Owners Testify to Partnership Success
Hear from Pure Pastures Farm owners why their collaboration with the Academy for GOD meal program is so important to them. We’re grateful for this family and the products they produce for our students!
The Academy for GOD’s meal program has been blessed by the positive impact of the partnership with Pure Pastures Farm. Collaborations like these not only benefit businesses but also create a sense of community and mutual support. We recently received a video from the farm’s owners with a little history behind why they love supporting schools like ours. Hearing about their growing practices adds an extra layer of transparency and authenticity to our partnership, giving us valuable insights into the source of the products. As a farm to school meal program, we look forward to the future as a partner with Pure Pastures Farm!
Empowering Futures: Support Another Year of Student Scholarships
Our commitment to providing quality education through remote learning has opened doors for students around the world, fostering holistic development and creating positive, lasting impacts.
Introduction
Pastora Zenaida Castellanos (front left) is our Education Proctor in Morristown, TN. This incredible woman of faith daily guides the students in their coursework. She approaches every situation with joy and determination; we are so thankful to have her on our team!
As we reflect on the success of last year's scholarship program, we are thrilled to announce the continuation of our mission to support the education of international students in Uganda and now, newly welcomed students from Morristown, TN. Our commitment to providing quality education through remote learning has opened doors for students around the world, fostering holistic development and creating positive, lasting impacts.
In the previous year, our scholarship program reached new heights, enabling us to support international students in Uganda, including our very first remote graduate! This achievement stands as a testament to the transformative power of education and the possibilities that arise when students are given the tools they need to succeed.
This year, we are excited to extend our program to students in Morristown, TN, through our remote learning initiative. Leveraging advanced technology, these students connect to real-time classes happening in Nashville, where they are guided by dedicated, Jesus-loving teachers who are committed to their holistic development.
A Holistic Approach to Education
These three 10th graders attend class together. Uganda is 9 hours ahead of Nashville, so students are ‘in class’ from about 5pm to midnight. We record all classes so that students can access content if they cannot attend in real time.
Our remote learning program offers a unique alternative to traditional classrooms, providing a shield against overcrowding, outdated curriculum and negative influences. Through an interactive and relevant learning model, students not only engage with their coursework but also develop a strong foundation for personal and spiritual growth.
To ensure the success of our students, we have implemented in-person educational proctors who act as mentors, guiding them through their coursework and keeping a watchful eye on their spiritual and social well-being. This personalized approach to education fosters an environment where students can thrive academically and personally.
A Personal Perspective
As the Vice President of this program, I have the privilege of interacting daily with our remote learners. I get to daily witness their excitement about learning, and observe their gratitude manifested through hard work. Facilitating this education is a privilege; these student’s lives are being forever changed. They are facing the world with a critical mind, and hearts full of faith and confidence in the role God is shaping them to play. They know their individual gifts and they are eager to put those to good use in bringing change to the world around them. I truly cannot say enough about the quality of our students, which is enhanced yearly by their education in God’s word.
"How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver."
- Proverbs 16:16
Join Us in Making a Difference
Our Exemplar of the Quarter program acknowledges outstanding Remote Learners. They are celebrated for qualities such as good grades, enthusiastic participation in class, and communicating well with teachers.
We invite you to join us in supporting another year of scholarships for students around the world! By contributing to this cause, you become a vital part of shaping healthy, thriving young individuals who love the Lord and are enthusiastic about bringing positive change to the world.
Donate to our scholarship fund and be a catalyst for change in the lives of students around the world. Your support will help create a brighter future filled with endless possibilities and opportunities. Together, let's empower these young minds and make education a transformative force in their lives.
Securing Our Future: A Holiday Campaign for Enhanced Campus Security
Make a Secure School Possible at the Academy for GOD
In the wake of the tragic events that unfolded at Covenant School in Nashville last spring, we took seriously the need to reevaluate and reinforce the safety measures within our own school. As we reflect on the vulnerabilities that exist in our institution, we are reminded of the responsibility we have to protect the precious lives entrusted to us. We value your effort to join us during this year’s holiday campaign that will fortify our campus and ensure the safety and well-being of our students.
"For nothing will be impossible with God." - Luke 1:37
A Journey of Growth
When the Academy commenced in 2013, our focus was fostering a nurturing environment for academic and spiritual growth. Little did we anticipate the challenges that would prompt us to address the need for a robust infrastructure and trained personnel dedicated to the safety and security of our school community. Fast forward to 2023, and we find ourselves in a position where we must evolve to protect those within our care.
Campus Enhancements
Your support will contribute to both structural improvements and the development of essential personnel. We are actively engaged in making significant changes to our campus infrastructure, ensuring it is not only aesthetically pleasing but fortified against potential threats. This includes advanced security systems, access controls, and emergency response protocols.
Investing in Personnel
In addition to these physical changes, we are committed to training our faculty and staff to not only handle emergency situations effectively but also to instill a sense of confidence and deterrence. By investing in the professional development of our personnel, we aim to create an environment where both students and their families can feel secure and confident in the educational journey ahead.
Becoming Good Stewards
As believers, we recognize the importance of being good stewards of the resources we have been given. This campaign is not just about securing our physical surroundings; it is about safeguarding the future of our students. We strive to provide an environment where they can focus on their education, free from the worries of safety concerns.
Empowering Students to Thrive
Our ultimate goal is to create a safe haven where students can freely express themselves, learn, and grow into the individuals God intended them to be. With the guidance of dedicated teachers and a secure campus, we aim to empower our students to embrace their educational journey without fear, allowing them to flourish and fulfill their God-given potential.
This holiday season, we invite you to partner with us in making our school a safe space for learning. Your support will not only enhance our infrastructure and personnel but also contribute to the broader mission of providing a secure environment for students to thrive. Together, with God's grace and our collective efforts, we can make the impossible possible and secure a brighter future for the next generation.