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.
"The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."
- Psalm 121:7-8
Academy Meal Program Mini-Documentary
Old Hickory, TN — In 2015, The Academy for GOD commenced its farm to school meal program to address the way students experience school meals. Today, as we celebrate the anniversary of our Farm-to-Table School Meal Program, we reflect on a decade of growth, sustainability, and nourishing the minds and bodies of our K-12 students.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Academy for GOD Celebrates a Decade of Success with its Innovative Farm-to-Table School Meal Program
Old Hickory, TN — In 2015, The Academy for GOD commenced its farm to school meal program to address the way students experience school meals. Today, as we celebrate the anniversary of our Farm-to-Table School Meal Program, we reflect on a decade of growth, sustainability, and nourishing the minds and bodies of our K-12 students.
This milestone is marked by the release of a 21 minute mini-documentary that captures the essence of our Farm-to-Table initiative and the positive impact it has had on our school community. The documentary gives a view into our school garden and other local farms where some of our produce and meat is sourced to the bustling school cafeteria where our dedicated staff transforms fresh, locally sourced ingredients into delicious and nutritious meals.
Key highlights of the mini-documentary include:
Origins of the Program: Explore the vision and mission that led to the inception of the Farm-to-Table School Meal Program in 2015. Hear from the key stakeholders who championed this innovative approach to school nutrition.
Local Partnerships: Learn about the strong partnerships forged with local farmers and producers. Witness the collaborative efforts that ensure our students have access to high-quality, seasonal ingredients while supporting the local economy.
Educational Impact: Discover how the program extends beyond the cafeteria, becoming an integral part of the educational experience. Students are engaged in hands-on learning experiences, from planting seeds to understanding the nutritional value of the foods they consume.
Health and Wellness: Hear testimonials from educators, parents, and nutrition experts about the positive impact of the Farm-to-Table initiative on student health and overall well-being.
Community Engagement: Explore the ways in which the program has brought the community together. From farm visits to community events, witness the sense of pride and unity that has blossomed around our commitment to sustainable, locally sourced meals.
This mini-documentary not only commemorates our journey but also serves as an inspiration for other school districts looking to implement sustainable and healthy meal programs.
For press inquiries, interviews, or additional information, please contact:
Ms. Breann Chigumira
Academy School Nutritionist & Meal Program Coordinator
Breann.Chigumira@academyforgod.org
The Academy for GOD
401 Center St. Old Hickory, TN 37138
615-722-7107