Globally Conscious Meal Times

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.

Hand to the Plow: Nurturing Spiritual Growth at the Junior High and High School Bible Retreat

This year's Junior High and High School Bible Retreat, themed "Hand to the Plow," was a profound and transformative experience for students. Headmaster Garner, drawing from Luke 9:57-62, led the students in worship and study God's Word, followed by small group discussions and impactful activities with the other event facilitators and Academy staff.

The retreat kicked off with a unique team-building game orchestrated by Mr. Duffy, involving students floating on "magic carpets" in the gym. This engaging activity promoted teamwork and communication skills, setting the tone for the retreat's collaborative atmosphere.

The first session opened with a powerful message on decision-making in the context of one’s youth. Mr. Garner addressed the common misconception that older generations may not understand the struggles of young individuals. Drawing parallels from the disciples, likely teenagers themselves, he emphasized the need for guidance as they matured. The key takeaway: Jesus seeks disciples/students who can think critically.

A highlight of Friday was a panel discussion with seasoned educators tackling five spiritual hot topics submitted by the student council. Topics included the importance of hope amidst change, interacting with friends of different values, strengthening accountability in friend groups, pursuing the Lord in worship beyond feelings, and maintaining faith in an uncertain future. The Q and A session that followed allowed students to delve deeper into these topics, making it one of the most anticipated segments of the retreat.

Friday's sessions continued exploring our theme passage, emphasizing that following Jesus places individuals in vulnerable positions beyond cultural comforts. Mr. Garner highlighted the unconventional nature of this journey, stressing that it won't always align with practical reasoning. Following Christ, he explained, requires the development of critical thought and spiritual fitness for advancing the Kingdom of God.

Saturday morning brought a reflective activity where students penned letters to their parents, expressing their current season and aspirations for the future. Mr. Garner concluded the retreat by urging students to cultivate habits contributing to their spiritual development, emphasizing continuous learning from the Word of God and seeking guidance from knowledgeable mentors.

The retreat left a lasting impact on students, reinforcing the importance of critical thinking, spiritual fitness, and envisioning a future of service. These lessons are expected to resonate with them as they enter the next season of their lives, with a renewed perspective on their roles as students and disciples of His Word.

A special THANK YOU to all our Academy jr high and high teachers and staff members as well as parent chaperones and college mentors who helped facilitate this retreat for our students!

Empowering Futures: Support Another Year of Student Scholarships

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

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

info@academyforgod.org

www.academyforgod.org