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

Celebrating Home Education Achievements: A First Quarter Update on our Scholarships and Student Ventures

Ugandan students are learning how to play in a worship band together this semester! In this photo, Gideon plays the keyboard and sings back-up vocals.

As we reflect on the accomplishments of the first quarter of the school year, we are thrilled to share the positive impact our scholarship program has had on the lives of online learners in developing countries. Last year, we successfully raised $26,000 in scholarships, and this quarter, we are excited to announce that seven deserving students have been the recipients of these funds.

These students have embarked on a journey of full course loads, immersing themselves in a biblically based, holistic education. Their resilience and gratitude have been palpable, demonstrating a deep appreciation for the opportunity they've been given. Equally heartening is the sincere gratitude expressed by their parents, who commend the quality of education provided and the attentive care exhibited by our dedicated teachers in shaping their children's academic journeys.

Students at our satellite location in EA gather together for class times. They start their day with prayer and time in Scripture, and can access older students and their education proctors for help or tutoring.

A highlight of this quarter has been our 11th graders' exploration in Directed Studies, a course that empowers them to pursue subjects of personal interest and develop projects around them. Among our talented students, one is channeling her artistic skills into designing a series of biblically based artwork to decorate a community center near her home. Another student is delving into the rich history of cuisine in her area, culminating in the creation of a communal meal centered around her research. Both of these projects required developing a timeline, budget, and plan of execution with the guidance of a mentor. 

Across borders, our students in Uganda have formed a worship band, gathering weekly to practice and occasionally leading worship during church services. Music serves as a powerful outlet for collaboration, allowing these students to engage with the Lord through their unique gifts.

7th Grade student, Esme, is a remote learner from Morristown, TN. Esme and her classmate visited the Academy one Friday during the first quarter and had a wonderful experience learning in-person with her teachers and classmates.

In addition to our Ugandan cohort, we are delighted to welcome two new students from Morristown, TN, who have joined us remotely in 7th and 9th grades. Their presence has enriched our student body, and it has been a joy to get to know them as they integrate into our educational community. 

As we celebrate these achievements, we look forward to the continued growth and success of our students. The impact of our scholarship program and the diverse projects undertaken by our students reflect our commitment to providing meaningful and holistic education to learners around the world. We are so grateful to all who have supported us on this journey, and eagerly anticipate the positive developments yet to come.

Principal Castro Serves as Vanderbilt Guest Lecturer

This semester, Principal Castro was asked by a Dr. Nicole Cobb at Vanderbilt University to guest lecture for a school counseling course. After meeting with Professor Cobb and talking to her about our school in hopes of partnership, she invited Mr. Castro to speak to the class directly. Dr. Cobb also immediately made The Academy for GOD an approved site for school counselor interns, and we are in our second year of partnership!

At this level, a counseling course typically covers a comprehensive range of topics related to the theory and practice of counseling such as human development and psychology, cultural competence, ethics, and professional etiquette. With over a decade of experience in the field of psychology and counseling, Mr. Castro spoke towards the Academy’s approach to counseling and student social-emotional services at a K-12 level, highlighting childhood development and scriptural teachings.

Following the visit, Dr. Cobb shared, ”I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to Alex Castro for your invaluable contribution to our Foundations of School Counseling class. Your insights and knowledge were not only enlightening but inspiring. Your willingness to share your story and your professional experiences left an indelible impact on their understanding of the school counseling field. Your presence and humor elevated our learning experience---you definitely are a favorite among guest speakers. The students especially enjoyed your interactive activities which pushed them to rethink how they build rapport and deep connection to the students with whom they are working. It has been an honor to witness how your career has continued to blossom since we first worked together. The Nashville community is lucky to have you in leadership and I look forward to seeing your continued impact on the lives of students and families in our city.”

We look forward to continued partnership and support with Vanderbilt University and are grateful for the work they do to train up counselors and social workers for schools just like ours!

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. - Matthew 5:14-16

5 Ways School Meals Can Address Picky Eating

Many school age children elementary ages through high school have difficulties with being ‘picky’ eaters. How do we overcome these hurdles to picky eating? School can be a great place for students to try new foods and it is a unique setting to do so. 

1. Menu Diversity

Most schools, including the Academy, has a rotating menu in which students are exposed to about 10 different menu options throughout the entire semester. Each item exposes students to a new flavor profile and set of ingredients along with many different fruit and vegetables. We are required to meet minimums in regards to types of vegetables. We are not permitted to just serve 1 or 2 types of vegetables all week but instead have to ensure everything from dark greens to legumes are represented each week. This ensures students are exposed to a variety of nutrients and types of foods, which over time allows them to expand their palate. 

2. Positive Peer Pressure

When students see other students positively receiving items and they are more likely to try out those foods. At times picky eating can become a battle of the wills between parent and the child. Students sometimes just need a change in setting! When they are in the cafeteria surrounded by other students eating school lunch they let their guard down and will even eat new foods because they see other students doing so. 

3. Try it and Try it Again

In the long term eating school meals will allow the student greater growth in terms of what they are willing to eat. Though they may start out not eating much or only trying a few items over time students begin to adapt and grow. The change will take time, but even a bite of a new item is a huge win for students who are struggling. It takes at least 15-20 times of trying a new item for children to adapt or start liking a new food, the repetition will take time but will pay off in the long term. The school menu allows for some repetition but enough diversity that the student doesn’t feel they are eating the same thing everyday. 

4. Resolves Decision Fatigue

Packing lunches can be a challenge, school lunches take away the fatigue that comes in trying to meal plan and ensure your student is being pushed to try new things. School meals can benefit picky eaters ensuring that your student doesn’t get in a rut of only asking for or eating certain items. Though packed lunches can have some diversity over time it can be difficult to keep up with what your student should be eating or fight them when it comes to what they want you as the parent to pack.

5. Empowers Your Student

The lunch line can become a time for your student feel empowered to make some decisions on their own. Meal times are often a time when students have small choices to make, which vegetables they want, which sauces to choose, etc. These moments allow the student feel empowered to make decisions and yet still receive a healthy meal. 


School meals can truly support you, as the parent, in your journey to teaching your child to eat nutritious food. Though it is not always an easy route over time, students can and will adapt, learn and grow which is exactly what they are at school to do, whether in the classroom or at meal time.

Relax, You Are At The Right Place: How the Academy is Benefitting Your Student

It can be difficult switching schools for both students and parents alike. Not only are you concerned with how your child will adjust to the new curriculum, new classmates, new environments, and new teachers, but you also wonder how you will fit in. After all, you cared enough about your child’s education that you enrolled them in a private, Christian school, and so it’s likely you will be wanting to know more than just what grades they are getting each quarter. 

Thankfully, at the Academy, you don’t have to worry about whether or not you made the right decision for your student. If you are looking for a place where biblically literate staff will do their best to ensure your child is mentally, socially, and spiritually prepared for the world they live in, then you are at the right place. Yeah, it may take some time to get adjusted, but we think you’ll like it. Here’s why: 

We’re Biblically Grounded

The Academy for GOD believes in the authority of scripture, which is why they dedicate time and energy to studying it in depth. This allows them to apply it in every aspect of the school, from the events they plan to the curriculum they teach and even the attitudes they teach with. Our desire is for Biblical values to permeate all that we do, because it is through God’s word that we learn about him, and through obedience to his Word is how we can draw close to him. 

We’re Holistic

With classes to increase emotional intelligence and weekly spiritual emphasis days, we are concerned about more than just a child’s mental aptitude. Emotional awareness and spirituality will help form healthy social connections among students, so that they are developing holistically. A holistic approach also means we are thrilled whenever the parents get involved. Whether they are cheering during sports or volunteering at a school event, parental involvement helps create a healthy environment children can flourish in. 

We’re Relevant 

The Academy is not mindlessly replicating educational systems and traditions that have been set by generations past, instead, they are implementing effective fact-based educational strategies to ensure this next generation of students is going to be prepared for the times they are growing up in. They are making the necessary changes so your children are being taught relevant content and skills to make them future leaders. 

Don’t just Take our word for it, look at the fruit…

If you are really wondering how well the Academy prepares your kids for their future, just ask any Academy graduate. Jesus tells us to judge a tree by its fruit, and we have confidence in those who have graduated from our institution that they can be a testament to the kind of fruit we produce.