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remote learning program offers a unique alternative to traditional classrooms, providing a shield against overcrowding, outdated curriculum and negative influences.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

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