Building Unity through Collaborative Visual Arts

By Ms. Corey Foster, Deputy Headmaster 

Large scale city murals seen around the world often include a team of people to accomplish the design of one or more artists. This type of undertaking requires teamwork revolving around a shared mission, collaboration on process, clear communication, honesty, and trust. I wanted my 7th grade Mixed Media students to experience this during the first month of school. Here’s what happened... 

On the first day of our academic class schedule in August, I gave students the following prompt: 

Today, you will be starting a month-long project that will stretch you. The success of this project will only be achieved on the other side of intentional teamwork. You will be creating one collaborative class mural from start to finish and each student will contribute a portion of the work. While this project will help you review the elements and principles of design and teach you layer painting skills, the most valuable lessons will be connected to your unity as classmates. 

With a combination of excitement and nerves to begin the project, I encouraged students with verses from Psalms 133:1, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers and sisters dwell in unity!” and 1 Corinthians 12:12, which highlights the body having many members. These verses don’t say “you will always agree all the time” or “everyone has the exact same task/responsibility”, but instead speak to a unity that can come from agreeing to work together and acknowledging that everyone is valuable as they bring different gifts to the group. 

Camden’s original design won the competition!

Over the next 4 weeks, this group of 7th graders set out and accomplished their own mural project together. First, they chose to develop a design that incorporated the Academy for G.O.D. mission statement, something they are all committed to, which states: “Holistically educating children to become responsible, kind and ethical neighbors; competent persons, globally conscious and historically relevant.” From that initial idea, each student developed a design that was up for consideration (see photo for winning design). After the project was finished, Josie wrote, “We were all pretty anxious about finishing and making sure it looked good because the design looked really hard to replicate. We had to focus and listen to get things right, but we all finished and it looks great!” 

Each workshop following was filled with students making suggestions, sharing their honest thoughts, working through conflict about preferences or skill sets, and making decisions together. While each student received their own canvas, each student was also accountable to the others as each canvas connected very purposefully to the ones on either side. Rollercoasters of emotions were seen, heard, and felt. From frustration to happiness and worry to amazement, students endured through emotions and as Audrey put it, “my friends helped direct me in this, and we helped each other to connect our [background] colors.” 

TL & TR: Paying attention to fonts and details

BL: Measuring for accurate design layers and display

BR: Determining colors, coloring mixing and discussing how each canvas blends into the next

Appreciation for the opportunity to learn, one of the three overarching school rules at the Academy, doesn’t just include taking in academic information. It means showing appreciation in all the moments of learning related to all aspects of our holistic education: academic, social, emotional, ethical, and spiritual. These students put this value into practice holistically as they navigated this project. 

In reflection of the entire experience, Camden said, “I like what we made. And something I learned was to always listen to everybody’s ideas.” Though not all ideas were used, the ability to share and hear perspectives, and choose the best route together made all the difference in their success. Speaking to a similar idea of valuing everyones’ voices and skills, Sophia wrote, “I got to learn how each of my classmates think through certain things. I got to understand who in my class is better at what, like drawing, measuring things, outlining, etc. This helped me learn my classmates more and even grow a closer bond with each of them.” What a gift for a group of Jr. High students! 

The final collaborative mural hanging in the 7th grade classroom with all the smiles following a job well done!

How Academy Online Isn't Your Typical Online School

That’s a wrap on our 2019-2020 school year, and with the fourth quarter held fully online, our students adjusted to a new way of learning in just a few weeks! We are proud to showcase some fun, quality projects our students completed over their final quarter. Enjoy!

One of our weekly themes was “Endurance”. Students were presented with a variety of assignments that required focus and perseverance to complete. We received a number of submissions that were creative and inspiring. Check out this “trick shot challenge” from one of our elementary students, where they were to set up a challenging shot and practice endurance until they succeeded at the shot.

The shift to online learning meant exponential opportunities to practice technology! Elementary students learned the ins and outs of iPad apps like iMovie, while learning practical skills like how do laundry! In one Creative Arts course, students created step-by-step presentations to teach others how to properly wash laundry. This was one of our favorites!

Our Jr High students’ backyard gardens are thriving! They’ve been applying what they learned in elementary gardening classes to manage pests with homemade organic sprays, and control weeds with mulching methods like cardboard and wood chips. Way to go students, we are so proud of you!

Also in Jr High, the Nutrition & Meal Prep class, emphasized skills such as proper knife grips, and how to work safely around heat in the kitchen. Their final project was to plan and execute a 3 course meal, documenting both how they used their skills, and the fellowship that was enjoyed on the other side of their efforts!

One of our high school students, Genesis, composed a poem in her Social Studies course reflecting on what they’ve learned in the class.  It was a joy to see students creatively express themselves and the content they had processed through online modules. 

“Life Hacks” was a favorite class with our younger elementary students. Teachers were intentional in embedding STEM skills (geometric shapes) and Language Arts skills (following and articulating step-by-step processes) into fun, creative projects.

In her 8th grade Project Development course, this Jr High student created a product called “No-Dough” to assist her in making bread and cleaning her supplies. This class trained students to create a product that met some need that they had, and could be marketable.

Memorizing and writing scripture is a component of our Language Arts courses. These are some submissions from elementary students!

This Jr High student did an excellent final project for his Visual Arts course! His video showcases the creation process.

And finally, this documentary by one of our upper elementary students blew her teachers away! The students were asked to use the videography and storytelling skills from the Documentary Making to produce a mini-documentary on a subject of their choice, something that was interesting and feasible to do within a 6-week period.

Students Respond with Service During the Pandemic

Written by Jr High and High Vice Principal, Mrs. Mathews

This spring, our staff and students went from an on campus school to distance learning in a matter of weeks in response to the global pandemic. Although it was a transition for us as educators, how much more for our students? Much of the normalcy of their day to day, including a social outlet and the opportunity to learn and experience spiritual growth at school was changed all in a matter of days.

As the Vice Principal of Jr High and High, I wondered how our students would respond. How would they navigate this monumental moment in history? How would they spend their days as we transitioned to online school? I was deeply moved to learn of how our students were serving their families and neighbors in need.  

Freshman, Anna Roberson, used her skill with sewing to make 50 face masks for local healthcare workers to use during the pandemic.

One of our ninth grade students, Anna Roberson, took it upon herself to make 50 face masks for local healthcare professionals. She saw a need and met it with the skills that she had. It was amazing to see her rise up to the occasion and do what she could to help those on the frontlines combating COVID-19. 

One of our eleventh grade students, Genesis Garner, realized that God’s gifts should only continue during this time. Instead of letting distance keep her from exercising these gifts, she set up a bible study and worship time on her own volition for students both in Nashville and Arcola, IL. It was during this time that young people realized that even though a screen separated them, the love of God brings them together.

One of our 7th grade students, Ezrah Aaseby, recently offered to mow the lawn for her elderly neighbor. She went with a joyful heart and served despite knowing she wouldn't be able to visit with her neighbor. What a response of humility! 

Sophomore, Jones Warren, built a chicken coop in his backyard for his new chickens he is raising!

Many of our students also have the opportunity to raise baby chickens! They have put their skills to the test and built a chicken coop for their new flock. This time at home has given one of our 10th grade students, Jones Warren, an opportunity to practice several skills he has learned on our campus. What a great use of time during this distanced season! 

Furthermore, as part of their online curriculum, all of our Jr High students are now starting their own backyard gardens! We hope this task teaches them responsibility and a desire to be grounded during this pandemic experience. 

Our students’ world changed, but they did not. They have continued implementing the lessons and values they are learning at school, whether it be on campus or online. They are serving nurses on the frontlines, the elderly in their neighborhoods, and their own families. They did not look at this moment in history and become stifled. Rather, it has sparked something in them they might not have realized that they had, and they are spreading that light. These faces are the face of the future, and all I see is hope. I pray that they can continue to bless those in the face of adversity because they surely blessed me during this season!

Enrollment Opportunities for 2020-2021

For private schools such as ours, spring is the season for enrollment!  We welcome new families into our school via one of our various programs every year. This spring, we are opening a new program for enrollment, with the launch of Academy Online. Students in the state of TN and around the world are welcome to enroll in a virtual, distance learning program and progress at their own pace from their location of choice. 

If you’re interested in enrollment at the Academy for G.O.D. for the 2020-2021 school year, please evaluate which program below is for you. Our administration is also ready to walk you through each opportunity in order to best suit the needs of your students. With on campus, online, and homeschool services available, we’re ready to help you make 2020-2021 the best school year yet! 

Campus Program 

The Academy’s Campus Program is located on over 25 acres in the Hopewell Neighborhood of Old Hickory. K-12 students attend in person 5 days a week, 6.5 hours per day, for the 180-day school year as required by Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-50-801. They also qualify to participate in all school-related activities and events. 

Academy Online (5-days a Week)

The Academy Online is a virtual, distance learning program, characterized by the unique philosophy and approach of our school, available to K-12 students both in the United States and around the world. Online students enrolled full-time have courses available 5 days a week, using a competency based model so students can work at their own pace, within the term. Online students who reside in Middle TN are allowed to participate in clubs, the Phoenix sports program, field trips, assemblies, and other extracurricular activities. Online enrollment is open year-round. 

Academy Online (Single Course Enrollment)

Single course enrollment is offered through Academy Online for students who need to obtain course credit(s) or would like a supplemental learning opportunity in a particular subject, enjoying the Academy’s educational philosophy and approach. Single course enrollment is open year-round. 

HOMESCHOOL PROGRAMS

Tutorial Program (2-days a Week)

The Academy’s Tutorial Program is a 2-day a week on-campus supplemental learning experience for homeschool students in the state of Tennessee. Students receive a hands-on classroom experience across a wide variety of subjects and qualify to participate in clubs, Phoenix sports, field trips, assemblies, and other extracurricular activities. Enrollment for the tutorial program is open from January-May for the fall. 

Umbrella Program

Homeschool families in the state of TN are required to register their children with their local school district or a church-related "umbrella" school defined by Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-50-801. The Academy maintains student records, attendance and any voluntary testing results, and optionally offers consulting services related to curriculum. If you are not a resident of TN and are interested in the Academy’s Umbrella program, please ensure you are compliant with the homeschool laws of your state. 

7 Things to Maximize Online Learning Effectiveness

Written by Academy Headmaster, Mr. Gregg Garner

COVID - 19 and Bam! They’re home. ALL DAY. And school… it’s online for now. 

In the same way parents approach a new school year ensuring their student has all the right tools and resources… walking their kids to their classroom for the first week or two, learning the drop off protocols, familiarizing themselves with the faculty and staff, acclimating to the class schedule and homework expectation... so a parent has to ensure their kids have all the right tools and resources for the online effort. 

Parents will have to walk their students through the online platform (Learning Management System, at our school Canvas), learn the Zoom participation protocols, familiarize themselves with the roles of the online faculty and staff (tech guys are your new besties!), and acclimate to the new schedule format and classwork expectations.

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Such changes are indeed a lot, but because the routine has changed up, naturally stress seems to show up. Giving this analogy was a bridge I wanted to conceptually build for you to cross that transition gap (from on campus to online) with a healthy mental approach that gives you a perspective based on your previous experiences - that these school starting stressors will come to a calm and a new normal will settle in.

As to assist in the transition, some Academy teachers and I have put together a list of seven things you can do at home to maximize your students' online learning efforts. Here they are!

1. Create a Daily Schedule

   1. Make sure everyone in the family is on the same page as to who needs to be where and when. For example Timmy has class at 9, at his desk in his room, for 30 mins. At 10, Susie has class and will work from the porch for the duration of her class and classwork. 

   2. You can create a basic schedule, or a detailed one. A detailed schedule would have more than class and classwork times, with designated locations, but it would also have assigned breaks, meals, chores, and even times for play.

2. Designate a Specific Learning Place

   1. Free of visual distraction such as other family members in view

   2. A “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door, or even one to put on the student's back to let others know they are working.

   3. Consider ergonomics for healthy posture. Put the iPad on a stack of books and use a keyboard. Ensure the work area is well lit.

3. Ensure all supplies are stored near or at the designated study space. 

   1. iPad, keyboard, headphones, writing utensils (including stylus), and paper. 

   2. If you have multiple children, perhaps a labeled tub to contain all of these items could make it easy to store and keep track of.

4. Check your internet connection

   1. If you have several location options for your students to work, make sure that every location has a strong internet signal, particularly for the Zoom classes.

5. Allocate times for your student to use our social forum, Workplace, for interpersonal interaction and have some fun!

6. Have your student attend the weekly “live check-in” with our teachers to ask any questions concerning content, including any questions related to completing an assignment.

7. Schedule breaks!

   1. A 15 min brain break after 45 mins of working is a great recharge for the mind.

   2. Snacks and meals can also break up the workload and keep energies high. 

   3. Recess! Give them some time for free play and just doing whatever they want for an hour amidst all the classwork. 

Do these 7 things and let us teachers take care of the rest! Don’t stress about how well they’re doing their work. Don’t worry about whether or not they’re even doing it right. We’re here to serve your family and have created this system to have flexibility for this transition from on campus to online. So, take a deep breath, smile, and allow God’s peace to animate your next moments so you can have the joy of the Lord be your strength.

God bless you Academy Families!

Love,

Gregg & The Academy Faculty