"Senioritis": Is it Something that We Can Avoid?
Senioritis, AKA Senior slump, AKA "Get me out of here." Is this something that we can avoid?: A blog looking at the mental development of teens as they approach graduation day and how you can mitigate the negative effects of this first major life transition.
Senioritis, AKA Senior slump, AKA "Get me out of here." Is this something that we can avoid?: A blog looking at the mental development of teens as they approach graduation day and how you can mitigate the negative effects of this first major life transition.
There are many seniors who do just fine during their last year of high school, but unfortunately, many soon-to-be graduates seem to come down with a case of “senioritis.” While senioritis may not be a deadly disease, it can certainly have enough negative symptoms to potentially harm one's educational future. Whether you had it or not, it is important to understand what a senior may be thinking or feeling if you attempt to find a “cure” for their senior slump.
Senioritis can be caused by a number of issues: the pressure a student is under to choose a college, the reminder that these may be some of the last months spent with their high school friends, anxiety from the thought of moving away from home, the feeling their classes are not applicable to the situation they are in, considering their future career, excitement about a new start at a college, or a myriad of other thoughts, feelings, and stressors. Seniors are approaching the end of a path with many life-changing options at an age where they likely lack experience in making such big decisions.
So how do we go about dealing with it? Here are some ideas…
The Student
If you are a student who is restless or anxious about what the future holds, then the first thing you should do is look to God’s Word. There is peace in the promises we read in the Bible and if we hold fast to Jesus’ words to “not worry about tomorrow” and to “seek first the kingdom of God” (Matt. 6), then we can receive both comfort and direction. While it is common during this time for peers to neglect their studies in order to spend more time socializing with friends, be a good example to your classmates by encouraging them to stay focused, keeping them accountable to their studies, being a friend who listens to them, praying for fellow students who feel they are in a rut, and create positive peer pressure to help others finish well.
The Parents & Teachers
Because every person experiences life in their own way, the symptoms and reasons for a student’s senioritis may be different, but whatever the case may be, showing you care can be a big help. You can convey your support by asking questions about their plans, helping them weigh out their options, listening to how they are feeling, giving ideas of how they can make the best use of their time while still a senior, and of course by guiding them with Biblical wisdom. Proverbs 22:6 reminds us to “train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old he will not depart from it.” If the student has the word of God instilled in them, encourage them to continue living according to God’s word, and run with perseverance the race marked out for them (Heb. 12:1).
The School
Juniors and Seniors at the Academy take a “Directed Studies” course as an opportunity to apprentice and develop a skill set related to their field of interest. The course is a guide to serve them as they make decisions about their education and occupation following high school.
The educational institution your child is enrolled in plays a big part in ensuring engagement during these last months of school. The students’ minds are where they are going to be after graduation, and if the classes they are in are not preparing them for the upcoming life transition, then don’t be surprised if they tune out. Schools should be helping students find their strengths and help expose them to potential career fields or livelihood options. The curriculum should take into consideration these major choices the students are approaching, so as to mentally and spiritually prepare them for the changes that will be happening. This could be done through questionnaires that have them consider their fields of interest, discussion times to help them process the reality of living away from home, internships that expose them to future job possibilities, social activities to ensure they are making positive memories with their friends, and Bible encouragements to fill them with God’s word so that if any storms come, they will not be shaken (Matt. 7:24-25).
For more ideas on how to approach students with senioritis, take a look at these articles:
Sources:
Roggeman, Dr. Pamela. “How Parents and Teachers Can Help Combat Senioritis.” College Express. 24 September 2020 (visited 28 March 2022).
Pickhardt, Carl E. Phd. “Finishing High School and "Senioritis" (Academic Letdown).” Psychology Today. 14 January 2013. (visited 28 March 2022).
Desautels, Lori. “Senioritis -- or an Opportunity for Growth?” Edutopia. 19 December 2013 (visited 28 March 2022). https://www.edutopia.org/blog/senioritis-or-opportunity-for-growth-lori-desautels
Patel, Shaunak. “The Dangerous, Costly Phenomenon (That Only Affects High School Seniors).” NYU Steinhardt. March 1, 2017 (visited 28 March 2022)
https://counseling.steinhardt.nyu.edu/blog/high-school-senioritis/
Is Online Learning Right For You?
In our current technological age, there are a growing number of opportunities that exist in regards to schooling, one of which is online learning. Here are a few advantages and disadvantages to think about if you are considering enrolling your child in online learning.
Is Online Learning Right For You? Here are Some Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Learning.
Choosing how your child will learn is a big decision, as are all choices that affect their education. Each child is different, and figuring out what is best for them can be difficult. In our current technological age, there are a growing number of opportunities that exist in regards to schooling, one of which is online learning. Here are a few advantages and disadvantages to think about if you are considering enrolling your child in online learning:
A Few Advantages…
Technological Confidence. One of the obvious advantages is that online learning will boost your child’s familiarity with technology. By spending his school hours on a computer or tablet, your child is likely to increase their confidence and skills with gadgets. With the way of the future relying ever more on this technology, it is important they develop an aptitude for it.
Online students enjoy learning from any environment as needed. This can be a great option for families needing more flexible learning opportunities for their children.
Flexibility. Another great advantage of online learning is the flexibility. With smartphones, tablets, and laptops, students can attend their classes from anywhere and often typically anytime. This means students could sit down to study at a time of day when it is easiest for them to focus or most convenient for their own daily schedule.
Never Miss Out. Even if a child is unable to attend a certain time or for a scheduled meeting, classes are recorded, and thus the student does not have to miss out on the lesson. Or, if there is certain content the child is struggling with, it is easy to rewatch lectures to better grasp difficult concepts or to help refine their notes.
Resources at Your Fingertips. With a simple click of a button, students can be zooming across the internet to search through a picture slideshow, read an article, or watch a video interview on the topics they are learning about. For those who do not have the accessibility of a nearby library, the internet can be a key source of finding the information they need, and they can do so without ever needing to leave the house.
A Few Disadvantages…
Social Life. If a child is only in a digital classroom, they may not develop certain social skills that they otherwise would if they were in face-to-face classes. If you are considering online-learning, make sure to compensate for this by ensuring your child has time to develop friendships with other children their age in other venues.
Connecting with a teacher despite learning over the internet, is still a priority for the Academy’s online learning program. Students receive feedback on assignments and have opportunities to interact directly with their course teachers as needed.
Screen Time. While screen time used for educational purposes is better than for pure entertainment, too much screen time can have negative impacts on a child’s mood and can even affect their sleep. It would be important for a parent to not only monitor the time a child spends using gadgets, but to make sure they know what the child is using the gadget for as well.
Self-Discipline as a Prerequisite. An educational institution will likely have your child in mind when it comes to the workload they expect from your child, but it will be up to your child to have the self-discipline to actually put in the time and effort to get it done. Many children still lack the time-management skills necessary to put in the work needed to excel in their class.
Attitudes Towards Learning. The techniques a teacher may utilize in a classroom to ensure the students are enjoying the educational experience often loses its effectiveness when applied to a large group video call. Capturing the joy and excitement of learning is difficult when the students are all separated by screens. This can negatively affect their attitudes concerning learning into the future.
Sources:
“Screen Time and Children.” American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Updated February 2020 (visited: 14 March 2022). https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Children-And-Watching-TV-054.aspx
Tom. “5 Disadvantages to Consider About Online Education.” Petersons.com 29 November 2017 (visited 14 March 2022) https://www.petersons.com/blog/5-disadvantages-to-consider-about-online-education/
“8 Ways Online Learning Really Benefits Kids (and Parents).” Dreambox Learning. 5 November 2008. (visited 14 March 2022). https://www.dreambox.com/resources/blogs/8-ways-online-learning-really-benefits-kids-and-parents
5 Reasons Your Child Needs to Attend a Private Christian School
Exploring school options for your child can be a daunting task. Let us help you understand why private school could meet a need for your family!
The world is full of various educational institutions, and while the spectrum is wide and varied, for those who are called to walk according to God’s word, a Christian school has a multitude of benefits. While we don’t have the time to list all of them (and you likely don’t have the time to read all of them), we chose our top 5 favorite reasons why you should consider a private, Christian school for your child.
1. Accept being Set Apart. Christian schools are obviously distinct from secular public schools, and while elementary aged kids may not understand, as children turn to teens they often become more aware of this difference. According to Matthew 5:14-16, it’s not just good to be different from the world, it’s our vocation; a vocation that can be nurtured as children continue their formation according to God’s word. This can instill a valuable Christian lesson, which makes accepting our calling to be a light to the nations easier to grasp.
We are a school that prays. Students learn the value of prayer and worship as taught in scripture in their earliest levels at the Academy.
2. Shared Standard. Children desire connection and acceptance, and while this is great, when a child is spending the majority of their day among people who hold themselves to a different standard (or even worse - no standard), the child may be tempted to do what it takes to fit it. However, if that child is surrounded by people who are promoting healthy peer pressure and cultivating an environment where strong morals are respected, then it not only benefits the mental and moral stability of the child, but it gives their parents some peace of mind as well. Maybe this is why Paul encouraged people to have the same love, being in full accord and of one mind (Philippians 2:1-2).
3. Christ-Centered Curriculum. The world God made cannot be rightfully understood if you try to remove him from his creation (Romans 1:18-23). His word gives insight into all facets of life, but in secular education, this is left out. Knowing God affects the way we understand history, explore the sciences, and apply mathematics. It changes how we utilize our language and think about health. There are revelations in every subject when we approach them using God’s word as a lens, that those who attend public educational institutions may never learn.
4. Healthy Social Structure. A private school who is living out God’s word will make sure their staff will be held to a high standard based on Biblical values. Not only will this set the students up for success by giving them wholesome role models, but the interactions those teachers have with each other can set an example for a healthy social structure that those children can enact even among their friends.
The Academy strives to nurture a positive, encouraging learning environment for students and families.
5. Holistic Development. The faculty at a private school wishing to follow God will be concerned about the holistic development of your child. It is not just about what grades you see on the paper. While there may be focus on their mental progress, the staff will be considering their social and spiritual maturation as well, encouraging your student to love God with all their heart, soul, strength, and mind (Luke 10:27).
Academy Teachers Bring STEM Concepts to Life
Students at the Academy learn science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through a conceptual, hands-on approach. We do not make foundational the memorization of algorithms or procedures, but rather teach students to develop a strong number sense and pattern recognition in order to make connections and solve problems in the world around them. The goal of STEM education at the Academy is for students to learn to critically think through problems and persevere in solving them through a variety of ways. This approach strengthens their neuroplasticity and effectively prepares them for an unpredictable future.
At the elementary level, this looks like students being introduced to basic concepts and operations in concrete, tactile ways. Students explore various methods of solving problems that require these concepts and operations. STEM is a fun and creative experience, meant to strengthen their competence and confidence in these foundational skills.
Students in lower elementary school learn about different structures in their body in their Anatomy classes. They start with bones and muscles, then learn about joints and how those two systems work together. In their upper elementary Anatomy classes, the students re-visit the different systems they've learned about by learning about how their body is organized, cell to organism. Then, they compare this to concepts they've learned in their building classes, that cells are like blocks, tissues are like walls, etc. and how these different structures all work together to build an entire person. They even have the opportunity to create these structures using manipulatives in class which allows them to use spatial, nature, logical, and interpersonal intelligences in their class. (See photos below.)
At the junior high and high school level, students revisit these concepts and discover new ways to approach problems as they begin to handle more abstract thinking. Students’ problem solving and critical thinking skills develop as they encounter new and challenging problems that rely on their ability to make connections to their prior knowledge from elementary school. They are able to formalize processes and procedures because they can make sense of a problem, rather than because they have been taught how to mimic. Problem solving (whatever the context) becomes the emphasis.
In the 9th and 10th grade Biology classes, students have learned more in depth about what constitutes a physical versus a chemical change, concepts they were introduced to in their Junior High Physical Science class. This all led up to "Experiment Day'' where students were given several experiments to do in groups, and then through discussion with their partners decide if an experiment resulted in a physical or chemical change. After deciding, the group then had to explain why it was that change. What characteristics did they see in their results that led them to decide on their answer? This process did not allow them to just give an answer and move on, they had to defend their decision with evidence. The students were also encouraged to ask "what if'' questions and alter experiments to see what would happen. Did their alteration work? Why or why not?
As a high school math teacher at the Academy, I see the fruits of our K-12 STEM program in my high school students daily. Having taught in both the public school system, and at the Academy, I can testify to the fact that our students are more equipped to understand complex concepts, critically work through problems, and develop unique and creative solutions, than students I’ve taught in other settings. These are the kinds of relevant skills that graduates of any high school program need to be successful in navigating today’s world.
Academy for G.O.D. Ranks in 5 ‘Best of Nashville’ Categories
We’re proud to be featured among the top 3 in 5 of the Best of Nashville categories this year!
Since 1988, The Nashville Scene, a free "alternative newsweekly," gathers votes for the "Best of Nashville" contest. Prized certificates can be seen in frames in restaurant lobbies, food trucks, dentist offices, and beauty salons throughout the city. Nashville citizens vote for their favorite businesses in over 250 categories with detailed contest rules and zipped-lip results until the "Best of Nashville Day" in October each year.
In the Nashville Scene’s Best of Nashville Contest 2021, we are proud to announce that The Academy for G.O.D. placed in five categories:
Best Elementary School - 3rd Place
Best Middle School - 2nd Place
Best High School - 3rd Place
Best Private School - 2nd Place
Best Teacher: Robert Muñoz - 2nd Place
Established in 2013 with 22 students, The Academy for G.O.D. offers innovative education for students K-12. Birthed out of the ministry of Global Outreach Developments International, The Academy for G.O.D.'s mission is to “holistically educate children to become responsible, kind, ethical neighbors; competent persons, globally conscious and historically relevant." Today, The Academy is home to 250 students across its campus program in Old Hickory, its hybrid program for homeschool students, and its online program reaching remote learners across the globe.
Courses are biblically-based with an emphasis on Social-Emotional Learning. Teachers are challenged to recognize and cultivate the Multiple Intelligences each child may be most gifted in (linguistic, mathematic, kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, interpersonal, and spatial). The Academy has a growing athletic department with a committed fan base (Go Phoenix!) and diverse after-school clubs (chess, yoga, geocaching, etc.). They provide annual STEM fairs and contests, Grandparents Day, Talent Shows, and Student Performance showcases. It is also a nationally recognized farm-to-school program incorporating fresh produce and meats from local sources, featuring produce from G.O.D. International’s Hopewell Farms. Most importantly, the Academy is surrounded by supportive parents who regularly pray for Academy students, teachers, and staff.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated an existing goal to make Academy education available to more students via an online platform. Today, students from Uganda and the Philippines attend live courses via Zoom, bringing a global experience into the classroom. As for the kind and ethical portion, students have Bible courses every day and regularly participate in service opportunities benefitting their Nashville neighbors. (You may find Academy students sharing music with a retirement community, an Academy high schooler teaching a painting class to individuals with special needs, or junior high or high school students serious about learning Spanish for their cross-cultural mission experiences.)
The Academy for G.O.D. is a Category IV non-public school registered with the state of Tennessee and a member of the Association for Christian Schools International (ASCI). Academy teachers and staff have been featured speakers and facilitators for ASCI conferences in South East Asia.
As for our honored teacher, the late Robert Muñoz, he was simply the best. Robert played a major role in getting the Academy off the ground alongside his best friend, Academy Headmaster Gregg Garner. Over the years, Rob, who had his Master in Public Health, taught Science and Biology to all age groups. He also regularly spoke at weekly chapels, led worship, and gave 200+ kids a positive start to their day through his famous morning announcements. Rob’s latest and most honored position was the Elementary Vice-Principal, which he held from 2018 to 2021. Rob passed away in July of 2021, leaving behind his wife and five amazing kids who all attend The Academy for G.O.D. Rob, who loved to celebrate and be celebrated, would have felt so honored to have received this award. We believe he's cheering as loud as he always did for his Academy family today.
Thank you, our beloved Academy family and Nashville voters, for cheering on the Academy for G.O.D.! We are happy to continue raising the next generation to be kind, ethical neighbors who consider all people God's family worthy of love and respect. Join in the cheer Mr. Muñoz so often led us in: Phoenix - Rise Up!
