The Newsletter of Augusta Christian Schools A Closer Look Winter/Spring 2008-2009
this issue A Year of Transition P.1 Principals P.2-4 Accreditation Update Guidance Counselor P.5
Dear Parents: Athletics/Fine Arts P. 6-7
Good News! In the exit Development P. 8 interview with our Accreditation Team, Mrs. Banks, Mrs. Mont- gomery, Mr. Wells and I were told that Augusta Christian Schools went far beyond the call A Year of Transition by Dr. John Bartlett of duty in fulfilling the require- Interim Headmaster ments for reaffirmation of ac- In the fifty year history of Augusta Christian creditation by ACSI/SACS. Schools, the school year of 2008-2009 is truly the large classroom modules was at the en- My heartfelt thanks to each the year of transition. trance of a large new green space park, a team captain who worked so During the 2007-2008 school year ACS memorial of a former ASC student. When diligently in coordinating the celebrated its Golden Anniversary. Special the modules were securely placed on their work of their academic discipline programs were held throughout the year begin- new campus, the refurbishing process began or division, for the input and hard ning early in the fall semester with a traditional, both on the inside and outside. A new en- work of the entire faculty and formal academic convocation. A very distin- trance to campus was approved, making staff, and for parents who so guished guest, Dr. Frank Page, President of the ingress and exits to this new area to the lovingly commit their sons and Southern Baptist Convention and a former ACS campus accessible. A network of sidewalks daughters to our academic and parent, was the speaker. Two of the founders connected each unit together and to other spiritual welfare. The visiting of the school were in atten- major campus facilities. When team told me repeatedly that dance as well as several former “God’s hand of blessing this project was completed, literally on the Friday before Augusta Christian is indeed a Headmasters, distinguished and direction have been very, very special Christian alumni and a host of other spe- school was to open for the fall school. cial guests. A special 50th anni- felt in a very special semester, everyone agreed Thanks again for your part versary celebration was held at way this fifty-first year of that God had permitted a beau- in making Augusta Christian the Homecoming as well a variety operation.” tiful miracle. This attractive wonderful school it is. of events held throughout the and charming new addition to year. our campus has been dubbed by its middle Highest Regards, The transition actually began when the school students as The Village. School Board made the momentous decision to Other major considerations in this relo- John B. Bartlett sell the property housing the elementary division cation process were new space for the ele- Interim Headmaster thus reuniting the school to a one campus unit. mentary library, a new elementary office In addition to preparing this property for sale, complex, and the refurbishing of
much study began on the relocating of 4 class elementary classrooms. Each group worked room modules back to the Baston Road loca- diligently with the school administration as a tion. Administrative and Board groups began wonderful transformation began to take working on the planning process for the move. place. The stress and the tension caused by A suitable location was selected as well as a the enormity of the project plus the very lim- suitable site for the construction of a new ele- ited time frame in which to complete it kept mentary playground. Construction plans, engi- everyone’s “nose to the grindstone.” In spite neering consultations and county involvement in (Continued on page 8) the process were all begun in preparation of the “major move” scheduled to begin after the last day of the school year. The location chosen for Augusta Christian Schools
1 Middle/High School Middle/High School News By Lauren Banks, Middle/High School Principal/Director of Admissions
“God has the future of Augusta Christian Schools firmly in the palm of His hand.”
As I reflect upon the numerous blessings ing to the historical significance of pieces followed that God has bestowed upon Augusta Chris- by outstanding performances on the Middle and tian over the past fifty-one years, I am in awe High School levels. This fall, our Quiz Bowl team of His continued guidance, grace and mercies finished first in our Region! ACS cheerleaders were that are evident even on this cold February National Champions for the second time in three day. I am proud to be a part of His amazing years! Football, swimming, tennis, cross country, school. As I look out my window, I see lush, and volleyball teams keep our student athletes busy new landscaping along the front of our High with practice schedules and games that bring enjoy- School buildings donated by families who ment for the players and spectators alike. Winter devote their lives and energies to Christian and spring athletic activities include basketball, education. The inside of our classroom build- baseball, golf, men’s tennis, track, soccer, softball ings are bright with new carpet and paint and and our “all new” wrestling team! Their schedules the middle school “village” are demanding, but our students find that has been redesigned with “I thank God daily for through Christ, they can do all things! handsome decking, carpet committed Christian Many of Augusta Christian’s faculty and and a fresh coat of paint. families who value administration attended the annual Associa- Offices are refurbished tion of Christian Schools International confer- with a “new look” that in- and honor God’s ence held in Birmingham, Alabama February spired our Scripture selec- school.” 11-13. During this conference, Christian tion for the 2008-2009 school teachers and administrators attended school year: “Behold I make all things new.” classes to broaden their knowledge of Christian I thank God daily for committed Christian Education in an effort to apply these concepts in families who value and honor God’s school their classrooms. Currently, ACS plans to imple- with their time, talents, prayers, finances and ment SMART boards as a teaching tool in many of “elbow grease.” God has the future of Au- our classrooms for the 2009-2010 school year. gusta Christian Schools firmly in the palm of Some of our area businesses have come forward to His hand. We listen for His direction through help in this effort. We thank God for these exciting daily prayer and devotions as we minister to additions to our school program. Our wonderful families and students who hear His calling to Parent Association of Augusta Christian Schools - ACS. PAAC- has evening programs that draw our families Augusta Christian is a vibrant place and a closer as they get to know one another in a casual hub of activity both during and after school atmosphere of praise and sharing. hours. Our students are engaged in challeng- Thank you for sharing your children with us. ing curriculum that will prepare them to serve We count it a privilege to partner with you to build Jesus Christ as Lord after graduation from Kingdom leaders here at Augusta Christian Schools. high school no matter what profession God leads them to pursue. Our teachers not only prepare students academically but also spiri- tually as they develop relationships with stu- dents to help them mature in the Lord. Each department strives for excellence as we honor our Lord with the gifts and talents He has given each one of us. The Choral program of our Fine Arts Department consistently achieves superior ratings in Georgia Music Educators competitions and our Art program attends competitions each year in an effort to broaden students’ exposure and appreciation for various expressions of art. The Band pro- gram delights its audiences with lessons relat-
2 Talent Development Profile Examples of problems that Talent Development assists with: organization, poor reading
skills, difficulty sounding out
worlds, trouble comprehending and retaining what is read, poor
writing skills, difficulty brain- Great is HIS Faithfulness by Jennifer Montgomery, Talent Development Principal storming, attention issues and speed in completing work. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 Classes are offered in grades The Lord has truly touched Augusta Christian Schools! I stand in awe and am constantly one through twelve depending reminded of His faithfulness to each of us. We have been blessed with wonderful returning stu- dents and have added many new faces this year. It is a gift to partner with you and to minister upon availability. to your children. Class size ranges from five to Our students remind each of us on a daily basis, just why we have been called into Educa- fourteen. tion, and they are the reason why we adore every minute we spend at Augusta Christian! I have been inspired by our students’ kindness to one another and by their genuine desire to be- Individualized instruction. friend new students. I am so proud to say that every time I give a tour to a new family our stu- Multi-sensory approach to learn- dents stop to greet and welcome the new student. This occurred quite often this year as word of our “best kept secret” traveled. ing. I am greatly impressed with the level of academic success that our students are achieving. Each student has an individual- They are extremely creative with writing assignments, projects, speeches, etc. It is thrilling to ized educational plan that is see them reaching for the stars! Most importantly, I see the Lord in their lives, and I hear Him in their voices. I have been reviewed and adjusted annually. privileged to bear witness to the Lord changing many hearts and to see Him move in the lives of our students. He has brought several into His kingdom this year! I count myself to be among those rated “Most Successful”, although you won’t find my Graduation name in Forbes Magazine! I have the distinct advantage of working as a part of a team of LIFE AFTER AUGUSTA CHRISTIAN Christ-centered Teachers and Assistants. I get to spend my days with precious and inquisitive SCHOOLS seekers of knowledge and truth. I am surrounded by the presence of the Lord and His faithful- ness. Through His grace and mercy, I am thankful to call you my friends and my family! The School of Talent Development provides transition planning services Georgia Special Needs Scholarship for ninth through twelfth graders to discuss college and career options.
Augusta Christian Schools began accepting students through the Georgia Special Needs Schol- We work as a team to help students arship Program during the 2008-2009 school year. The Georgia Special Needs Scholarship pro- vides eligible special needs students with the opportunity to attend an approved private school. realize and accomplish their goals. We are extremely blessed to have accepted seventeen new students into our Talent Develop- In recent years, 87% of Talent Devel- ment Program! opment students pursued further Augusta Christian School’s Talent Development Program is specifically designed for students education by attending either a four with a learning disability and/or Attention Deficit Disorder. Classes are offered in grades one through twelve, depending upon availability. Class size ranges from five to fourteen students, year or two year university. allowing the school to provide individualized attention through a multi-sensory approach to learning. Augusta Christian Schools is comprised of caring teachers skilled in their subject ar- eas and compassionate teaching assistants. The school’s Talent Development program builds on strengths, focuses on weaknesses, challenges students to perform at their full potential, en- hances self-confidence and provides tools necessary for success. For more information regard- ing Augusta Christian Schools and the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship, please contact the Talent Development Principal, Jennifer Montgomery at: (706) 863-2905, 131 or via email: [email protected].
3 Elementary
Instructional improvement should result in student leaning improvement as we seek to grow students to be better communicators in both the spoken and written word. We are thankful for this oppor- tunity to gather ways that will make us better. Thankfulness is contagious and something to look for in the smallest events and interchanges and in the largest plans and occurrences. From a student passing an Accelerated Reader test on computer for the first time, to the saying of “excuse me” (and meaning it!) when a student accidentally bumps into a classmate. From com- pleting the successful transfer and working opera- tion of new computer software never used before, to the transplanting, moving, and reestablishing an entire school division to a different location. In each event He uses to grow us, we need to see Him moving and be thankful for His presence, His Being Thankful will being done through us, and His providing us By Darrell Wells, Elementary Principal the opportunity to serve Him. God expects our
thankfulness. Elementary is just thankful. Thank- Our Heavenly Father guides us in building ful, for the students who grace our hall- Kingdom leaders here at Augusta Christian. It is ways each day, and thankful for their comforting to know that He is in charge and in caring, supportive parents who love control. Our prayers are offered up to Him con- them. We are thankful to once again be cerning the present and future of this school, reunited with the middle and high school which is HIS school. Under His guidance and on one campus. We are thankful for the direction, ACS has existed, devel- newly refurbished class- oped, been transformed, and hope- rooms and hallway we are “God expects our fully, conformed to His will over the allowed to work in daily. faithfulness.” years of its existence. Yes, there The end of last year was, have been both smooth and upsetting times in for several reasons, challenging. How- ACS history, but again hopefully, no departure ever, the renewing and rejuvenating re- from His will for this institution of learning. God is union with the home campus, and its with us in the times of plenty and in the times of wonderful makeover, provided motivation want. Praise be His name! Thankful we are, and for us as the beginning of the year pro- should be, for His grace and blessings. gressed. God has reestablished us here and brought us through the first semester with some adjustments from previous years: closer proximity to specials, lunches, and each other, to name a few. However, school is still school, with events and curriculum still being pro- gressed through by students and teach- ers. Learning takes place daily, even as teachers look for ways to improve how we build literacy for children and young people school- wide. This initiative is part of our accreditation process with the Association of Christian Schools Interna- tional. Teachers have looked hard at test scores, determined areas that need improvement, sought instructional meth- ods to make those improvements, and Mr. Wells enjoyed the water slide at tested those methods on students in Action Day as much as the students! practical ways in the classrooms.
4 From the Guidance Office College Trip By Cheryl Dryzga, Guidance Counselor April 15-16
ACS Students Win College Scholarships The 10th and 11th Last year, three ACS seniors were awarded the Watson- Brown Foundation Scholarship whose primary mission is to grade college trip provide college scholarships to area students based on merit was rescheduled due and need. The three students are Helen Cave who is cur- to snow in North rently attending North Greenville University, Andy House Georgia. The new who is attending Vanderbilt University and Megan Newman who is at Augusta State University. trip dates are April 15 For more information about the Watson-Brown Scholar- and 16 and there is ship go to www.watson-brown.org/. still room available for students to attend AP Scholar Awards the Georgia/South Three students at Augusta Christian Schools have earned the designation of AP Scholar by Carolina College the College Board in recognition of their exceptional achievement on the college-level Ad- Trip. vanced Placement Program (AP) Exams. The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program offers students the opportunity to take For more informa- challenging college-level courses while still in high school, and to receive college credit, ad- tion or to register, go vanced placement, or both for successful performance on the AP Exams. About 18 percent of to: the more than 1.6 million high school students in 16,000 secondary schools worldwide who took www.kellytours.com AP Exams performed at a sufficiently high level to merit the recognition of AP Scholar. and enter trip #4694. Students took the AP Exams in May 2008 after completing challenging college-level courses at their high schools. The College For more information Board recognizes several levels of achievement based on student’s contact Miss Dryzga. performance on AP exams. At Augusta Christian Schools three students qualified for the AP Scholar Award by completing three or more AP Exams, with grades Important Guidance of 3 or higher. The AP Scholars are Helen Cave, Jennifer Hoefs and Melany Lopez. Helen Cave and Jennifer Hoefs graduated from Au- Websites gusta Christian Schools in 2008. Melany Lopez is a senior at Augusta Christian Schools. She is currently taking Advanced Placement SAT and ACT classes and will be eligible to earn another AP Scholar Award. Registration:
Melany Lopez, AP Scholar www.collegeboard.com
Junior Night Helping students I met with juniors and parents recently about their upcoming senior year. The meeting was plan for college: well-attended and the following information was covered: