Another Kind of Environmentalism Classroom teachers, from the well as other more advanced ac- "grass-roots," are invited to become tivities. Both groups of teachers members of the union's Kinder- were presented information and garten Steering Committee. This hands-on activities according to committee does further research their levels of expertise. All teach- by polling and surveying fellow ers gained skills and made appli- colleagues as to what they believe cations which enabled them to would be of the most benefit. By become more technically-literate this time, teachers are really be- individuals. coming ecstatic about the spring During the workshop for the K,1,2 workshops, knowing that their teachers, added insights were given colleagues are providing input into as to the Adventist philosophy of their forthcoming professional early childhood education and the development workshops. importance of using developmen- This demonstrates that an ex- tally-appropriate practices and tensive effort is constantly being activities. Teachers were constantly made to provide high-quality pro- reminded and shown, through many fessional development for our demonstrations and "hands-on" teachers and administrators—pro- activities, that classrooms must be fessional development that im- activity-oriented and that develop- proves student achievement. mentally-sound, age-appropriate During the last week in May, two practices must be utilized. concurrent workshops were offered A model classroom with many for the K-8 teachers. One was for learning centers, was set up in the kindergarten, first, and second grade gymnasium of Georgia-Cumberland teachers titled "Excellence from Academy. Teachers were given an the Start." The second workshop, opportunity to rotate through these "One Computer in the Classroom," centers just like they expected their was for any K-8 teacher to learn students to do. Each center was dec- how to become computer literate. orated with various types of learn- This two-track workshop offered ing activities and a multi-array of Dawn McLendon of FLEEC spoke on the pro- opportunities for the Track I educational materials from which motion, acceleration, and retention of IC-2. teacher, who considered himself many gleaned a multiplicity of ideas to be a novice, to become user- to be used in their classrooms. by Norwida Marshall, Ed.D. friendly. Track II teachers were Since "play is child's work," a offered a more advanced course movement education specialist ontinuous learning be- of creating and publishing their demonstrated a variety of physical comes a part of our teach- own newsletters and bulletins as activities which sholAted how im- ers' regular work lives. , Teachers and administra- tors must have time for inquiry, analysis and reflection with their peers as well as opportunities to add to their skills and knowledge. Each spring the Southern Union provides an opportunity for the teachers' professional growth and development by offering these work- shops. One hundred and twenty-eight (128) teachers from the Southern Union and four teachers from three other unions gave up their post- week of school to participate in either one of the two week-long union-sponsored workshops. The local conference elementary associates, along with the union elementary associate, discuss the basic needs of teachers in kinder- garten, first, and second grades and seek solutions. During these discussions, it is felt strongly that teachers need to have input. Teachers representing a❑ conferences attended the workshops. 2 ■ Southern Tidings September, 1995 portant "movement" is to learning and a child's coordination. In this age of cultural diversity, a multi-cultural presentation en- lightened the teachers on the importance of unity in diversity. This concept of accepting others and reaching out regardless of race or culture, must be taught during the early formative years. "Teaching From the heart," was the central theme of an outstand- ing presentation on Integrated Thematic Instruction. Each teacher received a handmade heart from the presenter. At the end of each day, teachers were given an opportunity to "make and take" many of the ideas pre- sented on that day. Concern for the special needs student is still mounting as these students present an extremely varied set of instructional chal- lenges. In order to assist those teachers who are faced with these exceptional students in a regular classroom, a special needs work- shop was conducted at Southern Computer training, as provided here, is essential in today's classroom environ- College, June 5-9. ment. For approximately four years, elementary associates and teacher representatives from each confer- will continue to focus on their own ence have been receiving training professional growth and develop- Norwida Marshall is associate di- in working with the exceptional child ment as well as their commitment rector of education, Southern Union in the regular classroom. to Adventist education. Conference. The workshops have primarily been in the areas of learning dis- abilities and attention deficit dis- orders (ADD and ADHD). Eventu- ally emphasis will be given to the gifted. The preponderance of the evidence shows that teachers have more students who exhibit behav- iors in the aforementioned catego- ries and are therefore greatly in need of assistance. Educational specialists in these specific exceptionalities have been invited to share their expertise by giving techniques and strategies for identifying and developing edu- cational plans for these students' academic learning. These workshops are offered each spring with the idea that we must provide our teachers with profes- sional growth opportunities and a learning milieu that is problem- solving, which energizes them to return to their classrooms inspired and renewed to perform effectively. Teachers commented on how in- vigorated they were and that they Workshops provide professional growth for teachers. Volume 89 SOUTHERN TIDINGS (USPS 507-000) Number 9 Published monthly by the Southern Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Second-class postage ■ September, 1995 paid at Decatur, Ga., and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: send changes of address Southern Tidings 3 to SOUTHERN TIDINGS, P.O. Box 849, Decatur, GA 30031. by Bill Wood, Camp Director Indian Village for the special program. • Learning to work together in amp Alamisco is an aquat- teams at the low ropes chal- ics paradise located on lenge course. beautiful Lake Martin in • Experiencing a beautiful sun- eastern Alabama. The set Friday evening for the pag- promise of waterskiing, wave-run- eant depicting scenes from the ning, sailing, canoeing, and swim- life of Jesus. Camp Alamisco ming are tempting alternatives to is families playing and worship- staying at home. If you are not ing together at family camp. interested in water and sun, you Special programming for the can try horseback riding, ceram- different age groups, class in- ics, and other crafts, archery, learn struction in recreation and the art of rock climbing or enjoy crafts, no dishes to wash, and the nature trails, either walking or time set aside for family to- on mountain bikes. getherness have all contributed Camp Alamisco is accredited to family camp enrollment in- with the American Camping Asso- creasing each year. This sum- ciation which sets up specific guide- mer 130 people attended. More lines ensuring camper safety in all than one family camper has been areas of the camping program. heard to exclaim, "We plan for Qualified and dedicated staff are this all year. Wouldn't miss it." carefully chosen by Bill Wood, Gulf Camp Alamisco is reaching out States Conference youth director, to people who are not members of for their ability to work with people our church. For the past five years, and their competence and creden- three weeks of each summer have tials in specific areas. Staff hired been reserved by nonAdventist for high-risk areas, such as wran- churches who have brought their glers, waterfront personnel, and boat youth in for a week of camp. The drivers, are given additional train- staff have reported numerous Camper on climbing wall. ing to promote safety in those areas. conversations with adults and Camp Alamisco is 500 campers campers about our beliefs. each summer of different age groups: Most important—Camp Ala- • Enjoying morning worship in misco exists to glorify God and the outdoor chapel overlook- point youth and adults to Jesus. ing the lake. Lord, I lift Your Name on high. • Eating delicious food while Lord, I love to sing Your praises. watching the ducks on the lake. The camp staff started strum- • Sleeping in air-conditioned ming and singing the theme song cabins. for the week. As the Adventurer • Watching a rodeo, complete with campers heartily joined in, it was clowns, at the Western theme camp. obvious they enjoyed singing. This • Winding down the trail to the would be the last time that week for spiritual emphasis. It was Sab- bath sun- down wor- ship in the outdoor chapel. I'm so glad You're in my life, I'm so glad You came to save us. Ryan was sitting, gaz- ing up into the sky. lie appeared to be watching something, Camper on climbing wall. but a quick Group of campers looking up from the climbing wall. 4 ■ Southern Tidings September, 1995 glance told you there was nothing overhead but dusky blue sky in the fading light. Still he sat staring as he sang the familiar words: You came from heaven to earth to show the way. From the earth to the cross my debt to pay, From the cross to the grave, from the grave to the sky, Lord, I lift Your Name on high. As the last phrase faded in the gathering darkness, Ryan turned to the person behind him and said, "I love that song, it almost makes me cry, especially the last part." That is what Camp Alamisco is. A memory to recall when things aren't going well.