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.