Notes from Museum Road
High Expectations
If you have ever traveled overseas, you have likely seen signs that mangle the English language, but still manage to communicate a message. Years ago, I entered the waiting room of an airport and looked up at the sign to read, “Hall of Expectation”. Well, the expectation was to fly…..and land! This sign would also be great to put up in a school because all students should go into the classroom, and into life, with the expectation that their dreams can take flight. When students go off to college or work, they sometimes find out that the field of study or work wasn’t quite what they expected. Wouldn’t it be great if they had some way of testing out their dreams and expectations first? At Statesville Christian School, we host a two-week Winterim program that is intended to provide a variety of experiences designed to help high school students investigate and explore their interests. Through internships at the workplace, special interest classes that expand understandings, cultural experiences in other countries, and school community activities, our students are given a unique learning experience that helps them connect with their school community and with the larger world.
Along with formal Winterim programs, we also offered some fun one-day activities for students, such as beginning snow skiing. A group of parents, faculty, and students ventured up Sugar Mountain and saw two things some of us had never encountered before. The first was a mountaintop marriage proposal by a young man who formed a troop of his friends into a line near the ski lift to form, letter by letter, a sign with his sincere question. As some of our students waited for the young woman to show up, they asked, “What if she says ‘no’?” She certainly did say yes and the event was incredibly well-documented by a crowd holding smartphones and probably posting it to YouTube. The second new encounter was a blind skier being guided down the slope by the voice of an expert skier. The expert instructor stayed just a few feet ahead, talking the blind skier through the turns and down the mountainside. It was an amazing scene to consider on many levels. In the space of just a few minutes, an observant student might have witnessed courage, confidence, risk taking, commitment, resilience, absolute trust, and total responsibility. You could call this a lesson in character education. As one educator put it, the best lessons are sometimes “caught” rather than taught, and often memorable lessons happen outside the traditional classroom setting. In the next few posts, I would like to give a few brief descriptions of the experiences our other students had during Winterim. Let’s find out what these students discovered in the hall of their expectations.
The Reason for the Season...
Here at Statesville Christian School we are finishing up the semester with final exams in the High School, enjoying the Elementary Christmas program and classroom parties, watching basketball games, and exchanging Christmas gifts with friends, as we get ready to enjoy our two week Christmas vacation. Let us not forget to reflect on the one and only reason for the season, the birth of our savior Jesus Christ!
Luke 2: 1-20 The Birth of Jesus
1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a]Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Thanksgiving Month
Last week, we marked Veterans Day at Statesville Christian School with a special chapel that honored the men and women of our armed forces, and reminded our school community of the sacrifices which were made on the behalf of all. As the veterans of World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War and the Iraq-Afghanistan conflict stood among us to be honored and recognized, I think everyone had a deeper appreciation of our history and our country. Many children have simply no idea of the exceptional country in which they live and how they are protected around the clock by men and women whom they will never meet. It is nice to look into the friendly skies and see our planes and helicopters, isn’t it?
Someday, when our elementary students are middle aged, perhaps they will remember that they once shook hands with soldiers who fought for our country in a war one hundred years before. Our prayer is that our students will convey a sense of gratitude and an understanding of our history to the next generation. In this month where we remember the sacrifices of our veterans, we are thankful for the ultimate sacrifice of our Savior and for all the blessings of life and eternity that we may enjoy in Jesus Christ. Happy Thanksgiving!
Along The Path
If you’re the first person of the day to walk the path through the woods near us, you’re likely to get a face full of spider webs. In the fall, one web after another is spun across the width of the trail. The webs sometimes span from tree to tree. The trouble is, you can’t see the web unless the sunlight or raindrops outline the strands just right. What happens when you walk through a web? First, you yell, then you pull the spider webs out of your hair and eyes. Finally, it’s typical to start looking for the spider. This fall, I’ve taken to holding a branch or a stick out in front of me, like a bandleader with a baton, to break the unseen webs along one section of the path. This works almost as well as sending someone else down the path first. “No, please, after you.”
One of the advantages of being a school administrator is that I get to cross many open paths with a lot of people, something which allows me to get a unique picture of all the interconnections within the Statesville Christian School community. I see the parents who pray, volunteer and organize events; the coaches who invest countless hours; and the teachers who say “I’m free to teach here,” “I can’t wait to get to work” and “I treat my students like they’re my own children.” I met a parent yesterday who said her son “loves his new school.”
In the classroom, I’ve seen one elementary class putting on a puppet show of “Charlotte’s Web” for a younger group, high school students in science lab, the students’ latest artwork, the Spanish I class learning different verbs, and a student learning positive and negative numbers by walking up and down a sidewalk. I see notes of appreciation from parents and students, tennis and soccer matches, practical jokes, carpools, and students memorizing Bible verses on their way to class. Along the way, teachers have described how they’ve discussed ancient Greek plays, the Mayflower Compact, and how the 5th grade reviewed historic documents and old maps on their iPads.
Recently, we had a hoedown where one parent of two graduates called the square dance, and another alumni parent, taught the middle and high school students how to do the Virginia Reel without knocking one another down. Next week, our school will host Homecoming and we expect many graduates to cross paths with their former teachers and our current crop of students, parent and grandparents. Unlike walking through the woods, the paths around our school are well worn and well traveled by many who have gone on ahead. In walking around our school, I’m reminded of the scripture that refers to the journey, as well as the destination, for Christians:
“You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.” (Psalm 16:11)
Decision Time
August is a time when many parents consider educational options for their children. You do have options, and you do have the freedom to choose where your child goes to school. We invite you look over our website, call us, visit our school or have your child spend all or part of a school day with us to see if Statesville Christian is the best fit for your family. We continue to enroll new students, and your family is not too late to join our learning community. We are confident that you will notice the great atmosphere at our school the moment you walk in the doors.
Summertime...
Our students at Statesville Christian School have the unique opportunity to visit the “Green Room,” our biggest classroom. Nearly eleven acres in size, this environmental classroom is located right next to our campus. Science, English, and Art classes may walk over on a path from the school to our property to observe animal and plant life, sketch, or write. The elementary students have done a bit of gardening and created a bird sanctuary, and we all have ideas for doing more.
It is vital for students to be technologically literate, because the “high tech” world is a fact of life and work. We have great technological resources at our school, and we plan to expand these capabilities next year. It is also critical for students to appreciate, respect, and experience the “low tech” world of God’s creation. Some lessons do have to be experienced in order to be appreciated.
When our family moved out of the DC area when I was about thirteen, my brother and I immediately started exploring the woods, fields, ponds, and rivers. Of course, the locals, who had lived in the Virginia countryside all their lives, saw an opportunity to scare the new city kids.
“Watch your step, if a snapping turtle bites your foot, it won’t let go of your big toe until it thunders.” That warning has echoed in my mind for years, often just before stepping barefoot into the muddy bottom of a pond or wading along in a river while fishing. Through the years, asking questions of other fishermen has only served to raise more concerns.
“Are there any snapping turtles in this river?”
“…Someone said they saw a snapper as big as a washtub in here…” Then, a fisherman usually smiles and helpfully demonstrates precisely what he means by stretching out his arms into a huge set of parentheses. “Watch out, they can stretch their necks out just as long as their shell…” “Don’t worry, turtles won’t bite underwater….” My brother and I can’t confirm all these dire warnings, but we can say that snapping turtles, as a rule, do have rotten dispositions.
It did thunder loudly the other morning, and perhaps somewhere, a strong-willed turtle finally let go. Sometimes we don’t let go of things until the thunder and lightning arrive. We can keep holding on to our own notions for years until something breaks our grip and causes us to look at life differently. An old adage puts it this way: “It’s not what we don’t know that hurts us; it’s what we think we know that isn’t so.” We have to be lifelong learners, and we need clear instruction and new insights to let go of misconceptions.
Our theme verse for the school year has been Micah 6:8:
“He has shown you, O man, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justly
To love mercy,
And to walk humbly with your God?”
Our newest group of lifelong learners, The Class of 2011, graduates this Sunday evening. On behalf of our Statesville Christian School community, I want to offer my congratulations. We are all very proud of you! May you each hold on to that which is of eternal value and let go of everything that hinders you in the race of life; and may you live a great life and bless others with your joyful dispositions!
Easter and Education
Imagine paying thousands of dollars for your child’s education, so that he or she may have “the privilege of learning the truth that there is no truth to learn…” (Sproul, 2010). If there are no ultimate truths, we and our children must create our own truths, discover our own morality, and establish our own values for the journey ahead.
Would you consider lending your car to a stranger, so that he might drive it across the country? (“Hey you, here’s my keys!”) Now imagine, if you will, entrusting your child for days, months, and years to the hands of those whom you hardly know, in order that your child may learn what someone else says is vital to know in life. We certainly don’t value our cars more than our children. This is just one reason why it is critically important to consider choosing a Christian education- if the option exists for you- that supports you and your faith, family, and values.
This month, we mark the most thunderous moment in human history. Christ arose, free from the grip of death. Christ’s Resurrection made it possible for us to be set free from the law of sin and death. Christ’s Resurrection makes it possible for our lives to be defined by our faith in God instead of our fears of the unknown. All of this means we may set aside a life on our terms and accept a mindset, a spiritual freedom, and a worldview that recognizes life on the glorious terms of a loving God.
Thomas, the disciple, missed an appearance of the risen Christ and doubted. You could say he missed a class, and a most important lesson. His liberal education was, up to that point, incomplete. Thomas stated his terms, “Unless I shall see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe” (John 20:25). Christ had to stretch out His arms and show him exactly what He meant."Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing." (John 20:27)
Over the entrance to many university libraries, Christ’s words are often carved into stone: “…you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free…” (John 8:32) It’s quite possible to push through the library doors-and right through an education- without ever looking up.
Passing or Crossing?
A group of deer often cross through the field in front of our home around dawn and again at dusk, and we noticed that a hawk, perched on the edge of the field and looking down, often shows up with the herd. Our theory is that the hawk watches for movement in the grass to see if the herd stirs up any mice or moles as it passes through. We haven’t seen the hawk dive and so haven’t proven our theory yet, but now the hawk is building a nest with a view over the field.
Our children watch us just like hawks, don’t they? They want to see what we stir up as we pass through life, how we act, how we make decisions, how we treat others, what we say about other drivers on the interstate, and how we forgive. They don’t listen to our lectures; they imitate us! Erma Bombeck once wrote that “guilt is the gift that keeps on giving.” Perhaps she was writing about being a parent, as most of us can identify where we have fallen short in parenting. We all know that we’ve made mistakes and what we need is not more guilt but redemption and constructive answers. The Bible offers practical answers and instructs parents about how we can redeem difficult situations and repair broken relationships. We are our children’s first teachers. Glen Shultz makes a statement that “the education of children and youth is the primary responsibility of parents” and is “a 24-hours-a-day, 7 days a week process” (Shultz, 2010).
If children are watching us like hawks, what are they concluding about the importance we place on our Christian beliefs? One could say that the primary task for parents and teachers is to define reality for children. The scriptures teach that all of us have sinned, but that a God of infinite love has offered redemption and a life of purpose and meaning. The fear of the Lord (sincere reverence for Him) is “the beginning of wisdom.” The entire universe cannot contain God, but our graves will be too large for each of us (George Herbert). These truths mark the beginning of an education for another kingdom, as well as the mindset to face challenges in the here and now. As a Russian proverb puts it, passing through life is not like crossing an open field.
1969 and 2011…
Personally, I recall 1969 as the year that my mother seemed to stop singing to herself, and my father went off for his second tour of duty in the Vietnam conflict. It was the year after students rioted in the streets of Paris and Chicago, and perhaps it was also the year people stopped whistling to themselves in public and suddenly began to jog down the street for no apparent reason. As a seventh grader, I recall those days when man first set foot on the moon, and the Woodstock generation seemed to pull at whatever thread might unravel our world. I loved my country, as any Army brat would in those days, and to my 12 year-old-mind, it seemed that our world was crumbling under a triple plague of riots, protests, and drugs. Chaos seemed a normal facet of life, and adults seemed to frequently speculate about a future spent sifting through the glowing ruins of America after a nuclear strike. Seventh grade, all by itself, was an absolutely terrible experience. When my father returned from overseas after a year’s tour of duty, he decided to change school systems by moving our family one hundred miles southwest of DC and into the Virginia countryside. My school experience and my spiritual life were both completely different after that, mainly because my parents made a decision to change our situation.
Over forty years of societal changes have happened since then, and this year has already opened with images of riots throughout the Middle East and discussions of nuclear threats from Iran. People may have stopped smoking or whistling tunes in public, but they just will not stop talking loudly to invisible people while seated next to us in restaurants. In 2011, today’s seventh grader has to navigate through an incredible river of images and information streaming through the internet, cell phones, television, YouTube, social networking, music, films and many other sources. Much of this information is presented instantaneously with no claims to moral, spiritual, or ethical truth. It seems that without a moral or spiritual compass, children are left to simply collect all this information and somehow make sense of life.
A complete education, as Ravi Zacharias has noted, answers the questions about origin, meaning, morality, and destiny. Children grow up to ask: Who am I? Where am I going? Is life just a joke? Who has the authority to say what is right and what is wrong? A distinctly Christian education supports the family and believing teachers address these vital questions in an atmosphere of free academic inquiry.
In the next few posts, I’d like to highlight why a Christian education is absolutely essential to the spiritual and intellectual formation of children. Along the way, I’d also like to talk about the great things that are happening at Statesville Christian School. Seventh grade can be a positive experience!
Thanks for reading!
