Dear Parents and ACCS Friends,
More people used to say, “That’s marvellous!” Maybe you still do! Does that date us–that we remember saying that? Either way, it’s a good thing to say; some things actually are marvellous! I am purposely choosing a “Christmas” verse at this time of year as a kind of spiritual health check for us. Luke 2:16 reveals, “Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marvelled at those things which were told them by the shepherds.” Christian education is part of this “marvelling at those things which were told them.” One reason secular education that ignores or rejects God’s place and role is such an affront to God! For thirty nine years, by the grace and goodness of God, ACCS has been helping young people marvel at God’s handiwork–seeing Him in His creation, in His salvation, in His plan for the world! We are truly blessed! May the result be an increasing crescendo of young people forever transformed and transforming by the power of the Holy Spirit, surrendered to Him!
Tangibly speaking, I want to connect this idea to something we will pick up in the coming weeks in our Weekly News: our K-8 handwriting program, and how it is making a huge difference that will last for life! Handwriting is a good skill to develop, of course, but it is also part of developing one of the good gifts God has given us as another way of reflecting back praise to Him. Reducing skill development to “what I need for my future career” is what I call a “utilitarian view” of education, and it is the default position in secular schools, and increasingly the mindset of Christians. An art museum curator does not just put up art pieces to “cover the walls”; she puts them up to magnify the artist, or better yet, the Artist! We develop skills in our children in holy wonder of and excitement about His awesome creation, for His glory!
A topic of interest educationally is Why Every Classroom Should Teach Digital Citizenship. It begs the question: what is digital citizenship? Well, first citizenship, which is formally defined as “the quality of an individual’s response to membership in a community.” This makes citizenship far more complex than a simple legal matter, but rather one that consists of self-knowledge, interaction, and intimate knowledge of a place, its people, its place in God’s salvation plan, and its cultural history.
More people used to say, “That’s marvellous!” Maybe you still do! Does that date us–that we remember saying that? Either way, it’s a good thing to say; some things actually are marvellous! I am purposely choosing a “Christmas” verse at this time of year as a kind of spiritual health check for us. Luke 2:16 reveals, “Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marvelled at those things which were told them by the shepherds.” Christian education is part of this “marvelling at those things which were told them.” One reason secular education that ignores or rejects God’s place and role is such an affront to God! For thirty nine years, by the grace and goodness of God, ACCS has been helping young people marvel at God’s handiwork–seeing Him in His creation, in His salvation, in His plan for the world! We are truly blessed! May the result be an increasing crescendo of young people forever transformed and transforming by the power of the Holy Spirit, surrendered to Him!
Tangibly speaking, I want to connect this idea to something we will pick up in the coming weeks in our Weekly News: our K-8 handwriting program, and how it is making a huge difference that will last for life! Handwriting is a good skill to develop, of course, but it is also part of developing one of the good gifts God has given us as another way of reflecting back praise to Him. Reducing skill development to “what I need for my future career” is what I call a “utilitarian view” of education, and it is the default position in secular schools, and increasingly the mindset of Christians. An art museum curator does not just put up art pieces to “cover the walls”; she puts them up to magnify the artist, or better yet, the Artist! We develop skills in our children in holy wonder of and excitement about His awesome creation, for His glory!
A topic of interest educationally is Why Every Classroom Should Teach Digital Citizenship. It begs the question: what is digital citizenship? Well, first citizenship, which is formally defined as “the quality of an individual’s response to membership in a community.” This makes citizenship far more complex than a simple legal matter, but rather one that consists of self-knowledge, interaction, and intimate knowledge of a place, its people, its place in God’s salvation plan, and its cultural history.
So digital citizenship is nearly the same thing–“the quality of a response to membership in a digital community” would be a good first crack at the definition. Revising that might more clearly articulate the differences between physical and digital communities, so a decent definition of digital citizenship then might be “Self-monitored participation that reflects conscious interdependence with all (visible and less visible) community members, surrendered to God;” But that leaves out the idea of content itself, which leads us to a pretty good definition for educators: “The quality of habits, actions, and consumption patterns that impact the ecology of digital content, communities and one’s relationship with God.”
Still too wordy? Maybe a shorter version for students–with some moral imperatives and implied advice–could be: “the self-monitored habits that sustain and improve the digital communities you enjoy or depend on, and which tend to God’s glory.”
Are you up for a challenge? A prisoner is in jail. There are two doors, one leads to freedom one leads to death. There is a guard at each door. One guard always tells the truth, the other always tells lies. The prisoner is allowed one question to either of the guards.
Are you up for a challenge? A prisoner is in jail. There are two doors, one leads to freedom one leads to death. There is a guard at each door. One guard always tells the truth, the other always tells lies. The prisoner is allowed one question to either of the guards.
What is the question that will take him to freedom? (solution below) … And, did you know? The waves of the sea roll in on shore twenty-six to the minute in all kinds of weather.
Coram Deo,
Mr. Richard Sommer, Principal
PS. In the last few weeks, we shared this and we thought we should pass it on to you. Have you left your testimonial on the ACCS website? Here is one:
Coram Deo,
Mr. Richard Sommer, Principal
PS. In the last few weeks, we shared this and we thought we should pass it on to you. Have you left your testimonial on the ACCS website? Here is one:
A first generation student says … I joined ACCS the first year it opened as one of four grade 8 students. Although we were 3 grades in the same classroom our education was second to none. My children also attended and graduated as second generation. If I had the opportunity, my grandchildren would also attend. I thoroughly recommend this school. I like the familial aspect of it as well as the fact that staff are 100% approachable and accessible. Thank you for all you do!
Go to www.allistonccs.com/testimonials/ to leave yours!
Solution: If I were to ask the other guard which door leads to freedom, what would he say? Whichever door the guard points to, you go out the other door!
Solution: If I were to ask the other guard which door leads to freedom, what would he say? Whichever door the guard points to, you go out the other door!