How Academy Online Isn't Your Typical Online School

That’s a wrap on our 2019-2020 school year, and with the fourth quarter held fully online, our students adjusted to a new way of learning in just a few weeks! We are proud to showcase some fun, quality projects our students completed over their final quarter. Enjoy!

One of our weekly themes was “Endurance”. Students were presented with a variety of assignments that required focus and perseverance to complete. We received a number of submissions that were creative and inspiring. Check out this “trick shot challenge” from one of our elementary students, where they were to set up a challenging shot and practice endurance until they succeeded at the shot.

The shift to online learning meant exponential opportunities to practice technology! Elementary students learned the ins and outs of iPad apps like iMovie, while learning practical skills like how do laundry! In one Creative Arts course, students created step-by-step presentations to teach others how to properly wash laundry. This was one of our favorites!

Our Jr High students’ backyard gardens are thriving! They’ve been applying what they learned in elementary gardening classes to manage pests with homemade organic sprays, and control weeds with mulching methods like cardboard and wood chips. Way to go students, we are so proud of you!

Also in Jr High, the Nutrition & Meal Prep class, emphasized skills such as proper knife grips, and how to work safely around heat in the kitchen. Their final project was to plan and execute a 3 course meal, documenting both how they used their skills, and the fellowship that was enjoyed on the other side of their efforts!

One of our high school students, Genesis, composed a poem in her Social Studies course reflecting on what they’ve learned in the class.  It was a joy to see students creatively express themselves and the content they had processed through online modules. 

“Life Hacks” was a favorite class with our younger elementary students. Teachers were intentional in embedding STEM skills (geometric shapes) and Language Arts skills (following and articulating step-by-step processes) into fun, creative projects.

In her 8th grade Project Development course, this Jr High student created a product called “No-Dough” to assist her in making bread and cleaning her supplies. This class trained students to create a product that met some need that they had, and could be marketable.

Memorizing and writing scripture is a component of our Language Arts courses. These are some submissions from elementary students!

This Jr High student did an excellent final project for his Visual Arts course! His video showcases the creation process.

And finally, this documentary by one of our upper elementary students blew her teachers away! The students were asked to use the videography and storytelling skills from the Documentary Making to produce a mini-documentary on a subject of their choice, something that was interesting and feasible to do within a 6-week period.

Students Respond with Service During the Pandemic

Written by Jr High and High Vice Principal, Mrs. Mathews

This spring, our staff and students went from an on campus school to distance learning in a matter of weeks in response to the global pandemic. Although it was a transition for us as educators, how much more for our students? Much of the normalcy of their day to day, including a social outlet and the opportunity to learn and experience spiritual growth at school was changed all in a matter of days.

As the Vice Principal of Jr High and High, I wondered how our students would respond. How would they navigate this monumental moment in history? How would they spend their days as we transitioned to online school? I was deeply moved to learn of how our students were serving their families and neighbors in need.  

Freshman, Anna Roberson, used her skill with sewing to make 50 face masks for local healthcare workers to use during the pandemic.

One of our ninth grade students, Anna Roberson, took it upon herself to make 50 face masks for local healthcare professionals. She saw a need and met it with the skills that she had. It was amazing to see her rise up to the occasion and do what she could to help those on the frontlines combating COVID-19. 

One of our eleventh grade students, Genesis Garner, realized that God’s gifts should only continue during this time. Instead of letting distance keep her from exercising these gifts, she set up a bible study and worship time on her own volition for students both in Nashville and Arcola, IL. It was during this time that young people realized that even though a screen separated them, the love of God brings them together.

One of our 7th grade students, Ezrah Aaseby, recently offered to mow the lawn for her elderly neighbor. She went with a joyful heart and served despite knowing she wouldn't be able to visit with her neighbor. What a response of humility! 

Sophomore, Jones Warren, built a chicken coop in his backyard for his new chickens he is raising!

Many of our students also have the opportunity to raise baby chickens! They have put their skills to the test and built a chicken coop for their new flock. This time at home has given one of our 10th grade students, Jones Warren, an opportunity to practice several skills he has learned on our campus. What a great use of time during this distanced season! 

Furthermore, as part of their online curriculum, all of our Jr High students are now starting their own backyard gardens! We hope this task teaches them responsibility and a desire to be grounded during this pandemic experience. 

Our students’ world changed, but they did not. They have continued implementing the lessons and values they are learning at school, whether it be on campus or online. They are serving nurses on the frontlines, the elderly in their neighborhoods, and their own families. They did not look at this moment in history and become stifled. Rather, it has sparked something in them they might not have realized that they had, and they are spreading that light. These faces are the face of the future, and all I see is hope. I pray that they can continue to bless those in the face of adversity because they surely blessed me during this season!

Providing Meals to Kids during a Pandemic

Written by School Nutritionist, Mrs. Breann Chigumira

Rafael Reyes ensures the food is not only nutritious, but delicious too! The meals are not just basic sandwiches but greek pitas, taco salads, pizza pasta and more.

Over the past 5 years at the Academy for G.O.D, I thought I had "seen it all" in terms of hurdles to us serving nutritional lunches to students. Tornados, severe weather, flooding, school cancellations because of sickness, construction of new school buildings on campus, and the list could continue. However, what none of us were prepared for was a pandemic that would begin to change what our 'new normal' would look like. We were looking at a total shutdown of 'in-person' classes, and our school made a choice to move to an online format for the rest of the semester.

However, I knew that we could not just stop our school's nutrition program altogether. During the school year we serve breakfast and lunch daily to students, and now more than ever students and their parents need this support. With unemployment in Tennessee predicted to rise above 'great depression' levels, I knew that parents would be even more hard-pressed to feed their children.

During a health crisis we also have to acknowledge that ensuring children have proper nutrition will help boost their immunity toward this ever circulating virus. As I shopped at local stores looking for food for my family, I was challenged to find certain fresh fruits or vegetables and other nutritious items. If families are quarantined at home, how will they go to the store, if stores are out of food, how will families eat? These were all questions I knew our program could provide some solution to. Our school nutrition program has always emphasized fresh fruits and vegetables, and I knew that this was no time to reduce that intake for children.

For the everyday heroes who are part of school nutrition programs across the country, this was a time for us to step up and feed a vulnerable population. This was not the time to take a break or step back in fear. It was time to decide how to overcome obstacles, problem-solve, and ensure children have the best opportunity to thrive amidst a world in chaos. 1 John 4:18 was a motivating refrain behind these decisions: 'There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear...whoever fears has not been perfected in love.' Instead of being anxious or acting out of fear, love drives me to do God's will to help kids in my neighborhood (while at the same time practicing the wisdom this pandemic necessitates).

As often as possible, food is sourced locally. When we say “local” we mean down the hill at our on campus farm, Hopewell Farms.

As I realized the ongoing effects of COVID-19, I searched out grants and programs that would help our school to operate as a free meal site for any child under 18. I immediately got our application in to be part of the USDA’s ‘seamless summer option,’ this would allow our school to operate as a free meal site for any child under 18, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Broadening our focus beyond the Academy made it so that we could offer assistance to anyone in need in our proximity.

Every day what would normally be used for lunch tables are still used for lunch tables, just all packed to go. This team goes above and beyond with home delivery for those in the neighborhood, and a streamlined drive through service for those who are not.

Comparatively, our school nutrition program is not generally a huge operation. We are among a handful of private schools in all of Tennessee that operate under the USDA's National School Nutrition Program, with the rest being large school districts with 1,000s of students. Despite being a small site, I knew with some hard work we could serve our neighbors and those in need. Our first week, we served almost 2,000 meals (breakfast and lunch). Going into our second week, we are set to serve over 2,000! We are delivering meals in the Hopewell neighborhood. We also have a drive-through system for pick up Monday-Friday until the end of the semester. We completely revamped all of our operations to fit this new need, which was no small undertaking! Despite substantial food shortages, we have still been able to provide a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables along with fresh organic produce from our on-campus garden. We are also supporting several employees who now do not have to file for unemployment and still supporting local food businesses who need our patronage.

This has been an important time for us to step up to the challenge. I'm so happy with my team and our readiness to meet COVID-19 with faith that we can do our part. School nutrition may not always get to the forefront of daily news. But it's making a splash in this part of Nashville. It's nice to be reminded of this essential work, which contributes to the health of our communities -- our kids! I work with a team of everyday heroes who deserve applause! Groups like mine, all over the country, are stepping out and ensuring children are still taken care of, despite incredible challenges. That is a reason to keep hoping.

When Our Loss Becomes An Opportunity: Academy Online Goes Live!

Written by Mr. Muñoz, Elementary Vice Principal

I recently walked around the empty halls of our school building, and I felt a little sad about all the missed moments with our students over the past few weeks and the weeks to come. I miss hearing the kids laughing in the hallways and giving each other hugs. I miss seeing teachers smile at each other and share their stories. I miss glancing in the door windows to see teachers interacting with their students. While it does feel like a loss, I am reassured by remembering that with God even our losses can become opportunities.

Romans 8:28 “and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him and are called according to his purpose.’

As a school community, we have a calling and love for God. I am challenged by this scripture today to focus on the opportunity that can come from God’s work on our behalf.

Elementary students check in with their teachers and classmates for a live session each morning, then begin their lessons for the day!

The Academy Online is one of those works, and our staff has been working with such diligence, creativity, and collaboration to prepare something special for our students. Mrs. Benoit, one of our elementary lead teachers had this to say about the program, "I am excited about the new program the Academy is rolling out and incredibly blessed to be part of something new and exciting! I'm thankful to be part of a team that works together to ensure that our students get access to the best education possible, despite the inability to come together in person. The dedication of the teachers and staff at the Academy never fails to amaze me. I'm always encouraged by the way everyone works together to continually strive to maintain access to our holistic education in a stress-free and fun manner for our students."

As we launch our program today, I can’t help but wish the doors of our school were open! At the same time, I couldn't be more excited for the opportunity in front of us through this new program. It will not only bless our students, but open up the door to bless students all over the world!

Education That Sticks

Written by Ms. Rebekah Davis, Specifics Level Lead Teacher

It is the hope of every educator that the lessons students learn at school stick with them and serve them well in life. Luke Loeffler is one student where that is certainly the case!

In 2018, Luke’s class raised the funds for this portable chicken tractor, which allowed their class pets to be moved from bed to bed in the Academy garden, fertilizing the soil with their manure. Not long after they received 6 chickens at just 2 days old!

In the fall of 2018, Luke’s homeroom class (10 yr. olds) undertook a project of raising chickens. They researched chicken care, fundraised for the necessary supplies and equipment, and finally welcomed 6 fuzzy yellow chicks into the corner of the Academy STEM room. All that school year, Luke and his classmates were responsible for the chickens’ care. They gathered scraps from school lunches for chicken feed, and when the chicks were mature enough to transfer outside, the students were responsible for daily letting them out of their coop and making sure the chickens had clean water and fresh bedding. 

“When our class chickens were younger, I learned how to take care of the chickens and how to hold them properly so they wouldn’t freak out. I learned about basic care of several animals that semester,” says Luke, now 11. “It helped me a lot and taught me what to do before I got them on my own.”

Luke's parents today say they trusted that he was capable of caring for their family chickens because of his class experience!

This year, Luke’s family decided to start their own project of raising hens for fresh eggs! “We thought it would be a fun family project and great to get fresh eggs every day. It also helps my little sister get over her fear of animals.” Luke says with a grin. His family ordered 11 chicks, and just a few weeks ago, the mature hens began laying their first eggs. 

“Now we get about 8-10 eggs a day, because they don’t all lay every single day,” Luke says knowledgeably. “One of my jobs is to make sure they have enough food and water each day. It’s very important that when they’re laying eggs the chickens have a good amount of food and water, otherwise their energy can’t go to producing eggs.”

These days Luke is responsible for feeding, watering, locking the chickens up at night to protect them from predators, and daily gathering their eggs!

His mother, Lyssa Loeffler, says that Luke was empowered through his school project of raising chickens. “It was a wonderful experience.  I loved how the kids took responsibility for the chickens as a class and all the while receiving training in the responsibilities. It was definitely a positive experience for Luke, and when we started talking about getting chickens Luke really enjoyed being the expert on the topic!”

We are so thrilled to see students like Luke taking what he’s gained from school and putting it into practice at home, growing confident in animal husbandry, and contributing to the nourishment of his family!