Summer EBT Program Improves Access to Nutritious Foods

The Department of Human Services in tandem with the School Nutrition State Department rolled out a program this summer to bring S-EBT (summer- Electronic Benefits Transfer) to students across the country. The Academy for GOD was able to participate in ensuring families who qualified received benefits that will give parents extra money to spend on groceries this summer. 

The program gives students who receive free or reduced meals at school a one time payment over the summer to assist with groceries. Being part of the USDA’s national school lunch program has many benefits, one of which being we are able to participate in benefit programs that greatly help our families with the ever rising cost of food. When school lets out for the summer, families often feel the extra burden of groceries bills, especially if their student was getting a free or reduced meal at school This is a fantastic way to give some assistance to families during the summer months. 

Since the pandemic hit our school nutrition program has participated in various iterations of this type of benefit issuance, where student have receive preloaded cards with funds for groceries. It is not only a financial boost for families but improving access to nutritious foods during the summer. 

We are thrilled to be able to bring financial help to our families through our meal program and extend some helpful benefits through this coming summer!

Read more about S-EBT:

https://www.fns.usda.gov/sebt

‘Gro More Good’ Grant Achieved!

This spring, the Academy received the ‘Gro More Good’ Kids Gardening Grant from Scotts Miracle Grow. In cooperation with Hopewell Gardens the funding is being used to finish an outdoor educational space. Once finished this 400 square foot sheltered pavilion will provide a comfortable atmosphere for student instruction for up to 50 students. The space is perfect for agricultural instruction since it is positioned within Hopewell Gardens and just a short walk from the Academy school building. This allows students a seamless and quick transition between instructional time and hands on learning experiences in the garden. The outdoor classroom is a purposeful and educational space even in its planning and construction.

The outdoor classroom ‘wall’ is constructed is a trellis wall where plants will be grown up the side to create additional shade and a natural cooling affect. The trellis wall can act as an educational moment for students to learn about sustainable and eco-friendly building structures. We are so grateful for Hopewell Farms for their help in submitting this grant for our school and for their aid in the constructions of the space. As a farm to school program we love enhancing our programming and education in the realm of agriculture, and our students will benefit greatly from this new space! Each elementary student at the Academy has a class dedicated to working and learning in the garden at least once a week, facilitated by Farmer Jameson. Over the years, students have harvested everything from hibiscus and strawberries to lettuce and kale!

Our demonstration garden allows students to taste test foods as they are grown and occasionally eat those foods in their school cafeteria. Thank you to Scotts Miracle Grow for contributing to our efforts to enhance Academy students’ experience in the garden.

On Set in Africa

Victor Lubega sits for an interview, reflecting on the insecurities he felt regarding his English language skills when he first began joining Academy classes. He recently went back to look at his homework from 2 years ago, and marveled at how his English has improved since then!

“Rolling in 3-2-1... Action!” This semester, our Academy Remote Learners in Uganda have come together for a film project. Together they are producing a mini-documentary: “Going to School in Nashville from Uganda.” They report that this is the most fun they’ve ever had working on a group project! Each of the six Jr. High and High school students have a role. 9th grader Victor Lubega is serving as Director, and he shared the valuable lessons he is learning on leadership and humility. “It was a challenge to me as director to listen to everyone and then come up with an idea for everyone that I thought was good. But then if it turned out it wasn’t good, they needed to correct me and we had to make changes.”

He has also learned valuable skills on planning for and running an efficient meeting, with an agenda and a clear start and end time. Adding this project onto his course load has taught him how to use his time more efficiently in all areas. “Whereas before maybe I would take my time on all homework assignments, now I set a timer and focus and I work quickly to complete my assignments. Then I can move on to work on the documentary.”

The 15 minute film will show the daily life of these students, from their daily chores caring for the chickens and pigs, to how they Zoom into Academy classes in Nashville every evening. They share the joys and the challenges, and reflect on how they have grown as people through the last several years of being Academy students. Academy Home Education Vice Principal Rebekah Hjälmeby has been guiding them through the process. “I’m not a film expert, but I understand project management and the value of team dynamic. I always remind the students that while I’m super excited about the movie they will produce, they themselves are the real project here.

Ms. Hjälmeby meets weekly with the students over Zoom, and brings in technical experts to advise as needed. Here she is joined by Ms. Sara Davis, who graduated from film school and worked in the film industry in L.A.

They are God’s workmanship, and the practical and social skills they’re learning through this will serve them well in whatever area they are called to work.” The students admit that they have surprised even themselves with what they have been able to accomplish together. “Volleyball has been the main group activity we have done together, but this is teaching us how to be part of a team in a whole new way,” says Favour Kimbugwe. “Yes,” agrees Genesis Ssemakula, “At first I didn’t really expect us to be able to do much. I was mostly motivated by the enthusiasm of my teachers, because they were really excited, and I didn’t want to disappoint them. But once we finished the intro video, I could see for myself the potential of the project. I could see the pieces of the puzzle coming together even more beautifully than we had imagined.”

Genevieve, an 8th grader who is one of two Videographers on the project, has learned much about operating a camera through the experience. Additionally, she has learned to critically think about the audience’s perspective. “As a videographer, you have to use your wisdom and brain to think how to catch the audience’s attention. And make them feel different emotions throughout different scenes.” Sserwada Gideon shared a similar reflection. “I am learning to create a background sound related to the emotions displayed by someone on screen.” Gideon is a talented musician, and he is writing the score and managing audio for the project. He too is learning to think about how to tell a story in a captivating way, and use music to help the audience connect emotionally.

Script writer Rebecca Lubega has the challenging task of creating a narrative that pulls together all of the interviews, B-roll and story angles. She is loving the challenge of learning this new genre of writing. The students have a deadline of the end of May to complete this project. Stay tuned to see the finished project, and join us in praying for and celebrating the work that God is doing in each of these projects of His!

"Who Are Our Role Models Today?"

Written by senior student, Kiah Roufs

At the Academy, students are encouraged to learn about people of faith throughout history in order to have role models in their own walk with the Lord. Young people have so many voices coming at them through culture, social media, and celebrities. Our prayer is that they give their attention to God’s word and find encouragement from those who have lived lives of faith.

In our fast-paced world, the craving of genuine role models remains crucial for young people. Where are our role models today? Learning about the life of Richard Wurmbrand sheds light on authentic and holy leadership. Wurmbrand endured persecution, yet with relentless faith he showed his resilience and courage. His faith amidst adversity serves as the type of role model we desperately need in our society. Even though modern ideas can be popular and tempting to follow, we shouldn't forget about the important values that God’s word teaches and historical figures like Wurmbrand represent. I think it’s valuable that we pay more attention to people like Wurmbrand and the lasting impact they’ve made on history. His story teaches us valuable lessons and though it may be separated from our current situations, there are still the values and characteristics that he stood for that can help us today.

Wurmbrand didn't walk away with his experiences with just a story. He instead used his experiences to be an advocate and serve others. This is the main thing that makes him a hero of faith to me: he's putting his experiences and lessons learned into practice. He was a laborer for the production of God's kingdom. In 1967 he started an organization called, "Voice of the Martyrs". Through this, he was able to become an even bigger advocate for people suffering from religious persecution. He provided support practically for people in need. For me, this is a sign of God at work.

On a summer mission trip with the Academy for GOD to El Salvador, Kiah facilitates a children’s program for a local neighborhood. Participating in cross-cultural ministry is an impactful experience we hope to give all Academy students as a way to connect with others who may lack access or opportunity.

"Faith is pragmatic." This is something that Mr. Garner taught us in class and that has stuck with me in observing heroes of the faith. Faith has to be put into action to mean something. Wurmbrand displayed incredible faith during his years in prison, but until he chose to do something with it, it couldn’t make a lasting impact on others. He stood up for those in need and wasn't quiet about it. Fruit came from his actions, he was able to raise awareness for what he went through and others who went through similar things. He contributed to the development and the building of people who are God's ultimate possessions. These are the type of role models who set holy examples of how to be. So I challenge you to consider: who are your role models? How are they encouraging you to be a child of God and bring change and hope into this world?

Home Education Exemplary Students

Throughout the school year we acknowledge exemplary students within our Home Education program. So far this year, the Exemplar award has been given to two hard-working students, 11th grader Rebecca Lubega (Uganda) and 7th grader Esme García (Morristown, TN). These young ladies are both full-time remote learners, attending classes virtually through our hybrid classroom setups. 

In the Fall 2023 semester, Rebecca Lubega stood out to her teachers for taking ownership of her education with responsibility and enthusiasm. She had outstanding attendance in her classes and engaged course content with questions. Rebecca contacted her teachers regularly to stay on top of class work. As a Junior she did an outstanding job on her Directed Studies project, exploring the relationship between culture and food and how history has shaped those connections. This project culminated in a meal she prepared and hosted for her church community, organizing volunteers, and sharing with her guests about the things she learned throughout the process. Rebecca has shown great determination to succeed and we are so proud to acknowledge her accomplishments. 

Esme is in her first year with The Academy, and she has demonstrated resilience and faith in adjusting to a completely online school program. This spring in particular, her teachers have noted Esme’s consistent contributions in class, and her diligence to submit timely work. She has shown humility and positivity, persevering in her classes and making new friendships. Esme has truly had to practice faith in the Lord, and trust in her parents and teachers in this season, and we are happy to celebrate her!