www.aica-classical.org
Fall, 2009
Quarterly Report
As we begin another year here at Aquidneck Island Christian Academy we look forward to great things the Lord will bring to us in His kind providence. As each year progresses we have witnessed God’s hand at work in every facet of our community and anticipate His plans for the 2009-2010 school year. Our theme for this year is “unity”. The Scripture informs us that our unity as the body of Christ is a ‘sweet smelling aroma unto the Lord’ (Eph. 5:2). We are reminded that His plan for His church is that we grow in the unity of the faith, ‘that we should also endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace’ (Eph 4:3). In Ps. 133:1 we are again instructed that unity in the body of Christ is a blessing from the Lord. God is pleased to strengthen us as a Christian community and causes us to persevere in the matters of love, compassion and unity one to another. We unite in the ministry of AICA in obedience to God’s word in matters of education. We are unified in our understanding that all things are truly God’s and as we instruct our children in matters of this life and the next, we take joy and find peace in honoring the commands of our Creator. Can anything be taught correctly outside of its proper relationship to God? We know as Christians that ‘the beginning of knowledge is the fear of the Lord’ (Prov. 1:7). What does this mean? Is the fear of the Lord something obscurely separate from matters we desire to teach our children in regard to education… or is the fear of the Lord the basic rudiment of absolutely all things? While the world struggles in its futile attempt to provide answers to the mysteries of life we have God’s word of truth that informs us about everything and its relationship to Himself. Not only do we come together as those unified in the Spirit of God, but we also come together as those who are teaching our children a unified worldview.
Paul writes in Ephesians chapter 4 that the Christian is to walk in a new way, not as the pagans do, but as those who have had their understanding enlightened by the Spirit of truth. This passage presents to us two distinct ways of thinking. Paul writes that the gentiles (those outside of Christ) think one way and those who have been renewed in their minds by Christ think another. These ways of thinking are antithetical to one another. This is something the church must address with sincerity and diligence before it is too late. Paul implores the Christian to realize that the understanding of the gentile people is darkened, because it is alienated from the life of God. He teaches with urgency in saying that this is caused by an ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart. As we gather together in unity, we gather together as believers teaching our posterity what we believe to be true, good, and beautiful. We must realize that there isn’t anything we teach our children each day that is outside of a biblical understanding or outside of God’s divine authority.
Our goal would have our children become wise young men and women abounding in love for one another with knowledge and discernment in a lost and dying world. The world would desire to instruct our children teaching them all matters according to the godless precepts of this world. They would do this by removing the essential truths of God’s existence as well as any claim of authority over all of creation. This message truncates a student’s ability to think and understand accurately, rendering them unwise in the ways of our Lord. Raising and training our children according to truth not only teaches them an accurate understanding of their world, but also provides sound preparation for their future station in this life. When we remove God from our teachings we steal glory from the One who we are to glorify. We must remain faithful to instruct our children in the ways God has commanded; according to His word and bringing glory to Him alone.
What a wonderful gift we are giving to our children when we unite in this endeavor of Christian education. Not only do they see a faith that encompasses every area of life, but also an understanding is being formed that unites a worldview from beginning to end, and most importantly, God is glorified. As Christians we do not concern ourselves with the goals of the world, which only seeks selfishly to serve itself. Our goals are high and lofty goals that can only be accomplished by God’s grace as we seek to serve Him and His kingdom. Let us not think in the ways of the world, but let us draw our truth from God’s word and live out our faith in this present world.
The goals of AICA are goals of excellence as we aim to accomplish much with our students. As we look forward to this school year we ask you, our community, to pray that the Lord would greatly bless our student body, our teaching staff, our Board, our churches, and finally each other as the body of Christ. We pray that we would carry out our mission and vision on Aquidneck Island for God’s glory and the well being of our children. Please pray for increased enrollment and wisdom for the Board as they lead us through another year. Thank you for placing your trust in us as a staff and we look forward to serving you and your children to the glory of our great Savior, Jesus Christ.
Teacher Quarterly Report of Goals Kindergarten
For their Bible study, the Kindergarten and First Grade will be looking at the Bible from Creation through the time of Abraham. They will be memorizing verses Matthew 22:37-39, and Exodus 20:1-3; and learning these Songs to help reinforce their memory: "Love the Lord Your God", "God Made Me" and "The Ten Commandments". In the important area of Phonics, the Phonogram letters a,c,d,f,g,o,s,qu,b,e,h,i and basic introduction to forming words will be taught. Math will include the ability to write all basic numbers (1-10) well and count to 100.
First Grade
Bible is done jointly with Kindergarten. Phonics will involve the perfection of the sounds and writing of phonograms a-i. In Math, the focus will be on the ability to add numbers 1-10 without counting them all out and in perfecting the formation of written numbers. In Spelling, students will be taught 40 basic vocabulary words. Reading will require the improvement in the speed of basic reading and an ability to sound out unfamiliar words. Writing lessons will focus on the ability to put basic sentences on paper in complete thoughts.
Second Grade
These students will study the life of Moses through the Bible and how God helped his people. In Science they will learn about living things and their habitats. Using tools they have gained through grammar and spelling, they will develop their reading and writing skills. In addition they will learn about the early days of American History, how our country grew, and how God has blessed our nation.
Third/Fourth Grade
Both the third and fourth graders will be working together as they journey through different parts of the curriculum. Each student will understand how God is tied in through all subjects. In Science, both the third and fourth graders will learn, in depth, about the five senses. Starting with the eye and ending with the sense of smell. They will also learn about different biomes. The class will take multiple field trips to the Norman Bird Sanctuary, which is a conservation center. The students will be doing field studies and research. The Norman Bird Sanctuary an opportunity to see first hand the wonders of God's creation while doing valuable research. Health class will involve learning about the body and how to take care of it. In History both the third and fourth grades will have a new understanding of the Renaissance and Medieval periods of history. They will be making castles as well as different art pieces that reflect this period of history. Bible will cover Chronicles through Malachi.
Fifth/Sixth Grade
In History, students will be able to name and compare facts about several explorers who were directly and indirectly involved with the discovery of America. They will be able to identify the journeys of each of these explorers. At quarter's end, students will use their knowledge of each explorer to create a skit showing each explorers contribution to the discovery of America.
These Bible students will be able to state the four major events and respective facts in the book of Acts. They will apply the lesson of the tongue through art and state James' position on faith versus works. Students will begin mapping Paul's 1st Missionary Journey. They will commit to memory three passages from the events/lessons above. For the first quarter of Latin, we will get into a new text and begin to introduce concepts as we assess student abilities and teacher expectations.
Junior High
New Testament Survey: Students will gain an understanding of the events of the "Intertestamental Period" (400 years between the Old and New Testaments). Students will also examine the harmony of the gospel accounts of Christ's life and ministry and also examine the "Synoptic Problem".
World History: Students will be introduced to the "Great" Ancient Civilizations, what advances they made, ideas they introduced and leaders they produce, through the lens of a biblical worldview.
Earth Science: This quarter the students will learn about the various scientists and theories that they developed regarding the formation and movement of the earth in relation to the sun, stars and other planets. Using Scripture as a guide, we will examine the creation of the earth, stars, solar system and other heavenly bodies.
Literature (7th-9th): Students will learn about the language and characterization of Shakespeare, while honing their writing and analysis skills. In their study of British Literature, students will read excerpts from The Canterbury Tales as well as Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, gaining an understanding of the effects of history and culture on literature, and the effects of literature on history and culture.
Math (7th): Word problems will be a general theme this year. The students need to start thinking on how to solve problems in their preparation for Algebra next year. Futhermore, this quarter we will continue excercises on the Greatest Common Divisor, the Least Common Multiple and fractions.
Algebra I (8th): Students will master basic equations and inequalities, and begin to master first degree relations with one placeholder.
Latin: For the first quarter, we will get into the text and begin to introduce concepts as we assess student abilities and teacher expectations. The more advanced students will review from last year, and proceed into new material as fast a warranted.
Logic: Students will spend the first part of the first quarter on note taking and precis writing skills, then get into Logic. Logic I will include a careful introduction to the subject and a procession through the text as fast as possible. With the Logic II class, we will access the review needs as we go forward.
High School
Algebra2 (9th/10th): We started the year by solving linear (first degree) systems with three placeholders (after soing two placeholders last year); afterwards we start working with higher degree relations.
Physical Science (9th/10th): We begin with a general discussion about science and the scientific method; afterwards we will study the basics of chemistry.
Geometry (11th): We will start slowly, by defining basic terms and doing the first theorems and proofs. We also started using the basic trigonometric functions.
Physics (11th): Students begin with a study of mechanics: motion in one and tow dimensions. Key terms are displacement, time, velocity, acceleration and force.
Geo/Political Survey (11th/12th): The students will be introduced to the study of demography and the part demographics plays in the geopolitical and political spheres. They will examine these issues from a biblical worldview, while being encouraged to examine and critique other worldview positions.
Church History (9th/10th): Students are introduced to the people, places and events that led to the formation and early development of Christ's Church, from the latter lives of the Apostles through the collapse of the Roman Empire.
Literature (10th-12th): American Literature students will read works of the founding fathers, as well as works of Hawthorne, Poe, and Melville, gaining insight into the writers who shaped America.
Calculus (12th): With math we have to integrate existing algebraic and geometric knowledge, to improve skills with formulae, to learn more about trigonometry, exponentials and logarithms, and finally to get used to more advanced notation.
Chemistry (12th): The study of Chemistry begins with a quick overview of calorimetry, or the study of heat, afterwards we will study the Periodic Table.
Latin (9th): Last year's review is already accomplished. We will read selections of Latin prose and move ahead as fast as possible. Student will be introduced to term paper and expectations. Latin (10th): Review from last year is almost complete. We will move ahead as fast a warranted.
Greek (11th): Students will do prolegomena material needed for learning Greek. Introduce books and work expectations for Greek. Greek (12th): Careful review from last year, especially on verbs. Devote time to college admissions process as needed.
Rhetoric: Students will proceed with a set schedule for class; Speeches every Friday; Figures of speech quizzes on Tuesday; and note taking and precis practice. Introduction of How to Read a Book by Adler.
Biblical Interpretation: Students will use Logos School outline beginning with "Sola Scriptura". We will assess student competence and understanding of Biblical concepts as we make our textbook selection.
Report of Goals
Board of Directors
President,
Mr. William Aseltine
The AICA Board of Directors meets monthly. The five voting Board Members are joined by the AICA Headmaster, Stephen Bailey, who is a non voting member of the Board.
Board meetings always start with a reading from God's word and prayer.
Minutes from the last meeting are submitted for approval and the Board hears a report from Mr. Bailey about current activities and issues involving the school. Mr. Bailey's report provides the Board members with important context about the day to day operation of the school and gives the Board an opportunity to ask questions and provide advice in areas under Mr. Bailey's authority.
The Board next hears a report from one of the school's standing sub-committees, the Finance Committee. The Finance Committee report is given by the Board Member and Finance Committee chairman David Ward. David's report provides the Board with findings and recommendations regarding school budget issues and financial policies. The Finance Committee (composed of members Laurie Aseltine, Peter Browne, David Ward and Steve Bailey) is a vital resource to the school and is often consulted by the Board regarding questions having financial impact (just about everything).
The remaining items of business usually come within the scope of the Outreach Committee headed by Board member Paul McKenna. Raising additional funds and recruiting new students is a constant concern for the AICA Board. The Outreach Committee is involved in efforts to make AICA better known in the community and in particular among community churches.
I hope this brief description of the activities of the AICA School Board has given you a better idea of how to pray for the school and its leadership.
School parents are welcome to observe the Board proceedings and hear for themselves about all the important issues facing the school. Approved minutes of Board meetings are posted on the bulletin board near the front desk of the school. The next Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 20th at 6:30pm at the school.
Finance Committee
Mr. David Ward
The AICA Finance Committee works to make our school the best financial value possible. The facets of fiscal responsibility involve all aspects of paying the bills of the school as a business; working with donors to account for non-profit donations to the school; confidentially coordinating with parents to grant tuition assistance and make every financial resource available to enable student enrollment and attendance; and filing required government financial reports. We work to make the school's dollars make the most sense.
Currently, the committee continues to work with families in this difficult economic environment to make AICA available to all students to attend within the fiscal resources of their families, and we most strongly encourage any potential or current AICA family to confidentially verify the financial requirement for attendance before assuming that tuition is simply too expensive. Growing the school enrollment is the fastest way to improve the fiscal well-being of our school, and the finance committee will continue to enable new students to join our school.
A second area the committee is pursuing is "21st century banking." We are working to develop on-line banking capabilities that will enable families to make tuition payments electronically. Since AICA has many volunteers that contribute their talents to the fiscal operation of our school, developing an electronic banking capability will enable these volunteers to more efficiently perform their duties and meet the financial responsibilities of the school. No less significant is the benefit to families that conduct their bill paying and banking activities on line: AICA bills will be as quick and easy to pay as any others.
How else can the Finance Committee make our school better? The volunteers who are executing the financial work of the school always look for the answer to that question. If you have an idea for the committee to consider, please let us know. Finally, if you know someone who is looking for a great classical model Christian school -- connect them to AICA, or if you know someone who desires to contribute financially to a not-for-profit school (2009 income tax deduction!) -- connect them to AICA. You will not find a school that is more fiscally efficient in educating children to the glory of God.
Out Reach and Promotion Committee
Mr. Paul McKenna
The Aquidneck Island Christian Academy's Out Reach & Promotion Committee consists of volunteers from within the school community. The responsibility of the committee is to develop and oversee the marketing efforts of the school as it pertains to fundraising, gift giving and enrollment.
The primary function of this committee is to increase financial support for the school. In addition, its mission is to enhance the visibility & identity of AICA. With this in mind, this committee is involved in the following:
- Marketing & Enrollment Efforts
- Donor Gift Giving
- Annual Fund
- AICA Endowment Fund
- AICA Tuition Assistance Fund
- AICA Building and Land Acquisition Fund
- Thrift Store
- Annual Fundraising Events
Currently, the committee is organizing for the AICA Annual Auction/Dinner. Thanks to the strong support of past volunteers, this event has been very successful in raising funds for the school. Please contact the school if you have interest to join the Auction Event team as volunteers are needed.
In closing:
We hope you have found our new quarterly publication informative. We delight in sharing our vision with those who would support us. Please let us know if there is someone you know who would like to receive this.
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