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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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