ACCS President David Goodwin interviewed on Eric Metaxas show
Last week, ACCS President and former Ambrose Headmaster David Goodwin was interviewed on the Eric Metaxas show. He joined the show to explain the advantages of classical Christian education over the common core. The recording is about 40 minutes – listen now or download, then share with friends. https://soundcloud.com/the-eric-metaxas-show/david-goodwin
INSIGHTS: Redirecting our Wheels: Being open to God’s leading, even when it’s a circuitous route
Recently in our 2nd grade class we discussed the Battle at Ai in which the Israelites fail in taking the city of Ai (because of sin in the camp), and then are victorious, with God’s direction and commands being obeyed this time. We fully discussed the unfortunate and final consequences that befell Achan AND his family when he chose to sin rather than to obey. As we were nearing the end of the story, with Joshua and the Israelites victorious in battle, we read of Joshua taking the Books of the Law out of the Ark of the Covenant, re-writing them, and reading them to the Israelites. I asked the students to think about this, having read through much of Genesis, Exodus, and a little Leviticus and Deuteronomy with them. We discussed how long this must have taken, and how tired Joshua might have been writing it out by hand, how many pages it must have been, even whether or not the Israelites had taken a bathroom break during its reading. I hadn’t planned to focus on this part of the story much at all! Yet, the students really wanted to contribute to the discussion, and we ended the story on a much different note than I had purposed. When we were done, I realized that while we didn’t focus much on the obvious point of the story (obedience), we were able to ruminate on different aspects of God’s leading (patience and faithfulness ) in the lives of the Israelites – possibly just as important. So many times we are intent on following a path we think God is leading us down – but along the way we are slowed down by the needs of others, by the detritus on the path, even by paths that seem to be taking us back to where we began. God is waiting for us to understand that even though His leading can wind around, taking us where we didn’t expect to go, or even don’t want to go, the journey, and what we learn along the way, is part of His plan. So when God redirects our wheels, we shouldn’t panic or balk – His timing, and His way, no matter how circuitous, is the path on which we should be. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Prov. 3:5-6)
INSIGHTS: Our Educational Keystone – The Senior Trip
Insights articles, written by Ambrose teachers and administrators, explore the many ways we are purposeful in achieving our goal of “graduating young men and women who possess the qualities of a deep and reasoned faith, a heartfelt moral compass, a strong command of language, are well-read, well-rounded, and appreciate beauty.” Our Educational Keystone – The Senior Trip by Chris Browne Dean of the Upper School In architecture, the keystone is the final, finishing stone in an arch that locks all the remaining stones into place and allows the arch to bear weight. We have an educational equivalent here at the Ambrose School: the senior trip. Each October, our seniors travel together through Italy, France, and England, and experience firsthand many of the key historical sites, great works of art, and architectural landmarks that they studied during their careers here. The senior trip, just like the keystone, brings all those years of study together and locks them into place. It is purely academic (in the negative sense) to read of the conversion of Constantine, the first Christian emperor; however, suddenly all the hours of study come to life when students see the Mulvian Bridge where Constantine’s conversion took place, when they walk through the Roman Forum in the shadow of his triumphal arch, and when they visit the Capitoline Museum and see the remains of Constantine’s colossal statue, with eyes gazing heavenward in acknowledgement of God who gave him the victory. The same can be said of seeing the Colosseum, Notre Dame, the Louvre, Westminster Abbey, the Churchill War Rooms, and other sites and landmarks too numerous to count. But the senior trip is not only about visiting so many of the locations our students study. One of the more sinister effects of secular progressive education is that it serves to disconnect modern students from the religious and intellectual foundations of the western world. It is in visiting Rome, Florence, Paris, and London, that students are faced with the indisputable fact that the history of western civilization and the gospel of the Christian faith are inextricably intertwined. The two cannot be pulled apart, and at no time is that case made more convincingly than while walking through St. Peter’s Basilica, the Louvre, or the National Gallery. Upon experiencing one piece of beautiful art after another, crafted by the greatest geniuses that the western world has produced, each one telling some piece of the Christian story – from the life of King David, to the adoration of the magi, to the pieta – the magnitude and the majesty of the life of Christ and His influence on the world is made manifest in an incontrovertible way. It is no longer Mrs. Post, Mr. Velasco, or you as their parents telling students it is so; they see it firsthand. Finally, the senior year has the potential to be rough. Students are near the end of a long journey and the allure of the college years looms closer than ever. By taking the senior trip at the beginning of the year instead of the end, we pull many of these potential barriers up by the roots before they take hold in the senior year. The trip provides a common set of exceptional experiences for our seniors that unites the class in powerful bonds of friendship that cannot be replicated any other way. The trip is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, taken with classmates, many of whom have been integral parts of each others’ lives for a decade or more. At The Ambrose School, we believe whole-heartedly in all the benefits of the senior trip. It is our sincerest hope that all seniors will go on tour with us, and we are committing our institutional weight to help make that a reality. As a community, we reserve most all fundraising for the junior class. We also diligently price-shop and look to find the right quality and cost balance. Furthermore, we are in the process of designating a portion of the operating budget to subsidize the cost of the trip, with the goal being a more manageable price tag for our families. We know the trip comes at a great cost to our families, and that is not a fact we take lightly.
Pastor Appreciation Breakfast is September 22nd
We would like to show honor and appreciation to all our school families’ pastors with a Pastor Appreciation Breakfast on September 22nd starting at 8:00 am. All K-12 students were asked to write a note to their pastor, inviting them to join us for this special meal. We are so thankful for the leadership and support that our pastors and their churches give to the students. We know that the “three-legged stool” of family, school, and church are what it takes to help a child succeed. If one of those legs is weak, the stool will topple. The breakfast is not just for pastors of school families. If you are a pastor of a church in our community, and would like to learn more about our school and enjoy fellowship with other area pastors, we invite you to join us. Please RSVP to the school office by calling 323-3888 or emailing office@theambroseschool.org.
Latin Conversation Weekend (Biduum Ambrosianum I) September 23-24th
Want to know how to write a basic letter in Latin? Describe your day’s activities in Latin? Order lunch, or talk about Augustine’s view of the soul? The Ambrose School invites you to join us for our first annual Latin conversation weekend, Biduum Ambrosianum. This seminar presents a unique opportunity to learn and practice conversational Latin as Dr. David Noe of Calvin College leads participants through simple exercises and games to help build a basis for using more active Latin. Our biduum (two day event) will be divided into six sessions of one hour each. The setting and environment is friendly and informal, and though some prior knowledge of Latin will be helpful, mastery of grammar or experience speaking Latin are not required. Registration cost: $90; $60 for Ambrose students Testimonials from attendees at previous Latin conversation weekends with Dr. Noe “I loved the conference. It was such a joy to be with a group of like-minded Latinists. It was also a good affirmation for me that I’m not too bad at spoken Latin.” Michael K., Michigan. “This weekend was a blast. So lovely to read and discuss (in Latin!) our favorite authors…I really liked the way things ran this weekend. Allowing English during breaks was nice.” – Christie P., Kentucky. “While I knew I was way out of my league at the Biduum, I learned so much and am very grateful for the experience. It has changed the way I will conduct my teaching in Latin. I think the class will be much more interesting and meaningful (and FUN).” Karen A., Lake Odessa, MI Latin Conversation Weekend Schedule Friday, September 23 11:30-1 PM Registration in school lobby/Lunch available for purchase 12:00-12:50 Optional school tour (leaves from school lobby) 1-2:30 Welcome and Session 1 2:30-3 Break 3-4 Session 2 4-4:30 Break 4:30-5:30 Session 3 6:30-8 Optional dinner at local restaurant Saturday, September 24 9:30-10:30 Session 4 10:30-11 Break 11-12 Session 5 12-1 Lunch break 1-2 PM Session 6 Lodging For those traveling to the biduum from out of town, we recommend the following hotels: Spring Hill Suites, Marriott, Boise, ID (5 minute drive from The Ambrose School) Hilton Garden Inn, Eagle, ID (5 minute drive from The Ambrose School) La Quinta Inn, Meridian, ID (10-15 minute drive from The Ambrose School) Space is limited so register soon! This Latin conversation weekend is for students ages ten through adult, as well as for teachers who want to incorporate more active Latin in their classrooms. The cost for both days is $90. Current Ambrose students pay $25. Register with the form below and submit. A confirmation message will appear below where you can submit payment online. If you have any questions about the weekend, please contact Heather Jennings at hjennings@theambroseschool.org. [gravityform id=”9″ title=”true” description=”true”]
Back to School Night for parents is Thursday, September 1st
Parents! Find out what’s in store for the school, and for your child this year. Back to School Night is Thursday, September 1st beginning promptly at 7:00 pm Back to School Night is one of the most important nights for parents to attend. You will hear from Headmaster Kirk Vander Leest, who will give us updates on what’s been happening, and what’s coming up this year. We’ll pray for our teachers as they head into a new year with new students. You will then be excused to the classrooms to hear from your child’s teacher and learn about expectations and goals for the year. We strongly encourage all parents to attend. 6:45 pm — Come early for refreshments and fellowship. 7:00 pm — Learn important updates from Mr. VanderLeest, Dr. Jennings, Mr. Browne, Mr. Warmouth, and Mr. Owens. 7:55 pm — 4 – 12 parents are excused to the classrooms to hear a brief presentation from each teacher (K – 3 parents are done at this time). Childcare is available. Please RSVP. DOOR PRIZE DRAWING! Come to Back to School Night and you will be entered in a drawing for an all-inclusive package to all three Josh McDowell Heroic Truth weekend events (includes tickets to the school auction). K – 3rd grade parents Please attend the main presentation at 7:00 pm. Since you have already attended an orientation, there will NOT be any classroom presentations, and you can head home after the main presentation. 4th – 6th grade parents Following the main presentation at 7:00 pm, teachers will offer two identical classroom presentations at 8:05 and 8:35 pm. 7th – 12th grade parents Following the main presentation at 7:00 pm, teachers will offer four identical classroom presentations at 8:05, 8:20, 8:35, and 8:50 pm. CHILDCARE Provided by the Junior class as a fundraiser for their senior trip. Cost is $5 per hour for the first child, $2.50 per hour for each additional child. RSVP is required; please contact the office at 323-3888. The new Ambrose T-shirts will be available to purchase at Back to School Night. $15 each.
PARENTS: Pick up your Back to School Packet before August 1
All the information you need to be ready for school to start is contained in your family’s packet. Help us save on postage and stop by the office between 9 am – 2 pm Monday through Thursday to pick yours up. If you are unable to come by, we will mail any remaining packets out on August 1st. Uniforms, Supplies, and Book Ordering Please visit our Back to School Packets page to find your child’s supply list, uniform information, and the Amazon Bookstore link.
Mock Trial team finishes in top 10 nationwide!
Both Idaho Mock Trial teams place in top 10 during National High School Mock Trial Championships in Boise The Idaho champion Ambrose School’s and Idaho runner-up’s Logos School finished 6th and 7th respectively out of 46 teams that came from all over the United States plus South Korea, Guam, and Northern Mariana Islands. The Idaho Law Foundation hosted the 2016 National High School Mock Trial Championship in Boise for the first time. Approximately 1,000 judges, lawyers, and students descended on downtown Boise, enjoying some of our signature experiences such as learning jota at the Boise Basque Center and touring the Discovery Center. The Ambrose School lost one round to the 2nd place team, Nebraska, and ended with a 3-1 win/loss, beating out Utah, The Northern Marianas Islands, and Texas teams, and finishing with a total of 9 ballots. The runner-up Idaho team, Logos School, finished with a total of 8 ballots to secure the 7th place finish. Logos also earned a ‘Best Attorney’ award. Our team’s 6th place finish is the highest any Idaho team has placed at nationals. The national winner was a team from Iowa’s Home School Assistance Program. Congratulations Mock Trial team! https://www.facebook.com/Idaho-Mock-Trial-1565140027101234/ https://www.facebook.com/National-High-School-Mock-Trial-Championship-Inc-267025570002719/ http://www.2016nationalmocktrial.org/
