Feed the Need report: We reached our goal and then some!
After partnering with Homestead Ministries and the Boise Rescue Mission to help those in need throughout the Treasure Valley, we set a goal to provide 10,000 bags of soup mix to be distributed to the community. So on September 25th, we started at about 8:30 am with our kindergarten students who jumped right into the task at hand. We kept a tally on our gym scoreboard and watched the numbers creep up as Greg Nolan of Homestead Ministries announced totals and updated the board. There were tables of students madly sticking labels onto the bags, and a merry-go-round of workers assembling the spice packets – a different combination for each type of soup. Then there were the tables where workers had an assembly line – drop in the spice packet, scoop the appropriate amount of beans, pour into the bag, then take it to the sealers. The sealers then laid the bags across the machine, pressed it, and handed the bag back to be packed into the boxes. Students in their red Feed the Need t-shirts took shifts throughout the day, and by the time the upper school students took over, boxes full of 3-bean, lentil, and split pea soup packages were stacking up on the side of the gym, ready to be hauled off by the Boise Rescue Mission and other churches and food banks. Homestead Ministries are experts at setting up an efficient production process, providing all the equipment and materials plus the beans, lentils, and peas. The process was simple, and the students thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to serve. By 2:00 pm, we had 8,000 bags packaged and ready! We weren’t the only ones excited about this event – we were honored to have First Lady Lori Otter, state senator Chuck Winder, and Deputy Chief Tracy Basterrechea join students at the workstations to help fill some bags! We also had visits from Eagle mayor Jim Reynolds and Ken Corder from the City of Meridian, along with representatives from the local media. We invited 94.1 KBXL to do a live broadcast from the school, and invited anyone in need of food to come by. In the evening, families came to take a shift at the tables to help us reach our goal of 10,000 bags. Supplies started running low, and we held our breath as the final count neared. But then it was announced – we had packaged 10,500 bags!! WHERE DID IT ALL GO? We celebrated with hot dogs, bounce houses, and fellowship that evening, and then formed a bucket brigade-style line to load the majority of boxes into the Boise Rescue Mission truck. Here’s how the soup mixes were distributed: 300 bags: Hope Lutheran Church Pantry 200 bags: Donnelly Food Pantry 500 bags: McCall Food Pantry 1,000 bags: Meridian Food Bank 3,000 bags: Vineyard – Feeding God’s Children Ministry 5,500 bags: Boise Rescue Mission WAGONLOADS OF HELP Leading up to the event, our students were collecting coins to help cover the costs of the event. They collected over $7,500!! We even had one friend of the school max out three banks’ coin limits and bring us a wagon full of coins! Winning House: Edwards $1,560 Winning Class: Miss Hobbs $556 A special thank you goes out to Jackson’s Food Stores for supplying the t-shirts and the hot dog meal. And thank you to everyone who helped contribute to this day. We pray that this food is a blessing to the recipients, given in the love of Christ. Learn more about Homestead Ministries. News stories: KTVB Channel 7; Idaho Education News
Fall “Tailgate Party” Dance scheduled for October 16th
Our first upper school dance is slated for October 16th with a new venue: the parking lot! If the weather is nice, we’ll be having a casual, tailgate party style dance in the parking lot behind the school. The group folk dances will be called by Ms. Hillary Dotters. Mrs. Bly will be instructing our 7th & 8th grade students as they learn the dances. The 7th & 8th grade dance will be from 5:30 – 8:00 pm, with the 9th – 12th grade students dancing from 7:30 – 10:30 pm. We’ll string lights and have fire pits going to warm things up! Dress is “fan gear” or appropriate casual wear. Food provided. Purchase tickets in the office for $10 by October 14th at 4:00 pm. Tickets increase to $15 October 15th to the night of the dance.
Insights: Cultivating STEM at The Ambrose School
Seventy-five years ago, C.S. Lewis said that “A man who has lived in many places is not likely to be deceived by the local errors of his native village; the scholar has lived in many times and is therefore in some degree immune from the great cataract of nonsense that pours from the press and the microphone of his own age.” Last spring we published the following Insights article by Mr. Hosier, our Science Department Chair, that addresses our school’s stance and goals regarding STEM. We know there is a bewildering array of buzzwords, clichés, acronyms and, yes, “nonsense” in the field of education, so we encourage all parents to read, or re-read, this article. We believe it directly addresses STEM and how it is is integrated at a classical Christian liberal arts school. We hope you will find Ken’s analysis helpful and that it gives you a broader picture of what we believe a science curriculum should really look like. – Kirk Vander Leest, Headmaster Cultivating STEM at The Ambrose School by Kenneth W. Hosier Science Department Chair At the turn of this century, many corporations, educational institutions, and science organizations became increasingly alarmed at what was then perceived as a decline in science educational quality. Some were worried that the U.S. would not be able to produce enough graduates competent in science and technology to remain competitive in the global market. Part of the problem was that many of the science and technology fields were not integrated in the classroom, yet laboratories in the private sector required scientists and engineers to be proficient in several facets of technology and science. For example, when I worked as a chemist I had to calibrate and fix gas chromatographs, use complex mathematical concepts to calibrate instruments and determine concentrations of contaminants, and write macros to transfer and integrate data into a usable interface for the customers. Of course, there was a bit of chemistry to do as well. In our societal pursuit to standardize curriculum, have we left out one of the most critical elements of our science programs—developing young scientists to be able to think logically and critically across the different fields of science and engineering? STEM (an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) was first used during the mid 1990’s by the National Science Foundation.1 STEM can be defined as, “An interdisciplinary approach to learning that removes the traditional barriers separating the four disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and integrates them into real-world, rigorous, and relevant learning experiences.” 2 Cries for a greater emphasis on STEM have grown in intensity as of late. In 2012, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) came out with the global rankings for several subject-matter areas, including science and math. Over 510,000 students 15 years of age took the exams. Many here in the U.S. were startled when they discovered we had slipped to 31st in math and 24th in science globally.3 Educational pundits and leaders in the corporate world demanded more rigorous standards for math and science. Concern for the future of science and technology in the U.S. had suddenly elevated STEM from a potential paradigm adjustment to a pedagogical imperative. Talking with parents and administration recently has made me keenly aware that our community here at Ambrose wants to know how our students will be prepared to take on the STEM disciplines after high school (for graduates who decide to pursue these fields). More specifically, how will students who graduate with a classical Christian education (cCe) fare in comparison to their charter school or public school counterparts? I know there are schools that offer a solid science curriculum and are at the forefront of developing STEM education. What I will be addressing is how cCe prepares students for the STEM fields. The question that generally arises is, “How does a school with a ‘humanities-centered’ curriculum prepare students for the STEM programs at the collegiate level?” Let me assure you what we do here will prepare our students well. As a former scientist, I am passionate about developing a robust curriculum in the science department that will not only prepare students for a post-secondary education, but hopefully instill a life-long interest in science. It’s a lofty goal, to be sure, but one I am dedicated to achieving. Medical professionals, scientists and engineers are required to think, develop, execute, and evaluate daily. cCe strives to develop students that do the same and this is cultivated across the disciplines. Our school values the Great Books and Great Ideas. We also value the importance of using logic and rhetoric to engage in the discourse of specific principles and ideals. To avoid sounding verbose, it might be best to just look at a specific aspect of our curriculum. In 9th grade, the students are required to read Frankenstein by Mary Shelley in their humanities class. Let’s take a closer look at Frankenstein through a different lens, integrating STEM and cCe. In biology we discuss the ethics of gene therapy and cloning. Questions that arise include: Should Dr. Frankenstein have created the monster in the first place? Does Frankenstein’s monster have a soul? Is genetic manipulation and reprogramming ethical and in what context (treating genetic disorders versus genetic enhancement)? How is a virus used to rewrite the genome? These are complex questions that force students to understand cloning in a way that goes beyond rote memorization. As a staff we are constantly challenging our students to think well. This happens when students are translating Virgil from Latin to English. It happens when students have to organize and lead community service projects for House. It happens when they have to develop a thesis (similar to a hypothesis), research it, write about it, and defend it in front of a panel of judges, teachers, and their peers. We want to develop virtuous, logical Christian thinkers, not simple regurgitators of knowledge. The evidence of preparedness for the STEM fields is found in the pursuits and
Feed the Need! Ambrose students to package 60,000 meals
We have a brand new community event this year that will help Feed the Need! The Ambrose School of Meridian is partnering with Homestead Ministries of Colfax WA, and the Boise Rescue Mission to package 60,000 meals to be distributed to those in need throughout the Treasure Valley. Homestead Ministries purchases or procures donations of locally grown grains such as beans, peas, lentils, wheat, and barley from farmers and processors, along with spices, bags, and labels. These items will be brought to the school on Friday, September 25th. Stations will be set up in the gym and teams of students will come throughout the day to mix 10,000 1 lb. soup packages – enough to equal 60,000 meals. Homestead Ministries began just a year ago in August 2014, when friends Tom Riedner and Greg Nolan saw an opportunity to help reduce the hunger problem in the Northwest. Their desire is to use locally produced agricultural products to reduce hunger. Their mission is to feed the hungry efficiently and generously using Christian values. Most people do not realize grains have different qualities. Homestead purchases (in some cases grains are donated) these rich resources that do not make the exceptional grade for the marketplace from the processors at reduced prices. A soup mix recipe is then created with the appropriate spices, and all the supplies are brought to volunteer groups for assembly. This process has provided thousands of meals that are distributed through local shelters, churches, and food banks. According to Tom Riedner, “At Homestead Ministries we try to plant a seed for compassion. We have one mission that stands out from our other goals and that is to spread Christ’s Love and Understanding, one soup packet at a time. By developing a soup recipe using locally grown commodities and distributing the product to the hungry across the Pacific Northwest, we feel Homestead Ministries is doing just that. Our desire is to help people feed their families by providing a delicious, nutritious protein-based product to improve their lives. Our intent is to feed all that are hungry so nobody is turned away.” Boise Rescue Mission will be one recipient of the finished soup mixes, which they will use both in food boxes for families, and daily meals at their four area shelters. “We sincerely appreciate Homestead Ministries and The Ambrose School of Meridian for making this generous gift of much needed food. As we continue to serve over 1,100 meals each day and provide over 400 safe nights of shelter daily, this gift insures that the mission will continue to meet the needs of homeless and hungry people,” says Jason Billester of Boise Rescue Mission. Kirk Vander Leest, Headmaster of The Ambrose School says, “Part of what makes this program so successful is the volunteer manpower – or kidpower, as the case may be. Although monetary donations are always vitally important to any charitable organization, we as a school are able to provide 500 willing and able students in one location to produce a huge amount of food in less than six hours. This is not only extremely efficient, but a great opportunity for our kids to serve others in their own backyard.” In the evening, families can sign up for an additional time slot to come and work as well. When the work is done, there will be fun things to do outside such as a bounce house, hot dog grill, and the chance to sample the soup that we will be assembling. 7.3 percent of Idaho’s residents are food insecure — 274,230 people or 1 in 6. More than 23 percent of Idaho’s children are food insecure — 96,090 children or 1 in 4. Of the 274,230 food-insecure people, about 120,429 have incomes that make them eligible for food stamps. Around 56,200 have incomes which make them eligible for WIC and reduced-price school meals, but not food stamps.The other 90,991 have incomes which make them ineligible for public assistance, according to the Idaho Foodbank. These people rely on private charities, such as a church food pantry or the Idaho Foodbank. (source: Idaho Foodbank)
Students and Parents: Come learn about the newly redesigned PSAT September 8th at 7:00 pm
Tuesday evening, September 8th, at 7:00 pm All upper school parents and students are invited to come hear about the newly redesigned PSAT. A representative from Huntington Learning Center will be coming to the school to discuss the changes in the redesigned PSAT and answer questions parents and students may have. Saturday, September 12th, from 9:00 am to noon All interested Ambrose high school students are invited to come take a practice PSAT at Ambrose. The test will be administered by Huntington Learning Center. It will be extremely beneficial for students to see what this new test is like before they take the official one. All 10th and 11th grade students will be taking the official PSAT at Ambrose the morning of October 14th. Wednesday night, September 16th, from 7:00 to 8:30 pm Parents and students are invited to come to a follow up meeting to receive their score reports and hear about how they can best prepare for the actual PSAT on October 14th. Wednesday, October 14th, from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm All 10th and 11th grade students will be taking the official PSAT at Ambrose. Look for more information on these opportunities and how to sign up next week. There will be a small fee for these sessions.
The Upper School Retreat is underway!
At the beginning of the school year, our 7th – 12th grade students spend three days in the mountains at the Upper School Retreat. The retreat is a function of our House system, which groups upper school students into six “houses.” Upon arrival at the retreat, the incoming 7th grade students are inducted into their new house and welcomed into this “community within a community.” The remainder of the retreat is spend setting goals and expectations for the year, and bonding students together through friendly house competitions and games. Back at school, this classical system of intramural activity that began in boarding schools provides excellent leadership and camaraderie across grades. Juniors and seniors lead and mentor underclassmen in a spirit of kinship. We believe these upper classmen engage in a broader and more realistic form of student government than class-based student government because their responsibility stretches across a broader constituent base– the entire 7-12 population. Our houses are named after great American theologians: George Whitefield, William Bradford, William Tennent, John Winthrop, Jonathan Edwards, and Francis Schaeffer. Students meet at lunch and hold intramural competitions, and after school hours for community service projects. Some of the competitions include: Flag football Soccer Basketball Handball Dodgeball Academic Bowl Service projects Each year, the Headmaster’s Cup is awarded to the house receiving the highest total score from all the house activities.
Back to School Fun at the Back to School Picnic
K – 6 students and parents enjoyed an end of summer picnic together on The Ambrose School field. The Back to School Picnic is a tradition that helps transition students into the new year by meeting their teacher in a casual atmosphere and reconnecting with classmates. This year, we sang a hymn together and Mr. Warmouth, the Dean of the Grammar School, introduced our K – 6 “Teacher Dream Team” while everyone munched on picnic dinners. The “Junior Class Grill” was open and many families took advantage of a fresh hot hamburger or baked potato meals that helped raise funds for the class of 2017 senior trip to Europe. Snowcones and sticky hands were everywhere as the juniors also provided a sweet treat to top off the meal.
Roll up your sleeves! School workday is Saturday, August 15th
It’s time to spiff up the school and get ready for the new year. We would love your help! Come to the school workday Saturday, August 15th, 8:00 am to 12:00 pm WHEN: Saturday, August 15th, from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. Come when you can; stay as long as you can. WHO: Anyone age 12 and up WHAT: There will be both indoor and outdoor projects BRING (if you have them): Wheelbarrows, shovels, gloves, pressure washer Please let Mark Schiebout know if you can make it. Thank you for helping us be good stewards!
