The Mock Trial Team is heading to Wisconsin– sponsors needed!
The Ambrose School’s state champion Mock Trial team is heading to the national competition in Madison, Wisconsin, May 8 – 11. The team will be making the trip by RV. Even with these conservative measures, the trip will cost around $10,000. Students and parents have been hurrying to organize fundraisers in time for the trip. We are so grateful for sponsors who have stepped up to contribute $500 or more to help our team represent Idaho at this national competition. Thank you to these sponsors: Buchanan Nipper Michael and Kim Colby Idaho Law Foundation Moffat Thomas We are still short of our goal, so if you would like to help this hardworking team get to Wisconsin, please consider a tax-deductible gift. You can donate three ways: 1. Stop by the school or mail a check with “Mock Trial trip” in the memo line. Our address is 6100 N. Locust Grove Road, Meridian, ID 83646. 2. Call the school directly at (208)323-3888 and we can take your credit card information over the phone. 3. Online using a credit card. If you donate this way, please send an email to Debbie Skinner at dskinner@theambroseschool.org letting us know that your gift is for the Mock Trial trip to Wisconsin. Click the yellow button below. [blox_button text=”DONATE NOW” link=”https://foundationsacademy.ejoinme.org/giving” target=”_self” style=”3d” color=”#ffcc33″ icon=”” size=”medium” align=”left” /]
Second Grade Egyptian Day!
In second grade, our students begin learning history chronologically. They begin with the Old Testament and Ancient Egypt, culminating with Egyptian Day in spring to showcase what they have learned about this ancient culture. Enjoy these pictures provided by Ambrose mom and professional photographer, Val MacMahon.
The Ambrose School wins Idaho Mock Trial State Championship!
The Ambrose School Mock Trial team battled its way to win the state Championship on March 20th for the first time in school history. The hard-fought final round against the 15-time state championship team from Logos School in Moscow, Idaho had a margin of victory of just 11 out of a possible 360 points. Ambrose fought its way back from a loss to the Logos B team in the quarterfinals to best Centennial High School in the semi-finals. Ambrose’s A team faced the Logos A team in the finals. The Ambrose B team went head to head with both Ambrose A and Logos A in the same day, narrowly missing the semifinals by only two points. The A team’s win earned The Ambrose School the opportunity to represent the State of Idaho in the US National High School Mock Trial Championships, held on May 8-10 in Madison, Wisconsin. “The competition was exceptionally strong this year. We faced teams from Capital High School, Rocky Mountain High School, and Coeur d’Alene and they were very challenging. We were fortunate to move into the semi-finals. The strength of the Logos team showed as we faced both the A and B teams, eking out a victory in the end,” said David Goodwin, coach of The Ambrose Team. The Ambrose School’s A team victory in the final round leaned on a strong performance by closing attorney Jacob O’Brien to cement the performances of attorneys Veronica Fedorchuk and Reagan Good. O’Brien won an individual award in the championship round for his work as well. Attorney/witness Nathan Pauls and witnesses Cody Dean, Leah March, and Elizabeth Garner worked with timekeeper Samantha Baran to clinch the round. In quarter final play, Veronica Fedorchuck had the extremely rare honor of earning best attorney in three out of four quarterfinal rounds. Cody Dean, Nathan Pauls, and Leah March also earned individual witness awards. The Logos/Ambrose rivalry goes back to 2007 when Ambrose first faced Logos in the State Championship round. In the past seven years, Ambrose has been the Idaho State runner up five times. In 2013, Ambrose lost the state championships on a split decision which was decided by a single point. Between 20 and 40 teams compete annually in the competition sponsored by the Idaho Law Foundation, associated with the Idaho State Bar Association. The mock trial program combines the skills of speech and debate through a trial that consists of opening statements, direct examinations, cross examinations and closing arguments. Each trial typically takes two hours. You can view the full State Championship Round. Over 40 teams will compete in the National Mock Trial competition. “For seven years, we’ve struggled against the storied program at Logos that has set the bar for our state. Facing over 40 teams, potentially of that caliber, is a daunting thought. But, I think this team is ready for it.” The Ambrose team is heading to the national competition in Madison, Wisconsin, May 8 – 11. The team will be making the trip by RV. Even with these conservative measures, the trip will cost around $10,000. Students and parents have been hurrying to organize fundraisers in time for the trip. We are so grateful for sponsors who have stepped up to contribute $500 or more to help our team represent Idaho at this national competition. Thank you to these sponsors: Buchanan Nipper Michael and Kim Colby Idaho Law Foundation Moffat Thomas We are still short of our goal, so if you would like to help this hardworking team get to Wisconsin, please consider a tax-deductible gift. You can donate three ways: 1. Stop by the school or mail a check with “Mock Trial trip” in the memo line. Our address is 6100 N. Locust Grove Road, Meridian, ID 83646. 2. Call the school directly at (208)323-3888 and we can take your credit card information over the phone. 3. Online using a credit card. If you donate this way, please send an email to Debbie Skinner letting us know that your gift is for the Mock Trial trip to Wisconsin. Click the yellow button below. [blox_button text=”DONATE NOW” link=”https://foundationsacademy.ejoinme.org/giving” target=”_self” style=”3d” color=”#ffcc33″ icon=”” size=”medium” align=”left” /]
Mock Trial Teams Place First and Second at Regional Competition
Our Mock Trial teams have done it again. For the past eight years now, Ambrose has qualified for the state Mock Trial competition. To get there, they face teams from schools much larger than Ambrose: schools like Capital, Centennial, and Rocky Mountain. Last Saturday at the regionals in Caldwell, Ambrose B Team placed first by receiving 9 ballots and 900 points; A Team received 8 ballots and 911 points. Third place Centennial garnered 6 ballots and 823 points. Both Ambrose teams will represent the school at the state competition that begins Wednesday, March 19th, at the Ada County Courthouse. “Anything can happen at state,” says David Goodwin, Headmaster and Mock Trial advisor. “It all depends on who you draw for the competition,” – meaning there’s no guarantee that the best two teams will face each other in the final round. However, four times in the last seven years, Ambrose has ended up facing Logos School of Moscow in the championship round. Logos will again be traveling to Boise for state again this year and so the odds seem to be in favor of a rematch. Logos is the only other classical Christian school in Idaho that competes in Mock Trial which shows how a CCE education, which includes strong training in rhetoric and logic, enables students to quickly analyze and win critical arguments in a case. To learn more about mock trial: http://isb.idaho.gov/ilf/lre/mock_trial.html
Varsity boys basketball team takes second in state!
Our varsity boys basketball team accomplished an amazing “first” this year – debuting at the state tournament in only their second season in the IHSAA. The Archers seemed to take the district a bit by surprise, racking up a win-loss record of 19-3. After losing to Salmon River at the district tournament finals, they had hoped for a rematch, and they got it. They had to fight for it, though, pulling off an amazing overtime win against a tough Dietrich team in the first game of the state tournament. This put them in the championship bracket, and they again fought off Summit Academy 59-44 in the second game. The rematch was on against Salmon River. The championship game seemed to be what basketball dreams are made of — two well-matched teams staying neck-and-neck, the score tied throughout most of the game. It wasn’t until toward the end of the fourth quarter that Salmon River was able to pull ahead, outscoring the Archers 63-59 in the end. Head coach Ken Hosier accepted the runner-up trophy on behalf of the team, giving all glory to God, congratulating the Salmon River team, and thanking his wife for being a “single parent” during basketball season. Says Coach Hosier, “the main goal for us this tournament was to represent the “5” (God, Family, Community, Team, Self) well. The coaching staff at the beginning of the season told the guys they had the talent to get to the state tournament, but reaching our goal would depend on the work they put in during the season. Our defense began to peak at the right time and that helped carry us into the state tournament. I knew knocking off the #2 team in the state (Dietrich) in the first round would be a challenge, but the guys rose to the occasion in overtime. The fans were a key part of that victory–their cheering and energy helped sway the momentum. The championship atmosphere at the final game was a bit surreal. The guys made a determined effort and played a great game. I am pleased with how they played and we almost upset Salmon River’s repeat bid. I look forward to building upon the foundation we created this year.” Ken says there are many things he’ll remember about the season: ” The girls basketball team singing, Mr. Vanderleest’s charge during our send-off, the meals with the guys pre-game, the focus of the guys in the locker room, the conversations with the coaches and AD, and the way the guys battled through adversity. Most of all I’ll remember how the Ambrose community came together to support us during the contests and lift us up after a defeat.” The team is looking forward to another “first” next year when they will move up into Division I. GO ARCHERS!!! Be sure to read this great story published in The Idaho Statesman before the state tournament: http://www.idahostatesman.com/2014/03/05/3062419/ambrose-school-ready-for-state.html Also enjoy these photo galleries from The Idaho Statesman: http://www.idahostatesman.com/2014/03/07/3068382/1a-div-ii-state-basketball.html (Summit Academy game) http://www.idahostatesman.com/2014/03/08/3069283/1a-div-ii-state-basketball-salmon.html (Championship game)
Could you sponsor a Bright Future School student?
Many families at Ambrose have stepped forward in the past to provide for a child halfway around the globe. This month, Africa Bright Future Ministries is asking for 100 more. Many families in Rwanda cannot afford to send their children to school. $35 a month provides tuition at Bright Future School, health care, school supplies, school uniform, sanitary supplies, and food. The children in Rwanda have a difficult time obtaining an education because there are few schools and the children must pay to attend them. If you would like to know more about sponsoring a student, please contact Gayle Martinez at ABFM, or visit their website. “We do what we can do, and then God will do what we cannot do.” – Pastor Patrick Who is Pastor Patrick? Pastor Patrick is the founder and president of Africa Bright Future Ministries (ABFM) in the U.S. and it’s affiliate organization, Africa Harvest Mission in Rwanda. He is an evangelist and the senior pastor of Calvary Temple Church in Kigali, and the overseer of thirteen village churches. Pastor Patrick’s story begins with his parents who grew up in Rwanda but had to flee to the neighboring country of Uganda during the 1959 Rwandan Genocide. They met and married while living in a refugee camp. This is where Pastor Patrick was born and raised the eldest of ten children. Living conditions were deplorable in the camp which caused the death of four of his siblings from a treatable, mosquito-born disease called malaria. This situation led Pastor Patrick to believe at the time that he may not survive his childhood which led him to seek how he might go to heaven if he were to die. One day when Pastor Patrick was fourteen years old, an evangelical group came and began a church in the camp. Pastor Patrick was invited to the church meeting where he gave his life to Christ. For the first time in his life, he experienced a joy and peace that he had never experienced before. Pastor Patrick became a devoted follower of Christ amidst persecution from his family and friends. He began to help at the local church and within a few years was ordained a pastor himself. In 1994, Pastor Patrick had his own church in Uganda when the next terrible Rwandan Genocide occurred. This genocide lasted 100 days and during that time over a million people were killed. Since Pastor Patrick was established in Uganda, he was not planning to return to Rwanda like so many displaced Rwandans were doing. But soon, his family called for him, he too went to Rwanda in July of 1994, the last month of the genocide. When he arrived there, God spoke to him and told him that he was to stay in Rwanda and help to bring reconciliation to this devastated country. At this time, the country was completely destroyed spiritually, emotionally, politically and economically. There were dead bodies lying in the streets and people cowering in back rooms in fear, either of retribution or persecution. Pastor Patrick asked the Lord what he could do to help and God gave him a message of reconciliation. With Jesus as our example of forgiveness, Pastor Patrick was able to bring people out of their bondage to fear and help them to live again. This led to the establishment of thirteen village churches and eventually God brought Pastor Patrick to Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda to establish a church and a radio ministry that reaches half of the country of Rwanda. In 2007 Pastor Patrick found himself in Boise where he met a group of people that later became his U.S. base of operations to begin this ministry. In 2011, the school-to-school partnership between The Ambrose School and Bright Future School was begun. It is an opportunity for both schools to learn about each other and become involved in each others’ lives. Bright Future School is a Christian school, established by ABFM-Rwanda, a non-denominational, indigenous Christian organization with a mandate to raise godly leaders for tomorrow. It is a village school with many needs. Among them is a need for more teachers, student sponsorships, more classrooms, a staff room, a library, school supplies, desks, and electricity. One of our goals at The Ambrose School is to show our students how to put their faith into practice in practical and compassionate ways. So far, we have collected and donated monies, helped provide desks, and sent Christmas gifts. Pastor Patrick has visited and shared much with our students about the way of life of the students in BFS. A team from Ambrose will be traveling to Rwanda this summer to further develop our relationship. We invite other schools to come alongside to give hope to the hopeless children and their families in Rwanda.
Media poll places varsity boys team at #5 in 1A Division II
The very latest media poll results are in! The Ambrose Varsity boys basketball team has made it into the top 5 teams among 1A Division II. The Archers have the best win-loss record among the top 5, and moved up from sixth place following their 61-16 win over Greenleaf on Saturday. Poll results are as follows: 1A Division II Team (1st-place votes) W-L Pts Previous 1. Dietrich (6) 10-2 42 1 2. Salmon River (3) 10-2 39 2 3. Wilder 8-3 17 t-3 4. Deary 8-2 13 t-5 5. Ambrose 11-1 10 – Others receiving votes: Nezperce 8, Lighthouse Christian 3, North Gem 2, Summit Academy 1. The next Archers game is Tuesday, January 28th at North Star Charter School, beginning at 7:30 pm. To see the full schedule for all Archer teams, check the ScheduleStar calendar. GO ARCHERS!!
What?! We have a new website?
Yes, it’s true. We’ve had a goal of providing two things via our website: rich information for those who want to know more about classical Christian education and what The Ambrose School is all about, plus everything that our school families need to help them manage the busy lives of the students. We’re happy to say it has arrived. Surf around and you’ll find: For the newcomer: First, watch the Video Journey. Here you will find much of what we see every day – students growing in Christ through the pursuit of Truth, Beauty, and Goodness. Then, browse through About, Academics, and finally, Admissions. We strongly encourage you to contact us with questions you have about the school and the admissions process. We schedule tours regularly, and would love to meet you. For current parents: We strongly encourage all current parents to also watch the Video Journey. Remember why your children are here. Be encouraged that the teachers you have entrusted their hearts and minds to desire nothing greater than to see them grow in their faith. Then, there are two areas we’ve designed specifically for you: first is the “For Parents” area toward the bottom of the homepage. Here are the most commonly used links for parents. At the top of the homepage is a section called Parent Life. Here you will find an extensive listing of all the information you will most likely need to be an Ambrose parent. Navigation basics: Wherever you are in the site, you can always get back to the homepage by clicking the school’s logo in the top left hand corner. Each page in the site will have a sidebar menu on the right hand side which will show you all pages related to the section you are currently in. If there are subpages within a certain topic, they will pop up when you hover over that topic in the sidebar. Please cruise around and get familiar with where things are. We want the site to be a useful resource for you. Websites are always a work in progress, and we appreciate your help in alerting us to anything that needs our attention. If you notice something, feel free to send an email to mblakeman@theambroseschool.org.
