Homework–Do we need it?

By: Patrick Miller, Intermediate Math Teacher

Why is Homework Important? What does my child gain from doing work outside the classroom? These are questions parents often ask when it comes to assignments outside the classroom. Homework should be positive in the eyes of the children. It should be short and to the point. The goal is to practice on the concept that was just taught in class and to be a review of previous concepts. Also, if a student feels confident about the homework assignment, it will translate in the test scores on the particular concept. If a student struggles on the concept, it gives the student a wonderful opportunity to reach out and ask for help. Homework teaches children major life skills they will need for the rest of their life. Three major life skills are time management, problem solving, and self-discipline.

The time management piece is one of the most difficult for children. If a student learns about time management and how to prioritize all of their tasks, deadlines will be met on time. Learning to complete assignments on time and prioritizing assignments based on length of assignment and due date will help them in the future. Time management has a real-world connection, such as, paying bills as an adult.

The problem-solving piece is a wonderful way for students to overcome challenges at an early age. Having students think through a problem to reach a solution is valuable and beneficial in the childhood development. Every challenge is not going to be a one-step process. Challenges in life often require multi-step problem solving. Also, another valuable life lesson in problem solving is every challenge is not going to be solved the same way. For example, 2 x 1 = 2 and 4 x ½ = 2. One person might have said that the correct way to solve the problem was 2 x1 while another person may have said 4 x ½. If students get the correct answer and justify how they arrived at their answer that is most important. If there was a minor mistake, a student can learn from their mistake if work is shown.

The self-discipline is another challenge that students face each day. Do I want to go to the movie with my friends or stay at home and finish my homework? We all know what is probably the most fun choice. However, if we teach self-discipline at an early age it makes all the outside distractions easier to work though. This will be very beneficial for students later on in high school and college. Also, this self-discipline will equip everyone to being a life long learner.

Homework isn’t something teachers take lightly. The goal isn’t to punish the students or to give busy work. Homework serves a purpose in your child’s education and one that will help them throughout their life.

Fitness & Weight Training

By: John Crosby, Fitness Instructor

At the high school level, the importance of fitness training through use of the weight room should be strongly emphasized. Fitness classes offered to students in grades 8-12 is a strong trend in education today. Many classes are in session 5 days a week, with an emphasis on weight training 4 of those days, separated by an active recovery day in the middle. Several scientific studies in recent years support the idea that fitness groups during the school day can greatly enhance the learning abilities of a student in the classroom. Alongside this, athletes see great improvement on a weekly basis for their respective sports.

The first thing that is emphasized in weight training classes is safety. Students are taught the importance of correct exercise form, as well as weight room etiquette. Once these practices are effectively managed, students will demonstrate the ability to warm-up the body through pre-workout exercises. These exercises are done for both short term and long term injury prevention. For example, rotator cuff strengthening is a point of emphasis for upper body days that involve pressing from the chest and shoulders. Active dynamic warmup exercises are done at the beginning of each workout as a way to prepare the body to be at its best for the workout to come.

Once the workout is in session, a goal should be to improve several aspects of the student’s performance. These include, muscular strength, muscular endurance, explosion, mobility and flexibility. Some workouts are more focused on a strength building/ low repetition approach, while others are primarily focused on a high repetition/ endurance approach. There is an equal amount of targeting the anterior chain, as well as the posterior chain of the body. Each student should be pushed to reach their full physical potential regardless of the focal point on a given day.

The end goal of a fitness department at any academic institution is to teach and promote how to live a healthy/active lifestyle after high school. If a student can take any of the ideas that are taught during their time in a fitness class and apply them to their life outside of school, then the instructor’s goal has been accomplished.

Weekly News: February 25 – March 1, 2019

Athletics

Basketball
We are so proud of both of our Basketball teams for all their successes this season! Both fought hard all season long and were able to compete in the State Tournament. Our girls team made school history and we are so proud of all their firsts this season!

Tuition Assistance-Reminder

All Tuition Assistance applications must be filed by Friday, March 1. If you have questions regarding the application please contact the Business office at 647-6311.

Dr. Seuss Week

This week our Lower School is celebrating Dr. Seuss Week! There are lots of fun days planned! See a list below!

Monday 2/25
Mixed Up Monday – wear your polka dot leopard with your Zisser-Zazzer-Zuzz, stripes, plaids, or checkers with fuzz.
Tuesday 2/26
Top Hat Tuesday – Wear something silly on top of your head “Wear a crazy hat or wig,” the cat said.
Wednesday 2/27
Wacky Wednesday – wear your clothes backwards, inside out, or mismatched. Wild hair and mustaches are encouraged!
Thursday 2/28
Snoozy Thurzzzzzday – Some days it is hard to get out of bed. No need to get dressed. Wear pajamas instead.
Friday 3/1
Fox in Socks Day – wear crazy socks!!Also on Friday, there will be a Sock Hop after school for our Lower School Students. This will take place from 3-5PM and you should RSVP to your child’s teacher. Cost is $10 and money raised will go to support our Teacher in Residence Program in Africa this summer.

Marketing

Have you seen our new video? We’d love you to share it on social media or with friends or neighbors you think would be interested in CA.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5O6sx–YQUs&feature=youtu.be

Engage, Embrace, Empower

Clarksville Academy is blogging! Our new blog launched the week of Thanksgiving and will post twice weekly. The hope of this blog is to offer insights for parents. We will discuss a variety of topics from technology, to parenting ideas, ways to prepare your child for testing, long breaks, etc. We hope you will choose to subscribe and to encourage your friends to do so as well. These blogs will not be CA centered, but will offer insights for any parent at any school. Subscribe at: https://clarksvilleacademy.com/category/engage-embrace-empower/

Cougar Store

All Items in the Cougar Store are 50% off! Lots of Adult Small and Mediums left. If you say you saw this in the newsletter, you will get an extra discount at check out. Go Cougars!!!!

Annual Giving

Our Annual Fund giving has increased this year, but we still haven’t met our goal. In order to cover the needs of our school, we continue to need annual funds. This year annual funds are being directed to Security upgrades, Staff Professional Development, and facility improvements to name just a few. As we continue to look ahead, we have a few projects on the horizon. Our goal is to replace the metal doors at the entrances to our main building and Activities Center. These new doors would include a automated locking system and card swipe entrances. This comes at a cost over $200,000. We would also like to add additional parking to the front of campus, which will require major dirt work and a retaining wall. This would add approximately 20-30 much-needed parking spaces and come at a cost of $25,000. If you are interested in supporting either of these projects or would like to contribute to annual giving, please contact Sally Allen at sallen@clarksvilleacademy.com.

Important Dates

March 1 – Tuition Assitance Deadline
March 20-22 – Lower School Grandparent’s Day Celebrations
March 25-29 – Spring Break – No School
April 6 – Prom
April 13 – Steak Dinner
April 19-22 – Easter Break

Weekly News: February 19 – February 22, 2019

Athletics

Basketball
Both girls and boys Basketball advance to the State Tournament this week! Congratulations to our girls team for winning in the first round of the state tournament on Tuesday! They play Harding Academy in the semi-finals in Memphis on Friday.

Wednesday the boys team will travel to Memphis to take on Harding in the first round of the tournament. We are so proud of both teams and wish them continued success! Stay tuned to our social media for updates on where they play next! Congratulations to our All Region Team winners—Sydneey Boykin and Daniel Loos. We are proud of everyone on both teams for such fantastic seasons!

Wrestling
CA’s wrestling team is back for the 2018-2019 season and got off to a great start! Freshman Miller Barnett placed in the top 8 at the State Tournament in Franklin this weekend! Way to go Miller!

Book Drive

Our student representatives of the Mayor’s Youth Council will be hosting a Book Drive Feb. 19th – 28th to campaign for Child Literacy. Tennessee has one of the lowest adult literacy rates in the nation, and studies have shown that extensive attention to literacy in children has led to a decrease in adult illiteracy rates. The goal of this drive is to collect children’s books from grade levels 1-5 that will be donated to Elementary Schools around Clarksville. Please consider contributing to this campaign, and send in as many books as possible. There will be collections boxes located in the library and with Mrs. Turnage.

Marketing

Have you seen our new video? We’d love you to share it on social media or with friends or neighbors you think would be interested in CA.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5O6sx–YQUs&feature=youtu.be

Engage, Embrace, Empower

Cougar Store

All Items in the Cougar Store are 50% off! Lots of Adult Small and Mediums left. If you say you saw this in the newsletter, you will get an extra discount at check out. Go Cougars!!!!

Annual Giving

Important Dates

March 1 – Tuition Assistance Deadline
March 20-22 – Lower School Grandparent’s Day Celebrations
March 25-29 – Spring Break – No School
April 6 – Prom
April 13 – Steak Dinner
April 19-22 – Easter Break

Collegiate Funding

By: Denise Walker, College Counseling

Kindergarten to college, it happens in the blink of an eye. Therefore, it is importantto start saving for college early. Speak with your financial advisor about retirement, college savings, and investments early in the planning process. There are many ways to fund college, and there isn’t one clear path. Let’s discuss some of these options….

The cost of college tuition continues to increase each year, but college costs are much more than tuition. College costs can also include: orientation fees, freshman fees, campus fees, room and board, books, a meal plan, lab fees, transportation fees, athletic fees, tech fees, and commencement fees. These fees don’t even include the cost of visiting colleges throughout the college search process. Needless to say, college is expensive. However, there are things that can be done to relieve some of the financial burden with early planning.

Students can increase their chances of receiving tuition assistance, scholarships, merit aid, and grants by earning good grades in high school. Most colleges set grade point average (GPA) minimums for students to obtain, or keep, tuition assistance. Encouraging strong study skills and attention to strong academic performance is key.

What is tuition assistance? There are several types of tuition assistance, including grants, merit based aid, scholarships, work-study, and loans. Tuition assistance can consist of any combination of these. Scholarships and grants do not need to be repaid. Work-study programs enable students to work part-time at the college. Loans should be a last resort and MUST be repaid, usually with interest.

How can you help? Work with your child to help him or her develop good study habits. Stress the importance of studying and taking courses that will set them up for success. Encourage them to compete in local essay contests in high school, as many award cash prizes. The scholarship process should never hinder a student’s academic success; rather it should be an ongoing process.

We all know procrastination is every teenager’s middle name. This is where the parent’s encouragement and attentiveness to what their child is doing is imperative. There are scholarships for every student; they just require time and attention to detail. Every child’s maturity level and drive is different. However, as a general rule, junior and senior year seem to be the best time to start looking at scholarships.

The cost of college depends on choices you and your family make. Become familiar with terms like FAFSA and the CSS Profile. It is also important to know if there are in-state benefits such as the HOPE Scholarship or the Tennessee Promise Scholarship. Tennessee residents can earn the HOPE Scholarship, a scholarship worth $16,000 over four years, if they graduate with a 3.0 (GPA) or score a 21 on the ACT. The Tennessee Promise will pay for a community college or trade school if the student satisfies the requirements and meets the deadlines.

Remember, it is important for families to discuss the cost of college, and to consider and plan what works for your individual family.

Inquiry Based Learning

By: Carol King, FUSE Instructor

As the world that our children are growing up in is changing, the way they view and learn about it needs to change as well. Schools are tasked with continually adapting to best meet the needs of students. There are several modern ways to approach teaching and learning that help children become 21st century learners who collaborateand problem-solve, are digitally literate, and can think critically. One effective method used in many classrooms today is called Inquiry Based Learning.

What Is Inquiry Based Learning?

Inquiry Based Learning (IBL) is a way for students to learn through exploration and investigation. Students are presented with a question or problem,then are allowed the time and freedom to discuss with their peers, research information, and engage in hands-on activities. Students are required to base their discoveries on evidence and often delve into data to support their investigations. Communication of their findings is also an important part of the process. Whether by writing or presentation, students share what they’ve learned with their peers.

What Does It Look Like In The Classroom?

There are many ways to use IBL across all subject areas. In a science classroom, this might come in the form of creating a water filter out of recyclable materials or determining a correlation between genetics and certain diseases. Social Studies students may determine alternate ways that the American Revolution could have been handled or plan and design a functioning community. In reading class, students could explore characters in a novel, participate in in-depth character study discussion groups, determine how a character’s decision in a novel could have changed the outcome, and then justify a character’s choices. These are just a few of the many applications of IBL in the classroom. By allowing students to investigate and collaborate, what they learn has depth and meaning.

The Benefits

There are several benefits to teaching students through inquiry based learning methods. Students are at the center of this process, therefore are often more engaged due to feeling ownership of their learning. This investigative approach challenges students’ thinking and places a priority on evidence, logic, and imagination. By sharing their outcome, students practice communicating using appropriate vocabulary and learning to justify their conclusions.

Why Is It Important?

Inquiry Based Learning is an engaging approach that keeps students excited and accountable for their academic experiences. This teaching style forces them to be creative thinkers and explorers who can support and justify their findings. It provides opportunities for students to gain 21st century skills and thought processes needed to be valuable members of our community and future workforce, as well as lifelong learners.

For more information about the Clarksville Academy FUSE program visit: https://clarksvilleacademy.com/academics/lower-school/fuse/

Why STEM?

By: Paul Mittura, Upper School Science

You get up on cold winter morning and the sparse clouds are beautiful reds, pinks, and oranges. Why? You are trying to head a soccer ball and can’t quite find the right place to be. Why? The breaker keeps tripping when you use your curling iron. Why? You are cleaning your bathroom and the new cleaner is making your eyes water and your throat scratchy. Why?

As a science teacher, people are constantly asking me why.

Most behaviorists would agree infants are born with innate reflexes like grasping, sucking, and blinking,but most behaviors are learned through exploration and experience. Most children will look at, pick up,and taste everything they can reach in their environment. As adults, we discourage the touching for fear of embarrassment and the tasting for obvious reasons. We encourage our children to explore in our predetermined “safety” filtered environment. This environment is usually inundated with the interests of the parents. For example if the parents are sports enthusiasts the toddler will be dressed in team apparel and every type of ball known will be in the playpen. We expose our children to what we know and like.

This behavior is both normal and expected.

As educators, it is incumbent upon us to introduce children to all disciplines. With STEM education, students are encouraged to explore the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Quality STEM educators can produce environments with “safety” parameters that allow each individual to experiment with disciplines they may not have had the opportunity to explore in a home environment. Early introduction is important for the formation of accurate concepts in a controlled environment with respect to the 4 disciplines. Continued exposure (grades 1-12) to these types of explorations is an important part of STEM instruction. One of the biggest obstacles for any educator is the dispelling of a misconception caused by misinformation or misinterpretation. Continually introducing STEM activities hopefully prevents these misconceptions from developing.

Now here comes the tough part. It is impossible for teachers to become “experts” in all areas of the educational process. Only through collaboration and pooling of resources to include expertise can pure STEM education be achieved. Vertical teaming (elementary and secondary teachers) and cross curricular teaming (science, math, English, social studies, fine arts, etc. teachers) is a good start. Ideally this would occur with each new unit,but as little as once each semester can capture a student for future studies in a discipline. This concept looks good on paper,but the logistics of moving teachers around and finding time for collaboration is a potential nightmare. Large group presentation is an option but is far less effective than single class presentations and hands on exploration. Regardless of the obstacles, STEM is a worthwhile endeavor. Capturing the interest of students is every educator’s goal and a school dynamic rich with STEM opportunities should be every institution’s goal.

To learn more about CA’s STEM program visit: https://clarksvilleacademy.com/stem/

Weekly News: February 11 – February 15, 2019

Re-Enrollment

Don’t forget our deadline for Re-Enrollment is February 19. Beginning in February, we will review classroom enrollment number and waitlists for grades could be created. Re-Enrollment must take place online through PowerSchool. If you have trouble re-enrolling your child, please contact Cara Miller, at cmiller@clarksvilleacademy.com. Tuition Assistance applications are due March 1. Tuition assistance will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis this year and review of applications will begin this week. We encourage everyone wanting tuition assistance to apply now.

Winter Break

Don’t forget, winter break begins on Friday and will last through Monday. Students will not report Friday or Monday. School resumes Tuesday, February 19. Enjoy this time of relaxation!

Marketing

Have you seen our new video? We’d love you to share it on social media or with friends or neighbors you think would be interested in CA.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5O6sx–YQUs&feature=youtu.be

Engage, Embrace, Empower

Subscribe at: https://clarksvilleacademy.com/category/engage-embrace-empower/

Cupid Grams

Cupid Grams on sale until Feb12for $1. Send your favorite Cougar a Cupid Gram today! See Mrs. Turnage to purchase.

Athletics

Basketball
Both girls and boys Basketball advance to the Regional Tournament this week! Tuesday our girls will take on FRA at 6PM on Procter Court. Wednesday the boys team battle it out with BGA at 6PM on Procter Court. Reminder—Season passes are not valid and admission is $7 at the door.
Congratulations to our Girls All District winners—Sydneey Boykin, Diamond Bryant, Makayla Artis, and Nichole Hunter. Girls All Tournament members were Sydneey Boykin and Ashley Roberts. Congratulations to the boys All District winners—Daniel Loos, Preston Moody, and Nolan Johnson. Daniel Loos was named the District MVP of the regular season! Daniel and Nolan were also named to the All Tournament team. We are proud of everyone on both teams for such fantastic seasons!

Wrestling
CA’s wrestling team is back for the 2018-2019 season and got off to a great start! Freshman Miller Barnett placed third at the Regional competition in Memphis this weekend and now he has qualified for the State Tournament! Way to go Miller!!!!

Cougar Store

All Items in the Cougar Store are 50% off! Lots of Adult Small and Mediums left. If you say you saw this in the newsletter, you will get an extra discount at check out. Go Cougars!!!!

Annual Giving

Important Dates

February 15-18 – Winter Break – No School
February 19 – Re-Enrollment Deadline
March 1 – Tuition Assistance Deadline
March 20-22 – Lower School Grandparent’s Day Celebrations
March 25-29 – Spring Break – No School
April 6 – Prom
April 13 – Steak Dinner
April 19-22 – Easter Break

Re-Enrollment

By: Sally Allen, Director of Marketing & Development

February is the time when independent schools across the country begin their re-enrollment process. This is a time of excitement and anxiety for both the school and parent. Excitement for parents, as they look ahead to a new grade, and a new experience and excitement from the school for all the wonderful opportunities in the new school year. Anxiety from parents as they look ahead and envision their child in a new grade level and as they commit to another year financially for their child’s education. During this exciting time, it’s important to remember why you chose a private education.

Traditionally, parents choose private education for smaller class sizes, more intimate learning environments, specialized course selections, athletics, expanded collegiate scholarship opportunities, etc. Click here and here to read our past blogs reflecting on choosing the right private school for your family. It is important to weigh the facts when deciding whether to re-enroll.

Making the commitment to re-enroll your child, often times causes families to reflect on the past year and evaluate your commitment to your school choice. A few of things you may consider as re-enrollment begins are:

Do you feel your school is meeting the needs of your student?
Does your school adhere to their mission statement?
Do you and your family feel an active part of the school community?
Is your child able to meet the expectations set forth by the school?
Is your family able to continue the financial commitment to send your child there?

If you answered yes to the above questions, then you should immediately re-enroll your child in their current school. If you answered no to any of the above questions, it is important that you reach out to your school faculty and administrators to address any concerns you may have and engage in conversations regarding your child’s educational future. Keep in mind many schools have a set re-enrollment period, giving priority to current students and families. Failing to meet those deadlines could result in loss of space at the school and late fees.

For more information on Clarksville Academy, it’s programs or the re-enrollment process, please visit: www.clarksvilleacademy.com or contact admissions@clarksvilleacademy.com.

Weekly News: February 4 – February 8, 2019

Re-Enrollment

Don’t forget our deadline for Re-Enrollment is February 19. Beginning in February, we will review classroom enrollment number and waitlists for grades could be created. Re-Enrollment must take place online through PowerSchool. If you have trouble re-enrolling your child, please contact Cara Miller, at cmiller@clarksvilleacademy.com. Tuition Assistnce applications are due March 1. Tuition Assistnce will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis this year and review of applications will begin this week. We encourage everyone wanting tuition assistance to apply now.

Kindergarten Preview

All current PreK students and parents are invited to a Kindergarten preview on Monday, February 4 at 3:00 P.M. This event will give you a sneak peek into our Kindergarten program. Join us for refreshments, class tours, and important information about the 2019-2020 Kindergarten year.

White Columns

Our annual White Columns magazine is here! It should arrive in your mailbox this week. We have lots of extra issues and need your help! If your place of business would be willing to display our magazine in their lobby, please contact us! We would like to place 3-5 copies in a variety of businesses in town! Contact Rebecca Beach, at rbeach@clarksvilleacademy.com to arrange for us to drop them off! Thank you!

Engage, Embrace, Empower

FBLA

Jackson Trotter competed in the 2019 Regional Leadership Conference for FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America). Jackson placed 1st in our region and he had the highest score across the whole state of Tennessee on the Introduction to Financial Math test.

Cupid Grams

Cupid Grams go on sale Feb 5 for $1. Send your favorite Cougar a Cupid Gram today! See Mrs. Turnage to purchase.

Athletics

IS Basketball
The Intermediate School boys’ varsity team won the championship of the James C. Haile State Tournament. Great job by this team!

Varsity Basketball
This week is our District Tournament! Join us Tuesday, February 5 when the girls compete in the first round of the District Tournament. Game begins at 6:00 PM on Procter Court. On Wednesday, our boys’ team will also play at 6:00 PM on Procter Court. We will host the District Tournament this weekend. Make sure to follow us on social media for up to date game times. Reminder—Sports Passes are not eligible for the District Games. Game tickets are $5 at the door.

Cougar Store

All Items in the Cougar Store are 50% off! Lots of Adult Small and Mediums left. If you say you saw this in the newsletter, you will get an extra discount at check out. Go Cougars!!!!

ColorCycle

We are excited to announce a new conservation program at our school called Crayola ColorCycle – an amazing program devised to repurpose used markers rather than sending them to landfills. All around Clarksville Academy, students and teachers will be collecting used markers, highlighters and dry erase markers in drop-off boxes. Please help support our efforts by sending in any used markers you may have around the house- even non-Crayola brands. Thank you in advance for participating and furthering our school’s conservation efforts!

Communication of School Closing

When inclement weather prevents us from coming to school or causes us to be late, school closing information can be found on News Channels 2, 4, 5, and Fox 17, the Leaf Chronicle and Clarksville Now. We will also email and send text notification. Our website will have any school closing information posted as well. We will do our best to quickly assess the situation and make an announcement. We do not follow Montgomery County School System in these closings.

Annual Giving

We have many ways to give at Clarksville Academy. One area of giving is the Clarksville Academy Foundation. The CA Foundation was created in the summer of 2018 and incorporates our endowed funds. Endowments like Procter and Dan Burden Scholarship are now part of the CA Foundation. On January 12 we hosted a Leanne Morgan Comedy Show with all proceeds benefiting the CA Foundation. I’m happy to announce that was raised $17,938 at this one event! Foundation funds must reach a specific level, determined by the Foundation Board before any monies are spent. Upon maturity, only the interest from these funds will be used. If you have any questions about giving, please contact Sally Allen at sallen@clarksvilleacademy.com.

Important Dates

February 5-9 – CA to Host Basketball District Tournament
February 15-18 – Winter Break – No School
February 19 – Re-Enrollment Deadline
March 1 – Tuition Assistance Deadline
March 20-22 – Lower School Grandparent’s Day Celebrations
March 25-29 – Spring Break – No School
April 6 – Prom
April 13 – Steak Dinner
April 19-22 – Easter Break