|
|
|
|
Principal's Corner
Hello parents. I hope you've had some great quality time with your kids this summer. At SVA we're working to bring together all the elements for a great school year. I want to bring you up to speed on several important developments. I've done my best to ensure there is no unimportant information here so please take the time to read all the articles below. They cover staff changes, our new iPad One-To-One program, and an opportunity for your student to learn great study strategies for a successful school year. Finally, you'll want to check out the Spring Mission Trip to Peru. Thanks so much for reading all the way to the end.
|
|
New Choir Teacher
 You can’t spend 5 minutes with Cristy Doria without being swept upon a wave of positive energy and optimism. She has been singing ever since she can remember and has a huge passion for helping others to praise God through music.
Miss Doria completed her Bachelors Degree in Music Education at Universidad Adventista in her home country of Colombia. In the course of her studies there she had the opportunity to direct large children’s and youth musical groups. One of those was a government program wherein students would trade in a weapon for an instrument, symbolically exchanging destruction for beauty. By all accounts Cristy's musical leadership and life mentorship was transformational to the lives of many young people there.
In recent years Cristy completed a Masters Degree in Music at Andrews University. While studying under a master choral conductor she found practical ministry outlets by filling the role of music minister at two churches simultaneously. In both cases she directed church choirs and coordinated praise teams.
Cristy comes highly recommended from all of her professors and work supervisors in two countries. She has a Latin flair that combines love of music, kids and Jesus into one very fun package. Your kids are in for a treat.
|
|
New Fourth Grade Teacher
As an administrator, the one area where I want to hit a home run everytime is in teacher hiring. I couldn’t be happier to announce that Michelle Coy is our latest no-doubt-about-it home run hire. She will teach our fourth grade classroom this school year.
Michelle was born and raised in Michigan. She stayed close to home for her undergraduate training in Elementary Education at Andrews University. For the past 3 years she has plied her trade teaching second grade at Loma Linda Academy in Southern California while her husband made his way through medical school. She is currently working on a Masters in Administration and Leadership through La Sierra University.
During the hiring process I had the opportunity to observe Michelle’s classroom and was spellbound. I don’t say that lightly. Her class was fun, focused, and rigorous. There was a joy and enthusiasm in the learning process. Most importantly her heart for children and for Jesus is palpable. My observations were backed up by glowing reviews from administrators, colleagues, and parents. I am very confident that Michelle will be a tremendous blessing to our SVA children.
Welcome to the Spring Valley Family Michelle.
|
|
Sad Departures
I'm writing to inform you of two sad departures from our team. Ken Knudsen (Guidance Counselor) accepted the position of Ohio Conference Education Superintendent of Education. This is a big opportunity for him to impact our whole education system in Ohio. It's hard to imagine a more dedicated, Godly Christian educator. A big thanks to Ken for all his good work at SVA. From now on I'll be calling him "boss".
Now for number 2. Just this week I received word that Lisa Alexander (Middle School Math) will take her leave as well. She and her husband (Lynn) have both been offered teaching positions at a Christian school in Florida. While this is a tremendous loss for us, it's an answer to prayer from them. Lisa has been a platinum level math teacher for us and such a positive Christian presence in our school. Blessings to Lisa and her family as she continues her teaching ministry in Florida.
We are already underway in our search for excellent professionals to fill the shoes of these two standout team members. I believe the Lord alway works on both ends. He's provided great opportunities for Ken and Lisa. He'll provide the right people to carry on their good work at SVA.
|
|
Stepping Up With Technology
It won’t be news to any of you parents that we live in an age of technological revolution. The rapid progression from PC to laptop to powerful interconnected hand-held devices has been dizzying. At SVA we strive to harness the positive power the latest technologies while also emphasizing the real world over the troubling aspects of a virtual one.
At our recent Board meeting a decision was made to accept our Curriculum Committee’s recommendation to implement an Ipad one-one program for grades 7-12 beginning this school year. Here is what this means:
- Every student in grades 7-12 will receive an iPad mini at the beginning of the school year.
- These devices will be pre-loaded with the required books and apps for their classes. Since this device is intended to be used exclusively for school, it will be locked to prevent students from loading additional apps/games, etc.
- All internet access to the iPads will pass through SVA’s content filter even when students are off campus.
- The implementation of this program will be funded by an additional technology fee added to students’ tuition payment at the rate of $14/month over a ten month payment plan.
- This technology fee will cover the cost of the iPad, heavy duty protective case, and pre-loaded apps and books.
- During this transition year, students will still have physical textbooks as a backup to the digital versions available on their iPads.
- Students are encouraged to purchase a Bluetooth keyboard as part of their school supplies. This will allow them to type papers just as they would on a laptop.
- The school issued iPad will be the only tech device students can bring on campus. Other computers and tablets will not be permitted.
These iPads will serve as more than just e-readers that lighten students backpacks. They also function as personal responder units to enhance student engagement during classroom discussions and presentations. With built-in cameras and video editing, that are marvelous multi-media project tools. They also serve as research tools that eliminate the need to maintain static computer labs.
At SVA we strive to improve our service and ministry to students each year. We believe that the one-to-one iPad program will help us to harness current technologies for learning while also protecting students from inherent distractions and pitfalls. If you have any questions about this initiative, please don’t hesitate to contact administration.
|
|
Gearing Up for Success
 At SVA we emphasis professional growth in ourteachers for the enefit of our students. During the week before school starts we’ll have educational psychologist, Dr. Shirani de Alwis-Chand on campus to present the latest strategies on brain compatible teaching, study skills, and memory strategies. When I was a young teacher I was fortunate to take a study skills class from Dr. Shirani. I was able to test out her strategies in my classroom and in my own masters degree coursework. I found them to be revolutionary in both areas.
Here is the exciting part for your children. In addition to a day of teacher professional development, Dr. Shirani will teach a session for students in grades 7-12. This session will be packed with strategies for academic success including executive functioning skills, study strategies, and memory devices. Students will learn how to get optimal performance from their own brains. This session will be offered twice during the week before school at the cost of $10/student. You are encouraged (but not required) to attend with your child at no extra cost. The student session options are Aug. 12, 1:00-5:00 and August 13, 8:00-12:00
To learn more about Dr. Shirani click here for her Bio.
To sign your child up for one of the two sessions click here to register online.
|
|
Spring Break Mission Trip to Peru
 Hopefully you have received my previous emails about this exciting service adventure. So far we've had 2 information meetings and have about 43 people (students and adults) signed up. We're almost full. If your student (grades 8-12) wants in on this opportunity read over this document for all the information and contact me right away to get their name on my list.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
