Picture Parent

Each year at the Heiskell School, a parent volunteers to hold the prestigious title of picture parent. The designated picture parent for our class this year is Mrs. W., and she is awesome! The children enjoy the times we share with her so much. I'm not sure if it has so much to do with the artist we are studying for that week or the cultural experience we have, complete with snacks and sometimes music! This past Friday was no exception to our fun times with our picture parent. We had a little Spanish flavor this week, as we studied Joan Miro. Once the children learned some fun facts about his artist, they were set free to do some art on their own. We had a great time! Thank you, Mrs. W., for being a wonderful picture parent. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Visitors on the lower level

Greetings from the lower level of the elementary and junior high school. We have been having lots of visitors to our hallway in the last week. What for, you ask? Why, to see the animals, of course! What animals, you ask? Why, the African animals created by our very own third graders! They will be on display a little while longer, so please stop by, but be sure to watch your step. It's a jungle out there, or a bush, or savanna!

African Animal Projects

Since Christmas holidays, third graders at the Heiskell School have been hard at work learning how to execute and complete a research project. Each student was assigned an African animal of their liking to study and research. The students were responsible for collecting information on their animal, and once they gathered the material needed each student wrote a research paper on their assigned animal. In addition to writing some pretty stellar papers, the students (with parental guidance) colored a poster of their animal and created a model of their animal living in its habitat. Pretty impressive, right? See for yourselves if you like. The animals and posters can be found on the lower floor of the elementary and junior high building. In the meantime, here is a slide show for your viewing pleasure!

God is never tired.

Yesterday morning, families all over Atlanta rubbed their sleepy eyes, attempted to return to their "normal" routine, and headed back to school. Spring break was over and the time changed. Whew, it was rough! Children at the Heiskell School were no different. We enjoyed being out of school last week and spending time with our families. Monday always comes though, doesn't it? Mr. Leatherman, the chaplain here at our school, shared a message in our devotion time that spoke to my heart and my tired bones. He read these verses:
Do you not know? Have you not heard?
The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth
Does not become weary or tired.
His understanding is inscrutable.
He gives strength to the weary,
And to him who lacks might he increases power.
Though youths may grow weary and tired,
And vigorous young men stumble badly,
Yet those who wait for the Lord
Will gain new strength.
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary.
Isaiah 40:28-31
Then he said the most profound and perfect thing for the Monday morning after a long week of spring break, for the Monday morning after the time changed, for a Monday morning that was cold: God is never tired! Aren't you thankful for that?

Casual for a Cause Part II

Currently, our school is taking part in several efforts to send relief and aid to the people in Haiti, specifically through a ministry called Reformation Hope. You can go here to read more about this ministry and their pastor, Jean Paul. Thursday, students and faculty are participating in Casual for a Cause. Students can bring in $5 plus any donations and wear their finest casual clothes in place of their uniform for the day. Stay tuned for more ways your family can be involved in bringing hope to the nation of Haiti.

"Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?"
The King will reply, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."
Matthew 25: 37-46

Charlotte's Web, the musical

Tuesday, March 2, 2010, our prefirst through 4th graders have the opportunity to attend Charlotte's Web, the musical. During our school's accreditation, we developed a closer relationship with Greenfield Academy, as one of their faculty was represented on the team. Greenfield Academy is currently one of Atlanta's finest Jewish schools. We pray that this friendship will continue to grow and bear much fruit, as we hope later to reciprocate and invite their students to attend one of our Great Performances. Students attending the musical will need to wear their chapel uniforms. We look forward to hearing this timeless tale in musical form on Tuesday.

Third Grade Overnight Field Trip 2010

This past Wednesday, our third grade classes at The Heiskell School embarked on a journey to Coastal Georgia. We began our trip at 6:30 that morning, as we departed for the Okefenokee Swamp. After a smooth bus ride to the swamp and a yummy picnic lunch on the grounds, we were ready to see some swamp life. Our journey of the swamp began with a quick video about the history of the Okefenokee Swamp, and then we readied ourselves for the boat ride. During our time on the Okefenokee, we learned much about the rich history of the swamp. We even saw a few alligators! I think the children loved it. Once our boat ride was over, we departed for Epworth-by-the-Sea, a Methodist retreat center located on St. Simon's Island that was founded by John and Charles Wesley. As soon we got off the bus, we knew we were in for a treat; our noses told us so! On the menu for supper that night was fried chicken that would give my grandmother a run for her money! It was delicious! Saturday was another full day of adventure as we headed to Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation, Fort King George, St. Simon's Lighthouse, and the pier/playground area along the waterfront. At each place we visited, the children learned much about the rich history of the area. Much of what we learned reinforced what we have been studying in Georgia History. Friday morning we loaded up all of our belongings, said so-long to Epworth, and headed to Savannah. We took a trolley ride tour of the city, visiting each of the city's squares and learning much about the rich history of this wonderful city. After a picnic lunch on River Street with the famous "waving girl," it was time to depart for home. We are so thankful that we were able to take such a wonderful trip and learn so much about the rich history of our home state. We are even more thankful for a safe trip home! Enjoy some of the pictures from our journey.