Last Friday our fourth graders performed for a packed gymnasium of parents and adoring elementary school fans. I love this event! It reminds me of the lazy summer days of childhood when my friends and I would dress up in our parents’ clothes, hang a bedspread over the clothesline and perform for each other.
Our philosophy here at DLES has been that our children need to be the ones to prepare for this performance, provide their props and costumes, and rehearse until they are ready to show their “stuff.” Ms. Collins and Ms. Harris audition the acts and choose those best-prepared. They provide some structure to the presentation, a program, and the piano. They let the children have one rehearsal in the gym. They choose the acts that are ready to go. The results are always surprising. We find children who have lovely singing voices, talents in dance, acting, and even drawing.
Childhood is about discovery, about finding out what talents lie within. Sometimes the students who may struggle with an academic subject far outshine the others in performing talent. God’s gifts to us are many and varied. Celebrate the successes of your children. They want you to delight in them.
Sharon Farmer, DLES Principal
Parents,
As we move rapidly through this new school year, I want to share with you the plans that continue to move forward in the Campus School, because it will impact the high quality experience your children will have at Lipscomb. We began this school year differently with Quantum Learning Training in levels one and two for teachers and administrators to bring us up to date on the latest research and strategies for teaching, learning, and critical thinking. We are already looking forward to levels three and four of Quantum Learning later this year.
Several other initiatives are moving forward that you need to know about as well. The following initiatives are in planning stages:
- An early childhood focus for Pre-K and Kindergarten to parallel recommendations from NAEYC.
- Develop a Pre-K through 12th grade plan for building technology skills applicable to post secondary study.
- Create some new special programming or "academies" at the high school level in collaboration with the university.
- Launching the Olweus Anti-bullying program campus wide in January. Some elements have already been implemented.
- Enhancing our service learning program as a third major pillar of spiritual formation to emphasize service to others as a key component to living in the image of Jesus Christ. The first two pillars are embedded in daily Bible study and chapel.
- A comprehensive study of all extracurricular programs for elementary through high school to know what else could be offered and how they might be funded.
- An in-depth review of our facilities and develop a plan for our needs over the next ten years. This will also involve capital planning to address these needs.
Committees of faculty, administration, and members of the 2020 Leadership Council will work together this year to make these plans and dreams become a reality for your children. Lipscomb is a wonderful school with exciting new plans for the future. God has richly blessed us with many wonderful families represented by 1323 students this year.
Dr. Michael Hammond,
Headmaster
