Weaving a Tapestry 2017 Artios Update

WEAVING A TAPESTRY INTENTIONAL, BIBLICALLY-FOUNDED EDUCATION

ARTIOS ACADEMIES 2 0 1 7 U P D AT E

ARTIOS ACADEMIES

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

Have you ever looked back and seen a tapestry, one that God has been weaving even when you weren’t sure why things were happening? The experiences we have sometimes don’t make sense. But, in retrospect, we can look and see that God was weaving that tapestry the whole time – there was always purpose behind the things that happened.

-Lori Lane

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Weaving a Tapestry

CONTENTS 4

NOTE FROM LORI LANE

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WHAT IS ARTIOS ACADEMIES?

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WHERE IS ARTIOS LOCATED?

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GRAND HAVEN, MI HIGHLIGHT

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SOUTH ATLANTA, GA HIGHLIGHT

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AN ARTIOS TAPESTRY

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DANVILLE, VA HIGHLIGHT

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LITTLETON, CO HIGHLIGHT

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HEARTSTRINGS OF HOMESCHOOLING

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SAN ANTONIO, TX HIGHLIGHT

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CASTLE ROCK, CO HIGHLIGHT

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JOY IN THE JOURNEY

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GWINNETT, GA HIGHLIGHT

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WEAVING IN COMMUNITY

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GREENVILLE, SC HIGHLIGHT

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PERSONAL ARTIOS TAPESTRIES

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SUGAR HILL, GA HIGHLIGHT

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BOB JONES UNIVERSITY FESTIVAL

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ARTIOS ACADEMIES

Note from Lori Lane

L

ife certainly is a tapestry. God weaves together the lives of people and the events of history to create a tapestry that reflects HIS story. When Artios Academies began back in 1998, we had no idea how intricately God was weaving together so many parents, students, staff, and supporters to reflect His story into the hearts of hundreds of young people over the years. However, one thing is certain, it has been God who has been the weaver of that tapestry.

In a day when so many have divorced a Biblical worldview from any area of life other than church, Artios strives to remain true to our mission. Artios Academies is called to come alongside parents and partner with them in raising students who are “Artios” - fully-equipped and thoroughly prepared for every good work. We are convinced that the arts and creativity are key vehicles in reaching and training the heart of your child. Innovation and creativity are 21st century skills in demand in every area of life and career. But, even more importantly, approaching innovation and creativity and the arts and academics by looking through a lens of biblical principles sets our children up for much more than worldly success. It sets our children up to be what God has called them to be…to be salt and light in whatever area God has for them to minister.

So how do I explain Artios? Well, I could give you all the verbiage that you see on our website. I could spend hours talking about our philosophy and methodology. I could help you understand the foundation upon which we have been built and the legacy that God has been forming. But, I’m not sure that you would still truly understand what Artios is. Artios is its people. Artios is a community.

A community of like-minded people that God has brought together as partners in ministry to reach the hearts of our children and students. Artios has to be experienced.

I hope that the pages of this magazine will provide another view of the Artios experience through the articles, campus updates, pictures, and spirit found throughout this publication. I hope that you can see the tapestry that God has been weaving and that you can clearly see His hand through it all. Whether you have been with Artios for years or are just looking us over for the first time, we hope you will be encouraged by seeing God’s work and students all over the country becoming “Artios.”

Faith and Courage,

Lori Lane Founder and Executive Director, Artios Academies

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Weaving a Tapestry

WHAT IS ARTIOS ACADEMIES? ARTIOS IS KNOWN AS THE MOST CREATIVE AND INTEGRATIVE APPROACH TO EDUCATING

F

THE WHOLE-HEARTED CHILD.

or over 30 years, the leadership of Artios

theatre and, at some locations, grammar/composition; attend

Academies

with

the Preparatory for courses that prepare students in various

homeschool parents to guide every student

specialized academic classes; join the Conservatory, an

to his or her fullest potential in Christ. From

intensive practicum in Music, Theater, Worldview, and the

the youngest ages all the way through high school, we

Arts for students in 9th – 12th grade; or attend Artios Plus

emphasize the development of a Biblical worldview,

clubs for additional and fun arts exposure, every child can

especially as it relates to cultural literacy in the arts and

find their unique fit at Artios Academies.

has

been

partnering

encourages awareness of how the arts have impacted society.

Because Truth manifests itself throughout history in the form of art, events, people, leaders and leading ideas, it is imperative to contextualize and consume these details, not as stratified subject matter, but as God intended – seeing every historical milestone, personality and ideology as part of the greater story of God. An Artios education equips students to compare and contrast all ideas and art forms as either Truth or something that stands opposed to Truth. This knowledge frees students to reason, relate, discern, discuss, and express the Truth of Scripture and in the process, realize it is…

Shaping Their Character Building Their Confidence Sharpening Their Conscience.

In that moment, true learning and true heart transformation take place, and it is inspiring and beautiful.

And Artios truly has a place for every child. Whether they join the Academy for an integrative study of art, history, music,

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ARTIOS ACADEMIES

Artios Across the Nation

Want Artios Academies in your hometown?

You can start a campus today! Email artiosinfo@artiosacademies.com to learn more.

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Weaving a Tapestry

Castle Rock, Colorado Danville, Virginia Grand Haven, Michigan Greenville, South Carolina Gwinnett, Georgia Littleton, Colorado San Antonio, Texas South Atlanta, Georgia Sugar Hill, Georgia

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ARTIOS ACADEMIES

GRAND HAVEN, MI

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017 has been a thrilling year

Persian Empire and Queen Esther. Mrs.

creating clay to form into Egyptian

to see God expand our loving

Ball powerfully engages her students

beads for necklaces and sculpting

community. We began our

during class time and then sends

mummies, hieroglyphics and coptic jars.

third year of Artios Academies

countless ideas home for parents to

Glitter filled the room as self silhouettes

utilize in their home “classroom”.

were turned into portraits of ancient

of Grand Haven with 53 students and 26 families, with an equal mix of new and returning students. With this growth, we added a second section of elementary students, as well as a SmartStart program. It has been so much fun to watch new teachers embrace

these

challenges

with

creativity and love. This year we have seen the Ancient time period come to life in all of our classes.

Jennifer Austin became our elementary Literature teacher and has challenged students to not only become better writers but to truly enjoy literature. The literary pieces from the Ancient time period

challenged our elementary

students and transported them to new and exciting places, including Hittite Warrior, The Golden Goblet, and Theras and His Town. Writing assignments

pharaohs. Middle school students took some of their favorite scenes from The Iliad, studied in Literature class, and painted them onto jars. Conservatory students worked on pieces for Bob Jones University’s Festival and created themes on canvases from their literary reading of The Odyssey. Learning from every subject is always coming to life in a creative and integrative way!

Kim Reminder joined our staff as

complemented these readings and

Mary Pryer and Val Letenyei both share

our SmartStart teacher. Her creative

culminated

compiling

music with our students. Conservatory

juices are always flowing to bring

their own book of fables, based on the

students delved into Music Theory and

Ancient History to life for our K-2nd

original Aesop’s Fables.

were challenged to lead worship during

graders, building, coloring, reading, memorizing and moving freely to keep their minds and hearts going.

We could not be more excited to see how she has developed and enriched these little lives. Bethany Ball also joined our staff as the elementary History teacher. First semester studies included history from Creation to the

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in

students

Our faithful art teacher Sara Visker, now in her third year of teaching at Artios, began the year by transforming her classroom into an ancient cave, where students learned how cave men told very detailed stories through their beautiful cave art. Students experienced handson learning in Mrs. Visker’s classroom,

Assembly once a month, which has been a blessing to the entire school.

Elementary and middle school students were moving and shaking, sometimes literally, working on beats, rhythms and composing their very own music.

Ms. Pryer hauled in many interesting instruments, including a harp, truly bringing ancient music to life.

Weaving a Tapestry Casey Adams and Jessica (Adams) Bradt continued in their third year as co-teachers of our theatre classes. They work tirelessly to combine national theatre standards and the Ancient time period. Elementary students enjoyed ancient greek games and performed theatrical dances for the December showcase. Middle school students presented a dramatic reading of the Biblical Christmas Story, a beautiful piece to end our December showcase. Drama Club continued to meet, and in the spring we are excited to present an all-school musical, The Chronicles of Narnia, at the Beardsley Theatre! Jacob Kallman, our faithful Media Arts teacher, expanded his classes and now teaches middle and high school History. Mr. Kallman inspires students to think critically and biblically as they move through the Ancient time period. Teaching students how to think and not what to think is vital.

Meghan Akers joined our staff as the high school Literature teacher, and she has proven an invaluable addition. She not only loves God and students, but she loves ancient literature and the writing process. Students worked their way through some very complex literature and poetry, including Paradise Lost, Oedipus Rex, and The Odyssey. Engaging discussions and in-depth writing filled the classroom. Paradise Lost came off the page in creative visual projects, which were displayed at the showcase. Writing lab, taught by Carley Hwang, helped give further instruction on students’ writing assignments and also covered grammar and vocabulary. She has really helped students to understand the writing process more thoroughly.

Jessica Thompson continued as our committed Science teacher. Now in her third year, she can be found teaching three Science classes to middle school and high school students. Jill Kelly, in her second year as an Artios teacher, took on teaching Physics/Chemistry to elementary students, using experiments to bring these concepts to life for our young students. Mrs. Kelly does a wonderful job helping the students to see God in all the ways that He masterfully put order into our world. Ryan Kelly taught Government first semester and will continue on next semester teaching Economics. He has worked in local government, giving him a deeper understanding of our US governmental system to share with our students.

Matt Hill, the church’s youth pastor, took on teaching elementary PE, which has been such a blessing. In addition, senior Josh Postma has been Mr. Hill’s assistant. After two hours of class time, the elementary students head to the gym where Mr. Hill puts together fun games and moving activities. Students have enjoyed both Mr. Hill and Mr. Postma immensely. Art Club with Sara Visker ends the day for many students, where they have sewn beautiful tapestries, made treasures out of trash and learned basic drawing techniques.

Growing student numbers brought growing needs, including adding a second day to our Artios schedule. Our campus now meets on Mondays and also offers academic Plus Classes on Thursdays. Christy VanderWall stepped up to run our Thursdays and so much more, a true blessing to us all. Classes on Thursday have included Government and Economics, Biology, Physical Science, Physics/Chemistry, PE, Writing Lab classes, and an ever-growing Art Club.

What a beautiful work God continues to do at our campus and in the hearts of our families, staff and students. We are so looking forward to what 2018 and our second semester will bring.

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SOUTH ATLANTA, GA

I

t has been a wonderful year at Artios Academies of South Atlanta so far, as we are now in our third year! The year has been full of tremendous teachers who have poured their hearts into each of their classes to create both a fun and

challenging learning experience. Their love for the students and desire to see them grow in the Lord are truly priceless!

Our school now teaches around 30 students from K-12th grade, and we have a small preschool class of students that will move into the Academy in the next few years. As our school continues to grow, we are seeking to offer a full High School Arts Conservatory for the 2018-2019 school year.

During the Fall, we were thrilled to place 3rd in the school category in the McDonough, GA Scarecrow Contest for the second year in a row! We are looking forward to our History Fair coming up in February, where each student showcases a character or event from history that they have been researching. March ushers in our biggest event of the year as our Drama Clubs perform. Pirates Past Noon is sure to delight, as our Elementary Drama Club draws out the pirate in all of us. Audiences will then be enthralled as the Middle and High School Drama Club takes you on an adventure with a childhood favorite, Peter Pan, Jr., but with a twist as we have chosen to set it in the 1920s. And as we close our year in April, we are excited as our campus prepares for its first graduation ceremony.

Our school really is the “village” working together to raise our children in a Biblical worldview to be “artios” or fully prepared as they launch into this world. The Lord has truly been good, providing exactly the right teachers, students and staff to make this such a successful year. We pray that in all we do, it will be done for His glory!

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Our school really is the “village” working together to raise our children in a Bilical worldview to be “artios” or fully prepared as they launch into this world.

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AN ARTIOS TAPESTRY BY: LOR I L ANE

A PERSONAL JOURNEY TO WHOLE-HEARTED EDUCATION

Weaving a Tapestry

I

’ve been a wife for 33 years, a mother for 31 and

I had been given a vision and a burden not only to

a homeschooler for at least 23. John and I have 4

educate the minds of our children but also to train

boys, ranging in age from 33 to 20, and my purpose

and equip them spiritually and emotionally and to

in Artios Academies is to come alongside other

instill character within them. So, when we wrote down

parents and help them raise students who are “Artios,”

our goals and dreams for each one of the children

which means thoroughly prepared and fully equipped

individually, we found that although there were many

for all that God has for them. Now, the ministry of

things in common for each one, there were also many

Artios started out, not necessarily, intentionally. Have

things on each list that were unique to each child. The

you ever looked back on your life and realized that God

verse “train them up in the way they should go” became

has been weaving threads together for years in order

more unique and defined for each of our children than

to accomplish His purpose? Well, that’s what He was

we had ever dreamed possible (Proverbs 22:6).

doing with Artios, and it started when we were back in high school, even before then.

However,

when

we

began

homeschooling, I felt bombarded by all the different schools of thought and the philosophies behind diverse approaches to homeschooling. I’ve always been a reader and a researcher, so I approached homeschooling the same way that I approached any new area, and as I read, researched and observed, I found that it seemed many homeschoolers felt the need to identify with a particular school of thought. And so, I felt like I probably needed to do the same thing.

However, no matter what or whom I read, there seemed to be one or more

It was our responsibility

So, based on the belief that God created each child for an individual and specific, unique purpose, we approached each of our children almost as if we were - not to sound too clinical - but as if studying

to approach

them. We couldn’t approach them as if

them as

created with the same strengths and

individuals and

as their earthly parents to find out what

help to develop each child into a wholehearted child.

they were all cut from the same cloth, weaknesses. It was our responsibility made them tick, to teach and develop those unique qualities so that they could be all that God had intended them to be.

God did not create them alike because He didn’t have the same purpose for each one. It was our responsibility to approach them as individuals and help to develop each child into a wholehearted child. Academic preparation

areas which didn’t quite fit with what

and training would not be enough

we felt like God had laid on our hearts.

to fulfill the responsibility God had

We may have been new to homeschooling and unsure

given us. We had to approach the entire person in

about many things; however, we were confident that

our educating and equipping mentally, emotionally,

God had called us to equip our children to be all that

physically and spiritually.

He had for them to be.

Now, as is often the case, John and I drew on our own

As I read a variety of more well-known approaches to

life experiences to look for models to emulate in the

homeschooling, I could identify with a piece of one

education of our children. I’m so thankful that God

and see it fitting with one of my children, and yet see

gave me a unique educational experience growing up,

a totally different piece of a different approach fitting

and I want to take you on a little bit of a journey to tell

another one of my children. My husband John and

you more about my personal background which will

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ARTIOS ACADEMIES

give you insight into the vision of Artios. As a teenager, I was privileged to have experienced a very unique approach to education, based on teaching through principles and leading ideas, and study based on researching, reasoning, relating and recording. All of this was done through a thorough and distinctly Christian worldview that was applied to every area of life.

One of the most influential aspects of my education was the emphasis placed on the uniqueness of each individual.

I saw my mom demonstrate this type of educational philosophy in her approach with me and also in her approach with the students who were privileged to come through her English, Spanish and French classrooms. In addition, I had several very important adult mentors during my middle and high school years who looked for my uniqueness and then invested their lives to help draw out that potential. They taught me through their personal inspiration and their example in their approach to principle-based living and learning.

It wasn’t until I had been homeschooling for several years that I began to understand how instrumental and influential this educational experience and philosophy had been on my own approach to the classroom, homeschooling and to the founding and directing of Artios Academies. This foundational philosophy of education was instrumental in the development of Artios, and I believe it is what sets Artios apart from other programs. Because of what I had experienced through my own education, I knew that as a teacher it was not enough to just know the material. I needed to know the child and adapt the presentation of the material to fit each child, and it was my responsibility to lead my students in not only learning the material but in leading them to learn about themselves. It was my job to present material grounded in a Biblical foundation and help my students to apply those principles in every area of life and character. The latter responsibility is key to raising children and mentoring students who not only just

Wisdom is so much more than simply informing a child to educate. It’s more than just giving students academic and

know how to make a living but also know how to live and make a difference.

artistic tools

So, based on my personal educational experiences as a student, principles that I

and equipping

was continuing to learn as I taught in the classroom and began homeschooling, and a vision that God had placed in my heart as a young teacher fresh out of college, I took this approach into the classroom. It wasn’t long before I realized how different this approach was and how much effort and preparation this

them mentally.

It’s Elevating God.

demanded of a teacher and/or homeschooling parents. At that point in my life I had trouble verbalizing what the difference actually was, but I could see it! And I knew how to demonstrate it because I had seen it demonstrated. The same emphasis and philosophy became foundational in raising our own children and in our home education journey. We wanted to raise children that were “Artios,” fully prepared and thoroughly equipped, and eventually this led to the establishment of Artios Academies and our ministry with young people in various areas of the country.

Scripture talks about Jesus “growing in wisdom and stature with both God and man” (Luke 2:52). Wisdom is so much more than simply informing a child to educate. It’s more that just giving students academic and artistic tools and equipping them mentally. It’s elevating God. It’s elevating discernment into our students’ lives so that they can be effective salt and light in every area of their lives. It’s educating the heart, soul, and mind of our children, the children

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Weaving a Tapestry

in our homes and the children in our classrooms. And this is what led to Artios, to the foundational principle behind Artios Academies’ philosophy of education and to partnering with other parents of like mind who want to raise children who are “artios.”

As I mentioned earlier, there are many positive things about each homeschool curriculum and philosophy. However, I don’t think that we can approach any curriculum or school of thought as legalists and expect our children to fit into a box or preset mold of instruction. Joni Harsh says, “As Christians first and then home educators, we must not become bound by any particular method that will lead us to legalism.” Truly, this is the definition of what Karen Andriola describes as the “gentle art of learning.” As I’ve reflected on my own educational experience and how it has impacted my own ministry within my home with my own children and through teaching hundreds of students over the years through Artios Academies and other programs, I realize that I’m actually using much of the same philosophy and methodology in which I was raised, and which I have now come to find out was a truly Biblical approach to education. And I couldn’t be happier or feel more blessed with having had that background. I believe it’s Biblically based, and I believe it lends itself to great freedom for the homeschool mom and for educators in the classroom. It gives us the ability to meet the needs of the whole heart of each individual child.

Lori Lane is the founder and Executive Director of Artios Academies, a homeschool parent partnership program for the arts and academics - a new way of educating - for elementary, middle and high school students. She also serves as managing editor for “The End in Mind” blog.

FOR I KNOW THE PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU, DECLARES THE LORD, PLANS FOR WELFARE AND NOT FOR EVIL, TO GIVE YOU A FUTURE AND A HOPE. JEREMIAH 29:11

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I

n a year when our Artios Scripture was John

Wonderland, which ended with a poignant discussion

3:30, “He must become greater; I must become

about not growing up too fast. Our older performers

less,” we truly learned what it means to just let

presented The Wizard of Oz. Friends of Kasey stepped

God take over and become greater in weakness.

in to play his parts with an enthusiasm that would

2017 has been a year of both joys and sorrows for

have made him proud, and Kasey’s older brother,

the Danville campus. Our final weeks of the 2017

Joshua, was a delightful Wizard. Senior Isabella

spring semester were consumed by an unthinkable

Lynn dedicated her performance as Dorothy to the

tragedy, as we lost one of our dear students, Kasey

memory of her grandfather, whom she had lost the

Sheldon. Our Artios campus truly is a family, and

week before opening night. Amidst loss, this special

we held onto each other and worked together to

production became a source of healing in many

complete academic end-of-the-year projects, while

ways and a celebration of life through art. Another

coping with deep grief. Parents and friends from our

season highlight included a special performance for

community surrounded us, making our final days of

the students of the Madeline Center, a local program

the spring semester a time of healing.

for students with special needs.

Our Spring Art Show included over 900 projects,

Our Fall 2017 semester began with great anticipation

and shared student art that reflected the Ancient

as we started a year centered around the Medieval

time period, ranging from cave paintings that would

time period. We were thrilled to welcome new

rival those found in Lascaux to recreations of ancient

students and some very gifted new teachers to

weapons and Egyptian masks. Art teacher Marilee

our Artios family. Ann Cook came to teach our

Crews encouraged artists to bring to life the ancient

High School Medieval History class and our first

world that we had come to understand better

Worldview class, and Beth Wood joined to teach a

during our year. At the center of our Art Show was a

variety of elementary and middle school classes.

memorial to Kasey, for he loved art and acting. His

Both teachers have brought their own creativity and

creative spirit had an impact on each of us, and his

enthusiasm to the classroom.

artwork told his story so vividly.

Another highlight of our Fall included six of our

Our Spring drama productions included the

students participating in the Fine Arts Festival at Bob

Elementary Drama class’s performance of Alice in

Jones University. Students competed in music, drama

DANVILLE, VIRGINIA

Weaving a Tapestry

and art categories, and they did not come home empty-handed! Senior Whit Whitfield won 1st place in Solo Performance for his presentation of Mark Twain’s “Whitewashing” scene from The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Camden Mahan won 2nd place in Solo Performance for his creative performance of a classic scene from Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Most of our students participated in the 24-Hour Playwriting competition, and Camden’s original play was selected as one of the top four entries. Whit Whitfield and Hannah Vipperman were also part of the Best Ensemble performance in the 24-Hour Playwriting competition.

Our Fall Concert echoed with music influenced by the Medieval period, including our Ensemble beautifully performing “Spark of Creation.” Music Teacher Cari Mahan has done a wonderful job developing an ensemble with gifted voices that truly convey the spirit of the pieces they perform. Drama teacher Rachel Timm led student performances of the Miracle plays St. George and the Dragon and Chanticleer, based on a tale from Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, and the unique story of Harlequin and his coat of many colors. As the spring approaches, we are eagerly anticipating our upcoming production of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.

We wrapped up our first semester in a very accomplishments with a Medieval Feast.

different and exciting way this year, celebrating our Students created their very own Great Hall,

decorating and preparing place cards. A

King, Queen, and court were selected to sit at

the head table, and parents took over the

kitchen to serve a three-course meal amidst a

myriad of entertainment. At the feast you

could find jousting matches — complete with

horses and lances — fencing competitions,

Kashana Brendle performing a Celtic dance,

and drama students performing Bible

stories in the style of the Medieval Mystery

plays. Our Ensemble singers concluded the

feast with a performance of “Welcome to the

Renaissance.” In the midst of it all, a shield

hung on the wall to remind us of our dear friend

Kasey and how much he would have enjoyed and Christmas wishes for each other and the

our Medieval Feast. The day left us with smiles anticipation of an exciting 2018. Above all, this has

been a year where God was, as He always is, faithful to carry us through.

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ARTIOS ACADEMIES

LITTLETON, COLORADO

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Weaving a Tapestry

I

n the fall of 2017, Artios of Littleton was blessed to find a new church to call home. Besides a location change, we also changed our school meeting days, which is always an adventure! All the directors worked tirelessly, preparing for a school year in which many of the details were unknown until shortly before the first day of school. Of course, God did not disappoint; He provided in so many ways

throughout the year. We finished our first semester strong and are excited for what God will do during the second semester!

Highlights from 2017: - A number of new families joined our campus, especially growing Class A. - Science classes and our beloved science teacher, Mrs. Dixon, returned.

- Our large middle school class gained students who were completely new to Artios.

- Two new dance classes were added to this year’s schedule.

- A new Artios mom began accompanying both our choirs.

- Students had a wonderful time of connecting with one another at this year’s Conservatory Retreat.

- A Little Princess, the Musical was perfomed with great success by our Elementary and Middle School Drama Club.

- All Conservatory students traveled to the BJU High School Festival in October.

- All filming was completed for our High School Film Club’s feature-length film “Scion.”

- Two Artios graduates returned as Teacher Assistants.

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ARTIOS ACADEMIES

Heartstrings of Homeschooling by: Debbie Strayer

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Weaving a Tapestry

P

eanut butter sandwiches cut into shapes with cookie cutters. Colored paper plates for lunch. Hot chocolate with marshmallows in the morning. Snuggling on the porch while it rained. Doing school on a blanket under a tree. These are small things in the big scheme of things, but in the end, maybe the things that mattered the most. Why so important? These are the events that painted the picture of the heartbeat of our homeschool.

Daily life in homeschooling isn’t like life in a school. There, days turn on the hinges of big events – tests, grades, programs, passing, failing – dramatic events that move the year forward. Our homeschool life moved more like the waves at the beach – consistent, comforting, friendly.

Of course there were the occasional storms or unusual tides, but for the most part, our focus was on daily routines that were familiar and peaceful. This came about because of something wonderful I observed from my mentor, Dr. Ruth Beechick. Her relationships with her grown sons reflected an understanding of caring and learning together that wasn’t at all schoolish. It was natural, like the beach, with the normal ebbs and flows of the demands of life, yet carried along by the current of care for one another and interest in what each one thought, which builds lifelong friendships. This brings me back to the sandwiches, paper plates and marshmallows.

Doing small things is the best way to show someone how much you treasure your time together. While doing school may be the reason for spending so much time with your children, it certainly doesn’t have to be the thing that they remember most. Learning together can certainly be memorable, but the most memorable thing about it won’t be the subject matter, it will be the thousands of minutes that tie each bit of work together. The value of the best academic activity can be lost when hemmed in by impatience or that “let’s get on with it” sigh. Your children know when you care about how they feel and when you just want something done. Every day has its own demands, but not every demand has to be made a priority above the few extra minutes it takes to communicate care and concern.

When your children grow up, they may not remember all the academics you taught. But there is one thing they will remember, and that is their place in your day. Were they just a part of your todo list? Did your schedule become the master of your day and attitude? Did you enjoy the time you had been given to get to know and appreciate these gifts from God? Now that my children are grown, we talk about the special things we did when they were children and how much they appreciated them. As they become parents, I have some gifts in mind for them. The first will be a set of cookie cutters, tied together with what will look like ribbon. Upon closer inspection, they will find that those ribbons are really heartstrings.

Debbie Strayer was a veteran educator, speaker, author, and home educator. She was a frequent speaker at homeschool conventions and was a true friend to Artios Academies.

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ARTIOS ACADEMIES

A

rtios of San Antonio is now in its third year. Our campus began its first year with 13 students, and we have grown to 42! But this growth is much more than numbers to us. These numbers represent students, friends and, more importantly, family. And

our family has been busy.

We have added arts classes, including Art Club, Photography Club and Choir and have added academic subjects for our high schoolers, including Government, Economics and Spanish. Our Drama Club is working on their first musical, and we took students to the Bob Jones University High School Festival Competition. We will also be attending the Christians in Theater Arts Secondary Competition at the end of January.

But all of these accomplishments are secondary to the building of a family. We have seen students find their tribe. That is the heart of Artios of San Antonio. Our family is like any other, we represent students that are advanced academically and students that struggle with learning issues.

Students that are quiet and shy and students that would make Tigger look calm! But within all these dynamics, our students have found their people.

When we started Artios three years ago, our prayer was that God would bring together like-minded people, not only academically, but emotionally and spiritually. Our teachers have spent countless hours sharing not only academics, but a love of Jesus, with our students. A Biblical worldview is the center of everything we do, and it has been our greatest joy to see that not only be an academic endeavor, but a way of life.

As we move forward, we are excited to build on the foundation that has been laid. A foundation based on love for God and each other. These are the things that set us apart. These are the things that make us unique.

These are the things that make us Artios – fully equipped and thoroughly prepared.

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

Weaving a Tapestry

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N

ow in our third year as a campus, Artios Academies of Castle Rock continues to grow! We welcomed 10 new families for the 2017-2018 school year, and our Art and Drama Clubs have more than doubled in size. This spring, our Drama Club will be presenting the musical

Annie, Jr. with a cast of 19 students, directed by Artios alumnus Jordan Lane.

The Academy Program grew by 24% this year, with our largest middle school class to date! Academy students are studying the history, literature, art, theater, and music of the Early Modern time period. We wrapped up the end of the fall semester with “An Early Modern Christmas� showcase, a Christmas event that included music, dramatic readings, and an art gallery.

Our Conservatory Program for high schoolers, now in its second year, took students to the Bob Jones University Fall Festival in Greenville, SC to compete in music, art and theater for the first time. Junior Audrey Gotcher reached the semifinal round in Solo Dramatic Performance! All of our Conservatory students also participated with the Festival Singers and performed at a festival showcase on the last day of competition.

We are thrilled and thankful for the growth of our Artios family in Castle Rock and for the many times of celebration and learning over the past year and in the year to come.

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CASTLE ROCK, COLORADO

ARTIOS ACADEMIES

Weaving a Tapestry

27

ARTIOS ACADEMIES

JOY IN THE

M

any times in life we wonder why God called us to what He has, or we think maybe we missed the message or got it wrong because we do not see the results we were hoping for at the time we were hoping for them. So often on this home schooling journey I have heard God’s Spirit speak to me that I needed to stop checking the fruit I was looking for to be manifested in my children’s hearts

because it was not yet time. When would it be time? When would I see the fruit that I had spent my time and energy cultivating? Was I really investing in what mattered? God’s Word reminds us that His ways are not our ways and neither are His thoughts like our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). So, although we exist in a results-oriented world where we are always looking to measure outcomes, God is interested in the journey.

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Weaving a Tapestry

JOURNEY

by Amy Rasmussen

I like road trips. I enjoy driving miles and miles to reach the destination. It is a good thing I do because my best friend has lived 15 hours away for most of our friendship. I do not know how many times I have packed up the kids, the Adventures in Odyssey CD collection, filled the minivan tank, and headed south. It was definitely worth the trip to spend a week with my best friend and to grow the relationships between our children over the years.

But even in that experience, I was not about the journey. I was interested in the destination, the arrival, the getting to where I was going with the least stops possible and on the best traffic route. In the end, I was concerned with the fastest travel.

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ARTIOS ACADEMIES Later, becoming an owner of an Artios Academies in Michigan, we traveled with our high school students every year to South Carolina to compete in Bob Jones University’s Fine Arts Festival and meet up with the other Artios campuses from around the nation. This trip entailed a 12-hour drive and an overnight stay. The students soon learned that Mrs. Rasmussen was interested in the destination, getting there with the least stops and complications possible. One stop to eat, go the bathroom and fill the van with gas, and then back on the road until the gas tank nears “E” again.

Destination, that is what interested me, getting there. God, however, does not think like we do. He is not just interested in the destination. He is interested in the journey, in the stops and detours along the way. He knows that He already has the destination covered, and that the journey is what forms us into His image. In His Word we often see this labeled as the wilderness. If God was simply interested in us getting to heaven He would have zoomed us up the minute He saved us. Why wait? What is the purpose in the wait? Abraham was told he would be the father of a nation, but he did not have a son until he was 100 years old. Moses was to lead Israel out of Egypt, but he spent 40 years in the wilderness. Jacob was to be the father of the 12 tribes, but he spent 14 years serving his father-in-

So, although we exist in a resultsoriented world where we are always looking to measure outcomes, God is interested in the journey.

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law who cheated him, while he faithfully took care of his father-in-law’s sheep. The Israelites were to enter the Promise Land, but they wandered in the desert for 40 years before they did.

The journey is also known as the process. At Artios Academies we have a saying called the three P’s: people first, process second and then product. What do we mean by this? Aren’t we interested in results: amazing productions, great test scores, creative art and enduring deep relationships? Of course we are. God says it this way, “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things will be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). First things first. When we get the first things right, God takes care of the second things. So, what are these first things?

In the gospel of Luke, Jesus is spending time in the house of his very dear friends Martha and Mary. As Martha scurries around preparing all the details, Mary sits at Jesus’s feet. When Martha confronts Jesus to tell Mary to help her, Jesus tells Martha that her worries are many, but Mary has what is most important. Our relationship with Jesus and spending time with Him is the most important part of our time here on earth. Cultivating our relationship with Him through time, reading His Word,

Weaving a Tapestry prayer, worship and spending time investing in His people. Jesus loves people and is extremely interested in us. As we live out our lives in Him, we too will love people and care deeply for them. This is the people part of the three P’s.

Then comes the process, the journey, also known as sanctification, the process that forms us into the image of Christ. God uses everything in His children’s lives and wastes nothing. He says in Romans 8:28, “He works all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.” His purpose, growing us into the image of His Son. So often we are asking Him to bless our purposes instead of joining Him in accomplishing His. The journey is what accomplishes this in His children, and He is patient with us. What about the product, the destination? This is what God tells us not to be anxious about. In Matthew 6:26-34, He tells us to look at the birds of the air and the flowers of the field and how by worrying we cannot add a single day to our life. So, let go and trust Him with the end game. If we keep the focus on the first things, the last things will be fine.

So, the next time you are anxious or begin to want results and begin checking the fruit by comparing your student to national standards or your friend’s child, stop, remember it is a journey and the destination is in the Lord’s hands. We are simply

What about the product, the destination?

This is what God tells us not to be anxious about. So, let go and trust Him with the end game.

to be His faithful stewards while here on earth and to join Him in what He is doing. One day we will be in that final destination, where we were heading every day here on earth. Then we will hear the words we have longed for, “Well done my good and faithful servant enter into my rest.” Let’s enjoy the journey along the way and not worry about the destination. God has it covered.

Amy is the Owner/Director of Artios Academies of Grand Haven. She is a woman who loves God and loves people of all ages and types. She loves having deep conversations with people and finding out what makes them tick. Amy loves reading God’s Word, spending time with Him and reading great books both fictional and non-fictional. She has been married to her husband Erik for almost 27 years, and they have 5 children, ranging in age from 26-11. They have been blessed to be able to homeschool for 18 years.

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ARTIOS ACADEMIES

I

t has been a jam-packed year for us here in Lilburn, Georgia! Through God’s amazing grace, we are able to reflect upon the many blessings that He has poured out upon our Artios of Gwinnett family.

Our Academy program has been blessed to offer creative and unique experiences in the arts to

many new families this year. Some of the highlights for our students were navigating an obstacle

GWINNETT, GA

course to explore the Reformation, playing colonial games, making cloth, learning about “selfie portraits” of famous artists and caroling around the school. Our 2016-2017 school year ended with an authentic Renaissance Festival, complete with a Birds of Prey show, maypole and a set of stocks!

October brought another educational and entertaining History Fair, focusing on our current Early Modern time period. From Shakespearience and Poetry Slam to Flash Music and Architectural Design, our middle schoolers dove into some exciting new class options this past semester. For the first time ever, we have been able to offer an all-boys dance class for our elementary students, and their performance of “Little Drummer Boy” delighted our audience during our Winter Chorales Concert. We also were able to take a small group of 4th-8th grade students to the Killian Hills Fine Arts Festival, where their hard work was recognized through many 1st, 2nd and 3rd-place competition pieces. We also celebrated our second year participating in Odyssey of the Mind, and we were able to take teams competing at the elementary, middle and high school levels.

Our Conservatory program has continued to grow in size and reputation in our community. In addition to the high-quality courses we offer to our students through our five different majors, our students also had many opportunities to display their talents and hard work through the Bob Jones Fine Arts Festival, the Christians in Theatre Arts Festival, a Conservatory Dessert Showcase and our Senior Presentations. We were both humbled and impressed to watch these students challenge themselves to raise their own personal bar, and many came home with awards. Our annual BJU trip is always a highlight of the year for these students, as they are able to join together with all of the other Artios campuses from around the country, meeting new friends and renewing old friendships.

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Weaving a Tapestry

Our Preparatory program also continues to expand and flourish. Every single week you are likely to find a class conducting special projects or experiments that capture the interest of the students, from science experiments that involve explosions (highly regulated, of course) to history projects created in pizza boxes, from balloon-popping games for grammar exercises to math olympics and writing letters to the homeless. One of the favorite events of this school year has been when our English students were able to attend The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, performed in an outdoor theater, after analyzing this book in class. In addition, many of our teachers have continued to improve their education skills through outside classes and trainings.

This past year we made the decision to invest extra time and energy into raising the quality of our Theatre Department. We were blessed to be able to provide our students with the opportunity to assist in building and working with some innovative new stage elements, including a lattice-wood proscenium arch, a set of spinning flats for scene changes, and a system of professional risers and platforms that will serve our clubs for years to come. This past spring our Elementary and Middle School Drama Clubs combined to welcome us into the wonderful world of Willy Wonka, and then our High School Drama Club wowed us with an 80s interpretation of Cinderella, complete with a Volkswagen Bug fit for a princess. Thornton Wilder’s The Matchmaker visited our stage this fall, and our Middle School Club then ended the year by presenting a fantastic production of Narnia, musical-style, to sold-out audiences.

In addition to all of the classes, outings and experiences within our programs, we had a Spring Break trip to St. Augustine, Florida, a Fall Festival and Hoedown, Spring and Winter Chorales Concerts and dodgeball nights. Jam-packed, indeed! Our campus has experienced great success in many different areas, but we are most proud of how our staff has been able to work alongside our families in loving, learning and equipping each and every student that has come through our doors. And even through the inevitable sorrows and low points, we have walked together with love and support. What a privilege it has been to be a part of this incredible community serving the Lord this year!

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ARTIOS ACADEMIES

Weaving in community

by Jaci Whitfield

T

rusting God can be a tough thing. We all know we are called to do it. We all know the reward of following this instruction. And yet, we think to ourselves, “If only we could see where we’re going with this...” But that’s not really very trusting, is it?

This past year, the art teacher at our campus sought to find a way to connect all our students in a common experience. She stressed to them that art is built out of community, not just out of one individual’s experience. She showed them how in Exodus 39, Moses designed the priestly garments to signify God’s favor on the 12 tribes. In Exodus 39:22, the Bible records how Moses followed God’s instructions even to the smallest detail: “He also made the robe of the ephod woven all of blue.”

With that in mind, our teacher saw that a unified experience in art class could change the class dynamic, and she wanted to give the class the sense of community that a group project can create in the right setting. A primitive arts expert was brought to

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And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

Weaving a Tapestry

class to help build a loom that would require everyone to come together in the creation of a tapestry. As students worked on this project and inserted items that were special to them as individuals, the conversation changed. They shared stories and ideas, and each class found their common thread.

Romans 8:28 is a verse so well known to many that we often miss the point Paul was trying to make. I’ll bet you can recite verse 28 along with me. “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Whether we are weaving a tapestry together, or we are going through a tough season, God can use that. He does use that. The twists and turns in our lives do not catch Him off guard. When everything looks like a big mess, He is already prepared to work us through it. The people we need are there. The strength we need has been built into us. He is often creating something beautiful that we won’t understand until he shows us the other side.

When our art class was in the midst of weaving, there were scraps of yarn and cloth everywhere. The room seemed messy and disorganized, but when the tapestries were finished and the students had contributed their ideas, their hands and their time, we saw an organized, beautiful display of a single community product.

Homeschooling is like that, isn’t it? Some days are messy, discouraging, chaotic. But if we stay in the midst of it, if we continue to put in our ideas and our time, we will suddenly see something far beyond anything we could have even done alone.

While we may have stepped into this way of educating without knowing exactly how we would accomplish the vision WE had for our children, GOD had already planned it out. He had already “formed” the days ahead. He already knew what people would be there to help us through the mess — expert craftsmen who would share ways to complete something. God already knew the people He wanted us to share our experiences with. He already knew what our different experiences would bring to the project. He already knew who would be there to hold us and give us strength on the tough days. And sometimes, He gives us a glimpse of all the things He is working in us and in our children. And in those moments we know that HE is forming our days, fulfilling HIS vision for each of our children.

Jaci Whitfield is the Director of the Artios Academies of Danville, where she teaches Literature and Drama. By the time her son graduates from Artios this spring, she will have been homeschooling for 17 years. Jaci has been an adjunct instructor of English at Danville Community College for over 20 years and holds a Master’s degree in Professional Writing from Regent University. She and her husband Clarke live in Danville with their son, and they still consider their home to be their daughter’s permanent address...at least until she finishes her Master’s degree in May.

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Photo credit: Monica Norris

GREENVILLE, SC

A

nother eventful semester has come to a close at Artios Greenville. We added 20 new families to our program for the fall semester! Our new students have assimilated well, and the families have already become deeply knit into our community. We are so excited that more families are finding the value in our Christ-centered, cross-disciplinary arts and academics. As we have considered what it means to “walk

worthy” this year, we have pursued excellence in the classroom, in competitions and productions, and in how we treat one another.

The biggest update at our campus is that after 8 years of leadership at Artios Greenville, God led Melody Yasi, Artios Greenville founder, to resign so that she could spend more time with her family. Lori Lane and her husband, John, arrived in Greenville this Fall to take on the job as Campus Directors. Lori founded the original Artios Academies in Atlanta over 20 years ago, and we are so blessed to have her lead and direct our campus.

Our Academy Program is studying the Early Modern time period this year, and students have enjoyed projects that began with Columbus and Martin Luther and continued through the study of Native American art, storytelling and music. We also covered life in the American colonies and how the many settlements and conflicts connected back to European politics. The program added several wonderful new teachers. All of our teachers give their hearts to teach the K-8th grade students integrated music, art and theater, all tied to the same historical anchor. We are so grateful to have a highly gifted and devoted staff, full of credentials and creativity. Seeing students excel and explore different artistic disciplines excites the staff and encourages us to continue using arts as a means of reaching students’ hearts.

Our Conservatory program started the year with a bang! For the first time in a few years, we offered Junior Film Club to help students learn about the art of cinema.

We also added an Advanced Acting Class and a Tech Theater class. Sterling Street, Hatherleigh Miller, and Lindsey

Photo credit: Escobar Photography

Weaving a Tapestry Bean joined our Conservatory faculty and brought their

Courtney Fincher-Foster, is modeled off of a one-room

extensive talents to our staff. In mid-October, our Senior

school house for primary and lower elementary students.

Drama Club, under the direction of Chelsea Street,

We also added classes in math for lower elementary

performed the classic thriller Wait Until Dark. Students

and Marine Biology for high school students. Courtney

acted, designed and built the set, as well as overseeing

Fincher-Foster and Cayce Branyon both joined our

marketing and designing props, lighting and makeup.

Preparatory faculty this Fall, and the students have

As a result, the learning experience went far beyond

thoroughly enjoyed their teaching. As the Preparatory

those on stage.

program continues to grow in popularity, we are excited

Two weeks later, the high school students competed in music, art and acting at Bob Jones University’s Fall Festival. We had 25 students compete, and they joined the 125 students from the other Artios campuses at the festival. Many students made it to semi-final and finals and some even won awards! We are very proud of

to develop new classes and continue to innovate in the academic realm.

All of our teachers have created a wonderful balance of integrated Biblical worldview, creativity and demanding classwork. We are thankful for the excellent teachers that are continuing to learn and develop

the effort and the successes of

their classes. With a full K-12

the students across Artios, but

academic and arts program,

particularly the hard work of our

we are looking forward to

Greenville students.

enriching our existing classes

Finally, at the end of the semester, under the direction of Jack Toler, Artios

Greenville

presented

the Festival of Gifts, a Christmas event of music, choreography and dramatic readings. Junior Drama Club also performed O’Henry’s classic play The Gift

and offering a wide variety of learning trips to help students experience their subjects in real world contexts. The year has not been without its challenges, but with God’s grace we have overcome these and seek to follow God’s Word faithfully.

of the Magi. Despite the onset of some very unexpected

We are excited to tackle the coming semester! High

southern snow, the show went on and was a huge

school students will be attending CITA in Charlotte in

success. Students not only performed well on stage, but

January, and our second semester will end with Sterling

off stage they worked hard to help each other and the

Street directing the musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang!

staff to put on an excellent and God-honoring event.

This will be the largest show we’ve ever done in terms of

Our Preparatory program expanded by adding the SmartStart class to our offerings. SmartStart, taught by

participants. We are very excited for the next semester, shows, competitions and more learning trips to come!

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PERSONAL ARTIOS TAPESTRIES

A LOOK INTO THE HEARTS OF A STUDENT, TEACHER, AND DIRECTOR

CALEB STUCKEY, STUDENT AT GWINNETT What does the word “Artios” mean to you? Personally, I have a really weird definition for Artios. It means family for me because two years ago I went through a really hard time, and that’s when I started coming to Artios.

Everyone at Artios just came alongside me from different campuses, as well as my campus, and they helped me through something that I never would have been able to do alone.

What is your favorite thing about Artios Academies? The family atmosphere of it all. From all the different campuses, we all come together under that name “Artios,” and we can get along great and understand that we are all family.

How has Artios impacted your relationship with the Lord? It has really laid the groundwork for my faith. Two years ago I was in a really dark place, a time when I would consider myself agnostic or even atheist, and coming to Artios, seeing God’s love portrayed through other people as well as myself, really set the foundation for God’s love and how I can rely on him for everything, no matter how rough.

Describe Artios Academies in one word? Loving.

Describe a memorable Artios moment. Laughs. Oh, so many...Last night actually, an Artios friend and I talked from 10:30pm to 12:30am and didn’t even realize the time. We just had a good conversation about God, friends, and drama and really got to bond over that. So, that’s my favorite Artios moment, just having that one-on-one connection with someone.

JESSIE STERNER LEGG, ALUMNI & TEACHER AT SUGAR HILL What is Artios Academies? Artios is a place where people are seen as people and treated as more than just their brains or their talents. They are treated like a whole, entire person. The word Artios means “fully equipped,” and we are equipping the full person the entire time.

What does the word Artios mean to you? Artios means legacy to me. All the years of watching kids grow up and being a part of their lives. My friends. The other staff members. I just think of the longterm relationships and the long-term history that we have together.

Even though we are a relatively new school, everybody has such a rich history and a rich legacy, no matter how long they’ve been with us.

Weaving a Tapestry

Describe Artios Academies in one word? Smiles. Oh, this one’s hard…Precious.

Why did you decide to teach at Artios? When I came to Artios as a student I experienced what it was like for someone not to label me for a learning disability or for being different in the way that I process or in the way that I learn. I was treated as special and unique, and the fact that God made me the way I am was celebrated. My brain and my heart started working together in a new way because people championed the way that I learned and the way that God created me to be. I wanted to be able to teach in a way that inspired students to be the thing that God created them to be as well.

What is the Artios community like? The Artios community is one that I’ve never encountered elsewhere. Laughs.

We are a crazy group, and you will hear us coming from a mile away, but we are definitely grounded. We have some deep roots together and in Scripture and in the things that we believe. We live it out, and it’s not just surface level.

RENEE GOTCHER, DIRECTOR/OWNER CASTLE ROCK What is Artios Academies? Artios is an integrated arts and academics program with a Biblical worldview that really helps students discover that everything that we do in life is interrelated and integrated with the gifts that God has given us to tell His story.

Describe Artios in one word? Community.

Why did you decide to bring Artios to your area? Artios had been in Colorado for a few years before I learned about it, and I met Lori Lane through a homeschool group that I’m a part of. Just getting the chance to hear her talk about what the vision was for Artios and why it was really different from a traditional co-op, gave me the opportunity to think about cooperative education in a different way. What I found with Artios is that because of the way that the program is integrated, it could still be something that we could do as a family at home that fits along with what we are doing as homeschoolers but also gives my daughters access to so many things that I can’t do as a homeschool mom. I really wanted that community for us locally.

Describe a memorable Artios moment. My husband’s expression at the end of our first Christmas concert when he realized for the first time what it meant to have Artios in our lives. Seeing our daughters sing on stage, some of them for the first time in front of other people, he had this look on his face of just awe and happiness that Artios was something that was helping them grow. He said, “Wow, this is just so much more than I knew.” And he was right.

Seeing them grow in such a short amount of time is a phenomenal feeling.

Want to begin weaving your family’s artios tapestry?

Email Artiosinfo@artiosacademies.com

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SUGAR HILL, GA

A

rtios of Sugar Hill has experienced several exciting changes over the last few years! In 2016, we began renovating a new facility and preparing the school for its own, long-term home. God was incredibly faithful throughout the process, and we now feel “at home� in our new building. It has allowed us to continue partnering with even more homeschooling families in our area!

Over the last year, our campus has experienced a big move and over 40% growth. We have made major strides and changes to both our arts and academic programs. We have also suffered the loss of two very dear and heavily involved teachers to cancer, Dan Thompson (History/Worldview), and Dana Perry (Science/show director/drama mama, you name it). It has been a hard season for our school, but God has allowed our community and our students to walk alongside each other, be reminded of our constant need for Christ and continually reflect Him to those around us daily. We are incredibly grateful for the staff and families God has brought to our location, as their hearts for the Lord and this Artios location are constantly evident.

We are now into the second semester of our 2017-2018 school year and looking forward to several upcoming productions by each of our Drama Clubs, including The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Aladdin Jr, The Pirates of Penzance Jr, and Big Fish.

Artios of Sugar Hill truly believes in the Artios mission and vision, and we are excited about what we are accomplishing each year through our Biblically-centered philosophy of education. We are looking forward to

Photo credit: Bryson Davis Photography

where the Lord will take this program in the coming years!

If you would like more information about Artios Academies of Sugar Hill, please visit our website at www.ArtiosAcademies.com/SugarHill

ARTIOS ACADEMIES

I

BJU SPEECH FESTIVAL, Fall 2017

n Greenville, SC over 150 Artios

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students from all 9 Artios campuses joined 1,100 other high school students to participate in

the

45th Annual High School Festival on the campus of Bob Jones University.

Students competed in the areas of visual arts, theater, music and film, and many students placed, made it to semifinals and some even to finals! Listed are all the students who placed during the

ART/DESIGN

2nd place

photography - carter thompson , grand haven

3rd place extemp. drawing kennedy , sugar hill 1st place

lettering - caroline gottschang , gwinnett

1st place mixed media kennedy , sugar hill

and every student who participated in the festival. On the final day of the

3rd place

festival, students from all nine Artios campuses gathered for a day of games, praise and worship, and performances.

The Artios community is truly a unique family, and Artios Day was a celebration of just that!

jessica

2nd place in mixed media groover , sugar hill 3rd place mixed media whitted , gwinnett

competition, but we are proud of each

jessica

painting greenville

-

ellie

jackson

jenny weaver ,

2nd place ceramics kennedy , sugar hill

jessica

3rd place

chip herndon ,

gwinnett

ceramics

-

Weaving a Tapestry

1st place

sculpture

-

jessica kennedy , sugar hill

CULINARY ARTS 2nd place culinary arts shapiro , sugar hill

nadya gutierrez , sierra holloman ,

MUSIC 3rd place men’s voice - jonathan pine, 1st place percussion - kj reynolds SPEECH/DRAMA 1st place video - destiny 2nd place 1st place

group acting

&

kenzie

littleton

garza , sugar hill

-

a midsummer night ’ s dream , sugar hill

original oratory

-

judson stricklin , gwinnett

3rd place

original oratory

-

drew reynolds , greenville

1st place

solo performance

-

whit whitfield , danville

2nd place

solo peformance

-

camden mahan , danville

24-hour play writing winners

camden mahan , danville

sharice somero , greenville

sarah stancoff , gwinnett

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