Pisgah Post
April / May 2014
Celebrating the Community of
Mount Pisgah Christian School
Discover Why So Many Families Choose Pisgah Update on New UPPER School Building
Making A Case for Private School Research by Dr. Richard Light, one of the authors of the Harvard Assessment Surveys, described the five areas in which independent school graduates significantly differ from their peers that attended even the best public schools. He found that students from independent schools collaborate more effectively with their peers, have better time management, have better awareness of their own strengths and weaknesses and therefore make better decisions at college, take the initiative to speak to professors, are better prepared to write at the college level and think in more global terms. Because collaboration, time management, emotional intelligence, communication, creativity and cultural competency are key predictors of success in the 21st century, an independent school education provides a clear advantage for children. Founded in 1986, Mount Pisgah Christian School’s mission is to provide an outstanding college preparatory education grounded in Christian faith and values. The Upper School was established in 2001. Academics, artistic and athletic excellence along with the spiritual and interpersonal growth of young people are central to our mission. An active advisory program, honor code and service learning program instill values of respect, honesty and good character.
Will your child have an opportunity to be a leader and pursue his passion at his current school? Leaders are born through participation and not observation. A spectator does not lead. A Pisgah education offers significantly more opportunities for leadership just by having fewer students who are encouraged to be actively engaged in all areas of school life. Regardless of school size, the number of leadership roles in a school does not increase as the size of a school population becomes larger. Unlike the overwhelming responsibility of the public school system to educate all students of widely diverse abilities within certain zip codes, Pisgah is able to serve a highly selective group of students for the singular purpose of equipping them for college and life. College Prep-Life Ready!
How do you envision the portrait of your child as a graduate?
The Class of 2013 Achievements There were 59 seniors in Pisgah’s Class of 2013 and 100% of them were accepted into a four year college or university. • The Class of 2013 Accumulated over $2.25 million in merit/athletic awards • 60% of the Class of 2013 qualified for Hope • The average SAT and ACT scores of the Class of 2013 were significantly higher than the state and national averages • 10 AP Scholars, 3 AP Scholars with Honors and 3 AP Scholars with Distinction • 15 NCAA Athletes • 3 Visual and Performing Art Majors
No one is zoned for Pisgah, it is a choice.
2
We are a community that shares common values and not a common zip code. Have you compared the difference between Pisgah and other schools? Teachers who truly know your child – that’s a Pisgah trademark! On the pages of this magazine, you’ll meet many of these educators as they share the incredible stories of the Pisgah Experience. We invite you to meet these extraordinary teachers and our incredible students by scheduling a tour today!
Call Tammy Mozingo:
678.336.3443
CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION | 678-336-3443 | EXPERIENCEPISGAH.ORG
Preschool - 12th Grade
A Conversation with Head of School John Marshall The Pisgah Post sat down with our extraordinarily busy Head of School right after spring break to glean his perspective on a number of topics at this point during the year.
What have you been focusing on this semester? The weather! I have been a head for ten years, and this winter was by far the most challenging in my experience. It is impossible to make everyone in a community happy when deciding whether or not to open school. It is important to understand that we are not a large public school district with thousands of students and a fleet of buses. The majority of Pisgah students reside within five miles of campus, and our parents invest significantly in their child’s education. Dual working parents are especially attuned to school being open. I was proud of our teachers on those few days when we were open and the public schools were not. They were on the job serving students. In the future, I pledge we will do more to utilize on-line learning when we have to close school as a result of inclement weather. I have also been working with the Advancement Office on the Building for the Future Campaign. Last month we received a $1 million challenge gift from “a special friend” who is eager to see the school complete funding for Geier Hall as well as pay down debt. In addition, the Admission Office and I developed the new Honors Scholarship Program, which I am thrilled about. It sends the message that we are an academic institution committed to students who are serious about excelling in their school work. Last month a small team of teachers and I held an all-faculty retreat, the first time this type of gathering has happened in many years, I understand. We gathered to reaffirm our school’s core values and mission of Christian service.
3
Q. How is Admissions going this spring? Extremely well. We are experiencing a sizeable increase in campus visitors and applicants for all grades. We predict enrollment will rise significantly again this August. Most applicants learn about Mount Pisgah via “word of mouth,” and I am grateful to current families for sharing their success stories and faith with friends and relatives. The number of siblings joining us next year tells me that our parents are satisfied with the education here. We are also “wait-listing” more students than in recent years, which is a sign we are becoming more selective. Overall, despite the difficulty of having to deliver sad news to some families, we will always strive to do what is best for each child. There are students who would be better served at other schools. We are a college prep school with strong academics and we are raising the academic bar further, while remaining grounded in the Christian faith. For those of you who would like to share the foundation of who we are and what we believe, I encourage you to share this link with friends and family: http://www. experiencepisgah.org/about/
Q. I have heard you comment that the largest opportunity for attracting new students is from the public schools. What do you mean? Public schools still educate the vast majority of children in America. We need our public schools to keep pushing to get better, but there are tremendous challenges. No matter how much money goes to public education, it just does not seem to make it to the classroom. Take class sizes in public education – they have not budged in the past twenty years and have risen in many parts of the country since the recession of 2008. Teachers unions remain an impediment to public schools focusing on what is best for the individual student. Unions, in theory, could elevate the teaching profession; instead they protect the masses and frustrate the high achieving teacher who desires more. In sum, the sheer size and bureaucratic structure of public education prevents putting the needs of the individual child first. A small classroom allows the private school teacher more flexibility to tailor curriculum and pedagogy to the diverse learning needs of the individual students. Research supports that independent school teachers feel more empowered than their peers to choose their curriculum (see attached table). Research also supports that college-educated Americans rate private schools much higher than public schools on the following: • Quality of the teacher and his or her knowledge of core academic content • Ability to motivate and inspire the student • Challenging the student to put forth one’s best effort • Degree of parent involvement in the life of the school • Student participation in extracurricular activities • Willingness to teach spiritual and ethical values that build character In sum, private schools such as Mount Pisgah have a huge advantage over public school peers in delivering educational quality and a values-based program. We need to tell this story.
What do you think about the Pisgah Post?
Percent of Teachers Who Said They Feel Empowered to Influence Curriculum Choices Independent Schools
67.5
Catholic Schools
59
Public Schools
44.3
Source: National Center for Education Statistics
Percent of Students Who Studied Core Subjects by Eighth Grade 85 70 32 Algebra Independent Schools
24 Foreign Language All Students
Source: National Education Longitudinal Studies
4
Since arriving at Mount Pisgah two years ago, I immediately recognized the school was doing amazing things to prepare young people for college and for life, but we weren’t doing enough to tell our story to the external world. Well, this particular issue of the magazine is a striking example how we have turned the corner. It is hard to fathom that Rebecca Williams is the only member of our marketing and communications department – she does amazing work! I am also extremely grateful for the generosity and vision of the Pisgah family who underwrites the magazine – the success of our academic and extracurricular programs speaks to the high caliber of our educators and students.
Anything else you would like to add? Go Patriots!
The mission of Mount Pisgah Christian School is to provide an outstanding college-preparatory education grounded in Christian faith and values.
CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION | 678-336-3443 | EXPERIENCEPISGAH.ORG
Letter from The editor
Rebecca Williams, Director of Marketing & Communications
Sharing Our Story I remember that night in 2006 when our daughter was a new Pisgah sixth grader. We had recently moved to Atlanta from Tennessee and we were nervous about how she would fit in and adjust to a brand new school. The transition to middle school is tough enough without leaving all of your childhood friends behind and moving to a new city. We had volunteered to work in the kitchen at SharpTop and had a break that evening after dinner. We were invited to attend chapel service with the kids and I’ll never forget a feeling that overcame me. I saw the teachers bonding with the students, the Bible study and worship, the kids freely sharing their testimony, and new lifelong friendship being formed. My husband glanced at me and smiled and I leaned over, whispering in his ear, “No matter what kind of sacrifices we may have to make, let’s do whatever it takes to make sure she can always go to this school.” A year ago, we celebrated our daughter’s graduation from Pisgah. I am so grateful for the many teachers who poured themselves into her life for seven years, (that passed so quickly!) As she wraps up her first year at UGA, I can honestly say that I see evidence, all the time, of the lasting impact those teachers made. Hers is just one of our stories. There are hundreds of others and the best part of my job is sharing these inspiring and heartwarming stories of our students, faculty and families. In the pages that follow, you’ll undoubtedly find a family you can relate to or maybe even students who surprise you by how they stepped out of a comfort zone, deepened their faith, or discovered a new gift or talent. I hope you enjoy reading their stories as much as we enjoyed discovering them. Peace and Love,
Beyond Your reach? Think Again. Announcing the new Mount Pisgah Honors Scholarship Program. Mount Pisgah Honors Scholarships reward highly-motivated students, providing an opportunity for them to attend one of Atlanta’s premier Christ-centered college-preparatory schools. Ideal candidates demonstrate academic excellence, outstanding character, and a commitment to servant leadership. Students entering 6th – 9th grades may apply at experiencepisgah.org.
Reach out today! Contact Tammy Mozingo, Director of Admission at:
www.experiencepisgah.org
5
678.336.3443
THE CASE FOR PRIVATE SCHOOL
Common-Commitment Community
6
Pisgah parent Geoffrey Rothermel jokes that he and his wife Misty might as well work in the school’s admissions office given the number of times they have recommended the school to other families: “We can’t stop sharing what we’ve found at Mount Pisgah. We’ve personally invited several friends to ‘see for yourself’ how Pisgah is different. They see our sons maturing into men of character and academic strength, and they know something is working.” Only a year ago, the Rothermels and their boys, Jack (8th grade) and Reed (6th grade), were first discovering Mount Pisgah, themselves. Concerned about the negative peer pressure facing Jack and Reed at their area public school, Geoff and Misty brought the boys to Mount Pisgah’s open house. It was Jack and Reed’s own enthusiasm about the school, however, that ultimately resolved the family’s decision to enroll at Mount Pisgah. One semester later, the boys have not stepped so much as bounded into the Pisgah community. Jack is a member of student council and the middle school basketball and JV baseball teams. Reed achieved Honor Roll with Distinction and is a member of the middle school baseball team and middle school chorus. Both boys plan on going out for football this fall. Geoff and Misty believe that Mount Pisgah has already had a “life-shifting impact” on their children. For the past couple of years Jack had seemed more focused on his phone than on his classwork or his athletic performance, but something has changed. A few weeks ago, Geoff and Misty were proud to hear Jack tell his godfather, “Right now I’m trying to focus on academics and athletics. There’s time for other stuff later.” Reed, too, is flourishing under the guidance of coaches and teachers who show him all that he is capable of on the field or in the classroom.
CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION | 678-336-3443 | EXPERIENCEPISGAH.ORG
What makes Mount Pisgah so special? The Rothermels have a number of answers. Jack and Reed praise the school for having teachers who lead by example, who truly know them, and who are invested not only in honing their students’ academic abilities, but also in developing their faith and character. The boys enjoy the students they have befriended at Pisgah, while Geoff and Misty extol the way families at the school support one another. As the Rothermels have transitioned into life at the school, Pisgah families have offered them everything from encouragement and advice to textbooks and uniforms passed down from their children.
“When I say Mount Pisgah has been family-changing for the Rothermels, I am not exaggerating.” The Rothermels decided that if they were going to join Mount Pisgah, they were going to do so together, and they were going to commit themselves to the school community wherever they could. Geoff explains, “We made a commitment that WE would attend Mount Pisgah together, as a family. We choose to invest our time (and dollars) where we believe we will see lifelong returns.” The results, he says, have already been incredibly rewarding: “When I say Mount Pisgah has been family-changing for the Rothermels, I am not exaggerating.” Seated together on the PAC bleachers watching football in the freezing rain or cheering on the basketball team at the gym, Geoff says of his family, “we’ve never been healthier. We’re supporting the students that demonstrate baseline character for our sons. We support the administrators who show up at each game, we support the teachers who gather to cheer on their students, and we support the families who are investing in their children. This is common-commitment community, and it feels right.”
Eric Lang
About The Author
Upper School English Teacher Why do you love teaching? I love that as an English teacher, I get to laugh and spend time with a community of students every day. It is so meaningful to me that I have the chance to build relationships with them and talk about life questions as they continue to discover who they are and what they think about the world.
7
B.A., English, Harvard University
THE CASE FOR PRIVATE SCHOOL
Smaller Classes Where Students Are Known Have you ever heard a middle-school boy brag about his principal – to another middleschool boy? Who does that? One Sunday, while sitting in a pew listening to Pisgah Head of Middle School Trey Arnette‘s message with a buddy from another school, Jack Conlon did just that. Jack, a seventh grader, and his sister Avery, a fourth grade student, are nearing the end of their fourth year at Mount Pisgah. Their mom, Carly, still recalls their first week as Patriots.
8
“Nancy [Head of Primary School] asked how Jack and Avery were adjusting. She knew my name, and she knew who my kids were, and it was just the first week of school. Where we were before, I was in the school constantly, but there was no way that principal knew who I was. There is something to that, when the principal can look at your children and know who they are.” For Mike and Carly, making the decision to come to a private school wasn’t easy. “We liked our last school – the teachers, the other students, the families,” Carly recalls, “but our children’s learning needs changed and we just needed more than that other school could give us.” With such large class sizes, the Conlons knew their children could easily be lost in a sea of dozens of students, and not have their unique differences or individual needs understood. “When we started here, we knew right away that we had made the right choice. The faculty and staff really wanted to get to know us and wanted what was best for our family.” While smaller classes led by teachers who invest in their students are what drew them to Mount Pisgah, it was the community they found when they arrived that told them they were home. “I don’t know how Admission Director Tammy Mozingo does it,” Carly stated. “The
CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION | 678-336-3443 | EXPERIENCEPISGAH.ORG
“We thought we were coming for the academics, but it was more than that. This is what God’s plan was - so that we would be with these people.” Jack, Avery, Carly and Mike Conlon
families just seem to be a great fit, year after year. They are really genuine, nice people, and their kids are the same way. When new students begin school, the other students rally around them and just can’t wait to get them involved.” Carly reflected on a time when that kinship made a palpable difference in her life and that of her family. “My mom passed away our second year here and she was sick that entire school year. I was busy taking care of her, so Mike and I were just juggling who was going to take the kids to and from school. The school community was constantly trying to set up meals, emailing to ask what could be done and praying for us. I’ve lived in my neighborhood for almost thirty years, am on a tennis team and have all these other groups and communities that I belong to. They responded at the beginning and at the end, but there was a continuous flow of support from the school community throughout that whole journey, and I’ll never forget it. Even though I didn’t know them that well, this family of people at Mount Pisgah acted like we had known them for years. They were amazing.” One morning, on a routine commute to school, Carly had a light bulb moment. It was Easter time and Jack wanted to share what he had learned about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ through a classroom devotion. When they arrived at school Carly knew, “That’s why we’re here. We thought we were coming for the academics, but it was more than that. This is what God’s plan was - so that we would be with these people. They truly, truly care about us. That feeling of community is immaterial, but it is such a big part of what makes the school so great, the ‘it’ factor that makes it a special place.” That’s the Pisgah difference.
Deb Knoblock
About The Author
First Grade Lead Teacher Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education, Syracuse University Master of Science - Instructional Design, Development and Evaluation, Syracuse University
9
Why do you love teaching? Spending the day with children sharing the joy and excitement of discovery through learning is the best job possible. Being able to share the life-giving Good News about Jesus each day in an overt and intentional manner makes it complete. I have always loved school. As a teacher, I can keep going to school. If Ponce de León had kept looking, he’d have found that the Fountain of Youth exists in an elementary school classroom.
THE CASE FOR PRIVATE SCHOOL
Much More Than A Game Athletics can be about more than winning, losing, and competition. Athletics can be a vehicle to impact the hearts, minds and souls of those who participate. Head varsity girls soccer coach Andy Trevers does everything he can to make sure each and every one of his players experiences the latter. “We have specific devotions before every game that we play, home or away,” said Trevers. “We pray always before practice and after practice, and also before and after games. We always invite the opponent to pray with us - sometimes they will pray before and after but most pray with us after games. We were blessed to have Cambridge join us in prayer a few weeks ago before and after the game.” The devotions are often led by the players, specifically Athletic Leadership Council members, who are also the team captains. “Our ALC members/captains Anna Frohsin, Allie McHugh and Kayley Janico lead the devotion. They each rotate the responsibility, along with the coaching staff always being present and interjecting where the spirit leads,” Trevers explained.
10
This devotion time can cost them a few minutes of their pregame warm-up time. While this would bother some coaches, Trevers embraces this time he has with his team. “Jesus is the priority because it is in Him that we are who we are. We are a Christian school and that should not be just a label - there is reason and purpose to that. We have not had to give up any practice time at all, if anything we might on occasion have a 35 minute warm up before a game as opposed to 45 minutes, but that does not concern me at all when I consider what each girl is being fed. The captains work on these devotionals in their own time. It never affects any event we have with the team. I meet with my ALC every Monday afternoon at 3:30 to discuss where we are as a team. The first question I always ask is ‘What spiritual direction do we need to go with the team this week’? I give them guidance and sometimes scripture they might use within each devotion. I have personally been on a prayer and devotional process for the team this season and typically am texting them scripture verses every day. I want them to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Jesus loves them so much, he gave everything for them that they might live, and along the way I hope and pray they learn something about soccer as well. A few years ago, a parent made a comment about me that I heard later: Coach Trevers cares more about Jesus than he cares about winning soccer games. My response would have been Praise the Lord and Thank You. The foundation of girls soccer is Jesus-- that has been humbly viewed by me through these amazing young women current and past players. It is nothing to do with me but all to do with their willingness to submit to their Savior. I am deeply humbled that Jesus allows me the honor and privilege to be part of their lives and I appreciate how they challenge me in my faith walk.”
CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION | 678-336-3443 | EXPERIENCEPISGAH.ORG
With such a passion for the Lord, it is not difficult to see how Trevers devotion has spread to his players. Here are some comments from this year’s ALC members and captains – McHugh, Janico and Frohsin. “Mount Pisgah soccer has given me confidence in my identity as a person, athlete and child of God. I can’t even begin to imagine my life without the girls, the game and the incredible coaches. I’m going to miss everything about it,” said McHugh. “Over the last four years each girl has played a role in helping me improve my game, but also strengthening my faith. I couldn’t be where I am today without playing high school soccer. We are constantly pushing each other to be better players physically, emotionally and spiritually, and I will always be thankful for these relationships I have formed over these last four years,” said Janico.
“I have seen my daughter grow in her faith over the past four years into a remarkable young lady ready to head off to college and ready to face anything knowing that God is always there with her.” “Soccer has been my passion and my outlet in life. It has been one of the most important things to me but even more so now because of how much it has changed me. I have grown in faith and met wonderful girls along the way to have the opportunity to share this experience with them. There is nothing that I’m more thankful for and know that God will continue to do wonders with this team and I am so excited to see where God will lead us this season,” said Frohsin. The impact this devotion time has made on these young ladies is very apparent to their parents. Courtney Frohsin, mother of Anna, said, “As a parent of a Mount Pisgah senior and varsity soccer player, I am so proud of the young lady Anna has become both on and off the field. Mount Pisgah has given her the opportunity to grow as a Christian leader within the sports arena and in everyday life. The challenges the team has faced, taught them so many lessons all of which have brought them closer to God. The time dedicated to devotions and building each other up has really been a blessing. I have seen my daughter grow in her faith over the past four years into a remarkable young lady ready to head off to college and ready to face anything knowing that God is always there with her.” Trevers pushes his leaders in more ways than just leading devotions. In 2012, Trevers felt led to introduce his ALC members to a leadership challenge. “I present each ALC member with a card that has $50 cash and the message of Jesus and the true meaning of Christmas. I asked them to be prayerful over the card and seek the Lord and who He desired for them to pass this on to. My heart was moved to try this to focus on us putting others first at a time of year where there is so much fun, joy and excitement. The scripture talks about he who wants to be first must first be last. We live in such an affluent Allie McHugh, Anna Frohsin and Kayley Janico
11
“We are constantly pushing each other to be better players physically, emotionally and spiritually, and I will always be thankful for these relationships I have formed over these last four years.” society where we have so much but we are surrounded by many who struggle every day. I wanted these young women to experience the power of the Holy Spirit moving in their lives to touch another s heart, the willingness to step out of their comfort zone and trust God,” said Trevers. The three ALC members at the time were 2013 graduates McKenna Campbell, Chandler Harbaugh and Savannah Harper. Campbell gave her money to a waitress she met at the Waffle House. She wrote to Trevers, “She was just so welcoming and so easy to talk to, conversation just came. She told us a little bit about herself, like how ever since she was young she has had to wake up early in order to work and provide for her family. She was not complaining while she told us that, she was actually smiling and seemed grateful for everything. Even on New Year’s Day with cranky early morning people she was smiling and happy. That’s when I got that feeling, that amazing and perfectly clear feeling where I knew that this was who God wanted me to give the Christmas card to.
Varsity girls soccer coach Andy Trevers
This was such an amazing experience and it is something that I will continue to do every year around Christmas. It not only helped strengthen my relationship with God, but it also really brought joy into someone else’s life.”
Harbaugh was able to help a church member with Cerebral Palsy. “I drove home and as I was listening to my music, without even thinking about it, thought of the envelope with the $50 in it with the Christmas card. It was a weird thought because I had almost even forgotten about it completely, and then it just popped into my head like God had put it there. This all made sense because Coach said that we would know (God would tell us) the right time to give it away,” Harbaugh said. “It was so cool because I feel like I would have not known to give it to him if God hadn’t have shown up for me at that moment.” Harper reached out to her trainer at her gym who had been homeless for a time. She wrote, “I ran out of the gym to my car and got the card. I ran back in and told him that God wanted me to give this to him. He was surprised and as he opened it he was shocked. He is a big tough man now, and this big man stood in front of me with eyes wide full of tears and said God Bless You. He didn’t ever care about the money he was just so happy I was influenced by him. He gave me a big hug and I continued with my workout. I felt great that day. I saw God in many ways. He made something happen in that gym that’s probably never happened before. I was finishing my workout and the girl that was on the stair master ran up to me and hugged me. I was kind of confused, but she pulled away and said my trainer was her father. She said, ‘People like you are the reason he never gives up on life. People like you give him the courage and strength he needs to work long hours to provide for his family.’ Not only was my trainer blindsided by God, but I was. I’ve never felt that feeling before, that I was right where I needed to be.”
12
Daryl Brooks
About The Author
Sports Information Director, Assistant Varsity Baseball Coach, P.E. Instructor B.A., Communications, Oglethorpe University M.S., Sports Administration, Georgia State University Why do you love teaching? I love teaching because I know that I have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the life of a child.
THE CASE FOR PRIVATE SCHOOL
Caring Environment Where Families Thrive For the West family, as for many families, the decision to leave public school and come to Mount Pisgah was not taken lightly. The financial commitment required that they consider it carefully. However, unlike many families, the Wests’ transition came at the insistence of the son, rather than the choice of the parents. Upper School freshman Noah, in his first year at Pisgah, simply wouldn’t take no for an answer. “We wanted Noah to come to Mount Pisgah for junior high,” says Noah’s mother Penny. “But he would have none of it…he just wasn’t ready. We knew it would be a huge financial sacrifice.” So, with a reticent child and less than full certainty that they could fit Pisgah into their family budget, the Wests consigned Mount Pisgah to the back burner, assuming perhaps that they simply weren’t meant to be a part of the Patriot family. However, a few years later, Noah began to sing a different tune as he looked forward to high school. This time, “he did all the legwork to come to Mount Pisgah,” Penny says. After researching academics, class size, and athletics, Noah knew that the second time around, he was ready for Mount Pisgah.
CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION | 678-336-3443 | EXPERIENCEPISGAH.ORG
13
“I was looking for better education and to surround myself with people who want to do good,” Noah explains. Midway through his first year, it is clear that Noah and the Wests have found exactly what they sought at Mount Pisgah. “Mount Pisgah has put me in a better environment,” Noah continues. Penny adds, “Noah is able to be in an environment where he can truly be himself. One of the biggest pitfalls of public school was fighting what society says we should believe in, as opposed to what we have taught Noah to believe in.” Now, both say they give thanks for Noah’s ability to practice his faith freely at Mount Pisgah.
Noah continues his description of his Mount Pisgah experience by explaining the sense of Christian community he has found, both in the halls and on the playing field. One of his first Pisgah community experiences came with the football team, which he describes as “just a big family.” Noah describes Pisgah’s coaching staff as the best he has ever known, and recounts the sense of comfort he finds in knowing he can always confide in his coaches, whether in Mount Pisgah’s classrooms or hallways, or via the coaches’ cell phones, each of which Noah has among his personal contacts.
“Noah is able to be in an environment where he can truly be himself. One of the biggest pitfalls of public school was fighting what society says we should believe in, as opposed to what we have taught Noah to believe in.” The Wests also speak highly of the sense of family they have felt in Mount Pisgah’s academic settings. In separate conversations, both spoke of a moment just a few months into Noah’s first year on campus. Suffering from one of his periodic migraines, Noah was nervous about completing a tough Spanish test before his command of the material grew stale. Still wanting to clear the hurdle, Noah came to school to complete the test while still battling his headache. Upper School principal Mary Ann Morris swung into action, visiting Noah’s classroom with a warm cloth to soothe his pain and a pat on the back to ease his tension. “You can tell Mrs. Morris cares anytime you see her,” Noah says. “She cares about you as an individual, not just because she’s the principal.” This is very unlike his experiences in public school, Noah says, where he felt more anonymous. The Wests are just now discovering what many of us have long known about Mount Pisgah’s family, but as they deepen their Mount Pisgah roots, they will undoubtedly share their Pisgah story with many others. Noah has already begun the process of encouraging friends to give Mount Pisgah a chance, and he maintains many friendships with his public school peers. For the Wests, though, Mount Pisgah is now home. Noah speaks excitedly about how Mount Pisgah has made him a better Christian and stretched him academically. Penny, too, is eager to share her excitement for Noah’s new school. “I could give you examples all day long,” she says, “because we love Mount Pisgah.”
Wilson York
About The Author
14
History Teacher
BA, History & Religion, Duke University MA, Maritime Studies (Maritime History & Nautical Archaeology), East Carolina University MA, History, Emory University Why did you choose to become a teacher? Teaching is a journey alongside people who are just discovering who they are and what God’s plan might be for their life. It is a joy to help students discover their passions, talents, and gifts. Especially in middle school, the experience of a school year is a very gratifying series of triumphs and challenges.
THE CASE FOR PRIVATE SCHOOL
Lasting Relationships Make Lasting Impacts “I want to go there!” That’s the message that Harrison Clark, brother of current 7th grader Caroline Clark (and now rising 6th grade Pisgah Patriot), expressed after seeing how much his sister loves her academic life at Mount Pisgah Christian School. But it’s more than academics that draws this family to Mount Pisgah, it’s the day-to-day interaction with other students that share the same values, it’s the staff, it’s the “family” that is Mount Pisgah Christian School.
CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION | 678-336-3443 | EXPERIENCEPISGAH.ORG
15
Caroline Clark came to MPCS last year as a 6th grader from a local public school. Once a preschool student at Mount Pisgah, it was an obvious choice for her to family to apply to send her here for middle school. In fact, there was no question about it, it was their first choice. When they attended the Open House, prior to applying for middle school, they were amazed at all of the familiar faces that greeted them. The Clark family are members at Mount Pisgah United Methodist Church and long-time participants in Patriot Community Sports. Being a part of the MPCS community was a “no brainer” according to Mrs. Clark. The smaller class sizes, the core values of the school and the students, having the opportunity to really know Christ and the sense of community really solidified their decision to make Pisgah their new home.
Since starting at Pisgah, the Clark family has been impacted by so many individuals. Mrs. Heather Parker, the middle school English teacher, has sparked a real love of reading in Caroline. She has grown in her interest of reading because of the novels and the discussions they have in class. They also have appreciated Jennifer Scott, the middle school counselor, in the many ways she knows what’s going on, not only within the halls of the middle school, but she really knows and understands the students. It brings such a sense of unity and community when they see the teachers at sports events, concerts, plays and other activities in which the kids are involved.
The smaller class sizes, the core values of the school and the students, having the opportunity to really know Christ and the sense of community really solidified the family’s decision to make Pisgah their new home. They have made many friends since coming to Pisgah, not just Caroline in the middle school and Harrison through PCS, but the parents have, too. Our school is not just a building for the students to learn, it is filled with welcoming parents and families that do everything they can to serve, assist and bring new families into the fold. Caroline is involved in cheerleading and really had a chance to shine with her participation in last year’s production of “The Sound of Music.” Harrison is looking forward to his continued involvement with sports and the friendships he has already developed with current Pisgah students. He wants to continue to play football, basketball and soccer in middle school. We look forward to welcoming him into our Pisgah family and seeing his growth and contributions in the middle school and into the upper school. The Pisgah Community provides an intimate atmosphere in a big city. It is a place where children and families have opportunities to build lasting relationships and memories that will last a lifetime. Please join us in welcoming this newest family.
Jenny Duke
About The Author
Fourth and Fifth Grade Instructor
16
B.S., ECE/ELEM Education, Samford University M.S., Education – Reading, Language, and Literature, Georgia State University Why do you love Pisgah? Pisgah is home. I love the way we embrace students and their families, every part of them - educational, spiritual and emotional. Pisgah is always looking for ways to grow and improve; our school is not afraid to embrace new programs and ideas. I’m not only a teacher here but a member of MPUMC and I have a 4th grader, Charlie, and a 5 year old, Jonathan, in the full day preschool. I believe in Mount Pisgah.
CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION | 678-336-3443 | EXPERIENCEPISGAH.ORG
Building for the Future Update
$17.5M
GOAL
$1M
MATCH
Families Still Responding! “YES!” continues to be the buzz word surrounding the Building for the Future Campaign. Pisgah families and friends continue to say “yes” when asked to support this effort to raise the $17.5 million needed to construct a new Upper School building and strengthen Pisgah’s financial foundation.
$1.9M
BALANCE
The Building for the Future Campaign is more than a new Upper School; it is an investment in accelerating our students’ opportunities to discover and develop their unique God-given gifts and talents, leading to success in college and in life. As the Campaign nears the end of the quiet phase, 129 donors of the Pisgah community have willingly committed $14,564.029 in gifts and pledges, bringing us close to our $17.5 million goal for the new building and debt reduction.
We are proud to share that an anonymous friend of Mount Pisgah Christian School has issued Pisgah a challenge gift of $1 million when we raise the remaining $1,935,971. The spirit of giving is alive and thriving within the Pisgah community. The Building for the Future Campaign—with its $20 million comprehensive goal—is the largest fundraising effort in the history of our School. • $17.5 million for construction of Geier Hall—a new stateof-the-art Upper School building, upgrades to the existing H Building and Drummond Center, and Board of Trusteesmandated debt reduction that will strengthen Pisgah’s financial foundation
M 4.6 $1 Y AD ALRE PLEDGED
• $2.5 million for the Annual Fund over a three-year period
For more information on the Building for the Future Campaign, please contact Melissa Santee at msantee@mountpisgahschool.org or (678) 336-3384.
17
A brochure highlighting Geier Hall, a list of available naming opportunities and a response envelope will be sent to every family this month. Please prayerfully consider a commitment to the Building for the Future Campaign that can be paid over a three-year period while maintaining your support of the Annual Fund. Together, we can achieve this vision.
18
Construction goes vertical on Geier Hall as the steel structure is installed.
The new upper school Geier Hall is scheduled to open January 2015.
Geier Hall features the beautiful Student Commons, a multi-functional space for dining, learning and community gatherings.
Campaign Leadership Meet the Campaign Leadership, a coalition of longstanding Pisgah supporters who will lead the execution of the public phase of the Building for the Future Campaign. Campaign Co-Chairs John and Mary Alden Grandparents to Brittany Halloran ‘14, Alden Pascucci ‘17, Will Pascucci ‘20 and Gavin Pascucci ‘23 Campaign Co-Chairs Larry and Lori Payne Parents to Lauren ‘07, Kelsey ‘09 and Aaron ‘15 Upper School Chairs Rick and Leigh Ann Bishop Parents to Lawson ‘14, Parker ‘17 and Chase ‘21 Senior Class Chair John Goodhew Parent to Samantha ‘14, Caroline ‘16, Elizabeth ‘18 and William ‘22
Middle School Chairs Todd and Deb Bater Parents to Devan ‘14 and Taylor ‘19 Lower School Chairs Cleve and Donna Shultz Parents to Hunter ‘18 and Avery ‘25 Parents of Alumni Chairs Joe and Courtney Gaynor Parents to Michael ‘05, Daniel ‘07, Ali ‘11 and Paris ‘14 Grandparents Chairs Happy and Lynn Mayer Grandparents to Maddison ‘18 and McKayla ‘20 Faculty Chair Benny “BJ” Crane Parent to Kennedy ‘27 and Benny ‘29
Construction Update The walls of Geier Hall are going up. If you have not had a chance to check out the progress, please stop by the Advancement Office (I Building) for a look. We are enormously grateful to all of those listed on the next page who have supported the Building for the Future Campaign during the quiet phase and look forward to expanding this list as we move into the public phase next month.
19
CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION | 678-336-3443 | EXPERIENCEPISGAH.ORG
Anonymous - 4 Ken and Joni Aden Craig and Fran Ainsworth Joanne Ainsworth Lee and Kaaren Arthurs Richard and Connie Austin Cameron Austin Rob and Kathy Avery Eric and Nicole Barnett Mark and Michelle Bartlett Todd and Deb Bater Robert and Pam Bentley Rick and Leigh Ann Bishop Todd and Susan Booth Alice Bostic Jim and Barbara Brady Daryl and Brandie Brooks Michael and Miriam Brown Dave and Karen Brunke C.W. Buffington and Assoc. Ben and Martha Bullock Curtis and Sandi Cain Rodney and Tammy Canada Chris and Ann Carpenter Charles and Leslee Chalk Dennis and Vivian Chan Joel and Nicole Charlton Jason and Tonya Clark Keith and Jennifer Cooper John H. Cowart, Jr. Lynn Cowart Leigh and Elaine Culpepper Brad and Rhonda Dalton Art and Kathy Darr Glenn and Hollyce Davenport Rhett and Julie Davidson Doug and Katie Davidson Michael and Shannon DeJarnette John and Joan Delk Bill and Peggy Denk Alex Diaz Martin and Leah Dixon Dave and Jules Dornan Kevin and Mimi Doss
Steve and Landra Doughty Jerry and Deanna Dubberly David and Susan Dudas David and Lisa Dworkin Todd and Meredith Emerson Jim and Mel Emerson Steve and Jill Erhardt Ricardo and MarieLouise Escobar Ferry Family Michael and Norma Gailey Joe and Courtney Gaynor Shawn and Melissa Geagan Jay and Diane Geier Bob and Sheri Ginty John Goodhew Bill and Joan Goodhew Richard and Cindy Grapenthin David and Jan Hailey Timothy and Suzanne Halloran Happy Family Chip Harbaugh Curtis and Debbie Hicks Schaffer and Pam Hilton Bob and Karen Hirsch Brad and Angie Hollingshead Michael and Jamie Hong Keith and Jen Hughes Travis and Michele Jackson Carlos and Pegah Jimenez Christopher and Melissa Johnson Howie and Allison Johnson Scott Johnson Dwight and Allison Jones Andrew Jones Erik and Michelle Kern George and Katherine Kingsmill Scott and Elizabeth Lewis Christine MacKay John and Rebecca Marshall Myron and Shelley Martin Bernie and Meg May Terrell and Kristen McCollum
Doug and Kacey McCroskey Keith McSwain Matt and Kim Mellott Michelle and Tinsley Merrill Randy and Janie Merrill Marshall and Pam Millikan Larry and Jeanine Millikan Bob and Judy Murphy John H. O’Neill, III Louise Osborne Bill and Christine Pascucci Larry and Lori Payne Richard and Christie Peden Richard and Jo Peden Patrick and Lesley Posey Ray Price and Deborah Arsenault-Price Scott and Jennifer Raley Mike and Christina Reinsel Bob and Janet Rhoades Brian and Molly Richey Donald and Kelly Rolader Geoff and Misty Rothermel Shannon and Melissa Santee Tim and Michelle Schretter Thomas Schretter Cleve and Donna Shultz Dale and Brenda Slack Bobby Smart Greg and Joyce Smith Gray and Chantelle Vallely Rod and Jenny Vanderslice Wachowiak Family Mark Waldrop Sally Waldrop Gary and Rinette Walsh Ken and Lisa Wayco Chris and Peggy Weaver Michael and Shannon Webster Scotty and Rebecca Williams Doug and Dianne Williams Rev. Steve and LeAnne Wood — Donors as of March 26, 2014.
Such support inspires all of us. At such a pivotal time in this remarkable school’s history, Building for the Future is where you, through your commitment and generosity, can take Pisgah.
For more information on giving to the Building for the Future Campaign, please visit buildingforthefuture.org.
Melissa Santee
About The Author
Director of Advancement
20
B.A. Communications, University of Toledo, Ohio Why did you choose this profession? My profession provides me the opportunity to fund dreams and make a difference. Every day, I have the chance to make connections, hear touching stories about the impact Pisgah has had on parents and their children and in some cases help resolve concerns. Fundraising takes a village and I am blessed to work with so many wonderful individuals who are committed to the success of Pisgah and its students.
THE CASE FOR PRIVATE SCHOOL
An Opportunity for Students to Shine Mount Pisgah junior Aaron Winchester recently completed the basketball season, which came immediately following a run to the GHSA semifinals with the football team. Now with a few minutes to relax, Winchester sat down with classmate Stuart Hughes to review the football and basketball seasons and look ahead to the future. Aaron Winchester recorded a remarkable 2013 football season. The star quarterback threw for 2175 yards and 31 touchdowns. He added another 1100 yards and four scores rushing. After the season, Winchester was named the North Fulton/Forsyth Touchdown Club Player of the Year, All-State by the Georgia Sportswriters Association and the Atlanta JournalConstitution and the Region 6B-A Player of the Year. “No doubt Aaron proved himself to be one of the best QB’s in the state last year. His stats were incredible. Very seldom do you see a QB throw for 2200 [yards] and run for over 1000 [yards]. More important than his stats is what he means to the team. He has great character and a very strong work ethic. He has become the heartbeat of the Pisgah Patriots,” said Head Coach Mike Forester.
CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION | 678-336-3443 | EXPERIENCEPISGAH.ORG
21
“As his Offensive Coordinator, I have seen Aaron grow and mature in many areas, but the most exciting to me is that he recently committed his life to Jesus Christ in a school chapel. I have always believed that God’s hand was on Aaron, but now that his heart is submitted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, the sky is the limit. I am predicting that we will see the most exciting football player in the state this year with Aaron as our quarterback,” said Pisgah Offensive Coordinator Caleb Perry.
“My advice for any future Patriot is to give 110% in everything you do. I believe the Pisgah family has shown me that if I can give all that I have and a little more that all my dreams will come true.” - Aaron Winchester
Perry continued, “Three of the things that I have always seen in Aaron are his natural leadership skills, his ability to move and make people miss tackles with ease, and his intelligence to comprehend and understand scheme and play design. Lots of people can throw the ball and throw the ball hard which Aaron can do. It’s the intangibles that make him great. In all honesty his intelligence as a football player has been the most impressive thing to me, because he really gets it. I can say something one time and he will remember it and make a play in regards to something that I mention to him. However his leadership is also impressive, because he hates to settle for anything average and his attitude is like a magnet. Meaning he pulls the people around him to act like him. At times this was an issue for the young sophomore Aaron of 2012, because he could pull the team demeanor down quickly by being down himself. But the Aaron we saw last year was an overcomer and a positive leader and that was reflected in the attitude of his teammates.” On the basketball court, Winchester led the team in assists (3.6 per game), steals (2.9 per game) rebounds (6.4 per game) and was third in points (8.3 per game). The Patriots reached the GHSA playoffs for the third consecutive season.
22
Stuart Hughes
About The Author
Junior, has attended MPCS since fourth grade Member of the Cross Country Team and a Statistician for Football What do you love most about Mount Pisgah Christian School? I appreciate how our teachers interact with us and how they teach us one-on-one.
CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION | 678-336-3443 | EXPERIENCEPISGAH.ORG
THE CASE FOR PRIVATE SCHOOL
Peer Leadership Opportunities If Dickens were to have written a novel about the middle school years, he could have started it the same as A Tale of Two Cities. Middle School does seem to be the best of times and the worst of times: joyful innocence mixed with unruly adolescence. Who would volunteer to enter that world?
“Do justice…Love kindness…Walk Humbly.” - Middle School Advisory with the Senior Peer Leaders Twenty-nine Seniors applied and interviewed to be Peer Leaders in the Middle School this year. Trained and willing, these Seniors journey to the Middle School monthly to share lessons and personal stories to relate what it means to live in “the Middle”. During this time known as Middle School Advisory, relationships started at the Sharp Top retreat this year between Senior Peer Leaders and middle school students continue to develop and mature in small group meetings. These meetings, led by the Peer Leaders, provide one of the most powerful environments for learning: peer-to-peer relationships. Crucial to the success of all middle school students are their relationships. That is why this year’s theme for Middle School Advisory has been “healthy relationships:” How do I relate and interact with my Middle School environment? What does it mean to exclude and include people? Where do I fit into that dynamic? What are healthy and unhealthy ways to deal with conflict? What does it mean to be a good and true friend? Sitting in on these meetings, you hear the tender hearts of middle school students as they share what is going on in their lives. The Peer Leaders listen well and take the opportunity to share the perspective they have learned through Scripture and their experience. Micah 6:8 has been the underlining verse of the lessons this semester. Middle school students have been challenged to consider what it means to act justly, share kindness and be humble in their relationships. Some groups have gone so far as to develop plans to live out Micah 6:8; detailing each week day what they will do to serve their classmates. Through these lessons and dialogue, middle school students are growing a voice and perspective to help them better navigate the best and worst of times.
About The Author
US Bible Instructor and Student Life Coordinator B.A., Religion, Emory University What is your favorite Pisgah memory? I was humbled when I had the opportunity to immerse a student in the Jordan River whom I had seen growing into a wonderful woman of God the years I walked alongside her at Pisgah.
23
Katie Keller
THE CASE FOR PRIVATE SCHOOL
Students Share to Inspire One Another In the Upper School, Chapel is defined as “an opportunity to touch the hearts of students with the Gospel through a mixture of message and entertainment.” The dynamic experience that happens every Thursday morning is designed to be student-centric and relevant. The Chapel Team, a group of students who are enrolled in a semester-long course, work collaboratively to prepare creative messages and activities for each Chapel. The Chapel Team meets during a regularly scheduled class period and focuses on best practices that will stimulate and inspire the faith experiences of the student body. This year, moving Upper School Chapel from the Drummond Center to The Underground on North Campus has provided an environment that is much more conducive for students to experience the Living God. Student-leaders labor tirelessly each week to develop programming that is relevant and meaningful to their peers. Beyond their role as the “planning committee,” many student members of Chapel Team “step out” to deliver their ideas and messages in front of the entire student body—quite a daunting task. Our semester-long theme “My Story” has provided opportunities for not only teachers to share meaningful messages, but for students to speak in Chapel for the first time. Senior Jeff Skinner shared how his struggle with illness led him even closer to the Throne of God. Senior Marissa Walsh shared about the process of knowing God more deeply – a process that is not complete in her story but a work in progress. Through this theme, our student body is learning that God’s role in our story is irresistible—in the obviously seminal or the seemingly insignificant.
24
As Christians, we believe that an omniscient and omnipotent Author has written each of our stories and His penmanship is signed with a language called love. Amidst the business of high school life, students can forget that Jesus desires to know them intimately and deeply. As science teacher Erin Ryser said it best in her talk: “Knowing about Jesus isn’t enough…we have to have a relationship with Him.” Upper School Chapel serves as a reminder of the glory of Christ, his Kingship over our lives, and the fulfillment we gain from a relationship with Him.
Andrew Jones
About The Author
Economics Instructor and Student Life Coordinator BSEd, Social Science Education, University of Georgia What is your teaching philosophy? Students should be actively engaged in worthwhile learning at all times, thinking, discussing, and analyzing issues that will matter in their lives outside of the classroom.
Practice pays off for Pisgah problem solvers.
Pisgah Robotics At press time, the Pisgah Robotics team was preparing for regional competition. Their robot Dragon Ball, which utilizes a very special Pisgah catapult, was complete and ready to take on the other competitors at the Georgia World Congress Center. These enterprising students display tremendous collaborative and problem-solving skills and could teach their own class in creativity and ingenuity. They plan to build on the success of their impressive debut last year. The team would like to thank their engineering mentors: Tony Daughtry, Ron Hodge, Pisgah dad Sergey Popov, Pisgah dad Gray Vallely and Pisgah dad Peter Venizelos. The team also thanks several valuable sponsors: DeVry University, Ferno Military, Genesis Technology USA, Arrow, and Ericsson. Learn more about Pisgah Robotics Team 4749 and check out the latest photos on the website: pisgahrobotics.org.
For more information on Pisgah Robotics Parent Group, please contact Mimi Doss (mamadoss83@gmail.com )
CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION | 678-336-3443 | EXPERIENCEPISGAH.ORG
25
For more information on Pisgah Robotics, please contact Katie Peters (kpeters@mountpisgahschool.org )
Odyssey of the Mind Team Impresses in Second Year This is the second year for Pisgah’s Odyssey of the Mind team and even though every member on the team was new this year, the results are impressive. The students started working in October and put in an incredible number of hours. They had to write a script that included 25 things the judges would be scoring, plus create costumes and a set. Then they had to set it up and perform it in less than 8 minutes! They also had to be prepared to compete on a spontaneous problem where they walk into a room, are presented with either a verbal brainstorming problem, a problem where they had to build something with random materials and talk about it, or a problem where they had to build something that completed a task. Walking in, they have NO idea what to expect! “Our competition took place on Saturday, March 1,” said faculty sponsor Sarah Harlow. “Our best score was on our performance with a rank of 4th place out of 12. After all the scores were tallied we ended up in 7th place overall. They took the top 5 to state so we were really close! Throughout the process, I was so pleased to see how the students pulled together as a team and supported each other in every step. It was great! Congratulate our team members on an amazing job: Reagan Kruse, Olivia Diaz, Ashley Osborne, Spencer Taylor, Samruddhi Panse, McKayla Mayer, and Izzy Delaney.”
26
Ashley Osborne (6), McKayla Mayer (6), Izzy Delaney (6), Samruddhi Panse (6), Olivia Diaz (7), Spencer Taylor (6), in front Reagan Kruse (7)
Pisgah PRESCHOOL
Providing a Strong Foundation for Reading Success Pisgah Preschool embraces a multi-sensory phonics based approach to reading using the Letterland curriculum. We have seen exciting developments in our young students’ understanding of phonics. In the Pisgah Preschool we firmly believe our focus should be on a providing a language-rich environment rather than promoting a heavy reliance on sight word memorization. Research backs this and has shown that children who learn a lot of sight words learn to focus on the image of a word and not the sound of each letter. By immersing our children in a language rich environment and a strong phonics program, we believe our children have the confidence to make great strides in their individual reading progress!
Amanda Short
About The Author
Reading Support Specialist, K-2 BS, Early Childhood Education, Toccoa Falls College MA, Early Childhood Education, Piedmont College
CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION | 678-336-3443 | EXPERIENCEPISGAH.ORG
27
Why did you choose to become a teacher? I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. As a child I would play school and loved being the “teacher”. I learned early on that God had given me a love for children and the gift of teaching. I love being able to make a difference in children’s lives and investing in families here at Mount Pisgah.
Circus Fun Jan Montgomery’s Half Day class of three year olds had a “roaring” good time with a circus-themed lesson. The children learned about clowns, tigers and elephants. Did you know that the circus uses Asian rather than African elephants because they are smaller and easier to train? “We ended the week with a circus parade through the halls dressed as elephants, tigers and clowns, complete with circus music,” explained Teaching Assistant Heather Wilson. “As a treat with lunch, we sampled popcorn and cotton candy and made edible clowns with cookies and ice cream!”
Give Your Child The Gift Of Personal Attention
28
When classes are smaller and teachers are able to give children the attention they need — to spark their curiosity, answer questions and meet individual needs — students engage, learning accelerates and potential is realized. In North Atlanta. Pisgah preschool and primary teachers are known for providing outstanding personal attention that brings out the best in every child. We offer a Christ-centered curriculum delivered by missiondriven faculty able to focus on individual student success. To request your free parent packet today and learn whether spots are still available in your child’s grade, go to experiencepisgah.org/info.
• • • LIMITED AVAILABILITY • • • 9820 Nesbit Ferry Road , Johns Creek | 678-893-5320 | experiencepisgah.org
Shark Tank Inspires Young Entrepreneurs The Shark Tank after school enrichment class was designed to create an engaging “realworld” project-based experience for third through fifth graders. The primary goal for this program is to create in the students an awareness and empathy for our “neighbors” all over this planet, and to help students realize that they, even at a young age, are fully capable of helping those less fortunate to improve their lives, the lives of their families, as well as impact their communities. The secondary goal for this class is to inspire the students to create and invent products as well as learn basic business skills. Our world and our country need entrepreneurs and innovative thinkers. There are three phases to this class: Educate, Create, and Empower. Phase 1 is the education phase in which the students learn about poverty, wants vs. needs, resources and inequality. In addition, a large portion of this phase is spent learning about the structure of business, business and economic terminology, and just what it takes to open a new business and help it thrive. Once a foundation of knowledge has been set, we break into Phase 2, in which the students work in teams to create and develop products that are worthy of selling to the general public. They pitch their ideas to our Shark Tank panel in order to borrow the capital they need and work together to make the products and sell them locally at various community events and local businesses. Students make advertisements and flyers so that buyers are aware that all the net profits will benefit others. After initial products are made and sold and all the net profits have been pooled from each team, Phase 3 begins. The children (with guidance) select entrepreneurs from other countries through the KIVA micro-lending organization online. The students loan funds to these people that will be used as capital for starting their own businesses and thus empower them to make a better life for themselves, their families, and their communities. As each loan is repaid, students are able to re-loan those funds to others, and start a wonderful cycle of helping others help themselves.
Jenny Keeton
About The Author
Third Grade Lead Teacher B.S., Elementary Education, Morehead State University
29
Why do you love teaching? I love seeing students reach their full potential in Christ. Investing in their lives both in the classroom and out brings me joy. Teaching is also mentoring. Walking alongside students and helping them become who God made them to be is the reason I love teaching.
PISGAH ARTS
Fostering a Lifelong Love of Art Art at the middle school level is always a challenge! Students are either thrilled to be in my room and eager to express themselves or very unsure of their skills and uncertain of their ability to succeed. My goal is to always give students challenges that will lead to success. My favorite phrase to overhear is, “This turned out really well! I didn’t know I could do this!” As students work through each topic and learn new techniques, I am building a foundation for a lifelong love of art and being creative. In 6th grade art, we ‘travel’ the world. In each continent we learn about the people, patterns, animals, and landscapes that make that area unique. I love our travels because students learn that the world is an exciting and inspirational place. This quarter one of our projects focused on the cultural symbols of Russia because so many were being used in the coverage of the Olympics. The students designed creative buildings based on the shapes and patterns of St. Basil’s Cathedral. In 7th grade art, we focus on Europe. We have used travel journals this quarter to record facts, glued in pictures and sketched artwork from the country we are studying. Then we dig into the history and culture of the country. It was fun this quarter to look at the history of Olympics and to work on figure drawing skills by drawing athletes in action. In the yearlong TIP class of 7th and 8th grade, the students are really challenged to seek out inspiration and to find materials and methods that they enjoy using. Each quarter has a different focus. In the first two quarters, we worked on depicting people, nature and weather. This quarter has been especially challenging as the spotlight was turned on representing themselves in various ways. We’ve looked at shoes, objects with personal meaning, and of course, the most challenging is a self-portrait collage! Next quarter we will move into three-dimensional work and the students are so excited and I know they will create amazing pieces.
Sarah Harlow
About The Author
30
MS and US Visual Arts Teacher B.S., Art Education, Asbury University National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certified in Art Why do you love teaching? I love being an art teacher because of the challenge. Every day is different! I enjoy designing lessons that will encourage students to see things in a new way and to express themselves creatively. I want students to know that being an artist is possible for all of us, just in different ways!
Band Members Playing Near and Far This school year has been a busy one for the members of the Pisgah band program, both on campus and on the road. In addition to their required concerts, drum line performances at home football and basketball games, and the jazz band premiering at the Leadership Circle dinner; these musicians have been sharing their talents locally and across the state. Senior alto saxophonist Nicholas Doss travelled to Houston County, Georgia to audition for a spot in the Georgia Music Educators Association All State Band. At that audition he was selected as only one of eight alto saxophonists statewide to participate in the band which will be led by Larry Gookin, Directors of Bands at Central Washington University. Five Pisgah band students; freshman Hannah Lee - flute, sophomore Elizabeth Dworkin trumpet, juniors Christopher Vaughn - euphonium and Sam Black - percussion along with senior Nicholas Doss participated in the 64th annual University of Georgia High School Band Festival in Athens, Georgia. During the four-day festival they had the opportunity to work under the conductors; Kyle Glaser - Texas State University, Scott Rush – Wando High School, and Damon Talley – Shenandoah conservatory of Music. Elizabeth Dworkin and Nicholas Doss also participated in the Georgia Music Educators Association District V honor Jazz Band. The band was led by Columbus State University’s Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies Kevin Whalen. Looking to hear the members of the Pisgah Band on a more regular basis? Saxophonists Jordan Utley and Nicholas Doss, along with euphonium player Christopher Vaughn and percussionist Sam Black are regular members of the Mount Pisgah United Methodist Church’s Praise Orchestra. They participate in the weekly Sunday services, and numerous additional events that the church schedules throughout the year.
Bryan Hatmaker
About The Author
Director of Bands
Why do you love teaching? Music has always been a passion in my life, the opportunity to share and ignite that passion in others was an obvious direction in my life.
CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION | 678-336-3443 | EXPERIENCEPISGAH.ORG
31
Bachelor of Music Education, The Boston Conservatory Master of Science, Southern Oregon University American Band College Certification Additional Studies: Michigan State University and Boston University
Your Student Has Our Attention SMALL classes = BIG focus on your child.
To request your free parent packet today and learn whether spots are still available in your child’s grade, go to experiencepisgah.org/info.
Mount Pisgah teachers are dedicated to student success at every level and they devote the time and attention needed to help children reach their potential. The difference is noticeable in our middle and upper school classrooms where students are actively engaged with their teachers, asking questions and participating in meaningful discussions. The results are impressive. More than 90% of Pisgah graduates are accepted to their first choice of college.
• • • LIMITED AVAILABILITY • • • 9820 Nesbit Ferry Road , Johns Creek | 678-893-5320 | experiencepisgah.org
Young Artists Develop Art Appreciation Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the Lower School Principal’s Gallery featured the work of our Kindergarten students. Those who have participated through the years appreciate the opportunity to showcase their creativity but also the chance to see other’s work. “It was really cool. I felt that I did a good job with my artwork and I loved seeing all the other students’ artwork too,” said fourth grader Eliza Lucas. February’s artwork was in appreciation of American Pop Artist Jim Dine, who painted and sculpted many hearts. “The Kindergarten students loved being a part of the Principal’s gallery,” said teacher Diane Winfield. “They were excited to receive a certificate from Mrs. Purdy and share the moment with their parents. Each student was happy to unveil their picture and have their photo taken by Mrs. Pettway. A favorite of all was the Oreo and lemonade snack!”
June Pettway
About The Author
Lower School Art Teacher
32
B.A., Art Education, University of South Florida M.A., Art Education, North Georgia College and State University Why do you love teaching? Having met the Lord in college, He guided me to change my major from Fine Arts to Education. I have always felt He knew me better than I knew myself! He took my greatest strength and turned it into a gift to share with students. It is obvious to me that the Lord is passionate about art. I am delighted to experience the joy of that discovery with the children every day in the classroom.
MS Theatre Students Wow Crowds Despite Snowpocalypse! On February 20-21st, the MS TIP class performed the comedy, The Stuck Pot in South Hall. These 23 students had been working all year in class rehearsing to bring laughter to the Pisgah community. The odds were against them in the weeks leading up to the show, including missing a week’s worth of rehearsals due to the massive snow storm that hit Atlanta the second week of February. Even though they were out of school, the students worked hard memorizing lines and studying their parts and were more than prepared to hit the ground running in dress rehearsals. After two (!) dress rehearsals, the TIP class put on an uproariously funny show that had the crowd dancing and smiling all through the night. The Middle School students proved yet again that they are a force to be reckoned with indeed!
Pisgah Theatre Makes Waves at ThesCon Pisgah Thespians took home honors once again from their trip to the annual Georgia Thespians Conference. Senior Jeff Skinner and Sophomore MC Tracy performed their winning play Jerry Finnegan’s Sister twice to sold out crowds and rave reviews. Seniors Sydney Mason and Daniel Smith were each presented with All-Star Tech Awards at the show as well. While some students were taking the stage by storm, Junior Katie Wickline was participating in college auditions. Katie had 90 seconds to go in front of 18 colleges and show them her best, and her best was what she gave--of the 18 schools, 16 schools called her back for interviews! The students also participated in workshops from make-up to improvisation all the while making new friends and catching up with old ones from around the state. This was a great opportunity for Pisgah to get its name out into the theatre world, and that it did!
Anna Burrell
About The Author
Middle and Upper School Theater Arts Teacher B.A. Drama Education, Piedmont College
CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION | 678-336-3443 | EXPERIENCEPISGAH.ORG
33
Why do you love teaching? I’m able to offer a safe space for students to open up and explore their creativity. Watching students discover new things about themselves and stepping out of their comfort zones is a real treat to watch on a daily basis, one that I could never find anywhere else. There were some really great teachers in my life that inspired me to recognize my potential and go. I want to be that same inspiration.
Hats Off to a Talented Cast In a stellar performance, 72 second and third grade students delighted audiences with the musical HATS! Abe Lincoln, Daniel Boone, Napolean Bonaparte, Fred Astaire, the Statue of Liberty and more were featured - all demonstrated the merits of their head apparel while Hatless Hank and Ima Milliner both researched and improved their bare heads with just The Perfect Hat. In addition to incredible student effort guided by multiple teachers, this production was the result of countless hours put in by numerous parent volunteers who created the playbill, stood on tall, tall ladders, and provided and placed hundreds of hat decorations creating a fun, party atmosphere for attendees even before they entered South Hall. After all the fun exploring a sample of the zillions of hats out there, Ima said it best with, “It’s not the hat that makes the kid, but what lies underneath that lid!”
Leeann Denham
About The Author
Music Teacher, Chorus Director, Computer Teacher Bachelor of Science, Environmental Health, University of Georgia Masters, Public Health in Epidemiology, San Diego State University Why do you love teaching? There is nothing more rewarding than seeing children eager to be in your class ready to hear what you have to teach them today. I believe that teaching encompasses so much more than just my subject matter. It involves every aspect of a child’s character.
Orchestra Students Capture Honors The Mount Pisgah Orchestras have a very exciting few months ahead of us! Several of our Upper School and Middle School students are participating in honors orchestra events. In the Middle School, Gabby Carpenter, Samruddhi Panse, Maddy Rhoades, Sutton Sellars, Eren Akerenjola, Jay Kim and Josh Simon have been selected to participate in the Fulton County Middle School Honor Orchestra. Lucy Liu, Sasha Popov and Conrad Venizelos were selected through rigorous auditions to participate in the Statewide Honor Orchestra. This is a one day event held at Centennial High School for select students across Georgia. In April, both Middle and Upper School orchestras will participate in the Southern Star Music Festival. Last year, Pisgah received a Gold Standard rating for our performance – we are hoping to make this a tradition!
Grace Parsons
About The Author
34
Director of Pisgah Orchestra B.A., Instrumental Music Education, Georgia State University Why did you choose to become a teacher? I first chose to become a music teacher, because I wanted to share my love of music with others. I’ve learned through the years that being part of a musical ensemble not only molds good musicians, but it also teaches cooperation, leadership, molds good students and give them skills that will help them to be successful in the future.
Chorus Ready For Gold The Mount Pisgah Choral program performed an outstanding array of choral music for the Pisgah community in its annual Festival Concert. We call it a Festival Concert because it is the concert immediately preceding our appearance at the Southern Star Music Festival. This year we perform on April 11 and attend the awards ceremony on April 12 at Six Flags Over Georgia. In our previous appearances, we have garnered Silver Awards. This year we expect, and have been preparing, to win the Gold Award and Grand Champion Award. Our Middle School choral students will be privileged to attend Synergy, an amazing panoramic presentation by the Kennesaw State University Fine Arts Department. The show will include choral singing, opera, theatre, dance and visual arts. We will travel to the Cobb Energy Centre to experience this remarkable tour de force of collegiate talent.
Erik L. Buxton
About The Author
Bachelor of Music Education, Florida State University Master of Church Music, Lee University What is your favorite Pisgah memory? I have had many incredible Pisgah memories, but I still smile at the beautiful picture of the faculty and staff singing on stage with the then fledgling choruses at my first Pisgah Christmas Concert. It is a reminder of how easily and often the members of this team are willing to pitch in to help someone else, at the drop of a hat.
Blogs Become Creative Digital Portfolios The upper school semester-long visual arts classes have launched personal websites. These “digital portfolios,” allow students to submit class assignments using a blog. In addition to artwork and writing reflections, these blog posts have become a trailing record of the student’s artistic process and personal voice. These collections show colleges how well rounded and technically savvy our students are. It is important for our students’ in the 21st century to understand how to use social media, as motivation for productive personal expression. Earlier in the semester a student came to me concerned that her writing abilities were not strong enough to post online. I encouraged her to give each post her best effort and actively work on strengthening her writing skills. After weeks of practice, her writing demonstrates confidence and is a great example of what I look for in quality work. Who would have thought that an art class could challenge students to work on developing their writing skills and enhance their ability to reflect on personal experiences? Over the last several months I have found myself enamored by my students’ artistic growth and find great pride in their ability to articulate the artistic process. I am excited to see how these blogs play out in years to come.
Tiffany Searcy
About The Author
Upper School Visual Art Instructor
What plans do you have for Pisgah? I have returned to school to begin the next stage of my master’s program at the University of Florida. This semester I will be developing my research for my Capstone project. My main area of interest is to learn more about best practices in art education to benefit the Visual Arts Program here at Pisgah.
35
B.A., Studio Art, Oglethorpe University Currently earning Master’s, Art Education, University of Florida
9820 Nesbit Ferry Road Johns Creek, Georgia 30022
Construction is quickly progressing on Geier Hall, Mount Pisgah’s new Upper School. Learn more on pages 17-20.
This publication is funded by a generous enrolled family who believes wholeheartedly in the mission of Mount Pisgah Christian School and hopes to inspire other families toward a spirit of giving in support of the Building for the Future campaign.