Thursday, March 31, 2011


I am currently reading a truly amazing book, Same Kind of Different as Me, by Ron Hall & Denver Moore. It is the story of a homeless man and an international art dealer and the woman who bound them together in a deep friendship. It is woven with truth and I find it challenging me in much the same way the book, Crazy Love, by Francis Chan did.

Same Kind of Different as Me is one of those books that you have to stop yourself from reading too fast so that you can slow down and reflect a little, and maybe even consider how it (ok, not "it" but probably Someone a little mightier than a mere book) might change the person you are.

In doing a little personal reflecting, I feel like I need to encourage you to remember that the most important lessons you teach your children are not the ones in the school books. Those lessons are merely a means to an end. The school book lessons give them the tools they need to think , to solve problems , find answers and they prepare them for what their future holds.

But the lessons in how to live, how to treat others, how to be salt and light and how to live with integrity in a sinful world are far more important. Teaching your children to navigate a world that isn't black and white in a way that glorifies the afore mentioned Someone is your top priority and it happens every day. It happens when you set appropriate boundaries, when your give your children age appropriate responsibility and when you don't rescue them from failure. It happens when they see how you treat others, how you love the unlovable and when you choose not to gossip about your neighbor. When you listen to what your kids hearts say and when you talk about your faith and how it lives in your life. You all do an amazing job as parents and I just wanted to encourage you in that!

That's all for now...
Linda

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Everything Seuss!


With the celebration of Dr. Seuss' birthday in March, Atlantic's HSAP has been abuzz with all things Seuss! The creative juices are flowing and students are busy creating their own Seuss-like verses and illustrations. It will be fun to include them in this year's Kids' Collection!

Speaking of the Kids' Collection, I would like to remind you that I take submissions to our annual publication in April and then put it together early in May. If your children have any stories, reports, poetry or art work that you would like included, please get those to me in April.

Also in April I will be going back to my roots in music education with your children and teaching them some music appreciation. I plan to use the children's books, The Bat Boy and His Violin, and Zin! Zun! Zin! A Violin!, as well as the orchestral music from the Romantic period, of Peter and the Wolf to teach the kids about the instruments of the orchestra. I will bring in a few instruments for the children to see and we will take a look at how they produce sound as well. Should be fun!

And finally a reminder that the Atlantic Schools will be closed for spring break Friday March 19 through Wednesday March 23. Because of that there will be no HSAP next Tuesday or Wednesday. We will have regular Thursday meetings.

Enjoy the great weather!