Learning to Step Out on Faith: One Family's Story

Today we are honored to share with you the story of the Bullock family and how God revealed his faithfulness to them in a very real way.

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We serve an amazing God.

While that's not anything new to learn, why am I constantly amazed by His faithfulness and His fulfillment of His promises? Stories of God coming through in perfect timing, with perfect answers to almost impossible questions have always amazed me. I love hearing about the miracles around us that prove God's presence and His love for us.

Last week, I experienced first hand one of these impossible-questions-answered with perfect timing, with a more than perfect answer. 

I've always thought long and hard about our children's schooling. While Dan admits to not dwelling on this as much as I have, I feel like this decision will change our children's lives forever. It will effect everything from what subjects they end up liking, to the friends they'll socialize with, and in turn, the rest of their lives. While I know that logically, there is no way that I can ever know what the final outcomes of their lives will be, therefore not knowing what choice in schooling would be most fitting for either of them, I still agonize over the decision: private Christian school vs. public school.

While there are plenty of pros and cons for each option, I've always felt drawn to the Christian setting. I love the smaller class size with more personalized attention, and the obvious, the Christian teaching and influence. The only thing I haven't been drawn to is the cost. When Westin was born, Dan quit his job to be a stay at home dad. We said from the beginning that we weren't going to have children just for someone else to raise them through day care. While I know this isn't an option for a lot of families, we made it a point to live a lifestyle that allowed us to have only one income. While my income has been sufficient so far, affording a private school tuition for two children does not seem feasible.

Westin attended the Pre-K program at The Frankfort Christian Academy this year, partially to get a taste for the school, and also because he needed a year of school-setting structure before heading into kindergarten. I was looking forward to using this year to get a clear answer about where his schooling will ultimately be. Surely, after an entire school year, the answer would be clear, and the decision easy. With the deadline to re-enroll him already looming, I felt that I had resigned to a public school life. I mean, I attended a public school, and Dan attended the very school system the kids would be in...and we turned out fine! What's the big deal?! Why is my heart still so unsettled about this?

Rewind to last Thursday. I had an hour long conversation with a great friend about life, including this situation. While it was easy for me to offer the advice, "God's got this! Just trust Him through the process!", it's another situation when you have to apply it to your own life situations. To be completely open and honest, I don't have a lot of experience in taking huge steps of blind faith. The closest thing I've come to that was our move from Ohio to Kentucky. Still, with that experience, the path before us was clear, the road already being laid out before us. There was no blind leap, simply trusting that God would provide in a seemingly impossible situation. 

Thursday night, Dan and I talked about the schooling...again...for yet another hour. I was struggling with why, on some days, I was fine with the public school option, and such simple things would stir my heart again and make me question the decision. Through all of the talking, all of the praying, there was still no settled answer in my heart. 

Saturday rolled around, still with unanswered questions and unsettled hearts. The desire was there, that was obvious, but the finances just didn't add up (not even close). 

Sitting down Saturday afternoon to do our income taxes (blech!), I muddled through them, sorting through papers, forms I didn't quite understand, until there was one paper left. This was the paper that we were sure was going to drop our refund from a substantial amount to the least we've ever received back. I entered all of the numbers onto the form, cringing with every key stroke. The numbers were entered, and to both of our shocks, there was no difference in our refund amount. The amount we will be receiving back is not only enough to cover tuition for both kids at the Christian school next year, but enough to cover uniforms, materials, and extra even beyond that to help wheedle away at those pesky student loans. 

So. This is what I'm going to call a baby step of faith. This is God saying, "Look! I'm in control. I AM who I say I am. I'VE GOT THIS. I know the desires of your heart, and you are my CHILD. Not only will I give you what you need, I will surpass that". This isn't a blind step, but it was a step closer to Him, and such an amazing, amazing experience for me. I want to proclaim Him to the world, to tell them what He's capable of, and how much more He can do when we are faithful! 

I can't wait for next school year. I can't wait to drop them off at school knowing that EVERY DAY, God provided this. EVERY DAY, when they're being taught His word and influenced by such amazing Christian teachers, HIS HAND is on them. 

To say that I'm thankful is such an understatement. There are no words to express my gratitude. I can only hope that this experience has taught me to return to a childlike faith, trusting in God with blind abandon. Just imagine what great works He can do through us if our hearts are turned to Him and we are open to WHEREVER He leads us!

Written by Erin Bullock

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To learn more about The Frankfort Christian Academy, visit FrankfortChristian.org or call (502) 695-0744 to arrange a visit!

Serving Our Students: A new way to help TFCA’s students succeed.

This article by Ruth Fitz-Gerald, TFCA's Student Services Coordinator, first appeared in the Winter 2014 edition of the Royal Review.

When Mrs. Burgess first approached me about considering the brand-new Student Services Coordinator position I quickly dismissed the idea.  I loved my teaching position and couldn’t see any reason to change.  In the days that followed God kept bringing the idea back to my mind and I started praying about it.  The long and short of it is that God convinced me to jump into this new program, and I have not regretted my decision.

Helping TFCA students find their God-given purpose, and experience academic success, is my primary goal. Much of my time implementing Student Services during the first semester has been spent observing in classrooms, administering diagnostic assessments, and researching strategies to help students achieve success.  Classroom teachers have been receptive to adding tools in their “teaching baskets” to meet the needs of their students.  While I envisioned myself working one-on-one with students I have found that I have only a small amount of time for this type of student support.

Ms. Boone has been a great help meeting student needs.  She is our Title 1 specialist and works one-on-one with students in grades K-5.  Title 1 focuses on reading and math skills.

To help reach students who need extra practice I am developing a peer tutoring program called Student to Student STEPS (Students Thinking Exploring, Practicing, Succeeding).  We now have a number of peer tutors in grades 6-12 who are ready to begin tutoring students in grades k-6 in the coming months.   Tutors will meet with their students once or twice a week to practice reading, writing, and math skills.  Research has shown that both the peer tutor and the student benefit from this type of educational opportunity.

In the future I hope to add a STEPS program for students who would benefit from an added challenge.  My idea is to work on projects and activities that require higher level thinking and logic skills.

God has created each student at TFCA and has a purpose for each one.  It is exciting to watch students experience success as they journey towards their God-given purpose.

Giving Thanks

As the month of November draws to a close, and we enjoy the last school day of the month, we are sharing the many ways that TFCA has been showing thanks.

For the last few weeks, we have been sharing quotes of thanks from our faculty and staff on our Facebook and Pinterest pages. Here are a few examples:

You can see them all here.

We also put up large sheets of paper in our hallways and asked students and teachers to write down the many things they are thankful for:

We wanted to share this one with you:

We're thankful for that, too!

What are you thankful for this year? Share it with us below or on social media channels using the hashtag #TFCAThankful2013!

Tips for Getting Back in the Groove

As an assistant principal, I am excited and ready for school to begin. As a mom, the thought of school starting back is a little overwhelming!  

Here are some tips to prepare for the new school year to avoid stress and last minute panic:

• Ease back into earlier bedtimes a week or two before school starts. A week out, start waking kids a little earlier each day to prepare for that early wake-up call on August 7. 
• Do an  inventory of clothing needs before going shopping. Bag up clothes kids have grown out of and bring in to our swap shop to share. Have a list before shopping to minimize over-buying or ending up with the wrong sizes. 
• Involve your kids in picking out school supplies. Talk about things they will do with them and get them excited about their new classes and teachers. Bring these to the Back to School night to minimize items to bring on first day. 
• Pray for new teachers, students, routines and opportunities. Encourage your child to do this each day/night. 
• Plan ahead to minimize early morning stress. Pack backpacks the night before including signing any necessary paper work. Pack lunch bags or include lunch orders in backpacks.  Have shoes sitting ready to avoid that five minute delay as you try to head out the door. 
• Establish a calendar and information station. At our house, each child has a section for keeping important papers, forms to be signed, weekly newsletters or study guides. We hang up special projects or best effort grades. We also have a family calendar where each day has a box for each person. This helps keep track of special appointments, tests, sports practice, etc.  every person in our house can check it to know what is going on during a given day. 
• Make sure kids eat a healthy breakfast with some lean protein to give them energy to start the day. Pack a healthy snack for them to re-charge their batteries mid-morning. 

We are looking forward to partnering with your family for the 2013-14 school year. I am praying for all of you as we transition to the new school year!

Carrie Beth Tigges is our Assistant Principal/Counselor and mom to four boys.  

Royals1:1

The Frankfort Christian Academy is excited to announce a new technology integration program for our high school students!

Royals1:1 places iPads into the hands of each of our current high school students, providing them with technology integration with our current curriculum. TFCA has six learning goals for the Royals1:1 initiative: Adaptability, Collaboration, Innovation, Creativity, Productivity, and Ethics. TFCA is committed to integrating these goals into our biblically centered curriculum, providing a world class, 21st century Christian education.

Adaptability

Royals1:1 initiative will foster the development of student adaptability as they learn to integrate the iPad and technology into their daily educational routines.

Collaboration

With the Royals 1:1 initiative, through the implementation of iPad technology, students will have “real-life” opportunities to engage, interact, and minister to peers and others outside our school walls.

Innovation

Royals1:1 will provide a common platform for students to seek solutions to problems that may seem difficult or challenging.

Creativity

Royals1:1 will encourage students to think creatively, encouraging “out of the box” thinking in order to create and problem-solve.

Productivity

Royals1:1 will integrate productivity strategies into curriculum, and will encourage students to utilize these strategies to increase productivity outcomes.

Ethics

Royals1:1 will provide students authentic opportunities to make ethical choices utilizing a Biblical worldview.

Royals1:1 will provide real-world opportunities for students to utilize technology for the building of Christ’s Kingdom, through Adaptability, Collaboration, Innovation, Creativity, Productivity, and Ethics.

Learn more about this program at FrankfortChristian.org/iPad!

Love. Learn. Lead.

As with most Christian schools, The Frankfort Christian Academy has a mission statement that guides our instruction and decision-making: “The Frankfort Christian Academy partners with Christian parents to provide a Biblically integrated education which equips students to embrace biblical truth, to strive for academic excellence and to exemplify Christ-like servanthood in homes, churches and communities.” Often times, however, the intention of a mission statement can be lost in the wordiness. Therefore we must take it apart to focus on its true meaning, asking the question “What is it that we truly want for our students at TFCA?” 

LOVE

More than anything, we want students at the The Frankfort Christian Academy to know that they are loved. In Mathew 22:37-39, Jesus tells us that the greatest commandment is to “love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind”, he goes on to tell us that the second greatest commandment is to “love your neighbor as yourself”.  We want our students to see the love of Christ in our teachers, administration, and in fellow students. We want our students to know that God loves them and that they need to share that love with others.

LEARN

At The Frankfort Christian Academy we want our students to learn about God and His WORD.   Not only do we educate the mind, but also the spirit. In order to do this, we must go beyond rote memorization of scripture and provide life-application examples for our students. God’s Word and its impact must be interwoven into every subject area. As it says in Psalm 86:11 “Teach me your ways, O LORD, that I may live according to your truth!” we too must help our students discern Truth, and use it to guide their choices. True learning must be more than words; it must be a tangible relationship with Christ.

LEAD

We want students at The Frankfort Christian Academy to lead others to Christ.  The Great Commission in Mathew 28:19 commands us to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”. Our prayer for each student is that as they graduate from our school they may go forth into the world and make an impact for Christ. Regardless as to where God calls them to serve, our students will carry Christ’s love and the wisdom of God’s Word with them, and they will be confident to share their faith with others.

Meet Our New Staff, Part 1

There are a lot of new faces around the school, and it'll take us a few posts to introduce them all. Starting off our introductions series, we have three new additions to our faculty and staff team!

Katie Ammon, Administrative Assistant

The 2013-2014 school year marks Katie's first year at TFCA, although Katie has served families and students in the Franklin County Public Schools system for 8 years.  The past 5 years, Katie enjoyed being a stay at home mom to her two children, Taylor Grace and Riley. She is very excited to be serve and be a part of the TFCA family.

Q:  What do you like to do in your free time?

I like to play with my two children, Taylor Grace and Riley, read, walk, bask in the sun, and fellowship with others.

Q:  What is your favorite Bible verse?

I have several that have really inspired me. They are 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Jeremiah 29:11, Ephesians 3:20

Q:  What is the most rewarding thing about being a teacher/working at TFCA?

The most rewarding thing about working at TFCA is serving others.

Thomas Smith, MS/HS Science Teacher

The 2013-14 school year is Mr. Thomas Smith's first at TFCA. He earned his Bachelors of Science in Physics from Mississippi State University, which was followed by some time in the US Army and 4 years of optics research and development at the Air Force Research Laboratories in Dayton. He instructed labs in Physics 1 and 2 at the college level while at MSU and looks forward to teaching at TFCA in a manner that is engaging, thought provoking, and in line with scripture. He and his wife, Leah, and daughter come to us from Church of the Messiah in Xenia, OH and will be looking for a congregation to call home in Frankfort.

Q:  What do you like to do in your free time?
A:   I enjoy organic gardening, Frisbee, carpentry, and various other things.  Hopefully I can get back to gardening before too long, since I need fresh air and sunlight lest I wilt.

Q:  What are you looking forward to most in the 2013-2014 school year?
A:  A new place, a new task, and lots of new people.  This should be quite the adventure!  I look forward to awakening minds to the majesty of God's creation through the fullness of His Word.

Q:  What is your favorite Bible verse?
A:  I find that taking snippets of scripture (often out of context) can be a treacherous.  So, let me give a chapter: Psalm 119.

Summer Reading Check-In

It's summertime, but that doesn't mean you can put your books aside until school starts! Our 4th-12th graders all have summer reading to do and we hope they've gotten much of it done already!

I (Krista) decided to do a little Summer Reading Check-In with three of our English teachers, Mrs. Wainscott (4th-5th Grade), Mrs. Hudson (6th-7th Grade), and Mrs. Gilbert (8th-12th Grade) to make sure they've been hitting the books this summer!

How to Visit TFCA

We want you to visit our school! Why? Because we know that once you visit the school, you'll be able to see the awesome work that God is doing through our faculty, staff, and our students. God's hand is evident all over our school, and we want you to see it!

Scheduling a Visit

It's simple to set up a visit at TFCA! There are several ways to do it:

1. Call the school at (502) 695 - 0744. Ask for Krista Dulaney, but if she's unavailable, anyone can set up a tour.
2. Use the Request A Tour form on our website, which will send us your information!
3. Email Krista Dulaney, TFCA's Director of School Relations, and ask for a tour.
4. Come to one of our Open House events, where we will have faculty and staff available to take you on a tour and answer your questions!

What To Expect

When you arrive for your scheduled tour, come to the main office of the school. Enter into the reception area and give your name to the person who greets you. TFCA Staff members usually know when a tour is scheduled, so your arrival shouldn't be a surprise! You'll be asked to fill out a short form while you wait; this information is used to follow up with you in the future.

Krista Dulaney does most of our school tours, but other office staff members can do so as well. Sometimes you may be joined by our Principal, Kim Burgess, or Vice Principal, Carrie Beth Tigges. We'll walk you around the school and show you all of the main areas (library, computer labs, multipurpose room, gymnasium, cafeteria, and classrooms) and any other areas that are of particular interest to you. For instance, if you have an incoming 4th grader, we'll be sure to show you all of the classrooms your 4th grader would be in at TFCA. We'll ask you questions along the way to make sure we show you everything your child is interested in!

Depending on the time of year and day you come in to tour, you may get to speak with the teacher(s) for your child's grade and one of our Principals. We'll do our best to answer every question you have or we'll take your information, research your question, and get back with you! You'll leave your tour with an information packet which includes a student application.

Beyond a Tour

Sometimes parents and students want to do more than go on a tour. We can set up a Shadow Day, where the student can sit in on classes with TFCA students. They'll have a student matched with them all day who will take them around, help them find what they need, and introduce them to fellow students! This is an especially good option for middle school and high school students, when the social aspect of a school is so important.

Request a Tour now!