Traveling with Kids (Pt. 1)

With snow on the ground today, it's hard to believe that Spring Break is next week! With only two more months of school to go before the school year is over, most of our students, teachers, and staff are ready for a week-long break! In fact, many of our TFCA families will be loading up their cars with luggage and hitting the road as soon as the final bell rings on Friday! 

Like these families, I [Krista Dulaney, Director of School Relations] will be traveling with my family next week, headed south for our family's first vacation to Walt Disney World! We will be driving to Orlando, which got me thinking -- What are we going to do to pass the hours in the car? I would rather my boys not veg out in front of a screen for 12 hours (although I have to admit...the sounds of silence from the backseat are quite nice), so what's a mom to do?

Fortunately for me -- and you! -- the Internet is full of blog posts and tutorials on how to keep your kids happy, busy, and engaged on a long car or plane trip! In Part 1 of this 2-part blog series, I'll share five of my favorite ideas from around the Web for the 5-and-under crowd. (Mrs. Tigges will take the older kids in Part 2)

1. Trip Clips

My favorite tricks for behavior management on the road is this simple trick I picked up on Pinterest via Tip Junkie. Each child gets their own clip -- a clothespin will work, and your kids can help decorate theirs -- that goes onto a front sunvisor at the beginning of the trip. Explain to your kids that their clip will stay up on the visor as long as they are behaving and obeying, but if there are tantrums or arguments, their clip will come down. Anyone who has their clip on the visor at each pit stop will get a prize! I like to take a package of fruit gummies for their prize, but you could also buy a package of inexpensive little cars or stickers, whatever it is that gets your kids motivated.

2. Goody Bags

This will not come as a shock to anyone who has been around kids, but children love surprises! One way to make traveling with kids more fun is to present your children with a goody bag of new items for the trip -- new sunglasses, a package of crayons and a coloring book. These things are inexpensive and will have value even past your trip. You can pick these up at a dollar store or dollar spot. If you really want to prolong the experience and make it even more fun, you could wrap each gift and dole them out at your bathroom/meal breaks along the way (you could combine the #1 tip with #2!).

3. Activity Trays

Dollar Tree has small metal cookie sheets for $1.00 that can be used in so many ways on a car/plane ride! This blog post has many ideas for using these cookie sheets, including magnetic paper dolls, a writing or coloring surface, magnetic puzzles, and more! With just a little bit of time and preparation, this $1.00 purchase can bring your kids hours of travel entertainment! What an inexpensive investment!

4. Audio Entertainment

Books on CD or music CDs can be a great resource to pull out on a trip, especially in the post-lunch, early afternoon time of the day. These can be rented from the library (always check the due dates, sometimes CD resources are due back earlier than books) or purchased in a store, or you can download them on iTunes if you want them on a portable device. One of our family's favorite albums for on-the-road listening is Jewel's The Merry Goes 'Round. We also have some fun alphabet songs, VeggieTales music, and other tracks on an iTunes playlist that gets used a lot.

5. Games

There is no shortage of travel games that you can play with your kids. Of course there's the classic license plate game, the alphabet game, and I Spy, but how about travel bingo and scavenger hunts? There are so many free printable versions of these games available online! You can print them out and give them to your kids with crayons or markers for one-time use OR you can laminate them or place in clear plastic sheet protectors and use over and over again by using stickers or dry erase markers to mark their game play. Circle magnets can be used to keep them on your $1.00 cookie sheets (see #3) or an inexpensive clipboard could come in handy.

Stay tuned for Part 2, which will have more ideas for older kids! Check out our Traveling with Kids Pinterest board for even more ideas!

Follow The Frankfort Christian Academy's board Traveling with Kids on Pinterest.

What is X-treme Week?

If you follow our school on social media, you may have seen various posts about X-treme Week. I [Carrie Beth Tigges, Assistant Principal & Guidance Counselor] wanted to take a moment to explain what it is and how it is organized.  

Since the 2010-11 school year, we have offered X-treme Week in the week between the end of the 3rd quarter and beginning of the 4th quarter. The concept began with a teacher who experienced something like this as a student and wanted us to consider the idea for TFCA. There are a series of steps we have followed to develop the week.

• We survey all MS/HS students with a variety of topics we feel we can adequately

lead/provide.

Kentucky Adventures class at Red River Gorge

• Teachers each develop one or two courses based on the results of the initial survey.

• Students are given an opportunity to rate the listings and rank their top five preferences.

• Each teacher then fully develops a course with a basic description of what students will do, how much the course will cost and what the culminating product will be (presentation, art pieces, paper, etc.).

• A catalog of courses including details regarding payment plans and registration is provided to students.

• Students preferences are ranked in order of the date they return their registration.

• Students are placed in courses with preference being given to Seniors down to 6th graders.

• Students may pay in full for the course or make payments over four months.

During the actual week, students participate in a variety of activities and educational opportunities. Some of the courses we have offered in the past include:  CERT/First Aid/CPR training, Mission X (local missions),  Pastry Basics, Cultural Cooking, Fashion, Think Greek, Forensic Science, Animal Science, Missions 101, Specialty Art classes, “Man” week with a focus on small engine repair, hunting, fishing and outdoor activities, History of Film, Strategy Week, Kentucky Adventure Week, Backpacking/Survival Skills, The Amazing Race (Kentucky History), Archaeology Dig, Military/Criminal Justice, as well as trips to Washington, DC, Williamsburg, Kentucky, Boston, MA, and Honduras. 

Animal Science class visits Frankfort Veterinary Clinic

While Elementary students do not participate in X-treme Week trips, we try to include them by doing fun activities at school, with a "Drop Everything And..." theme each day. For instance, this year Monday we "dropped everything" to Pray, Tuesday we danced, Wednesday we moved (exercised), and Thursday we read.

When asked what they were most looking forward to this year, an overwhelming number said X-treme Week. This week is high interest, hands on, and really allows students to build relationships with faculty. We continue to build on the classes we've developed. It is our hope to further add AP prep, more service opportunities, and fine arts opportunities.

Click here to see photos from X-treme Week 2014! You can also follow the hashtag #TFCAXtreme2014 on Facebook and Twitter for more shared content!

Carrie Beth Tigges

Assistant Principal and Guidance Counselor

How to Help Your Child with Anxiety

Worry. Angst. Tears. Sadness. Stomachaches. Headaches. Avoidance.  

Any of these words ring a bell?

Many children and adolescents struggle daily with anxiety. They are perfectionists and will redo projects and papers until they are just right. They will avoid activities and will not try new things because they might not be able to do them well. Students will repeatedly want to stay home from school or want to leave school with stomachaches or headaches to avoid speaking in front of their class or taking an exam.

All of these actions are “normal” for students to deal with in their lives. But what can you, as a parent, do to help them navigate these choppy waters?

1 – Pray with and for your children. This may go without saying, but God loves them even more than you do and he cares for them! Pray for wisdom to know when it is something they should figure out themselves and when you need to intervene.
2 – Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Seek out the school counselor, a pastor or lay person that can counsel with you and/or your child. Sometimes a mental health professional and your pediatrician should be involved.
3 – Don’t merely look for ways to avoid difficult situations or times your child will experience anxiety, but walk through it with them. Ask “what if” questions and have them brainstorm responses. For example, if they are afraid of speaking/giving a report in front of their class, ask them what they think might happen/why they are afraid. Then work through how they can respond/react in that situation. Sometimes merely having an “escape plan” mentally helps them feel prepared.
4 - Watch for signs that their anxiety is spinning out of control. What are their eating habits? How are they acting/interacting socially? Are their fears unrealistic? Are symptoms becoming more prevalent?
5 – Look for opportunities to teach relaxation techniques. Focused breathing, thinking of things that make them feel safe and happy and exercise can all be ways to reduce anxiety and stress.
6 – Look for ways to gently and gradually expose them to situations that make them anxious. Ease them into transitioning until they are comfortable and have success doing it on their own.
7 – Stop Googling and reading sites like WebMD or Wikipedia! They just give you all the worst case scenarios of what may be wrong with your child and that just adds to YOUR stress and anxiety!

When in doubt – seek out your doctor and/or professional counselor to help. Children aren’t cookie cutters and do not all experience anxiety and/or depression the same way. Never feel ashamed or like you as a parent has failed if you have to seek help for your child. Getting them the help they need IS being a good parent!

Carrie Beth Tigges
Assistant Principal & Guidance Counselor

Why Celebrate Lent?

Photo credit:  http://www.goodshepherddet.com/

Growing up in a denomination that didn’t really emphasize Lent, my first real encounter with the season was in college.  The idea of fasting was something I had read about in the Bible, of course, but never practiced in my own life.  Fast forward a few years, and I have been truly blessed by belonging to a church that does practice Lent and encourages families to fast, pray and give extra focus to Christ as we look forward to Holy Week.

Maybe you already observe Lent in your home and your church, but maybe you don’t.  Here are some reasons I would encourage you to consider it:

• It dedicates 40 days to giving up something that takes our time (TV, social media, other pasttimes) and using the time we have freed up to focus on God.  You can take that 30 minutes a day and read scripture, pray, fast, etc.

• It pushes us toward a season of “cleaning house” or repentance.  What areas of your life does God want to expose the cobwebs?  What have you been holding onto that you need to release control of to Him?

• It gives us an opportunity to really teach our children about Lent, Holy Week, Passover and the spiritual discipline of fasting. In our wild and crazy lives, it is refreshing to set aside time truly focused on God and His word.

• Pick a time to read through one of the gospels together through the Lent season.  Our church is reading through the book of Matthew and each day has a set scripture passage to read.  We often read this at the dinner table before or after our meal.

• Our worship pastor encouraged us to have a “Technology free Tuesday” where all phones, ipads and computers are put up each evening and we play games, read together, go for a walk, etc. and really spend time focused on our families.

• Another component many weave into the Lent season is a focus on service.  Pick a ministry your family can serve through Lent.  If you are fasting from chocolate or soft drinks, take the money you normally spend on that and give it to a local ministry.

If you want to know more about Lent and how your family can incorporate this season into your spiritual life, check out these resources:

The Lenten Tree: Devotions for Children and Adults to Prepare for Christ's Death and His Resurrection by Dean Lambert Smith

Giving it Up by Maggi Dawn

40 Ways for 40 Days by Liguori Publications

I pray your family will feel renewed in their relationship with Christ and each other as you experience Lent together!  

I want to leave you with this verse –“ Create in me a new heart, O God, and renew a right Spirit within me”  Psalm 51:10

Blessings!

Carrie Beth Tigges

Assistant Principal

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.