The Upper School Rope Holder of the Week is…Ms. Bentley Canady
The Upper School Rope Holder of the Week is…Ms. Bentley Canady
Her peers shared:
Ms. Canady has been a great addition to our faculty this year. She brings energy, excitement, and humor to her classes along with creating an environment for learning. She connects easily and effortlessly with her students. She has shown a willingness to share ideas freely with others and to seek advice when she needs it.
Bentley has had a lot on her plate this year including helping coach soccer, finishing her master's program and, as a teacher new to the profession, every class she has is a brand new prep. However, you would never know any of this by watching Bentley interact with her classes. She engages with her students using humor and kindness, and they respond to her so well. She consistently looks for ways to create engaging yet challenging opportunities for her students.
NCS is blessed to have her!
Congrats Ms. Bentley Canady!
2023-2024 Athletic Awards
The 2023-2024 NCS Athletic Awards presentation recognized Students in 3 categories:
SCHOLAR ATHLETES - 98 students maintained a 3.5 or higher GPA;
IRON ATHLETES - 26 students participated in 3 or more sports during the 2023-2024 season; and
SENIOR ATHLETES - 39 Seniors participated in 1 or more sports during the 2023-2024 season.
Congratulations to all EAGLE honorees!
Event Center Construction Update 4/16
Hoping these pictures will help you start to visualize how the Event Center will act as a connector to join existing buildings, including the Upper School and MPR and the Lower School and Gibson.
NAHT Presentation
Thank you to the Nashville Anti-Human Trafficking Coalition (NAHT) for hosting a parents meeting last night and for returning today to speak with Upper School students.
And a special thanks to the two main speakers, R.A. Dickey and Christina Meadows.
5th Annual Shooting Clay Tournament Winners
Thank you to the Sponsors and Participants in yesterday's 5th Annual Sporting Clay Tournament!
Shout out to Captain Mark Willoughby and team members Dave Williams, John Willoughby, Dakota Duke, Hunter McCoy, Clay Rougemont for their 3-Peat Performance as the Winning Team.
Always a fun event!
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Kristen Boatman, New HS Volleyball Coach
Nashville Christian School is pleased to announce the hire of Kristen Boatman as the new head coach of the high school girls’ volleyball program.
Coach Boatman has 16 years of experience coaching volleyball at both the Club and School levels. Since 2018, she has coached at Harpeth Hall. During this past season, she was the Interim Varsity Head Coach serving as Varsity Assistant the prior years. While coaching at Harpeth Hall, the volleyball team had 6 consecutive state appearances in 2A, Division II. Additional coaching responsibilities include Hillsboro High School and Lipscomb Academy. She currently holds the record as the Winningest Coach at 2 Clubs in the Nashville area
She is a 2004 NCS Graduate and shared, “I want to contribute back to the community that raised me. My athletic experiences during my time as a student at NCS were some of the most influential experiences in my life.”
Coach Boatman is a graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
3.21.2024 Construction Update
3.21.2024 Event Center Construction Update - Some photos were taken from the Football Field exit facing the back of the current gym. In others, you can see the back of the current MPR and the side of the Lower School. And we can't forget to mention capturing a shot of one of the Nashville Ready Mix Trucks!
The Upper School Rope-Holder for the Week
The Upper School Rope-Holder of the week is…Ms. Anna Grace Brons!
Her Peers Shared:
Anna Grace has a been such a wonderful addition to the counseling department. She is full of joy and grace. She relates so well to our students. You can tell that they feel comfortable coming to her and talking to her. They know that they can trust her to help them with whatever they are facing. She brings a peace and positive energy to the counseling department and to our student body.
Ms. Brons has worked hard to get to know her students in her first year at NCS! She spends time with students each day, helping them talk out their problems and find solutions. Students feel comfortable talking with her and she is a positive influence on the students she serves. She provides an example of an optimistic outlook from a Christian perspective and is a great role model for our students.
Congratulations Ms. Anna Grace Brons!
The Faculty Excellence Award Winner
NCS is proud to introduce the Faculty/Staff Excellence Award Winner for the past 9-weeks... Jeanne Graham.
Her Peers Shared:
Patience, kindness, and a calm nature...when I think of Jeanne Graham these words immediately come to mind. When I see her with students, she always takes the time to stop, look, and listen to them...no matter what is going on. She rolls with whatever happens and is quick to step in where needed.
Everyone needs a Jeanne Graham in their life! Jeanne is a true gem. She is so caring and has such a peaceful presence. Not only is Jeanne an amazing teacher, but she is also a wonderful friend. She is always there if you need a listening ear, advice, prayers, or a hug. Jeanne has a servant's heart and radiates the love of Christ to others.
Jeanne is such a wonderful inspiration of patience and Godly love towards everyone she encounters. When I watch her interact with students, I am in awe. She is such a calming presence. At all times, Jeanne directs me to Christ with a kind word or a scripture. I am thankful she is in my life. She is a valuable asset to NCS!
Jeanne is a rock! She is solid in her faith, grace-giving, a great communicator, thoughtful, and authentic. I am grateful to work alongside this teacher every day and love to see her be the hands and feet of Christ with her students and colleagues.
Jeanne is always there to help if I need it. She always notices others and keeps up with students and coworkers well.
Mrs. Graham has been nothing but an incredible example of Jesus for the children she has taught over the years.It is an honor to work alongside someone who carries out the true character of a teacher with a calling. She is such a light, and she radiates the mission of NCS!
Mrs. Graham is such a calm and nurturing presence within our school. She is a constant source of encouragement for her students and her fellow teachers as well. Most importantly, she puts Christ first in her classroom. There is nothing sweeter than watching our 3rd graders learn and memorize scripture through sign language.
Jeanne always has an encouraging word and is a fierce prayer warrior. I am blessed to call her friend and coworker!
Congratulations Mrs. Graham!
The Upper School Excellence Award Winner
NCS is proud to introduce the Upper School Excellence Award Winner for the past 9-weeks…Hal Reasor.
His Teachers Shared:
Whether it is a smile, a nod, or a fist bump in the hallway, Hal is always excited to interact with others. He is a great young man who makes everyone's life better! His smile lights up a room, and we all loved watching him be the star of the Senior/ Faculty Basketball game. Hal always has a smile on his face and a great attitude, and I am proud of the young man he is.
Hal always gives 100%. He tries very hard in everything that he does. He always has a smile for everyone he meets and has a great sense of humor. I have had the pleasure of working with him throughout his high school career, and it has been such a joy to see the growth that he has made.
Hal makes everyone's day better!
Hal has been walking our hallways since middle school. Every day throughout those years, he walked the halls with a smile and greeted everyone with a nod. Hal always seems to have a positive attitude, no matter what his struggles may be. He is a model for all of us as we strive to stay positive when we have hard times. I am grateful that Hal has been a part of our campus for so many years and I know that we have all benefited from our relationships with him.
Congratulations Hal!
The Middle School Excellence Award Winner
NCS is proud to introduce the Middle School Excellence Award Winner for the past 9-weeks... Sloane Williams
Her Teachers shared:
Sloane is an excellent student and friend. She is kind to all, and her smiles brighten up our hallways. She is a hard worker and an asset to the middle school.
Sloane has a happy heart, works hard, and has a great presence on stage. She is an excellent example of an NCS student because she is willing to try new things, is happy to support her friends, is respectful always, has a great sense of humor, and does it all quietly to the glory of God.
Her positive and respectful attitude and behavior with others and teachers are to be commended.
Sloane has completely blown me away with her amazing talent as a singer. She has been in the Middle School Choir, in both Talent Shows, and in multiple theater productions. I believe she is one of the most talented students in the entire school, and I am thankful that I get to work with her.
Sloane is hard-working, respectful, and works well with others. She is trustworthy, thoughtful, and easygoing. She is active at NCS outside of the classroom, giving her time and talents to the play, and both the golf and track teams.
Sloane comes to class each day with a bright smile and a positive attitude. Her gentle and kind spirit is a blessing to each of her classmates and teachers. She works well with everyone, gives her best effort on everything and quietly leads our classroom in how to serve others.
Sloane is always there to step in whenever she is called upon and is a great example to other students. She is always pushing herself to participate in different activities to expand her skills and love for all that she does. She has been such a blessing to have in our theatre department. She always has a smile and shines in all she does. She is the prime example of what it is to be an NCS student.
Congratulations Sloane!
The Lower School Excellence Award Winner
NCS is proud to introduce the Lower School Excellence Award Winner for the past 9-weeks…Faith Holland.
Her Teachers Shared:
Words commonly used to describe Faith are: respectful, patient, remarkably kind and empathetic, ready to learn, ready to help, hard worker, and strong work ethic. She gives consistent effort in all areas.
Faith never complains, she is a wonderful example to her peers.
Faith is joyful and practices joy by putting others before herself.
Faith is an exceptional student who never fails to impress. With her positive attitude, she sets a high standard for herself and inspires others. She makes sure everyone feels included and valued, creating a supportive and welcome environment in the classroom. Her dedication and compassion make her a true asset to the Fifth Grade Family.
Congratulations Faith!
SALT TEAM
The NCS Student Ambassador Leadership Team (SALT) consists of 5th - 12th grade student leaders who represent our student body and Mrs. Shelton's office at a variety of events throughout the year.
They also have the unique opportunity to meet with leaders from the Nashville community who have been tasked with teaching them characteristics of leadership.
This week, they had the opportunity to meet Governor Bill Lee and Senator Shane Reeves who spoke on the topic of Servant Leadership.
Upper School Spring Retreat
This past weekend 76 Upper School students attended Spring Retreat. The theme was based on Psalm 23:6, "Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
God blessed the weekend with good weather, lots of fun, and three students declared Jesus as Lord in baptism.
On Monday, we celebrated those students in an assembly as we prayed for their new walk with Jesus.
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The Upper School Rope-Holder of the Week is...Mr. Andrew Atkins
The Upper School Rope-Holder of the week is…Mr. Andrew Atkins!
His Peers shared:
Mr. Atkins' commitment to his students' academic growth and personal development is truly commendable. His innovative teaching methods not only engage students but also foster a deep understanding of complex concepts. Andrew's dedication extends beyond the classroom as he consistently goes above and beyond to support his students, whether it's through one-on-one assistance or creating inclusive learning environments. Andrew Atkins embodies the qualities of an exceptional educator, and his impact on the school community is invaluable.
Year after year, Mr. Atkins quietly does so many important things behind the scenes. He attends countless athletic events because he is supervising the students behind the streaming cameras. He keeps us abreast of advances in classroom technology, and if you have a question about Google, he probably has your answer. Mr. Atkins also still looks for new and creative activities to challenge his students each year.
When our students return to campus after they have graduated, they always mention Mr. Atkins in a positive light and appreciate the challenges he provided for them to prepare them for college. I never doubt that Mr. Atkins will hold the rope, whatever is asked of him!
Congratulations Mr. Atkins!
PreK-12th Chapel during Christian Emphasis Week
A Special PreK-12th Grade Chapel during Christian Emphasis Week included the Kindergarten Class (and Kindergarten Teachers) teaching the words and hand motions of Psalm 23 to the Senior Class.
The Upper School Rope-Holder of the week is…Coach Kobe Davis!
The Upper School Rope-Holder of the week is… Coach Kobe Davis!
His Peers Shared:
From the day he started, Coach Davis has jumped in and exemplified servant leadership. His positive attitude and eager spirit are noticed by the students, and he is influential in our community. He is a great addition to Nashville Christian; we are lucky to have him!
As a basketball coach, he has formed great relationships with the boys on the team while having their respect as their coach.
His enthusiasm and love for what he does is evident every day. He is always willing to go the extra mile to meet our students' needs. We are honored to have him in our NCS family.
Congratulations Coach!
NCS Theatre Department Members are headed to New York
Members of the NCS Theatre Department are headed to New York this week and will be performing at Lincoln Center on Sunday, February 18th as part of The Manhattan Broadway Concert Series Production of Children of Eden.
NCS Theatre was invited and students auditioned to be a part of this opportunity to perform alongside Broadway professionals. Our students will be performing as a part of the ensemble which vocally supports the story being told.
NCS Students attending are Rebecca Hansen, Jackson Eatherly, El Sheehan, Mia Ryckman, Sam McWright, Hailee Elizer, Hollie Horner, Ellie Cook, Caleigh Posavac, Abby Hurley, Helen Morton, Harmony Sanders. Not pictured: Zeke Eckert, Maci DiPasquale
We are extremely excited for the opportunity presented to NCS Students. For more information about the performance:
https://www.mcp.us/upcoming-events/2024/2/18/children-of-eden-in-concert-zz3sp
The Upper School Rope-Holder of the Week
The Upper School Rope-Holder of the Week is…Mrs. Leann Fergueson
Her Peers shared:
Mrs. Fergueson is always eager to jump in when anyone needs help. So much of what goes on here at NCS wouldn't be possible without her hard work and heart for this school. She frequently offers a listening ear to many of our students. We are so lucky to have her here at NCS!
Since joining our staff this year, Mrs. Fergueson has been a calm and pleasant presence at the front desk. She handles students, teachers, and parents with grace and kindness. She is always professional.
Mrs. Fergueson came to NCS this year as a new employee. While she has only been with us for a few months, it feels like she has been part of our NCS family for a long time. She is willing to help anyone and ALWAYS presents a positive presence for our students and families who come to campus!
Congratulations Mrs. Fergueson!
NCS Class of 2021 Alum, Julia Thompson
NCS Class of 2021 Alum, Julia Thompson, is one of 9 UT- Knoxville students selected to attend Super Bowl LVII as a member of the Big Orange Combine.
This group was created to allow students to work at the largest sporting event of the year and visit companies in the area of the hosting city.
During the Super Bowl Weekend, Julia and her cohorts will meet and connect with various athletic and business entities. In an article in the Knox County News Julie is quoted as saying "Networking with professionals there will put us ahead even after college."
Click here to read more https://www.wate.com/news/knox-county-news/9-ut-students-earn-once-in-a-lifetime-chance-to-attend-super-bowl-lviii/
Seniors vs. Faculty Basketball Game
Another Seniors vs. Faculty Basketball Game is in the Books!
Faculty with the WIN!
Final Score Faculty 63 - Seniors 37!
The Upper School Rope Holder of the Week
The Upper School “Rope-Holder” of the Week is…Ms. Sonja Shelton
Her peers shared:
Sonja is an expert at the balancing act of holding students to high standards to be their best selves and also having a strong enough relationship with them that they can confide in her. This is no easy feat!
Sonja has been a great assistant coach, a great champion for the seniors in her new position, and a great asset to the school.
Sonja is not only a rock star as the College Counselor but is also a wonderful coach. Her middle school players adore her. She cares deeply for her players and wants the best from them.
Showing what a true team player she is, she wore an NCS School Uniform for today's “Throwback” Coming Home Dress Up Day and agreed to stand in front of her 2017 Class Composite for her Rope-Holder picture!
Congratulations Ms. Sonja Shelton!
Coming Home Attendees and King
Congratulations to the Coming Home Attendants
Seniors: Anna Pierce and Brandon Smith, Jaleigh Powell and Tan Nguyen, Jenna Baggett and Bowen Grohovsky.
Juniors: Ellie Calvert and Lawson Andrews.
Sophomores: Ellie Johnson and Landon Travis.
Freshman: Poppy Duke and Paxton Nash.
Brandon Smith was crowned the Coming Home King!
Basketball, Wrestling and Cheer Seniors
Congratulations to the Basketball, Wrestling and Cheer Seniors who were honored last night with their families during Senior Night.
Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees
Congratulations to the newest inductees into the NCS Athletic Hall of Fame from the Classes of 2010-2014.
Pictured below: Brooks Taylor, Nick Walker, Savannah Womack McKay, Kayla Baker, Kendall Lewis.
Not Pictured: Tori Hulan, Thomas Lance, Haley McCormack Dean, Cody Hartley, Jacob McDowell, Dakota Priest, Corey Givens, Jacob Burns, Jason Emery, Bryant Fox, Jenna Graham, David Hill, Natalie Irwin, Nealey Espinoza, Bailey Maddox, McCarty Forte.
We loved having several of the inductees plus additional family members back on campus!
NCS Alum Tollie Boone
We are happy to announce that NCS Alum, Tollie Boone, will be designing the lighting for the NCS Production of Seussical JR as a contract employee for Irwin Entertainment.
Tollie is currently working as a technical theater professional in NYC and her schedule allows her to come back for our show. Tollie started her theater experience at NCS in Kindergarten.
It’s always great to have Alum back on campus!
Upper School Teacher of the Week...Coach Andrew Shaw
The Upper School Teacher of the week "Rope-Holder" is...Coach Andrew Shaw!
His peers shared:
Coach Shaw quietly goes about his job with the passion of a hurricane. He loves his students and wants them to constantly push for improvements. He's tough, but his students respect him and love him for it. He places himself in the middle of the students during chapel, holding them responsible for the sanctity of the chapel moment. He is constantly interacting with his students in a caring way. He holds the Rope every week!
Coach Shaw is driven to do everything he does to the best of his ability. More than that, he truly cares about the success of his students. He challenges them to be better each day and pushes them to achieve things they may not have thought they could accomplish. He builds relationships with them and is a model for our students through his leadership in chapel, small groups, and his support of our athletic programs.
Congrats Coach Shaw!
Faculty/Staff Excellence Award Winner for the past 9-weeks…Coach Ronnie Seigenthaler
NCS is proud to introduce the Faculty/Staff Excellence Award Winner for the past 9-weeks…Coach Ronnie Seigenthaler!
His peers shared: Coach Seig epitomizes what a positive attitude looks like. His optimistic outlook towards circumstances is both refreshing and contagious. He defines a true servant leader by giving so much of himself unselfishly to NCS and the athletic department in time, effort, and action. This is why he inspires me, why he operates in excellence, and why I consider it an honor to call him Coach Seig and my friend.
Coach Seig is the epitome of what it truly means to be an eagle. He is devoted, driven, impactful, and mindful. He is always positive and I enjoy our constant banter. He takes pride in being called the new Donnie Keeton of Nashville Christian School and I am forever grateful that he has stepped into that role. He is supportive, caring, kind, and one of my favorite parts of Nashville Christian. I am thankful for Coach Seig’s leadership and guidance throughout my first years here.
Coach Seig is by far the best boss, colleague, and friend I could ever ask for. Not only is he a rich resource for valuable professional growth, but more importantly he is a friend who is compassionate, supportive, and genuine. It is clear by his daily actions, routines, and habits that he truly loves and cares for Nashville Christian and the faculty, staff, students, and families that embodies it. I am forever thankful for our relationship.
Coach Seig is one of the most passionate individuals I've ever had the pleasure of working with. His desire to win, grow, and motivate is infectious. He will always be my first phone call when trying to fill a golf foursome. I'm honored to call him my friend.
Coach Seigenthaler organizes his team in a great way to accomplish what is necessary and also completes so many detailed tasks on his own to support the athletic program. He greets the officials, sets up the venue, manages the student section, supports coaches, assists the visiting team, and ensures that every event is conducted well. He has a vision for athletics and always looks to improve...and he does all of this with only a number 2 pencil and a legalpad. He is a blessing to our campus!
I have had the pleasure to know Coach Seig from a student perspective as well as a coworker. Coach Seig was the most positive, energetic teacher that I remember from my high school years. I have watched Coach Seig impact so many students’ lives throughout the years. When he went to Brentwood High School and made his mark in the world of girls basketball, I admired him from afar. A smile would always cross my face when his name was brought up. Then, as God does, he moved in amazing ways to bring Coach Seig to NCS. As a colleague, I was quickly amazed at how Coach Seig became the epitome of a team player. There was never a task too big or too uncomfortable that he was unwilling to conquer. However, I was utterly amazed to watch him grow our track program. He is the EPITOME of TEAM, COMMITMENT, PASSION, PERSEVERANCE, CREATIVITY, and SELFLESSNESS.
Congrats Coach Seig!
Upper School Excellence Award Winner...Bailey Reagan
NCS is proud to introduce the Upper School Excellence Award Winner for the past 9-weeks…Bailey Reagan!
Her Teachers shared:
Bailey is one of the kindest and most respectful students I have ever had. She goes above and beyond with all that she does inside and outside the classroom. Her classmates know they can come to her with questions, and she will always be there for them.
Bailey goes above and beyond what is asked of her, is always willing to help explain concepts to her peers, and has a great attitude every day.
Bailey is an extremely hard worker who pursues excellence in everything she does. Whether she is writing a term paper, filling water bottles for the boys' basketball team, or working at a coffee shop, you can rest assured that Bailey is going to put forth maximum effort, and the work is going to be excellent. As successful as Bailey is at everything she does, her humility, kindness, and compassion are the character traits that draw others to her. Bailey is a blessing to everyone who knows her and works with her.
When I think of a portrait of a Nashville Christian student, Bailey has all of the qualities to represent this "picture." Integrity, character, manners, academic fortitude, work ethic, and determination are just a few qualities that come to mind. I have had the privilege to teach Bailey this year in Bible, and I appreciate her thoughtful, reflective responses. I look forward to seeing Bailey's success next year in college. She is prepared and has the will to succeed.
Congratulations Bailey!
Middle School Excellence Award Winner...Brady Irwin
NCS is proud to introduce the Middle School Excellence Award Winner for the past 9-weeks….Brady Irwin!
His Teachers shared:
Brady is a person of integrity and shines in and out of the classroom.
Brady is a joy in the classroom and helps others, leads by example and genuinely enjoys learning. While he is quiet by nature, he leaves a large impact by being authentically good.
Brady is a hardworking and honest student. He sets a good example for his classmates and teammates. He is a genuine friend, a reliable student, and an ideal representative of NCS character expectations. He is a light in our middle school hallway!
Brady is exceptional and strives to do his best every day he steps into the classroom. He has a positive attitude and is a great leader in his class. In addition to all of these great attributes, he treats his classmates and peers with respect and is always willing to offer a helping hand.
Brady continuously displays the utmost level of respect for both his peers and teachers. He models perfect behavior in class while contributing appropriately to classroom discussions and activities. He is kind to everyone around him, and we are blessed to have him here at NCS.
Brady is dependable, caring, respectful, and a great role model for his peers. He brings a fun, competitive spirit to the ESports Club while keeping a humble attitude.
Congratulations Brady!
Lower School Excellence Award Winner...Lydia Burba
NCS is proud to introduce the Lower School Excellence Award Winner for the past 9-weeks…Lydia Burba.
Her teachers shared:
Lydia has a heart for others. Her feelings are big especially when it comes to serving the less fortunate.
I love to hear Lydia pray...her prayers are pure and from the heart.
This year, Lydia asked to organize a coat drive to help those in need. This is just one example of how she is always thinking of others. What a servant for the Lord she is to come up with that idea and make it happen!! Lydia has a heart of gold. She is an excellent example to her peers and we are so thankful she is at NCS!
Lydia loves the Lord with her whole heart and it shows! She takes the initiative to make NCS a better place than it already is. She challenged my class to be extra thankful during November. She also single-handedly created a service project for December! She is already changing the world. I can't wait to follow her as she grows! She's an inspiration to us all!
Congratulations Lydia!
Ellis Drake HS Basketball Coach of the Game
As the winning bidder on last years Auction item "HS Girls Basketball Coach for a Game" Ellis Drake fulfilled his duties well last night and helped lead the Lady Eagles to a Victory! Looks like he had a great time!
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National Honor Society Inductees
Congratulations to the 2024 Junior Class Inductees into the National Honor Society: Libby Carter, Ellie Cook, Ansley Demonbreun, Maci Dipasquale, Aubrey Hollahan, Hollie Horner, Isabella Jennings, Ben Kubiak, Kat Lacy, Sam McWright, Helen Morton, Addison Oberbreckling, Hunter Primm, Mia Ryckman, Vasili Santas, Cameron Tiller.
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Construction Update January 5th, 2024
Coach Brothers took a group of Staff Members for a "behind the scenes" look at the Event Center Construction site today.
We even got to wear hard hats in the Construction areas! A lot of work took place over the Break.
Shout out to 2022 NCS Alum, Josh Strickland Jr.
Shout out to 2022 NCS Alum, Josh Strickland Jr. He and his teammates at Harding University won the Division II championship on Saturday. Congrats Josh!
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Congrats to 2023 Alum, James Warmbrod, IV
Congratulations to James Warmbrod IV, this weeks Mountain West Indoor Track and Field Men's Freshman Athlete of the Week.
James won the 400-meter dash at the Air Force Holiday Open with a meet-record time of 48.63. His time leads the Mountain West and ranks 30th in the NCAA.
LS Principal for the Day
As the Top Earner in the Fun Run, Gatlin Wakefield is the Lower School Principal for the day.
One of his duties this morning was helping with traffic duty where he was heard to say "I can't feel my ears but I'm ok!"
Upper School Teacher of the Week
The Upper School Teacher of the Week is... Mrs. Mariah King.
Her Peers Shared:
Mariah is always willing to step in to get the job done. The variety of tasks she completes is vast. She tends to bumps and bruises while pouring into students mentally, socially and spiritually.
Mariah consistently goes above and beyond. She develops deep relationships with our students. She is a great listener, encourager and mentor.
Mariah wears many hats from teacher, photographer, small group leader, coach and nurse. She is a true blessing to both the faculty and student body.
Congrats Mariah!!!
Upper School Teacher of the Week
The Upper School Teacher of the Week is… Mrs. Rose Valdez!
Her Peers shared:
You would never know Mrs. Valdez was a first-year teacher at NCS. She has incorporated herself into the life of the school and built relationships with her students.
Being new to a school can be daunting but Mrs. Valdez has thrown herself into NCS and the community here. She has helped chaperone the bonfire and the US Fall Retreat, attends sporting events and has already developed good relationships with students.
She is kind and holds her students to a high standard.
You can tell Mrs. Valdez is excited to be here and we are thankful she is!
Congrats Mrs. Rose Valdez!
Cherie Stivers Abner
Last night NCS Alumni, Cherie Stivers Abner, coached what is believed to be the first-ever Tennessee game with both boys basketball teams coached by women.
Cherie coaches for Westmoreland and Katrina Carter is the Hunters Lane boys coach.
Westmoreland won 53-40.
Congrats on Making History!
The Upper School Teacher of the Week
The Upper School Teacher of the week is … Ms. Stephanie Harper.
Her peers shared:
Ms. Harper has worked so hard for months for the school accreditation. She handled the additional responsibilities with grace while teaching a full load of classes.
Ms. Harper is always willing to help her coworkers with whatever they need.
I am ever thankful for Ms. Harper's advice and friendship.
Ms. Harper is a hidden gem on this campus and we are lucky to have her!
Congrats Ms. Harper!
Coach Jeff Brothers
Congratulations to Coach Jeff Brothers, recipient of the 2022-2023 TSSAA A.F. Bridges Award for Male Coach of the Year for District 5.
This award recognizes traits associated with Mr. A.F. Bridges, the TSSAA's first executive secretary.
Mr. Bridges displayed firmness and fairness as well as the high ideals of ethics and integrity. This also accurately describes Coach Brothers.
We are blessed to have Coach Brothers at NCS!
11.8.23 PM Construction Update
11.8.2023 PM Construction Update - We love having Nashville Ready Mix at the Construction site!
Middle School Girls Soccer
We are SO PROUD of this year's MS Girls Soccer Team plus the history of the Program.
Check out these AMAZING stats.
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The Upper School Teacher of the Week
The Upper School Teacher of the week is… Coach Gary Van Atta.
His peers shared:
Coach Gary Van Atta is a new addition to our staff this year, but it feels like he has been here for years. It is obvious that he loves his job and loves working with students and getting to know them.
Coach Van Atta has become a true NCS EAGLE since day one. I hear him each morning say, “It’s a great day to be an Eagle.”
Coach Van Atta will do whatever is asked of him and go above and beyond, even in the smallest tasks. He is always positive, and it has encouraged me to do the same.
Congrats Coach Van Atta!
The Upper School Teacher of the Week is... Mrs. Abbie Moroney!
The Upper School Teacher of the Week is … Mrs. Abbie Moroney.
Her Peers shared:
I have sat in on Mrs. Moroney’s class several times this school year and each time students have been engaged and I have also learned a thing or two.
Mrs. Moroney is always more than willing to help and surpasses all the requirements when assigned a task.
Mrs. Moroney is personable and a very equipped educator.
Mrs. Moroney’s response is always, "Oh, I can help with that."
We are so lucky to have her on our team. Congrats!
Upper School Teacher of the Week
The Upper School Teacher of the Week is...Mrs. Amy Payne!
Her peers shared:
Mrs. Payne has been instrumental in building our AP Math courses. She spends a lot of time outside of school building these courses, all while in Grad School.
Mrs. Payne teaches in a way that makes very difficult concepts understandable to her students.
Even students who are not huge fans of Math say that Mrs. Payne is, hands down, their favorite teacher.
Congrats Mrs. Payne!
The Faculty/Staff Excellence Award Winner for the first 9-weeks…Katie Ryckman.
The Faculty/Staff Excellence Award Winner for the first 9-weeks…Katie Ryckman.
Her peers shared:
Katie wears many hats and does so with EXCELLENCE! She holds down the fort in the lower school front office, writes tardy slips, keeps everything organized with labels, post-it notes, fun signs and posters. She is the best!
Katie is the ultimate team player. She is a proficient coordinator, a reliable consultant, and an irreplaceable cog in our machine.
Katie daily exemplifies professionalism, efficiency and integrity.
Congrats Katie!
The Upper School Excellence Award Winner for the first 9-weeks…Kate McClary!
The Upper School Excellence Award Winner for the first 9-weeks…Kate McClary!
Her teachers and coaches shared:
Kate is an excellent student. She collaborates well with her classmates and contributes important ideas to discussions. She is always respectful and willing to work.
Kate plays sports with a humble heart and a good Christian attitude.
Kate is a natural leader. She leads in a quiet manner which is very positive and effective.
Kate always works hard, she always welcomes a challenge, and she always supports and loves her teammates. I cannot wait to see all that she accomplishes in this life.
Kate is an excellent young woman, and I am proud to call her a Lady Eagle.
Congratulations Kate!
The Middle School Excellence Award Winner for the first 9-weeks….Easton Ellis!
NCS is proud to introduce the Middle School Excellence Award Winner for the first 9-weeks….Easton Ellis!
His teachers shared:
This is Easton’s first year at NCS and he is already making an impact. He comes to class eager to learn. He is kind and respectful and gets along well with his fellow classmates.
Easton understands how to make his first year at NCS a great one: find your people, work hard, and most importantly stay committed to who God has called you to be.
Easton always has a smile on his face. He is kind to others and has a quick sense of humor.
Easton knows how to joke and have fun, but also understands when to stop. This self-control is beyond his years as a middle school student.
Easton treats everyone with kindness and consideration, creating a positive class experience. He is a great addition to our already amazing small group.
We are so glad Easton has joined out Nashville Christian community.
Congrats Easton!
The Lower School Excellence Award Winner for the first 9-weeks…Sarah Johnson
NCS is proud to introduce the Lower School Excellence Award Winner for the first 9-weeks…Sarah Johnson.
Sarah was nominated for being a role model for excellent behavior and achievement in everything she does. She is gentle and kind and a joy to be around.
Her teachers shared:
Sarah always tries her best. She strives to have a positive attitude and sets an amazing example for her peers.
Sarah loves to leave notes to say thank you or just have a good day. I am truly blessed to have taught her.
Sarah is a special gift to our small group. She is a great role model for the younger students in our group. She has a patient, gentle, calm and supportive nature.
This scripture describes Sarah’s spirit: Don’t hesitate to be enthusiastic – be on fire in the spirit as you serve the Lord! Romans 12:11
Congratulations Sarah!
Upper School Teacher of the Week
The Upper School Teacher of the Week is …Mr. Michael Peters.
His peers shared:
It has been a joy working with Coach Peters over the past year. He makes learning fun with both humor and knowledge.
Coach Peters has done well establishing relationships with students across a number of different grade levels.
Coach Peters teaches the Bible boldly and clearly to our students and is a great rope-holder to our faculty!
Congrats Coach Peters!
Upper School Rope Holder of the Week...
This week's Upper School Rope-Holder is ... Blake Mauldin.
His peers shared:
Mr. Mauldin is an amazing teacher. Not only does he take on the role of music teacher/director, he assists in a huge way with the theater department.
Mr. Mauldin works to grow multiple programs at NCS - Band, US and MS Choir, and Rock Band. He never misses a beat (literally!)
He carries the rope for himself and for others and does everything with joy!
Congrats Mr. Mauldin!
Take a Titan 2 School
Thanks to Channel 2, MTSU, and Hattie B's for sponsoring "Take a Titan 2 School" and for picking Madden Sanders as this weeks' recipient!
The 5th Graders had an Amazing Morning with Malik Willis and Hattie B's provided an amazing lunch for them!
MTSU Dean of the College of Education, Neporcha Cone and Malik joined in this group photo!
September 19th Construction Update
More construction progress being made in the area between the US and LS Buildings.
HUGE MACHINERY!
Homecoming Dress Up Day 4
Homecoming Dress Up Day 4 Theme was Soccer Moms and BBQ Dads.
The Girls Soccer Team went all out! Seniors remain in the lead!
The Upper School Teacher of the Week
This week's Upper School Rope-Holder is...Ms.Rachel Bartlett!
In addition to showing her Eagle spirit by dressing for today’s Homecoming Theme, her peers shared:
Ms. Bartlett has added an AP class and a Senior Girls Bible class to her work load this year. She prepares her students for difficult material and is always available when needed.
Ms. Bartlett never fails to exceed the expectations placed upon her. She handles many things gracefully and without complaint.
Ms. Bartlett is a valuable member of our community.
Congratulations Ms. Bartlett!!!
The Upper School Teacher of the Week
The Upper School Teacher of the Week is ... Ms. Katie Sholl.
Her peers shared:
Ms. Sholl is a leader among our teachers. She is part of the "Training Trio," spending extra time supporting other teachers while managing her own load of AP classes.
Ms. Sholl has rigorous expectations for students while making classes enjoyable.
Congratulations Ms. Sholl!
Change is in the air...
Check out some of the recent changes underway on the NCS Grounds in preparation for the NEW EVENT CENTER...
Upper School Teacher of the Week...August 24th
This weeks Upper School Teacher of the Week is… Mr. Jim Carlucci.
His Peers shared:
Mr. Carlucci has taken on more than a full load of classes to help a coworker and to keep our kids on track for the year.
Mr. Carlucci is always willing to go the extra mile and he does it without complaint. He just jumps in and helps. He is the epitome of Christian service.
We are so blessed to have him on our campus.
Congratulations to this weeks Rope-Holder, Mr. Carlucci!
Upper School Teacher of the Week August 17th
This year the Upper School Teacher of the Week Award will be known as the “Rope-Holder”. Recipients will be awarded a graduation cord to wear for the week.
The first Upper School Faculty/Staff Member of the week for the 2023-2024 school year is… Mrs. Janet King.
Her Peers shared:
Janet King is the definition of perseverance. She has worked endless hours over the Summer and the start of the school year to train two new Counselors and make the class schedule for each US student (not an easy task).
Mrs. King puts the needs of others first and she is always available to answer students questions. She is devoted spiritually and is a great example of a Christ-like woman. I am very fortunate to work with Mrs. King and look to her as a positive example in my life.
Congrats Mrs. Janet King!
SALT
The 2023-2024 SALT (Student Ambassador Leadership Team) assembled this weekend for a retreat to kickoff the new school year.
We look forward to watching them lead this year!
Gary Van Atta joins NCS as Head Girls' Basketball Coach
We are excited to announce the hire of Coach Gary Van Atta as the new head coach of the high school girls’ basketball program.
Coach Van Atta has 44 years coaching experience at the high school, junior college, and four-year collegiate (NAIA, D-1, and D-II) levels. He spent the last 7 years as the Head Women’s Basketball Coach at the University of Montevallo (Montevallo, AL) where he had coached earlier in his career. During his UM career, Coach Van Atta compiled an overall record of 244-161, the winningest coach in program history. His career also includes Head Women’s Basketball Coach positions at UT Martin and at his alma mater, Trevecca Nazarene University.
At the conclusion of the 2022-2023 season, Van Atta ranked 12th among active NCAA Division-II head coaches with 565 wins and was the winningest active coach in the state of Alabama.
Coach Van Atta is known as a great teacher of the game and is well-known throughout the basketball community. In addition to coaching, he will work in our Fitness department, teaching high school Strength Training.
Van Atta shared, “I am excited for this next chapter. I love basketball and I will continue to teach and grow the game.”
Coach Van Atta joins Katie Beth Allen and Mariah King who will continue in their roles as assistant coaches.
Track and Field State Champion, James Warmbrod
Congratulations to James Warmbrod IV, STATE CHAMPION in the 400 Meter Dash with a time of 49.13!
James also placed 3rd in the State 200 Meter Dash with a time of 21.97 and 6th in the State 100 Meter Dash with a time of 10.94!
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Faculty/Staff Excellence Award Winner
The Administration is pleased to recognize Bill Miller as the Faculty/Staff Excellence Award Winner for the past 9 weeks. This information was shared:
Sarge goes above and beyond to create an environment where we feel safe.
Mr. Miller is such an asset to our community. He not only makes the safety of our children a top priority he also has a calm, reassuring presence.
Sarge shows quiet confidence, vocational capability and Godly character. He is well-connected and stays current with local news and reports so that he can be proactive. He is a man of character of integrity, but more than that is a man who loves God and values the Christian education that NCS provides.
We are so fortunate to have Sergeant Miller on our campus and a part of our NCS family.
Congratulations Mr. Bill Miller!
Upper School Excellence Award Winner
The Upper School faculty, staff and administration is pleased to recognize Cathy Phung as the Upper School Excellence Award Winner for the past 9 weeks. This information was shared:
Cathy is such a bright light at NCS. You can always count on her to greet you in the hallways and give you the biggest smile. She is determined to always do her best and will do the right thing even when no one is watching. She is involved in everything here and she perfectly represents the mission of NCS. The way she encourages those around her and her wellness to go the extra mile is inspiring.
Congratulations Cathy Phung!
Middle School Excellence Award Winner
The Middle School faculty, staff and administration is pleased to recognize Eli Adams as the Middle School Excellence Award Winner for the past 9 weeks. Several Teachers submitted statements to explain his bright light in our hallways:
Eli daily gives his best in all that he does. He is always quick with a polite, kind word. He is inspiring!
Eli is one of the most respectful, attentive, and kind students we have in the middle school. He cares about his peers and is diligent in all he does.
Eli is very creative and a great artist as well.
Eli is incredibly thorough in all his work and continually strives for excellence.
Eli is a true example of what authentic and dynamic leaders look like.
Congratulations Eli Adams!
Lower School Excellence Award Winner
The Lower School faculty, staff and administration is pleased to recognize Eliza Melton as the Lower School Excellence Award Winner for the past 9 weeks. Several Teachers submitted statements regarding her performance and positive attitude:
Eliza is full of positive energy all day, every day.
Elisa is a ray of sunshine. She always has a positive attitude and a sweet spirit. She is encouraging to her classmates.
I love having Eliza in Spanish class. She is always ready to work and will volunteer to help whenever needed.
When I think about our student pledge Eliza is all of these things!
Congratulations Eliza Melton!
Habitat for Humanity Build
NCS participated in its first Habitat for Humanity build on May 6th and 7th.
Generously sponsored by Thrivent Financial, a group of thirteen faculty, staff and students worked alongside future first-time homeowners to frame two homes during the weekend.
Leaders from Habitat and Thrivent met with the students several times before the build, explaining why Habitat exists, why this work matters, and why it is important to serve.
Senior Jack McIntosh (pictured below) said, "It was so much fun working with my friends, doing something we've never done, to bless a deserving family. It made me feel great!" NCS is planning to participate in another Habitat build next year.
Upper School Teacher of the Week...Ms. Rachel Bartlett
The Upper School Teacher of the Week is ... Ms. Rachel Bartlett.
Her Peers shared: I have heard countless alumni complement Ms. Bartlett and tell her they are doing well in college because of what she taught them in high school.
She seeks new ways to engage her students and structures her lessons so everyone's needs are met.
We are lucky to have her as part of our math department. Congrats Ms. Bartlett!
2023 Auction
The 28th Annual NCS Auction was held this past Saturday with the theme Evening Under the Stars.
Guests were treated to beautiful decorations, a great catered meal, photo booth, rousing Online and live auction and a Writers' in the Round.
It was a great night of fun!
Emma Sharlow
Congratulations to NCS Junior, Emma Sharlow, First place winner in the 2023 District 7 Congressional Art Competition sponsored by the U.S. House of Representatives and District 7 Congressman Mark Green.
This competition recognizes one student in each Congressional District across the Country.
Emma's work "Typography Matthew 10:7" will be hung in the US Capital building for one year. By placing first, she has been invited to attend the special reception in Washington, D.C. and also qualifies for a number of scholarship opportunities.
Congratulations on this accomplishment Emma!
Five 2023 Senior Girls Records
Shout out to these 5 LADY EAGLES: Millie Boone, Charley Harper, Julia Belle Sisemore, Grayson Bonds, Ava Pomeroy.
During their high school years, all participated in both Basketball and Soccer and accrued many RECORDS in those sports. Julia Belle and Ava also added a State Track Appearance to the list.
Congrats to all!
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2023 Spring National Honor Society Inductees
We are proud to present the 2023 Spring Inductees into the National Honor Society: Seniors - Millie Boone, Mitchell Frankum, Jr. Juniors - Lauren Agee, Jenna Baggett, Charlie Brothers, Ainsley Dancer, Mayz Delavergne, Margret Dobbs, Zeke Eckert, Hailee Elizer, Jacob Ellis, Bowen Grohovsky, Ariana Guy, Raelyn Heightman, McKenzie Jennette, Hannah Johnson, Raegan Johnson, Aubrey Kimbro, Zoja King, Reagan Locke, Wyatt Martin, Kate McClary, Damon Mos, Kailey Nichols, Bridgett Page, Megan Parker, Ty Petty, Cathy Phung, Anna Pierce, Bailey Reagan, Walter Reisinger, JT Robbins, Jaelynn Simmons, Brandon Smith, Daniel Whitaker, Neely Woodard .
Senior Class Easter egg hunt
Today the Senior Class participated in the Annual Easter egg hunt. They had a BLAST!
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NCS Middle and Upper School Art Show Award Winners
Congrats to the students who received Top Awards in the Middle and Upper School Art Show. Upper School Awards include Most Awarded:
Art 1 - Abby Hurley
Art 2 - Ansley Petty
Art 3 - Megan Parker
Art 4 - John Draper
Principals Award - Megan Parker (Clown)
Best in Show Faculty - Bridgett Page (Truck)
Best in Show Overall - Ansley Petty (Airplane)
Art Show
There is a lot of excitement in the NCS Visual Arts Department over the upcoming High School and Middle School Art show which is Sunday, April 2nd from 2:00 - 4:00.
The reception and awards ceremony is at 2:30.
The Upper School Teacher of the Week
The Upper School Teacher of the Week is.. Mrs. Amy Payne.
Her Peers shared: Mrs. Payne works every day to ensure her students have time to meet with her and master the content. The classes she teaches are not easy and students are challenged, but supported through her efforts. She pushes students to reach their full potential.
We are blessed to have her in our Math Department.
Congratulations Mrs. Payne!
Mrs. Julie Littrell, Faculty Excellence Award Winner
Congratulations to Mrs. Julie Littrell, Faculty Excellence Award Winner for the past 9 weeks!
Her Peers shared: Julie always goes above and beyond! She is an amazing teammate.
She gives so much of her time and energy to the drama department, helping with the plays. She works to provide the best experience for her students each day. She has a servant heart.
Julie's blood bleeds NCS orange and blue. She is an incredible Kindergarten teacher. She truly loves NCS and we love her!
Congratulations Mrs. Julie Littrell!
Cutler Stubblefield, Upper School Excellence Award Winner
Congratulations to Cutler Stubblefield, Upper School Excellence Award Winner!
Teachers shared the following: Cutler is always willing to help other students understand the material, always polite and respectful to both students and teachers.
He is one of the most positive students I have taught.
His kindness is infectious and I know it makes those around him have a better day. Cutler never misses an opportunity to say a kind word, lend a hand, or go the extra mile.
Congratulations Cutler!
Will Gibbs, Middle School Excellence Award Winner
Congratulations to Will Gibbs, Middle School Excellence Award winner for the past 9 weeks!
Several teachers submitted statements to explain the bright light Will exhibits in our hallways: He has been a calm, kind, and solid presence in and out of the classroom. I've been impressed with his self-control, honesty, and desire to do the right thing no matter the situation. Will is a natural leader! Will has a constant smile on his face. He shows leadership in the classroom by his quiet spirit and respectful behavior. We love having him as part of our NCS middle school!
Congrats Will!
Knox Brim, Lower School Excellence Award Winner
Congratulations to Knox Brim, Lower School Excellence Award winner for the past 9 weeks!
Characteristics used to describe Knox include Mature, Respectful, Kind, Encouraging, and Mindful.
His Teachers shared: Knox is extremely respectful and kind to all. He is on task all the time, ready to learn, and ready to do his work. I can always count on him to listen and participate. He is kind to his peers and to his teachers. He is a great addition to the theatre family. Knox is a pleasure to have in class - he brings me joy every day! Congratulations Knox!
Charley Harper
Congratulations to Charley Harper for being chosen the Bellevue Exchange Club Student of the Month.
Charley is joined by Terry Scott, Karen Whelan and Stephanie Harper.
BCAT District All Academic Team
Congratulations to Charley Harper, Whitley Miller, Grayson Bonds, Millie Boone, Reese Dugger, Ava Pomeroy, Julia Belle Sisemore for being selected to the Basketball Coaches Association of Tennessee District All Academic Team.
To qualify for this award, they maintained a 3.5 GPA or higher for their academic career.
They are truly Scholar-Athletes!
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Optimist Club Essay Contest Winners
Three NCS Students were winners in the Bellevue Optimist Club Essay Contest and were recognized in a ceremony last night.
Ava Rudolph (8th Grade) received 3rd place. Kathryn Rogers (12th Grade - not pictured) received 2nd place.
Charley Harper (12th Grade) received 1st place.
Congrats to Ava, Kathryn and Charley!
Middle School Small Groups
Middle school small groups went to the lower school and preschool this morning and taught Bible lessons as part of Christian Emphasis Week.
They did many things including putting on skits, singing songs, and coloring together!
Christian Emphasis Week begins today
Christian Emphasis Week begins today at NCS.
Campus Minister, Jeff Palk, introduced the Theme: Jesus is King in a special Upper School Chapel.
Small groups were encouraged to sit together and many groups had a special prayer at the conclusion of Chapel.
Can't wait to see what this week brings.
The Upper School Teacher of the Week...
The Upper School Teacher of the Week is ... Coach John Pierce.
His Peers shared:
I have only heard good things about Coach Pierce as both a Coach and Teacher.
Coach Pierce has been a great addition to both the Bible Department and Basketball program. His daily interactions with students on campus is excellent.
Coach's Basketball players respect him and agree to the high standards he has set for the program.
We are blessed that NCS students have the opportunity to learn from Coach Pierce.
Congratulations Coach Pierce!
National Merit Finalist...Brett Posavac
Nashville Christian School is excited to announce Brett Posavac has been named a National Merit Finalist.
The nationwide pool of finalists represents less than 1% of U.S. high school seniors and includes the highest scoring entrants in each state.
Brett plans to attend Belmont University and study Pre-med.
Congratulations to Brett Posavac!
Donovan Smith
Congratulations to Donovan Smith for being selected to represent NCS as the Scholar-Athlete, Middle Tennessee Chapter of the National Football Foundation.
This award recognizes Donovan's outstanding Academic Achievement, School and Community Leadership and Football Performance.
Donovan is pictured with Steve Hutchinson and Kelly Holcomb.
Congratulations Donovan!
The Upper School Teacher of the Week is...Mrs. Nicole Arnold
The Upper School Teacher of the Week is ... Mrs. Nicole Arnold!
Her Peers shared:
Mrs. Arnold has proven she has a long-term commitment to NCS. She is a "fan in the stands" and a leader on stage.
She takes on a number of roles on campus including being a Dual Instructor and working with the theater department.
Mrs. Arnold put a lot of work and research into the Harlem Renaissance cross-cultural unit which several classes participate in. We are grateful for all her hard work!
Congratulations Mrs. Arnold!
State Wrestling Results
Thanks go out to Jaden Potts and Peyton Woodard for setting the benchmark for future NCS Wrestlers to follow.
Jaden finished Runner-Up in the 220 weight class and Peyton finished 5th in the 195 weight class.
Their dedication and hard work showed in their State Performance. Congrats!
The Upper School Teacher of the Week
The Upper School Teacher of the Week is... Coach Mike McPherson.
His Peers shared:
Coach McPherson's commitment to the school extends beyond the classroom. While watching sports in person is great, hearing his play-by-play commentary makes the game even better. Families and friends have come to rely on his one-of-a-kind color commentary!
Our freshman appreciate the wit and humor Coach brings to the classroom. We are privileged to have him at NCS.
Coach Mike is a legend!
Gregory Williams
Alum Spotlight - Gregory Williams - NCS class of 2016
Gregory will be attending the University of South Alabama College of Medicine in the Fall.
He graduated magna cum laude from UAB with a degree in Biomedical Science.
Gregory has helped publish 3 scientific papers on colorectal cancer and hopes to pursue a specialty in Hematology/ Oncology.
Congrats to Gregory on his accomplishments thus far; we look forward to more great things to come!
Upper School Teacher of the Week
The Upper School Teacher of the week is... Mr. Ian Harris
His Peers shared:
Mr. Harris works diligently and never complains. He models servant leadership daily.
He has worked hard from day one stepping on the NCS campus. He has taken time to get to know the students and find various methods for teaching them math. He spends so much time coaching and mentoring the high school and middle school wrestling teams.
He has spent countless hours coming up with new projects for his physics class to help them not only understand the material but to put it into practice. Congrats Mr. Harris!
Upper School Teacher of the Week
The Upper School Teacher of the Week is... Ms. Stephanie Harper.
Her Peers shared:
Ms. Harper was my mentor during my first year at NCS and continues to be a mentor to me.
She is quick to help with any problem or question and offers endless aid when it comes to teaching students to be better writers.
Her students love her, and she holds them to a rigorous academic standard.
She is a leader, a sounding board, and a friend.
We are blessed to have her on our team. Congrats Ms. Harper!
NCS Alum, Tollie Boone
NCS Alum, Tollie BooNE joins the Creative Team for the Off-Broadway run of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof this Spring
NCS Alum Tollie Boone is a senior lighting design student at Samford University.
This spring, Tollie is headed to New York City to design the lighting for the Off-Broadway return of Tennessee Williams’ Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, at the Theatre at St. Clements, Feb. 24-March 3. She will be joining Samford’s assistant professor of theatrical design, Christian Specht.
The opportunity came about through Specht’s connections in the industry. “I knew if I got the contract, that I wanted to figure out how to bring Tollie along as an assistant lighting designer,” said Specht. “This is such a great opportunity for Tollie to gain real world experience while accomplishing her senior capstone.” He praised her work, “Tollie has an eye for design. She can see what lighting ideas and moments can do to create an atmosphere.”
This opportunity is allowing Boone to realize her goal to design lighting on Broadway. “When I was younger, I wanted to be on the stage but as I’ve grown in the technical world, my dream is to design lights for Broadway shows.” She is looking forward to “meeting people in the field and to feel the energy and excitement of the professional setting.
Tollie enjoys lighting design and notes, “Lighting has always been fascinating to me. I am also an artist and I enjoy painting. With lighting it’s very similar to painting but in more of an abstract sense. With lighting I am able to create a world with color through light and shadow to help encourage a story and its setting. I still get excited when I design in new spaces because it challenges my limits.”
Excerpt from original Article published January 10, 2023 by Ashley Smith, Marketing and Communication Manager, Samford University.
Upper School Transition Breakfast
8th Grade Students and Parents were out bright and early this morning for the Upper School Transition Breakfast. Thanks to everyone for coming!
January 22nd Preview Day
It may be gloomy outside but the sun is shining inside NCS at todays Preview Day.
Thanks to all the families who visited. We loved meeting you!
2023 Seniors vs Faculty Basketball Game
2023 Seniors vs Faculty Basketball Game. Faculty WINS 58 to Seniors 42. Congrats to the Faculty!
Upper School Teacher of the Week...Cristin Bryan
The Upper School Teacher of the Week is ... Ms. Cristin Bryan!
Her Peers shared:
Ms. Bryan always stops whatever she is doing to help others and lend a hand. She will do whatever it takes to solve problems and supports her students academically and personally.
She consistently seeks new ways to engage her students in learning. She takes the time to develop relationships with them, and they know she cares. Our students are so lucky to have her pouring into their academic and spiritual lives!
Congrats Ms. Bryan!
Coming Home Court
NCS "Coming Home" Celebration included the Presentation of the Court and crowning of the King...Donovan Smith!
Hall of Fame Inductees
Congratulations to the Winter and Spring Hall of Fame Inductees from the Classes of 2000-2009
Brandon Hodge - class of 2000 - Wrestling
Josh Belcher, class of 2001 – Basketball & Baseball
Jeff Bolander - class of 2001 - Football & Soccer
Ryan Harris, class of 2001 – Football & Basketball
Justin Lowry, class of 2001 - Basketball & Baseball
Meredith McGinnis, class of 2001 - Volleyball & Basketball
Lauren Evan La Rue Kuet, class of 2002 - Basketball
James Meadows, class of 2002 – Football & Wrestling
April Piper, class of 2002 – Basketball & Track and Field
Chris Coleman, class of 2003 – Football
Matthew Pace, class of 2003 - Football & Basketball
Ashley Womack Say, class of 2003 - Basketball & Track and Field
David Anderson, class of 2004 – Basketball
Brandon Bridges, class of 2004 - Wrestling
Grant Sandler, class of 2004 - Bowling
Ashley Ingram Skinner, class of 2004 – Basketball
Jay Skinner, class of 2004 – Basketball
Amanda Stinnett, class of 2004 - Cheerleading & Bowling
Chris Walker - class of 2004 - Basketball
Haley Light Breedlove, class of 2006 – Cheerleading & Softball
Andy Givens, class of 2006 – Basketball
Jessica Womack Grogan, class of 2006 – Basketball
Holly Lewis Haynes, class of 2006 – Basketball
Eric Vick, class of 2006 –Track and Field
Brittni Walker, class of 2006 –Basketball & Track and Field
Davis Fleming, class of 2007 - Golf
Russell Frazier, class of 2007 - Basketball
Cassie Hutcherson Hardy, class of 2007- Softball
Alex Jenkins, class of 2007 - Bowling
Wesley McDowell, class of 2007 - Baseball
Kathryn Surber, class of 2007 - Basketball
Caden Anderson, class of 2008 – Basketball
Woody Hartley, class of 2009 - Baseball
US Teacher of the Week
Congrats to Mrs. Katherine Lee, Upper School Teacher of the Week.
Her peers shared:
Mrs. Lee works with the freshman and sophomore classes with patience and grace.
Not only is she helpful with students around campus, she is also readily available to answer questions all while setting up programs across campus.
She interacts with each student compassionately and responds to her colleagues with similar kindness and helpfulness.
We are lucky she is part of our NCS family.
Congrats Mrs. Lee!
Excellence Chapel
Today was a very special day at NCS with Excellence Chapel where Grades K4 - 12th gathered together. Songs were sung, a lesson was given including a visual of Large and Small, and awards were given out to Excellence Award Winners for the second nine weeks.
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Innovative Models of Mitosis
Mrs. Moores' 7th and 9th Grade Students made Models of Mitosis from Oreos and Sprinkles. Who Knew!
YES: Youth Equipped to Succeed
NCS was blessed today to have 2 Former College and Professional Football Players, Keith Davis (USC and New York Giants) and Jamar Reid (UTEP and Seattle Seahawks) speak to the Lower, Middle and Upper School students and faculty in three assembles.
They are part of YES:Youth Equipped to Succeed which has the goal of "Growing value and vision in youth by combating isolation and imparting hope."
The message they shared was excellent…
Art-Driven Leadership Project
Ms. Donna Torrez pulled out all the stops today as she taught an Art-Driven Leadership Class to Faculty and Staff Members as a part of Personal Development.
Each person was tasked with painting an Eagle (of course!) and a surprising amount of talent was shown.
Credit is given to Ms. Torrez for her fantastic Teaching skills!
Pre-K Christmas Program
Family and Friends gathered to celebrate the Christmas Story as portrayed by the Pre-K class. Adorable!
Reindeer Games and Gingerbread Houses
The Upper School Boys enjoyed playing Reindeer Games, hosted by Coach Brothers; while the Girls decorated Gingerbread Houses within their small groups!
Fine Arts Christmas Concert
Last evening, the Fine Arts department presented "At the Movies" a Christmas Concert featuring the Concert Band, MS Choir, String Ensemble and Chamber Choir.
Great Job by the Performers, Mr. Mauldin and Ms. Stefaniak!
Upper School Christmas Art
Ms. Torrez shared the Upper School Art Students Talents and Wintry scenes so everyone could enjoy!
Upper School Teacher of the Week
This weeks Upper School Teacher of the Week is ... Ms. Katie Sholl.
Her peers shared: She is a very helpful coworker. She spends her planning time and lunch helping her AP students prepare for their tests. She maintains high expectations in her classroom and pushes her students to think on their own. It is clear she means a lot to her students.
Congratulations Ms. Sholl!
12 Days of Christmas Chapel
Today we celebrated the season with an All School Chapel including songs, scriptures, candles and even a visit from Dr. Santa who led the group in a rousing rendition of "The 12 Days of Christmas".
Elf Jr Fine Arts Production
Four performances of Elf Jr were performed between December 2nd - 4th. The actors did an OUTSTANDING job!
The Upper School Teacher of the Week...
The Upper School Teacher of the Week is ... Courtney Richardson!
Her peers shared: I have many sophomores who are so complimentary of Mrs. Richardson.
She is always prepared and stays late every day to ensure she gives high-quality lessons.
Her students talk about how kind she is and that they can tell by her actions and how she treats them that she genuinely cares about them.
Congrats Mrs. Richardson!
Praise and Thanksgiving
NCS Students and Families gathered together today for a Praise and Thanksgiving assembly followed by lunch. It was truly a joyful and blessed occasion.
Golf Practice Facility Check Presentation Ceremony
PGA Touring Pro Brandt Snedeker (The Snedeker Foundation) and TN Golf Foundation contributed $55,000 to NCS to construct a golf practice facility on the campus that will be used in a collaborative effort with NCS and the Tennessee School for the Blind. It was an amazing day with almost 50 people gathering for the Dedication and Check Presentation Ceremony.
Upper School Teacher of the Week
The Upper School Teacher of the Week is…Coach Andrew Shaw.
His peers shared: I appreciate Coach Shaw's attention to detail for the defense each week on Friday nights. The defense consistently performs extremely well under his leadership. I appreciate his hard work and dedication to both the strength program and the football team.
Congrats Coach Shaw!
Veterans Day at NCS
Veterans Day events at NCS included: the NCS Chamber Choir sang the National Anthem and a selection of songs at the Veterans Breakfast held at the Bellevue Y; the Toddler Room in the Preschool made over 60 cards and Mrs. Kalina (Active Military) is delivering them to her post; and second and third graders welcomed Marine Corps veterans Jack Spence and Tom Seals to speak to the classes.
Thank you to all veterans for your service and sacrifice.
A.F. Bridges Contributor of the Year
Congratulations to the AF Bridges Contributor of the Year award recipient: Nashville Ready Mix.
A big thanks from Nashville Christian School to Steve "Frog" Meadows and the entire Nashville Ready Mix family.
Upper School Teacher of the Week
The Upper School Teacher of the Week is… Dr. Jeff Vore.
His peers shared:
Dr. Vore continues to spread joy wherever he is! He is respectful and kind to all of our students, and they love him! He is a man who easily and naturally shares his faith every day.
Dr. Vore consistently has a great rapport with his students. He attends events, supports students, and prays with them daily. He is a model of a Christian man for our students to follow.
Thank you, Dr. Vore, for all you do!
November 22nd Preview Day
Thanks to the many families who shared part of their Sunday afternoon with Administrators, Teachers, Staff and Coaches learning about ALL THINGS NCS.
Mrs. Sharon Bartlett - Upper School Teacher of the Week
This weeks Upper School Teacher of the Week is...Mrs. Sharon Bartlett.
One of her peers shared - Mrs. Bartlett is always available to students before and after school to make sure they stay on track and understand the content. We are lucky to have her!
Congrats Mrs. Bartlett!
NCS Career Day
Over 35 different careers, across a wide variety of industries, were represented yesterday during NCS Career Day.
Thanks to everyone who took time to invest in our students!
SALT Members meet with Burke Nihill
NCS SALT (Student Ambassador Leadership Team) Members met with Burke Nihill, CEO of the Tennessee Titans, to discuss leadership characteristics and what it means to be a leader.
Upper School Teacher of the Week
The Upper School Teacher of the week is...Coach Dustin Patton.
His peers shared - Coach Patton is always willing to offer a helping hand and encouragement to both students and co-workers alike. And another stated - Jesus gave us an example of servant leadership, and I love how Dustin follows his example as a coach, teacher, and co-worker. Congrats Coach Patton!
Wrestling Practice Facility Ribbon Cutting
This morning, the dream of a NCS Wrestling Practice Facility was realized with an Official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Many family members, friends, teachers, and staff gathered with the Wrestling team and coaches to officially thank those who supported this effort. We look forward to following the progress of this team in the coming months.
Upper School Fall Retreat
The Upper School Fall Retreat 2022 is in the books!
The theme was Pray More, Worry Less.
They spent the weekend exploring the Lords Prayer.
Landscaping Club
Members of the Upper School Landscaping Club spent time this morning sprucing up several areas of the school. NICE WORK!
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National Merit Scholar Semifinalist - Brett Posavac
Brett Posavac has been named one of only 16,000 Nationwide Semifinalists in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program.
This program honors individual students who show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies.
Brett will have an opportunity to continue in the competition for one of 7,250 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $28 Million which will be offered next spring.
Congratulations Brett!
Jeff Palk reenacts Matthew 5-7
Campus Minister, Jeff Palk, reenacts Matthew 5-7 during Upper School Chapel today. It was very powerful!
All Region Soccer Team
Emily Campos and Ava Pomeroy were selected to the All Region Girls Soccer Team. Well-deserved!
Upper School Teacher of the Week
Each week, a Teacher in the Upper School receives “Teacher of the Week”. This award is given based on nominations made by their peers. Mr. Bishop announces the winner at the weekly Upper School Faculty Meeting and awards the recipient with a “Gold” Necklace with $ Emblem to honor the occasion.
Hendrick Shelton, shown here wearing his award, is the most recent recipient.
Comments included in the Nomination - Mr. Shelton consistently exemplifies to our students that hard work and dedication will deliver great results. A student added, Mr. Shelton is a very talented teacher and he makes learning fun!
Congrats to the newest Teacher of the Week - Hendrick Shelton
And a Big SHOUT OUT to the prior Teachers of the Week:
September 29th - Donna Torrez - Comments with Nomination - Homecoming week has been very successful. It is a great reminder of how hard Donna works with the students for this week and how much time she puts into making this week special for everyone.
September 22nd - Andrew Atkins - Comments with Nomination - Mr. Atkins runs programs that are essential and add value to our school. He works with the E-Sports, Broadcasting, and Yearbook programs while maintaining a full class load.
September 15th - Abbie Moroney - Comments with Nomination - I appreciate Abbie's initiative to create the sustainability class and to making our campus “greener”. The recycling collection is appreciated. I can't wait to see all her students do this year.
September 8th - Catherine Lowe - Comments with Nomination - Catherine is an incredibly creative and talented teacher. She is conscientious to plan lessons that contain rigor and are differentiated. She is a humble, godly example of a truly gifted educator.
September 1st - Colin Wright - Comments with Nomination - Colin's work with the senior activities and his enthusiasm for building relationships are great examples of our school community. I see him every morning and between every class period outside his door greeting students and having genuine conversations.
August 25th - Jeff Palk - Comments with Nomination - Jeff has worked so hard to develop small groups and chapel into important focal points of student life. He clearly cares about the students and the Christian culture of the school!
Excellence Chapel
At 8:00AM on October 5th, Grades K-12 gathered together for Chapel. It is SO Special to be together in one place.
Excellence Award Recipients
Congratulations to the 4 Excellence Award Recipients for the 1st 9 Weeks!
The Presentation of Certificates was made during the October 5th Excellence Chapel.
Callie Grimenstein - Lower School, Several Teachers shared - Callie is a bright ray of sunshine into whatever room she enters. She notices her classmates in a way that is far beyond her years. Although she was a new student to NCS last year, she jumped right in with her friendly and bubbly personality. She always works hard and does it with a smile on her face.
Baker Drumm - Middle School, One Teacher shared ... Baker is a very kind and hard-working student. He comes to class every day ready to learn and always does an outstanding job of contributing to class lectures. Several teachers commented that his house election speech is one to always be remembered.
Megan Parker - Upper School, One Teacher shared ... Megan is not only a fantastic student who works hard to do top-tier work, she goes out of her way to make other students feel welcome. Megan is a shining example of the kind of culture we want to have at NCS.
Abbie Moroney - Teacher, Comments from others include... Abbie has taken on many new responsibilities this year including planning a community garden for our school and creating the school's first sustainability class. Her goals for our campus are inspiring, and I look forward to what the future holds because of her willingness to serve. We are blessed to have Coach "Mo" in our high school.
Jr. Eagle Football Night
A number of Lower School Students enjoyed special events during the September 30th Home Football game including Cheerleading and Flag Football.
Dedication Ceremony
Tonight, Sept. 29th, the US Girls soccer team held a Dedication Ceremony for Leon Wright (Morgan) and Cindy Hemby (Amelia). A tree was planted and the team placed a memory plaque to honor the lives of these two. The dedication service was held between tonight's JV and Varsity Games.
Newest NCS Hall of Fame Inductees
The newest Inductees into the NCS Hall of Fame were announced during the Homecoming Celebration on September 23, 2022. They represent the Fall Sports from the 2000-2009 Graduating classes. Congratulations!
William Berg, class of 2008 – Football
Zach Bledsoe, class of 2008 – Football
Jeff Bolander, class of 2001 – Football
Haley Light Breedlove, class of 2006 – Cheerleading
Jennifer Yuchnitz Garner, class of 2004 – Volleyball
Michael Gray, class of 2009 – Football
Ryan Harris, class of 2001 – Football & Basketball
Holley Koob Willover, class of 2005 – Cross Country & Track
Luke Jerkins, class of 2005 – Football
Justin Lessard, class of 2002 – Football
Matthew Loveless, class of 2002 – Football
Meredith McGinnis, class of 2001 – Volleyball, Basketball, Softball, Track & Field
James Meadows, class of 2002 – Football
Matthew Pace, class of 2003 – Football, Basketball & Baseball
Matthew Pruitt, class of 2001 – Football
Anna Claire Raines, class of 2005 - Cross Country
Ashley Ingram Skinner, class of 2004 – Volleyball
Jake Tiesler, class of 2002 – Football
Jason Vanatta, class of 2005 – Football
Eric Vick, class of 2006 - Cross Country
US and Kindergarten PE classes
Coach Mariah King's Upper School PE Class helps Coach Richardson's Kindergarten PE class work on their Soccer skills today.
It doesn't get much better than this!
Homecoming Week: Dress Up Day 3
Theme: Costumes
In this case, a Picture truly is worth a thousand words.
PreK and LS Chapel
PreK Students and Parents joined the Lower School today for Chapel in the Main Gym.
The Students were adorable as they enjoyed interactive Songs with Dr. Fincher and a brief Bible Lesson from Mr. Palk.
Homecoming Week: Dress Up Day 2
Dress Theme for Today - Holidays
Freshmen: Show Green for St. Patrick's Day
Sophomores: Pink, Red and Hearts for Valentine's Day
Juniors: Stars and Stripes for 4th of July
Seniors: Santa and his Elves shout Christmas
Homecoming Week: Dress Up Day 1
Did we really look this in the early 2000's??? Sweatbands & Gold Chains seem to be the “uniform” of the day.
College Fair
On September 13th, a number of Upper School students attended the College Fair hosted by Lipscomb University.
Pep Rally September 9th
Upper School students enjoyed their first Pep Rally of the year in recognition of the Fall Sports.
The Rock Band kicked off the festivities, followed by a Tic-Tok challenge, Cheer Squad, introduction of the Teams, a prayer led by Coach Brothers, and ended with the student body participating in the Breakdown Chant.
IT was LOUD! A truly unforgettable experience.
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Outdoor Classroom Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
A Ribbon Cutting Celebration was held in the early morning on September 9th to acknowledge the many people who made the new Outdoor Classroom a reality.
The celebration included moments of reflection, giving thanks, visiting with friends, plus lots of coffee and donuts!
A beautiful morning in a Sweet, Sweet Place.
NCS Football Homecoming
Football Homecoming Game is Friday, September 23rd.
NCS Eagles face off against Davidson Academy.
Homecoming Dance Tickets on Sale Now
Homecoming Dance September 23rd, after the game.
Click here to order your tickets.
Peter and the Star Catcher - NCS Theatre Production
NCS Theatre will present Peter and the Star Catcher October 1 - 3.
Homecoming T-Shirts - On Sale Now
Prices range from $15.50 - $22.50 and there are several Short Sleeve and Long Sleeve options.
The Deadline to order is Friday, Sept. 9th at 3:00 PM.
Click here to place your order!
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The Revlon Girl - Upcoming Theatre Performance
The Revlon Girl
NCS Theater Performance
Saturday, September 3rd @ 4:00 PM
Reservations are not required and there is no cost to attend the performance.
Donations to the Skylar Rose Foundation are encouraged and will be accepted at the door. All funds raised will go directly to the foundation to provide resources to families affected by infant loss.
Due to difficult concepts addressed, this show is considered PG-13 with strong caution. If you have any questions about the presentation or fundraiser, please contact Mrs. Arnold.
Top News Stories
Blog
Black History Month at NCS
In the month of February, Nashville Christian School was proud to celebrate Black History Month with our students. Many of our teachers highlighted the achievements of Black Americans in their classes and some took field trips to learn more about the historical contributions of African Americans.
Our preschool celebrated Black History Month with some toddler art featuring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Mrs. Erre's math classes took some time to investigate and celebrate African American Mathematicians whose ideas and love of numbers helped create some amazing innovations. They learned about Benjamin Banneker and his creation of the first freestanding clock, Euphemia Lofton Haynes who was the first African-American woman to earn a Ph.D. in mathematics, and Mark Dean who invented the first gigahertz computer chip, just to name a few.
Our 8th graders and 11th graders visited the National Museum of African American Music in downtown Nashville, the only museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the many music genres created, influenced, and inspired by African Americans.
Steadman Bell is a football, basketball and track coach at Nashville Christian and also works in our Admissions Department. He shared some of his thoughts on Black History Month and what it means to him.
In life, we tend to forget, or not speak, about important history that has taken place in prior years, and in which some cases have made huge impacts in the world we live in today. Black History Month was something that wasn't talked about in my school system growing up. With me graduating from an HBCU (Historically Black Colleges & Universities), it opened my eyes to Black American History and the significant impact it had in history. The amazing Civil Rights leaders, educators, inventors, entrepreneurs from years ago set the standard and paved the way for our new generation to fight and not give up.
As I get older, I sit and think about how things used to be years ago, and how blessed and fortunate I am now to be in the position I'm in because of those who came before me. As a Black American, it's really a beautiful thing to see that we do have a month that's dedicated to us. Juneteenth is a holiday that isn't talked about as much but is a VERY important holiday for our culture as well. My hope is to bring that awareness when the time comes for our school, to help educate and open the minds of our younger generation.
"Opportunity" - this is a word that has so much meaning behind it being in the positions that my ancestors were in. Opportunity, a set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something, and for all of those who took their opportunity and made it possible for a change, I thank them for the sacrifices they have made, to try and make this world a better place.
I'd like to say thank you to Nashville Christian School, all of my friends and family, from every background of life for taking the time to help celebrate Black History Month.
Senior Job Shadow Day 2021
On October 26th, the NCS seniors spent the day career shadowing. This one-day event gives them the opportunity to spend the day with someone employed in a possible career area of interest. Students "shadow" this individual at his or her place of work in order to gain valuable insight about what a given career involves before committing time, energy, and money on training and/or on a post-secondary degree. It also helps them gain information and build connections with people in their field of interest.
The class of 2022 spent time learning from dentists, bankers, teachers, graphic designers, realtors, speech and physical therapists, entrepreneurs, and other business professionals. We can’t wait to see where God leads these students and they graduate and choose a career path!
Sophie Barlar - WKRN-TN, Graphic Design
Cannon Anderson - Dr. Sarah Deed, Dentist
Riley O'Connor - Harpeth Middle School, English teacher
Jake Foster - Parks Real Estate
Nicole Radford - Signs First, Graphic Design
Deion King - Heritage Medical Associates, Ultrasound Tech
Madison Gupton - Drive Social Media, Senior Copywriter
Lizzie Lacy - Earl Swensson Architects, Design Manager
Lindsey Morton - Harpeth Valley Elementary, Speech Therapist
Hunt McClary, Josh Strickland - Resilient, Physical Therapist
Sophia Vance - Harpeth Chiropractic
Philip Reasor - First Farmers and Merchants Bank, Banking
Jadyn Bushman, Emma Taylor - American Centered Building, Insurance Company
Mallory Vineyard - Bank of Dickson
Luke Page - Holston Gases, Sales
Nolan Arnold Named National Merit Commended Scholar
Each year, our students take part in the PSAT test in October along with a few million other students in the U.S. Our students take this test for a variety of reasons. Underclassmen in grades 8, 9, and 10 take the test essentially for practice purposes. For juniors, they have the opportunity to take the test and potentially earn a National Merit Scholarship. This year, we were notified that one of our students scored very well on the PSAT when compared to her peers all over the country. Nolan Arnold has been named a “Commended Student” in the National Merit Scholarship Program. She has received a Letter of Commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, which means that she scored one of the top 50,000 scores in the country. Approximately 3.5 - 4 million students take the PSAT nationwide each year. Although she did not score high enough to continue on in the Merit competition to be designated a National Merit Semifinalist, this achievement places her among the best high school seniors in the country. Congratulations Nolan!
Book Week 2021
This year for Book Week and Read Across America, the students enjoyed dress-up days and many of our NCS staff members visited with kindergarten through second-graders and read books to them. We also enjoyed some read-alouds recorded by several of our faculty members that families can enjoy together. Click below and enjoy!
Introducing the Eagle Lecture Series!
We recently began a new program to bring some of our alumni back to campus to speak to our students about their experiences and successes. In March, we invited Ray West, a graduate from the class of 1984, to speak with our seniors on the topic of, “The Perfect College Student. In his time at Nashville Christian School, Mr. West made three trips to the State Finals in track and participated in the State Wrestling Tournament twice while also being a part of a successful football team. Currently, Mr. West owns his own financial firm, Rayburn West Financial, after being an original founder of Pinnacle Bank and working in other financial institutions. It was great for our seniors to hear insight from Mr. West about his success over the past 30 years in the financial industry. He shared tips for our seniors that they can use during their college years to set themselves up for success in their careers. We will have more alumni on campus in the near future and look forward to the information that they will share with our students.
NCS Celebrates Black History Month
We were excited to once again celebrate Black History Month at Nashville Christian School and teach our students about the achievements of Black Americans and their central role in U.S. history.
One Black History Month activity the preschool did was learn about Astronaut Ron McNair, then counted down a balloon rocket launch! They used apples to demonstrate how we may look different on the outside, but we are the same on the inside. They loved reading about Wilma Rudolph and running on the track.
Elementary students did lots of projects and activities. Fifth grade did a research project on prominent figures in Black history and created banner research pages as the hallway display. Second grade took quotes from famous Black people throughout history and created a “voices of freedom” quilt. The students took their quotes and illustrated them to create a quilt square and put their squares together to create the quilt.
Josh Barnett’s middle school Bible class completed projects on notable people and their lives and contributions. Mr. Barnett also shares a devotional each morning with our middle school, and in February, he spoke about notable Black people who were influenced by the Bible including Frederick Douglass with Psalm 137, and Thomas Andrew Dorsey with Isaiah 41:13.
Seventh and eighth graders presented their projects on a historic Black American in history class. Students were also asked to write a short reflection about their project and Black History Month.
"Black History Month is a very important month that represents the discrimination and unfairness that African Americans have faced. This month doesn't only represent the hardships, but celebrates what people have overcome and are still fighting to overcome. In school we were told to pick a person who has done a lot for Black history or is a role model for other activists and people who are brought down by the color of their skin. People should be reminded to be accepting of everyone." - Addie Latham, 8th Grade
"I think that Black History Month is important because we have to remember what they [African Americans] went through. For my project, I intentionally chose Malcolm X because I had heard his name, but never really knew who has was. It was really interesting to learn about him and the Nation of Islam. Even though I am Christian, it is still important to recognize other religions and their beliefs." - Jack Ferrier, 8th Grade
Ms. Sholl’s high school history classes did group research projects about different topics involving Black history like “Impact of the Black Athlete” or the “Harlem Renaissance.” They then shared them with each other on Google Classroom for discussion.
In World History, high school students studied many African Americans who made large impacts on America. Through this, they did research on certain individuals and then used that information to create Google Slide presentations that they presented to class.
Excellence Awards - 2nd Quarter 2020-2021
Congratulations to the second-quarter Excellence Award Winners! These awards are given to one faculty or staff member, one elementary student, one middle school student, and one high school student each quarter. The faculty/staff award is given in recognition of outstanding professionalism, high expectations and leadership. The student awards are in recognition of character, work ethic, and excellence in the classroom. Click on the video below to hear what faculty, staff and students had to say about these special people!
Excellence Awards - January 2021 from Nashville Christian on Vimeo.
Drive-Through Art Show
Our 5th grade students recently created self-portraits in art class. They worked very hard on these works of art, and they turned out amazing! The background of their self-portraits included a poem entitled, “I Am Me, Fearfully and Wonderfully Made.” The self-portraits are a celebration of how the ultimate artist, God himself created each of them, fearfully and wonderfully. In order to share these portraits with families, we invited parents to a Drive-Through Art Show. The students held their masterpieces as families drove by to admire.
Fall Book Fair 2020
The Fall Book Fair was another great success and the Elementary Eagles had a blast dressing up all week. They kicked off book fair week with slippers and sweats.
Next was “Blast From the Past” day. Students came dressed in a variety of attire. We had everyone from Pocahontas to Princess Diana. Nancy Kerrigan could be seen skating through our halls and a few former presidents attended.
Wednesday was Decades Day to celebrate book week. Elementary eagles dressed like the 50s, 60s, 70s, or 80s depending on their grade. Everyone looked cool, groovy, far out, and totally tubular!
One of our favorites each year is Book Character Day. Students came dressed as their favorite book characters, and they were so creative! Some of them dressed up together or had props.
Showing our eagle pride is always a great way to celebrate the final day of Book Week. Thanks to everyone who participated! Go Eagles!
Elementary Eagles Get Hands On With Science
Kindergarten through fourth grade students have been visiting the middle school science lab for hands-on learning opportunities that correlate with their topics of study in their science curriculum. Most classes visit about twice a month for various experiments and demonstrations. For example, Mrs. DiPasquale's first and second-graders studied states of matter, and fourth graders did Mystery Bag Investigations using the scientific method. Mrs. Moore, the 7th grade science and high school biology teacher, partners with the K-4 teachers to help support what they are learning in the classroom in science and provides a "lab experience" for them. Some of the other topics covered this semester have been weathering/erosion, and using observation and science tools. Kindergartners were able to use different scientific tools in the lab such as triple beam balances and microscopes. Visiting the science lab for these activities allow students to engage in kinesthetic learning and get excited about bringing science content to life in the lab!
Parents Can Distance Learn Too!
School is out for many kids across the country and with the future uncertain, schools like Nashville Christian are making the quick pivot to some type of distance learning plan. With most cities and states on strict stay-at-home orders, and non-essential businesses closed, this might just be the perfect time for parents to do some distance learning of their own.
On websites like Coursera and edX, you can choose from thousands of free courses being offered by more than 900 universities around the world, including many Ivy League schools like Yale where you can even be taught by a Nobel Prize winner. Auditing or listening to the courses is free, with the option to pay a fee to get homework assignments and a completion certificate when you are done.
You might want to hone your craft to give yourself an edge in your industry, or maybe pick up a new skill that piques your interest. Feed your artistic side with classes like Songwriting: Writing the Lyrics with Berklee College of Music or Cameras, Exposure, and Photography with Michigan State University. You can learn Chinese for Beginners from Peking University, or fill that hole where sports used to be and take Sports and Society with Duke University. These are just a few of the thousands of possibilities.
We are all looking for bright spots and silver linings in these unpredictable and often scary times. And going back to school may be just the distraction you need. You can check out all the free online courses available at Class Central.
Cooperative Learning Increases Student Engagement
Last summer, the NCS teachers began training in Cooperative Learning through Kagan Cooperative Learning Workshops. Cooperative learning is a way to increase student engagement by organizing lessons so that students are involved in showing what they know by speaking because we know that we "retain a great deal more of what we say than what we hear." Cooperative learning structures also support social/emotional development and classroom management. When using cooperative learning structures the students have positive interdependence, individual accountability, equal participation, and simultaneous interaction. This picture shows a team building game with a balloon. Through team building, students come to know, like, and respect their teammates. In the process, a group of virtual strangers becomes a powerful learning team.
What Does it Look Like?
A cooperative learning structured class would include healthy noise rather than just a quiet class. Instead of students being told to “keep your eyes on your paper” the students are engaged with one another by helping their partner or group to solve the problem. Students may be up looking around at what classmates have accomplished and produced rather than sitting quietly.
Basic Principles
When cooperative learning is properly implemented, it is a powerful approach resulting in positive outcomes. This success is based on four basic principles. When these principles are in place, cooperative learning produces positive interdependence, individual accountability, equal participation, and simultaneous interaction. As these principles are implemented in the classroom, we, as teachers, unleash the full potential of cooperative learning. This empowers NCS to create classrooms where students work together, acquire social skills, care about each other, and achieve more. This helps NCS educators be effective teachers where students learn to their full potential.
Positive Outcomes
Cooperative learning has the potential to be a solution for four different crises: achievement crisis, achievement gap crisis, race relations crisis, and social skills crisis. Kagan says, “Cooperative learning provides in the school a surrogate, stable community in which prosocial values and skills are nurtured and developed.” In addition to these positive outcomes, cooperative learning also can improve communication and language acquisition skills, self-esteem, increased motivation, decreased discipline issues, and improve critical thinking.
Our teachers here at NCS are using cooperative learning strategies in their classes. Check out these strategies in action in the videos below!
Kagan Cooperative Learning Strategies - Part 1 from Nashville Christian on Vimeo.
Kagan Cooperative Learning Strategies - Part 2 from Nashville Christian on Vimeo.
Kagan Cooperative Learning Strategies - Part 3 from Nashville Christian on Vimeo.
Groundbreaking Ceremony for Four New Classrooms!
Thanks to an anonymous $2 million donation to kick off our upcoming capital campaign, Nashville Christian School is breaking ground on some new classrooms! This space will include two regular classrooms, additional storage, an open-concept flex room, and a state-of-the-art science lab which will open up the current middle school science lab for our elementary students.
On May 24, 2019, we held a special Groundbreaking Ceremony and invited our current families to come out and celebrate with us. If you missed it, you can watch the Facebook live video we shared below!
Stay tuned for more information about our upcoming capital campaign and more great additions planned for Nashville Christian School!
8th Grade Renewal 2019
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8th Grade Renewal is always a special celebration for our middle school. It is a time to celebrate our graduating 8th grade class, say goodbye to middle school, and recognize them as new high school students. Brett Posavac and Donovan Smith were chosen to represent the middle school student body as leaders of their class through their excellent academic accomplishments. Both students spoke during the ceremony of their memorable middle school experiences. They talked about the accomplishments of their classmates, overcoming struggles, and the amazing middle school memories that were created. They also encouraged their classmates to continue to support each other as they proceed through the next four years of their academic careers.
Donovan Smith was also the winner of The Eagle Award. This award goes to an 8th grader who has lived out our school's mission throughout the year. Our mission is to be a Christian, authentic, dynamic school equipping students to be global leaders. The winner is chosen by the middle school faculty and staff and here's what Donovan's teachers had to say about him:
Donovan always has a smile and goes above and beyond what is asked. He is eager to learn and never hesitates to ask questions to be sure there is full understanding of the content. He seeks others who may be struggling with making friends and goes out of his way to be sure he is making a difference in our world. Donovan Smith is a Christian, authentic, dynamic leader who is making a difference in our world.
Congratulations to all of our graduating 8th grade students!
Interview with Valedictorian Abby Shivers
This year's valedictorian, Abby Shivers, is ready to head to the prestigious University of Chicago in the fall to double major in neuroscience and psychology with a minor in Spanish. The University of Chicago had a very selective 5.9% acceptance rate this year (tied with Yale University), but Abby will get to go for free with over $748,988 in college scholarships awarded to her! We recently sat down with Abby to talk about her journey through high school and her plans for the future. Here’s what she had to say:
What made you decide to go to the University of Chicago?
I was really torn between Emory and the University of Chicago for about a year and a half. When it came down to it, Emory was closer to home, but the University of Chicago was more academically rigorous, and they have a lot of opportunities for research and internships. They have revamped their entire career advancement program, and when I get there, I’ll have a college counselor and a career counselor. They have more undergrad internships with Chicago-based companies available for U of Chicago students than they actually have students at the university. All of their internships guarantee that you will get actual work experience, and they are all paid internships.
At what point in your high school career did you realize you were in the running for valedictorian and how did that drive your decision-making?
I always had the mindset that Sydney Cantrell would be the valedictorian because she was ahead of me in math. It wasn’t until the end of my sophomore year that I realized if I took all the hardest classes available, that I might be able to pass her. I knew I wanted to apply to a strong academic school, and I knew taking all the hardest classes would help me towards that goal as well.
What was the college application process like?
U of Chicago’s application process is a little different from the rest. This year, they changed to where they don’t require standardized test scores, though you can send them in if you feel they are a good reflection of you as a student. I ended up sending mine in. They also look at your transcript to see if you are taking the most advanced classes offered at your school and how you did. They look at your common application essay, which goes to every college, but they also have their own writing supplement with two questions. First is the “Why U of Chicago?” essay where you explain why you want to go to their school and what makes you a good fit for them. When I was doing that one, I made sure to mention specific classes and campus events I knew they had that I wanted to participate in. The other writing portion is called the “U of Chicago Supplement,” which is one of the things they are known for. They give you some very strange prompts to choose from. The one I ended up doing was, “Find x.” That was all it said. It was so vague, I thought this was an opportunity for me to show them how I could take nothing and make it go to something.
How did you feel when you found out you got accepted?
I wasn’t expecting to get in. I knew I had the capability. I had the scores, I had the numbers, I had extra-curricular activities. But with hard colleges, if you’re not the exact type of puzzle piece they’re looking for, you’re not in. I knew the day I would find out and that it would be afternoon. I was getting ready to go home, and I knew I hadn’t received an email, but I decided to log in to my portal and see, and it said “status update.” I clicked on it, and it said, “Congratulations,” and I just started screaming. It was a really big shock.
In what ways did Nashville Christian prepare you that made a difference?
I think the major thing that influenced my application was the ability to be involved. At really big schools, it’s hard to be involved in a lot of different things and still try to get good grades. Here I can do a lot of things, TSA (Technology Student Association), National Honor Society, Spanish, Thespian Society, and be able to do them all well. And Mrs. Harper. She’s a really good writing teacher. I always hated writing, but my junior year I ended up getting really good at writing in her class, and I just always loved her as a teacher. During the application process, she sat down with me and really helped me go over my essays.
So you were awarded quite a lot of scholarship money. Tell us about that process.
I was pretty scared about money because U of Chicago is very expensive. But they are very good about giving merit-based scholarships. They gave me quite a bit of merit-based scholarship money. I also applied for a big scholarship called the Elk Most Valuable Student Scholarship. I made it all the way to the national level, and they gave me $1,000 per year. But through that process, your district also looks at the applications and gives local scholarships. For our county, they chose three males and three females, and I was chosen as one of those for $2,000. The other big scholarship I applied for was a Scarlett Family Foundation STEM Scholarship. They ended up giving me $15,000 per year.
How did you find scholarships?
Our college counselor, Mrs. King, uploads a lot of scholarships through Naviance, a college-planning tool that we use. Then some weekends I would spend a couple of hours looking up scholarships, and I applied for a lot of those. That’s how I found the Elk Most Valuable Student Scholarship.
What advice would you give to younger students who are driven and want to go to a prestigious school?
You have to try really hard. And you have to take ownership. Once you get to your junior and senior year, all of your classes will be college level. So you have to have self-awareness. You have to take a lot of time outside of class. Right now, I’m getting up at 5:00am every morning to do AP Calculus review because the exam is in a couple of weeks. There’s a lot of outside effort you have to put in so you have to have a certain level of commitment. And definitely go ahead and start looking at colleges your sophomore and junior year to figure out what would be a good fit for you.
What are you looking forward to the most about going to college?
Probably just being in Chicago itself. It’s a very “foodie” city and that’s exciting. The school is really close to Hyde Park, which is nice. And I’m just excited to get going with my future.
A Visit to Ron Clark Academy
I recently had the opportunity to attend Ron Clark Academy’s professional development training with some fellow NCS teachers. In many ways, the experience is simply indescribable. However, after being asked to share about this amazing experience, I decided to try my best.
The Ron Clark Academy is a non-profit middle school in Atlanta, Georgia where students come from a wide range of economic backgrounds. This school is performing at such a high level of academic rigor and student engagement that it is revered among many educators. Possibly the most successful piece of RCA’s intentional and revolutionary style is the sense of community held between their students, faculty, and parents.
Walking into the building is similar to visiting Disney World for the first time. The excitement and magic are tangible not only between the incoming teachers but also among the students who welcome you at the doors. Loud music plays as you walk in on a red carpet, and students greet you while they dance around together; always with a smile and a firm handshake. They help you get through their “Harry Potter” themed building while asking pertinent and personal questions about your life. There were many times I forgot that I was speaking to fifth and sixth-grade students instead of seasoned conversationalists and professional adults.
I could go on and on about the “experience”, but what I truly seek to focus on and pursue is how these methods can be brought into my own classroom and into our beautiful community that is already present at Nashville Christian School. We might not have a fire-breathing dragon in the auditorium or a two-story slide in our entryway, but there are so many incredible ways we can bring magical and intangible items with us into our classes.
Change always starts at the top with teachers who are excited and passionate about teaching. This is the reason the RCA students were happy and excited - their teachers started the trend! My goal is to be more intentional with my students about raising the bar academically and giving them challenges that create grit along with their learning. I want to encourage and cultivate social skills from making eye contact, to speaking directly and listening actively. I desire to have conversations with my students that go past the surface level and move into deeper concepts. I will choose to engage my kids through movement, discussion, and creativity to help them achieve more. I want to create a bigger sense of belonging for every child, not only in my class but also within the school building.
This experience will stay with me long after the school year ends, and I hope it will continue to change the way I approach teaching for years to come.
Only Yesterday
With bullying, school shootings and teen suicide on the rise, NCS senior Tollie Boone was inspired to create this powerful spoken word and song in response – Only Yesterday.
"When I started writing this, it was just a short little poem that I really thought nothing about. It was just something to get off my brain to help me fall asleep. After I finished writing, I realized that this world isn’t as safe as it was when I was younger. I used to be able to go outside and not have to worry if someone was going to hurt me. Now in today’s society, we have to increase security and make rules more strict. Keeping people out only invites more problems in. The only way we can help someone is if we ask. We can’t keep ignoring one another thinking that one day we will say something to them. That 'one day' we have now might not always be there. Galatians 6:10 says, 'Therefore, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to all people…'"
Only Yesterday - Tollie Boone from Nashville Christian on Vimeo.
Building Bridges in 3rd Grade
These pictures are from our bridge-building activity in 3rd grade. We read a story called Pop’s Bridge, told from the point of view of a child whose father was a skywalker building the Golden Gate Bridge. The child has a change in mindset when he realizes ALL the workers on the bridge were important and necessary.
Before we build our bridges, we study other bridges, paying close attention to design. Each child draws an idea after learning who is on his or her team. Each team chooses a design to build, and they build it with 100 toothpicks and 50 gumdrops. Today we tested our ability to work as a team for a common purpose. We will test our bridge designs for strength and stability on Monday.
Meet NCS Art Teacher Emily Johnson
What do you do at NCS?
I teach elementary art, middle school art, and high school Art I.
Tell us a little about your background (where you grew up, where you went to college, family, pets, etc.).
I grew up in sunny Florida. I always loved art as a child and knew that it was a natural way for me to express myself so I studied art education at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida. I started teaching art right after I graduated and have been teaching for 15 years now. My husband, Conrad and I have 3 children. Ellie is 10, Sarah is 5, and Jonah is 1. We moved to Nashville last summer and we are loving it here.
What is your favorite thing to do?
My favorite thing to do is to run. I always feel better after a run. Running is how I clear my mind and get lost in worship. It’s a time to myself to get outside. I just love it.
What is the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is getting to know the kids and being a part of their day. I love for the art room to be a bright spot in a child’s day.
What is your least favorite part of your job?
My least favorite part of my job is cleaning up constantly from paint to clay to more paint. Teaching art is a messy job!
If you could do another job for just one day, what would it be?
I would be a lifeguard in Hawaii.
You teach high schoolers – if you could go back and give your high school self any advice, what would it be?
I would tell my high school self to think of others as more important than yourself. I think it’s easy as a teenager to be self absorbed. I wish I would have looked outside of myself a lot more.
If you could have a super power, what would it be and why?
I would like to have a super power of blinking my eyes and the house is clean and the laundry is done!
What is the best book you have ever read?
The Shack was my favorite book. I remember writing down so many meaningful quotes.
Tell us something that might surprise us about you?
I’ve run 12 full marathons.
Junior Eagle Council Paints 615 Rocks!
The newly-formed Junior Eagle Council decided to spread some cheer by inviting other elementary students to join them in painting 615 Rocks and planting them around the Bellevue community. 615 Rocks! is an initiative to build community by planting these creative rocks for people to find and then share on the 615 Rocks! Facebook page. Nashville Christian School President Mrs. Shelton spotted one in a tree near her parking space. If you have an Eagle eye and you spot one of our rocks, you can help spread the fun by posting a picture of it on the 615 Rocks! Facebook page here.
Honoring Fran Sexton at the Elementary Art Show
The Elementary Art Show was such a great night of celebrating the creativity our our youngest eagles. Everyone was excited to see their artwork framed and show it off to their families. It was great to see the students that received ribbons beaming with pride. Families got to slow down from their busy schedules and enjoy some time to do art together. How often does that happen? We had origami, drawing, spin art, and even shrinky dinks.
We also took time on this special night to honor someone very special to the Nashville Christian family, Mrs. Fran Sexton. Fran blessed Nashville Christian School and its students for thirteen years. Mrs. Sexton has served as a second grade teacher, art teacher, and administrator. When students were asked to share thoughts about Mrs. Sexton they were quick to respond, lovingly.
Here's what some of her former students had to say about her:
"I remember the bird painting we did. I loved that project." - Griffin Smith
"She pushed us to perfection." - Peyton Woodard
"I remember the beach project that we did and still have it hanging on my wall." - Julia Belle
"She let me stay after class to work on a special project that is still hanging on my wall at home." - Millie Boone
"We did different projects that I thought would turn out weird, but they always turned out cool." - Devin Ray
Mrs. Sexton served as a mentor to our teachers and always spread an attitude of positivity. Her love for the school continues when she visits just to say hello. We miss seeing Mrs. Sexton every day and wish her the best in her retirement.
What a great night, and we can't wait until next year's art show!
Congratulations to the ribbon winners:
Kindergarten
First place: Olivia Cart, Red and Blue Makes Purple Cat
Second place: Walker Overbay, Pears Still-Life
Third place: Malachi Payne, Yellow and Blue Make Green Frog
First Grade
First place: Duncan Holt, Pears Still-Life
Second place: Cooper Daugherty, Rousseau Inspired Tiger
Third place: Scout Green, Romero Britto Face
Second Grade
First place: Joshua Peffer, Rose Window Design
Second place: Peyton Kubik, Cutouts Inspired by Matisse
Third place: London Biggs, Landscape with Rocks
Third Grade
First place: Ellie Sheehan, Landscape with Rocks
Second place: AJ Page, Landscape with Mountains
Third place: Isaiah Moore, Toucan
Fourth Grade
First place: Bryson Elizer, Self-Portrait
Second place: Landan Cooper, Self-Portrait
Third place: Caleb Hamilton, Football
Fifth Grade
First place: Christopher Mitchell, Self-Portrait
Second place: Mia Ryckman, Self-Portrait
Third place: Jane Claire Gill, The Wave
Teacher Spotlight - Mr. Caleb Goff
We have a few new teachers who joined the Nashville Christian School staff this year, and we wanted to help you get to know them a little better. Mr. Goff teaches Algebra and Pre-Calculus in the high school, but here are a few things you might not know about him:
Tell us a little about your background:
I grew up in Shreveport, Louisiana and went to school at Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas, where I met my wonderful wife, Colleen, in a Biology class. Colleen works in interior design and architecture, and together we have two puppies - Mies and Mobi (9 and 8 months old). Mies is a Mini Australian Shepard (named after Mies van Der Rohe, a famous German architect), and Mobi is an Australian Cattle Dog (named after August Mobius, a famous mathematician).
What is your favorite thing to do?
My (two) favorite things to do are to cook, and to play the board game Patchwork with my wife.
What is the best part of your job?
Seeing a student's face when they realize they understand a difficult math concept.
What is your least favorite part of your job?
That I can't bring my dogs with me.
If you could do another job for just one day, what would it be?
I would love to work in journalism or be a political commentator.
You teach high schoolers – if you could go back and give your high school self any advice, what would it be?
Don't pressure yourself into knowing what career you're going to have or what major you'll be before you graduate high school. As of 2013, the average college student changes their major 3 times, and the average person changes careers 5-7 times over their lifetime. Be flexible, take classes in subjects you love, and make strong connections with your teachers in high school (and professors in college).
If you could have a super power, what would it be and why?
I mean... can I just be Spider-Man?
What is the best book you have ever read?
Catch-22 by Joseph Heller, followed very closely by One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish by Dr. Seuss
Tell us something that might surprise us about you.
Throughout high school, I got better grades in English than in math (and I won 5 different poetry contests my junior and senior years).
Middle School Students Attend Jr. Beta 2017
For the last 15 years, NCS has participated in the annual Jr. Beta convention, hosted at the Opryland Hotel. Students from all over Tennessee travel to Nashville and compete in various competitions that test your brain, leadership, team-building skills, and creativity. You also get to make new friends and build friendships with others along the way.
This year, Nashville Christian School competed in various competitions such as poetry, quiz bowl, photography, sculpting, and much more. 8th grader Madison Turner placed fifth in the sculpture competition. Speaking for myself, I know that everybody on this trip learned so much while doing things they enjoyed. I can’t wait to see what we will achieve next year in Jr Beta.
Senior Job Shadow Day 2017
An important part of senior year is Job Shadow Day. Not only are our seniors trying to decide where to go to college, but what they want to do for a living. This year's students explored lots of different careers and here's what some of them had to say about what they learned:
I loved job shadow day! I got to meet an up and coming country music artist, Jay Allen, and got to sit in the recording studio with him. I also got to learn a lot about promotions in the music business. - Makenna Paszek
I shadowed a professor of music at Lipscomb University. I took his music theory and classical piano classes. - Will Batty
Job shadowing a dance teacher was actually very informative for me. Seeing the varying levels of communication between Payton with the little kids, the middle school kids, and the advanced kids was really interesting because that is something I have a hard time with. I learned about the realities of doing something in the arts for a career, not just the fun hour classes at the studio, but the work that goes into it. Overall it was a really fun experience. - Ryan Leflar
I job shadowed my youth minister and friend David Lee who is a building contractor, and also works for the Gospel Advocate. My experience was fun and entertaining, as I followed him around and helped put up dry wall, mail packages, and other things. I spent abou 4 hours with him doing this and enjoyed it. - Will Connelly
I enjoyed my job shadow day. I shadowed the finance department at Healthtrust. I learned how what I'm learning in statistics class relates to the real world. - Warren Hanson
I had a great time at Dr. Manning’s dentist office for shadow day. I was able to watch a hygienist clean teeth, and Dr. Manning put in a couple crowns for people who needed them. I also was able to watch a tooth be made, very cool. - Cassidy Rice
I went to see the post production center of CMT. I watched an experienced editor work on an interview of the new American idol judges. It was a fun and interesting experience. - Cade Thompson
My job shadow experience made me feel somewhat amazed. I never thought that even a business as relatively small as where I shadowed (Compass Cinema) could be so productive. - Ford Hulgan
I enjoyed going to Hunt Memorials with my dad and Charlie Hunt. We went to a location and put up monuments. We then went back to their office, and my father showed me how to design stones on his computer. - Maverick Marlin
I spent my job shadow day with an actor that is married to my mom’s friend. He has been in multiple films and tv shows; his most recent being Barb’s father in season 2 of Stranger Things. - Jackson Forte
On my job shadow day, I shadowed Seth Gunnells, a web developer at GS&F. He has helped develop many high caliber websites, such as LP’s website. Throughout the day, I met with several different people who explained what a typical work day would be like. It helped me determine that computer science is actually what I want to major in. - Chad Kinnard
For my job shadow at Bellevue Animal Hospital, I was able to help out with a dental appointment on a dog, assist with antibiotics for a dog with an ear infection (turns out it was Libby Weatherly’s bulldog), help re-bandage an 8-week-old puppy’s broken leg, and sit in on regular checkups with other cats and dogs. I really enjoyed spending my day at the vets office, and it really solidified my decision to major in pre vet next year. - Sara Wilson
I shadowed an eletrical engineer for job shadow day. He works from home so I went to his house, shadowed what he did, and then had lunch and asked him some questions about engineering and Tennessee Tech. - Nick Mynatt
My Job Shadow experience was quite interesting! I shadowed my Dad's team, which included IT Auditors, Cyber Security phishers, and data analysts who worked for LifePoint Hospitals. I spent a full day, from 8am-5pm, learning about the job, the company, and the specifics. Overall, I had a great day learning about Computer Sciences and enjoying a day to live in the real world. - Chandler White
For my job shadow I went to Civil Sites Design group. They have a new building that overlooks downtown and I got to go see some Job sites. I learned a lot about the different architecture and engineering jobs that are out there and I think that’s what I would like to do when I get older. - Brooks Cummings
I got the opportunity to shadow two home health nurses and go on two home visits in the low income public housing area. These mothers are faced with multiple social issues due to their low socioeconomic status therefore they welcome the nurses to come into the home to teach them parenting skills and child development. While on the visits, I watched and listened to the nurses carefully on how they acted with the children and spoke with the mothers. I enjoyed being able to learn about the struggles that some people face in my very own home town. I cannot wait to become a nurse and help these people in my surrounding area! - Libby Weatherly
I was able to job shadow a Engineer for Skanska construction company. I got to see what it was like being a higher chained engineer on a job site. We were working on the new LifeWay building downtown and I was able to meet the owners of the building. It was an insightful experience that I will never forget. - Nathan Gaidos
"Stand" Shows NCS Students the Other Side
On Monday, October 9th, several of our English students had the privilege of watching a powerful performance of Stand, a new play by Jim Reyland that brings a new perspective to homelessness. Stand has only two characters: Mark, a salesman, and Johnny, a homeless man struggling from years of drug addiction. It is a true story based on Reyland’s relationship with John Robert Ellis, a homeless man he befriended and tried to help for nearly a decade before Ellis was killed by a hit-and-run driver in 2011.
The show is part of TPAC’s Humanities Outreach in Tennessee and ticket sales benefit Room in the Inn, a Tennessee organization that offers emergency services, transitional programs, and long-term solutions to help people rebuild their lives. The Founding Director of Room in the Inn, Charles Strobel, was in attendance and spoke to our students after the performance and answered their questions. Here’s what some of our students had to say about how they were impacted by Stand.
The thing about the play that was so impactful to me was the realistic portrayal of recovery, showing how it’s more of a two steps forward one step backwards kind of process rather than a straight line constantly going upwards. I liked how the two characters helped each other equally, and the relationship they shared. – Jolie Harper
I like that the man [Mark] stepped out of his normal routine and helped the homeless man. I learned that sometimes we need to step out of our comfort zone and help others. – Hampton Taron
It was super eye-opening as to how we should treat others no matter the circumstances they are in. - Anna Jones
I thought the play was very deep on how you may think you are better than homeless people, but you are really just the same but with more money. And other people who may be homeless don't always have the childhood and conditions it takes to be successful, and they end up that way, all by things they can't control. - Hope McWright
I learned that homelessness isn't easy to get out of. It is not necessarily about being lazy, but about falling into a cycle of hopelessness. Homeless people aren't treated with the same respect as other people are and that was really impactful to me. –Annmarie Alexander
I found the fact that the man took a lot of time to befriend and take care of the homeless man very impactful. I see homeless people people all the time, but this man had the courage to help him on a personal level. – Riley Griffin
Addiction is a serious thing, and its not easy to walk away from as people may think. Also, homelessness is a serious thing that many people ignore, but there are those who recognize it like Mark did. What we don’t realize is that the homeless can help us too. They give us a whole different view of life. – Ben Simpson
The act of helping someone is where the real worth is, not whether or not they've recovered. It's a 'journey is more important than the destination' type situation. – Nate Lewis
This was my second time seeing Stand as I first saw the play on a drama field trip freshman year. I believe that this time I put more thought into the idea that it may not have been Jonny's fault for the situation he was in. I took away that some people may have genetic traits that simply make them more likely to become addicted to substances and that substance abuse may be less of a choice and more of a trap people fall into. – Dominic Stephens
“Stand” performed at NCS from Nashville Christian on Vimeo.
Charles Strobel encouraged students that the best way they can help right now is to support the larger systems which are already in place and change the conversation about the homeless. Room in the Inn currently has 190 congregations in Middle Tennessee that provide food and shelter, a downtown campus, and over 6,500 volunteers. To learn more about how you can help Room in the Inn, go to roomintheinn.org.
NCS Goes to Europe
Ask any one of the NCS students who spent two weeks in Europe what their favorite part of the trip was, and you’ll likely get many different answers.
Maybe it was the last night in Normandy, when we walked barefoot on Gold Beach, where the British forces landed on D-Day, the cool winds of the English Channel not enough to stop one student from diving head first into the frigid water and swimming to the remains of the artificial harbors.
Maybe it was the next night, in Paris, when we all ventured to the top of the Eiffel Tower, and made it down just in time to see the light show, some of us thinking, in hindsight, the elevator really would have been better than the stairs.
Or, for some, it was the morning in the Alps, driving past the crystal blue rivers on the way to Eagle’s Nest, Hitler’s mountain retreat, where he only visited fourteen times to entertain people of significance, but many of us would have stayed forever given the chance.
And, in between, the moments no less significant: walking where bunkers once stood at Dachau Concentration Camp and feeling the emotional pull of the events that occurred there decades ago; a moment difficult to label as a favorite, but still meaningful in its own right. Or the American Cemetery, in Normandy, hearing the Star Spangled Banner play as the waves of Omaha Beach rolled in the distance. Touring through Notre Dame during mass, as the late afternoon sun streamed through a stained glass window onto a priest in red robes, or having our first (and possibly last) sauerkraut on the last night in Munich.
Maybe it was running after a train in London after spending too much time gazing at Big Ben and the Elizabethan Tower lit up at night, watching the Glockenspiel in Munich perform its nightly show, seeing the Mona Lisa, or touring the gardens at Versailles.
Or, maybe, the best part was looking around at dinner, seeing the exhausted, happy looks on everyone’s faces, and the agreement that, even after two weeks together, we could have gone two more.
For two weeks, NCS students toured five countries with the purpose of experiencing the history of World War II firsthand. They explored Churchill’s London war room, touched the Nazi bunker walls in the Alps, and stood in foxholes Allied soldiers used during the Battle of the Bulge. They wondered how a cathedral in Cologne escaped destruction from Allied bombing, and learned how a country learns from its mistakes at the Topography of Terror Museum in Berlin before laying hands on what remains of the wall that once divided a country in two.
Ask any one of the NCS students who spent two weeks in Europe what their favorite part of the trip was, and you’ll likely get many different answers. Ask them if they’d do it again, and you’ll likely only get one answer.
For a student perspective on the trip, see junior Hope McWright's story here.
4th and 5th Use Algebra to Escape
Algebra 1 students put their math skills to work and created a "Math Escape Room" for 4th and 5th grade students related to their math standards. They started out by visiting Breakout Nashville to try it for themselves and learn how it is done. Breakout Nashville is a popular new form of entertainment where players have an hour to break out of a room by cracking codes, solving riddles, piecing together puzzles and finding clues. After the Algebra I students escaped the room they played, they were able to meet with some of the game creators to talk about what goes into making a successful escape room. They then spent several weeks designing a math-based escape room for elementary students.
Once the escape room design was complete, the 4th and 5th graders were ready to try their hand at making an escape. Each group was given 30 minutes to solve a mystery. The backstory they were given was:
You and your friends are at a birthday party. The parents have left to get food for the party, and you have decided to find the birthday presents and get out before they come back.
Each group had a different approach to working together and solving clues. Some groups took it all the way down to the last second, but every group managed to put their math skills to work and escape with the presents! Here’s what some of them had to say about this unique math lesson:
Escape Room from Nashville Christian on Vimeo.
Posavac is Principal for the Day
"Back in November's silent auction, Caleigh Posavac's parents bid on "Principal for the Day" and landed her a special day in the elementary offices. Principal Posavac observed classes, praised students by handing out Eagle Wings, helped prepare the hot cocoa party for second grade, and wrote notes of encouragement.
Thank you, Principal Posavac for making your day a great one! It was wonderful to see you in this role and the smiles you brought out in the Elementary Eagles. I hope you had a memorable day. Be on the lookout for future "Principal of the Day" opportunities.
Physics Students' STEM Field Trip
Seventeen Nashville Christian physics students were excited to attend the annual Lipscomb STEM Day event last month. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
On this field trip, our students experienced hands-on activities in biology, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, physics, engineering, and psychology. In one session, they learned basic computer coding, and in another, built models to demonstrate how civil engineers add strength to buildings with trusses. The students then spent some time in the lab learning about the chemistry of fireworks, flame-testing various chemicals to record their unique colors! They also used spectroscopes to identify the absorption spectrum of elements.
Careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics play a key role in the sustained growth and stability of the U.S. economy. Through STEM, Nashville Christian Students are becoming critical thinkers, increasing science literacy, and becoming the next generation of innovators!
Elementary Teachers Visit the Inspiring Ron Clark Academy
Four Nashville Christian School teachers recently had the opportunity to fulfill a dream listed on their “teacher bucket lists." The first week in February, Anissa Demonbreun (5th grade), Tori Lane (5th grade), Shelley Greenlee (4th grade), and Jeanne Graham (3rd grade) attended Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, GA. Ron Clark is an American educator who has worked with disadvantaged students in North Carolina, inner city New York, and most currently in his own school, Ron Clark Academy. The two-day training included opportunities for our NCS teachers to not only learn from Mr. Clark, but also experience his way of teaching for themselves. RCA (Ron Clark Academy) believes in keeping students engaged through several techniques including the "55 Essential Rules” coined by Mr. Clark himself.
RCA has been featured in a multitude of media outlets, including “CBS This Morning” and “The Oprah Winfrey Show." The 130 RCA students (grades 5th - 8th) have the opportunity to not only attend this private institution for an academic education, but they also learn social and life skills that prepare them for the next level. Most RCA students come from extremely low-income families. Upon entering RCA in the 5th grade, students are in the 13th-15th percentile in academic standings. RCA prides itself on the hard work that its very small faculty and student body put in each and every day. The past three years, RCA has produced testing scores over the 93rd percentile! How do they do this? Through extreme teaching techniques that keep students engaged, challenged and ALWAYS thinking. There is no down time, and teachers expect students to be active, team learners that debate and guide one another to answers.
While visiting RCA, our teachers spent many hours in classrooms and came back renewed and full of ideas. All four teachers were excited to share their newfound inspiration with their coworkers and were given the opportunity to share and train other NCS teachers at a recent faculty meeting. Here's what they had to say about the experience:
“RCA was easily one of the top five best experiences of my life. I was brought to tears watching students engage with one another, and overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness and appreciation they showed us as educators. These kids come from nothing and value everything about their education. It was life-changing as a teacher, and made me want to work even harder.”
- Shelley Greenlee
“Being an educator for 23 years that has attended many professional developments, RCA was by far the best experience I have attended in all my years of teaching. We were able to watch and participate in classes where teaching and learning techniques were taken entirely to a new level. It showed us as teachers that rigor and learning can be fun while instilling good character traits in students. The confidence the students at RCA showed us over and over again made a huge impression on us all. This experience has changed me as a teacher, and that will hopefully trickle down to my students in my classroom.”
- Anissa Demonbreun
"This experience is one that has been on my bucket list since I went to Central Michigan University. I was overwhelmed by the positivity, creativity, and magic that exudes from every single person at RCA. It was exciting, mind-blowing, and truly an experience that I will never forget. I walked away feeling inspired, energized, and on fire to return to Nashville Christian School and do amazing work on behalf of all of my students!"
- Victoria Lane
"To be honest, I was not prepared for what I experienced at Ron Clark Academy. The other three teachers who were going had an idea of what to expect. Watching and listening to them as our time to enter RCA approached, I increasingly felt like a child who had found a "golden ticket" without knowing how important it was. Entering the arched gate and the doors to the school, then being greeted by a band and students who look you in the eye and genuinely make you feel welcome was heartwarming and exhilarating. Observing the deliberate interactions between dedicated faculty and engaged students made me realize that expectations for our children need to be increased. Knowing what is possible and seeing how to attain it, is inspiring. There are so many lessons I want to share from this experience. However, my hope is that all of our faculty can go and experience RCA for themselves. Nashville Christian School is a great institution of learning, but we can always work to be better. Ron Clark is an innovator in education. Many of his ideas are worth trying here."
- Jeanne Graham, 3rd Grade Teacher
NCS Competes at TSA Regional Conference
On January 20th 2017, the NCS TSA took part in the Middle Tennessee Regional Conference. TSA stands for the Technology Student Association and they compete in three STEM related competitions throughout the school year. This was the 3rd year that the High School TSA team competed and placed at the Regional Conference. This year’s High School Quiz Bowl team, comprised of Kobe Word, Dominic Stephens and Maggie Shivers, placed 2nd after losing a close match in overtime. Quiz Bowl is a game show type competition where students are asked STEM related questions. The team looks to carry on their winning performance to the State Conference in April.
For the first time ever, NCS was able to take a Middle School team to compete this year. Six students competed in three events, with all three events placing and bringing home hardware. Emma Nguyen took part in Digital Photography and placed 3rd. Mikey Dubois and Cavin Phung took part in Technology Problem Solving also placed 3rd. McClure Gill, Griffin Moore and Tate Allen took part in a competition called Inventions and Innovations where teams came up with an invention or a process to help solve a problem. The team then pitches their idea to an “investor” Shark Tank style. The NCS team’s water filtration device brought home a 2nd place plaque.
The High School and Middle School teams are now preparing to compete in the State Conference in Chattanooga in April. The State Conference will offer a larger venue and more students will be competing in a larger number of events. The teams will compete in the same events as they did in Regionals plus a handful more. 15 or more students are looking to make the trip and compete in events like Flight, Video Game Design, Forensic Technology and Stem Animation.
NCS also recently purchased two brand new Vex Robotics kits for Middle School and High School. Vex is a partner with TSA and will hold a competition at the State and National conferences this year. NCS looks to take both High School and Middle School teams to compete this year.
NCS 7th Grader Kate Pearson Publishes Her First Book!
When Nashville Christian 7th grader Kate Pearson started a book club with her friends last year, she never dreamed they'd be celebrating the launch of her first book a few months later! This adventure was all born out of the friendships Kate has at Nashville Christian School. Last year she and her friends started a 6th grade reading club and began to “crowdsource” a book together. Each would write a chapter and then email the story to the next person. Kate was having such a good time, we decided to find a summer camp for writers.
A Novel Idea (ANI) is a 30-day writing camp designed to teach kids how to write and publish their very own novels. During the summer, Kate learned new technical writing skills, gained an understanding of a novel’s framework, and organized and produced a final manuscript on a very tight deadline. The ANI program nurtured and challenged her to find her voice, conquer her “inner critic” and bring her imagination to life. As Kate put it, “writing a novel taught me that I really can do anything I put my mind to!”
Here’s a synopsis of her book, The Selected:
Identical twins Natalie and James uncover a shocking discovery at their new boarding school that will change their lives forever. While just getting settled in the new school, everybody back home gets kidnapped, and it’s up to Natalie and James to save their mom, aunt, and newborn cousins from the mysterious group called THE VOID. Alliances change, but Natalie and James can’t give up, or they’ll lose their family forever.
The Selected is now available for purchase online at this link: http://www.lulu.com/shop/kate-pearson/the-selected/paperback/product-22936941.html
Congratulations Kate! We know this is the first of many books to come, and we look forward to seeing where God takes you and your talents! We are NC!
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Nine New National Honor Society Inductees
Congratulations to the accomplished students inducted into Nashville Christian School’s chapter of the National Honor Society this morning! Caroline Armstrong, Grace Curley, Nathan Gaidos, Maverick Marlin, Cassidy Moore, Emily Osborne, Abbie Page, Bryce Pemberton, and David Whelan were recognized in a special ceremony today followed by a small reception with family and friends.
The National Honor Society (NHS) is the nation's premier organization established to recognize outstanding high school students. More than just an honor roll, the NHS serves to recognize students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, and character.
These nine distinguished students have certainly excelled in each of these areas, and we are so proud of their hard work and example. They have worked with diligence in the classroom, and served their school and community with passion and distinction.
We are proud of you!
Second Graders Get “Hands On” and Learn Sign Language
Nashville Christian School second graders recently studied Helen Keller and her contribution to education. They read stories and books about her and watched movies about her life and how she was able to communicate as a deaf and blind woman. Students researched her teacher, Annie Sullivan, and the impact that both of them had on history for the blind and deaf community. They also studied Braille, learning how and why it is used.
Their final activity was to have a sign-language interpreter come into their classroom and teach them sign language. They learned the alphabet in order to know how to "say" their names and learned important words like Mom, Dad, Christmas, and Jesus. While Mrs. Cooper read the book The Three Little Pigs, the students watched the interpreter as she signed the words.
Overall, the experience was exciting for the students and opened up many conversations about what others are capable of with disabilities and differences.
Fall Field Trips Are Fun!
This fall was full of fun for Nashville Christian School students. Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd Grade visited Honeysuckle Hill Farm where they took a hayride, picked a pumpkin, visited a petting farm, jumped on some giant jumping pillows, and even learned to milk a cow!
3rd Grade had an awesome time at Kentucky Down Under – a park full of Australian animals! Students got to feed a baby kangaroo, and saw emus and a giant tortoise just to name a few. Some lucky 3rd graders got to feed and pet an Australian mountain cavy who was rather shy and skittish. Another highlight was visiting Mammoth Cave.
4th and 5th Graders had an amazing time at Discovery Park of America - a world-class entertainment and educational experience with more than 70,000 square feet of exhibits focused on nature, science, technology, history, and art. Students also enjoyed beautiful weather while exploring the 50 acres of gardens, grounds and exhibits focused on history.
Middle school students made a service field trip this month. They filled 2000 backpacks with 7000+ meals (8799 lbs. of food) at Second Harvest and packed supplies at the Disaster Relief Center for hurricane relief.
Freshmen and sophomores went to TPAC to see a performance of Romeo and Juliet, while seniors spent a day job shadowing with surgeons, teachers, airline pilots, business professionals, entrepreneurs, philanthropists and so much more!
From Kindergarten through 12th Grade, Nashville Christian is a fun place to learn, offering many once-in-a-lifetime experiences. When you start at Nashville Christian School, you can go anywhere, and these talented students are certainly going to go far!
Fall Field Trips from Nashville Christian on Vimeo.
Community Helpers
Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd have been learning about community helpers. This month they met a police officer with a drug dog named Dome, got a visit from some local fire fighters, and even got to see what the Metro Police Bomb Squad does! To finish off their week of learning about community helpers, our kindergarteners dressed as what they want to be when they grow up! Here are some photos from the week:
Community Helpers from Nashville Christian on Vimeo.
Honoring Marsha Forehand
We recently had the special opportunity to honor teacher Marsha Forehand as she moves into retirement. Mrs. Forehand was so loved by generations of students at NCS for her kind heart, gentle spirit, and love for the Lord. Mrs. Forehand taught at NCS from 1995 - 2016. She served in several capacities including teaching PreKindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade, and Leadership/Bible. She impacted children with her passion for reading and the Lord. Her classroom was covered in "stuffed lambs" given to her by years of NCS students because of her commitment to teach them about the "Lamb of God." Here’s what some of our staff and students had to say about Mrs. Marsha Forehand.
"There is nothing more beautiful than someone who goes out of their way to make life beautiful for others. And that’s exactly what Mrs. Forehand does." – Robbie Lewis (Administrative Assistant)
"Mrs. Forehand always has a servant’s heart. She demonstrates the love of Christ in all that she does. Anytime I think of someone as being most Christ-like, I immediately think of her." - Anissa Demonbreun (5th Grade Teacher)
"Mrs. Forehand has such a caring heart. She always wanted to know about what was going on in my life." – Makenna Paszek (11th Grade)
"Ms. Forehand was extremely encouraging and welcoming when I came back to NCS to work. Her frequently written notes always reminded me to go to God first with all things. Ms. Forehand showed love and care with my Kindergartener, and we will never forget the impact she had on our family's beginning at Nashville Christian School." - Lauren Brasel (Elementary Principal)
"Our family is so grateful for the years of devotion she gave to the students and families. She has a unique ability to find in students a way of encouraging each child to feel good about themselves. I will always be grateful for her encouraging spirit." – Martha Faust (LIFE Teacher)
"Marsha Forehand was one of the first teachers I met when I started teaching at NCS. She referred to us as "the Senior Saints." I miss stopping by her room to see her in the mornings.. She is extremely quick-witted and funny." – Fran Sexton (Elementary Art Teacher)
"Mrs. Forehand was a very kind teacher. Even though i was in 2nd grade, I still remember some of the things she taught me. She was one of the only teachers I’ve ever had to apply life lessons in school almost every day. She acted in a Christ-like manner that's for sure no matter what. Mrs. Forehand was one of the best teachers I’ve ever had, and I will never forget about her." – Zach Hamilton (12th Grade)
"Mrs. Forehand was my second grade teacher, and I couldn't have been more thankful for her. While she might've been my teacher in second grade, she still makes appearances in my life today as a Senior. I randomly see her out and about, or just around NCS, and Mrs.Forehand gives me a hug, asks how I'm doing, or simply just says hi and tells me that she misses me. I'm so thankful that Mrs.Forehand has been in my life since second grade!!" – Brittan Jarrell (12th Grade)
"Marsha Forehand is one of the most thoughtful people that I have had the pleasure to know. She has spent the last twenty-one years serving our students and modeling Christ. I had the amazing opportunity to honor her in elementary chapel this past Wednesday. We celebrated Ms. Forehand for her unwavering example of seeking God first, speaking faithfully, and expressing humility in all things. I am grateful for her commitment to Nashville Christian, and I know that our children loved celebrating her! – Connie Jo Shelton
Learning About Life on the Farm
In kindergarten we spent a week learning about things that you would find on a farm. We learned about animals, foods, people, and machines that you might discover. We talked about how animals provide food and clothing. The boys and girls loved matching baby animals to adult animals and talking about what each was called. Later in the week, we talked about milk and all the different things we make from milk in preparation for them to make their very own butter. To finish up farm week we used heavy cream, a little salt, a mason jar and a whole lot of shaking to make butter for a special snack of toast and jelly. We loved eating the sweet creamy butter and talking about all the things we learned about farms!
Second Grade Study Takes Flight!
The 2nd graders have been studying life cycles and for three weeks, they observed the many stages of development of butterflies. They came as 1 cm long, thin black or brown larva. They ate and ate and ate until they grew to about 3 cm and became much thicker caterpillars. When they were ready to move into the pupa stage, they crawled to the top of their cups and attached to the lid with their bodies in a J shape. Once they formed the chrysalises, Mrs. Graham transferred the chrysalises from the cups to a net enclosure.
Each second grader had a couple of butterflies they were responsible for and they gave them names like Spikey and Dillen. As the class patiently waited for the butterflies to emerge, they talked about the metamorphosis the creatures were experiencing inside. The focus of their study was life cycles, but they also learned a lot about God's power to change us too.
Once the beautiful butterflies emerged, they class used a writing assignment to compose goodbye letters which they read at the release party. Each student read their letter and then received a lollypop to help move the butterflies from the safety of their net enclosure to the outside world. It was so exciting to see the butterflies they had studied for so long finally take flight!
As a continuation of their study, the class now has tadpoles that have developed tiny legs and will soon become frogs!
First Grade Visits the Capitol
In 1st grade we learn all about Tennessee. We identify the Mayor and Governor, and explain their roles in government. We learn about rules and voting for laws on a state level. Through geography, we identify the three Grand Divisions of Tennessee, and how they represent the stars on our state's flag. Then students are taught to identify where Nashville is on the map.
Each year I enjoy taking my class to see firsthand where these important politicians work and where they meet and vote for laws that help us. This year, the Secretary of State Tre Hargett spoke with us for a few minutes as our tour began. We got to walk through the Governor’s office and see the beautiful paintings. Upstairs in the Capitol we met Representative Mitchell. Representative Mitchell gave each student a Tennessee Blue Book, and to our class he gave a Tennessee flag and American flag! He then asked Senator Dickerson to come out and speak with the students and take a picture. Both men kindly took time to speak with my students and answer their questions. The students all were intrigued to find out William Strickland and Samuel Morgan are both buried in the north wall and south wall of the Capitol. As we were leaving, Governor Haslam was also heading down the outside stairs and waved at our class!
Both 1st grade students and parents had a terrific time listening and learning about our state’s history. I love that at such an early age these 1st graders can begin to learn about their state and walk the halls where history is made.
Capitol Visit from Nashville Christian on Vimeo.
Kindness Counts at NCS
It started in October, anti-bullying month, but our elementary students have decided to focus on kindness all year long. Kindness Counts is a not-for-profit organization that “uses creative and unconventional approaches to inspire active kindness.” Our elementary students have come up with some creative ways to actively show kindness to others. In October, Pre-K through fifth grade students had a weekly focus for kindness including a “secret friend,” doing something special for school personnel, and service projects. For their “secret friends” students did kind things for a classmate without seeking recognition. Some students were recognized for exemplary kindness with a kindness award at the end of the month.
For the month of November, students wrote special things about each other and posted it on the wall. Currently, we have a giant kindness tree hanging in the Elementary school hallway. Each grade wrote kind words on hearts that now hang on the tree. There are quotes, scripture, and examples of how each of them have shown kindness. There is an envelope of blank hearts next to the tree so that people can continue to add kind and encouraging words.
This April, our monthly guidance theme is based on the book "Have You Filled Your Bucket Today?" It is all about filling each other's “buckets” with all sorts of things: love, kindness, caring, etc. It also teaches kids about being a bucket filler not a bucket dipper (taking away from other people's buckets). We have a special surprise activity scheduled for the month of April to really nail down this concept.
We are so proud of our students and all the kindness they have shown one another. Come and see our Kindness Counts tree in the elementary hallway, and you can’t help but be uplifted by all the encouraging words shared there! Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32