Some trust in chariots, and some in horses;
But we will remember the name of the Lord our God.
They have bowed down and fallen;
But we have risen and stand upright.
Psalm 20:7-8
Dear Geneva Families,
There are yet a few days left in the school year, but we can observe with joy and thanksgiving that God has given us a remarkable and healthy year. We addressed pandemic realities with care but not panic. We complied with State orders where they did not infringe on parental rights. We treated our children like children, not like worrisome super-spreaders. Parents that had greater need or desire for additional precautions were gracious and patient.
Disagreements over appropriate Covid responses did not split us apart, though good people came to different conclusions. In short, what mercy and grace God has shown us! We were able to give our students a full, robust year of instruction, and even now we are planning a Commencement and End-of-Year Soirees. Let us remember the name of the Lord our God in this time of celebration and relief.
With summer break rapidly nearing, I would encourage parents to keep their children’s minds sharp in those happy months. Keep them reading! They should always be reading something. Summer packets are being prepared to help young minds from forgetting things, but there is something I should mention in regard to that.
If a parent thinks, “Summer packets, bah! We’re done with this business for three months and I won’t make my child do schoolwork in the summer” then that’s a parent with some bad thinking. A child can forget a lot in three months, and if parents give their children the notion that “normal” life is the carefree vacation life, then grief awaits when school begins again.
Homeschool parents know that EVERYTHING can count as educational, as long as there is purpose and thought given to the activity. A child can and always should be learning. It’s just that learning takes different forms in different seasons of the year.
Geneva parents, keep your children learning over the summer. Find things that are delightful and intriguing, but that still require persistence , a good work ethic, and thought. Keep their minds working amidst the pool parties, trips, and barbecues. Read the Bible with them. Set them up for success in September.
We look forward to Aidan Allen’s Commencement this Saturday at 10:00, and next week’s Soirees. Do come! And please keep the school in your prayers!
Brian Turner | Headmaster