THE heraldVOLUME 4, ISSUE 1, FALL 2017

“YOU ROCK” by Dr. Ann H. McLean

At Hunter we talk about building a firm foundation in our students. What could be more important in the early years, educationally? What does that mean, actually?

The Bible tells us that building your house on shifting sands does not work. But the man who builds his house upon a rock builds upon a foundation which will stand firm and endure when tested.

From this original story comes the classic children’s story which might be taught in Mrs. Mills’ K class: when the big, bad wolf “huffs and puffs” and tries to “blow the house down.” The brick house, as opposed to the stick or straw houses, stands firm. Many people today are swayed by “bricks and mortar” of a school’s physical plant, as if that foundation will hold during storms.

We at HCCS know the true foundation is an invisible one. We intentionally structure our school day, and curriculum, to enhance the foundational learning of our students at the grammar level. We introduce the Logic phase in Middle School, to help grow the mind and spirit of our students. At chapel we look to Biblical accounts of St. Peter, the “rock”, who began as a “pebble”, when we take seriously Paul’s admonition to “bring them up in the nurture and admonition of God.” (Eph. 6:4) We aim to impart the knowledge of virtue in our students, every single day. Our desire is to teach them to think well, reason, remember, and discern, since Christianity is a “remembering religion” based on truthful, historical accounts.

Recently, Burrell Stultz brought her rock collection in to share with students during Science Exploration: mica, malachite, quartz, obsidian, and geodes fascinated the children as they touched the different surfaces and textures, varying strengths and colors God provides. Training the affections of a child — teaching them to love the good, true and beautiful — delivered in a way which will “stick”, and which honors our Creator, makes classical, Christian education effective for the long-haul.

Our school culture is designed to ground students in reality, and yet cultivate their imaginations as well. Carefully chosen curricular content “shores up” foundational learning, and develops in students life-long habits and disciplines. We know these habits, when based in Truth and Love, will hold when the going gets tough.

Classical, Christian education is an investment (and a partnership), but the first step is knowing that a firm foundation matters.

As English writer John Milton so wisely said, “The end, then, of learning is to repair the ruins of our first parents” [Adam and Eve] by learning to “know God aright”, and “out of that knowledge to love Him, to imitate Him, and to be like Him.” (Milton, “Of Education”)

In doing so, we indeed build a firm foundation. H

635 Manakin Road, Manakin-Sabot, Virginia 23103 • 804-708-0048 • info@HunterCCS.org • HunterCCS.org

“He is like a man which built a house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock; and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded upon a rock.” – (LUKE 6:8)

DBC SPORTSMAN MINISTRY KICK OFF EVENT NOV. 19THA new ministry at Dover Baptist, the Sportsman Ministry, kicks off its first event on  Sunday, November 19th. This event should appeal to all outdoor-minded children and families.

It features a Corn Hole competition for all ages, free hot dogs and hamburgers, and frisbee and football, and will take place after the Sunday service from 1pm-4pm. 

Jean Eyrolles tells us that the Sportsman’s Ministry plans to bring in a game-bird demonstration (falconry), archery demonstrations, a “learn to fish” day as well and possibly a camp out. 

All “Hawks” and “Herons” should flock to this event, which is just prior to our Nov. 19th Open House ( 4-5:30pm). Spread the word and get the boys (and girls) out in nature! H

LANGUAGE ARTS AND CHAPEL GUEST LEWIS P. LAWSONOn Wednesday, November 1st, Lewis P. Lawson, a veteran educator, visited HCCS to share his childhood experiences and teach on the importance of faith during times of adversity.

Mr. Lawson detailed his early love of cowboys and the “Wild West”. His brothers encouraging him to saddle up their St. Bernard dog, which he did, only to be bucked off after a brief, exciting ride down the street and break his nose on the curb.

A few years later eight-year-old Lewis was roughhousing with his brother when everything “went black.” He had a broken neck. Bed-ridden (immobile) for 3 months while recovering (he was not paralyzed but needed to stay absolutely still while healing) he learned first-hand the kindness of a stranger, a fellow patient who gave him her only toy.

Mr. Lawson’s story telling/linguistic skills continued to shine when he taught Mrs. Bruce’s Language Arts students the etymology of many words from “halcyon” to “mountebank” and “cynosure”. You should have heard where these words originated! All the students were riveted and cannot wait for him to return in January! H

WELCOME NEW BOARD MEMBER, JEFF BROWN!Jeff Brown, former Head of St. Anne’s Belfield Upper School in Charlottesville, Virginia, and former English teacher at Woodberry Forest School in Orange, Va, joins the HCCS Board of Directors. Jeff has an MA from Oxford University, has served on the Board in strategic planning for St. Luke’s, Culpepper, and currently works for the Governor’s office. He is married and has two daughters.” H

“FRENCH LUNCH”Once a week the 5/6th grade French class enjoys French cuisine during a “dejeuner” together in Heritage Hall. On Monday, Oct. 30th, Madame Peete’s “French Lunch” group made “croque-monsieurs,” which are traditional French ham and cheese sandwiches, and learned the story of their origin. The students practiced vocabulary and enjoyed dining together. H

PARENTS’ LEAGUE NEWS Donna Hodges and Samantha Reed have brought energy and new ideas to the PL plans for fundraising and just plain fun! Thanks to them, the Chick-Fil-A cow met our students at an evening out this summer.

On Thursday, Nov. 9th, HCCS went to Blaze Pizza for a fundraiser and there are plans for a Christmas “Parents’ Night Out” for parents to get some shopping done or just have a quiet date with a spouse to plan the holidays together. Samantha and Donna are arranging child care and activities such as Christmas ornament crafts, a movie and fun for all!

The annual Greenery Sale and Honeybaked Hams fundraisers are being served up also. Stay tuned for a February “Father’s Night of Cards” which being planned, and many more things. From Box tops for Education to Facebook posts and costume creation, these ladies are super supporters! H

KEN MILLS’ MONDAY CHAPELS This year, Father Ken Mills, pastor of Holy Cross Reformed Episcopal church, and husband of Gigi Mills (K teacher) leads chapel each Monday. Until recently he has focused on the Protestant Reformation and life and contributions of Martin Luther, in honor of the 500th anniversary of the nailing of the 95 Theses: “for by grace you have been saved by faith” (Eph.2). After chapel Ken leads a prayer-time for parents and faculty, which is often enlivened by his piano skills and vocal training. Even while Father Mills has been pastoring a new church in Chesterfield and studying for his Ordination exams, which he passed on October 25th, he found time to teach the Kindergarteners a special plein aire painting lesson capturing God’s beauty of trees. For the remainder of the year, when not focusing on Christmas or Easter, Ken will teach on the Gospel of Mark, which is already giving our students a super background in biblical history. Thank you, Father Ken, and congratulations on your Ordination November 11! H

“THE DUEL” Mrs. Bruce’s Language Arts class presented the poem “The Duel” by Eugene Field, an American Poet of the late 19th century. Best known for its first lines, “The Gingham Dog and the Calico Cat, Side by side at the table sat,” this short skit required memorization and collaboration. Clever costumes created by Donna Hodges made this a charming production on Oct. 25th, and again for our Open House during refreshments on Oct. 26th. H

ALUMNI CORNERA varsity soccer player and honor roll student at Collegiate School for 8th and 9th grade, Mary Blair McLean continues her strong record as a 10th grade border at Virginia Episcopal School in Lynchburg, VA. AP World History, Geometry, Studio Art and field hockey (the team went to the State Championship) keep her busy and happy. She will get her driver’s license on Christmas Day!

Ashton Applewhite attends St. Christopher’s. His favorite subjects are math and English. He is playing football for the first time. He saw Dr. McLean at the Opening Hunt at his grandparents’ farm (Kitty and Andy Shield), where his mother, Katherine Applewhite, and his aunt rode.

At Goochland Middle School, Kelli Brooks has an A average, takes Algebra I, and has taken up playing the ukulele. She enjoying coming back to visit former teachers Magistra Bruce and Madame Peete.

Isabella White is enjoying 7th grade at Veritas School. She enjoys visiting HCCS to see her favorite teachers and brother Jax (4th) and for fun events like the Blaze Pizza fundraiser on November 9th. Isabella played tennis this fall and won her class Spelling Bee. Bene, Isabella! H

ET CETERAOPEN HOUSE FOR FAMILIES Help us spread the word! Our Open House will be held Nov. 19th, at 4:00-5:30 pm. Child care for children, and light refreshments. “Come see what makes us different!”

“WALK IN WEDNESDAYS” Held weekly from 9-11am. Educational consultation and tour.

HCCS TRAVELS TO “THE NUTCRACKER BALLET” All school field trip downtown to the Nutrcacker Ballet on Wednesday, December 13th.

HARVEST HELPERS CANNEDFOOD DRIVE/DRESS DOWN DAYOn November 22nd bring canned goods to our Harvest Helpers Chapel. Pay $5 to wear non-uniform. Food will be donated to the Goochland Fellowship and Family Services for needy families of Goochland.

THE PARENT’S LEAGUE “PARENT’S NIGHT OUT” ON DEC. 1ST!Fun for kids and get time with your spouse at “Parent’s Night Out.” Children will make a craft, eat dinner and play games at HCCS from 5-8pm, December 1st, 2017. Sign up in office.

LESSONS AND CAROLS CONCERTDecember 20th at 9:30am. Grandparents and extended family invited. Dress Uniform required. Christmas party afterward in Heritage Hall. Dismissed by 11:45am.

Hunter Classical Christian School’s mission is to challenge the mind, nourish the spirit, and develop the whole child in an atmosphere guided by Judeo-Christian principles.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:Noel Hodges, Board Chairman Frank Bell, Jeff Brown Wayne Hast, Ginni Mackenzie, Ann H. McLean, Ph.D. Head of School

The Herald Newsletter is a bi-annual publication. Hunter Classical Christian School accepts qualified students without regard to race, color and national or ethnic origin.

Please check the Lost and Found box in Heritage Hall before Winter Break! Thank you!

HUNTERS ON THE RUN!Several Hunter families enjoy stretching their legs and their inner discipline!

On Saturday, November 11th, father and HCCS Board Chair, Noel Hodges, ran in the Richmond Marathon. Noel said of the race, “It was a bit cold starting, but at mile 2 or so it was perfect... Not sure how I did it, but I did it!”

Lee Carter’s mother, Anne Scott Carter, ran in the marathon as well. Both Noel and Anne Scott have been training for weeks! Anne Scott Carter reported that the marathoners began their race at 7:30am, and it was around 20 degrees, a change from previous weeks’ warm weather. “I ran the whole time with two hats. One was a running hat. The other was an additional hat. And mittens.” She collapsed at the end of the race, met by husband, David; and children Lee and Courtney. Lee brought her hot chocolate at home as she thawed out.

The Weis Family (Alex and Haven; Joseph (6th) Haddie (4th) and Isaac (2nd) plan to run a family 5k November 18th.

Congratulations Hunter runners! You will be ready for a Thanksgiving feast with all the trimmings.

SAVE THE DATE! JOHN ROSEMOND TO VISIT HCCS FEBRUARY 13TH!

Come hear America’s most popular and effective Parenting Coach, speaker and author of Parenting by the Book, and other best-sellers. Tell your friends!