FROM OUR PRINCIPAL
Dear Agritopia Families,
Partnering Together to Teach Communication Skills
Teaching children communication skills from a young age is essential for their social development and life success. According to a study published by the Child Development Institute, children who learn respectful communication early tend to have better relationships with authority figures. Here on campus teachers explicitly teach and practice communication skills. Next week, during morning Pledge & Prayer, we will focus on teaching one communication skill each day to your children. Our hope is that you will join us in fostering these skills at home.
What can you do at home to help foster these skills?
Parents should model and encourage respectful communication, teaching children the importance of listening and responding appropriately to those in authority. Actively listening can significantly impact how children are perceived and how they build relationships. Strong communication skills in children lead to improved confidence, better academic performance, and stronger peer relationships. These behaviors help children develop emotional intelligence, a key predictor of success later in life. Teaching kids to respect authority, not interrupt adults when they are speaking, and follow directions without arguing promotes discipline and teaches them to manage their emotions effectively.
When children are taught to give respect and follow directions without arguing, they learn self-control, a skill that will serve them well throughout their lives. A fabulous resource for teaching these skills is the Christian book, “Boundaries with Kids” by Henry Cloud & John Townsend.
Lastly, it is essential for children to learn the importance of looking an adult in the eyes, shaking hands (yes, girls should shake hands too), and verbally greeting and acknowledging them. One of my three children was painfully shy growing up but we still required him to do this with all adults. I would always validate his fear, give him a hug and say, manners supercede shyness. I explained that even though he was shy and I understood that, it was important to show kindness and respect. Now, he is 19 and if you met him, he would extend his hand to you, look you in the eyes, give you a firm handshake and express his enjoyment in meeting you. We have come so far as his face turned red until he was 18…but the time and work paid off!
Educating with eternity in mind,
IMPORTANT DATES
9/23-27: Spirit Week
9/25-27: 7th Grade Signature Trip
9/30-10/4: Literacy Week
10/3: Family Literacy Night (5:00pm-6:15pm)
10/4: MS Knights Celebration Day at Main Event
10/7-10/21: Fall Break
10/24 & 10/25: Half Day and K-8th Grade Parent Teacher Conferences
10/28: Food Drive Begins
11/1: Father Son Challenge & MS Hang Night
FALL MADE CHALLENGE
Go to our MADE Website, use down menu at top, Challenge #1.
MIDDLE SCHOOL KNIGHTS CELEBRATION DAY
On Friday, October 4th, middle school students will be going to Main Event to celebrate their hard work during the first quarter. Please fill out this form to give your child permission to attend.
We are asking for each student to pay $5 to help cover the cost. Please use this link to pay the $5 for your child to attend. If you would like to contribute by signing up for a snack item, use this link.
DRIVELINE REMINDER
The parking lot at the west end of the school is for residential Club House use only. This area can not be utilized for drop off, pick up, or parking by GCS families or staff.
SPIRIT WEEK – September 23rd-27th
This VS That Week
Monday – Jersey vs Jammies
Tuesday – Cowboy vs Superhero
Wednesday – Fire vs Ice (red vs blue)
Thursday – 4th of July vs Christmas
Friday – Green vs Gold
SHIRT SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY
We are looking to find a company or individual who would like to sponsor our Father Son event t-shirts. Company logos will be placed on the back of the shirt. Please reach out to Kathy Gerber @ [email protected] for more information.
LITERACY FAMILY NIGHT
Our Second Annual Literacy Week for Pre-K through fifth grade is quickly approaching! Mark your calendars for Family Literacy Night on Thursday, October 3rd and the Vocabulary Parade on Friday, October 4th!
Students will be taking part in themed literacy activities each day of the week September 30-October 4, 2024. Students will not dress up this year except for Friday’s Vocabulary Parade. We are encouraging students in grade K-5 to dress up as their favorite vocabulary word on Friday, October 4th! This can be really simple such as the word and definition written on a piece of paper and worn or held or you can be more creative and dress to enhance your word. For example: A student could choose the word “blossom” and wear a flowered dress with a flower headband.Here are the guidelines: 1. Show your word on the costume. 2. Write the definition on the costume. 3. Your word must be wholesome, edifying, and build others up! Ephesians 4:29.
We are having our Family Literacy Night on Thursday, October 3, 2024, from 5:00 PM-6:15 PM. Your child will be able to pick a room in which a staff member will read a book and then your child will participate in a craft or activity. We will have two sessions so each of your children can pick two different book rooms.
Please see the sign up link if you would be willing to help make Literacy Night possible with a donation. Your partnership is much appreciated!
Can’t wait to see you there!
CALLING ALL STUDENT ENTREPRENEURS
Have you ever wanted to start your own business? Well this is your chance! Applications for the Startup Club’s fall session are now LIVE!
Startup Club is a fun, faith-based extracurricular program that teaches students how to start their very own business. Over the course of 6 weeks, students will receive one email per week with a short and sweet video lesson and corresponding assignment. Lessons and assignments are designed to break down everything they need to do to launch their business in small, manageable steps—and it all culminates with a one day Market where they will launch their very own business—and earn a profit!
With the exception of one in-person gathering on 11/6 and Market Day on Saturday, 12/7, this Club is largely virtual by design—making it easy for students to participate in other extracurricular activities simultaneously.
Students in grades 3-8 are invited to participate, and may team up with a friend or run their business solo.
Not sure what it’s all about? Check out this video to learn more!
Space is limited! If your child is interested in joining Startup Club and selling products at the Christmas Market, be sure to apply HERE by 9/29. Please note, applications will be accepted until spaces are filled. Once filled, a waiting list will be started.
Questions? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected].
YEARBOOK ORDERS
Click here to purchase your Agritopia yearbook. $20 for a softcover & $25 for a hardcover now through December 31st. Make sure to keep your receipt for your records. Please contact [email protected] with any questions regarding yearbooks.
4TH GRADER PARK PASS
Does your family love exploring the outdoors? Every fourth grader can get a free national park pass through the Every Kid Outdoors program. Use this link to get your pass and start enjoying God’s creation.
TRAIL LIFE LAUNCHES THIS MONTH
Trail Life is a nationwide ministry for men and boys, combining discipleship with outdoor adventure. Boys will participate in various activities during weekly meetings and “hit the trail” together for outdoor activities like hiking and camping. Meetings start the third weekend in September. To sign up, complete this form. If you have questions please email [email protected].
MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETICS
Game Days
9/21 | 8 am- Tackle Football game vs. Valley Christian at GCHS.
9/23 | 4 pm- JV Volleyball Home Game vs. Valley Christian
9/23 | 4 pm- Flag Football Game vs. PVCP at GCS Val Vista
9/23 | 4:45 pm- Varsity Volleyball Home Game vs. Valley Christian
9/24 | 4 pm- JV Volleyball Home Game vs. PCDS
9/24 | 4:45 pm- Varsity Volleyball Home Game vs. PCDS
9/26 | 4 pm- Flag Football Game vs. SCA at GCS Val Vista
9/27 | 7 pm- Homecoming Game at GCHS. Middle school flag, and tackle teams, as well as the spiritline teams will be introduced at half time!
9/28 | 12 pm- Tackle Football Game vs. NCS at Valley Christian HS
We are looking for a cross country coach for the upcoming winter sports season. Cross country is a coed sport and generally a “no cut” sports opportunity for our middle school athletes. If you may be interested, need more info, or may know someone, please reach out to [email protected].
Check GCSKNIGHTS.COM for more athletic information.
