FROM OUR PRINCIPAL
Dear Agritopia Parents,
This week I had the opportunity to spend time with 6th grade students at camp. It was such a blessing to see the students running around playing with each other. I was reflecting on how precious this is in light of the world we live in that is so focused on social media, watching mindless videos, playing video games, and worrying about what others think.
As a principal and a parent with two grown children (and one nearly grown), I understand both the joy and the challenges that come with parenting. I am passionate about sharing parenting tips with you that I have learned along the way, as well as sharing my lessons and mistakes.
One lesson I share with you today is about cell phones. If I could go back and do it over again, I would not have given my children cell phones with social media access. At the time, social media access on phones was new and we were learning along the way. As parents, we thought we were doing all the right things by not allowing app purchases without our permission and limiting their time online. However, social media was growing faster than we could keep up with, and it quickly became an incredible burden trying to monitor what they were viewing and how much time they were spending on social media. My kids are much older than yours, so your challenge is exponentially greater than mine.
We now have research that is sobering, and we need to listen to it. Research tells us that unrestricted access to social media and extended screen time contributes to heightened anxiety, depression, and loneliness in our kids. It’s a regular struggle that this generation is facing. While each of our families are unique, it’s important to consider how we might protect our children from the negative effects of too much social media exposure. Let’s work together, sharing wisdom and creating boundaries that promote our children’s mental, emotional, and spiritual health.
Please consider not giving your children phones with social media access, even as teenagers. I understand how difficult this decision is and how it is even more difficult to take away something you have already given. I will be praying for each one of you as you make the decision that is best for your family.
The Bible reminds us in Proverbs 4:23, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” We are called to protect not only our hearts, but also our minds from influences that can lead us astray. As we seek to shepherd our children in a world filled with distractions, let us help them cultivate a heart and mind that are aligned with God’s truth, and free from the corrosive effects of excessive digital exposure.
It is my privilege to walk alongside you as you shepherd and protect your children. Please reach out to me if I can support your family as you guide your children.
Educating with eternity in mind,
PIE DAY
November 26th is our annual Pie Day! Each child will be able to get one slice of apple or pumpkin pie (whipped cream, too!) when they are finished eating their lunch.
If you would like to donate a pie or whipped cream, please sign up here.
To volunteer to help serve pie in the lunchroom, please sign up here.
PAY TO DRESS DAY – TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19th
For dress code guidelines, please see the handbook. Click HERE to pay for Tuesday or choose to pay for all Pay to Dress Days at once.
Mary Poppins Jr. – Thursday, November 21st – Saturday, November 23rd
Join us for a magical journey through London with Mary Poppins. Both our Green and Yellow Casts are a mixture of students from our GCS Agritopia, Val Vista and Greenfield Campuses.
Location: Greenfield Campus Gym – Extra parking is provided across the street at the GYSA Soccer Complex and we will have shuttles running before and after the shows.
Ticket Prices: $10 General Admission / $5 GCS Students
ART FROM THE HEART FUNDRAISER
Ordering is now open for our annual ” Display My Art” fundraiser! Your student came home with a brochure on Thursday, Nov 14th. This brochure contains your students’ ordering ID specific to your student’s art and information about ordering… where, how to, etc.
It is best to order your student’s art gift items this weekend (11/16-20) or at the latest next weekend (11/23-24) to ensure free shipping to your home and arrival in time for gift giving/Christmas.
Thank you for your consideration to support GCS through this personalized fundraiser. Any and all questions should be emailed to [email protected].
JINGLE BELL JOG
Sign Up Here to volunteer at our Jingle Bell Jog Friday, December 20th from 8am – 9:40am (Check in from 7:30-7:50). We would love for parents to volunteer to assist at stations on our running course to cheer, guide, and ensure safety of the students as they run this course through the Agritopia neighborhood. This event wouldn’t be possible without the support of our amazing parents!
CHRISTMAS CANDY GRAMS
Our Student Leadership Team will be selling Christmas Candy Grams before school, starting Monday, December 2nd. Candy Grams will be sold for $1 each.
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.
IMPORTANT DATES
11/16: Mother Daughter Brush and Brunch
11/19: Pay to Dress Day
11/21-11/23: Mary Poppins Jr. Production at GF campus
11/22: Chapel
11/26: Pie Day
11/27: Grandparents Day Presentation
11/27: Half Day
11/28-11/29: No School – Thanksgiving Break
