School News – 12/15/2021  

Happy Holidays In celebration of the Christmas season, check out the Art of Christmas gallery at CCS-Leland and your responses from the December 1st survey on Favorite Traditions! We hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!

The Art of Christmas Display Responses from 12/01: Favorite Family Traditions   

Topics YOU want to see!

Please complete the one question survey below to help us focus on the topics that are of most interest to you. You can also help by telling your friends and family about our unique family of schools and suggesting they visit EnrollRBA.com to learn more!

Click here for the Survey!

Leland Beta Does it Betta!

Achievement, character, leadership, and service. Certainly these qualities are found among all of the CCS-Leland student body, but the scholars in the National Junior Beta Club are taking it one step further. Since August, the Beta Club members have made an impact of over 400 hours of community service in the Cape Fear region. Students in 6th-8th have participated in food drives, packed backpacks with supplies for students in need, campus cleanup initiatives, and even a charity lemonade stand that raised over $1,200.00 for Canine Angels! These students have worked hard not only to maintain the requirements of a NJBC member (93+ grade average and 3+ on EOGs) but also to make a lasting and positive impact on the community around them. Bravo to Beta Club!

Learn about Beta Club!

16-Judge Court Eyes Restricting Parent Choice: We Object

If you wish to send your children to a school that holds traditional values, you should have the freedom to do so. That’s at the heart of a nearly six-year-old legal fight that, in effect, challenges Charter Day School’s [now Classical Charter Schools of Leland] right to establish traditional policies in the first place. Media attention has, since 2016, focused on our traditional policies – particularly our dress code, which the plaintiffs have attacked. “This case … goes right to the heart of parents’ choice and choosing whichever school best matches their educational philosophy and … will best suit their children,” Constitutional Law Attorney Aaron Streett representing CDS told WECT television on Monday.   As WECT’s Ann McAdams explained, “Charter Day School takes a traditional approach to teaching, promoting traditional values, manners and respect. They believe their gender specific dress code instills mutual respect, discipline and order. Boys cannot wear jewelry, must wear a belt, and have to keep their hair neatly trimmed. Except for gym class and field trips, girls are required to wear some form of a skirt, and may not wear pants.” The case, Streett says, is about much more than just the dress code. “This is the kind of choice that could affect any charter school, no matter what educational philosophy. If the Court of Appeals or any other court say that charter schools are essentially state actors, they will be back in many ways on a level playing field with [the more powerful] traditional government run public schools, which is exactly what the North Carolina legislature was trying to move away from in charter schools.”

Read WECT Report Read T74 Article

The Best Way to Spread Christmas Cheer is *Reciting* Aloud for All to Hear!

Each year, select students in 5th-8th grade get the opportunity to work on their oratorical skills whilst spreading holiday cheer! For a few weeks, these students are tasked with immersing themselves in a classical Christmas poem. They annotate the poem, learn about the author, memorize the poem, discover the importance of public speaking, and even participate in diction exercises. Students learn that oratory skills are essential in business, education, and the public arena. They realize that it also increases self-confidence and makes them more comfortable around people. As a culminating activity, students first recite the poem individually for a grade. Then as a class, they recite the poems together in a caroling manner to students in primary grades!

See the student performances here!

Happy 225th Birthday to the Bill of Rights

“A Bill of Rights is what the people are entitled to against every government on Earth,” declared Thomas Jefferson. The Bill of Rights embodies the cause of America and humankind. It is a document securing inalienable rights, or God-given rights. The Constitution would not have been ratified without the adoption of the Bill of Rights as the first Ten Amendments. The Bill of Rights: The First Amendment includes the rights to freedom of speech, press, assembly, religion, and petition. The Second Amendment secures the right to bear arms.  The Third Amendment prohibits the government from housing soldiers in citizens’ homes. The Fourth Amendment prohibits the government from unreasonable search and seizure of a citizen’s private property. The Fifth Amendment secures due process of the law, prohibits a person to be tried for the same crime twice, and negates self-incrimination. The Sixth Amendment secures the right to a speedy, public trial by an impartial jury. The Seventh Amendment extends the sixth amendment to federal civil cases. The Eighth Amendment bars excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment.  The Ninth Amendment gives all rights to the people that are not specifically stated in the Constitution. The Tenth Amendment limits the federal government to only those powers delegated in the Constitution; all other powers belong to the states and to the people. What do all Ten Amendments have in common? They limit governmental power and safeguard states’ and citizens’ rights. Happy Birthday Bill of Rights and thank you for preserving our rights for the past 225 years!

The Bill of Rights at the National Archives Learn more at the Bill of Rights Institute

Students of the Month: Our Pledge in Action

Character education is an important part of the CCS-A curriculum. Each month, students are recognized for displaying a specific character trait that they are not only learning and practicing, but also recite daily in our Pledge. November’s character trait was Self Control. A student who shows self control chooses to do what is right, even if it is not the easiest choice. Self control is seen in the Pledge as “I pledge to be virtuous in all my deeds”. Each Student of the Month applies these words to their everyday lives. Self control is exemplified by being calm and respectful in class, using good manners, and making good decisions. Congratulations to all of the students who demonstrated exemplary self control. Check them out on the links below!

CCS-Leland

CCS-Southport

CCS-Whiteville

CCS-Wilmington  

A Gift to Last a Lifetime

Give your child the gift that will last a lifetime this holiday season, a classical education. A classical education teaches children how to think, not what to think. It is an education that exemplifies truth, goodness, and beauty. And most importantly provides wisdom and teaches virtue.  Students who receive a classical education score higher on the ACTs and SATs in reading, writing, and math. Students’ minds are challenged by reading the great works of literature, learning the history of Western Civilization, and deciphering arithmetic, all while fostering virtue. Don’t wait; enroll your child today! Give them the timeless gift of a classical education: rooted in western ideology and embedded with virtue.

Enroll your student today!    

CCS-A Parent Perspectives

Check out what just a few Classical Charter Schools of America parents are saying about their child’s enrollment!  

Changing “I think I can” to “I know I can”

Reading, mathematics, science, and history. These automatically come to mind when thinking about education. In addition to academics, students are also becoming more self-sufficient. Young children, especially students beginning school for the first time, are experiencing a new and exciting world. Kindergarteners learning to tie their shoes, advocating for themselves, opening lunches, and eating in a set amount of time. These are some of the many obstacles students are conquering as they become more independent.  At Classical Charter Schools of America, our teachers are passionate and here to help students through these adjustments while guiding them in becoming more self-reliant. Positive reinforcement, motivation, and “model-lead-test” techniques help our students to adjust in a nurturing environment where they become confident individuals ready to take on the next challenge! 

10 Steps to Make Your Child Self-Reliant 

No TV? No Photos? So how else can you Inform with Pictures?

Photography and TV are used to inform us with their pictures, but these media have existed only for a relatively few decades compared to the long arc of history. For most of civilization from cavemen 10,000 years ago to the artists of the 1850’s, pictures were painted on walls or canvas using natural dyes and stains from plants and minerals. Like any human endeavor, artists gradually got better at making paintings more realistic and informative as the centuries progressed. But for nearly the entire 10,000 year period, paintings were almost cartoon-like with even lighting over a flat one-dimensional, static scene until an Italian painter named Caravaggio [Care-ah-vag-ee-o] revolutionized painting in the late 1500’s. To illustrate for your children how Caravaggio forever transformed art, there is an exhibit with life-sized reproductions of famous paintings both before and after Caravaggio. The differences in lighting, depth, and timing are stark.   The exhibit in the shelter on Old Maco Road is open to the public just outside the campus entrance. Link to the suggested lesson plans for the exhibit below.  

The Art of Christmas Teacher’s Guide  

Traditions in Our Community

This time of year is sure to bring warm and fuzzy memories of traditions with family, friends, and even classmates and teachers! At CCS-A, we are lovers of tradition and relish the involvement of our families. Holiday celebrations and traditions are often amongst the most exciting part of the school year for students and teachers alike. Although they may all look a little different at each campus, we always get the “warm and fuzzies” knowing students are playing a significant part in building a sense of unity and community with their peers, teachers, and families through our schools’ traditions. What are some holiday-related traditions that you enjoy with your family?

Click this link to share your family’s favorite holiday tradition!

We will share the results in the December 15th newsletter!    

Gaining Gratitude through Literature

“I am happy. I am very happy. This morning when I woke up, I felt good because the sun was shining.” This message of gratitude from Frog and Toad is read in our first-grade classrooms. We can all learn a lesson in gratitude from Frog this Thanksgiving. Like Frog, we are grateful to be alive, feel the warmth of sunshine, and experience friendship. Classical education is centered in virtue and many of the novels in the RBA canon teach the virtue of gratitude. Some of these novels are Because of Winn Dixie, Heidi, Charlotte’s Web, and Swiss Family Robinson. This Thanksgiving, read a classical novel and see how it teaches and celebrates virtue. We are grateful for our families, staff, and students! We wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving!

Classical Novels Reading List for Adults Classical Novels Reading List for Children    **************

Joy: The Secret to a Productive Class

“This is the first school he has really loved,” the mother of a transfer student reported. “How do you do it?” she asked. Achieving happiness in the classroom is very straightforward and is embodied in our First Law: Reward good behavior; you’ll get more of it. Positive rewards of praise such as “Jill, you are sitting up so nicely” or “Thank you for walking quietly to your desk, Jason” create a constructive atmosphere where students feel appreciated and respected for their good behaviors. Students hungry for recognition will quickly realize what to do. Frequent corrections such as, “Don’t slouch in your seat” or “Stop running” create adversarial relationships between the teacher and the students. And some students welcome the attention, so they act out to get more. Since we opened in 2000, our teachers have been taught to give at least 4 positive compliments for each 1 correction. Extensive research shows the 4:1 formula works. Ask your child. BTW, it can work at home, too!

Classroom Improvements Research  **************

Saluting Our Veterans!

Veterans Day provides an excellent opportunity to teach students about veterans and even learn some of our nation’s history along the way. Our lessons focus on understanding what a veteran is, how to show respect and gratitude for them, and the origin of Veterans Day. We believe that in doing this, students will gain a better understanding of the sacrifice veterans and their families make, and instill a sense of pride and respect in students for our veterans. Some activities our students participated in: Performed patriotic songs and poems Learned proper etiquette for the National Anthem Wrote letters to veterans that were delivered to local VA hospitals

See our talented students’ performances here! **************

Students of the Month: Our Pledge in Action

Character education is an important part of the CCS-A curriculum. Each month, students are recognized for displaying a specific character trait that they are not only learning and practicing, but also recite daily in our Pledge.  October’s character trait was determination. A student who shows determination overcomes obstacles to reach a goal and shows commitment during difficult times. Determination is seen in the Pledge as “I pledge to keep myself healthy in body, mind, and spirit”. Each Student of the Month not only says these words but applies them in their everyday lives. Congratulations to all of the students who demonstrated exemplary determination. Check them out on the links below!

CCS-Leland CCS-Southport CCS-Whiteville CCS-Wilmington  **************

Get Ready, Get Set, POUR! A Solid Foundation for 2022

The plans are approved, the land is clear, and construction is underway on the much anticipated Classical Charter Schools of Southport Middle School! Developed as the natural progression from the elementary program, Southport Middle School will join the Leland and Whiteville Middle School academic programs. With a focus on core subjects, students will deeply explore an advanced curriculum while developing the knowledge and skills not only necessary in high school, but for life-long learning. Students will have the opportunity to challenge themselves with exploratory labs, projects, service-learning activities, and more! Southport Middle School will be up and running for the 2022-2023 school year for 300 students. Mark your calendars,

Open Enrollment begins December 1st! CCS-Southport Enrollment

Archery: On Target for Life

Would it surprise you to know that the CCS-A offers our students the opportunity to shoot target archery in school? Since 2010, our schools have competed in the National Archery in Schools Program (NASP) which has put a bow in the hands of over 18 million students! Target archery improves a student’s educational performance by enhancing their focus and concentration, leading to a noticeable improvement in attention and behavior. Many NASP schools also conclude that the archery program builds confidence and self-esteem, and helps students become more connected with their school.   In just the 11 years we have participated, we have captured eight state championships, two runner-up performances, and countless CCS-A students have been recognized for being the top shooter in their grade, and even top in the state.

Archery at CCS-Leland NASP 

The Quest for Knowledge. Can It Be Fun?

For a child, seeing their teacher off campus is like spotting a celebrity. Going on an adventure with your teacher and peers to experience new sensations creates memories that last a lifetime.  For Classical Charter Schools of America, field trip venues are reopening, and we couldn’t be more excited! On top of spectacular memories, we have selected places that relate to each grade’s curriculum. This enhances the experience because they are applying concepts that they are currently studying. Our first trips are already taking place as restrictions have eased; and the enthusiastic children, teachers, and parents remind us just how much we’ve missed these adventures! Peek at some of our kindergarteners and first graders venturing forth on a variety of quests.

Photos of Students on their search for knowledge  

Heroes Among Us

Veterans Day is observed annually on November 11 to honor and show appreciation for all who have served in the United States military. At Classical Charter Schools of America and The Roger Bacon Academy, we are fortunate to be in the presence of many veteran heroes. We are honored to have 13 veterans on our staff. Not only have they bravely answered the call to duty and defended our liberty; but, they have continued to dedicate their lives by serving as educators. To our courageous veterans, we are infinitely grateful for your service and sacrifice and all you do for our students.

See Who Our CCS Heroes Are Here! History of Veterans Day 

Unmasking, The Data

North Carolina’s rapid progression to normalcy was shown by data presented by Dr. Mandy Cohen, Secretary for the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), at a news conference on October 27.  Her data demonstrated that over 84% of the state’s older population had now been vaccinated, that ER visits for COVID-like symptoms were “down significantly” to the 5% range, that the new cases trending downward are “great progress,” and that she was “seeing good news” in decreasing hospitalizations. Despite the overall transmission rate still being classified as “high,” the state data echoed our local experience across all CCS-America schools -there was only one case out on quarantine. The Board of Trustees voted after extensive discussion to make masks optional at all schools beginning November 1. If the number of quarantined students climbs to over 5% of enrollment at a school, that school will return to mandatory masking. The Board greatly appreciates the vigilance of parents and staff in continuing to promote safe education of the children in the least restrictive manner. Numerous other COVID practices such as temperature checks, hand sanitizing, and room cleaning will remain in effect at all schools.

Classical Charter Schools of America COVID Information  **************  

Click here to Enroll in a Classical Charter School  

Thank you for your interest and please forward this newsletter to your friends and neighbors. Over 90% of our growth is from word-of-mouth among parents.

How did Classical Charter Schools of America score in the recently announced End-of-Grade (EOG) testing?

If the four Classical Charter Schools of America were combined as a single school district, the CCS-A schools would have ranked 21st of 116 North Carolina districts in the 2020-2021 EOG testing!  So congratulations to your children for their hard work and a job well done. The ranking they earned puts our family of schools in the top 18% of all districts in the state! How can CCS-A students possibly do so well on the EOG tests when we do not teach to the state’s Common Core standards? The short answer is that our classical curriculum prepares every student with a broad set of skills and knowledge that can be applied to any test. We continue to prove this year-in and year-out.

See DPI Scores    **************

What is a classical school? A short overview with our Dean of Classical Humanities Jessica Lopez

Some people think a classical school is one that teaches Latin, but that is not all that is needed for a classical education. Latin, which we start teaching to every student in the fourth grade, is essential because 80% of the words we use in English, French, Spanish, and other languages is derived from Latin. And Latin is essential for future study in science, medicine, law, and other fields. But other topics and important instructional techniques – such as cursive handwriting – are critical elements of a true, classical education as well. For example, research has shown that with cursive handwriting, your children benefit with better reading and comprehension. Also taking notes in cursive enhances retention and understanding compared to keyboarding or printing by children who don’t learn cursive. We’ll discuss how your children benefit from other classical education features in future newsletters.

See Research on Cursive  **************

News From Raleigh: What is going on with the Legislature and why it matters!

In the late 1980’s, the General Assembly empowered the state Public Health Commission to change recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) into mandates with the force of law. For example, if CDC recommends at-home isolation for close contacts unless all are masked, the health commission rules make that mandatory throughout NC, with severe penalties for non-compliance. While particular recommendations may be debated, we should not abdicate our state’s sovereignty and automatically mandate a federal recommendation throughout the state. The General Assembly needs to consider changing this law to allow more local control – not the one-size-fits-all that we have now.

Read more for the latest COVID data. See Health Director’s Powers  **************

Dear Parents & Friends of CCS-America

Welcome to this first issue of a new newsletter for parents and friends of Classical Charter Schools of America. We want this newsletter to better acquaint you with the people with whom your children spend much of their days and provide you with a deeper understanding of the many educational and social benefits your children receive at our unique schools. We are grateful for the extra time you take to partner with us in supporting your child’s education. If you have specific topics that you would like to see addressed, please email us. In future issues, we will address more of our unique instructional techniques, how our character education classes synchronize with other courses, and why field trips are a vital component of the classical experience, among other topics. In the meantime, please know that we appreciate your entrusting your child’s education to us. Best Regards, Baker Mitchell, Secretary Classical Charter Schools of America, Inc. An NC 501c3 nonprofit corporation **************