May 2023 - Immanuel Academy

Immanuel Academy St. Louis Holds an Amazing Field Trip in Meremec Caverns – Missouri’s Buried Treasure

Immanuel Academy St. Louis hold an amazing field trip in Meremec Caverns Missouri’s Buried Treasure on May 19.

They had guided-walking tours conducted by trained rangers. The Cavern Tour took one hour and twenty minutes to complete, covering 1 ¼ mile round trip along well-lighted walkways. 3rd and 6th-grade Students learned geography, geology, and history around the cave.

Students loved this place. Beneath the fertile rolling hills of the Meramec Valley, lies a complex of mineral formations and colors as rare and unique as they are beautiful. These jewels of nature which took thousands of years to grow, are preserved in the spectacular sights of Meramec Caverns.

Guided tours by trained rangers are conducted along well-lighted walkways. Students learn how an ancient limestone “Wine Table” and an entire 7-story mansion were formed… all underground. On tour, students saw both the rarest and largest cave formations in the world.

Immanuel Academy St. Louis 5th-6th Grade Students Tie Dying Shirts for Their Field Trip

Immanuel Academy St. Louis students tried dying shirts for their field trip. It’s Grade 5-6 students’ first time making the shirts for themselves. They were proud of their work.

Immanuel Academy St. Louis Director Michelle Lai Reflects on CMI (Charlotte Mason Institute)’s Practicing School Observation & Training

From May 4th-5th 2023, Immanuel Academy St. Louis Director Michelle Lai participated in CMI (Charlotte Mason Institute) Practicing School Observation & Training at Blue Willow Tutorial in Athens, Tennessee with other teachers from Riverside, New York, and Washington DC.

The first day included a morning of classroom observations in grades 1-8 and an afternoon of immersion lessons taught by Lisa Ector, Principal of Blue Willow Tutorial. On the second day, they provide participants the chance to practice teaching lessons to the group with feedback from both the cohort and Lisa Ector.

Fortunately, this time, three CMI experienced educators Dr. Carroll Smith, Dr. Shannon Whiteside, and Kelli Christenberry joined them to observe the pilot program. They provided inspiring insights for all participants.

After the Two-Day intensive training, Teacher Michelle shared, “The training is inspiring and impressive. I can feel their school’s core values are strongly implemented: joy (choosing joy when things are hard), excellence (doing your best), and respect. Students are engaged and peaceful.

I can see the beautiful flow of each class. Students focus on knowledge instead of the teacher’s praise. I admire the trust the teachers have in this educational philosophy. I am impressed by how they conduct history, science, and citizenship class outdoors on green grass.

In classroom observation, I learned more kinds of methods of narration. The students are familiar with partner narration that I also like to use in our school. I love their class hand signals, it’s their students’ favorite part of the school.

Lisa Ector surprised everyone involved by sharing several of her own nature journals made by herself. It’s also one of my favorite things about Charlotte Mason’s education. Lisa showed us that as Charlotte Mason’s teacher, she was always passionate to learn and grow with the children.

Also, it was impressive to see Lisa Ector and her daughter Priscilla co-teaching this time. Lisa successfully raised her seven children through this education. Her rich educational experience and knowledge shined through in the training.

During the Q&A time, Dr. Carroll Smith, founder of CMI, shared with us his teaching life. As a former public school principal for many years, he shared how Charlotte Mason Education is a truly biblical and life-changing education.

He taught us that as Charlotte Mason teachers, we should release ourselves from the traditional mode and switch our mindsets. In Blue Willow, I can see that each teacher has authority in their class and in the meantime, they are very relational with the kids. In class, students are not “managed”, but “pastured”. And their classrooms are very cozy, organized, and natural.

On the evening of May 5th, teachers gathered and shared their reflections on Charlotte Mason’s philosophy. I’m glad to see more and more teachers seeing the benefits that CM education can bring to children, families, and teachers.

This time two St. Louis teachers from other Charlotte Mason schools drove me to the training. We spent two days on the road. We became good friends. They shared more of the Charlotte Mason network for me in STL.

This training was very practical and meaningful. The training showed me how to effectively do the core subjects of the Alveary Curriculum created by CMI. I have a lot to share with our teachers in STL and will make it into good practice in our school.”

Immanuel Academy St. Louis Kindergarten Class Says Farewell to Dear Sarah Gwon

On May 16th, it was Sarah Gwon’s last school day at Immanuel Academy STL as her family moved to Jubilee University. The class made precious gift cards to say goodbye to her. They all said that they would miss her sweet smile and gentle love in class.

The Immanuel Academy STL also wants to thank Sarah’s mom, Pastor Aria, for always volunteering her time to help and support the school. Immanuel Academy teachers are grateful for her love and kindness towards them. May God bless sweet Sarah and her family with a brighter future in their new mission field.

Immanuel Academy St. Louis 5th-7th Grade Students Grows Up Seeds of Spices and Vegetables for Mother’s Day in Class

Before Mother’s Day, 5th-7th Grade Students grew up seeds of spices and vegetables for Moms in class. They nurtured and cared for them for weeks, just as our mothers help us grow. Their class also created beautiful artworks as gifts for Mothers on canvas as a keepsake.

“These students worked hard for their moms! Thank you moms, for such an amazing group of students!” Miss Valerie Novak, their main teacher shared.

Proverbs 31:28: “Her children rise up and call her blessed…” Thank you for sharing your blessings Moms!

Immanuel Academy St. Louis Teachers Participate in Author & Educator Karen Glass’s Full-Day Charlotte Mason Seminar Themed “Secure the Foundation” in Greenwood, Indiana

On May 13, Immanuel Academy St. Louis teachers participated in author and educator Karen Glass’s Full-Day Charlotte Mason seminar of “Secure the Foundation” in Greenwood, Indiana. The seminar runs from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm and includes four sessions: Session #1 A few broad essential principals; Session #2 Think Clear: The Mind of a Person; Session #3 Feel Deep: the heart of a Person; Session #4 Bear Fruit well: The life of a person.

Our teachers are passionate learners. They gathered at 5:00 in the morning and drove to Indiana. Together they discover how a solid foundation creates freedom and confidence in our endeavors. Through this seminar, the Charlotte Mason educators pursue to think more clearly, feel the way through more deeply, and take confidence in knowing our efforts will bear fruits well in children’s education.

Karen Glass has been studying and writing about Charlotte Mason and Classical Education for over twenty years and serves on the Advisory of AmblesideOnline. She has four adult children who have all been homeschooled from beginning to end using Charlotte Mason’s methods.

Immanuel Academy St. Louis teachers have learned and read her popular books titled: Know and Tell (The Art of Narration); Consider This (Charlotte Mason and the Classical Education), In Vital Harmony (Charlotte Mason And The Natural Laws of Education.); Mind to Mind and A Thinking Love.

The following is a reflection shared by 5th-6th lead teacher Ms. Valerie Novak after participating in this seminar:

“Today, during Karen Glass’ seminar, we took an in-depth look at Charlotte Mason’s pedagogy and highlights. We explored what it meant that “Children are born persons,” a quote and principle of Charlotte Mason. How we grow up the students in our care depends on the individual Will (intrinsic motivation and Want to do) of the students.

‘Children are not the fruits of our labors, but bear their own fruits,’ stated Karen Glass. We are facilitators of well-chosen texts and quality literature. It is up to the Mind and Will of the student for what and how much they glean.

We, as teachers, create the atmosphere and help joy! We, as teachers, help our students grow through the positive message of the Holy Spirit! We, as teachers, see their individuality and build relationships that channel growth!

I enjoyed meeting others using Charlotte Mason and learning about different people using her methods. Our teachers, including myself, had an opportunity to ask important questions to Karen Glass, which was extremely valuable in my teaching growth. I look forward to further growth in our curriculum and the principles of Charlotte Mason.”

Immanuel Academy St. Louis Holds a Touching and Successful Parent-Teacher Conferences (PTC)

On May 11 and May 12, Immanuel Academy St. Louis host successful Parent-Teacher conferences from Prek 4 to Grade 7. This is the first time that Immanuel STL has hosted a PTC for pre-k 4 class.

Parents of two international students also participated in the PTA online. They received a lot of comfort and encouragement from the teacher’s comments. They were amazed at how their child is progressing in school.

The following is what the teachers shared about PTC.

Ms. Janet (Prek-4 lead teacher): “It was great to meet with all the parents to get to know more about each child’s personality, habits as well as parent’s expectation and concerns. It was a very productive meeting and I want to unite with parents well to help each child to form good habits. I’m thankful for all the parents’ support, trust and appreciation for the school.”

Ms. Ryan (Kindergarten lead teacher): “PTC for 3rd Quarter was a great opportunity for me to become familiar with all that kindergarten has learned with Ms. Mich in my absence. I am thankful to be back with the students. I and Ms. Mich were able to talk with parents about their child’s growth this quarter. We checked students goals and went over their improvements during 3rd Quarter. The meetings were very effective as we are wrapping up the end of the school year. This meeting was a time to reflect with parents about their child’s overall growth this year in kindergarten. We feel positive about each kindergarten student. I am thankful for a great meeting time with parents.”

Ms. Mich (1st-2nd Grade lead teacher): “Conferences went very well today. Parents seemed pleased and somewhat surprised by the amount of progress their student had made. Many positive comments about students really enjoying coming to school. Many parents commented they are very pleased with the education. Their child is getting from the things that they share with them when they come home, I felt very supported my parents and encouraged today.”

Ms. Krisstal (3rd-4th Grade lead teacher): “I really enjoyed meeting with all the parents. I was able to show them class work and test from last quarter and compare to class work and test from this quarter…in doing so parents and students were able to see their child’s progress. Every student made progress in most areas they struggled with last quarter. The parents were really impressed by the Geography project on habitats as well. It not only showed their knowledge of land forms but also their creativity. I was able to voice the few concerns and the parents had the same concerns as me (ex: easily distracted, struggling with following directions the first time) so we came up with a plan together to help students become the best version of themselves. I got to meet a couple dads today too… (I always meet with moms) and I could see how impressed they were with their child. I enjoyed it. And all the parents seemed to appreciate their child’s hard work this quarter.”

Ms. Valerie (5th-7th Grade lead teacher): “In today’s Parent-Teacher Conference we had several valuable discussions. Academic and behavioral habits were addressed and plans set in motion. Students will grow well thanks to the partnership with parents! We are blessed to have such hard working teachers and parents working together to better student performance.”

“The PTC was very touching to me. We received many testimonials and thanks from parents. Today, many parents brought homemade treats to teachers to thank them for their hard work during the school year. I feel strongly that when families, school and church work together, we can experience the best education. I believe that all students can excel here. I am excited about the closer relationship between parents and teachers in the next quarter”, shared Ms Michelle, Director of Immanuel Academy STL.