Congratulations to our April Distinguished Students in Middle School and High School !

Hey Everyone,
This spring break Andrew Underhill, Heather Smith, Zach Bingham, My dad, Pastor Hayes, and I went to East Africa. We visited a country called Uganda, most of you know Pastor Hayes goes there at least twice a year. I just wanted to tell you about one experience that we had on the way to Mabaale, which is the village that we stayed and ministered the most in. We were driving for about 4 or so hours and ended breaking down in a small village called Hoima about 3 hours from Mabaale. Apparently, we had a leaf spring break. We were all pretty upset, but thankfully the Lord had a different plan for us than to just sit around and be stared at awkwardly by the Ugandans (It was pretty weird at first being stared at). So to make it a little less strange being stared at and all, we got out a soccer ball. We started playing soccer with the kids and took a lot of pictures. I believe the Lord really truly blessed that experience. They were laughing and enjoying themselves tremendously. We left a seed in Hoima and I believe if we were to come back they would, most certainly, remember us. The kids were GREAT and they were so LOVING. Even though, we looked a lot different they still loved us and enjoyed listening to us. They were extremely open with us talking to them about the Lord. They all were ecstatic when we took out Bibles for them. Everywhere we went there would be a HUGE crowd of kids. I loved Uganda and plan on going back and pray that you guys would join me. It was a fantastic blessing to visit them!!!!!!! -Emily Trumbull, Sophomore

The Friendly Frogs are leaping to the end of the school year with several exciting science observations. First, the students are observing an ant farm. The ants have already made multiple tunnels. Second, the students are observing butterflies. They arrived in our room as larvae and after 3 weeks, we now have butterflies. Third, we are patiently waiting for our ladybugs to complete their life cycle. Through these observations the students are being reminded what an awesome God we serve. Reading groups continue to be daily and all the students are showing progress in their reading. The students can now count by 2's, 5's, 10's and 25's. Students have learned to recognize and the value of a penny, nickel, dime and quarter. Students can also tell time to the hour, 1/2 hour and :15. It is hard to believe the year is almost over! But, the students are ready for FIRST GRADE!

1^st Grade Earnest

1^st Grade Franklin

First grade started the month out with their Spring Sing that Mrs. Keel directed. They sang in chapel with kindergarten and the other first graders.They all did a great job. Field day was a big success, and we are grateful that it came before Brady's broken leg. We have been learning to carry in Math, taking a trip around the world in Social Studies, and reading, reading, reading. Everyone is looking forward to our end of the year party. Our room mothers have been amazing and we are very thankful for them all. It has been a joy to teach these bright, eager to learn, kind, loving and energetic first graders.
 

2^nd Grade Martin

The second grade has been busy with multiplication and division problems in Math. We have learned how to write a paragraph that appeals to the readers senses and continued to read interesting stories about famous people during our Reading time each day. The best part about the last few weeks has been Mrs. Martin's return She is teaching half days and we are enjoying having her back in the classroom. We have had a great year and are looking forward to the challenges I third grade.

3^rd Grade Street

Our third grade class just took a trip around the world. The students presented their reports on their chosen country. We learned about other countries and sampled some of their foods. We enjoyed sharing them with our parents, teachers, and other classes. Stepping back in time to the Bible days of Moses and Joshua, we are about to enter the Promised Land and fight the battles to claim the land. Moving forward to the 1900's we are learning about how Booker T. Washington & George Washington Carver began life as slaves and grew up to make major impacts in America.

4^th Grade Koebel

The 4th graders have had a busy month as we wind down the school year. We are completing our Math books with a little algebra and geometry. We've learned the 8 parts of speech in Language and learned all about rocks - including getting to break open our very own geodes. Most importantly, we've learned all about King David and his devotion to God as well as the mistakes he made and their consequences. We will finish up our Bible class with the life of King Solomon. So much to learn! God has been so good to the 4th grade this year and we praise Him for all we've experienced.
 

5^th Grade Kent

Field Day was a wet and wild success! The students had a wonderful time and Mr. and Mrs. Kent went home totally saturated. It is not every class that gets to throw water balloons at the teacher. What can I say? They love school! We also had the opportunity to tour the flight line at Tyndall Air Force Base on April 29th. The students ate lunch on base and everyone had a great time. We are working on finishing all of our academics and are looking forward to our DARE graduation on May 14th. We will be going to the Marina Civic Center and participate in the ceremony and then we will go to Loco's for a Mexican lunch. Before we know it we will be having our end-of-the-year party at Frank Brown Park at the pool. I truly love these kids! They have been a blessing in my life. I will miss them, but I am excited as they approach 6th grade.

We have an author among us! Our English teacher, Mrs. Jennifer Melvin, has just had her first book published. From the Dust is the story of an African pastor's return to Uganda after his seven year exile as he fled from the terror of Idi Amin. The book is filled with touching stories of his efforts in restoring the war-torn, ravaged country; rescuing children from despairing lives on the city streets; and founding the Presbyterian church in Uganda. Mrs. Melvin has worked for several years with Pastor Sempangi in the writing and publishing of his second book. Copies of the book will be available in the office or from Mrs. Melvin for $15.00. The majority of the profits will go to help the Ugandan orphans.