12 Jun 2020
Last week, I found myself getting a little agitated. I was supposed to be getting on a plane, heading to the beautiful mountains of Colorado for LINK 2020. I was looking forward to seeing my community and worshipping together. But instead, I was standing in my living room, meeting with my community through a computer screen. I felt a little antsy. But in the midst of this agitation, two words came to me: “Be still."
1 Jun 2020
Everyday, it seems like there is a different version of what school might look like in the fall. Some schools have announced they will be open as usual. Others may stay closed. Many have not yet determined a course of action. While it can be unnerving, this season of “wait and see” can also provide an opportunity to prepare your child to learn well, no matter where they are in September.
12 May 2020
The Washington Post recently ran a column by Valerie Strauss entitled “Why history is hard — and dangerous — to teach and how to get kids to stop thinking it is ‘boring and useless.’” In it, Strauss references the newly released National Assessment of Educational Progress scores which reveal that “American eighth-grade students don’t know much about U.S. history – or civics for that matter.”
30 Apr 2020
In light of COVID-19, families all over the country are forced to explore and invent creative ways to continue conducting daily life. The same applies to high school students who were in the middle of their college-exploration process when colleges suddenly closed their doors. While these circumstances have brought some uncertainty about how best to move forward, they also offer some favorable opportunities including online testing, extra time to spend developing college-relevant habits, and now: virtual college
23 Apr 2020
For thousands of high schoolers around the world, these days of extended time at home are presenting various challenges: trying to maintain a normal schedule, not having usual extracurriculars, and getting ready to take major tests online. It’s not easy! But, as we’ve written before, this challenging time could also be one marked by creativity. Here are five ways that high school students can leverage their extra time while preparing themselves for college.
15 Apr 2020
Navigating the college search and application process can be daunting on a good day. Throw in a worldwide pandemic, and it can seem overwhelming at best. As a College Advisor at Wilson Hill Academy and a self-proclaimed college fanatic, I have been closely following the COVID-19 crisis and its impact on college admissions. In this blog, I’ll provide you with some practical insight and hopefully leave you feeling assured about your college plans despite this
9 Apr 2020
Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. --John 21:3-4 This past March 12, my 20-year old son, who plays lacrosse in college, called me out of the blue. “Dad,” he
10 Dec 2019
I remember the moment clearly, now several years past, when I clicked the “Buy now” button to secure my 7th grade son’s first seat in an online classroom. I was instantly fearful. I’d just spent a lot of money on what might be a total dud. A real teacher was going to teach my child “in-real-life” through the computer? How was that supposed to work? What if the teacher was boring, incompetent or unorganized? Was
8 Aug 2019
Thinking about college can lead to anxiety-provoking thoughts for parents and students alike. However, before beginning your journey, try to keep my very favorite Bible verse centered in your heart . . . “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you HOPE and a FUTURE.” Jeremiah 29:11 There is great hope in knowing that God has a specific
11 Jun 2019
Thank you, Mr. Etter, for that generous introduction and for this enormous privilege of addressing the Class of 2019. Reflecting on these last few days together, my heart almost bursts with the joy of seeing you, my students, talking to your families, and meeting face-to-face with my colleagues and friends. Over 500 like-minded people, gathering together with a common love for our Lord and for learning, joining in a pursuit of the good, the true,