the eagle cry - dhca.org€¦ · decatur heritage christian academy is a 501-c-3 non-profit...

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The EAGLE CRY from

DECATUR HERITAGE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 2014–2015

UNCOMMON LEADERSHIPJANUARY-FEBRUARY 2015

VOLUME 15, ISSUE 4

Our LeadershipMr. Scott Mayo HeadmasterMr. Jeremy Jones K-12 Chief Learning LeaderMr. Michael Holiday Assistant PrincipalMr. Steve Atchley Athletic DirectorMrs. Scarlet Bolan Food Service DirectorMrs. Melissa Ross Guidance CounselorMrs. Heather Sasser Chief Financial Officer

Board of TrusteesMr. Stratton Orr, Chairman Mr. Dan HicksMr. Em Barran Mr. Neal HollandMrs. Blythe Bowman Dr. Vernon HurstMrs. Lyn Cook Mr. Jeff Parker Mrs. Laura Hellard Mr. Blake TempleMrs. Tricia Heyward Mr. Skip Thompson

Faculty and StaffMrs. Patty Annerton Life Skills & SpanishMrs. Paula Armstrong Math, PE & BibleMrs. Noelle Barron KindergartenMrs. Hannah Birchfield MathMrs. Debbie Bishop Second GradeMrs. Glenda Briley MusicMrs. Libby Brown Projects CoordinatorMrs. Leigh Ann Chiles Instructional Enhancement FacilitatorMrs. Kelly Cimino Curriculum, English, Logic & ForensicsMrs. Kathy Coffey First GradeMs. Paizley Coffey First GradeMrs. Debbie Crews Third GradeMs. Nadya Davis ScienceMrs. Jennifer Densmore Fifth & Sixth GradeMrs. Amy Francis Financial SecretaryMs. Beverly Gorden Fifth & Sixth GradeMrs. Teresa Hall Instructional AideMrs. Katherine Helms Government & EnglishMrs. Anna Hodges EnglishMrs. Mary Kay Hodges Media CenterMrs. Amy Holdbrooks Instructional AideMrs. Yvonne Holiday Physical EducationMrs. Sandra Howard ScienceMrs. Carole Janorschke Upper School SecretaryMrs. Donna Jarnagin MathMrs. Rosellen Jones Lower School SecretaryMrs. Karen Keith ScienceMrs. Tammy Legg Food Service StaffMrs. Becky Linderman Fourth GradeMrs. Amy Little Health RoomMrs. Kerstin Lynch Fourth GradeMr. Jason Marshall Physical EducationMs. Melissa McCullough Writing Enhancement FacilitatorMrs. Julie McGough EnglishMr. Steve Meek Physical Education & HistoryMrs. Connie Murray Instructional Enhancement FacilitatorMrs. Donna Oliver MathMrs. Kim Parker Instructional AideMr. Ty Patterson Assistant Athletic Director & BibleMrs. Leah Reid Fifth & Sixth GradeMrs. Melissa Simpson Food Service StaffMrs. Brenda Smith Second GradeMrs. Sandy Stephenson Fifth & Sixth GradeMrs. Jodi Suggs TechnologyMrs. Angie Teichmiller HistoryMrs. Holly Thompson Athletic SecretaryMrs. Amy Tubbs ArtMr. Jeff Vaughn BandMrs. Liz Vick Health RoomMrs. Irina Washburn RussianMrs. Barbara Wright TechnologyMrs. Angela Wynn KindergartenMrs. Thais Yancey Math and Science

What constitutes great leadership? If we aspire to be great leaders, is there a way to get there? As I mentioned when beginning this series, there is no shortage of theories addressing this. The seeming advantage to each of these theories is that they promise to provide a clean, clear path to fully understanding the leadership dynamic. However, the problems with overarching, comprehensive theories of leadership become apparent upon deeper examination.

Scott MayoHeadmaster

One school of thought is the Great Man theory. This states that leaders are born, not made, and that the rise to leadership is inevitable. History is replete with examples of men and women whose entire lives pointed toward a rise to great influence. However, history also records how other leaders labored in relative obscurity (and even failure) prior to being thrust into situations where latent leadership abilities shined. This idea, coined the Contingency theory, posits that many people are leaders just waiting for a place to happen. In academic circles, both of these theories have become passé, mainly due to the preponderance of contrary examples.

The study of leadership then evolved to propose the Trait theory. This states that there are identifiable, measurable characteristics in people that translate into leadership. Once identified, these traits can serve as cues to identify future leaders. These traits can also be strengthened, enabling one to grow into leadership roles. This theory makes intuitive sense, but there are problems here as well. First, many people with these traits never act upon them. They never step up into leadership roles when presented the opportunity, or the right opportunity never presents itself. Second, in the real world so many different traits proved crucial in so many different settings that this theory did not provide any predictive ability. Once again, in an effort to produce a universal, comprehensive explanation of the “why” of leadership, the theorists found themselves lacking.

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UNCOMMON LEADERSHIP

“... whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant...” Matthew 20:26

Mark your calendars!

presents a Masterpiece Showcase,

“A Heart for the Arts”Sunday, February 15

First Baptist Church Decatur2pm-3:30pm

Featuringthe DHCA Band, the Forensic Team,Magnify, dramatic presentations, and

announcement of the art contest winners

Reception to follow in the family life center

2014-2015 Annual Fund

Thank you for your investment toprepare students for lives of impact!

Re-enrollment information will be sent home with your youngest student on Monday, February 23. During the priority enrollment period (February 23-March 30), you may re-enroll current students, including siblings who were not attending during the 2014-2015 school year. The $150 registration fee per student will be discounted to $125 during this time. Additionally, an assessment fee of $60 will be charged for ALL new students. Open enrollment begins Tuesday, March 31. All re-enrollments received on or after that date will require the full $150. Please mark the payment plan you will be using on the registration form, and you will be contacted if additional information is needed.

For those of you using the FACTS payment plan, the enrollment fee of $41 will remain the same. Additionally, a new FACTS form will be required ONLY if your banking information has changed (new account, name change, etc.).

If you are not currently enrolled in the FACTS plan and wish to use this option for tuition payments or if you have any other financial questions, please contact Amy Francis in the finance office at 256-432-2691.

Be sure to reserve your spot during the priority enrollment period!

PRIORITY RE-ENROLLMENT FOR 2014-2015Begins February 23 and Ends March 30

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$26,985as of December 19, 2014

2015-2016School Calendar

August 10 First Day of SchoolSeptember 7 Labor Day HolidaySeptember 22 Student Half-day DismissalOctober 12 Fall Break HolidayOctober 30 Student Half-day DismissalNovember 11 Veterans’ Day HolidaysNovember 23-27 Thanksgiving HolidaysDecember 15-18 Upper School ExamsDecember 18 Classes Dismiss for HolidaysJanuary 4 Classes ResumeJanuary 18* MLK Day HolidayJanuary 29 Student Half-day DismissalFebruary 15* Presidents’ Day HolidayMarch 21-25 Spring Break HolidaysMay 17-20 Upper School ExamsMay 20 Classes Dismiss for SummerMay 20 Senior Graduation*Inclement weather make-up days

3Decatur Heritage Christian Academy is a 501-C-3 non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Memorials, honorariums, and gifts may be mailed to DHCA, P. O. Box 5659, Decatur, AL 35601-0659.

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What, then, should be our takeaway regarding leadership theories? Are insights into leadership arising out of sociology, psychology, or biology useful in any way as we seek to provide a Christian understanding of leadership to our students? From a Christian standpoint, we can supply some answers that show how each of these ideas does contain partial truths. In God’s providence, some people are “born leaders” in the sense that God has knitted all things together to place them inevitably into a leadership position. God has also shown us that he chooses the weak things of this world to confound the wise. He consistently takes unlikely candidates and places them in situations where they are uniquely qualified to effect change for large numbers of people. Finally, he does gift people with gifts and talents that allow them to be productive in leadership roles.

Any theory that tries to explain man and his interactions (including leadership) while not fully understanding who man is (created in the image of God but also fallen) will always fall short of a full explanation. To leave a sovereign God out of the equation will multiply the error. Without admitting the cause, the academic study of leadership has moved away from attempting to explain the “why” and has now turned to a study more focused on the “how” of leadership – the motivations, ethics, and techniques of leadership. In this arena, Christianity has much to say because God has given us much in the way of example and command in his Word. In my next article, I will show how God calls us as adults to call the next generations to lives of Uncommon Leadership.

Students serving the community...The Life Skills class visits Frances Nungester Elementary School each week. Our students are “Reading Buddies” with second grade students. They also tutor students in reading, spelling, and math. Most importantly, they are making friends with these young students. Mrs. Patty Annerton is the instructor.

After completing an application and interview process, a group of seventh and eighth grade students, known as Team 1:8, were selected to share the love of Christ with local schools, nursing homes, and participate in various volunteer and service projects. Team advisor is Mrs. Lisa Hamn.

Aspen Bevel “high fives” a student for correctly spelling her words. Parker Sparkman assists a

student with a math lesson.

Yao Cheng Zhou, Thomas Letson, and Maggie Holsclaw quiz multiplication with a second grade student.

Students play bingo with a resident of Cedar Springs.

Grace Haulie Johnson assists Austinville Elementary second graders with a Thanksgiving art project.

Lauren Cagle, Gage Lillich, and Lily Holdbrooks read a story to a second grade class at Austinville.

4 “OUR MISSION is to assist families by providing their children with an education

HERITAGE HEADLINESALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

The Kirby family: Owen, Shane, and Jaime

A VETERANS’ CELEBRATION...God Bless the U.S.A.

Students, teachers, parents, and administrators paid tribute in a community-wide celebration to veterans and their families for their service to our country. Before entering the reception in the cafetorium, our honored guests were greeted with "The Hall of Honor," student artwork, and photos of our veterans. A festive celebration was held in the gym which included “Last Letters from the Front Line” by the DHCA Forensic Team; an amazing dance interpretation by Ali Carden; musical performances by students and Mr. Al Miller; and comments from Alabama State Senator Arthur Orr and Alabama House Representative Mrs. Terri Collins.

My name is Jaime Brinkman Kirby. I graduated from DHCA in 2003. I played keyboard in the praise band, was a member of the yearbook staff, and scholars bowl. I also participated in a number of plays and dinner theaters. Following graduation, I attended Calhoun Community College for two years where I was involved with the theater department participating in their Blackbox Theater. Transferring to Lone Star College in Houston, Texas, I maintained a 3.8 GPA and was treasurer of Phi Theta Kappa. Since returning to Alabama in 2008, I am continuing my pursuit of a degree in Human Resource Management.

In 2008, I met my husband, Shane Kirby, and we married in 2010. Shane is employed by Nucor Steel as a crane operator. In December of 2009, my mother, Jill Brinkman, passed away suddenly. As an only child, the responsibility of her estate fell into my hands. After four years of blood, sweat, and tears, we finished renovating her home in Moulton and were able to sell it earlier this year. Her death was the hardest thing I have ever had to experience, but I know she’ll always be with me. My father, Jim Brinkman, will turn 80 years old next year. Despite several heart surgeries, he is doing well and enjoying football season!

On October 14, 2013, we welcomed into the world our perfect baby boy, Owen Patrick Kirby. He was very healthy at 8 pounds 5 ounces and 21 inches long. Owen is a sweet, good-natured baby and is truly a blessing from God. We plan on having another little one within the next year and a half.

My husband and I bought our first home this year in Madison, Alabama. We enjoy being homeowners and love watching Owen play in the backyard. I am currently a stay-at-home mom and loving every minute of it. I consider myself truly blessed to be able to stay home with my son and experience the day to day changes.

I often sit and reflect on my time at DHCA. I feel blessed to have attended a school with such an intimate bond between students and staff. As a student, I really felt as if my teachers not only cared about my education but also cared about me and my spiritual well being. I was offered so many opportunities that a youth only gets from such a quality Christian education.

Jaime Brinkman Kirby

5tha t i s exce l l en t and wh ich in s t i l l s B ib l i ca l p r inc ip l e s to gu ide the i r l i ve s .”

We were led to Decatur Heritage several years ago while searching for a preschool for Logan, who was two at the time. I would like to say that WE found DHCA, but I know in my heart that it was His plan all along. The preschool was everything we wanted it to be and so much more. We knew immediately that Decatur Heritage would be a big part of our family for many years to come.

When the new campus was built, we were left with one more year of preschool before we could transition to the new school. I remember that year seeming so long, but as with so many other things in this life, it is gone in a blink. After our kindergarten year, Logan was invited to join the magnet program with the city school system. Although we were honored that he was considered for such a program, it paled in comparison to the Christian atmosphere that we had at Decatur Heritage. There was a time when we briefly questioned our decision, but our first grader, Logan, put any doubts we may have had to ease one afternoon when I picked him up. He said that he was thankful for a school that allowed him to openly pray to God whenever his heart told him so. At that moment, I thanked God for such a loving son and for leading us to Decatur Heritage so many years ago.

We have not looked back to that decision since. This is now our fifth year here at Decatur Heritage. Logan is in the fourth grade and our daughter, Madelyn, is in kindergarten. For her, there has never been anything other than Decatur Heritage. This is her second home, and one she is always eager to get to each day. The teachers and families that we have come to know so well over the years are now a part of our family, each leaving their mark on us all. It is so exciting to watch our children grow each year, in faith and in intellect. Being a part of Decatur Heritage is truly a blessing, and we hope to be here for many years to come.

Why We Chose Decatur Heritage...

Brian and Jennifer Bentley

Spring 2015March 11 - May 6

Classes will include pottery, gooey science, cooking, creative crafts, painting, robotics, math mania, Bricks 4 Kidz, and a variety of sport offerings.

Registration will begin early March!

February 20“The Legacy of a Grandparent...

Building a Heritage”Reception for grandparents and special friends will begin at 8:31am followed by a program produced by the students and concluding with visits to the classrooms.

Join us for this special day as we honor our grandparents and special friends!!

BeginsFebruary 16

andconcludes

February 20

Watch for details soon!

Coming soon to Decatur Heritage...

The Bentley family: Madelyn, Brian,

Logan, and Jennifer.

Annual Book Fair

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6 Visit our website at www.dhca.org.

DHCA Students

Schyler Burney was selected

2014 Good Citizen.You represent us well,

Schyler!

Ali Carden was recently accepted to the College of Arts and Sciences Department of Theatre and Dance as a dance major at the University of Alabama for fall 2015.

Congratulations, Ali!

Jada Blankenship (left) and Ashlyn Kurzhal (right) participated in the State Trumbauer theatrical competition.

Recent members of the National Forensic League are (pictured left to right) Logan Fiske, Owen Trippany, Eleanor Hellard, Riley Hurst, Marilyn Sample, and Cameron Parker. Not pictured: Cason Brown and Shawn Metzgar.

On behalf of the Elks Lodge, Mr. Glenn Hodges presented a $1,000 donation to the media center. Mrs. Crews and her students are pictured above showing the gift of new dictionaries.

Derrick Bishop was named the 2014 Spelling Bee Champion and will represent Decatur Heritage in the county spelling bee in late January.

Congratulations, Derrick!

The Eagle-Tec Robotics received the first place Core Values Inspiration Award at the First Lego League Qualifier Tournament. First row: Nicholas Telepun, William Barnett, Logan Bentley, Gentry Nelson, and Wesley Owens. Back row: David Roden, Saxon Sample, Connor Steele, Conner McDaniel, and Connor Francis. Facilitators are Mrs. Connie Murray, Mr. Mark Steele, and Mr. Evin Myers and assisted by Jackson McDaniel.

The eighth grade students participated in the Morgan County Chamber of Commerce Endless Opportunities Expo. This program is designed to give hands-on career information to area students.

Myla Garner and Jazmin Kyle

Aleah Jenkins andLydia Ruth Strickland

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HERITAGE HIGHLIGHTS

Decatur Heritage Christian Academy is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and is a member in good standing with the Association of Christian Schools International.

“Songs of the Season”presented by kindergarten through

second grade students

“Isaiah Jones and the Seekers of the The Lost Christmas Treasure”

presented by third through sixth grade students

“The Sounds of Christmas” presented by the Decatur Heritage Band

YOU ARE INVITED TOMWANGAZA CHILDREN’S CHOIR

“Breaking Free”Exciting dances, great voices, and moving testimonies

featuring children from Uganda, Africa

January 128:15am (lower school) 9am (upper school)

dhca cafetoriumWatch for details regarding the concert as well as

the purchase of handmade crafts!

Coming spring 2015

Friday, April 24and

Saturday, April 25presented by Masterpiece Fine Arts

The Decatur Heritage Parent Associa3on would like to extend a special thank you to the 28 vendors that made the 3rd annual Heritage Holiday Marketplace a great success! The proceeds will be used for instruc3onal needs and enhancements.

Coming February 28A fundraising event sponsored by theDecatur Heritage

Parent Association!

New this year... sponsored by the senior class

More details to be announced.

Register now at www.imathlete.com

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SPORTS SCENE

Decatur Heritage Christian Academy is a member of the Alabama High School Athletic Association.

FOOTBALL

Braden Blagburn, Christian Hunter, and Patrick MetzgarNot pictured: Evan Francis and Brent King

Left to right: Most Valuable Offensive Player: Jeff Hunter; DHCA Award: Grayson Wakefield; Most Valuable Defensive Player: Patrick Metzgar; Most Improved Player: Jonathan Cimino; and Most Valuable Offensive Player: Dakota Hunter. Not pictured: Most Valuable Lineman: Parker Sparkman.

The varsity football program experienced a season of "firsts" this fall: a thrilling, last-minute victory over Shoals Christian; a winning regular season; fourth place in the region; and a playoff appearance. The middle school team also recorded a winning season with wins over county rivals. The success began during the off-season with our seniors establishing a work ethic in the weight room. With the continued support of our fans, this season was one worthy of Decatur Heritage's history book. Recently, more than 170 players, coaches, cheerleaders, and family celebrated the accomplishments of the season. Coach McGee recognized the middle school team and awarded the players pictured below. Coach Meek praised the growth and success of the program and announced the varsity award and leadership recipients, also pictured below. We are already looking forward to Eagle football next fall!

Middle School Awards

High School Awards

2014 Team Captains

Alainnah Cheshier and Mariah Vincent

BOYS

GIRLS

SENIOR ATHLETESVARSITY BASKETBALL

Maddie Vinton and Bekah Voss

Left to right: Most Valuable Teammate: Jackson Kyle; Most Improved Player: Stephen Ross; DHCA Award: Carter Sample; Most Improved Player: Dawson Echols; and Most Valuable Offensive Player: Colton Keith. Not pictured: Most Valuable Defensive Player: Jackson Eubanks and Most Valuable Lineman: Ethan Hubbard.

Patrick Metzgar and Nichols TeichmillerNot pictured: Christian Hunter

Decatur Heritage is excited to announceMrs. Anna Hodges, Girls’ Soccer Coach

Mrs. Hodges began her soccer career as one of two girls on a middle school soccer team. After playing "with the boys" for two years, she played on the inaugural all-girls soccer team at Austin High School. She was a four-year starter and letterman. Mrs. Hodges also participated in local club teams. Mrs. Hodges is looking forward to her first opportunity to coach a high school soccer team and has high expectations for the upcoming season.

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SPRING SPORTS ARE JUST AROUND THE CORNER.......BASEBALL

Coach Steve Meek

SOFTBALLCoach Heather Sparkman

GOLFCoach Steve Atchley

GIRLS’ SOCCERCoach Anna Hodges

January 26thThrowing andConditioning

January 12th6:30pmParent MeetingCoach Meek’s classroom

Season BeginsFebruary 16th

January 26thThrowing andConditioning

January 12th6:30pmParent MeetingMedia Center


January 26thPractice Begins




BOYS’ TENNISCoach Brent King

GIRLS’ TENNIS Coach Sandy Stephenson

TRACK & FIELD Coach Jason Marshall



February 6thPractice Begins

Season BeginsFebruary 2nd

Season BeginsFebruary 2nd Season Begins

February 27th

VOLLEYBALL

Varsity Middle School

Decatur Heritage Athletic Department is pleased to recognize the following players for their achievements during the 2014-2015 volleyball season.

Maddie VintonAll-County Team

andState Final Four

All-Tournament Team

Kayla GrimesState Final Four All-

Tournament Team

Kaitlyn CheathamAll-County Team

Lizzie BishopAll-County Team

Congratulations, Lady Eagles!

January 12th6:30pmParent MeetingCafetorium

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Classesresumetoday!

Holiday

Kim Parker’s Birthday

7amFirst Priority Cafetorium

Teresa Hall’s Birthday

YvonneHoliday’s Birthday

Kelly Cimino’s Birthday

Basketball schedules are available atwww.dhca.org under “Athletics”

Leigh AnnChiles’

Birthday

REPORT CARDSavailable on




Melissa McCullough’s

BirthdayChildren’s Choir

JANUARY

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

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26 27 26 28 29 30

Classesresumetoday!

Holiday

Kim Parker’s Birthday


Teresa Hall’s Birthday

YvonneHoliday’s Birthday

Kelly Cimino’s Birthday

Basketball schedules are available atwww.dhca.org under “Athletics”

Leigh AnnChiles’

Birthday

REPORT CARDSavailable on




Melissa McCullough’s

BirthdayChildren’s Choir

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2pm“A Heart for

the Arts” Holiday

≈ ≈Book Fair continues all week ≈ ≈

Priority enrollment for 2014-2015

school year opens to current students

Basketball regular season playended January 30. Tournament play

details will be announced at www.dhca.org under “Athletics”.

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Visit www.dhca.org under the “Athletics” tab for spring sports schedules

Amy Francis’ Birthday

Progress Reports available via

Julie McGough’s Birthday

Amy Tubb’s Birthday



“Healthy Heritage 5K”and

family fun mile and pancake breakfast

Thais Yancey’s Birthday

Beverly Gorden’s Birthday

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FEBRUARY

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

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21 22 23 24 25 26 27

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2pm“A Heart for

the Arts” Holiday






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2pm“A Heart for

the Arts” Holiday






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2pm“A Heart for

the Arts” Holiday






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NONPROFITU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDDecatur, AL

35601Permit No. 805

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

P.O. Box 5659 • Decatur, Alabama 35601 • 256.351.4275

Decatur Heritage Christian Academy is a 501-C-3 non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Memorials, honorariums, and gifts may be mailed to DHCA, P. O. Box 5659, Decatur, AL 35601-0659.

HERITAGE PREVIEWA First Hand Look at the Heritage Difference

Do you realize that YOU, the readers of this newsletter, are the BEST source of advertising to promote Decatur Heritage? A wealth of validity and credibility is conveyed as you relate your experience and invite your family, friends, fellow church members, and business associates to consider Decatur Heritage as an option for their student.

Encourage them to see “Decatur Heritage in action” by visiting the school and scheduling a shadow day for their student. Parents can see what is unique about the school and prospective students can experience a Decatur Heritage school day. Once the parents have previewed the school and the student has shadowed for a day, the enrollment process may begin.

Invite your family and friends who might consider or who are considering enrolling their children in Decatur Heritage to drop by anytime Monday through Friday 8:30am to 2pm to tour the campus, see Decatur Heritage in action, and talk with an administrator. No appointment is necessary.

We look forward to meeting lots of prospective parents and students as the 2015-2016 enrollment process begins!

the eagle cry - dhca.org€¦ · decatur heritage christian academy is a 501-c-3 non-profit...

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