THE heraldVOLUME 5, ISSUE 1, FALL 2018

“OF PINOCCHIO AND POETRY” by Dr. Ann H. McLean

Classical, Christian educators know that stories, especially fairy tales, are invaluable for the moral education of young children. G.K. Chesterton and C.S. Lewis, two authors respected in classical schools, understood the importance of teaching morality, and of leading the students to understand right from wrong. Vigen Guroian, author of Tending the Heart of Virtue; How Classic Stories Awaken a Child’s Moral Imagination (Oxford, 1998) points out that modern educators, who think children should “discover their own morality”, for some reason do not allow students to discover their own math rules for arithmetic, or own alphabets in order to write well. Is not the position of the heart and the moral imagination every bit as important as academics?

One story which is rarely taught today but which illustrates the importance of actually teaching a child right from wrong, is Carlo Collodi’s classic story of Pinocchio. In his chapter, “On Becoming a Real Human Child,” Goroian explores the question: what is meant by “growing up”? In the original story: the puppet's experiences are designed to make him wiser, more able to handle adversity, on his journey to becoming “real.” Readers see that the puppet maker, Geppetto, wishes upon a star that his puppet will become a boy “brave, truthful and unselfish”, which is surely the wish of every parent. The Blue Fairy grants this wish because Geppetto himself has “given such happiness to others.” In modern re-tellings, such as Disney’s, screenwriters change the story slightly. Picocchio still wants to be a “real boy” but unfortunately, the emphasis is not “to be good.” Ultimately is physical growth the same as the Bible's mandate to move toward "full stature", and to become brave, truthful and unselfish?

Recently HCCS students explored poems, which pack worthy ideas into rhythm and verse, and enhance wonder and appreciation of our world. The Omnibus class took their poems to preschools during our “Reading Pals” outreach on October 2nd. They read Robert Frost, Robert Louis Stevenson and other poets to four year olds, who were polite and curious. The students shared illustrations and poems about nature and have memorized such poems as “The Little Turtle” by Vachal Lindsay; “Autumn Fires” and “Bed in Summer” by Robert Louis Stevenson, as well as several by unknown authors such as “You Mustn’t Quit”. Like Pinocchio, these encourage old and young to move toward “full stature”, encouraging our students to “think well.” H

635 Manakin Road, Manakin-Sabot, Virginia 23103 • 804-708-0048 • info@HunterCCS.org • HunterCCS.org

WELCOME NEW HCCS FACULTY!JODY HOORNIK – 2ND GRADEJoanna Lynn Hoornik, our new 2nd grade teacher, grew up in Easton, MA, the fourth of six children, says she always wanted to be a teacher. Jodi attended Nyack College in New York, and after graduation began teaching 1st grade at Alliance Christian Academy in Virginia Beach, VA. There, she met her husband, Al, who was in the Navy, and married in 1988. She and Al raised their three children in Delaware, where Jody taught school at Tall Oaks Classical School. There she learned to respect the classical, Christian model and considered it a privilege to teach in such an environment. Her children, she says, “grew in every way” at Tall Oaks. “It was exciting to see the progress they made…they still remember things they learned, and now want their children to have the same foundation.” Jody lived in North Carolina, and Lynchburg, and when they moved to Richmond last year, Jody sought out a classical, Chris-tian school. “I consider it a privilege to teach at Hunter Classical Christian School and love my second grade class dearly.” Jody and Al are expecting their second grandchild in the spring.

CAREN “CAREY” FLICK – LIBRARIANCarey Flick writes, “In a postmodern age where moral relativism and deconstructive literary theory prevail, it is vital to teach our students that truth is absolute, and no academic subject is exempt from its reign.” Our new librarian goes on to say, “It is not enough for students to learn truth; they must also be trained in how to discover, examine and defend it.” Carey’s love of reading began at a young age, when her mother read to the family during her formative years.

Carey, a wife and full-time mother to Aaron (4) and Autumn (2), graduated from Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, VA. She went into law enforcement, attending the Police Academy, where she laughingly says she was voted “the officer most likely to start a book club.” Carey’s experience in the police force opened her eyes to the need for quality education in all communities. Please welcome Carey if you are on campus on Friday mornings.

MR. FRED CRAIG – PE COACHHCCS is delighted to welcome Fred Craig, father of Mary Calvin Craig, to the position of Physical Education teacher. Fred has served as our Golf Team coach. He is expanding his role at Hunter this year, bringing a love for all sports to the position: soccer, squash and tennis. As a friend stated, “Fred is exceptionally good with children. He is patient, and has the ability to translate an observation of a child’s skill into a lesson that will help the child.” He has coached Striker Soccer program over 10 years for his older children, Nash and Ellie. Fred, a Journalism major at Flagler College, knows that sportsmanship is critical to be successful

on the field and off. Fred teaches the rules of sports in a sequence of units and also ensures students receive cardio exercise through jumping jacks or other calisthenics during each lesson. “Nourishing our mind and body through love and understanding, and using

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIESThis Fall, HCCS students have been able to participate in "Chess Team" Tuesday afternoons from 3:15-4:15, in Heritage Hall, coached by James Richardson of Championship Chess (pictured teaching). Students have also enjoyed Golf Team, which meets Friday afternoons at Bogey's Sports Park, coached by Coach Craig. Rebecca Greene demonstrates her drive off the t-box! Both teams have enjoyed learning and competing! H

FIELD TRIP TO THE PUMPKIN PATCHOn Wednesday, October 17th, HCCS took advantage of a bright sunny day and the only available opening for a school group at Lloyd Family Farms to go to the Pumpkin Patch. Students enjoyed petting horses and goats, running through a full grown Corn Maze, and

best of all, picking from a wide variety of yellow, orange, green and white pumpkins their very own treasure to take home. Almost all our families attended, and siblings came too, which made a wonderful family adventure! We rode together on a giant hay ride and lunched on hay bales under a tent. It was thoroughly amazing that we made it back to campus in time for Madame Peete’s French class at 1pm! Thank you to all the parents and faculty who helped shepherd our “flock.” H

ART Claire Berry’s art class has been decking the Hallway Gallery with warm and cool color studies based in nature. The students practice drawing and analyzing spatial relationships, as well as pleasing color relationships. Turtle “color wheels”, sea shell watercolors, and mixed media fall leaves share the beauty of God’s creation with everyone even on rainy days. H

“SPOOKY SCIENCE” by Penny Stein

Mrs. Stein's science class will conjure up some Halloween fun in the laboratory this week as they explore the fundamentals of static electricity by creating “flying” ghosts using tissue paper and balloons. They will also determine the amount of glucose in a variety of candy by creating solutions of the sweet treats and using Benedict's solution to observe a color change. Who says science can't be fun... and tasty too? H

AUTHOR VISITGoochland residents and parents of major league baseball star, Justin Verlander, will share their two books: Rocks Across the Pond; Lessons Learned, Stories Told and The Shelter Gang and their Secret Adventure in December. Kathy and Richard Verlander write about their journey raising two sons, Justin and Ben, who are successful on and off the field. What did they do to raise such fine athletes and men? Eventually Kathy and Richard were honored as "Little League Parents of the Year" from all

across the United States. After the boys were grown, the Verlanders turned their attention to helping with Goochland Pet Lovers. Those who love cats and dogs enjoyed hearing about the Verlanders' rescue animals. Pets they adopted are featured in a children's paperback book about

the cats and dogs at the animal shelter organizing themselves to play a midnight game of baseball. The illustrations are as charming as the story, and this would make a great “stocking-stuffer”! H

the gifts we have been given in our lives" is part of his teaching philosophy. We are delighted that Coach Craig is also taking a leadership role in our Athletics Committee, and look forward to his leadership in the Herculean Challenge. H

FIELD TRIP TO FIELD DAY OF THE PASTOur annual Field Day of The Past field trip took place on a warm September Friday. Students learned many skills which are relative to rural life, from turning wooden bowls to making jams and jellies. Once again a big hit were the animals, the dairy exhibit and the pig races. H

Lisa Makepeace, wife of Walton Makepeace and mother of Chandler, Austin and Daniel (William & Mary, University of Georgia, and SMU respectively) has been a supporter of HCCS since the beginning. She and her family built and donated our tetherball as well as our corn hole sets! Lisa, a

graduate of Vanderbilt University, who earned her MBA from the University of Richmond has extensive business experience at Deloitte as well as service on Childrens’ Hospital. We are grateful she has chosen to share her many gifts on our Board of Directors. H

ET CETERAPARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES were on November 6th (election day).

ANNUAL FALL OPEN HOUSE is Thursday, November 15th at 9:30am. Students sing in the Sanctuary, teachers will be introduced. After classroom visits there will be light refreshments in Heritage Hall provided by the PL. Please invite potential families to visit!

ADMISSIONS UPDATEThe 2018-19 school year is well underway. HCCS has already accepted applications for next fall, and has interest in mid-year admissions. Priority application admission testing takes place the first week of December by appointment.

HARVEST HELPERS CHAPEL AND LUNCHEON will be held November 21st, 10:45am in Sanctuary. Dress Uniforms for students. Luncheon in Heritage Hall, 11:30-1:00pm

JAMESTOWN FIELD TRIP 2nd through 6th graders will visit Historic Jamestown on Dec. 4th, weather permitting, for a guided tour of the archeological site and exhibits about the early colony.

CEDARFIELD SINGING will take place Thursday, Dec. 13th. HCCS will travel to the Hermitage at Cedarfield to perform selections from our Lessons & Carols program.

CHRISTMAS LESSONS & CAROLS AND RECEPTION will be held Tuesday, Dec. 18th, 9:00am in Sanctuary followed by fellowship and punch in Heritage Hall.

CHRISTMAS BREAK begins at 11:45am on Tuesday, Dec. 18th.

Hunter Classical Christian School’s mission is to challenge the mind, nourish the spirit, and develop the whole child in an atmosphere guided by Judeo-Christian principles.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:Jeff Brown, Board Chairman Frank Bell, Wayne Hast, Lisa Makepeace, Kendall Wolfson, Ann H. McLean, Ph.D. Head of School

The Herald Newsletter is a bi-annual publication. Hunter Classical Christian School accepts qualified students without regard to race, color and national or ethnic origin.

Please check the Lost and Found box in the office before Christmas Break! Thank you!

WELCOME NEW BOARD MEMBER, LISA MAKEPEACE

“CARDS FOR A CAUSE”HCCS fathers Jonathan Wolfson and Mike Brady as well as Board Chairman Jeff Brown have teamed up on a fundraiser: “Cards for a Cause.” Saturday, November 3rd at 7pm, gentlemen gathered at the Commonwealth Club for drinks, camaraderie, heavy hors d’oeuvres, cigars and card games, along with the LSU v. Alabama football game. The men invited over 50 gentlemen who enjoyed cards with dealers provided by our former PE teacher, Mr. Mark Busser. Bravo, gentlemen! H

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PROCEEDS BENEFIT HUNTER CLASSICAL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

CARDS FOR A CAUSE Saturday, November 3rd at 7:00pm Gentlemen Only Tickets $100

Cigars, heavy hors d'oeuvres, drinks, & camaraderie Corporate sponsorships available

To purchase tickets visit: www.hunterccs.org/cards Coat and tie required

You are invited to

THE COMMONWEALTH CLUB

HARVEST HELPERS LUNCHEONOn Wednesday, November 21st, HCCS remembers those less fortunate in Goochland, by bringing canned goods for the Food Bank. We are delighted to welcome friends and supporters to join us for our Harvest Helpers Chapel and Luncheon in Heritage Hall after the program, at 11:30pm. School families are invited, but not obligated, to attend this bar-b-que meal which has been

generously donated by Courtney Seredni (mother of Lincoln, 2nd) through Brock’s Bar-B-Que. The PL mothers will provide table decore, serve drinks and provide some home-made desserts to make a lovely lunch. Grandparents are welcome to join us. H

ALUMNI CORNER: HARPER HOPESeveral years ago, Harper Hope came to Hunter from a public program where she felt a bit "lost." Today she is doing well and really loves school. Her mother, Wendy credits the preparation at HCCS for her smooth adjustment. I truly believe HCCS prepared her academically for Collegiate." She loves to write and seems to have a gift for writing. She is enjoys math, and is doing well in that subject, which she was not before attending HCCS. She seems to be following in her father's footsteps playing lacrosse for Collegiate as well. Harper enjoys field hockey, diving, and attending camp Camp Hollymont in Asheville, NC., a Christian camp for girls. She received the honor of “Halo Girl” in her advisory this past November, an award for character and kindness. Great job, Harper! We hope you sing in a choir or glee club, because you have a beautiful voice as well! H

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