Acta Equitum - April 2025

London Recap

S E N I O R C A P S T O N E T R I P

According to the Latin proverb, “Travelers may change their climate but never their souls.” While it may be admitted that such a truism is essentially true, there also can be little doubt that travelers may at least change their thinking. by virtue of seeing the world- the different sights, sounds, textures, hues, and passions of cultures different than their ownaffords them with a unique perspective that militates against prejudice, parochialism, and pettiness.

So, why do we do a capstone trip with our seniors every year? We do it because a classical Christian education is incomplete without it We do it because the discipleship task we have undertaken depends on it We do it because as James Ferguson, the famed nineteenth century Scottish architect, has said, “Travel is more than a visitor seeing sights; it is the profound changing - the deep and permanent changing - of that visitor’s perspective of the world, and his own place in it ”

Looking up into the octagonal tower lantern. The painted angel panels are 12 feet tall.

ELY CATHEDRAL

The current cathedral structure dates back to 1083. The central octagonal tower was added after the previous tower collapsed in 1322. It is made of timber and could not be reconstructed in the same way today because there are no trees large enough.

Excerpt taken from Just Visiting: How Travel Has Enlightened Lives and Viewpoints Throughout History by George and Karen Grant, 1999

London Recap

ST. PAUL’S CATHEDRAL

Magnificence of St. Paul’s Cathedral. Students climbed 500+ steps to the Golden Gallery at the top of the dome for a spectacular view of London

CHARTWELL

The serene, peaceful beauty and charm of Chartwell, home of Winston Churchill.

And Churchill’s home office

London Recap

BUCKINGHAM PALACE

Stunning sunset and view of Buckingham Palace from the top of the London Eye.

London Recap

Mrs.Kay Dokkestul

1 8 Y E A R S W I T H F C S

KAY DOKKESTUL

Our beloved Kay Dokkestul will retire in May after 18 years of teaching at Franklin Classical School. Through the years she's taught freshman English, literature, and Bible as well as The Art of Homemaking. In UD Humanities, she served as a guest lecturer, led study sessions, and created opportunities and exams, including keys. Each year she walks with multiple seniors through the oral defense process, serving as an advisor and as a member of the oral defense faculty panel. In FCS's earlier years, she developed grammar level, activity-based resources called Night Owl and sold them nation-wide.

Once we at FCS found out about those resources, they were used in our 5th grade until she closed that business. Many times her home has been a beautiful, Spirit-filled location for faculty/staff Christmas parties and class gatherings. She's especially appreciated by freshmen for her field trips to McKay's bookstore and the library during thesis season as well as her delicious food

Mrs. Dokkestul was also instrumental in supporting our sister-schools in Iraq, taking Dr. Grant's humanities curriculum and remolding it to be effective for Christ in that culture. She also traveled to those schools many times to serve as an advisor and train teachers.

A prayer w i h bl l d i t d t f ll a faithful friend, we w

If you would like to drop off a gift or thank you card for Mrs Dokkestul, please leave at the front desk before May 20th.

3rd QuarterProjects

Building Update

We are in the final stages of completing the closing documents and securing financing for the purchase of 1021 Windcross Court. As we approach this important milestone, we remain focused on finalizing the necessary steps to ensure a successful completion of the purchase.

In preparation for the next phase, we have selected a construction partner who is ready to begin ground floor construction immediately as soon as the purchase is complete.

To keep families informed throughout this process, we will implement a robust communication plan, providing regular updates on our progress over the summer.

With faith and determination, we continue to move forward with prayerful confidence.

We ask you to join us in prayer over the final steps.

Survey Results

F C S C O M M U N I T Y S U R V E Y

Thank you for your participation in our most recent community survey. This is a practice we intend to repeat annually. You will find a summary of the results of the survey below.