Spero - The New Hope Academy Magazine

Spero September 2018 • The Friendship Issue

September 2018

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Headmaster: Stuart Tutler Academic Director: Cady Wilson Advancement Director: Parker Page September 2018 Issue Written and prepared by: Stefanie Edwards Communications Director For inquires or submission suggestions please email to sedwards@nhafranklin.org

Table of Contents

p. 4-5: Letter from our Headmaster p. 6-7: Upper School Retreat p. 10-11: Around Campus p. 12-14: Parent Feature p. 22-23: Library Tour with Martha Brooks p. 30-31: About Therapy p. 16-35: Class Photographs

About The Spero Magazine In Latin, spero means “I hope.� It can also mean hope for; trust; look forward to. It is our intention that this monthly magazine highlights all the positive expressions of hope within our school.

Latin is also one of the two languages our students learn throughout their career at New Hope Academy.

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Parent Fellowship NHAPA (New Hope Academy Parent Alliance) organized a week of morning meet-ups for parents by grade levels.

Offering refreshments and coffee, these meet-ups gave parents an easy way to catch up with one another. Connected, purposeful community is one of the core missions of NHAPA. Be on the look out for the next NHAPA gathering at the school picnic.

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Everybody Only A letter from our Headmaster, Stuart Tutler

The 2018-2019 school year is off to a great start. I am excited as I watch the students get settled into new routines and rekindle their friendships. I continue to remind the students that God is writing a story at New Hope Academy. And each of their relationships is a key part of His story. I tell the new students that God brought them to New Hope Academy to become a part our story. NHA has always focused on building relationships amongst everyone. In fact, we reflect on this every time we go to the water fountain and read the sign stating, “Everybody Only.” This serves as a continual reminder for us to include everyone in everything we do. As a school, we strive to create a space and environment that encourages parents, teachers, and students to connect with each other.

Our school community has been bustling with new connection opportunities. We have new students this year, which for us means new relationships to build. We’ve also witnessed the blossoming of many parent friendships.

One of the most beautiful things about New Hope families is that friendships cross the ethnic and economic boundaries that seem to hinder us normally. At NHA we are intentional about creating an environment that fosters the formation of relationships and encourages parents to meet people from varied cultures and backgrounds. We also witness a beautiful example of God’s love in action as parents unite to minister and support one another. p.4

Two weeks into the new school year, our fifth and sixth graders took off for a three-day retreat. This experience provided our upper school students with a time of immersive connection, guiding them into intentional fellowship that strengthened their friendships.

Throughout the team building exercises, we also witnessed the students building up their excitement to serve in roles of leadership throughout the school.

Moving into September, we will welcome the entire New Hope Academy family – current and alumni – to join us for our Annual Picnic on September 8th. This time of fellowship truly feels like a family reunion as we gather to eat and play together. Held on a Saturday afternoon, our picnic is a time for us to give back to our families and unite everyone in a fun, engaging way. We are so blessed that one of our community partners provides the meal we will serve.

My prayer is that relationships established at New Hope Academy will continue to flourish.

And that we would always see each other the way God sees us – valuable and unique in our own ways. It is our hope that students, parents, volunteers, and donors alike, will be forever changed because of the friendships formed here, and that you’d be encouraged to transform your community as a result of what you have experienced.

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Upper School Retreat At New Hope Academy, we strive to train our students in Christian leadership. One of the ways we develop this skill in our upper school students is through the Leadership Retreat in August. Held at Barefoot Republic Camp in Kentucky, this three-day retreat uses worship, team-building activities, speakers, and fun bonding to build unity and leadership amongst our fifth and sixth graders. Some of the favorite activities of the retreat include swimming in the lake, zip-lining, wall climbing, and of course, all the conversations with their peers.

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September 2018

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The New Hope Academy

Cross Country Team The dates of the scheduled meets are: Sept 10th, 17th, and 24th

Oct 1st, 8th, 15th, and 22nd (championship) K-2nd: 3/4 mile Start Time: 4:45pm 3rd-4th: 1 mile Start Time: 5:00pm MS (5th-8th): 2 miles Start Time: 5:20pm Meet location: The Hermitage 4580 Rachels Lane, Hermitage, TN 37076

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Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.

And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Matthew 22:34-40 (NIV)

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Around Campus

September 2018

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Grasping the New Hope Environment Getting to know parent, Noemi Turcios

Noemi Turcios has seen God’s hand involved in her family ever since they were first admitted to New Hope Academy. “We had applied late in the summer when the school was full.

We were not expecting to get admitted and had our sights focused on another school,” Noemi said. “But then we got the call that two spots had opened up, one in exactly the two grades we needed. That was our sign to come here.”

manageable, she was able to volunteer more her second year and that brought her connections and friendships that helped her find her place. “New Hope isn’t just for our children.

It gives parents a place to plug in and find community,” Noemi said. Don’t feel timid or embarrassed about starting up a conversation with someone. You never know who you are going to meet and how they could end up being your best friend.”

During her first year at New Hope Academy, Noemi wasn’t able to volunteer very much and she felt a bit awkward about her place on campus. But as her time became more

Noemi and her husband Toyo, have all four of their children enrolled this year. Between 6th, 4th, 2nd, and Pre-K, Noemi is blessed to have a flexible schedule that allows her to be

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on campus volunteering and engaging with her children’s classes. Noemi has a friendly, outgoing personality and is one of our most recognized parents. Throughout the years she has established many friendships because of her ties to New Hope. “I have been able to form really good friendships with moms here,” Noemi said. “I love my friends at New Hope because we relate on so many levels. Friendships between our kids, friendships based on common interests, and because of our ability to support each other.”

For the Turcios family, one of the greatest benefits of being a part of the New Hope family is the united inclusion. “Everyone – teachers, staff, fellow parents – all treat you the same, no matter the way you look, or because of your race or economic status,” Noemi Turcios shared.

made meals to serve Noemi’s sister. “I was just amazed at the love and support everyone poured on our family,” Noemi said. “I believe this type of support is unique to New Hope because we are smaller and Christ-centered.

People invest in each other in a unique way that really has a lasting impact.”

Building off the love she has found at New Hope Academy, Noemi and her family are happy to join in support of the school. Together they gather and participate in the spring fundraiser, Run For Hope. “When I first volunteered, I saw the excitement of others, so I

“I didn’t fully grasp what kind of environment we were coming into when we joined New Hope Academy,” Noemi said. “NHA is beyond what I could have imagined for my children. The teachers, staff, and everyone I have encountered through the school are fully committed in a way that I don’t see evident in other schools.”

Three years ago when Noemi and her family walked through the death of Noemi’s niece, the Turcios family felt firsthand the love of the New Hope community. With all the heartache surrounding that experience, Noemi felt showered by love and support from teachers and fellow parents. “Mrs. Peabody attended the service and Ms. Sandusky took care of my kids, giving me the ability to grieve and comfort my sister,” Noemi shared. “They really invested in our family and were so amazingly supportive.” New Hope mothers united and

Article continued page 20

September 2018

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decided to run in the race,” Noemi said. “Then I started inviting my family, and it has grown to 11 members this past spring. I like that Run For Hope gives them a glimpse of the New Hope community. My sixty year-old father even joined in the fun. He said he’s committed to running until he hits 70.”

Noemi shared that she is happy to help fundraise for the school through Run For Hope.

“We know how much an investment in New Hope Academy means, and we extend our gratitude to everyone who continually invests in our school, making it possible for my kids to have this amazing education. Thank you!”

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Benefiting the Sixth Grade Class Trip Hosted by the Sixth Grade Parents and Students Monday, October 15th • Westhaven Golf Club $225 per player or $800 for group of four players 11:00 am - Registration and Lunch 12:30 pm - Shotgun Start 5:30 pm - Dinner and Awards

Register Now https://tinyurl.com/y7rbrygz September 2018

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Pre-K

Mrs. Robertson

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Mrs. Freeman

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Kindergarten

Mrs. Durham

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Ms. Sandusky And teaching assistant, Andrea Vaughn (on right)

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First Grade

Mrs. DeVries

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Mrs. Souers

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Inspiring a Love of Books A library tour with our new librarian, Martha Brooks

Twenty-three years ago Martha Brooks was sitting in the congregation of Christ Community Church hearing Paige Overton Pitts and Scott Roley talk about the launch of New Hope Academy. That was the seed planting of a deep-rooted love for the school for Martha. After she graduated college and became a teacher, she applied here but the timing wasn’t right. God had plans for her to teach at a middle school before becoming a wife and mother.

Throughout the years she’s had multiple connections to New Hope through family and friends, including a cousin who became

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a teacher here. As she watched people she knew graduate from New Hope Academy, Martha knew this was the place she wanted her own daughters to attend. Fast forward to today, and all three of her kids attend New Hope Academy in 3rd, 5th, and 6th grade.

And now Martha has her own role at New Hope as our new librarian. Stepping into this role as the second librarian in the history of the school has been a dream come true for Martha. Years ago, she decided not to return to teaching, but she did have a passion for the part-time role of the librarian on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Martha reads to every class that visits the library. Her energy is positive and engaging and the children really enjoy her story times.

With almost 11,000 books in the library, Martha tries to introduce the students to new books and themes they haven’t yet explored.

“We have a great, large collection of books in all genres,” Martha said. “Students can explore easy readers, chapter books, picture books, fact books, encyclopedias, dictionaries, and more.”

What is the school library policy?

Every student has to check out a book each week during their assigned library time. They must return the book the following week, or they can’t check out a new one. There is a one week grace period after that in order to return the book before the five cents daily fee begins accruing.

What kind of books does my child get to read?

Martha has established a new policy that students can check out any book they want.

It does not have to be a book on their grade level. “I want them to leave with a book that they will take the time to open and enjoy throughout the week,” Martha said. “I am not trying to challenge them with reading. I am trying to help them fall in love with books.”

Martha encourages students to check out a picture book if that’s what they’re in the mood for. “There are some amazing artistic expressions in picture books, and fun-loving themes that make you laugh and smile,” Martha said. “I want students to feel free to explore the softer side of books and get excited to share those stories with others, including siblings or maybe their reading buddy.”

How Martha got hooked on books When she was young Martha’s favorite books were from The Babysitter’s Club. “I didn’t fall in love with reading by starting with the classics. I got hooked on the fun-loving themes of a series and saved my own money to buy the next book,” Martha said. “That experience opened my mind to how books capture a story. They are emotional things we relate to our memories and experiences.”

About Martha Martha has been married for 18 years to Preston, who is a PE teacher and Athletic Director at a local middle school. Together, along with their three daughters, the Brooks travel every summer in an RV. They enjoy hiking and exploring new areas. Martha also has a deep love of gardening and reading. Her favorite book is The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane.

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Second Grade

Mrs. Morrison

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Mrs. Paske

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Third Grade

Mrs. Brames

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Mrs. Ketchum

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Fourth Grade

Mr. Bryant

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Ms. Grayson

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“It is a gift that you give me, opening up and trusting me with your family stories,” Shelby said. “Working at New Hope is a blessing.”

Peace of Mind Introduction to therapy with school therapist, Shelby Hensen

New Hope Academy is blessed to have a Master’s Level Clinician working on our campus through the ministry services of Mercy Community Healthcare. Unlike a school counselor who puts on classes and deals with crisis classroom circumstances, our therapist, Shelby Hensen, offers a full range of clinical behavioral health therapy for our students.

Working in 45-minute sessions with referred students, Shelby is able to help students work through their issues and have a more positive response to their school and home needs.

When might my child be referred for therapy?

Shelby works with students based on a request from you, the parent. If you feel there p.30

are issues presenting at home or school, impacting the well-being of your child, please feel free to reach out to Shelby to request a meeting. At your initial meeting with Shelby, you will be able to discuss your concerns for your child, and assess if therapy is the right fit. Just because you come in to talk does not mean that you are obligated to enroll your child in counseling.

Sometimes a teacher may pick up on certain recurring behaviors in the classroom that could benefit from therapy. In this case, your child’s teacher will contact you directly to speak with you about the consideration. Then you will have the time to reflect upon the suggestion and reach out to Shelby if you wish.

What will my child be doing in therapy?

Sessions happen during the school day in 45 minute, once a week sessions. Shelby has a private office space within the library to meet with students. The room is purposely designed to be soothing and calm with soft lighting, cozy furnishings, toys, and more.

When a child enters the room, Shelby offers them a snack to help meet their physical needs first. Then she gives the child the option of playing with different toys, games, or sensory items to help settle in. Through the use of play activities, Shelby is able to guide a conversation, gently tapping into their emotions and using the play to help a child express how they are feeling. This is known as play therapy.

What are the typical reasons for seeking counseling?

Below is a basic outline of some of the typical, age-appropriate, issues Shelby works with.

In Pre-K and Kindergarten, more of the therapy relates to emotional regulations – helping students understand how to verbalize their needs and feelings, instead of having outbursts of anger or aggression.

Within this age group, Shelby teaches self-soothing strategies. She also works with some sensory needs, helping students learn to regulate themselves, how to respond to triggers, and self-soothe.

In first through third grade more anxiety issues present themselves. Sometimes it is an issue related to sadness, adjustment, selfesteem, etc. There is also work regarding body safety and body boundary issues for students needing to develop a better understanding of personal space.

As children age, Shelby begins to notice more issues related to withdrawal. Anxious-

ness, identity, belonging issues, self-esteem, depression, etc., are common themes presenting in upper school students. She is also available to help talk with fifth and sixth graders moving on to middle school by preparing for the transition and dealing with the nerves associated with leaving New Hope Academy.

Shelby may also meet with students of any age in relation to issues of attachment or trauma.

Is there a cost for private therapy?

For students on TennCare, there is no charge.

For students with any other insurance plan, there is a fee of $25 per session.

What if I am struggling as a parent?

Is there any assistance for me?

Yes! Shelby offers parent coaching sessions for those curious about how to handle a difficult behavior presenting in their child.

About Shelby Shelby Hensen is a native Tennessean, with a deep-rooted love for country music that prompted her to move to Nashville three years ago. She enjoys listening to live music and attending singer/songwriter performances. Her passion for adoption brought her to an internship with Show Hope, which set her on the path to becoming a counselor.

Shelby holds her Master’s in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling from Lipscomb University. She has additional training in trauma-based therapy and uses her lens of viewing therapy through relationship-based models.

How to connect: To talk with Shelby and schedule an initial consult you can call at 615-595-0324 x 252 or email shensen@nhafranklin.org.

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Fifth Grade

Mrs. Pence

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Mrs. McInnes

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Sixth Grade

Mrs. Dighton

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Mr. Goodwin

September 2018

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Enjoying our new playground

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