Providence for the Future: Vision Night and Beyond
Thank you to everyone who came out for Vision Night last Monday, January 27! The Eastside sanctuary was filled with close to 100 moms, dads, grandparents and stakeholders at Providence eager to thank God for what He has done in our school the last ten years and look forward together to the next ten. Providence has grown from three full-time teachers and twenty-four students grades K-8 to serving 154 families, 238 students grades K-12, thirteen Simply Providence students and almost 50 staff members Our core mission remains the same: partnering with parents to provide a classical Christian education that trains both the hearts and minds of our students.
In the Fall of 2024, the Board of Directors approved a five-year strategic plan that will guide us through the 2029-2030 school year This plan will help us become an independent school that can sustain excellence over time I will hit the highlights below, but I invite you to view the entire presentation by going to our website under the “For the Future” tab.
Strategic Objective #1: Communicate our Mission, Vision, Values, and Culture with Effectiveness and Engagement. We all know there is something special about Providence, but sometimes it’s difficult to define We want to clarify our identity and develop language that is more concise and motivating. We want our staff, students and families to know it, live it and share it
Strategic Objective #2: Invest in an Exceptional Faculty that Reflects Our Distinctive Culture. Our faculty are the driving force behind our mission at Providence As they grow in their skill as teachers, so will our effectiveness as an institution. We want to develop a strategic plan to raise compensation and benefits that appropriately recognizes and rewards our distinctive faculty
Strategic Objective #3: Secure the School’s Financial Future through a Mature Financial Model A clear stewardship plan is paramount to supporting our strategic objectives. This financial model will help us find the right balance between tuition, enrollment and fundraising to maintain long-term stability and be accessible for missionally-aligned families in the communities that we serve.
Strategic Objective #4: Ensure Lasting and Effective School Leadership We are committed to a governance model that charges the Head of School with the day-to-day operations, while the Board of Directors focuses on guarding the mission, seeking long term financial viability, perpetuating a healthy board and evaluating the Head of School The Board is forming strategic committees and plans to grow from five members to nine members in the next five years.
Strategic Objective #5: Grow the School Yes! We want to grow! We want many more families to experience the Providence “it” factor. There is an enrollment number that provides critical mass to run a school effectively, and we want to identify that point and reach it This will likewise allow us to strategically grow our offerings in academics, arts and athletics while maintaining the close-knit community we all value at Providence
Strategic Objective #6: Plan for a Permanent Campus It’s eluded us for quite a while, but we believe the future of Providence lies in our own permanent location In the next few years, we will conduct market analysis, form strategic committees and develop a cohesive plan to accommodate the growth of our student body with the goal of a full K-12 campus or secondary location by the 2028/2029 school year.
My favorite Latin saying is “ora et labora” which means “pray and work ” I hope you will join me in both praying and working for the future of Providence Classical School.
GRAMMAR SCHOOL CHOIR
HOLLY BALL ADESTE FIDELIS
Mr.JaceGrauel UpperSchoolTeacher
A broad and simple definition of piety, a central topic of our most recent faculty meeting, is the "proper love of and fear of God and man "
Within the ancient world, the concept of piety admonished citizens like us to be faithful to “our country or our parents or other blood relations.” The pious man would sacrifice himself on the battlefield, protect his family name, or pay homage to the emperor at any cost because it was his duty Furthermore, this sense of duty extended beyond blood relations to the gods. Piety would lead the individual to “give the gods their due, through worship and sacrifice ” It was this latter emphasis of the word that the Christian church especially adopted and used to refer to proper “worship of God ” A Christian man was pious when he faithfully and consistently worshiped the one true God and obeyed his commandments Through its uses, piety captured a dimension of obligation to accompany affection that is often missing in our modern world, whether in ordinary or spiritual conversations.
Why might it be worth revitalizing this unique emphasis of piety? In short, it will provide the deep-rooted affection for others that our culture always desires for yet never consistently achieves Timothy Keller, following in the steps of Lewis, understood that loving action is the engine that drives the carts of affection
A Word on Piety
He proclaims, “it is truer to say that actions of love can lead consistently to feelings of love ” In other words, when you surrender your emotions for obedience, you will inflame them; and when you sacrifice everything for an emotional state, you will lose it
Parents, that means one of the central ways in which you can serve the hearts of your children is to simply bring them to church every Sunday no matter how you or they might feel. The heart of the law is to love the Lord your God, and practically, that means to first act on his commandment to worship him alone and worship him on Sunday with the gathered saints of the church. Yes, feet may be dragged Complaints might swarm your ears Years of dry harvest could loom ahead. But that habit of fulfilling a duty to worship their Lord, or being pious, will become second nature and offer a sturdy foundation for a regenerated heart to build upon in faith
The same principle of piety applies to the secular realms of family and country Rather than expecting spontaneous joy for our family and country, we should instill habits within our children that reflect a love and honor for each This may include passing on a family recipe, giving moral exhortations on the basis of a family name, respecting holidays, or sharing stories of our national history By fulfilling the duty to honor nation and kin through these habits, in other words being pious, we and our children may find a sweet affection with roots deepened by repetition and practice These mundane habits of honoring our legacy may facilitate a more genuine love, whether for their last name, their school culture, or their nation
Thus, in the classroom, our faculty may not be able to immediately stir an emotional experience for either the classics or the faith But, we will dutifully instruct our students to honor the worn paths of ancestors before us in obedience and demonstrate what it looks like to love the Lord our God in our conduct In short, we will instruct them in piety, having confidence that such conduct is the engine that will drive the carts of their affection towards God and neighbor
Welcome to the Harrell-Miller Family
The Harrell-Miller family relocated from Aiken, SC to Fort Mill to be closer to Mr Harrell’s Charlotte-based engineering firm and extended family “We knew we wanted a Christian curriculum and environment for Kingston but being new to the area, we didn't know where. We had the pleasure of playing soccer with some current students and it was their recommendations that led us to explore Providence We loved the classical curriculum rooted in a biblical worldview as well as the people It was the genuine heartfelt welcome andhelpfulnessthatmadePCStheonlyoption,”saidMs Miller
Kingston received a warm welcome from his 4th grade classmates and settled in quickly to his new school routine after transferring to Providence mid-year His mom remarked, “He’s excited for the life-long friendships that will develop as he puts roots down and these kidsgrowuptogether ”
In his spare time, Kingston enjoys playing soccer for the Charlotte Independence rec league in Tega Cay. The Harrell-Miller family loves learning new things together, traveling to New York City annually at Christmas, riding scary roller coasters, volunteering, and celebrating life Carpeomniaistheirfamilymotto
The Miller-Harrell family visits New York City
SPOTLIGHTAlumni
Kate Roberson attended Providence from 6th through 12th grade, and was Valedictorian of the 2024 graduating class Not only did she excel academically, Kate was very active in Providence student life, participating in Journalism, Drama, Ensemble, and Ethics Bowl/Debate Clubs She was also a member of the Volleyball and Basketball teams, and served as President of the House of Edwards
However, it was her growth as a person and in her walk with Christ during her time at Providence that stands out to her “Having a classical education goes hand in hand with a Christian one I learned from the best authors, thinkers, and historical figures through my classical education I read the ”great books” that help us to learn about the human heart I learned the art of reason and persuasion to articulate more fully and comprehend what I know and believe I studied the history of Western Civilization which helps me to understand the world we live in now I developed a passion for Latin, which has helped order my mind with a fuller understanding of grammar and our language. I thank God for my education and for all that I have learned through it,” Kate said.
KateRoberson,afreshmanatHillsdaleCollege
Providence prepared Kate well for her next chapter as a freshman at Hillsdale College, where she is pursuing a double major in Economics and Latin, and a minor in Classical Education At Hillsdale, she is active in College Republicans, Swing Dance, Young Life, Music in the Community, and Choir. “By taking advantage of every opportunity at Providence, I can now make the most of my college experience because I am prepared to learn more and be more adventurous in the courses I take. I am taking Italian this semester, which, thanks to my Latin background, is significantly easier and more enjoyable,” she commented.
Kate is still considering what life post-college looks like, but she is considering attending graduate school to pursue an advanced degree in Economics
Grammar School Choir Club
November 2024 club meetings at Providence Classical School included an additional fine arts opportunity for grammar school students in grades 3-6, thanks to the hard work and dedication of our new Music Director, Ms Virginia Kate Kirby “These young voices are the future of music at Providence Classical School Helping them grow and experience the joy of singing is something I’m extremely passionate about,” states Ms Kirby
The Providence Grammar School Choir is working toward a performance at the May 2025 Grammar School Recitation Day, but club meetings also include a time for fun and personal growth Meetings begin with group discussion, followed by a musical game with solfege or rhythm Club members are also learning about how a choir operates, blending their voices to create harmony and singing the parts that match each member’svoicerange
GrammarSchoolChoirstudentswithProvidenceMusicDirector,MsVirginiaKateKirby Sixth grader Andrew Thomas enjoys being in the club. “It’s different than being in class for music, and I love singing with my friends.”
A Holly Ball Fit for a King - and Queen!
Streams of twinkling lights and powder-white decor made a fitting backdrop for an evening fit for a king and queen, a prince and a princess, and a room filled with chic-clad Upper School students for the inaugural Holly Ball House leaders worked with Providence staff members to create theDecember13eventthatdrewstudentstogetherforanightofcelebration,toppedoffwiththecrowningofthe2024HomecomingCourt:Micah Thompson(King),ElizabethKiehn(Queen),JacobWood(Prince),andAdahLambert(Princess) “Itwashumblingtorealizemyclassmatessawme as someone who exhibits Christian character and godly leadership, said Elizabeth Kiehn. “I was encouraged by how excited my peers were for me ”
Iwashonoredtobechosenasthehomecomingprincess,”addedAdahLambert.”It meanssomuchtoknowIhaveanimpact,evenifit’sasmallone,onthestudents ofthisschool!”
TheHollyBallwasheldatParkBaptistChurch,justminutesfromtheProvidence ClassicalSchoolcampus Studentsenjoyedrefreshmentsandvisitingwithfriends astheycomplimentedoneanotheronthegirls’beautifuldressesandtheboys’ handsomeattire,butdancingwasdefinitelythehighlightofthenight.Students sangalongtotheDJ’stunes,movingtothebeatinlargegroupsmarkedbysmiles and laughter “It really felt like a full community at the dance, with the fun availableforeveryonewhowent,nomattertheirgradelevel,”saidJacobWood. AdahLambertagreed “Itlackedtheawkwardnessthatcomeswithsomanyschool another’scompany!”
Christmas at Providence
A Night of Worship at Adeste Fideles
The Providence Classical School student body led a sanctuary filled with family and friends to worship the Newborn King at the 2024 Adeste Fideles Christmas Program TheeveningwasfilledwithScripture,music,andholyreverence “OurgoalforAdeste this year was to incorporate more Scripture and music throughout,” said Music DirectorVirginiaKateKirby “MyhopewastohighlightclassicChristmascarolsaswell asintroducethestudentstonew arrangements ”
Providenceseniorsplayedanimportantroleintheevening,havingindividualspeaking parts to guide the audience through prophecies about the coming Messiah, leading to thebirthofChrist “Itwasnerve-rackingbutworthit,becauseitpushedmeoutofmy
UpperSchoolgirlsgatheraheadofHollyBall
Homecoming Prince Jacob Wood, Homecoming Princess Adah Lambert, HomecomingQueenElizabethKiehn,andHomecomingKingMicahThompson
The Volunteers of Simply Providence
KathyEiff,DirectorofSimplyProvidence
Simply Providence students continue to flourish because of the prayers and support of our local Christian community. Volunteers are woven into the very fabric and heartbeat of the schoolservinginavarietyofways
Weekly volunteers, like Providence mom Whitney Reid, offer teachers assistance in the classroom with one-on-one student support Other volunteers like Ross and Debbie Cooke use their musical gifts to provide integrated music classes every other Friday Student volunteers create unique fellowship opportunities St Francis UMC’s Wrapped in Love ministry donated its time and talents to make and donate weighted blankets and vests for Simply Providence students Forest Hill Church in Fort Mill recently partnered with Simply Providenceforamovienightfundraiser.
The opportunities to use your time and talents are endless If making a positive impact in the lives of students and families impacted by disability interests you, please complete the SimplyProvidenceVolunteerInquiryForm
Paladin Fans Come "Pinked Out" for Senior Night
The Varsity Boys and Varsity Girls Basketball Teams played to a packed house for Senior Night on January 17 Both teams defeated their opponents, with seniors leading the way in both teams’ starting five. Classmates and faculty members alike had a hand in making the evening special, from senior photo displays to personalized team balls presentedtoseniors,signedbytheirteammates.
The evening proved to be filled with sentiment and joy, highlighted between the girls’ and boys’ games when each senior entered the court arm-in-arm with their parents Athletic Director Brandon Eiff shared remarks about each senior student-athlete, including their favorite Bible verses, athletic achievements, and future plans for college attendance and career paths “It definitely felt like the end of a chapter, that graduation is near, and that varsity basketball for me is nearlyover,”saidSeniorMayaLosee
Seniors shared the spotlight with a beloved member of the Providence ClassicalSchoolfamily,asSeniorNightwasalsodubbed“PinkOut”to honor Mrs Melissa Wyatt, a coach and Providence teacher who is a new mom and a cancer patient in the midst of treatment. Mrs. Wyatt and her newborn, Isaiah, joined Mr Eiff on the court at halftime of the boys’ game as the crowd rallied in agreement with each word of godly encouragement shared by Mr Eiff The PCS family, donned in every shade of pink imaginable, cheered for Mrs Wyatt, and further showed support through financial donations and handwritten notes of encouragement gathered throughout the evening Mrs Wyatt’s beaming smile gave testament to her love of Providence and her faith inGodasshefightsthegoodfightagainstcancer.
Ross and Debbie Cooke lead integrated music class for Simply Providence students
Upper School students Olivia Kiehn, Kathryn Johnston, and Emmylou Lambert serve as Providence Pals
REMINDERS & UPCOMING EVENTS
FEBRUARY
PLANETARIUM
GRAVITAS
PICTURE
Tuesday,
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CHRONICLES
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The Fruits of a Classical, Christian Education
“Wherethereisnovision,thepeopleperish ”-Proverbs29:18
At the recent Vision Night event, Mrs Swain shared her vision for the future of our school, where we’re going over the next five years, and some of the plans to get us there
There is another vision I would like to talk about briefly, and that is the vision of classical, Christian education - where it is taking your students and how they can graduate with strength and a winning attitude. I am still surprised when I hear about people in our school community who don’t have a good grasp on what classical, Christian education is all about.
The Association of Classical Christian Schools states it this way: “Classical Christian education (CCE) is a time-tested educational system which establishes a biblical worldview (called Paideia), incorporates methods based on natural phases of child development, cultivates the seven Christian virtues, trains students in reasoning through the Trivium (Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric), and engages children in ‘the great conversation’ through the historical Great Books ”
These three phases, Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric, all build a complete student who is ready to advance to higher education As Quintilian asserted in the “Good Man Theory,” a good student who not only speaks well and with authority but has also developed a good morally upright character is the ultimate goal
An excellent synopsis of the fruit of a CCE is found in an unbiased study called Good Soil: A Comparative View, found by scanning the QR code below. I highly encourage you to read the full report. What you’ll find is that in the key areas surveyed of 24-42 year-olds, students who complete a classical, Christian education through high school outperform their peers who attended public, secular, private, Catholic, evangelical Christian, and religious homeschools It is well worth a look
All the best,
CITATIONS
Kevin Clark and Scott Jain, The Liberal Arts Tradition: A Philosophy of Christian Classical Education, 3rd ed (CampHill:ClassicalAcademicPress,2021),18
ClarkandJain,TheLiberalArtsTradition,17.
SeeClarkandJain,TheLiberalArtsTradition,19
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St Augustine, Concerning the City of God against the Pagans, trans Henry Bettenson, ed John O’meara (London: Penguinbooks1972),373.
ThisyearsChroniclesofVirtueTalentShowwill takeyouona ourneythroughsomeoftheworlds mosthighlyregardedliteraryclassics
Timothy Keller and Kathy Keller, The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the WisdomofGod(Viking,2011),103
Featuringadynamicsilentauction,dinnerand concessions,theTalentShowisbelovedby KindergartnersandSeniorsalike Bringyourfriends andfamilyandshowyoursupportforourtalented studentbody!Allfundsraisedwillbeplacedinthe ProvidenceGeneralFund
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