Red and Blue Review 11/11

Head of School Review

BY DR ANDY GRAHAM

As I am writing, we are preparing for our Veteran’s Day Program at TRA. We are so excited to have the opportunity to honor our veterans today for their many sacrifices to keep our nation free With my family being a military family, I don’t know that there is any relationship stronger than those friendships formed in the military.

Some years back, my father asked if I would drive him to Conway, South Carolina to see his friend, Earl Allen, from World War II. Earl had been ill and my Dad could not drive that long a distance anymore. So, my Dad, my Mom, and I packed up and headed out for a wonderful trip. I think of that weekend often, when those two elderly men reconnected it seemed as if time literally stopped, and it was as if they were young men again and on their way to serve their country. They talked about boot camp, their respective tours of duty, their many adventures, and the soldiers they had served with while in the military. They then talked about their lives and their families of which they were both proud Despite the years apart, you could feel a special bond, one far greater than teammates on the field. Perhaps they had a special purpose? I was the youngest of 5 children, so I had never known my father as a young man, but Earl shared stories that made me smile It made me see my Dad differently and respect him even more if that was possible. Earl passed away shortly thereafter, and I am glad that I got to be a part of that weekend and witness that special bond between two soldiers. I’m also blessed that I can still call my Dad today and wish him a Happy Veteran’s Day At 95, he is the oldest living World War II Veteran in my hometown.

Thank you to all of our Veterans who sacrificed and left their homes and families to protect our many freedoms We can never repay you for all that you have done for us, but from the bottom of our hearts, we send sincere gratitude and appreciation for your service to our great country.

Upper School Review

BY STEPHANIE WEHRER

Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to attend the Tennessee Association of Independent Schools (TAIS) Conference at Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tennessee It was a great opportunity to network with educational leaders from other independent schools all across the state. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing presentations and discussions about so many of the same issues other schools are also facing It’s always nice to share ideas and gain perspectives from colleagues, but I especially enjoy coming back to campus after being absent and being reminded of all the things I love so much about our school and its students.

This week, submissions to the school wide annual Art Show were judged and placed. I am always blown away by the level and volume of talent we have within our student population.

Buck Ford, Wesley Pinner, and Caden Webster were selected to play as All Stars in the West Tennessee Middle School All-Star Game last week. A wonderful honor, indeed, and we are proud of you fellas!

Upper School Review

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Congratulations to the talented participants and winners of the school wide art show

Upper School PAINT

1st Maya Stewart

2nd McKenna Brigman

3rd Carlee Smith

HM Maddie Watkins

HM Kaylee Payne

HM - Ella McIntosh

Upper School MIXED MEDIA

1st Alexis Phillips

2nd Maddie Watkins

3rd Alexis Phillips

HM - Lydia Harvey

HM Mark Jackson

Upper School PHOTOGRAPHY

1st Will Farrell

2nd Hannah Frye

3rd & HM - Isabella Goodwin

HM Hannah Frye

HM Allie Willis

Upper School SKETCH

BEST OF SHOW Maya Stewart

1st, 2nd, 3rd - Maya Stewart

HM x 3 Maya Stewart

HM Ella McIntosh

MIDDLE SCHOOL

BEST OF SHOW Sinclair Nichols

1st - Angelo Khattar

2nd Caroline Kirk

3rd & HM Amber Gipson

HM Caroline Kirk

HM Riley Kate Hampton

Tori Davidson and Lola Sprenkle played in the Rising All Stars soccer game last week, where their team walked away with a win! Even more exciting for TRA, senior Lady Rebel Emma Pence, played in the All-Star game where her team also won and she was named game MVP!

Lower School Review

BY SUSAN CRANFORD

We have had a BUSY week! Our students LOVED working with our high school students during STEAM. They made turkey launchers and there might have been a little competition on whose could shoot the farthest. PreK Spanish went outside and played “Duck, Duck Goose” while saying the days of the week in Spanish. They enjoyed the fun and the sunshine!

Our elementary had a BIG surprise Tuesday afternoon! Several University of Memphis football players visited us. We loved getting to talk with them and ask questions. Questions ranged from “How old are you?”, “What’s your favorite food?”, to “Who would you most like to tackle?”. The students really enjoyed this visit and we hope to have them back soon!

One of our favorite former teachers visited PreK 3 this week and brought her keyboard This was so much fun for our boys and girls as they learned about letter “K”. Mrs. Carolyn Murray played for them and they were mesmerized by her talent!

Lower School Review

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Wednesday is our FAVORITE day in the elementary because we have Chapel on that day! This week, our Chapel was led by our sweet Mrs. Ellie. Mrs. Ellie is one of our grandmothers and we loved our “Jesus pep rally”she did with us She taught us about John 14:6, “Jesus is the way, the truth and the life No one comes to the Father except through me.” Mrs. Ellie told us that if Jesus is in our heart, we have joy in our heart. He is responsible for the blessings in our lives (abundant life) and the source of life (eternal life). We love having so many wonderful Christians sharing God’s word with us during our Chapel time on Wednesdays

Readers are leaders! Our students love to read and are enjoying earning AR stars in the library each time they meet a “words read” milestone. Thank you Mrs. Stacy for encouraging them to read and recognizing their words read goals!

Don’t forget to get your Charleston Wrap wrapping paper orders in today! Thank you for your support of our playground! We appreciate you!