SIDNEY — Academic growth and spiritual development are at the center of each student’s experience at Christian Academy Schools. The first day of classes for the students is Wednesday, Aug. 23.
“As the 2017-2018 school year begins, changes can be seen everywhere at CAS, from curriculum to facilities and even on the elementary playground. Our students this year will experience firsthand a Christ-centered education with new classes and programs,” said Superintendent Mary Smith.
The theme Bible verse for the academic year is Romans 12:2 — “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
As students reach for their planners each day, they will be greeted by this verse and reminded of the changes in their own lives and attitudes that are taking place throughout the year.
Christian Academy Schools is an accredited K-12 school serving students from throughout Shelby County and beyond. Founded nearly 40 years ago, it has an annual enrollment of around 150 students.
“Christian Academy stresses a strong and diverse academic program with many extra-curricular opportunities while giving students hearts of service and the foundation of a biblical worldview. We prepare students to enter a rapidly changing world that will present them with challenges of all types,” said Smith.
While most of the staff members will continue at Christian Academy from previous years, a third-grade teacher and a high school principal are joining the staff this year. Debra Miu is the new third-grade teacher. She has taught for more than 20 years in both Christian and public schools. An active part of the Sidney community, she and her husband attend the First Baptist Church of Sidney.
Joining the high school staff this year and leading as principal is Lee Searcy. He is thoroughly enjoying his new position in a Christian environment after 30 years of teaching and counseling in Ohio public schools, most notably the Wapakoneta City Schools. Searcy earned his bachelor’s degree in English from Bluffton College and has a master’s degree from the University of Dayton. He and his wife live on their family farm in the West Liberty area.
Members of the graduating class of 2017 have gone on to a variety of work and additional training opportunities in colleges, work programs, and the military.
“As we advance current students towards preparation for college and other futures, we have added more computers and iPads for their use. Our Smart Boards have been upgraded in all classrooms to assist the teachers with advanced online learning opportunities,” said Smith.
In response to the fact that recent years have seen a high percentage of Christian Academy graduates pursue degrees in engineering, the school is constructing a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) lab to inspire and prepare students for careers in these growing fields.
“In early fall, our students will be introduced to our new Emerson STEM Lab in our high school wing. This will expose our students to innovative and collaborative learning opportunities,” said Smith.
The teachers will be learning before school even starts with two days of in-service training. The topics to be discussed are Brain Training and Microsoft Products. Both of these opportunities will allow staff to better serve our students during the school year. High school students will continue to have the opportunity to earn certification in the Microsoft Office software suite.
As in past years, students will not spend all of their time in the classroom. Community service opportunities will abound throughout the school and the fourth and fifth grades will be traveling to the Creation Museum for an overnight stay. Additionally, the elementary playground is in the midst of a complete renovation with the addition of more slides, swings and other equipment. Many parents have volunteered and joined forces to complete this improvement.
Small groups at the junior high and high school levels will be directed by Kristina Baughman and Sheryl Ditmer. These groups are already started with the student leaders taking time to focus on leadership while enjoying a time of retreat on Grand Lake. These students will once again work hand-in-hand with community leaders developing their leadership skills.
Christian Academy will continue its afterschool program, the Eagle’s Nest. Students can check in after school for homework time while parents are completing their work day — all at a very reasonable rate. Fall sports are underway with volleyball for junior high and varsity girls and a coed soccer team. The coaching staff has expanded with the addition of James Lambert.
Christian Academy Schools is ready to serve is students in the 2017-18 school year. Following the mission statement, the school has prepared in every way “equip and inspire students to become the next generation of Christ-centered leaders.”
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