Posts

2020

Southern Adventist University helps seniors with FAFSA

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On Thursday, October 8, Jessica Williams, Admissions Counselor from Southern Adventist University, met with Madison Academy seniors to go over the importance of filling out the FAFSA which stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. (This visit took place exactly one week after MA seniors went to Southern to tour the campus, meet with professors, and hear about scholarship opportunities.) The seniors learned that not only does the FAFSA help determine whether or not they qualify for federal aid but it also is their application for money from the state of Tennessee in the form of the Tennessee Hope Scholarship and other awards. During this visit the students were taken step by step through creating their FSA ID and completing the student portion of the FAFSA. All that remains is the parent portion which must be completed by the senior parents. The sooner this can be completed, the better. If any parents or students have any questions about Southern, feel free to contact Jessica at (423) 236-2568 or jwilliams@southern.edu. 

2020

S’mores Vespers

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announcing the week of prayer2020

Fall Week of Prayer

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The senior class organized and planned out with Mr. Andrew Jamieson, chaplain, the week of chapels designed to strengthen students relationship with God. The theme was “Giving Up Control.” Each day worship began with music from various seniors and praise teams on campus. The drama team also shared short skits the last two days–around the theme of giving up control. What was unique this year was that a few students and an alumni shared their personal stories and their view of God during those times. On Friday the seniors allowed student who wanted to share their journey time to do so. Many felt God leading this week as many students were authentically sharing and asking God to be a part of their lives.

student leader2020

Upcoming student elections

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Love to worship? Enjoy a good party? Have something to say? Want to use your talents to lead others? If you value school culture and want to be a part of creating activities and building relationships… you should run for a student leadership office!!

Campaign week for Student Council officers is scheduled for August 17-20 with speeches on the 19th and elections on the 20th. If interested, complete the application linked here and submit by Friday, August 14 by 9 AM. Class Officers will be elected in class meetings on Friday, August 21. If you have questions about students leadership, connect with Chappy Jamieson or Mrs. Fuentes, emails linked here.

Covid response2020

Planned flexibility

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We’re back! The MA team is preparing for our students to return!
Does MA have a plan?  Yes, we have 36… one for every week. Our commitment can be summed up in this expression: “PLANNED FLEXIBILITY.” We remain devoted to our God, our students, and our curriculum. So, we are starting our education ministry on August 12 (Aug 11 for Freshmen). 
If I send my student back on campus, will he/she be safe?  We are taking many steps to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff. Masks, screening, hand-sanitizers, proper instruction and signage, social-distancing, careful consistent cleaning, and much more, are all a part of our plan to mitigate the risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19.  
If I keep my student home, will he/she be engaged in learning?  Teachers trained this week on the new mobile command centers and drafted lesson plans in new digital formats so they can be ready to provide synchronous education both in the classroom and virtual. They have new hardware and software, along with many of new tools and ideas to elevate the learning experience.
What if things change?  Well, it’s guaranteed. Things have and will continue to change! But the amazing Madison Academy team of educators and support personnel believes in consistent revision… professionally, physically, spiritually (Read Psalm 119:33-40). We are small and nimble, so we can and will adjust as needed. We have committed to PLANNED FLEXIBILITY!
Does Madison have a self-paced course option? Sorry. No. We know our limitations and do not have the staff at this time. For an online SDA home school platform, we recommend Griggs International through Andrews University. 
What if…?  Exactly! I feel your pain in the question. We know that the decision to be on campus, virtual, or home school can be difficult one. We are are fully aware of the financial choice you are making as well. Just know that we are committed to our God, our students, our curriculum… and to PLANNED FLEXIBILITY!!

Covid-19 Response Plan

8th annual prayer walk2020

8th Annual Prayer Walk

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Due to the Covid-19 pandemic the annual prayer walk was held outside of the Madison Academy on the lawn. Families and our school family met to worship and then bathe Madison Campus Elementary and Madison Academy in prayer for everyone who walks the halls: students, teachers, and administrators. We asked for safety, wisdom, and discernment. We also asked for God to become more real in each of our lives and of those who walked the halls and where in classrooms.

Vespers started with praising God in song. Patrick King and Ireland Kroll lead.

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ACT… our Test Center closed in June

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ACT has closed our test center for the June exam. Here is a link to FAQs that may help in answering our students’ and parents’ concerns.

Class of 20202020

Congratulations Class of 2020

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Commencement on Sunday, May 31 turned out to be an almost perfect day! The only thing that could have been better was MORE people celebrating… and obviously that was not an option. If you missed the service, check out our YouTube channel.

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Good Things Happening

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Some see challenges… we see opportunities! During our post-week meetings, MA educators met (from 6′ apart) to reflect on the successes and learning experiences of virtual school then to ponder the possibilities for the future. Having fostered a culture of continuous improvement, we are eagerly developing intentional plans for multiple scenarios: (1) safe school on campus, (2) virtual school, and (3) a hybrid of both campus attendance and remote learning. Our preparations are not final, as the CDC, local government, and risk management continue to make changes in their recommendations. However, of this we are sure: we will be prepared to implement the necessary plans regardless of what the situation looks like.

Summer is always an exciting time on our campus… renovations, updates, and changes that make the place nicer, safer, and more usable for our students. This summer is no exception! We will bring you photos and details on the switches and upgrades in rooms, technology, and safety. We continue to be grateful for the generous gifts and grants that make these positive changes possible.

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Book Club and Golf added to the curriculum

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Two new classes began 2nd semester: Book Club and Golf.  Students’ desire to read some time-honored literature was the genesis of the Book Club class. Seniors Sydney Stewart and Ryan Downs approached Mr. Ryan Jamieson, our English teacher, to see if this class was even possible.  Mr. Jamieson was willing to give up his planning period at 7:45 am and so with administrative approval, the class was born.  By word of mouth, two more Seniors and one Junior joined.  The class meets on Monday and Wednesday mornings.

On the first day of the book club class students were asked by Mr. Jamieson to think of books from the literature that they would like to read—books that had stood the test of time.  Each student wrote a list of ten books they thought they would like to read and then Mr. Jamieson looked for books that were similar on each student’s list.  There were no similarities in the student book lists so they and Mr. Jamieson agreed to start working their way through Hamlet.  Other books will follow.  They hope to read a minimum of six books by the end of the semester.

The beginning of golf was a teacher-driven idea.  Mr. McKenzie during first semester finished the eSports class and proposed to the administration having a golf class that period.  It was agreed to and added to the schedule 8th period of the day on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  Four students signed up for the class.  Until the weather warms up students are practicing their putting skills here on campus.