Newsletter 1/5/24
“I demonstrate literary understanding and persevere towards high-quality production”
From “Our Commitments”
Practicing our cursive and summarizing a fictional story (we are bringing back the mighty PENCIL!) The beauty of Redemptive Education…working closely together on two different pieces of work. Students are becoming more self-directed as they are tasked to finish a list of work items but they choose how to accomplish that goal.
Well, it was an interesting (short) week back to school! We were back in our rhythm by Wednesday but some morning snow shortened things this week. We’ll be sending several snow packets home next week so students have things to work on as “alternative instruction” on school cancellation days. Thank you for holding them accountable for this work on those days!
Re-enrollment
Re-enrollment for 2024-25 has officially opened! Some of you have already submitted applications for siblings (thank you)! As we stated in the re-enrollment letter, we assume you will be returning unless you notify us otherwise by January 31st. All returning students will be re-enrolled on Feb. 1st and the $250 enrollment fee will be added to your payment plan. If this represents a hardship, please email me: kara@joshua-academy.org.
Scholarships and LEARNS
ACE Scholarship applications open Monday, Feb. 5th at 8 am and close on tax day! This is an income-dependent program that pays up to $4,500 per child. 15 of our families received this award!
Reform Alliance applications are open and ongoing funding is available. This is an income-dependent program available to those who don’t receive LEARNS or kids with disabilities (can also receive LEARNS). You can apply for both ACE and Reform.
LEARNS funding (EFAs) open in March. I will let you know when I have a date. The eligibility criteria are the same as last year with the addition of veterans/law enforcement/first responders and students who attended a D-rated school this year. ALL students are eligible for 2025-26.
Joshua Academy scholarships will be awarded based on Financial Aid application information. You will need to complete a new application for next year.
ANNOUNCEMENTS!
Baby it’s cold outside! If you have bibs or coveralls for your child, you might consider sending those to school. If it’s above 32 degrees, we will be outside some!
Our 2nd annual Fund the Future Donor Dinner will be held Tues, Feb. 27 from 6:30-8:30 pm. It’s a fun night and we need parent and student volunteers! We can’t host all of our families unfortunately as space is limited BUT if you would like to help set up/tear down or serve, email me: kara@joshua-academy.org.
Do you know potential donors to our school and would you like to fill a table at the donor dinner with 8 people (including you)? Email me: kara@joshua-academy.org.
Do you or someone you know have special skills and an interest in teaching or helping out with art, music, PE, gardening, or 4-H for a few hours one day a week? We are ready to build out some of these special classes and thought we would start by asking YOU.
WHAT’S COMING UP!
Jan 8 (Mon) - Arkansas Poet Laureate, Suzanne Rhodes, will teach us about poetry!
Jan 12 (Fri) - Family chapel, 8-8:30 am
Jan 15 (Mon) - Martin Luther King Jr. Day - NO SCHOOL/Teacher Inservice
Feb 7 (Wed) - Family lunch, 12-12:45 pm
Feb 19 (Mon) - President’s Day - NO SCHOOL/Teacher professional development (with Amy Imbody In D.C!)