"I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD"

In honor of a new month, Mrs. O'Dell and I have decorated a new bulletin board in the hallway. Looking back this year, we have been so blessed to go on multiple field trips. We have traveled to the Tennessee Aquarium and took a stroll down to the Governor's mansion. We have even made our way to Savannah and St. Simon's Island to learn more about Georgia's rich history.

Although we are blessed to experience these trips, there is a deeper meaning at work. Mrs. O'Dell and I were reminded of the verse found in John 8:12 "I am the light of the world; he who follows Me willnot walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of Life." Like the verse states, Christ came to this earth to bring light into a very dark place. Without Him we have no hope. It is so amazing that we can connect our class field trips to this verse. Christ is our light, but he has also given us a command. In Matthew 5: 14-16 God then speaks to us by saying, "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." We are putting this into practice as we are ambassadors for Christ on every trip. It is such a joy to teach the children that wherever we go, whatever we do, we are to shine the light God has given us to people we meet. What a valuable lesson for eight and nine year olds... and even teachers! I love that the Lord is using The Heiskell School's third grade to share His love and hope to people of all ages!

We're back from our journey and we loved it!

This past Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, The Heiskell School's third grade had the adventure of a lifetime! It was a whirlwind of sights, but we learned so much. Our first stop was the Okefenokee Swamp where we took a boat ride with a seventh generation "swamper," named Joe. We learned about the history of the swamp and spotted two alligators, an osprey, and otters! The students could hardly contain their excitement!

After swamper Joe returned us safely to the dock, we headed for Epworth-by-the-Sea, a Methodist retreat center located on St. Simon's Island, where we spent Wednesday and Thursday night. We got off the bus and it was almost like the fried chicken was calling our names! We all enjoyed the delicious, hardy meals that kept us going throughout the day. Wednesday morning started early, as we departed for Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation, Fort King George, and St. Simon's Lighthouse. It was so neat to connect what we've been studying in Georgia History to real life!

Early Friday morning we said good-bye to Epworth and headed for Savannah. We had the privilege of taking a trolley ride of the city, where we visited each of the city's squares and learned about Savannah's rich history. The students almost jumped out of their seats when our tour guide mentioned James Oglethorpe! My favorite quote of the trip was, "We know all about him Miss Mackie!"

After the trolley ride tour, we walked down River Street and ate near the famous "waving girl!" After a few group photos we waved goodbye to Savannah and headed home. It was a wonderful trip and we are so thankful we had the opportunity to enrich our learning with amazing real life experiences!

Proud to be Georgians!

Last week, while studying Georgia history, we discussed our wonderful state's flag! We talked about the meaning of the colors we see on our flag, the significance of the thirteen stars surrounding the state seal, and the meaning of the banners "Justice," "Wisdom," and "Moderation."

What made this time a little sweeter though is when we discussed what is written at the bottom of the state seal, "In God We Trust." On their own the students brought up how some countries cannot freely worship God and how thankful we should be that we live where we do. This brought tears to my eyes. Daily, we pray for the persecuted churches around the world and it was amazing that through a simple social studies lesson the students could be reminded of the Lord's grace in our lives. I also love how the Lord uses the beautiful hearts of eight and nine year olds to remind me of His grace!

Although we had a great discussion, our lesson didn't stop there. The students then got to apply what they learned by making their own Georgia flags. Through all the discussions, coloring, and cutting, the Lord used this social studies lesson to not only teach us about Georgia history, but also about His loving kindness.

Treasures of Hope for Haiti!

As Christians, we are called to live with the humility that our Savior demonstrated for us. A part of being humble requires you to change your thinking and not to put your wants and needs above others. However, Christ's humility did not stop there. In Philippians 2:8 we are reminded that Christ humbled Himself in obedience to God, even to the point of dying a criminal's death on a cross. He did this out of great, furious love because we needed Him to redeem us. A fair assumption would be that, like Christ's humility, we are to humble ourselves in a way that lifts others up, so they may see Christ more clearly. Dear friends, we have the opportunity to humbly lift up our brothers and sisters of Haiti on our shoulders, so that they may see Christ in this great time of need.  

  The Heiskell School is partnering with Reformation Hope in order to raise money for one of their orphanages in Haiti, which collapsed during the recent earthquake. In the sovereignty of God's grace, supper was late for the orphans on the day when the earthquakes hit. Not a single child perished. Did you read this carefully? Not a single child perished!

  In order to raise funds for their new facilities, we will be hosting a flea market on Saturday, February 20th. More detailed information is listed below. Every Friday you will be able to drop off your donations. Please consider donating and attending the sale, but above all else pray without ceasing for God's chosen, as well as the lost of Haiti. 

Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters, be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.

1 Peter 3:8

 

Crickets, Tadpoles, Turtles, and Frogs!

The second and third grade classes at The Heiskell School are hanging out down by the creek bank this week! You are in for a treat! In fact, this play has been around for quite some time. Our beloved third and second grade teachers, Mrs. O'Dell and Miss Voyles, actually took part in this play a "few" years ago. Strap on your overalls, grab your fishing poles and come down to see our Great Performance for yourself! Friday, January 29, 2010, at 8:30 A.M. and 7:00 P.M. we cordially invite you to come and see these precious little ones singing their hearts out to the Lord! Check out these pictures taken by one of the sweet teachers at our school, Miss Lisa. 

                                  

                 

Important Dates for Third Grade Parents!

As you know, the next few months are crazy busy in the third grade. In order to make sure we are all on the same page, I thought it would be helpful to have one place where you can refer to for upcoming events and deadlines.

January

• Friday,  01-22-10 Students are bring in costumes for Great Performance
• Friday,  01-22-10 Open House at the Heiskell School
• Tuesday,  01-26-10 Parents begin setting up stage for Great Performance
• Friday,  01-29-10 Great Performance, "Down by the Creek Bank" 8:30 A.M. and  7:00 P.M.

February

• Wednesday,  02-03-10 Second letter to go home regarding Overnight Field Trip
• Friday,  02-05-10 Deposit of at least $100 due for Overnight Field Trip
• Friday,  02-19-10 Final payment due for Overnight Field Trip
• Wednesday,  02-24-10 Depart from Heiskell School at 6:30 A.M. for Overnight Field  Trip
• Friday,  02-26-10 Return to Heiskell School by 6:00 P.M. from Overnight Field  Trip

March

• Monday,  03-01-10 African Animal Projects Due

Smitten with what the Lord has written!

As our weather changes here in Atlanta, we have begun to pull out the scarves, ear muffs, and mittens. Our hallway has been decorated to resemble this wonderful winter season, including third grade's bulletin board, entitled Smitten with what the Lord has written. Each student picked out their favorite Bible verse and glued them on to paper mittens. Besides this being a fun seasonal activity, it was such a joy to see the different verses the students selected. It is a warm reminder that the Holy Spirit is at work in their little hearts, as God's word is taking root. Although this was a simple activity, it is also a testimony of the work being done at The Heiskell School. As teachers, we have an amazing privilege to not only educate students academically, but to help cultivate a deep love for Christ. Daily, we are not only preparing students for the next grade, but for eternity.