Academic programming wrapped up August 5th, and many students attended camps before school started on Tuesday, September 6th The school building has been bustling long before that for the anticipation of the new school year. This is an update on the first few weeks at Epiphany from Intern Teacher Ms. Regine Celius.
5th Grade Orientation
One thing we learned this year was how powerful an orientation could be a full week right before school. In the past our incoming 5th grade students had orientation in the spring. This year marked our first orientation right before the start of school. Incoming 5th grade students joined teachers and staff for a one week orientation with the goal to make them as comfortable as possible on the first day of school. Co-Dean of Students and Master Teacher Ryan Jones said, "At orientation, we went over the basics of meals, how we walk in the hallways, and what we expect academically and behaviorally from students here at Epiphany. We also did many team-building activities to create a supportive culture. Overall, we think it was a great success and we look forward to making it better next year!"
Family B.B.Q
On September 1st, Epiphany hosted its back to school Family BBQ. As the foyer began to fill up with anxious parents and students, ready to start off a new year of school, the reality steadily started to set in for Epiphany teachers and its staff. It was a reality that after a long and hot summer, another year of hard work, learning, and fun was upon us.
In their excitement, the students dashed in and out of the halls and gym to find and greet their friends and teachers. Meanwhile, their parents enthusiastically signed up for their parent jobs and also met with teachers. During the barbeque both parents and students were reminded of Epiphany's dedication to its students and its mission to succeed by both Dr. Sanchez and Rev. Finley.
For Brittney Johnson, a new teaching intern at Epiphany, her anticipation to meet the students, built from the time of her acceptance into Epiphany had begun to settle in. "I was nervous and excited to finally meet the kids who were constantly talked about during our new-teacher orientation. It was great for me to finally put names to faces".
The Retreat
For both Epiphany staff and students, the rain that came before departure to the overnight retreat, was a sign that this year's overnight retreat into New Hampshire at the Barbara C. Harris Camp might not be as great as the previous years; but, that quickly changed upon arrival.
The retreat served as a time for both students and teachers to strengthen relationships and jumpstart the new school year on the right foot. It was remarkable to see how the students engaged with one another during the various activities. Sam George, also a new teaching intern at Epiphany, remarked that "It was great to see the 8th graders working hard to lead the retreat as they had the most experience". From the flag football competition to the evening talent show, the students truly enjoyed themselves. But, the retreat wasn't only about fun. Throughout the day the students were reminded of the schools' expectations and standards that they had to live up to.
Overall
Overall, this school year is off to a great start! Both students and teachers are working really hard with one another to ensure that a remarkable school year with lots of learning and growth takes place. Ms. Stewart, sixth-grade reading and writing teacher, stated that "the year is starting off really smoothly. Everyone, from staff to students, is on the same page of adopting the procedures. The kids have a clear understanding of the expectations". With that said, it's safe to say that this year at Epiphany will be un-like any other.
