Coach's Corner
Welcome to Coach's Corner - a collection of messages from Tim Borruel, Legacy founder and superintendent.
December 14, 2009
What a glorious, productive and fun year this has been at Legacy Christian Academy! It never ceases to amaze me the great progress each of our young students makes throughout the year both in terms of academic skills, social, and spiritual growth.
As you well know, at Legacy, we truly believe that each child is a special gift from God whose parents have entrusted their education to our care. While in our school, student’s flourish in a structured, nurturing, and professional environment where their talents and abilities are encouraged. Each day, we build opportunities for academic and spiritual growth into our schedule. Our competent, enthusiastic, well grounded, and dynamic teachers open a world that children love to explore.
Your child spends a great deal of his or her day in our school, and we take this responsibility very seriously. We know that you had choices when you considered an elementary school for your child, and we certainly appreciate the fact that you chose Legacy Christian Academy.
During this Christmas season, we want to take the opportunity to express our sincerest appreciation not only for your trust in our school, but your dedicated involvement in your child’s education. We have a truly dynamic group of parents who are very involved in our school – truly adding to the quality of the educational, social, and spiritual experience.
We are all very thankful for the relationships we have enjoyed over the past year. Without your help, encouragement and enthusiasm, we would not have had such a successful and wonderful year.
We want to take this opportunity to wish you a very Merry and Blessed Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year. We look forward to a joyful 2010. We are so glad that you are part of the Legacy Christian Academy family!
With warmest regards,
Coach and Donna
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Is 9:6
The Legacy Advantage
In order to raise awareness of Legacy throughout the Santa Clarita Valley, and to continue to attract Christian families seeking an academically accelerated, college preparatory K-8th grade education, we will soon be launching an advertising campaign with the theme, The Legacy Advantage.
And what is the Legacy Advantage? This is how we see it:
•Unparalleled Academics – Since its inception, Legacy has focused on providing an academically accelerated curriculum, helping students build a strong foundation for their future in higher education and a meaningful career. Without a doubt, the study habits and advanced instruction they learn while attending Legacy will remain with them throughout their high school and college years. You need to look no further than our “alumni” to see the amazing success of our Legacy graduates. We have learned from several alumni families that their high school children are in advanced placement classes and receiving accolades for their academic abilities. This emphasis on academics is also reflected in our high SAT scores as well as our six-year WASC accreditation.
•Enrichment Classes – One of the most distinctive features of the Legacy experience is our long tradition of enrichment classes. By offering students the opportunity to explore in-depth music, art, Spanish, computers, and physical education, we can provide a truly well-rounded education. I believe that education is NOT one-dimensional. Instead, it should bring together all facets of what makes life joyful. This is evident when you see children shoot a basket into a hoop for the first time, or complete their first art project, or learn how to use a music keyboard, or communicate in Spanish, or make their first PowerPoint presentation.
•Strong Christian Education – Our academically accelerated program is offered in a distinctly Christian environment, giving students a strong moral foundation while they grow closer to the Lord Jesus Christ. Education cannot be provided in a vacuum. Instead, at Legacy it is delivered through a Christian world view. Our students will be exposed to the truths of God’s Word and understand the message of salvation. We are extremely proud that Legacy Christian Academy can do both: offer academically accelerated programs in a distinctly Christian context. We are truly unique. In addition, knowing that strong children come from strong families, we offer the Legacy Family Life Series to allow God’s Word to influence the families who come to our school.
•Outstanding Teachers and Administrative Staff – I have maintained for years that a school is only as good as its teachers, and I believe that Legacy has the best teachers in the Santa Clarita Valley. Not only are our teachers highly trained and credentialed, but they “get” kids – they understand how to teach complex concepts to students, how to challenge academically advanced students, and how to manage a well-controlled, highly disciplined classroom. We have a full-time librarian, which is a crucial component in the effort to emphasize advanced literacy. We have two full time Science specialists who provide laboratory and hands on science experiences. Our exploratory teachers in the middle school offer classes in American Sign Language, guitar, digital photography, web site design, video editing, domestic arts, and dance. In addition, our administrative staff is not only dedicated to excellence, but is always available to discuss parental concerns and suggestions.
•The Extras – I call these our “extras,” but combined, they give Legacy its unique strengths. Throughout the year, students enjoy a variety of activities, from musical plays and Chapel, to Men and Women in History, Science Fairs, Family Science Nights, Spelling Contests, Speech contests, Geography Bees, the Fall Festival… the list goes on and on.
•Fun – I just had to add this point. School is hard work, but it should also be FUN. Legacy Christian Academy excels in the fun department. Our students work hard and play hard. They enjoy attending school – you can see it in their faces and hear it in their voices. As they jump out of their cars in the morning, they are eager to start their day. Every moment at Legacy is filled with joy and promise. And this, my dear families, is truly the Legacy Advantage.
Enrollment News
There is no question that the economy is affecting every part of our lives, and school tuition is no exception. Since its inception, Legacy has increased tuition 5% every year to cover the costs of running a quality private school. However, this year we plan to break with tradition and only raise tuition 2.5% for the 2010-2011 school year. In addition, we will not raise our enrollment and registration fees for this upcoming year. And Middle School tuition will remain the same with no increases.
In addition, we are offering “early bird registration” discounts. Our 1st through 8th grade enrollment period is scheduled for February 1-5, 2010. Families who enroll during this period will receive $50 off the annual registration fee. Additionally, if you know any families interested in enrolling their children at Legacy, let us know. We will waive registration fees for families who refer in new students.
Legacy Gala
This years Gala and Silent Auction will be held on Saturday, April 24 at the Hyatt. Please save the date. I am hoping that each and every parent at Legacy will desire to attend this important event. The night will feature fun entertainment, socializing with the Legacy family, a sneak peak at the future of our school, and an opportunity to give to help Legacy reach its future goals. You won’t want to miss this special evening as we come together as family to support our school. All classroom teachers will also be in attendance this year.
Middle School (Block Schedule)
The Middle School students are enjoying an academically challenging and fun packed school year. We continue to prepare our students for the rigors of high school and throw in a good amount of fun as well. In fact we just completed our mid-term tests, our Middle School Open House presentations, and will be launching a massive game of “Gotcha” in just a few days.
I would also like to report that the Legacy Middle School students will be following a “Block Schedule” next year allowing for an earlier dismissal time of our school day. Plans are being made for a 7:50 start and a 2:31 dismissal.
Happy Thanksgiving
I know that it is a little early to wish you Happy Thanksgiving, but it is never too early to express thankfulness and gratitude to our Legacy families. We are blessed and privileged that God has given us the opportunity to lead and operate a school that touches so many young lives. We are so thankful for our parents, students, teachers, and staff who make Legacy a reality.
We encourage you to let us know how we can improve the Legacy experience, and share your stories of how the “Legacy Advantage” has enhanced the academic experience and spiritual growth of your children.
We continue to have as our compass Psalm 1 which states “How blessed is the man who does not walk in the council of the wicked, nor sit in the seat of the scornful, nor stand in the path of sinners, but his delight is in the law of the Lord. And in this law he will meditate day and night. And he will be like a tree firmly planted by the streams of water.”
With warmest regards and blessings to your family,
Coach
What’s the Big Deal about Character?
“Hey Dad, look how big I am!” “I’m almost as tall as you!” “I’m going to catch up to Mommy first!
These are the shrills and shouts of joy from our children as they get excited about the inches they have gained in the past few months (or weeks). We see their little eyes light up as we check off the inches on the growth charts we have on the back of their bedroom doors.
It seems so easy. The days and months go by and we can visibly see new inches of physical growth in our children. How wonderful it would be if we could check off their spiritual and moral growth like we can those inches. Think of what it would be like! By the time the child reaches 30 inches, he would have a good grasp of obedience. Wow! With the ensuing month’s perseverance, honesty and responsibility would be acquired. Kindness, truthfulness, patience, and integrity would follow.
Well, unfortunately it doesn’t happen like this.
What is all the fuss about anyway? Why is character being talked about on every educational corner? Why is it a constant issue in the political arena? You only have to review statistics on the increase of crime, promiscuity, divorce, adultery, etc., to understand that there is a deep rooted problem in our society. You only have to observe young people getting involved in horrendous juvenile crimes at a younger and younger age. You only need to stop and notice that the breakdown of the traditional family unit has created a need for other institutions like schools and churches to do the things families used to do and should do. So the call is for somebody, anybody, to teach children basic moral character traits and Biblical principles! There seems to be a heightened feeling of insecurity about what the future will be like if somebody doesn’t do something.
In addition to these societal woes, our children are exposed to lying, deception, and selfishness among our governmental leaders, our sports heroes, even our religious leaders. So, is it too late to do anything about this? Is it too late to impact the next generation? Absolutely not! It is my opinion that churches and schools all across this country need to be the ones calling for a return to the conservative principles that this country was founded upon. I believe that we still have enough integrity and moral conviction in this country, that with some effort, focus, and direction we can influence the generation that comes behind us. We can then hope that they in turn will multiply the importance and significance of these foundational moral and Biblical principles.
Are you with me? If so, you must realize and accept the fact that it starts in your very own home. It starts with your marriage relationship and with your FAMILY! It begins at the meal table, in your den, in the bedrooms, and in the backyard. It will happen as you rise up in the morning, as you walk through your day and when you lie down at night. Deuteronomy 6:4 says “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.” Schools, churches, and extended family can help and support. But, character building must be a priority of Mom and Dad.
There are certain character qualities we want our children to internalize. We want them to learn how to obey, to be honest even when it hurts, to be self controlled, to finish a job, to be kind, and to have patience. Yet, how do we help our children learn these things? How can we instill in them an understanding of these foundational principles that we hope govern their lives in the future?
I would like to share with you a few basic moral and Biblical principles. These are in fact the same principles that we teach our Legacy teachers. Perhaps some of it will be helpful for your family life in your home. This four step approach can be remembered by recalling the word TAME.
T- TEACH VALUES
Young children don’t know that honesty is better than dishonesty or that kindness is required in your home until you teach them. We need to explain the attitudes and characteristics we want them to have. This takes time-Mom and Dad’s time.
Collecting and reading character books and stories is an excellent way to communicate the meaning of such things as honesty, kindness, patience, etc. (Books such as: The Book of Virtues and Aesop’s Fables.) Of course, there is no better source than the Scriptures themselves. Spend time reading Proverbs and the Beatitudes. Remember that a child’s heart is most wide open in times of non-conflict. Try to teach the meaning of honesty before you are in the middle of an emotional conflict or discipline situation. Routinely role-play character situations and sing favorite character songs as part of your family times. Teach them the simple definition of the character trait you are working on and refer to it frequently throughout the daily routine in your home.
A- ADVOCATE OR TAKE POSITION
If a child is unkind, pushes another child, or use hurtful words that is not okay. A child should never have any doubt about what his parents believe is acceptable or unacceptable behavior. You should verbally communicate often and without frustration what is acceptable and what is unacceptable within the daily routine of the home. Simply redirecting a behavior and hoping for it to go away, instead of dealing with it, will confuse a child and blur the standards you are trying to establish. Your goal is to have them verbalize your standards, follow your standards, and obey those standards. This means parents must think through what behavior standards are important to them and be willing to stick to them. Disobedience will be the result when you are inconsistent and waiver and bend on these standards.
M- MODEL DESIREABLE BEHAVIOR
We must act as if our children are always watching us, because they are! When a child hears his parent respond with “pleases” and “thank-you’s” and uses words that are encouraging, kind, and edifying, the child begins to understand that there are no exceptions to what you have been teaching him. When parents yell, scream, and use unkind words towards each other or when someone cuts them off on the freeway, a mixed message is sent to the child. Telling them to be patient and kind and then “going off” on the sales clerk who caused you a delay retracts all that you had taught in one short conflict. We need to model patience and kindness in our voice tones and facial and body language. Remember, “More is caught than taught!”
E-ENFORCE THE RULES
We have to set limits for our children and lovingly and consistently enforce them. We must hold children accountable for their choices and be willing to follow through with logical and meaningful consequences. When the enforcement of family rules happens within a loving, encouraging, and accepting environment they are effective and meaningful.
Healthy lunches are not just important for your child's well being, they help them make the grade, too. Make sure you are sending your child to school with the best brain food possible. A mid-day fuel-up that includes whole grains, fiber, and protein (a combo that digests gradually) supplies the brain with a steady stream of energy and nutrition. This is the exact opposite of the sugar rush and energy crash that that high-carb junk foods produce.
In order for us to have some means of control over the meals our children consume it can be helpful to remember the following:
Involve them in the meal preparation: Let them help put their lunch together. Children are more likely to enjoy eating their own creations.
Add fun with shapes: For younger children, use large cookie cutters to make star shaped sandwiches and snowman melon.
Pack and edible forest: Label your zip-lock as "broccoli trees" or "cherry tomato boulders" or "cucumber sliced bridges"-all ready to be "dunked" in salsa or ranch dressing.
Change up the bread: To avoid the dol-drums, try low fat cream cheese with apple slices on cinnamon raisin bread. For an older child try turkey and chedder on toasted Ezekiel bread.
Send a sandwich on a stick: Pack separately: several slices of turkey, chicken breast or lean roast beef, some large whole grain bread sticks, and a container of honey mustard or salsa. At lunch time children can smear the meat slices with the mustard or salsa and wrap them around the bread sticks.
Be assured that at Legacy we are mindful of the nutritional value that is being offered through our lunch provider. This year, we believe we have found a wonderful balance. Our students are actually enjoying the meals provided by Bon Gusto. Additionally, we have been assessing the nutritional value and balance of the Bob Gusto meals and we are thrilled with the quality.
Nutrition is for sure one of those things in our lives that we have to plan for so that our food choice decisions are not be hap hazard and made only out of convenience. Be assured that Legacy's lunch program will continue to provide a balance of fun and child friendly food choices as well as nutritional balance.
Experiential Education
Experiential Education is a current "buzzword" in educational circles today. I am pleased to report that at Legacy Christian Academy (LCA) we have made experiential education a priority since our inception in 1995.
Visiting and touring historical landmarks, culturally significant parks and centers, national monuments, museums, significant geographical locations, governmental and private industries, and listening to experienced and knowledgeable docents, all make fieldtrips a significant and meaningful part of the educational process.
Every year LCA students participate in several fieldtrips that introduce them to the people and places that they have been studying and learning about in their classrooms. It is encouraging to see a fifth grade student touch and feel the Iwo Jima monument and Vietnam Memorial wall in D.C., and to watch a Kindergartner taste an old fashion colonial apple pie at Riley's Farm, or a sixth grade student bake chocolate chip cookies in a solar oven up at Astro Camp.
These experiences make learning fun, meaningful, and memorable. Please find below a listing of all of Legacy Christian Academy Fieldtrips for the 2007-2008 school year. Indeed, our students are exposed to and enlightened by a variety of impressive and top notch experiences during their years at Legacy Christian Academy.
- KINDERGARTEN
Dentist (WINTER)
Strawberry Picking (SPRING) - 1ST GRADE
Santa Barbara Zoo (FALL)
Performing Arts Center (WINTER)
Kidspace Museum (SPRING) - 2ND GRADE
Aquarium of the Pacific (FALL)
Performing Arts Center (WINTER)
Whale Watching (SPRING) - 3RD GRADE
Santa Clarita Historical Tour (FALL)
Griffith Observatory or JPL (WINTER)
Olvera Street (SPRING) - 4TH GRADE
Santa Barbara Mission (FALL)
California Science Center (WINTER)
Sacramento (SPRING) - 5TH GRADE
Riley's Farm-Revolutionary War reenactment (FALL)
Ronald Reagan Museum (WINTER)
Washington, D.C. (SPRING) - 6TH GRADE
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (FALL)
Performing Arts (WINTER)
Astrocamp (SPRING)
The Father's Mandate
What am I doing to help my child come to the point of completely trusting me? The following are [seven] non-negotiable mandates of fatherhood. Each bolsters the child’s confidence in Dad’s leadership. Most important, they cultivate trust in the relationship. No matter if you’re a new parent or a seasoned one, it is never too late to start doing what is right.
Building a trusting relationship with your children starts by cultivating attitudes that lead to a strong sense of family identity, which is the mutual acceptance of who you are as a team…..
In our home, family ties were never an option for our children….Our consistent loyalty to our family values is what sealed our identity as a unit. Whether we are together or apart, we are committed to our family’s standards. That attitude produced a mutual accountability. Each member knows the team is counting on the other to stay committed to the code of ethics that identifies us by name.
To speed up in the process of bringing cohesiveness to the family, a father must become assertive in leading his family. The children need to know he is on board with them. He cannot be a spectator observing Mom’s efforts in holding the family together. He must be an active part of the management team.
If Dad is excited and encouraged about the family, the children will feel the same way. If Dad is on board, the children will want to be on board. If he is silent about the family, there is always the lingering question in the mind of the child, does he really care about us? With silence, a father communicates disinterest or – worse – disapproval.
That is why we encourage fathers to take leadership in verbalizing how pleased they are with the family. While driving down the road, for example, it would greatly encourage your children to hear, “This is really a terrific family. I am so thankful…you kids have such a great mom.” Hearing Dad talk about the family adds credibility to his role as the head of the home and gives the children confidence in knowing Dad is on board….
The marriage relationship is a stage upon which the performance of trust is critiqued before an audience of watching eyes and little hearts. The way they see you loving and nurturing your wife produces for them a level of trust in you. Children thrive on the demonstration of love between parents. They want the confidence that Dad, is tremendously in love with their mom. A father can be wonderfully active with his children – hiking, fishing, skating, taking walks and helping with homework. But he will be nullifying all his efforts if he is not continually cultivating a love relationship with his wife. Loving your wife is a prerequisite to building trust with your children.
From a child’s perspective, how much trust can I have in a daddy that can’t take time to be with my Mom? How much trust can I have in a dad that speaks harshly to Mom? How much trust can I have in a dad that is not patient with her?
One of the greatest emotional needs a child has is the need to know that Mom and Dad love each other. Fathers, the best thing you can give your children is a loving demonstration before their little eyes of how much you love their Mom.
GIVE HER THINGS SHE REALLY NEEDS
By Tim Borruel
Executive Director, Legacy Private Academy
Fathers are characteristically known to spoil their little girls. Yet this may do more harm than good in the long run. Unfortunately, when fathers give their daughters too much, they may actually be giving them too little. We spoil our daughters when we give them things they don’t need – material things – instead of things they really need. And a spoiled girl often becomes bored, self-involved, boy crazy and demanding.
What do daughters need from their dads? This Valentine’s Day, think about the following four ways fathers can touch their daughter’s hearts:
1. Connect With Your Daughter – Daughters need to know that their fathers like them – that they want to spend time with them. One-on-one time is an effective way for dads to show their daughter she is special. It is dad who should be morally and spiritually training his children.
2. Be Consistent With Your Daughter – Some dads have found it helpful to have a daddy-daughter date on a regular basis, whether it is once a week or once a month. The consistency of a focused time together strengthens the relationship. Breakfast or dessert with dad is a special memory for a young girl.
3. Communicate with Your Daughter – Regardless of the dialect, try to figure out what speaks love to your daughter, and then practice communicating love. This may be through regular letters, small notes on her mirror or in her textbook, gift giving, acts of service or conversing over a meal made by both of you together.
4. Make a Commitment to Your Daughter – Unconditional love reflects commitment. “I will always love you, no matter what.” Adolescence provides plenty of opportunities to test your unconditional love. Be verbal and tell her “I love you” often.
Love is taking initiative to meet the needs of another. On this Valentine’s Day, fathers should take the opportunity to give their daughters what they really need. By building strong relationships with their daughters, fathers can help shape a generation of women who are secure, confident, and cherished. And who could ask for a better Valentine’s gift than this?
For information or to schedule a tour of Legacy Private Academy, call 661-257-7377.
Legacy Christian Academyis accredited by the
Western Association of
Schools and Colleges.