Is your sacrifice fit for a dog or fit for God?

"When you present a blind animal for sacrifice, is it not wrong? And when you present a lame or sick animal, is it not wrong? Bring it to your Governor! Would he be pleased with you or show you favor?" asks the Lord of Hosts. --Malachi 1:8

During Malachi’s time, God required believers to present Him with an animal sacrifice as atonement for their sins. God wanted the very best of the herds from His children, proving their submission to Him and evidencing their realization that everything they had already belonged to Him. Unfortunately, the people who lived at this time had lost sight of God; their worship had become religious monotony rather than a worshipful reverence or right relationship with God. Although laws were already in place that told them to feed attacked or injured animals to the dogs, they began offering these substandard sacrifices—their dog food— to God in place of an unblemished, unadulterated sacrifice. Rather than giving God their very best, the people simply gave Him that which they did not want for themselves. They gave God something that was undesirable, and we often do this in our own lives. We give God our leftovers; we give Him whatever money remains at the end of the month; we give Him whatever energy we still have after a long, hard week; we give Him whatever small amount of time we can spare after taking care of our family; we give Him whatever devotion remains after fulfilling our other responsibilities. We give Him less than the very best; we give Him an inferior, substandard sacrifice. What offering are you bringing to God? Is it your best? Are you teaching your children by example and holding them accountable for giving God their best? Is the very Sustainer and Breath of Life worth anything less?

GCA Invites You...

Ronald Reagan once said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” At Glencoe Classical Academy, we strive to produce patriotic children who love both, America and its freedom. In addition, we endeavor to encourage the children to express true appreciation and support of American veterans and soldiers, and one way the students do this is through the Veterans’ Day Program every year.

Each year, the students at GCA give a musical presentation to honor America’s defenders and heroes. Even more so, the students show their dedication to glorifying God for His provisions and grace for America. The children work hard and fully commit themselves to performing at their best, but they do not do so for their own gratification; rather, they devote themselves for the glory of God and the tribute of all American veterans. As the children sing patriotic songs, their understanding of the true meaning of the lyrics is evident through the passion with which they sing and sign. They have a keen understanding of the sacrifices soldiers have made for our country because they have a great grasp of the ultimate sacrifice Christ made for all.

The students and staff of Glencoe Classical Academy invite you to join in honoring God and our veterans at this year’s Veterans’ Day program, Our Lord & Our Land. The program will take place this Wednesday, November 10 at 6:30pm. It is recommended that you arrive early because, in the past, there has been standing-room only. We pray that you will attend and show your support for both, the military of America and the ministry of the Academy.

Why Students at Glencoe Classical Academy Study Latin

The following is an article written by Karen Moore and published by Classical Academic Press.

Why Latin?

"This is by far the question Latin teachers are most frequently asked. Interestingly, however, it is only within the past century that this question has arisen. The fact is that until recent years, most considered Latin a necessary staple of a good education. In the 1700’s the University of Georgia, like many of its contemporaries, required of incoming freshmen, 'a correct knowledge of Cicero’s orations, Vergil, John and the Acts in the Greek New Testament,' (LaFleur, 985, p.341) in addition to English Grammar, Geography, and Arithmetic. This is requiring more than the familiar chanting of amo, amas, amat. This statement indicates a desire for an intimate understanding of the language and more than a passing familiarity with her greatest writers. Thomas Jefferson, himself a great supporter of quality education in America, wrote to J.W. Eppes in 1787, 'In general, I am of opinion, that till the age of about sixteen, we are best employed on languages: Latin, Greek, French, Spanish.' As Mr. Jefferson suggested, up until the 1920’s Latin was a common course amongst elementary and secondary schools alike, oftentimes a requirement for graduation. However, the times have changed and it seems necessary to defend the virtues of Latin. Unfortunately, these are far too numerous for me to elaborate on here to my liking. So, I will offer the five most common reasons for the teaching of Latin in classical schools.

1. The most commonly regarded benefit is the great improvement in the understanding of the English language. We derive approximately 60% of our English words, and 90% of those words consisting of more than two syllables, from Latin. We adopted many of these such as animal, honor, status, clamor, and let’s not forget toga into our language without any change. In case you may think that these derivatives are all old words adopted centuries ago, don’t forget computer (computo) and facsimile (fac + similis). In coining new words the age of technology has turned to antiquity.

However, it is not only English vocabulary which benefits from the study of Latin but English grammar as well. English grammar, like its vocabulary, can be quite complex in all its variances and exceptions. Latin grammar is much clearer and more organized. Many students find it easier to learn more complex grammatical concepts in Latin and then apply them to English. As a bumper sticker once read, 'Is your English in ruins, take Latin!'

2. If Latin is so helpful to students’ understanding of English, classified as a Germanic language, it only stands to reason that it would be of even greater help to those languages directly derived from Latin. There are five modern languages that call Latin their parent language. These Romance languages are Spanish, French, Italian, Romanian and Portuguese. These languages derive more than 80% of the words which make up their vocabulary from Latin. Their grammatical structure is also much more similar to Latin than English. Consider the number of nations who claim one of these languages as their official tongue: French -27; Spanish – 20; Italian, Portuguese, Romanian – 10. Can we truly call Latin a dead language when her words have spread so vastly across the globe in her descendants?

3. Many are not surprised to learn that Latin significantly increases verbal scores on tests such as the SAT and even GRE exams, scrutinized carefully by prestigious colleges and universities everywhere. It may surprise them, however, that the analytical and problem solving scores, often associated closely with math skills, also increase significantly among Latin students. Because Latin does not depend nearly so much on word order as it does on agreement amongst word endings, it becomes, as I like to call it, a jigsaw puzzle of words. Students must carefully analyze the grammatical components of each word in order to determine the way in which they must fit together in order to create the correct word picture.

I often instruct students to consider the scientific method as they translate sentences. As their skills mature, they will be able to deduce more quickly the meaning of a sentence. However, they must still prove their hypothesis (theoretical translation) by thoroughly analyzing the state of each word and its interaction with the other words in that sentence. It is only by proving their hypothesis through these grammatical facts that their translation can be accepted as 'truth'.

4. Another truly wonderful feature of Latin is that it is not merely a means of communication, but a key to unlock the past. Through the writings of Cicero, Caesar, Livy, and others we learn so much about the world of ancient Rome and Greece; a world which has greatly affected our own.

In writing the Constitution a document which determines our government’s structure and powers, John Adams thoroughly scrutinized the writings of Pliny and other ancient historians in order to determine the best means of governing. He read these great works in their original languages – Latin and Greek. The documents reveal why our government is more like the Republic of Rome than the Democracy of Greece, where our Senate found its title and shape, why we choose to use jurors to determine many court cases. The list of Greco-Roman influences on modern America could go on ad infinitum, but must include art, architecture, music, and literature amongst government and politics. The ancient past is not far removed from our modern lives, but instead is quite close and relevant. To quote the great orator Cicero, 'Whoever is ignorant of the past remains forever a child.'

5. Perhaps the greatest benefit that Latin affords is the great door it opens into the world of Literature. To be able to read Cicero in his own language is truly to understand his famed rhetorical skill and abilities of persuasion. To read Vergil’s Aeneid as the author penned it is to comprehend fully the poetic battles of mortal men and gods who inspired John Milton’s own epic, Paradise Lost. To read Ovid’s wondrous tales about strange metamorphoses is to find Shakespeare’s muse. Certainly these may all be read in English, but then one misses much of the imagery and beauty which these words possess and which are often lost in translation. One cannot compare the impression made by the original works of Monet and Renoir to the poster prints in the gift shop. The brush strokes of the artist, careful and attentive details, and hues of color playing or contending with one another are lost upon the beholder. So it is with language. The beauty of each carefully chosen word placed in its proper position is lost to the reader when transferred to the canvas of another language.

Suggested Links:
The Founding Fathers & the Classics
http://www.grecoreport.com/the_founding_fathers_&_the_classics.htm
The Latin Advantage (on academics)
http://www.bolchazy.com/al/latadv.htm
Classical Academic Press
www.classicalacademicpress.com"

Discerning the Truth in Documentaries

Waiting For Superman is a documentary set to be released in select theaters on Friday. According to its website, the documentary explores the failures of American public education by following the lives of several students and their families. Waiting For Superman was directed and co-written by David Guggenheim. Guggenheim is best-known for directing the Oscar-winning film version of Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth. So far, Waiting For Superman has caught the attention of many Americans and the media. News outlets, talk-show hosts, movie critics, and celebrities hail the film as “eye-opening” and “a catalyst for real change” (see note #1). Oprah Winfrey devoted an episode of her talk-show to discussing the film with Guggenheim and strong supporter of the film and public education reform, Bill Gates. The episode also featured other people who are in the documentary.

One has probably heard the saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” However, one should be discerning when considering seeing this documentary (or any other of its nature). It can be exciting to think that someone in Hollywood is finally drawing attention to the decaying condition of education in America. Unfortunately, the enthusiasm may be premature, but one can’t really be sure before viewing the film. However, there are some key questions to answer and thoughts to ponder before and while viewing it.

1. Worldview- Everyone has a worldview whether or not he or she is aware of it; it may be an atheistic worldview, a humanistic worldview, a biblical worldview, or even one of cultural relativism. It is important to understand that the worldviews of those involved in the film-making process will greatly influence the message of the documentary.

2. Educational Philosophy- The educational philosophies of the film-makers will be significant to the over-all message of the film. It’s important to have a deep understanding of one’s own educational philosophy before viewing a film of this nature. The movie-goers understanding of education can easily become convoluted if they are not firm in their beliefs or if their understanding of education is not clear. The educational philosophies of the film-makers will influence what they believe constitutes the failure of the education system. For example, according to movie critics and various reviews, Waiting For Superman places much of the blame on teacher unions and lack of funding. Depending on the viewer’s philosophies, he or she may disagree. Instead, the viewer may believe it’s an issue with the separation of church and state, teaching methodologies, or the educational philosophies of the Department of Education (at the federal, state, or local level). It’s important for an individual to know what he or she believes and why he or she believes it; it’s also important to view other theories or ideas through the looking-glass of one’s own beliefs.

3. Political Motivations- It’s important to consider the political motivations behind the film. Is the film gripping the attention of Americans because of its honest and truthful content? Rather, is it receiving hype because it pushes a hot topic for the upcoming elections? Does it further the political ambitions of a particular person or group? It’s very possible that a documentary may have no political angle; however, it’s still a factor to consider.

4. Results- What do the film-makers hope to see result from their film? What direction do they hope to steer America? It’s important to know the film-makers goals. Are their goals prominently centered on propagandizing education? Rather, do they earnestly care about the conditions of the American public education system and desire to see positive improvements?

Notes
1. Source for the Quotations

2. Waiting For Superman is said to discuss charter schools and their impact on the education. Keep in mind, many charter schools are considered “classical;” however, they do not provide a truly classical education. The Association of Classical and Christian Schools has published an excellent article, "It's Not Classical & Christian," addressing the differences between “classical” charter schools and true classical Christian schools, such as Glencoe Classical Academy. Copy and paste the following URL into your web browser to be redirected to the ACCS article: https://www.accsedu.org/It's_Not_Classical__Christian.ihtml?id=591621

Parental Involvement and Your Child's Education

Note: This week's Glencoe Classical Academy and Glencoe Learning Center blogs discuss the same topic and contain much of the same information. However, the list of suggestions for parental involvement is tailored according to the age groups of each school.

Parental involvement is instrumental in a child’s education. Research has shown that children and families greatly benefit when parents play an active role in the classroom, the school, and other activities related to the children’s education. There is a strong correlation between student success and parental involvement. While being an engaged parent may mean sacrificing time and energy, the importance of that engagement cannot be expressed enough and the benefits that can be reaped are often too numerous to list.

By volunteering in their child’s classroom and school, parents may benefit in ways such as the following:

1. The parents develop a closer relationship with the child’s teacher and the school’s administration, resulting in better communication among them.

2. The parents gain a better understanding of (and appreciation for) their child’s daily routine and the daily activities their children experience within the classroom.

3. The parents are better able to understand the expectations and standards the teacher and school have for the child.

4. The parents are able to experience first-hand their child’s response to his or her surroundings, teacher, and classmates.

Parental involvement can affect a child in many positive ways such as the following:

1. The child will develop a greater appreciation for his or her education and the efforts of the teacher and parents.

2. If the parents’ attitudes regarding the time they spend volunteering at the school are positive, the child may also develop a good attitude. Additionally, a child’s attitude is frequently exhibited in his or her behavior. The better the attitude, the better the behavior.

3. If the parents encourage students to uphold the classroom and school standards while volunteering, the child will be more apt to obey the classroom and school standards even when the parents aren’t present.

4. If a child sees his or her parents positively interacting with the teacher and administrators, he or she will likely treat those people with the same amount of respect that the parents do.

Below are some suggestions parents can consider when seeking ways to become more actively engaged in their child’s education.

1. Parents can take an active role in daily homework and other projects. Often, children gain a better understanding of concepts by teaching it to others. Parents can aid their child’s comprehension of a subject by allowing the child to “teach” it to them. A daily homework routine allows parents and students to remain accountable and informed.

2. Volunteer time in the classroom. Parents can volunteer to help with a particular area of interest such as literature, art, or science.

3. Parents can volunteer to help during lunch and recess duty or even in the afterschool program.

4. Teachers spend a great deal of time creating lesson plans and making copies; parents can help lighten this load by volunteering to copy worksheets and assignments.

5. Special events, musical performances, and field trips are a great undertaking for teachers and students, but they provide yet another opportunity for parents to be involved.

6. Volunteers could be helpful in the school office by answering the telephone, making copies, filing paperwork, or in a number of other ways.

Any parent interested in volunteering at Glencoe Classical Academy is encouraged to contact his or her child’s teacher or the school administration.

From One, Learn All

The Latin phrase, ab uno disces omnes, is the motto of Glencoe Classical Academy and translates to “from one, learn all.” The phrase was first found in Virgil’s literary work, The Aeneid and meant that everything should be viewed in a certain way because of one observation or example, causing people to hold a universal perception.

Glencoe Classical Academy desires for students to learn that everything is to be considered in the light of God’s written Word. Psalm 111:10 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do his commandments;” A person’s understanding of the world begins with his or her understanding of the Lord and subsequent reverence for Him. This understanding is portrayed in the person’s obedience towards His commandments.


GCA also desires for students to recognize that Christ is the one from which all things should be learned. Proverbs 2:6 states, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” James 1:5 says, “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously…” God is the source of all wisdom and knowledge, and it is accessible to those who seek His will and ask Him for understanding. His wisdom applies not only to the things contained within the Bible, but it applies to every area of the GCA curricula and the students’ academic endeavors. The wisdom of God can be seen through the literature the students read, the mathematic principles they learn, the history lessons they study, and the scientific theories they examine.

Romans 11:33 says, “Oh, the depth of the riches of both the wisdom and knowledge of God!...” At Glencoe Classical Academy students are encouraged to learn from the One who holds an unsurpassable, all-encompassing, and infinite knowledge.