community

Art Brings Community Conversation (AB2C)

“At Logos Academy we believe that an education consists of more than mastering specialized skills, but joining in the timeless pursuit of truth and beauty through all subjects.”

The above quote effectively summarize our Classical learning environment at Logos Academy. Our staff strives to cultivate and develop abilities that empower students to seek the interconnectedness of subjects and learn how each discipline plays a part in revealing truth and beauty to humankind. Art Brings Community Conversation,(AB2C) is a project birthed out of this ethos.

Five years ago, Bambi and George Long, Logos community partners expressed their desire to engage Logos students with art. Since the arts are an intricate part of Logos Academy’s classical curriculum, this idea was embraced as it would augment student learning and enhance the student experience. Logos paired Mrs. Long with the sixth grade class and they began their journey to find unexplored gems in the York art community. Over the course of four years field trips have encompassed an array of visual art experiences including, galleries, public art tours, lectures, film, and more. Trips have included visits to the Grumbacher private gallery, a viewing of a film on outsider art, an exhibit of Perspectives on Peace at York College, a guided tour by Brenda Vizzi of York Wall Coverings, and a private visit and presentation with internationally known artist Wayne White at Marketview.

During the spring of 2016, while on one of these field trips a student made a striking comment and request. The student (who was African American) expressed her gratitude and appreciation for the varied art experiences made possible to her over. She appreciated the interest the Longs had shown in introducing her and her classmates to an art community in York that they previously had not seen. She and others then went on to explain that they are also part of communities with great artistic and cultural attributes which were meaningful to them and that they would like to share with the broader community.  This was a powerful conversation and was a key moment.

Art Brings Community Conversation will connect Logos Academy students with ethnically diverse York artists to create a body of visual art that reflect the students, their communities and their hopes, dreams, and aspirations for the future. The artist who share students culture and ethnicity will provide several workshops that will culminate in the creation of a body of work to be exhibited in two venues.  One venue will be familiar to the York art scene while the other will represent a place that is more familiar to diverse people groups. The opening of the show at each venue will commence with a reception. A key element of the project will involve an art piece developed by renown furniture designer Peter Danko. The table concept was developed by the students and their teacher. The table is a symbolic representation of an invitation by the inter-cultural Logos community to others in the York community with a focus on breaking barriers by figuratively breaking bread and communing at the same table.

Other artist involved in the initiative are Rosa Luz Caterall, Ophelia Chambliss, Brenda Wintermyer,  Shelby Elaine Wormley, and Richard Craighead.

Come See the Art! 

The Well Counseling Center – November 7 from 5:00-7:00pm – 102 E Cottage Place, York PA 17401

Creative York – November 30, 5:00-7:00pm – 10 N Beaver Street, York PA 17401

Joanne Shannon
Advancement Officer

Picture: Student art by Montika Smith

 

The History of History during this Academic School Year (4 of 4)

Looking Back in Order to Move Forward

~ Brandon Grunden, Upper School Humanities Teacher, History


If you have read my previous posts, thank you! Before we get back into history for the 2017-2018 school year, I’d like to share with you one more post. Reflection is part of the expectations I have for my students. Whether it was based on something they read, watched, or discussed, student reflection tends to make things stick.  With that, I think it is only fair that I reflect on this past school year and on some of the moments I addressed in my previous blog posts.

One of the great things about being a history teacher is learning alongside my students. Of course, I have been exposed to most of what I teach in history through my college course work. But to teach it day in and day out provides me with new insights and historical perspectives and forces me to have a perpetual appreciation for history that I hope to pass on to students. In my classes, we tend to focus on the deeper human implications from learning history by asking questions such as:

How is what I am learning relevant to me today?

How is it relevant to the community, nation, and the world today?

How is this shaping my character and my ability to relate to another human being who is created in God’s image?

If you were to walk into any one of our Humanities classrooms during a discussion, you might wonder if you were in a history class or a literature, theology, philosophy, psychology, or youth mentoring group simply because our discussions take us to deeper levels of the human experience, with history lessons and topics as our inspiration. As an aside, we do also spend time in laughter because we need healthy doses of joy and laughter to counter the tragic, which is unfortunately so prevalent in history.  

There were some really deep conversations this past year, most often in the Modern World History and Christian Heritage I courses, which is fitting because the trajectory of human history changes so much during those time period. I am especially grateful for the students in those classes who showed up every day and were willing to tackle some hard questions—a tough task just minutes after the lunch period (for various reasons). I am sure there were times when these students were thinking, “Can’t we just learn about a person, a date, an event, without all of the heaviness?” The truth is we can, but the Angel of History (Part IX), and the current strains on our society demand that we use the study of history not just as a means of not repeating it, but also as a means of self-interrogationleading to personal change with positive character outcomes such as empathy, compassion, understanding, critical thinking, and a genuine regard for others. These personal changes in how we view the world and relate to others have the potential to inspire young people to flourish as they grow in the love of Christ and uphold that fragile system of togetherness and accountability known as democracy.

I learned a lot from my students during the last school year as they opened up through their writings and their discussions.  As I plan for this next school year, I am becoming excited about the possibilities of learning and growth that will take place in my classroom at Logos Academy, not only for my students but for myself as well.

Meet Mackenzi

mackenziMackenzi, a seventh grader, started here as a Kindergartener, a tiny acorn ready for the nurturing soil of Logos Academy. Her family is from Mexico, but Mackenzi was born in York and resides in our city. She came to Logos, following her older brother and sister, to become saturated in the excellent education rooted in Christ, the culturally diverse environment, and community-minded values, to achieve her God-gicen potential. She is growing, blossoming, and establishing roots that will ensure her success and ability to impact the world in a positive way.

Mackenzi is part of the Logos Academy Cross Country team and cherishes the friendships she has made with fellow students, as well as the connections and interactions from the teachers who have “watered” her. Mackenzie is proud to say that she is part of a big, happy family in Logos Academy! She is looking forward to graduating as an “Oak of Righteousness, a planting of the Lord, for the display of His splendor.” (Logos Academy Declaration) 

“Thank you God, thank you Logos” ~ Mackenzi

It’s Easy to be a Logos Champion (#LogosChampion)

Our vibrant learning community is robust with stories about lives being changed through connections at Logos Academy. We are an urban, Kingdom school grounded in the love of Christ, educating for excellence, offering opportunity, and cultivating hope in our community.

To our students, we offer an excellent education through a classical model which encompasses Greek, Latin, literature, humanities, philosophy, and rhetoric.

To our families, we offer opportunity to break cycles and connect with others in an environment grounded in the love of Christ. Our culturally diverse community is celebrated and seeds of understanding are planted.

To our community, we bring hope. Hope is brought to Logos in many ways: A caring friend, a donor who provides much-needed scholarships or school supplies, a community mentor that engages a student in an opportunity to expand his or her learning, a teacher who takes time to build a relationship with a student who is struggling, a staff member who listens to the struggles of a parent and connects them with resources. These are our Logos Champions.

Are you already a Logos Champion? We thank you for your love and support. You are steadfast and diligent in your commitment to Logos’ mission.

We need Logos Champions to continue to bring hope to our vibrant learning community! Join us. It’s easy!

Meet Carolyn: Our Admissions and Recruitment Coordinator

carolynMeet our new Admissions and Recruitment Coordinator, Carolyn Butera. Carolyn is well connected and engaged in the York community through her family’s business, the renowned Central PA wedding florist Butera The Florist, located in downtown York. Her heart for God and people, as well as her business experience and organizational skills, are now blessing our vibrant learning community.

Carolyn has joined the staff at Logos Academy to build relationships with prospective families and assist them through the admissions process. Carolyn and her husband, Vince, recently went through the admissions process for Katie, the youngest of their four children. Katie will enter 9th grade at Logos Academy this fall. Vince and Carolyn believe that the Christ-centered, culturally-diverse, community-minded, and Classical education at Logos Academy, is in alignment with their family values.

If you know of anyone interested in learning more about the educational opportunities at Logos Academy, please invite them to contact Carolyn at carolyn.butera@logosyork.org or 717.848.9835.

Mourning the Passing of Louis Appell Jr.

doveLogos Academy, along with the rest of the York Community, mourns the loss of Louis Appell Jr. who was a business man, community leader and philanthropist. Aaron Anderson, Head of School at Logos, said:
The Logos Academy Community offers its deepest condolences to, and prayers for Jodi (Louis’ wife) and the Appell family.  Louis leave behind a legacy of care and compassion for his community. Logos Academy owes a debt of gratitude to Mr. Appell and will seek to honor his legacy by carrying on his sprit of generosity toward our students, families, and the broader York community.
Traci Foster, Founder of Logos, added:
He [Louis] was a true gentleman – humble and gracious, no nonsense and always inspiring you to be your best.  I will miss our interactions and remain grateful for his influence on me personally as well as the establishment of Logos Academy.
• • •
We’ve lost a friend, mentor and champion and yet, we are grateful that his influence will live on for years to come.

Celebrating our Graduates

Our second class of seniors graduated on May 27, 2016. These five young men and women have worked hard and all are going off to college this fall. Our vibrant learning community surrounded them and sent them off as they left the building for the last time that day.

Daryl goodbye

Andrew and Daryl saying goodbye to Logos Academy

Tori and Amari goodbye

Tori and Amari saying goodbye to Logos Academy

2016 Senior Send Off from Logos Academy on Vimeo.

Tough-minded and Tenderhearted

nancy

 

~ Nancy Snyder, Student Support Coordinator

 

The student was sinking under sorrows and stresses. Like all drowners, he was also grabbing anyone nearby and dragging them down with him. I crawled under his desk, told him to follow me, and brought him to my office.

When Liz went by, she put her hand on his arm and told him that she knows his life is hard. She also told him how much she loves him. She briefly outlined the traumas he has endured this year, acknowledging how difficult these circumstances are.

tough and tenderAfter insisting on eye contact, Liz said, with heartbroken compassion and immovable firmness, “But, no matter how hard things are, you cannot behave this way in your class.” The student’s eyes fell.

After insisting on eye contact again, Liz said, with heartbroken compassion and immovable firmness, “No matter how hard things are, you cannot crawl under your desk.” The student’s eyes fell.

After insisting on eye contact yet again, Liz said, with heartbroken compassion and immovable firmness, “No matter how hard things are, you cannot push other students.” The student’s eyes fell.Five times, Liz repeated the intimate eye contact, heartbroken compassion, and immovable firmness. The student, who had arrived in the office angry, disheartened, and hardened, began to cry. Liz wrapped an arm around him as he sobbed.

At the beginning of the year, Aaron (our Head of School) challenged us to read and apply Martin Luther King’s essay, “A Tough Mind and a Tender Heart.” In it, King states:
The Bible, always clear in stressing both attributes of God, expresses his tough mindedness in his justice and wrath and his tenderheartedness in his love and grace. God has two outstretched arms. One is strong enough to surround us with justice, and one is gentle enough to embrace us with grace.

We can’t change our students’ daily circumstances. As we have restorative conversations, however, we can change how our students live in their circumstances. Part of being an urban, kingdom school is offering our students the toughminded tenderheartedness of Christ, so a student who was bellowing under his desk can return to that desk to make a mosaic map of the continents over which our God reigns with two outstretched arms.

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