High School Highlights
AUGUST 7TH, 2020
FROM THE DESK OF MR. HASTY
During these crazy and turbulent times, everything seems to be changing. However, there are at least two things that haven't changed and will never change.
The first is our Heavenly Father. Scripture tells us He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His character, love, grace, and mercy are unchanging for His children! I have recently been clinging to the verses found in Psalm 73:25-26 - Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is nothing on earth I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Isn't it incredible that in the midst of all that is changing and the brokenness that is more apparent than ever in our world, we can be confident that our God is with us?!?
One of the other things that hasn't changed is our vision at SBA. We want to partner with you as we seek to impact our world by preparing Godly warriors through implementing Discipleship, by encouraging Integrity and expecting Excellence. This has been our vision for 20 years and it has never been more true than right now!
As you know, we cannot carry out this vision alone. We must work together for the good of our students and our Academy. Our partnership for the good of our students has never been more important. Our desire is for all of our students to flourish in amazing ways, not only this year but in the years to come!
Thank you so much for trusting us with your students and for partnering with us! We love your family, and despite the shifting landscape, we are more excited than ever about the 2020-21 school year! I look forward to seeing you and your students on campus very soon!
FROM THE DESK OF MRS. IOANNIDIS
Greetings!
We pray you are enjoying the last days of summer break! We cannot wait to welcome your children back for the 2020-21 school year. We have been praying and we anticipate that God will do some amazing things in the hearts and minds of our students, despite the challenges we are facing! We are committed to you and to providing the best opportunities for the learning and spiritual growth of your students.
Back to School Teaching and Learning
We are excited to be opening the doors to our students this fall with On-Campus and Virtual campus options, giving you the flexibility to choose the best option for your children. Our teachers are creating dynamic learning environments and opportunities to empower your children to learn and be successful. Here are some of the tools and strategies that we are utilizing to meet the needs of our upper school students and maximize their learning:
Synchronous learning: Students that have chosen the Virtual Campus options will follow mostly synchronous learning, meaning that lessons will be captured via video and will be streamed live. Students will follow their class schedule and connect via Zoom or Google Meets with their teacher and engage in the active classroom environment. We are planning to have Virtual Breakout sessions, pairing students from home to students in class.
Asynchronous Learning: Our teachers will also utilize asynchronous learning tools (videos and recorded lessons) in their teaching strategies. Some classes, especially in Science and Math, will follow the flipped classroom model where the teachers will capture the delivery of the critical content via video, send it to the students to watch at home, and then connect with the students during class time to further enhance learning via Q and A, Socratic Seminars, Labs, Discussions and other teaching strategies that lead to content mastery.
Canvas: We are implementing one of the top LMSs, Canvas, to deliver and manage teaching and learning content.
Outdoor Ed classrooms: We have increased the number of outdoor classrooms on our property and we added access points for internet connection. Our teachers and students will be able to be outdoors and still utilize technology for learning and for connecting with students at home doing virtual learning.
NEW HIGH SCHOOL STAFF MEMBERS
God continues to grow our faculty at SBA and this year we are blessed to have these additions to our dynamic team of high school teachers.
Gary Pickering - HS Math
Mr. Pickering has been teaching for 31 years at Ooltewah High School and has vast experience in teaching Math and Physical Science. He will be teaching Algebra1 and Geometry. Mr. Pickering has a B.S. from Carson Newman University, an M.S. in Physical Science Education from University of Tennessee, Knoxville and a Math certification from University of Tennessee. Chattanooga. Mr. Pickering and his wife Alicia are active members of Silverdale Baptist Church. They love traveling and the great outdoors, and they have been to Canada, the Caribbean and all over Europe! Mr. Pickering is passionate about discipleship and uses teaching as a platform to share the Gospel. He has 2 children, and his youngest son, Shayne, will join our SBA family in 10th grade.
Kara Moore - HS Science
Mrs. Moore comes to us with a wealth of experience through 30 years of teaching. She has a B.S. from California State University of Fullerton, an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from the National University Vista in California, a Science Endorsement from Lincoln Memorial University and extensive STEAM training experience. Mrs. Moore and her husband George have 7 adult children and their daughter will be joining us in the 10th grade. They attend Dallas Bay Church in Hixson where they serve. They love outdoor activities, especially at the beach and traveling. We are so excited to have Kara join our Science Department.
Trey Gardenhire - Upper School Computer
Mr. Gardenhire will be teaching our technology classes in the Upper School, as Mr. Cuison is preparing to serve with the National Guard for one year. Mr. Gardenhire has a Bachelor of Arts from Lee University, a Masters of Divinity Degree from Beeson Divinity School and an M.B.A. from Lee University. Mr. Gardenhire has been involved in Christian education, serving as a Bible Department head, and has an extensive knowledge in technology integration. He is looking forward to the opportunity to educate children about academics while teaching them what it looks like to follow Jesus. He and his wife Julie attend Brainerd Presbyterian Church.
Charmaine Reid - Upper School Receptionist
Ms. Reid is serving as our Upper School Receptionist. She will be the new face that will welcome you as you enter the upper school building. She will also be recording Attendance for the Upper School. She has an Associates degree in Professional Office System Technology from Chattanooga State, and a Bachelor's degree in Organizational Management from Covenant College. She has worked as a receptionist at Chattanooga Girl’s Leadership Academy and Hamilton Heights Christian Academy over the last few years. She attends Trinity NOW Church, and she has 2 adult children. We are thrilled to have her join our Silverdale family.
MEET THE TEACHER DAYS
Monday, August 10th
- 11:00am-12:00pm 10th Grade students. Students can pick parking spots with Mrs. McDonald in the lobby.
- 11:30am New parents and students meet in the Silverdale Room
- 6:30pm Virtual meeting with parents and students staying home for virtual learning
Tuesday, August 11th
- 11:00am-12:00pm 11th Grade Students. Students can pick parking spots with Mrs. McDonald in the lobby.
- 11:30am New parents and students meet in the Silverdale Room
ON-CAMPUS OPENING PROTOCOL
- Students may be dropped off after 7:30 and they will go directly to their classrooms.
- Students and Staff Screening processes will be completed daily through Ascend before arriving on campus.
- Staff/Students must stay home if their temperature is 100F or greater and Ascend indicates ineligibility to be on campus, or if they are having any COVID-like symptoms.
- Practice Hand Hygiene: Wash hands for at least 20 seconds making sure to wash the front and back of hands and in-between fingers.
- Masks: High School students will be required to wear masks throughout the day. Remember - don't touch the inside of the mask and make sure the mask covers your nose and mouth.
- Update Emergency Contacts: Please email Admissions with any changes/updates to your emergency contact information.
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL IS AUGUST 12TH
FRIENDS OF THE ARTS AND "TAKE A SEAT" CAMPAIGN
Upon your return to campus, or if you have driven by lately, I'm sure you could not help but notice the progress that has been made on the new Silverdale Center. Our Fine Arts department excitedly anticipates the many ways this facility will improve students' educational experiences with the arts. We are happy to announce some new opportunities for you to offer your support by becoming a "Friend of the Arts" or by participating in our "Take a Seat Campaign". You can find more information here.
Thank you!
PRIVATE MUSIC LESSONS
If you are interested in private music lessons for your son or daughter, whether beginning lessons or continuing, please follow this link and scroll to the bottom of the page for information and the sign-up sheet.
NURSE NEWS
With the COVID-19 pandemic still in effect, it is ever so important that I, as your child’s school nurse, have the most up-to-date and accurate information on our students. It is essential that we partner together in caring for your child’s health in the coming school year. There are a few items listed below I will need from you prior to the first day of school:
Updated Immunization Records
Fax to 423.892.2147
*All students entering 7th grade are required to submit an updated immunization record prior to the first day of school.*
Care Plans
ALL students with medical conditions must have a completed care plan on file prior to the first day of school.
Care plan templates may be found on Nurse's Corner, or you can find the links below.
Parents/Guardians must submit completed care plans to the school nurse at the beginning of every school year. The prime responsibility for a student’s health is with the parents/guardians who are responsible for the student’s medication and must supply the school with all relevant information needed in order for proficient care to be given to the student. Parents/Guardians should update the school nurse as needed with any changes in medical conditions.
Diabetes Care Plan: Submit your care plan from your physician’s office.
Medication Forms
Designated personnel or I will assist students who are required to take medication during the school day. Medication should be taken at home when possible. If it is necessary for a medication to be given during school hours,
Medication Authorization Form must be completed and signed by the parent/guardian. (A separate form is required for each medication and a new form must be completed at the beginning of every school year.)
Medication must be in the original prescription bottle and properly labeled by the pharmacist.
The initial dose of a new medication must be given at home.
Students may not bring medications of any type to school except those that have a filed “Medical Authorization Form.” Students are not allowed to keep any type of medication on them, in their backpacks or lockers unless they have submitted written consent from a parent/guardian to the school nurse, and the school nurse approves.
Emergency medications should be checked in with the school nurse; then with parent and physician approval, students may carry emergency medication or medication will be kept in the emergency box.
Please submit ALL forms and care plans to awidener@silverdaleba.org or fax to 423.892.2147.
Once your care plan is submitted, I will correspond via email and set up an appointment, if necessary. Please feel free to email me any questions or concerns you may have. I am looking forward to a great school year!
Sincerely,
Anne Widener
School Nurse
o: 423.892.2319 ex. 2260
f: 423.892.2147
HIGH SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST FOR 2020/2021
SILVERDALE CENTER UPDATES
The latest developments on The Silverdale Center project can now be found online at www.silverdaleba.org/silverdalecenter, where you can even watch two realtime construction cameras! After hours or on the weekend? No problem - just choose a date from the sidebar or watch the timelapse!
ATHLETIC NEWS
1) Silverdale Athletics App (available for free download in Apple and Google). A few reminders of the benefits:
- You/grandparents can view schedules, rosters, directions to game locations, and get updated game cancellations that will come as an alert to your phone.
- Receive final score updates on the sports that you follow (open the app, select 'team alerts', toggle switch the teams that you want).
- View activities by daily view or team view.
2) Spirit Store News
Hey Seahawk fans! Although the start of our school year looks a little different, the SBA Spirit Store will still be opening for your shopping convenience. You can find Silverdale gear (infant, toddler, youth & adult), magnets, stadium chairs, SBA bows, mugs, and lots of other great items! You can find us in the lower gym during the hours listed below. Please observe the guidelines for visitors on campus.
Monday, August 10 8am-3pm
Tuesday, August 11 8am-12pm
The online spirit wear items that were ordered in July will be distributed the first week of school through your student. If you have any further questions, please contact athletics. We are looking forward to seeing you soon!
SENIOR CORNER
TO THE CLASS OF 2021 - Welcome to senior year! Please look for exciting information coming soon.
Find everything you need related to our Finance Department on the Parent Portal here.