Newsworthy Information from Decatur Heritage Christian Academy

American Idols - Leaving Our First Love

2007 2008Our Leadership

Mr. Scott Mayo HeadmasterMr. Shawn Yates Lower School PrincipalMr. Michael Holiday Upper School Assistant PrincipalMr. Steve Atchley Athletic Director & Baseball CoachMrs. Scarlet Bolan Food Service DirectorMrs. Jennifer Fite Chief Financial OfficerMrs. Melissa Ross Guidance CounselorMrs. Tammy Stutts Assistant Preschool DirectorMrs. Shawn Wallace Preschool Director

Board of TrusteesMr. Greg Stephenson, Chairman

Mrs. Carmen Adams Mrs. Blythe Bowman Mrs. Lyn Cook Mr. Dan Hicks Mr. Neal Holland Dr. Vernon Hurst Mr. Calvin McBride Mr. Stratton Orr Dr. Mitch Schuster Mr. Rick Smith Mr. Skip Thompson

Faculty and StaffMrs. Fanny Adams LibrarianMrs. Paula Armstrong Math, PE, JV Volleyball & Basketball CoachMrs. Glenda Briley Lower School Music TeacherMiss Leslie Brown Science TeacherMrs. Libby Brown Special Projects CoordinatorMrs. Amy Calame 2nd Grade TeacherMrs. Connie Cambron Math TeacherMrs. Kelly Cimino English & Logic TeacherMr. John Cochran History Teacher & Girls Basketball CoachMrs. Kathy Coffey 1st Grade TeacherMrs. Debbie Crews 3rd Grade TeacherMrs. Susan Crites Lower School SecretaryMrs. Penny Fitzgerald Health Room AideMrs. Alfredia Fuqua Preschool StaffMrs. Cindy Grate Bible TeacherMrs. Sabrina Halbrooks Lower School Computer TeacherMrs. Teresa Hall Extended CareMrs. Laurel Hammons Instructional AideMrs. Jame Hendriks K4 TeacherMrs. Yvonne Holiday PE, Yearbook & Volleyball CoachMrs. Linda Holland English TeacherMrs. Sandra Howard Science TeacherMrs. Laurie Hurt Lower School AideMrs. Carole Janorschke Upper School SecretaryMrs. Miriam Kinworthy 5th & 6th Grade TeacherMr. John Knight Lower School PE & Varsity Basketball CoachMrs. Tammy Legg Extended CareMrs. Becky Linderman 3rd Grade TeacherMrs. Donna Mayo Financial SecretaryMrs. Mary Gail Olinger Spanish TeacherMr. Ted Oliver Math & Asst. VG Basketball CoachMrs. Sandy Pasqualotto K5 TeacherMrs. Leah Reid English TeacherMrs. Jo Sain Cafeteria StaffMrs. Melissa Simpson Cafeteria StaffMrs. Cathy Schmid 4th Grade TeacherMrs. Brenda Smith 2nd Grade TeacherMrs. Sabrina Smith Preschool StaffMrs. Sandy Stephenson 5th & 6th Grade TeacherMrs. Angie Teichmiller English & History TeacherMrs. Brooke Thompson 5th and 6th Grade TeacherMrs. Amy Tubbs Lower School Art TeacherMrs. Laura Tucker Art TeacherMrs. Ginger Ward K5 Teacher Mrs. Peggy Webb 5th & 6th Grade TeacherMrs. Melissa Woodruff Athletic AssistantMrs. Deborah Woods 4th Grade TeacherMrs. Barbara Wright Computer Teacher

May 2008

The Antidote

The school environment is often described as a place where things are planted, watered, and nurtured, all leading to growth. So much of what we do here at Decatur Heritage Christian Academy fits that picture – academically, spiritually, and physically. In order to achieve growth, much effort and striving must occur. In our environment, given the great kids, great teachers, and great families, we often produce wonderful results. Success feeds on success. We want better grades, better behavior, better facilities, better teams. Couple that with some fairly constant societal pressures and you have a recipe for idolatry. Throughout this year, I have described how many things in our daily experience here at the school (academic excellence, athletics, safety and security, good morals) could grow into substitutes for God. Just recognizing the danger, while a necessary start, is not enough to prevent the problem, though.

The Children of Israel struggled with idolatry, often led into it by wicked leaders. God would bless them periodically with a righteous king, bringing a time of renewed faithfulness. However, when that king died the people would quickly return to their idols. What made that so easy is that the people originally turned from their idols but did not destroy them. When the king died, the people reached in their closets, pulled out their idols, and jumped right back into apostasy. Unfortunately, in a school setting the destruction of our idols is not that straightforward. We will

still expect certain outward behaviors, encourage good grades, perform fire drills, and work for victory on the court and diamond. No, the opportunity for idolatry is inherent in things we do everyday.

As you can see, there is no easy answer. There are several things we can do to minimize the risk. First, we must stop compartmentalizing and realize that we are to do “…all for the glory of God.” I Cor. 10:31 That means chapel and Bible class but also math tests, fire drills, good behavior, and layups. Next, to the extent we are successful, we must remember that our time, talents, and abilities are held in trust as gifts from God for His glory and for the good of others. A deep sense of stewardship can go a long way towards seeing a talent as something to be used as opposed to worshipped. Finally, we must work toward a community-wide awareness of the dangers of idolatry, both temptations specific to our school and those running rampant in the broader culture. By doing so, we can each work together to hold ourselves accountable when we start to slip. Please remind me of that the next time I get too proud of our test scores or when I loudly remind the umpire how much better I can see! It’s that important.

VoluMe 8, Issue 6

American Idols - Leaving Our First Love

“Yet I hold this against you: you have forsaken your first love.” Revelation 2:42

Decatur HeritageChristian AcademyDecatur HeritageChristian Academy

Okay, the brave ones among you, follow the directions in bold as you read this article.

Here we go:Thumbs UpKindergarten. The amazing repository of youthful passion for learning.

Elbows BackBible stories. Painting and gluing. Eating green eggs and ham. Snack time.

Feet ApartLearning how to say two vowel words and slashing the second vowel with the sword. Knees TogetherLearning how to do take-away. Learning how to read. Bottoms UpLearning how to get along with our friends.

Tongue OutThe lessons and memories forged in this early phase of school.

Eyes ShutThese will be forever etched in the memories and hearts of us all.

Turn AroundCongratulations! You just did the Tooty Ta.

You may now graduate from Kindergarten.

(for a visual explanation, see page 5)

SUMMER OFFICE HOURSTuesday - Wednesday - Thursday

Beginning June 39am - 2pm

Closed the week of July 4

If you are planning on using FACTS for the 2008 - 2009 school year, please contact the finance office (432-2691) to complete your contract.

All contract details must be completed by May 30, 2008 for bank drafts on the 20th of each month beginning June 20.

For withdrawals preferred on the 5th of each month, contract details must be finalized by June 16. The first withdrawal will be July 5, 2008.

2008-2009 School Calendaraugust 7 First Day of school - Classes Beginseptember 1 Holiday – labor Dayoctober 13-14 Holidays – Fall Breakoctober 17 Half-day dismissal – Conference DayNovember 10 Holiday – Veterans’ DayNovember 26-28 Holidays – ThanksgivingDecember 19 Classes Dismiss for HolidaysJanuary 5 Classes ResumeJanuary 19 Holiday – MlK DayFebruary 12-13 Holidays – aCsI Teachers’ ConventionFebruary 16 Holiday – Presidents’ DayMarch 13 Half-day dismissal – Conference DayMarch 16-20 Holidays – spring Breakapril 10 Holiday – Good FridayMay 18 senior GraduationMay 22 last Day of school

Have you ordered your Upper School yearbook yet? Be sure to get one as we will only order for those who have paid in advance. The cost is $50 and the deadline is May 22. The book, which will be delivered in the fall, will include every student and is in full color this year. Send your order to the Upper School office or see Coach Holiday.

HeritageHappenings

Decatur Heritage Christian Academy is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and is a member in good standing with the Association of Christian Schools International.

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Decatur HeritageChristian AcademyDecatur HeritageChristian Academy

I am Jerrell Vinson and I attended Decatur Heritage Christian Academy from 1999-2002. I believe my choosing of Decatur Heritage is much different from any of the other students. I was attending Decatur High

School and the basketball coach left during the summer going into my 10th grade year. Basketball was a pretty big deal to me and I wanted to play for a coach who had my best interest at heart. I met with the new coach from Decatur and the meeting just didn’t go as well as I would have liked. I had always known of Decatur Heritage and Coach Tommy Kyle was a close friend to our family. I knew a few friends who attended Decatur Heritage but I never envisioned myself attending school there. My family and I sat down and we discussed the pros and cons of each situation. In the end, I chose Decatur Heritage and I haven’t regretted the decision.My main reason for attending Decatur Heritage was for athletic purposes. But as time went on, I realized that God was leading me on a special path-athletically and academically. Of course I was hesitant the first couple of weeks of school, wondering if my decision would come back to slap me in the face but it was exactly the opposite. I created so many friendships and reunited with a friend I hadn’t seen since kindergarten (Ben Holland also known as “Bennie Weenie”).At Decatur Heritage we enjoyed success on the basketball court going to the State Finals twice. We never brought home the “Blue Map” but Tommy Kyle taught me a valuable lesson through that experience-“It’s not always about what we want but it’s about what God wants”.It has been six years since I said goodbye to the friends and faculty at Decatur Heritage. After I graduated from Decatur Heritage in 2002, I received a scholarship to play basketball at a junior college in Mississippi. After I graduated from junior college, I received an athletic scholarship from the University of North Alabama to play basketball. During the fall of 2006 I received my B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Management and Marketing. I am currently pursuing my MBA in Management.After graduating from college, I was fortunate to receive an offer of Regional Sales Manager with Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa, Inc. I am the youngest person to be hired to this position. I monitor the southwest territory for our company which includes: Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, New Mexico and Arizona. In December, I will be relocating to our Houston, Texas office.God had been incredibly good to me, my family and my friends who have graduated from Decatur Heritage. I don’t know what else God has planned for me but I continue to remember what Jeremiah 29:11 states: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Decatur Heritage has definitely laid the foundation for my life and I can’t thank the faculty enough for the hard work they have put in to make Decatur Heritage what it is today. Also I must give a special thanks to Mrs. Libby Brown who was like a second mother during my time at Decatur Heritage and Mrs. Linda Holland who always gave us the enjoyment of completing lengthy research papers no matter how much we would “fulminate” over it.Kindest Regards,Jerrell Vinson

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Pictured is Zach Woodruff surrounded by his mother

Melissa, father Rod and Covenant College Head Basketball Coach Andy

Euler. Zach signed a letter of intent to play basketball

with Covenant upon his graduation from Decatur

Heritage in May.

2008-2009 KEY CLUB OffiCErsSeated: Mary Kate Barthel, Vice President and Emily Quinn, President Standing: Bethany Grate, Treasurer, Allie Pieper, Secretary and Sarah Love, Chaplain.

Emily Quinn,, Sarah Love, Leslie Brown, Paizley Coffey, and Mary Kate Barthel pictured above attended the State Convention in Mobile. They learned a lot and had a great time. Thank you to Miss Brown and Mrs. Coffey for providing the transportation.

Congratulations to Paizley Coffey who was elected Lt. Gov. for Division I (North Alabama).

Save the DateDecatur Heritage Annual Spring Picnic

Thursday, May 8Watch for details via weekly school news email

Cheerleading TryoutsMAY 14th, 15th and 16th

2008-2009 DHCA KEY CLUB OffiCErs

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Decatur HeritageChristian AcademyDecatur HeritageChristian Academy

News from the Guidance OfficeOne more chance to take the ACT or SAT until next October.

ACT – June 14 (register by May 9, late registration May 23) www.actstudent.org

SAT - June 7 (register by May 6, late registration May 15) www.collegeboard.com

Summer is fast approaching and there are so many wonderful opportunities available for high school students. This is a great time to start planning for college. Here are a few ideas to give you a head start.

1. Visit a few of the colleges in which you are interested. Take a campus tour, see the dorm rooms, and sit in on a class.

2. Get a job – All college and scholarship applications ask about work experience.

3. Volunteer – Many scholarships are based on your community involvement. Go on a mission trip, or pick up an application for the volunteer center from Mrs. Ross.

4. Read! Read! Read! (and not just the required summer

reading list) Ask your English teachers for a few suggestions, they will be thrilled to help.

5. Purchase an ACT or SAT practice book. You can find them at Books-a-Million, online at www.collegeboard.com, or www.actstudent.org. They also have computer software so you can practice on the computer.

6. Register and take the ACT or SAT (see dates listed above).

7. Job shadow for a day in a field of interest. This is the best way to provide an up-close look at how the skills learned in school are put to use in the workplace.

8. Download college applications and find out what is required. Each college is different and you can get a jump on those essays and recommendation letters.

9. Consider taking a class at Calhoun (10th – 12th grades). This will give you a valuable look into college coursework.

10. Check out these websites: www.alabamamentor.org and www.campustours.com.

Join us for an afternoon of fun. yeaRBooK CooKouT aND BasKeTBall GaMe (sTaFF Vs. seNIoRs) april 30th. lunch will be served at the regular time. Grilled hamburgers and hot dogs will be offered along with chips and dessert. The cost of lunch is $5. The game will begin around 1:30 in the gym. attendance at the game will be $2. This fun day is for all grades and guests.

This year’s f ield day t-shirts were designed by two of our very own students.

Mackenzie Borden shows her design for the front of the shirt.

The back of the t-shirt was designed by Avery Bowman.

Students Brandon Little, De’El Watkins question a call by referee Shawn Yates.

Game strategy is discussed by Coach Cochran, Steve Atchley, and Daryl Little.

Visit our website at: www.dhca.org5

Decatur HeritageChristian AcademyDecatur HeritageChristian AcademyLibrary News

Birthday BooksMaggie HelMs

froM grandMotHer Jo ann HelMs

MiMi HelMsfroM grandMotHer Jo ann HelMs

Mrs. Pasqualotto’s K5 class demonstrates the “Tooty Ta”.

GYM WILL BE CLOSEDJULY 4-14

TO RESURFACE THE FLOOR

DHCA Elementary

Baseball Camp

Boys Grades 1-7JUNE 19-20

4:00pm-6:00pmDecatur Heritage Baseball Fields

Cost: $40 due by May 30, 2008Make checks payable to Steve Atchley

DHCA Elementary Basketball

Camp

Boys and Girls Grades 1-6JUNE 16-18

Grades 1-3 8:00am-10:00amGrades 4-6 10:00am-12:00pm

Cost: $50 due by May 30, 2008Checks payable to John Knight

2008 DHCA SUMMER DAY CAMPMay 27 - August 5

DHCA offers a safe and super fun place for your child to spend the long summer days. Three field trips are taken each week. Children enjoy places like Hartselle Pool, Ivy Green, Big Spring Park, Skate Castle, River City Lanes, SciQuest, Mallard Stables and more. Special visitors such as Decatur Utilities Neon Leon Program, the Fire Department, and Back Yard Bible Club join us throughout the summer as well.

For more information, contact Shawn Wallace at 351-4271. You may pick up a registration package in the Child Care building.

Register Now - Space is Limited

“Thumbs Up” demonstrated by Caleb Johnson, Carson Crow, Alora Thompson and Garret Rogers

“Knees Together” shown by

Alora Thompson and

Kelly Stephenson

“Tongue Out” expressed by Alex Joseph, Seaborn Chappell and Abigail Yates

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Decatur HeritageChristian AcademyDecatur HeritageChristian Academy

The Heritage Tennis Team had a great first season. The Varsity Tennis team held practice twice a week at Burningtree Country Club. We played several schools in the area, from Athens Bible, Randolph, and Westminster to Hartselle High and Decatur High. The teams had competitive matches and a successful first season.

Look for more information in the fall about tryouts for the tennis team. Anyone interested in participating in Heritage Tennis should plan to attend the tennis camp at Pt. Mallard during the month of June (341-4948) or contact Coach King about finding a private instructor.

We also had a dedicated group of about sixteen 6th, 7th, and 8th

graders on the Tennis Developmental Team. They faithfully attended practice each Saturday and will be moving up and ready for varsity play in the coming years. There is a huge amount of interest in tennis with over 30 students participating in this inaugural year.

Thank you to Coach Brent King for coaching and helping to get this program started at Decatur Heritage. As always, the parent participation at DHCA is wonderful. Lots of moms and dads came to practice each week, fed balls to the team, helped pick up balls, played practice games, drove the team to games and offered encouragement

VARSITY GIRLS BASKETBALLJUNE 9-11

University of AlabamaCost: $175

Checks payable to DHCA_________________________________________

VARSITY BOYS BASKETBALLJUNE 19-20

Birmingham SouthernCost: $165

Checks payable to DHCA_________________________________________

JV BOYS BASKETBALLJUNE 5-7

University of Alabama in HuntsvilleCost: $75

Checks payable to UAH Basketball

SUMMER ATHLETIC CAMPSJR HIGH GIRLS BASKETBALL

JUNE 23-26Danville Middle School

Cost: $40 Checks payable to DHCA

_________________________________________

JR HIGH BOYS BASKETBALL:MAY 28-30

University of Alabama in HuntsvilleCost: $75

Checks payable to UAH Basketball_________________________________________

VARSITY CHEERLEADING:JUNE 17-20

Briarwood Christian School, BirminghamCost: $165

VOLLEYBALL:JUNE 15-18

Bryan CollegeCost: $250

_________________________________

VOLLEYBALL GRADES 4-7:June 3-5

Cost: $50DHCA

Tennis Team

The Varsity Cheerleaders Would Like To Thank The Following Businesses For Their Support During The

2007-2008 Season: MALLARD STABLES,

STEPHENSON ACCOUNTING, DR. LEw SAMPLE, CRAFT

CORNER, wAL-MART, FIRST FINANCIAL GROUP OF

THE SOUTH, BRADFORD INSURANCE, BUD’S

CONVENIENCE STORES AND RENASANT BANK.

ATTENTION PARENTS!Uniforms MUST be turned in

NOW to athletic office.Reports cards will not be released until

all uniforms and equipment are returned and athletic accounts are cleared!

Physicals for any student who is considering playing a sport at Decatur Heritage next school year will be provided free of charge in early August. Dates will be posted in the gym and listed in the weekly emails. WATCH FOR THE DATES!

JR HIGH GIRLS BASKETBALLSPRING TRYOUTS

MAY 1 - 3:00-5:00 followed by Parent Meeting 5:00-5:30

MAY 2- 3:00-5:00MAY 7 - 3:00-4:30

MAY 9 - 3:00-5:00MAY 14 - 3:00-4:30

SPRING SPORTS BANQUETBASEBALL, SOFTBALL, GOLF & TENNIS

MAY 1, 6:00 PMCAFETERIA

LIGHT REFRESHMENTSRESERVATIONS NOT REQUIRED

Seated: Bo Godwin, Brent Denson, Zach WoodruffStanding: Robert Davila, Michael Howard, Cody Terry, Kyle Kurzhal, Nick Hodges, Zach Poole

Blythe Bowman, Melodi Waldrep, Marley Schmid, Lexie SoloRio; Not pictured Ollie Jane Hill

C

LIP

& S

AV

ECLIP & SAVE

CLIP

& S

AV

E

CLIP & SAVE

Calendar Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

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Decatur HeritageChristian AcademyDecatur HeritageChristian Academy

May 2008

1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

DHCA Annual Spring Picnic

Libby Brown’s Birthday

Mother’s Day

8:00am Upper school awards day

Tammy Stutts’s Birthday

6:30pm Kindergarten Graduation

7:00pm Senior Graduation

LASt DAY of SCHooL

12:00pm Lower School Field Day

MemorialDay

Stephanie Bonner’s Birthday

Barbara Wright’s Birthday

HigH ScHool ExamS

SEnior ExamS

Heritage HighlightsHeritage Highlights

“Our mission is to assist families by providing their children with an education that is excellent and which instills Biblical principles to guide their lives.”

P.O. Box 5659 • Decatur, Alabama 35601 • (256) 351-4275

RETURn SERvICE REqUESTED

NoNprofitAuto

u.S. poStAGEP A I D

DECAtur, AL35601

pErMit No. 805

2007 - 2008 Graduations

Tuesday, May 20

7:00pm

First Bible Church of Decatur

Senior Class of 2008

Monday, May 19 at 6:30pmDHCa Cafeteria

Kindergarten