Vol. 3, No. 1, Fall 2004

A cademy L ane

Hillsdale AcademyOne Academy Lane ♦ Hillsdale, MI ♦ 49242 Phone: 517-439-8644 ♦ Fax: 517-607-2794

www.hillsdale.edu/academy

NON PrOFIt OrgUS POStAge

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HILLSDALe, MI

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9-12 Hillsdale Academy Reference GuideSince its founding as a K-8 school in 1990, Hillsdale Academy has ranked in the top four percent of schools nationwide in standardized testing. This tradition of success now continues in the Academy’s Upper School, where students in grades 9-12 follow a common, college preparatory course of study. required courses include four years each of Humane Letters (history and literature, including civics and economics in the senior year), Latin, laboratory science and mathematics. Now, this complete academic program is available to you. Continuing where the K-8 Hillsdale Academy Reference Guide left off, the Reference Guide for 9-12 provides: graduation requirements and curriculum overview, school culture guidelines, course syllabi, and parent and faculty handbooks. to download the K-8 or 9-12 Hillsdale Academy Reference Guide, visit www.hillsdale.edu/academy. Printed copies, with video, may be purchased for $100 each or $175 if both volumes (K-8 and 9-12) are purchased at the same time. to order, please call the Hillsdale Academy marketing office at (800) 989-7323.

Administrative offices are open Monday – Friday

from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. eastern time

(517) 439-8644

aneLHeadmaster’s Corner

2004-2005 CalendarAugust 23 First Day of Classes September 3-6 No School–Labor Day Weekend September 7 Classes resume September 22 Picture Day September 27 No School–Fair Day October 7 Mid-term, Parent-teacher Conference, Noon Dismissal October 8-11 Mid-term Break October 12 Classes resume October 13 PSAt November 6 SAt November 10-12 Upper School exams November 12 Fall trimester ends November 15 Winter trimester Begins November 23 Fall report Cards Sent Home November 24 Noon Dismissal, Thanksgiving Break November 29 Classes resume December 13 Christmas Program December 17 Noon Dismissal, Christmas Break January 3 Classes resume January 20 Mid-term, Parent-teacher Conference, Noon Dismissal January 21 No School–Mid-term Break, teacher In-Service January 24 Classes resume

It is, of course, common knowledge that public schools are in general retreat from the traditional study of American history, the founding of the American republic and our Constitution, as well as the virtues that secure our liberties. What is not commonly understood is the equally profound abandonment of

traditional education and classical studies among independent schools. The “political correctness” that prohibits a basic knowledge of American citizenship in government schools is equally dominant in private education. Indeed, the retreat among these schools is often more profound.

evidence of this state of affairs can be found in the Spring 2004 issue of Independent School, the official publication of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). Dedicated to the theme “The global Schoolhouse,” this issue discussed “global ethics,” the “global community” and “international partnerships” in education. One author defined the “global citizen” as a person who “does not merely know many nations: she or he has the perspective of our globe that has been so magically described by those who have seen it from space. A global citizen…is aware of our planet as a gestalt, something quite different and much bigger than an awareness of the national parts that make up our terrestrial consciousness.”

According to this publication, a global citizen ought also to accept a “global ethic” in which “community” is defined not as a local chauvinism but as a broad-minded, global tolerance of cultural differences. This “tolerance” includes an appreciation for the educational efforts of Castro’s Cuba since 1961, “that virtually erased illiteracy across the nation.” While the author of this article clearly admits that Cuba’s socialist government limits the quality of the education it provides, she maintains a triumphant tone in the article that emphasizes the successes of this country’s educational efforts. The overall message here is that a “global ethic” should not include a judgmental attitude toward political or educational models different from our own.

Most troubling in this approach to education is that students in the “global schoolhouse” are provided with no roots in a foundational understanding of virtue, human nature or constitutional government. Ideas, themes and models of education presented by the authors in this issue of Independent School include nothing that can be identified as a solid starting point for citizenship. There is only vague talk of “community” and “ethics.” Nothing suggests that right and wrong might be found in the study of cultures, religions or political systems. Hence, little effort is made to question the claims of Castro’s totalitarian state regarding its eradication of illiteracy. And certainly no mention is made of the literate champions of liberty who have been executed by that state or who now languish in Cuba’s prisons. In the end, a “global citizen” in this schoolhouse might obtain bits and

pieces of information regarding foreign cultures, but he obtains only a vague and confused notion of citizenship that leaves him unable to function as a citizen in the American republic or in any state.

In American traditional and classical education, it should never be forgotten that immigrants have made our country what it is today. Xenophobia has no place in American culture. However, we must also be continually reminded and our students must be taught without apology that immigration to this country occurred because people sought the freedoms that our republic offered them. These freedoms are based on certain ideas and virtues drawn from both the Judeo-Christian and greco-roman traditions. Immigrants came to enjoy the benefits of our constitutional government, not to recreate it in the image of the nations they fled. Any global perspective taught in a traditional, classical school in America must begin with a study of what we hold most dear and those principles that make us free. Thomas Jefferson once wrote that American schools “must take responsibility for fostering the civic morality and national self-confidence necessary for the American experiment to survive.” george Washington stated in his Farewell Address, “It is substantially true that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government. The rule indeed extends with more or less force to every species of free government.” And, regarding relations with foreign governments he stated, “Cultivate peace and harmony with all” but “It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world…” Such wisdom is necessary for any citizen of the United States.

At Hillsdale Academy, we seek to root our children in the knowledge, virtues and principles of our Founders. Having done this, the student can then study the best and worst of the world’s political and economic systems. They are then able to discern why Castro’s Cuba, as with all totalitarian states, must ultimately fail.

Welcome…

Features…

New Assistant Headmaster Staff Profile Welcome New Families Upper School reference guide Field Trips Italy 2005 International Day 2004 Salvatori Award Regional Track Invitational

2004-2005 Enrollment

98 students – Lower School (capacity = 100) 59 students – Upper School (capacity = 60)

Nathaniel Birzer (Kindergarten) – Brad and Dedra

Cyrus Colyer (Kindergarten) – Chris Colyer and Marjan Mohamadi

Jacob Dickinson (Kindergarten) – Mick and Lorie

Noah Heckenlively (Kindergarten) – Patrick and teresa

Julia rickabaugh (Kindergarten) – Mike and Jill

Augustine Siegel (Kindergarten) – Harold and Nikki

gregory Steckbeck (Kindergarten) – Mark and Carol

Faith VanHavel (Kindergarten) – Jeffrey and teresa

Cameron Vann (Kindergarten) – tom and Christy

Ariana teegarden (Kindergarten) – Kevin teegarden and Olga Muñiz

Anders Kiledal (5th grade*) – erik and Kirstin

gwydlon Angell (7th grade) – george and Megan

Darian Balser (7th grade) – troy and Sheila

Charles ross (7th grade) – Charles and Patricia Finkbeiner

Anna (7th grade) and Krista (11th grade) Woods – Drew and Diana

Anthony Alvarez (8th grade) – tony and Jennifer

Michaya Snell (8th grade) – David and Lola

Claira and Maria Kaisler (9th grade*) – David and Jean

genevieve Colletta (10th grade) – Brad and Pam Benzing

Thomas Harner (10th grade) – Mike and Carin

Chip (4th grade), Connaught (8th grade) and Maria (11th grade) Blood – Charles and Jacqueline

Christopher Lefere (11th grade) – Chris and Anne

Andrea Simpson (11th grade*) – Mike and Linda

Katie Stacey (11th grade*) – rex Stacey and Karen erwin

Upper School

reference guide

Available

Hillsdale Academy

Vol. 3, No. 1 • September 2004

The NAIS and American Citizenship

Details Inside!

Dr. Ken Calvert

We begin the 2004-2005 academic year with a number of new students and families joining the Academy community. Among our new students are children from throughout the region, Missouri and Hawaii. Please welcome:

* D e n o t e s s t u d e n t s w h o e n r o l l e d i n t h e A c a d e m y d u r i n g t h e 2 n d o r 3 r d t r i m e s t e r o f t h e 2 0 0 3 - 2 0 0 4 a c a d e m i c y e a r .

Hillsdale Academy Hosts

Regional Track InvitationalMay 22, 2004

Way to Go Colts!

All Work and No Play…

Hillsdale Academy students are some of the most hardworking students around, and it shows. But, not all work is hard, and sometimes it’s good to just play. The following is a list of field trips taken during the spring of 2004:

• Mackinac Island overnight (grades K-2)

• Henry Ford Museum at greenfield Village (grades K-2)

• Michigan State Capitol and Historical Museum (grades 3 and 4)

• Ft. Wayne Wizards baseball game (grades 3-6)

• Culinary Secrets Cooking Class (grades 5 and 6)

• Shakespeare Festival, Stratford, Ontario (grades 7 and 8)

• Cedar Point (grade 8)

• Canoe trip on the St. Joseph river (grades 9-12)

• toledo Museum of Art (grade 12)

Hillsdale Academy Lower School students enjoyed celebrating the customs and foods of several countries during International Day festivities on May 21, 2004. The students learned about eight countries through presentations made by the following guests; pictured left.

• Mr. Al Philipp, representing Austria

• Dan and Missy Moore, representing Russia

• Jean Saygan, representing the Philippines

• Mrs. Carmen Wyatt-Hayes, representing Costa Rica

• Jim Spencer, representing Scotland, playing the bagpipes accompanied by Academy 7th grader Mallory Horton, who performed Irish dances

• Mrs. Marjan Mohamadi, representing Iran

• Kirstin Kiledal, representing Norway

• Lena Buckle, representing Ghana

At the end of the celebration, students were joined by their parents to sample a selection of foods from the various countries prepared with the help of Kathy Meade and Mike Lagassee.

International Day

Mike Roberts Named Assistant Headmaster

Hillsdale Academy Athletic Director Mike roberts has been appointed to the position of assistant headmaster, effective June 1. Mike came to the Academy in 2002 from Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he taught social studies and coached football and track at Cheyenne Mountain Junior High. He also coached wrestling at the high school. A native of

Sturgis, Michigan, Mike and his wife, Lisa, are both graduates of Hillsdale College. Academy Lane recently talked to Mike about his new position and his experiences at the Academy.

Academy Lane: What are your new duties as assistant headmaster? Mike Roberts: In addition to my duties as athletic director, my main responsibilities as assistant headmaster are assisting Dr. Calvert with administrative matters, and acting in his place when he is traveling. I’ve also become involved with the academic schedule and discipline issues.

Academy Lane: What is your background? How are Academy stu-dents different from other students you’ve taught and coached? Mike Roberts: After I started teaching and coaching at the high school level in Sturgis, Michigan, I realized that I was also interested in the administrative side of education. So while teaching at Cheyenne Mountain Junior High, I earned my master’s degree in educational

leadership from the University of Colorado’s Colorado Springs cam-pus. After working at much larger schools, coming to Hillsdale Academy was an adjustment at first. But even though we’re smaller, I’ve seen that we can be quite competitive in the athletic arena.

The students here are incredible – they’re highly motivated, with an impressive desire to learn. We have many students at the junior varsity and varsity level who participate in several sports and excel academically as well. We are fortunate to have tremendous involvement from the Academy families. The parents support the school and allow the teachers to do their jobs.

Academy Lane: What is your vision for the Academy’s sports program? Mike Roberts: The benefit of high school athletics, in particular, is that it complements what we’re doing academically at the Academy. right now our goal is to continue to build momentum and excitement about our sports program. We’re also making it a priority to strengthen the existing sports teams and continue to bring up our level of play. This fall we are adding a junior varsity team for girls’ basketball.

We have a very high-quality coaching staff, of which I am very proud. I believe the Academy’s athletic program is one of the strongest in the state among schools of our size. With such an excellent staff and students, we have a bright future.

Meet…Stephanie UmphressDirector of Marketing

Stephanie Umphress is an alumna of Hillsdale College and was the 1996 class valedictorian. Upon graduation, Stephanie accepted the position of

Director of Academy Marketing, and later became Director of Marketing and Logistics for Hillsdale College. She is engaged and will be married next spring.

Academy Lane: Please tell us about the work you do for Hillsdale Academy. Stephanie Umphress: As Director of Marketing, I primarily work with the Hillsdale Academy Reference Guides, handling publicity, advertising, marketing materials, working with schools and responding to inquiries regarding the curriculum. My office also works with Academy Headmaster Dr. Kenneth Calvert and the teachers at the Academy to answer any specific questions about daily use of the materials, and to coordinate all visits to the Academy.

Academy Lane: What was the initial purpose in producing the Reference Guides? Stephanie Umphress: When Hillsdale College founded the Academy in 1990 it had a two-fold purpose: first, to offer people in our community a traditional alternative to the existing schools; second, to provide a model for educational reform nationwide. Because of the reputation of the College and the success of the Academy from the start, we almost immediately began receiving requests from people

across the country to start other “Hillsdale Academies.” In response, the College administrators and the Academy headmaster decided to put together a blueprint of the Academy’s program. This was done in the form of the Reference Guides, which include both the curriculum and the school culture, so that school administrators, homeschooling families, people working toward reform within the schools in their communities and teachers could use the Guides to duplicate our program in their own environment. The K-8 Reference Guide was first released in 1995, and the 9-12 Reference Guide in 1998.

Academy Lane: Who uses the Reference Guides? Stephanie Umphress: Since 1995, we have received 18,100 inquiries regarding the curriculum taught at Hillsdale Academy. More than 6,100 K-8 Reference Guides have been distributed in all 50 states and in 13 foreign countries. In addition, copies have been downloaded from the Web site by about 3,900 users. We know of approximately 450 schools across the country using the K-8 Guide.

Academy Lane: How about the 9-12 Reference Guide? Stephanie Umphress: the first edition of the 9-12 Reference Guide was released just as our own Upper School was beginning. About 350 copies were sold before we suspended sales. As we went through all four years of the Upper School, we realized that we needed to revise the 9-12 Reference Guide to more accurately reflect what we were doing at the Academy. In the Academy’s Upper School, students follow a common, college preparatory course of study. required courses include four years each of Humane Letters (history and literature, including civics and economics in the senior year), Latin, laboratory science and mathematics. The second edition of the 9-12 Reference Guide has been updated and expanded, and provides graduation requirements, curriculum overview, course syllabi, week-by-week lesson outlines, school culture guidelines and parent and faculty handbooks. The 9-12 Reference Guide is a valuable resource.

Italy BoundSpring Break 2005

On March 16, 2005, Hillsdale Academy juniors and seniors, along with a number of parents, will travel to Italy. The 12-day trip will take the students to rome, Florence and Venice to visit such sites as the Vatican Museum and Ostia, the ancient port of the capital. In preparation for the trip, students will study many ancient, medieval and modern historical literary points of interest. The trip will be led by Dr. Kenneth Calvert, Headmaster of Hillsdale Academy, Dr. David Jones, Chairman of the Classics Department at Hillsdale College, and Mr. Al Philipp, world traveler and Academy parent.

The students will help pay for their trip with various fund-raising campaigns throughout the year.

$25,000 Salvatori Prize Awarded to

California Teacher

This year’s $25,000 Henry Salvatori Prize for excellence in teaching was awarded in February 2004 to DiAnne McClenahan, a 5th grade teacher at temecula Preparatory School in Winchester, California. Academy Headmaster Dr. Kenneth Calvert and Hillsdale College President Dr. Larry Arnn presented McClenahan with her award at Hillsdale College’s National Leadership Seminar in Naples, Florida.

McClenahan has embraced the use of the Hillsdale Academy Reference Guide, which serves as the foundation of temecula Preparatory’s charter school of 284 K-10th grade students.

“In the process of my 13-year teaching career, I have adopted and discarded many philosophies and frameworks that I believe develop a child into a lifelong learner,” McClenahan states. “Upon first reading the Reference Guide, I knew I had finally found a home.”

the value of the Reference Guide’s traditional approach was quickly made evident at temecula Preparatory. In the school’s first year, McClenahan’s 5th grade class ranked the highest in riverside and San Diego Counties on the SAt-9 test.

each year, through an endowment by the late businessman and philanthropist Henry Salvatori, Hillsdale College honors a K-12 teacher from a public or private school who superbly implements the ideas and curricula contained in the Hillsdale Academy Reference Guide. The $25,000 award, which is payable to the winning teacher’s school, acknowledges Mr. Salvatori’s legacy by preserving and conveying the principles of independence and civic virtue in education.

to learn more about the Hillsdale Academy Reference Guide or the Salvatori Prize, visit www.hillsdale.edu/academy. Dr. Kenneth Calvert, DiAnne McClenahan, President Larry Arnn

Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd Grade Classes

Hillsdale Academy hosted its first-ever regional track meet this spring, with the help of 70 parents and other adult volunteers and 30 students. The meet, at which Division 4 regional teams from around the Hillsdale area competed to qualify for state finals, took place on May 22 at the Hillsdale College sports complex Fifteen boys’ teams and 15 girls’ teams competed, including the Academy teams.

“Our volunteers and students did a very professional job helping to organize and host the meet, which was a big success,” said Academy Assistant Headmaster and Athletic Director Mike roberts. “It was a great opportunity for us to show the sports community that we can be on an equal footing athletically with some of the best teams in our division.”

Three Academy students were state qualifiers at the meet: junior Brian Potts was the regional champion in the 400-meter dash; sophomore Anna Leutheuser qualified in the 100-meter dash; and freshman Stacy risner qualified in the 300-meter hurdles.

“the meet was a great experience for us,” roberts stated, noting that the Academy would make a bid to host the regional track event again in the future.