November 2021

In this issue: The Value of Learning Outside the Classroom Jesse Owens, Middle School Principal SAT and ACT and Applying for College - An Update Daniel Head, High School Principal

The Value of Learning Outside the Classroom Jesse Owens - Middle School Principal

Some of the primary goals of education are to help students learn valuable information that will increase their knowledge, prepare them to be successful, contributing citizens, and hopefully, inspire them to dream and pursue passions within a given content area in a way that is honoring to God’s call on their lives. Whether they teach history, English, science, Bible, or math, teachers desire to cultivate a love of their content within their students and help them understand how the content is relevant and meaningful in everyday life.

While hours of planning, lecturing, and hands-on activities in the classroom enhance student learning, one of the best ways to help students make meaningful connections to the content is with out-of-the-classroom experiences. Most of these opportunities have not been possible in the last two years due to the global pandemic. We are eagerly anticipating and planning as these opportunities become available again this year. When students move beyond the classroom and see how ideas and concepts are being used every day, they gain insight into the relevance of the information and make connections they may not otherwise make. By affording students the opportunity to interact with history, science, or literature outside the classroom, students develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter and may be inspired in new ways. In this effort to enhance student learning, PACS allows middle school students to participate in overnight field trips designed to further their understanding of various subject matters.

In the spring, sixth-grade students will travel to Savannah and Tybee Island where they will explore US and Georgia History firsthand. Tours of historic homes, churches, and battle sites in Savannah allow students to experience what life was like long ago. Instead of stories in a book or dates on a page, students can see and interact with history. Students also visit the Tybee Science Center where they can collect and examine the local marine life and take part in dissecting specimens. This type of hands-on, experiential learning increases student knowledge and engagement in a way lecture cannot. Our seventh-grade students will travel to Kentucky to the Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter. There, students develop a deeper appreciation for the Biblical account of creation. In class, seventh graders learn about creation and evolution, and at the Creation Museum, they gain greater insights and are provided with the tools necessary to anchor their faith. This encounter is an integral part of building their understanding of the Bible and helping them learn how to defend their beliefs. In addition, the ability to walk through a replica of Noah’s Ark makes the Bible come alive and encourages students in their study of God’s Word. The eighth-grade trip to Washington, D.C. is filled with memorable experiences for students. Our goal is to help students gain a greater appreciation for our history and our government. In a world that is often politically divisive, this trip allows students to appreciate the wonder of democracy and realize how blessed we are to live in a free country, even with its flaws. Whether in the Capitol building or one of the various memorials, students will be reminded of the sacrifices made to preserve our freedom. Students also have the chance to see many historical artifacts at various museums and locations throughout D.C. Many students make lasting memories that will impact them in the future and inspire a greater love of history. Research shows these types of field trips and out-of-the-classroom learning experiences help students recall factual information and increase their ability to think about topics critically. Further, these experiences make students more empathetic and willing to try to understand topics from differing viewpoints (Bowen, Greene, Kisida, 2014.). When students engage with content outside the classroom, they are also more likely to take a personal interest in the topics and may be inspired to pursue learning. While we strive to give students an excellent education in the classroom, we also understand the importance of giving them learning opportunities beyond the school walls. Reference: Bowen, Daniel H., Greene, Jay P., Kisida, Brian (2014). The Educational Value of Field Trips. Retrieved from https://www.educationnext.org/the-educational-value-of-field-trips/.

SAT and ACT and Applying for College - An Update Daniel Head - High School Principal

This time last year, I wrote to you explaining the new SAT and ACT expectations for graduating seniors and whether the University System of Georgia (USG) would require standardized tests scores to be submitted with college applications. As you may remember, last year, the USG decided that SAT and ACT scores were not going to be required for a student to be considered for acceptance. However, if an applicant submitted a standardized test score, the college or university would consider that when deciding if the student would be accepted. As we have moved through the pandemic and more and more people desire to get back to normal operations, the USG is reverting to their pre-pandemic expectation for students interested in entering a college or university. Most public universities in Georgia will require an SAT/ACT score, but many private colleges and universities will not require a score. Therefore, it is still important as your student narrows his or her school options to check each college to see if an SAT/ACT score is required.

This fall, Prince has offered both an SAT and ACT for students here in the building during the school day. As many of you know, taking an SAT or ACT can be nerve-wracking, but if students are able to take the assessment in an atmosphere in which they are familiar, their scores can improve. Even though a couple of opportunities have already passed, we will offer another opportunity for students to take the SAT on campus in the spring. Currently, it is scheduled for Wednesday, April 13th. Please keep an eye out for more information and instructions on how to sign up as the date approaches. If your student would rather take an SAT/ACT outside of the Prince building, you can find the SAT dates here, and the ACT dates here. I know tasks such as preparing to take the SAT and ACT are not the most exciting event for a high school student, but hopefully, we can all agree it is nice to see routines starting to get back to normal.