Weekly Newsletter | May 22, 2022
ARMA DEI ACADEMY
Educating to glorify God
The 8th-grade class enjoyed a memorable adventure in Washington D.C. on their academic capstone trip. Averaging about 20,000 steps a day, the group visited inspiring monuments and memorials, including the Lincoln Memorial, Supreme Court, Capitol Building, Library of Congress, Eisenhour Memorial, Arlington Cemetery, Vietnam and Korean War monuments, and Smithsonian Castle. They also toured several impressive (and often sobering) museums, including the Museum of Bible, Holocaust Museum, Natural History Museum, and African American History museum. Each day, the group had opportunities to reflect deeply on the significance of these historic spots and on our nation's past, both its victories and tragedies. At the same time, the students enjoyed plenty of fun together with exciting games of night-tag in front of the White House, a lovely day at the Smithsonian's National Zoo, a beautiful concert at the National Cathedral, and a relaxing evening on the Wharf.
Meanwhile, Arma Dei students in the Homeschool Collaborative program and the 5th-grade brought their own studies of American History to life through their festival performances. Watch the HCP Festival HERE and the 5th Grade Festival HERE.
Arma Dei Academy ended the school year by singing Scripture together in front of the majestic Rocky Mountains. Students and teachers sang all the Pslams they've committed to memory this past year through our beloved Dwell program. We pray that these Scripture memory songs would continue to dwell richly in our students' hearts and form godly affections. Watch our special "Psalms Sing!" event HERE. "I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth" Psalm 34:1
SUMMER READING
A child’s summer should be filled with adventure, learning, growth, and wonder. What better way to
start the adventure than by diving into a great book?

What is required?
Students entering grades 3-8 will have one required book to read (see the list below). Each teacher will have a graded activity based on the book during the first week of school. Students should be ready to discuss the characters, setting, main idea, themes, key details, and overall plot of the book.  


Tolle Lege: Take up and read!
All students K-8 are encouraged to compete against one another in our annual Tolle Lege reading contest. Students who read at least 1000 minutes over the summer will be able to participate in an ice cream party during the first week of school. Awards will be presented to the students who read the most minutes in their grade, as well as the top three readers in the school overall. Here are a few guidelines:
  • Reading minutes must be entered through the parent portal between June 1-5, July 1-5, August 1-5, and August 14 in order to count for the contest.  Instructions will be provided in the June 1 newsletter.
  • Students entering grades 3-8 should only keep track of the minutes they personally read.
  • Students entering grades K-2 may also include minutes someone else reads to them. 
  • While audiobooks are wonderful, students may only count audiobook minutes if they are reading along at the same time.
  • Students are not required to read from a certain list of books, but rather are free to read what interests them and fosters a love for reading and learning. Parents are encouraged to guide their children toward literature that points them to the True, Good, and Beautiful. If you’d like ideas for what to read, please refer to the Banquet of Books list.  
  • For an optional form to track your reading minutes, click here.

Enjoy the adventure!
SUMMER MATH
Each school year, students work hard memorizing math facts and strengthening problem-solving skills. This math ability can be compared to a muscle; the more you use it, the stronger it gets. The opposite is also true; the less it is used, the weaker it gets. Studies have found that students who do not practice math over the summer lose 2 to 3 months of ability. Working on math over the summer, even 5 to 10 minutes a day, helps prepare your child to start the next school year well!

Each grade-level teacher has put together a review packet (see below) that covers the math content from this past year to help students retain their abilities over the summer. In addition, if you have specific materials you would like to use (e.g., a workbook, app, or website) that strengthens your child’s skills, please feel free to use them as well. There are countless resources for math practice online: IXL.com, Khan Academy, weareteachers.com/math-card-games/, etc.

While reviewing math content and practicing skills is optional over the summer, we strongly encourage students to spend 10 to 20 minutes a day, four days a week, engaging with math materials. Students benefit most from a little practice most days throughout the break. It is not beneficial for students to wait until the second week of August to spend multiple hours completing the summer packet all at once. Those students who complete the summer review packet and turn it in to their new grade level teacher on the first day of school will be treated to a donut party during the first week of school. the summer.
SUMMER CAMPS 2022
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Summer Newsletters
You can expect to receive a schoolwide newsletter on the first of every month during summer break (June 1, July 1, and August 1) as we communicate important information about the 2022/2023 school year.
Summer Tutoring
If you are interested in having your student tutored by an Arma Dei teacher over the summer, please contact Lora Hollaus.
Arma Dei Teacher Housing
As we grow we continue to attract and hire quality classical Christian teachers from around the country. If you or somebody you know have rental housing opportunities, please contact Lora Hollaus.
Preschool Job Opportunities: Flex Teacher Position & Part-Time Preschool Aide
The Arma Dei Preschool is currently looking for a full-time Flex Preschool Teacher and part-time Preschool Aide to join their staff for the 22/23 school year. Appy online. For questions, please contact Brittany Conklin, Preschool Director.
August 5-7 - All School Campout
Please join us for our traditional all-school campout at Pickle Gulch Campground from August 5-7! This is a fun time for Arma Dei families to fellowship and enjoy tent camping and s'mores before starting the school year. Space is limited and pets are welcome. If you are interested, please contact Rebecca Terlisner.
Arma Dei is Latin for Armor of God. Arma Dei Academy stands on Ephesians 6:10, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil."
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