Patriot Moms

Submitted By April Jackson, Patriot Mom

Every Tuesday & Thursday as I pull into the Providence drop-off line, I get a smile on my face. Those of you who know me well, may be thinking its because I’m going to have a break for 7 ½ hours…..two kids at school leaves only 2 kids at home! Yes, that is partly true but the real smile, the one that also warms my heart, is not from the break I’m getting. It comes from everything contained in that tiny Providence campus.

The smile and warm fuzzies start first in the office with our administrative staff. Those ladies are always smiling, so welcoming and so accomodating. On top of that, they keep our school organized and informed. Having come from another Classical Christian school also fashioned in the University Model, I can tell you that not all schools are like that. We are truly blessed to have those sweet gals!

Next, my smile comes from the teaching faculty at Providence. Every teacher that my children have had in the 2 years we’ve been at Providence has “knocked my socks off” in some aspect. In Kindergarten, Mrs. Keylor modeled the love and kindness of the Lord to those children every day. Now in 1st grade, Mrs. Waind offers His grace daily along with teaching skills they will need as adults. This week they have filled out an application because Mrs. Waind is “hiring” for classroom jobs. How fun and cute is that?

In 2nd grade last year we were blessed with 3 Godly women. Mrs. Bunger showed us how our children had “glowed” and then ways that they could still “grow.” (I feel like the Lord is constantly showing me ways daily that I can “grow!”) Working alongside her was Mrs. Box. What a precious sweet spirit she has! Mrs. Eads joined the 2nd grade class mid-way through the year. Even though I don’t have a 2nd grader this year, I was so happy to hear that she would be back at Providence to share her kindness and goodness with our children.

I have already learned more about the Greeks and the book of Judges in the past 5 weeks than in all my previous 33 years, compliments of Mrs. Edwards in the 3rd grade! What other school in NWA can the parent learn just as much as (if not more) than their student?

Last year, we were introduced to Latin through Magister Randall. My oldest child was so enthusiastic to learn with him each school day. Now, this year we have been blessed by the addition of Magister Janicke. Both my school-age children truly love his class and can’t wait to see him and Magister Gus each day! Latin=fun? Not exactly what I had pictured when I was told we’d be doing Latin as part of our schooling!

Knowing that my kids spend the last hour of each school day in electives completes the warm fuzzies I feel. Not only are they doing something fun (and sometimes healthy), but they find joy in the elective because they were able to help decide which one they’d be participating in.
Whether or not your children have had any of the above-mentioned teachers, I feel certain that you have similar stories of ways Providence has “knocked your socks off.” Maybe it’s another teacher, the Board members or coaches. The list could go on and on as to the many facets that come together to make Providence an amazing place! Let’s give thanks to God for this treasure He’s given us!