2021-2022 Exciting Changes
2021-2022 Changes in elementary
The Elementary wing, EC3-G5, is now referred to as Lower School.
The addition of a multi-sensory reading program in grades EC3 through Grade 5 lead by Ashley Duke. Mrs. Duke has a master’s degree in Special Education with a specialty in Dyslexia and is also a Certified Academic Language Therapist.
Libba Heptner will be the Director of Marketing and Art Teacher. Grade 2 will be taught by Mrs. Duke, and our current art teacher, Mrs. K is retiring.
Tasha Barnes, who is qualified at the master’s level in Elementary Education, will be stepping into the role of Lower School Division Head.
Read Dr. Meadows’ full letter below.
Dear Christ Academy Family,
To advance our mission to produce academically well-rounded students who model the character of Christ, Christ Academy is always looking at our programs and evaluating ways in which we can adjust, grow, and extend learning opportunities for our learners, who are at the center of all that we do. Our highly qualified faculty who are always striving for excellence enables us to add to and enhance our educational programs. As we look forward to the 2021-2022 school year at Christ Academy, we would like to share some exciting changes happening in the Elementary wing (now called Lower School) with you!
One enhancement that we will be adding in the 2021-2022 school year will be in our Early Childhood and Lower School (Kindergarten through Grade 5) reading program. We will be adding a multi-sensory approach to reading into our existing reading program to help all learners have a better concept of reading.
Ashley Duke, who has a master’s degree in Special Education with a specialty in Dyslexia and who is a Certified Academic Language Therapist, will be stepping into the role as the Orton Gillingham Approach Trainer. The techniques used in the Orton Gillingham Approach are the foundation of this multi-sensory approach to reading. She will be working very closely with our staff members in EC3 through Grade 5 to train, guide, and equip staff on phonological awareness connections in reading with the tools needed to help ALL readers. Mrs. Duke will also be moving into the position as Grade 2 teacher. Mrs. Duke is uniquely qualified to help second grade students bridge the gap between learning to read and reading to learn.
Libba Heptner will be moving into the position of Director of Marketing. In addition to being a certified, highly qualified, and successful teacher, Mrs. Heptner has a degree and background in public relations and marketing. Having been both a parent and a teacher at the school, she will be a natural fit to help guide and shape the communication, culture, and brand of the school. She will also be stepping into the role of Art Teacher, as Mrs. K. will be retiring at the end of the school year. Splitting her time between the two roles, Mrs. Heptner will continue to use her skills in the classroom to help the students of Christ Academy advance their artistic talents as well as help promote the school at large.
Tasha Barnes, who is qualified at the master’s level in Elementary Education, will be stepping into the role of Lower School Division Head. She will be working closely with both the staff and students in Kindergarten through Grade 5 to ensure that the needs of both the learners and educators are being met. Mrs. Barnes will look closely at the needs of the learners and the academic programs to ensure that our learners are continuing to be challenged, supported, guided, and advanced, thus creating life-long learners who are academically well prepared.
Schools have faced many challenges and changes these past two school years. Because of our forward-thinking approach, Christ Academy has successfully navigated these challenges. Our faculty and staff are looking forward to the next phase of learning and growth in the 2021-2022 school year as we continue to develop learners who possess the 21st century learning skills necessary for success.
Respectfully,
Jerry M. Meadows, CEO
940.692.3852 | christacademywf.org
