Rockwall Christian Academy carries on Grandparent’s Day tradition

ROCKWALL,TX. (October 12, 2014) From the crisply dressed boys with bright smiles opening the front doors for guests, to the cheerful composure of small children standing fearlessly on the stage, Grandparent’s Day is an annual opportunity for Rockwall Christian Academy to show the students’ families living proof of their effective approach to “educating the whole child.”

Following the welcome address from administration, the students “run the show,” having taken ownership of selecting and developing much of the content with very little direction.   Friday, September 26^th, marked the school’s 17^th annual such celebration honoring Grandparents for their critical role in the students’ success and happiness.   Over 120 attended the program, which began with the Kindergartner’s Grandparents’ Song, pledges, prayer, choral and solo music performances,  and verbal presentations from several students.

In a mesmerizing mixture of glee and orderliness, the student population collectively puts its best foot forward in a performance that extends beyond the confines of the stage.  Beyond the lively drama presentation and the compelling musical performances, it’s the confidence that shines from each face that leaves the strongest impression on observers.

While business and academic reports indicate that roughly 90% of people surveyed say they are more afraid of public speaking than death, RCA prides itself in successfully addressing this often-overlooked educational need.

“From day one, we make a deliberate effort to prepare children to get up and speak in front of people,” said Jeanne Zakem, Chief Administrator at RCA.  “We want them to be comfortable with it because it will be so important in college, in whatever career they choose to pursue, or even as they conduct personal business at the bank.”

Aside from Drama, Speech, and Music, RCA utilizes a number of methods to teach and develop these skills.  The training begins in kindergarten, as children take turns leading the pledge of allegiance or prayers in front of the class, and continues with advancing levels of challenges.  Designated classroom greeters rotate the responsibility of attending to new students, visitors, or others who may drop by the room for various purposes during the school day.  Older students step into leadership roles to mentor younger ones by assisting them with reading in the PALS program, while others learn to communicate and coach others as teacher’s aides.

Together with a culture that emphasizes personal accountability, these assignments develop a balance of self-awareness without self-consciousness, where courtesy and confidence becomes equally apparent.

Submitted by Jana (Shelley) Edwards.

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  Grandparents Day, Rockwall Christian Academy, tradition