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Strategies for Tackling End-of-Year Homework Struggles

With the end of the year on the horizon, it can be challenging to keep students motivated to do homework and study for end-of-year testing or final exams. Navigating the study battlefield is much easier if you give your child the tools to manage the workload. We have a few strategies for you that will make tackling homework easier as motivation wanes with the school year’s end.

  • Keep the lines of communication open. Most teachers have established an online presence where they provide open communication and grade portals to post your student’s current performance. Use this to monitor the completion of assignments, weekly progress and test dates. Check in frequently and make sure your child knows this is a team effort. You don’t want to police your child, but you do want to remind them that you’re involved with their academic success. Having organizational materials like a binder or planner to write weekly assignments in will keep everyone on pace. Organizational skills may not come naturally to your child, but it is something that can be learned and is an important skill to acquire.

 

  • Setting is critical to study success. Make sure your child has a dedicated workspace that is quiet and distraction-free. The study zone should have all the necessary school supplies to get the job done. It could be fun to set up the homework area with your child! Decorating it and making it comfortable will make it more enticing for them to retreat to. Leaving the room will give them a chance to work independently and prevent them from resorting to attention-seeking behaviors. Maintaining a set homework or study time and being consistent will alleviate procrastination. In general, it could be best to tackle the homework before dinner, leaving the evening to rest and recharge.

 

  • Have educational resources in place for you to go to if your child needs assistance with their work. Instruction in academics is continually changing and the way you learned a concept in school may be completely different than what your child has been taught. If you notice that your child is struggling with a concept it’s important to intervene immediately. There are several free resources available online that provide detailed videos and step by step instruction. For all academic subjects, Khan Academy https://www.khanacademy.org/ is an excellent resource that covers all grade levels and standards.

 

Being able to manage a work and home life balance is a skill that your child will carry into adulthood. Taking the opportunity to give your child the strategies they need to be successful will be the greatest gift you can give them! At Impact Christian Academy we recognize how important it is to prepare your child for success. Impact Christian Academy was created for students in Jacksonville with a world-class educational experience while helping them excel in knowing God, finding freedom in their faith while discovering their purpose, and making a difference in their community. Have your child join the ranks of our amazing students today: www.icajax.com.

Prom Tips for Impact Christian Academy Students

Prom Tips for Impact Christian Academy Students

It is almost prom night for Impact Christian Academy! Prom is an exciting time for our juniors and seniors, but it can quickly become a stressful time. Here are some tips to make prom and the time leading up to it as enjoyable (and stress-free) as possible for Impact Christian families and students!

Time management

Plan to avoid rushing at the last moment. Encourage your students to have all the pieces of their outfits ready ahead of time. If they can try on the clothes early, it will help ensure they feel comfortable and confident in their chosen attire. And if your student is getting anyone a corsage, the best way to get it is to order in advance and pick it up early on prom day. Consider making a checklist with your student to help ensure nothing gets forgotten in the whirlwind of prom preparations.

Friends

The most fun part of prom is making magical memories with friends. Prom night is a time to laugh, dance, take lots of photos, and most importantly, make memories that will last a lifetime. Students, make sure your friends have a plan for getting ready beforehand, enough time to take photos and know how you will get to prom.

What to wear 

Deciding on what to wear for prom can seem like a huge undertaking! Especially for Christian students attending prom, it is important to feel good about what you decide to wear, and one major part of that is dressing in a way that honors God. When in doubt, remember that you will always look perfect because, at the end of the day, He made you perfect!

Worry

It can seem like a lot to consider prom attire and styling, coordinate plans with a group, and focus on having a great time. When worry and stress come knocking, keep Isaiah 41:10 in mind and remember there is no need to worry because He is always with us.

Have fun!

 

As students near the end of the school year, they deserve to enjoy the moment! Remember one of ICA’s core values—We are joyful! This is a fun, joyful occasion to celebrate with peers and the ICA community. The most important part of prom is celebrating and having a great time!  

Easter Ideas for Families

Easter Ideas for Families

Easter ideas for families

Easter is around the corner! As a Christian school, Impact Christian Academy is already focused on Easter, but it is also important to take that conversation home. As we get closer Easter, parents and families may be wondering how to incorporate the lessons that Easter season provides into their students’ lives.

Here are some Easter ideas for families to help get your child more engaged in this important holiday.

Get Creative

Try some crafts! Decorating eggs is a staple Easter craft that can be as elaborate or simple as families want to get. If your family has traditional Easter dishes, try sharing those recipes with the children, or maybe even starting some new food traditions with them. Another crafty option for kids and families to spread the message of Easter is by creating greeting cards to share with family, friends, and neighbors!

Reflect on the Days of the Passion Week

Reflect on the events of Passion Week with your student. ICA will be having themed days as we reflect on the Jesus’ final week. Get scholars engaged with the themed days and use that to start talking about what Jesus Christ went through on each of those, and what lessons we can gather from it.

Get Involved in Activities

Easter activities can give parents a fun opportunity to talk about the themes of Easter. Easter egg hunts offer a chance to talk about symbols of Easter, like how the egg symbolizes new life and rebirth, which represents Jesus’ resurrection.

Impact families can get involved with activities like the Egg Hunt presented by Impact Kids on Saturday, April 1st starting at 11:30 a.m. at Ed Austin Park. ICA is also putting on our Passion Week Carnival for students to enjoy and for families to get involved with on Thursday April 6th!

For Lower School Students

It can be a challenge to discuss the end of Jesus’ life and His resurrection with younger ones, considering little ones may be more sensitive to themes of what Jesus endured.  It may be helpful to use John 3:16 as a simplified guide. By focusing on God’s love for us, parents can set the foundation of the conversation and add more details as that child is prepared to know more.

Middle School and Upper School Students

Easter season is a time to reflect on how much Jesus Christ gave for us, and it is a perfect time to think about how we can give and serve others. To highlight the ICA principle of Altruism, challenge your student to find new ways of being of service. Students can volunteer their time and talents at soup kitchens, local hospitals, animal shelters, or by gathering donations for a worthy cause of their choosing.

How ever families choose to spend Easter this season, we hope that everyone has a blessed, very happy Easter!

Discover the Benefits of Altruism, Athletics, and Arts at Impact Christian Academy​

Discover the Benefits of Altruism, Athletics, and Arts at Impact Christian Academy

At Impact Christian Academy we do school differently, here your child can receive an exceptional education and thrive in a supportive Christian environment. As a private Christian school in Jacksonville, Florida, we offer a unique approach to education that focuses on developing our students’ character, leadership, and God-given talents. We also never forget the most important part of Christendom, which is an extension of the heart of Christ. Here are our four reasons why your child belongs at Impact Christian Academy:

Academics:

Our highly trained teachers go above and beyond to create engaging lesson plans that go beyond the classroom. Our curriculum emphasizes STEM and college preparation courses that set our students apart from their peers. With small classroom sizes, your child will receive individualized attention to help them succeed academically. We also prioritize the social and emotional well-being of our students by providing a supportive and inclusive environment where every student feels valued and respected.

Altruism:

At Impact Christian Academy, we instill in our students the value of altruism, which means helping others selflessly. Altruism is important because it allows us to make a positive impact on the world around us and to connect with others in a meaningful way. By helping others, the students develop important life skills such as empathy, compassion, and gratitude, which helps them to become better people and to lead more fulfilling lives. Each quarter, our students engage in community service projects, helping those in need and expressing their love for God through acts of kindness.

Athletics:

We believe that sports are an essential part of a child’s development, and that’s why we offer a variety of sports programs, including football, basketball, and volleyball. At Impact Christian Academy our sports teams have a large and dedicated fan base, with parents, teachers, and community members cheering on our athletes at every game! Our coaching staff are highly skilled and experienced, working closely with our student athletes to develop their skills and help them reach their full potential both on and off the field. Sports help our students develop positive habits and improve their self-esteem. They also teach invaluable life lessons such as teamwork, leadership, and resilience.

Arts:

At Impact Christian Academy, we value the arts and offer a variety of programs that help students develop their talents in music, theater, fine arts, and culinary skills. Our experienced instructors help students master their arts while promoting collaboration, social skills, and creativity.

We take pride in creating a balanced learning environment that promotes character development and Christian leadership. We invite you to join our lion pride and take advantage of our unique approach to education that will help your child thrive inside and outside the classroom. Enroll your child in 2023 at Impact Christian Academy by visiting our website at https://icajax.com/ to apply and complete our five-step admission process. We look forward to welcoming your family into our ICA community!

Strategies for Helping Your Child Set and Accomplish Strong Academic and Personal Goals

Strategies for Helping Your Child Set and Accomplish Strong Academic and Personal Goals

As parents, we want the best for our children and that includes setting strong academic and personal goals for the new year. The start of a new year is the perfect time to reflect on the past and plan ahead for the future. Setting goals can be a powerful way to help your child achieve their dreams and reach their full potential. Here are a few strategies to help your child set and accomplish their goals in this new year.

  1. Set SMART goals: SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. Encourage your child to set goals that are specific and measurable, so they can track their progress and see the results of their efforts. Achievable goals are those that are realistic and within their reach, while relevant goals are those that align with their life, hobbies, and interests. Setting a deadline for each goal will help your child stay on track and motivated. Here is an example of a Math and Reading SMART goal: By the third quarter, I will be able to add 4-digit numbers with 90% accuracy. Before reading a text independently, I’ll make a prediction using the book cover and text features. I’ll record the prediction in my reading journal.
  2. Make a plan: Once your child has set their goals, help them come up with a plan to accomplish them. This could include breaking down larger goals into smaller, more manageable, and attainable tasks. Encourage your child to track their progress and make adjustments as needed.
  3. Pray together: As Christian parents, it is essential to pray with your child and ask for God’s guidance and blessings as they work towards their goals. Remind them that with God’s help, all things are possible. Encourage them to include prayer as a regular part of their goal setting and planning.
  4. Encourage perseverance: Setting goals and working towards them takes time and effort, and there may be setbacks along the way. Encourage your child to persevere and remind them that failure is not the opposite of success, it’s a part of it. Some of the most successful people have failed many times before achieving success. Remind them to keep their eyes on the prize, and to not give up!
  5. Celebrate successes: As your child reaches milestones and achieves their goals, celebrate their successes with them. Recognize their hard work and effort and remind them of how far they’ve come. This will keep them motivated and encourage them to continue working towards their goals.

Setting and accomplishing goals can be challenging, but with the right mindset and strategies, it’s possible to achieve great things. As parents, we can lead by example and show our children that with God’s help, anything is possible! Encourage your child to set strong academic and personal goals for the new year and to work towards them with determination, perseverance, and always faith.

Impact Christian Academy in Jacksonville, Florida offers a unique approach to education that combines academic excellence with spiritual development. Our curriculum is designed to challenge students to reach their full potential, and our dedicated teachers use innovative teaching methods to engage and inspire their students. Additionally, we provide a safe and nurturing environment that encourages students to explore their faith and develop strong values. Our focus on both academic and spiritual growth ensures that our students are well-rounded individuals who are prepared for success in all areas of life. We believe that by enrolling your child in Impact Christian Academy, you’re investing in a brighter future for your child! We’d love for you to join our school family today! Visit https://icajax.com/ to apply and complete our five-step admission process.

Settling into a Routine this School Year

Settling into a Routine this School Year

As fall arrives, families start to take a deep breath and relax into the new school routine.  Everyone has adjusted from the transition back to school.   We know it wasn’t easy, but its September now and it’s all coming together.  As you settle into the new routine, make sure you keep consistent with the routines and rituals you’ve put into place.  Now’s not the time to let it slide! In fact, now’s the time to reevaluate what’s working and adjust if needed.  We have some suggestions to keep the momentum going as you move froward in the school year.

  1. Your Calendar is Your Best Friend

This time of year is typically when kids will begin sports or afterschool clubs.  This is something to consider as you plan to make everything run as seamless as possible.  It would be beneficial to make a monthly calendar to put in a central area that everyone can see.  On the calendar make note of everyone’s extracurricular schedule and include any out of school functions that may be happening this month.  To simplify weekday dinners, meal planning is a quick and easy way to stay organized.  Use the same master calendar to make note of weekly dinners.  September can become a whirlwind of activities and it may catch you off guard it you don’t plan for it!

 

  1. Avoiding Sports Season Chaos

If you are gearing up for after school sports, we suggest you make a launch pad by the front door, or garage.  Any place that close to where you enter or leave the house.  It could be a cubby, small table, or something as simple as hooks.  Use this launch pad as an area to keep equipment, backpacks, uniforms, instruments, or anything you’ll need to grab and go.  If an area like this is established, it’ll be less likely that you’re searching for stuff at the last minute. Preparing ahead of time will help you avoid the chaos of sports season!

 

  1. Reevaluating the Sleep Schedule

Now that you’ve settled into the routine, another thing to stay on top of is the sleep schedule.  Make sure you stay consistent and reinforce healthy sleep schedules.  If you notice that it’s still a struggle each night for our child to fall asleep, now may be the time to consider using a different strategy. When schedules are busy and there’s over stimulation everywhere you turn, it may be difficult for your child to turn it off and fall asleep.  Try making adjustment to the environment.  Blackout curtains are known to lessen sleep disturbances, and weighted blankets can calm restless sleepers. If you are considering a weighted blanket, which is a great option for restless sleepers, make sure to research weighted blankets for kids.  There are many products to choose from, but you want a safe weighted blanket designed specifically for children.

 

  1. Make Family Time a Priority

As you move through the whirlwind of work, school, sports, open houses, and everything else packed into your busy schedule, make sure you squeeze in family time.  Even if it’s just to come together as a family for dinner each night.  This will allow you to reconnect and talk about the highlights of each day! Bless the food with a traditional prayer, and dinner is the perfect time to also remind your children to pray and be thankful for how God made each of us unique and with a purpose.

 

 We hope these tips prepare your family settle into a Routine as fall approaches!

Among the best private schools in Jacksonville, FL, Impact Christian Academy was created to provide a world-class educational experience while helping students excel in knowing God, finding freedom in their faith, discovering their purpose, and making a difference in the community.

ICA is Now Enrolling

Impact Christian Academy is now enrolling for the 2024-2025 school year. Discover a place where passion meets purpose and dreams become reality.