Kirk Day School

The Importance of Being Busy

Our guest this week is John Spencer, Director of Youth and Family Ministries at Kirk of the Hills Church. John has spent over a decade working with teens in the context of ministry and coaching. In this podcast, he talks about some of the trends he sees in the lives of teenagers such as the importance of being busy and staying connected to their peers. Below are some questions for further conversation. 

1. How busy is my family? What am I modeling to my kids about rest and busyness?
2. How can I help my kids learn the difference between being lazy and resting?
3. What does our culture say about business, productivity and work? What messages from culture are good? Which ones are confusing? What does the Bible say about rest?

Dr. Leonard Sax: 21st Century Parenting

New York Times Bestselling author Leonard Sax joins Mr. Clement and Mrs. Massey for a discussion on raising children in the 21^st Century. Dr. Sax has written 4 books, including The Collapse of Parenting, which our staff and faculty read this summer. In this podcast, he discusses topics like cellphones and media as well as how the Bible guides our parenting. Below are some questions for further conversation. 

Disclaimer: In this podcast, Dr. Sax discusses many of the same topics he went over during his talk on Monday night. In addition, we recommend that, due to the content of this podcast, you listen to it without your kids in the car.

1. What truths from our culture have become entwined in our parenting? What truths are in-line with Biblical values? What truths might be different from our Biblical values?

2. What are some benefits of our children engaging in social media such as Instagram, YouTube, or Snapchat? What are some of the drawbacks?

3. Sax mentions many effective ways to engage more with our kids, such as eating more meals together or not allowing them to put on headphones/earbuds in the car. Can we implement one of his suggestions in our family? What is challenging about implementing some of them? What are some potential benefits of doing so?

Back to School Jitters

The first day of school has finally arrived, and a wave of emotions from anxiety to excitement to nervousness can come along with it. Teachers, administrators, parents and students may experience an increase in anxiety during the first few weeks of school. Questions about lunch, recess, homework, and friendship often flood the heart and mind of all of us.

In this podcast, Mr. Clement and Mrs. Massey discuss some of the trends and emotions kids experience in the first few weeks. We offer tips and suggestions for riding the wave of anxiety and finding some stability in the midst of transition. Below are some follow up questions and the articles we referenced in the podcast for further reading. 

Questions to Consider:

1. Do I tend to be a thermostat or thermometer with my child? What topics around my child’s school experience cause me more anxiety?
2. There is so much out of our control when we send our kids to school. How does it feel when we lose control? How do I respond to people when I feel out of control?
3. How can I be praying this year for my child?

Referenced Articles:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/back-to-school-anxiety-2018082314617
https://childmind.org/article/back-school-anxiety/

Summer Update

We are excited to share with you some summer happenings around Kirk Day School. In this podcast, we share some of the updates we have done around the school as well as some important dates to remember as we start school. We also discuss the changes to the lunch program and share the school verse for the year. Below is a list of important dates to remember for the coming weeks. We are looking forward to the start of the school year! 

Important Dates

Friday, August 2- Class Lists

Wednesday, August 7- New Parent Orientation

Tuesday, August 13- Meeting Your Teacher

• 11:00-11:45am, J-Q
• 11:45-12:30pm, R-Z
• 12:30-1:15pm, A-I

Wednesday, August 14-First Day of School

Monday, August August 19- Dr. Leonard Sax

Having "The Talk"

First, a disclaimer. This episode has mature content. We recommend parents listen to the podcast before deciding if they want to share it with their kids. Our intention in having a conversation about sex and sexuality is to help equip parents to have this conversation with their kids. 

Possibly the most challenging conversation to have with your child is on topic of sex and sexuality. It is a loaded conversation. It can make us feel uncomfortable. We know the importance of teaching and shepherding our kids in their view of sex and sexuality but can struggle with what to say and when to say it.

In this podcast, Mollie Pfuetze shares about how to have “the talk” with your kids. She challenges parents to broaden their scope of the conversation past “the birds and the bees” to include a healthy view of their body. She shares about tangible ways parents can model of their kids healthy relationships between the opposite sex. Most importantly, she discusses ways to normalize and celebrate the way God created sex and sexuality.

As a reminder, Mrs. Pfuetze will be coming to speak to the 4th, 5th, and 6th students on Thursday afternoon. She does discuss what she will talk to the kids about on Thursday. Below are some questions for you as parents to consider.

1. What is it like for me to think about talking to my kids about sex and sexuality? What thoughts and feelings come up?

2. What areas does culture influence the way I view sex and sexuality?

3. What is confusing about how our culture views sex and sexuality? What is good? What is harmful? What does Scripture say?

Privacy

Privacy has changed dramatically in the technology driven world we live in. Media outlets are constantly reporting stories of companies being hacked and private information being stolen. Our ability to capture moments in time and share them with the world has changed dramatically with camera phone and social media. We live in a culture that is becoming more and more supportive of authenticity and openness but at the same time wants to be assured that our information won’t be stolen over the internet. Apple has recently started a new ad campaign to assure their consumers that privacy matters to them.  So in this digital age, how do we protect our children’s privacy as well as our family’s privacy? What kind of questions and conversations do we need to have with our children to help them understand what privacy is and why privacy is important.

In this podcast Mr. Clement and Mrs. Massey dive into the topic of privacy and pose some questions to consider as we consider what privacy looks like in our culture and world today.

1. As a parent, what areas do you struggle with “breathing the air of our culture” as opposed to trusting in God’s wisdom?

2. What are the good things that come from technology? What can we embrace about living in a time where authenticity is appreciated?

3. What is confusing about technology? What is challenging about living in a technology driven world?

Finishing Out the Year

Spring has sprung. The trees are coming alive, the temperatures are getting warmer, and Cardinals baseball is back. Spring is a refreshing and exciting time of the year. We may be anxiously awaiting the arrival of summer vacations and trips to the pool. If a family is transitioning over the summer to a new school, they might be reflecting on the time spent at KDS. In this podcast, Mr. Clement and Mrs. Massey discussing behavior trends seen in school during this time. They then offer some tips on how to embrace this exciting time while also maintain structure for kids. They discuss the importance and challenge of staying present during a season of anticipation and reflection.

 

Follow Up Questions

1. What is your favorite part of spring? Where do you notice your family becoming less structured (homework, dinner, bedtime, ect.)?

2. What ways have you seen your children grow this year?

3. Being present during this time can be a challenge. In this present season, what are you enjoying? What are you looking forward to for the summer?

Alumni Interview - Jeff Ehrhardt

In this episode, Mr. Clement interviews KDS graduate Jeff Ehrhardt.  Mr. Ehrhardt shares his memories, stories about the teachers he had, where God lead him after KDS, and how KDS impacts him as a businessman and husband here in St. Louis. 

 

Questions to Consider: 

- Do you have friendships did you have in grade school that were lasting through much of your adulthood?

- Where has Kirk Day School met or exceeded your expectations?  Where have things been different than you expected? 

- What is your hope for your child when they look back at their KDS experience? 

Interview with Richard Anderson

In this podcast, Mr. Clement interviews Richard Anderson.  Mr. Anderson is a long-time educator and high school principal at Grace Christian Academy in Franklin, TN.   (Mr. Anderson is also a KDS grandparent.) 

In this episode, Mr. Anderson reflects on his 46 years in education and comments on the changes and stabilizers that makes Christian Education so special to families.  He offers advice to families and teachers, and tells stories that have lasting impact on the school communities.  Listen as he shares the knowledge, experiences, and wisdom, the Lord has given him over the years. 

 

Questions to Consider: 

- What areas do you see Kirk Day School needing to grow?

- What areas do you see Kirk Day School providing opportunities to your family?

- When you were growing up, can you think of a situation where you were challenged by, or disagreed with, the school (or teacher) but saw it was for your good?  

- Can you think of a teacher that made an impact, by loving you well through hard times? 

SPORT with Mrs. Stufflebam

Mr. Clement interviews Mrs. Catherine Stufflebam, Kirk Day School’s PE Teacher (and a KDS alum).  They discuss the new student discipleship initiative SPORT, while also discussing the importance of a solid relationship between the home and school.  Mrs. Stufflebam shares in detail about her experiences as a teacher and the methods she uses to develop relationships with students.  

 

As you listen, ask your student if they can name the 5 characteristics of being a good SPORT.  

 

Servant

Participant

Open-hearted

Respectful

Thoughtful