We’ve Arrived!

April 24, 2017

After 775 miles, 16 hours, pouring rain, two meals at Cracker Barrel, and plenty of silliness, we arrived safely in Williamsburg. Although the day started early this morning, the kids’ energy levels could fool you: the laughter, endless chatter, and enthusiasm lasted strong throughout the whole day. Even the rain and inability to run off some energy at our second rest stop didn’t damper anyone’s mood. It was wonderful to hear giggles and joy permeating throughout each bus!


Halfway through the day, a bus and seat shuffle change saw all the boys in the orange bus and all the girls in the green bus. It would be important to note that many of the dad chaperones took the opportunity to nap (we have much photographic evidence of this!) and rumor has it the girls bus reached the higher decibel levels!


Creativity took hold for many of the girls, including knitting, cross stitching, and hand painting. And the “Watch Your Mouth” game led some to a couple hours of silly talk to pass the time. The boys brought out Rubik’s cubes and books, chess games, and cards. Friendly competition reigned!


During our double Cracker Barrel adventure, it was fun to see the kids choosing their meals and using their math skills to figure out how much money they were able to spend on food, factoring in tip and tax. While gathering on the patio after our lunchtime meal, one chaperone shared how impressed he was with the kindness and generosity of his group. He had explained to them how to calculate a 15% tip, and even after the kids figured out the appropriate amount, they wanted to give more generously – one kid genuinely wanted to give 50%!


Another chaperone shared how their table was provided such nice service and complimented the kids on their manners and ordering – and she ended the meal by giving our chaperone a big hug! Mrs. Raesly enjoyed getting lots of compliments on the kids’ behavior, too!


To take full advantage of the last leg of the trip, the kids completed their devotions for the day and prayed for continued safe travels, good weather, and lots of fun, and then settled in to watch “Despicable Me.”

And given the late hour and long travel day, that’s a wrap on Day 1. Everyone is anxiously looking forward to the real start to our Williamsburg adventure tomorrow morning! Thanks to everyone for their prayers!

by Susan Reudelhuber, parent blogger

District CHAMPS!

January 30, 2018

The Geneva varsity girls soccer team won their first ever district championship on Friday. The win capped off a great season for the girls, who were undefeated in the district. Their record led to the first place seeding heading into the district playoffs and a first-round bye. The girls played Circle Christian in the semifinals in a hotly contested game that ended with a 2 – 0 Geneva win. The girls then earned a 2 – 0 win against International Community School in the finals on Friday night. The game was intensely close, and we had a large excited crowd on hand to help cheer our girls to victory. This was a great team effort, and we are proud of all the girls who helped make the team successful.

Also of note, we had six girls placed on our all-district teams. First team selections were Clara Miller (12th), Taylor Talesnick (10th) and Anna Foreman (9th). Second team selections were Emily Costar (10th), Raquel Smith (11th) and Ellie Shafer (10th).

The girls play the regional quarterfinals on Tuesday, February 6, at the Geneva athletic campus at 6:00 pm. As district winners, the girls will host Orangewood Christian. Come out and support your Geneva Knight girls soccer team!

Looking Back At 2017-2018

June 27, 2018

Dear Geneva community,

It is with immense gratitude that I write this. The generous sharing of your time, financial gifts, and talents over the last year provided exponential blessings for our students, teachers, staff, families, and our greater community.

We have much for which to be thankful. And we look forward with great anticipation to see how God will again use our community for His glory. Enjoy this short look-back video of the 2017-2018 school year.

Although this short video captures only a thin slice of the full expression of our school, it leaves me even more grateful to be part of The Geneva School community. Best wishes for a restful and rejuvenating summer with your families!

Gratefully,
Katie Deatherage, Director of Advancement

 

Artifacts, History, and America’s Pastime

May 15, 2019

 

After a late night last night at the Boston Pops, we journeyed out early this morning to visit the USS Constitution. We took a ferry across the Boston Harbor which was a beautiful, but chilly voyage. The USS Constitution was an amazing ship, and we had a great tour guide. We learned about the ship’s history, why it was called Old Ironsides, how it was created, what wood was used (there was a Florida connection there!), and all about its battles and life on board. Ask an 8th grader what they learned. We saw four different decks of the ship climbing through ladder wells to get between the floors. Some of us could walk without ducking, but not many…

 

 

 

 

 

 

After our tour of the USS Constitution, some of the students conquered Bunker Hill – all 300 steps! We walked across a pedestrian bridge to the North side of Boston for an amazing lunch at La Famiglia Giorgios. After this, we journeyed by train to Harvard. The campus is beautiful! Half of the students explored the Harvard Art Museum while the other half explored the Harvard Museum of Natural History. Highlights of those tours included examining artifacts with Dr. Reid including a canopic jar and coins (the coins were a favorite) as well as exploring the artwork in the museum which included Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas just to name a few. The Museum of Natural History included interesting rocks and a whole room of flowers made from glass. Tomorrow, we will return to Harvard and the groups will switch places to explore the other museum.

We finished our night with America’s Pastime – a Red Sox game at Fenway Park! It was a fantastic game that went to a 10th inning with a thrilling 6-5 victory by the Red Sox. Students experienced baseball dining with lots of hot dogs, hamburgers, pretzels, and, of course, peanuts, and Cracker Jacks!

by Janet Andreasen, parent blogger

Magic in Our Hands

April 19, 2022

By Christina Walker, Advancement Office

Do you ever think back on your favorite book from your childhood (or books … it may be impossible to narrow it down to just one)? Magic Elizabeth by Norma Kassirer took me into another world from the first words on the first page, a magical, mysterious journey that I remember to this day. For many years, my book was lost: it had disappeared at my parents’ house sometime between when I was a young girl and when I got married and moved out. I tried finding it online and discovered much to my dismay that I could get a copy for $200 or $500 (depending on if I wanted hardback or paperback)! One day, over a decade later during one of my visits back home, my mom brought down a box she had uncovered in their attic for me to look through. As I sorted through the contents, laughing hysterically at some of the papers and notebooks that had transformed this old cardboard box into a treasure chest, I came upon a book. I screamed with joy and amazement and tears sprang to my eyes as I realized that my Magic Elizabeth was not gone forever after all!

Even though pages turn yellow and covers fall to pieces, the power of good stories does not fade with time.

I was able to share this magical story with my youngest daughter, along with many other books that I had loved as a child or that I had discovered as a parent who read to my children. Reading with Michaela (‘19), Christian (‘21), and Eliana (‘26) is now one of my treasured memories (every now and then, Eliana and I will read something together still). The time spent opening up our imaginations and making our way into and through someone else’s world was (and still is) a multifaceted gift.

My oldest, Michaela, wrote her senior thesis for Geneva about the importance of reading for Christians. The title of her paper, “Make America Read Again: The Christian Need for Literature in a Consumer Society,” reflects her astute observation (and honest self-reflection) about the world we live in, especially as Americans. She notes that reading well helps us “combat this society’s cultural attacks on our ability to know and glorify God.” From shaping minds to developing thought processes, from recognizing the ways that human beings reflect the image of God to becoming more virtuous, reading—and especially reading well—helps us to know ourselves and our Creator better and to bring glory to him as we learn from and embody virtues we encounter in the stories we read.

Remember those magical moments, exciting journeys, painful circumstances, and winding roads found within the pages you have turned. Sit with your little ones, and sit with your older children too! Enter into a wardrobe that leads to “the middle of a wood at night-time with … snowflakes falling through the air,” or warily welcome Mrs. Whatsit into your kitchen in the middle of the night during a hurricane. Watch happily from a log as “seven Trumpeters all in a line, five of them just out of the egg,” glide toward you and then “Beep” joyfully for you, except for a quiet one who does something no one would expect a baby swan to do. Or watch your mama, a teacher in your school—”one of the largest black schools in the county”—as she deliberately trims paper in order to cover the chart inside of the school book you are going to receive, “somebody’s old throwaways,” … knowing “She understood.”

Read to understand. Read to grow. And read because there are, as Michaela reminds us in her thesis, “books out there that you will enjoy.”

Books referenced or quoted:

Magic Elizabeth by Norma Kassirer
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
The Trumpet of the Swan by E. B. White
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor

Questions!

April 25, 2017

Questions, questions, questions seemed to be the theme of the day.

The questions began with our guide introducing the idea that many more mysteries remain unanswered and unresolved by historians and archeologists regarding Jamestown, the first permanent settlement in America.

While you can read about Jamestown in books and on the internet, there is so much you cannot learn without actually being here and experiencing it firsthand. Our morning guide whetted our appetites for the “mystery” and the desire to investigate the story for ourselves by asking our own questions and making connections.


For example, we were all amazed that excavation continues even today at Jamestown. Just two weeks ago a never-before-uncovered grave of a knight from the 1600s was discovered!


And as we explored the museum after lunch, it was exciting to hear kids listen to their guides, read the displays, and make their own connections… …why was a knight here in Jamestown in the first place? …what if that knight mentioned in the Virginia Company of London was connected to the recent discovery?

And, oh my, the questions for the children never ended. Our fifth graders did not disappoint and responded with enthusiasm and creative responses that were not always expected by our tour guides. (One student was even promoted to Assistant Guide for their multiple correct answers.)


Our morning guide also encouraged our students to answer all questions with great confidence, not “like a dog barking from the porch.” Taking that to heart, a great moment occurred when one of our groups was touring the church in the fort of Jamestown Settlement. The guide explained that back in the day it was law that colonists attend church twice daily, and punishments were harsh for disobedience.

Guide: What do you think punishment was for missing one church service?

Fifth grader: Execution! (loudly with confidence)

Guide: No…the colonist lost out on a meal. What do you think punishment was for missing two church services?

(Same) Fifth grader: Execution!!! (just as loudly)

Guide: No…the colonist was whipped. What do you think punishment was for missing three church services?

(Same) Fifth grader: EXECUTION!!!!!!!

Guide: Yes!!!

Her confident and persistent answer paid off: colonists, in fact, WERE executed for missing three church services!


Ultimately, this little interaction led to more questions in one smaller chaperone group. Was this punishment really Christian? They tossed around the idea that it was law, but it was the king’s law. So then they pondered what prevails… the king’s law? or God’s word? And what was God’s word? The ten commandments?

Questions. Contemplation. Connections.

They made for a fabulous day of learning history and making memories as a class.

by Chris Lemieux and Susan Reudelhuber, parent bloggers

Junior Classical Regional Forum

January 31, 2018

The Area of Classical Learning is pleased to announce the results of our recent participation in this year’s Regional Forum of the Junior Classical League (JCL).  This past weekend, our chapter’s delegation of over 50 students from grades 6 through 12 competed against 350 of central Florida’s finest students from a dozen different schools in a host of contests that were academic, creative, dramatic, and physical in nature.

Our students individually took home 20 golds, 11 silvers, and 14 bronzes; but given the difficulty of the contests, their twenty-six 4th and 5th place finishes are also remarkable.  In team competition (Certamen) they took 2nd and 4th place in Level I, 3rd place in Advanced.  Especially notable, were Kiri F., Jack G., Mercia S., Zachary V., and Ryleigh W., who placed in every category in which they competed.

Thank You Note From a Newcomer

September 4, 2018

By Grace Herzog (11)

 

“There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” – C.S. Lewis

 

We can probably all agree that changing schools in eleventh grade isn’t typically a wise move.  But then again, we all know Geneva is not a typical school. Here we are, only a few weeks into the year, and thanks to you I couldn’t feel more like a Genevian. Seeing how each of you so beautifully pursues Christ’s call to welcome the stranger reveals God’s goodness throughout this school – the “far, far better things” that I had so hoped for. You, my classmates, have shown me I am valuable both in your eyes and in God’s; our teachers have made me feel comfortable yet challenged in the classroom; and our administrators have helped me to feel encouraged about the present as well as the future. I know this might sound a little idealistic to some of you long-timers, but your school – well, now it’s our school– helps me see a world that is richer, more beautiful, and even more Christ-filled than before. So, thank you for all the words and all the ways of welcome. You truly are salt and light.

My Five Faves:

  1. Favorite New Thing:  Definitely lockers. Never have I ever had a locker. They’re life-changing.
  2. Favorite House:  Iona, of course. *shows off lovely new house necklace*
  3. Favorite Class: Currently, we have a seven-way tie for first, no joke.
  4. Favorite Geneva Tradition: Rhetoric retreat is the greatest. Also, how much everyone genuinely smiles at each other throughout the day.
  5. Favorite Future Thing: Lifelong friendships with wonderful people (+the shiny new campus next year).

 

(Originally appeared in our student-run newspaper, The Geneva Gazette.)

Trading Places

May 16, 2019

We had a little later start this morning which was appreciated by everyone! We started the morning with a walk through Boston Gardens on our way back to Harvard. The groups went to the opposite museum of yesterday. On our way there, we explored a little bit of the beautiful Harvard campus.

 

 

 

 

 

 

When we finished at the museums, we traveled to Mr. Bartley’s Gourmet Burgers – a famous burger place in Harvard Square. The burgers were great, and the students enjoyed the meal tremendously. When we were done with lunch, we separated into two new groups to explore new locations – the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and the MIT Science Workshop. The groups will again flip tomorrow for the students to explore the opposite location. More information on those sites tomorrow!

 

 

 

 

 

 

We re-visited the Quincy Market for some souvenir shopping and then had dinner at different international dining options – Greek, Indian, Malaysian, Chinese, and such. We are turning in earlier tonight prepared for one more day of exploring Boston and then flying home tomorrow night. Everyone has had a great time.

by Janet Andreasen, parent blogger

See You on the Other Side

July 21, 2022

By Christina Walker

Mr. Ryden, who is not only Geneva’s head of school but also a brilliant summer fun expert, wrote in The Courier recently and encouraged our community—older and younger members alike—to have a “joyful and relaxing summer break … filled with exercise, fresh air, play, reading, and sleep.” He reminisced about his younger days during the summer, which were full of sports with friends, board games, swimming, and reading.

Considering our devices consume so much of our time, setting them aside for more old-school entertainment can seem challenging. We as parents may fear, as Mr. Ryden said, hearing, “I’m bored!” from our children. However, he also correctly concluded that “on the other side of boredom is a whole world of creativity, exercise, and fun.” From making pillow forts to playing board games, hiking and kayaking to reading and hanging out with neighbors or friends, there are myriad activities that both parents and their children (no matter the ages) can enjoy this summer.

I have seen it myself; when kids are together without their screens, they come up with amazing ideas and their imaginations take over. From playing games as characters (that everyone guesses after the game is over) to writing stories, this summer has already been full of nonscreen fun for my own children.

Make time for getting outside, playing games, cuddling up with a good book, or baking something fun together over these remaining summer weeks. The memories you make will be worth it! And if you happen to hear someone say, “I’m bored,” wait it out and see what happens; encourage your children (even older ones) to seek out what is on the other side of that feeling of boredom. Who knows what paths they will discover and enjoy!

Summer fun for little or big kids:

  • Card games
  • Board games
  • Imagination games
  • Coloring books and other activity books (some coloring books are intricate and complex)
  • Mad libs
  • Puzzles
  • Cooking or baking with mom, dad, or siblings
  • Playing in the rain
  • Going to the park
  • Taking a walk
  • Hiking
  • Kayaking, canoeing, or paddle boarding
  • Swimming with friends
  • Reading
  • Writing a story or poetry