Tonya Snyder Head of School
I am excited to share with you that we will be using a new resource called FRIENDZY with our students during the 2023-2024 school year. In preparation for the official launch in September, we are preparing for a "soft launch" this spring...to help us get our feet wet.
The goal of FRIENDZY is to "teach a generation of kids to be really good friends." This Bible-based program will be used with students in Pre-K through Grade 8. It focuses on the five major aspects of emotional intelligence. Students will learn how to "manage their emotions, improve their ability to set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, maintain positive relationships, and make reasonable decisions" (https://www.friendzy.co/).
We currently use The Young Peacemaker with students in Grades 3-5, which has served us well for several years. However, their 12-lesson program is recycled each of those three years. One of the things we love about FRIENDZY is that the program is built on monthly themes that are taught to the entire Pre-K through Grade 8 (once a week) for an entire month at a time, and those monthly themes are new for the students for nine years in a row before they are repeated. Students will not revisit the same theme until 10 years later!
We are currently working on a plan for full implementation in the fall. As we develop that plan, we have access to a preview unit that we will be using during the last quarter of this school year. The soft launch theme we will be teaching is "I Manage Me." The goal will be to recognize emotions and gain tools to help manage emotions and responses. Every unit begins by introducing the "catchphrase," which is "I Manage Me" for the soft launch unit we are teaching. Bible verses will be taught (2 Timothy 1:7 and Proverbs 15:13), activities will be used to reinforce the material, and group discussions are used to engage the students in applying the material to their everyday lives. Watch for more information after Spring Break!
Tonya Snyder Head of School
INTRODUCING FRIENDZY!
from the Desk of the Head of School
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THE LION'S ROAR
APRIL 2023
THE LION'S ROAR
Farewell, Julie!
It is with mixed feelings that we bid farewell and THANK YOU to Mrs. Julie Gray, the McLain Building Administrative Assistant. Julie has served in this crucial role for almost four years. When she joined the CCS community, leaving behind homeschooling and bringing her children to Cornerstone, she didn't know what she was getting into! We often joke that her job changes daily, and she wouldn't have it any other way. Julie's dedication, organization, and attention to detail have been huge blessings to the administration. Julie has shared that she loves the CCS family and the people she gets to work with. What surprised her most about this position is the way she has grown to love pouring into the lives of our students. Don't worry! You will still see Julie around as a mom of Cornersotne junior Christine! We are glad to keep her in the CCS family, and we wish her God's best with her next adventure.
Welcome, Tara!
We are excited to welcome Mrs. Tara Avila-Medina to the Cornerstone staff! She is already a member of our CCS family as her son attends our Kindergarten and her daughter will be joining Preschool in the fall. Tara brings with her a strong set of skills that prepare her for this job, and we look forward to the way we know she will bless our students and staff. Tara is excited to be a part of the mission of Cornerstone, where her passion for Jesus can combine with her professional skills and make a difference in the lives of the students. Be sure to introduce yourself with a word of welcome when you call or stop by the McLain office!