Friday, August 16, 2024

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
at East Palmyra Christian School, Palmyra, NY

Agenda

9:00 Check-In

  • Arrive at the conference at 2023 E Palmyra Port Gibson Rd, Palmyra, NY (East Palmyra Christian School).
  • Check in at the front desk.
  • Grab some coffee and find a seat in the auditorium.

9:30 Keynote

“Ordo Docendi: Is there an Ideal Approach to the Education of Christians?”

Dr. David C. Noe

Dr. Noe has taught philosophy, classics, and history at the college level. He currently teaches Latin and Greek online and at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. He is an experienced translator of Reformation and Post-Reformation works, the host of a popular podcast, and a pastor.

11:00 Session 1

1A: “An Education in Wonder”

Katie Ruth (First Grade, Rochester Classical Academy)

What is our goal in the early years of our education programs? This workshop will look at our purpose as human beings and how giving children an education in wonder, using God’s creation, lays a foundation for further discovery, continued learning, and future worship and wisdom. Using science, literature, history, poetry, music, and art, our students learn more than just content. They learn what it means to be a human being and how God has laid out a feast for us in His creation. 

1B: “Homeschool 101”

Sherry Sabo, (Regional Representative, LEAH / Homeschool New York)

All the nuts and bolts of how to homeschool in NYS, especially the regulations and paperwork required, the timeline and details of setting a schedule in the home, and much more.

1C: “How Latin Teaches You to Fly Airplanes”

Meredith Kellogg (Latin, East Palmyra Christian School)

“In 100 years we have gone from teaching Latin and Greek in high school to teaching Remedial English in college”  – Joseph Sobran.

For most of history, Latin has been an integral part of education. It is only in recent decades that mainstream education has lost sight of the immense value of classical languages. There is an abundance of ways in which Latin is not only beneficial but vital to a complete classical education. This session will discuss how the study of Latin forges strong minds and equips students to become better learners across subject areas.  

12:00 Lunch

Lunch is provided and included in the price of registration.

1:00 Session 2

2A: “Cornerstone Questions: The Key to Faith Integration”

Michelle Selvaggio (Principal, Rochester Christian School)

The presentation describes ways schools “integrate faith in learning.”  Faith integration is more than Scripture verses on walls and chapel attendance. Teachers must have a transformative way of looking at their curriculum that frames each unit with a distinctly Christian worldview.

2B: “Music and Song in the Classical Primary Classroom”

Bette Barber (Kindergarten, East Palmyra Christian School)

How I use music and song in the classroom to improve my students’ learning experiences.

2C: “Learning Styles and Teaching Styles”

Sherry Sabo, (Regional Representative, LEAH / Homeschool New York)

This talk will cover all the types of learning styles of students (and all are not just one style!) and the teaching styles of the parent educator. What happens when these styles match or do not, and what curriculums can help you in teaching to your child’s learning style despite your teaching style?

2:00 Session 3

3A: Intro to FASD (part 1) 

Sandra Flach (Justice for Orphans)

Sandra Flach is an author and mom of eight—five through adoption. She encourages and equips Christians to tangibly care for children and families in crisis, and she will speak specifically on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.

3B: “Homeschooling in New York: A 40-year Journey

Dan DiFrancesco, (Regional Representative, LEAH / Homeschool New York)

An overview of homeschooling in New York since regulations were established in 1983.

3C: “Harvesting the Lodgepole Pines: Capital Campaigns Rooted in Classical and Christian Principles

Reid Robbins (Head of School, East Palmyra Christian School)

Join us for an insightful talk on launching and sustaining successful capital campaigns for our Christian school. We’ll cover strategic planning, vision casting, and effective fundraising techniques, all grounded in classical and Christian values. Emphasizing the role of prayer and faith, we’ll share practices that seek God’s guidance throughout the campaign and give God all the glory. Learn how to translate funds raised into tangible outcomes, ensuring new facilities enhance our educational mission.

3:00 Session 4

4A: Intro to FASD (part 2, continued from Session 3)

Sandra Flach (Justice for Orphans)

Sandra Flach is an author and mom of eight—five through adoption. She encourages and equips Christians to tangibly care for children and families in crisis, and she will speak specifically on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.

4B: Legal Questions on the Horizon for Christian Educators in NY

Ralph Rodriguez (Alliance Defending Freedom)

Ralph Rodriguez serves as legal counsel with Alliance Defending Freedom. His work involves assisting religious organizations with protecting their constitutional freedoms and navigating religious liberty issues.

4C: “Culture in the Classical Christian Classroom

Linda Selby (Reading, East Palmyra Christian School)

Our Head of School often tells us that we are the Kings and Queens of our own classrooms. To that end, I am responsible to establish, in my kingdom, a specific culture which will include a variety of values and traditions. The culture I create will be an important part of constructing a learning environment that causes my students to be excited about learning and to eagerly anticipate regular customs.

4:00 Plenary Address

“Heavenly Citizenship for Earthly Pilgrims”

Dr. David Noe

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