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Magic In The Mundane -
By Elliot Hawk, Art Teacher
Blog Post for January 2025

There’s a moment from my childhood that I’ll never forget, a moment that changed the way I see the world. I was just a little boy, playing near the front door of my home, when something extraordinary happened. For some reason, I noticed a beam of sunlight streaming through the crystalline window; and as it touched the floor, it cascaded into a vibrant array of colors, scattering like a delicate rainbow across the hardwood floors. In that instant, I wasn’t just looking at light—I was witnessing the pure majesty of God's creativity.

That simple occurrence was the spark that ignited my lifelong journey into the world of art. For the first time, I realized that the world around me was filled with infinite wonders, and deep discoveries, just waiting to be noticed. That beam of sunlight wasn’t merely a trick of light; it was a glimpse into the beauty that exists in the most unexpected places.

As I grew older, I carried that sense of wonder with me, seeing beauty and magic in the ordinary. I came to understand that this is a critical aspect of being an artist. It's not just about mastering the techniques of drawing or painting; it’s about embracing a creative perspective that permeates your entire life, finding the extraordinary in everything we see, and sharing that vision with others.

Throughout my life, I’ve been inspired by the works of great artists like Pablo Picasso, Vincent Van Gogh, and Leonardo Da Vinci. They became my guides, showing me that art has the power to express our deepest emotions, tell stories that words alone cannot, and bring our imaginations to life. Through their work, I learned that creativity is not limited to a canvas or a sculpture; it’s a way of seeing the world, a lens through which the mundane becomes magical.

But the most profound lesson I’ve learned is that art is everywhere. It’s in the way we move, the music we make, and the moments we cherish. Even in the simple act of breathing in and out, pausing for a moment, and meditating on the fact that your very existence is a work of Art; a creative expression made in the image of our very creator. With this in mind, every single day is a canvas, and every moment a brushstroke in the masterpiece of our life. We are all part of something greater—a kaleidoscope of experiences, a symphony of emotions, an intricately woven tapestry of existence. This, I’ve come to realize, is what it truly means to be alive.

Now, as I reflect on my journey, I feel a deep desire to share this perspective with others. I want to inspire you to see the world through the eyes of an artist, to slow down, look a little closer, and discover the magic that surrounds us all. Because when we embrace a creative perspective, we open ourselves to the wonders that life has to offer, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary.

So, as you go about your day, I hope my story reminds you that magic is all around you, waiting to be seen. Embrace your creativity, and let it lead you on your own journey of discovery, where every moment holds the potential to become a masterpiece.

Eagle Eye Blog

The Power of Storytelling
By Renee Smith, High School English Teacher
Blog Post for December 2024

Our brains are wired for story. Most people love to tell, read, hear, and watch stories.
Often these stories transcend mere entertainment to teach and inspire, because stories have a surprising capacity to shape us morally and spiritually.
In ULCS English class, the Bible is the source by which we compare and contrast all literature. The Bible contains historical fiction, straight fiction, futuristic (prophetic & end times) tales, and narrative accounts.
What better source from which to fill our craving for story?
In the Bible, Jesus frequently used fiction stories—parables—to teach spiritual and moral lessons.
Often, the main character of a parable puts a face on a scriptural principle that makes it easy to relate to and hard to ignore. For example, the parables of the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son shine a spotlight on truths about human nature, God’s priorities, and the human heart.
The Bible is also filled with true stories that read like fiction. These biographical accounts highlight real individuals who undergo significant spiritual journeys—like Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt or Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus.
Or we read of biblical characters in stressful situations—like King David or Jonah—who have to make tough decisions that end up affecting their lives and the lives of others. Watching these Bible folks fall, repent, and return to God gives us hope and inspiration for our own lives.
The biblical accounts of the world’s earliest people remind us why historical tales are so popular.
Stories based in history help us put ourselves and our times in perspective. Such stories answer questions about where we have come from and where we are headed.
The literature I choose for English shares many of the same characteristics as the stories in the Bible.
I’m blessed that I get to share the following stories, some of my all-time favorites, with my students.

Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
The Iliad by Homer
The Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien
Hamlet by Shakespeare
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

These stories can be used to foster discussions about ethics, values, and spirituality, helping students to develop a well-rounded worldview grounded in Christian principles. By engaging with these narratives, students not only gain academic knowledge but also grow in their understanding of themselves and their place in the world.
Whether through the parables of Jesus, the journeys of biblical heroes, or the timeless tales of classic literature, stories have the unique ability to touch hearts, challenge minds, and inspire change. These stories provide a rich resource for teaching students not only how to read and analyze texts, but also how to live lives of purpose, integrity, and faith.

Eagle Eye Blog

So What’s the Focus on Reading, Writing and Math in the Third Grade?
By Lisa Troiano, Elementary Teacher
Blog Post for November 2024

So you're wondering what’s in store for your child in the 3rd grade? This year, students are expected to be slightly more independent, and will soon be able to stretch into their studies and manage more complex material as the year unfolds. Students should enter third grade reading fluently. Several longer novels with chapters will be covered, all focusing on specific comprehension skills, diving deep into our featured books, with regular in-depth class discussions. Students are expected to refine their oral reading cadence, as well as read with expression.
Students will be learning about the writing process of drafting, editing, and finally producing a final polished writing piece in their best handwriting. Student’s final work will be published as a read aloud share. Third-graders are usually very excited about learning cursive writing. Students will learn the De’Nealian style of cursive. The focus in cursive writing is on the “Three P’s: Pencil, Posture, Paper", which makes for beautiful handwriting.
Organization at every level is encouraged, from clean desks to the importance of turning in timely daily classwork and homework assignments. Students will receive instruction and helpful tips about homework success and good study habits. This year, your child will take tests and quizzes on a regular basis. Third-graders will take their first standardized test called the IOWA Assessment in the spring.
Homework will also be assigned regularly, which will support what they are learning in class, and help to prepare them for their upcoming exams. The homework assigned should take no longer than 30 minutes to complete. Homework should be completed independently.
Another goal in the third grade in mathematics is the mastery of multiplication. The multiplication facts 0-12 must be memorized. Students will enjoy fun math centers that revolve around working with their classmates as they learn by playing tons of math games, designing original art, utilizing computers for choice drills.
There’s no class I’d rather be in! Welcome to the wonderfully amazing Third Grade!

Eagle Eye Blog

Enjoy the “Struggle”
By Krista Greer, High School Math Teacher
Blog Post for October 2024

A major problem among many math teachers and students is the belief that one must be talented or exceptionally smart to successfully understand mathematics. However, if you review the biographies of great mathematicians, the common denominator is not talent but the ability to persist. They knew that success was not about exceptional talent but about the ability to persevere, to embrace the struggle, to see learning as a process of seeking help, listening to others solve problems, and trying again and again. Journal of Educational Psychology, 108(3), 314-328

Many students have convinced themselves that they "can't do math," and when they struggle, they give up too easily. When faced with a difficult math problem, there are many resources available to help students. However, simply copying an answer is not learning; taking the time to understand the answer is the real "struggle" and the key to learning how to persevere.
Students who maintain a positive attitude when faced with challenges see them not as problems but as puzzles or opportunities. Students who know how to "struggle" and persevere will not only excel in math but also develop into better learners and more resilient adults. Encourage your students to persevere!

Eagle Eye Blog

Thankfulness
By Renee Costello, Elementary PE Teacher
Blog Post for September 2024

Thankfulness. There is a wooden sign that hangs on the wall in my kitchen. Every day when I come home, I come face to face with the two words carved in it. The etched words are BE THANKFUL. God talks about this a lot in Scripture. To be thankful means to be pleased and relieved. It means to be filled with a heart of gratitude and gratefulness. It's important to understand Who we are thankful to and to recognize that gratitude goes to God and God alone.

Colossians 2:7 instructs us to be rooted and built up in Christ, for His teaching is what strengthens our faith and His Truth is what brings about a thankfulness that the Apostle Paul calls "overflowing." In the same letter to the Colossian Church, Paul links peace with thankfulness: Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15

True peace comes from knowing Christ. And it leads to a heart of thankfulness. That's why the Apostle Paul can tell the believers in Colosse to be thankful, because knowing Christ enables us to experience His peace and relief, which in turn overflows into gratitude. The Bible characterizes Christians by their peace and their ability to have thankful hearts in all circumstances. This would be an impossibility outside of the transforming work of the Holy Spirit. But Praise God that He gives us of Himself and promises His presence with us always. Because of this, we can carry out the work He has called us to do, and carry it out with peace and gratefulness.

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. Hebrews 12:28