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September 2007
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Volume 2, No. 1
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 From the Director...
Every year as a new school year begins, it causes me to think back to my own time at the Campus School. When I graduated in 1971, the school looked considerably different both in programs and facilities. Yet the things that make us different from other educational institutions in our area remain much the same.
We believe God's values should permeate every aspect of education from academics to the arts and athletics. Our school draws on a century old heritage of resources and experiences as it prepares children for the 21st century. As the largest private K-12 in Middle Tennessee, we offer an educational program of extensive scope and depth. Decisions at our school are fundamentally guided by two questions - is it biblical and is it in the best interest of students? We believe education functions best when school is a close extension of home and church and a "family feeling" pervades our educational community. Our close affiliation and integration with Lipscomb University affords our students a "college preparatory" experience unique among Nashville schools. And as the "living curriculum," our teachers seek to model Christ as they help students learn about their world.
I am honored that your family has decided to be a part of this special place. I am excited about the wonderful things we will experience together this year.
Dr. Keith Nikolaus
Vice President and Campus School Director
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The numbers are in
Another academic year at DLCS is already underway and once again, we are the largest private school in Nashville, two decades running. This year, the Admissions Office is proud to announce a banner year in enrollment - 1,370 students are enrolled in g rades PreK-12. This number represents growth from the previous year's enrollment and a trend that we hope to see continued in the years ahead. Thanks to our Admissions team and all of our word-of-mouth marketers behind the scenes who help keep our school growing, thriving and making a positive impact in the lives of our families and our community.
Enrollment by the numbers:
- 18 percent increase in admissions applications
- Student retention is up 5 percent
- New students enrolled is up 21 percent
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 College entry scores exceed national averages
While the average SAT scores of high school seniors across the nation have declined slightly this past school year, David Lipscomb seniors continue to receive above average scores on tests that reflect their readiness for college. On the ACT, our seniors are considerably ahead of the state and nation in every category, said Mark Pugh, high school principal.
On the ACT test, our average test scores are as follows:
DLCS Tennessee Nation
English 24.5 20.8 20.7
Math 22.2 19.9 21.0
Reading 24.6 21.1 21.5
Science Reasoning 22.7 20.4 21.0
Composite 23.6 20.7 21.2
Especially notable this year is the average score for reading (24.6), which is the highest in school history; and the average score for composite (23.6), which is the highest at DLCS in three years.
In addition to taking the ACT and ACT-related preparation, seniors are also taking the SAT as we continue to add critical thinking initiatives into our curriculum at all grade levels. These initiatives - such as the ERB testing in the elementary and middle school, the PSAT in the 10th and 11th, and the writing assessment, the WrAP - all play a part in our overall goals of giving our students the best, most comprehensive approach to preparing for college.
Our '06-'07 average SAT scores are as follows:
DLCS Nation
Critical Reading 590 502
Mathematics 564 515
Writing 563 494
"The fact that our students are so far above the national averages speaks volumes about the academic preparation being provided them," Pugh said. "With continuing to incorporate critical thinking and creative classroom teaching into our curriculum, our students leave us well prepared for college. What we offer here is valuable and we're extremely proud of our students' scores." |
Teachers make the grade this summer
 It may have been the driest, hottest summer in years, but there was no drought in learning over the summer months at DLCS. Many of our students kept their brains busy in our summer learning enrichment camps and sessions. In addition, several faculty and staff members took advantage of opportunities to learn new things and bring them back to their classrooms this year.
- The following faculty and staff attended The Brain, Learning and Applications Summer Institute held at Montgomery Bell Academy: Marlene Butler, Matt Ward, Lynn Hopkins, Thea Logan, Sherra Taylor, Emily Little, Micalynn Barker, Lisa Bruce, Becky Collins, Sharon Farmer, Laini Southards, Beth Lafferty, Suzanne Howell, Jane Thomas and Phyllis Sanders. This two-day event introduced the latest research about how the brain learns and retains information.
- Fine Arts faculty Robert King, Angela Morton, Suzanne Craig, Nancy Lochridge, Jeannie Newton and Kathy Musick participated in the Tennessee Arts Academy. The theme this year was "Transforming Student Learning" focusing on critical thinking and the arts. With six faculty members in attendance, David Lipscomb had the highest participation of schools, public or private, in the state.
- High school advanced math teacher Charlie Hale attended a national AP conference in Las Vegas.
- Linda Priddy, 8th grade physical science teacher, went to Colorado School of the Minds for physical science training.
- Seventh grade social studies teacher Rita Cochrane received a grant to attend the Goethe Institute in Berlin, Germany. Along with 11 Americans and two Canadians, Cochrane traveled the country for two weeks meeting dignitaries, business and civic leaders and educational leaders while touring places of interest. In November, Cochrane will be traveling to Saudi Arabia for two weeks on another educational grant (more to come on Cochrane's travels with "Slim Pickens" next month - see photo)
- Albert Thweatt took a personal trip to Greece, Israel and Egypt, which will be beneficial in teaching about Greece and Egypt in his 6th grade social studies classes. The trip to Israel will add new dimension to Thweatt's Bible curriculum.
- High school physics teacher Mike Sullivan enrolled in a blacksmithing class, which involved physics and practical science.
- New kindergarten teacher Susan McCollum completed her Masters of Arts in Learning from Lipscomb University.
- Fourth grade teacher Marcia Nelms attended a one-week workshop offered by the National Endowment for the Humanities in Spartanburg, S.C. Partisans and Redcoats was designed to allow teachers to study southern battlefields of the Revolutionary War.
- Elementary faculty and staff Jaimie Potts, Regina Lankford, Marcia Nelms and Ginger Reasonover attended Lipscomb University's Teaching Nature on a Budget.
- Jesse Savage, eighth grade social studies teacher, completed a Masters in Education in School Supervision and Administration at Lipscomb University.
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Class of '57 celebrates 50 years with reunion weekend
Members of the David Lipscomb high school class of 1957 came together Aug. 31 - Sept. 2 to enjoy a 50th year reunion weekend full of activities. The scheduled events included chapel services led by alumni, a luncheon on campus, a reception at Hillsboro Church of Christ, a picnic at Edwin Warner Park and a Saturday night banquet. Class of '57 Student Body President Richard Dickerson said that since graduating 50 years ago, his class has planned a reunion about every five years.
"It was an honor to have the DLHS class of 1957 conduct chapel
services as part of their 50th reunion weekend," said Advancement Director Debbie Lambert. "The service was meaningful for both the alumni who were a part of that class as well as for our students. To hear their stories about fellow classmates and teachers made our students realize that although years may separate them, many of the experiences they have in school are much the same today as they were 50 years ago."
Hailey Hunt, editor for the Pony Express student newspaper, was one of many students inspired by the reunion chapel service. Following is an excerpt from an article she wrote about the reunion.
One week ago, August 31, we had a different set of seniors lead chapel. These seniors had seen four wars, both good and bad presidents, and their fair share of funky fashion trends. They have grown up to become teachers, politicians, doctors, parents and grandparents. Of the 76 students in the graduating class of 1957, 61 are still living and most of them were on campus for their 50-year reunion on Friday.
As '57 alum Johnny Rucker said, "we may have a different faculty today, but they are still fair and truly care about their students. Whether they are teaching with a chalkboard or PowerPoint, an outstanding teacher will impact the lives of students forever." One such teacher was the principal of the class, Mack Wayne Craig, who had a great tradition called "Beautiful Day." Every spring, Craig would pick a random day when he would get up in chapel and say, "It's a beautiful day!" and the whole school would pile into buses and go to the park for the day.
Watching these students laugh and reminisce about their high school days was like watching the years fall away. I can't wait to come back for my 50-year class reunion and see what great things my class will accomplish. It was truly an honor to meet this class and I know we all enjoyed their presence on campus.
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DLCS welcomes new faculty faces
David Lipscomb Campus School is growing, and with that growth comes new employees. For the academic year '07-'08, we are joined by six new faculty members.
 Todd Cunningham, a Lipscomb University Exercise Science graduate with a Youth Ministry minor, is our new elementary Physical Education teacher. Todd has his Masters degree from LU and has worked as a personal trainer at Vanderbilt and an assistant track and field coach at LU. Todd is also a backpacking guide for LifeTrails Ministries in the summers. Todd said he "loves most all sports, backpacking and playing with my kids." Since coming to DLCS, Todd says he has most enjoyed reuniting with friends and being able to "work with great people while teaching great kids." Favorite quote: "I can do all things through Christ who strenghthens me" - Phillippians 4:13.
 Wanda Lynn is new to the elementary school and to Nashville as a second grade teacher. Wanda attended Freed-Hardeman College and received her B.S. in elementary education from UT Martin. Wanda also holds a Masters degree in Creative Arts in Education from Lesley University in Cambridge, Mass. She comes to the Campus School with 23 years of teaching experience in Tennessee and Massachusetts. In her spare time, Wanda loves to fish and add to her collections of shells, sea glass, thimbles and "interesting cookbooks." Since becoming part of DLCS, Wanda says she has most enjoyed the love and warmth of the staff and the family atmosphere. "It took my breath away to have a parent say that they were praying for me," Wanda said. Favorite quote: "Life is not measured by the breaths we take but by what takes our breath away." - Unknown
 David Sessions joins our middle school Bible faculty in addition to coaching wrestling and football. David comes to DLCS from Abilene Christian University where he earned his Bachelors in Christian Ministry. He has a variety of ministry experiences and is currently pursuing a Masters of Divinity at ACU. Early in life, David developed and refined the skill of wood chopping because he grew up in a house with a wood-burning stove, he said. He also enjoys more traditional means of exercise and finding the "perfect BBQ recipe." So far, his favorite thing about DLCS has been the students, and the faculty discount in the cafeteria, he added. Favorite quotes: "Run like a Benny Rooster chasing a milk truck on a gravel road," OR "That's like calling a catfish a bass," - Glenn McCadams
 Jennifer Agee joins our Mathematics department. Jennifer received her Bachelors from Lipscomb University and holds a Masters in Mathematics Education from MTSU. She comes to the Campus School with more than a decade of teaching experience - from her early years of teaching at the Campus School to her most recent experience as a Mathematics adjunct instructor at LU. Aside from crunching numbers, Jennifer said she enjoys reading murder mysteries and keeping up with real life court cases.
She also enjoys sewing and traveling. At DLCS, Jennifer most looks forward to chapel, which she describes as "a moment to stop and remember who is really in charge." Favorite quote: "Live your best for the next five minutes and then start over," - Unknown.
 Kelly Wyatt, a graduate and "lifer" of the Campus School with a BA from the University of Tennessee, will be teaching high school French and English. Kelly recently returned from a year's stay in France where she taught English at the Cite' Technique Jules Verne. When she's not traveling across the globe, Kelly said she enjoys running. During these first few weeks at DLCS, Kelly said she has loved getting to know the students and catching up with faculty members.
Karen Wood, long-time Campus School parent, will be teaching high school English on a part-time basis.  She is an experienced English teacher having filled a similar role at Greater Atlanta Christian. Before her teaching career began, Karen said her first jobs were at the Donut Den and Draper Jewelers. Karen's two favorite "hobbies" just got married and went off to college, she said, so now she spends her free time teaching English. Since starting at DLCS, Karen said she has enjoyed getting to see the faculty from a new perspective and watching young men and women grow into leaders. Favorite quote: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - not by works, so that no one can boast," Ephesians 2:8
 Marianne Sperry, a noted Nashville educational consultant, has been hired part-time to serve as Testing Consultant for our Learning Enhancement Program. Before her career in education, Marianne was a professional dancer with the Dayton Ballet. In her spare time, she said she enjoys working out and spending time with her children. At DLCS, Marianne said she is always greeted with friendly faces and kind words. Favorite quote: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," - Phil. 4:13
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Surprise - you're it!
 Always surprising her students with a fun approach to learning, sixth grade English teacher Kim Woods was the one left speechless after being named News Channel 2 Educator of the Week for the week of Sept. 17. Mrs. Woods received the honor after a student family nominated her before school even began this year. This special segment will air on News Channel 2, Thursday, Sept. 20 at 6 p.m. and then again Friday between 6 and 7 a.m. and later that day at 10 p.m. Congratulations to Kim Woods - we appreciate your star power!
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 In the next issue
The University Connection -
Make no mistake about it. Students at DLCS have a distinct advantage because of our affiliation with neighboring Lipscomb University. More to come in the October E-news about this "connection" that affords our students a college prep education in the truest sense.
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| Upcoming Events |
Sept. 8 - Mustang Melodies middle school talent show, 6:30 p.m., Acuff Chapel
Sept. 11 - Middle School Spirit Day, MS Football hosts St. Henry, 6 p.m.
Sept. 15 - High School ACT
Sept. 21 - Elementary Nothin' But Fun Day, Allen Arena, 3:30-6:30 p.m.
Sept. 28 - NO SCHOOL
Alumni Night / HS Football, Mustangs vs. Goodpasture (Home), 7 p.m.
For more calendar information, click here.
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Our mission is to serve our students so that they may master knowledge and skills appropriate to them and become Christ-like in attitude and behavior. |
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Make a difference at
David Lipscomb
This year we have an opportunity to work together for the benefit of the Campus School through the Annual Fund. The Parent's Campaign for the Annual Fund will kick off in a few weeks.
Detailed information will be mailed to each Campus School family asking for your participation in the Annual Fund campaign. Please prayerfully consider your family's commitment to this important program that helps all of our DLCS students. Through your tax-deductible contributions and participation in our school-wide fundraising program you will help accomplish the following:
2007-2008 Annual Fund goal: $325,000
Facilities Improvements $120,000
Technology
$50,000
Classroom furniture and equipment
$45,000
School Program discretionary funds
$70,000
Softball Field improvements $15,000
Elementary School traffic light
$15,000
Good Samaritan Fund
$10,000
For more specific details about how your contributions will be used to help accomplish these goals and more, visit the Advancement website.
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FYI - Service Hour Requirements
To clarify what qualifies your high school student for "service hours", refer to the requirements provided below. For further information, contact Campus Minister Sid Millson at 966-6433 or sid.millson@lipscomb.edu.
Criteria for evaluating service projects:
1. Is it voluntary? That is the student is not paid for the service
2. Does is serve those who are less fortunate or who could otherwise not receive this service if student or others like him/her did not do it?
3. Almost any service that is sponsored by a church and planned by a youth minister will count toward completion of service hours. This includes mission trips, work camps, Habitat for Humanity, etc. The amount of hours should correspond to the actual hours of service done (do not include travel time or recreation time).
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Speech-Language and Occupational Therapy Available
Sperry Eppert and Associates is honored to be working with the Learning Enhancement Program (L.E.P.) to provide speech-language and occupational therapy services to the students of David Lipscomb Campus School again this school year. We have had great success partnering with the Learning Enhancement Program as well as the teachers at David Lipscomb. Please feel free to contact us at 356-6339 or by e-mail at sperryeppert@bellsouth.net should you have any questions regarding speech-language or occupational therapy services. Your child's academic, social and emotional needs are important to us all and we look forward to helping your child/children be successful in all their endeavors in the 2007-2008 school year.
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Go Mustangs!
Support DLCS athletics by following our fall sports. Women's soccer, cross-country, golf, cheerleading, volleyball and football are all enjoying challenging and successful seasons of play.
Tonight will be the first home game for the Mustangs as they take on Page High School at 7 p.m.- come out in your purple and gold and support our team!
Starting at 5:30 p.m., tailgate parties will be held for the first and fourth grades on their playgrounds before this game. Call 966-1783 for details.
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We got talent!
Tired of all those summer reality "talent shows?" Then come to Mustang Melodies, the Middle School Talent Show, Sept. 8 at 6:30 p.m. in Acuff Chapel. If you think "America's Got Talent," you should come hear our 5th - 8th graders right here on our campus.
Also, all 6th through 8th grade chorus members will be participating in the Middle Tennessee Vocal Association's "Middle School Mass Choral Festival" Oct. 2 in Allen Arena at Lipscomb University. The rehearsals will continue through the day while the concert will be held in the evening. Come listen as 1000 students from all over Middle Tennessee join their voices in song.
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Make way for technology
Every year, all three DLCS campuses receive technology improvements. These upgrades continue to make our classrooms more 21st Century-friendly.
Last year, the high school introduced the ceiling mounted projectors and provided tablets or laptops to 12 teachers in math, science, computer and business classes. This summer an additional 10 were added to Bible, English and social studies. This equipment is used every day and is having a great impact on students and teachers alike.
United Streaming is a video subscription service that is available in all classrooms, K-12. This service allows teachers to download video clips in nearly every academic discipline, which can also be used through projection equipment.
All computers in the high school and middle school media centers were replaced over the summer. An additional 12 machines were installed in the reference section. The reference section is now enclosed and can serve as a mini-lab for special projects or small group learning.
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Nothin' But Fun Day
Nothin' But Fun Day 2007 will take place in Allen Arena on the Lipscomb University campus Friday, Sept. 21, 3:30-6:30 p.m. Now is the time to pre-order your dinner tickets and the Fun Day wristbands (for children only) for all the fun activities.
Meals are $5.50, and all dinners are by pre-paid reservation only. Wristbands may be purchased as follows: $10 for one child, $20 for two children, and $25 for three or more children. Elementary children should have already received order forms through their classroom teachers. If not, please call the elementary office 966-1783.
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Buy and save
Parents should have received information and order forms for Citipass Coupon Books ($20) and Smart Savings Cards ($12) for Davidson, Williamson and other counties. This sale will run through September 15 - but please send in your orders as soon as possible. Orders will be sent home with your child. Remember that 50% of the purchase price benefits our school. You are guaranteed to save money by taking advantage of these money-saving offers. Help yourself and DLCS by buying both.
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E-News Information
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The David Lipscomb Campus School is a monthly publication from the Office of Communcations and Public Relations at DLCS. For specific school information, contact your school office. To provide news tips or for more information about E-News, please contact Emily Lansdell, 615.966.6428.
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