Amelia Eno

13 May

ROOTED IN CHRIST AT THE CENTER OF FOCUS WEEKS AT MHA

In

By Amelia Eno — Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Mile High Academy students, over the past several weeks have spent time focusing on growing a closer relationship with Jesus during FOCUS weeks.

FOCUS Weeks is a special time at MHA where the school has a chance to bond while reflecting and refocusing on Jesus.

Elementary students got to hear fun stories and worships from Jose St. Phard, Newday lead pastor, Chris Morris, Littleton associate pastor, and Seth Day, LifeSource co-pastor.

“There are so many amazing voices in children’s ministry, we didn’t want to pick just one speaker. The kids really loved them!” Rebecca Berg, MHA chaplain and upper school teacher said.

Students learned more about MHA theme this year “Rooted In Christ” and the CHERISH core values while singing and worshiping with their friends. Pastor Day put a fun twist on Bible stories by turning into a character named “Scooter.” They also participated in several faith-building activities.

Middle School and upper school held their FOCUS week at a later time due to classes having to be remote learning. David Asscherick, Castle Rock pastor spoke about what it meant to be “Rooted In Christ,” to have deep roots, and where to put those roots.

Through the analogy of a tree, students learned about growing even in the hardships. “FOCUS week reminded me that where I’m rooted really matters,” Noah, MHA sophomore said.

Despite the difficult year with COVID and the challenges brought on by the pandemic, MHA’s students found joy in spending time with their classmates while knowing Christ is the center of their school.

–Amelia Eno is a sophomore at Mile High Academy; photos supplied.

16 Mar

MAKING HUEVOS RANCHEROS PART OF MHA SPANISH TEST

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By Amelia Eno – Highlands Ranch, Colorado… What is a better way to test student’s food vocabulary in Spanish class than having them practice at a restaurant where Spanish is primarily spoken? However, how do you do this when large groups are not welcomed at restaurants because of the pandemic.

This was the dilemma facing Christina Hernández, Mile High Academy Spanish teacher.

It was decided, after careful planning and discussion, that remaining on campus and having students cook the meal would be the safest way to test their vocabulary while also experiencing delicious fare.

With a plan in place, students voted to make huevos rancheros. Hernandez gathered the required ingredients: frijoles (beans), tostados, queso (cheese), salsa, huevos (eggs) and avocados to make the tasty meal and test their vocabulary skills.

Students used the ingredients to put together the perfect dish, while practicing their Spanish language skills. “Making our own eggs for huevos rancheros was super fun,” Noah Warner, MHA sophomore said.

Students enjoyed the creative approach to class as well as the food.

“The food was extraordinary, and I thoroughly enjoyed our cooking process,” Jaden McCottry, MHA sophomore said.

According to participating students, the Spanish classes have provided a fun, hands-on opportunity to learn a new language, which sometimes involves the bonus of being tasty.

–Amelia Eno is a sophomore at Mile High Academy; photos supplied

16 Dec

JOY AT THE CENTER OF MHA COVID CHRISTMAS SEASON

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By Amelia Eno – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … Christmas at Mile High Academy is fun and, although this season is unique for everyone, the students and staff have found a way to celebrate with cheer.

All around MHA campus, students have been preparing for their online Christmas concert by practicing instruments, singing songs, decorating their spaces and wearing festive Christmas hats, shirts, and smiles. The joy of Christmas is shining despite being in and out of online learning.

“I think it makes you start to realize what you value most, what Christmas is really about,” said Lisa Venteicher, upper school drama and science teacher. “I really value my time with my students. It’s the best gift I could have this year.”

It has been a unique season for the upper school students due to remote learning. However, the teachers are working on ways to make the season fun and festive by practicing drama skits virtually that focus on the current struggles facing our world while discussing forgiveness and the love of Jesus despite the threat of COVID-19 and being apart.

The pandemic couldn’t cancel the yearly Christmas Door competition, a decorating contest for each classroom. The finished doors are judged based on creativity, student participation, design and are given bonus points for exhibiting the school’s CHERISH core values.

The winners found first and third grade tying for first place, each classroom awarded $100 prize. Second and fourth grades tied for second, winning $75.

While the upper school students haven’t been on campus, they were able to do their annual “Christmas Challenge,” which is an exciting blend of trivia and other challenges.

“It is a lot of fun, and I know both students and staff look forward to it every December.” said Rebecca Berg, upper school teacher and Christmas Challenge coordinator.

This year has been different, but also special. Students, staff, and teachers are learning how to stay connected throughout this pandemic and stay united in God.

— Amelia Eno is a sophomore at Mile high Academy; photos by Jocelyn Aalborg

14 Oct

LOYALISTS VS. PATRIOTS. A MATCH-UP 244 YEARS IN THE MAKING TAKES PLACE AT MHA

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By Amelia Eno – Highlands Ranch, Colorado … History came alive for Mile High Academy as tenth grade students were divided into American Revolution groups–Loyalists and Patriots.

The sophomores studying the Revolutionary War were tasked with researching and forming arguments for a debate. Students were to face off as Loyalists and Patriots from 1776 by putting themselves in the shoes of our founding fathers and revolutionary fighters.

The question: Should the colonies fight for independence or stay loyal to Britain?

Language arts teacher, Jenni Eno, instructed the class about different ways of speaking, and history teacher, Rebecca Berg, directed students on how to find sources and to build a solid argument.

“Jenni and I had spoken about a cross-curricular project such as this and were excited to finally make it happen. We were very proud of our students, the hard work they put in, and both the knowledge they gained and their sharp debate skills,” said Berg.

The debates began with the students finding holes in the opposing team’s arguments and passing written points of argument to teammates. Each student addressed their classmates with passion and pride when it was their turn to debate.

The exercise concluded with the pupils voting for the winner, choosing the Loyalists, who utilized strong information and an emotional speech element called “pathos”. The Loyalists may have won, but the Patriots left with their spirits high.

The class expressed excitement to have held such an amazing debate and to have finished it with such success.

MHA sophomore and Patriot team member Seth Waller said, “It was exciting to see all of the different arguments people came up with. I had fun!”

Click on one of the following links to view the debates: Debate #1 and Debate #2.

—Amelia Eno is in the tenth grade at Mile High Academy; photo by Rajmund Dabrowski