The torch is carried personally and when lit is a heraldic symbol of enlightenment and guidance. It is often called the “Torch of Learning”. This represents that each of our students is expected to personally take up learning as a way to enlighten their way and the way of others dependent upon them. While not traditionally heraldic, the ball and chain refer to the constraint of freedom caused by ignorance and poor thinking. The lion is standing on the ball and chain indicating that it takes courage, intention and strength to destroy the restraints causes by ignorance and poor thinking. This represents our alumni personally taking up learning as a way to enlighten their way and the way of others relying on them and intentionally striving forward in a position of strength while acting with courage and justice and, in the process, trampling ignorance and poor thinking along the way. The five stars represent our commitment to the integrated and holistic development of the child: academically, physically, socially, emotionally, and ethically. Following the philosophy and character of the Renaissance, our enriching program includes foundational academics, developmental and stretch athletics, organization skills, courtesy and character training, and theme units. Our theme unit focus expands to include a broad set of required classics: fine arts, humanities, sciences, social sciences & foreign language. Sometimes we have special focused units on single topics. Our extension programs in the late afternoon include STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) clubs, HAMS (history, art, musical theater, social science) clubs, and community sponsored clubs lead by volunteers. We also provide access to community sports teams during this time. Drill teams and cheerleading are also available. In summary, we believe in fostering academic excellence while respecting the pace of a child’s development and the social-emotional growth of each student. Teachers care deeply about their students and nurture their student’s innate curiosity by challenging them to think critically, creatively, and conceptually in the foundation subjects and the new classic subjects.
Students enter the eating/picnic area and go directly to an assigned table. Be sure to clean your table and the surrounding area. Put trash into cans and replace lids. Students in grades 4 – 9 have use of microwave ovens. Students may have sweets such as soda, candy, donuts, ice cream, etc. on the last Friday of every month. Otherwise, the lunch should be a combination of protein and complex carbohydrates such as fruits and vegetables. All students are responsible for assisting with clean-up prior to dismissal. After completing lunch, students are free to play on the playground or visit the commons area depending on if the students are inside or outside until the end of the lunch period. Each school’s honor pledge acts as an initial set of behavior rules for their classrooms. Each teacher or classroom will develop a set of additional rules after the students have memorized and successfully recited their honor pledge and can provide examples of that pledge in action in an oral quiz. Violations of the honor code are violations of school rules and will be treated as such. As a guide to practical behavior the following list include some specific description of how students might live up to our honor codes even though it is not exhaustive. Be honest even when it is not comfortable for you. Be courteous; looking for opportunities to greet friends, adults, and strangers on the hall, open doors for others, and help those who may be carrying an extra load. Be proud of your school uniform which identifies you as a Renaissance Scholar. Dress neatly and appropriately for school and all of its activities by choosing the correct uniform for each event. Practice good hygiene. • Be punctual and reliable. • Take the time to get to know others before making judgments. • Avoid saying something about another person that you would not say directly to that person. • Be an encourager of others. • Apologize when you realize you hurt someone, or hurt their feelings, and let them know that you regret doing so. • Take good care of all by keeping our school clean, caring for yourself and your belongings, and making the most of the opportunities you have to learn and to serve others and our community. • Refrain from physical aggression with the intent to hurt another student. • Respond positively to correction and constructive criticism. Remember to learn even from little “failures”.