​Dear SCCS parents,
 
Hopefully your family was able to enjoy some of today's sunshine and gorgeous weather. This time of year is when many start to experience "spring fever" because it is hard to remain indoors when outside things are warming up. I'm grateful for the seasons changing and eagerly anticipate more days of schooling outside when we can. Park days and outside play time are wonderful incentives during school weeks also!
 
Some of you joined us last month as we hosted our second Refresh Homeschool Moms' Retreat. We had a wonderful weekend with many moms from seven states, who were encouraged and inspired by great speakers and fellowship with other moms who are on the same journey. Thanks for supporting such an important event. We will start registration this summer for next year!
 
We are fans of celebrating any- and everything we can in this family. One such occasion this month is St. Patrick's Day. I have had this man on my mind and have been reading more about him lately to remind myself of what an influential character he is on history, and especially the Christian world. If you haven't studied St. Patrick there are some great resources out there and I encourage you to check some out. There are fun legends that probably aren't true, but some actual great quotes and facts about his life if you Google.
A quick summary: Patrick lived in the fifth century, was kidnapped as a British teenager, then forced into slavery for years. After his release, Patrick studied Christianity and felt called to go back to Ireland spend the rest of his life ministering to the people, essentially converting an entire people to faith. He is an inspiring man, a beautiful example of forgiveness, courage, and great love for his fellow man, and even his enemies. In present times, he is the kind of person that our children need to know existed, as someone who took his faith so seriously it changed the course of Christianity and enabled it to spread to the rest of the Western world, which is saying a lot! We will be celebrating St. Patrick's Day with a lot of Birmingham later this month, so would love for you to join us if you're interested. Details are below.
 
Re-enrollment for current SCCS families begins soon, so you will see more information on that process. We will open up enrollment to the public as well, though we only have limited spaces in our school. If you have friends interested in joining SCCS, please let them know when we do start taking new families. We do not advertise and have grown simply through word of mouth, which is due to the awesome families in our school. I appreciate your support and recommendations to others.
 
Stanford Achievement Tests are optional and offered annually through our school. I will be giving these tests during the first two weeks of May to all ages. I recommend that students are tested every other year beginning in third grade, but this is strictly up to parents. Standardized tests are just one measure of evaluation, and can give feedback to the parent-teacher on areas that need additional review, but are not completely accurate in measuring students' abilities. The cost is $50 per student to cover required materials. If you are interested in having your student tested and have any questions, please let me know. The deadline for registering for SATs is March 20. You can sign up here, on our website, and payment is due at that time so that I can order materials.
 
March Events
 
click on the links to read all details

3/11

​​Park Day 
​ Kite flying, picnic, and fun at Railroad Park​. Join us!

3/12

 
St. Patrick's Day Parade  We enjoy this annual event as a family in Birmingham's Five Points South
 
3/20
Deadline to sign up for SATs  Tests will be in May. RSVP and pay now.
 
​3/25

Montgomery trip to Capitol and old Alabama Town. (final headcount already submitted)

​3/28
Support group and fellowsh​ip at Neighborhood Brew - RSVP now.
 
3/31
Homeschool High School Workshop at Shelby Crossings - RSVP now.
 
In closing, I am praying this for myself and each of you today! Here is a beautiful excerpt from St. Patrick's prayer as inscribed on his breastplate:

I bind myself today, -
To the power of God to guide me,
The might of God to uphold me,
The wisdom of God to teach me,
The eye of God to watch over me,
The ear of God to bear me,
The Word of God to speak for me,
The hand of God to protect me,
The way of God to lie before me,
The shield of God to shelter me,
The host of God to defend me

Christ with me, Christ before me,
Christ behind me, Christ within me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ at my right, Christ at my left,
Christ in breadth, Christ in length, Christ in height
 

Have a wonderful week!