Happy 2012! We hope that a new year has marked a new beginning or a fresh perspective for many of you. At DayBreak, we have been taking advantage of the new year in many different ways. One of our students marched in the first day back and said, “New year, fresh start!” The 4th and 5th graders have decided to use that as their theme for this new year.

During the first few weeks of the program, students shared hopes and dreams for this semester. Some of the dreams included: students finishing homework on time, everyone being able to participate in the Fun Friday trips and learning how to help others.  Students also worked together to come up with six guidelines we will be following as a DayBreak family. We loved seeing students collaborate and take responsibility in this way. The house rules for this semester are as follows: Keep your attitude in check, obey first time asked, respect other people’s property, love your neighbor as yourself, tell the truth at all times and keep your hands and feet to yourself.

We are excited for all that God has in store for us in the new year, and we look forward to getting to share those things with you through our blog. Below are some pictures of our first few weeks of the ASP. Enjoy!

Pottery!

One great thing about working with little children is their excitement and sense of accomplishment when they do something that they know we as staff will be proud of. This post is to give you such an example.

Our Bible curriculum is a study on wisdom and foolishness. Recently, we discussed the difference between the prudent person and the foolish person. The verse of the week was Proverbs 14:15-A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps. It was explained that a simple person does not usually think before he/she acts and will choose to listen to bad advice, while on the other hand, a prudent person does just the opposite. The next day, Saquan, one of our first graders, came walking through the door with a huge smile on his face. In his excitement he pulled Ms. Andrea aside and said, “Today I was prudent! I boy in my class tried to get me to throw rocks. I thought about it and realized it was wrong and told him I wasn’t going to do it.” THAT, my friends is why we do what we do each and every day. To know that God’s word is taking root in the hearts of some of the children is what brings us immense joy.

Just so you know, Saquan is a precious child who has done really well during his first year at DayBreak. He is a struggling reader who is very bright, but needs encouragement and motivation. If interested in tutoring him once a week or possibly even becoming his mentor, feel free to email kim.muccullough@mcleanbible.org.

How cute is he?!

The students have had the priviledge of having an art teacher come in each week to teach them different art concepts and techniques. Each week the students anticipate art with Ms. Lisa and talk with enthusiasm about the time spent with her.

Ms. Lisa is a very talented art teacher who  not only has a background in art, but also has experience with children. She is able to speak on the children’s level and provide art lessons that the children are able to enjoy.

Next week, DayBreak parents will have the opportunity to see what their children have been working on the last few weeks. Here is a peek for your enjoyment!