NCS’ newest Computer Science teacher discusses his passion for the subject and teaching. Natalie Duckworth, Senior Editor, and Bailey Silva-Pulliam, Staff Writer Mr. Ames' journey with Norfolk Christian started in kindergarten but paused when he left the school in 7th grade. He says that “NCS found me - I didn’t seek it out, per se.” He had been working at his church doing IT (Information Technology) and media when he was told about an open position for a computer science teacher by a friend of the Gyorfis. “I ended up applying by the end of July, and it worked out by the grace of God.” One of the most important things to Mr. Ames is his family. He shared a little about his wife, Courtney, and his two children, daughter Erin and son Caleb, who was just born about a month ago. He also told us how he loves to show off pictures of his kids to anyone he can. Photo by Lily Rhodes; Mr. Ames motivates students to realize that: “What is in front of you is not the whole story. It is not all that God is doing in the world” when they face challenges. For Mr. Ames, computer science has always been one of his biggest interests. It started with taking computer classes in middle school, where he developed a fascination with computers. However, he noted that this passion developed through his individual work, outside of school: “There weren’t computer classes like there are now. I did computers on my own.” He eventually turned to working in IT, which transitioned to him teaching here at NCS. While he still is enthusiastic about computers, “once it becomes your job, it is a struggle to make it fun.”
Teaching at NCS has given Mr. Ames a different perspective on working with computers. While it is hard to watch students struggle and spend a long, frustrating time working on something, “seeing the moment of excitement when they figure it out has been fun to watch.” For Mr. Ames, one of the most rewarding parts of being at NCS is always having the chance to connect with God. However, he recognizes that it isn’t always easy: “The challenge especially is being in a Christian school and making [your faith] real and making it your own. It is easy to be hardened to the Holy Spirit and the opportunities God has given you.” Mr. Ames’ Spiritual journey started in college, where he faced several big challenges, and had the realization that “you have to trust that God has a plan and will be faithful to what he has given you. … God doesn’t give us the answers, He gives us Himself.” Mr. Ames encourages students to continue pursuing God, despite the challenges that they face, and to build a personal relationship with Him.
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A Teacher Feature on our Fine Arts Department By Grace Rex and Reese Perez, Staff Writers The question, “Do you think teaching the arts is important in the education of students?” is a loaded one. We asked our Norfolk Christian arts teachers this very question to help better understand why the arts are not just important, but essential. Mrs. Jackson Mrs. Jackson believes the arts allow us to reach a part of ourselves we never would be able to access or express ourselves. As Christians, God created us and all this beauty around us to influence our thinking, and the arts give us a chance to express the endowed creativity we gain as image bearers of God. Additionally, Mrs. Jackson sees music as a special form of learning, stating that: “With music, you’re learning a whole new language, and students don’t think about it that way. It’s like learning Spanish in a way. You’re having to, as a student, at least in music, learn something in a whole new way.” Since people can struggle to express themselves healthily, having a creative outlet, such as a canvas or music, is both rewarding to them and to others who might understand and give them a safe space. Mrs. Jackson says that since we were made in God’s image, we are creators, and can express this in unique and amazing ways. While intelligence and sports are a crucial part of self-expression, the arts allow for a deeper connection with God and fellow man that exceeds physical or mental strength. It is a connection that holds no boundaries—a use for worship, praise, and freedom. Mr. Haymes Mr. Haymes emphasizes the spiritual aspect of the arts, finding that “understanding how to utilize the gifts that God has given us, with communication on a spiritual level, with regulating your emotions and using the fruits of the spirit in a way that is constructive and healthy” is what makes the arts so important for high school students. The arts are a crucial piece in achieving a deeper connection with the Lord. Furthermore, the significance of the fine arts is not just limited to its spiritual implications. Mr. Haymes sees the arts as a healthy outlet for expressing oneself. Along with this, he believes that when energy and passion are kept in check, the arts can play a vital role in self-control, allowing for healthy emotional development. Mrs. Judd Mrs. Judd believes the fine arts are essential to growth and development. She says that “just as math creates structure, the arts help give compassion and empathy.” She finds the arts inspiring, unifying people through their shared passion, which speaks to them. Through art, a variety of backgrounds come together for a common thing: to create something beautiful. Science has shown that participating in the arts activates a different part of our brain. Well-rounded students need this to achieve their full potential. The arts also create a sense of community, for example, an individual singer can sound good, but delightful harmonies come from groups. Finding a community due to the arts can be nourishing, helping with important social skills such as working with and trusting others. Mrs. Judd compared the arts to a foreign language; they give students a break and allow them to learn more than they would in traditional classes. Some students excel in the arts, and giving them that outlet is necessary. Photo by Lily Rhodes; Mrs. Judd (left) and Mrs. Jackson (right) are working hard to prepare for the joint Windsong and Concert Band trip to New York City over Spring break. Mrs. Law
Mrs. Law believes that art is essential for people of all ages. She sees it as a way to express one’s emotions and the driving force for innovation and culture: “Experiencing the arts is the most effective means of encouraging inventiveness, creative expression of inner thoughts, cultural awareness, and understanding, not to mention offering tools for people to interpret and describe the physical world around them, as well as sharing their subconscious or divinely inspired creative ideas.” Mrs. Law does not see the arts as a nice “addition” to one’s relationship with God, but rather an essential part of it, stating that: “Without the arts, we would be missing out on a deep part of who we are and how our creator made us to fully enjoy life.” The arts provide and encourage free, independent thought, not only affect our relationships but also develop a variety of other skills. Mrs. Guyot Finally, Mrs. Guyot addresses why the arts are overlooked and underfunded, and why they are not as acknowledged for the important role they play in students’ development. Mrs. Guyot views the issue of the arts being ignored as a matter of how they are perceived in a world where the importance of facts are stressed: “We tend to value more concrete things that are black and white, and when something is subjective and based on an opinion we tend to value those things less. I think as a society we tend to value those hard facts more.” Like her colleagues, Mrs. Guyot views the arts and creativity as an integral part of the Christian worldview, and for the emotional, relational, and mental development of young people. It has been proven to be not only an outlet for ingenuity, but also for freedom and the pursuit of unity. Art ignores race, religion, and culture, reaching all that see or hear it. It tugs at the heart of and reaches the minds of the seeking. Throughout time, people have admired the arts of other nations, and it continues to bring many together. By providing fine arts classes, schools allow for development in many different ways. The arts are essential and should be celebrated as a valued learning experience. Where barriers may appear, art has shown itself to be the ideal conversation starter—a perfect addition to a daily practice. The arts encourage creativity, stimulate different parts of the brain, and even help with spiritual growth. Arts are not just another elective; they are a critical part of the education system and should not be overlooked. |