Paideia Week

To see a comprehensive overview and sequence of Monday's sessions, please click HERE and see session descriptions in the expand/collapse list below.

 MONday Session GriD 

9:00am

Welcome & Introductions

The Advancement Director will welcome new families and teachers to Veritas Academy, allow families to begin forming connections with an icebreaker activity, and introduce key Veritas personnel.

The History of Veritas Academy

To connect new families and teachers to the school, this session will tell the story of how the school began, explain the foundational mission and vision that compelled the founders to begin this adventure, and describe other core values at Veritas. 
 

10:15am

Family Ministries

Family Ministries exists to fulfill the first statement in our school mission statement: "to minister to families by partnering with Christian parents." Come hear what Family Ministries is, does, and desires to offer you and your family.

Board Introductions

Our board chair and board secretary will introduce the rest of the Veritas School board before enjoying lunch together as a school community. 
 

11:45am

Lunch 

Lunch will be provided in the Café with Board Members, Administrators, and Mentors. 
 

12:45pm

Where Do I Fit in at Veritas?

You are a unique person with gifts, talents, and a wonderful personality that God designed. Now you're in a new school with new, well, everything and wondering how you and yours will fit in and become part of the Veritas family. Look no further! In this practical session, we'll zero in on an assortment of ways to get involved in the Veritas community both informally as you come and go from campus and formally through our fresh parent involvement initiative called Traditions! 
 

1:30pm

Prize Drawings

Ice breakers and games to determine prizes! 
 

1:45pm

Veritas 101: A Beginner's Survival Guide for New Parents

School Heads will familiarize new parents with procedures and traditions for their school. Time will be reserved for Q&A.

9:00am

Welcome & Introductions

The Advancement Director will welcome new families and teachers to Veritas Academy, allow families to begin forming connections with an icebreaker activity, and introduce key Veritas personnel.

The History of Veritas Academy

To connect new families and teachers to the school, this session will tell the story of how the school began, explain the foundational mission and vision that compelled the founders to begin this adventure, and describe other core values at Veritas.

10:15am

Portrait of a Graduate

The model we hold for our students to aspire to is not All-State, or All-Star Cast, or Senior Thesis Laureate, or even Valedictorian … it’s the Veritas Valiant—our recognition of one who pursues excellence while leading with the heart for the betterment of self and others. It encourages student mastery of the only three things that they—and they alone—control: their attitude, their effort, and their tongue.

Who Are We? Understanding the Five Pillars

Veritas Academy is founded upon five pillars, that of being Classical, Christian, Univeristy-Model, Family Ministries, and a Resource School. Learn more about the each pillar and the blending of these to create the uniqueness of our academy.

Veritas Academy 101, Part I

In this session Academic Deans will help new teachers figure out where they are and who is who. 

11:45am

Lunch

Lunch will be provided in the Café with Board Members, Administrators, and Mentors. 
 

12:45pm

Veritas Academy 101, Part II

Academic Deans, Department Heads, and mentors will continue equipping you to be ready for your first day of class.

8:30am

Check-In

9:00am-3:15pm

Grammar School (PreSchool & PreK)

Our littlest Defender students will enjoy getting to know their future classrooms and routines while "diving into" Ocean Exploration.

9:00am-3:15pm

Grammar School (Kinder-4th grade)

Students will spend the day getting to know other new students and getting a taste of life as a Veritas student! Classes will participate in a variety of activities ranging from get-to-know-you games to special grade level projects to campus tours.

9:15am-3:15pm

School of Logic (5th & 6th grades)

All incoming 5th graders and new to Veritas 6th graders will spend the day learning about SL procedures, schedules, and student life. We will be playing games, watching skits, and getting to know each other!

9:15am-3:15pm

School of Logic (7th & 8th grades)

New to Veritas 7th and 8th graders will be learning about their new schedules and school traditions today!

9:15am-3:30pm

School of Rhetoric

All new students and rising freshmen will attend Student Orientation to get connected within their grade, meet Student Congress leaders, and prepare to join the SR.

Students should wear comfortable clothes that they can run around in as some of our activities will be outside. Please make sure you have a snack, water bottle, and lunch.

To see a comprehensive overview and sequence of Tuesday's sessions, please click HERE and see session descriptions in the expand/collapse list below.

 Tuesday Session GriD 

Welcome & Announcements

Keynote: “What I Do on the First Day” 

Eighth graders have no idea what's going on. I know this because I ask them on the first day of class, "What is education? What is its telos? Why are you here?," and they look so lost you could push them down with a feather. We spend the next hour answering those questions. Of course, many forget it by the end of the year, but if I could get the parents on board, perhaps the reasons they are at school would take up residence in their hearts even as it leaks out of their heads.

The Power in Our Words

Words can either build or destroy what we set out to accomplish. Words change us and change others, producing joy and faith OR fear and discouragement. In this session Ellen discusses how we can use our words with each other and with our children, in life-giving ways that strengthen rather than harm, heal rather than harm and build connection rather than division.

A Philosophy of Tech

Ecclesiastes tells us that “there is nothing new under the sun” yet ubiquitous screens and social media suggest otherwise with endless news feeds and updates. We live in a time of self-driving cars, smart homes and smartphones, a connected world with libraries of knowledge, thousands of servants, and endless songs, each at our fingertips and all of which is soon to be infused with new kinds of artificial intelligence. All these things present new ways of living, but do all these connections make us more connected to what matters? Is this life true? Is it beautiful? Is this the good life that is envisioned for us by our maker? In this session, we’ll consider philosophies, paradigms and strategies for navigating technology in the present age.

Parenting Advice from an Unmarried Bachelor

While he's never actually sired a child, A.J. Hanenburg has been on the merry-go-round of the upper school for a stretch. He's got some notions that might help get you through the hard years. Don't want to trust someone who doesn't have a family of his own? That's okay. The slides are pink, so that's fun.

Co-Teaching with Babies and Toddlers

Do you have younger children at home? Are you wondering how you will make it through the school@home day accomplishing all that is needed in your Veritas student's lesson plans while keeping the younger student from losing their minds? Come and listen to Veteran teachers and fellow co-teaching moms give their ideas of how to involve the whole family in the school@home day. 

Laying Down the Rails: Building Healthy Habits

We have all experienced derailment in our school@home days. Although many derailments are minor, all result in a disruption that renders a co-teacher unable to control the remainder of the school day. In this session, you will be equipped with tools to help lay out a framework of healthy habits, helping you to create security and a sense of peace, along with routines that help the day stay on the rails.

Learning Support Services (LSS) for Grammar School

Come learn how to recognize when your student may have learning differences and how to best support him/her for success here at Veritas. Find out more about the Learning Support Services department and how we can be a resource to come alongside you as you explore how to best support your student when he/she is experiencing difficulties with learning. Hear about our LSS Reading Screening process that takes place in grades K-4, along with teacher input, to help reveal possible learning differences at the most crucial time in order for early intervention to take place, and your important role in that recognition and intervention.

Transitioning to SL

Transitioning into the School of Logic, our "middle school" here at Veritas, is an exciting time. These years are often a season that most parents dread. Instead, we want to encourage you to not just "get through it," but to see it as a crucial time in our children's lives that will shape who they become as young men and women in Christ. In this session will explain our SL culture and some practical tools that we provide to help navigate these important years. Come and learn about the unique opportunities and challenges awaiting in SL!

Transitioning into Classical Math

Join Math Department Head, Erica Miller, as she discusses the differences between a traditional math classroom and a classical one. She will also provide student expectations in moving to conceptual learning and tips for parents on how to guide/tutor from a classical math curriculum. This session is for students new to Veritas and/or taking Elementary Algebra.

Holding a High Standard in an Age of Low Expectations

Each one of us recalls that one person in our lives that demanded our very best. While we might moan at the thought of the rigor demanded by that special person, we will definitely acknowledge the value of being held to a high standard. In fact, the teacher or coach who has high expectations for his students consistently witnesses growth as the student strives to meet the higher standards. This session identifies high expectations, defines the benefits of the high standard, and explains the role of the administration, teachers, and parents in the process.

Athletics at Veritas

This session will answer the practical and logistical questions about navigating Veritas Athletics.

Classical Stuff You Should Know Podcast

Join our resident celebrities as they cast their classical pods right before your very eyes.

Balancing Work and…Work. Can You Be Both a Good Co-Teacher and a Good Co-Worker?

We hope you enjoy hearing from one of our very own Veritas moms, Monica Scantlen! You've probably seen Monica around campus, supporting her girls and serving in many areas of Traditions. Monica shares 5 TIPS for Balancing Working and Teaching at Home! Whether you are balancing a paid position or a volunteer position, the tips in this session are helpful as we all wear several hats and serve in different roles alongside our teaching responsibilities!

Poems and Passages: What We Memorize at Veritas and Why

Over the course of an education at Veritas, Defenders memorize and recite poems and passages that offer the best of humanity - courage, hope, love, patience, and other great virtues. In this session, we will walk through some of these selections, pausing to appreciate the rich language and consider the takeaways. Audience participation is definitely a possibility.

What I Would Do If I Had It To Do All Over Again

"It" being parenting, particularly in this model.

Play As Learning

This session will consider ways we can capitalize on learning for our youngest students. 

Understanding Technology's Influence in our Grammar Students

As Grammar parents, we know technology is an ever present force in our culture that not only lures our kids with entertainment but tempts us with free childcare and easy rewards. But it is a slippery slope we're walking down. Join us as we talk about the science of tech's influence on young minds and behavior, ways to set healthy boundaries and reclaim lost territory, as well as how to intentionally cultivate a home that views tech as a tool not a master.

What Parent Partnership Really Is

You joined this collaborative community, now what? We will take a moment to look into what it means to partner with parents and the expectations that come with this type of school model. 

What to Expect in Learning Support Services in School of Logic

Navigating Middle School can sometimes be hard. Physical, neurological, social, and emotional changes may have you and your child guessing what to expect each day. In this session, Krissy will tell you what to expect for at least one area of your SL student’s life. She will explain the role and goal of Learning Support Services (LSS) in the School of Logic (SL) covering topics such as: Academic Plans, communication, parent vs student responsibilities, school vs home struggle and more.

Making Jesus the Center of Your Home Day

The most significant role we have as parents is to point our children to Jesus and cultivate hearts that love Him and want to live for him. As Veritas co-teachers we have a unique opportunity to pursue that goal during our home days, yet it’s so easy to let academics, sports, activities, and responsibilities dominate our time and squeeze out what is most important. This session will focus on this significant role and practical ways to prioritize Christ and His kingdom during our home days.

Athletics at Veritas

This session will answer the practical and logistical questions about navigating Veritas Athletics.

Lunch

Café (SLR 100)

Enjoy lunch with other Veritas families! If you didn't sign-up for lunch during Paideia registration, don't forget to bring your own!

Keynote: Veritas Vision

Join us as Jef casts a unified vision for the upcoming school year and reminds us all why our school exists.

Body Image Within The Body of Christ

Join Alisa Dusan, RDN, LD as she discusses ways to create an environment that honors the diversity of body sizes and shapes that God has created. Join her in exploring how we can guide our students to view their bodies as more than simply ornaments, but instruments designed for purpose in the Body of Christ. In addition to being a Veritas mom of four, Alisa is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist specializing in eating disorder recovery and the owner of Hays County Nutrition Specialists.

Christian Considerations About Climate Change

Climate change is constantly in our national conversation and is a semantically loaded topic that engenders strong beliefs over a wide range of opinions. Some think we are headed for doom, others that it is not real at all. In this talk, we'll examine the data, and examine how our Christian calling to tend the garden (Gen 2:15) and love thy neighbor (Mark 12:31) might be brought to bear in adding to a fruitful dialogue.

Called to be Deliberate Dads

In this session Glen offers insights about intentional ways fathers can lead and influence their families, as they conscientiously consider the needs of each member. He discusses what fathers must be deliberate about as well as key ideas and qualities their children should learn from them. Based on his chapter in Ellen’s new book, Every Parent's Calling, Glen expands on these ideas in this session.

Keeping School@Home Days Fresh and Fun

Do your home days need some inspiration to keep the routines fun and fresh? Come and listen to GS mom extraordinaire, Ashley Hood rekindle the creative side of your brain to make your school@home days educational and enjoyable. 

Making the Most of Math

In this session, Jenny will consider how to see math throughout your day and make it more of an ongoing conversation as a means of reducing fear in a math averse student.

Phun with Phonemic Awareness

The journey to reading begins with phonemic awareness. Join GS Literacy Specialist Amanda Hurley to discover the basic phonemic awareness skills that your child should know and how to weave them into your school@home day, or your drive to the grocery store. This practical session is geared towards our youngest learners, PreSchool - 1st grade.

7th/8th History 

This year’s 7th and 8th grade history team invites you to an overview of the course of study your student will see in American History this year. American History begins with the discovery of the New World and traces the path of our history to the present day. This history, for better or for worse, is the story of God’s work among sinners, including us, in our shared land and culture. We rightly understand ourselves and our country when we first understand our maker and the work he has set before us. Seeking to see history as the Lord would have us, 7th and 8th American History is designed to engage your children’s hearts and minds to learn about the great risings and fallings, personalities and passions, traditions and inventions, and conflicts and outcomes of God’s work throughout time with the American people. This course prepares our students to become discerning citizens who will think critically about the events of history and learn from the successes and failures of the past to make wise decisions for today.

Pressing In During the Middle School Years

Middle school years are challenging and confusing for kids, as well as parents. Though our middle school children fly from one activity to another, love friends and social media, push back when we cross them, and seem to think they know everything, the truth is that they need us more than ever! This session will focus on the unique challenges during this stage of life, our need to walk alongside our kids during this time, and practical ways to press in even when it feels daunting.

Tackling Tech: Navigating the Modern World of Screens

There are myriad of challenges and questions that tech poses today to parents and students alike which can be overwhelming and hard to make sense of. What technological boundaries should parents impose on their children? Are doom-and-gloom conversations about the ills of technology effective in forming our students' loves? Is "Wait Until 8th" all there is to it? From the perspective of some of our very own SR students and a teacher who encountered these same challenges in the not-too-distant past, this panel will attempt to shed a little light on the issues at hand and help parents open a discussion with their families on the benefits—as well as the limits and dangers—of tech.

Learning Support Services in the School of Rhetoric

The Learning Support Services department provides support to students with learning differences and with medical challenges that interfere with their access to education. Molly Sinanan and Melonie Elequin will be discussing the LSS department within the School of Rhetoric. They will give an overview of how the department is changing, how to request services, and what to expect once your student starts receiving services.

Check-In

Grammar School (PreSchool & PreK)

Our littlest Defenders will enjoy a variety of fun activities during childcare, led by our 7th-12th Grade students, and can expect train rides, bounce houses, animals, and quiet time!

Grammar School (Kinder-4th grade)

Students will spend the day getting to know their classmates and enjoying a variety of fun activities lead by our 7th-12th Grade Students. Students can expect train rides, bounce houses, student-led worship, science experiments, exploring, and more!

School of Logic (5th & 6th grades)

Students in 5th & 6th grade will spend the day getting to know their classmates and enjoying a variety of fun activities lead by our 7th-12th grade students. Their camp experience will be complete with service projects, scavenger hunts, and more as they prepare for another great school year!

To see a comprehensive overview and sequence of Wednesday's sessions, please click HERE and see session descriptions in the expand/collapse list below.

 WEDNESday Session GriD 

Welcome & Announcements

Keynote

John Stonestreet will be addressing our community on how our faith and culture should best intersect with educating our children, and sharing his expertise in the areas of biblical worldview, cultural response, and apologetics.

Q&A with John Stonestreet

Join us to learn more from our keynote speaker, John Stonestreet.

School@Home Spaces

School@home spaces among Veritas co-teachers are as varied as the co-teachers themselves! Whether you have a kitchen table or a whole room available to you, you'll want to come and hear about a variety of design concepts and practical tips that will inspire you as you get ready for this school year. Feel great about your space, and you will feel more confident on school@home days! 

Leading Family Devotions

As parents, and specifically as fathers, it is our responsibility and privilege to lead our families spiritually. Where do we start? How can we progress in training our children to develop spiritual disciplines in their lives? How do we lead effective family devotional times? Let’s look together at what we can do to lead our families into a closer walk with the Lord. While this session is geared towards fathers, it is open to mothers as well.

Holiness in the Classroom

What does a classroom (and school@home classroom) that honors and glorifies God look like on a daily basis? Is it full of hard work, diligence, and challenging lessons? Or is your classroom characterized by delight, laughter, fun, and games? Both ends of the pendulum are good, but what does God desire? Which kind of classroom better helps train faithful image-bearers? This session focuses on building a classroom that exemplifies God’s greatest attribute, His Holiness. Holiness in the classroom is both delightful and hard. This session offers tips on how to start and end your school year off by capturing your students’ heart and mind and offering ways to practically see this play out day to day in your classroom.

The “telos” of Classical Christian Education

As teachers and parents we’ve made great sacrifices to provide a classical christian education (“CCE”). We have contributed our talents, time, and tuition (for some, lots of tuition) toward Veritas’s version of CCE. Why? Is it worth it? What’s the goal? What’s our hope?   

Is it to avoid the downward slide at other schools (Veritas ain’t woke and we’re not broke, so we’re here as our least worst option)? Are we here for college prep? Is Veritas our best shot at getting our kids into a good college with a handsome scholarship and financial aid? Are we here to make better workers that will make our country great again? Are we seeking to make a better generation of homo sapiens? Better thinkers in STEM that will be poised to pioneer and thrive in the next technological revolution?   

Whether we are just beginning or have been at it for years, the “why” of CCE is worth considering. In this session, we’ll explore the reasons and purpose of CCE.

Sensory Processing: How It Affects Learning and Strategies To Improve It

When we think about the necessary skills for learning in a school setting we typically think about cognition, executive functioning, and intelligence, but did you know that there are other underlying skills necessary for these abilities to optimally emerge? This presentation will explore the ways that the nervous system receives messages from the senses and turns them into appropriate motor and behavioral responses for optimal learning. Simple strategies to assess and support your student’s sensory processing needs will be presented.

Building Lifelong Readers

All things reading and phonics will be discussed in this session as we explain how we utilize both the Individualized Reading Program (IRP) and Spell to Write and Read (SWR) at Veritas. You will not only learn about why and how we teach the way that we do, but also might pick up some tips to help reading and spelling go more smoothly on your school@home day.

Sex, Porn, and the Gospel: Helping Our Children/Students Understand God's Purpose for Sex and Sexuality

How do we discuss hard topics with our students? This session will look at current trends in student thought with regards to Sex and Pornography and discuss ways to address the issues with our students and turn their hearts back to the gospel.

Curiosity: The Art, Impact and Beauty of the Inquisitive

Isn't it refreshing to be around people who are consistently asking questions and exploring something interesting? Over the years, I have been blessed to be surrounded by family members, co-workers and students who are the inquisitive. They enrich my life by their curious natures. So, I began to ponder the nature of curiosity. Are we born with an inquisitive bent or do we acquire a sense of wonder? Join me as we explore the amazing topic of curiosity.

Executive Function: It Isn't Just for School Anymore

Webster defines Executive Function as "the group of complex mental processes and cognitive abilities (such as working memory, impulse inhibition, and reasoning) that control the skills (such as organizing tasks, remembering details, managing time, and solving problems) required for goal-directed behavior." EF skills grow through practice. In this session, instructional methods, mind-sets and tips to develop EF skills will be addressed.

Keynote

John Stonestreet will be addressing our community on how our faith and culture should best intersect with educating our children, and sharing his expertise in the areas of biblical worldview, cultural response, and apologetics.

Lunch

Café (SLR 100)

Enjoy lunch with other Veritas families! If you didn't sign-up for lunch during Paideia registration, don't forget to bring your own!

The Lies Students Believe—and the Truth They Need Instead

How did we get there in our culture today, with all the deceptive ideas readily taking hold in the hearts of our boys and girls? And what are the underlying lies our students are persuaded to believe that lead them into troubling behaviors? In the session, Ellen uncovers key deceptions and shares how we can guide our students to replace them with God’s truth instead.

Emotional Resilience: How Can We, or Our Kids, Recover from Life’s Challenges?

We have all encountered those situations that cause us either to shut down emotionally or completely overreact.  In these situations, it often feels as though we are unable to control our emotions. How can we learn to control our emotions and bounce back from daily struggles? Or how can we teach our students to respond with maturity and maybe even joy?  This session will guide parents, teachers, and students into a deeper understanding of God’s amazing creation—us. As we work to uncover how God made us to respond emotionally, we will be better equipped to remain calm and quickly return to a place of joy.

Gospel-Centered Parenting

Your experience and fluency of the gospel of grace shapes a deep well to draw from as a parent. Growing in grace and parenting with a view of raising brothers and sisters in Christ is a challenge but totally worth the investment. Building a community of parents committed to the long view of discipleship is a great way to start.

Talking About the Birds and the Bees (In a Way that Soars and Does Not Sting)

Crystal and Andrew will talk to parents and teachers about how to talk to students about sexuality from a gospel-centered rather than a fear/shame-oriented perspective.

Loving Your Neighbor Well

Whether it is within our community or outside our community how do we love each other well through an increasingly combative culture and beliefs?

Train Your Brain: Memory in the Grammar Stage

This session will explain the neurodevelopmental approach to brain training in the grammar school. This incorporates memory work, auditory/visual processing, movement exercises, and input.

Familiarizing Yourself With Our Less ”Plug and Play" Curricula

Thankfully, several of the curricula in GS are very user friendly, complete with Instructor Scripts and answer keys. Others in your daily home day, however, seem to stir up more confusion than clarity. In this session, we will walk you through the whys and hows of some of GS's more script-free curricula—like spelling, memory work, math facts, and IRP (Independent Reading Program). We want you to walk away with an understanding of the purpose behind our assignments as well as confidence executing them.

Chunk Writing in 7th-8th Grade: The Jane Schaffer Writing Program

This session is highly recommended for co-teachers of 7-8th graders embarking into the world of Jane Schaffer Writing. A program used in grades 7-12 at Veritas, chunk writing will prepare your student to pontificate on the wonders of Tom Sawyer or To Kill a Mockingbird in a well-written essay. But you can't help them get there if you don't know what a chunk is. We will cover the basics of the program, as well as stylistic techniques as part of the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW), and give you an opportunity to practice yourself.

Reflections from Ten Years in the Classical Classroom

In this session Mr. Donaldson offers up his observations and reflections from ten years in the classroom, focusing on technology to reading habits to college, Mr. Donaldson will also build a case as to why Christian Classical Education is still poised to be the best path for the modern student, as well as the best path for modern society.

Parental Support with Academic Coaching Lab in School of Rhetoric

Academic Coaching Lab is available to students receiving accommodations and is designed to help them learn ways to approach their classroom material and homework to maximize their academic success. This session is designed to help parents understand the ways that they can give targeted support to their kids to reinforce these lessons and help bridge the gap in executive functioning skills as the students are learning to consistently use them.

Redemptive Discipleship: Where Grace & Truth Converge

Some of us tend towards being grace people. We don’t like to ruffle feathers and we shy away from setting demands. Some of us are truth people. We operate on convictions and principles and hold firmly to standards, even if it makes life difficult for others. Both grace people and truth people have their strengths and well as their pitfalls. Without truth, grace is not really grace and without grace, telling the truth can come across as threatening. If we do not ground truth in love and relationships, students cannot hear the truth. In this session, Ellen describes a redemptive style of discipleship that occurs when grace and truth fully intersect. She contends that both grace people and truth people must learn to disciple students at this intersection and tell the truth compassionately to each student.

Developing an Intercession Strategy for Your Children

Praying over the lives of our children is one of our greatest spiritual privileges as parents. Interceding for them has more impact and more productivity than many of our day to day acts of service, yet we often don't prioritize it that way. In this session, we will explore not only the value of a vital prayer life over our children, but we will also strategize together a plan for intentional and committed intercession over the coming year.

Grit

As Americans say goodbye to the last remnants of the “greatest generation,” the WWII generation, we need to take a look at what made them great. They displayed a great deal of courage and grit, virtues Angela Duckworth’s addresses compellingly in her bestseller book, Grit.  C.S. Lewis called courage the form of every other virtue at its testing point. That’s because courage is what drives and motivates us to face challenges - and grit is what keeps us going in spite of difficulties. Glen discusses courage and grit and how to teach these virtues to today's generations, virtues which prevent them from becoming “snowflakes” that melt when the heat is cranked up.

Reading for Writing

What is our hope and intention to get your students writing? How do we learn the correct mechanics of the written word? What does reading have to do with writing? And how do we build a love for composing the written word?  Find out the answers to these questions and more and we dive into Writing in the Grammar School. Discover how we achieve success through our method of imitating great authors.

Boyz 2 Men

How do we cultivate true masculinity in Veritas boys so that they become strong, self-sacrificial men? Come and listen to fellow Veritas parents and faculty explore how we can order the loves of young men in a culture that mocks virtue and is attempting to make them shallow, effeminate, and unproductive.

Beauty in the Art of Handwriting

In a world dominated by technology, hear the value and benefits of teaching students the art of penmanship. 

Writing Structure & Style in 5th-6th Grade: The IEW History-Based Writing Curriculum

This session is highly recommended for co-teachers of 5th-6th graders embarking into the world of Writing Structure & Style. A new program used in grades 5-6 at Veritas, writing structure and style will prepare your student to hone the skills needed to communicate confidently, effectively and independently. In order to provide effective support on homeschool days, join this session to learn more about IEW’s nine structural models and stylistic techniques.

8th Grade Homework Lab for Parents

Eighth graders will now attend five days a week! Come and learn what homework lab is all about and how the students should be utilizing lab and the parent’s role.

Mothers and Daughters: Growing in Wisdom and Virtue

As our daughters become teens, our relationship with them begins to transition from that of a mother and child to a close friend and mentor. This transition is a joyful time where we, as mothers, should embrace the opportunity to encourage our daughters to grow as sisters in Christ, following our high calling as godly women. This session canvasses a broad range of topics including what it means to live virtuously, uphold noble standards, mature from girls to ladies, and become obedient daughters of Christ.

Intro to Latin

This breakout is for anyone who is looking for a fast intro to the Latin language. It will go over the basic structure, components, and ideas of Latin so that you can walk away with answers to such questions as: Why is the plural of cactus cacti? What is a declension? And, et tu, Brute?"

Check-In

Grammar School (PreSchool & PreK)

Our littlest Defenders will enjoy a variety of fun activities during childcare, led by our 7th-12th Grade students, and can expect train rides, bounce houses, animals, and quiet time!

Grammar School (Kinder-4th grade)

Students will spend the day getting to know their classmates and enjoying a variety of fun activities lead by our 7th-12th Grade Students. Students can expect train rides, bounce houses, student-led worship, science experiments, exploring, and more!

School of Logic (5th & 6th grades)

Students in 5th & 6th grade will spend the day getting to know their classmates and enjoying a variety of fun activities lead by our 7th-12th grade students. Their camp experience will be complete with service projects, scavenger hunts, and more as they prepare for another great school year!

We are excited to announce that John Stonestreet will be our guest keynote speaker. John Stonestreet serves as President of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview. He speaks on areas of faith and culture, theology, worldview, education, and apologetics. John is the daily voice of BreakPoint, the nationally syndicated commentary on culture and current events. Check out the BreakPoint podcast!

In addition to signs that will be posted around campus and throughout the SLR Academic Building where all sessions will be held, THESE MAPS will help you know exactly where to go during Paideia (and the school year!).  

Campus Maps

Everyone who registered for Padieia received a confirmation email titled "Paideia Registration 2022." If you received this email, you are registered!

Everyone is asked to register for Paideia, even new families and faculty who are expected to attend. Registration not only helps us with a final headcount, but makes sure we have lunch orders, name tags, and everything else ready for your family!

NOTES:

Please note that when completing your family's enrollment, all new K-12 students (including new siblings) were pre-registered for Paideia, along with ALL Kindergarten, 5th, and 9th grade students. We ask that you still complete the registration form to complete your registration since additional information is needed for each family.

Furthermore, if you have an enrolled PreS or PreK student, you may register for childcare. Unfortunately, childcare is not available for any sibling not enrolled at Veritas Academy.

Childcare is available Mon-Wed for enrolled PreS and PreK students and can be selected on the Paideia Registration Form. Unfortunately, due to limited classroom space and personnel, childcare is limited to enrolled students.

Only sessions held in the Auditorium will be recorded for viewing after Paideia.

Grade Level Launches are for parents—and specifically the co-teacher in Grammar School grades—to hear directly from their teacher or school head about the specifics of that class/grade level. Students will have the opportunity to meet their teachers during the GS Come-and-Go Open House on Friday, August 19, and during the Connect Conference on Thursday-Friday, August 18-19 for all SLR students.

Yes! The conference schedule will be available in our Veritas App as Paideia approaches. If you don't have our app yet, simply search your app store for Veritas Academy ATX.