Paideia Week

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 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

Parent Partnership

Parent Partnership - As you join this new model of schooling, we will explain and demonstrate some of our unique partnering features, communication (receiving and sending), family portal (lesson plans, homework, directory), family ministry (how can you are supported and can get involved). Please bring your laptop and be ready to learn how to partner with Veritas this year.  
 

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 New Student Orientation)

All Kindergraten and new to Veritas 1st-4th grade students will spend the day learning the GS prcedures, meeting fellow new classmates 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 New Student Orientation)

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 Student Orientation)

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 New Student Orientation

All rising freshmen and new to Veritas SR students 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.

(1) Any family who walked through the admissions process for the upcoming school year, either as a new family (student + co-teacher need to attend) or as a new sibling (only student needs to attend). Please see the Paideia Registration Form to register your family.

(2) All rising Kindergarten, 5th grade, and 9th grade students, as they are each new to their school level. Please see the Paideia Registration Form to register your family.

(3) Optional childcare is available for students enrolled in PreS & PreK at Veritas Academy (there is no orientation for PreS & PreK students). To sign-up for childcare, register by Fri, Jul 14.

(4) All new faculty and staff. Please see the Paideia Registration Form to register.

Please follow the parking and check-in signs on campus to help get you to the right place on Monday morning. Generally speaking, students will check-in under the carpool canopy, and adults will check-in on the 2nd floor of the SLR Academic Building.

Dress is business casual for all adults, and it's always a good idea to bring a light sweater. You will also need your laptop so that we can help get you set up well to start the new year. You may also want to bring a water bottle and notepad.

Students should wear comfortable clothes for running around and outdoor activities and should bring a labeled water bottle, a nut-free snack, and a lunch.

In addition to the items listed above, PreS & PreK students registered for childcare should bring a beach towel or nap mat, as we will have a rest time for our youngest Defenders. Please also pack (and label) a complete change of clothes in case of accidents and dress your child in clothes that allow him/her to go to the restroom easily (elastic waist, no buttons).

Welcome & Announcements

Keynote: A Practical Guide to Culture: Helping the Next Generation Navigate Today's World 

Something has to change. We all sense it. The cultural pressure is increasing, especially on our kids. But even in a world of ever-present screens, gender identity questions, and a host of other challenges, kids can have clarity and confidence. But we must help them. In this talk, we will examine today's cultural challenges and provide a practical guide to equip parents, and Christian leaders to help the next generation navigate today's world. Based on Brett's book, co-authored by John Stonestreet.

Don't Listen to the Lies: God's Truth About Motherhood

Our culture minimizes the value of motherhood and creates discontentment in moms. However, God's Word elevates the vaolue of motherhood and the role that moms play in their families. This talk confronts the lies of our culture, replacing them with biblical truths.

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.

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

See title..."It" being parenting, particularly in this model.

Adding Function & Fun to your School@Home Spaces & Studies

The University Model provides us with an opportunity to guide and train our children in faith and academics. Join us as we help add function and fun to your School@Home days. Whether you have a kitchen table or a whole room available to you, you'll hear about a variety of design concepts and practical tips that will inspire you as you prepare for your school@home days. You’ll also learn ways to keep those days fun and fresh with games, excursions, and changes in rhythms and scenery. 

Making Math Easy (Grades 1 and 2)

Teaching math is one of the most intimidating aspects of home days for many co teachers, but with a little knowledge and a little practice it doesn't have to be! We will cover the "how to" of Rapid Recall, Math Meeting, Digit Span, and more. Join us to get some examples and tips on how to make this important part of your day less stressful for you and your student.

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.

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!

What to Expect from 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.

Supporting Your Student in College Advising

This session helps parents walk your SR student through the academic and college advising process.

Metaphors, Wit, and Judgements: Being Witty Can be Learned

Judgement--discerning differences between two things--and wit--seeing the similarities between things--are essential skills needed for inquiry. In this talk Graeme will break down how a simple lesson on wit, judgement, and metaphors contains in it the very heart of Classical Education.

Living for a Cause Greater than Yourself

In the midst of such wealth, advances in technology and everything else the world offers for good life, why are so many people so unhappy? Because true meaning in life is only found when you live for a cause greater than yourself. And the greatest cause is the cause of Christ. But wheat does it really look like to live for Christ and bring the good news of the gospel to a lost world? We'll look at the skills necessary to find true life as we live our lives for the cause of Christ. 

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.

Creating Passion for Community Service and Raising Missional Kids

Our panelists share their own backgrounds and service stories as well as practical ways you can lead your children to be missional in their communities and beyond. Your kids are never too young to serve, and it is important that parents continually provide opportunities and encourage hearts for service. You will also learn about Veritas community partnerships and ways students and families can become involved in these organizations.

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

Crystal Wilkins, Director of Clinical Care at the Austin Stone Counseling Center, will give a Biblical framework for how parents and teachers can talk to students of all ages about gender, sex and sexuality from a gospel-centered perspective. 

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. 

Grammar School Math Explained (Grades 3 and 4)

Third and Fourth Grade Teachers, Anna Melvin and Jessica Estrada will walk you though a day in the life of  the math classroom at Veritas as well as expectations for the school@home day. Prepare for it to all add up and make cents!

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.

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.

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.

Cardinal Virtues for Current Culture

You may remember the norms, habits, and routines based on the Seven Heavenly Virtues we introduced in the SLR last year, and if you take a peek into any one of our SLR classrooms, you’ll see posters of the four cardinal virtues (prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance) and the three theological virtues (faith, hope, and charity) that define these norms. While most of us are familiar with these terms, chances are our understanding of the cardinal virtues is vague at best. Chloe Larson is thrilled to offer a session to define these terms. She’ll cover a classical review of the cardinal virtues and offer encouragement and challenges as we consider the importance of these virtues in light of culture today.

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: Why Should Our Kids Trust the Bible? Establishing the Authority of God's Words in our Homes

Why should anyone trust an ancient book written by a bunch of men? Why should we think the Bible has any authority whatsoever? The culture continually undermines our kids' confidence in the Bible as the very owrds of God. In this talk we'll show how parents can establish the Bible as God's authoritative source of knowledge for their children and students, and why this life-changing book is the probper foundation for all of life. 

Developing a Family Technology Plan

Technology is omnipresent in modern life.  How do we help our family navigate a world of screens - smartphones, tlevision, movies, social media, video games and more?  This talk will give you very practical steps to take back control of your family's technology use. 

Raising Kids with Emotional Spirituality

Many of us were taught to reject, bury, or hide our hearts, yet the Bible calls the heart “the wellspring of life”–and that what we think in our hearts, so are we. The human heart has a great capacity for both emotional expression and spiritual relationships, so for students to grow spiritually mature, they must also grow in emotional health. To this end, we will discuss topics such as training our students to manage conflict well, being attentive to what their emotions are saying, why healthy boundaries are essential, and gaining clarity about their God-given identities.

Raising Godly 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.

Classical Stuff You Should Know Podcast

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

Live at Five: Lesson Plan Prep

It's Friday at 5:00pm and I've just received my lesson plans. Now what do I do?

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.

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 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.

Homosexuality and Romans Chapter One

A local pastor and Veritas parent will discuss this important passage of Scripture and the current culture shift regarding homosexuality.

Leadership Class Overview

Sandra Moore, SR Leadership Department Head, will lead this session for teachers and parents. The SR 9th-11th grade leadership class was created out of a desire to grow students' love of Christ and each other. In class, students read God's word and significant Christian books, ask questions, and respond in a small group setting encouraging them to explore their faith. In this session, we will share the vision for leadership class, reveal the focus for the year, and identify the way that parents can continue leadership discussions at home.

Welcome & Announcements

Keynote: Stop Doing Everything for Your Kids! How Struggle Develops Your Kid's Character

Modern culture tells us to pursue pleasure and avoid pain at all costs. But what does the Bible have to say about struggle, suffering, and even pain? Are we hindering our kids' spiritual growth and character development by overprotecting them? This talk will help you to help your kids see struggle and suffering from God's point of view, as well as offer practical tips on how to allow your kids to struggle in healthy ways. 

How to Build a Family Life That is "In But Not Of"

In our culture, family dysfunction and brokenness is pervasive. For many, broken families are simply the new normal. As such, Christians cannot overlook the powerful impact a healthy and harmonious home will have on those around us. So how can we cultivate a family life that brings stability, strength, peace harmony? This talk provides practical guidance on raising a family amidst a culture where families are falling apart and reveals how a healthy home can be a bright light in a dark culture. 

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

We hope you enjoy hearing from two of our very own Veritas moms--Monica Scantlen and Katie Luevano! Monica has two daughters now in the Schools of Logic & Rhetoric, and she has been balancing work and teaching at home for 11 years. Katie has 12 years of experience working at Veritas and is starting her journey of juggling as her oldest goes into PreK. Both moms have a lot of insight into Veritas and just like you, they are familiar with wearing several hats and serving in different roles throughout the course of any given day. Come hear some tips to help you enjoy your teaching responsibilities and lay a framework that allows you and your family to continue in this special model for many years. It's not easy, but we believe it's worth it!

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.

Navigating Social Dynamics in SL & SR

During adolescence, friendships and group dynamics play an especially important role in a child’s social and emotional development. They are learning to navigate relationship intricacies with both boys and girls while they build a personal sense of identity and belonging. This session offers parents insights and suggestions for how to guide their children as they navigate the social complexities of the SL and SR years.

Building Healthy Habits: Laying Down the Rails

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.

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.

Expectaion of Lower Logic Math (5th and 6th Grade)

Your title has changed from co teacher to guide for independent learning but what does this mean in a math setting and how do I support my child on the school at home days in math?  Erica Miller will explain our expectations for lower Logic math. 

Science Resequencing

Our science department will discuss our vision for teaching science classically through a biblical worldview for our SL/R students. We recommend this session for parents of 6th, 7th, and 8th graders, but it will be beneficial for SR or anyone interested in science pedagogy! Starting in the '24-'25 school year Veritas will begin a 4-year transition to resequence our core science classes from the current progression: 8th-Physics, 9th-Biology, 10th-Chemistry, to a new progression: 9-Physics, 10-Chemistry, 11-Biology.  Our science department and Academic Team have given a great deal of prayerful consideration to the inherent advantages of this new sequence through better alignment with our math classes, and a richer learning experience that provides a better opportunity for presenting a biblical worldview in the science classroom.  We would love the opportunity to open a dialog with you by sharing our thinking and supporting data that recommends this change.  We encourage this session for parents of 6th, 7th, and 8th graders, or anyone interested in science pedagogy!

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 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.

Theology of Sports

Are sports the exception when it come to allowing God to influence our lives? Can we ignore the Bible when it come to sports? In this session we will be discussing how followers of Christ should participate in sporting events and how their relationship with Christ will affect every area of their lives.

Keynote: Veritas Vision

Lunch & Traditions Sign-Ups

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! There will also be an opportunity to sign up for volunteer events for the school.

Cultivating a Theology of Home

What is a home according to Scripture?  How can we develop a "theology" or God-informed view of the home and what it is for?  In this talk we will take a careful look at what our homes should be centered around, the goodness they provide to the weary world around us and how they even offer a foreshadowing of heaven to our family, friends, and neighbors.  We'll conclude with practical guidance on building homes that glorify God and draw other to Him. 

The Joy of Boys

Boys and girls are very different both inside and outside the classroom. Understanding better what motivates boys can make for  more effective and productive learning, not to mention create better relationships. Benefit from the experience of a mom of five boys and their 23 years of "Tales of Testosterhome."

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.

Modern Modesty

What is modesty? What does it really look like? How can I encourage my child to be modest? Come learn the answers to these questions and gain some encouragement to have amazing conversations with our children that help them to choose to honor God with their hearts, souls, minds, and bodies.

Play as Learning

This session will consider ways we can meet our youngest students where they learn best and capitalize on learning through play.

Language Arts, Part I: Focus will be on Spelling in 1st-4th

In this session, Kimberly Bruce, Grammar School Academic Dean, will introduce 1st through 4th grade co-teachers to the unique nature of our spelling program, Spell to Write and Read. Co-teachers will learn the science behind this program along with helpful tips on how to decipher the weekly lesson plans, how to teach and review the phonograms and spelling rules, and, most importantly, how to dictate a spelling lesson at home. This session is highly recommended for new co-teachers.

The Art of Argument - New Lower Logic Class Defined

Let's Argue! Have you ever heard an argument from a friend that didn't seem right? Perhaps you knew that something was wrong with an argument but could not figure out what the problem was. Veritas' 7th Grader Informal Logic class will study just what is wrong with bad arguments, and will even learn the names for the ways that arguments can be bad. This session will give parents an overview of the class, hear what is required for their child to succeed, and give ideas on how the child can have support from home.

Participating in the Beautiful through Academic Elegance

Classical schools spend a lot of time discussing “the true, the good, and the beautiful.” But while truth and goodness are easy to grasp, beauty often eludes us. Join us as we discuss why beauty matters, where to find it in various disciplines, and how we can participate in the beautiful through academic elegance.

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.

Athletics at Veritas

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

Calming Anxious Hearts and Minds

In this tumultuous culture, we long to be a standard for our students against the prevailing winds, but we must also be mindful of our own hearts and not grow overwhelmed by fear and anxiety. Our students need to that the light of God’s love can calm our anxious hearts, diminish our fears, and revitalize our strength. Today’s youth are ripe for a revival. They want what is true and good and beautiful. They want deep meaning and purpose. Let’s show them that Christ is the true, the good, and the beautiful that they seek—that they will not find what they are searching for in any other way.

The Delight of Daughters

Kate will be talking about the importance of reliance on & relationship with Jesus in parenting as well as intentionality while addressing some common struggles girls face.

Fine Arts at Veritas

This talk is for all parents or prospective parents of the Fine Arts program. In this session, parents will learn about the mission of Veritas Fine Arts and the various programs, competitions, and performances available in SLR. Parents will also learn about ways to become involved in Friends of Fine Arts. 

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.

Language Arts, Part II: Focus Will be on Grammar and Writing in 1st-4th

In this session Kimberly Bruce, Grammar School Academic Dean, will walk 1st through 4th grade co-teachers through our grammar curriculum, First Language Lessons, along with our in-house Writing program, which utilizes the art of narration and dictation. Co-teachers will learn the ins and outs of these two aspects of our Language Arts curriculum including how to parse and diagram sentences, how writing is modeled from classic literature, and how to think outside the box on school@home days to make these subjects fun for you and your students. This session is highly recommended for new co-teachers.

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.

The Telos of Education

What is the end goal when we graduate seniors and send them out into the world? Does education end there? Want to know more? Come listen to our resident "knucklebones" world champion explain the telos of education. 

Sexual Purity/Integrity: The Ongoing Conversation You Should be Having

It can be easy for our teens to lose sight of why their sexual purity is even important today. As parents we have the opportunity for ongoing and regular conversions about sexual integrity, which goes much deeper than the “purity” message. Amber-Rose Zimel, parent of 5 teenage/young adult children, will give a vision for WHY and HOW to talk with our teens about their own sexual integrity. 

Evolution and Design

When Darwin proposed Evolution by Natural Selection with the publication of Origin of Species in 1859 he was putting forth a theory for life. Like all scientific theories, its tenets are forever open to challenge by experiment and observation. Since that time it has become a battleground for competing worldviews engendering strong responses from both evangelical and secular circles. In this session, we will examine and discuss modern Evolutionary theory, including data that supports the theory and arguments against it from Intelligent Design and BioLogos camps. Most importantly, we'll trace how worldviews have "evolved" (couldn't help it) from some of the consequences of scientific materialism largely fueled by Darwin's theory as an alternative to our origins through a personal God who created us in His image.

Athletics at Veritas

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

(1) All Veritas families are invited to join those newest in our community at this two-day conference for co-teachers, parents, faculty, and staff. 

(2) Optional childcare is available for students enrolled in PreS & PreK at Veritas Academy. To sign-up for childcare, register by Fri, Jul 14.

Check-in on the 2nd floor of the SLR Academic Building. All sessions are held throughout the building on the 2nd-4th floors, and the first keynote begins at 9:15am.

Dress is business casual for all adults, but it's always a good idea to bring a light sweater, water bottle, and notepad.

In addition to the items listed above, PreS & PreK students registered for childcare should bring a beach towel or nap mat, as we will have a rest time for our youngest Defenders. Please also pack (and label) a complete change of clothes in case of accidents and dress your child in clothes that allow him/her to go to the restroom easily (elastic waist, no buttons).

We are excited to announce that Brett & Erin Kunkle will be our guest keynote speakers at the 2023 Paideia Conference. Brett is the founder and president of MAVEN. He has more than 25 years of experience working with junior high, high school, and college students. Erin is a full-time stay-at-home homeschooling mom of five. 

  meet our keynote speakers  

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

Due to the size of our student body and the limitations of our campus facilities, we will not be able to offer childcare or camp for our K-12 students this year. We know that setting aside these days during Paideia Week to prepare for the new school year together is important, and we hope that between now and August you will be able to make other childcare arrangements for your K-12 children for Tue-Wed, Aug 8-9—the two on-campus days of the parent/faculty conference.

All NEW Students and all Kindergarten, 5th & 9th grade students will still attend orientation on Mon, Aug 7.

Childcare for enrolled PreS/PreK will be available Mon-Wed, Aug 7-9.

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 later in August during the GS Come-and-Go Open House and SLR Connect Conference.

Yes! The conference schedule will be available later this summer.