QUOTE OF THE WEEK :

"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved." Helen Keller

In studying History and the great men and women of the past there are certain character traits and virtues that each have. We have been introducing these virtues to the children, the people who have these virtues present and past, and reading biographical excerpts from these people's lives in order to give them examples of how to incorporate these virtues into their own lives. Last week we talked about perseverance and how nothing would happen for good in the world if people were afraid to try, or if they gave up at the first sign of difficulty. We talked about Abraham Lincoln and how many times he lost elections, and how many times his idea to abolish slavery was defeated. But in the end his perseverance allowed him to be successful. Great people like him, Helen Keller, Harriet Tubman and others have persevered, and because of them, have blessed the lives of others for generations

QUOTES OF THE WEEK :

"What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!"

-Patrick Henry

We continued to talk about heros and the courage it takes to be the person who stands up for what is right, even when you're standing alone. We also talked about how everyone has the ability to be a good influence in the world by incorporating those same qualities that have been found in the heros we've studied, and that great leaders have those same qualities. We also talked about not letting our fears keep us from trying new things, and dreaming big! Where would we be if Columbus didn't have a dream, or George Washington and the other founders, or Eddison, or Bill Gates! We're also learning a new song in choir about how they were sent to earth for a "higher design", not to take the easy path. The poem by Robert Frost was incorporated in an art project as well (The Road Less Traveled.) We also began a unit in art studying the masters and their styles. We learned about Vincent Van Gogh and "pointillism." You can see the children's works of art all over the school.

QUOTES OF THE WEEK :

"I have a dream,that one day my four little children will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character" -Martin Luther King Jr.

"I fear nothing when I am doing right" -Jack from Jack and the Beanstalk

"I am guilty of trying to uproot the slavery in which you men have placed us women. Guilty of trying to make you see that we mothers are as important to this country as are the men. Guilty of trying to lift the standard of womanhood, so that men may look with pride upon their wives' awareness of public affairs, but your honor, NOT guilty of acting against the Constitution of the United States, which says that no person is to be deprived of equal rights under the law. Equal rights!" -Susan B. Anthony

We have spent the week discussing people who did extraordinary things in their lives by having faith in God, that He will help them, which gave them great courage to do what they needed to do. We've talked about George Washington, Joseph Smith, Captain Moroni, David (David and Goliath), Martin Luther King Jr., Susan B. Anthony, Rosa Parks, and Harriet Tubman, plus we've read other stories and Fairy Tales which demonstrate this. At Liberty Youth Academy it is our goal to give your children the tools that they need to face their " Goliaths" with faith and courage. When children hear of others who have been courageous, those examples sink deep into their hearts and inspire them to greatness!

QUOTE OF THE WEEK :

"Let the old year go. Let the new year come. Let another century pass. Let a new one take its place. Say good-bye to a millennium. Greet the beginning of another thousand years. And so we shall go forward on a continuing path of growth and progress and enlargement, touching for good the lives of people everywhere for as long as the earth shall last. Given what we have and what we know, we ought to be a better people than we are. We ought to be more Christlike, more forgiving, more helpful and considerate to all around us" Gordon B. Hinckley

At Liberty Youth Academy we have set some New Year's goals. We will continue to encourage the children to love and serve each other, and we will try to enlarge our sphere of influence for good into the community by offering classes to the community and by doing more service projects. We will also be adding to our curriculum, quote memorization, and scripture memorization and continue our memorization of the Articles of Faith.

We have many more fun and exciting things planned for your children as well, but wanted to let you know of a few of our goals for the New Year!

"Follow the Star" Christmas Program

The Christmas program was absolutely amazing! The children did such a wonderful job and brought the true meaning of Christmas to everyone who attended! We would like to thank all the parents and teachers that helped make this program so special! Nothing puts the Spirit of Christmas into your heart like these children and their angel voices!



"I do not try to understand the star, why it appeared at just that time alone to light the path of those who traveled far, I only know-IT SHONE!

My humble mind can’t grasp the wondrous birth, or why this child should bear that holy name, or the heavenly chorus that sang Peace On Earth, I only know HE CAME!

I can but strive His love to understand, and see the peace of mind his presence gives, and share that peace with others seeking…in a world where men, women and children are seeking the star ! Where are you Christmas? Where is the peace I used to know? It is found in HIM only, who came on that night holy. It is found only in HIS love!"