Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

Today the students of Vita Nova are celebrating a birthday party for Jesus. Yes, they are having cake, but you may well wonder what sort of gifts there will be at party for the King of Kings. After all, as any child can tell you, it is not a birthday party without gifts.

This year our students are honoring God by giving to the least among us. In Matthew 25:40 (NIV), Jesus told a parable that taught us something about God. "'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." For their birthday presents to Jesus, our students are bringing in grocery bags of food for Shepherd Community Center, an outreach ministry in Indianapolis. These bags will reach the hungry in Indianpolis through the Bag Hunger ministry of Grace Community Church.

We talk a lot about our mission, and our particular vision at VNCA is providing a challenging educational environment where children learn to apply to the present and the future the wisdom of the past in the light of the One Who is truth, Jesus Christ. Giving birthday presents to Jesus by helping the hungry in Indianapolis is a great example of how we are living this out.

Friday, December 07, 2007

Prayers from Italy

One praise song has the lyrics, "I'm humbled by Your mercy and I'm broken inside." That is how I feel after learning that brothers and sisters in Christ are praying for us today in Italy. Here is how it happened.

I recently discovered a website (http://www.documentacatholicaomnia.eu/) that has existed for about a year and that contains all the Latin writings from the time of the Apostles until the present age. This is truly a magnificent academic site, unparalleled in its scope. I emailed the people involved, whom I do not know, to thank them. One of them, an Italian named Giuseppe, emailed me back yesterday, and after further email with him, he said the following:

Tomorrow we will all pray and will fast for you, your family, your school, and your country, the US.

I was so stunned when I read this last night that I could hardly speak. I am humbled by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that he would adopt us into a family with brothers and sisters around the world and that He would inspire some of them to be praying for us today. I never cease to be astounded by His grace.

Tuesday, December 04, 2007

The Value of Latin

A frequently asked question in today's fast-paced, high-tech world is, "Why study Latin?" One of the best answers to this question appeared in a recent op-ed piece in the New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/03/opinion/03mount.html?_r=1&ref=opinion&pagewanted=print&oref=slogin

As a Classical and Christian school, we strive to offer families the best education. To accomplish this, we believe that a solid grounding in the languages and cultures, the literature and the arts, of the ancient world is essential. As you will see in the above article, this has long been the view. That it is no longer the vision in many schools simply points to the need for schools like Vita Nova to offer what they cannot...a challenging educational environment where children learn to apply to the present and the future the wisdom of the past in the light of the One Who is truth, Jesus Christ.

Monday, December 03, 2007

The Round Table

The Parent Round Table met tonight for the first time. This is the group of parents that actively supports the Knights of Vita Nova (Knights? Round table? Get it?). It is no surprise why God is able to use these families in the development of this school. Talented? You bet. Skilled? Without question. But what really makes them stand out is their passion. These parents have a passionate desire not only for what is best for their own children, but for what is best for all children. We look forward to seeing what great ideas they will be inspired to lead into reality in the months ahead.

If you would like to be part of the Round Table, please contact Nancy Wright at nwright@vitanovaindy.org. This is a great group of parents and is just the place for a new family to begin connecting with the family that is VNCA.

Christmas Card

Vita Nova received its first Christmas card! One of our supporters sent us a beautiful Christmas card along with a gift. Thank you so much, and thanks to all of you who have supported Vita Nova. May the peace and joy that surround the celebration of Christ's birth fill the hearts and homes of you all.

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Television Advertisement

We are excited to have our first television advertisement appearing on Channel 20 WFYI, the Indianapolis area PBS station! The spot will advertise our

Open House
Sunday, December 9
2:00-4:00 p.m.
1008 W. 64th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46260
The schedule for the advertising spots is:

Monday through Friday, December 3-7
7:00 a.m. between Reading Rainbow and Maya & Miguel

Monday through Friday, December 3-7
5:30 p.m. between Fetch and Between The Lions

Friday, December 7
7:30 a.m. between Word Girl and Arthur

Friday, December 7
3:30 p.m. between Jakers and Cyberchase

Friday, December 7
4:00 p.m. between Cyberchase and Friday Zone
We are asking all our prayer partners and friends to pray around these times that God will open hearts and minds and direct the attention of families to VNCA.

Thursday, November 08, 2007

Our 501c3 Application

Because Vita Nova is a school, we are a non-profit organization, but to be officially recognized as such by the government and to receive out tax exempt status, we must apply to be a 501c3 organization. This can be a time-consuming, frustrating experience, but the following story shows how God provides when He gives the vision.

A very good friend of board member Nancy Wright, Ken Turchi, used to be on the Board of the Community Development Law Center (CDLC). Nancy had lunch with Ken one day and was asking whether he knew of anyone who would look at our 501c3 pro bono. He stated that we should get in touch with Sheila Jenkins, Director of the CDLC and see if she could help us.

Nancy called Sheila the very next day, left a message, and heard back from her about a week later stating what documents she needed from us. In middle to late October, Sheila contacted Nancy and stated that we needed to do some work on the 501c3 and wanted to set an appointment with Kimberly Huizinga, Esq., Staff Attorney. On November 7th, Melissa, Steve and Nancy meant with Kimberly to review the documents and to see what needed to be done.

After hearing what we are all about, Kimberly gave us great encouragement, suggesting that we are not as far away from having our application in order as we had thought. Her enthusiasm encouraged us greatly, and as if this were not enough, she reminded us that she would help us pro bono.

Thank You, Father, for Your endless provision. May we always take comfort and rest in the truth of Your promise to provide all our needs according to Your riches in glory Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). In His name we pray, amen.

For those who would like to know more about the Community Development Law Center and the wonderful people who work there, please visit http://www.cdlawcenter.org/home.html.

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Parents' Round Table

King Arthur had his trusty Knights of the Round Table. The Vita Nova Knights have parents fighting at their side. Because working with families is part of our mission, we want parents to have a place to get involved as soon as their children become part of Vita Nova. We are currently developing The Parents' Round Table, our organization of dedicated parents. If you would like more information or would like to contact someone about being a part of the Round Table, please visit www.vitanovaindy.org/leadership.html.

Parent Dinner

Last night, October 29, the families of Vita Nova gathered for a pitch-in dinner. We will have pictures on the website soon, but let's just say for now that it was too much fun! There was enough potato salad to sink a battleship, wonderful pasta, and some of the finest hotdogs and hamburgers ever to come off a smoking charcoal grill. Of course the children played in the beautiful area around Vita Nova while the adults grilled, laughed, and enjoyed each other's company. When at last the increasing chill in the air took us inside and away from the stunning fall foliage and brilliant October sky, the children led us in prayer, and we continued the fellowship.

Put a group of parents together and the talk naturally turns to their children. As we shared stories and pictures, we began to reflect on what we are already seeing in our children, though we are but a little more than two months into the school year. Several parents remarked on how their children were using Spanish around the house, and one said that her daughter was helping her older brother with his math. One parent shared that her child no longer cried at night as she had when attending a school that was not able to challenge her or help her grow.

It was wonderful to spend some time together, sharing food and sharing life, remembering that Vita Nova is more than just a school. It is family.

Friday, October 12, 2007

Around Town

So there I was, driving to a meeting, when I saw a vehicle in front of me with what looked like a familiar bumper sticker. As I looked more closely I realized...it was a Vita Nova bumper sticker! Not only was this exciting, but it made me daydream about the time when this will be a more common occurence as an ever growing number of families joins this unique opportunity in Christian education.

Sunday, October 07, 2007

A Thousand Hills

...for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. (Psalm 50:10, NIV)

This past Saturday, October 6, we held our fall rummage sale. It was a success both financially and in terms of the people we were able to speak to about the vision of Vita Nova. Sandra Reyes, one of our board members, had helped the students make bookmarks that we gave to each customer.

While some of the Vita Nova family worked the sale, others traveled to Fairland, Indiana, for an auction of items from the Tri-Central School District. For an amazingly small sum of money, we were able to purchase desks, chairs, overhead projectors, a map, multi-purpose carts, and a microwave. It was simply amazing.

As I reflected on the blessings of the day, I could not help but think of the verse above from Psalm 50. Our heavenly Father can more than supply all of our needs. Why would we ever doubt Him?

A big thanks to all who worked so hard to make the fall rummage sale a success. We will have pictures available soon on the website.

Friday, September 21, 2007

A Fly on the Wall

I recently had the chance to be a fly on the wall at Vita Nova. Well, not really...all the students saw me (I know this because they waved their hands vigorously!), but I did get to observe what was going on in the middle of the day, and it was amazing.

I watched Miss Sandra teach a phonics lesson, and it was wonderful to behold. Not only did the children enthusiastically sing along with the opening song, but they were eager to shoot their hands in the air to answer Miss Sandra's question, which that day was, "What words begin with T?" One student was inspired to say "tree" because she looked up and saw a woodland painting on the wall.

Next I went into the adjoining room and watched as Miss Melissa worked with the older students. The environment was completely different, as it should have been. These were a first grader and third grader, one of whom was working on a handwriting assignment, the other taking a math test. Quiet. Focused. At work.

As an educator, I could not help but analyze and evaluate what I observed. I saw neat shelves, and materials stored in an orderly way to help facilitate concepts of academic order and personal behavior. It was impressive to see how the teachers had taken the larger space of the Latvian Community Center and carefully divided it into small spaces, each well defined with objects and furniture appropriate to the students using it.

How do you measure success at a school like Vita Nova? Already we have seen increased enrollment, continuous positive comments from parents, and discernible growth in the maturity and academics of the students. If my child did not already attend VNCA, I would want to enroll him immediately.

Monday, August 20, 2007

The First Day of School!

What a day! One of our students was so excited he could hardly eat his breakfast. Another was bouncing around the house, eager for the family picture before heading off to Vita Nova for the first time. Head of School, Melissa Perkins, felt a combination of excitement and nervousness as she started toward the school for the first day of class, but after praying with her family, she was ready to launch into the new adventure.

While the sky poured forth a deluge during most of the day, the students at Vita Nova nonetheless had a promising first day. They opened the morning with song and then began their lessons. A break in the weather allowed for a bit of play outside, and hungry tummies gobbled up the lunches packed carefully by moms and dads early in the morning.

As a board member and dad of one of the Vita Nova Knights, I was eager to see what was going on and managed to arrive at the school before dismissal. I saw backpacks hanging neatly from tiny chairs and books carefully arranged on the table before each seat. Miss Melissa was working with the children in another room, and when I peaked in I saw a group of eager faces beaming atop their navy Vita Nova shirts and khaki skirts and shorts. The energy was contagious, and I soon found myself in a rousing game of Duck-Duck-Goose!

The best news was that all the students were thoroughly enjoying their first day at Vita Nova and were eager to return tomorrow. I know I will be back, too.

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Opening Day -- August 20, 2007

After more than a year of prayer, hard work, and extraordinary blessing from God, Vita Nova will welcome its first students on Monday, August 20, 2007.



We are excited to be working with the wonderful people of the Indianpolis Latvian community to launch Vita Nova. Our school will be located at:



Indianapolis Latvian Community Center

1008 W. 64th Street

Indianapolis, Indiana 46260


We give a special thanks to Andris Berzins and his board for working with us so graciously. We look forward to a great partnership with the Latvian community.



The Vita Nova school day runs from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. If you have questions about the school or late enrollment, please contact Melissa Perkins, Head of School, at mperkins@vitanovaindy.org.



We also want to thank all those who have supported the vision of Vita Nova financially and through prayer. We would not be where we are if you had not answered God's invitation to be part of this school.



Finally, we offer a prayer of thanks to our Lord. Gracious Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us the vision of a Classical Christian school. We thank You for those who have gone before us, laying the groundwork for establishing schools that would help families faithfully live out your design for the rearing of children. You have given us the dream, the people, the resources, and even the faith to persevere when times became difficult. We acknowledge that whatever the success of this school, it can only be credited to Your gracious provision. May we always measure that success in terms of faithfulness to You, and may that faithfulness be reflected in the lives of all those who take part in this grand adventure. In the name of Christ Jesus, our Lord and our Savior, amen.

Wednesday, August 01, 2007

Open House Thursday, August 2, 2007

Imagine: Classical Christian Education


Thursday, August 2, 2007
5:30 pm
The Indianapolis Latvian Community Center
1008 W. 64th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46260



The board of Vita Nova invites you to join us as we explore the facility and the vision
for our pre-K through 2nd grade school opening this August.

Children are welcome, and registration packets for the 2007-2008 school year
will be available.

We look forward to seeing you and your family!


For more information:

www.vitanovaindy.org

317.440.1120
En Espanol 317.329.9827

Friday, July 13, 2007

Prayer Partners

Vita Nova continues to be blessed and led by the Lord, and we know how important it is to remain in prayer. Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to pray without ceasing. We can do that when we realize that it is not up to us individually, that we can rely on the body of Christ, and that is where you come in.

Would you like to pray for Vita Nova as one of our Prayer Partners? If so, choose one day of the month and make that your day to pray for us. Please email Steve with your chosen day at sperkins@vitanovaindy.org and we can update you with any particular prayer requests. Of course, we encourage you to pray as the Lord leads.

Thank you so much for considering becoming a part of our team!

Tuesday, May 08, 2007

Staff Applications for 2007-2008

We are pleased to announce that we are accepting staff applications for the 2007-2008 school year. Please visit the www.vitanovaindy.org/faculty.html for more information.

Monday, April 23, 2007

Rummage Sale Success!

Our rummage sale was a huge success! Thanks to everyone who supported us in any way:


  • 1st National Bank & Trust for the use of their parking lot

  • The Latvian Community Center for the use of their tables

  • All those who donated time and effort, as well as items for the sale

One of the best things about the event, in addition to the incredible weather, was the opportunity to meet so many people who are interested in a school like Vita Nova. We gave away many flyers and talk with lots of folks. That was truly the blessing of the day.

You can get an idea of how big and how much fun the sale was from the photo to the left. To see more pictures on our website, please visit us at www.vitanovaindy.org.

Thursday, April 05, 2007

Vita Nova Rummage Sale

Want to clean out your closets for a good cause?

Want to buy great stuff you can't live without?

Come to the Vita Nova Rummage Sale

Saturday, April 21
9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Parking lot of First National Bank, corner of 86th and Payne
Want to help with the sale? Have stuff to donate? Contact Cindy Harris at charris@vitanovaindy.org.
Help us raise money for the best new school in Indianapolis!

Statement of Faith

Our Statement of Faith, which can also be found at http://www.vitanovaindy.org/about_us.html is as follows:

All that we hope to accomplish by the grace of God with students and families is rooted in the orthodox understanding of the Christian faith, chiefly expressed through the Apostles’ and Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creeds. From these creeds, other biblically-inspired texts, and the Bible itself we affirm that:

God exists eternally as three equal persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

As a result of the fall of man, all creation stands separated from God and unless reunited with Him through His grace will remain eternally separated from Him

Through faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and only through faith in Him can we receive the grace of God that will reunite us with Him

God has given and continues to give us instruction in how we are to live and accomplish His purposes through the works of His Holy Spirit and through His inspired word the Bible

Anything that is true comes from God, including such truths as found in mathematics, natural sciences, human sciences, history, and art, and all other areas of human knowledge and creation

God has given each of us particular, natural talents and, after we have received the Holy Spirit through faith in Jesus Christ, spiritual gifts and/or enhancements of our natural talents to achieve God’s purposes on earth

Children are given by God to families to develop for His glory

Vita Nova must work with families to help them develop the natural and spiritual gifts within their children, in order that those children may live out the purposes for which God has created themAs part of the multi-cultural world in which we live, we must guide children to use their understanding of the world along with their gifts in a variety of cultural settings, with a particular emphasis on missions

Wednesday, March 07, 2007

Enrollment for 2007

Vita Nova is beginning the process for enrollment of students in the fall of 2007. Please follow the link for the Letter of Intent to obtain your enrollment and application packet. There you will find a pdf of the Letter of Intent, which you can print, complete, and mail to the address on the form.

We look forward to seeing you as one of the founding families of Vita Nova Christian Academy!

Thursday, February 15, 2007

Curriculum and Fundraising

If it seems as if it has been a while since the last post, it has, but that is because the Vita Nova board has been busy!

Work on the curriculum for Kindergarten and Grade 1 has been continuing. We are drawing much inspiration and many resources from Veritas Press, a renowned publisher of materials for Classical Christian schools. (https://www.veritaspress.com/store/home.asp)

We are also gearing up for significant fundraising opportunities in the days and weeks ahead. Why do we need fundraising? Well, tuition alone covers only about half the operating costs of a school, so fundraising is essential to provide for the other curricular and resource needs. In addition, it is our desire to offer scholarship opportunities so that any family who wants to be part of Vita Nova can find a way to do so. If you would like to consider prayerfully a gift to Vita Nova, please visit the Support section of our website at http://www.vitanovaindy.org/support.html.

Our goal is to begin enrolling students in mid-March, which is about a month away. Until then, please continue to pray for God's will to be done through Vita Nova.

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

New Posting Information

We are a bit behind updating our administrative info on the blog, but since we decided on the name Vita Nova some time ago, it seemed appropriate that future blogs should be posted using this name. From now on, blogs will posted with the name Vita Nova Board.

Thursday, January 04, 2007

Our newest board member!

The newest person to join the Vita Nova board is Raimonda Balciunas. Raimonda and her husband, Otonas, have moved to Indianapolis from Lithuania. We are excited to welcome them and their daughter, Urte, to Vita Nova!