St. Raphael School
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Embark on a journey through the night sky as we explore the rich tapestry of stories woven into the stars. For thousands of years, humans have gazed at the night sky, weaving narratives about the stars. These grand stories feature mythological gods, legendary heroes, and fearsome creatures, while others seek to explain nature or decode the universe's powers.
We will explore and discuss the cultural, mythological, and scientific significance of constellations and celestial phenomena from Ancient Greece, North America, Egypt, China, India, and the South Pacific. Students will learn about ancient myths and legends of these different civilizations which used stars to interpret their understanding of the world. We will also delve into Orthodox understanding of the stars such as that of the Nativity Star of Christ.
Through storytelling, visual media, and practical observation, we will uncover the connections between astronomy and culture with the aim to inspire students to reconnect with the enchanting night sky by exploring its cultural, scientific, and historical significance. We encourage students to pause, look up, and reflect on the marvels of the universe created by God.
Additionally, this course will provide chances for students and families to engage in activities that encourage them to 'look up' and explore the stars together. The course will provide an introduction to basic stargazing techniques, celestial navigation, and the modern scientific understanding of stars and galaxies. By the end of the course, students will have a deeper appreciation for the ways in which humanity has looked to the stars for meaning, guidance, and inspiration throughout history.
Nota Bene: Dr. James Taylor, the founder of St. Raphael School, later known as Fr. Porphyrios, had a deep passion for teaching about the magnificent celestial universe created by God. This course is designed to honor his legacy. May his memory be eternal.
Required Materials: Books and supplies are not included in the purchase of the course. These resources are listed to help inform your decision-making as you make course selections and build your course schedule. Please reach out to the instructor if you have any questions about materials.
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Ava Nelson grew up in the Pacific Northwest amidst mountains, seashores, and plains. She studied language on the rolling hills of the Palouse and in the green pastures of Wales, earning a BA in Linguistics from Washington State University. Finding the classroom to be the true vocational home for her soul, she extended her learning to earn a Masters in Teaching, then taught in a first grade classroom, as a reading specialist, and later homeschooled her two younger siblings. She is now a mother to two lovely girls, as well as an avid reader and stargazer, and she continues to pursue restful, liturgical rhythms of living and learning in her home and parish life in Chesterton, IN. She strives to find ways that education can bless students and lean into their own keen desire to discover the truth, goodness, and beauty of the world, and how they fit into it.
She is eager to be teaching Star Stories: Myths, Legends, and Astronomy through St. Raphael School for the second year in a row, as well as Liberal Arts Level 1 and 2.
cchancey.scholeacademy@gmail.com
Courtney Chancey loved pondering icons as she and her husband Denton began their Orthodox Journey several years ago. She loves how each one tells a story that needs no words so people of all ages and backgrounds can learn from them. When her 4 children were a bit older, she began Maria Sider-Rose’s adult iconography apprenticeship program at St. Raphael School and found such peace learning about the practice of writing icons. She has also been recently accepted to the Writing the Light Program with Dr. George Kordis at the Institute of Sacred Arts at St. Vladimir’s Seminary.
Courtney graduated from Oklahoma State University with a B.S. in Psychology and a M.A. in Community Counseling. She then worked for a few years as a Licensed Professional Counselor in OKC with children and families involved with the child welfare system. After having children, she and her husband decided she would be a stay-at-home mom and through this time, Courtney has been involved in her children’s activities as well as parish life after her and her family’s conversion to Orthodoxy.
Courtney has always loved working with and teaching kids throughout her life. She and her family are active parishioners at St. Elijah’s Antiochian Parish in Oklahoma City, OK where her husband is a Reader and she is a Co-Director for their Vacation Bible School, Co-Chair for various booths at their Food Festival, and has been on their Antiochian Women Board.
First, read the available course descriptions, noting prerequisites, target grades, and course objectives. If you think your student is prepared for the course, go ahead and register. After registration, a placement assessment may be provided to students, depending on the course and the student’s previous enrollment with Scholé Academy. Registration is finalized when the student’s placement assessment has been returned by the course instructor with placement confirmation.
Make sure they don’t conflict with other activities in your schedule or other courses you are purchasing. Our system will not catch double-bookings!
Our Assistant to the Principal will be in touch with you after your enrollment to help you with next steps, including any placement evaluations that may be required for your course selections.
This registration will be finalized when the student’s placement assessment has been returned by the course instructor with placement confirmation.
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