Last Friday, our high school students got together to try bubble tea. It was a new experience for some. While there, they also engaged in board games and enjoyed the very pleasant weather outside. 

As the 2022-23 school year kicks off, we are humbled that this will be our 5th year in operation. With a new year comes new opportunities and we cannot wait to get started. 
Our co-op is just as strong as ever and this year we are adding the opportunity for high school students to be part of the yearbook staff. Classes have been added to our schedule at our office for students of all ages. We look forward to seeing every opportunity to come to fruition and be a benefit to Chestnut Ridge Academy students and the local homeschool community in general. 
Happy Homeschooling!
​Patti

At today's Fine Arts Series workshop, we sculpted one of Wayne Thiebaud's paintings. Yes, you read that right. We sculpted a painting. For the Kindergarten through 8th grade group, we mixed together a "play dough" made of powdered sugar and icing. While it was messy, it was delicious. 
The high school group used corn starch and hair conditioner. These will get hard and last indefinitely. 
The next Fine Arts Series event will be a painting workshop. $10 per student for CRA students and $12 per student for non-CRA students. We hope to see you all there! 
To sign up, please use this link: Painting Workshop

Chestnut Ridge Academy Speech Contest
Grades 9 – 12

What is the Importance of Wisconsin v Yoder to homeschool families today?

May 15, 2022 will mark the 50th Anniversary of Wisconsin v Yoder, a case heard by the Supreme Court that helped pave the way for homeschooling freedoms in the United States.
High School students (Grades 9-12) are invited to write a speech explaining why this court case is important to homeschool families today.

Prizes: 1st Place - $250            2nd Place - $150          3rd Place - $100

Winning speech will be delivered at Chestnut Ridge Academy’s high school graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 14, 2022.

Speech requirements:

• Between 5 to 7 minutes in length
• Must answer the question, “What is the Importance of Wisconsin v Yoder to homeschool families today?”
• Must use proper grammar
• Student must speak clearly

Entry procedures:
A written copy of the speech needs to be submitted to Patti Hunt on or before March 31, 2022.
The Board will review written speeches. Students who go on to the next level will be asked to give their speech at the April 11 Board Meeting at 6pm. From there, the board will judge and choose the top three winners.

Eligibility:
As of January 1, 2022, students must be in 9th grade and registered and in good standing with Chestnut Ridge Academy

Donuts! Who doesn't like donuts? 
As we kick off our 2022 Fine Arts Series, we were able to enjoy tea, scones and donuts! 
Wayne Thiebaud was an American painter known for his colorful works depicting commonplace objects—pies, lipsticks, paint cans, ice cream cones, pastries, and hot dogs. At this workshop, we will do a Charlotte Mason style picture study and tried our hand at drawing donuts using colored pencils and oil pastels.
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Upcoming Events in our Fine Arts Series:
Sculpting Workshop
Painting Workshop
Student Art Gallery
Call the CRA office for more details about the upcoming events. 

It was a beautiful morning out at Tim's Ford. The overcast skies kept temperatures in the low 60's and there was no rain. We hiked the Lost Creek Trail. Afterward, we went to Fazoli's in Tullahoma. 

Our Spring 2021 Fine Arts Series will focus on Johannes Vermeer.  
Join us as we explore the works and techniques of one of the world’s most known artists through a series of workshops that will launch with a Masters & Me Tea and conclude with a Student Art Gallery and Reception. Each workshop has a different fee based on supplies needed. 

Masters & Me Tea: Oil Pastels Workshop
$10 per person
Take some time with the Masters. This month's focus is on Johannes Vermeer and is our launching event for this fine arts series. While enjoying tea, we will do a Charlotte Mason style picture study. Afterward, we will create a work of art using oil pastels. 
Tea includes seasonal fruit, scones, iced tea and hot tea. 

Dates:
High School (9th-12th Grade)
Wed, March 3, 2021 at Mrs Patti's House
1-2:30
Sign up here: High School Tea

Kindergarten through 8th grade 
Thur, March 4, 2021 at Washington Street church of Christ
1-2:30
Sign up here: K-8th Tea

Upcoming Events:
March 31 - Painting workshop for High School
April 1 - Painting workshop for K-8
April 9 - Student Art Gallery and Reception

​Chestnut Ridge Academy’s Debate Club participated in an end of semester debate on December 7, 2020. The topic of the debate was “All US citizens should serve in the military for one year when they are 18 years old.” Arguments for the affirmative and the negative were given. Affirmative arguments included giving our country an advantage if we were ever attacked by a foreign enemy, creating healthier citizens by putting everyone through boot camp, and teaching young adults responsibility. The Negative arguments cited the 13th Amendment of the US constitution, as well as tax increases to support such an endeavor, and long term psychological effects that could have an impact on society as a whole. The final resolution for the debate was for the Negative.
“Debate is a good exercise in public speaking and critical thinking skills” said Patti Hunt, Founder of Chestnut Ridge Academy and Debate Club coach. “Students are challenged to think and prepare arguments for a given topic. Sometimes they may not agree with a topic, but will have to argue for it with poise and integrity.”  When students were asked what they feel they have gained from being part of the Debate Club, Kaitlyn Lyon said she learned how to use resources other than Google to do research. Harold Canada said, “I believe I gained the ability to speak publicly without nervousness.” He went on to add, “I was truly able to learn the ability to argue a topic with respect and without it becoming a heated argument full of yelling.” The judges for the evening were Robyn Arnold, Brittany Maynard, and Carrie Robertson.
This is Chestnut Ridge Academy’s first year to sponsor a Debate Club and their goal is to participate in a Mock Trial in the spring.
Debate Club members who participated in the debate were – Affirmative Team: Kylie Laverghetta, Shannon Jean, Alden Golden, Timothy Lyon and Harold Canada. Negative Team: Garett Golden, Sarah Dye, Tessa Miller, David Owen, and Kaitlyn Lyon.

Chestnut Ridge Academy’s office is closed for the holiday.
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We are reachable by phone at (931)227-7391
You are welcome to call with any questions you may have or to set up an appointment during this time.
 
Our regular office hours will resume January 4, 2021.
 
Mondays 9am to 1pm
Wednesdays 9am to 4pm
All others by chance or by appointment
 
We wish you a safe and blessed Christmas holiday.