Academy at the Farm

We're thrilled to share that the concrete slab for our new high school building has been successfully poured! This significant milestone brings us one step closer to creating a dynamic space where future AATF students will thrive.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to build a bright future for our community.

The students are exploring the enchanting parallels between living beings and their habitats, delving into the realms of nocturnal and diurnal wonders. They are also honing their fine motor skills by coloring and cutting out the shadows of bats, owls, insects, and spiders.

Volunteers are required to get fingerprinted for the safety of the students. To begin the process click on the 2024-25 Volunteer Application link below. The cost is $41.25, and the results are valid for five years. Please inform your child’s teacher once you receive the results.

As we proceed through the school year, we continue to focus on learning and growth in every classroom. Here is a snapshot of what's happening:

*Kindergarten is learning all about letters, sounds, words, numbers 1-20, October Math, Ag lessons, and learning our Character Traits.

*1st Grade is participating in the Sunshine State Young Readers Awards Jr. program, Ag lessons, and learning our Character Traits.

*2nd Grade is working on the Pumpkin Book project, October Experiments, Ag lessons, and learning our Character Traits.

We are thrilled to share some exciting things happening in October in Primary.

*On October 25th we will be having our annual Trunk or Treat family/community event at the Academy at the Farm set up at 5:30, begins at 6:00 PM, and ends at 8 PM. If you can not attend this event we will still accept donations of candy in the front office.

Thank you for your continued support in making this school year a success! We are proud of all the hard work and progress our students are making in the Primary Learning Community.

1st Graders Showcase Their Sink or Float Projects!

Our 1st graders embarked on an exciting hands-on learning experience with their Sink or Float projects! Each student created their own boat and tested it in water to see if it would float or sink.

The creativity on display was amazing, with boats made from various materials like recycled containers, cardboard, and even craft sticks! Students were excited to explain their designs and the science behind why their boats either floated or sank.

Great job, 1st graders! Keep up the excellent work!

Our 3rd graders had an amazing adventure traveling back in time to Cracker Country! The students immersed themselves in 1890s life, learning to make candles, churn butter, weave rope, and even do laundry like folks did over a century ago. It was a hands-on experience that brought history to life and sparked their curiosity about the past. We’re proud of their enthusiasm and can’t wait to hear more about their favorite activities

Fiona Brennan, Sophia Rodriguez, Lily Gomez, Sawyer Dwyer, Tripp Skillman, Avery Seufert, Willow Belletete, Brensen Nauyokass, Ricky Lopez, Rilynn Hoyle, Kennedy Jarrell

Tanner Moates, Alia Sikora, Trace Floyd, Finley Brennan, Remington Nosworthy, Laken France,

Sofia Meabe, Chase Jones, Bria Van Holten, Abigail Dahmer, Aubrey Blommel, Brooke Etheridge

MaKenna Podstawa, Mckinley Hutchins, Nora Monbarren, Tinsley Boyette, Calistyn Heck, Jaslyn Flores, Mackenzie Groner, Alix Kotanko, Dante Sikora, Jasper Keith, Jazzianna Kruger,

Karuna Chavda

Dear Parents,

As we settle into the school year, I wanted to reach out with some tips on helping your children develop effective study habits. Good study habits are crucial for academic success, and it’s never too early (or too late) to start building them. Using the Love and Logic approach, we can guide children toward becoming responsible, independent learners while fostering a loving and respectful environment at home.

Below, I’ve outlined some advice and tips tailored to both elementary and middle school students to help you guide your child through this process.

Elementary School Students (Grades K-5)

At the elementary level, students are just beginning to develop the skills needed for organized studying. Here are some tips to help them start on the right foot:

1. Create a Routine: Set up a consistent time and place for studying each day. Children thrive on routine, and knowing when and where to study helps reduce resistance and stress.

2. Offer Choices: The Love and Logic approach encourages giving children options within limits. For example, ask, “Would you like to do your homework right after school, or after a 15-minute break?” Giving choices makes children feel more in control, leading to less resistance.

3. Stay Positive and Empathetic: When your child struggles or feels frustrated, respond with empathy. A phrase like, “I know it’s hard sometimes, but I believe you can figure it out,” lets them feel understood while encouraging perseverance.

4. Set Small, Achievable Goals: Break study time into manageable chunks with short breaks in between. For younger students, focus on one subject at a time, using timers to make the study sessions feel more structured yet manageable.

5. Let Them Learn from Mistakes: Allow your child to experience the natural consequences of not studying effectively, such as getting a lower grade on an assignment. Follow this up with a calm discussion on what they might do differently next time, empowering them to take responsibility for their learning.

Middle School Students (Grades 6-8)

Middle schoolers face increasing academic demands and a need for more independence. Here are some strategies to help them develop good study habits with Love and Logic in mind:

1. Encourage Responsibility: Instead of nagging, help your middle schooler take ownership of their study time by asking questions like, “What’s your plan for getting your homework done tonight?” This prompts them to think ahead and make their own decisions, fostering responsibility.

2. Teach Time Management: Middle school is a great time to introduce more structured time management skills. Help your child break down larger assignments into smaller, more manageable tasks, and use planners or apps to organize their workload. Encourage them to prioritize their work while still allowing some flexibility.

3. Empathy Before Problem-Solving: When they come to you stressed or overwhelmed, start with empathy. Say something like, “I know balancing homework and activities can be tough. What do you think would help you get back on track?” This shows you care while guiding them toward finding their own solutions.

4. Focus on Effort, Not Just Results: Acknowledge the effort your child is putting in, not just their grades. Praise statements like, “I’m really proud of how hard you worked on that project,” help build intrinsic motivation and encourage perseverance.

5. Allow Natural Consequences: If your middle schooler chooses to procrastinate or not study effectively, allow them to experience the natural consequences, such as missing out on fun activities because they’re behind on work. Let them reflect on their decisions, and resist the urge to fix it for them. This fosters accountability and independent problem-solving.

Final Thoughts

No matter your child’s age, your role as a parent is to provide support, encouragement, and the opportunity for them to learn from their choices. The goal is to guide your children through natural consequences while remaining loving and empathetic, allowing them to grow into responsible, confident learners.

If you have any questions or need additional resources, feel free to reach out. I’m here to support you and your child throughout the school year.

Warm regards,

April Dodd

School Counselor

This month our FFA hosted an agriculture camp for our elementary students. We taught the students about many different topics including aquaculture, poultry, swine, and so much more. The camp was a great opportunity for the kids to learn, and members to serve as a role model. Our FFA raised $2,653 which will go towards sending our members to Indiana for our national convention.

Our chapter also hosted a positive puppy day in the middle school. We had the opportunity to have 5 golden retriever puppies come to our ag classroom. We selected random kids to come socialize with the pups during 3 different periods. Members loved watching fellow students light up as they saw the puppies.

Unfortunately due to severe flooding at Mrs. Williamson's home, school experience #23 Family River Bash will no longer be able to happen. Instead, we have changed experience #23 to "Enjoy a spring afternoon doing art with Mrs. Gail Williamson for an intermediate student and 1 friend." Thank you.

Dear Academy at the Farm Family and Friends,

The Breakfast at Tiffany's Mustang Ball is next week and we are in our "little black dress era"! There are only few tickets left. Due to Hurricane Milton, we postponed out event. Join us at Simpson Lakes on Friday, November 15th from 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm.

The Mustang Ball is more than just a gala—it’s a vital fundraising event that directly benefits our students providing each classroom with an Instructional Assistant to maintain a low student to staff ratio. This year’s theme, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” promises a night of elegance and community spirit. A highlight of the evening will be a raffle featuring stunning lab-created diamonds from Boyd Jewelers, including studs, a pendant, and a ring.

Thank you for your continued support of Academy at the Farm. Together, we can create a memorable evening that directly impacts the future of our students.