Written by Dr. Steve Whitaker, Head of School
January is a time of reflection and anticipation at The First Academy. It is a time to look back and humbly reflect on the blessings of the past and look forward to the opportunities ahead.
One of the things we do each January is share a State of the School presentation and create our Annual Report document for the prior calendar year. This year, our video presentation has a much different look and feel. I invited some of our wonderful teachers to share the story. I wanted you to hear about their love for students. I wanted you to feel their passion for TFA. And, I wanted you to get to know them a little better. The quantitative portion of the report, the school calendar, and a link to the Strategic Plan are also being made available as they have in the past.
Looking ahead, there are several special events in the coming weeks and months that we hope you are able to attend. We are hosting Open Houses on Sunday, January 28 and Sunday, March 4. I encourage you to share these dates with anyone who may ask you about our extraordinary school. The Upper School Theatre Department is excited to present The Importance of Being Earnest January 25-27 in the Black Box Theatre. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at thefirstacademy.ticketleap.com/the-importance-of-being-earnest/.
In Athletics, there are some important games approaching and many of our teams are advancing to district and regional play. Be sure to mark your calendar for these events, as listed below.
Boys Basketball
1/19 – Varsity vs. Windermere Prep in the Cramer Family Field House. This is our final 30th-Anniversary Celebration and we will induct the Class of 2017 into the Athletic Hall of Fame
1/26 – Varsity vs. Lake Highland
Girls Basketball
1/19 – Varsity vs. Deltona
1/26 – Varsity vs. Olympia HS
Boys Soccer
1/29 – Varsity District Quarterfinals
1/31 – Varsity District Semifinals
2/1 – Varsity District Championship
Girls Soccer
1/22 – Varsity District Quarterfinals
1/24 – Varsity District Semifinals
1/26 – Varsity District Championship
Wrestling
1/23 – Varsity vs. Master’s Academy
As I look back at 2017, the word that stands out to me is Faithful. God has been faithful to walk alongside us each step of the way – teaching us, correcting us, and molding us into His image. Tricia and I count it a privilege to have served this community for 15 years and we look forward to many, many more together. Thank you for your prayers, your words of encouragement, and your support.
The best is yet to come!
Sincerely,
Dr. Steve Whitaker, Head of School