November 2023
Beyond Final Projects
(2 Minute Read)
During the last couple of weeks of each semester at Doulos, there is always a subtle, but noticeable, shift on campus. The students are a little more focused. Teachers are walking the fine line between feeling invigorated and overwhelmed. Random objects (like painted cardboard, large handmade signs, homemade models from science class, and even costumes) start appearing here and there. You can see the planned chaos that comes right before everything fits together.
There is a certain Doulos term you hear just about everywhere. It's in everything from the morning announcements to emails, and it even comes up as a prayer request. It’s a term you might not have heard before, but it’s a significant part of our learning model, and it's a big deal in the lives of our students.
It's "Expedition Night."
Expedition Night is when each class takes all the learning, discipleship, and growth from that semester and brings it together in a creative presentation for parents and the broader community. It’s an academic "show and tell" when students demonstrate the real-world applications of the topics they engaged with that semester.
Students answer questions like: "What does it mean to leave a legacy?"; "Why does diversity matter to God, and why should it matter to me?"; "How should we treat ourselves and others if we’re made in God’s image?"; and "What is truth, and how can we find it today?"
Expedition Night is a culmination of the important work the students have been doing during the semester. Even more than that, it develops a humble self-confidence that one day God will use to advance His kingdom.
The preparation and presentation of Expedition Night plant powerful little seeds in the identities of each student.
They are seeds that say...
"I can grow and learn important things that really matter in the world."
"I can use my knowledge and skills to shape my community."
"I can work with others to complete large multi-step projects."
"I can communicate what’s in my heart or on my mind."
"I can engage and influence people in authority."
"I can bring my unique gifts to create something bigger than me."
"I can feel really proud of the important work I did."
"I can impact my world for the glory of God."
It's more than a final project. Expedition Night is a catalyst that God is using to shape the identities of our students as He prepares them to impact the Dominican Republic.
November's Highlights
Doulos Bazaar
Doulos families and staff came together to do their piece during Puzzle Week at our fun family bazaar.
Intervention Results
The Intervention Team added a “brain games” program, both before and after school, that has been delivering inspiring results.
Athletics In Elementary
Athletics are a great avenue to develop character and meaningful relationships between coaches and players. We’re so grateful that our elementary boys and girls get that experience through soccer this year.
Staff Thanksgiving Dinner
A wonderful night where all our staff could be grateful for good food and one another's company.
Please join us in praying for...
The Christmas program - Our Christmas Program is a powerful opportunity for the Holy Spirit to speak to the hearts of the parents who don’t yet know Christ.
Clear guidance - In order to leave time for recruitment, some staff are currently discerning whether or not to commit to serving at Doulos next school year. Please pray for clear guidance in whatever direction God is leading.
The end of the semester - Pray for a deep love to fuel our staff and students as they press into the last weeks of the semester.
The remaining puzzle pieces - Pray that God will continue to inspire people to put together the final 55 pieces of the puzzle.
A restful break - Pray for super-natural rest and rejuvenation during our break.