Blackhawk News

• Next year's school calendar is posted for those of you who are planners! You will note that the school year begins approximately one week later than it did this year. Here is link: 2024-25 Year at a Glance

Religion, Faith, and Church

• Summit Ministries is viewed as one of the foremost leaders in training Christians in apologetics, worldview analysis, and social engagement. I subscribe to their weekly articles. I have linked their most recent Christmas-themed post below, as well as the link to sign up for yourself. I would highly recommend their content.
• Gen Z Needs a Bigger Christmas Story
• Sign up Here

Adolescence

• Speaking of Summit Ministries, they had a fantastic article this month about people currently experiencing unprecedented levels of purposelessness and anxiety. They walk through Biblical tools to finding meaning and ways to disciple our children to orient their lives toward purpose. Please take time to read this article: Stop Looking Inside Yourself

Virtual and Digital Worlds / Education

• We will combine our last two categories again this month. Did you know that test scores, both nationally and internationally, have been falling since 2012. This is a universal trend, and the trend started everywhere at the same time. Do you know what else is unique about 2012? The graduates that year were the first to have owned a smartphone throughout their high school experience. There are many studies that correlate the decline in mental and emotional health to the smartphone. There are now more and more studies that also link the decline in academic performance to it as well. Here is an article that summarizes these declines. It is behind a paywall, but you can read the introduction for free, and you can read the full article by signing up for a free trial. I think it is worth your time: It Sure Looks Like Phones Are Making Students Dumber

May this season bring you true joy from the only one who can deliverer it! I wish you all a Merry Christmas.

In Christ,

Mark Harmon, Principal

Blackhawk Christian Secondary School

"Preparing Hearts and Minds to Serve Christ"

www.blackhawkchristian.org

(260)493-7470