Mission & Academics Blog
Welcome to Mission & Academics Blog, a Brookfield Academy space to explore ideas, build community, and search for the Truth. We will share our efforts to strive for day-to-day excellence at our school, recognizing the ways in which individuals grow. You will find valuable, thought-provoking insights as well as simple "how-to" solutions. Whether academics, philosophy, or best practices, this blog will make you smile, increase your gratitude, and inspire you to continue learning. So, have at it, be curious, ENJOY, and, as stated by Founder Bill Smeeth, keep your "lamps brilliantly lit!"
2024
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A Rich Tapestry: The Enduring Value of Mythology
Read More…myths, they've lasted for a reason. We tell them over and over because we keep finding truths in them, and we keep finding life in them. - Patrick NessRecently our Level 4 students participated in the Pegasus National Mythology Test. We had several students perform very well and one student, Ameen Pasha, earned a perfect score. Our Latin students in both Middle and Upper School also soak up the stories - both Latin and Greek - and perform well in certamen competitions. We are very proud of these students but we are equally proud that mythology has always been an important part of our curriculum. Happily, our students enjoy learning about the various gods and heroes in these rich stories. -
End-of-Year Home Stretch: A Roadmap for Families
The end of the school year always seems SO busy. With summer coming, it seems like things should be slowing down, but nice weather, outdoor activities, awards celebrations, school programs, and more this time of year can be overwhelming. There are only six weeks left in the school year, and I thought it would be helpful to offer some practical suggestions for families to finish the year strong…and more importantly, joyfully.Read More -
Classical Education: The Pursuit of Truth, Beauty, and Goodness
Read MoreAt the heart of Classical Education is the pursuit of Truth, Beauty, and Goodness as objective and identifiable ends. It's not just a philosophy, it's a way of life that ignites curiosity and passion in every discipline. It is visible everywhere across campus and as one of BA's Founders, Bill Smeeth, always said, it keeps “the lamp of learning brilliantly lit.”I recently spoke with Mrs. Karen Ray, one of our Western Civilization teachers, who was named Teacher of the Year by the Wisconsin VFW. We chatted about her numerous interviews with Veterans over the years and her deep interest in and appreciation for their service. She is attracted to their loyalty, commitment, and patriotism - their allegiance to something higher than themselves and their willingness to sacrifice so much. She sees the Goodness and Truth - and she is drawn to it. She takes great care to share these Veterans’ stories and elaborate on their contributions. Her enthusiasm is contagious and students cannot miss it. -
Family Makes the Difference
Read MoreI often reflect on how grateful I am to be working at Brookfield Academy and I ask myself what makes this place so special to me.
Yes, I do love the curriculum and of course, I value the Five Stars tremendously. The view from the Primary School assembly each morning around the flagpole is always inspiring. I appreciate so many other things as well. But truly what makes BA the treasure that it is to me are the families. The parents and children who chose to be a part of this community, who get up every morning and show up. The education we provide attracts parents interested in both strong academics and character development for their children. Our families are what makes the difference. -
The Power of Pause
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Follow effective action with quiet reflection, from the quiet reflection will come even more effective action.
- Peter F. Drucker
Our busy world does not lend itself to regular self-reflection. Somehow it almost seems lazy to take time to reflect when we can be getting something else done. But the truth is, there is nothing lazy about reflection. Sure, we learn by experiences and from our mistakes in action. But, unless we take the time to think about these experiences and carefully study our mistakes and identify the lessons we might learn, we won’t actually make the needed changes. We won’t grow and improve. Self-reflection enables a person to go further than just experiencing, and step more deeply into understanding and ultimately change. It is true that we all do, in fact, self-reflect to some extent, but to do it well and fruitfully, we need to take time - uninterrupted and quiet time. -
Let Your Mind Wander...After You Read This
Why do we find ourselves struggling at times to stay focused for extended periods of time? Why do we feel lost when we misplace our phones? Are these two things connected? Currently, I am reading a book with a large group of teachers, entitled Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention and How to Think Deeply Again, by Johann Hari. It is an interesting read. I recommend it and am excited to participate in a lively discussion with my colleagues in the coming weeks. It is really making me think about our habits and behaviors.Read More -
Flourishing
Read MoreSo, I have been thinking - what makes a school and its students flourish? What is that “it factor”? How can administrators and parents contribute to that something special that makes a school a place of wonder, learning, and growth for its students?Well, I noticed something this week…actually, in two school days plus one snow day ;-). Here it is: I am surrounded by adults who love learning, who keep studying and growing, and are willing to discuss and learn from each other.My week thus far…
