September/October 2026

This year our theme in the Kentucky-Tennessee Education Department is “Joy in the Journey”. I have been thinking about what that truly means for each of us daily. As we “Journey” through life, each of us are on a path of our own. Yes, we travel with others, however, ultimately the journey we travel is our own. I have been struck by the truth that JOY is a choice we must each make for ourselves. JOY is something that is bigger than all the crazy that surrounds us each day. I have started thinking about JOY as an acronym Jesus Over Yourself.

Several years ago, I was inspired to begin saying out loud when things begin to feel overwhelming “Jesus you have my attention”. This simple phase takes the focus off what is stressing me, off myself, and puts it back on Jesus. It helps me to fix my eyes on Him. It is a choice to see the Jesus/JOY in every situation. Jesus Over Yourself, it is telling myself each day that when Jesus has my attention my day may not go as planned. I may be interrupted in ways that seem frustrating. However, those may be the times when the most JOY may come my way. It is often in the unexpected stops on the journey that we find the most ultimate JOY.

For many years my husband, Brent and I used to take long road trips with our four children each summer. These were trips all over the USA, our kids have been in almost all 50 states. On those trips some of our best days and memories were in the unexpected stops, things that we called “serendipity” moments (fortunate accidents). Each day, God is giving each of us opportunities for “serendipity” moments. We merely must turn our attention to Him. It is then we will find our JOY, Jesus Over Yourself. It is when we stop and say “Jesus you have my attention” that the days stop being about the agenda we set. Then our days turn onto the paths Jesus will lead us down. What “serendipity” moments does He have for us each day?

I pray that as we enter what is often the busiest part of the year, we will give our attention to Jesus. We will each choose Jesus Over Yourself. We will let Him lead our journey each day. We will find JOY in the “serendipity” moments. Even when it is difficult we will look for how this is working for the good. I challenge you to start each day looking for the “Joy in the Journey” and saying with gusto, “Jesus, you have my attention!”

~Heidi Ruckle

"Getting to hang out with my friends." ~Maggie S.

"Totally vibe, kindness, nothing negative." ~Israel B.

"Kayaking in the morning." ~Matias S.

"Everyone was nice, lots of friendship going on, less paperwork then 5th-6th grade Outdoor Education, more activities." ~Charli K.

One of the most exciting projects on Highland Academy’s campus is nearing completion! After many months of planning and construction, our new principal’s home is expected to be ready for move-in this October. The home is now almost complete, with only a handrail installation and final inspection remaining before it is ready to welcome our new residents.

This beautiful home has been made possible through the generosity of faithful donors who believe in Highland Academy’s mission and future. As our enrollment continues to grow, so does the need for additional on-campus housing for faculty and staff. Providing housing on campus is an important part of supporting that growth and strengthening the close-knit community that makes Highland Academy special.

We are especially grateful to Andy Wade for overseeing this project with exceptional care and dedication. His attention to detail, craftsmanship, and commitment to keeping the project on budget have helped create a beautiful and welcoming home that will serve Highland Academy for many years to come.

We are thankful to everyone who helped make this project possible and look forward to celebrating its completion this fall!

Since reopening in 2019, Murfreesboro Adventist School has quickly outgrown its current space. We've watched the Lord perform miracles, opening doors to make a new school on campus possible. He is providing the funds through generous donations of church members, and we will also be taking a loan from the Southern Union Revolving Fund to ensure construction isn't delayed while donations continue to come in.

The estimated cost of the project is $ 888,000.00, with a loan amount of $635,662.00. Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in October or November, starting with construction of a sewer system that will serve not only the new school but also Community Services and the Church. The new building will offer ample classroom space for continued growth, along with a kitchen, cafeteria, and gymnasium.

Welcome New Superintendent and Curriculum Coach!

October 9 End of First Quarter

October 12 Second Quarter Begins

October 14 Parent Teacher Conferences

October 15-16 Fall Break

October 22 K-12 Board of Education

October 27 Early Childhood Inservice @ SCC

November 23-27 Thanksgiving Break

September

1 Heather Druschky

3 Robert Stevenson

4 Becky Cain

4 Joe Hess

12 Darlie Gagatam

12 Daniel Palma

14 Leslie Frantz

19 Amber Heldzinger

20 Brahiana Chingo

20 Rhonda Monroe

22 Lexi Tishaw

24 Stacy Darrell

October

7 Heidi Ruckle

7 Melissa Weisner

17 Kanther Kahn

19 Melissa Shoemaker

25 Crystal Cecil

Tennessee state law requires non-public schools to provide parents with information about meningococcal disease and influenza at the beginning of each school year, including vaccine effectiveness. The information shared must include the causes, symptoms, how each is spread, and where parents may obtain additional information and vaccinations for their children. The department provides links in the Resources and Information section of the non-public schools webpage to help non-public schools disseminate this information as statutorily required. [Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-50-802]

Likewise, state law also requires the department to notify home schools of the same information for meningococcal disease. Links are also available in the Resources and Information section of the home school webpage for home school families. LEA home school coordinators are welcome to direct families to the site for this information. [Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-3050(d)]

The department has developed the Non-Public School Safety Manual in an effort to provide additional guidance to non-public schools to increase school safety practices. This manual provides insight on best practices, legal requirements, roles and responsibilities, and additional considerations on how schools can improve school safety.

If you have questions about this guide, please contact Kimberly.Daubenspeck@tn.gov.

Safety Plans & Drills

• Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-804(b) requires a building-level and school-level safety plan for crisis intervention, emergency response, and emergency management. Non-public schools must review their plans annually and provide the plan to the local law enforcement agency. The department's School Safety Team provides the following resources to help non-public schools develop quality and compliant school safety plans:

• Non-Public Schools Safety Manual

• School Emergency Operations Plan

• Sample Drill Log

Dear Educators,

Over a year ago, our education entities had the opportunity to participate in the Pentecost 2025 initiative. What a blessing this was to our students, schools, and to our church as a whole!

With our churches leading the way, Adventist Education is again invited, encouraged, and sought out to participate in this important endeavor — one our NAD administration recently launched together with the GC, as well as with union and conference leaders. This next phase is called All Things New, and we want to make sure you have easy access to the resources supporting it.

You can find everything you need at the following locations:

• Adventist Education Corner: https://adventisteducation.org/corner

• Watch the launch message from Elder G. Alexander Bryant and Elder Erton C. Köhler

• All Things New Resource Page: https://adventisteducation.org/all-things-new

• Be sure to download the All Things New — School' Participation Guide for ideas on how you can Pray Like Jesus, Serve Like Jesus, Share Like Jesus, and Follow Jesus! Click the link above.

• EngageAE Feature Page: https://engageae.com/feature-all-things-new.html

We encourage you to explore these resources and consider how your school or classroom might participate in this initiative. As with Pentecost 2025, your involvement makes a real difference for our students and our church community.

Thank you for all you do for Adventist Education.