Three School Rules for Students
Rules and structure are important standards to live by. As Christians, these standards are laid out in great detail in the Bible. Enlightium Academy administration sets expectations for you as students that are outlined in the Family Handbook. We fine-tuned three rules that you are expected to understand and follow to have the best school year possible.
1. Keep all communication honoring God.
Good communication is essential when it comes to online homeschooling. Communication between you and your teachers should be respectful and well thought out. “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to You, Lord, my rock and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14). We as Christians ought to choose our words thoughtfully when we communicate with those who are in higher authority than us, as God has put these people on earth to train us and guide us in the way where we should go.
Not only should we consider if our communication honors God, but we should also consider how we respond to each person in our lives. “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” (Colossians 4:6). This should always be the case when we respond to each person in our lives, no matter what the situation may be. Regardless of the situation, we strive to respond with wisdom and grace, fostering peace and understanding as a reflection of our commitment to honoring God.
God-honoring communication means not gossiping or putting down someone with your words. “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:29). We should not fall into the sin of slandering other people just because we are upset with or don’t like a particular person. Good, God-honoring communication entails building up your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, so they do not get worn down or discouraged.
2. Obey your parents/guardians and teachers as they work collaboratively on your education.
God-honoring communication is essential to being a successful student, and obedience also plays a crucial role in this journey. First and foremost, you should show respect and obedience to your parents, who are working hand-in-hand with you to succeed in your education. “Honor your father and mother—which is the first commandment with a promise - so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth” (Ephesians 6:1–3). The command for children to obey their parents is found often in the Bible, which illustrates the importance of this command to God
“My son, keep your father’s command and do not forsake your mother’s teaching” (Proverbs 6:20). There are times when it may be hard to fully grasp where your parents are coming from when they make the rules that they do. You may be under the impression that you already know what you need to know and that your parents are just a tad bit “out of touch” with your generation. That is not the case. No matter how frustrating it may be, your parents may have experience with the struggles you are experiencing. Parents are in charge of their household. They make the rules and give advice because of love for you. They want to see you succeed. It is worth it to stop, take a step back, and listen to what they might have to say.
It is also very important to engage with your teachers as well. They are there to help you do your best and succeed in school. Any instruction or correction they may have to give you should be heeded so that you may enrich your knowledge and earn the best grades possible. “Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:14–15). So whenever you receive feedback from teachers, instead of sighing and thinking of it as one more thing that you have to get done, take heed of their corrections. By doing so, you can ensure that you are not cutting corners to complete a task quickly but instead completing it correctly to achieve the best possible grade.
3. Do your best when completing your schoolwork.
Some students may love the thought of logging in every day to complete their schoolwork. For others, it may feel like just another chore they can’t wait to finish so they can move on to something they truly enjoy. No matter where you may fall, it is good to remember that schoolwork is one of the most important jobs God has assigned to you at this point in life. “Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23). The work we are assigned to do is to be done for God and not just for the grade or because parents and teachers want you to do it. If you ever find your schoolwork to be a chore, remember that your efforts are not just about pleasing teachers or parents by earning good grades. Rather, your work is an act of love and service to the Lord.
These rules are vital to your success here at Enlightium Academy. These three rules and the corresponding scriptures are a priority in your learning, as you are not only building up good habits for now but laying a firm groundwork for life. Remember that rules are not just some mundane thing you as a student need to follow, but a good standard through which you can build a healthy lifestyle.
Enlightium Academy is a private Christian online school that serves homeschooling families by offering a Bible-based, flexible, accredited, teacher-supported, and affordable education from the comfort of your home. For any other questions about Enlightium, please call (509) 319-2288, or visit EnlightiumSchool.com.