Headmaster's Blog
The Rev’d John Heaton is New Covenant’s second headmaster, following the founder of the school, Dr. Robert Littlejohn. He has served since 1998 – more than 20 years – and established the school on its permanent campus at Fleetwood Drive in Lynchburg, VA. He led the development of the school through four successful capital campaigns, providing the facilities which now serve more than 430 students through grade 12. Fr. John is an ordained minister in the Reformed Episcopal Church and has served a parish in his home state of Florida. He currently serves as the Associate Priest at All Saints Church which meets in the Marie Macdonald Chapel on the campus of New Covenant. Fr. John holds the BA and MA in theology, and the MA in liberal studies. He teaches intermediate Greek in the School of Rhetoric, and he writes routinely for this blog below.
Predictability and Support: Two Keys to Community Success
Research from Independent School Management (ISM) shows that the two factors that correlate most closely to long-term academic success for students are a predictable environment
November is for Readers
There’s been a quiet little revolution going on over in first grade. Students there are learning to read! That’s right. November is the month that
The History Timeline
It’s endearing and amazing to see five-year olds reciting the Timeline, but the magic of this learning tool doesn’t fully reveal itself until our students
Turning 30: Four Keys to a Superior Education
Exactly 30 years ago this month, 16 students had enrolled in the newest school in Central Virginia. It was called New Covenant, and for that
Why We Like Gardens
It is very good to be back together in school. As students returned I was excited that Jessica Simpkins and other volunteers were able to
Fear is Not the Companion of Caution
The military flyover at a football game makes us stand tall, and leaves us awestruck as kickoff approaches. Not so when I was a kid.
A Guide for Devotion in Lent and Holy Week
For those of you who want direction for your private devotion, reflection, quiet time, or whatever you may call it, here is a guide for
Poetry, The Arts and The Imagination
Our imaginations should be nourished as an instrument by which we know reality. While C.S. Lewis espoused many thought-provoking ideas, this lesson is a difficult,
STEM, STEAM, and STREAM? You Don’t Have to Choose
Let me just say it and get it out of the way: there’s nothing wrong with STEM. Science, technology, engineering and math are all good
