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In Favor of Pomp and Circumstance

The familiar tune, Pomp and Circumstance, was composed by Edward Elgar in 1901 and was the first piece in the recessional music for the coronations of both George VI and Elizabeth II. Written in steady 4/4 time, it is perfect for marching in procession, and its stately quality adds solemnity to any formal gathering. It […]

Arts & Science Fair

New Covenant recently held its annual Art and Science Fair, bringing together creativity and innovation. Students competed in teams, tackling a variety of science challenges that tested their problem-solving skills and teamwork. Meanwhile, the art galleries displayed impressive works created by students, allowing them to share their artistic talents with peers, teachers, and families. The […]

Easter Break, April 18-21

New Covenant Schools will have a noon dismissal on Thursday, April 17 and will be closed Friday, April 18 through Monday, April 21 for Easter Break. Students will return on Tuesday, April 22. Enjoy the break!

Hands & Hearts, April 23

The student body will be participating in the annual Hands & Hearts service day on Wednesday, April 23. Students will spend the day in the community helping local charities and businesses with various service projects. Parents are welcoming to volunteer alongside their children.

May Breather, May 5

New Covenant Schools and offices will be closed on Monday, May 5th for the May Breather. Enjoy the break!

The Pen Is Mightier Than the . . . Keyboard

The following article appeared in the QUID NOVI by Bridges Spiva, Grammar School Principal. One of the earliest historical markers students whimsically chant throughout their early years at New Covenant underscores humanity’s transition from cultural preservation through oral storytelling to the permanence of records made possible by the invention of writing in 3200 BC. Students […]

Panache Presents Little Women

The School of Rhetoric recently completed its production of Little Women, bringing Louisa May Alcott’s timeless story to life on the Moomaw Center stage. The students delivered heartfelt performances, capturing the charm and depth of the beloved March sisters. Adding to the production’s beauty, Joel and Jenna Ng provided live music throughout the show—Joel on […]

Generations Day

New Covenant Schools recently hosted Generations Day, a cherished tradition where students welcomed their grandparents and special guests to campus for a morning. From lively discussions to hands-on activities, grandparents had the opportunity to see their students in action and learn alongside them. The highlight of the morning was a special concert presented by the […]

Cotillion

The School of Rhetoric hosted their annual Cotillion in the ballroom at the University of Lynchburg, bringing together students for a memorable evening of tradition and celebration. Students enjoyed an evening filled with music, dancing, and camaraderie. A highlight of the night was the presentation of the Junior class, a cherished tradition that recognizes and […]

Homecoming

We enjoyed welcoming our alums back to campus for Homecoming 2025. Graduates as far back as 2010 were welcomed at an afternoon reception and then joined us for the line-up of men and lady basketball games on Friday evening. It was a pleasure to see their young children and hear many updates on jobs and […]

Linda Simon is the director of Alumni Affairs.  She has been a part of the New Covenant Schools community since 2007, and brings years of experience and deep personal connection to her role as in this position. As the former Director of Admissions and proud mom of two NCS alumni, she is passionate about fostering lasting relationships between the school and its graduates. Her work focuses on keeping alumni engaged, connected, and involved in the life of the school they once called home.

lsimon@newcovenantschools.org

Kathryn Martin serves as the principal of the School of Dialectic (grades 5-8).  She first joined New Covenant as a volunteer in 1996. After earning her bachelor’s degree in education, she was hired as a fourth-grade teacher in 1998, serving as a lead teacher for eight years. She then transitioned to the middle school, where she taught English and history and spent 15 years as assistant principal. In 2022, while completing her first year in Gordon College’s Master’s in Leadership for Classical Christian Schools program, she became middle school principal. Kathryn continues to teach history and treasures the opportunity to guide students through the formative “age of becoming.”  Kathryn states “New Covenant has enriched my life in unquantifiable ways over the past 28 years, and I am, in many ways, who I am today because of my time here.”

kmartin@newcovenantschools.org

Linda Hackenbracht has served as Director of Finance at New Covenant Schools since 2018. A Virginia Tech accounting graduate and CPA, she began her career with Ernst & Young auditing nonprofit clients before becoming Controller for the Catholic Diocese of Richmond. After moving to Lynchburg, she offered financial counseling to churches and nonprofits while raising four children, all of whom attended New Covenant. Drawing on her nonprofit expertise, Linda has strengthened the school’s financial foundation and is honored to support its mission, inspired by the transformative impact of classical Christian education on her own family.

lhackenbrach@newcovenantschools.org

Dayna Renalds has served as the Director of Development since 2013. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Broadcasting and Journalism from Liberty University and her Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Tennessee.  Before her current role, she worked with the area schools as a speech therapist, bringing her expertise in communication and education to the community.  During her tenure at New Covenant Schools, Dayna has led three successful capital campaigns to expand the campus and played a key role in establishing the school’s scholarship foundation, enabling donors to receive significant tax benefits for their contributions.  Dayna enjoys spending her free time with her five children, three of whom are proud alumni of New Covenant Schools, making memories together.

drenalds@newcovenantschools.org

John Maynard has been serving in the role of Athletic Director at New Covenant since 2020 and is in his sixth year of service. John has been an Athletic Director in North Carolina, South Carolina and now Virginia; a career in the Education/Athletic field spanning 15 years. He has served on Executive Board for the Blue Ridge Athletic Conference and will continue to do so this school year. John graduated from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill in 2009 with a degree in Exercise Sport Science – Sport Administration. He is married to Kelsey Maynard, a fellow educator, and together they have one daughter.

jmaynard@newcovenantschools.org

Tiffany Fulcher is the Director of Parent Relations.  A proud mom of two New Covenant students, Tiffany has been part of the school community for years—first behind the scenes in the office and now helping parents navigate everything from lunch options to uniforms. Tiffany is the go-to person for questions regarding lunches, uniforms, or volunteer opportunities. She enjoys working with the parent community and welcomes questions and feedback.  Her goal is to make the New Covenant experience smooth for everyone in our community.  She also enjoys shopping for bargains in her free time.

tfulcher@newcovenantschools.org

Darren Johnson has served as the Facilities Manager at New Covenant since the summer of 2020.  He earned a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management from Liberty University in 1992, where he was a three-year scholarship athlete on the university’s tennis team.  Darren was employed for 25 years as the Director of Corporate Sales and Head Groundskeeper for the minor league baseball team, The Lynchburg Hillcats. In this capacity he kept the playing field in pristine condition.  He also has experience with operations and customer service in the lawn and garden industry.  Outside of work, Darren enjoys hunting, fishing, and golf. He has been married to his wife, Susanne, for 31 years, and they have two children.

djohnson@newcovenantschools.org

Dr. Erin Uminn is the Principal of the School of Rhetoric (9th-12th). She has served since 2013 when she joined the dialectic faculty to teach literature, writing, history, and Bible, a post she held for 10 years. From 2021-2024 she worked to establish a predictable and supportive structure within a classical, Christian educational framework for students in the School of Dialectic (5th – 8th) as the Student Support Coordinator. This established support later grew into the fully staffed, Marion A. Patterson Center for Paideia. She received her Ph.D. in Education from Liberty University in 2023. Her dissertation included a qualitative research study on classical, Christian educators and how their intentional leisure practices directly informed their teaching and impacted students in the classroom. Dr. Uminn holds the B.S. in Multidisciplinary Studies: English, Psychology, and Education and the M.A. in Human Services: Marriage and Family Therapy. She currently teaches Senior Thesis as an advisor and chair for the senior thesis capstone project.

euminn@newcovenantschools.org

Eliza Olson is the Director of Admissions and holds a Bachelor of Science in Counseling. She and her husband, Nick, have two children at New Covenant. Before joining the staff, Eliza served as the director of a local Classical Conversations community. Having volunteered many hours and being a parent herself, she greatly enjoys connecting with New Covenant’s prospective families. From the moment you schedule a tour, to submitting an application, to beginning your journey as the parent of a new student, Eliza will be there to guide and support you.

eolson@newcovenantschools.org

Andrea Adams is the Office Manager.  Andrea was first introduced to classical Christian education in 2010 while seeking an alternative to public schooling for her children. They attended New Covenant Schools for their middle and high school years, where they were deeply impacted by the school’s Christ-centered, rigorous approach to learning.  Over the years, she volunteered in various capacities at the school, gaining firsthand experience in school operations and community life. In 2020, she joined the staff where she continues to serve by overseeing the day-to-day functions of the office, supporting faculty and staff, and ensuring smooth communication with parents and students. Her role allows her to combine administrative excellence with a passion for fostering a nurturing, faith-based educational environment.  Andrea holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics.

aadams@newcovenantschools.org

Bridges Spiva is New Covenant’s second grammar school principal, following the founding principal, Marion Patterson. She has served since 2010 and is in her sixteenth year of service. Mrs. Spiva began her tenure teaching 3rd grade in the grammar school and taught math, science, and Bible in the middle school. Prior to a career in teaching, Mrs. Spiva worked as a probation officer and supervisor with the Department of Juvenile Justice. She holds a BS in Communications, Master of Public Administration, and Master of Leadership in Classical Education. Both of her sons, Wagner (2020) and Waylon (2022) are graduates of New Covenant. Mrs. Spiva and her husband Jay enjoy cheering on the Hokies and spoiling their bulldog, Hazel.

bspiva@newcovenantschools.org

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 and is in his twenty sixth year of service.  He established the school on its permanent campus at Fleetwood Drive in Lynchburg, VA, and led the development of the school through five successful capital campaigns, providing the facilities which now serve more than 450 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.

heaton@newcovenantschools.org

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