At Logos Academy Harrisburg, we are providing a SEAD-focused education, an education that intentionally develops students Socially, Emotionally, Academically, and in Discipleship. While that framework guides our entire school, its impact is most clearly seen in the everyday moments of classroom life.
In kindergarten teacher Ms. Duft’s classroom, SEAD recently came to life through the growth of students who are learning not only how to read and write but how to believe in themselves and invite God into their learning.
When Ms. Duft began teaching this year’s kindergarten class, she noticed that many students were hesitant to try new things. Writing letters, coming up with ideas, or attempting to form sentences often felt overwhelming. When mistakes happened, students responded with frustration or discouragement.
Ms. Duft knew that before students could grow academically, they needed encouragement and confidence.
So she began celebrating even the smallest steps of progress. When a student improved slightly in their writing or tried a new strategy, Ms. Duft would intentionally recognize it—sometimes even a little dramatically—to help students see their own growth. Over time, she also taught students how to notice the good things their classmates were doing and encourage one another.
Slowly, the culture of the classroom began to change. Students became more willing to try challenging work and support their peers along the way.
At the same time, Ms. Duft modeled an important part of discipleship for her students: inviting God into moments of struggle.
She began sharing with students that when she faces challenges in her own life, she turns to God in prayer. Soon, students began doing the same. It’s now common to see kindergarteners quietly fold their hands in prayer before beginning an assignment, asking God to help them when something feels difficult.
These moments reflect one of the most meaningful aspects of SEAD at Logos: students learning that God cares about every part of their lives, including their learning.
Alongside this social-emotional and spiritual growth, students are also building strong academic foundations.
Using phonics curriculum such as Heggerty and a science-of-reading program called Amplify, Ms. Duft’s class practices segmenting and blending sounds, critical early skills that help students become confident readers and writers. Sight words are reinforced through songs and engaging activities that make learning both memorable and joyful.
Soon, the class will celebrate a major milestone. Each student will contribute to writing and illustrating a class book that will be professionally published through the Student Treasures program. When the book is complete, the class will host a special book launch party where students will be celebrated as authors and illustrators.
For students who once hesitated to put their ideas on paper, this moment represents something powerful.
Through encouragement, faith, and strong academic instruction, these kindergarteners are discovering that they can do hard things. They are learning to express their thoughts, persevere through challenges, and take pride in the work they create.
And in the process, they are experiencing exactly what a SEAD-focused education is designed to cultivate: young people growing in confidence, capability, character, and faith.
For our supporters, this kind of transformation is only possible because of your partnership. Your generosity helps create classrooms where students are encouraged to try, to grow, and to discover the gifts God has given them.
Thank you for making stories like this possible!