TTA Forum

This page was last updated on: June 10, 2007 10:35 PM

From: Ginny Land
I would also like to thank those responsible for making the end-of-the-year activities so special. As a parent of a senior, I could not have asked for better. I definitely want copies of the videos for both class day and graduation. Both sets of grandparents had nothing but high marks for our school. Coach Skogen\'s remarks at class day were right on the mark and created spiritual discussion at least at our house. Thanks specifically to Dr. Pearson, Cindy Robinson, Debbie Hamilton, and Diane Sexton.

-

From: Cherie Speicher
Do you have a summer basketball camp for middle school boys? If so, what are the dates?

Awaiting response

From: Dr. Pearson
This is to thank Mrs. Karen Eldridge for her hard work as PTF President during this past year. She has done an unbelievable job and I want to tell her how much I appreciate all of her hard work. Although I was unable to attend because of a Pastors' Luncheon conflict, I want to thank her and the PTF for the lovely Teachers Appreciation Luncheon last Tuesday and the generous gift cards for each of the teachers. She, with the help of her officers, has made our year very special. We want her to know that we will miss her next year.

From: Anonymous
Thanks, Karen, for the tremendous job you did this year as PTF president. You will be missed next year. God Bless!

From: Dr. Pearson
I want to thank so many of you who helped to make the end-of-the-year activities so very special for our students, especially our seniors. Special thanks go to Mrs. Cindy Robinson, Mrs. Debbie Hamilton, and Mrs. Diane Sexton for ALL of their hard work during these last few weeks. They worked endless hours putting things together to make them go smoothly - including all of the various honors trips, the sports banquets, the Junior-Senior Banquet, the Elementary Class Day, the High School Class Day, the High School Graduation, and all of th related receptions. I appreciate you so much.

-

From: Donavon Armour
Does temple give Atnletic Scholarship?

Awaiting response

From: Anonymous
It is so sad that our web site does not show more information about how well our varsity basketball teams did in the District, Region and State playoffs. Our boys WON THE STATE, and there is very little information about this on our web site! Where are the pictures? I was looking forward to seeing the same great coverage for basketball as you gave the football team. The web site looks great, but it speaks poorley for our school when it does not equally recognize the great accomplishment of WINNING STATE. Who is this new Athletic Director? Should we not add something to the web site about this guy coming onboard?

From: Webmaster
Thanks for your post, and I totally agree with you. I have been asking all coaches involved to submit write ups and tournament summaries for months now. I have also requested more pictures. I can only post what is submtted to me by the coaches. I did post all newspaper articles I could find. I was told I could not shoot the State championship game, but that TSSAA would give a DVD of the game to the school. I really wanted to edit a highlight video of our 2007 State Championship, but to date, no one has made that footage available to me after weeks of asking for it. I am waiting on information about our new Athletic Director, and will post a welcome to him as soon as that information is made available to me. I understand the importance of timely posting of this important information. Please remain patient while those involved hopefully gather this information for me. We could always use more people willing to help in collecting information for our website. Anyone intrested in becomming involved, please email me!

From: Anonymous
Dear Dr. Pearson , Faculity, and Staff,

Thank You! Words cannot ezpress my deepest appreciation for all you do.
We as parents need to realize being an educator is becoming more and more difficult. Dr. Pearson thank you for being open to the Temple family.
I like many others find the increase in tuition difficult ,however our teachers deserve a salary that they can live on. We must suppport our children's teachers!

-

From: Anonymous
Will the band and choir results from the ACSI competition be posted? Also, when TTA hosted the band competition, we should have had more students there to support the band. Each class could have come to listen and support the very short program. I noticed the other schools who travelled here had more support in the audience than our school.

From: Webmaster
I will be happy to post the results when they are submitted to me. I will get with Mrs. Kemp and get this info on our site. I thought our students did a great job. I really enjoyed the competition. Mrs. Kemp has done an outstanding job! Thanks for your post.

From: Vicki ( Shipman) Templeton, TTA graduate, 1989
I am a graduate of Tennessee Temple Academy, class of 1989. I've been exploring this website recently, and in doing that, I came across some comments made at a Town Meeting regarding alumni relations at TTA.

The comment was made that many alumni feel betrayed and used by the school. I have no idea what that is about. I\'m assuming that something happened after I graduated that hurt many people. I have no knowledge of any of that, and hope that any hurts can soon be healed.

Another question was also mentioned~the question of why so few alumni have enrolled their own children at TTA. I can only answer for myself, but, speaking for myself, I would like to address this question.

My husband and I have known since we were expecting our first child that public schools were NOT an option for our family. For that reason, I began researching the christian schools in our area during 2001 and 2002. Our daughter would reach Kindergarten age in 2003. We quickly eliminated several schools that appeared to have weak academic standards. We also knew that transportation would be an issue because I have vision problems that have left me unable to drive.

We narrowed our choices down to TTA and Brainerd Baptist. We had to eliminate Brainerd Baptist due to the transportation issues. We thought we had a couple of possibilities for getting our daughter to and from TTA, so I contacted then principal Dr Clayton Hunt for information. As soon as my husband and I looked at all the information, we knew that TTA was financially impossible for us, especially now that we had a second child on the way.
I will add also that I DID have some concerns about our daughter being in that particular area of Chattanooga for so many hours each day, while my husband and I would be in Ringgold, GA.

After much prayer and seeking God's will for our family, the Lord put a homeschooling family in our path. I had never heard of homeschooling before and did not realize it was a legal option. With the help of this family, we researched the topic of homeschooling, all the while seeking God\'s guidance. God has graciously shown us that homeschooling is His will for our family.

We know, however, that homeschooling is not necessarily God's will for every family. We are thankful that biblically sound christian schools like TTA exist to meet the needs of families who desire a christian education for their children.

My question for the Administration is this: Have you considered reaching out to christian homeschooling families in any way? My family and I live in Georgia, but I know that in Tennessee, many family use what is called a Church Related School. Calvary Baptist Church in Chattanooga operates such a school. Homeschooled children enrolled there submit attendance records and grades to the school office and participate in selected classes, field trips, sports, school plays, etc.

It offers a helping hand to homeschooling families and generates an income for the school, creating a positive outcome for all those involved.

I share all of this only because I feel it is worth consideration by the administration of TTA. It could become a ministry that would promote income and growth for TTA while offering help and support to christian families in the area.
In His Service,
Vicki Templeton

From: Dr. Pearson
Thanks for your nice post. And, let me resond to your suggestion about becoming an umbrella school for homeschoolers. This is a real possiblity. I am looking into the legal ramifications of doing so right now. I would be interested in knowing how many homeschooling families would be interested in such an arrangement. We could make classes available to those families as well as keeping their records.

I am a member of a group called Chattanooga and Northwest Georgia Christian Homeschoolers. We have approximately 70 families in this group, many of whom use umbrella schools. Many of these schools are located in Nashville, Knoxville, and other places too far from Chattanooga to facilitate any on campus or face to face contact. I feel sure that some of these families would love to have the opportunity to work with a school that afforded them the option of on campus \"in person\" interaction.
I also participate in some activities with the Chattanooga/Southeast Tennessee Home Education Association, which is MUCH larger than the Chattanooga/NW GA group. I do belive there is a market out there for services of this type.
Also, I know that God\'s will for my family is homeschooling. He has made that clear to us, but I would still love for my 3 children to be able to have a connection with TTA.

Please do let me know if TTA is in fact able to establish a program for homeschoolers, as I would love to participate.
In His Service,
Vicki Templeton

From: Anonymous
Will Temple field a varsity football team this fall (2007)? If so, when will a schedule be available ?

From: Dr. Pearson
Tennessee Temple Academy is definitely fielding a varsity football team this year and has a fall schedule. I will get it to our webmaster for posting.

From: Coach Jordan
Congratulations to the Middle School softball team for their big win! I'm also very proud of how well the Varsity softball team has been playing. Keep up the great work!

-

From: Anonymous
I think that it is a shame that the boys basketball players are having to buy there state championship rings. When I found out about this I was apalled. These boys are the face of that school and they have done a great job for 4 years representing Temple well. I don't see why the school or the church whichever is responsible for the money, can\'t pay for these boys rings. This is something that these boys can keep and will remember for the rest of their lives, they shouldn\'t have to pay for the rings.

From: Anonymous
I would agree about the the state championship rings. How many times does a school get to win a state championship? Winning state puts Temple on the map and so I think it would be a nice jesture on the part of the school to find a way to pay for these guys rings.

From: Anonymous
we should have a homecoming princess.

-

From: Cherie
I am so glad to see the positive aspects of your web site.
I have been to Temple, many years ago, and glad to see that things have changed. The smiling faces, the wonderful activities and positive community participation is refreshing.
That is what a Christian school should be!!

-

From: Steve Long
Just would like to say that I'm in the same position as Rob, Dr,Pearson and Others in our School.This is Dealing With People I would like everyone to put there self in there position and see how you would fair, let's support each other and we will get more done. If everybody pulling in every way we are going backward, I too was concern about things at Temple but if you need answer, "just ask" and you will get the answer if you need to ask me, I will ask for you."Come on parent and Staff" we have to support our hard working Kids, cause I love them all.This is not saying I support all there decision it simple saying I LOVE TEMPLE.Let's Reunite and build this School and Parent and students ask yourself what have I done for my "Temple Family". To all the Seniors and athletics thanks for great memories.

-

From: Ron Chapman
The web site is great, especially for parents to view assignments of what is expected in the coming week(s). However, as it currently stands, the class information is kept not being updated. Class infomation that is almost a month old is of little value and is a source of frustration to parents that want to use the site to help their students with homework and want to keep abreast of cless assignments.

From: Webmaster
Thank you for your post. Please encourage your child's teacher to keep their class page current. All information that is posted in the body of each class page is done so by the teacher. This is a great tool for everyone to use, but it's only as useful as we make it.

From: Anonymous
I just want to let the administration, faculty, and staff know that I think you are doing a wonderful job. I am in the higher education field. We see a lot of ways to bring up children. Some of it is heartbreaking, other times it is a breath of fresh air. I am thankful that my children can attend such an institution that works with all aspects of a life (spiritual, physical, mental, etc.) My hat goes off to all of the ones who impact my children\'s lives. I have known Dr. Pearson, and many of faculty and staff for a long time. These people have put in a lot of sweat to teach our children. Please remember that they are God\'s children as well. And they need understanding, encouragement, as well as prayer. No one needs put down or rumors spreading everywhere. If you want to know the truth about something, please contact the parties involved. What are we teaching our children when we spread information we do not have the all the evidence to? Or put down a the administration, faculty or staff? Trust me, I will be the first to admit, I am nowhere near perfect. But I strive to be my best in what the Lord has given me for the day.

-

From: Rob Eldridge
I purposely waited until Dr. Pearson mentioned my leaving the school before I gave an explanation of my abrupt departure. I am aware of the vicious rumors that she alluded to and by this time, I am not surprised given what I lived with all year long. I hope this post will put to rest any questions as to what really transpired. I was approached in January with a very lucrative job offer. I politely declined. I was again approached in late February and again politely declined. Then, due to personal financial circumstances I met with the company for the first time to discuss the details. This was on a Friday morning. I told my current employer that I had reservations about leaving before the end of the school year and that I would have to discuss my options with Dr. Pearson and that at the least I would have to work out a two week notice due to all the projects and files that were open. They had need for me to begin immediately. Dr. Pearson and I met early the next morning and agreed that due to my and the schools financial needs that it would be in both parties best interest to part ways. I was not fired and my leaving had nothing to do with inappropriate behavior as one of the rumors has it. She was more than generous with me in severance which is an indication of her appreciation of my service. I will miss the friendships that I made with students, faculty and parents during this year. I wish to thank those who were supportive and encouraging of me during this year. I appreciate your giving me a chance and for your prayers and comforting words, phone calls and emails. I made mistakes, mostly from trying too hard to do too much too fast and in operating this way caused most of my problems. Hopefully people will eventually see that my motives and heart were pure, even if my execution sometimes left a lot to be desired. (Try walking in my shoes) If you wish to know any more details or would like more information my email address is Rob.Eldridge@comcast.net and my phone number is 704-1617.
My encouragement to you who remain are these words; good is the enemy of the best. Don't settle for good. It only takes a little bit more effort to have the best.

-

From: Webmaster
Check out some photos from our 2 softball teams as well as
Mr and Miss Temple 2007. Homecoming video and pictures are now on-line.

-

From: Anonymous
Finding out about our new athletic director from the newspaper and not from the school was in very poor taste and very unprofessional. This plus the very abrupt exit of Rob Eldridge with no formal announcement and the dramatic increase in tuition for next year has me questioning the ability of the current administration to make wise decisions for the benefit of Temple, not just a handful of people. I and I am sure others are wondering what is going on and who is making these decisions behings closed doors? I thought there was some kind a advisory board. I understand they were not a part of the process regarding any of the above mentioned decisions. What is the purpose of an advisory board without using them? As a non-profit, we are entitled to full disclosure regarding the salaries, financials and inner workings of the school. The rumor is that Scotty Markum's son, Caleb, will be paid $45,000 to be the Athletic Director. I would like full disclosure regarding this as if this is true, how can the administration look teachers in the eye who have been at Temple for 15-25 years making $18-20,0000 a year?

From: Dr. Pearson
Thank you for your candid comments. We appreciate your input and I will try to address your concerns. First, the announcement of our new AD did not happen as I had planned. I had intended to make the announcement first to our staff and then to put it on our website and finally contact the media. I apologize that it did not happen that way. After Mr. Marcum signed his contract, he asked that I wait to tell anyone here until he had informed the people at his school. I was waiting for him to tell me that I could make the announcement here. Somehow the news leaked and while I was out of town the first of this week, I received a phone call from the Times Free Press asking me questions about Mr. Marcum’s hire. This was NOT the way I had intended to make the announcement. Again, I am sorry for the way that it happened. And, the decision to hire Mr. Marcum was based on the review of several resumes and, among other things, his meeting of our criteria of having varied athletic experience, ability to coach one sport, a bachelor’s degree in a teaching field, organizational and management skills, and a commitment to the overall ministry. And as usual, the rumor mill at TTA is running rampant. Mr. Marcum signed a contract for no more salary than any previous athletic director. His duties include teaching in the academy, coaching basketball, and serving as the AD.

Then, regarding Mr. Eldridge, his leaving was abrupt but after discussion with him a few weeks ago, we decided that because of financial constraints that the Academy was experiencing and because of his own financial constraints and that he had been offered a better paying job that he resign from his position with us. It was a mutual amiable agreement. We both felt that because of the many vicious rumors, that the less said the better. That was why I had not made some public announcement.

I am really surprised at anyone questioning the tuition increase. This was something that had to be done and our tuition is still under that of any other private or Christian school in the area that offers the quality education that we offer. Our salaries must and will be increased next year and the only way that can happen is if tuition increases.

I am sorry that you question my integrity and my “ability to make wise decisions.” For your information, I never make major decisions without the approval of our parent organization, the Highland Park Baptist Church. We, as you know, are in the process of formulating an Advisory Council, but that Council will not have its first official meeting until after spring break. Please know that only God knows how I labor over this ministry and His direction in making wise decisions.

From: Anonymous
Great website! Would like to see a varsity baseball schedule added. Thanks!

From: Webmaster
Thank you for your post. I have asked for a schedule so that it can be posted on our site. If you have one, please email it to me so that I can get it posted.

From: Shane Walton
Hey to all!! First off, I just want to say congratulations to the guys basketball this yr!! What an awesome group of young men who glorify the Lord in everything they do. Temple needed another title, and God blessed alot this yr!! The girls really did well also...great work on another successful season!!! I am a avid fan of Temple athletics, both in the school and college. May God continue to bless all the ministries of Tennessee Temple!! God bless you all!!!!

-

From: Anonymous
I would just like to thank all the faculty that rode the buses back and forth to the state finals. The kids really appreciated the opportunity to go.Congradulations to all of the basketball players and coaching staff.

From: Mrs. Hickman
The bus I rode on Friday had very well behaved bunch of students. I actually enjoyed the bus ride with them. Thanks to all the students that were on Mrs. Hickman's bus!!!!

From: Anonymous
Still no information on the website about Josh Smith signing with Cumberland University?

From: Webmaster
Recognition of Josh receiving a scholarship from Cumberland needs to be on our website. If someone reading this forum would like to research this information, I will be happy to post it on our NCAA Signee page. Josh, please email me, and I'll try and write something.

From: tracie nave
i am so proud that gavin has been given the opportunity to go to such a great school Gods love is abundantly flowing at TTA. i cant brag enough on ms. land, she is a blessing to us as a teacher, i want her to know that she has made the biggest difference in gavin as a student, and as a young man. thank you for not giving up on him, and thank you for always keeping us as parents informed on all that goes on with our kids. i know sometimes it gets discouraging but know that as parents we are praying for you and you could never know how much you are appreciated. the web site is great! very informative.

From: Anonymous
Just wondering why there was so much hype about the football season but not about the guys basketball team going to state? As far as I'm concerned this is just as big a deal as the cinderella football team. I don't understand why so little is being said about this on the website. Could someone please explain?

Football games happen once a week, it's much easier to stay up with one game a week than two or three. Also I have been much busier at both work and other school activities during basketball season.

Lastly, I had more students plead with me to post the pictures, a higher level of interest and encouragement caused me to put forth additional effort.

I would like to commend Chris Jordan for his effort, I'm not sure how many people have any idea how much time and effort he has put into the website, but it has been significant.

As people have asked for additional improvements to the site, the webmasters comments have continually been the same, "anything you can do to help, would be appreciate" this comment is usually followed by a void, i.e., no response from the questioner. As most of the photographers and writers for the WebPages are volunteer, might I encourage even beg those who wish to see more articles on basketball (or any other activity) to participate in the process.

From: Anonymous
I'm a male TTA student. I was just wondering, are we allowed to wear any kind of khaki pants at TTA?? Cause ive seen an extremly large amount of male students where different kinds of khaki pants to school without the small logo on back, in front of the teachers, and it looks like they don't even notice it. I don't know if the faculty has already talked to them about it privatly, but it's been going on for a long time.

From: Hannah Jones
Thank you Chris Jordan for our awesome web site.

From: Micah
Dear Mr. Jordan,
Thanks so much for the great website! It is awesome! We really enjoy it and think it is a great website!

From: Anonymous
Mrs. Land is a wonderful teacher. TTA is lucky to have her teaching the 4th grade.

From: Anonymous
Great team effort for the boys basketball win over Grace.

From: Martha Johnson
Dear Mr. Jordan,
Thank-you for the incredible website for the school. We were so impressed!
This will be a wonderful way to get the word out about the great school God has blessed us with. Many,many thanks for all of your hard work.

From: Anonymous
How soon will all the teachers have their class websites up? I really like seeing what my kids need to be preparing for class.I know it will mean more time for teachers, but it will give parents an extra chance to help from home. Parents, if the teachers are willing to put forth this effort, please let them know that it is appreciated.

From: Anonymous
I would like to made two recommendations/suggestions for the school handbook regarding the dress code.
1. All outerwear i.e. jackets, sweaters, hoodies, etc. be Temple approved colors with only Temple logos. Our uniforms are sometimes overshadowed by flannel shirts, camouflage jackets, pink sweaters, etc.
2. Black leggings ONLY be approved for girls to wear under their skorts, jumpers, and skirts. Leggings must be below the knee and of dense material similiar to leotards.

From: Anonymous
I really love the website. I've been a fan of Temple sports for the last couple of years and really like the pics and other information about the teams. I was glad to see that there has been a few of the high school athletes going on to play in college. I noticed that Amanda Jordan, Seth Skogen and Danielle Rector had signed somewhere; but didn't Josh Smith also sign to play somewhere? I was just wondering about that because I didn't read it anywhere on the site. Congrats to those who signed.

From: Anonymous
The fourth grades website look really cool! I really enjoyed the picture. It really relates people to the cool. GOOD Job Rob and Mr. jordan

From: Karen Eldridge
Great job Rob and Chris. The fourth grade page is great! I can't wait until the other grades are complete as well. Also, thanks to Mrs. Land! You are a great Godly teacher with a real passion for our Lord and Savior as well as for our children. We are so blessed to have you this year!

From: Anonymous
Just a Simple Thank You,
I just wanted to say " Thank You" to our teacher's at T.T.A.
Parents please remember to pray for your child's teachers each day.
We are blessed to have a faculty whose true desire is to teach children.
Thank You for teaching here, we know that it means a financial sacrifice.

-

From: Anna Shepherd
Chris thank you for updating the pictures for the elementary boys basketball team and the elemantary cheerleaders.

From: webmaster
Your welcome, sorry it took a while to get them posted. Congratulations on a great season!

From: Anonymous
Thanks for putting the forum back up. I really enjoy being able to read about things happening outside my circle. It is great to have this means of communication with one another.

-

From: Webmaster
Welcome to our new and improved forum. All comments, questions, concerns and suggestions will be reviewed by Dr. Pearson. The positive comments, questions or suggestions will be posted here for everyone's discussion. All other forum submissions will be routed through Dr. Pearson to the appropriate person for their reply. The administration would like to hear from everyone who is involved with our academy. Please keep in mind that if you make an anonymous post that is not appropriate for our public forum page, the administration will still receive your comment, but will have no way to reply to you with their response. Let's have fun, and keep our posts positive in a way that reflects the class of our school.

Thanks

-