A simple but significant change is making a huge difference at Milo Adventist Academy.
All students become part of a staff family during the year. In past years, these families of nearly eight students and a staff "parent" have met for evening worships as well as for occasional socials.
This year family time has expanded to each school day. Families gather daily right after lunch to Seek One Thing — a spiritual theme based on Psalms 27:4.
As a result, many students have noticed a closer connection with each other and an easier time making friends in the bigger Milo family.
Francieli Altamirano, a new student from Battle Ground, Wash., says having these family groups has helped her "step out of her comfort zone" and reach out to people she normally might not have gotten to know so easily.
Josh Pudewell, from Myrtle Creek, Ore., declares "Having close knit family relationships builds broader close knit school relationships."
Amber Wilkinson, from Roseburg, Ore., agrees staff families are a positive thing. "It's when you can get close to the people in your family, and you get to talk about anything and no one will judge you," she says.
The most positive aspect of staff family groups at Milo is the daily focus on God.
Kim Bartholomew, head resident assistant and four-year senior from Coeur d' Alene, Idaho, says, "God isn't limited to certain times. This has been a good reminder and a regroup in the middle of the day!"
The Bovee staff family gets together every day for a 15-minute focus group as part of the Seek One Thing emphasis this year at Milo Adventist Academy. (Carol Bovee)
The Starr faculty family enjoys spending daily time together. (Carol Bovee)
