Field Notes

Digital Dangers: How a Device-Based Childhood Undermines Kids' Mental Health and Resilience | Annie Houghton

The following presentation was given on March 1st, 2025, for a parent seminar at Saturday School. The speaker is Annie Houghton, Dean of Community Life here at The Field School. Annie was part of the founding team of The Field School and served as Principal for five years before transitioning to her current role. She has also led our work in supporting and training over 80 other schools nationwide.  This talk is entitled “Digital Dangers: How a device-based childhood undermines kids' mental health and resilience.” We hope you’ll be informed and encouraged, as she challenges us all to reconsider the role of technology in our students’ and families’ lives. Videos referenced: The Adolescent Brain [https://youtu.be/-1FRco3Bjyk] How Social Media Keeps You Addicted To Your Phone [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7k48BRnYeo] https://thefieldschool.org [https://thefieldschool.org]

Black Liberation through the Marketplace | Dr. Rachel Ferguson

The following presentation was given on March 1st, 2025, for a parent seminar at Saturday School. The speaker is Dr. Rachel Ferguson, who serves as professor and Assistant Dean of the College of Business at Concordia University Chicago and Director of the Free Enterprise Center. Dr. Ferguson is also a scholar at the Faith and Liberty Discovery Center and a member of the editorial board for the Journal of Religion, Culture, and Democracy.  This talk is entitled “Black Liberation through the Marketplace,” offering a classical liberal perspective on Black American history. We hope you’ll be edified and encouraged by this recounting of Black entrepreneurial success in the face of deep injustice, drawing lessons for a better path forward. ⁠https://thefieldschool.org⁠ [https://thefieldschool.org]

For Freedom Christ Has Set Us Free | Dr. Brad Littlejohn

The following presentation was given on March 1st, 2025, for a parent seminar at Saturday School. The speaker is Dr. Brad Littlejohn, who is a Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center. Dr. Littlejohn is also a weekly contributor at WORLD Magazine, founder and former president of The Davenant Institute, professor of Christian history at Davenant Hall, and an adjunct professor of government at Regent University. This talk is entitled, “For Freedom Christ Has Set Us Free.” We hope you’ll enjoy listening, as Dr. Littlejohn invites us to consider the true meaning and purpose of freedom. ⁠https://thefieldschool.org⁠ [https://thefieldschool.org]

Frederick Douglass: Prophet, Patriot, and the Painful Path to the Beloved Community | Dr. Theon Hill

The following presentation was given on March 1st, 2025, for a parent seminar at Saturday School. The speaker is Dr. Theon Hill, who serves as Associate Professor of Communication at Wheaton College, specializing in African American Rhetoric. Dr. Hill is also Scholar-in-Residence at The Redemption Church, a Fellow of the Civil Society Fellowship, and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network. This talk is entitled, “Frederick Douglass: Prophet, Patriot, and the Painful Path to the Beloved Community.” Frederick Douglass has an integral place in The Field School curriculum, and we trust you’ll appreciate Dr. Hill’s invitation and challenge—one that shapes our approach to Christian education in a divided world. ⁠https://thefieldschool.org⁠ [https://thefieldschool.org]

Classical

What does it mean to be a classical school? Jeremy Mann and Paul Canada talk about the ultimate goal of education and preparing children for a life of curiosity, delight in learning, service to others, and worship of God. Also in this episode: * How do we support students who don't naturally "delight" in learning? * Isn't classical education just a bunch of dead white guys? * What is The Field School's approach to technology?