--- title: The Difference of Having a Family Atmosphere at School description: Learn how having a family atmosphere at school can make a tremendous difference. One experience showed it can make all the difference. image: https://www.veritasca.com/hubfs/DSC_7072-1.jpg --- [CALL US: (757) 410-5095](tel:%20+17574105095) - [Contact Us](https://www.veritasca.com/contact) - [Blog](https://www.veritasca.com/blog) [![VCA VA Logo.png](https://www.veritasca.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Brand%20Builder%20Solutions/VCA%20VA%20Logo.png?width=1920&name=VCA%20VA%20Logo.png "VCA VA Logo.png")](https://www.veritasca.com/) - [About](https://www.veritasca.com/about-us) - [Mission & Vision](https://www.veritasca.com/mission-and-vision) - [Administration](https://www.veritasca.com/administration) - [Faculty](https://www.veritasca.com/faculty) - [Employment](https://www.veritasca.com/employment-opportunities) - [Contact Us](https://www.veritasca.com/contact) - [Academics](https://www.veritasca.com/academics) - [Grammar (Grades K-6)](https://www.veritasca.com/grammar) - [Logic (Grades 7-8)](https://www.veritasca.com/logic) - [Rhetoric (Grades 9-12)](https://www.veritasca.com/rhetoric) - 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[July 2018 (8)](https://www.veritasca.com/blog/archive/2018/07) - [March 2017 (7)](https://www.veritasca.com/blog/archive/2017/03) - [April 2017 (6)](https://www.veritasca.com/blog/archive/2017/04) - [May 2017 (4)](https://www.veritasca.com/blog/archive/2017/05) - [June 2018 (4)](https://www.veritasca.com/blog/archive/2018/06) # The Difference of Having a Family Atmosphere at School Posted by [Macy Thornton](https://www.veritasca.com/blog/author/macy-thornton) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) **I have been attending Veritas Colligate Academy since the first grade, but I never really understood what people meant when they asked about the school’s “family atmosphere.” I always thought Veritas was just another school where everyone was friendly and supportive. But I finally understood the “family atmosphere” on the night of the tornado last Spring.** **Our school play last year was *The Wizard of Oz,* and when the lead cast gathered for our final practice, we** **![The Difference of Having a Family Atmosphere at School.jpg](https://www.veritasca.com/hs-fs/hubfs/17800447_10210300848891213_9025456638090123436_n.jpg?width=320&name=17800447_10210300848891213_9025456638090123436_n.jpg "The Difference of Having a Family Atmosphere at School.jpg")****discussed any concerns before transitioning to the theater for dress rehearsals. ** **Suddenly, all of our phones buzzed with alert messages, and the Cowardly Lion said, “It says to take shelter now! A tornado has struck in the area.” We missed the irony of a tornado and *The Wizard of Oz* as our play director rushed us to shelter. ** **Once in safety, I held the hands of my friends who were next to me. I looked at them, and the song *Holy Spirit *popped in my head, so I started to sing. The others joined in. ** **Later, we learned that two tornados had struck near our school, one hit an apartment complex a couple miles away and the other hit a church a mile away. ** **Riding home that evening, we passed the church, and I was shocked at the destroyed building and debris in the fields. I have never felt more blessed than when I saw the damage. ** **Ever since that day, I have felt even more close to my family of friends at school. It was definitely a night to ****remember.** **Now whenever someone asks me about the family ****![The Difference of Having a Family Atmosphere at School.jpg](https://www.veritasca.com/hs-fs/hubfs/DSC_7072-1.jpg?width=320&name=DSC_7072-1.jpg "The Difference of Having a Family Atmosphere at School.jpg")****atmosphere, I will always tell them that in a crisis ****situation I will know my family will be with me. That is the difference that a family atmosphere makes, always knowing that there is ****someone there to support you. They will keep you safe and be the friend who will sit and listen to you, or lend a shoulder to catch all of your tears.** **Summer is over, but I am excited to be reunited with my family at Veritas, and I am excited to welcome news students who are [transitioning to Veritas](https://www.veritasca.com/blog/through-a-students-eyes-transition-to-veritas-collegiate-academy). ** **[![Download Now: A Parent's Guide to Choosing a Private School in Hampton Roads](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2712502/63187899-4954-41b3-b68a-0c5c5700f023.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2712502/63187899-4954-41b3-b68a-0c5c5700f023)** **[![How Veritas Prepares Students for College](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2712502/cca09ced-1c5e-4924-bd0a-010fa1b02a29.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2712502/cca09ced-1c5e-4924-bd0a-010fa1b02a29)** Topics: [Private School](https://www.veritasca.com/blog/topic/private-school) ##### [ABOUT](https://www.veritasca.com/about-us) [Mission & Vision](https://www.veritasca.com/mission-and-vision) [Administration](https://www.veritasca.com/administration) [Faculty](https://www.veritasca.com/faculty) [Campus Locations](https://www.veritasca.com/vca-campus-locations) [Employment](https://www.veritasca.com/employment-opportunities) [Contact Us](https://www.veritasca.com/contact) ##### [ACADEMICS](https://www.veritasca.com/academics) [Grammar (Grades 1-6)](https://www.veritasca.com/grammar) [Logic (Grades 7-8)](https://www.veritasca.com/logic) [Rhetoric (10-12)](https://www.veritasca.com/rhetoric) ##### [ADMISSIONS](https://www.veritasca.com/admissions) [Schedule A Tour](https://www.veritasca.com/schedule-a-tour) [Application Process](https://www.veritasca.com/application-process) ##### [INTERNATIONAL](https://www.veritasca.com/international-studies) [Program](https://www.veritasca.com/international-program) [International Admissions](https://www.veritasca.com/international-admissions) [Campus Locations](https://www.veritasca.com/vca-campus-locations) ##### [ACADEMY LIFE](https://www.veritasca.com/student-life-1) [Arts](https://www.veritasca.com/arts) [Athletics](https://www.veritasca.com/athletics) [Traditions](https://www.veritasca.com/traditions) [Spiritual Life](https://www.veritasca.com/spiritual-life) [Dress Code](https://www.veritasca.com/dress-code) [Calendar](https://www.veritasca.com/calendar) [![VCA VA Logo White PNG (1).png](https://www.veritasca.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Brand%20Builder%20Solutions/VCA%20VA%20Logo%20White%20PNG%20(1).png?width=1920&name=VCA%20VA%20Logo%20White%20PNG%20(1).png "VCA VA Logo White PNG (1).png")](https://www.veritasca.com/) Accredited by ![acts_association_of_christian_teachers_schools_white_96](https://www.veritasca.com/hs-fs/hubfs/acts_association_of_christian_teachers_schools_white_96.png?width=160&height=96&name=acts_association_of_christian_teachers_schools_white_96.png) ![Cognia_ACCRED-Badge-GREY_96](https://www.veritasca.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Cognia_ACCRED-Badge-GREY_96.png?width=96&height=96&name=Cognia_ACCRED-Badge-GREY_96.png)   © 2026 Veritas Collegiate Academy [** ](https://www.facebook.com/vcachesapeake) [** ](https://www.instagram.com/vcachesapeake/) ![](https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/viewthroughconversion/854311803/?guid=ON&script=0)