PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
We are back to the grind of our second semester and we are filled with the memories of our second successful Winterim. Students have stories and experiences that ranges from cooking one’s favorite dish to visiting an ancient German castle; from sculpting a life size human body to working with disadvantaged people at a Lutheran camp. Many memories, many experiences, many learning opportunities for our students in our three week Winterim session. We continue to seek feedback on the various courses we offer as we try and improve those offerings and experiences each year.
As promised, we have implemented a grading software for our teachers, students, and parents to utilize this semester. The parent portal should be available by the second week of February. Again, we are seeking feedback from you as to how this new system is performing. As a teacher myself, I am pleased with the early results that I can see from the teacher side of the desk. The parent/student perspective is probably more important so that each group can view the appropriate grades and keep track of academic progress in a meaningful manner.
Finally, as the days wear on and we co-exist in the dreary days of February I implore all of us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Too often we take our eyes away from the cross and look left and right and try and compare notes with others. The only standard we need to live by is the standard Christ set for us. He tells us in John 8:7 “If any of you is without sin, cast the first stone . . .” We are bound by the Law to standards God has set for us. We are not to stand in judgment of others and play the role of the self-righteous Pharisee. God is our only judge and thankfully, He is a forgiving God. Otherwise, we would all be in serious trouble. When asked how often we should forgive one another Jesus responded “ . . . not seven, but seventy times seven.” (Matthew 18:22) The point being, we are to follow the Master’s model as we live in this world. Even though we live in a world where students sin, teachers sin, and yes, even parents sin, let us all try and put the best construction on events and not speak poorly of one another.
And yes, we all know the following is true----- so live it . . . “This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24
Dr. Cary Stelmachowicz