The Glass Half-Empty Confession

I can’t help it.  I’m a” glass half-empty” guy.  Too often, I remind myself of Glum from Gulliver’s Travels – “It will never work” or Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh – “There are those who will wish you good morning. If it is a good morning, which I doubt.” (I am hearing many “amens” right now.)  I wish I was a “glass half-full” kind of guy.  I would love to see only the positive, the good, the opportunities.  I would focus solely on our many successes this year: Lego Robotics, Academic Team, Engineering team, Odyssey of the Mind, successful ACSI/AdvancED Accreditation, the Fine Arts program, our sports victories, our hardworking faculty and staff, those students and parents who are constantly positive and uplifting, the army of volunteers who labor tirelessly on behalf of the school, the Mom’s in Prayer group who faithfully pray for the school, the staff and families weekly, the record giving this year, the new awnings that have eliminated most of the leaks, etc., etc., etc.  That is where I wish I was all the time.  I flirt with it from day to day.  Sometimes I put up a pretty good front.

But . . .

Then I am shaken back to (my) reality and the “half-empty” Bill rears his ugly head (not that the half-full Bill’s head would be any prettier).  I get distracted by: major discipline issues, a faculty member’ life-altering health issue, the financial struggles we face, the low salaries for faculty members, Obamacare and what it will cost the school and staff members, decisions I must make that will please no one, an angry parent, a malicious rumor about myself or the school, a complaint, etc., etc., etc.  I allow these very real and very difficult issues to overshadow all the very real BLESSINGS from God.  In the midst of the self-pity that washes over me, I forget the truth of Scripture.  The very truth of Scripture that I preach, which reminds me that “. . . all things work together for good . . .”; He will “ . . . never leave us or forsake us . . .”;  He “ . . . has overcome the world . . .”, what was meant for evil “God meant for good,” etc., etc., etc.

Last Wednesday in chapel, Pastor Andre was preaching . . . to me, from II Timothy 4:7, which says, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”  Whenever the Lord calls me away from Calvary Christian School (regardless of the timing or circumstances), I don’t want it to be with my tail between legs or with a sigh of relief because it is over.  I want to be able to say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” . . . and mean it.

Sorry for the personal nature of this blog, but I felt this needed to be said.  I say it all as a confession and an apology, because, this year, some of you have had to get all too close to “half-empty” Bill.  I want to do better.

Ending the Year Strong

CCS has experienced some great victories at the end of this school year.

• Senior Preston Kohls has qualified for the KHSAA State Tennis Tournament for the second year in a row.
• Our Girls Varsity Tennis Team won their conference for the second year in a row.
• The CCS High School Odyssey of the Mind Team, in only their first year, will compete in the World Competition on May 24^th in East Lansing, Michigan.
• The 11^th & 12^th Grade Engineering Team finished 3rd in their division.
• The 9^th & 10^th Grade Engineering Team finished 3rd in the state and qualified for the National Competition this summer in Orlando, Florida

These sports and academic victories are not the only examples of ending the year strong.  Two weeks ago I received the email below.  I have removed the names of the individuals and the school they came from.

Dr. Dickens,

I am the school drama coach for _____________ Elementary School.  I inquired as to whether our drama department could borrow some scenery for a play we are doing, and Mrs. Davenport was gracious enough to allow us to use it.  I visited your school yesterday (along with one of our parents) to pick up the scenery.  We were so impressed by the obvious difference you are making in today’s world, that I wanted to let you know about it. 

Every single person we came into contact with during the short time we were in your building was extremely friendly and gracious.  I received more smiles and greetings during our visit than I have probably had all week.  Four of your sophomore students (from study hall) were willing to help ______ and I get the scenery to our truck and helped us load it.  Each one of them were extremely polite, well-mannered, and exhibited mature behavior that is not typical for teenage boys.  We were greeted with firm handshakes, they introduced themselves, looked us in the eye when they spoke to us, and were very respectful. 

When ______ and I got into the truck to drive away, both of us commented about the graciousness of your students.  As a Christian, I was encouraged to see that there are young people who live out what they believe in their day-to-day interactions with others.  Whatever you are doing there, you are doing it right.  Thank you for being a light in our community.

Whether in sports, creative problem-solving, academics or our Christian witness we are blessed with the caliber of students and families God has given to CCS.  Thank you for being part of this ministry.

An Unintentional Influence

I was reminded Friday night that someone is always watching.  Friday night was the 2013 Junior/Senior Banquet.  It was held at the beautiful Hilton Netherland Plaza in downtown Cincinnati.  When we arrived for the hors d’oeuvres  portion of the evening, there were some women in the reception area wearing nametags.  I assumed they worked for the hotel.  They were talking to one of our parents who had dropped her child for the banquet.

I came to find out later, that these ladies were in town on business and had noticed all the students coming in and wandered over to see what was up.  They asked this parent what was going on and who these students were.  When the parent told them they were from Calvary Christian and this was the “Senior Prom” these women were shocked.  They proceeded to heap praise on our students for how polite and mannerly they were and for how modestly the girls were dressed . . . a far cry from what they were used to seeing in 17 and 18 year olds.

When this was shared with me, I had another moment of pride in our students . . . we have some VERY good kids.  But then there was the sober reminder that someone is always watching.  Our behavior and actions WILL reflect on Christ.  It is up to us to provide an image that honors Him.  Our students did just that on Friday night.

Continue to pray for the Peters and the Lozzi’s as they endure their current trials.  Pray for the 8th graders and their trip to Washington, DC this week, the Seniors and their trip to Florida this week, and the 3rd graders and their overnight trip to the Cincinnati Zoo.

Thank you for your continued support of CCS.

Being His Hands and His Feet

After last week’s blog, your response to our hurting families has been monumental.  You have rallied around these families in a tangible way, making them feel the love of Christ.  Regarding the Peter’s, many of you have asked how you can donate to their expenses.  The best way to do that is to send the donation to their sending mission agency.  You can send those donations to: World Reach, P.O. Box 26155, Birmingham, AL 35260.  Be sure to specify that this donation is for Bruce and Nancy Peters.

Many have asked how you can help the Lozzi’s.  One of their biggest needs is help around their house to complete some home improvement projects that had already started and are in need of completion.  If you can help out here, please contact Laura Lozzi directly at 859-359-5626.

Last Friday, all of our Middle and High School students took a stand to end human slavery.  Currently there are 27,000,000 people held in bondage, many in the Cincinnati area.  Our students stood out, in cold weather, to let the folks driving up and down Taylor Mill Road that they were “In It to End It.”  They were a wonderful example of Christ’s love and care for the hurting.

Tomorrow, Tuesday, April 16^th, our Middle and High School students will be participating in our “Soles for Souls” day.  Students will be able to spend the day in sock feet, raising awareness for the millions who have no shoes.  On top of raising awareness, they will have the opportunity to donate to this cause.  Every dollar collected will purchase a pair of shoes for the less fortunate.  Students will be able to donate in the front lobby in the morning, or they can give their money to Hannah Hurdle or Ashley Bowers during the school day.

There is still time to help out with the Odyssey of the Mind team’s trip to the World Competition in Michigan.  We are accepting corporate donations and personal donations.  Donors will be recognized as supporters on the back of team shirts.  Time is winding down, so please contact me at bill.dickens@ccsky.org as soon as possible, if you or your company would like to help this team.

Please continue to pray for CCS that we finish this year strong.  Also continue to pray for Mrs. Nancy Peters as she begins radiation and chemotherapy next week and Mr. Joe Lozzi as he treks down his long road to recovery.

Now we will see who reads to the end of the blog. (-;  During the 2013-2014 CCS will celebrate its 40th Anniversary!!  As I was thinking about a theme, most of the “40′s” in the Bible are “downers” . . . rain, fasting, drought, wandering, flood, lashes, etc.  So I am throwing it out to the school families.  I would love to hear your ideas for our 40th Anniversary theme.  Simply email your thoughts to bill.dickens@ccsky.org.

Thank you to those who read this blog, last week we went over 10,000 visits to the page.

Have blessed week.

Difficult Days for Those We Love

The last couple of weeks have been very difficult for some of the CCS family.   Our Middle School Math and Science teacher, Tee Nerz lost her mom as she passed away after battling cancer.  Our fifth grade teacher Nancy Peters has been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor that will require months of treatment.  The parents of our newest high school student, Elias Lozzi were involved in a horrific accident on the way to the last night of our school play.  That accident has left Mrs. Lozzi with a broken leg and Mr. Lozzi with several broken vertebrae in his neck and back.  One of our high school seniors lost her sister.

Romans 12:15 tells us to “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.”  Matthew 5:4 tells us, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”  Sometimes we are tempted to “feel sorry” for people and trust God to comfort them.  But what if these verses are calling us to action . . . to come along side them and mourn and weep . . . and . . . as followers of Christ, to comfort them?  What if He is calling us to make a difference in their lives?  At the very least, we should cover them in prayer.  But I believe we could and should do more.

Below, I have included messages from Dr. Peters concerning Nancy and Mr. Lozzi concerning their accident.  Please, please, please read these messages.  If you are moved to help these folks in any way please let us know.  If you want to reach out to Mrs. Nerz, please let me know.  If you want to bless the Peters, please contact Mrs. Tonya Burns.  If you want to help the Lozzi’s, please connect with Mrs. Barbara Smith.  We have a wonderful opportunity to make a REAL difference in the lives of those who are hurting.

From Dr. Bruce Peters regarding his wife Nancy.

TODAY’S MEETING With the NEURO-ONCOLOGIST for Pathology Results: This afternoon we had a nearly three hour appointment with the neuro-oncologist: Nancy has an inoperable brain tumor at the back of the right frontal lobe. The tumor type is “Astrocytoma,” and it is stage 3 (of 4 stages). Without treatment Nancy would probably be paralyzed and on a feeding tube in six months or so. Of course we are following the doctor’s recommendation for a quick and intensive response with radiation and chemotherapy, which will last for six weeks. However, the brain surgery incision must heal before treatment begins (probably in two weeks or so). We feel fortunate that the tumor was discovered (it started perhaps less than a year ago). In God’s loving providence, a superior medical team has surrounded us: neurosurgeon, neuro-oncologist, radiologist-oncologist, and others. The future is in God’s hands, we know. The unfolding weeks will tell us more. And …so our “Journey” continues, yet longer and harder than anticipated, but we yearn and hope for a happy destination.

Our family and friends have been urgent as well as faithful in praying for us. We thank you and feel grateful knowing that you will continue with us on our journey. Our doctor today underscored the benefits to medical treatment that come from “Complementary” sources such as faith, family and friends, and even humor. We agree. You, our praying loved ones, are part of the prescription for good medicine! Please keep praying!

More JOURNEY INSIGHTS: Echoing a primary lesson learned already in this “journey,” Nancy repeats from time to time, “Love heals.” Indeed it does. And we are feeling the “Love” – from the Lord as well as precious family and friends.

Earlier in my Christian journey, especially in my shepherding role in my days as a pastor, I realized that no believer is called to a solo-journey. When a person accepts Jesus Christ as personal Savior and Lord, that person becomes a part of God’s family. And our Father in Heaven intends to keep the family together – calling us not to walk alone but in community. The hallmark of Christian faith is “Love,” just as a primary distinguishing character of the early church was the care believers gave to one another, whether attending spiritual or earthly needs. Personal experience and New Testament accounts alike testify that the church family can fall victim to dysfunction even as our earthly family does from time to time. But Love, the glue that bonds the family, prevails. Amen.

~ 2 Timothy 4:17a, “But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me….”

 - Dr. Bruce Peters

From Mr. Joseph Lozzi regarding their accident and needs.

I am writing to notify everyone at CCS of the need for assistance.

My wife and I brought our son Elias Jacob Lozzi to CCS this year, we wanted to give him the best opportunity as a Christian Child in today’s world and believe that  God led us here as a part of his plan.  We moved here to Kentucky 7 years ago, a lot of things happened to us and we lost almost everything we moved here to retire with.   After several years of regrouping, always living below our means, trusting God and faithfully joining with other believers in prayer, trusting that God’s plan is ahead we pushed on.

We have sacrificed to get our one and only son to this school, he is a blessing and an honor to God.  So, as he started doing more in the CCS family we were very excited, and feeling a great part of participation in his life.  Our son was asked to play the snare drum during the Oz play; we dropped him off early and went home in excitement to see this presentation with him playing.   

The time came for us to go to the school and we left with everything in toll, the camera, phones shut to no noise, extra tripod stand, and hope in older parents hearts to see one of the new steps for our son’s life in this 9^th grade experience.  We had just got to the first set of lights around the corner from our house, we sat at the light, then it turned green, I went slow, my wife looked at me and smiled, out of the corner of my eye I just saw love, I felt in my heart that we were finally coming out of the darkest times in our lives.  As I looked a car crossed from across to where we were, and we moved.  But then it ended.  In a flash of light out of the peripheral vision of my right eye I saw my beautiful wife’s smile turn to horror, (what wasn’t I seeing?).    All of a sudden what felt like an exploding bomb, being lifted up and around in the car that weighted 2,000 lbs or more as it was thrown and spun over and over again.

I awoke to lights flashing, smoke filling the car, my screams of pain as well as my wife’s screams and her shock that was imprinted on her face, people were forcing open the doors and I realized in that moment that something was terribly wrong.  My first thought was to my son waiting for us to make us proud, my heart shuddered, and then thoughts flooding me, voices, all of a sudden I realized I could not move.  I know that they took my wife in a different ambulance after I left, but my son who was going to help him?  How were they going to know where we were?  As I was in the Ambulance the tech saw my phone and asked if she should call anyone.  I directed a yes response.  Pointing to my son she pushed the button.  My son answered and she notified him of the accident.   I heard him cry and again my heart went to him.  From then on I don’t remember anything more, I was rushed to a trauma center and stabilized, then rushed to West Chester Hospital for surgery.   My wife was told that I had suffered severe trauma to my neck and spine, and just about the entire body.  My neck had two complete breaks right through, one at C2, C3, and the other at C3, C4.  God provided for us a great doctor “Dr Durani” who is blessed by God and I know God has plans for.  He operated on my front cervical spine to repair and stabilize my neck.  At that time I had no functionality in my arms, hands, or legs, everything just dangled.  After the first surgery I have feeling, movement, praise God.  It has been 14 days and 2 major neck reconstructions, as well s many other happenings and I am now being prepared to be placed in a Rehab for quite some time.  During the accident my wife has broken her leg in several places.  Our son is staying with me at the hospital and with her in between.  We have no other family down here, we are only little known and I request Christian fellowship for my family.  My wife requires surgery but is working, and right now she is so overwhelmed.  We called a person in the school who will help drive our son to school but there is still more help we need. 

I implore you as brothers and sisters in Christ to please work with my wife and son while I am healing to assist her in her needs.  She is a strong Christian woman, she is full of honor, and she is the wife described in proverbs and deserves God’s best.  Please help me, by helping her and my son, by working together as the Christian family we are in spirit of God, that God may truly bless us for the right reasons.

The CCS school has all of our contact info and I ask that it be used to communicate love and help to my wife during this time.  There is so much more I’d like to say but pain prevents me.   There will be updates soon.

God bless, with love for all in Christ Jesus,

Joseph Lozzi

Proclaiming HIS Excellencies with Excellence

Well, Facebook has blown up over the latest Supreme Court discussion over homosexual marriage.  I look back over the last few years and we have seen a monumental moral shift in this nation.

As I reflect on where we have come from and where we are headed, there is finally a chance to use some of my training in church history.  In 1662 the Puritan church adopted what was known as the “Halfway Covenant.”  Due to shrinking numbers of converted (saved) members, the church decided that it would be a good idea to boost membership by allowing the baptism and church membership of unconverted children of unconverted parents.  They would become “halfway” members in the hopes that they would become saved and thus full members.  Well, this experiment was a disaster.  These “halfway” members not only did not get saved, but because the church was now filled with a number of unconverted members, it pulled the Puritan church away from its spiritual and moral underpinnings.  You can follow the “family tree.”  There is a direct link between the Puritan church and the VERY liberal Unitarian Universalist “church” of today.

I say all of this to remind you of a principle that has shown itself to be true time and time again: “what one generation passively ignores or accepts the next generation will embrace wholeheartedly.”   We have seen this shift in the case of abortion and now in the case of homosexuality.  Both are not just widely accepted or tolerated, but enthusiastically embraced.  What is next, assisted suicide, euthanasia, etc.?  Don’t be surprised.  I am not a “doomsday” person, but I do try to recognize trends and themes.  Remember, Scripture reminds us that it will get worse before it gets better.

Where does this shift begin?  In the classroom.  We would like to believe that public education is at the worst amoral, that it does not teach any morals.  However, the promotion of abortion as an option has been pushed in public schools for years, through classroom instruction and Planned Parenthood.  The acceptance of homosexuality has been taught in public schools for years through classroom instruction and LGBT (Lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, trans-gendered) clubs and organizations that are welcomed onto campuses.  Students have been subtly indoctrinated with this acceptance.  Both are presented as perfectly acceptable options.  Those who disagree are labeled as uneducated, backward, bigots.  (No disrespect is meant for any particular members of this system.  I am well aware of Christian teachers, administrators and students who are shining lights in a very dark world.  My comments are aimed at a system that is vehemently opposed to Christ and His teachings.)

To me, this highlights the significance of a Christian education.  But it also challenges us to do it with excellence.  Our test scores are high and only going up (ACT scores are multiple points higher than state and national averages in all categories); our graduates get into their first choice of colleges (100% of our 2012 graduates went to their first choice of colleges); they receive hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships; we offer a plethora of amazing opportunities in extra-curricular options in academics, fine arts and athletics.  But that is not enough.  Other schools offer some of these same things with varying degrees of success.  We represent Christ and therefore we must impart His truth with excellence.  We cannot settle for good enough.  We cannot allow another generation of young people to be pulled away from God’s truth.   We may not be able to stem the moral slide of this nation, but we can partner with like-minded parents to help prevent this shift with their children.

I commit to you that CCS will strive to do whatever it does with excellence.  Will we ever be perfect? No.  However, we are called to strive for it.  After all, we represent a perfect Savior and we ought to strive to do that with excellence.  First Peter 2:9 says, “But you are a chosen nation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”  Calvary Christian School desires to proclaim with excellence, “the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” Thank you for continuing to proclaim this with us.

I want to give a couple of shout outs.  CONGRATULATIONS to our Odyssey of the Mind team.  They won regionals, tied for second in the state and are headed to the World Competition . . . all in their first year of existence!!!!  The cost of the World Competition is about $6,000.  If your company or business would be interested in becoming a corporate sponsor of this team, please contact me and we will make sure your sponsorship is noted on the back of the team shirts.

If you missed CCS’s performance of “The Wizard of Oz”, you missed a treat!! Our students did a phenomenal job.  I am so proud of our students, our faculty and staff and the amazing number of parent volunteers who helped with this production.  I heard numerous comments from school families and visitors that this was the best show they had EVER seen.

As we move closer to Easter Sunday and Spring Break, I hope that you take the time to reflect on God’s gracious love and sacrifice for us.  Be reminded that Christ conquered death and has risen from the dead.  If you are traveling over Spring Break (I am . . . I “get” to go to beautiful Fort Jackson, SC for some Air Force training), travel safely.

Sigh of Relief . . . Rolling Up Our Sleeves

For the past year, CCS faculty, staff, parents and school board have undertaken the task of renewing our accreditation.  CCS has sought dual accreditation through AdvancED and ACSI.  AdvancED is the global leader in advancing excellence in education through continuous improvement, organizational effectiveness and accreditation.  They accredit public and private schools, colleges and universities in 37 states and 70 countries.  AdvancED has five standards it expects its schools to meet.  The Association of Christian Schools International is the largest accrediting agency for Christian schools around the world.  ACSI has 44 Assurances it expects its schools to meet.  This was a major undertaking.  On top of the accreditation itself, we were using a newly designed “protocol” for the accreditation process.  CCS was the first school in the Ohio River Valley Region of ACSI to go through this accreditation process with this protocol.

The seven members of the External Review Team were here last week.  They reviewed our documents, observed classrooms and interviewed parents, students, staff and the school board.  We will receive the final report in about a month.  The AdvancED/ACSI commissions will vote on the External Review Team’s recommendation in June.  Below is the exit report presented by the team to the faculty, staff and school board last Friday.  The information below is taken directly from the report.

Powerful Practices – These are the commendable things CCS is doing/has done.  These are based on the submitted self-study and supporting documentation provided, parent, student and staff interviews and short classroom observations.

• Parent/staff relationships are a vital component of the school’s culture. Both parents and staff view this partnership as  valuable and essential to the school’s success. Observations, interviews, and surveys overwhelmingly provided support to a very healthy school environment.
•  School personnel, including faculty, staff, administration, and volunteers, clearly display their call to the school’s purpose, displaying a high degree of ethical and moral behavior. Their clear testimony of faith in Christ is integrative to the school’s mission.
• The educational leaders show a high degree of sacrifice and commitment to the biblical standard of accountability. Their initiative, perseverance, and standard of excellence have been an exemplary model of servant leadership.
•  EE-12 ACSI teacher certification is 100%.
•  Love, respect, and caring are taught and demonstrated in alignment with biblical principles.
•  A well-developed crisis management plan has been recognized by local emergency providers as highly commendable
• CCS administration displays transparency and frequency in communication evidenced by an open door policy, a blog, newsletters, a communication plan, the school website, and an annual school report.
• CCS has developed and begun to implement a supervision and evaluation system that helps teachers to improve their instruction, which leads to student success.
• CCS conducts a mentoring program that is very detailed and complete and includes valid and reliable measures of performance.
• CCS has an expanded number of opportunities for challenging course offerings and activities for students.
• CCS engages its stakeholders in many challenging and meaningful ways that enhance and support the learning process.
• CCS provides support services to meet the physical, social emotional and spiritual needs of the students through the Co Gro Groups (Cougar Growth Groups).
• CCS has encouraged the faculty with the availability of new laptops, iPads, interactive boards, and projectors, to bolster the school’s technology infrastructure.
• CCS has an extremely well-qualified EE staff and spacious, well organized learning areas with innovative learning materials.
• CCS maximizes all available space to display, encourage, and communicate student success, the life, purpose and culture of the school.

Opportunities for Improvement – These are areas where CCS has the opportunity to grow.  These are based on the submitted self-study and supporting documentation provided, parent, student and staff interviews and short classroom observations.

• The school’s philosophy of activities outside the classroom should be collaboratively reviewed and regularly evaluated. We see no evidence that this exists other than an athletic philosophy.
•  Spiritual formation assessment must be a part of the ongoing life of the school. It is not apparent that formal assessment is occurring
•  CCS needs to vertically and horizontally align the curriculum so that it prepares students for successful advancement.
• CCS needs to schedule frequent collaborative community meetings that include productive discussions about student learning across grade levels and content areas.
• The technology that has been provided needs to be integrated into the instructional program and student learning.
• The use of exemplars and student assessment criteria was not evident in most classrooms.
• Student collaboration should be more intentionally utilized at all grade levels.
• To meet learning needs of students, differentiation of instruction and assessment should be practiced.

Required Actions – AdvancED believes that all institutions can improve. As a result, the External Review team was charged with identifying some actions that the institution should engage upon. AdvancED refers to these as Required Actions, and once again, ALL institutions are given Required Actions upon the completion of the External Review.

• The school must function as a financially sound Christian educational institution. Debt needs to be identified and quantified so that it can be managed and resolved. There is no written plan to do this in an operational context. A plan to manage and resolve the debt must be developed and implemented by March 1, 2014.  (FOR CLARIFICATION: CCS has no external debt.  However, it has “borrowed from itself” (restricted accounts) over the years to correct budget shortfalls.  This is what the report is referring to.)
• CCS needs to implement a continuous, written, systemic, collaborative improvement process (create/review, collect data, evaluate, revise, then repeating the cycle) that saturates all areas of the school ministry.  This process would include the areas of curriculum development, student assessment, instructional practices, and foundational documents. Professional development will be integral to each of these areas and each step of the process. The timeline of this process is to be developed by the school no later than August 1, 2013, with all areas mentioned to be fully implemented by June 1, 2016.

Concluding Themes – General overarching themes based on the External Review Team visit.

• High expectations for behavior, spiritual development, and educational success are evident.
• In most classrooms there is an open atmosphere for exchange of student ideas.
• A close working positive partnership is displayed among the school and its stakeholders.
• The school exudes a climate of excellence evidenced by the spiritual atmosphere, the educational focus, the physical environment, and the opportunities for all students to succeed.
• There is a forward momentum led by the new leadership that permeates the direction of the school.
• Now that the school has moved from a crisis mode, the leadership can begin to address other priorities and opportunities.
• Since the school has a unified team (including all stakeholders), the forward momentum should be utilized to better market the school and its distinctives.

External Review Team Recommendation – Full Accreditation without any limitations!!!

Words cannot express how proud I am of this faculty & staff and the hard work they have put into this process.   Our students were very well-behaved and welcoming.  We are excited about their report and their recommendation.  We have already begun the process of addressing their recommendations.  Colossians 3:23 reminds us that, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”  We look forward to rolling up our sleeves and making CCS even better.  Thank you for your support and trust.

Honest Omission – CELEBRATION RE-VISITED

In my last blog I congratulated a couple of groups of students and inadvertently left out a couple. I want to make sure they know how proud we are. Our Girl’s Basketball team finished the season strong. They won the post-poned Championship game of the 2013 Cougar Classic. They then turned around and won the Kentucky Christian Athletic Conference Championship.  GREAT job ladies!!!

Our 2nd grade boys basketball also won their championship game a couple weekends ago. WAY TO GO guys!!

CCS students accomplish a lot. Hopefully I haven’t left anyone else out.

“CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES, C’MON”

Congratulations are in order.

I need to spend a few moments praising a few of our students and their leaders.  First, I want to recognize the CCS Cheerleaders who recently competed in the Christian Cheerleaders of America Competition.  They won the Championship in the “Classic” Division.  They were also named the “Grand Champions” of the entire competition.  WONDERFUL job ladies!!

This year we started two new teams at CCS, a Lego Robotics team and an Odyssey of the Mind team.  These first year teams had some amazing accomplishments.  Our Lego Robotics team traveled to Louisville to compete at the State level.  They finished 15^th out of 159 teams . . . in their first year!  KUDOS to these intelligent young people!!

Our Odyssey of the Mind teams competed this last weekend.  While the Elementary team can’t advance to the state competition, this team scored a 3 out of a possible 3.  In fact, they had 3’s in every category except one!!  Our Middle and High School team did VERY well, also.  In this, their first year, they won the competition and have advanced and will compete in the state competition in 2 weeks at Northern Kentucky University.  CONGRATULATIONS to these creative problem-solvers.

Each of these teams are led and coached by CCS parents.  It would be impossible for CCS to do what it does without the support of our GREAT parents.  Thank you for your time and energy.

If you see any of these students or parents, be sure to thank them for representing our school so well.

For a year, the CCS Faculty and Staff has been preparing for this week.  The ACSI/AdvancED Accreditation Team arrives tomorrow night.  They will be here at CCS Wednesday through Friday of this week.  I told the staff today, we are prepared and I am proud of the hard work they have done and continue to do.  Please be in prayer that the logistics of this visit will go smoothly.

Finally, I haven’t said this enough this year.  I want to thank each of our families for trusting us with your children.  We do not take our calling lightly.  The education of your child in the Truth is our number one priority.

What I Saw Tonight, Made Me Proud!!

Well, tonight it was affirmed why I love what I do.  I just got home from the last home Boy’s Varsity basketball game.  They played hard the whole game, but in the end, they lost.  But that is OK.  I saw our players work hard.  I heard our cheerleaders cheer loud.  I saw school spirit pulse through the stands.  I saw our coach encourage his boys and work those refs with a smile on his face.  At half-time, I saw our school honor the Bellevue seniors with a gift.  I heard our senior basketball players and cheerleaders honor their parents, coaches and friends.  I saw our players and cheerleaders circle up with the Bellevue players for prayer at the end of the game.  Finally, I saw our players, after playing hard, on their own, clean up both teams bench areas.  This is unique! This is special! This is Calvary!