Dear Parents,

This semester we are scheduled to put a new program in place for your children.  It is an anti-abduction program which will take place during two P.E. periods in the month of March (March 13-15 and 20-22).  Those are 30 minute class sessions. 

This program will be taught by members of Calvary Family Martial Arts & Fitness, Inc.  They are a group founded on Christian principles and have been teaching throughout Colorado Springs for over 15 years.  

The first of their two sessions with our students will focus on the techniques they call “Delay, Draw Attention, and Disengage.” The second will concentrate on helping children observe carefully and really “see” what’s going on around them.

Even though their main business is teaching martial arts, their time with our students will focus on topics other than martial arts.  They will be equipping students with non-violent techniques that help prevent provocation on the part of aggressors. In addition, students will also learn how to appropriately deal with issues of relational aggression. If you are interested in you or your child learning martial arts, they offer a “reinforcement session" at another time in order for you to learn what your children have heard and about their extended program.  This anti-abduction program is offered free of charge to CSCS.

We are excited that Calvary can speak freely to our students about trusting the Lord and using wisdom from the Him in the midst of situations that can be frightening or uncertain. The folks from Calvary are excited as well and eager to enjoy the freedom of speaking openly about the Lord while they’re here.

Please contact me with questions or let me know if you would like to ask questions of the Calvary Martial Arts team. We can put you in touch with them.

In His Care,

Doug Bray

We have several new employees to introduce to you.  Two of them will directly interact with Elementary School students.  We're excited about their call toward Christ-centered education and the professional qualifications they bring to their positions. 

Luke 2 is best known for being read at Christmas.  It really tells more of Jesus' story than simply His birth.  It also mentions his being presented in the Temple to Simeon and later to Anna.  Those are fantastic testimonies.  The chapter also talks about Him going to the Temple at age 12 and visiting with the teachers (while frightening his parents).  But don't stop there.  Luke 2 is "good to the last drop."

Verse 52, the final word for this great chapter, says, "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men."  That verse is part of what we hope to help you with as parents. 

Wisdom, at least in part, includes intellectual development.

Stature involves physical development.

Favor with God reflects spiritual development.

Favor with men indicates social development.

We want to be involved in those areas with you to help your child grow intellectually, spiritually, and socially.  The physical growth seems to happen on a time schedule all its own.  We can't really influence that portion, but hope to help your child as they navigate the challenges that come with growing physically.  You are called by God, as parents, to nurture your child in those four areas.  We are called to support you in those same areas. 

The time with you at parent/teacher conferences was such a help to us.  Keep that conversation going so that we can back you up as your priceless child grows through the year.

This year our Faculty has had a wonderful opportunity to get some instruction and training at our annucal ACSI (Association of Christian Schools) teacher conference.  It's more officially known as "NEXUS."  Chrisitan School teachers met at 81 sites across the nation, Oct. 18 and 19 to learn and grow together.  Some of the information was great for our heads.  We also had inspiring input that was great for our hearts.  Our prayer is that it's ultimately great for the hearts of your children.

One session provided wonderful reminders to us that much of teaching is relational.  We need to establish strong relationships with children in order to teach them most effectively.  Many tips were shared that all of you have probably heard, but were certainly good for us as educators to hear again.  Here are three tips about things you can do in 60 seconds or less to build up your children.  These are good for teachers and for parents.

First, "love" them.  One practical example of that is to repeat the thought that "no matter what, you'll be there for your child."  You've told them before but children love that type of reminder.  Telling them once isn't enough for a lifetime dose of that vital message.

A second tip is to "walk alongside " them.  You can communicate this powerful concept by telling your child:  "Let's do this together."  That simple statement, accompanied by a partnering parent's hand, can bring refreshment, lighten a load, and help create a thankful heart.  Can you remember a time when someone did that for you?  It's a tremendous boost for a child.

Finally, "affirm" your child.  One creative way to do that is to periodically tell them something like:  "Here's one thing about you that is very important to me."  With a little bit of thought, you can come up with a list of things that will spice up your child's life in an inspiring way.

Strengthening your relationship with your child opens the door for you to speak the Truth of the Scripture and to be "heard" more consistently as a parent.  Try building that relationship in a way you haven't tried before.  I'd love to hear how that goes for you!