Warrior News

Dear Warrior Nation,

In our current series, we have looked at both the spiritual and academic benefits of Christian education.  This week, our focus is on community benefits, or what I like to call the “us” factor.  1 Corinthians 1:10 says, “Now I plead with you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”  The apostle Paul lays out a basic expectation for Christ's followers – Unity.  What does that look like in a Christian school?  First, we cannot see the school as a separate entity from the community to which it is connected.  Inside the school, we know the value of smaller class sizes, giving teachers a more conducive environment for student interaction and a greater opportunity to get to know students personally.  The naturally formed relationships help bring students and staff together to accomplish academic goals and spiritual opportunities better.  The diversity we have as a community enriches our lives as we interact with students and families of differing denominational and ethnic backgrounds, which helps us see the unifying work of God through the diversity of His creation.  I remember attending a Christian conference where the speaker asked the crowd (of many thousands) to shout out the name of their church when he counted to three.  The result was a garbled, incoherent shout lifted in the arena.  He then asked us to shout out who we were serving, and at three, the building thundered with the name “Jesus!!” shouted loud and clear.  In times of struggle and difficulty, I have been truly blessed to see how we, as Warrior Nation, have banded together to help one another in our community.  That speaks directly to the heart of Christ and pleases our heavenly Father as we follow the lead of our Savior.  As the world focuses on what divides us, we press into what brings us together. While we may attend different churches or come from different family backgrounds, we can all take comfort in the strength we have together through the One we serve – Jesus!

Thank you to those able to join us on Wednesday for our November Coffee Break.  As mentioned, the topic was school safety, and you should have received an email attachment with a summary of the discussion. Remember, campus safety is not just related to handling intruders but also maintaining a safe, secure facility by following guidelines and expectations.  I appreciate all your hard work and attention to the “big picture” of school safety and our partnership, which makes RCS such an amazing place.

I pray peace and joy over you as we rapidly approach the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Thank you for allowing us to serve you and your students.

All 4 Him!

Bill Sharp, M.Ed.
Head of School
 

Dear Warrior Nation,

At the most basic level, school is school.  There is a schedule (daily as well as annually), there are classes to expand knowledge and understanding of the world, and most schools have some degree of athletic opportunities.  In our second installment of “Why Christian Education?” we take a look at the academic benefits of education at RCS.

Proverbs 1:5 says “Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtains guidance.” The Bible is clear about our mandate to teach the next generation.  What makes RCS special is the WAY in which students are taught.  In most classes, especially at the elementary level, the chosen curriculum and resources are written from a Biblical worldview perspective.  That means that each subject is approached from the perspective of God’s creation and His view on the world He created.  Textbooks and resource books are infused with applicable scripture.  Bible verses are included in the sources as a deliberate connection between the content of the course and God’s perspective from the Word.  This Biblical viewpoint, taught by educators dedicated to a life of serving Jesus Christ, creates an environment with a foundation of Biblical stewardship – managing God’s creation as caretakers of the world and our understanding of it.  When you add in the academic rigor found at RCS, you get an education that challenges students beyond the basics to learn, grow, and love God and others, in order to leave our classrooms to impact the world for the kingdom.  In short, it is all about “Educating Hearts and Minds for Christ.”

Congratulations to the Varsity volleyball team in their impressive 4-set victory over VMAC rival Grace Christian School to claim their first VMAC league championship!  Even though Grace beat them twice in the regular season, the Lady Warriors stormed through the first two sets and closed the victory out in game 4 by holding off a late game run by the Lady Kings.  The team came up short in the State Quarterfinal match, but we are proud of the way they honored Christ in the highs and lows of the season to finish strong.  Our Cross-Country team also finished their season well, taking second place in the VMAC championship meet.  Maddie Royster completed the season with an 11-0 record of first place finishes for the season, and T.J. McPeters led the boys’ effort with a second-place finish.  Finally, five of our Varsity football players had the opportunity to keep their football skills sharp by playing the fall season with the Central Virginia Disciples homeschool team.  After a solid 72-6 win in the state semi-final game, the Disciples will travel to northern Virginia to compete for the state title this weekend.  Prayers and blessings to the team and players for a safe and prosperous game this Saturday.

May the Lord bless you and keep you this weekend and through the coming week.  We love and appreciate you, and we are honored to partner with you in this ministry.

All 4 Him!

Bill Sharp, M.Ed.
Head of School