Warrior News

Dear Warrior Nation,

In Acts chapter 8, we read of Philip, one of the disciples of Christ, and his encounter with an Ethiopian eunuch, a man in charge of the entire treasury of the Ethiopian queen.  When Philip came across the eunuch, the eunuch was engaged with the Word, specifically in this passage from Isaiah: “He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth.  In his humiliation he was deprived of justice.  Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth.”  The passage, of course, refers to Jesus and his crucifixion.  As a result of Philip’s explanation of the scripture, the Ethiopian was moved to ask Philip to baptize him on the spot.

This passage ties both Elementary and Secondary Spiritual Emphasis Days together around the concept of Authentic Faith – truly living a life that honors God and points others to Him.  The Elementary students heard from Ms. Cassidy on Monday and Tuesday, focusing on using our tongue for God – speaking truth, building others up, and praising God.  Philip spoke truth to the eunuch; his heart and life were forever changed.  In Secondary, Pastor Mike Camire of Parkway Baptist Church gave students hands-on, practical ways to live out their faith and share it with others.  Knowing God and His Word is only the first step – Doing, by living it out, is what changes the world.

Monday marks the official beginning of the fourth quarter – the home stretch!!  Students will very quickly lose focus as the weather warms and thoughts of summer plans invade their minds.  It is this time we really need your help at home – keeping them focused on doing homework, studying, and working on projects with excellence so they can finish strong.

Upcoming events to note:

• Open House – 21 March at 6:30. Still plenty of space for your friends and co-workers to call and register.  They will hear from administrators, parents, and students, get a campus tour, and meet our awesome teachers. Encourage them to call 804-276-3193 to register.
• Easter Break – 1-5 April
• IOWA Assessments – 22-26 April

Please check the website for a list of anticipated vacancies for next year.  If you know a qualified teacher looking to make a kingdom difference in education, have them go to the website, complete the application, and email it to me.  Hey, maybe it's YOU!

Thank you for your continued partnership in Educating Hearts and Minds For Christ.

All 4 Him!

Bill Sharp, M.Ed.
Head of School
 

Dear Warrior Nation,

Welcome to March, when spring begins, March Madness for college hoops begins, and the weather could change in a moment.  As they say, if you don’t like the weather in Virginia, just give it a few minutes!  We are also excited about the next Open House event on 21 March at 6:30. Please share this information with anyone you feel would be a great addition to the RCS family.

As we continue to navigate the remainder of the 2023-2024 school year, it is important that we remember the path we walk is uniquely designed and laid out by God.  Some parts are smooth, open, and flat; others are steep, winding, and challenging.  In EVERY part, however, we can lean on God’s word found in Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”  It doesn’t mean the journey will be easy. It means that God has it, start to finish, and is walking with each of us on our unique road.  It means that when we stay connected to God and read His Word, he provides wisdom and direction in order to walk with Him on a well-lit road.

Although it is still one month away, I want to give you a heads-up for the next re-enrollment deadline.  The re-enrollment fee will increase to $350 per student on 1 April.  Applications are coming in and we are continuing to enroll new students.  If you have any questions about the process, please reach out to us and let us know.

Share your heart and home this summer! Host a student from Spain or France (ages 13-17) in your home for 3–4 weeks. Learn about their culture while he or she learns about living in an American family by just being a part of what you regularly do. There are various programs to suit your family’s work or non-working schedule. Families receive stipends to help out with expenses. Transportation or vacation concerns can be worked out. This will be a treasured memory for your family! Contact Debbie Hardy at 804-909-3190 or debbiehardy2003@yahoo.com.  For more information, click HERE.

Blessings on you and your family for a great, restful weekend.

All 4 Him!

Bill Sharp, M.Ed.
Head of School
 

Dear Warrior Nation,

You don’t have to look far to see how chaotic our world has become.  With so many things (including Satan) vying for our attention, all of them, if not contained, can keep us from accomplishing God’s work.  Psalm 46:10 tells us, “He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God’”.  By “be still”, the psalmist isn’t saying sit and do nothing.  Rather, it is maintaining peace and consistency through the surrounding chaos.  This is only possible in the Lord’s strength.  When we fully trust in Him in all circumstances, He will provide all we need to thrive, not just survive.  So, when things seem crazy, remember to be still in God and watch Him accomplish great things.

Tuesday’s Open House was a success, with eight families joining us for a great evening of parent testimonies, student-led tours, and meet-and-greet time with our amazing teachers.  One family shared why they came to the Open House.  This past football season, when we played their current school here at RCS, the player and his parents remarked on how impressed they were at the attitude and conduct of our players and coaches, and even had great conversations with members of our chain gang.  At the end of the game, our senior players led the teams in prayer, and this family was convinced that RCS was the school for their family.  What a great testimony of representing Christ in all circumstances!

If you have not completed your re-enrollment form, please do so soon as we are now in Open Enrollment, and seats are filled on a first-come, first serve.  The re-enrollment fee will increase to $250 on 1 March.  We are better together, and RCS is better with YOU!  New applications are being processed, and rolling enrollment means grades may fill quickly.

Share your heart and home this summer! Host a student from Spain or France (ages 13-17) in your home for 3-4 weeks. Learn about their culture while he or she learns about living in an American family by just being a part of what you regularly do. There are a variety of programs to suit your family’s work or non-working schedule. Families receive stipends to help out with expenses. Transportation or vacation concerns can be worked out. This will be a treasured memory for your family! Contact Debbie Hardy at 804-909-3190 or debbiehardy2003@yahoo.com.  For more information, click HERE.

May the Lord bless you in his abundance this three-day weekend.

Blessings,

Bill Sharp, M.Ed.
Head of School
 

Dear Warrior Nation,

At our First Monday gathering earlier this week, I shared excerpts with our students from the Sunday sermon we heard at church the day before.  The Barna Research Group noted in a recent survey that approximately one in three practicing Christian young adults report feelings of loneliness ranging from intense to unbearable.  In a world of social media and technology saturation, we are more disconnected than ever before.  Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 addresses this very real phenomenon: “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.  But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”  Then, in verse 12, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.  A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”  What is he saying?  Quite simply, we are better together.  When we press in to God together, we can encourage each other, hold each other up in trials, and meet each other’s needs.  If you are struggling in this area, call a friend, pastor, or family member.  Or, be the hands and feet of Christ and take the first step to help someone else, and watch God meet that need in your life.

Remember that this coming Tuesday, 13 February, is our next Open House event.  If you know someone you feel would be a great addition to Warrior Nation, have them call the main office at 804-276-3193 to register and join us at 6:30 p.m. to meet our team, hear from parents and students, get a tour of the campus, and meet our amazing teachers.

If you have not completed your re-enrollment form, please do so soon as we are now in Open Enrollment, so seats are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.  The re-enrollment fee will increase to $250 on 1 March.  We are better together, and RCS is better with YOU!  New applications are being processed, and rolling enrollment means grades may fill quickly.

Share your heart and home this summer! Host a student from Spain or France (ages 13-17) in your home for 3–4 weeks. Learn about their culture while he or she learns about living in an American family by just being a part of what you regularly do. There are a variety of programs to suit your family’s work or non-working schedule. Families receive stipends to help out with expenses. Transportation or vacation concerns can be worked out. This will be a treasured memory for your family! Contact Debbie Hardy at 804-909-3190 or debbiehardy2003@yahoo.com.  For more information, click HERE.

Blessings to you and your family, and thank you for trusting us with your students.

Blessings,

Bill Sharp, M.Ed.
Head of School
 

Dear Warrior Nation,

One of the greatest gifts I have received from a student is a Jesus Calling daily flip calendar that has a devotion and relevant scriptures for every day of the year. Each devotion is written from the perspective of God talking to us, as the reader. As we move quickly through the month of January, lots of people are sharing concerns over what 2024 might bring. So, I want to share an excerpt from one of the devotions from this week to encourage and remind you that God, not the government, media, or online influencers, is truly in control:

“Seek My Face, and you will find more than you ever dreamed possible. Let me displace worry at the center of your being. I am like a supersaturated cloud, showers Peace into the pool of your mind. My Nature is to bless. Your nature is to receive with Thanksgiving. This is a true fit, designed before the foundation of the world. Glorify Me by receiving My blessings gratefully.”*

The author references the following scriptures: Psalm 27:8, Philippians 4:7, and Jeremiah 29:13. So, seek the Father’s face, lean on His strength, and trust that His hand holds you and your world firmly in His grasp.

Don’t forget next Thursday is our first Open House event of 2024 as we begin plans for the 2024-25 school year. We already have 10 families registered, but there is room for more! If you have a family in mind that you feel would be a great addition to the Warrior Nation family, have them call the front office at 804-276-3193 to register. We will meet at 6:30 p.m. in the library with snacks, an introduction to the leadership team, and a welcome from me. This will be followed by a campus tour and a chance to meet with and talk with our amazing teachers. Thank you in advance for your partnership in this area!

Coming Very Soon - Please keep an eye out in your email for re-enrollment for the 2024-2045 school year. We give you, our current RCS families, the first opportunity to secure your student’s seat for next year and look forward to continuing our partnership with you. Please remember that once new enrollment is open for prospective families, seats will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. If we get to a point where a grade level is filled, all subsequent students will be placed on a waiting list. So please don’t delay and risk losing your child’s spot. We want to continue serving your family!

We appreciate all you do to partner with us in Educating Hearts and Minds for Christ.

Blessings,

Bill Sharp, M.Ed.

Head of School

Dear Warrior Nation,

Chapter 13 of 1 Corinthians is called the “love” chapter, and the apostle Paul uses 14 verbs to describe love. It is interesting that seven of them talk about what love is or does, and seven describe what love does not do. The love of which Paul speaks is the Greek word agape, which we often describe as unconditional love. It is interesting that John describes God as “love” in 1 John 4:16: “God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.” Paul, building on the idea that God is love, essentially lists the attributes of our Heavenly Father as a model for what God expects from us. While we can never BE love nor truly live out that agape love, we can, through our relationship with Christ, SHOW love, and essentially show God to a dark, lost, and dying world. Go out today and show Christ to the world by showing them love. As the song says, “They will know we are Christians by our love.”

Coming on Thursday, 25 January, is our first Open House event for the 2024-2025 school year. If you have friends, family, co-workers, or neighbors that you feel will be a great addition to Warrior Nation, please have them call the front office at 804-276-3193 to register. They will hear from the leadership team and current parents, tour the campus, and meet our amazing teachers. Our best advertisement is YOU – thank you in advance for helping RCS in this area.

Please be sure your current phone number is updated in FACTS, in the event of a future closing or delay. You can find the day’s status for closings and delays in a number of places. We post them on NBC 12 and CBS 6, as well as our website. Should we have to close or delay, we will also communicate via text message and email through FACTS.

Soon, you will be receiving information regarding re-enrollment for the 2024-2045 school year. We give you, our current RCS families, the first opportunity to secure your student’s seat for next year and look forward to continuing our partnership with you. Please remember that once new enrollment is open for prospective families, seats will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. If we get to a point where a grade level is filled, all subsequent students will be placed on a waiting list. So please don’t delay and risk losing your child’s spot. We want to continue serving your family!

Thank you in advance for your prayers and partnership. We love and appreciate you all!

Blessings,

Bill Sharp, M.Ed.
Head of School
 

Dear Warrior Nation,

Isaiah 43:18-19 says, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” The prophet Isaiah wrote the book that bears his name 700 years before the birth of Christ. After reminding Israel of their deliverance from Egypt in the verses just before this one, the message to God’s people is clear – Yes, God did these great things, and you have other issues from your past. But, what really matters to God is the here and now. While the future is unknown, who walks with us into it remains steadfast if you know Jesus as our Savior. What you do going forward is your preparation for eternity. The past does not matter, and God is preparing to do a new thing. Spend time seeking Him in prayer – what new thing does God want to do in you in 2024?

Even though the days are technically getting longer now (by about 2–3 minutes of daylight per day), we are entering that time of year when inclement weather can impact our plans. You can find the day’s status for closings and delays in a number of places. We will post them on NBC 12 and CBS 6, as well as our website. Should we have to close or delay, we will also communicate that via text message in FACTS.

Soon, you will be receiving information regarding re-enrollment for the 2024-2045 school year. We give our current families the first opportunity to secure your student’s seat for next year, and we truly hope to have all of our current families continue in partnership with us. Please remember that once new enrollment is open for prospective families, seats will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. If we get to the point where a grade level is filled, all subsequent students will be placed on a waiting list. So, don’t delay and risk losing your spot! We don’t want to lose you!!

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint (Isaiah 40:31). May the Lord bless you with his strength, peace, joy, and vision in 2024. We love you and are grateful for your partnership in Educating Hearts and Minds for Christ.

Blessings,

Bill Sharp, M.Ed.
Head of School
 

Dear Warrior Nation,

In his first letter to the Thessalonians, the apostle Paul wrote, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).  While we often celebrate during the month of December, many around us find this month filled with challenges, struggles, or even grief.  Paul reminds us that no matter what our circumstances, our joy comes through God, not our situations or our stuff.  Joy is not happiness but rather a mindset that is rooted in eternity.  We, as believers, hold on to the promise of spending eternity with our heavenly Father, where all pain, sorrow, sickness, and hurt will disappear.  It doesn’t make the current situation better or worse.  It gives us the strength, through the Holy Spirit, to press on with our eyes fixed on Christ as we rejoice always.  To pray without ceasing implies a lifestyle of prayer.  Our voice, location, posture, or time of day are irrelevant.  It is a continual conversation with God, filled with thanksgiving, petition, and acknowledging God for who He is.  Finally, give thanks, not FOR everything, but IN everything.  Every situation we encounter is already known by God, and he has a purpose for it in our lives.  May the Lord bless you and strengthen you through triumphs and challenges.  In our own strength, we can’t do it, but in God, all things are possible!

Congratulations to the elementary students and Mrs. DeVoe for an amazing show last night at the Winter Concert.  The songs, instruments, and sign language accompaniment were a true blessing to all in attendance.  We are especially grateful to the teachers who sacrificed some learning time during the past couple of weeks in preparation for this event.  We are also grateful to parents for your partnership and attendance in support of our students and the performing arts program.  The students worked hard preparing, and we are all very proud of their performance!

Don’t forget that next week is the last week of the semester.  Monday is a normal school day.  Tuesday through Friday will be early release days (Elementary at 11:40, Secondary at 11:55), and aftercare will go until 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday through Thursday ONLY.  There is no aftercare on Friday, 15 December, so please plan accordingly. Please keep our students in your prayers for focus and a strong finish over the next week, as well as strength for teachers as they work to help their students finish well.  They have worked hard this semester to teach and love your students, and I am blessed to have the opportunity to serve with them.  I am very grateful to all of you and your partnership in Christian education.  We have such a great opportunity to be a light in these challenging times.

May the Lord bless you and keep you during this holiday season.  Please let us know if we can partner with you in prayer for anything.

Blessings,

Bill Sharp, M.Ed.
Head of School
 

Dear Warrior Nation,

Welcome to December!!  With forests of evergreens strapped to the tops of cars and tons of extra lighting on houses and yards (some amazing, others a little tacky), it can only mean that Christmas is right around the corner.  Although some stores have been displaying Christmas stuff since before Halloween, we are now moving into high gear toward the actual holiday.  But what is Christmas, really?  Depending on who you ask, it may be time for lots of gift exchanges, a chance for pictures with Santa in the mall, but most notably, an opportunity to reflect on the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  We can read about the birth of Jesus in the book of Luke.  We see evidence of his birth foretold hundreds of years before through the prophet Isaiah: “For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).  No other birth and life throughout all history has impacted the world more than Jesus.  Be sure to take time in the days ahead to pause from the craziness and reflect on what that birth means to YOU – keeping your mind focused on Christ helps keep everything else in proper perspective.

Remember that the week of 11-15 December is the last week of the semester.  Tuesday through Friday will be early release days (Elementary at 11:40, Secondary at 11:55), and aftercare will only go until 4:00 p.m.  Please make pickup plans accordingly.  Please keep our students in your prayers for focus, a strong finish over the next two weeks, and strength for teachers as they work to help their students finish well.  They have worked hard this semester to teach and love on your students, and I am blessed to have the opportunity to serve with them.  I am very grateful to all of you and your partnership in Christian education.  We have such an excellent opportunity to be a light in these challenging times!

If you are interested in receiving a 65% state tax credit (that’s right, a CREDIT!) for an end-of-year donation and helping RCS simultaneously, please consider the Children’s Tuition Fund.  Here’s the short version of the steps:  you contribute to the Children’s Tuition Fund, then you receive a 65% state tax credit, and RCS receives a disbursement from the Children’s Tuition Fund for financial assistance.  Individuals and businesses can contribute to the program and receive a tax credit.  Reach out to our Business Office with questions.  Here is a direct link to the program - https://childrenstuitionfund.org/states/virginia/information-for-contributors-virginia/.

May the Lord bless you and keep you during this holiday season.  Please let us know if we can partner with you in prayer for anything.

Blessings,

Bill Sharp, M.Ed.
Head of School
 

Dear Warrior Nation,

With a mere 39 shopping days until Christmas (not to mention Thanksgiving right around the corner), it is easy for us to feel various stress levels.  While some things in our lives that we enjoy bring stress that drives and motivates us (called eustress), there are other triggers we experience that bring us anxiety and stimulate negative responses (called distress).  In his letter to the Romans, the apostle Paul tells us, “But we glory in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance produces character, and character produces hope.”  While nobody is likely to say to God, “Thanks, God, for all this difficulty in my life!!”, we can know that when we trust God to walk us through the challenge, we develop perseverance with patience to press on and allow God to work the refining that builds our character.  The challenges chip off our rough edges, polishing us into a more perfect likeness of our Creator.  It turns our focus away from us (inward) and towards God (outward) and points us toward opportunities to walk with others in their trials.  How do you overcome stress?  Look to God, seek opportunities to help others, and watch God bring you victoriously through to the other side.

Don’t forget that school will be CLOSED for students the week of 20-24 November for Thanksgiving.  Staff will use Monday and Tuesday for professional development.  Please remind your students that upon returning from Thanksgiving, there are only two weeks of school before semester exams.  Your principal will communicate division-specific information for the week before Christmas Break.

Here are some ways to serve the school in the coming days:
The art department needs legos (particularly baseboards and dots), newspapers, and yarn for upcoming student projects.  If you wish to donate any of these, please contact Ms. Christman (kchristman@richmondchristian.com) and arrange to drop them off for her.

Here’s another way to help RCS, and it only takes a few minutes of your time.  If you shop at Kroger (or know ANYONE ANYWHERE who shops there), please take a minute to link your Kroger Shopper’s Card to RCS.  Here is the link to do just that - https://www.kroger.com/i/community/community-rewards.  Currently, there are about 60-65 Shopper’s Cards linked to RCS through this program, and RCS receives around $475 per quarter.  Imagine if we had 100 or more people linked to RCS!  Please tell/encourage anyone you know who shops at Kroger to link RCS to their Shopper’s Card.  With all of the Thanksgiving purchases to be made in the coming days, it is a great time to link your card and help the school!

Thank you all for the privilege of partnering with you in Educating Hearts and Minds for Christ! 

Blessings,

Bill Sharp, M.Ed.
Head of School
 

Dear Warrior Nation,

If there was anyone in the Bible who had reason to be bitter or angry, it was the apostle Paul.  Steve Shirley, on his JesusAlive.cc blog, lists Paul’s trials in his second letter to the church in Corinth.  Paul:  Was put in prison over and over; was flogged an uncounted number of times; faced death over and over; received 39 lashes from the Jews 5 times; was beaten with rods 3 times; was stoned one time; was shipwrecked three times; spent a day and night in the sea; was in continual danger from rivers and robbers; was in danger from his own countrymen, as well as the Gentiles; was in danger in the city, in the country, at sea, and from false brothers; was weary and in pain often, without sleep; was often hungry and thirsty, cold and naked.  Yet, his focus was continually on the church's well-being and his spiritual brothers and sisters.  He understood what Jesus meant when he said, “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Mat. 5:12).  In this month of thanksgiving, let us always be mindful of who's we are, and that He holds us firmly in the palm of His hand.  No trial we face is too great for our God!!

This Saturday (11 November) will be our annual Fall Fellowship event.  There are still a bunch of open slots for the cornhole, apple pie contest, and chili cookoff, so go to this link and sign up today!  We would love for all of you to join us for this fun, family event.  We will have a Yard Sale in the front parking lot as well as crafts for sale, bounce houses for kids, and games for kids of all ages, and food will be available to buy through the concession stand.  Please make plans to join us and bring your friends, family, and neighbors, as this event is open to the community.

Don’t forget that school will be CLOSED for students the week of 20-24 November for Thanksgiving.  Staff will use Monday and Tuesday for professional development.  Please remind your students that upon returning from Thanksgiving, there are only two weeks of school before semester exams.  Your principal will communicate division-specific information for the week before Christmas Break.

If you are interested in receiving a 65% state tax credit (that’s right, a CREDIT!) for an end-of-year donation and helping RCS simultaneously, please consider the Children’s Tuition Fund.  When you contribute to the Children’s Tuition Fund, you receive a 65% state tax credit, and RCS receives a disbursement from the Children’s Tuition Fund for financial assistance for some of our students.  Reach out to Mr. Zbyszinski with questions.  Here is a direct link to the program.

Thank you all for the privilege of partnering with you in Educating Hearts and Minds for Christ! 

Blessings,

Bill Sharp, M.Ed.
Head of School
 

Dear Warrior Nation,

And, just like that, November is here!!  As we enter the season of Thanksgiving, be sure to thank the Lord for all the blessings He provides.  One thing for which I am grateful is the blessing of having access to God’s Word and the Fruits of the Spirit.  This week, we will focus on the final fruit listed in Galatians 5:22-23 – Self-control.  Godly self-control helps keep our focus on Him and our actions aligned with the character of Christ.  Our human nature battles against this continually and requires constant fellowship with our Savior to maintain self-control.  Self-control is not just managing our reactions but proactively focusing on actions that serve and bless others and honor God.  

Next Thursday, 9 November, will be our first Open House event of the school year.  We will begin at 6:30 p.m. with introductions and a brief presentation in the library, followed by building tours and opportunities to meet with teachers.  If you know any folks looking for a safe, Christian learning environment, have them call Mrs. Montague at 804-276-3193 to register for the event.

Then, Saturday (11 November) will be our annual Fall Fellowship event.  There are still a bunch of open slots for cornhole, apple pie contest, and chili cookoff, so go to this link and sign up today!  We would love for all of you to join us for this fun, family event.  The Fun Run starts at 8 am.  We will have a Yard Sale in the front parking lot as well as crafts for sale, bounce houses for kids, and games for kids of all ages.  Please make plans to join us, and bring your friends, family, and neighbors as this event is open to the community.

If you are interested in receiving a 65% state tax credit (that’s right, a CREDIT!) for an end of year donation and help RCS at the same time, please consider Children’s Tuition Fund.  When you make a contribution to Children’s Tuition Fund, then you receive a 65% state tax credit, and RCS receives a disbursement from Children’s Tuition Fund for financial assistance for some of our students.  Reach out to Mr. Zbyszinski with questions.  Here is a direct link to the program.

Here’s another way to help RCS, and it only takes a few minutes of your time.  If you shop at Kroger (or know ANYONE ANYWHERE who shops there), just link your Kroger Shopper’s Card to RCS.  Go HERE to sign up.  Currently, there are about 60-65 Shopper’s Cards linked to RCS through this program, and RCS receives around $475 per quarter.  Imagine if we had 100 or more people linked to RCS!  Please tell/encourage anyone you know who shops at Kroger to link RCS to their Shopper’s Card.  Thank you!

Thank you all for the privilege of partnering with you in educating Hearts and Minds for Christ! 

Blessings,

Bill Sharp, M.Ed.
Head of School
 

Dear Warrior Nation,

Cooler temperatures, color changes in the leaves, and shorter days tell us Fall has arrived.  There is still a lot going on around campus, as always, but we begin this week’s letter with our next Fruit of the Spirit – gentleness.  In today’s world, with so much anger and confusion around every corner, gentleness (like meekness) can be viewed as a weakness.  Yet, the Bible is very clear in Proverbs 15:1, that “a gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”  When confronted with an angry or bitter person or a tense circumstance, a gentle response can diffuse that potentially explosive situation.  This is another example of “responding in the opposite spirit.”  We must be careful not to choose a condescending tone in our response but instead, demonstrate love and care for the other person.  Like many of the other attributes we discussed in previous letters, gentleness requires a dose of self-control – that’s next week’s Fruit.  Remember also that harshness and anger are secondary emotions, which means there is something underlying the situation that often has nothing to do with that moment.  So, when confronted with a difficult situation, take a beat, smile, and respond in gentleness.  You will be pleasantly surprised by the outcome.

We are driving forward into the second quarter with several upcoming events to place on your calendars.  High school students and families, please plan to be on campus on the evening of 2 November as we host College and Career Night, sponsored by Optimum Ed.  Mr. Beasley has sent information regarding the details of the evening.

Two other events are scheduled for the following week, for which you can please be in prayer.  On Thursday, 9 November, we will have our fall Open House event here at school.  If you know of families interested in an affordable Christian education option, please have them contact the main office for more information.  We still have seats available in all grades – whether they are interested in an immediate change or planning for next year, we would love to meet them!  Then, that Saturday (11 November) will be our annual Fall Fellowship event.  We will be sharing informational flyers with you soon as a reminder.  We would love for you to join us for this fun, family event.  For the long-term planners in the crowd, we have set the first Saturday of November as Fall Fellowship Day starting next year and going forward.

Thank you all for the privilege to partner with you in Education Hearts and Minds for Christ! 

Blessings,

Bill Sharp, M.Ed.
Head of School
 

Dear Warrior Nation,

In Isaiah, chapter 25, the prophet says, “I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago.”  To be faithful is to be steadfast, unwavering, and reliable.  Nothing alters the course; nothing changes the mission.  Applied to God, we see that from the beginning.  He had a plan that he carried out, unwavering, in order to provide a way for mankind to come back to the Father.  There was never a time in history when it was recorded that God had second thoughts about his redemption plan through his Son, Jesus Christ.  But we aren’t God, so how does this trait apply to us?  I am so glad you asked!  The world is working so hard to keep our focus off of God.  Satan doesn’t have to pull us into outright sin and rebellion – rather, he just needs to keep us distracted enough that our focus is on everything BUT God.  That is where faithfulness comes along.  As believers, we must resolve to stay the course, remain steadfast in our faith, and be reliable to what God calls us.  We don’t do it for ourselves however, we do it for those around us in need of hope, light, and a Savior.  Our faithfulness helps others see what faith in God looks like, and it could make an eternal difference in their lives as they put their trust in Him.

Remember that next Friday, 20 October, is a day off for students for Parent/Teacher conferences.  Conference appointments will run from 10:00 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.  Call the school number and select Option 5 to make an appointment.

If you are interested in receiving a 65% state tax credit (that’s right, a CREDIT!) for an end-of-year donation and helping RCS at the same time, please consider the Children’s Tuition Fund.  Here’s the short version of the steps:  you make a contribution to the Children’s Tuition Fund, then you receive a 65% state tax credit, and RCS receives a disbursement from the Children’s Tuition Fund for financial assistance.  Individuals and/or businesses can both contribute to the program and receive the tax credit.  Reach out to Mr. Zbyszinski with questions.  Here is a direct link to the program - https://childrenstuitionfund.org/states/virginia/information-for-contributors-virginia/.

Here’s another way to help RCS, and it only takes a few minutes of your time.  If you shop at Kroger (or know ANYONE ANYWHERE who shops there), all you have to do is link your Kroger Shopper’s Card to RCS.  Here is a link to do just that - https://www.kroger.com/i/community/community-rewards.  Currently, there are about 60-65 Shopper’s Cards linked to RCS through this program and RCS receives around $475 per quarter.  Imagine if we had 100 or more people linked to RCS!  Please tell/encourage anyone you know who shops at Kroger to link RCS to their Shopper’s Card.  Thank you!
May the Lord bless you with joy, rest, and safety this weekend!

Blessings,

Bill Sharp, M.Ed.
Head of School
 

Dear Warrior Nation,

The sun made a glorious return appearance this week, and those of us who are part plant rejoiced in a week of bright, sunny days.  As we wrap up week 7, we focus on goodness, our next fruit of the Spirit.  As believers, our good actions result from a spirit of goodness, the rightly ordered motivation behind our desire to act well.  Another word closely associated with goodness is integrity.  Integrity and moral goodness in ourselves ultimately lead to an outpouring of kindness, a generous expression of our relationship with Jesus Christ.  The closer we draw to our Savior, the more we see these attributes demonstrated toward others.  The world works hard to counter and refute the written Word of God.  A life built upon our actions (the active, living Word of God), driven by the Holy Spirit, shines a light on the world that so desperately needs it.

The end of the first quarter will be Friday, 13 October.  That day will be a half-day early dismissal for all students, with elementary dismissing at 11:40 and secondary dismissing at 11:55.  Aftercare services end at 4:00 p.m. that day, so please plan student pickup accordingly.  The following Friday (20 October), there will be NO SCHOOL due to Parent/Teacher Conferences.  Starting Monday, 9 October, please reach out to Mrs. Bond if you wish to set up a conference for your student.

If you are interested in receiving a 65% state tax credit (that’s right, a CREDIT!) for an end-of-year donation and helping RCS at the same time, please consider the Children’s Tuition Fund.  Here’s the short version of the steps:  you make a contribution to the Children’s Tuition Fund, then you receive a 65% state tax credit, and RCS receives a disbursement from the Children’s Tuition Fund for financial assistance.  Individuals and/or businesses can both contribute to the program and receive the tax credit.  Our Business Manager has personally contributed to this program and can answer any questions you have.  Here is a direct link to the program - https://childrenstuitionfund.org/states/virginia/information-for-contributors-virginia/.

Here’s another way to help RCS, and it only takes a few minutes of your time.  If you shop at Kroger (or know ANYONE ANYWHERE who shops there), all you have to do is link your Kroger Shopper’s Card to RCS.  Here is a link to do just that - https://www.kroger.com/i/community/community-rewards.  Currently, there are about 60-65 Shopper’s Cards linked to RCS through this program and RCS receives around $475 per quarter.  Imagine if we had 100 or more people linked to RCS!  Please tell/encourage anyone you know who shops at Kroger to link RCS to their Shopper’s Card.  Thank you!
Have an awesome, restful weekend!

Blessings,

Bill Sharp, M.Ed.
Head of School
 

Dear Warrior Nation,

As this gloomy week comes to an end, we can be encouraged that the sun will return by next week, and I pray that you have been able to keep healthy during this season of sickness.  These gloomy conditions and bouts of sickness can leave us run down, sad, and even test our patience (last week’s fruit of the Spirit).  This brings us to this week’s scripture focus – kindness.  Why is kindness so important?  Isn’t it enough to just be a good person?  Of course, the answer is no, and here is why.  To be good puts the focus on me – I do the right things so I get some benefit from it.  If I make good choices, and do good things for my health (exercise, eat right), I reap the rewards.  Being a good person keeps me out of trouble; being a kind person, however, puts the focus on someone else.  Kindness is words or deeds directed at another person in order to benefit them.  Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”  God set the standard of kindness through the sacrifice of His Son for our sins, as we reap the ultimate benefit of eternal life through our acceptance of Christ’s death, burial, resurrection, and the personal relationship we have with Him through salvation.  One awesome thing about kindness is that it can be done at NO COST.  Sharing a smile, a kind word, or giving some time to help someone are practical ways we can demonstrate kindness.  I believe this is the application of the phrase “Preach the gospel at all times, and if necessary, use words.”

Make plans to attend the volleyball match this coming Tuesday, 3 October, and wear pink to join our volleyball teams in Dig Pink Tuesday as they help raise awareness for breast cancer.  There will be a bake sale on site, so bring your extra cash and cheer on the volleyball teams as they host the homeschool team of CVHAA.  Middle school begins at 4:00 p.m.

The end of the first quarter will be Friday, 13 October.  That day will be a half-day early dismissal for all students, with elementary dismissing at 11:40 and secondary dismissing at 11:55.  Aftercare services end at 4:00 p.m. that day, so please plan student pickup accordingly.  Then, the following Friday (20 October), there will be NO SCHOOL for Parent/Teacher Conferences.  More information and scheduling instructions will be coming soon.

Continue to keep our students’ health and focus in your prayers that they will finish the 1st Quarter strong and committed.  If you have prayer requests, please do not hesitate to share them with us so we can partner with you in lifting your needs before our Heavenly Father.

Blessings,

Bill Sharp, M.Ed.
Head of School
 

Dear Warrior Nation,

Colossians 3:15 speaks to this week’s fruit of the Spirit – peace. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.” This peace begins with peace with God through Christ's blood on the cross, which only comes through a personal relationship with him. If we have peace with God, we can truly experience peace with others. The context of this verse indicates peace, or unity and harmony, with the other members of the body of Christ. While we don’t always agree on everything, we are instructed in the Word to seek peace with each other at all times. This verse instructs us to allow this peace to “rule” in our hearts, which means it controls how we live. If we seek God first to direct our lives and then live it out in our relationships with our brothers and sisters, we will find true contentment regardless of our circumstances.

On Tuesday, 12 September, we conducted our first lockdown drill. Throughout the year, we will have scheduled drills for fire, severe weather, and lockdowns as part of our school safety plan. Teachers and students have been instructed on what protocol to follow in the event of a campus emergency; these drills will test their readiness. So far, all of our drills have been completed with excellence, as students and staff have done an outstanding job executing these drills.

We are excited to share the details of the upcoming Fall Fellowship, happening on Saturday, 14 October (not 28 October as previously mentioned). The festivities will begin at 8:00 a.m. with a Yard Sale in the front parking lot. They will include a campus Fun Run (prizes awarded by division), Craft Sale, cornhole tournament, apple pie, and chili contests, bounce houses and carnival-type games for kids, and live music. The Parent Volunteer Committee will coordinate signups for the pie, chili, and cornhole competitions, so stay tuned for that information.

Another event tradition at RCS takes place the following week – Homecoming!! This year, homecoming will be Saturday, 21 October. The presentation of the homecoming court will take place on the football field at 3:00 p.m., followed by the football game, as RCS hosts Kenston Forest. Kickoff time for the game will be 4:00 p.m.
May the Lord bless you in His abundant grace, and enjoy the cooler weather!

Blessings,

Bill Sharp, M.Ed.
Head of School

Dear Warrior Nation,

Week 2 is in the books, which means, for the mathematically inclined, that 5% of the year is complete!
Students seem to be settling back into the school routine, parents are still excited to have a little more
“me” time during the day, and teachers are commenting on how much they enjoy their classes. All
glory to God for a great start to the school year!

This week, I want to focus on joy, the second of our Fruits of the Spirit series. Where the world likes
to equate joy with “happiness”, which is contentment based on our circumstances, we know God has a
different perspective. We can be happy about our lives, jobs, or families; happiness depends
on those areas being positive and prosperous. When a new boss makes the workplace miserable, or
circumstances in our lives get challenging, we can quickly lose our happiness. Joy, however, comes from
God – it is contentment in our lives regardless of our circumstances because it is based on our
relationship with our Creator. I have seen people who have lost their jobs, but maintain joy in their lives
because their worth and provision come from their close fellowship with Christ. In his letter to the
church of Thessalonica, Paul commends them on their walk with Christ with joy despite the persecution
they endured for their faith. “And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in
much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit” (1 Thes. 1:6). While God does not promise us a life free
from adversity when we follow him, his Word promises that we can have joy, contentment in all
circumstances, when we live for and trust in Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit.

I am excited to see closure on two other major campus projects – the Elementary roof and the gym
renovation. Many thanks go out to the team from Cima Contractors for their work on the roof, and to
many of you, who have contributed time and financial resources to the new floor, paint, bleachers, and
wall pads in the gym. If you feel led to still contribute to that project or to any other projects or programs,
please reach out to the business office.

Please remember, if your student has a fever, they must remain at home until they are fever-free (without
medication) for 24 hours. If they will be out for any reason, please contact the main office or email
attendance@richmondchristian.com. Thank you in advance for partnering with us to keep our campus
healthy and safe.

Just a quick note on a change for the Fall Fellowship to Saturday, 14 October. More info to come!
Thank you for the privilege of ministering to you and your students; we love and appreciate you all.

Blessings,

Bill Sharp, M.Ed.
Head of School

Dear Warrior Nation,

Congratulations on surviving the first week of school!  Be sure to celebrate with your students.  For you long term planners in the crowd, Thanksgiving break is 13 weeks away, and you have 122 shopping days until Christmas!

I want to begin 2023-24 with short devotionals focused on the “fruits of the Spirit”; Godly character traits found in Galatians 5:22-23.  In this chapter, the apostle Paul contrasts the areas of focus in our fleshly, human character to the eternal, Godly, Spirit-filled character traits we pursue as believers.  Paul writes, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  Against such things there is no law” (Gal. 5:22-23).  Love, listed first, is probably the most important.  The world uses the word “love” in so many contexts – what does God mean in this case?  We can break it down into 3 main types:  Philia, love between friends or family members (incidentally also the root of Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love).  Eros is romantic love, between a husband and wife.  The third and most important is Agape, or selfless love.  This is the love that God has for us, which Christ demonstrated through his death on the cross.  While we can never be God, we can strive to live out our best version of this love for God and others.  We rejoice, however, in that the completion of God’s Agape love was accomplished by the resurrection and ascension of Christ three days after his death.  While it is not always easy, we should always strive to demonstrate this type of love to each other, through our words and deeds, as we practice here on Earth for our eternity in heaven with our Creator.  This opens the door to demonstrate the rest of the fruits of the Spirit more effectively.

Thank you for your excellent work navigating both morning and afternoon carline.  While there were a couple of hiccups, we still (even on the first Wednesday of the year) managed to load all cars in under 15 minutes!  Please remember that Morning Carline has two lanes that begin at the sign and go up to the drop-off point where I am directing traffic.  Keeping both lanes full of cars, when possible, will speed up the process even more.

We are finally coming to the end of our summer projects, with the elementary roof now just needing gutters and the gym 98% complete!!  We look forward to showcasing the new gym this coming Tuesday as our volleyball teams will be hosting James River Homeschool.  Be sure to come out and support our hard-working sports teams.  To check sports schedules, please see the website and check the Sports Calendar under Athletics.  Continue to check the website for picture updates.

Be blessed this weekend! We are truly grateful for the opportunity to minister to your students.

Blessings,

Bill Sharp, M.Ed.
Head of School

Dear Parents and Families of RCS,

As I was looking into the mirror this morning, I began to reflect…..on all that God has done throughout the campus this school year.  For my final regular installment of the Friday Letter, I want to recap some of the highlights of campus improvements accomplished this year.  To improve campus security, we have installed a new fire alarm control panel, upgraded to a new phone/intercom system throughout the campus, panic bar system installed on the Chapel doors, and established a partnership with Chesterfield County Police to link our video security system directly to their call center.  In addition, members of the RCS staff have received security certification training through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice.  Our campus is more up-to-date with the installment of new HVAC units in the resource wing, cafeteria, and library, and updated servers and network infrastructure.  To improve the curb appeal, outside walls on most buildings have been repainted (with the rest being completed this summer), all high school windows have been repaired and capped in aluminum, rebuilt front entrance overhang, remodeled library, and replacement of the gym entrance posts with PVC moldings.

As this is being written, we are finalizing plans for the next round of campus repairs and improvements to be completed by two Missions teams from Calvary Chapel in Quakertown, PA, who will be arriving on campus on June 4th.  Currently, the gym floor renovation project is in high gear, as the old surface is almost completely removed, and repairs continue.  Over the coming weeks, new lines and surface sealer will be applied, followed by the installation of new bleachers toward the end of the summer.  If you are considering a tax-deductible donation to this awesome project or would like to share the link with family and friends, go here to access the GoFundMe page or visit our website for updates.  Please be in prayer for this and the many other upcoming summer projects, as well as the Mission teams coming on campus this summer.

As we celebrate the Class of 2023 graduation this weekend, I leave them (and you) with this thought from Psalm 84:11 as a word of encouragement for the graduates as they endeavor to impact the world for Christ: “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor.  No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.”

May the Lord bless you with peace, rest, and abundant Grace this summer.  You will be missed here on campus, and we look forward to seeing you all again in August.  It is an honor to serve you, your students, and all of Warrior Nation!!  I will drop the occasional update in your inbox this summer regarding the goings-on around campus.  Please let me know how I can be praying for you and your family throughout the summer.

Blessings,

Bill Sharp, M.Ed.
Head of School
 

Dear Parents and Families of RCS,

In Ephesians, chapter 6, Paul talks about putting on the full armor of God, but why?  When I read it, I picture a warrior gearing up for battle as he assembles his protective gear in preparation for war.  Paul tells us in verse 11 that we do this to “take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”  He points out that our struggle (fight) is not against flesh and blood but rather against authorities and powers of this dark world as well as spiritual forces in the heavenly realms (v. 12).  Our battle should not be against each other, even though we don’t always see everything eye to eye.  The armor of God is designed to protect us, but the most important part of it is the sword of the Spirit or God’s Word.  When Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, he didn’t just cower to Satan’s schemes with the hopes that he would go away.  Instead, He went on the offensive against the enemy, speaking truth from God’s Word to overcome lies.  For too long, Christians have sat back in silence or fear, hoping God would rise up on their behalf.  But, my dear brothers and sisters, it is time for us, the followers of Christ, to gear up, take up the Word of God, and go on the offensive for Christ against the enemy of our souls.  As we do that, we need to be mindful to pick up those fellow soldiers beaten down by the enemy and carry them to a place of rest and healing.  We will see a true revival, and God moves if we “…pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.  With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people” (Ephesians 6:18).

The transformation of the gym continues as repairs of damaged flooring and sanding of existing wood are being done.  I am super excited for you all to see the final product when they are finished.  If you are considering a tax-deductible donation to this awesome project or would like to share the link with family and friends, go here to access the GoFundMe page.  Please be in prayer for this and the many other upcoming summer projects, as well as the mission teams coming on campus this summer.

Please be in prayer for focus and strength for our teachers and students as final exams begin in the coming days.  Only one week remains until the year ends and summer officially begins!!  I am praying for safety and rest for you and your family in the coming weeks as you enjoy a well-deserved time of refreshing and fellowship this summer.  Thank you all for your support and partnership in this ministry!

Blessings,

Bill Sharp, M.Ed.
Head of School
 

Dear Parents and Families of RCS,

One of the most impactful gifts a student ever gave me was a Jesus Calling daily devotional calendar.  Although human hands wrote it, the regular “spot-on” application is divinely inspired.  As I write this letter, I am reading the last half of the devotion for today: “Most of the situations that entangle your mind are not today’s concerns; you have borrowed them from tomorrow.  In this case, I lift the problem out of today and deposit it in the future, where it is veiled from your eyes.  In its place I give you My Peace, which flows freely from My Presence.”  Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.”  God’s hands are more than big enough to carry your burden today, friend.  So, leave tomorrow to tomorrow and bask today in peace, love, and joy as you trust in Jesus and fellowship with him.

The gym renovation project is picking up steam!!!  We are now over $27,000 in donations, with $64,000 remaining.  If you are considering a tax-deductible donation to this awesome project or would like to share the link with family and friends, go here to access the GoFundMe page.  Please pray for this and the many other upcoming summer projects and the mission teams coming on campus this summer.

Be mindful of the newsletter updates from your division principals – they are full of dates, events, and information to help you and your student finish the school year.  Remember that this Saturday, 13 May, we will gather from 8:00 am to noon to disassemble the existing bleachers in the gym.  Email Mr. Zbyszinski for more information or to sign up at dzbyszinski@richmondchristian.com.

Be at peace as you trust in the Creator of the universe for all things.  We are blessed to partner with you in Educating Hearts And Minds For Christ.

Blessings,

Bill Sharp, M.Ed.
Head of School
 

Dear Parents and Families of RCS,

One of the most refreshing aspects of Warrior Nation is the common bond as Christ’s followers.  We are unified in the opportunity to demonstrate to a lost, dark, and dying world the characteristics our Savior modeled for us in his brief time on Earth.  We list some of these traits among the fruits of the Spirit – Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  Peter instructs us to “...put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander…Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of His return.”  (1 Peter 2:1,12) Where the world speaks harshly to each other, we can speak love.  Where the world accuses, we can affirm.  Where the world seems hopeless, we can share hope.  Even the faintest light can dispel darkness!!
Please remember to share the upcoming Open House scheduled for Thursday, 11 May, with friends and prospective families.  Feel free to stop by the RCS Facebook page and share the post for the Open House on your own social media pages.  This is the final Open House scheduled this spring; prospective families can call Mrs. Montague in the front office at 804-276-3193 to register.  If they can’t make the Open House, they can also call the front office to schedule a personal tour that fits their schedule.

The gym renovation project is picking up steam!!!  We are now over $26,000 in donations, with $65,000 remaining.  If you are considering a tax-deductible donation to this awesome project or would like to share the link with family and friends, go here to access the GoFundMe page.  Please be in prayer for this and the many other upcoming summer projects, as well as the mission teams coming on campus this summer.

Please remember to read upcoming correspondence from your division principals and teachers carefully.  With so much happening in the next three weeks, you don’t want to miss anything!!  Included among this is a call for help on Saturday, 13 May, to disassemble the existing bleachers in the gym.  Email Mr. Zbyszinski for more information or to sign up at dzbyszinski@richmondchristian.com.

Have an amazing weekend; may the Lord grant you opportunities to be His hands and feet this coming week.

Blessings,

Bill Sharp, M.Ed.
Head of School
 

Dear Parents and Families of RCS,

If you are like me (at least at work), I like to plan.  Sometimes I can organize an event several months in advance, and other times I must turn a plan around in a short period, quickly.  One drawback to planning is that the more we plan and control, the easier it is to rely on ourselves rather than God.  The same is true with God’s peace.  While having a surplus of peace would be nice, it becomes too easy to be self-reliant in troubled times if we already have peace and a complete plan in place.  Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”  While we definitely need to plan, we will hit speed bumps along the way.  We know trials and struggles are part of life as a Christ-follower.  But rest in the promise that when things seem their worst, God is at His best!

The Iowa Assessment testing window is now closed.  Thank you for your diligence in getting your children to school on time.  Once we receive the results, we will share them with parents.  Depending on the format of the results, we will either send a link to parents with access to your child’s results or provide a hard copy to you.  Usually, results are returned 4-6 weeks after testing is completed.

This Monday, 1 May, will be our monthly First Monday Prayer and Praise gathering for ALL students and teachers.  As an extension of this, we want to continue to provide opportunities for families to join the school in prayer.  So, Wednesday, 3 May, we will hold our First Wednesday Prayer Time for families to partner with us in prayer. In addition, we will have the Café space in the gym open from 7:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. and the Chapel available from 8:15 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. for anyone interested in stopping by and joining us for a time of individual or small group prayer.

Please remember to share the Open House event scheduled for Thursday, 11 May, with friends and prospective families. Also, feel free to stop by the RCS Facebook page and share the post for the Open House on your social media pages.  This will be the final Open House scheduled this spring; prospective families can call Mrs. Montague in the front office at 804-276-3193 to register.

The annual RCS Warrior Classic Golf Outing was last Friday, and we had fantastic weather.  Thank you to all the sponsors and golfers, as we raised over $5,000 for RCS.  Please support our sponsors as an expression of appreciation from RCS.  Here is a link to our web page to see the sponsors.

As always, we love and appreciate you and your partnership with us!

Blessings,

Bill Sharp, M.Ed.
Head of School
 

Dear Parents and Families of RCS,

It looks like the cold weather is behind us, and Spring has decided to hang around.  Seeing what pops up in the flower beds around my house is always a wonderful surprise.  Even though my wife and I didn’t plant any of them, the warm weather brings them up from the ground, and we have the blessing of seeing the beauty of God’s creation and the newness of life each Spring.  So it is with our life as a Follower of Christ.  In Romans 6:4, Paul writes, “Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.”   I love how God so intricately weaves the model of Christ into every aspect of creation.  His death, burial, and resurrection can be paralleled to our sin, repentance, and forgiveness; the new life that springs up every spring; even the challenges we have faced through COVID – and the victory God has for us on the other side.

Please remember that Iowa testing begins on Monday, with tests given each morning on Monday through Thursday.  Since classes will test in different subject areas each day, having your student here for all four days is critical.  Testing will begin for all grades K through 10 promptly at 8:00 a.m. and conclude each day at 10:00 a.m.  Students will then have an adjusted schedule for the remainder of the day.  11th and 12th-grade students are to report to school at 10:00 am on the testing days.  If your child is sick, please keep them home that day, and we will work to make up the missed sections.

Also, as we quickly approach the “home stretch” for the 2022-2023 school year, the calendar is filled with activities, both in school and after hours.  Please be mindful of the communications sent by teachers and administrators over the next few weeks.  I know sometimes it seems your inbox will be flooded with messages, but please take the time to read them and be informed so nothing gets missed.

For the final installment of “Why RCS?”, I leave you with these amazing facts:

• Extracurricular opportunities for student leadership through student government, student leadership conference, and annual attendance at the Passion Conference (seniors)
• Continual upgrades to campus facilities, including roofs, windows, security, technology, HVAC systems, painting, etc.
• Intentionally affordable to allow families who want a Christian education for their children to have that opportunity
• Family Atmosphere w/campus wide family activities throughout the year
• Mission of supporting families in their biblical responsibility to nurture and train their children.

As always, we love and appreciate you all and your partnership with us!

Blessings,

Bill Sharp, M.Ed.
Head of School
 

Dear Parents and Families of RCS,

In Psalm 31:14, David writes “But I trust in you, LORD; I say, “You are my God.” In the verses prior to this bold declaration of faith, he notes a number of ways he has been challenged when his enemies have plotted against him.  Yet, in the midst of difficulties, David keeps “the main thing the main thing”, and states his reliance on God.  In the times we are in and the challenges we face, we must, more than ever, proclaim this statement of faith.  We may have to speak it a hundred times in a day, but we must hold to the promises God has given in His Word.  As a Christian school community that is already a target through spiritual warfare, we must also lean into God as we love and support each other.  I think of an image of a rookery of emperor penguins in Antarctica from the Planet Earth video series – as the elements around them are severe enough to kill them individually, they turn in, press close together, and huddle until the storm passes.  For us, with Christ at the center of that huddle, we are guaranteed to pass through victorious!

Just a reminder that our week of Iowa Assessments (formerly Terra Nova testing) will be coming up in two weeks, from 24 -27 April.  It is critically important for all students to be present for every day of testing since each day and time slot is a different test that is given in a timed manner.  Testing will begin for all students in grades K through 10 promptly at 8:00 a.m. and will conclude each day at 10:00 a.m.  Students will then have an adjusted schedule for the remainder of the day.  We ask that students be dropped off by 7:50 each morning so they have time to get to their testing room to start on time.  Once the tests begin, students arriving late will not be allowed to enter the testing room until that particular test module is complete. They will have to use time on Friday to make up what they miss.  11th and 12th-grade students are to report to school at 10:00 am on the testing days.

SPANISH and FRENCH STUDENTS NEED HOST FAMILIES 3-4 weeks this summer!!!

Share your heart and home this summer! Host a student from Spain or France (They speak English) (ages 13-17) in your home for 3-4 weeks. Learn about their culture while he or she learns about living in an American family and just being a part of what they regularly do. We have a variety of programs to suit your family’s work or non-working schedule. Families receive stipends to help out with expenses. We can help work out transportation or vacation concerns. This will be a treasured memory for your family! Contact Debbie Hardy at 909-3190 or debbiehardy2003@yahoo.com.

Thank you so much to those who have expressed many thoughtful and encouraging words in the past couple of weeks.  Your partnership and support are incredibly precious to us, and it is an honor to serve you and your students!

Blessings,

Bill Sharp, M.Ed.
Head of School
 

Dear Parents and Families of RCS,

And just like that, 25% of 2023 is over.  Hard to believe we have already come to the end of March.  It has been interesting in many ways, including the statistic that in VA, March was colder on average than February this year.  But that is Virginia weather, for sure.  Despite the changes and uncertainties of the times, we can count on the fact that, as Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”  While our hearts break and mourn with our Christian brothers and sisters in Nashville, we know that, especially in times like this, God is still in control, and the Holy Spirit still brings strength and comfort in our distress.  Lean on Him for strength in the struggles and celebration in the victories.

Thank you to the parents and grandparents who contributed to this week's amazing book fair.  It was great to partner with I55 and provide tables full of family-friendly books for students in all grades.  Thank you to our librarians and parent volunteers who made this event so awesome!

It was also a pleasure to see many parents, teachers, and board members join us on campus this week for our times of corporate prayer in the Chapel.  An email was sent with the major prayer points listed, and I ask that you take a moment in your prayer time this week to lift those needs before the Lord.  We cannot do this ministry without God; there would be no reason to be here without you!  Thank you in advance for lifting our school community before the Lord.

In our next installment of “Why RCS?”, here are five more good reasons for your friends and family members to be a part of Warrior Nation:

• Challenging academic curriculum that is Biblically integrated into all courses K-12
• Academic rigor through AP classes and a partnership with Liberty University to provide students access to over 180 Dual Enrollment college-level courses
• Community service graduation requirement for all students allows them to serve their community and represent Christ
• Partnership with OptimumEd, a college and career planning service for students and parents that provides access to all aspects of the college planning and choice process
• 33-acre campus in the heart of Chesterfield County with full athletic facilities on campus and sports options (boys and girls) in all three sports seasons

May the Lord bless you this coming week of vacation as you celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  He is risen!! He is risen indeed!!

Blessings,

Bill Sharp, M.Ed.
Head of School
 

Dear Parents and Families of RCS,

The final installment of our WARRIOR series is about Responsibility.  The Bible talks about a hierarchy of responsibility as Christians – First to God, then to family, then to others.  In Colossians 3:23, it says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men…” Everything we do should be done from a perspective of honoring God and done as an act of worship to Him.  In serving our family, we read in 1 Timothy 5:8, “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”  Providing for our family’s spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being allows us to demonstrate our love for our Savior by being His hands and feet.  The same is true for others, that we “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).  There is no greater witness for Christ than what we do to show others who He is.  As St. Francis of Assisi once said, “Preach the gospel at all times and, if necessary, use words.”

This past week, all students in grades K-12 had the blessed opportunity to take part in our spring Spiritual Emphasis Week.  It was a week of hearing God’s Word, interacting with peers in small groups, and having fun and fellowship with students and staff.  This week impacted many students, including many who gave their hearts to Christ for the first time!!  God is moving, and we are excited about all He has for Warrior Nation in the coming days and weeks.

Open House yesterday was a big success, as 11 more families toured the school, met with teachers, and heard about the many great things RCS offers students and families.  Please continue to partner with us in prayer for the incoming families God has chosen to be a part of Warrior Nation.  If you know families that want to explore RCS or Christian education in general, encourage them to call and schedule a personal tour with me or plan to attend the April Open House on Thursday, 20 April, at 6:30 p.m.

Speaking of partnership, don’t forget to check out the updated completed project list found here on our website.  We are in the planning phase for other upcoming projects to continue the improvements.  Stay tuned to find out how you can get involved!

Calling all golfers!!!  The annual RCS Golf Tournament is coming soon, and we still have some space available.  If you are interested in playing and channeling your inner Happy Gilmore, please follow this link to register - https://birdease.com/RCSWarriorClassic.  Registration is also available on the RCS app.

May the Lord bless you with his peace and joy this weekend!

Blessings,

Bill Sharp, M.Ed.
Head of School
 

Dear Parents and Families of RCS,

I’ve heard Integrity, our WARRIOR trait of the week, described as “who we are when nobody is watching.”  This trait runs contrary to everything for which the current world strives.  Social media (on all platforms) is now overrun with “influencers” who expect, even insist, on everyone looking at them and hearing their opinion as if obtaining a million likes or views makes them an expert. We see it in business, music lyrics, entertainment, etc.  The Bible, however, is abundant with God’s perspective on the value of integrity.  Proverbs speaks about the contrast between a life of integrity with one of deceit and “crooked ways”.   Our goal should be to live as Colossians 3:23 says; “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men”. We know that what we do matters when it is done for the Lord and His kingdom’s purpose and plan for our lives.  As we train our children to understand and walk in this perspective, to be the true “influencers” for Christ, we will see hearts changed, and our world transformed.

If you have not yet seen the added page on our website, check it out here.  Hats off to Mr. Zbyszinski and Mr. Spriggs for creating a great view of the “before and after” of a number of projects completed around campus.  We will be updating our ongoing project list in the near future with ways you can get involved to continue to make RCS an outstanding place for “Educating Hearts and Minds for Christ.”

Our next Open House is right around the corner.  Thursday, 16 March, we will again open our doors at 6:30 p.m. for prospective families to hear about all the great things God is doing at RCS.  Please like and share the post on our RCS Facebook page.  Also, let your friends and families know about this exciting opportunity to meet the teachers, tour the campus, and hear how they can become a part of Warrior Nation.

Coming in April will be our annual RCS Warrior Classic Golf Tournament.  If you would like to volunteer some time to help with the organization and planning for the event, please reach out to Leigh Ann Kiebler as soon as you can at golf@richmondchristian.com.  She will fill you in on her needs for planning the event.  If you’d like to play in the tournament, registration is open on our website and on the RCS app.

Thank you all for your prayers and commitment to the mission and vision of RCS.

Blessings,

Bill Sharp, M.Ed.
Head of School
 

Dear Parents and Families of RCS,

The dictionary defines Reliability (our WARRIOR trait of the week) as “the quality of being trustworthy or of performing consistently well.”  In the Gospel of Matthew, the last words we read from Jesus to his disciples are known as the “Great Commission”: “And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.  And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Mat. 28:17-20) This command wasn’t given out of a hopeful assumption but rather a confident expectation from the Lord that this WOULD be accomplished.  Jesus trusted his first disciples to carry out the mission of spreading the Gospel to the whole world.  Today we, as Christian believers, have that same expectation from our Lord; that we also will carry out this mission for God.  Remember that every conversation about the Lord, every witness and testimony we share, and every prayer is a seed you plant in the life of another.  If we stay focused, He will provide what we need to continue performing our Kingdom work consistently.

I am excited to share that we had another great turnout at Open House last week, with over 60 people in attendance!!  In a conversation with one prospective family, the dad remarked, “man, I love this school and what you all are doing here.”  We know it is ultimately what God is doing through us. Still, the peace and harmony families sense when they visit campus results from the excellent work in the classrooms and the wonderful partnerships we are blessed to have with all of you.  Please continue praying for the next Open House event on Thursday, 16 March.  If you know interested folks, tell them to come and see for themselves the great things God is doing here.  Then, they can call 804-276-3193 to register.

Don’t forget that the next re-enrollment deadline is next Tuesday, 28 February, which is the last day to pay the $150 enrollment fee.  Then, on 1 March, the fee goes up to $250, so keep that extra hundred bucks in your pocket and complete your packet today!!  Also, remember, once a grade is full, families will be placed on a waiting list, and we prefer to have all of our amazing current families not be relegated to that list!

Coming up in April will be our annual RCS Warrior Classic Golf Tournament.  If you would like to volunteer some time to help with the organization and planning for the event, please reach out to Leigh Ann Kiebler as soon as you can at golf@richmondchristian.com.  She will fill you in on her needs for planning the event.  Also, if you’d like to play in the tournament, registration is open on our website and the RCS app.

Thank you all for your prayers and commitment to the mission and vision of RCS.

Blessings,

Bill Sharp, M.Ed.
Head of School
 

Dear Parents and Families of RCS,

We continue our series on the WARRIOR Way attributes with the first “R” – Respect.  The world sees respect in a way that is contrary to God’s Word.  The world says, ”respect me, and THEN I will respect you.”  Too often, their interpretation of respect concerns their idea that you must believe and accept what they say and believe without question.  Otherwise, you are disrespecting them.  The Bible gives a much different viewpoint of respect, found in Romans 12:10 – “Be devoted to one another in love.  Honor one another above yourselves.”  The focus here is on the well-being of others first rather than ourselves.  To devote yourself to something is to give all or a large part of one’s time or resources to someone or something else.  In God’s economy, our riches and peace come from what we give to others, not what we get from others.  When you think of the word respect today, ask God to give you opportunities to love others and show them honor.  This is respect from a Kingdom perspective, and it never returns void.

With a week before our next Open House, we already have 14 families registered to attend!!  Please be in prayer for this and future events, and also pray that God will continue to bring kingdom-minded families that love the Lord, serve others, and partner well with the mission of RCS.  Please feel free to pass on the date and time:  THURSDAY, 16 FEBRUARY AT 6:30 P.M.  Refreshments will be provided, as well as the opportunity to hear from some of our current families, take a tour of the campus, and meet with teachers and administrators to listen to what God is doing at RCS.  They can call the front office at 804-276-3193 to register.

Remember that Friday, 17 February, and Monday, 20 February, school will NOT be in session.  Enjoy the long weekend!

Re-enrollment continues to advance in preparation for the 2023-2024 school year.  If you have not yet completed your re-enrollment packet, please do so soon.  Just a reminder that on 1 March, the re-enrollment fee goes from $150 to $250.  Many applications are already in the pipeline, so please don’t lose your spot.  Remember, once a grade is full, families will be placed on a waiting list, and we prefer to have all of our amazing current families not be relegated to that list!

Coming up on 21 April will be our annual RCS Golf Tournament.  If you would like to volunteer some time to help with the organization and planning for the event, please reach out to LeighAnn Kiebler as soon as possible at leighannk@madisonmain.com.  She will fill you in on her needs for planning the event.

Thank you all for your prayers and commitment to the mission and vision of RCS.

Blessings,

Bill Sharp, M.Ed.
Head of School
 

Dear Parents and Families of RCS,

Over the next few weeks, I will highlight the attributes of the WARRIOR Way, an acronym we use for the character traits we seek to develop in our students.  This week, we look at Wisdom.  Although many scriptures speak on wisdom (including a whole book of wise sayings in the Old Testament), we will look at a verse from James 3:13 that says, “Who is wise and understanding among you?  Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.”  The world sees success and accomplishment in the things we own, the job we hold, and the people we associate with.  To be affiliated with an “influencer” somehow, in their eyes, gives you an edge.  But the Bible says the opposite.  Our good deeds should be done from a perspective of humility, a modest view of one’s importance.  As Christians, we do what we do for God’s glory and His kingdom, not for ourselves or our recognition.  As a Christian school community, we Educate Hearts and Minds for Christ so that He gets the glory and His kingdom is advanced.  Knowing and living this effectively can only be done through Godly wisdom.

I am excited that our first Open House event of the spring happened this week.  We hosted 20 students from 16 families to hear about the great things God is doing here at RCS.  The remaining events will be on 16 February, 16 March, 20 April, and 11 May, starting at 7:00 p.m. in the library.  If you have friends, family, or co-workers desiring a loving Christian learning environment for their students, have them reach out to our front office and schedule a tour, set up a shadow day, or sign up to join us at a future Open House.  Please pray in the days ahead as we continue through the re-enrollment/new enrollment season.

Regarding re-enrollment, please remember that the first deadline to mark on your calendars is 6 February.  That is the critical date to lock in your seat for the 2023-2024 school year.  New enrollment opens after that date; seats will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.  So lock in your spot today!

Please remember that keeping your students home if they are sick is important with the cold and flu season in full swing.  Just reach out to their teacher(s) to get work if necessary, so they can recover quickly and keep others from getting sick.  Also, if they have a fever, they must be fever free without medication for at least 24 hours before returning to school.

Thank you all for your support and partnership in Christian education here at RCS!  We love and appreciate you all.

Blessings,

Bill Sharp, M.Ed.
Head of School
 

Dear Parents and Families of RCS,

As we move through the middle of January (already!!), we are preparing to begin the re-enrollment season for the 2023-24 school year.  Be on the lookout for links to start this process in the next couple of weeks.  Remember to reenroll early because, after re-enrollment ends, open enrollment will be first-come, first-serve.  You can reach out to the business office if you have any questions.

Our first Open House in 2023 is Thursday, 26 January, at 7:00 p.m.  We will host prospective families and students to hear about the great things God is doing at RCS, get a tour of the campus, and meet the staff.  If you have friends, coworkers, or family seeking a Christ-centered education in a loving Christian environment, call the front office at 804-276-3193 to register for this event.  The remaining events will be on 16 February, 16 March, 20 April, and 11 May, starting at 7:00 p.m. in the library.

As you are aware, we are still in the midst of cold and flu season.  If your student is sick, including fever, please keep them home and reach out to teachers to get work sent home.  Remember, they must be fever free for 24 hours without medication before returning to school.

Don’t forget there will be no school this coming Monday, 16 January, as we take the day off in honor of Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.  So please join me in prayer this weekend as we lift up our city, our state, and our nation to seek God in the healing of our nation and reconciliation of our people.  Remember the words of 2 Chronicles 7:14, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

May the Lord continue to bless you and the rest of the RCS family.  It is an honor to serve you in Educating Hearts and Minds for Christ!

Blessings,

Bill Sharp, M.Ed.
Head of School

Dear Parents and Families of RCS,

What is so miraculous about the birth of Christ?  As we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior in just over a week, I want to reflect on the significance of God's Son coming to Earth – Immanuel, or "God with us." When we look at the prophetic words spoken about Jesus in the Old Testament, we know that the birth and life of Christ fulfilled over 300 prophesies.  The Mathematician Peter Stoner concluded that the chances of one man, throughout history, even fulfilling 48 of these prophesies himself, was one in 10, followed by 157 zeros!!  His conception through the Holy Spirit qualifies Him to be fully God; his birth as a human baby through Mary qualifies him to be fully man.  He sits in heaven at God's right hand yet lives among, in, and through us as believers.  He died on the cross to take the weight of our conviction upon himself so we didn't have to.  Through his resurrection and ascension, we have the opportunity of eternal life with God.  The name "Jesus" (the Greek equivalent to the Hebrew Joshua) means the "salvation of Jehovah," which we have access to when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

Please remember that we will resume classes on TUESDAY, 3 JANUARY 2023.  Other important dates to remember in January:

• 16 January – NO SCHOOL – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• 26 January – Open House, starting at 6 pm

Be on the lookout in the coming weeks for instructions regarding the re-enrollment process.  We look forward to continuing our partnership with you and your student in "Educating Hearts and Minds for Christ."

Here is an easy way to support RCS by just "doing what you do." If you shop at Kroger (or know anyone else who shops there), all you have to do is link your Kroger Shopper's Card to RCS.  Here is a link to do just that - https://www.kroger.com/i/community/community-rewards.  Please tell/encourage anyone you know who shops at Kroger to link RCS to their Shopper's Card.  Thank you!

May the Lord bless you and your family with health, safety, and sweet fellowship as we usher in 2023!!  We love you and are grateful for you all.

Blessings,

Bill Sharp, M.Ed.
Head of School
 

Dear Parents and Families of RCS,

With only 15 shopping days until Christmas, it is a good time to take a look at the significance of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  In the book of Matthew, the genealogy of Jesus is laid out.  I won’t go into all the names but just focus on the numbers – 14 generations from Abraham to David, 14 generations from David to the Babylonian exile, and 14 generations from the exile to Christ.  What is the significance of these numbers?  14 (2 times 7) represents a double portion of spiritual perfection (with 2 representing the incarnation).  So, three (the number of completion) sets of double portions of spiritual perfection indicate just how spiritually significant and perfect Christ and his birth are.  As you prepare for the holidays, don’t forget that the coming of God’s Son for the salvation of humanity was both perfect in timing and perfect in purpose.

This coming week is the last week of the first semester, so I want to remind you of important scheduling changes for both Elementary and Secondary students.  All students will have a normal Monday schedule and dismissal time.  Tuesday through Friday will all be half days, with Elementary dismissal at 11:40, Secondary at 11:55.  Secondary students will be taking exams on these days; please refer to the schedule sent to you in a previous communication.  Aftercare will close Tuesday through Thursday at 4:00 p.m.  On Friday, there will be no aftercare service.  Please make plans accordingly.

Here is an easy way to support RCS by just “doing what you do.”  If you shop at Kroger (or know anyone else who shops there), all you have to do is link your Kroger Shopper’s Card to RCS.  Here is a link to do just that - https://www.kroger.com/i/community/community-rewards.  Please tell/encourage anyone you know who shops at Kroger to link RCS to their Shopper’s Card.  Thank you!

Be blessed this weekend; I pray for rest and perfect peace for you and your family.

Blessings,

Bill Sharp, M.Ed.
Head of School
 

Dear Parents and Families of RCS,

The in-between times of Thanksgiving and Christmas can leave us feeling a bit overwhelmed and pulled in every direction so it is a great time to stop, breathe, and think about how thankful we are.  Here at RCS, we daily count the blessings God pours out on the staff, students, and families.  “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise – the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.” (Hebrews 13:15).  We are grateful for:

• God’s provision in staffing, as He brought a blessing in the form of Mr. Weir, a Middle School English teacher, to replace Mrs. Williamson who had to move for family reasons.
• The $475 was raised by the RCS Yard Sale to help buy food and other needs for the Good Samaritan Inn.
• The 128 shoeboxes were collected by the Elementary students for Operation Christmas Child.
• Over $3,700 raised from the RCS Auction to help pre-fund our financial assistance

I’d like to remind you of the protocol involving sickness for you and your student:

• If your student develops a fever or complains of continual sore throat or headache, please keep them home.  They may return to school once they have been fever-free WITHOUT MEDICATION for 24 hours.  Although a sore throat could be due to a number of factors, consider testing for strep; follow your doctor’s recommendation for treatment and return to school.
• If your student tests positive for COVID, keep them home for a minimum of 5 days from the onset of the first symptoms.  If they are symptom-free after 5 days, they may return to school, but we recommend they wear a mask for the next 5 days.
• If your student has been exposed to COVID but is asymptomatic, they should wear a mask for 10 days and should get tested on Day 6 after first exposure.  If they develop symptoms at any time, they should isolate themselves and follow the steps listed above.

Here is an easy way to support RCS by just “doing what you do”.  If you shop at Kroger (or know anyone else who shops there), all you have to do is link your Kroger Shopper’s Card to RCS.  Here is a link to do just that - https://www.kroger.com/i/community/community-rewards.  Please tell/encourage anyone you know who shops at Kroger to link RCS to their Shopper’s Card.  Thank you!

Praying for peace and safety over you this week; we are thankful for each of you and your partnership with us.

Blessings,

Bill Sharp, M.Ed.
Head of School
 

Dear Parents and Families of RCS,

Welcome to November – only 51 shopping days until Christmas!  But, before we get the decorations out, let’s pause and take a moment to give thanks for all God is doing in Warrior Nation.  1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”  The apostle Paul knew about the persecution and opposition the young church in Thessalonica would face.  But his words served as a reminder that no matter what is before us, it is all known to God, and we can be thankful that we have a God in heaven who has our lives in His hands.

Tomorrow (Saturday) is the first annual Fall Fellowship from 9 am – 2 pm.  Please encourage your friends and neighbors to come and have a fun time with the RCS family!  There will be activities for the whole family, and you can help judge the apple pie and chili cookoff contest for only a couple of dollars.  In addition, there will be a fun run around the campus, bounce houses, bubble soccer, a bake sale, and a 16-team cornhole tournament to watch.  This will also be the official kickoff of the RCS Auction, where the bids for available items will be placed online until next weekend.  Proceeds from the auction will go toward pre-funding student financial aid, while proceeds from the competitions will be used toward student activities this school year.

Next Tuesday, we will have our first Open House event of 2022-23, starting at 6:00 pm.  We still have open appointment slots.  So, if you have friends, family, or co-workers looking for a Christ-centered, loving school environment, have them reach out to the main office at 804-276-3193 to make an appointment.  They will meet the teachers, hear about the great things happening at RCS, and be given a campus tour by our student government members.

Here is an easy way to support RCS by just “doing what you do.”  If you shop at Kroger (or know anyone else who shops there), all you have to do is link your Kroger Shopper’s Card to RCS.  Here is a link to do just that - https://www.kroger.com/i/community/community-rewards.  Currently, there are about 40-50 Shopper’s Cards linked to RCS through this program, and RCS receives around $400 per quarter.  Imagine if we had 100 or more people linked to RCS!  Please tell/encourage anyone you know who shops at Kroger to link RCS to their Shopper’s Card.  Thank you!

Praying for peace and safety over you this week, we are thankful for each of you.

Blessings,

Bill Sharp, M.Ed.
Head of School
 

Dear Parents and Families of RCS,

As cooler weather moves into the area and the leaves begin to change, I am reminded of the verses from the beginning of Ecclesiastes, Chapter 3, that starts with “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven;”.  It goes on to list 14 contrasts that seem to each be opposite ends of a spectrum.  In his Bible commentary, Matthew Henry writes that these contrasts of “several events of the time, and conditions of human life, are vastly different from one another, and yet occur [regardless], and we are continually passing and repassing between them.”  He further points out that in the end, it is all in the hands of our Creator. We, as believers, are to walk in them with complete trust in our Heavenly Father, that He will bring us through every circumstance in His time and strength as long as we lean on Him.  Whatever you are facing today, God already knows it and has it in the palm of his hand!

As this calendar year ends, you may be considering ways to give and take advantage of the tax benefits.  If you are interested in receiving a 65% state tax credit (that’s right, Credit!) for an end-of-year donation and simultaneously helping RCS, please consider the Children’s Tuition Fund.  Here’s the short version of the steps:  you contribute to the Children’s Tuition Fund, receive a 65% state tax credit for the contribution, and RCS receives a disbursement from the Children’s Tuition Fund for our qualified families.  Individuals and businesses can contribute to the program and receive tax credits.  Our Business Manager has personally contributed to this program and can answer any questions you have about it.  Feel free to contact him directly at his extension, 3034.

Here’s another way to help RCS; it only takes a few minutes of your time.  If you shop at Kroger (or know anyone else who shops there), all you have to do is link your Kroger Shopper’s Card to RCS.  Here is a link to do just that - https://www.kroger.com/i/community/community-rewards.  Currently, there are about 40-50 Shopper’s Cards linked to RCS through this program, and RCS receives around $400 per quarter.  Imagine if we had 100 or more people connected to RCS!  Please tell/encourage anyone you know who shops at Kroger to link RCS to their Shopper’s Card.  Thank you!

Don’t forget the first annual Fall Fellowship coming up on Saturday, 5 November, from 9 am – 2 pm.  There will be activities for the whole family and competitions to participate in, including a cornhole tournament, chili cook-off, and apple pie contest.  Invite your friends and family to this fantastic community event.  Proceeds from the auction will go toward pre-funding student financial aid, while proceeds from the competitions will be used toward student activities this school year.

Blessings to you and your family for a fantastic weekend.  Thank you for your partnership.

Blessings,

Bill Sharp, M.Ed.
Head of School
 

Dear Parents and Families of RCS,

It is hard to believe that one week from today, the school year will be one-quarter of the way complete!! We have so much for which to praise God in His provision and goodness as we count the many blessings God has provided so far.  Coming out of COVID and last year's challenges, it would be easy to sit back as a school community, catch our breath, and relax.  However, I feel it is the time to rally together and march forward, taking back for God's kingdom the places Satan has tried to steal.  In Deuteronomy 30:16, the word says, "For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess." Simply put, love God, be obedient, and keep his Word, and He will provide the increase and blessing as we move forward with him.

Two significant events are coming in the next two weeks.  First, on Friday, 14 October, the 1st Quarter officially ends and is a half-day early release for students.  No lunch will be served, and Aftercare will close at 4:00 p.m.  Elementary dismissal will be at 11:40 am, and Secondary dismissal will be at 11:55 am on that day.  The next day, Saturday, will be the homecoming festivities, including the presentation of the homecoming court, the announcement of the homecoming king and queen, and a football game against Blessed Sacrament-Huguenot.  Homecoming court festivities begin at 3:00 pm, with kickoff scheduled for 4:00 pm.

Then in two weeks (21 October), the school will be closed for students to have our fall parent-teacher conferences.  Appointments will be scheduled with teachers between 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. and can be made starting Monday, 10 October, by calling Rhodie Bond, Admin. Assistant, at 804-276-3193 Ext. 3047.

By now, you should have received information from Mrs. Patton regarding the Fall Fellowship events for which to sign up.  Proceeds from the auction will go toward pre-funding student financial aid, while proceeds from the competitions will be used toward student activities this school year.

Enjoy this beautiful fall weekend, and thank you all for your prayers, support, and partnership.

Blessings,

Bill Sharp, M.Ed.
Head of School
 

Dear Parents and Families of RCS,

This week was extraordinary for the RCS family, as students in all grades took a short break from academics to focus on the Lord.  They spent time with God through worship, devotions, and the Word.  On Monday and Tuesday, elementary students heard the message “You can serve God and others with what you have,” delivered by Pastor Jeremy Haskett from Calvary Baptist Church in Colonial Heights.

Secondary students were blessed to hear from Pastor Trey Bradley, Student Pastor at Flint Groves Baptist Church in Gastonia, NC.  He focused on the theme “Where You Are,” and the students enjoyed powerful times of prayer and discussion with their small groups.  The highlight in the middle of the week was the gathering of students, parents, and staff at the annual See You At The Pole event.  It was a student-led praise and prayer time dedicated to praying for our school, city, and nation.  Psalm 95:2 says, “Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.”  We rejoice today for all God is doing in the hearts and lives of the RCS family.

Don’t forget that two weeks from today marks the end of the 1st Quarter.  That Friday, 14 October, will be a half-day early release day for all students, and no lunch will be served that day.  The next day (Saturday) will be Homecoming Day festivities at the football game as we recognize this year’s Homecoming court and crown the 2022 Homecoming king and queen.  More details to come next week.

Don’t forget to plan to attend the Fall Fellowship event on Saturday, 5 November.  We have a full slate of family activities scheduled around the kickoff of the annual RCS Auction.  Proceeds from the auction will go toward pre-funding student financial aid, while proceeds from the competitions will be used toward student activities this school year.

Stay dry and safe this weekend.

Blessings,

Bill Sharp, M.Ed.
Head of School
 

Dear Parents and Families of RCS,

Psalm 16:8-9 says, "I have set the Lord before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore, my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure." This scripture reminds me of the saying that someone is my "right-hand man" - meaning the one I can go to, depend on, and trust in all situations. When God is at our right hand, we can wholeheartedly trust that whatever we face or any decision we make, we can count on God to give us support and counsel, and we can have a glad heart no matter the situation. Is God your right-hand Man today?

I want to remind you of a busy but powerful next week of events. On Monday and Tuesday, the elementary division will have their Fall Spiritual Emphasis Days, where they take time during the day to lean into and focus on God. They will have special music and special times hearing from God's Word. Then, Wednesday morning will kick off bright and early at 7:00 a.m. as we gather around the flagpole for our annual See You At The Pole prayer and praise event. This is a student-led time of prayer and worship for students, families, and staff. We gather together and lift our school, community, and nation to God. Immediately following is the SYATP breakfast, for which you should have received information and order form from Mr. Egland.

Wednesday through Friday will be filled with activities, prayer, and praise time for the secondary division for the Fall Spiritual Emphasis Days. Highlights include the Mega Relay, the annual student film festival, a staff praise band, and a powerful word from speaker Trey Bradley. Please keep these events in prayer for a mighty move from God in our student's hearts.

A shout-out and thank you to J.B. Mulch company for their recent donation of over 50 yards of playground mulch. Also, thank you to the parents and students who gave up some time on a couple of Saturdays to spread it. Finally, we appreciate our community partners' support of God's kingdom work at RCS and how our community comes together in "Educating Hearts and Minds for Christ."

Don't forget to plan to attend the Fall Fellowship event on Saturday, 5 November. We have a full slate of family activities scheduled around the kickoff of the annual RCS Auction. Proceeds from the auction will go toward pre-funding student financial aid, while proceeds from the competitions will be used toward student activities for the 2022-23 school year.

Have a fantastic weekend!!

Blessings,

Bill Sharp, M.Ed.
Head of School
 

Dear Parents and Families of RCS,

As we wrap up week four, it is great to see everyone settling into the new school year so well.  Teachers and students are building rapport in the classroom, and parents also seem “in the zone,” judging by how smoothly the carline runs in the morning and afternoon.  Thank you, parents, for your trust and patience with our carline team as they direct traffic and help safely unload and load your students.

As we move into fall and allergy (and sickness) season, please remember that if your child is home sick, you should send info to attendance@richmondchristian.com to report the absence.  If a doctor's visit is necessary, please send your child a copy of the doctor’s note when they return to school.  This will help assure that our attendance office properly documents the absence.

Please continue to be in prayer for the following campus-wide events coming up.  On 28 September, we will gather for the annual See You At The Pole prayer event.  It is a student-led time of worship and prayer for our nation.  More information will be coming as we get closer to the event.  Also, the 26th and 27th of September will be the Fall Spiritual Emphasis Days for elementary students, and the 28th – 30th will be our Fall Spiritual Emphasis Days for secondary.  Last year, we saw a mighty move of God in our students on these days – please pray that He will continue to move in the hearts of our students in a powerful way.

Mark your calendars for another exciting event coming to RCS – The First Annual RCS Fall Fellowship on Saturday, 5 November, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  Festivities include the RCS yard sale, a bake sale, live music, face painting, and several fun competitions – Family Fun Run, chili cook-off, apple pie contest, and a 16-team cornhole tournament!!  We will also have Brunswick Stew available on site for purchase.  You don’t want to miss being part of this new and exciting fellowship day.  Please invite your friends and neighbors!  More details on the competitions will be coming soon, so break out those secret family recipes and warm up your throwing arm – it will be a blast!  That afternoon, we will also kick off the annual RCS Online Auction, which will run until Friday, 11 November.  The rain date will be the following Saturday, 12 November.  Proceeds from the auction will go toward pre-funding student financial aid, while proceeds from the competitions will be used toward student activities for the 2022-23 school year.

Thank you all for your partnership and your prayers.  I bless you this week with 2 Corinthians 9:8, “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” Have a great weekend!

Blessings,

Bill Sharp, M.Ed.
Head of School
 

Dear Parents and Families of RCS,

I am sure many of our students are looking forward to that extra day of rest on Monday after their first week of school.  I noticed some families had adjusted their morning arrival time, which has made the traffic flow even smoother.  Remember, if you arrive at 8:00 am or later, please come to the front office to sign in your student.

Also, if you know your student will be out of school for any reason, please let the front office know as soon as possible.  For example, if they are absent due to illness in the morning, please get in touch with Mrs. Montague in the office and let her know (by phone or email).  Also, if your student has a doctor’s appointment, please send a copy of the doctor’s note when they return so the absence can be charted appropriately.

This week, the focus in Secondary Chapel was “Pay It Forward.”  I challenged students to find or create opportunities to extend kindness to their classmates through scripture, an encouraging word or note, or other random acts of kindness.  For example, in John 13:34-35, Jesus reminds his disciples, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.  By this, all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have a love for one another.” Please take time this weekend to chat with your student about creative ways to show kindness to others next week and beyond.

What is a Culture of Care?  It is a place where Christ is placed first above anything and everything else.  It includes administrators and teachers that truly model the character of Christ.  Parents, staff, and students use words that are encouraging, thoughtful, and God-oriented, whose actions are based on serving others, and whose thoughts are centered around what God wants, not what we want.  Our students strive for excellence in Christ, treating each other with love and respect.  Our parents commit to praying for and encouraging teachers and administrators.  As we wrap up Week 2, let’s remember these focal points and continually strive for excellence in these areas.  New families, as well as long-time families, look to RCS because we are different from other schools.  Let us continue to be the light to a lost and dying world.

Pray for peace, joy, and rest over you and your families this holiday weekend.

Blessings,

Bill Sharp, M.Ed.
Head of School
 

Dear Parents and Families of RCS,

Congratulations on surviving Week 1!!  For the long-term planners, only 40 weeks to go until graduation - exactly nine months from today.  More to come on that event in a much later parent letter.

First, I want to extend a heartfelt welcome to all new families joining Warrior Nation this year.  It has been a privilege getting to know you and your students, and we are blessed to have 72 new students here at school.  That number could grow in the coming weeks.  God always amazes me with the unity we find in a diverse community of gifts, talents, and personalities.  We will continue to lift you in prayer for a smooth and quick transition to RCS.

Thank you also to everyone who could join us for our annual Warrior Welcome event last Friday.  I enjoyed speaking with many of you and your students and loved the atmosphere of fellowship.  The presence of God was felt all over the campus.  A special shout out to all those who volunteered time to cover the many stations and events during the evening; we could not have done it without you!

You all are rock stars with the carline already!  We appreciate your patience and partnership as we get settled back into the morning and afternoon routine.  Please remember to keep your eyes on the person at the front of the carline (morning and afternoon) directing traffic.  They are the eyes of the whole system to keep everyone SAFE.

Please be in prayer over the upcoming campus events listed below.  Prayer events like these are critical for us to do battle in the heavenly realms and God moves mightily through these times.  I am reminded of the powerful promise from God found in 2 Chronicles 7:14 – “If my people who are called by my name will humbles themselves and pray, and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”  Lean on Him in all situations; He will ALWAYS be faithful!

• Monday, 29 August - First Monday campus-wide prayer
• 28 September - See You At The Pole

Thank you again for your partnership with us in Educating Hearts and Minds For Christ.

Blessings,

Bill Sharp, M.Ed.
Head of School