Hello FCS Families,

Earlier this summer I felt God telling me to post something I had previously studied. So for 7 days, I posted the verse from Mark 9:40:

“For whoever is not against us, is for us.”

The context of this verse is that John and some other disciples were walking about and saw people driving out demons in the name of Jesus. So, since John and the other disciples didn’t know them, they told them to stop. They came to Jesus very proud of what they had done. They left with a shift in perspective. If we spend our time in the world looking for ways that people are different we will find and feel separated.

  • If we spend our time looking for things that unite us, we will feel more unity and community.  In this season, I invite you to choose unity and community.

  • While I feel that God has given our board and myself the path that we are on, I support our brothers and sisters at Immanuel Schools in their path. Unity and Community.

  • I support our public schools and those families in our community that want to take the most precaution. Unity and Community.

  • I have talked to dozens of families this summer for various reasons about their worries for the upcoming school year. We have found common ground in unity and community.

As September 8 approaches, things do not look good for re-opening in person. I plan on making the final decision next week. Please be in prayer with me and our community as this decision is made.

Earlier this week, we were able to have our staff on campus and it was a blessing! While it is overwhelming to consider the new world that we are in, everyone on campus agrees we miss our community.

In the weekly video posted above, Mrs. Deffenbacher and Mrs. Reneau shared information about how we are preparing and touched on the points below:

  • Picture Day for all students: Thursday, August 20 in the PC Gym. An email was sent yesterday to all families with details regarding picture day. Elementary parents: in the field where it asks who your child’s teacher is, fill in the grade or put “don’t know.”   Even if you’re not purchasing photos, please have your child come so they get their yearbook photo taken. All students will receive a complimentary photo ID.

  • MAP Assessments: A sign up form will be on its way via email soon. Because we’ve already completed assessments for incoming kindergarteners, this testing window is for grades 1-12. Please plan to bring all students in your family during the same testing session. As a reminder, these will be given prior to the start of the school year to each student to give insight into our students’ instructional levels and how to maximize their academic success.

  • Elementary Clubs/ Camps: Our elementary staff has created a few opportunities to bring students on campus. While we already have sports camp running for grades 3-8, we have created opportunities for our K-2 community as well. A list of those clubs, along with details about each club will go out next Tuesday, 8/20. Attached to that information will also be a chance to sign your child up for a club that fits their interest.

  • Middle & High School Clubs/Camps: Clubs will be built around existing programs. Students will hear from their teachers regarding meeting days/times. If your student is interested in a club (class) in which they are not currently enrolled, please email us their interest (info@fresnochristian.com) and we will get them on the teacher’s contact list!

    • Chamber Choir

    • High School Concert Choir

    • Middle School Choir

    • Instrumental Music (Percussion, Band)

    • Colorguard

    • Drama

    • Yearbook

    • Reading Club (for Honors & AP)

    • Other elective club options in development!

  • In-person on-campus student orientations specific to the age/grade of your student. Sign-ups will be headed your way soon!

    • New Families- Week of August 24

    • Returning Families- Week of August 31

  • Reopening Plans

    • We will be sending out communications unique to elementary and secondary schools as it relates to what our learning models will look like for fall.

    • Schoolwide, we are committed to quality educational experiences, whether in person or alternative, that cover different aspects of learning.

    • We will be following the Direct Instruction, Guided Practice, Independent Practice model (OR I Do, We Do, You Do for the little people).

    • We will unpack for you what both in-person and alternative learning programs will look like so you can best support your student(s) in their learning.

    • Be looking for those emails early next week.

As always, direct any questions you may have to info@fresnochristian.com.

Thank you,

Jeremy L. Brown
Superintendent