Welcome to May! In some ways, May is a paradoxical month in a school. Although we are blessed to enjoy the growth and renewal of spring that is a refreshing ‘new beginning’ each year, we are also nearing the end of the school year. Outside we see buds, blossoms, and green stems all around – especially in our school garden! Last week the students and adults had the opportunity to work in the garden, beginning to bring it back to life. The students were willing participants in spreading wood chips on the paths, raking leaves, and snipping out sassafras saplings. It was such a blessing to experience joy through work alongside our students!
The garden is just one place we see evidence of hard work, growth, and blessing. As we near the end of the school year, our students’ growth becomes so apparent as well. It is the fruit of their hard work (and their teacher’s) all year long. They are now putting their grade level skills into practice daily. The content students learned earlier in the year is referred back to and built upon. To our great joy, the impact is multiplied as they use their advanced skills to dive deeper into learning. Additionally, the evidence of students’ spiritual, social, and emotional growth blesses the whole school environment. The impact of nine months of feeling safe, wanted, and loved is becoming apparent as well. For example, in recent Middle School Bible classes, the students were firing amazing questions at Mr. Curtis regarding all kinds of biblical truths. They are asking the tough questions that are required to make faith their own. Mr. Curtis answered each one with scripture to reinforce the fact that God’s Word is our source for truth. God is so good! We rejoice whenever we see evidence that HCA is indeed a training ground for the Army of God. “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come,” (I Timothy 4:8, New Living Translation). Earlier this week, the Middle School teachers and I were blessed to provide a retreat day for the eighth graders. They are an amazing group of young people with spiritual maturity that will bless the schools they enter for high school. This is not to say that the school year is over and not much is happening. It is quite the opposite! Please be on the lookout for communication regarding upcoming end of year events and a look ahead to next year. Have a blessed remainder of spring and enjoy the next season of growth in your students this summer!
By His Grace, Nikki Cleveland, Principal
