From the Desk of the President

Dear JCS Parents,

 

I trust you all enjoyed a wonderful Christmas celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ with family and friends!  As we celebrate the start of 2019, may we remember Jesus' words, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid" (John 14:27).  As believers, our hope is not in the fresh start to a new year or the closing of another year, in new-year's resolutions, or in the plans we lay for success and prosperity in 2019.  Our hope and peace is found in our identity in Jesus Christ and in the gift of the Holy Spirit – the Helper, "the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him.  You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you" (John 14:17).  Praise God for His peace, truth, and joy which transcend our earthly time and circumstances!

 

This President's Newsletter provides a brief update on the loss of East Campus PE Teacher and JV Basketball Coach Kenny Anders and the administration's plans as students return to school for the week of January 7, 2019. The investigation into this case is still ongoing; I remain in regular communication with the detective handling the case.  The detective has indicated that the standard time frame for such an investigation can run several months.  As the police do release official information regarding this case, the details will be shared with faculty, staff, and parents.   

 

The family of Kenny Anders will hold funeral services on Friday, January 4, 2019, 12 p.m., at Christ Fellowship Church (South Gardens Campus) and invites JCS families and employees to attend. 

 

All JCS faculty and staff will meet Monday, January 7th, for a time of prayer for the Anders family and our JCS community.  Employees will be joined by Christ Fellowship Counselor Bonnie Jo Daniels who will provide some training on how to best walk our students and parents through the grief process.  Finally, faculty and staff will receive instruction on how we will lead our community through this difficult time with an emphasis currently on the stages of grief.  A brief overview of those plans are provided for parents below.

 

After talking to local experts and reviewing current research on helping students cope with grief and loss in an educational setting, we believe it is best that we talk to the students about Coach Kenny passing away. JCS faculty and administration will not discuss the loss of Mr. Anders with our PK2-4 students, however. We will leave the decision to share information with 2-4 year old students with parents. These students will be introduced to their new PE teacher the week of January 7th and we will share with them that this is simply a change for the second semester. Final details are being arranged and the new PE teacher will be introduced to parents on Monday, January 7th. 

 

On Tuesday, January 8th, we will be having chapel sessions at our campuses to speak to students about Coach Kenny passing away. Our goal during this time is to help students know only the basic information, that Mr. Kenny Anders has passed away. At this time, we will not be speaking about the specifics of his passing. Facts are still unknown at this time and we know that the details are best discussed in the homes of our JCS families with respect for each family to determine the depth and scope of what they choose to share with their children. We ask that students refrain from openly discussing details on campus. Counselors and local youth pastors will be on campus throughout the week of January 7th for any student who wants to talk about or process this loss with an adult. Parents are invited to attend the chapel for their student and administration will be available following chapels to answer parent questions.

 

It is important to note that should any JCS parent of students in K5-6th grade prefer their child not be a part of this chapel session, they will need to notify their child's homeroom teacher, who will ensure that they can remain in the classroom with a teacher during that time.

 

East Campus Chapel (K5 & 1st grade students only)                      8:30 a.m. East Campus Pavilion

Speakers: Pastor Charlie Hubbard and East Campus Principal Lisa Chitty

 

Lower School Chapel (2nd-6th grade students)                              8:15 a.m. West Campus Gym

Speakers: LS Principal Caleb Petree and Chief Advancement Officer Darlaine Sisk

 

Upper School Chapel (7-12th grade students)                                9:30 a.m. West Campus Gym

Speakers: President Dan Steinfield, US Principal Joe Zambrano, Pastor Charlie Hubbard

 

We have attached a couple of articles that will help you talk to your children.

 

Navigating Grief & Loss with Children                   

Bonnie Jo Daniels, M.S.                                          

Speaklife Community, LLC  

                                  

How to Help Your Child Grieve

Candy Arrington

Focus on the Family

 

Books on how to help children with grief will be available for parents to check out at the front office at each campus. In addition, Pastor Charlie is always available to you and your children. If he can be of any help, please do not hesitate to call his cell phone at 407-340-0273.

 

While final facts and answers surrounding the circumstances of this tragedy appear to be months away, initial reports by the news media create an opportunity for Jupiter Christian School to address some difficult topics with our older students in the weeks and months ahead.  Through January and February, the administration will continue to plan and implement opportunities for the Jupiter Christian School students, parents, faculty and staff to grow from this experience.  More details on these plans will be communicated the week of January 14, 2019.

 

We look forward to having your families back on campus soon.

 

Blessings,

Dan Steinfield
President
(561) 354-1917

Jupiter Christian School

700 S Delaware Blvd • Jupiter, FL 33458 • (561) 354-1900

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