Dear Parents,

Yesterday marked the anniversary of the Gettysburg address, a two and half minute speech that is still a symbol of choosing the right words to impact the world for good. Tragically, I'm not Abe and I won't be as succinct, but I'll consider the messaging and will aim for the crucial issues.

JCS wants to increase our electives and we're looking at strategies that allow that.
We are trying to add one to two Dual Enrollment (DE) classes next year and evaluating where they would have the most benefit.
After speaking with parent groups, we are considering methods to support specific systems that impact your lives like ESE, ACT and focused prep classes.
Carefully inspecting our schedule, ACT and AP scores and honing our strategy to increase pass rates.
Creating a leadership program that is, both built into the curriculum and has stand-alone classes that utilize experienced leaders, who can provide real examples from business, government to the military.
Please look at the JCS Facebook, Instagram or Twitter accounts to keep up with the latest college acceptances, there are too many to list here, but every week we have reasons to celebrate.

Principals Perspective:

In the Spring of 2010, (NINE years ago) I read an article, now found on the American Scholar website. The message had a profound impact on me. It's titled "Solitude and Leadership" and was a speech given to the plebe class at West Point. Within that paper/speech were not just nuggets, but deep veins of wisdom and the speaker accurately predicted issues we face today and is a core concern that JCS is actively addressing."What we don't have, in other words, are thinkers. People who can think for themselves. People who can formulate a new direction: for the country, for a corporation or a college, for the Army—a new way of doing things, a new way of looking at things. People, in other words, with vision."

He also pointed out that organizations need to move, evaluate, scrutinize and often change direction. At JCS I will always go back to our Mission Statement and be forewarned…I love our mission statement. The words "committed to excellence in teaching the mind, reaching the heart and inspiring servant leaders who will impact the world for Jesus Christ" sincerely motivate me.

Regarding our mission statement I believe we can do more, so I reflect on direction and the way we do things. I've gained great insight from parents, teachers who have been at JCS for 20 plus years and gained a new perspective, although equally valuable from teachers who are experienced, but new to JCS. I enjoy feedback, discourse and learning and what I have come to understand is, we need to invest in specific areas that will yield a large result for Christ and our academics.

I know we need professional development, it's clear we need to challenge ourselves, we need to challenge our students and parents, so let's dialogue on how to do it. We'll be having grade level meetings as we head into second semester and I hope you come with questions, suggestions and a voice.

It's a sincere blessing to know your children and support the teachers in their efforts to fulfill the JCS mission.

I'm hoping and praying for a family or a few families who will support professional development and help our teachers receive the highest academic and social/emotional training available. Please contact me if you would like to discuss it, I promise…we will be good stewards and it will change the lives of our students.

I pray that each family has an incredible Thanksgiving week off and you have time for family, fun and some giving of thanks to our Creator who has given us an incredible reason to rejoice.

Sincerely,