As many of you know, I grew up in South Florida and then taught there for the first six years of my career.  In those years, I remember missing TWO school days for weather – both were “hurricane days.”  One was definitely necessary – the other, not so much, as it turned north right after the decision to cancel school was made.  The first snow day of my life happened in college – and it was wonderful (you can always tell who is from Florida during the first snow of the season each winter).  As I continued along in my career, the thought of a potential snow day turned from excitement to concern for the school community – parents driving to school in potentially dangerous weather, student-drivers doing the same (which makes me nervous anyway), and just the getting around school if it is icy or unbearably cold (especially the little ones).  I can honestly say that I have always been a weather-watcher.  But, now that I am the one responsible for making the decision that will affect hundreds of children and families, my perspective has definitely changed.

SO, given the fact that we are in the season for potential weather issues – with a storm heading in our direction – I thought it might be worthwhile to let you know what goes in to making decisions regarding delayed starts, early dismissals, or school cancellations due to weather.

First, allow me to reiterate that the safety and security of our community – students, parents, teachers, staff, etc. – is the primary motivation.  I would MUCH rather err on the side of safety if an error is to be made.  It would be an understatement to say that much prayer goes in to these decisions!

Second, I am not alone in the process.  I do watch the weather – on several different stations and websites.  I also have contacts with the city of Rock Hill and local power companies who often have an inside track – and more information than weather.com.  I am also very thankful that our local county authorities host conference calls regarding emergency management issues that include the public, charter, and private schools in town as well as other local agencies who need to make decisions based on the most up-to-date weather data available.  These calls happen as frequently as necessary in the days ahead of a possible storm.  Once I hear the latest updates and consider what the other schools may be doing, I work with our administrators to decide what is best for WCCS.  After seeking counsel and much prayer, decisions are made.

Third, I am quick to acknowledge that we do not always make the right decisions.  I remember last year hearing from all of the experts that the storm of the century was upon us.  We joined with the rest of the area in closing down, and the storm never materialized.  Again, while I was sorry to have cancelled school on a day when it was not necessary, I would do it again given the data we had at the time.

Last, there are also times that we make decisions differently that other schools.  Last year, we had a bitter cold snap.  Some schools delayed or cancelled because of the concerns regarding students waiting for and riding buses to and from school.  Well, given that we don’t offer bus transportation, that was not a good enough reason to cancel school.  (Believe me, I had enough of our students telling me on that day that their friends were all at home and that they should be as well!)

I share all of this with you as a storm approaches in the hopes that you will partner with me in praying NOW that God would grant us wisdom to do what is best for our entire school community!

Happy New Year to all!  Well, ReFuel 2016 is in the books at Westminster Catawba Christian School.  The Upper School students and faculty/staff were greatly blessed to have Jason Malone share the Word of God with us during our version of a mid-year spiritual emphasis week.  This, coupled with the music led by Brandon Gray and Grayson Cato, was a great blessing to all who were able to attend.  As I think back on the week, allow me to share a few thoughts…

First, I was particularly blessed with the simple message of the gospel to FOLLOW JESUS!  I firmly believe that every single one of the 215 students who listened to Pastor Malone had been told to follow Jesus before.  But, some heard it for the first time this week.  As Luke says in Acts 2:47b, “And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”  That was true at WCCS this week!  PRAISE GOD!

Second, I was thankful that Pastor Malone and the rest of those leading ReFuel this week really “get” what Christian education is all about.  They understood that they were continuing to teach what was being taught earlier in the year in the classrooms and on the fields and courts and stages – and that this would not be the last time that the students were encouraged to “follow Jesus.”  They did an outstanding job at connecting those who were truly impacted by the gospel with their teachers, pastors, and parents.  (Note – from one who has been a part of lots of spiritual emphasis weeks, this was a welcome blessing!)  The students went right from a challenging message to class or lunch – where they were forced to live it out immediately, and where they had access to many if questions arose.  From talking to the teachers, this was also a great blessing for them as they had opportunity to follow up on the messages in class throughout the week.

Third, I was reminded of students impacted by this kind of week before, and it excited me for the future.  I will never forget sitting in one of these gatherings about fifteen years ago when a young man (HS junior) began crying and rushed out of the room.  I followed him.  I will never forget his words.  He has recently lost a very close grandfather and, through tears, said that his life would not make his granddaddy happy.  His grandfather followed Jesus and this guy wanted to do the same.  We talked for a while, prayed together, and he became a Jesus-follower that day.  While I don’t know all of the stories of the students (and others) who heard Pastor Malone this week, I am absolutely convinced that some will look back – even 15 years from now – and say that they, too, became Jesus-followers this week!

Lastly, I am very aware that it takes many hands (and hearts!) to pull off this kind of week.  I am so thankful for our speaker and musicians mentioned above.  I am very thankful for Mr. Nathan Aylestock and Dr. John Furrow who coordinated much of the week.  I appreciate Mr. Scott Berg and Mr. Charles Hedrick, as well as quite a few student council members, who were responsible for setup and take down each day.  There were students running sound, taking pictures, and pulling all kinds of details together.  Many are to be thanked – even more than I have mentioned.  BUT, God is to be praised!  He is the One who, even as Pastor Malone reminded us this week, sovereignly worked all of the details together so that the students and teachers that HE wanted to be here were here.  He was the One softening the hearts of those who are now following Jesus for the first time – as well as those who have a renewed sense of what this really means.  He was the One who sent His Son with the message to FOLLOW ME!  He is the One who “added to the number” this week!