I am so very thankful for the COMMUNITY at Westminster Catawba Christian School. As I had the privilege of sharing at our Town Hall meeting earlier this week, “community” was the most notable “theme” mentioned by our accreditation site visit team. In their first “Powerful Practice,” they noted the following: “Through their faith and confidence in God’s calling, this school community has come together to support one another in the goal to disciple children of Christ.” In doing so, they mentioned every aspect of our community – the students, the parents, the faculty/staff/administration, the board, and our alumni. In their final report, the visiting team went as far as to comment that when students were asked what they would want their school to be remembered for, the overwhelming answer was simply, “COMMUNITY.”
First Grade Buddies in line for the Obstacle Course
It is a great joy to hear this from unbiased outsiders. It is even a greater joy to see it in action – which is what I was able to do this morning at Westminster Park as our Kindergarten through Fifth Grade students participated in Field Day. I showed up about an hour after the festivities had begun, which meant that the games were running full force. As I walked up, two third graders came running up to me and gave me a big hug – which I appreciated until I realized that they were hugging me to allow me the opportunity to get as wet as they were from their most recent event time on the obstacle course. They giggled as they ran back to their friends – happy to have left me dripping just a little. I made my way from event to event and watched students bowling, getting covered in shaving cream, throwing water balloons, playing on the playground, and even eating PW’s ice cream. I did make note that they were less willing to share the ice cream with me as they were the shaving cream and water balloons. It was a beautiful day and the kids were having a wonderful time.
Fifth Graders enjoying PW’s Ice Cream!
Then, I noticed the adults. The teachers were right in the midst of the fun – even “helping” some of the students get wet. But, there were more parents and grandparents at Westminster Park than there were teachers – and they were having a great time as well. There were smiles all around. I talked to one grandfather who has grandkids at WCCS for the first time this year and he was quick to talk of a great first year – and asked how he could begin volunteering at the school. Another mom assured me, in the midst of the obstacle course, that they were going to great lengths to keep the kids safe. Another mom was grinning ear to ear and told me how much she enjoys watching her kids with their friends.
I headed back toward my car and a little boy asked me where I was going. I told him I needed to go back to my office to do some work. He replied, “OK, make sure you get some ice cream on the way. It is really good.” Who am I to argue with a little boy??? For the record – he was right! I sat in my car with my ice cream and thanked God for the COMMUNITY at WCCS! My hope and prayer is that we continue to grow this community for His glory!