Column: WHS goal - creating a caring community

• Worthington Christian School

Worthington Christian School

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WORTHINGTON — As I went to Worthington Christian School to drop off my son’s birthday treats, I saw “Happy Birthday Eli” written on the school’s entryway doors. I smiled, happy to know my child spends most of his day in a place surrounded by people that care about him and the details of his life.

I also witness examples of my son being cared about by more than just the teachers when support staff members happily greet him outside of the school setting, or older students call out his name and give him a high-five, or the principal calls me to make sure his first day on the bus went OK. It gives me such a good feeling knowing that my child is being nurtured and cared for by those around him. I also enjoy seeing the flip side of this when I see him take on that role himself and care for others. He is being encouraged by word and example to show God’s love to others in his life. Of course his love for God comes first and foremost, but his ability to learn and act out God’s second greatest commandment is a gift. I need him to be encouraged in this way, and I find comfort that he is learning this at school.

That is why I know WCS has really focused on its goal of creating a community within its walls. This is a growing community where the different ages can get to know each other, support each other, and grow and learn together. One way they have been doing this is by having chapel groups of mixed ages that do special things together. They get together for activities, Bible study, planning and presenting a chapel, and just sharing snacks together. Another way my son and I are building our relationship with his schoolmates is with a prayer calendar. This year we received a calendar that has each child’s name, teacher’s name, support staff’s name, administration’s name and the board listed. This helps my child and I pray for these important people in his school community and remember them each night.

Yes, I know that all teachers and every administration in every school are going to encourage kids to be nice and treat each other with respect, but yet loving our neighbor seems to be an area in which our society is crumbling. It’s our human nature to only want to show kindness to those we favor; but real life doesn’t surround us with perfect people, just as we ourselves are flawed. I know that patience, perseverance and kindness are things God’s spirit can give us within our relationships. I also know from teaching at WCS that prayer, scripture and wise council are used to help students realize this.

As a mom I want my child to be seen as the unique individual God has created him to be, but I also want him to learn to show love for others in the same way. I want him to know that he is not more important to God than any other person. So he should love others and put others first because God loves them as well. I feel WCS is a good place for just that.

On a final and more light-hearted note, my son wanted to add some things he likes about his school: 1) You sing a lot of songs and learn some good ones. 2) You learn a lot of hard words. 3) You praise God and worship Him, too. 4) You learn about the old and new testaments. 5) You have a good time!

Anna Robinson is the parent of a Worthington Christian School first-grader.

Tags: worthington christian school, opinion, education, faith, worthington