Even with the coronavirus pandemic, what an awesome year we had at JRHS. Maybe not what we had planned or hoped for, but, let us reflect upon the extent to which we redeemed the time and opportunities for great learning and growth opportunities.
This letter is to affirm that we are strongly resolved and committed to opening JRHS this fall semester with an in-person, on-site program. Of course, none of us can predict the future; as the state continues to re-open and manage the virus, our stated plan is 100%, full time school days. If the need arises, we have proven we can be ready to pivot to various forms of remote learning quite expeditiously.
With this, however, will come several changes in practice that we will be researching and implementing this summer. The areas of note include physical distancing, classroom cleaning protocols, use of PPE, and standards of health screening. We will be re-considering all the great space options we have at JRHS and will re-think our schedule as well. As our leadership team develops our plan, we will share it with you.
Communications through the summer will help everyone prepare for the “new normal”.
Perhaps the greatest need will be in the areas of “flexibility” and “perseverance”. We knew before Covid that Christian Community is best built and lived out in person, with the day by day experiences of life. Effective learning is best done around a table, as teachers guide students through great material. Maturation towards Christ-like leadership is readily accomplished with profound in-person experiences, in the trenches of need and opportunity. With our mission firmly held out in front of us, and with a commitment to be both flexible and perseverant, relying clearly on God’s grace and provision, JRHS is going to thrive this new year!
During this unprecedented time, we must realize that a covid-free school is not possible. Therefore, our goal is to provide to our students, parents, faculty, staff and guests, a covid-safe environment to the extent possible. With this, we are embarking on a calculated risk by choosing in-person learning this fall, and, to borrow a phrase from Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, we encourage our families to join us on this “Perilous Journey”!
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts, and strengthen you in every good deed and word. 2 Thessalonians 2: 16-17