We can hardly believe that we are right around the corner from second semester.  With that in mind, the office and teachers are busy thinking about such milestones as education fair, an open house for new families, “read-a-thon” in the elementary program, and even clean-a-thon, to mark the way  to finishing well our school year 2024-2025. 

As families and friends, we know that you too have milestones you are looking forward to or events you are planning in your own lives. Being intentional about what is most important and what we must get done takes time, thought, and prayer. Often January comes with goals or new year’s resolutions.  From a classroom perspective, I have always advocated for habits first before all else.  Goals are lofty without lifestyle changes.  I often think of Charles Ingalls from “Little House on the Prairie” saying, “Do your best work, and time will take care of itself.” 

We all know that there must be deadlines. There must be parameters and standards surrounding important things. But the habit of how we get those things done can be one of pleasure if we are able to consider all those around us as created by a loving God, with gifts, abilities, and talents to meet needs and find solutions. It begins with a culture of honor toward one another. 

I’ve been thinking about the following verses: 

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4 

If the above verses could be our life habit, what a beautiful culture we would be creating for ourselves. This can be in our homes, our schools, our places of worship, even in the car and everywhere we take our next step.  I pray that you would consider this with me. And if anyone would like to share where God is leading you to put these verses into practice, feel free to let us know.  I am taking them to heart and want so much to take them to heart with our students as well. We can do this together.  

Have a very blessed weekend! 

In Christ, 

Kathy Thompson 

Highlights!!

Moms in Prayer

One of our faithful mom’s Ronda Davis, is stepping up to meet the need of facilitating our “Moms in Prayer,” once again.  We are grateful.  Prayer time will be on Mondays from 8am to 9am.  First meeting will be this Monday, January 13th and we will meet in the nursery upstairs.  A big big thanks to Katie Severson who had led this for so many years. The prayers were always felt by staff and we loved knowing that moms were praying on the behalf of all of our students and families as well.  Please consider joining and let the office know if you are interested. 

Read-a-thon

The elementary students are gearing up for Read -A-Thon!! We are always so proud of our students and love every opportunity to foster a love for the written word.  Be on the lookout for more information to come and keep your eyes out for books that you would like your child to read during this time.  We are very excited. 

Safety and Security Training

Dell Stone, a retired Polk County deputy will be speaking to our students 7th-12th on January 16th.  Dell has been doing safety and security training with the staff at VCS yearly for nearly a decade. We are so appreciative of his love for Christ, his passion for his area of expertise, and his investment in our school and the body of Christ. He will be mindful of the age of students he is speaking to. It is important to us at Valley to let the students know how much we care about them and what we are doing to help them feel safe and secure.  

Girls’ Soccer and Boy’s Volleyball

We are already thinking about spring!! Please let the office know if your student is interested in playing with our Girl’s soccer team or having a Boy’s Volleyball team.  We are making plans and excited for a fun and rewarding spring sports season.  

Copier Paper Request

The office is in need of more copier paper. If anyone is willing to donate paper, we would be very grateful.  We have also found that Costco and Sam’s Club often have the best price. If anyone happens to be making a trip to either one and would be willing to pick some up, we would also be willing to reimburse as an option as well. 

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