Thoughts from the Corner Office

Thoughts from the Corner Office
By: Greg Swenson, Headmaster

“Casting all your care upon Him because He cares for you”
1 Peter 5:7

Off and running again for another year! Both students and teachers are beginning the year with contagious enthusiasm. Much learning has already taken place both in the classroom, on field trips, through the outdoor education program at Brookwoods, and simply through the social interaction that our students enjoy together. Can you believe that we are already at the mid-point of the first quarter? Interim reports will be finished and sent out to parents at the end of next week.  I want to again say “thank you” to all of the volunteers who worked so hard to prepare the building and grounds for the beginning of school. The number of volunteers are simply too long to list, but you know who you are and I am very thankful for you! May God bless you for your efforts!

There have been several staff changes at CCA for the 2011-12 school year. Two people have been hired part time to fill the vacancy left by Lisa Simons. Deb Gagne, in addition to teaching computer, brings significant business experience with her as she now takes over the bookkeeping for CCA. Please see her for all business related to tuition and billing. Kim Wasson is picking up many of Lisa’s other office responsibilities as well as admissions. She is a former office manager with a significant business background.  Several teaching assignments have also changed. Becky Miller is teaching full time science and math in the middle division; Georgene Sellinger has added a new program called STARS to her responsibilities; Greg Swenson coordinates the middle division and teaches Bible Grades 4-7; Verna Blanchet works full time with pre-schoolers; and Mary Stetson works full time with toddlers. I am so thankful for all of our staff who selflessly give and give to make this school what it is!

CCA’s enrollment currently stands at 85 students with several new inquiries having just been received. While the numbers of students are increasing, so is the need for financial aid. Contributions to our financial aid fund/tuition assistance programs as well as our three major fundraisers for the year are always crucial in meeting the overall budget. In general, the financial outlook is quite positive for the upcoming year. We have much to be thankful for. The goal of the board continues to be to restore the 2% paycut that the staff agreed to take for the year. Please remember that many of the visible improvements in the school such as ENO Boards, new computers, etc. are purchased from grants the school receives and not from our regular budget. We can thank God for the grants that CCA has received!

Finally, Kim Proulx is working diligently to get our new website up and running. It will have a new updated look as well as the ability for parents and those inquiring about the school to access information quickly and easily. We’ll keep you posted!

Finally, the verse of scripture above reminds us again just how much we can trust God for His peace, comfort, and direction in our lives. Several families in our school community have already begun the year having to deal with some of life’s most difficult pressures whether the death of a loved one, illness, or economic hardship. Isn’t it wonderful to know that we have a God who not only cares but walks with us through the burdens as well as the joys of life. Let’s continue to pray for God’s encouragement for our families and staff and find ways that we might be able to serve each other.

In His Service,

Greg Swenson
Headmaster