CROSSCURRENTS - Larry Whittlesey

READY FOR THE NEXT STEP

The first day of school was always one of the most exciting days in my childhood.  For one, it was the only time of the year that I actually got to wear new clothes!  I’d proudly put on my new Wrangler jeans, button down shirt and, of course,  my new Converse!  There would be a few anxious moments waiting to meet my new teacher and classmates, but that anxiety soon gave way to the excitement of a brand new school year!  I admit it…I actually liked school!  I wouldn’t have admitted that as a kid!

    It’s a bit different now that I’m a grown up….or at least a bit older!  Now I find myself on the other end of that equation, serving with a staff of teachers and others getting ready to launch a brand new school year.  Working with these dedicated educators has given me a new perspective on what actually happens at school.  The staff and teachers at Crossroads Christian School invest their lives in our students and their families.  It’s been a difficult summer of change and adjustment, yet they are coming into this new year with enthusiasm and joy. They are an amazing group!

If you think about it, there’s a “first day” awaiting all of us pretty soon.  Even now the preparations are being made for our first day in heaven.  For some that will come sooner than others. Can you imagine the excitement you will feel that day?  Which smiling faces are you going to see first?  What will the atmosphere be like?  How will you feel when you walk into your new home for the first time!  It’s enough to give you goose bumps!!  I’m pretty excited about the start of school this year…..but I’m much more excited about the start of my new life in Heaven!  I’m getting ready for that next step….and I hope you are too!  And the best part is, the first day is just the start!
 

PRINCIPLES FOR THE PRINCIPAL

   Last year at this time I had no idea I would be writing this article as the Principal of Crossroads Christian School.  In fact, the idea of being a Principal was the farthest thing from mind. All that changed when I was asked to step in as a temporary volunteer late last fall during a reorganization of the school staff.  Little did I know at that time my “temporary assignment” would become something much more .

    Over the past 7 months I have learned a lot from the teachers, staff and students I have the privilege to serve. Though I’ve been in the ministry now for over 30 years,  I’ve discovered I still have a lot to learn about being a school  administrator!!

    I’m finding that being a Principal is a lot like being a parent.  You have to mix compassion  with discipline,  firmness with flexibility, requirements with fun,  and being responsible with being approachable,  understanding, and creative.  In many ways it’s a balancing act between being the cheerleader and the bad guy!

    One of the great advantages of this position is the daily interaction I have with others.  They’ve all taught me something about doing this job!   From the students I’ve been reminded of the simple joys of childhood  --- field trips,  recess,  classroom projects,  pizza day,  lunchroom hubbub,  kickball,  school programs, and laughter over the silliest of things!   They are a GREAT group of kids! 

The teachers and staff have impressed me with their tireless dedication.  Though they could all earn significantly more at other places, but they choose to work at CCS because they love the kids and they want to make a spiritual impact on their lives.  I owe them all an incredible debt of gratitude for their efforts this year.

   The parents of our students have entrusted us with the education of their children.  Yet, they have been a tremendous example of sacrifice and service.  They have freely given of their time, effort and resources to enable us to operate.

I guess you could say this Principal has learned a few “principles” himself this year.  Perhaps there is a lesson in that for all of us.  All of us could benefit from a trip back to our school days and the things we first  learned as a child!