Lower School - 3/12

Dear Lower School Families,

This week, I’ve been reflecting on Ephesians 5:21–6:4 and the encouragement it offers for our homes. Every family is unique, and our school community is made up of many different family stories and structures. Whether a child is being raised by two parents, one parent, grandparents, or another loving caregiver, healthy habits can help create a home marked by love, stability, grace, and faith.

While no family is perfect, there are simple habits that can help us grow stronger together. In 5 Traits of a Healthy Family, Dr. Gary Chapman points to many of these same values, reminding us that strong families are often shaped through loving relationships, intentional choices, and daily habits that help a home thrive.

Serve one another with love
Healthy families look for ways to help and encourage one another. Small acts of kindness, responsibility, and service can shape the atmosphere of a home in meaningful ways.

Build strong relationships at home
Healthy family habits include making time for conversation, connection, and encouragement. Shared meals, family traditions, prayer, and simply being present with one another all help build trust and belonging.

Teach and model what matters
Children learn so much by watching the adults in their lives. The way we speak, respond, forgive, and show respect leaves a lasting impact. Loving guidance, consistency, and grace help children grow in wisdom and character.

Lead with love and humility
Strong families are not built on perfection, but on patience, mutual care, and a willingness to support one another. Simple questions like “How can I help?” or “How can I support you?” can go a long way in strengthening a home.

Help children grow in responsibility and honor
Responsibility, respect, and obedience are important qualities for children to learn. These are often developed through clear expectations, loving correction, positive encouragement, and consistent example.

As a family, we encourage you to reflect on where your family is doing well and where you would like to grow. The goal is not perfection, but intentional growth.

Thank you for the many ways you invest in your children and partner with us. It is a blessing to walk alongside your family.

In His Service,

Dr. Rachel David
Lower School Principal

March 9-13

• March 10 & 12: LS Help Sessions
• March 12 & 13: MCA Theater Frozen the Musical

March 16-20

• March 17 & 19: LS Help Sessions
• March 17: 3rd Grade Field Trip
• March 20: HALF DAY | Last Day of Quarter 3

March 23-27

• NO SCHOOL | Spring Break

March 30-April 3

• March 30: Quarter 4 Begins
• March 31 & April 2: LS Help Sessions
• April 3: NO SCHOOL | Good Friday

April 6-10

• April 6: NO SCHOOL | Easter Monday
• April 7 & 9: LS Help Sessions

April 13-17

• April 13-16: NWEA Fluency Testing PreK-3
• April 14 & 16: LS Help Sessions
• April 16: 1st Grade Field Trip
• April 17: 4th Grade Field Trip

Registration is now open!

This week in chapel, Principal David invited students to explore what it truly means to practice kindness in their daily lives.

The message centered on Ephesians 4:31–32, a passage that encourages us to let go of bitterness, anger, and unkindness and instead choose compassion, forgiveness, and care for one another. Students reflected on how these words guide us toward responses that build others up rather than tear them down.

To help students see this idea in action, we read the picture book The Recess Queen. In the story, Mean Jean rules the playground through intimidation, and most children respond by avoiding her or feeling afraid. When Katie Sue arrives, she chooses a different approach. Instead of reacting with frustration or matching Mean Jean’s behavior, she responds with friendliness and an invitation to play. Her unexpected kindness breaks the cycle of meanness and opens the door to a new friendship.

Throughout the week, teachers will continue helping students notice opportunities to practice kindness in the classroom, on the playground, and in their friendships. Our hope is that this chapel message encourages students to see kindness as a powerful way to shape a more welcoming and caring school community.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for showing us what true kindness looks like. Help us notice when we feel frustrated or hurt, and remind us that we can choose compassion instead. Teach us to let go of unkind thoughts and fill our hearts with patience and understanding.

Give us eyes to see classmates who might feel left out and the courage to include them. Help us to respond with friendliness, offering invitations, and choosing peace even when it’s hard.

Make our classrooms and playgrounds places where kindness grows, where forgiveness is practiced, and where everyone feels safe and valued. Guide our words and actions this week so that we reflect Your love in everything we do.

In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen