A Letter from Mrs. Kathy Rader
School Calendar, Strategic Plan
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"Christ in the Temple" by Heinrich Hoffman
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At StoneBridge, we often cite Luke 2:40-52 to encourage parents whose children are approaching middle school. Middle school seems to be a season of life parents most want to skip! The passage shows us several principles that offer wisdom to all parents as they disciple their children in God’s ways.
1. Prioritize your child’s spiritual growth.
Each year, Joseph and Mary take Jesus to celebrate the feast of the Passover in Jerusalem, even though they are poor, and it’s a long journey. From their example, we discern that the practices of worship, prayer, fellowship and Bible study were important in preparing Jesus to worship God; they are just as vital today to prepare the soil of a child’s heart to receive Christ.
StoneBridge considers church attendance essential to an effective partnership between home and school. For this reason, we require church attendance and include it in our enrollment contract.
2. Be ready to explain the sinful nature of our hearts.
At age 13, Jewish children began to be accountable to the Law. Paul taught in Romans that this was the age when the law became “real” to him and he knew that he was a sinner deep in his heart. Middle school is the time when youth begin to wrestle with their sin in more profound, deeper ways. Youth wonder why they struggle to control their emotions and why they have doubts. They ask deep questions of parents and adults. This struggle is vitally important so that children will acknowledge their need for a Savior and accept Jesus Christ as Lord.
3. Parents are the most important relationship in a child’s life.
As parents, we often feel anxious as our children seek more independence from us. Inexperience and the lack of wisdom lead young people to struggle in relationships, both at school and at home, even into young adulthood. It’s a natural response to try to solve your child’s problems for them. We are a child-focused culture and no parent wants to see their child in pain. As your child’s primary teacher, you can be a role model of following Christ. Seek wisdom from the Lord, from other believers, and from the Word, which is the fountain of life.
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The Boy Jesus in the Temple
Luke 2:41-52
Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, but supposing him to be in the group they went a day's journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. And when his parents[a] saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?” And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.
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4. A godly teacher is vital for spiritual growth.
Children and youth have a natural curiosity about God; surround them with godly teachers. Who will instruct the children faithfully in God’s Word? Certainly we should not entrust our child’s spiritual life to educators and philosophers who do not believe the truthfulness of God’s Word.
Jesus was born a baby and grew to adulthood under the influence of his godly parents and teachers. As Jesus grew, the image of God shone brighter in him. Our joy and our hope is that our students, as they grow in stature, will also shine brightly in wisdom and in favor with God and with man.
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School Calendar 2019-20
After careful review by the administration and the Board of Directors, a decision was made to shorten the school year by one week for 2019-20. The number of academic days remains well above our requirement for ASCI accreditation and allows for a longer period of rest for students and teachers in the summer. Also, first semester exams will take place before Christmas Break, while the remaining weeks of the second quarter in January will be used for make up work, special projects, and review.
Click here for the 2019-20 At-a-Glance Calendar.
Strategic Plan
As StoneBridge enters its 40th year, the school is experiencing steady growth in enrollment, high parent satisfaction and thriving support from school partners. After a successful first phase of campus renovations, the Board of Directors enthusiastically pursued a review of the school’s Strategic Plan, ever mindful to seek the Lord’s leading through prayer and Godly wisdom from many counselors. The plan outlines the strategic focus areas with corresponding goals and objectives. We believe this plan will preserve and protect the school’s commitment to Biblical foundations, strengthen our partnership with the Christian families we serve, honor our dedicated faculty and staff, and advance the school’s mission as a national leader in Principle Approach® education.
Click here to view the Strategic Plan for 2018-2023.
I pray for a joy-filled celebration for you and your family as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, our risen King, this Sunday.
Kathy Rader
Head of School
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Princess Tea Party
Saturday, April 27
10-11:30 p.m. or 1-2:30 p.m.
Assembly Hall
Little princesses and moms are invited to StoneBridge Drama’s 7th annual Princess Tea Party! Come join our princess friends for tea, treats, and fun games and activities. There will be a photo booth, an opportunity to meet princesses, and more. Dress up as a princess and join in the fun! This event is for girls ages 3 years - 5th grade and moms. Children MUST be accompanied by a mom or guardian; tickets are required for both children and moms/guardians.
In consideration of our youngest princesses, cold sweet tea and apple juice will be served. Self-serve hot tea will be available.
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Terra Nova testing takes place during the following dates:
Lower School: April 23-25
Upper School: April 23-24
Please ensure your child receives enough sleep and a nutritional breakfast during test days.
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Golf Classic
Thursday, May 2
Riverfront Golf Club
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Each year parents and donors come out for our Golf Classic to build community and raise funds for our athletics program. Last year, the Golf Classic raised over $35,000! The great support from parents and area golfers helped us offer another year of character-building athletics to over 200 athletes.
This fundraiser provides the funding needed to accomplish some of the following goals:
- Provide equipment and coaching for beginner golfers to join our team!
- Purchase new uniforms for boys and girls.
- Provide scholarships for training camps in soccer, volleyball and basketball for ages 4-18.
- Purchase equipment to establish a baseball program for grades 5-12.
For more information, including sponsorship opportunities and registration information,
click here
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Don't forget -
May 1
is the deadline for financial aid applications for returning students. The application is available through the FACTS link in Renweb. Students must be reenrolled to apply for aid.
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Lower School STEM Day
Friday, April 19
Half Day - Offices Close at 12:30 p.m.
Friday, April 19
Terra Nova Testing
LS - April 23-25
US - April 23-24
Art Awards Chapel (LS)
Thursday, April 25, 10:45 a.m.
Assembly Hall
Upper School STEM Day
Friday, April 26
Busch Gardens
Princess Tea Party
Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Assembly Hall
Teacher Appreciation Week
April 29-May 3
Upper School Spring Picture Day
Monday, April 29
Lower School Spring Picture Day
Tuesday, April 30
Annual Golf Classic
Thursday, May 2
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