It has been such a thrill this week to see smiling faces getting out of cars (many already in some really spiffy uniforms) and embracing their friends, teachers, and principals. I love fall with the sights, sounds, and activities of a new school year. Well, other than the love bugs.

 

If you attend the Lafayette campus, you might have immediately noticed that two roofs have undergone significant renovation and have new metal roofs that should last for many years. Something that might not be as visible (but certainly felt) will be the replacement of air conditioning units that are in need of retirement as necessary through the year. We will also continue some work in the multi-purpose room to add some vibrancy to the campus. Stay tuned.

 

On our older Opelousas campus, you will see a new roof on the main building and will soon see the delivery and installation of a new fine arts building. The press box at Crusader Stadium is almost finished and is looking fabulous. I especially like the new stairs which will be much safer than the old ones. The main building and the gym have both undergone a great deal of interior painting. You will see a fresh look that is greatly updated. Over the next few weeks, updated artwork and verses will be installed in the multi-purpose room finishing out the new look. The gym is a fresh blank canvas and as in generations past we are looking for our upper school students to give input in the redesign of the gym artwork, Scripture, and celebration of athletic achievements. It is our desire to create a real sense of ownership and pride in WCA and our facility. Again, stay tuned.

 

I enjoyed having Coffee Chats on Wednesday mornings last year and plan to continue the practice every week. Coffee Chat is a weekly face-to-face opportunity to interact with me on relevant topics throughout the year. I make a brief presentation surrounding a particular topic announced prior to the chat and take questions and comments on the topic afterward.

 

Coffee Chat is held on Wednesdays from 8:00-8:40 a.m. at the Opelousas Campus one week and the Lafayette Campus the next in the campus library. September 6 in Opelousas will be the first Coffee Chat for 2017-2018 and I will be in Lafayette the next week for the same discussion. While it is our desire that you can attend as many chats as possible in person, we will be recording these sessions to make them available to everyone. You can see our previous topics and access a few recordings from last year by clicking here.

 

Lastly, I want everyone to know that Westminster will sustain a culture of continuous improvement. There will not be a time when we "arrive."  We have improved our professional development and Biblical Worldview training for faculty and staff for 2017-2018 and will continue to work toward improvements in all we do -- including facilities, academic programming, extra-curricular development, teaching excellence, and Biblical training and integration. You should expect no less.

 

Have a great year and be sure to pray for your kids, our teachers, and staff members daily.

 

Go Saders!