Cultivating biblically minded students who serve God to their greatest potential and impact the world for Christ

From the Desk of Dr. Jahna Duda

Earlier this week, RC families met for the second gathering in our Parent University series on The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. In part two of his book, Mr. Haidt outlines the changes observed in our children when play-based learning was decimated and replaced by smartphones and social media apps during what he calls the “Great Rewiring” from 2010-2015.

Play-based learning holds a significant place in the healthy development of children and adolescents. Through free play, children grow physically, learn critical thinking and executive functioning skills, and become adept at communicating, collaborating, and sharing with others. This prepares children for an independent, autonomous life where they live out their God-given identity, invest in the relationships around them, and pursue their purpose in serving others.

Rockford Christian values the healthy development of the whole child. In recent years, we changed our cell phone policies and banned phones and smartwatches. In addition, we moved forward with the expansion of outdoor spaces at both campuses to ensure we are fulfilling our responsibility in reversing the damage observed over the last decade caused by smartphones, social media, and covid isolation. These improvements allow children to connect and form the foundation for social development and emotional self-regulation. Free play and time together with peers produces happier children who are equipped with a growth mindset to pursue new opportunities or experiences.

God is telling a story at Rockford Christian through you, through our children, through the donors who dream about better experiences with us. As a friend shared in a recent article, “We, as Christians, are uniquely positioned to address these opportunities and challenges. We understand that true education is about helping students know and love God. Our foundation in God’s unchanging character gives us a clear compass, a true north in these turbulent times. We know the beginning and end of the story, and we have been tasked, blessed even, to play a role in the writing of the ongoing narrative of this story in the lives of our children.”

I remain grateful to be called to this great work with you. May God continue to bless our mission and the difference it is making in the lives of our children and future generations.

Have a great weekend,

Dr. Jahna Duda

Strategic Plan Updates

Over the last two years, we’ve taken a deep dive into budgeting principles and best practices for independent schools. In the process, our team created a healthier financial model that does not rely on fundraising for school operations - salaries, benefits, and utilities - to the extent it had in prior years. Through the dedication and hard work of our leadership team, we have created a zero-based budget that relies on a small portion from corporate sponsors and year-end giving to fund the almost $900,000 awarded in needs-based tuition assistance and employee tuition benefits.

These adjustments also provide an opportunity to create the Rockford Christian Royal Lion Fund for specific items envisioned to grow the student experience, with categories around Campus Enhancements, Fine Arts, Athletics, STEM, and Scholarships. Over the next several months, we will be sharing fund details with our community and celebrating improvements designed to directly impact students. With the outdoor space at the Upper School underway and other enhancements planned for the Lower School, we are excited to see what we can do together to benefit the learning experience and overall well-being of the children at RC!

2023-2026 Rockford Christian School Strategic Plan

School Improvement Goals

Faculty and staff professional development for the 2024-25 school year is focused on our multi-tiered system of support for students. During inservice days and after school meetings, we are training faculty in Purpose Mindsets, a relationship tool for creating a strong community needed for the healthy formation of children. We are also supporting our student well-being with the tools provided from Ben Zobrist and Champion Forward, tools that we are sharing with you as well (click here for the Model of Movement). Finally, we are training faculty in a biblical worldview integration framework called Creation, Brokenness, Redemption, and Restoration (CBRR) to support their spiritual formation and the mission of Rockford Christian to impact the world for Christ.

Using these integrated support tools, we are equipping faculty to strengthen the student experience as they journey through RC from preschool to graduation. It is a framework that takes the whole child into consideration and ensures we care for their formation - academically, socially-emotionally, and spiritually.

Alumni Spotlight: IT Director Stephen Millhouse

We are pleased to welcome Stephen Millhouse ‘05 to our Royal Lion staff! He joins our team with over 14 years of IT experience and will begin onboarding with Don Carter on October 15. Stephen says, "I am excited to join the Rockford Christian community and contribute my technology expertise to support the school's educational mission. I believe in the transformative power of a Christ-centered education and look forward to fostering a supportive learning environment."

Thank You, RC Supporters!

Through the generous response to our Alumni Challenge at the spring pickleball event, $82,700 was raised to ensure that families affected by the Empower Illinois program sunset are able to continue their Christian education at RC.

Support the Royal Lion Annual Fund

THANK YOU

to our 2024-25 Royal Lion Ultimate Corporate Sponsors. Sponsorships are a great way to not only support RC but also promote and support our Royal Lion community! For more information about becoming an RC corporate sponsor, please contact our advancement office.

Rockford Christian School

1401 N. Bell School Rd.

Rockford, IL 61107

(815) 391-8000