Image

Breadcrumb Navigation

Grand Rapids Christian Middle School Principal's Corner

Middle School Principal's Corner – March 17, 2020

Updates on What to Expect for the Next Few Weeks

We find ourselves in times like we have never experienced. Those of us who have been around for a while have lived through shocking times and tragedies, but we have not experienced something on the level of state-mandated shutdowns and such macro-interruptions of our “typical” daily or weekly experiences.

In our staff meeting last Friday morning, we began with the story of Joshua leading the people to cross the Jordan River after the death of Moses. This passage includes the familiar verse of Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” We trust that our God is in control and that we will ultimately find peace and strength in Him. We continue to pray daily for our students, families, and staff in this time of uncertainty, as well as praying for wisdom for our leaders at all levels as many important decisions are being made for the health of our communities.

Our GRCMS staff remains firmly committed to doing all we can to provide the best possible education for your children. The staff has been working diligently on off-campus learning plans and clear communication to let our students and you as parents know what the next few weeks will entail. Expect daily e-mails from each grade level with the expectations for what students should be doing in order to keep the learning going in the times away from school. Teachers will be checking e-mails periodically between 9:00 - 3:00 each day to answer questions that students may have.

We understand the importance of regular communication--especially when we won’t be face-to-face for the next few weeks.  GRCS has created a page on its website with information regarding off-campus learning and answers to frequently asked questions, as well as the plans for the next few weeks. You will be able to find this information at www.grcs.org/offcampus beginning Tuesday, March 17.

The current plan is for off-campus learning to run from March 17 through April 2. Spring Break will remain April 3 — 12 and through April 19 for our Evergreen students.

As was shared in previous communications, GRCS remains in continual contact with the Kent County Health Department, KISD, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and will communicate with you as we receive additional information. If any further decisions or changes are made, we will communicate those to you on this page, through email, and on social media.

The past few days have shown that we are constantly learning new things regarding this virus. Plans and information are very fluid and can change at a moment’s notice. As a school system, we believe our responsibility during this time is to prioritize the health and well-being of our GRCS community and support our local health and government officials as they work to contain and mitigate the virus. We are blessed that technology allows us to simultaneously continue to educate and stay in contact with our students.

The unknown creates a unique set of challenges and concerns for everyone. Even as we practice and teach personal hygiene, let’s also use this time to remind ourselves and our children that while we do not know what tomorrow may bring, we serve a God who does. He has the whole world in His hands. He not only sees tomorrow, He sees next week, next month, and next year.

Please also join us in prayer for those affected around the world by this illness, wisdom for our leaders, protection for our healthcare workers and our community, and for a resolution to this crisis.

—Eric Burgess

Sara Seth

Sara Seth

Principal
Grand Rapids Christian
Middle School

 

Past Middle School Principal's Corner Updates