April, 2010

Dear Elementary Parent,

We are in the middle of the third quarter of school and what a year it has been.  It continues to be a joy and privilege to serve you and your child with exceptionally good Christ-centered schooling. Please take  a moment from your busy schedule to read these important items.

Due to the extra snow closing days this year, in order to comply with the Pennsylvania regulations, we have adjusted the school calendar as follows:   School will be in session Thursday, April 1^st with 12 noon dismissal both Wednesday and Thursday of that week.  School will also be in session until Friday, June 18, with a 12 noon dismissal on this the last day of school.  

We are planning a FAMILY NIGHT for grades 1 through 4 on Friday, June 18 from 5:30 to 7:30 with food and fun at Deep Creek Campus.  Please save the date!  We are looking for a team of moms who can pick strawberries that morning for this event.  Contact Lisa in the office (Mondays and Wednesdays, or lnase@redhillschool.com).

Now a message for our 4^th grade families.  I want to repeat some of the information I conveyed a few months ago.  We are planning some unusual and exciting things for the 5^th grade class in 2010-11.  These include a special space in the upper level of the building, special technology, extra trips, including overnight camping in the spring.  In January we are hosting a middle school fair and will be working on behalf of each student to obtain the best possible placement for the next step.  A recent gift of several computers from one of our families will enable the 5^th grade students to experience 21^st century assessments and learning.  New class structures will also be established with subjects being taught by different faculty members similar to a middle school schedule.

Registration for the 2010-11 school year is due before Easter.  We have enrolled 2 new students since Christmas and we look forward to a healthy enrollment for next year.  If you have any questions or concerns, I urge you to call me.  We are praying for 100% re-enrollment of our present children.  Re-enroll prior to Easter for only $50, after Easter it is $100.  We already have had visitors and interested families - especially for our 3^rd grade class for next year which may reach 15!

If you or a neighbor or friend want to participate in Summer Camp, please call Michelle in the main office and ask for a brochure - 215-679-6613.  Because of financial concerns we are enrolling only families interested in 6 weeks or more, but it is a great value for the program we offer. 

Now for a word about how you can help us.  Please participate in Race for Education.  This is our main fundraising event and more than any other year, we are depending on the gifts to accomplish certain goals that are necessary to finish the year well.  I am asking that you consider a major, tax deductable gift from you, or your extended family members to help us.  We did not raise tuition, as you know, and we are the most reasonable private school in the area.  Ask God what He would like you to do and trust Him and His great resources to provide in miraculous ways for your generosity and support of your school.  The investment you make for your child and all the children is well worth it!

Parking Lot:  We are aware of the terrible condition of this area and consider it a huge need. However, we lack the funds to complete this much needed project.  I have been talking with 2 companies in the area asking them to fund the paving at a total cost of $22,000.  If you know any company that could perhaps help us accomplish this with less money, please let me know.  Unfortunately, our "Race" funds will not go this far for the project, unless we find a generous donor.

Work Day:  Saturday, May 22:  We have scheduled a work day and we have a list of things to be done to help maintain and improve our Deep Creek facility - everything from painting, repairs, installing electronic entry system, to some spring cleaning.  Please plan to be a part of this day.  And, sad news.....we just were notified that although our school has been accepted into the "Give a day, get a day Disney" program, there are no more "days" left  for 2010, it was so very popular.

Bring a Friend to School Days:  Deep Creek Elementary is having an open house the week of April 5^th - 9^th for new and prospective children to visit and stay the morning - 9:00am to 12 noon.  Please encourage your friends to bring their child (children) to visit.  They must be presently in Kindergarten through 4^th grade.

MOMS!  Get involved:  Wednesday mornings from 9 to 9:30am join Lisa Nase and Wendy Hiney for Mom's in Touch.  And, on Wednesday, April 7^th we will meet for breakfast at the Kaufman House in Sumneytown at 9:30am (Sheryl Ann's is now closed). Please join us! 

Mrs. Rebecca Ripka has been doing an outstanding job as interim principal.  She is a talented teacher and an excellent member of our leadership team.  Please take a moment to tell her how much you appreciate her sacrifice and work with Red Hill Christian School. rripka@redhillschool.com

I encourage you to respond back to me about this letter, helping me to serve you better. Please feel free to email me at kklein@redhillschool.com.  Also, please visit our website for photos of our elementary kids in action, and make sure you visit the Schwenksville Library to view our Deep Creek Elementary School art exhibit before Easter Monday - 4/5.

Thank you so much for being a part of our school family. And thank you for getting involved and helping to sustain the high quality of our elementary school. 

Sincerely,

Karin Klein, Ed. D.                                                                                                                          Administrator