This year we dove into some new training challenges as we focused on rooting out “mocking, meanness, and exclusion” in our school. While I have been thankful for the progress that we have made, I believe that we have a lot of work to do still. Before I talk about that work, I want to pass out a few notes of thanks. When progress is made, we need to be thankful.

First, I want to thank Mr. Daughtrey who has been at the point on this issue in grammar school. His work with the students, and with parents during disciplinary situations has been very encouraging to me. As we moved into the third quarter recently, we have done some review on these issues. We are blest to have Mr. Daughtrey over our Grammar School.

Second, I want to thank parents and teacher (and even older students) who have been willing to talk with me about issues that they see in these areas. “Faithful are the wounds of a friend”! Thank you for helping us see some of what we are missing.

Third, I want to thank some of our secondary students who have really reached out to be great example for our grammar school students. You might see this students in the cafeteria before school or at lunch talking with, playing with (really helping the other students play well), and befriending the younger student. This makes a big difference!

Finally, I want to thank all of you who are praying for our school and for me in particular. I have felt God’s sustaining hand even when times have been difficult. Thank you!

Now, I want to begin a little bit of a discussion on where our focus will go during this next semester. (Note, adding this emphasis will NOT—or should not—mean losing focus on the basics!) We are going to continue to focus on these root level sins helping our children learn to stand up to them, disciplining our students when they need it, and protecting those that need our shelter. As I have tried to be sensitive in these areas, I have recognized that some of the problems that our children have in these areas are the result of examples that we set as parents (when I say “we” I am including “me”). I am going to touch on these areas and seek to set out some biblical thinking in these areas. I want to encourage you to give me some feedback at TyFischer@VeritasAcademy.com.