Our GCA Story - The Butts Family
Thank you for the opportunity to share our "GCA Story". When our oldest (now 20) was entering 1st Grade, we had moved back to the Tempe area and wanted to find another Christian School closer to home and one that would meet the needs of our children (we only had 2 at the time). Our children had been in a Christian Preschool in Phoenix and the Pastor at the church suggested we look at Grace Christian Community School (former name). We toured many schools and interviewed many Administrators before making a decision. On our tour of Grace, we were immediately approached by another parent who was leaving campus. She asked if we needed help, as she walked us to the school office she opened up about her experience at Grace and how it was a great fit for her kids. We toured, met teachers and checked out just about every room on campus. The Interim Administrator was wonderful and she really connected with our oldest (Danielle). I knew as we walked back to our car we had found our "new school home".
Danielle was enrolled in 1st Grade that fall so long ago. She enjoyed the remainder of her school years at Grace before graduating 8th grade. She has fond memories of her years at Grace and I contribute that primarily to the teachers and staff that invested in her academic success, foundation in Christ and her overall well-being day after day. Her love for music blossomed at Grace along with her team sportsmanship with every sport she played. Her relationships with her teachers have run deep even so many years later. Our son (Jarret) began his school years at Grace in Kindergarten. He was one of the students in the pilot program for 1st-2nd Grade Combo. It was a great opportunity for him to flex his independence at an early age. Grace had some hardships along the way, and unfortunately it hit Jarret's class hard in 5th grade. However, you'd never know it with the students that remained. Again, teachers seized the opportunity to invest into Jarret's little class and those students excelled! One would think such a small class size would be a disadvantage, but that was quite the opposite. Those students bonded deeply and their support for one another was unparalleled to any other class. They all have traveled different academic roads but their steadfast relationship is unbroken, truly I believe they will be friends well into adulthood and past. Jarret was an active athlete and excelled academically, graduating GCA as the Salutatorian.
Our youngest child (Brooke) has been at GCA since the 3 year old Preschool class. She will finish her last 2 years at Grace and graduate in 2023. Booke has always been our social butterfly, friend to all and willing to help anyone anytime. Her teachers have utilized her energy to support her academic success and talents to bless the classroom. She is a natural leader and willing to lend a hand with whatever her teachers need assistance with. Truly every student at GCA is considered a friend in Brooke's eyes. Her desire to try new things is encouraged and supported by her teachers. Grateful that GCA supports her interest academically, socially and spiritually. As a family, we have connected deeply and richly with many teachers, staff and families at GCA. Some of these bonds will continue well past our days at Grace. Our love and devotion for the growth and well-being of Grace is strong.
We have seeked out many opportunities to volunteer at GCA. As parents, we have served in the classroom, coaching, field trips, camps, committees, school board and probably more things than we can remember. Our investment in GCA is a family affair, our kids have volunteered for events, activities, sports and more. As our time at Grace comes to a close, it is bittersweet for us all. Though I can't imagine we'll really be gone, I'm sure you'll find us out on Jason Field helping with sports or School Auction supporting future endeavors at GCA or volunteering at some school event or supporting GCA fundraisers. Whatever the future holds, we are truly blessed and grateful for the foundation in Christ that has been molded, formed and steadfastly grows because of all that GCA has poured into our family and the future success of our students. Thank You GCA!!
