Due to the necessity of sending this email today, the Eagle Update will be sent tomorrow.

A TED Talk for Redwood Christian Schools

I recently received a devotional from my dissertation advisor, Dr. Brian Simmons, entitled a “A TED Talk.” His purpose was to encourage me and let me know that he is praying for me and RCS. I’ve revised Dr. Simmon's devotion for the RCS family and hope that it will be uplifting and encouraging to you as is was me. 

Hebrews 10:35-36 reads, “So do not throw away this confident trust (T) in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance (E) is what you need now, so that you will continue to do (D) God’s will. Then you will receive all that He has promised.”
  • Trust in the Lord: Nothing surprises God. We live in a fallen world where the evil one seeks to kill, steal, and destroy. Yet we do not have to let this happen. Instead, we can trust in the Lord. Psalm 108:4 tells us that God’s unfailing love is higher than the heavens and his faithfulness reaches the clouds. God is faithful and perfectly trustworthy. So, please join me in trusting in God today and allowing his perfect love to cast out all fear.
  • Endure Patiently: Endurance is the ability to withstand hardship or adversity … especially the ability to sustain a prolonged, stressful effort or activity (Merriam Webster Dictionary). We must endure patiently as we help to “flatten the curve” of COVID-19, including sheltering-at-home and doing Online Distance Learning.  Although this is a stressful time, with all of us learning how to balance work from home while helping our children with online distance learning, we must endure this radical change to our daily lives. So, please join me in enduring patiently during this season of life, which (one day or another in the future) will pass away.
  • Do God’s will: my favorite passage of Scripture that describes God’s will is Micah 6:8, “No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." So, please join me in doing what is right, loving mercy, and walking humbly with our God.

Let’s not forget the concluding promise of Hebrews 10:36 is, “Then you will receive all that He has promised.” From a human perspective, during the worst crisis of our lifetime it is easy to begin thinking this is a never-ending downward spiral. Yet with an RCS TED Talk perspective, we know that this crisis will soon subside. Please join me in trusting God, enduring patiently, and doing God’s will during this season of life trusting the ultimate ending of God’s reward: all God’s children being together in heaven where there is no more disease, pain, suffering, or death!

Online Distance Learning Will Continue to May 1

At approximately 11 am today, it was announced “ the seven Bay Area county health officers, in collaboration with their county superintendents, have made a unified, regional decision to extend school closures through May 1, 2020 .” Dr. Erica Pan, Alameda County Public Interim Health Officer said, “Schools play a vital role in our communities and balancing that role with the need for additional planning for social distancing at schools sites is essential at a time when community transmission is widespread in Alameda County.” 

Therefore, in the interest of the health and safety of the Redwood Christian students, staff, faculty, and administration, RCS is extending Online Distance Learning through May 1, 2020. I will keep you updated regarding any future changes to this decision. 
In addition, as we look toward the future, the decision as when to resume our classes on campus will be made based upon this criteria: 1) Alameda County Public Health Department lifting the “ Shelter in Place ” order issued on March 16, 2020; 2) Governor Newsom lifting the California “ Stay at Home ” order issued on March 19, 2020; and when 3) it is safe, sensible, and wise for RCS students, staff, faculty, and administration to return to campus.

Teachers are continuing to teach and RCS students are continuing to learn. As we continue with online distance learning into Quarter 4, we know that some changes will need to be made. Our goal is to provide the best possible online distance learning program. We will continue to keep you informed of any changes and/or additions as soon as they are necessary. In addition, events continue to be reviewed for whether they will be held virtually, rescheduled, or in some cases, cancelled. Finally, we are also beginning to discuss the possibility of virtual graduation ceremonies should the stay-at-home directive prevent us from gathering in May.