As we have started the 2013-14 school year, I want to thank everyone for the wonderful start. Tuesday night's open house was our highest attended in years and despite the rain last week, everything has gone extremely well. The hope is that all of our students came home with great things to share about their day.

 

          While we are glad that everything has gone well, our bigger goal is to provide excellence each and every day of the school year. To accomplish this we are scheduled for late-ins every Wednesday morning this year. School on those days will start at 8:50 and still end at the regular time. The purpose of this extra time is to allow for additional staff development on a regular basis.

 

          Because so many of our teachers are involved in extra-curricular activities immediately after school, this is the only way to accomplish our educational improvements. While we will be having 50 minutes less of school per week, we have already far exceeded the contact minutes required, and this additional training will improve an already strong staff. If you need your child to come at their regular earlier time, we will still provide supervision in the gym area as we always have.

 

          The first few months of late-ins will be spent preparing for our November accreditation visit from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). While we currently have the highest accreditation available from the South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA), this regional accreditation is the same that public schools and larger private schools receive. This additional accreditation will further advance Coastal Christian's academic reputation in the community.

 

          The time will also be used for all of our teachers to be able to meet about students, and collectively share thoughts and ideas to insure student success. The late-ins for the second half of the year will focus on areas where we would like to grow. These topics will include additional training with:

• new technology
• teaching from a Christian worldview
• sharing new educational techniques/ideas
• collaborative and interactive learning ideas

          As always, we appreciate the privilege of working with your children. Be assured that our daily goal is to honor God and fulfill our mission statement. Our desire is that everything that we do will demonstrate excellence. If I can be of help to you in any way, please let me know.

 

Joe Hulsey

Headmaster