Honoring Christ sets tone for school year

On the first full day of school, Assistant High School Principal Robert Belue used the school’s Mission Statement to highlight what would be expected of every high school student throughout the year. The students are expected to:

• know and honor Jesus Christ
• grow in knowledge and wisdom
• reach their God-given potential

As a Christ-centered school, Mr. Belue said that the students’ words, actions, and relationship with God should honor the Lord. In paraphrasing Isa 40:28-31, Mr. Belue said the Lord is all the students need.

Summer at Northpoint Christian School

It’s summertime. It is also the season of year that every elementary and high school student looks forward to with excitement.  It   is often anticipated as a time to “rest, relax, and refresh.” It provides an opportunity to sleep later, swim more, and get away from the “busyness” that often impacts our lives.  It is a welcomed season for many.

Often times I am asked the question, “What do y’all do in the summer at school?”  The short answer   is we close down the previous school year and make final preparations for the next.  Believe it or not, it continues to be a busy time. The school campus is full of activities with various camp opportunities for students, workouts and practices for different school groups, our enrichment center summer camp, our admissions department enrolling new students and our teachers working in rooms and participating in professional growth activities. The summer also provides a window of time for our building staff to be able to complete some projects that further enhance our campus and school facilities. These are just some examples of the summer activity at Northpoint Christian School. Though the halls are somewhat quieter, it remains a busy place.

One special event that Northpoint Christian is privileged to take part in during the summer is the Pre-field Orientation or “PFO” training for over 150 missionaries and family members. For the past several years the Network of International Christian Schools (NICS) has conducted its training for their new missionaries who will leave the United States days after their PFO experience to teach in international schools located throughout the world. During this two week time many of the missionaries attend training sessions, enjoy three wonderfully prepared meals each day and even sleep in classrooms on campus. It is a wonderful opportunity for us to be able to play a small part in their preparation as they make plans to fulfill God’s calling on their lives.

As I write this I have come to the conclusion when it is all said and done it seems like no matter what time of year it is, life is busy. Let me encourage all of us with two truths that in the midst of the busy world we live in can provide seasons of rest in our spirits. Psalm 46:10 tells us to “Be still, and know that I am God.”  When we get caught up in activities, we often fail to see all that God has done and continues to do in our lives. Take time this summer to “be still” and to focus on His goodness, grace, and glory. Second, in Matthew 11:28 He encourages us to “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Let’s be intentional about spending time with our Lord Jesus Christ and taking Him at His word by laying those things at His feet that often rob us of His rest.  The old saying “Let go and let God” has merit. May each of us experience God this summer in such a way that we become overwhelmed with His rest.

David Manley, President

          

International Biblical Studies Mission Trip

Spring is in the air, and sadly the last snow day may have past, but it is only 38 degrees at the writing of this blog. Spring break is upon us, as is all the spring sports at Northpoint Christian School, so get out and support our men’s and ladies teams as they compete this spring. The spring play was a huge hit as well and congratulations to the Drama Department for winning 10 prestigious Allie Awards. Congratulations also to the back-to-back final four girls’ basketball team as they opened up March competing in the TSSAA Div. II state title game.

Speaking of Spring Break, while most of us think about destinations such as the beach, Disney, the mountains, and for a few unfortunates, the in-laws, there was a small group of the Northpoint Christian
School family that ventured to Costa Rica for the annual International Biblical Studies (IBS) mission trip.

The class had been preparing all year for the short- term mission trip to Costa Rica, and suddenly the time came for 21 students and 6 chaperones to board a plane ready to do what God had prepared for them in what can only be described as a life-changing trip.  There is no possible way to explain adequately in this blog the impact God had on the lives of our students and the wonderful people, of all ages, they ministered with and to in Costa Rica. Suffice it to say, this trip was covered in prayer and God worked in many different ways and He gets all the glory for the seeds that were sown on this mission trip.

Some of the things the students shared in the evening discussions about the day revealed important lessons God taught them, including how He stretched their dependence on Him, and how they were challenged spiritually. The testimonies of those students consistently stated that God utilized them to spread the gospel despite our inadequacies and shortcomings. Truly He gets all the glory.  

The students served in 7 different ministry sites and were able to continue the relationships forged during the 2013 trip with Students International. Witnessing the excitement of both our students and the Costa Rican children bubble over at countless interactions and “ministry” moments was a blessing to say the least.  Thank you so much to all who prayed and gave sacrificially to partner in the IBS trip.

Next time you hear about a student mission trip, please join in praying for the team and the hearts of the people that God will put in their lives as His Gospel is spread for His Glory.

Thank you to the Northpoint Christian School Board and Administration and staff for keeping the vision of short-term missions so active and alive for our students.

R. Belue

Assistant High School Administrator

The Greatest Commandment in Action at NCS

As we enter into the month of February, I am reminded that this month we celebrate Valentine’s Day.  This is the day that we show love to the special people in our lives… but what if we made this day extend beyond just February 14^th?  What if we made a commitment to show love every day?

           

As I think about the word love, I can’t help but to think of Christ’s demonstration of love for each one of us- sending His one and only son to die on the cross for my sin and yours.  There is no greater expression of love than this. John 3:16 tells us, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Here at Northpoint Christian School, it is such a blessing to see our students loving others well.  Every year, each class participates in at least one mission project.  This is one way for our students to give to those less fortunate, and to share the message of Jesus with them. By doing this, they are also fulfilling Jesus’ greatest commandment to us: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself”  Matthew 22:37-39.  This year, our sixth graders were able to purchase animals for those living in 3^rd world countries through Gospel for Asia, and the students brought in $922.26 for the Gifts from the Stable project.  The sixth graders were able to purchase: 1 camel, 4 goats, 2 lambs, 4 pigs, 4 chickens, and 2 rabbits.  Not only will the animals allow the people to make a living and help to feed their families, but they will hear about the gospel of Jesus Christ with this gift.  Many of the students worked to earn the money that they donated.  What a great way for our students to show love to others in a unique way!

 I pray that this will be a reminder to each of us that there are many opportunities around us to share the love of Jesus with others.

Allison Moffett

Assistant Elementary Administrator

IT’S ENROLLMENT TIME AT NORTHPOINT CHRISTIAN SCHOOL!!!

Northpoint Christian School is excited about the 2014-2015 school year. Whether you are a new student or a returning student, we hope you are planning to be a part of our family for the coming school year.  We have set aside January 8^th through February 7^th as our priority re-enrollment time when current parents have the opportunity to secure their child’s placement for the next school year before the applications for new students are considered for enrollment. Last year, almost 90% of all students re-enrolled during the priority re-enrollment period. While we accept applications for new students at any time, we begin testing students and processing applications for enrollment of new students the end of February.

Each year parents evaluate the benefits of their investment in the education of their children as they make the decision to enroll or re-enroll at Northpoint Christian School. Parents look for a Christ-centered, college preparatory education as well as a variety of extra-curricular activities.  Caring teachers and a safe environment are important factors in the decision.  Northpoint Christian School strives to meet these needs for our students.  Our students’ academic performances exceed national and state averages and students are prepared for the rigorous academic requirements of colleges, universities, and vocational programs. In addition, our students are rooted in Biblical truth establishing a firm foundation for their future.

We are aware of the benefits that parents desire when making the choice of schools for their children. In addition, we are constantly seeking ways to improve our school security, academic offerings, athletics, band and theatre programs, and the opportunities for student leadership in our extracurricular activities.

Communication with our families is very important.  We provide several ways for parents to stay informed about activities within the school. The weekly newsletter, “IN TOUCH with our Parents” keeps families informed on upcoming events and reports on the successes of past events. Many teachers have classroom blogs through which parents can see homework assignments and receive information on different events and other happenings in their student’s classroom. “Edline” provides grades on line for students in grades 5-12 that may be checked daily. Teachers have an email option for parents to communicate directly with them. The Northpoint Christian School website offers parents information concerning activities at the school, athletic schedules, theatre events, and news articles about our students. Lastly, our school newsletter “Trojan Spirit,” is made available to all families that includes activities and honors throughout the school year.

Our online enrollment program has made enrollment so quick and easy.  It is not necessary for parents to complete multiple forms by hand. Current parents will be emailed a link for each child with information pre-populated. Parents must review the information and make changes and submit the form back to the Admissions Office. New parents will need to complete the requested information one time, then merely update any information that needs to be changed each year. To complete the enrollment process for new and returning students, the enrollment fees must be sent to the Admissions Office.

As we look toward the 2014-2015 school year, we are excited to see what God has in store for our students as we begin another year of distinctive Christian education.

Sheila Sheron, Director of Admissions

Elementary Missions

Each year, especially during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons, our Bible, chapel and spiritual emphasis programs stress to our Elementary students the importance of supporting and being involved with both local and foreign missions. Our students learn that in today’s world active participation in missions is an integral part of being a Christian. It is our hope that through this process of serving and helping others, our students will gain a better understanding of not only the vast needs that surround us but that they would also learn the many lessons that Jesus taught us about service to others.

  

Throughout the entire school year our elementary students are given an opportunity each week to bring an offering to help support various missions around the world.  Also each year every class or grade is encouraged to select a specific local or world mission for students to identify with, pray for and support.  Many of these missions revolve around the Thanksgiving and Christmas season and some even offer the opportunity for our students to actually go to a local mission site.  Some of the missions that have been selected for this special time of the year are The Desoto Interfaith Food Program, Operation Christmas Basket, Calvary Rescue Mission, Christmas Cards for Soldiers, Operation Christmas Child, Shoebox for Soldiers, and the Neighborhood Christian Center Food Pantry Program.

The Bible tells us throughout the Old and New Testament that we are to share with others who are in need what we have been so blessed to receive.  Through emphasizing missions to our students at Northpoint Christian School, it is our hope and prayer that students will grow up with servants’ hearts but even more a heart for sharing that marvelous story of the Christ Child who came to this world to be our Savior and our King.

David Fox, Elementary Principal

November is Thanksgiving

With the arrival of November, sports are transitioning from the fall season to winter and jackets are becoming common. As the weather cools, my thoughts begin to focus on Thanksgiving. It is not only a few days off from school but it is also a time to reflect on what God has done over the past year. 

I recently asked the high school faculty for their thoughts of thanks. Their replies echoed many of the same feelings I have. We are thankful for:

            God, the Father. He has kept his hand upon Northpoint Christian School, watched over it, and 

blessed it.

Our students. They are a great bunch of kids. We  realize just how great they are every time we take students to sites outside Northpoint Christian.

            Our school. We have the freedom to worship God, talk about God, and point our students to God.

            Our school family. We support one another, cry with one another, and laugh with one another. When one hurts, we all hurt. When one rejoices, we all rejoice.

            Our many school programs. These programs range from drama to sports to clubs and allow students and faculty to use their gifts. Whether it is sending letters overseas to soldiers, spiking a volleyball, or playing on the worship team, there are opportunities for students to invest themselves in something more than themselves.

            Our seeing answers to prayers. We have seen physical and emotional healing among the family members of our faculty and our students.

Scripture mentions being thankful as something we do daily. In Colossians 4:2 we are urged to “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful, and thankful.”  The Psalms repeatedly mention being thankful with verses such as Psalm 95:2 “Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.” Psalm 118:24 states “This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.”

As I go about my day walking the campus and I pray for our faculty and students, I hope my attitude is one of thankfulness not just in November but all year. While it is good to remember in November, it is something we should do year round.

Sam Wrigley

High School Principal