Principally Speaking
Hanford Christian Preschool
The youngest Warriors at Hanford Christian began their school year last week. It was exciting to welcome them and their families on campus and to see those sweet faces again. Ms. Robinson is beginning her 4th year as the director of the HCS Preschool, and there are 11 staff members assisting her that have 182 combined years of teaching experience! Wow! That’s amazing, and God has been gracious to HCSPS by providing wonderful, caring teachers to guide and take care of the littlest Warriors on campus
The Preschool at HCS has grown tremendously under the leadership of Ms. Robinson. The enrollment has gone from 34 (mainly part-time) students to 75 full-time and 15 part-time students. One of Ms. Robinson’s goals was to meet the needs of the community and provide a program that assists working parents. There are waitlists for several classes (last year there were 78 students on that list!), and Mrs. Atsma takes inquiries from new families to the preschool often during the week. Ms. Robinson has many more goals for growth and improvements to the Preschool program.
Many families have been exposed to Hanford Christian and enrolled their students in the K-8 program because of the Preschool. They see the value of Christian education and want that to continue for their children and family. The Kindergarten and 1st-grade classes are a testimony to the commitment families have made to Christian Education because of the Preschool program, and the growth of the HCS Preschool has directly impacted the enrollment in K-8th grade.
Enjoy the pictures from the first few days of Preschool, and please share the wonderful things happening at HCS and the Preschool with your friends and family! 
Faithfulness
There may be some families and kids out there that will recognize these 5th-grade faces from 7 years ago! These kids are now in their Junior year of high school! They were in the first class of my first year teaching at HCS and it was my first year coming back to teaching after a 14-year hiatus. To say these kids and their parents gave me grace was an understatement, as most days I was only about 10-15 minutes ahead of the students! Another word that comes to mind as I reflect on that school year, the years in between, and the school year we have ahead of us is faithfulness. God has been truly faithful to Hanford Christian through the highs and lows. I feel like I have gotten a front seat to view the faithfulness of the Lord and his perfect timing over the last 7 years, and what a privilege that has been. The school has flourished under the leadership of Mrs. Schmidt. HCS has attracted top-notch educators, and they are teaching a rigorous curriculum with a Christian emphasis. So many new families have been drawn to Hanford Christian and continue to come!
I have moved into a new role this year, and Miss Bok has taken over the fifth grade. I haven’t moved far though! My “office” is in Room 4, and it has morphed into a meeting room, gathering place and a spot where teachers can rest and put their feet up. This year, I will be working with the teachers who have just joined HCS, supporting Mrs. Schmidt, teaching K-5 computers, preparing to begin the accreditation process with Christian Schools International, and supporting the entire teaching staff. It’s been a great transition, and I am thankful for the opportunity to serve HCS in this new capacity.
God’s timing is never our timing, but it’s always perfect, and as I reflect on the beginning of a new school year, that has never been more clear. We can go forward, firm and secure in the knowledge that Jesus is our anchor and the Holy Spirit will always be with us. I will be praying for the staff, students, families, and supporters of HCS, and I hope everyone has a great school year! If you are ever near Room 4, please stop by and say hello.