Superintendent's Welcome

Thursday, July 1, 2010

ACS Family,

I'm so excited to step into the role of Superintendent and provide leadership for the next page in Aurora Christian's history!  I continue to pray for wisdom, clinging to Solomon's plea: "Yes, give me wisdom and knowledge as I come and go among this people - for who on his own is capable of leading these, your glorious people?"  (II Chronicles 1:10, The Message). 

Aurora Christian is a community where we experience life, day-in and day-out, together!  ACS is more than just a building... we're a group of people who work together, learn together, eat together, worship together, play together, grow together, win and lose together!

My primary goal is to ensure that our community continues to be God-honoring and a great place for families to raise children.  The core values and foundation of ACS will not waiver, but some exciting changes in community life are ahead.  We are continuing to improve communication, faculty development, enrollment procedures, and business practices.  In addition, God has blessed us with amazing facilities, and we are reviewing our usage in order to be good stewards of all we've been given.

Another goal is to provide opportunities for you as parents to share your gifts and talents with the ACS community; serving the Lord together is one of the greatest blessings available!  I'd love to hear your "passion" and ideas.  This past year our faculty was blessed by volunteer Teacher Appreciation teams, our kids were blessed by volunteer aides, and our entire city was blessed through the ACS Serve-a-Thon.  Aurora Christian wouldn't be the same without each of you, and I believe that we have a long way to go in maximizing our community potential! 

You'll find out more each month in my superintendent's newsletter.  Watch for the first issue in mid-August!  Until then, have a fabulous summer and keep each other in your prayers... our community is a bit scattered during these summer months, but we're gearing up for a great new year together!

In Christ,
Collette House

 

Friday, May 14, 2010

Dear ACS family,

Several years ago, Loretta and I took a road trip to California in a little camper.  We picked up my folks, drove to Carmel’s 17-mile drive, and parked on the beach at Seal Rock. It was a beautiful day as we watched the seals swim, play, and sun themselves. It was an especially fun day for my dad; although he had lived less than 40 miles from this spot his entire adult life, he had never seen it before!  He sat looking out at the ocean, and then I heard him quietly say, “I waited too long. I should have done this several years ago. Now it’s too late.” And it was. He had lived near one of the most beautiful spots on the Pacific coast, had worked day-in and day-out for over 70 years, and had never taken time to “smell the flowers.” I have thought much about that day and the parallels to my own life.

Thirty-five years ago, God called Loretta and me to begin this work.  We have had a wonderful journey, much of it with some of you!  The trip has been exciting and filled with purpose and joy!

For several years the board has been thinking of God’s continuing plan for ACS.  What next? What opportunities, challenges, and victories are ahead?  Who will lead?  We have been in prayer and preparation for the transition that will, and must, take place for the next 35 years to be successful – filled with excellence and growth. It is time for transition to new leadership for the journey before us.

The Board of Directors has, after much thought and prayer, selected Collette House to be our new superintendent.  Her experience, academic preparation, goals, leadership abilities, and spiritual vision are what they were seeking in a new leader for Aurora Christian Schools. She will assume her new role on July 1 and will immediately begin assembling her leadership team. A secondary principal search has begun. I will continue to serve ACS as a board member, in supporting and enabling the leadership team in their administration of the school, and in promoting the school to our community.

I am excited for what is ahead! What ideas, innovations, and miracles will God use to prepare students for the lives they will face?  What will our/their world be like in 10 … 20 … 30 years? ACS must continue to be effective in the spiritual, academic, and social development of our children. Our goal must remain the same:  mature Christian men and women of God, Christian thinkers and doers, reaching their world for Christ! Let’s all rejoice in what God has planned for us. This is a joyful day – great things lie ahead!

Blessings,

Paul

 
A note from Miss House

I'm excited to step into this new role! I've been praying a lot over the past month that the Lord would give me wisdom far beyond my capabilities to lead Aurora Christian. Together, we have the unique opportunity to capitalize on the strengths of our last 35 years and to make some changes to prepare for the future! 

Without a doubt, the most crucial choice I will be making in the next few weeks is the hiring of a new principal. My primary focus will be on finding a man or woman of God that has skill and passion for supporting the faculty! I feel confident that the Lord will send the perfect candidate to lead at the Sullivan campus!

I believe we are immeasurably blessed to be part of this ministry founded on God's Word and anchored by men and women who spent their lives furthering His kingdom through Christian education! I will work with all of my heart, mind, body, and soul to provide leadership and vision as we enter this new phase of Aurora Christian's history.

Working together in Christ,

Collette