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SCHOOL UPDATES
UPDATE: JUne 21, 2020
Dear CCS community,
We are all facing unprecedented times and continue to work together as we navigate the approach of a new school year. This September WILL be different, but as we forge ahead, a collaborative committee of parents, staff, and administration are seeking the Lord and doing everything possible to ensure that our students have the opportunity to continue working towards their goals and pursuing a quality Christian education, while prioritizing the health and safety of our students and our entire community. We know and trust that God holds our future in His hands.
“But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in Your hand.” Psalm 31:14
We are working conscientiously to provide you with updated information regarding plans for our students’ educational experience this fall. We know that implementation will require being flexible and attentive to new information and changing circumstances as we serve our students and families. We will continue to stay current in adherence to all state as well as CDC guidelines and regulations to safeguard the health of our entire community including masks, social distancing, and sanitation.
At this time, we are considering three different academic models for re-opening in September (the bullets are highlights and not all-inclusive). These are subject to change as the year progresses and guidelines change.
Model 1: In Building/Face to Face:
As always, the input of CCS students and parents is important to us. We have built a short survey that asks specific questions about your experience from 2019-20 while also seeking feedback regarding 2020-21. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey (link below), as a high participation rate will provide data that accurately reflects the pulse of our community-at-large and guide future decision-making.
https://forms.gle/HnxM85RC39DrPc2E7
What’s next:
In preparation for virtual learning to be a component of our ‘new normal’, CCS is committed to providing staff with relevant professional development to ensure an exceptional academic experience that exceeds the experience from this spring’s “emergency”. In addition, we are working to implement a support structure for students and parents to assist with various issues that may arise with virtual learning.
Support /Special Services:
In addition to academic advising and admissions, other student services offered by CCS will also continue to be available to you in either an online or in-person setting.
High School:
Current high school students can refer to the schedule letter that was emailed in early June to see all core academic courses identified for the 2020-2021 school year. Requests to add/drop courses or for virtual appointments to discuss scheduling can be made by emailing guidance@ccsnj.net or calling 732-479-0556.
Admissions:
If you are a new student or would like information about becoming a student at CCS, please visit our Admissions Office website at www.ccsnj.net or call 732-479-0700. In addition, please visit our virtual open house (https://www.ccsnj.net/open-house.html) where new and visiting students can learn more about CCS.
Set Apart:
During these uncertain times, Calvary Christian School remains committed to providing biblically-based social and emotional support as students return in the fall.
While we never expected to close our doors in the middle of the spring 2020 semester, we must do what is necessary to ensure that our doors are able to remain open (as the Lord leads). CCS is proud of how diligently our faculty and staff worked to transition classes and services to an online environment. We prioritized the preservation of our high educational standards and providing the services upon which our students depend. While this year’s academic footprint will look different, we remain committed to loving your children, ensuring educational excellence, and providing a vibrant Christian education, which sets us apart. Regardless of the model, we will stay true to our mission of education by discipleship, as THAT is what defines us.
We know you are praying through this challenging time and as your CCS family, we want you to know that we are here to help. If you have any questions or would like to know more about our plans, we encourage you to visit us on the web at www.ccsnj.net, call us at 732-479-0700, or email us at reception@ccsnj.net.
In His service,
Members of the CCS Re-Opening Committee
We are all facing unprecedented times and continue to work together as we navigate the approach of a new school year. This September WILL be different, but as we forge ahead, a collaborative committee of parents, staff, and administration are seeking the Lord and doing everything possible to ensure that our students have the opportunity to continue working towards their goals and pursuing a quality Christian education, while prioritizing the health and safety of our students and our entire community. We know and trust that God holds our future in His hands.
“But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in Your hand.” Psalm 31:14
We are working conscientiously to provide you with updated information regarding plans for our students’ educational experience this fall. We know that implementation will require being flexible and attentive to new information and changing circumstances as we serve our students and families. We will continue to stay current in adherence to all state as well as CDC guidelines and regulations to safeguard the health of our entire community including masks, social distancing, and sanitation.
At this time, we are considering three different academic models for re-opening in September (the bullets are highlights and not all-inclusive). These are subject to change as the year progresses and guidelines change.
Model 1: In Building/Face to Face:
- All students in physical building
- Face to face services modified to accommodate social distancing and health guidelines
- Increased hand-washing and daily cleaning/sanitizing of classrooms and trafficked areas
- A blend of real-time* meetings and virtual learning
- * ‘real-time’ may be in-person or remote
- May vary by grade level
- Virtual learning will require a Windows PC or Mac (loaner laptops are available for students who need them)
- Increased structure and provision for more student/teacher interaction
- Content delivery will be teacher-created and curated for real-time and/or pre-recorded lessons
- Advanced strategies will be utilized for an enhanced, virtual learning environment
- Students will have the opportunity to interact with classmates both socially and academically in varied, virtual environments.
- Virtual learning will require a Windows PC or Mac (loaner laptops are available for students who need them)
As always, the input of CCS students and parents is important to us. We have built a short survey that asks specific questions about your experience from 2019-20 while also seeking feedback regarding 2020-21. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey (link below), as a high participation rate will provide data that accurately reflects the pulse of our community-at-large and guide future decision-making.
https://forms.gle/HnxM85RC39DrPc2E7
What’s next:
In preparation for virtual learning to be a component of our ‘new normal’, CCS is committed to providing staff with relevant professional development to ensure an exceptional academic experience that exceeds the experience from this spring’s “emergency”. In addition, we are working to implement a support structure for students and parents to assist with various issues that may arise with virtual learning.
Support /Special Services:
In addition to academic advising and admissions, other student services offered by CCS will also continue to be available to you in either an online or in-person setting.
High School:
Current high school students can refer to the schedule letter that was emailed in early June to see all core academic courses identified for the 2020-2021 school year. Requests to add/drop courses or for virtual appointments to discuss scheduling can be made by emailing guidance@ccsnj.net or calling 732-479-0556.
Admissions:
If you are a new student or would like information about becoming a student at CCS, please visit our Admissions Office website at www.ccsnj.net or call 732-479-0700. In addition, please visit our virtual open house (https://www.ccsnj.net/open-house.html) where new and visiting students can learn more about CCS.
Set Apart:
During these uncertain times, Calvary Christian School remains committed to providing biblically-based social and emotional support as students return in the fall.
While we never expected to close our doors in the middle of the spring 2020 semester, we must do what is necessary to ensure that our doors are able to remain open (as the Lord leads). CCS is proud of how diligently our faculty and staff worked to transition classes and services to an online environment. We prioritized the preservation of our high educational standards and providing the services upon which our students depend. While this year’s academic footprint will look different, we remain committed to loving your children, ensuring educational excellence, and providing a vibrant Christian education, which sets us apart. Regardless of the model, we will stay true to our mission of education by discipleship, as THAT is what defines us.
We know you are praying through this challenging time and as your CCS family, we want you to know that we are here to help. If you have any questions or would like to know more about our plans, we encourage you to visit us on the web at www.ccsnj.net, call us at 732-479-0700, or email us at reception@ccsnj.net.
In His service,
Members of the CCS Re-Opening Committee
UPDATE: JUNE 28, 2020
Greetings CCS Families:
Below are two important updates. Please take the time to review and reach out with any questions.
Summer Assignments
As we consider the academic and social/emotional impact of the virtual learning period due to COVID-19, we have made an alteration to our expectations for summer assignments. We are encouraging families to enjoy the summer and use it as a time for family fun and relaxation. However, we are also asking that some skill review be done prior to the start of the school year. The goal of this work is to provide information to teachers at the start of the school year to identify potential learning gaps, which allows for specific, individualized planning. The teachers have put together a minimal amount of skill review that should provide a good foundation for the students as they return to their learning environment. With that in mind, we ask that the work be completed with the mindset that we prioritize an honest/true assessment of skills and knowledge rather than ‘getting it done’ or focusing on a grade.
We always encourage you to spend some time reading together with your child this summer. Helping your child to discover that reading is enjoyable and fun is a very important part of building a life-long learner. It can be a joy sharing an adventure in the pages of a book. For your convenience, we have provided suggested reading for rising 7th and 8th grade level and the high school expectations have a new, exciting look this year. Of course, we encourage daily reading of the Bible as a family activity every day of the year.
The grade/course-specific work can be found at the dedicated website below (also linked off the CCS homepage). The site is available now, but officially goes live on July 1st and the requested deadline for completion is September 1st (which allows teachers time to complete analysis). We encourage families to work out a plan that will spread the work out over the course of the months of July and August to minimize the ‘burden’ and maximize the value of the data.
https://sites.google.com/calvarychristianschool.net/ccs-summer-work
It is our goal to provide a rigorous academic program, and in light of the challenging time that we have just come through, we want our students to return excited and prepared to jump into new learning experiences. Thank you for staying positive by recognizing the value and for joining with us in this effort.
Re-Opening Update
Our joint planning committee is reviewing guidelines from multiple sources and we are continuing to plan for the safest and best way to reopen CCS this fall. With the current data from our survey, as well as the Governor’s recent release of guidelines, we can guarantee that we will be returning to some level of live/in-person instruction (barring any new directive to the contrary). At minimum, we will be designing a hybrid learning environment, with the goal of providing as much face-to-face time as possible with appropriate health and safety protocols. We are also continuing to explore options for families who do not feel ready to return ‘in person’ but still desire the Christ-centered education that Calvary Christian School provides. More to come in the days ahead.
Staff will be participating in professional development this summer that offers the newest and most strategic plans for opening in September. Please continue to pray for us as we seek to provide an experience that is not only academically rigorous but is also advanced in pedagogy. Staying connected with our students, while respecting health and safety protocols is of utmost importance for the development of their mind, body, and soul.
Please remember that the beautiful summer days are a gift from our Lord, and they can only be fully enjoyed when we begin our days with thanks and praise.
Blessings to you all.
Below are two important updates. Please take the time to review and reach out with any questions.
Summer Assignments
As we consider the academic and social/emotional impact of the virtual learning period due to COVID-19, we have made an alteration to our expectations for summer assignments. We are encouraging families to enjoy the summer and use it as a time for family fun and relaxation. However, we are also asking that some skill review be done prior to the start of the school year. The goal of this work is to provide information to teachers at the start of the school year to identify potential learning gaps, which allows for specific, individualized planning. The teachers have put together a minimal amount of skill review that should provide a good foundation for the students as they return to their learning environment. With that in mind, we ask that the work be completed with the mindset that we prioritize an honest/true assessment of skills and knowledge rather than ‘getting it done’ or focusing on a grade.
We always encourage you to spend some time reading together with your child this summer. Helping your child to discover that reading is enjoyable and fun is a very important part of building a life-long learner. It can be a joy sharing an adventure in the pages of a book. For your convenience, we have provided suggested reading for rising 7th and 8th grade level and the high school expectations have a new, exciting look this year. Of course, we encourage daily reading of the Bible as a family activity every day of the year.
The grade/course-specific work can be found at the dedicated website below (also linked off the CCS homepage). The site is available now, but officially goes live on July 1st and the requested deadline for completion is September 1st (which allows teachers time to complete analysis). We encourage families to work out a plan that will spread the work out over the course of the months of July and August to minimize the ‘burden’ and maximize the value of the data.
https://sites.google.com/calvarychristianschool.net/ccs-summer-work
It is our goal to provide a rigorous academic program, and in light of the challenging time that we have just come through, we want our students to return excited and prepared to jump into new learning experiences. Thank you for staying positive by recognizing the value and for joining with us in this effort.
Re-Opening Update
Our joint planning committee is reviewing guidelines from multiple sources and we are continuing to plan for the safest and best way to reopen CCS this fall. With the current data from our survey, as well as the Governor’s recent release of guidelines, we can guarantee that we will be returning to some level of live/in-person instruction (barring any new directive to the contrary). At minimum, we will be designing a hybrid learning environment, with the goal of providing as much face-to-face time as possible with appropriate health and safety protocols. We are also continuing to explore options for families who do not feel ready to return ‘in person’ but still desire the Christ-centered education that Calvary Christian School provides. More to come in the days ahead.
Staff will be participating in professional development this summer that offers the newest and most strategic plans for opening in September. Please continue to pray for us as we seek to provide an experience that is not only academically rigorous but is also advanced in pedagogy. Staying connected with our students, while respecting health and safety protocols is of utmost importance for the development of their mind, body, and soul.
Please remember that the beautiful summer days are a gift from our Lord, and they can only be fully enjoyed when we begin our days with thanks and praise.
Blessings to you all.
Update July 9, 2020
Dear Current and Potential CCS Parents/Guardians:
The leadership team at Calvary Christian School wants to thank you for your patience and prayers as we have continued to research and analyze possible options for re-opening in September 2020. Our goal throughout the process has always been to bring students back into the building for a face-to-face, discipleship focused educational experience while also continuing to prioritize their health and safety (and that of our staff as well). Our joint parent and staff committee has collected survey data, analyzed this and other resources, and gathered on multiple occasions to engage in a dialogue intended to challenge, inspire, and unite on a plan that will best meet the needs of our community. While we recognize that no outcome will fully satisfy every member of our community, we believe that the Lord has led us to move forward with the latest iteration of the plan we share with you now. Please know that these are the highlights, with specific details still being worked out to maximize efficiency.
PLAN HIGHLIGHTS
- 5 days in school, all grade levels
- All core academics on-site, with live instruction
- Integration of social/emotional learning skills
- Staggered departure and arrival times
- Minimal student movement between classes*
- Physical desk barriers (shields) with appropriate spacing*
- Individual supply inventory (no sharing)
Note: These * are designed to minimize requiring masks IN the classroom
- Supporting/accommodating students who are impacted by illness
- Thorough and strict cleaning protocols during and after school
- Thorough and strict screening of student/staff health conditions upon arrival
- Thorough and strict guest/visitor processing, including parents/guardians
We ask that you prayerfully consider your decision regarding re-enrollment for September with the knowledge of this re-opening plan and the understanding that specific logistics will continue to be developed by our leadership team (with feedback from our joint committee) over the course of the next 7+ weeks. In addition, please remember that current conditions and mandates may dictate any shifts in the course of action. We are thoroughly preparing a backup plan for ‘live’ virtual instruction that improves on the aspects of our emergency shift in delivery last spring that failed to meet expectations (based on survey feedback).
As a reminder from an earlier communication, we extended the re-enrollment deadline for the 2020-21 school year to July 15th, which includes completing re-enrollment in FACTS and paying the fee. This extension allowed time for clarity from state and health officials and further development of our internal plan and logistics. This date is a crucial point in establishing our committed enrollment as it determines our operating budget, which impacts many elements of our program and drives staffing decisions. While enrollment will be accepted after this date, seats are not guaranteed after July 15th and students may need to be placed on a waiting list based on availability. Please contact Mary Kate Yang (myang@ccsnj.net) with any questions on this process.
July 15th is also the extended deadline to receive a 5% discount for full tuition payment. Please contact Liz Estevez (lestevez@ccsnj.net) with any questions regarding tuition, discounts, or financial aid.
As an additional consideration, while weighing your options, I call your attention to some recent changes in the Learning Standards adopted by the NJ State Board of Education. We all can attest to the fact that there are amazing, dedicated professionals in the public school system who love the children they serve. However, the infiltration of an agenda that opposes those values we as God-fearing Christians hold sacred is becoming more blatant in these mandatory requirements. As such, there is significant pressure within the system to compromise personal, faith-based beliefs that do not conform, without exception. As an example, below are two examples of great concern.
Comprehensive Health & Physical Education
https://www.nj.gov/education/cccs/2020/2020%20NJSLS-CHPE.pdf
Disciplinary Concept: Social & Sexual Health
Core Ideas: p.6
Performance Expectations by the end of Grade 8: p.34
LGBTQ Curriculum
https://www.gardenstateequality.org/curriculum-rollout
“Beginning in the fall of 2020, all New Jersey public schools will be required to teach the social, political, and economic contributions of LGBTQ people across all relevant subject areas.”
As we enter our 16th year of “Education by Discipleship” in a broken world that desparately needs revival, we pray that God will continue to use Calvary Christian School in a powerful way to mold and shape the next generation to be equipped meet the challenge to be salt and light. We pray that you stay the course with us on that journey to see what a mighty work the Lord will do.
In Him,
CCS Leadership Team
The leadership team at Calvary Christian School wants to thank you for your patience and prayers as we have continued to research and analyze possible options for re-opening in September 2020. Our goal throughout the process has always been to bring students back into the building for a face-to-face, discipleship focused educational experience while also continuing to prioritize their health and safety (and that of our staff as well). Our joint parent and staff committee has collected survey data, analyzed this and other resources, and gathered on multiple occasions to engage in a dialogue intended to challenge, inspire, and unite on a plan that will best meet the needs of our community. While we recognize that no outcome will fully satisfy every member of our community, we believe that the Lord has led us to move forward with the latest iteration of the plan we share with you now. Please know that these are the highlights, with specific details still being worked out to maximize efficiency.
PLAN HIGHLIGHTS
- 5 days in school, all grade levels
- All core academics on-site, with live instruction
- Integration of social/emotional learning skills
- Staggered departure and arrival times
- Minimal student movement between classes*
- Physical desk barriers (shields) with appropriate spacing*
- Individual supply inventory (no sharing)
Note: These * are designed to minimize requiring masks IN the classroom
- Supporting/accommodating students who are impacted by illness
- Thorough and strict cleaning protocols during and after school
- Thorough and strict screening of student/staff health conditions upon arrival
- Thorough and strict guest/visitor processing, including parents/guardians
We ask that you prayerfully consider your decision regarding re-enrollment for September with the knowledge of this re-opening plan and the understanding that specific logistics will continue to be developed by our leadership team (with feedback from our joint committee) over the course of the next 7+ weeks. In addition, please remember that current conditions and mandates may dictate any shifts in the course of action. We are thoroughly preparing a backup plan for ‘live’ virtual instruction that improves on the aspects of our emergency shift in delivery last spring that failed to meet expectations (based on survey feedback).
As a reminder from an earlier communication, we extended the re-enrollment deadline for the 2020-21 school year to July 15th, which includes completing re-enrollment in FACTS and paying the fee. This extension allowed time for clarity from state and health officials and further development of our internal plan and logistics. This date is a crucial point in establishing our committed enrollment as it determines our operating budget, which impacts many elements of our program and drives staffing decisions. While enrollment will be accepted after this date, seats are not guaranteed after July 15th and students may need to be placed on a waiting list based on availability. Please contact Mary Kate Yang (myang@ccsnj.net) with any questions on this process.
July 15th is also the extended deadline to receive a 5% discount for full tuition payment. Please contact Liz Estevez (lestevez@ccsnj.net) with any questions regarding tuition, discounts, or financial aid.
As an additional consideration, while weighing your options, I call your attention to some recent changes in the Learning Standards adopted by the NJ State Board of Education. We all can attest to the fact that there are amazing, dedicated professionals in the public school system who love the children they serve. However, the infiltration of an agenda that opposes those values we as God-fearing Christians hold sacred is becoming more blatant in these mandatory requirements. As such, there is significant pressure within the system to compromise personal, faith-based beliefs that do not conform, without exception. As an example, below are two examples of great concern.
Comprehensive Health & Physical Education
https://www.nj.gov/education/cccs/2020/2020%20NJSLS-CHPE.pdf
Disciplinary Concept: Social & Sexual Health
Core Ideas: p.6
Performance Expectations by the end of Grade 8: p.34
LGBTQ Curriculum
https://www.gardenstateequality.org/curriculum-rollout
“Beginning in the fall of 2020, all New Jersey public schools will be required to teach the social, political, and economic contributions of LGBTQ people across all relevant subject areas.”
As we enter our 16th year of “Education by Discipleship” in a broken world that desparately needs revival, we pray that God will continue to use Calvary Christian School in a powerful way to mold and shape the next generation to be equipped meet the challenge to be salt and light. We pray that you stay the course with us on that journey to see what a mighty work the Lord will do.
In Him,
CCS Leadership Team
UPDATE: july 17, 2020
Dear Current and Potential CCS Parent/Guardians:
This update is being sent as a means to provide some additional insights as well as clarifications since the last correspondence.
First, as a reminder (and a courtesy), please continue to communicate directly with school leadership regarding questions about shared information. The Lord has placed highly competent, dedicated leadership to oversee their area of domain and serve CCS as points of contact in those areas. As outlined in Matthew 15:18, you should never hesitate to reach out directly to ask questions or offer opinions to these individuals.
In the early stages of researching and analyzing options for re-opening, we presented three possibilities, each with its own distinct set of ‘pro’s and ‘con’s. We conducted a survey of our community’s perspective and had a respectable response rate percentage. The results emphatically showed that our families did not want to continue along the path of exclusively virtual learning. At that time, aligned with the release of the Governor’s guidance, we committed to exploring the logistics of a live, in-person model as well as a hybrid plan to try and accompany both in-person and virtual learning (scheduled and asynchronous). All school leaders, at all levels, contexts, and locations find themselves in this situation now, trying to find a plan that meets the needs of their community, with no certainty of what lies ahead ... yet decisions and commitments need to be made.
What may seem like a simple decision is anything but. A live, in-person model has logistical challenges for health and safety protocols but allows for the human connection and discipleship necessary to restore our students' social, emotional, and spiritual well-being. For many, that is the most important consideration at this time. A hybrid model has staffing and financial resource implications beyond what our budget is able to handle.
All of this is meant to say that the decision for CCS to focus solely on a live, in-person model AT THIS POINT bore out of the process outlined above. The joint parent/staff committee has discussed many of these topics and has brought many ideas to the table for the CCS and CCOB leadership to analyze, consider, and act upon. No decision was made in isolation or without corroboration.
Note that we are continuing to explore the feasibility of operating a simultaneous virtual instruction model that would provide eligible, ‘working from home’ students with a comparable experience until they are able to return to the physical school building with their peers. This carries significant budgetary implications to implement and maintain the technology/infrastructure needed to stream live. We also must dedicate trained staff to build and maintain this structure outside the demands of the live classroom. This is why there is no consideration for a discounted rate for any virtual option, if implementation is deemed to be viable.
If at any point the governing authorities mandate a shutdown of on-campus instruction, we will shift to a scheduled (synchronous) live instructional model for the limited time necessary to return to on-campus instruction. In such a scenario, we do not intend to discount or refund tuition, regardless of the duration of remote learning, as it is our intention to return to on-campus instruction as soon as possible. Our financial commitments are fixed at the beginning of each year with regards to operations, facility, faculty, and staff.
It bears repeating that there is not one sole authority to dictate what is best for students’ education at this time. Opinions on the matter are plentiful and change frequently. You alone can prayerfully make that decision for your child, as the Lord leads. Each family’s level of ‘comfortable’ varies based on their own situation (i.e. health concerns, employment, childcare) and there is no simple answer to what factors will cause a shift in that thinking. Where we begin the year may not be where we are a week, month, or semester later. We desire to offer you the flexibility to make decisions along the way if your commitment changes based on the circumstances at any given point.
Given the uncertainty, we have extended the decision deadline an additional two weeks (to July 31st), recognizing that many families need more time and are waiting to see the trends over the next two weeks. Below is an outline of the financial implications for whatever decision you choose to make by that date, and beyond.
Clarification regarding fees and tuition
Re-enrollment fees processed in February represent your commitment to enroll your student for 20-21. As per our policy, those fees are non-refundable if a family withdraws. Should you decide to reapply later this year or 21-22, the re-enrollment fee will not apply.
Curriculum fees typically charged in June, deferred to July, are refundable this year if a family withdraws prior to the start of the school year.
Withdrawn Students: Families withdrawing from Calvary Christian School after the school year begins must do so in writing, indicating the last day of school attendance. The tuition obligation is considered non-refundable in monthly 25% increments (i.e. responsible for 25% of tuition after September 30th, 50% after October 31st, 75% after November 30th, and 100% after December 31st). Before September 30th, 10% of the tuition obligation must be met. Monthly payers will also be responsible for a lump sum payment for their remaining tuition payments. Student’s records will be held until all financial responsibilities have been met.
Please reach out to Liz Estevez (lestevez@ccsnj.net) for any questions regarding finances and Mary Kate Yang (myang@ccsnj.net) for any questions regarding the admissions/enrollment/withdrawal process.
CCS and CCOB leadership will be hosting a community forum on Thursday, July 23rd at 2:30 pm in the CCOB sanctuary. All are welcome to attend, ask questions, and discuss concerns at this time. Parent advisory ‘ground rules’ will apply (see attached). We will record the session for those unable to attend.
We pray that Calvary Christian School can weather this storm and return to the consistent place of spiritual formation and educational excellence that our families have found comfort in for the past 15 years. You can count on our resolve and commitment to approach this year with great enthusiasm, confidence, and joy for the privilege of partnering together in such a worthy endeavor as preparing tomorrow’s leaders to transform the world for Christ. The Lord has brought us here and He will see us through, as we put our trust in Him.
In Him,
CCS Leadership Team
This update is being sent as a means to provide some additional insights as well as clarifications since the last correspondence.
First, as a reminder (and a courtesy), please continue to communicate directly with school leadership regarding questions about shared information. The Lord has placed highly competent, dedicated leadership to oversee their area of domain and serve CCS as points of contact in those areas. As outlined in Matthew 15:18, you should never hesitate to reach out directly to ask questions or offer opinions to these individuals.
In the early stages of researching and analyzing options for re-opening, we presented three possibilities, each with its own distinct set of ‘pro’s and ‘con’s. We conducted a survey of our community’s perspective and had a respectable response rate percentage. The results emphatically showed that our families did not want to continue along the path of exclusively virtual learning. At that time, aligned with the release of the Governor’s guidance, we committed to exploring the logistics of a live, in-person model as well as a hybrid plan to try and accompany both in-person and virtual learning (scheduled and asynchronous). All school leaders, at all levels, contexts, and locations find themselves in this situation now, trying to find a plan that meets the needs of their community, with no certainty of what lies ahead ... yet decisions and commitments need to be made.
What may seem like a simple decision is anything but. A live, in-person model has logistical challenges for health and safety protocols but allows for the human connection and discipleship necessary to restore our students' social, emotional, and spiritual well-being. For many, that is the most important consideration at this time. A hybrid model has staffing and financial resource implications beyond what our budget is able to handle.
All of this is meant to say that the decision for CCS to focus solely on a live, in-person model AT THIS POINT bore out of the process outlined above. The joint parent/staff committee has discussed many of these topics and has brought many ideas to the table for the CCS and CCOB leadership to analyze, consider, and act upon. No decision was made in isolation or without corroboration.
Note that we are continuing to explore the feasibility of operating a simultaneous virtual instruction model that would provide eligible, ‘working from home’ students with a comparable experience until they are able to return to the physical school building with their peers. This carries significant budgetary implications to implement and maintain the technology/infrastructure needed to stream live. We also must dedicate trained staff to build and maintain this structure outside the demands of the live classroom. This is why there is no consideration for a discounted rate for any virtual option, if implementation is deemed to be viable.
If at any point the governing authorities mandate a shutdown of on-campus instruction, we will shift to a scheduled (synchronous) live instructional model for the limited time necessary to return to on-campus instruction. In such a scenario, we do not intend to discount or refund tuition, regardless of the duration of remote learning, as it is our intention to return to on-campus instruction as soon as possible. Our financial commitments are fixed at the beginning of each year with regards to operations, facility, faculty, and staff.
It bears repeating that there is not one sole authority to dictate what is best for students’ education at this time. Opinions on the matter are plentiful and change frequently. You alone can prayerfully make that decision for your child, as the Lord leads. Each family’s level of ‘comfortable’ varies based on their own situation (i.e. health concerns, employment, childcare) and there is no simple answer to what factors will cause a shift in that thinking. Where we begin the year may not be where we are a week, month, or semester later. We desire to offer you the flexibility to make decisions along the way if your commitment changes based on the circumstances at any given point.
Given the uncertainty, we have extended the decision deadline an additional two weeks (to July 31st), recognizing that many families need more time and are waiting to see the trends over the next two weeks. Below is an outline of the financial implications for whatever decision you choose to make by that date, and beyond.
Clarification regarding fees and tuition
Re-enrollment fees processed in February represent your commitment to enroll your student for 20-21. As per our policy, those fees are non-refundable if a family withdraws. Should you decide to reapply later this year or 21-22, the re-enrollment fee will not apply.
Curriculum fees typically charged in June, deferred to July, are refundable this year if a family withdraws prior to the start of the school year.
Withdrawn Students: Families withdrawing from Calvary Christian School after the school year begins must do so in writing, indicating the last day of school attendance. The tuition obligation is considered non-refundable in monthly 25% increments (i.e. responsible for 25% of tuition after September 30th, 50% after October 31st, 75% after November 30th, and 100% after December 31st). Before September 30th, 10% of the tuition obligation must be met. Monthly payers will also be responsible for a lump sum payment for their remaining tuition payments. Student’s records will be held until all financial responsibilities have been met.
Please reach out to Liz Estevez (lestevez@ccsnj.net) for any questions regarding finances and Mary Kate Yang (myang@ccsnj.net) for any questions regarding the admissions/enrollment/withdrawal process.
CCS and CCOB leadership will be hosting a community forum on Thursday, July 23rd at 2:30 pm in the CCOB sanctuary. All are welcome to attend, ask questions, and discuss concerns at this time. Parent advisory ‘ground rules’ will apply (see attached). We will record the session for those unable to attend.
We pray that Calvary Christian School can weather this storm and return to the consistent place of spiritual formation and educational excellence that our families have found comfort in for the past 15 years. You can count on our resolve and commitment to approach this year with great enthusiasm, confidence, and joy for the privilege of partnering together in such a worthy endeavor as preparing tomorrow’s leaders to transform the world for Christ. The Lord has brought us here and He will see us through, as we put our trust in Him.
In Him,
CCS Leadership Team
Forum: July 23, 2020
UPDATE: JULY 24, 2020
Dear CCS Families:
As mentioned in a previous email, families are being asked to be proactive in letting us know their intentions. If you have any hesitation about committing to return based on what you have heard/read/seen or if you have any questions that need to be answered in order to make that decision, please reach out to the appropriate member of our leadership team as soon as possible (listed below for your convenience). Out of respect for the fact that many difficult decisions need to be made in a short period of time, we ask that you reach out sooner than later.
July 31st remains the deadline for committing to re-enrollment for the 2020-21 school year, as planned. Any families who have not taken the appropriate steps by the end of that date to complete the process, or at the very least communicated their intentions to Mary Kate Yang (Director of Admissions), will be dropped from the roster and will be contacted regarding the official steps for a formal withdrawal. This will allow the CCS leadership team to move ahead with assessing our committed enrollment by grade level. This guides our anticipated budget and allows us to move forward with staffing decisions, logistics planning, professional development/training, and facility preparation (including technology).
Reminder: Any K-5 family that is withdrawing, but would like to be considered for a fully virtual option should inform Mary Kate of these intentions. As outlined in the forum, we will need commitment from 15 families to afford the staff and resources to execute an equitable experience in line with our in-person model. We will continue to communicate exclusively with all of these families to provide updates as we evaluate whether this is a viable option (based on interest).
This is also a reminder that we will be holding a virtual open house on Sunday, August 2nd from 12:30 to 2. Please spread the word and point to https://www.ccsnj.net/ for more information and the registration link.
We know this is a difficult time and a difficult decision for our families. We respect whatever direction you choose and continue to pray for God's leading and for His will to be done. Be at peace in the assurance that He already knows how this will all work out.
In Him,
CCS Leadership Team
As mentioned in a previous email, families are being asked to be proactive in letting us know their intentions. If you have any hesitation about committing to return based on what you have heard/read/seen or if you have any questions that need to be answered in order to make that decision, please reach out to the appropriate member of our leadership team as soon as possible (listed below for your convenience). Out of respect for the fact that many difficult decisions need to be made in a short period of time, we ask that you reach out sooner than later.
July 31st remains the deadline for committing to re-enrollment for the 2020-21 school year, as planned. Any families who have not taken the appropriate steps by the end of that date to complete the process, or at the very least communicated their intentions to Mary Kate Yang (Director of Admissions), will be dropped from the roster and will be contacted regarding the official steps for a formal withdrawal. This will allow the CCS leadership team to move ahead with assessing our committed enrollment by grade level. This guides our anticipated budget and allows us to move forward with staffing decisions, logistics planning, professional development/training, and facility preparation (including technology).
Reminder: Any K-5 family that is withdrawing, but would like to be considered for a fully virtual option should inform Mary Kate of these intentions. As outlined in the forum, we will need commitment from 15 families to afford the staff and resources to execute an equitable experience in line with our in-person model. We will continue to communicate exclusively with all of these families to provide updates as we evaluate whether this is a viable option (based on interest).
This is also a reminder that we will be holding a virtual open house on Sunday, August 2nd from 12:30 to 2. Please spread the word and point to https://www.ccsnj.net/ for more information and the registration link.
We know this is a difficult time and a difficult decision for our families. We respect whatever direction you choose and continue to pray for God's leading and for His will to be done. Be at peace in the assurance that He already knows how this will all work out.
In Him,
CCS Leadership Team
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WHAT WE MEAN BY
"education by discipleship"
At Calvary Christian School, our motto and vision is implemented and observed through our academically rigorous program which meets and exceeds state standards, all while integrating Biblical values and worldview in each class.
"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men..." Colossians 3:23
