Newsletter 12/7/24
Help us grow! Here’s how…
Our Kindergarten through 3rd grade classes enjoyed the Christmas Tree Lane tree farm in Ozark this week!
As more and more families tour our school for admission next year, the question I often get is, “how does Joshua Academy plan to grow?” It’s a great question so I thought I would take the opportunity to share with our newsletter readers about our priorities moving forward and two projects on the horizon.
Our priorities for the next several years are to 1) respond to the increasing demand for Christian education in our region, 2) to create engaging learning spaces to equip students to discover their identity in Christ, and, 3) to deepen our impact on students and families.
The good news is that we’re making progress in all three areas. There are opportunities, however, for partners to come alongside us as we boldly endeavor to follow the charge in Isaiah 54:2 to “Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes.”
Our first project is to establish specialized learning spaces for Middle and High School students. Middle and high school is a time when children discover who God made them to be and how to live in community. We believe our facilities should reflect this. In preparation for next Fall, we will construct a Middle School round home village with three yurts and an interconnecting deck nestled within our 5-acre forest. A high school village will incrementally follow in subsequent years.
Example of how our Yurt Village may look!
Our second project will be to construct a multipurpose gymnasium to provide ample gathering space and storm shelter. This facility will expand indoor opportunities for athletics, PE, music/theater performance, and will provide safety from severe weather.
Our first milestone goal for facilities expansion is $500,000 by April 2025, with an additional $500,000 each of the following two years to complete these projects.
To demonstrate their belief in what we’re doing and to encourage others to give, a generous family issued a leadership gift of $200,000 toward our April goal! In this season of holiday giving, we would be honored if you would prayerfully consider committing to our near-term goal with a year-end, tax-deductible, immediate impact gift, or support Joshua Academy’s three strategic priorities with a monthly or multi-year commitment. Giving is the fuel that drives us forward. Ours is a giving-driven, long-term plan, and our growth will move at the speed of donor trust.
Above all, we covet your prayers as we move forward and maintain soft hearts as God leads us.
WHAT’S COMING UP!
Dec. 9 (Mon) - All school train ride. All classes will take a morning train ride from the Van Buren train station!
Dec 11 (Wed) - Arts on Main (4th/5th only).
Dec. 13 (Fri) - Seussical The Musical (Middle School only). Fort Smith.
Dec. 17 (Tues) - Christmas program and treats (6-7 pm).
Dec. 18 (Wed) - Pajama Day! A little school…with games, a movie, and popcorn!
Dec. 19 - Jan 3 - Christmas Break!