HOW CAN CHRISTIANS TODAY INTERACT with others in a way that shows respect to those whose beliefs are radically different, both inside and outside of the church? Head of School Christan Perona moderates a discussion between John Inazu, co-editor of Uncommon Ground and Trillia Newbell, contributing writer and Acquisitions Editor at Moody Publishers, to answer this very question.

Together, John and Trillia:
-- Help us think about how to engage others despite differences
-- Lay a practical framework for healthy engagement as we consider the 2020 Presidential election
-- Move us towards healthy conversation regarding other issues; COVID-19, racial tension, and current conflicts
-- Challenge us toward mature discipleship that's manifested through humility, patience, and tolerance
-- Empower us to lead others outside of our school in our various spheres of influence (work, church, communities,
extended families)

(Recorded in Zoom, the video version of this conversation can be seen on our YouTube channel.)

#election #2020election #trillianewbell #johninazu

RESOURCES:
Uncommon Ground, co-edited by John Inazu and Tim Keller
Confident Pluralism by John Inazu
God's Very Good Idea by Trillia Newbell
Other books by Trillia Newbell

In Episode 21, incoming Head, Christan Perona and Principal, Paya Sample, continue our two-part dialogue on racism. 

By examining how Central Christian School has intentionally tried to foster an environment where different voices are honored and all image-bearers of God are deeply valued, this conversation launches us into one of hope. We must not only celebrate our racial diversity but seek for ways to forever steward this gift from God. From curriculum to admissions to hiring to professional development to conversations with alumni and much more, Mrs. Sample and Mrs. Perona share ways we desire to bravely self-reflect and glorify God by pushing against racism.

(Recorded in Zoom, the video version of this conversation can be seen on our YouTube channel.)

RESOURCES:
Episode 8 | The Counter-Narrative, Part 1: Culturally-Responsive Books with Librarian Nancy Gruneisen
Episode 9 | The Counter-Narrative, Part 2: Starting Conversations with Principal Paya Sample

#racism #justice #injustice #georgefloyd #education

In Episode 20, we’re looking at how to respond to our nation’s current events in our homes. How can we dialogue with our children about the death of George Floyd and the anguish that has poured out from people's hearts and is now being displayed nightly in cities across the nation and globe? How can we talk with our sons and daughters about racism, injustice, and fear? It’s a heavy topic, but at Central, we don’t shy away from hard things. We know we’re called, as educators and parents, to guide this next generation of Christians, leaders, and change-agents for Jesus Christ.

Some parents are openly dialoguing with their kids about our current times and what we're seeing on the news. Some are not. And others want to have the conversation, but don’t know how to start it. Preschool and elementary children are in that formidable stage of child development, where their sense of morality and their worldviews are being shaped. Some child psychologists say that racism still exists today because parents avoid these difficult conversations, and so we want to empower you to start the conversation, respond to your child’s questions, and keep the dialogue alive within your families moving forward.

Our guests in Episode 20 are two dads within our parent community. Rev. Ben Tzeng is the Pastor of Discipleship at Central Presbyterian Church and also serves on our school board. Mr. Terry Brock has also been in ministry and is currently part of our CCS Dads Bible Study which meets on Tuesday mornings. Both men have three children at Central Christian School. We're grateful for Ben and Terry for sharing their perspectives, immersing us in the Word of God, and motivating us toward change.

After 4 weeks of Homebound Learning due to the Coronavirus and another 4 weeks to go, 1st Grade Teacher, Emma Kozlowski, reflects on what life is like in her home. Giving valuable tips for how to thrive during this season, she shares with listeners what has worked for her family as they balance work and school. Daily life with young kids is often unpredictable. Listen in as Emma inspires parents and encourages them during the pandemic.

Our school nurse and school counselor are back as we navigate how to talk with our children about coronavirus. By educating yourself, going to the experts, coming together as a family, and praying against fear, Mrs. Robert and Mrs. Hubbard empower you, as parents, to have conversations you may have never had to have before.

RESOURCES:
Be sure you are getting your information from a reputable source: 
Centers for Disease Control
St. Louis County Health Department
World Health Organization
St. Louis County COVID-19 hotline: 314-615-2660

"There are layers and layers to the partnership we have with parents." - Mrs. Heinemann

In Episode 17, we're sitting down with our two lead 3K teachers, Stephanie Mahley and Janet Heinemann, to learn all about the first year at Central Christian School. In addition to best practices that should be evident at all strong preschools, we're talking about what makes Central unique. Mrs. Mahley and Mrs. Heinemann address the benefits of being an early childhood program that's part of a larger school; ongoing, daily touchpoints between teachers and parents; relationships between our oldest and youngest students; and an intentional school-wide mission and purpose that's felt in 3K.

In an effort to educate the "whole child" as many schools do, we are grateful for the opportunity to consider students' physical, social-emotional, and spiritual well-being through the efforts of two amazing staff members: Amanda Robert, RN, our Director of Health & Wellness and also Valerie Hubbard, PLPC, our School Counselor. Together, they empower our faculty members to care for our children's needs while giving students a challenging education and meaningful community. This two-part series will give you a window into how we seek to care for all of God's image-bearers.

In Part 1, you'll hear about Nurse Robert's journey from the Pediatric ICU of Children's Hospital to Central Christian School, her passion for good communication, and ways parents can partner with her for the good of your children and the school at-large. 

RESOURCES:
A letter from Amanda Robert, RN, to the Central community

"I feel like Central Christian School in St. Louis is a place where you can really engage with your students and have a real relationship. There's time, and there's space for that."

In this episode, host Christan Perona sits down with Central's art teacher, Sunny DeLay, to learn: her journey as an artist, where she finds inspiration, her view on Christian education, and how she's inspiring students!

RESOURCES:
Reductive Drawing Samples (6th Grade)
Creation | Genesis 1:1-5
Artist Kevin Cole
Kevin Cole Inspired Art Samples (1st Grade)
Central Christian School Website | Fine Arts
Instagram | Central Christian School Art 

In Episode 13, we’re discussing culture making. Principal Mrs. Sample shares the importance of fostering healthy culture for students, teachers, and parents, and she describes ways Central Christian School is creating a culture where children love coming to school, feel safe enough to take risks, and ultimately, go deeper in their learning. Love God, Love Others has been our motto for several years, but this year Mrs. Sample has unpacked it in a way that’s tangible. From establishing core values in how we engage with our classmates and teachers to implementing positive office referrals, students at Central are learning to thrive — and lead — within a larger Christian community.

RESOURCES:
Mark 12:30-31
Positive Office Referral Form (incorporating core values)

"If from an early stage we can shape our students so that not only have they learned to accept the diversity of God's Kingdom but they crave it, that's what I want to see." - Noah Brink, Interim Head of School.

In Episode 12, we welcome back Interim Head, Noah Brink to kick off the 2019-20 podcast season and discuss the concept of "CCS for the City". Why is important for an elementary school to be "for the city"? Noah and host, Christan Perona, dialogue about our role in strengthening God's Kingdom and how Central Christian School is uniquely positioned to do so.

RESOURCES:
Jeremiah 29:7
The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren: "It's not about you."
Psalm 8