From the Desk of the Head of School Sept. 21
From the Desk of the Head of School Sept. 21
AN INTRODUCTORY WORD
What We Practice
A few weeks ago in chapel, I spoke to our students about the difference between hearing the words of Jesus and putting them into practice. In Matthew 7:24–27, Jesus describes two people who hear His words. One acts on them; the other does not. Jesus compares them to builders: one builds his house on the rock, while the other builds on the sand.
The point is clear: hearing the words of Jesus is not the same as ordering our lives around them. The wise person hears Christ and obeys Him, building on the one sure foundation. That obedience does not keep the storms from coming, but it prepares us to stand faithfully when they do.
By this point in the school year, many of our routines are becoming familiar. Students know where to go, what to bring, and what is expected of them. But good routines are about more than making the day run smoothly. Over time, the things we repeatedly practice help shape the people we become.
That is true in academics, athletics, relationships, and especially in our walk with Christ. It is possible to know the right answer without putting it into practice. It is possible to hear God’s Word without allowing it to change the way we speak, respond, forgive, work, or serve.
Our desire is not merely that our students learn biblical truth, but that they increasingly live it out. That kind of formation happens through small, faithful acts of obedience—one decision, one conversation, and one ordinary day at a time. We long to see students who hear the words of Jesus, put them into practice, and build their lives on the rock.
MISSION FOCUS: PARTNER
Formation Is Our Shared Work
Christian education works best when the school and home are moving in the same direction. Parents carry the primary responsibility for the formation of their children, and Pinewood has the privilege of coming alongside families in that calling.
Partnership does not require that we handle every situation in exactly the same way or see eye to eye. What it does require is trust, honest communication, the humility to acknowledge one another’s distinct role, prayer, and a shared commitment to the healthy development and spiritual formation of each child. Teachers see students in the classroom; parents know them in the deeper rhythms of home and family life. When we listen to one another, honor our distinct roles, and work together, our students and families are better served.
This partnership is especially important in spiritual formation. A truth heard in chapel becomes more powerful when it is discussed in the car, practiced at home, and modeled by the adults a child trusts. We are grateful to partner with families as our students learn not only to hear what is true, but also to live it.
CHAPEL THIS WEEK
September 24: Ask God for Wisdom
Scripture: James 1:5
Main Truth: God gives wisdom when we ask Him.
Practice: Pray before making one hard choice.
At Home: Ask: What is one decision for which we need God's wisdom?
PINEWOOD IN ACTION
Serving Across Generations: Upper School Students and Teachers
This past week, we celebrated Grandparents Day at Pinewood. Grandparents and other invited guests joined us on campus for a special chapel, visited classrooms, and enjoyed activities together. Grandparents are an incredible gift to our children and our school, and it was a blessing to welcome and celebrate them.
Our Upper School students played an important role in making the day possible. Student volunteers served food, greeted guests, painted faces, and spent time with younger students who did not have a visitor present. From what I observed—and from the feedback I received—they served with enthusiasm, kindness, and maturity.
On behalf of our entire school, I want to thank these students as well as the Upper School teachers who helped coordinate: Kaylin Lind, Ethan Brannon, Joe Gosyne, Carolina Castellanos, Terry Muntain, and Trishalee Catz.
Their willingness to serve not only helped the event run smoothly; it also gave our younger students a meaningful example of what it looks like to put love into action. That kind of dedication and care is part of what makes Pinewood such a special place.
COMMUNITY PRAYER
Teach Us to Obey
Father, thank You for giving us Your Word. Keep us from being people who hear the truth but fail to live by it. Give our students, families, faculty, and staff willing hearts and the courage to obey You in the ordinary decisions of each day. Strengthen the partnership between home and school, and use our shared work to form children who know what is true, love what is good, and faithfully follow Jesus. Amen.
Thank you for the privilege of partnering with your family!
Your servant in Christ,
Taylor Howsmon
Head of School
Pinewood Christian Academy
What We Practice
A few weeks ago in chapel, I spoke to our students about the difference between hearing the words of Jesus and putting them into practice. In Matthew 7:24–27, Jesus describes two people who hear His words. One acts on them; the other does not. Jesus compares them to builders: one builds his house on the rock, while the other builds on the sand.
The point is clear: hearing the words of Jesus is not the same as ordering our lives around them. The wise person hears Christ and obeys Him, building on the one sure foundation. That obedience does not keep the storms from coming, but it prepares us to stand faithfully when they do.
By this point in the school year, many of our routines are becoming familiar. Students know where to go, what to bring, and what is expected of them. But good routines are about more than making the day run smoothly. Over time, the things we repeatedly practice help shape the people we become.
That is true in academics, athletics, relationships, and especially in our walk with Christ. It is possible to know the right answer without putting it into practice. It is possible to hear God’s Word without allowing it to change the way we speak, respond, forgive, work, or serve.
Our desire is not merely that our students learn biblical truth, but that they increasingly live it out. That kind of formation happens through small, faithful acts of obedience—one decision, one conversation, and one ordinary day at a time. We long to see students who hear the words of Jesus, put them into practice, and build their lives on the rock.
MISSION FOCUS: PARTNER
Formation Is Our Shared Work
Christian education works best when the school and home are moving in the same direction. Parents carry the primary responsibility for the formation of their children, and Pinewood has the privilege of coming alongside families in that calling.
Partnership does not require that we handle every situation in exactly the same way or see eye to eye. What it does require is trust, honest communication, the humility to acknowledge one another’s distinct role, prayer, and a shared commitment to the healthy development and spiritual formation of each child. Teachers see students in the classroom; parents know them in the deeper rhythms of home and family life. When we listen to one another, honor our distinct roles, and work together, our students and families are better served.
This partnership is especially important in spiritual formation. A truth heard in chapel becomes more powerful when it is discussed in the car, practiced at home, and modeled by the adults a child trusts. We are grateful to partner with families as our students learn not only to hear what is true, but also to live it.
CHAPEL THIS WEEK
September 24: Ask God for Wisdom
Scripture: James 1:5
Main Truth: God gives wisdom when we ask Him.
Practice: Pray before making one hard choice.
At Home: Ask: What is one decision for which we need God's wisdom?
PINEWOOD IN ACTION
Serving Across Generations: Upper School Students and Teachers
This past week, we celebrated Grandparents Day at Pinewood. Grandparents and other invited guests joined us on campus for a special chapel, visited classrooms, and enjoyed activities together. Grandparents are an incredible gift to our children and our school, and it was a blessing to welcome and celebrate them.
Our Upper School students played an important role in making the day possible. Student volunteers served food, greeted guests, painted faces, and spent time with younger students who did not have a visitor present. From what I observed—and from the feedback I received—they served with enthusiasm, kindness, and maturity.
On behalf of our entire school, I want to thank these students as well as the Upper School teachers who helped coordinate: Kaylin Lind, Ethan Brannon, Joe Gosyne, Carolina Castellanos, Terry Muntain, and Trishalee Catz.
Their willingness to serve not only helped the event run smoothly; it also gave our younger students a meaningful example of what it looks like to put love into action. That kind of dedication and care is part of what makes Pinewood such a special place.
COMMUNITY PRAYER
Teach Us to Obey
Father, thank You for giving us Your Word. Keep us from being people who hear the truth but fail to live by it. Give our students, families, faculty, and staff willing hearts and the courage to obey You in the ordinary decisions of each day. Strengthen the partnership between home and school, and use our shared work to form children who know what is true, love what is good, and faithfully follow Jesus. Amen.
Thank you for the privilege of partnering with your family!
Your servant in Christ,
Taylor Howsmon
Head of School
Pinewood Christian Academy