August 31 School Has Begun Again!

 

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            We have ten school days in the books. 

Thanks to a couple of groups who braved the journey, we were able to get the entire school cleaned and sanitized before August 17. Another team came to help with the radio station, which has some equipment problems. The wives sorted curriculum and cleaned. We are always grateful when people come to help.

 

            As I read on the Internet: “There is no tired like teacher-tired on the first week of school,” I think the teachers are exhausted from the extra preparations and protocols. But all would say that the first two weeks went well. I thought I’d share with you some of the highlights (?) of the first two weeks. 

 

Biggest Conundrum: If Godzilla ate himself, would he disappear or would he be twice as big?

 

Most clueless question: Where’s my pencil? (It was stuck in his well-gelled hair.) 

Most beautiful moment: The only white child in my class looked at her classmates and asked, “ How did you get so tan?”

 

Best testimonial: A former student who signed with a college to play basketball spent much of his Press time praising Hilltop Christian, saying how much he learned in academics and in how to live right and work hard.

 

Most surprising request: The nurse from the Navajo Nation is required to update us on blood-borne pathogens procedures and Covid protocols. After she finished with her presentation, she asked, “May I pray for you?”

 

Best advice written by last year’s third graders to this year’s third graders:

·      You should learn your times tables and division and temperatures. If you don’t learn your divisions, you will fall behide. [sic]

·     At the start of the year it will be very easy until it gets harder.

·     You should always listen to him (the teacher) and don’t say, “I swear,” or “Oh my God!”

 ·      The things you don’t do are argue, hit, and fight. That’s the rules in 3^rd grade 

      and you might need to sing too.

 

·      When it is reading partner time, you need to take turns reading with your partner.

·      Third grade is fun but sometimes hard, so that’s why you should focus. Do not give up, keep trying.

Saddest Story: The mother of a student wanted us to know this backstory: Two years ago, the child’s father (her husband) got angry and shot her, her parents, and her brother in the house where the children were before he turned the gun on himself. Only the mother survived after many surgeries. Talk about PTSD.

 

We’re praying for wisdom and creativity as we love and teach these special children, and hopefully bring Jesus into their families.  Thank you for your continued prayers for us and the Navajo families.

 

http://www.acrossnations.cc/donate

 

August 15, 2020

The topic that is on a lot of minds these days is the opening of the schools. On the Navajo Nation, this question becomes even more complex as there are state schools (Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah) BIE (Bureau of Indian Affairs) controlled schools (Federal), and various types of private schools. Parents may choose to keep their children home and pursue alternate learning strategies, but many districts are requiring teachers to report back to work. 

 

With a summer that has shuffled between plans A, B, and C, we here at Hilltop Christian School are now down to a plan with a letter towards the end of the alphabet. We have tried to follow the CDC, New Mexico (where the school is physically located,) Arizona (where the students live), and Navajo Nation (what the students are) guidelines.  It has been a challenge to create a module of learning amidst all the changing advice and approaches. 

 

So, we are starting school Monday with face-to -face instruction, although we have given the parents the option of having instructional packets to study at home.  The majority of students will be on campus. Our enrollment is currently down by a third. (Approximately 50).  This is a very difficult decision for parents as there is great fear of the virus here on the Reservation, and many students live with grandparents or others with compromised immune systems.  

 

It’s weird to see the classrooms with only six desks which are spaced two sheep-lengths apart. We should be grateful for the small classes, making social distancing easier. In order not to mix up the students, we’ll keep the students together, and the music and art teachers will visit the classrooms. With a temperature check each morning, lots of handwashing and sanitizing, mask-wearing, and social distancing, it will certainly be a different and challenging year.

 

We are convinced that God wants the school here. In fact, with churches still closed, this will be an opportunity for our school to “be the church” to people who are fearful, needy, and confused.  We were searching for several teachers and staff members at the end of the school year in May.  God has again miraculously provided a staff for us so we have the positions covered.  Pray for the new staff members. We have two new teachers in the Preschool. Also, pray that we won’t be overwhelmed because of the extra work of providing packets and lesson plans to the Hilltop at Home families.

 

Please be praying for the health of the teachers, staff, students, and the families.  The parents and students are fearful.  We want them to be careful but also have the peace that passes understanding. We want God’s work to continue here at the school, so pray that Satan will not hinder with an outbreak of the virus. As always, pray for open hearts and open minds to God’s truth.

 

It was great to see our CA supporters. We enjoyed picnics with them in backyards and parks. What fun it was for us to see friends after so many months of lock-downs and curfews here on the Navajo Nation.

 

We pray that you all stay well also. 

Love,

Roger and Sara

Serving with Across Nations at Hilltop Christian School

Franklin Graham and Samaritan’s Purse helped with organizing food distribution and setting up a temporary hospital for Covid patients.

Mike Lindell is with others at NNCRT (Navajo Nation Christian Response Team) food site.

A child plays alone with her dolls.

Code Talkers Day was last week.

Tim Tebow is pictured here with Vice President Lizer and his wife.

 

Photos: The Navajo Nation has received many donations and helpful visitors. 

We are grateful for all who have helped.