School Update: April 2, 2020

This morning, Governor Whitmer announced via executive order that all Michigan schools, public, private, and border, will be closed for the remainder of the school year. While this announcement was not necessarily unexpected, it is still a sad and difficult day. I feel for our teachers, they miss your student and would like nothing more to be with them in the classroom in the coming weeks. I feel for you as parents, as I know firsthand with four boys at home, how much time and energy this takes throughout your day. And I feel for your student. I am saddened that they will be apart for many more weeks, missing out on spring sports, musical performances, end of the year field trips, class parties, and time spent with their classmates and teachers.  This is not the way anyone thought our year would turn out, not the teachers, parents , students, or me. However, we are all united in our commitment to each and every one of these students and the educating of their mind and shaping of their heart for service to God in His world.

GHC will continue with remote learning following Spring Break. If you have not yet had the time to do so, please complete the survey(s) that were emailed home on Tuesday.  Your feedback is valuable as we navigate this new way of learning and will help our teachers and support staff adjust and make plans to better meet the needs of our everyone moving forward. Classroom teachers have already begun pulling together materials and planning for the weeks to come. There may be the need to pick up additional items and packets for class work. This will be made available on Monday, April 13 from 9:00-12:00 at GHC. Student’s personal belongings will remain in their lockers and desks. If your child needs particular items left at school please contact your child’s homeroom teacher. The office will not have regular hours for the time being, however, office staff is available via email and will regularly check voicemail, mail, and the locked mailbox outside.

Administration will be looking at the remaining school events and calendar in the coming weeks. The governor’s latest order does provide a brief glimmer of hope in that “K-12 education must remain closed for the purpose of providing K-12 education in person for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year, unless restrictions on public gatherings and school sports activities and other in-person extracurricular school activities are suspended.” At this point, we have rescheduled both the middle school musical and school auction for the end of May while also continuing to explore other alternative options. We have not made a determination at this point regarding 8th grade graduation. It is our desire and intention to recognize and celebrate these students in some capacity.

Tuition commitments will continue to be due on the 10th of each month. The GHC School Board and administration are committed to the financial compensation of our teachers and their families. The school will provide flexibility and work with families affected by this pandemic.  

Recently,a devotional was shared with me on Psalm 23. David writes, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I lack nothing.” In this week off of school leading up to Easter Sunday, it is my prayer that God will provide you and your family with both good health and rest in the coming days, both physically and mentally. In this uncertain time with many challenges, may you experience God’s love and grace found at the foot at the cross and be reminded that you lack nothing because of Jesus’ victory over death. 

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33 

In His Service,

Tim Annema