A Word from Dr. Sam Barfell, Regional Director
Dear Friends,
The Christian Mind
"Thinking Christianly is thinking by Christians about anything and everything in a consistently Christian way; in a manner that is shaped, directed, and restrained by the truth of God’s Word, and God’s Spirit.” Os Guinness
Is it possible for someone to be a true Christ-follower, a born-again believer in Jesus Christ, and not think Christianly? You betcha! Have you ever met anyone like that? You probably have, you may even have some in your Christian school community who fit that description.
I am reminded of a story by a theology professor who while standing in line at a grocery store was having a conversation with a woman regarding the virgin birth of Christ. This woman was incredulous and agitated that an intelligent person could believe such nonsense. However, as the conversation continued, this same woman claimed to be a Christian! I think that could fall in the category of cognitive dissonance or intellectual schizophrenia. We laugh at that, but it really is an indicator of how important and critical our job is as Christian educators.
The Apostle Paul wrote, “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5. Is your school a school of demolition of anything that sets itself up against the knowledge of God?
"Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.'" Isaiah 30:21
For Christ and His School System,
Sam Barfell, EdD
Regional Director
Fall Convention Planning Underway
The planning committees are in place with the theme, First Things First from Matthew 6:33. South Bend: September 30–October 1. Minneapolis: October 21–22.
A Letter From Dr. Jeff Myers
Are your students prepared for what they will encounter in college?
Multi-Regional Economic Summit For Christian School Leaders
March 25 in Lancaster, PA
To challenge, motivate and equip school leaders, business managers, development personnel and board members with practical information and resources that will enable their schools to thrive in today’s economic climate. Register now for this critical and timely training!
New Student Activities Coordinator
Please welcome our new Student Activities Coordinator to the Mid-America Team, Mrs. Andrea Bergman!
Secure Your Hotel for Convention
Be sure to get the best rates and options for your hotel stay for either the South Bend or Minneapolis convention. New options just posted!
Mid-America Regional Master Calendar
Make sure you have the important dates marked on next years calendar.
Help ACSI Schools Damaged In Haiti
Several of our schools have been destroyed or damaged in Haiti. Would your student body like to partner with an ACSI school there?
Do You Need Help to Obtain International Foreign Exchange Students
in Your School?
We have a local resource that can help with the myriad of details involved with international students.
Do You Have Student Accident Insurance?
United Health Care is our Affinity Program Partner for student accident insurance.
Student Activities
Regional Spelling Bee: This year’s Regional Spelling Bee will be held at the Clock Tower Resort in Rockford, IL, on March 26, 2010. The top four winners of the Regional Spelling Bee will go on to compete at the ACSI National Spelling Bee on May 8.
Accreditation News
The REACH manual is already at version 1.2. If the front of your manual does not have that indication, then here is what you are missing: Appendix V (Non-negotiable indicators) and a one word change in the title of Appendix E (Preschool word removed).
Appendix T has been very recently updated. There are more options on reaching the educational requirements.
The Mid America Accreditation Commission is currently working on a specific training for chairs to be rolled out in 2010.
Early Education News
If you have an early education program in the state of Indiana (even if you are part of a larger school system), the Indiana Accreditation Project will help pay for most of your accreditation costs.
We are currently working with their offices to set up a fee structure that will pay for your manual, application fee, consultant costs, team visits as well as your annual reporting fees. They also have monies for supplies for accreditation that they will pass along to you. More information to come!