Disappointed in the Pointer

"Disappointing!" It is word that paints the picture of heartache.  My 2012 Olympic experience has been filled with this description by commentators every night on national TV.  These words have been directed toward the US Men's gymnastic team, Michael Phelps, Jordyn Wieber, and even the debate over whether the US Basketball team is better than the "Dream Team of 1990's!"  Crazy!  I am in awe of the significant skills and talent of even the most average performance by those mentioned.  The only disappointment comes in themselves for not performing at a level of excellence they have grown to exhibit.   I thought about the milliseconds that separate a gold medal time from a fourth place finish.  The highest caliber of performers take the stage in sports that a minute fraction of our country participate in. That is precisely why we are glued to our televisions each night for two weeks.
 Why is that?  From my own perspective, the training and skill level far exceed the sacrifice I am willing to make.  Most of these athletes have been steadily competing at their sport since they were in Preschool.  Someone along the way said, "this kid could do this!"  They got a nudge and a chance to strut their stuff.  I am glued to the tv because I am amazed at the pure talent showcased in these games.  I trust Michael Phelps will get some bling and Jordyn will bounce back from the childish display of her "disappointment."  Congratulations to all the competitors.May you all continue to shine as the other 99% of the world picks their chins off the floor as they view one stellar performance after another!

Creeping into the 21st Century

Yesterday I arranged for two of our staff members to attend a product demo of Smartboards at our local tech rep in town.  They weren't expecting our scheduled appointment but quickly rose to the occasion with educational instructors downloading the latest ed support into the three of us.  It was exciting to hear my teachers almost immediately talk about how the applications could be used in their classrooms. They could have been their all day if not for other commitments on our agenda. The "WOW Factor" was huge! Technology opens up possibilities that you never imagined existed.  Suddenly, that site with created lessons creates a new sense of connections with others that actually are sharing and collaborating their ideas.   By the end of day we made our first purchases into expanding our classrooms.  I am hoping that on August 1, there will be greater excitement when the other staff first preview this "new" instructional tool.  Step 1 in a series of decisions that will make a difference in the lives of our students and teachers.  More to come!

New Beginnings

I'm here!  Beautiful Bakersfield California!  I've offically been on the job as superintendent all of three days. You forget what it is like to start over after I spent 12 years as an established figure in a large organization that I helped create.  Rhonda and I are now living out of boxes, the housing opportunities are cloudy at best, and I'm trying to fill some important staffing positions while learning on the fly about the new culture and expectations.  Change.  It is a cycle that brings with it both inspiration and trepidation for the unknown. I chose some words for our year's theme from Ephesians 3:20 that state:

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us." 

I selfishly picked it for me :).   I am in a position that I don't yet know all the questions to ask with so much to learn.  My core team of teachers and parents are still 3 weeks away from an introduction.  My trust factor in God being able to take care of so many unknown details is growing daily.  I must have faith that God will bless me way beyond my feeble attempts to manage my own compentcy and experience.  It is a good place for me to be.

Thank You All

Friday, June 1 is my last day as principal of St. John Lutheran School, Ellisville, MO.  In just a few weeks Rhonda and I will be packing up and heading west to serve St. John Lutheran School in Bakersfield, CA.  We move from being a "Cougar" to a "Saint" along with a huge change of scenery.  It has been an emotional several weeks as we say goodbye to a calling of 12 years.  We have been blessed to have left fingerprints over much of the ministry we call "school."  During these years we have seen three building campaigns,  doubling of enrollment, national awards and establishment of a strong reputation among our community and national denomination.  It has been an amazing ride with some talented and gifted staff members who work way above their pay grade and job description.  I have had the opportunity to learn from volunteers who provided expertise in finance, business, communication, marketing and education who mentored me in my own development as a leader.  As we prepare to leave, we sent out the following note to our SJLS community:

 

Rhonda and I wanted to express our deep gratitude and thanksgiving to the entire St. John community for the kindness, gracious words, gifts and encouragement we received during our final weeks here at St John Lutheran School. It has been a privilege for both of us to serve this ministry for the past 12 years. I never expected God to leave me us in a place this long, but it has been a great blessing to be able to literally grow up with students and families in our church and school. We have personally seen God at work bringing change and blessings to the community of our church and school.

Some things I will miss...

     Members of the School Ministry Team who have stepped up and served this ministry community by working behind the scenes to establish a solid mission and vision of our school. The leadership of Eric Token, Mike Aufdembrink and Jeff Winters and the many team members that have used their gifts to shape the school we are today.

     PTL leaders who have established a strong base of activities and events that support students and families of our school. Their ideas and creativity continue to tweak a good program to make it better. My thanks to the leadership of Eric Guberlet, Sheryl Miller, Michelle Abel and a supporting cast of hundreds who put on events that are rivaled by few.

     Kathy Childers - Day in and day out reflects the servant heart of Jesus. She is a gift to this school and the families. Her smile and kind words are a welcome sight to anyone entering our office. 

     This staff of dedicated educators who love kids and Jesus. I have been involved in bringing most of them into this ministry and their unique ability to be open to change and growth puts them in a unique class of teachers.   My assistant principals of Julie Durst, Scott Osbourn and Rachel Bausch have been blessings to my personal leadership development. It has been a privilege to work with so many gifted teachers over my 12 years. I can only say “Thank You” for their partnership in our calling.

     The St. John Ministry allowed me to use my gifts and talents to lead the school. I was a good fit in melding the creative and contemporary dna of the ministry with the school. I am thankful to be associated with the time and place I was called to serve. I worked with phenomenally talented leaders, many of whom have moved on to serve in other ministries.

Partners in ministry such as Karen Slimack, Rudy Schaser, the Tandy's, Craig Borchelt and the many opportunities we have to get kids involved in mission work.  Creating a heart for service in our kids is a critical goal of Christ and His church.  

     Parents who understand that their greatest job in life is leading their children to know and love Jesus Christ and allow their kids to grow up to be who God intended them to be.    

     Our story is richer for our service to this community. We will not forget the many kindnesses afforded us by so many of you during our years here.  I resonate with Paul’s words to the Philippians in chapter 1 “I thank my God every time I remember you... being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it out to completion until the day of Christ Jesus!”

     Our new home is St. John’s Lutheran School in Bakersfield, CA, 4500 Buena Vista Road, 93311. Our permanent address is yet to be found, but we will contact the school community once we locate a home. We look forward to meeting you again when God can bring us together. Until then, God’s great peace to you all!

Spencer and Rhonda Peregoy

   

Formative Feedback

I find it interesting how easy it is to find fault with practically any aspect of education today.  Whether it is funding schools, teacher effectiveness, test scores, school lunch... the list continues to find itself into the center stage of  the media.  In our best schools quality is under scrutiny.  Our western culture grows to expect a high level of performance from educational institutions and if and when that level comes under question, the banter begins.  The following post is shared from a a perspective we usually do not hear. I am proud of the involvement we participate  in shaping the thinking of future  Christian educators.

Our school has had the privilege of providing a laboratory educational experience for three student teachers from Concordia University, Nebraska.  Each teacher can remember their own experience and reflect on how it shaped their view of education and modeled quality instruction. Here is what they said when asked what they take away from their experience with us:

"Student teaching is the most exciting and transformational part of an Education student's life in

college. Of all of the student teachers that left in January from Concordia, I truly believe that Andrea, Dana, and I received best placement. Having the opportunity to serve at St. John has challenged me to embrace technology, be more creative, use every resource possible, and collaborate with everyone! I will never find another place that is so "out-of-the-box" like St. John, but I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to experience it and make you all apart of my story. I will never forget the generosity of the families, support of the staff and the fearless leadership that makes St. John a spectacular place!"  Samantha Bodkin, Omaha, NE

"One of the most valuable insights I will take with me after leaving SJLS is how to facilitate independent learning within a classroom.  Teachers use a variety of techniques and practices that encourage and give students opportunities to explore and engage on a deep level.  Everything is taught with a purpose which allows students to apply learned knowledge to the world around them. SJLS students are equipped to use the tools they've been given to be successful."  Andrea Weiss, MI

"I am so thankful for the time I spent at St. John Lutheran School. I never knew I would get so attached to this place. I feel as if we are all family sharing the love of Christ each and every day. I am thankful for the relationships I have built with my cooperative teachers, as well as the students. Thank you for all the support from the teachers and parents! I have learned more than I could have ever imagined by student teaching here. St. John is the BEST place to grow in faith and learning!  I will miss St. John! "  Dana Miller,  Sioux Falls, SD. 

We appreciate the mentoring done by their cooperating teachers during their 16 week experience:  Jennifer Lochmann, Brooke Otto, Rhonda Peregoy, Sheri Dubberke, Daneen Hanson and Sheri Dubberke!  

Next Chapter

I have recently accepted a position to be the superintendent of St. John Lutheran School in Bakersfield, CA.  There is great sadness at leaving a place that I have invested so much of my life during the past 12 years at St. John, Ellisville.  In leaving, I thought about a parallel story that is going on with our STL Cardinals.  They lost their share of leadership this year, but baby, just look at them now!

Albert Who?  What a difference a few months make!  The Cardinals are off to their best start in years!  It seems like yesterday when we heard the news that our beloved MVP was leaving for the sunny skies  of Anaheim.  As of this writing,  newcomer Carlos Beltran is among the league leaders with 5 home runs, which is five more than Albert Pujols has !   The team is what makes champions and the Cardinals have picked up right where they left off in October, 2011.  There are a few new faces here and there but the management has made a total make-over.  Time will certainly tell whether they have the health and chemistry to make another championship run, but players play the game... and that fact simply does not change.  This important team called St. John Lutheran School is made up of more championship-caliber players than any 40 man MLB roster.  We have teacher all-stars that help shape hearts and minds in each classroom.  We have parents who partner with us to raise their children to take on a culture that is not in tune with God’s design for their lives.  We have kids who are learning each day what it means to be a witness in word and deed to the grace that God freely pours out upon each of them.  They are learning that God needs them on HIS team to play through the tough challenges life will bring their way.  As I considered the two calls on my heart, I felt that St. John Lutheran School is positioned to receive a new leader that will write a new chapter in the story of the school ministry.  My prayer is that as the process moves into search mode, the team pulls together to trust in God’s provision for a strong future.  The last command uttered by Jesus prior to His ascension was “ Make Disciples, Baptize and TEACH!”   He also mentioned that He would be with us ALWAYS!  May we all be faithful to  our part of the deal – equipping disciples and faithfully teaching those He puts in our care!

Holy Thoughts

It is said that that the way to the open tomb is a blood-stained cross. In order to get to the angelic message of the resurrected Savior, there must be a beating and crucifixion. So what is it about the story of this weekend that captivates you?  Spend a few minutes thinking about that question.

Pastor Hower made two illustrations in chapel that refer to the sacrifice Jesus made for our sins:

• "In order to get something clean, something has to get dirty"
• "In order for something to be free, something has to be paid"

In order for you to be right with God, a perfect sacrifice had to be made to purchase you back from the guilty judgment for your sins. Notice the plural form of that noun.  Shame is erased. Forgiveness is real - yet at an expensive price.

Isaiah 53 describes the purpose of Jesus sacrifice 1000 years before His birth: "He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. 3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces, he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed."

John the Baptist, upon seeing Jesus stated "Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"    

There is no greater statement than "I know that my Redeemer lives! What comfort this sweet sentence gives! He Lives, He Lives who once was dead! He lives my ever-living Head!" Jesus is the prime character in the story of this weekend! He suffered, He died, but HE LIVES! - all for YOU!