By: DAVID GOODRICH, Middle School Principal

"O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out!"
(Romans 11:33)

As we consider God's majesty, wisdom, and knowledge, we must recognize that His judgments and ways are beyond our understanding. Still, as image-bearers, we are created for more. According to chapter 2 of Genesis, He created us to know and glorify Him by living in harmony and subduing the earth.

Unfortunately, we are all too aware of the rest of the story and our descent into depravity. Why then are we surprised by sin's consequences … COVID, quarantine, anger, sickness, financial troubles, broken relationships, a decline in student achievement, and more?

Nevertheless, it is the very struggles and consequences of sin that remind us of the beauty and majesty of God's plan. The Lord has certainly used a year that the enemy meant for evil for His glory and our good.

EFFECTS OF THE PANDEMIC

According to recent reports, from March 2020 - March 2021, 7 out of 10 students in school districts across the nation have fallen behind. Early indications estimate that 53% of students are now 2 - 12 months behind and 43% are two grade levels behind. 

In addition, the CDC's longitudinal data suggests that from April 2019 - March 2020, mental health issues for adults and students have tripled. Of the conditions listed (anxiety, depression, abuse, self-harm, and more), we can see that 2020 has created chaos in the hearts and minds of the world. 

As a result, schools across the state and nation are racing to create a plan that will help remediate students' learning and provide mental health support for a year and a half of educational instability. 

GOD’S FAITHFULNESS TO OUR SCHOOL

Further data suggests a variance in school systems choosing an in-person over a virtual model of instruction. According to teacher survey results, face-to-face schools have significantly outperformed their counterparts, only reporting a 3% decline in learning compared to 97% of students in virtual schools. 

As members of this covenant body, we do not find pleasure in the overall current state of education, rise in mental health concerns, and global instability. We grieve for these realities that have been intensified by the pandemic.

It is with humility that we look to God for hope, in gratitude for His provision. We continue to find our God faithful. As 2 Corinthians 4:18 reminds us, "we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

As we reflect on the "things that are unseen," Perimeter School family, we do have much to celebrate! No doubt, our year has been full of many trials and tribulations. However, the Lord has weathered the storm with us and is "doing what only He can do!" 

For instance, our comparative data over the last year and a half paints a stark contrast to the quantitative data pouring out of the educational world. Our IOWA, COGAT, and summative assessment results have remained stable, and in many instances, Perimeter School students have shown significant gains in the core academic disciplines.

As a community, we are so blessed to have a group of teachers who continued to put students before themselves despite many obstacles. Our teachers and staff genuinely reflect the meaning and purpose of covenant education.

UNITED TOGETHER

Moreover, the "timeless" foundations of our covenant community (God, family, community, and the uniqueness of each image-bearer) have remained grounded in the truth of God's word. As such, our students, parents, and families continue to grow stronger.

We are tired and weary, but we are not broken! We find solace in Christ and the promise of Matthew 11:28, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

Amid the fire, we can celebrate that this covenant family remains united in our call to "train up a child in the way he should go”… imparting a biblical worldview, love for others, and upholding our partnership with Perimeter Church "to make and deploy mature and equipped followers of Christ."

LOOK AND SEE ALL THAT THE LORD HAS DONE

Despite the enemy's relentless attack, the Lord has brought us through, and we can rejoice in all He has done. We have almost made it through 180 days of in-person instruction, and we just witnessed a rich and highly successful spring musical. Moreover, this community successfully navigated parent meetings, sports, banquets, field trips, and more. Last night our eighth grade students participated in the Blessing Dinner, affirming their hope and identity in Christ Jesus. Finally, we will close this incredible year with the celebration of another graduating class! 

Wow! Look and see all that the Lord has done!

And this would not have been possible without the leadership of Perimeter Church and all of the ministries that sacrificed this year for the sake of our school. We are eternally grateful! 

I now understand more clearly, “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgements, and His ways past finding out.”