Year in Review
By Brett King, RMCA Principal
A copy of the school board minutes from early 1998
recently made its way to my desk. It included an intriguing survey question,
“Which name do you prefer: Niwot Christian School or Rocky Mountain
Christian Academy?” We now celebrate each day the results of that
question. We also celebrate the fruit of the risky decision to begin
a Christian school in our community, and this last year has been one
of the most fruitful.
Our significant growth was unexpected. We ended the 2002-03
school year serving 417 students, and ended this year with 465 students
in our early-childhood, elementary, and middle school programs. This
12% increase was higher than anticipated.
God’s provision was humbling. Over the years, RMCA
has operated in the black. With a little left over each year, we managed
to save for future development. This was the year that we had to dip
into that savings to invest in laying a solid foundation for our middle
school students. In addition, God used an anonymous donor to contribute
most of the estimated $250,000 necessary to install, lease, and equip
the middle school modular! This was a humbling confirmation that God
was with us.
Our annual goals were achieved. While we accomplished
far more than can be mentioned here, we pursued three primary organizational
development goals. The first and foremost was to implement and evaluate
the middle school program. Even with the unexpected delay getting into
the modular building, the first-year success of the program exceeded
our expectations, including the recognition of the discipleship strategy
as an exemplary program in ACSI’s national journal. A technology
update was also high on our list. Because of the generosity of IBM and
other donors, we replaced the elementary computers and installed a cutting-edge
wireless lap-top lab for the middle school. Finally, we focused on developing
additional avenues for parent education and feedback. Through the parent
advisory meetings (PAM’s), roundtables, comment lines, and this
Perspectives newsletter, we were able to provide additional communication
tools and glean valuable feedback that will influence our priorities
next year.
Rocky Mountain Christian Church’s planning was inspiring.
In response to continued church and school growth, and knowing that
the modular building was approved to be on site for only three years,
we were able to collaboratively develop a visionary master-site plan.
This plan, among other things, calls for a new children’s education
building that would accommodate all our early childhood and elementary
students, allowing the middle school students to move into the current
building. The plan also includes a new athletic complex with a double
gymnasium located close to the recently-acquired ball fields. The full
realization of this dream will require God’s amazing grace and
His abundant provision. While this vision will most likely take years
to realize and require the favor of the County Commissioners, it is
an exciting beginning. (The site plan was submitted to the county in
April, so please continue to pray for approval.)
The year ahead is promising. Our fall enrollment continues
to climb. We expect nearly 200 students in early-childhood and just
over 300 students in our elementary and middle school programs. All
but one of our elementary and middle school teachers are returning to
their classrooms. The members of the administrative team will remain
in the same positions. And the school board membership, after a season
of unexpected transitions, is strong. With this staff and leadership
stability, we will no doubt be equipped to take advantage of the opportunities
God grants us and be prepared to tackle some of the challenges that
face us.
Thank you for choosing to be part of the RMCA family and
allowing us to experience yet another year growing with you and your
children. May you have a blessed and safe summer!
