"If from an early stage we can shape our students so that not only have they learned to accept the diversity of God's Kingdom but they crave it, that's what I want to see." - Noah Brink, Interim Head of School.

In Episode 12, we welcome back Interim Head, Noah Brink to kick off the 2019-20 podcast season and discuss the concept of "CCS for the City". Why is important for an elementary school to be "for the city"? Noah and host, Christan Perona, dialogue about our role in strengthening God's Kingdom and how Central Christian School is uniquely positioned to do so.

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Choosing a school for your child can be daunting, yet all the emotional energy and planning are worth it. As you explore different schools for your child -- whether they're in preschool now or you're looking at high schools -- be sure to ask these 5 questions:

Word + Became + Flesh. What's the significance of God entering into history, entering into His own creation? What does pride have to do with Christmas? Listen in as Pastor Vince Hall, Central's Summit (5th/6th) Bible teacher, shares about the reality of "God with us" and explains how the incarnation shatters our theology of good works. The same God who breathed life into the void of pre-creation breathes life into your chaos and brokenness today.

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John 1:14

How do we begin conversations with our children and students to explore the counter-narrative? How do we find places for the voices that are often not listened to? In Part 2 of The Counter-Narrative, Central Christian School's principal, Paya Sample, defines "counter-narrative" and explains the importance of it. By giving practical examples, she inspires listeners to consider a different path as you motivate children to think critically and empathetically while engaging with history and different people groups.

Dialogue further with Mrs. Sample by contacting her at [email protected].

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Conversation Starters:

We want to talk with our kids and students about diversity and inclusion, about perspectives and having an others-centered orientation, but we often don't know where to start. Part 1 of our two-part series on The Counter-Narrative features Central's librarian, Nancy Gruneisen, who quite vulnerably opens up about her own journey toward cultural responsiveness and understanding. From personal experiences within her own family to her work within Central's library, Mrs. Gruneisen gives practical suggestions about choosing books that represent a broader view of humanity.

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How do we foster within our children a love of learning -- simply for the sake of learning rather than to gain rewards? Join us as we dialogue with Central's Spanish teacher, Marcela Casco-Lee. In Episode 7, she explores ways to cultivate natural curiosity and intrinsic motivation within kids, so they grow up to be healthy, independent adults. Hear her suggestions for growing critical thinkers and lifelong learners in today's world.

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To dialogue further about instrinsic motivation, email Marcela Casco-Lee at [email protected].

We're raising kids in a different sports culture than we ourselves grew up in. How do we foster activities that will provide lifetime fitness well beyond their childhood? What could that look like in our families? And what role should organized sports play in our kids' lives? In Episode 6, our host Christan Perona dialogues with Coach Crystal Burklo, Central's Athletic Director and Physical Education Teacher. Listen in to learn suggestions to incorporate into your family's lifestyle that can benefit everyone -- mom and dad included.

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To dialogue with Coach Burklo about lifetime sport -- in your home or at your school -- email [email protected].

Are we trying to create children in our homes and schools who don't need Jesus? Are we modeling conformity or transformation as the next generation watches? Interim Head of School, Noah Brink, challenges us to embrace a gospel of rescue -- for ourselves and for those we are teaching and mentoring. By promoting the modeling of confession and speaking out against self-righteousness, Mr. Brink gives a wake-up call to Christian parents and Christian educators.

RESOURCES:

To dialogue with Noah Brink about engaging children for transformation, email him at [email protected].

It's a topic on many of our minds as we talk with parents and educators -- anxiety. How do we equip the next generation to navigate tough situations rather than immediately rescuing them from the struggle? Listen in as our host, Christan Perona, interviews Central's school counselor, Valerie Hubbard, on what to do - and NOT do - when we see anxious kids. Mrs. Hubbard offers a good dose of perspective that will inspire adult listeners to practice the same principals in their own lives.

RESOURCES:

To dialogue with Valerie Hubbard, School Counselor at Central Christian School, email [email protected].