<![CDATA[Crosshill Christian School - Head of School Blog]]>

<![CDATA[Crosshill Christian School - Head of School Blog]]>Tue, 15 Sep 2026 03:50:19 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[SPILLING THE TEA]]>Fri, 30 Jan 2026 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.crosshillchristian.com/head-of-school-blog/spilling-the-teaI’m more of a coffee guy than a tea guy. Black, hot, and strong is my preference. Though I will not turn down a good latte. It’s all good.

Gossip, on the other hand, is not good. It causes strife, spreads like fire, and is something God hates. Perhaps even more tempting than caffeine, today’s worldly culture embraces “spilling the tea” with one another. Though I prefer coffee, I still struggle with wanting a little “T” from time to time.

In our Secondary Chapel this week, Church on the Hill Pastor Jason Treadwell taught on our call to “exhort one another daily” (Hebrews 3:13). The process of exhortation encourages a friend to do what is right and can serve as a warning to course-correct when we see them going astray. The heart of exhortation is love. It is a relationship builder. It removes the need to drag others into the mud. Our bond in Christ releases us to love our neighbors as ourselves. We should all desire to be encouraged with the uncomfortable truth at times from a trusted friend when no one else will.

Pastor Jason described gossip as a “misplaced exhortation.” Rather than prayerfully considering God’s design to reconcile a challenging situation, gossip is a lazy and indulgent trap. When we catch ourselves complaining to others about somebody, we should hold ourselves accountable to exhortation instead. Should I be having a loving conversation with the other person instead? Are my current words dishonoring one of God’s creation, and persuading someone else to do the same?

Exhortation may not apply to all situations. Oftentimes, the situation may require grace, forgiveness, and moving on. But where is the fun in that? Those qualities require maturity. But allowing God’s transformative work in our lives can be so much more fun (and fruitful)! Our current ParentPulse survey initiative is an intentional relationship-building request for exhortation. What should the school be doing that is currently missing? What is the school currently doing that needs to change? That type of vulnerability in a good-willed community, based on trust, pours water on the fire of gossip.

Beyond exhortation, the ParentPulse surveys intentionally give even more room for encouragement. What a great model for our lives! The ratio of encouragement and exhortation should lean heavily toward the former. The presence of gossip should trend toward zero. Encouragement and exhortation can be contagious. I know this firsthand. Many of our families are practicing these principles effectively, and I believe it is rubbing off on me!

Still, I've got some work to do. The next time I grab a cup of coffee, I will remember to avoid the ugly flavor of “spilling the tea.” I may need some loving exhortation from time to time, though, from my Crosshill friends. If it comes with a hot cup of coffee…even better!]]><![CDATA[THE BEST JOB IN THE WORLD]]>Fri, 23 Jan 2026 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.crosshillchristian.com/head-of-school-blog/the-best-job-in-the-worldI was reminded this week how blessed I am to be an educator at a Christian school. How special to be a small part of a community that puts God first and seeks His will.

Every once in a while, a parent will comment to me, “Oh, I could never have your job!” I take the remark as a respectful compliment (I hope)! I know that it is only with God's grace that His plans come to be.

My internal thought to their statement is actually “Oh, I wish you did have my job! I have the best job in the world!”

This week in chapel, part of my "job" was to worship alongside passionate Jesus-followers of all ages. What a testimony to see students raising their hands in worship, leading their peers through singing and teaching, and meeting in small groups for prayer and encouragement. It is a gift to have a window into students' lives and to guide them in their growth. ]]><![CDATA[NOTHING COMPARES TO THAT!]]>Fri, 16 Jan 2026 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.crosshillchristian.com/head-of-school-blog/nothing-compares-to-thatIf you are anything like me, it is easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others. Especially in childhood, we tend to measure ourselves relative to our peer group. “Why am I so short?” “Why couldn’t I be as smart as them?” “Why don’t we have a car like them?” “Why is my hair so curly?” (or sparse, in my case).

Some comparisons can prompt positive efforts toward an attainable goal. This can actually be a good thing! Observing excellence in others can motivate personal growth that God desires in our own lives. Sometimes I don't know what is missing in my own character until I see it in action in someone else. Even noticing the blessings others experience can help us reflect on our own unique blessings.

More often, though, comparisons can expose our discontentment with how God uniquely created each of us. The Bible calls this envy. This week in chapel, long-time Church on the Hill Pastor Bruce Stefanik described envy as “a mingling of a desire for something with the resentment that another is enjoying it and you are not." To put it more plainly, envious thoughts often sound like this:
“I want what you have because I’m not content with what I have.”
“I want to be who you are because I’m not happy with who I am.”

The envy in King Saul’s heart toward David’s greater success led him to anger, fear, and separation from God and others. God had amazing, though different, plans for both Saul's and David’s lives. Yet Saul did not come to grips with the sovereignty of God, leaving him miserable and ineffective.

When we allow God to capture our hearts and define our value and purpose, just as He created us, we find the antidote to envy. A mature disciple rejoices with God’s design for their lives, especially when it differs from their human desires. Wanting what others have, or wishing to be who others are, distrusts God’s divine sovereignty. When we rejoice in our strengths and weaknesses, we allow God’s power to take up residence in our lives. Nothing compares to that!
]]><![CDATA[OVERCOME ANY OBSTACLE]]>Fri, 09 Jan 2026 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.crosshillchristian.com/head-of-school-blog/overcome-any-obstacleOn a 2024 high school mission trip in Orlando, Florida, our team of students was divided into two separate groups. The goal was to complete the challenging low-ropes course at the local YWAM campus. The only instructions provided were to find a way to get each group successfully through the circular path without touching the ground. But each group needed to complete it in opposite directions. As I engaged with my group, our competitive nature quickly took over. We wanted to be the first group to finish!

My group attacked the course with enthusiasm. Through good communication and intentional teamwork, we were quickly halfway through the challenges. But one particular obstacle stopped us in our tracks. The gap to the next obstacle was too sizeable. Despite all of our brainstorming efforts, we could not find a way to get anybody across. The other group soon caught up with us, and discouragement set in. Our only consolation was that the other group was also getting dejected. If they couldn’t figure out a way across the obstacle, at least they wouldn’t beat us.

Soon, everyone realized that the only way across the gap was if the two groups worked together. Teaming up with someone on each side of the divide, a solution quickly became apparent. Setting aside our competitive nature for a moment, we teamed up with the other group and soon both sets of students were making progress. Then a funny thing happened. One by one, each of us realized that the exercise had nothing to do with winning. The purpose was true teamwork! The initial separation into two groups was not so that we could compete, but in order that we could succeed!

This month in chapels, we will focus on God’s design for His children to be United. Speaking through the apostle Paul, His plan for us is to “agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought” (1 Corinthians 1:10). Our human nature often tends to lean toward self-centered comparisons, desiring to elevate self at the expense of others.

God’s nature is founded upon Unity. Jesus prays over his disciples “that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17:21). Through the power of the Spirit, His fruit in our lives guides us to consider others more significant than ourselves. Through our collective faith in God, unity releases God’s character through us, so that the world may come to know Him as well! May we all be United this month to better understand this truth and pursue a community identity that can overcome any obstacles!]]><![CDATA[THE REST OF THE STORY]]>Fri, 19 Dec 2025 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.crosshillchristian.com/head-of-school-blog/the-rest-of-the-storyThis week, I read two separate children’s Christmas stories to our group of Early Childhood and Elementary students. The birth of Jesus Christ, the full deity of God in human form, lays the foundation for all joy during the Christmas season. What a privilege and blessing to honor Christ and instruct children of His saving grace!

On another day, I visited a High School classroom to “guest teach” a PreCalculus lecture. The students and I were working with logarithms…exciting, I know! As a math nerd at heart, I was disappointed that our class time did not permit us to dive even deeper into the powerful applications of how math helps us steward God’s creation.

Often, we place limits on our study of knowledge for various reasons (time, interest, complexity, etc.). Even our approach to celebrating Christmas can be reduced to a short children’s story. Unlike the limited time I was granted with some PreCalculus students (and Christmas celebrations), God’s design for family provides extended rhythms to train up our children.

We know that the birth of Jesus is only the beginning of the story. The entire life of Jesus invites us into a greater understanding of the character and heart of our triune God. His death and resurrection reveal God’s immeasurable love and desire for us to be united with Him. Now seated at the right hand of God, Jesus sent His Helper, the Holy Spirit, to live in us and guide us into His redemptive plan.

As we indulge in sugar cookies, watch some football, and open some finely wrapped Christmas presents, may we intentionally set aside time to delve deeply into these truths. May our faith and testimony dive well below the surface, searching, finding, and sharing the truths of His life and His life in us!

Merry Christmas!]]><![CDATA[GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN]]>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.crosshillchristian.com/head-of-school-blog/go-tell-it-on-the-mountainOne of my favorite roles involves providing campus tours to prospective families. I am always eager to share about the great things God is doing at His school. It is so rewarding when God matches a prospective family’s priorities with the mission and values of our school. Not only do I get to brag about God’s goodness and direction, but I also get to highlight our amazing teachers and staff who disciple students on a regular basis. Testimonies about the growth in our students and the supportive partnership of parents are plentiful. I am overwhelmed by the blessing this community brings to my life and the lives of others.

Crosshill Christian may be a big part of our lives. Yet the God we serve is the master of the entire universe. He is alive and active in all good things. As ambassadors for Christ, we should highlight His redemption and victory in all contexts. This Christmas season, many of us will spend time with friends, family, and even strangers, many of whom we see less frequently. Some of those interactions may involve “prospective” believers, or perhaps discouraged believers short on hope. May we reflect His joy and redemptive power in all circumstances, for His glory!

Merry Christmas!]]><![CDATA[26-27 TUITION RATES]]>Fri, 05 Dec 2025 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.crosshillchristian.com/head-of-school-blog/26-27-tuition-ratesRecently, a parent shared that "the [CCS] community is something unmatched and makes our whole family feel welcomed and loved. Crosshill is truly a place where Jesus shines through teachers, staff, coaches, students, and families!" Our community's focus on Christ is largely due to the amazing families who support and strengthen our school's mission. We are so grateful for your partnership!

Training disciples of Jesus Christ is a core strand that unites the greater CCS community. Parents, grandparents, and pastors utilize their respective roles in different environments to fulfill this responsibility. By choosing Crosshill Christian School, families entrust this responsibility to over 70 teachers and staff members committed to sharing it. As you can see in our annual CCS budget, the largest portion of our revenue is given to this important human resource. Our tuition charged is only around half of the tax dollars collected per student in the public sector. Still, we work hard to do more with less, supporting the recruitment, training, and retention of high-quality employees.

Tuition for the 26-27 school year reflects current inflationary data, with monthly tuition increases between $19 to $27 per full-time student. These strategic increases, approved by the Board of Directors, are intended to honor your sacrifice through your faithful tuition payments, while continuing to support the sacrifices of our dedicated teachers.

We are also honored by the generous donations that continue to support the growth of our campus and additional programs. The latest turf field project was primarily funded through special giving from within and beyond our school community. God loves pairing His vision with His resources. We look forward to sharing His next steps in the months to come as we pray and wisely plan according to His leading.

]]><![CDATA[FOOD FOR THE SOUL]]>Fri, 21 Nov 2025 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.crosshillchristian.com/head-of-school-blog/food-for-the-soulRecently when grocery shopping, I approached the first produce aisle to select my favorite apples, only to find a selection of grapes! What’s up with that? Grapes were further down my list. I needed to get my apples first. And then where I normally select my perfectly ripe limes, I was presented with a selection of potatoes. Has this ever happened to you? And then weeks later, after I had become accustomed to the new arrangement, the store had changed it again!

Fortunately, our school's mission of training disciples is unchanging and influences every good decision made on this campus. This clear objective is the foundation for our partnerships with parents and articulates God’s expectations for His school. Yes, from time to time, our produce aisle might look different, or a particular product might be replaced with a new one. Yet I continue to shop at the same grocery stores for the same significant reasons that initially drew me to their doors. Still, I wish they would occasionally ask for my feedback. Isn’t there a better way to store the cilantro? And they might want to know that their archaic payment terminal might drive me to their competitor.

Here at Crosshill, we want to evaluate our school from our families’ multiple perspectives. Room for improvement will always be our reality, and we want to direct our efforts strategically. We’ve partnered with ParentPulse, a company that specializes in collecting feedback for schools. Going forward, each parent in our school will receive an invitation every few months to respond to a short survey. These surveys will be staggered – parents will receive the invitations via e-mail or text at different times.

When you receive the survey, we simply ask that you take five minutes to complete it. Instead of sending only one (longer) survey, we want to capture your thoughts and feelings in shorter surveys – and at multiple points over the year – so we can understand how things are evolving and how we can best adapt! So, please be on the lookout for an email or text from ParentPulse. The subject line will clearly identify Crosshill Christian School. The information you provide is collected solely for our analysis, and your personal contact information will not be used or shared by ParentPulse.]]><![CDATA[Good Sport]]>Fri, 14 Nov 2025 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.crosshillchristian.com/head-of-school-blog/good-sportAfter only five short years of opening our high school, our varsity boys basketball team qualified for the OSAA State Championships in Baker City in 2014. Still new to high school athletics, our traveling community was filled with excitement and wonder. The team exceeded expectations, earning a 3rd place trophy. As awards were presented at the end of the tournament, our school received another surprise recognition: the coveted Sportsmanship Trophy! Presented by OSAA, it is based upon the attitudes, enthusiasm, and service of the players, coaches and fans.

Fast forward to 2026, our varsity girls volleyball team brought home our first OSAA State Championship at LaGrande this past weekend. Sweeping through the competition with dominant play, the Lady Eagles were clearly the top team in the tournament. Equally impressive was the presence of so many CCS students and parents, clad in face paint, matching colors, and raucous cheers. After a decade of noting that the Sportsmanship Trophy is generally awarded to teams not in the championship game, we were amazed when Crosshill Christian School was announced the Sportsmanship winners!

The school’s mission to train disciples is largely focused on the process of meeting His Scriptural mandates. But training is fruitless without true heart transformation resulting in fulfilling the good works God has prepared beforehand for us to walk in. We have all experienced God’s joy as we investigate and embrace the experiential pleasure of His creation. What a testimony to the life found in Jesus when others also observe the fruit of His Spirit through our words and actions. Whether respecting the tournament guidelines, praying for injured players, or cleaning the bleachers after a game, our community took the light from our campus hill to the Eastern Oregon University gymnasium. May we not grow weary in continuing to do good, not only when we experience the harvest firsthand or according to God’s strategic timing.

]]><![CDATA[Going Up?]]>Fri, 07 Nov 2025 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.crosshillchristian.com/head-of-school-blog/going-upMy early childhood was spent growing up on a dairy farm out in the country. I remember one of our first trips to the “big city” with my family. The Valley River Center Mall in Eugene was the largest building I had entered during my short 6 years of life. My older siblings and I were especially captivated by the central elevator that went to the 2nd floor. Waiting for my dad in the restroom, we asked my mom if the three of us could embark on our first elevator ride. In no uncertain terms, she made it clear that the option was not on the table. With my mom soon distracted with window shopping, we also decided to ask my dad when he reappeared.

To our delight, he was quick to give his approval for our adventure. We quickly entered our space capsule before our mom could notice. Unfamiliar with our surroundings, the three of us quickly became panicked with how long our ride was taking. After limited debate, we agreed that pushing the bright red (emergency) “STOP” button was the expected course of action. Immediately, the mall was filled with the blaring sound of a siren. Eventually, the mall maintenance staff rescued us from lifelong trauma. The doors had to literally be pried open, and we had to climb out of our self-imposed prison, pulling ourselves up onto the second floor.

The human desire to reject authority began in the garden. Satan’s prompting, “Did God really say?” of Adam and Eve, opened the door to corrupt desires. When our selfish longings do not align with God’s design, it can be tempting to doubt God’s truth and pursue an alternative justification for doing what we want. Nothing could be more unwise or self-defeating. The truth of God’s design brings life and freedom. Understanding and developing this conviction is a mark of a mature disciple of Jesus Christ.

This month, our school will focus on how to be followers who speak the truth to one another. The foundation of this Scriptural teaching is to constantly seek the source of all truth. God has revealed His truth through His creation, through communication in His Holy Word, and through the life and redemptive power of Jesus Christ. The enemy of this world wants us to doubt God’s truth and revelation. “Did God really say?” May we be a community of parents who train up our children in God’s truth, authority, and trustworthiness. He knows what is best for us. ]]>