Nolan's Notes
October 26, 2011
The first grading period is over and students have adjusted to a new year. Again, I wish to thank you for your support.
I mentioned in my last email about growing up on a farm. I didn't have to walk in the snow uphill to and from school, but things were very different. We had to be frugal and really take care of things to make them last. It wasn't unusual to see cars with baling wire holding various parts together (baling wire was made to hold bales of hay together).
Today, we have a throw-away mentality. The Bible instructs us to be stewards of the things God has given us. A steward is a manager or overseer (I Cor 4:2). Following are some thoughts for your family regarding stewardship:
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Give everything to God - He owns it all anyway. If you have never done this, consider a time when you will dedicate all of your "things" to God - house, car, clothes, etc.
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Teach your children the value of money. While teaching in junior high Bible classes recently, I realized that many students have no idea about the cost of a loaf of bread or a dozen eggs. Take them grocery shopping and point out how God provides for us. By dividing 175 school days into your tuition cost, you can also quickly teach your children what it costs per day for them to attend Faith.
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Teach your children to be responsible for the things God gives us. It is amazing how many items end up in the lost and found each week without being claimed. FYI-Many items could be returned if they were properly labeled.
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If children lose, break or destroy their items, there should be consequences- even if it is an accident.
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Teach your children to budget. In the past, I have seen families place their child on a monthly allowance; all that the child wanted or needed came from the allowance. If they ran out of money, they had to borrow from the next month's allowance. I think this is especially beneficial for 8th grade students.
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Model giving. This is a strong point for many already as we see our students help us at school in so many areas. They can also learn to tithe from their allowances.
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Teach children to be grateful for God's bountiful blessings (Ps 103:1-5).
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Instill a strong work ethic. This is one of the greatest and most important things that our children learn.
I realize that many of you are already doing the above things, but I thought this to be a good reminder. As always, your feedback is appreciated and helpful.
Nolan LeBeaux
Junior High Principal
PS- We still have copies of the book For Parents Only available for $5. I strongly encourage parents to read this book.