A Message from Dr. Steve Whitaker, Head of School

We did it! I want to congratulate our students, parents, and staff for reopening on schedule. The sounds of students in the classrooms, the energy on campus, and the joy in our hearts diminished the temporary inconvenience of face masks, temperature checks, and social distancing. Yesterday as I walked through campus, visited classrooms, and talked to students during lunchtime, I had some adjustments to make myself. Some of our younger Royals were bold, and let me know that I needed to speak louder so that they could hear me through my mask. Never in a million years did I think I would receive a request like that from a student on the first day of school!

I had to “elbow bump” some of the older students instead of my normal high five and I waved hello to our hybrid students joining classes via computer or iPad screen. This morning I attended the virtual assembly for 6-12 grade students that included a special message from Dr. Middleton (TFA parent, pediatrician, and member of our COVID Response Team). He shared about the importance of “putting our feet where our faith is” and doing whatever may be needed for the health and wellness of others within our school community. We will post the full interview online soon.

While this all looks different, and it is an adjustment, we are HERE! Our students are on campus, some on their devices with hybrid learning at home, and we are doing school. As I greeted families in carline the past few mornings, I saw some tired kids, but I also saw and heard smiles, “Thank Yous!” and cheers. All of the long hours and hard work over the summer has paid off and has been worth every single minute of blood, sweat, and tears (yes, there were tears). It is my joy to partner with you as we continue to work daily to provide a place for our families that is joyful, adaptive, engaging, and focused on the love of Jesus Christ.

Thank you for doing your part to keep our TFA community safe, healthy, and at school. Here’s to a fantastic 2020-2021 school year!