At the beginning of March, we set a goal of $47,000 to cover a portion of tuition for 172 new students in NCC kindergartens for the 21-22 school year. We also set a miracle goal of $30,000 to support an additional 108 new kindergarteners.
Thanks to the generosity of NCC compassionate givers, we have raised the full $77,000 for the New Beginners Educational Fund! With matching funds from the Pacific Union Conference, we have the ability to cover one month of tuition for up to 280 new beginners in our schools.
“This is a great way to introduce new families to our school system,” said Wayne Gungl, associate superintendent of education. “It’s one more reason for parents who have been thinking about Adventist education to say, ‘I’ll give it a try.’”
Parents appreciate the help as they make plans for next school year. “This support is truly a gift from God, and to know that one month is free is a serious blessing,” said one father. “I really would like to thank those who made this happen. You made a difference in the life of my family. Thank you!”
“I am humbled by the act of kindness and am privileged to interact with our compassionate givers,” said Laurie Trujillo, director of communication and development. “They are an incredible group of people who go above and beyond to help others.”
Students in Adventist kindergartens learn more than just the foundations of reading and math. They are learning to follow Jesus and care about others.
An education journal recently surveyed executives at top companies, asking what skills K-12 students need to be successful. “They said they wished kids would learn how to work in teams, how to problem solve, how to adapt when things go wrong – all kinds of things about learning to work effectively with other people,” reported Gungl.
Adventist education has been focusing on these skills since its beginning. “Our whole school system is based around the model of Jesus, who was the most effective collaborator – a great model for how to work with people,” said Gungl. “Our schools are teaching all the academic skills, but they are also teaching the relationship skills that are found in Jesus. When you build on that from kindergarten up, I think it makes a real difference.”
