Leadership Updates
Dear CCS Families,
This letter is a continuation of the information to help you and your family prepare for a smooth start to the new academic year. There are a few important updates to our cell phone policy that I would like to bring to your attention.
This past school year, our administration surveyed parents in our upper grades to gather feedback on cell phone use. An overwhelming 85% of parents supported limiting cell phone use during the school day. In direct alignment with this feedback and Tennessee House Bill 932/ Senate Bill 897, which mandates the prohibition of cell phone use during instructional time, Concord Christian School has adopted a revised cell phone policy. The primary goal of this updated policy is to enhance student support by minimizing distractions during classroom learning time. This will create a more focused and productive educational environment for all students.
Numerous research studies have consistently shown direct links between excessive cell phone usage and negative effects on both cognitive and academic performance. Beyond the classroom, there's growing evidence connecting cellphone use to challenges with mental health, including:
Increased Anxiety: Constant connectivity and the pressure of social media can contribute to heightened anxiety levels.
Lower Self-Esteem: Social media often presents curated and unrealistic portrayals of life, leading to comparison and diminished self-worth.
Higher Stress Levels: The constant influx of notifications and the "fear of missing out" can create a perpetual state of stress.
Poor Mental Health Outcomes: Overall, excessive screen time has been associated with a range of negative mental health indicators.
Administration understands that there may be times when students and parents need to communicate during school hours. To ensure seamless communication while upholding our new policy, here are the available options:
Student-Initiated Contact: If a student needs to reach a parent, they can request permission to use their cell phone in the main office, or they can use the office phone directly.
Parent-Initiated Contact: Parents can always contact the school office, and we'll be happy to connect you with your child.
Your child’s principal will provide additional information on how this new policy will be gradually implemented in each department over the first month of the year. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to your principal and look for their future communications.
Dear Concord Families,
Last week, the Tennessee Department of Education released the initial checklist for families interested in the universal school voucher program, the Educational Freedom Scholarship Program (EFSP), which is set to launch for the 2025/26 school year. The EFSP will consist of 20,000 scholarships worth $7,000 each, divided into universal scholarships and qualified scholarships. I am anticipating the release of more information in the coming weeks. Once the details are finalized, I will communicate the necessary procedures for CCS parents who are awarded a scholarship. In the meantime, I encourage you to explore the scholarship program further by visiting the official website: https://www.tn.gov/education/efs.html .
With summer fast approaching, leadership is excited to announce new summer camp offerings along the always popular summer sports programs! All camps are designed with varied student interest in mind to help students grow both mentally, physically, and spiritually and will be taught by CCS faculty, staff, and coaches. We’ve already seen strong interest, and spots are filling quickly. Whether your child is entering kindergarten or heading into senior year, there’s a camp tailored just for them.
- Rising K-Rising 4th Grades
- Rising 5th-Rising 8th Grades
- Rising 9th- Rising 12th Grades
The link above provides detailed descriptions and individual registration links for the camps offered by grade level. Registration closes on May 15, so don’t miss out on this exciting chance to challenge, inspire, and energize your student(s) this summer!
As we move through Holy Week, I’m reminded of the hope and renewal that this season brings. From Palm Sunday’s celebration to today’s Maundy Thursday reflections, we look ahead to Resurrection Sunday with grateful hearts. No matter where life finds us, the story ends the same: our Savior rose on the third day. He is risen indeed! Praise be to His name! If you are looking for an in-person or online Easter service, I encourage you to worship online this Saturday night or Sunday with First Baptist Concord. Worship service information can be found at https://fbconcord.org/. He is Risen! Matthew 28:6
Wishing you a joyful Easter and a meaningful start to spring!
Donald Snider
Superintendent of Schools