The FC community consists of many different groups which make up the whole. With this in mind, Superintendent Debbie Siebert created the School Community Council (SCC), which is comprised of students, parents, teachers and other faculty members. It was formed out of the desire to promote school-wide communication and unity among the different groups which are at FC.
The SCC has assembled monthly since their first meeting in November of 2009. These meetings convene from 6:30-7:30 p.m. and take place in Building 5, Room 527; each forum is open for public viewing.
Meetings usually opening with a prayer from Siebert, after which an agenda is passed out to every member. People then take turns sharing what is going on in their respected field. Siebert emphasizes the importance of hearing from a wide range of people.
“It is very important for each group to be represented and to have a place from which to contribute,” Siebert said. “I wanted to be intentional about providing a way for all groups to participate and work in cooperation with one another.”
Siebert desires that the different groups in their school will cultivate unity and build school-wide bridges. She says that the theme verse for the SCC is 1 Corinthians 12:12.
“This verse captures the essence of why the SCC was created,” Siebert said. “We are the body of Christ and serving each other is a big part of what we do at Fresno Christian. All parts of the body need to be represented and heard from so we can work together as we seek God’s leading for what Fresno Christian can be.”
From improving the Bible curriculum to implementing a new lunch program, the SCC has aided in development and reformation of some of the important endeavors of FC.
“The SCC has been instrumental in developing the New Family Partnership Program, in writing the annual surveys used at the end of the year, in guiding the kinds of content desired in the Bible curriculum at FC and in developing better ways to help all students feel a sense of belonging,” Siebert said.
While it is encouraging for members to hear what is taking place on campus, there are other times in which difficult matters must be brought to the table. Although it may be uncomfortable to address certain issues, Principal Todd Bennett says that this is the only way to grow.
?Sometimes there are things that are hard to hear because we are asking for honesty and openness, but that’s the only way you can get better,” Bennett said. “At times it can get uncomfortable but that’s good. It means we are growing and we are willing to grow. The only way we can do that is to be willing to listen to what we are not doing well.?
Junior high school teacher Hallie Rojeski is one of five teachers who serves on the SCC, which she says is beneficial for giving the junior high a voice.
“As a junior high teacher, my presence on the board provides a perspective that is different from the elementary school and the high school,” Rojeski said. “Not only am I aware of junior high school activities, but I also understand the limitations junior high students have because of their age. Very often the high school perspective overlooks these situations or it is assumed that junior high and high school students are the same.”
Associated Student Body (ASB) President Chandler Vargas serves as a representative from the high school leadership team. He is glad that there is a forum where people can openly talk about the school.
“It is pretty cool to see the changes that are going on throughout the school,” Vargas said. “We are able to access what is going on in the school and then help provide students with the best possible education.”
Sherri Scott-Hunter serves on the SCC along with her sixth grade daughter Chloe. Being a parent, Hunter?s perspective is different than that of a teacher or student. She appreciates the professionalism of the council.
?The [School Community] Council validates my opinions, observations and concerns,? Hunter said. ?My comments are documented in written formal minutes and they are followed up with an action plan.?
Being a parent, Hunter says she appreciates that the board invests their time and energy into bettering the school. She also says that she is grateful that the council is made up of people who share the same faith.
?We have the same core beliefs which keeps us on the same page,? Hunter said. ?Our intentions are pointed in the same direction: upward.?
The SCC will continue to meet once a month and is open for the public to come view. The next meeting will be held on Nov. 14. Typically the SCC meets the second Monday of every month, however, dates may vary depending on the current schedule. Future meeting dates will be published in the announcements. For more information on the SCC, email Siebert.
For more features, read the Oct. 27 article, New cheer coach energizes program (VIDEO).
