Administrator's Corner

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: BRUSSELS SPROUTS OR CARROTS?

I loathe Brussels sprouts, and I despised them as a kid, yet my parents made me eat them. One of my worst fears as a child was the sight of those dark green vegetable orbs sitting on MY plate. There was no punishment dreaded more than being told I would have to eat all my Brussels sprouts. The mere thought still makes me gag. My mother said I would learn to like them; I did not! I have not! I will not!

Now I like carrots, whether raw or cooked, in my salad or in my stew. I owned several horses at one time, and horses go bananas over carrots. In fact, a great reward for a horse is a fresh, crisp carrot. Their eyes get big, and they paw the ground as soon as you pull one of the bright orange sticks from your pocket.

This brings up the old adage about the “carrot or the stick.” You know the meaning of that phrase, right? Is it easier to motivate someone, be it a child, a student (or a donkey), through using the “carrot or the stick?” What is your perspective? Is it better for a teacher or parent to exclusively use the stick to punish and prod, or is it better that they use the dangled carrot to lure the pupil along the desired learning path.

My personal perspective is that we need to use both the carrot and the stick and to do so flexibly, in balance and as individually as possible. I find that parents and (and sometimes teachers ) get locked in to either the carrot or the stick method. Some parents love the “stick,” but forget the value of carrots and rewards. Others love to give rewards (carrots) but forget or fear using appropriate consequences administered with love and consistent with the offence.

And doesn’t the Bible teach both methods of motivating? Solomon wrote “He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him (Prov. 13:24)” And “do not withhold discipline from a child, if you punish him with the rod, he will not die (Prov. 23:13). Yes, I know that sparks a debate over corporal punishment, but that is not my point, and I don’t think that was Solomon’s primary point either. Regarding balance in this matter, Paul counseled fathers to not “exasperate” their children in how they administrate discipline.

Regarding rewards, Jesus said "Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done (Rev. 22:12)” and David stated to Saul, “The Lord rewards every man for his righteousness and faithfulness” (I Sam. 26:23). Sometimes offering a trip to Magic Mountain for good behavior might be as effective as grounding the student/child for the weekend.

Do we use Brussels sprouts or carrots? Is the choice for motivating more about the punishments or rewards? It is not an either - or! It’s a “both!” Your job, my job, is to figure out with God’s help what is appropriate to the situation and the unique student.

2010-03-15

Dear FCHS Families:

I wanted to give you a brief retreat review, and let you know some of the things we saw God doing at Pine Valley Bible Camp.

Pastor Mark Hoffman gave the two keynote messages. On Tuesday night he spoke from Isaiah 6 about our need and desire to see God for who he really is, and from Luke 12:49 on Wednesday night primarily concerning the fire of God falling upon us either to melt us to respond to Him or for judgment for not. Both messages evidenced the power of God, and most of the student body responded to invitations Wednesday night. Michael Best led us in worship and his band was awesome. God used their music to prepare the way. Thursday morning during our chapel time many students and staff testified how God had met them and was changing them. We will continue some of that sharing this next Tuesday at chapel, as we ran out of time. It was awesome to hear the students share their experiences with the living God!

Assistant Principal, Linn Dunton, shared with the girls in a split session Wednesday morning her personal spiritual journey and the value and need to have a personal time with God. I heard many positive remarks about her sharing. Bill Nigh shared with the young men during that same time about chivalry (Ask your male student how to set the silverware in a formal setting!) and manners and how that can have an impact on the future girl of your dreams. We actually put some of it to practice at the Wednesday evening meal, with the guys setting all the tables for the ladies. It was amazing, and the camp staff shared that they had never seen any group do anything like it.

The kids played a myriad of games and competitions, and we came away with no major injuries (Thank you, Lord!), but quite a few bumps and bruises. We did keep the camp nurse, Laurie Ibanez pretty busy! The kids demonstrated a lot of team work, and thankfully, we had a minimum of pranks. Yes, those who played paintball might have been left with a welt or two. I played that crazy war game, but no one could seem to hit me! However, few students felt their principal needed a cooling off period and filled a rather large clothes basket with cold water and drenched (that is a significant under statement) him. I guess it goes with the territory!

All the staff and cabin leaders worked sacrificially on our student’s behalf, and there is no way to thank them enough. If you know one of them, tell them you appreciated their labors.

Thanks too to all of you who prayed for the retreat and please don’t stop praying. We appreciate every one of those prayers, but God is not done yet, and we want Him to continue to work throughout the school year in our student and staff lives.

Blessings to each of you!

Tom Edelen
Principal, Foothills Christian High School

2009-10-02

Year Book Letter From Mr. Thomas C. Edelen

The “tides of change!” What a great theme to consider! I confess I don’t always like change. It can be uncomfortable and disquieting, and change prompts me to ponder whether I am adequate for the future, which I can neither see nor predict! Sometimes I like what I know, because I have been there and survived. Sometimes I think change is abnormal or aberrant!

However, change is wired into the very fabric of the universe. We see it all the time, although we may only casually consider it. The seasons testify to us about change. Those same seasons reflect how our planet alters its tilt and distance from the sun on a yearly basis. Night brings on day, and clouds hide the sun only to move on revealing its warm rays. God gave his initial command to the very first couple, telling them to “be fruitful and multiply.” The Creator knew from the very moment that first child came crying into the world, Adam and Eve lives would ripple with change.

Yes, I resist change, and yet, I think there are times it would be healthier to embrace it, to face it and call on God to empower to meet it. These truths give me security in and through the winds of change. The Almighty declares, “I, the Lord do not change! (Malachi 3:6)” Therefore, His strength and promises are constant and sure, and I may rest in Him. To Joshua, a leader who was charged with transitioning an entire nation through a leadership change, God shared, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9).” We can all stand with Paul who learned that contentment is not a matter of financial stability, abundance, or even the lack thereof, but the assurance that, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13).”

I personally want to thank Loren and Paula Naffziger for leading our school through so many changes over the past six years. God has used them to build a solid foundation for the future. They have taught me personally a lot, and they have served and devoted themselves to the students with the love of Christ. Thank you, Loren and Paula.

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven” wrote a very wise king. This has been a season of transition for Foothills Christian High School, but change and transition are not things that must be shunned or feared. Rather, they can be embraced enthusiastically with hope in the confidence that our God is constant, and He will accompany us wherever he leads!

God riches to every student and their family

Thomas C. Edelen, Interim Principal of Foothills Christian High School

2009-04-20

Booster Club Members:

Platinum - Traffic - Tech; Cal Pacific Mortgage; Jack Goodall Family Foundation; John Gibson

Gold - Mr. and Mrs. Rob Atterbury

Silver - Jerry Leaf, Lindsay family

Bronze - Foley family

To all of you that are going beyond the call of duty - we thank you for your support and sacrifice. God bless you for all that you do to bless the faculty, students, and staff of this school.

How can I participate?

Platinum members contribute 1,000 dollars or more to Foothills Christian High School.

Gold members contribute 500 to 999 dollars to Foothills Christian High School.

Silver members contribute 250 to 499 dollars to Foothills Christian High School.

Bronze members contribute 100 to 249 dollars to Foothills Christian High School.

2004-11-02