NEW CITY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Pressing on. Persevering. As 2011 winds down, at New City we simply cannot let up! Each day we must be ready to meet the challenge of preparing our students to understand suffixes, square roots, and ancient Greece, but also the challenge of questions such as “Is Jesus a character in the Bible?”, “Do I have to do this homework?”, and statements such as “I really miss my Dad. He moved out.” or “My brother is in jail again.” Though at times these challenges seem overwhelming, we press on. Like Paul in Philippians 3, we are able to press on because we have a goal, an upward call, and because Christ Jesus has made us His own.

One of our big themes at New City is the concept of “TEAM”. Last year 100% of our 3rd grade students tested above the 50th percentile on their combined math and reading scores, far outpacing their counterparts in the public system. We know these results would not have been possible without two great teams: a team within the school working directly with students, and a team on the outside praying and giving. Our goal for 2011 is to add 4th grade, which will require hiring an additional teacher and equipping an additional classroom. We have brought our current 3rd graders a long way, but believe they still need additional years with the kind of intensive and deliberate program we have created at New City in order to solidify their academic gains. Such an endeavor will require the devoted partnership of many! We believe strongly that Jesus had a deep commitment to the poor, the downtrodden, and the disadvantaged. We also believe that as He calls us to care for “the least of these”, He promises joy in the journey, for both our staff working at the school, and the team of givers who make their work possible.

As we press on with our work at New City, we invite you to continue this journey with us. As our Principal Lori Woods puts it, “This school is about putting students on a path for success, putting them in the best possible position to succeed. I want them to be able to use every possible resource and opportunity that is put in front of them. No child should leave this building thinking they don’t have a purpose.” Please pray for us with this vision in mind! We need wisdom, guidance, protection, and strength each day. We still need $14,000 to cover our operating expenses for the remainder of this school year, and also anticipate a budget increase of at least $50,000 in order to offer 4th grade next year. New City families all pay some tuition, but 90% of our budget comes from individuals, churches, and organizations desiring to participate in our mission by giving. Your giving enables us to make this vision a growing reality on Walton Street, in one of the most challenging neighborhoods in Asheville.

May you experience the joy of this journey, as we do!