January, 2021
Vol. 9, Issue 4
FOR THIS DAY
From left to right: Laura, Josh and Bill Rauhauser
Rauhauser Family: Jump In With Both Feet! Reenrollment is just around the corner, and students will have a number of electives to choose from which will enhance their overall educational experience. Electives and extra-curriculars offer students a chance to learn and grow in ways they can’t in a traditional classroom. Parents also benefit from this involvement as they have the opportunity to fellowship with other moms and dads as volunteers and as fans in the stands. The Rauhauser family knows first hand the merits of getting involved at CDA. In this For This Day, Dr. Bill Rauhauser shares why he, his wife Laura, and son Josh (junior) have jumped at every opportunity to be a part of the Coram Deo Academy culture. Josh and Caleb Skelly during track Coram Deo Academy
www.coramdeoacademy.org
1
FOR THIS DAY – GET INVOLVED! Tell us about your family?
We are a family of three with dad Bill, mom Laura, and 11th grade son Joshua. I was a chiropractor for 23 years before retiring and now I am involved in real estate. Laura was a travel agent before Josh was born and has been a stay-at-home mom since then. Josh has been at CDA since kindergarten.
How did you land at CDA?
We had three different families that were DEAR friends and CDA families even before Joshua was born: The Bowens, the Grahams, and the Brandenburgers. We were so impressed with the quality and spiritual knowledge of their kids and we loved the classical and collaborative model as well as the education taking place within a Biblical world view. But even then, we didn’t fully know what to expect.
“I would say Laura and I jumped in with both feet and really haven’t “jumped out” yet!”
Lionhearted Josh
What was your first year at CDA like? Did you jump into groups right away or did you stand back and get a feel for the landscape first? We are a pretty extroverted family and from the minute we started at CDA we had some immediate friendships with other families from Joshua’s class. At that time, I was practicing chiropractic full time, but that “full time” still was only three days per week. That left me a lot of time to be involved as a Dad, as well as helping on those home school days. But Laura was the rock who kept it all going. I would say Laura and I jumped in with both feet and really haven’t “jumped out” yet!
What is the first group you and/or Josh joined, and what was that experience like?
Caach Rauhauser at Track & Field There weren’t any real “groups” when Josh was in kindergarten other than the Tuesday/Thursday families. We all became very close and still are (as well as the many “newer” families that came to CDA later). We could never have imagined the depths of our friendships with the fellow CDA parents. When Joshua hit fifth grade, he started with band and choir and then in logic school, he began running track. But we have always been so amazed with his close relationships in that class no matter what the kids do. Some of his dearest friends play football, basketball, baseball,
“And we would never trade the sense of accomplishment and the “well-roundedness” all of these activities have provided.”
2
www.coramdeoacademy.org
Coram Deo Academy
cheer, etc., and there really aren’t any “divisions” in that class based on your activities. They all hang out, as do the parents.
As your time at CDA progressed, what are some other ways you plugged into the school?
We have been deeply involved at CDA the whole time. We became a part of the band booster team and a few years ago I started coaching junior high track and currently help with varsity track. I also coached varsity boys basketball last year and am excited to assist Coach Kelly this year with the varsity boys. The connections through those groups, as well as through the fellow parents, have been incredibly deep. Laura and I cannot imagine what our life and Joshua’s life would be without CDA. We truly Josh in Symphonic Band thank God every day for bringing CDA into our lives. We truly love this school, the faculty, staff, parents, and students and especially this 11th grade class that we have watched grow up into amazing young men and women.
How does Josh balance participation in extracurriculars and academic rigor?
First, I am so thankful to have a school that encourages extracurricular participation. I (Bill) was that kid in high school that played in the band and also played football, basketball, and track. Mixing those was always a hassle. I love that CDA is a school that supports the arts as well as athletics and Josh has benefitted from that support. He runs track but is also involved in band and choir. This year he is also sharing duties as the CDA Lion for football games! So many of his classmates do multiple activities as well. We learned that you need to be disciplined in getting the work done because the education IS rigorous. There have been difficulties through the years and some late nights doing homework. However, as Josh has gotten older, he is SO much more prepared for college that we ever were. The time management skills he has learned are invaluable as well.
It can be difficult to manage all of these different activities. Is it worth it? All we can say is that even
though it has been difficult, it has been 100% worth it. His friendships, his confidence, his time management skills all have blossomed. And we would never trade the sense of accomplishment and the “well-roundedness” all of these activities have provided.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (Rauhauser favorite family verse) Caach Rauhauser on the basketball court
Coram Deo Academy
www.coramdeoacademy.org
3
What advice do you have for parents who are new to the school or those who have not yet joined any groups?
Come to CDA and jump in with both feet! This school has been the biggest blessing. We have told so many people how God dropped CDA in our lap and it was THE BEST decision we have ever made as parents. Joshua has friendships that will last a lifetime and we do too. It is not an exaggeration to say our lives have been forever changed and blessed by these years at CDA. Our Christian walk and our relationships will never be the same. Again, we thank God every day for this place!
“I love that CDA is a school that supports the arts as well as athletics and Josh has benefitted from that support.” CDA Christmas
Parent Resources
PTF (Parent Teacher Fellowship) - partnering with CDA FM making our school a great community PTF President: Nicole Hofley **To volunteer, please contact Nicole Hofley Moms in Prayer - meets Tuesdays and Wednesdays after drop-off Contact: Kandis Autrey P2P - mentoring new families Contact: Jacque Younger Idea Exchange - for families for grades Pre-K to 4th Contact: Jennifer Jaetzold
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6
Straight Talk - for families of grades 5th to 12th Contact: Jacque Younger Staff Liaison: Kristan Williams
4 4
www.coramdeoacademy.org
Coram Deo Academy
CDA boys at the lake
Josh with classmates at Prom
Coram Deo Academy
www.coramdeoacademy.org
5 5