HEATHERRHODEN DIRECTOROFUPPERSCHOOLSTUDENTLIFE

Dear Viking Nation,

Welcome to Student Life 2023-2024! I wish you all could experience the excitement that we feel about what is happening on our campus as we prepare for the new school year!

As many of you know, I have spent the past 10 years serving at LCS in our elementary school, first as a 5th grade teacher and then as Assistant Principal. Prior to that, I taught at Lake Gibson High School. The Lord has definitely used this combined experience to prepare me for my new role at LCS.

Many of you have asked me, “What is student life?”, and I love being asked that question! Student life at LCS extends beyond academic excellence to encompass the spiritual growth, character development, and the holistic well-being of students in a Christcentered community. It is our desire to provide an educational environment that nurtures, challenges, equips, and empowers our students to fulfill God’s calling on their lives. Our hope is that our students will thrive in a challenging and supportive atmosphere that prepares them to be followers of Jesus in college, as career professionals, community-engaged citizens, and members of local churches

We already have so many student life initiatives in the works. This summer we had almost 50 high school student leaders attend Student Leadership University. At SLU 101 in Orlando and at SLU 201 in Washington D.C., our students heard from powerful Christian speakers and learned what servant leadership looks like. Before school starts, we will have our own Student Leadership Retreat for our newly-formed team of LCS Student Ambassadors We have 150 students who have stepped up to serve our school in this way, so we ’ re embracing their enthusiasm and desire to create a more positive school culture

We will be very intentional about building Christ-centered community this year. We are launching an Advisory Program in Middle School, implementing a house system for 5th-8th grade, increasing our club offerings, and continuing our mentorship programs We will also have more student life events outside of the classroom which will enable them to build lasting friendships and create a healthy school culture.

Our students love to serve and we want to come alongside them as they apply their faith in practical ways. We will partner with local ministries to give our students a better understanding of their mission, the needs of our community, and the many ways that we can make a positive impact on others by being the hands and feet of Jesus

The spiritual formation of our students is of utmost importance to us. Through the direction of Tim Totten, our new Director of Spiritual Cultivation and Biblical Leadership, we will have an increased focus on providing meaningful worship experiences and chapel services as well as Bible studies for all Upper School grade levels We have also launched the inaugural “SingerSongwriter’s class” to engage students in both the creative and performance aspects of leading worship In addition, we have created dedicated time to the development of our student Praise and Worship team under the direction of Jordan Burks.

One of my favorite verses is John 10:10 where Jesus says, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” My hope is that our students are able to experience an abundant life in Christ Jesus, and I’m honored that your partnership enables me to be a small part of their student life experience at LCS

Heather Rhoden Director of Student Life (6-12)