First days are always monumental. Every day is a first day for somebody—whether that be a first day of work, or a first day of retirement, or perhaps a first day of school. It’s around this time of year that we start to see more of the latter. All through someone’s childhood, and even into their young adult years, first days of school are prominent occasions for kids and parents alike. For the child, it shows that summertime is over, and it establishes a base for the next ten months of academic growth. For the parents, it’s a bittersweet day that signifies that their child is growing up and getting older.

“The first week of school really sets the foundation,” explained Northview Adventist School’s Principal, Idania Mendoza. “It starts setting the routine and habits that the students will have the rest of the school year.” Northview kicked off their first week of school on August 16th at 8:30am. To get to that day took months of preparation.

After a school year concludes, a wide assortment of tasks must be completed. The agenda usually includes multiple hours of cleaning, paperwork, and setup for the next school year. The work continues well through the sum- mer. But with the change in leadership this summer, as well as a race against the clock, getting ready for the upcoming school year was a big task. Add to that a new math curriculum, hours of training, and family medical problems, you have got an overflowing schedule. Mendoza and the school staff were concerned that they wouldn’t be ready in time for the soon arrival of students. With lots of prayer and help, they were able to meet their target, and the start of the school year was a success.

Students commenced the school year with a special morning worship with parents and students, as well as the pastors of constituent churches. Afterwards, there were several new additions to the schedule, including a morning exercise period. “Exercise helps wake us up, and also helps us focus better on schoolwork for the rest of the morning.” Mendoza told the students. Later, they also started a new science unit about birds and the scientific method. Students set two bird feeders in separate areas around the school, on the hypothesis that one area would have more bird visitors than a separate, different area.

“This year, we have 19 students in grades one through eleven,” Mendoza noted. “We also have several students from our newest constituency member, Irons, as well as students that are not part of a constituent church. There is clearly a niche for education where God is the ultimate focus.” This growth has energized the school’s constituency and board, and they are hoping for more. Public opinion polls show an increasing displeasure with the quality of education or curriculum at public schools, and school leaders are hoping that can be to their advantage. During the Annual Meeting of Northview’s constituency, chairman Gunther Schwartz said that the board hopes to increase the community’s awareness of Northview, and successfully market the school.

The students have had an excellent start of the school year. You can stay up to date by visiting their website, northviewsdaschool.org. Please continue to support Adventist Education, with both your prayers and donations