OCCS: A Beautiful Mosaic Of Heart, Purpose

Jim Kevlin/HOMETOWN ONEONTA
Pausing to pray at the end of a program Wednesday, April 26, at Oneonta Community Christian School are, from left, Olivia Hilgers, Frances Hanbridge, Kaylin Hastings, Joseph D’Amico, Owen Naples and Kaili Youngs.

We recently learned of the closing of St. Mary’s School in Oneonta, and are sincerely grieved for the families and staff. 
Having been born and raised in Oneonta, the parochial school has always been a part of the tradition and heritage that parents could opt for in educating their children.  Many of my closest friends at Oneonta High School joined us after completing eighth grade at St. Mary’s.   It is truly unfortunate that our community now has one less choice for uniquely educating our children. 
Parents are left with the dilemma of “what now?”  For the uninitiated, attending a small private school is more than an academic experience.  The students, parents and teachers bond and become an extended family.  A break-up of the “family” causes much sadness and pain, as it does when any other relationship dissolves.     
As the administrator/principal of a small private Christian school, I would like to address the need for educational choices.  School is not a “one size fits all” kind of experience. 
I have many friends who teach in the public schools, and they are excellent educators.  Public education has a long-standing history that has served well for many. 
However, education is changing.  Parents need to know there are quality alternatives. This letter is a personal invitation to parents in our community to explore the positive possibilities for your children at Oneonta Community Christian School.
The Christian school is more than an academic institution, thus the “family” metaphor seems most appropriate.  There is a collective sense of purpose, values, morals and spiritual foundation.  Our unique culture at OCCS enhances our student’s preparation for life after graduation. 
With a Biblical worldview, we seek to help each student identify their God-given gifts and abilities, and how to apply them. 
As a little girl, I remember a plaque in my grandmother’s kitchen that read:  “What we are is God’s gift to us.  What we become is our gift back to God.”  Civic responsibility, college, future careers, occupations, family life, missions, ministry work and service within the community are essential components of education. 
OCCS includes Pre-K through 12th grade.  Registration with the State of New York insures that the tenants of our curriculum comply with state requirements for high-school graduation.  Additionally, two years of Latin, SAT prep classes, and Middle States-accredited college courses with adjuncts from Davis College, Johnson City, help our students to be well prepared for college.  Serious attention to curriculum development (scope and sequence), the differentiation of each child’s learning style and speed of development are personalized in a small school setting. 
The successful student needs a spiritual foundation coupled with the pedagogy of a professional staff, and a supportive home life.   In addition to academic excellence in the traditional subjects, priority is given to prayer and learning to seek Godly wisdom.   We encourage parental involvement in the classroom and with special projects.  The annual Christmas drama, filled with musical and artistic talent, is often orchestrated by gifted parents.  I love to remind moms and dads: “You are the main educators of your children!  We just fill in the gaps.”
      On a larger scale, a non-denominational Christian school represents community.  It is a beautiful mosaic of many different Christian denominations coming together with like hearts and purpose.  There is a sense of unity in the differences, as families pray together, share responsibilities and seek Christocentricity as the common denominator.
Communication, deferring to the preferences of others, and respecting one another go a long way in setting a positive  example for our young men and women.  We are a little school with a BIG mission. Our local area benefits first hand, as we seek to offer another educational option for the greater Oneonta community. 

Jane M. Cook is administrator/principal of Oneonta Community Christian School, 158 River St. She may be contacted at 432-0383.