Cornerstone News - December 2025

At the request of Mark Smith, Chair of the Executive Council, and Derek Harstad, President of the Board of Directors, Jody Tenold has provided the following school office update to help families understand current developments and next steps as we prepare for open enrollment and the school transition.

School Office Update

As we move closer to open enrollment and continue preparing for the transition to our new school structure, I wanted to share an update from my perspective in the school office.

There are so many pieces to coordinate and so many people working hard to coordinate them. What a blessing it is to have so many willing to put in the time, effort, and heart for our children. But honestly, it can be difficult to keep track of it all, and I often find myself worrying about the details and how everything will come together. Then I remember who is truly in charge. This is God’s plan, not ours, and everything will happen as He wills. What a comfort that is. This truth brings me confidence and peace as we move through this process together.

Enrollment and FACTS Information

This is the area I’ve been working in most lately as we prepare for open enrollment on January 1. There is a lot to set up on the FACTS side to ensure that enrollment and financial aid applications work smoothly for families.

Once we believe everything is configured the way we want it, I will be walking through the enrollment and financial aid process step by step to check for any hiccups in the system and to help identify where families might have questions. My goal is to make this process as simple and straightforward as possible and to provide guidance as families enroll and apply for assistance. 

Tuition Support and Financial Aid

There are understandable concerns about the affordability of our new school given the tuition increase next year. I completely relate to this and fully understand the financial stress some families may be feeling. We are fortunate that all three of our churches, Mount Olive, Peace, and Eagle Lake, remain committed to providing tuition support based on individual need.

I’ve also already seen generous support coming in for the Care Share program. These gifts are coming from people who believe in what we are building together and who want to ensure that no child is held back from this Christ centered education because of finances. From what I am seeing, there is a strong desire within our school community to care for one another and to support families who need assistance.

If tuition or financial aid feels overwhelming, please reach out. I truly believe that if there is need, every child will be provided for in one way or another.

Middle School Location and Logistics

Recently, I was able to tour the new middle school campus location. It is a unique space with room for us to spread out, grow, and create something wonderful. There has been a lot of discussion about transportation between the two sites and how drop off and pick up will work, especially for families who will have children in both places. I don’t have all the final answers yet, but I know these details are being thoughtfully discussed and planned for. Everyone involved understands how important this coordination will be for families.

What I See Behind the Scenes

From my seat in the school office, I see the depth of what is happening behind the scenes. Talented and deeply committed people are quietly giving hundreds of volunteer hours to make this transition work. If you could see it firsthand, you would be amazed. It is beyond comprehension at times and a powerful reminder of the shared purpose surrounding this school. I am also reminded of a conversation I had a couple of years ago with Rachel Ulrich when we were facing uncertainty about classroom space and staffing. There was concern about where the second kindergarten class would go and who would teach what, and I found myself getting caught up in the worry. She reminded me that, in the end, we know where our children are going to school and who is teaching them. That perspective has stayed with me, especially during times of change.

Moving Forward

The unknown can be a difficult place to sit, but God is with us. Please do not hesitate to reach out to the school office with questions as we move into this next season.

Yes, you light my lamp, O Lord.

My God turns my darkness to light.

For with you I can charge against a battalion,

and with my God I can jump over a wall.

This God, his way is blameless.

The speech of the Lord is pure.

He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.

Psalm 18:28–30

Mrs. Jody Tenold - Office Manager / Bookkeeper