Before the First Bell

Before students fill the hallways, before backpacks are zipped and first-day jitters give way to familiar routines, something beautiful has already been happening at Cornerstone.

Our teachers have been praying. They've been praying over class lists and classroom doors. They've been thanking God for the students He has entrusted to them. They've been asking Him to prepare hearts, not only the hearts of their students, but their own.

As we begin a school year centered on our theme, Love God. Love Others., it's only fitting to pause and look behind the classroom doors. Because while lesson plans have been written and bulletin boards have been hung, what has been happening in the hearts of our teachers is even more meaningful.

Head of School David Raines shared a simple reminder that captures the heart of this year’s theme: "Loving God. Loving others. If we can get this right, everything else will flow from it."

Those words reflect the foundation of everything we do at Cornerstone. Before academics, athletics, activities, and achievements, we want our students to know and live out what matters most: loving God and loving others.

Again and again, one theme surfaced as we asked faculty to share what God has been teaching them this summer: they are expecting Him to move! 

For Mrs. Vehrs, that confidence comes from remembering that God has never changed. "The Bible tells us that God is the same God," she shared. "He has blessed Cornerstone, He is blessing us, and He will bless us. Because He is God."

Hebrews 13:8 reminds us, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."

That same confidence has been growing in Mrs. White's heart as she's reflected on God's faithfulness through every generation. Throughout the summer, God has impressed upon her "the urgency and need to share about Him constantly with this generation of students," remembering that "One generation commends your works to another" (Psalm 145:4). What a beautiful reminder that Christian education is about so much more than preparing students for the future, it's about preparing hearts for eternity.

Others simply expressed what so many across campus are praying.

"I'm expecting to see Jesus move in our hearts," wrote Amanda Winkler. "I'm praying for everyone on campus to EXPERIENCE GOD in a real way this year."

And Mrs. Nguyen summed it up beautifully: "I expect great things from a wonderful God!" As many new families join the Cornerstone community this year, she looks forward to sharing "the treasure we have at our amazing school" while praying that every student and staff member develops an authentic faith that shines Christ's light to those around them.

Those hopes naturally overflow into the classroom.

Of course our teachers want students to grow academically, but their prayers reach far beyond report cards and test scores. They are asking God to build confidence, perseverance, kindness, courage, and character, qualities that reflect hearts learning to love God and love others.

Mrs. Richardson shared that she is expecting growth "not just in math skills, but in confidence, perseverance, and character." God has been reminding her to slow down, trust His timing, and focus on "what matters most, loving others well." Her prayer is that every student knows they are deeply loved by God, discovers the gifts He has given them, and uses those gifts to glorify Him.

She also offers a reminder every student and parent can hold onto this year: "Give yourself grace. Learning is a journey, and mistakes are often where the greatest growth happens."

Mrs. Manning shares that same desire for students to grow with confidence and integrity. She is praying that they recognize they are capable of success without relying on AI or shortcuts that hinder critical thinking, while also experiencing "the fullness of God in their lives" and knowing they are "beautifully and wonderfully made."

Perhaps the sweetest thread running through every response is this: our students are already deeply loved.
Long before the first attendance is taken, they have been prayed over.

For Mrs. Jones, relationships are "above all else." She wants every family to know, "We want to get to know your family, even past academics. You are seen by us teachers." As she looks through pictures of her incoming kindergarten class, she has already been thanking God for each child, praying over every little heart, and asking Him to give teachers "spiritual eyes" to see each student's unique story.

She's also been asking God to keep her focused on "sacrificial love," reminding herself that loving others the way Jesus loves always costs something, but that every child and every family is worth that sacrifice.

That kind of love is exactly what this year's theme calls each of us to live out.

As students prepare to walk through our doors this week, they won't simply be entering classrooms.

They'll be stepping into places where they are known.

Where they are prayed for.

Where they are encouraged to be courageous.

After spending the summer in the book of Joshua, Shelly Pope hopes every student remembers these words as they begin a new year: "Be strong and courageous... for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." As she shared, "Begin this new year with confidence and courage, believing that God is with you every step of the way."

Our prayer is that every student experiences far more than an excellent education this year.

May they experience the love of Christ.

May they know they are deeply loved by God.

May they grow in wisdom, courage, kindness, and authentic faith.

And may our entire Cornerstone family, students, parents, teachers, and staff, live out these simple but life-changing words in every classroom, every conversation, every challenge, and every celebration:

Love God. Love Others.

What a beautiful place to begin. 

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The prayers have already begun, and we want you to be part of them. Be on the lookout for a new opportunity to join our Cornerstone community in praying over our teachers, students, and school year as we ask God to move in powerful ways.