The Friday Finish – February 28, 2025
Overwhelming Support for Storm Relief and Recovery
It seemed that God is offering some encouragement this week through sunshine, warmer temperatures and very little precipitation after the flooding, snow and frigid temperatures last week. Families are still struggling to clean up and get homes back together, but many of you stepped up to provide resources that makes recovery possible.
An anonymous supporter pledged $10,000 to match dollar for dollar every gift to Red Bird Mission Community Aid last Wednesday. We distributed the challenge via email Wednesday evening around 6 pm EST and $10,000 was given by 11 pm EST! We contacted the donor the next day to tell the good news, and the result was another $10,000 made available for matching! The result – another $10,000 given over the past week with more coming by mail.
Responding to the outpouring of support, Mr. Jamie Collett, Red Bird Interim Executive Director said,
"Due to the generous contributions of our donors and partners, cleanup and recovery is continuing at the Mission and in our community. Your support has made a tangible difference and is profoundly appreciated."
Science Lessons from the Flood Aftermath
The flooding devastation last week served as a teaching laboratory this week for 3rd, 4th and 5th grade science students at Red Bird Christian School. The sun was shining and the temperature was perfect as Ms. Akela Smallwood took the students outside on Monday to witness firsthand how flood water moves across land and carries sediment downstream. Students observed erosion of the riverbank of the Red Bird River, and the rock and sand deposits left in the field of Red Bird Christian School after the water receded. Ms. Akela and her students found interesting rock formations and students even requested to take home their findings after the exciting science lesson.
“It was the perfect opportunity for students to see how erosion can change the land quickly. I felt the lesson was beneficial where it allowed my students to see firsthand how floods can impact the land instead of just reading about it in a book,” said Ms. Akela.
Extended School Days – “Getting in the groove!”
The extreme weather conditions this winter interrupted the school year for students at Red Bird Christian School. Non-traditional Instruction (NTI) days allowable by the Kentucky education law were “maxed out” and the required instructional days could not be fulfilled by the remaining calendar approved by the Red Bird Mission, Inc., Board of Directors for the 2024-25 school year.
Last week, Principal Jennifer Wilder met with the Red Bird Mission Education Committee to formulate a plan for making up the lost instruction time – 1) Forego spring break and Easter Monday holiday, and 2) modify the instructional time in the school day by extending the school day and removing some breaks for a period of time.
Mrs. Wilder said the extended time is helping to catch up.
“We want it to be meaningful. We added a class period to every day for four weeks. We extended extra time for elective class period classes. Teachers are getting an extra prep for each one of the five core periods.”
Asked how students and staff were settling in to the longer school day with fewer breaks, Mrs. Wilder said,
“On Tuesday, they were tired from [a longer day on] Monday. But we’re getting in the groove!”
Red Bird Squadron Leader Assesses Flood Damage
Major Danny Kelton Adams of the Red Bird Christian School Civil Air Patrol Squadron spent
Thursday with the Kentucky Wing of the Civil Air Patrol collaborating with the American Red Cross to assess flood damage in Eastern Kentucky. Their efforts focused primarily in Lee County where extensive flood damage was reported. The Civil Air Patrol collaborates with FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), the American Red Cross and other disaster relief organizations to serve and provide support to citizens who have suffered devastation from flooding incidents.
During this critical mission, Kelton and his team evaluated several properties affected by the floods. Their assessments provided valuable information aimed at supporting recovery efforts for the impacted communities. The team’s hope is that their work will assist the suffering citizens in the flood-affected areas, facilitating timely aid and support for those in need.
Employment Services for Unemployed Shared
Volunteers of America (VOA) Mid-States Work Employment Services partnered with Red Bird Mission Community Outreach on Thursday providing support for individuals in our community needing better employment opportunities. Ronnie Sizemore of VOA Mid-States spent the day at Community Outreach sharing resources available to help the unemployed and underemployed seek jobs, job training, or education needed to support their families.
VOA Mid-States Work has two programs available for residents in the Red Bird Mission service area:
1. Recovery Reintegration for individuals impacted by recovery who want to return to the workforce.
2. Workforce Reintegration for individuals who need employable skills, training, continuing education, and wraparound supportive services to maintain gainful employment.
Elementary and Middle School Volleyball Season Opens with Victory
On Tuesday night, February 25, the Red Bird Elementary and Middle
School Volleyball Cardinals get their heads in the game and vow to leave their heart on the court to work together on a mission - a mission to win against Harlan Independent on their home court of Red Bird Christian School. The A and B teams celebrated big wins against Harlan Independent in the first games of the Elementary and Middle School season at Red Bird Christian School.
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