The Friday Finish - New Students, Staff & Services - A Time to Plant - A Cleaner Red Bird River Basin
- Tim Crawford
- Aug 7
- 4 min read
August 7, 2026
New Students, Staff & Services for a Wonderful Year
Red Bird Christian School (RBCS) kicked off the 2026-27 academic year Thursday as teachers reported to finalize classroom and curriculum preparations. Principal Jennifer Wilder met with staff Thursday morning to introduce new staff, new partnerships, and her vision for the upcoming year.
Mrs. Wilder said,
“We have a wonderful staff. All of our positions are full.”
“We talked about our shared calling that we reflect Christ’s character and heart.
We all have a different way of doing that because God has created us with specific gifts. I am encouraging our teachers to take that responsibility [of reflecting Christ] so seriously. We’re going to have some new students this year so it’s a heightened challenge.”
Mrs. Wilder said that two new entities are providing personnel and services. Family Health Care Associates of Kentucky (FHCA), based in Manchester, Kentucky, are placing a school nurse at RBCS on a daily basis. FHCA have already trained 15 of our staff this week about the new law regarding medications and administration of medications for students in Kentucky. The registered nurse will be available for health needs every day and doing student and staff vaccinations with no out-of-pocket expenses.
Mountain Comprehensive Care Center (MCCC) has also stepped forward to “lighten the load for our staff” according to Mrs. Wilder. Lee Francis, MCCC Director, led RBCS staff in a workshop providing them with tools to build healthy relationships and suicide prevention. A school-based therapist will be serving students, staff and their families every school day. In addition, a community support associate will be assisting around the school each afternoon with a focus on supporting the Red Bird Mission Community Outreach Aftercare program.
Mrs. Wilder offered her perspective on new partners for the coming year, “Not long after the board voted to go tuition free, we were reached out to by these two entities that are going to make a difference in our school. The board said,
“No,” to charging tuition but look at the support that suddenly fell into our lap after the decision on no tuition. I feel that is significant and I think that comes from the Lord.”
Kelly Gordon, a former teacher now teaching in her home state of Michigan, did a workshop on AI for teachers. Mrs. Wilder also noted the support partnerships from Red Bird Mission Work Camp groups made a difference in our preparation and encouragement for a positive year. Crews painted fences, hallways, and built new storage for track and field equipment. Several churches have given financial support collected at their Vacation Bible School programs and mission funds to enhance education this year.
Mrs. Wilder’s expectations for this year?
“We have a dedicated staff, an accredited program, certified teachers, so all lines are pointing towards a wonderful school year.”
A Time to Plant
Pino Brock, Red Bird Grow Appalachia Coordinator, introduced Ashley Adkins, Clay County Cooperative Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent, after opening in prayer at the Mission Annex building Tuesday evening. Ashley kept a biblical theme going by telling how he grew up working in the tobacco fields and “giving credit” to Adam and Eve for the toil mankind was given after eating the forbidden fruit. That idea was quite appropriate for introducing the topic of extending the gardening season because most folks have been battling weeds that have taken over with the abundant rainfall.
Ashley also shared some of his family’s experiences teaching his son and other young family members about the work and rewards of gardening. Practical experience and scientific information were blended together to help the 30 people present representing Grow Appalachia (GA) member households understand there’s still opportunity to grow fresh produce before the first frosts and freezes shut down the growing season.
The “GA raffle” included tomato processors, hoes, shovels, a rake, pruning loppers, canning jars and lids selected by ticket holders when the lucky number was called. Every household won a premium prize of transplants – lettuce, broccoli and cabbage – to get started right away with their fall garden.
A Cleaner Red Bird River Basin
The Red Bird River Valley communities are fortunate to have a dedicated community member like Lois Smith who brings important information and funding possibilities for improving the overall environment here in the mountains. The most recent event Lois organized as a coordinator was held Thursday evening at the Mission Annex building on Red Bird Mission’s Queendale Campus. Lois is coordinator for both the Kentucky Waterways Alliance and the Red Bird River Watershed Restoration Project.
The agenda was packed as University of Kentucky Extension Professor Brad Lee presented important info to 20 rural residents present on septic tank maintenance that can save money in these difficult economic times. The group also got an update on the Red Bird River Watershed Restoration Project.
The third item that is making a difference was information on the announcement and applications being taken to fund septic tank repairs and replacement. Lois was able to explain and answer questions about the new round of funding through Eastern Kentucky PRIDE that assists low-income households with repair and replacement of failing septic systems.
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