At the same time, these students are also spending part of their first week back in Agriculture class out in the fresh air, getting our school garden ready for spring.

Hearts were heavy this week to hear of the passing of Phyllis Crouse, former Red Bird School teacher and librarian on Saturday. The Red Bird School Alumni Association (RBSAA) formalized her status with the Living Legend Award in October, but students and staff knew many years ago that Phyllis Crouse was a Red Bird legend.

In a season of personal loss, my heart longed for a bit of joy.  Then the Lord gave me that gift through my 8th Grade Bible Class as we practiced and performed our “Cardinal Christmas Cookie” puppet show. 

Christmas in Appalachia is tender and complicated. Money is tight most of the year, and it stretches even thinner when parents start picking out gifts and planning Christmas dinners.