Gratefulness – High School Blog November 17, 2016
Psalm 126: 3
The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad.
At the end of this week, I will celebrate my two-year anniversary of serving as the High School Division Head at Parkview Baptist School. Just typing that sentence gives me chills because of the great responsibility that comes with the position at an institution like Parkview. I have learned an incredible amount in my first two years – about the school, about our families, about our students, and about myself as a leader.
As an outsider coming in two years ago, I had a different perspective on our school than many who had been at PBS for a significant amount of time. I was able to see the overwhelming amount of strengths we brought to the table, as well as seeing clearly the areas that were going to be challenges toward our progress in the future. I leaned heavily on the wisdom of Dr. Mayes to build trust and celebrate small victories. I learned from him that change does not have to happen overnight, but building healthy systems will produce the outcomes you are looking for over time. I am grateful for his confidence and investment in me.
Now that I am enjoying my third year at PBS, it feels like home. It feels like I have been a part of the PBS family for much longer than I actually have. I take pride in being an Eagle, and I love our student body. I am so appreciative of the parents who have reached out and offered their wisdom, advice, and support. We all desire for PBS to be the best school it can possibly be. We all have the same goals in mind, and it is exciting to see the progress we are making each and every day. You have probably heard me say that it is my desire for PBS to be the leading independent school in Louisiana. I believe we are well on our way to accomplishing that goal.
I was reflecting just a while ago on exactly what it is that I desire for our students at Parkview. If I had to boil it all down into a few short statements, what would they be? That is quite a challenge, and encourage you to do the same. As I narrowed it down, I came up with three statements that I would like to share with you. As I am given the honor of leading our high school, this is what I desire to accomplish for every student who walks the halls of Parkview Baptist High School:
- I want our students to know Christ. Philippians 3:10-11 says, “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.” Academic excellence, outstanding athletics, creative fine arts … those are all noble pursuits, but my ultimate desire is for our students to nurture an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.
- I want our students to feel loved and encouraged. I want every student to have someone investing in them and mentoring them, bringing out the best in each student. Life is hard, and our students are facing challenges like few of us have ever known. They need our attention, our investment, our advice, and our direction. One day soon, they will change the world.
- I want our students to be academically challenged. It may not be a popular sentiment nowadays, but I desire for our students to struggle and wrestle with their academic success. I believe they will rise to whatever standard we set, therefore, I want to set the bar high. I want them to dream big, work hard, and give every ounce of determination they can muster. I want them to be risk-takers who are not afraid of failure. We will always provide the support they need to reach beyond what they ever thought they were capable. I want them to leave PBS with confidence, a solid work ethic, and a real appreciation for all they were able to accomplish.
This is my heart’s desire. I hope it’s yours as well. I want to be a part of the Parkview family for a long time, and I am looking forward to watching the Lord’s plan for PBS continue to unfold. Thank you for partnering with us to invest in the lives of your children.
For His Glory,
Ben D. Haindel
High School Division Head