February is upon us. From science and college fairs to the beginning of the Lenten season, the month will end just before the end of the third quarter and promises challenges but also celebrations—the 25th Anniversary Gala this Saturday, a four-day weekend, and our annual class ring ceremony. Most importantly, as Psalm 73 reminds us, we can by faith affirm that—
Yet I was always in your presence; you were holding me by my right hand. You will guide me by your counsel and so you will lead me to glory.
Let's have a great month ahead, and let us not cease to pray for each other. (And make sure you keep reading! The letter below is a special sneak preview—for CT readers only!—of a one-of-a-kind item to be offered for your consideration at this weekend’s gala!)
Your servant,
Matthew David Watson
Head of School
* * * * *
Dear Atonement Family,
Thank you for considering a bid on a truly one-of-kind experience for your child. Serving as your Head of School is a responsibility that I take very seriously, but also genuinely enjoy. This spring, one Atonement student will have the privilege of sharing in that enjoyment. Will it be your son or daughter?
The day—on an agreed upon date—will unfold as follows:
Student will array himself/herself in professional attire appropriate to his/her new role.
Student will join Mr. Watson in greeting the student body at morning carline, followed by his customary morning inspection of classrooms. Student will then be briefed on the business of the day and queried for advice and direction in the conduct of that business.
Student will gather with Mr. Watson and the Deans for a (catered) lunch, over which we will discuss Academy affairs, with special attention paid to our young associate’s vision and sagacity relating to these matters.
Student will be summoned early to carline in order to close out the day by checking in with parents and offering general well-wishing to departing students.
In between these official duties, the student will retire to his/her classroom to carry on with his/her studies, but special provision will be made to ensure that these studies are not onerous to the point of interfering with the day’s administrative duties.
I would typically never presume to instruct others on the use of private funds, but on this occasion, ladies and gentlemen, I think I am well within the tradition of Christian decency and pecuniary modesty when I say that I expect the Academy will be well-compensated for the bestowal of this high honor.