Covid News Items

Principal's Desk

Posted: 6/16/2021

Dear Parents, Grandparents, Alumni, and Friends,

On Monday the high school students did not have their usual Bible test, because we had finished it the week before. So I gave them this short assignment:

Dear high school, I want to thank all of you so much for the things you have done this year in supporting your fellow students and others in moving through this challenging year. As we end the year, I thought it would be good for us to share some of the things for which we are thankful. Please write a few sentences or paragraphs - whatever you choose.

It was a delight and great encouragement to read their responses. In many ways it was an answer to the prayer at the end of last month's newsletter.

Oh that our children and grandchildren and all of us would come to God more and more saying, "You are my strength when I am weak; you are the treasure that I seek; you are my all in all!" May God encourage all our hearts during these unusual days, not just with the truth that God is sovereign and God is good, but also the reality that He is a personal God who draws us into a life-giving relationship with Himself.

I was especially struck by the fact that so many of them gave thanks for their relationship with God. I hope it will encourage your heart to read some of these student "thankfuls". The following 30 excerpts are each from a different high school student. May your own heart be encouraged as you read them, and may our students continue to grow in their own relationship with God, and may they be used in the lives of fellow students to grow their love for God and their joy in Him.

Even though our circumstances have changed, our God hasn't. He is still faithful, sovereign and good. He knows what is best for us and He has the power to accomplish His will. "Who is a God like our God?" I am thankful that our God does not change and that He is both sovereign and good.
I am also thankful to be in a place in my life where God's hand has been evident. He has been so good this past year, despite the challenges we faced, and I am very thankful for that.
I am so incredibly blessed by the richness of God's grace day by day. Each day I wake, and I see the rising sun, I am reminded that God is always good. He is only good, and He's always good to me. He does not treat me as my sin deserves but has crowned me with Christ's righteousness. For this, I am so thankful. I am thankful for the example of praise set by my teachers. Every day they praise God and have taught me to have a heart of praise as well.
I am thankful for chapel this year. I'm glad that we were eventually allowed to sing again. I enjoy singing and trying to learn some of the songs we sing on my guitar. So I'm thankful for chapel.
I am thankful for God always being there with me when I need him most. I am thankful for my coaches. They are Christian role models that I can look up to.
I am thankful for God's faithfulness through the many trials surrounding this year. I am thankful that even though the hardships are frustrating, that God has opened our eyes to see His blessings. I am thankful for the supernatural joy, unexplainable peace, and firm hope the Lord graciously grants.
I am thankful for Norry Christian. This school has transformed my life in an indescribable way. I am thankful for chapel. I am very thankful that we were able to have normal chapels at the end of this year. I am thankful for the people that this school has surrounded me with. Such a heart-warming and reassuring group of Christians!
I am thankful for God's faithfulness through the many trials surrounding this year. I am thankful that even though the hardships are frustrating, that God has opened our eyes to see His blessings. I am thankful for the supernatural joy, unexplainable peace, and firm hope the Lord graciously grants.
I am thankful for Norry Christian. This school has transformed my life in an indescribable way. I am thankful for chapel. I am very thankful that we were able to have normal chapels at the end of this year. I am thankful for the people that this school has surrounded me with. Such a heart-warming and reassuring group of Christians!
I am thankful for the teachers who care about their students.
I am thankful for time at home spent with friends, family and animals; friends are always there to encourage; family is always there to support; and animals are an amazing gift to lend a listening ear and look as if they understand.
I am thankful that I could spend another year with the amazing sports family that this school has made... I am also thankful that we were able to sing "He Holds the Keys" because that is one of my favorite songs that I have ever sang here (as well as "And Can It Be").
I am thankful that even with COVID, we were allowed to have chapel and sing the second half of the year. I am thankful that we also could have choir near the end of the year. I am thankful that although we had to wear masks, we could still have our classes and go on walks.
I am thankful that God is so clearly in control of everything.
I am thankful that I have a family that cares about and provides for me. I'm thankful that my parents have worked hard to give me the opportunity of coming to this school. I am thankful for the teachers and staff at NCS. I have learned a lot about various subjects, but more importantly, God's Word. Bible class has helped me grow in my faith. I hope to grow more during the summer.
I am thankful that I have had the opportunity to go to a Christian school. I am thankful we have a consistent God in a world of confusion and chaos. I am thankful for my friends.
I am thankful that Norry provided an amazing atmosphere for my high school years. I am thankful for Norry being like a second home. I am thankful for a great education. I am thankful that Norry taught me properly how to live and serve God. I am thankful for the fun memories I made.
I am thankful that we were able to have all of our sport's seasons this year (especially soccer). I am also thankful for my class and that we have been able to come to school in person and that we have been allowed to sing during chapel.
I am very thankful for the group of friends that I have at NCS. I have had so much fun with them even through this past year. I am also grateful for NCS and how it has worked in me these past years. The teaching is great, and the testimony of God's Word is expressed tremendously.
I am very thankful that I am able to attend NCS and be surrounded by such amazing people. It's truly a blessing to be able to have such a good, Christ-centered education. I'm thankful for my friends and also my family. My parents do a lot for me, and I'm very thankful that they work hard so that I can attend school. I'm also very thankful for Bible class this year because I have learned so many new and important things in order to grow closer to God. I'm looking forward to future Bible classes and seeing what next year holds.
I'm also thankful for the staff this year. The office ladies are always a joy to talk to, and it's always fun to go down there at some point during the day. The teachers have been understanding and helping while also somehow making classes fun. From the office ladies to the teachers, the staff has greatly contributed to a fun year.
I'm especially thankful for NCS, and the firm foundation my time here has given me, both academically and spiritually.
I'm really thankful I decided to transfer to Norry. It has been one of the best decisions I've ever made, and I'm so grateful for that. I'm so thankful for how amazing my class is. Everyone gets along so well, and it makes everyday a whole lot of fun.
I'm thankful for God's steadfastness during this unpredictable year.
I'm thankful for new special friendships that've been centered in Christ. I'm thankful that God blessed me so much to have a Christian family heritage and to have grown up in this school that points everything to God.
I'm thankful for the friendships I have gotten this year and that I felt warmly welcomed by each and every one of them. I'm also extremely thankful for having the opportunity to come to NCS to get an amazing education, and I also feel the classes prepare me more for college too.
I've gotten to have some awesome conversations with other students, as well as teachers, that I wouldn't necessarily have if I had sat with the same people every day. God has used these new friends in my life to encourage me spiritually. But apart from that, they are now really good friends.
Thankful for the opportunity to run for God's glory throughout this past track season. Thankful for God's grace extended to us to save us and allow us to have a relationship with him. Thankful for other strong Christians to encourage each other in our Christian walk and to pray for each other.
The ministry that this school provides is amazing, and I am extremely thankful that God has placed me here. I am also thankful that we were able to be in school this past year. I am very thankful for the opportunity to have chapel and worship our Savior Jesus Christ!
There are certain people I am very thankful for this year. I am thankful for (student #1), a man who has integrity, who wants to use his strengths and abilities to spread God's word, he stays strong in the most trying times, he really does use his strengths God has given him to share the Gospel to others. I am also thankful for (student #2). This guy has been such a role model to me in all of high school. He has stayed so consistent for God and has used his respected position as a great friend to just encourage me to speak on things that have eternal value. He won't hesitate to stay mature and to stand up for what is right even in the times it gets awkward if you do. I am also thankful for (student #3). He has been another guy in high school that has taught me that no matter what others are doing, doing the right things is always the best. And lastly I am thankful for (student #4). He is always a guy I can open up to, to be able to talk about my walk with Christ and how to really rethink a lot of the things I am doing. And I am thankful for (teacher) for all the grace (he) has had on me to never stop pushing me to be the person God wants me to be, even when it's hard.

By His Grace, Pastor John Rees

NCS Reopening Plan and Return to Competition Plan

Posted: 8/12/2020

As required by PDE, the NCS School Board has approved a reopening plan and a return to competition plan.

Please continue to pray for wisdom and unity as we seek to glorify God through the circumstances caused by Covid-19.

COVID information for families

Posted: 7/24/2020

Video on School Re-opening

COVID information for sports families

Posted: 6/26/2020

Video on Return To Competition

NCS Athletics Guidelines For Covid-19

COVID Update For School Families

Posted: 6/26/2020

Dear school families,

Thank you for all your prayers and support during these unusual days. Commencement turned out to be a wonderful time of worship and celebration of God's goodness to our seniors and to all of us. If you did not get a chance to watch the livestream, I would encourage you to go to livestream.com/ncs and watch some of it. What a blessing it was to hear the graduation speeches of these 18 students, and to worship with them leading the singing! We were able to use music from the recording of the last chapel of the year, when we had invited the seniors to attend. It was a precious time, and we had no idea it would provide the foundation of the worship at commencement. Amidst all the uncertainties which surround us, we have been reminded often that we have a God in whom we can trust, because He is good and He is in control! He loves us so much that He sent His precious Son to live and die in our place, and that this precious Son of God now sits on the throne.

I also want to say a HUGE THANK YOU to staff and students and parents for working so hard to make the last quarter of the year a time of continued learning and encouragement. But IT IS OUR GOAL, AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE, TO RETURN TO SCHOOL AS NORMAL AT THE END OF AUGUST. We will do what we can to follow the guidelines set out by the government. We are also mindful that the decisions made by the school districts around us will have some effect upon us, especially if they affect the transportation provided for many of you by these districts. If any of the changes that may occur should affect your ability to send your children to NCS, we will certainly refund any tuition you have already paid for the coming school year (except for the non-refundable registration and curriculum fee). However, our prayer is that all 260 students who are currently enrolled for the fall will be here, along with a few new students as well. There are already a few grades that have reached their maximum capacity for the coming year. God has been SO good to us, and we give Him all the praise for His work at NCS for these 48 years! To Him be all the glory!

By His Grace,
Pastor Rees

Note about Commencement From Pastor Rees

Posted: 5/22/2020

Dear school family,

I want to thank all of you for your cooperation and support and prayers through these difficult days. It is amazing to see all that has been accomplished by students (and teachers!) during these past 10 weeks! God is faithful, and He is abundantly good! How we praise Him through His precious Son Jesus Christ!

There are many difficult things that have come for all of us through these days, but our hearts especially go out to our seniors and their families. Commencement would have been a glorious celebration with a large class of 18 seniors and with a school family that has greatly loved and supported these young people. We would have expected several hundred people to have gathered in our gym to rejoice with these precious students and their families. Now that is not possible.

As we have wrestled with what we can do so that commencement could still be a special time for these families, our options have been limited due to the restrictions placed upon us related to the Covid-19 virus. We have decided to continue with the planned date for commencement; however, there will only be a limited number of people who will be able to be physically present. Thankfully, many more will be able to celebrate with them through our livestream. We are planning to have the commencement service in the parking lot of Emmanuel Bible Fellowship Church on Wednesday, May 27, at 6:30 p.m.

In order to care for our seniors’ families, we are making their families and invited guests our priority. There simply is not enough room for more than those who are invited by the families. While I am certain that many of you would have planned to attend, we need everyone to understand that the service cannot be open to the public or even the broader school family. We encourage you to join us through our livestream.

May the Lord continue to encourage the hearts of our school family and to work in all of our lives a confidence in our God and a joy in Christ that will be evident to all around us.

By His Grace, Pastor Rees

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update 3/21/2020

Posted: 3/21/2020

Please know that we certainly plan to follow any mandates or restrictions we receive from the government.

According to the current guidelines from the PA Department of Education (PDE), school staff are allowed to come in and assemble packets; but if that changes, we will certainly comply with that.

Our plan is still to have packets prepared for families by Monday, March 30. However, with the ever-changing situation, those plans may need to be altered.

As situations change, we will keep staff informed of anything that affects them, and we will keep families informed of anything that affects them as plans may need to be changed. We continue to pray for all of you and appreciate your prayers for us.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update 3/13/2020 4PM

Posted: 3/13/2020

ALL PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOLS WILL BE CLOSED FOR 10 BUSINESS DAYS NCS is committed to the health and safety of our families and staff. There are no known exposures at the school and we are being proactive to ensure the best health of the students. Please read the following news article: Today, Governor Tom Wolf announced that all K-12 Pennsylvania schools will be closed for 10 business days effective Monday, March 16. The administration has been working with school districts as well as state and local officials to gather input on this decision. The Wolf Administration will continue to monitor Covid-19 in the commonwealth, and at the end of 10 days will reevaluate and decide whether continued closure is needed. Governor Wolf made the following statement: We understand that these are trying times and recognize the impact of the coronavirus on our students and communities. First and foremost, my top priority as governor - and that of our education leaders - must be to ensure the health and safety of our students and school communities. As such, I am ordering that all schools in the commonwealth close for the next two weeks. Be aware that no school district will be penalized if it fails to meet the 180 day or school hours requirements. The Department of Education will work with intermediate units and other stakeholders to support school districts with any continuity of learning plans they may be pursuing. Also, the Pennsylvania Department of Education announced today that it received a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to allow eligible schools to serve meals to low income students in a non-congregate setting, such as a drive-through or grab and go, during this closure. We will also work with schools to assist them with those plans. We appreciate your collaboration as we work together to deal with this difficult issue. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not issued specific guidance on the prevention of the coronavirus in schools, we would like to share with you general guidance offered by the CDC. Continue to check the school website for updates. According to the CDC, the symptoms of someone infected with the coronavirus include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Symptoms may appear anywhere from two to 14 days after an individual has been exposed to the virus. It can be spread through sneezing and coughing, as well as by touching an object or surface containing the virus. The CDC has set forth the following guidance regarding prevention of the coronavirus:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Follow CDC's recommendations for using a face mask. Face masks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of face masks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a healthcare facility).
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the restroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water when hands are visibly dirty.

In addition to the above guidelines, we encourage you to stay home when you or your child (ren) are sick so that we do not run the risk of infecting others. The cleaning products we use in our school should be effective in killing the coronavirus. It is also suggested that Lysol spray and disinfecting wipes should be effective in killing the virus as well. More information on the coronavirus can be found on the CDC's website here. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the school office.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update 3/12/2020

Posted: 3/12/2020

While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not issued specific guidance on the prevention of the coronavirus in schools, we would like to share with you general guidance offered by the CDC.

We are following Shikellamy's guidelines on this matter, and will follow their decision on school closings.

For field trips, nothing has been cancelled yet, but that is a distinct possibility. Continue to check the school website for updates.

According to the CDC, the symptoms of someone infected with the coronavirus include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Symptoms may appear anywhere from two to 14 days after an individual has been exposed to the virus. It can be spread through sneezing and coughing, as well as by touching an object or surface containing the virus.

The CDC has set forth the following guidance regarding prevention of the coronavirus:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a face mask. Face masks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of face masks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a healthcare facility).
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the restroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water when hands are visibly dirty.

In addition to the above guidelines, we encourage you to stay home when you or your child (ren) are sick so that we do not run the risk of infecting others. The cleaning products we use in our school should be effective in killing the coronavirus. It is also suggested that Lysol spray and disinfecting wipes should be effective in killing the virus as well.

More information on the coronavirus can be found on the CDC’s website here.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the school office.