The Spartan Blog

As the school year draws to a close, it's easy to get swept up in the whirlwind of final tests, field days, and end-of-year ceremonies. But in the midst of the chaos, we want to offer you a simple but meaningful challenge: take time to notice how your child has grown this year… and tell them!

From the first day of school last August to now, your child has changed. Not just in shoe size or reading level, but in heart, character, and resilience. These changes are worth discussing and celebrating!

We encourage every parent in the Calvary Christian School family to set aside intentional time this week to have a one-on-one conversation with your child about the growth you've seen in them. If you aren't sure where to start on an intentional conversation like that, you can use the prompts below to help:

• Academic Growth - Have they taken more ownership of their learning? Improved in a difficult subject? Learned how to ask better questions or manage their time more effectively?
• Spiritual Maturity – Have they shown a deeper understanding of God’s Word? Asked hard questions? Made a decision to live more obediently or love more sacrificially?
• Character Development - Have you seen new levels of responsibility, kindness, perseverance, or humility? Have they handled a tough situation better than they might have a year ago?
• Relational Strengths - Have they become a better friend, peacemaker, or teammate? Have they navigated conflict in a more Christlike way?
• Resilience and Grit - Have they pushed through something hard without giving up? Faced failure and gotten back up? Trusted God when it wasn’t easy?

As parents, it’s tempting to always look ahead; what’s next, what’s not yet done, what still needs work. But the gospel reminds us to be people who give thanks, who mark the moments of God’s faithfulness. Your child is not the same person they were nine months ago and that’s a testimony of God's sanctifying work in them.

“Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 1:6

Why It Matters
When you name the good you see in your child, you’re not just building their confidence, you’re reminding them that their growth matters more than grades or achievements. You’re showing them what it means to “encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
And as you speak these truths over your child, you model the love of our Heavenly Father, who delights in our growth and rejoices over every step we take toward maturity in Christ.

How can I start that conversation?
If you’re not sure how to take that first step, here’s a conversation starter!

“I’ve been thinking about how much you’ve grown since school started in August. Can I share a few things I’ve noticed and appreciated about you this year?” Bring a journal. Grab ice cream. Take a walk. Let it be natural, but make it meaningful.

It’s a joy to play a role in our students' growth, and we’re thankful God has called us to this work, and we’re grateful for parents like you!

So pause. Look back. And thank God for the good work He’s doing. We have much to be thankful for!