(by: Geoff Brown)

I begin with an entirely true story which unfolded on this campus less than one month ago. Jack’s very first day of school ever. He is three-years-old and, with a newly minted six-month-old sister, he is the oldest child in the family. In the form of innumerable pictures, videos, Facebook posts, Instagrams, and (because his parents are young and hip) a few TikTok posts, history would record Jack’s perfectly styled and gelled hair, his spotless and spanking new outfit, a fresh Lightning McQueen backpack, a never-been-used lunchbox with all of his favorite Avengers, and a water bottle which stood nearly as tall as he. (And though it stands taller than a skyscraper, he’s scheduled to lose that expensive water bottle in about three weeks,) Of course, paternal and maternal grandparents are on hand. Dad has taken the day off from work.

The drop-off is perfect. No tears. Teacher nailed it. Surrounded by twenty similarly dressed-up peers, all of whom have also been on the planet for just over 36 months, this group very likely includes his future-best-friend, a young lady that will someday be his first homecoming date, and the knucklehead that will someday be on the receiving end of the very first punch he will ever throw, Jack sits down for circle time. Then, twenty minutes in, Jack stands up and teacher watches as he goes over to the cubbies, gathers up his belongings, and heads to the door.

The TA jumps up like she’s been bit. The teacher exclaims, “Jack, where are you going? Don’t you want to sit on your dot in the circle with your friends?” True story: Over his shoulder and still making his way to the door, Jack responds, “No, I’m good. This was super fun but I think I’m ready to go home.” Twenty minutes. That’s all that Jack had in the tank. Teacher had prayed and then started up with the whole “alphabet” thing. Mom had tried that at home. He wasn’t impressed and entirely certain that the alphabet wouldn’t be playing an important role in his future.

Funny story, yes. But, here’s the thing. Dad and Mom are about to find out that parenting is a whole “all hands on deck” kind of deal. In the last four weeks, we have learned that Jack has a condition which we in the alphabet industry describe this way: “He’s a bit of a handful.”

At Northwest Christian, the Jacks are our favorites. They are so much more than just “Hey, let’s write a cute story about him in the Spotlight!” The Jacks are the ones that look the prevailing culture right in the eye and are unafraid to seek what they learn to be best. And, parents, its our jobs, together, to convince the Jacks what is best. Sure, along the way, he’s going to get some bumps and bruises, but he’s also going to give some bumps and bruises. To be sure, Jack is going to be a difference-maker.

In case you were starting to wonder, yes, your kid is Jack. Sure, I changed the name, but, yes, I am writing about your kid. (Your kid may be named “Jill” but trust me — all of this and more besides apply to sweet little Jill — but that is a different Spotlight story for another day!)

So, a word to the wise: the sooner we recognize and embrace it, the better served Jack and Jill will be — parenting is the ultimate all-hands-on-deck kind of fire drill. And, folks, we need help. It’s nothing personal. Why? Because we all need help. As we kick off the 2025/2026 school year, don’t sit idly by and wait for that first phone call or email home regarding Jack. Let’s all commit to get on the stick, and — because I’m a licensed alphabet professional, I can do this — I’m giving you homework…let’s establish the community that will help…

1. Go to church. I’m not mincing words on this one. Don’t just “go to church”. When you go, get Jack involved. And, remember, he will ultimately follow your example in terms of the sincerity of his commitment to church.
2. Do the Red Letter Challenge with Mr. Brown. And, when it’s over, keep going. God’s word in your home means hope and truth. I promise: There are no exceptions and no substitutes. RedLetterChallenge.org
3. Axis is a powerful parenting resource that you will find invaluable. Through the Culture Translator, podcasts, videos, and many other resources, they provide the answers to the parenting questions you don’t even know about yet. Sign up here. (Don’t wait. Do it now.)
4. Summit Ministries is another potent resource and they have been a crucial contributor to the culture and curriculum of Northwest Christian. Right now, if you sign up for their mailing list and resources, they will send you an impactful book for free: “Raising Gender-Confident Kids”. Again, don’t wait – sign up now.
5. Take advantage of Northwest Christian’s Parent University. Partnered with Christian Family Care, we have provided dozens on online parenting courses that are crucial. NorthwestChristianParentUniversity.com

Make no mistake: little Jack is “Imago Dei”, created in the image of God for His purposes. We cannot wait to tackle the year ahead and make certain that we get him there. To that end, let’s do our homework!

Geoff Brown is the Superintendent of Northwest Christian School located in Phoenix, AZ. Northwest Christian School is one of the largest private Christian schools in the state of Arizona and the only ACSI Exemplary Accredited school in the state.

This post is sponsored by NCS Online. NCS Online is a fully online K-12th grade Christian school providing an online education that is rigorous, affordable, and rooted in Biblical worldview. To learn more about NCS Online, visit NCSonline.org.