“Everything we do, everything we offer and teach is what the parents would want and teach in their homes. We are an extension of home and church. We represent the parents values, family values,”said Dr. Cy Smith, Superintendent of Mansfield Christian School.
For over 50 years Mansfield Christian Schools has had a unique partnership with its parents and community. Located at 500 Logan Road in Mansfield the private Christian-based school is dedicated to providing the best, well-rounded education as well as training students to develop a mature relationship with Christ.
That support and commitment between the parents of their students and the staff of Mansfield Christian is what Smith believes has enabled the school to thrive and become a leader in the faith-based educational sector.
”Healthy communities have great school choices and we are significant in Christian Education,” said Smith.
As a private school the relationship between parents, students and community, according to Smith, is the backbone of their existence. That can be challenging at times, Smith shared, especially when there are economic factors that are out of their control. Fundraisers and private donations are the schools primary resource for funding. For an operating budget that is about 80 percent tuition driven and approximately 20 percent donation dependent, community support is key.
One example of fundraising that is critical to ensuring the school’s ability to operate is the 2013 Walk-a-thon. The 5k will take place Friday, October 4 from noon to 2 p.m. and includes participants from grades K-12, parents and the community. The event is in its third year and typically about 500 people will participate in the walk which takes place on school grounds.
In the past, the event has raised about $20,000, this year the goal is to reach $30,000. Proceeds will go towards upgrades such as new lighting for the elementary classroom,computers for the secondary lab and digital signs to improve communication announcements to families. Marketing will also benefit from funds generated by the walk-a-thon. With improved communication and connection to families in mind, the school hopes to be able to implement a new and innovative opportunity by being the first school to introduce its own app.
“What a great source of communication, the ability to provide access to information and to engage the parents with everything school related,” said Smith
The Tuition Assistance Fund will also benefit from proceeds raised by the event. Smith believes it is important to provide assistance to families struggling due to economic reasons. According to Smith the school has provided tuition related assistance to approximately 20 percent of families in the past.
In addition to the walk-a-thon the students are involved in many fund raising events throughout the year.
The athletic department holds an annual golf outing, student auctions and bake sales raise money for field trips.
The Annual Fund Banquet has been a traditional venue for community support for the past ten years. The free event will be held October 18 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Mansfield Christian Multi Purpose Room.
State Representative Mark Romanchuk and Dr. Drew Landry, Pastor from the Spotswood Baptist Church in Fredericksburg, Virginia are scheduled guest speakers.
Proceeds of the dinner are dedicated to the Tuition Assistance Program and the building debt for the early childhood wing constructed in 2008.
With two children attending Mansfield Christian, parent and supporter B.J. Mahek will cater the event. Dessert will be provided by What’s 4 Dessert in Mansfield. Entertainment will be provided by Colonial City Quartet. Reservations are recommended before October 11 as seating is limited.
Smith has served as MCS Superintendent for the past six years but has a total of twenty-two years of service and dedication. A student himself, Smith graduated in 1987, taught high school History for about four years and served as high school principal for twelve years.
“A great deal of my job is development and fund raising, reminding people why it’s a good reason to support MCS,”said Smith.
Smith believes in the goal of MCS, to provide the best education possible: To not only teach their students “what” in regards to subject matter but to also teach them “why.”This approach Smith believes will enable students to graduate and continue their education and life in a manner that will ensure success, intellectually, as well as spiritually.
”Healthy communities have great school choices and we are significant in Christian Education,” said Superintendent Cy Smith.
