Blessing the children, school staff of Boone County

By Anne Eickstadt

ANNE EICKSTADT PHOTO Belvidere Republican
Reverend (Dr.) Bob Kopp led the school prayer blessing for the new school year in downtown Belvidere.

Editor

A Back to School Prayer Event was held in Hub Plaza near the town clock on the warm Sunday afternoon of Aug. 19. Over 30 people gathered together at 3 p.m., and more trickled in throughout the event, to pray for the students, parents, and school staff – teachers, coaches, administration, custodial staff, bus drivers, cooks, etc. – regarding their health, safety, and well being throughout the new school year.

The reasoning behind this was that gatherings are always held when tragedy strikes, but a gathering to pray safety over the schools to prevent tragedy is just as important. Make a preemptive call for safety and wisdom for all.

Everyone received information on “31 Days of Prayer” to assist in thought filled prayers for our schools:

-Physical, intellectual, and emotional growth and stability, excellence in all staff and students.

-Growth in wisdom, love, sensitivity, and fairness to and for others; kind social interaction in all of life.

-Thankfulness for creativity and for opportunities for each child to develop their God-given talents.

-For your child(ren)’s teachers by name; for insight and wisdom into each child’s needs; for patience, perseverance, and encouragement.

-For each classroom environment to be warm and inviting.

-Physical safety; God’s protection of all students, teachers, school buildings and properties from disease, weather, man-derived evils.

-A special anointing on all special education classrooms, students, and staff.

-School administration and school board decision-making, wise curriculum choices.

-Abundant provision; wise usage of all resources.

-Empathy and compassion for others to reign in every classroom; learn kindness and control of their tongues.

-Peaceful environments conducive to learning; peace within each child and staff member, no fear. Shalom.

-Appropriate, God-pleasing materials and curricula in every classroom.

-An end to all forms of bullying and violence, gang activity; for God to reign in the hearts of all

-An awareness and aversion to unhealthy/immoral habits, speech, and behavior.

-Healthy cooperation between administration, teachers, staff, and property.

-Timely revealing and resolution of anything potentially harmful to students, staff, and property.

-Parents and guardians to respect, honor, and show thankfulness to school staff.

-Godly men and women of integrity to be placed in all positions of our schools, role models who connect with our children.

-Respect for authority, good mentoring opportunities.

-Good communication between schools and school families.

-Motivation of students to do their best, laughter and joy in the halls and classrooms.

-All Belvidere schools to provide excellent education suited to each child’s needs.

-Relevant after-school programs and opportunities, including faith-based programs.

-Opportunities and openness for parents and community members to be participants in our schools.

-Access to and proper use of technology in our schools.

-Insights into and guidance for each child’s future endeavors; increased graduation rate, good citizenship.

-Good and appropriate discipline/intervention when necessary.

-Each family to provide the spiritual, mental, physical, emotional components necessary for healthy development of their children

-Effective communication on all levels.

-Quick recognition of any situations needing intervention; God-given wisdom.

-Thanksgiving for God’s abundant blessings though Jesus Christ.

Schools in the area and their Principals:

District 100

Caledonia Elementary School – Kelly Cotter

Lincoln Elementary School – Elizabeth Marchini

Meehan Elementary School – Michael Yates

Perry Elementary School – Frank Madera

Seth Whitman Elementary School – Theresa Lozdoski

Washington Academy – Sarah Brenner

Belvidere Central Middle School – Brett McPherson

Belvidere South Middle School – Ben Commare

Belvidere High School – Billy Lewis

Belvidere North High School – Marc Eckmann

Regional Alternative Schools – David Lund

District 200

Capron Elementary School – Allison Louis

Manchester Elementary School – Molly Liljia

Poplar Grove Elementary School – Heather Walsh

North Boone Elementary School – Jamie Pierce

North Boone Middle School – Jamie Pierce

North Boone High School – Jacob Hubert

Other area schools:

Immanuel Lutheran School – Judy Schaefer

Rockford Lutheran High School – Don Gillingham

Rockford Christian School – Amy Haltman

St. James School – Dr. Kathleen Miller

Northern Illinois University – President Lisa Freeman

Rock Valley College – President Douglas Jensen

Rockford Alternative Schools – Dr. Lori Fanello

Rockford University – President Eric Falcomer

Also:

Private child care and day care facilities

Teachers, teacher aids at all levels

Parents and legal guardians

Drama, music, sports, participants, coaches, and spectators

District #100 Superintendent – Dr. Daniel Woestman and Board of Education: Kelly Diamond; Holly Houk; Karla Maville; Stacy McGowen; Allison Reed-Niemec; Robert Tobert; Heather Sell-Wick

District #200 Superintendent – Dr. Michael Greenlee and Board of Education: Matt Ellinson; Brian Haselborst; Joe Haverly; Tom Kinser; Mary Maxey; Tom Moon; Ed Mulholland

Transportation, Business, Technology, Food, Health, and Library Services staff