Sonrise Christian School makes a contribution

In order to clearly communicate with our community, the Sonrise Christian School Board desires to clarify the parameters of the compensation provided by the Sisters School District to some of the teachers who were or are employed by Sonrise.

In 1999, the Sisters School District began employing on a part-time basis some of the teachers that were teaching at Sonrise. These teachers effectively became part-time employees of the Sisters School District and part-time employees of Sonrise Christian School. All of the instruction took place at the Sonrise location.

The relationship established was between Sisters School District and the teachers so employed and did not directly involve Sonrise. There was not a relationship between the school district and Sonrise and no funds have ever been paid by the public schools to Sonrise.

The teachers were all state-certified and were paid by the public school district for teaching subjects such as math, P.E., spelling, grammar and language arts. The content of these subjects, which was previewed by the Sisters School District, was not modified by Sonrise or the teachers in order to meet the requirements of this program. The Sisters School District has likewise never modified the curriculum being taught at Sonrise.

It is our sincere desire to never do something that would bring shame or dishonor to the name of God. We desire to have integrity and honor in all of our relationships. We are Christians because we acknowledge that we are not perfect and we are in need of a Savior.

We do not believe that Sonrise or any of the teachers involved in this program have ever compromised any of the guidelines established for this program.

There have never been any secret agendas or hidden agreements.

It is our understanding that the High Desert Education Service District and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) were aware of this program as part of the community education program offered by the public schools.

At the beginning of this school year the Sisters School District Administration decided to suspend this aspect of their community education program pending a more thorough review. In January, at the request of the Sisters School District, a meeting was held with the Oregon Department of Education to obtain feedback on the program guidelines and procedures.

The Sisters School District is still awaiting formal feedback from the ODE and this program is still on hold. After feedback is received from the ODE, if the school district decides to restart the program, the Sonrise School Board will review the parameters of the program at that time and determine whether the program still fits within our mission.

While the suspension of this program has impacted our budgeting for this school year, our future has never been brighter.

Our school’s mission is to teach academic excellence from a Christian worldview perspective. Our goal is to teach that God, as creator and Lord, is at the center of everything. We have not compromised on this principle and we will continue to teach this truth in the classroom in all we do.

Sonrise is an independent, fully accredited private school. The school was formed eight years ago by a group of local families that wanted a Christian school alternative for their children.

Our goal as a school is to assist families in the training and education of godly children who will be able to confidently live out God’s purposes for their lives. We aim to prepare each student for life – academically, emotionally, physically, socially and spiritually.

We teach from a cognitive/developmental model of education that goes beyond the assimilation of facts to teach values, truth, decision-making, critical thinking skills and to impart wisdom. We are able to do this in small classes with a low teacher/student ratio.

We are very optimistic about what the coming years hold for Sonrise, and are very appreciative of those who have risen up to support Sonrise during this time.

It is our desire to make a positive contribution to Sisters and to work cooperatively with all those that desire excellence for the children of our community.