MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Central Christian School has begun the new academic year with increased enrollment and more than $155,000 raised through a summer matching campaign.
Superintendent Dr. John Walker said students returned to class earlier this month, bringing renewed energy to the school after the summer break.
“It’s just a lot of fun to have life and energy back in the school,” Walker said during an interview on the BW Morning Show. “The excitement of the start of the school year just reaffirms again the important things that you’re doing in education.”
Enrollment is also holding steady at the school’s early education programs. Central Christian recently completed its first full year at the Jay and Connie Schrock Family Early Education School and continues to operate a child care center at Buhler Mennonite Brethren Church.
Walker said both programs need additional qualified employees, reflecting a broader shortage of child care workers across Hutchinson and Reno County. Central Christian offers employees benefits that include discounted K-12 tuition and reduced child care costs.
The school also exceeded the goal of a $75,000 matching grant offered by a supporting family. Walker said the campaign generated slightly more than $155,000 before the end of the previous fiscal year.
“We’re just so grateful to have ended the last fiscal year on a high note like that,” Walker said.
Central Christian will hold a football jamboree Friday at Don Michael Field. A middle school scrimmage is expected to begin at 6 p.m., followed by the varsity jamboree at approximately 7 p.m. Admission is a case of Gatorade, water or a similar beverage to support the school’s concession stand.
A recreational mile around the track will follow the jamboree, with children and adults invited to walk or run.
The school is also preparing for its Alumni and Friends Weekend on Sept. 18 and 19. Friday’s activities will include Grandparents Day, games, inflatables, face painting, a meal and Central Christian’s football game against Cunningham at 7 p.m.
Alumni from different decades will be recognized on the field during halftime.
Activities planned for Sept. 19 include a car show, bake sale and chili feed. The car show is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Additional information is available at cougarsccs.com.