Principal's Corner
All Things Work Together for God’s good purposes.
This year's school theme and Bible verse, Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose," was at the forefront of Red Hill Lutheran's schoolwide teacher/staff professional development as we all began the 2024-2025 school year the week of August 12th. In the spirit of "All things working together," 82 representatives from every are of RHL attended learning seminars to unify our commitment to "Engage Hearts and MInds for Christ."
It might not be well-known how much time, energy, and effort teachers and staff put into preparing for the first day of school. Even before students step foot on campus, there are countless hours of behind the scenes work that occur. Here is a glimpse at some of the things that took place the week of August 12th.
In the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year, the school faculty and staff were welcomed back with "Happy New Year" decor on Monday, and a message on our school year verse from Rev. Dr. Seth Britton. That afternoon, Assistant, Lisa Tarkoff, introduced everyone to the yearly professional development focus: Habits of MInd, a universal framework of skills, behaviors, and dispositions central to growing efficacious, emotionally healthy thinkers. For more information, please visit: https://www.habitsofmindinstitute.org/learning-the-habits/
The second day, Tuesday, consisted of emergency training, including disaster, medical and
safety procedures in order to keep everyone physically safe. Sessions were led by our school
office staff, nurses, and H.E.R.O. Safe Kids, Inc.. Teachers who were due for CPR
training also fulfilled this training.
On the third day, Wednesday, learning continued with teacher-led presentations from all
departments on “The Learning Pit” which helps students develop resilience, problem-solving,
and self-efficacy. The Learning Pit is grounded in the idea that through productive struggle,
students will come out stronger and more confident after the trial, through the grace of God.
More information about how the Learning Pit will help children grow can be found at this link or
at this site: Learning Pit at Home.
Wednesday Afternoon introduced the faculty and staff to a schoolwide, year-long book study
on Vintage Innovation by John Spencer, which advocates using classic ideas to design deeper
learning experiences. We do not know what God has planned for the future, but we can prepare
students by empowering them in the present. This can be done by teaching them vital skills to
navigate an uncertain future, while grounding ourselves in the confidence that God has “plans to
prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11.
Red Hill Lutheran is blessed to host the highly acclaimed author and speaker (and Christian),
John Spencer, during our upcoming Thanksgiving break Professional Development, right after
he presents at the National Association for Gifted Children in Seattle! God is so good!
On the fourth day, Thursday’s presentation was led by Mrs. Carla Chun, Resource Program
Director, and Mrs. Amy Wilkes, our new MTSS Coordinator, on resources RHLS uses to
address students’ academic, behavioral, and emotional needs. RHLS understands the
importance of providing differentiated instruction, serving those who have need for extra support
and those who need acceleration, with the social emotional concerns that accompany the needs
of diverse learners. Along with our reading specialist, Janelle McMahon, and our classroom
aides, we are confident that we can meet the needs of all students at RHLS. Part of these
resources includes systematic data tracking; targeted instructional and behavioral interventions;
and social-emotional support through the Christian-based Friendzy and Resilient Minds
The fifth day, Friday, was Meet the Teacher Day, where we excitedly welcomed families to
students’ new classrooms. Teachers put tremendous time and energy preparing their rooms,
their lessons, and also through personal professional growth interests over the summer. Each and every student has been entrusted to them by God to spend this season together, learning and growing.
Saturday and Sunday allowed a weekend of Sabbath rest and relaxation, prayer and worship,
before the first week of the 2024-25 school year officially begins!
There is no doubt that all who serve at RHLS, in every department, love God and have been
called for his purpose. Each is a true blessing to the ministry of Red Hill Lutheran Church and
School. It is undeniable that we are incredibly blessed and are continually amazed by the
evidence of God’s presence and all the good he has blessed us with on our campus.
Thank you for being an essential partner of All Things Working Together for God’s Good
Purposes and Christian Education here at RHLS.
Pastor's Corner
Dear Red Hill Lutheran School Families,
Welcome to the new school year at Red Hill Lutheran Church and School! If you are new to Red Hill, my name is Pastor Seth Britton, and I am the Senior Pastor at Red Hill Lutheran Church. It is my privilege to work alongside an incredible faculty and staff who are committed to providing a quality academic and spiritual education for your child.
If I have not yet had the pleasure to meet you, I look forward to doing so! You will hear me say often that at Red Hill Lutheran Church and School, we consider it both a sacred responsibility and a divine privilege to be used by God in assisting you to train your “child in the way they should go, and when they are old they will not turn from it.” (Proverbs 22:6). As Christians, our hope is rooted in Christ and His constant presence with us. In the classroom, on the playground, during Wednesday Chapel services, and in special assemblies, our message is that God has created all that exists, and God loves His creation—especially you!
Red Hill Lutheran School is an outreach ministry of Red Hill Lutheran Church. What does this mean? Simply, we believe our church and school exists to help, support, and equip you and your children to live faithfully and joyfully! As a parent, you are the primary spiritual influence in your child’s life. However, you are not alone in nurturing your child’s faith. In addition to the academic excellence we strive for, our church and school exists to help you grow as a family in Christian faith, hope, and love.
If you do not have a church home, I invite you to worship with us and become a part of our church family. We offer two worship services on Sunday morning at 8:00 am (Classical) and 10:15 am (Contemporary). Also on Sunday mornings, we offer “Disciple U”, Bible studies, classes, and groups for all ages. “Disciple U” meets from 9:15 to 10:00 am. If you are unable to join us in person, we livestream our worship services as well. For the livestream, just go to our website www.redhillchurch.org. and scroll down to Worship Livestream. We also offer youth and family programs for Middle School and High School students during the week. Again, check our website for times and options for you and your child to participate!
On September 8th we officially begin the 2024-2025 ministry year and are excited to invite you to our upcoming kickoff event! Join us on Sunday, September 8th for a morning filled with worship, fellowship, and fun.
Before, and between the 8:00am and 10:15am Worship services, we'll be offering a delicious pancake breakfast and invite you to stop by our ministry tables for some interactive games, raffle prizes, fellowship, and fun. Don't miss out on the chance to connect with others and learn about the various ministries we have to offer! At the 10:15 Worship service, we will pray for, and dedicate our RHL teachers and staff. We are looking forward to sharing this fun morning with you and your family!
In these very challenging times, the need for faithful, Christian education has never been more important! The values and virtues upon which this country was founded, and in many cases, the Biblical foundation of those values and virtues, must be taught, reinforced, and honored. As a church and school, we will stand upon the truth of God’s Word and His desire that all people find real and lasting hope and peace in Him! If you need prayer, support, or have any questions about the church or the Christian faith, please do not hesitate to contact me personally!
We are thankful for you and your family! As a church and school, we look forward to another great year of learning, laughing, and loving!
May God bless and guide you always!
Gratefully in Christ,
Pastor Seth Britton
Red Hill Lutheran Church and School
Email: rhlsoffice@redhillschool.org
Website: www.redhillschool.org
Location: 13200 Red Hill Avenue, Tustin, CA, USA
Phone: 714-544-3132