“Need to Know” (continued)
QUESTION: I’m interested in a private, classical Christian education for my children. What is available for my family? Just as families are increasingly drawn to the Liberty Lake area in an effort to join a community that fits their family values, they often are similarly looking for private education options for their children. Thankfully, they don’t need to look very far. Nestled in the Spokane Valley, a mere 15-minute DOWERS drive from Liberty Lake, The Oaks Classical Christian Academy serves families with children in kindergarten through 12th grades all at the same location with a classical education that is distinctly Christian. Each class is taught through the lens of Scripture, equipping students with the ability to think biblically about each subject that is taught. With 333 students enrolled at The Oaks, each student benefits from the mentorship and intentionality of faculty and staff in small classes. The Oaks views education as a way of coming alongside parents in shaping children to become adults who think clearly and speak the truth of Scripture winsomely in the culture around them. Greg and Kathy Sattler are among a growing number of Liberty Lake residents who have chosen The Oaks for their children’s education. “We are so blessed to have found a school that embodies all of our family values and a community that loves both our family and the Lord,” commented Kathy. The Oaks is eager to bless more families with high-quality, Christian education by expanding its campus; the school plans to construct a new building beginning in the year 2020. But the school isn’t waiting until construction is completed to welcome new families into the community. To learn more about The Oaks, join us
42 Liberty Lake 2019
for our spring open house from 9 to 11 a.m. March 26th, or visit www. theoakscca.org.
Charlie Dowers Headmaster, The Oaks Classical Christian Academy For more, see ad on page 35.
QUESTION: What should be my approach to addressing the natural curiosity my kids have with fire? To cover your bases with the issue of fire safety, I recommend a threestep approach of “Es”: education, environment and example. It starts with educating children that fire is a useful tool for adults, providing heat, light and energy. It’s not a toy, as fire can easily get out of COLLINS control. Even adults must follow careful rules with fire. The second part of this is creating a safe home environment. A responsible parent is in control of a child’s access to fire. A 2-year-old can operate a lighter or match – so keep those items far out of reach and teach kids they are dangerous to even touch. In addition, never leave a lit stove, candle or fireplace unattended. Third, don’t forget that children learn by watching and imitating adults, so set a good example. Point out the safety precautions you use for cooking, heating and fire safety. Post emergency numbers by the telephone and teach children how and when to use them. Talk as a family about what to do in the case of a fire, emphasizing the importance of getting out, and then calling for help from another location. Follow these three “Es” and your family will be well-prepared and properly precautioned regarding fire safety.
Chief Bryan Collins Spokane Valley Fire Department For more on SVFD, see ad on page 38.
QUESTION: What is the latest on the new high school and middle school in Liberty Lake, and how do I keep tabs on the progress of the projects connected to the 2018 CVSD bond? So much has transpired since the approval of the February 2018 bond, which included four major projects: 1. Ridgeline High School: A new and better site for this comprehensive high school was located and secured, and development and design work is ongoing. A groundbreaking on this project, located at 20150 E. Country Vista Drive SMALL on property set to be annexed into the city of Liberty Lake, is scheduled for Aug. 29, 2019. The school is scheduled to open for the fall 2021 school year. 2. Selkirk Middle School: A “behind the fence” sneak peak was held in February at the site of this new school, 1409 N. Harvest Parkway in Liberty Lake’s River District. Construction began in April 2018 and will be complete for a fall 2019 opening. 3. Horizon Middle School: A March 2019 groundbreaking launched the renovation and expansion project of this south Spokane Valley school. It is scheduled to open in September 2020. 4. HVAC upgrades: Upgrades to Broadway, Progress, University elementary and Summit HVAC systems will follow. To keep tabs on the projects throughout the year, visit cvsd.org and click on “Construction, Boundaries & Planning.” One thing to follow in particular will be Ridgeline’s impact on high school boundaries. The School Board will consider new high school boundaries in February 2020. A committee of community members and staff will form in September 2019 and take direct community input through public forums. The Board