Dear SouthLake Christian Families,

As Christmas approaches, our fall semester draws to a close. Between now and winter break we have much to accomplish and I have several updates to give you.

Giving to SouthLake
Thank you for your generosity this month. In recent weeks we asked for donations for faculty/staff Christmas gifts, Caterpillar Ministries, and Giving Tuesday. SouthLake families came through is a big way. November brought nearly $90,000 in donations to the school. Giving Tuesday alone saw a 271% increase in donor participation over the same day last year. Participation totals matter as much as dollar amounts because they show broad support for our mission. I know the end of the calendar year means many people asking you for money. We never take your generosity for granted. We are a better school because of your kindness.

New Turf Field
We are making progress toward adding a turf field and track to our campus. UDC Sports continues work on the design, in conversation with Mecklenburg County and the Town of Huntersville, to determine the possible scope of the project and what regulatory requirements we may face. When I have options to review, I will solicit feedback from you about project possibilities and associated costs.

Website
We are also working on a redesign of our website. During my time at SouthLake, I have noticed an increase in the number of families applying to SouthLake after finding us online. Word of mouth remains the number one way people learn of our school, but our website is now a close second. Part of the redesign involves producing a new school video. Around the first of the year, we will begin shooting footage on campus, conducting interviews with parents, students, and teachers. The finished product should go live shortly after Spring Break.

Christmas Concerts
We have several fine arts events next week. Our Orchestral Christmas Concert will be Tuesday, December 6 at 7:00 pm. Our Choral Christmas Concerts will be Thursday December 8 at 7:00 pm (Middle and Upper School) and Thursday December 15 at 6:30 pm (Lower School). All three events will take place in the newly renovated Sanctuary in the First Building. Even if you do not have children in these programs, I encourage you to attend, see the good work of our teachers and students, and enjoy the sounds of the Christmas season.

Winter Break
The last day of the semester is December 16. That will be a half day; buses will run in the morning but not after school. We return to classes next semester on Wednesday, January 4. Everyone appreciates a shortened week coming back from a break.

In case you don’t hear form me until next year, I wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas holiday and blessed new year. I will pray the distractions of the season do not keep you from the peace and joy of Christ in the days ahead.

In Christ,

Matthew S. Kerlin, Ph.D.
Head of School
SouthLake Christian Academy