Valley Christian School, Torrington

05/08/2026

This is a part of our ongoing series highlighting our teachers' beliefs - why they teach and how they value children!

Mrs. JoAnn Hall is our 2nd grade teacher this year and she wrote,

"I believe all children are “fearfully and wonderfully made,” as David proclaimed in Psalm 139:14. Each child has a unique personality, with individual talents and weaknesses, yet every one of them is a wonderful work of God. When I focus on what my students do well, they gain confidence, and their skills and knowledge grow in every area.

Children are naturally trusting and tend to believe what the adults in their lives tell them. They accept what parents and teachers teach—sometimes even when it is not true. I teach in a Christian school so that I can teach children the truth about God: that He is real, though unseen, and that He is the Creator of all nature and all people.

At Valley Christian School, I also have the opportunity to teach students about God’s magnificent, unconditional love. He loves them more than they can imagine—so much that He sent His Son to pay the price for sin. Because of that sacrifice, they can be forgiven and have a personal relationship with God.

I love children and enjoy working with them in many areas of my life. I love their sense of wonder, their eagerness to learn, and the joy they experience when they discover something new. Most of all, I love when they learn the true significance of Jesus’ life and understand how He can impact and transform their own lives.

Jesus said, “Go and make disciples… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Teaching in a Christian school gives me the opportunity to do exactly that—to help make disciples. I am privileged to teach children how to be saved and to help them grow in their understanding of Jesus, God, and His creation.

I work alongside an amazing group of Christians who bless my life in countless ways. I began working at Valley Christian School to serve God, but He has used this school to give me so much in return. Valley Christian School has enriched my life in ways I never expected, and I am thankful for the opportunity to teach there. "

Thank you for teaching these students, Mrs. Hall!

05/06/2026

Continuing on with our Teacher Appreciation Week posts on what we believe about children and our "whys" on teaching we have Mrs. Katherine Hawes.

Mrs. Hawes is our 3rd/4th combination class teacher and she wrote,

"I believe children carry open hearts, ready to receive and reflect the world around them. They rise to the expectations set before them; like sponges, absorbing the values, words, and actions that surround them. Within them is a remarkable capacity to reflect Christ's love, generosity, and grace. They forgive freely, without hesitation, and, in doing so, remind us of the simplicity we often outgrow. In their presence, we are called to be better-- to grow, to soften, and to lead with intention.

I also believe that faith and academics are not separate paths, but ones that intersect to shape the whole child. True learning is not only the pursuit of knowledge, but the formation of godly character, wisdom, purpose. I am grateful to work at Valley Christian School because it is an incredible opportunity to serve in an environment where Christian faith is intentionally woven into every area of learning, and because I genuinely love the students and staff who make it such a special place. In this setting, intellectual growth and spiritual development strengthen one another, preparing children not only for success, but for lives of meaning and service.

As Scripture reminds us, 'Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.' (Proverbs 22:6)"

Thank you Mrs. Hawes!

05/04/2026

We love our teachers! In honor of Teacher Appreciation week, we are starting a series of posts that highlight our teachers and their philosophies of teaching and their love for their students.

Miss Dennis, our current kindergarten teacher wrote:

"I believe every child is created in the image of God and designed with a unique purpose. Each student possesses individual gifts, talents, and ways of learning, and it is both my responsibility and my calling to recognize these strengths and help them grow.

My desire as a teacher is to help every child understand his or her inherent worth and to experience the love of Jesus in a meaningful way. I acknowledge that children, like all people, are born with a sinful nature and are in need of a Savior. Part of my role is to guide them toward recognizing that need and to encourage them in developing a personal relationship with Jesus, God the Father, and the Holy Spirit.

I am committed to helping students view the world through the lends of Scripture, grounding their understanding in biblical truth, in the classroom, I strive to meet each child where they are -- academically, spiritually, emotionally, and socially -- and support their growth in all areas. My goal is to cultivate an environment where students feel safe, valued, and encouraged to develop their God-given abilities.

Ultimately, my teaching is an act of service: to nurture each child's potential, to point them toward Christ, and to equip them to live with wisdom, purpose, and faith."

Photo credit: Kristina Detterer

04/14/2026

We love you too, Teresa! Thank you for supporting VCS!

I just got hugs from three preschoolers at my work. Can your job top that? ❤️🎉🥰

03/13/2026

03/03/2026

Happy Dr. Seuss Day! Pastor Dale Harper and Police Chief Matt Johnson came to read to our elementary students today, and Officer Cross was great backup. We had a fun time hearing about Yertle the Turtle and the Sneetches!