Today we heard the news that John Warfield, our security manager, passed away at his home.  The scene at the home this morning is what you would imagine.  Amidst the flashing red lights of emergency vehicles, his two sons stood saddened beyond words.  His wife, Lisa, was thrown into one of the most difficult days of her life.  Friends and co-workers stood by, helpless. 

As the day unfolds, Indian Rocks will mourn the loss of such a good hearted servant.  John dedicated himself to the betterment of this campus and the safety of our students and staff.  He was constantly reminding me of safety procedures, where we needed cameras, anything that was unsafe, and to really watch the parking lots before and after school.  His excellent community relations provided a great relationship between the school and local law enforcement.  He gave me every confidence that things would be handled properly when various situations would arise.  Words cannot describe how John will be missed on our campus.  Please pray for Lisa, Michael, and Joel as they navigate the days and months ahead.

The first video ever uploaded on YouTube (April 23, 2005) is an 18 second segment of Jawad Karim (one of YouTubes founders) at a zoo.  It has been viewed 3 million times. 

Video now plays a prominent role in our lives and has become an important communication medium.  Indian Rocks Christian School has increased the use of video over the past several years and continues to use the medium to promote the school, it's students, and to communicate with parents.  From time to time, you will receive a video message from me that may contain unique information or may be a supplement to printed and emailed information.  My latest video message can be found by clicking here. It contains an important message concerning new procedures for re-enrollment including some early discounts that you will want to be sure and not miss. 

When you land on the page linked above, you will see other videos that we have made available in the past.  This page is called "The IRCS Experience" and we use it to store information for the public to view.  Another place to view videos about IRCS is on our YouTube channel.  This page contains a variety of videos from athletics to classroom helps.  We also have segments of our news program that is produced by our students. 

Here at Indian Rocks Christian School, we are blessed to have a top-notch media department headed up by Charlie Hall.  Under his leadership, our media room has been transformed into a media suite where students can learn everything from being in front of a camera, behind a camera, sound production, and editing.  Our media department is just another one of our many strengths!

Coming soon, you will be able to experience our website on your mobile devices via our mobile formatted website. 

Foster teens in Pinellas County can look forward to Christmas presents this year thanks to students at Indian Rocks Christian School, which since 1999 has provided over $100,000 in “Angel Boxes” for this needy group that is often overlooked at holiday time.

According to the Pinellas County Division of Children and Family Services, host families of foster teens receive a monthly stipend for the food and care they provide, but no additional funds for Christmas presents. Many foster teens would receive nothing if it were not for the “Angel Box” Christmas ministry led by students in the school’s National Honor Society.

A holiday tradition at Indian Rocks Christian School in its 13^th year, the “Angel Box” effort is supported by students, families, faculty and staff of the school, as well as local businesses that donate gifts, services, personal care products, clothing and school supplies.  This year’s goal is 140 boxes.  The students and our partners put together over 150 boxes. 

“It gives our students a great feeling of satisfaction and fulfillment to provide these gifts for foster teens during this difficult time in their lives,” says Machelle Stevens, Media Specialist and Honor Society Advisor at IRCS. “These teens are often overlooked by other programs at Christmas.” 

Each non-gender Angel Box is filled with gift cards for local retailers, school supplies, a flash drive for school use and a small assortment of fast food, movie and other gift cards. A special Christmas encouragement card from a local pastor and a copy of the Holy Bible are also included in each box. Local businesses, including Home Depot and Dairy Queen, have provided support for this year’s program.

After students assemble the boxes, volunteers with the Pinellas County Foster Parents Association distribute them to needy teens. “The Angel Boxes really make a difference in foster teens’ lives. They see that people really do care when they receive them,” says an association spokeswoman. “These gifts not only spread the goodness of generosity, but the word of God. That’s what we are trying to accomplish at Christmas.”

A special thanks goes out to Machelle Stevens for her tireless efforts in encouraging our students and overcoming obstacles to see that this important ministry happens each year.