Read Cyndie Heiskell's Full Letter on The Heiskell School's Closing

January 2014

Dear Friends,

As the year 2014 begins we have much to celebrate and much for which to thank our gracious Father. Please read through to the end of the letter for both the celebration and an announcement.

Rejoice and be thankful. In all things give thanks, for this is the will of God for you. I Thessalonians 5:18

We celebrate 65 years during which we have had the privilege of walking hand in hand with children and young adults, speaking truth and loving the little ones He has called us to serve. We are confident that His Word will continue to bear fruit in the lives of many.

Train up a child in the way He should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

So shall My Word be that goeth forth out of My mouth; it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. Isaiah 55:11

We thank Him for students who are growing toward maturity, reflecting lessons learned over many seasons in their young lives – honoring and loving God, thinking of others before themselves, showing kindness and respect for peers and those in authority, accepting responsibility and serving others.

We thank Him for the students who have passed through our doors – now adults – whose lives reflect that they live for what is real, the unseen and eternal.

We celebrate His work accomplished through His servants whether they be joyful volunteers or inspired faculty or hardworking staff. 

We thank Him for master teachers, both those serving this year and those who laid a foundation for excellence, and celebrate their gifts shared so freely with students, parents and fellow teachers. 

We celebrate the academic successes of our students, whose achievements both at Heiskell and beyond have been remarkable, and we celebrate that the fact that we have been able to educate our students without lowering academic standards by chasing the latest educational fad.

We celebrate the fact that while we have kept much of the tried and true, we have not remained static but have grown through the years and are thankful that God is always moving in fresh ways.

We celebrate year upon year of God’s faithfulness and goodness and thank Him for the many miracles that we have witnessed in the lives of our students, parents and teachers.

We celebrate the many traditions that have helped build memories for children and parents – the Mother Daughter Teas, Father Daughter Dinners, the Father Son weekends, and Mother Son events.

We celebrate that the mission has never wavered and the vision remains unchanged to this day - to lift up the cross, draw others to Jesus, and work to see His life formed in each person we touch.

We thank Him for the joy that is felt and seen when walking through the halls.

We thank Him for the opportunity to build foundations that will not be easily shaken.

We thank Him for the simplicity of the truth that He makes all things new and that He holds the future in His hands, so that we need not fear.

We thank God for using this institution called The Heiskell School to further His kingdom and for the privilege of serving Him on our small, yet highly visible corner, tucked into the woods of one of Atlanta’s oldest neighborhoods.

We thank God for answering the prayers of the grandparents and parents of a young child dying of polio, both for allowing him to live and for using the experience for His glory.

God works all things together for our good and His glory. Our theme as a faculty this year has been one of purposefully asking, “How do I glorify God?” Books have been written and sermons preached for two millennia on the subject. To me, the reality looks a lot like drawing near to Him through His Word and prayer, letting Him transform us and following the Good Shepherd no matter where He leads.

As the year 2014 begins, He is leading us down a challenging path, the end of which will be for His glory and our good. The decision has been made to let this wonderful school year – many have said that it had been the best – be the last as The Heiskell School. The Heiskell School has been a haven for 65 years, and we have many reasons to give thanks. While we may mourn for a season, let us look forward to continued blessings as the Lord leads each of us. As you digest this unexpected news, meditate with me on the comforting message of Psalm 23.

The Lord is my shepherd;

I shall not want….

He leads me beside the still waters.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil;

For You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

...Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

All the days of my life;

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord

Forever.  

On a practical note, we know that you will need to make plans for your children’s education next year. Please be assured that we will work with you on all necessary recommendations and transcripts. At the same time we are notifying other independent and Christian schools that they now have an opportunity to enroll some of the finest students we have ever had the privilege to serve.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again. Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV)

Praying for you during this transition,

Cyndie Heiskell