This letter from Head of School Leanne Reynolds originally appeared in the 2023 Summer issue of River Oaks Baptist School’s Vine & Branch magazine.
Dear ROBS Community,
I don’t know about you, but 2022-23 flew by for me. And as you read these pages, I think you’ll understand why!
Because each year builds on the last, I like to spend some time every summer reflecting on what I learned during the year. Every year presents its own set of challenges and triumphs, and I think it’s clear one of our biggest triumphs was our 10-year reaccreditation with the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS) and the Accreditation Commission of the Texas Association of Baptist Schools(ACTABS). As part of the accreditation process, visiting committees of private school educators from both organizations spent time on our campus in October. The committee from ACTABS reviewed our spiritual and character programming; I am delighted to report we received high accolades and no recommendations. The ISAS visiting committee looked at every aspect of school life at ROBS. In the committee’s preliminary report, they shared several takeaways with us. My favorite? ROBS stands out, even among the best private schools, for its pervasive feeling of joy. I couldn’t have asked for a better report. And I know that the joy we feel on this campus is because of all of you.
Our students, parents, teachers, administrators, and staff members–God brought each of us here to bring joy and light to each other. And as you’ll see in these pages, that’s exactly what we’re doing. You’ll read about our buddy program which, after a two-year hiatus, was back in full force this year. The look on a Kindergartener’s face while she reads with her sixth grade buddy says it all–we need each other. We crave connection with each other. You’ll see this again as you look at a photo collage of our community events. Our Christmas Tree Lighting was one of my favorite moments of the year–I just don’t think there’s anything better than our community gathered together singing about our Lord’s birth. And you’ll understand the pure joy our student athletes radiate as you read about what they’ve achieved together as teams. Joy abounds on this campus, and I’m grateful I get to experience it everyday.
This fall we will embark on our next strategic planning cycle. Looking toward the future always energizes me, and I am excited to begin prioritizing the ways we can better nurture, educate, and develop your children. This will be a community-wide initiative, and I look forward to talking with many of you during this process as we dream together about the future of ROBS. I know God has great things in store for us.
As I reflect on this joy-filled year, I am reminded of graduation day for our fabulous Class of 2023. As I was mingling with families in Alkek Plaza after the ceremony, one of our young graduates gave me a huge hug. “I love you, Mrs. Reynolds,” she said emotionally. As always, I am both humbled and honored that you share your greatest gift–your children–with us. And as you read these pages, I hope you’re as filled with hope and inspiration for the future of ROBS as I am. I thank you deeply for being part of our ROBS family. Yes & Amen!
In Christ,
Leanne B. Reynolds
Head of School
