CCS Back to School Bash Was a Joyful Start to the Year

On Tuesday, August 19, CCS employees from every school were invited to the Back to School Bash, a special afternoon of connection, prayer, and celebration. The system-wide event marked the beginning of workshop week and was designed to set a meaningful tone for the year ahead. With 165 staff members in attendance, the atmosphere was filled with excitement, gratitude, and unity.

The afternoon began with prayer, followed by introductions of our administrative office staff. Staff were then led in a powerful three-hour Honor Retreat by inspiring presenters from Youth Frontiers. Through music, laughter, reflection, and personal storytelling, participants explored what it means to truly honor ourselves and one another in our work and lives.

A particularly moving moment came during the Honor Walks, where staff had the opportunity to recognize and celebrate colleagues for the unique gifts they bring to our CCS community. Erin Hatlestad, our Director of Education, who organized the event, shared how this part stood out most to her:

“After working in small groups to answer questions about how we honor ourselves and each other, each group was asked to choose a staff member to highlight during the Honor Walk. That person came to the front of the room to be recognized while the rest of us cheered. It was AMAZING!”

After the retreat, staff received new shirts featuring this year’s all-school theme—“In the One, we are ONE”—as well as treat bags generously provided by donors and a taco buffet dinner.

Many staff expressed deep appreciation for the day’s impact, sharing how it reignited their purpose and joy for the year ahead.

Maria Burnham, English teacher at Cathedral, reflected:

“This is my 25th year of teaching, and I’ve NEVER walked out of a first workshop day feeling so full of hope and optimism. I loved how the day focused on the best and most important parts of education. We were able to think about our community as a whole, highlight the positive, and reframe the potential struggles.
The entire day filled my cup in ways I’ll never forget, and I’m certainly counting it as one of my many, many blessings.”

Theresa Slivnik, first-grade teacher at SKD, shared:

“This afternoon was wonderful! I felt it really reflected our mission and our people, and it was a great way to begin the school year. It was engaging, powerful, fun, new, well-organized, and overall AWESOME. Thank you and God bless.”