RECIPROCATING SAWS: 5 Back-and-Forths That Build a Thriving School Community

At our house, my wife is the true DIY pro. Her favorite power tool? The reciprocating saw. If you’ve never used one, think of an electric version of a hand saw—just faster and stronger. What makes it powerful is the constant back and forth. That’s where the real cutting happens.

The same idea applies to building community. It’s not a one-time action—it’s a constant back-and-forth effort between home and school. At Indian Rocks Christian School (IRCS), one of our core values is Building Community. Like a sawing action, it only works when effort is put into the give and take, the back and forth of building community.

Here are five efforts that help us build strong community partnerships at IRCS:

1. Effort to Clarify Vision

Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” For IRCS, our vision is rooted in Christ. Being Biblically-based isn’t just a slogan—it’s our anchor. We work hard to keep Christ at the center of everything, from academics to athletics.

How are you helping your child keep their eyes on Christ at home?

2. Effort to Define Victory

People thrive when they know what they’re aiming for. That’s why we created our Portrait of a Graduate—a clear picture of what success looks like at IRCS: Sound Minds, Servant Hearts, and Skilled Hands. This shared vision gives every student, teacher, and parent a target to pursue together.

What does “victory” look like for your child this year, and how can we work together to help them reach it?

3. Effort to Add Value

God didn’t create us to sit on the sidelines. Genesis 1:28 and Ephesians 2:10 remind us that we are designed to contribute and do good work. The same is true at IRCS. Students, parents, faculty, and staff have something valuable to offer. Time, talent, or treasure… when we give it, we grow together.

How are you using your God-given gifts to make IRCS better for all of us?

4. Effort to Fill Gaps with Trust

We live in a culture quick to assume the worst. But healthy communities are built on trust. At IRCS, we choose to fill the gaps with grace and believe the best of each other. It’s not always easy, but it’s essential to building the kind of Christ-centered relationships we want our kids to learn from.

How do you model your child’s trust and grace within our school community?

5. Effort That Yields Eternal Value

At IRCS, education is more than academics. Yes, we teach math, science, and grammar—but the most lasting lessons are about Godliness. As Paul wrote to Timothy, “Training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” (1 Tim. 4:8). Our goal is that students leave IRCS not only ready for college or career, but ready for life with Christ.

How are you helping your child apply biblical truth in daily life?

The Back-and-Forth Is Worth It

Why does all of this matter? Because research and real life show that students thrive most when there is a strong home-to-school partnership. Together, we can raise a generation equipped to stand firm in faith and impact the world for Christ.

Thank you for doing the hard work of building this community with us. Let’s keep sawing together.