Immanuel Christian School in Gowanda is marking the end of one chapter in its history and the beginning of another as Roy Hendrix, who served as principal at the school for seven years, is retiring and turning over the reins to Kelly Claus.

     Hendrix characterized his time at the school as “very enjoyable.” In fact, Immanuel Lutheran Church Pastor Travis Grubbs, who also conducts chapels for the church-sponsored school, confided that Hendrix originally committed to four years as principal and wound up staying for seven.

     “It was rewarding to see the children grow academically and spiritually,” Hendrix remarked. “It really didn’t feel like a job.”

     Hendrix’s wife, Esther, is also retiring after teaching at Immanuel Christian School for 11 years. Hendrix says they are assuming new positions as full-time grandparents. “With 16 grandchildren, it’ll keep us busy,” he noted. In addition, the couple will be home-schooling their 16-year-old son, Joseph, adopted from Russia.

     Immanuel Christian School Board President Myrton Sprague expressed appreciation for the Hendrixes’ devotion: “They served us faithfully. We’re thankful for their many years of service.”

     Hendrix spoke highly of his successor. “Kelly will do an excellent job. She has a commitment to the school and to the children,” he commented.

     A resident of Gowanda since 1995, Claus earned her degree from Fredonia State, majoring in elementary education with a concentration in English. She is certified for pre-kindergarten through sixth grade.

     Many people in the local community are familiar with Claus because of her previous role as director of recreation programs for the Village of Gowanda for four years and as a substitute teacher and home tutor for the Gowanda Central School District. At Gowanda Free Methodist Church, she serves as a church steward and as prayer director.

     Claus says her interest in Immanuel Christian School started when her oldest son, Maverick, now 7, was enrolled in the preschool at age 3. Besides Maverick, Claus and her husband, Mark, currently have two more children at the school, Mason, age 5, and Sabrina, age 4, as well as one at home, Adriana, age 2. One of the things that impressed Claus was how well the teachers know each individual student because they have such close interaction.

     Three years ago, Claus began substitute teaching at lmmanuel Christian School. “I’ve substituted for all of the teachers. I feel like I already have a working relationship with all of them,” she observed. “They’re organized and prepared, and the children know what’s expected of them.”

     In addition, Claus submitted, “The teachers are very devoted to the kids. The students know that when they have a concern, they can bring it to the teachers.”

     One of Claus’s goals as the new principal is to work on increasing enrollment. “I think a lot of people don’t know that the school is here or what we have to offer,” she remarked. “People bring their kids for Sunday school on Sundays; this is an opportunity for a Christ-centered education all week.”

     Founded in 1989, the school is housed in the Immanuel Lutheran Church education building at 40 South Chapel St. Preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds and kindergarten through eighth grade classes are available. Enrollment is open to all children, regardless of religious affiliation.

     Immanuel Christian School is registered with the New York State Department of Education and abides by all state standards. “Our children have done well on the statewide fourth- and eighth-grade assessment tests,” Claus noted. Besides the core curriculum and Bible, Immanuel Christian School provides music, art, physical activities, computer, French and home economics classes.

     “We have multi-age groups combining two or three grade levels together,” Claus explained. “I think it works well. It encourages the younger children to strive for success and gives the older students an opportunity to mentor the younger ones.”

     Immanuel Christian School is able to make bus transportation arrangements for children residing within the following school districts: Cattaraugus/Little Valley, Gowanda, Forestville, Lake Shore, North Collins, Pine Valley, Springville and Silver Creek. The school will also work to accommodate the individual special education needs of students.

     To get further information about Immanuel Christian School and tuition costs, or to request an enrollment application, call the church office at 532-4342.