November 8, 2019, KEEZLETOWN, VA — For many years, Redeemer Classical School has welcomed in the Christmas season with the lighting of the 55-foot pine tree growing in front of their historic school building. The tradition has brought delight to Redeemer families as well as the entire Keezletown community. To celebrate their 10th illumination last year, Redeemer volunteers even adorned the evergreen with a star topper as well as 11,000 new LED lights. However, it seems their recent efforts may have been for naught. The giant tree — and the smaller pine behind it — will need to be taken down.
Over the summer, the school administration noticed the trees were getting sparse, so they contacted three separate arborists to see what could be done. After their inspection, all three professionals stated that the trees were dead due to a combination of unpreventable factors. The school has contracted with one of those tree services to remove both pines sometime in mid November in order to beat the winter weather. Head of School, Ron Hoch, says, “We’re very sad to see these beloved trees go. Unfortunately, there’s no way around it. For the safety of our students and facilities we need to bring them down.”
In lieu of lighting the giant tree, Redeemer plans to decorate and/or light their building facade in some way so as to carry on their celebration of the Christmas season. The lighting and program will take place on Tuesday, December 3 at 6 p.m. and will include a dance recital and a presentation of A Charlie Brown Christmas. As always, this event is free and open to the public.
On the left: 2009, when the tree was first decorated. On the right: Adding the star in 2018.
Redeemer Classical School purchased its facility, the historic Keezletown School Building in August 2017 and has been involved in a multi-phase renovation project to house its growing student body ever since. This year 142 students, grades pre-K to 8, are enrolled at the school which has plans to expand into the 9th grade starting next year. RCS is accredited by Christian Schools International.
The classical approach to education emphasizes a deep and thorough understanding of history and organizes curriculum according to historic periods, which are integrated across academic disciplines. Classical education also emphasizes the literary classics and a study of Latin to further develop an understanding of language.
###
To learn more, contact Jaye Brumfield, the Director of Development.