Cascade Chronicle
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Telling the story of Cascade Christian Schools where we’re dedicated to developing discerning leaders...
Inside Connections...
2010-2011 Don Johnson Superintendent of Schools Tim Kleefeld, CPA Director of Business and Finance Gail Mehrer Director of Early Learning Rob Mitton Director of Development
Class of 2011 Commencement pages 9-10
Annie Jr. page 11
Naomi Warren Director of Admissions Glenna Frederick, Ed.D Director of Student Learning Susan Crawford Director of Marketing and Communications JUNIOR HIGH & HIGH SCHOOL Administrative Team: Terry Broberg Suzanne Keil Dave Peterson Keith Patefield FREDERICKSON ELEMENTARY Mary Severeid, Principal PUYALLUP ELEMENTARY Joyce Blum, Principal TACOMA ELEMENTARY Bonita Cheshier, Principal FREDERICKSON & TACOMA ELC Karen Curtiss, Director PUYALLUP ELC Ruth Williams, Director
CCHS Alumni returns as parent, volunteer pages 13-14 This issue of the Chronicle reported and written primarily by CCS Parent Misty Suggs. On the Cover: Senior Salutatorian Noah Kime shares his musical talent during commencement. Cascade Christian Schools Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy as to Students Cascade Christian Schools admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
The Chronicle is a publication of Cascade Christian Schools, an interdenominational school district in Pierce County, Washington. For more information about Cascade Christian Schools, go to www.cascadechristian.org, or call the District Office at 253-841-1776. For Development/Business Partner information ask for Rob Mitton; for Admissions information ask for Naomi Warren; ask for Susan Crawford if you have story ideas for the Chronicle.
Our Core O C Purpose: Transforming cultures through teaching and training people in their purpose before God.
Our Mission: To glorify God by providing quality, Christ-centered education dedicated to developing discerning leaders who are spiritually, personally, and academically prepared to impact their world.
Happy Summer! Thank you for a wonderful year of “Living on Purpose and Choosing God’s Way!” Enjoy the rest of your summer and we look forward to seeing you August 31. Don Johnson,
Where we are:
Superintendent of Schools
www.cascadechristian.org
District Office 815 21st Street SE Puyallup,WA 98372 253-841-1776 ••• Junior High and High School 811 21st Street SE Puyallup,WA 98372 253-445-9706 ••• Puyallup Elementary 601 9th Avenue SE Puyallup,WA 98372 253-841-2091 ••• Puyallup Early Learning Center 1818 S Meridian Puyallup,WA 98371 253-848-7165 ••• Frederickson Elementary and ELC 3425 176th Street E Tacoma,WA 98445 253-537-9339 Elementary 253-537-5195 ELC ••• Tacoma Elementary and ELC 1819 E 72nd Street Tacoma,WA 98404 253-473-0590
2011-2012 Spiritual Theme:
Building Faith, Loving Others
Training up the youngest: Early Learning students at Cascade Christian Schools influence others.
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eing an early learning teacher has its challenges, and in the throes of the daily interactions it could be easy to forget why a teacher would choose to work with preschoolers. When asked though, TELC Child Care 4’s teacher, Carla Pieplow, had a simple answer to the question, “Why are you here?” She tells this story: “One day in class, Peyton came to me and shared that her mom was not feeling well. I offered to help Peyton pray for her mom. Together we held each other’s hands, closed our eyes and prayed for Peyton’s mommy to feel better. A few days later, Jayla another friend in the 4’s class, said her mom hurt her toe that morning. On her own initiative, Peyton asked Jayla if she wanted to pray about it. Peyton gently
Peyton and Ja
yla, CCS TELC
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nd prayer pa
took Jayla’s hands, they both sweetly closed their eyes and Peyton prayed for Jayla’s mom and her toe. Even at the young age of four, our students are using their God-given purpose of loving one another to influence others.” She adds, “Teaching at Cascade Christian Schools Tacoma Early Learning Center gives me an opportunity to daily live my purpose;
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modeling God’s love for us to the children. I truly believe the moral standards God has set out for us are relevant for everyday life. Part of those standards is having the belief that God hears us when we pray for help and healing. Demonstrating that to a student and seeing him or her turn around and use what you have taught gives glory to God’s promises.”C
Cascade Christian Schools Child Care/Preschool available at three ELC locations: 3425 176th Street E • Frederickson 1818 S. Meridian • Puyallup 1819 East 72nd • Tacoma
Refer a Friend! Call for Openings!
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It’s Summertime at CCS! Cascade Christian Schools doesn’t close down for the summer. From Early Learning Summer Camp activities, to THRIVE Summer Blast for 1st through 8th graders, to Summer English Academy for international students and CCS Online summer learning opportunities for grades 7-12, learning and growing doesn’t take a summer break at Cascade Christian Schools.
June 20 - August 30 Grades 1-8
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Parent/ Family Profile: The Moffett family’s partnership with Cascade Christian Schools benefits parents, students, and staff.
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aul and April Moffett first enrolled daughters, Lauren (class of 2008) and Catherine (class of 2012), when they each entered 7th grade. Since enrolling at CCS, they have “appreciated the emphasis on a biblical worldview, apologetics, and the personal investment many of the teachers have given to the girls,” says Paul. “Mrs. Arena, the Bible (apologetics) teacher, really helped Lauren with her emphasis on worldview and both girls have benefitted from the college guidance classes in helping to determine their God-ordained life purposes. CCS has certainly contributed to what we have taught and nurtured in our home. Our family has been very blessed with our partnership with Cascade Christian Schools.” Paul was first introduced to Cascade Christian Schools 13 years ago through his good friend, Greg Sutherland, with whom he attended a Bible Study Fellowship. Greg, in turn, introduced him to Superintendent Don Johnson. “I began my involvement with CCS because of the focus on the areas of biblical worldview, spiritual formation, and leadership development. At that time, I was a Bible Study Fellowship teaching leader and a regional vice president with a restaurant company. I
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From left Catherine, Paul, April, and Lauren Moffett Photo: courtesy of April Moffett
have always had a love for the Lord and a passion for teaching His word and developing godly leaders.” In 2005, Paul was called into full-time pastoral ministry at his home church, Lighthouse Christian Center. “It was truly God’s calling on my life at the right time,” he says. “I’ve always felt a call into ministry and enjoy serving Jesus Christ in many ways, from youth ministry, teaching, music ministry, to marriage ministry and many others.”
restaurant business, I worked in the office, and then got back into the teaching field through substitute teaching,” she recalls. “I remember working at the Frederickson campus and feeling very welcomed. The students and staff were wonderful and so different from other schools. I spent time in prayer and really felt called to apply at CCS.”
As the Teaching Pastor at Lighthouse, Paul She joined the Frederickson campus in 2005 is actively involved in the spiritual formation teaching 2nd grade for two years, and then a of a large congregation as well as the leadership 2/3 combination class. For the past three years, development of the staff. He is currently she has taught 3rd attending Western grade and says she Theological “CCS has certainly contributed to what we have taught and really enjoys it. ”I Seminary to nurtured in our home. Our family has been very blessed with feel very blessed to complete a our partnership with Cascade Christian Schools.” have a Christian Master’s of CCS Parent and Associate Pastor, Paul Moffett environment Divinity. “Being a where I can use life-long learner of my gift of teaching. It has been amazing to share the Word,” says Moffett, “has aided me in my the Gospel and many of my family’s experiences own spiritual formation, and with God’s help, to make the Bible applicable for my students.” I desire to shepherd His people into His plans and purposes for their lives. It is one of my greatest joys to see my own children and others responding in obedience to God’s truths and receiving blessings into their lives.” Paul’s wife, April, has been a teacher for 17 years. She began her career in Ohio, teaching preschool and kindergarten and eventually became a Preschool Director. After her youngest daughter, Catherine, was born, she took time off to stay at home. “When Paul was in the
She adds, “Every year, I try to be open to what God wants to teach me through my fellow staff members, students, and parents. God continues to stretch me in many ways and has taken me out of my comfort zone at times, but I have definitely grown spiritually through difficult situations.” “I really appreciate the support of my family since I began teaching at CCS,” says April. “They have all helped me in many ways at home
and in my classroom. My family inspires me to be better at everything I do, and to give God the glory. Their support has truly helped me be a successful teacher.” Lauren Moffett is now entering her senior year at Seattle Pacific University and will graduate in June of 2012 with a degree in Exercise Science. “I am praying for God’s direction regarding my schooling and career path after graduation. I am working at L.A. Fitness part-time while attending school and volunteer at my church in Seattle,” say Lauren. “College can be a time where students can be easily swept up in the temptations of the world. I really feel that my Christian upbringing, which was reinforced at CCHS, prepared me for my future, and helped me to stand firm in my faith and defend what I believe.” Catherine Moffett was a busy junior this year at CCHS. She played volleyball (since 7th grade) and tennis (10th), served on ASB and recently Executive ASB. “High School has been really fun,” says Catherine, “I’ve made so many
great memories. One of my favorites would be playing with my ‘volleyball girls’ at state for three years in a row. They are like sisters to me, and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to share those experiences with them.” This summer Catherine is traveling north to Canada to serve the First Nations people for the third consecutive summer. She is part of a group of about 90 people from five different churches, who spend ten days teaching Vacation Bible School and holding a soccer camp. “We split up into groups and travel to five different villages to spread the gospel, and simply love on the kids,” she says. “It has truly been a lifechanging experience every time I go and keeps me returning every summer.” “Cascade Christian has helped me grow in my God-given abilities by giving me opportunities to use my gifts,” explains Catherine. “Many times God has shown how he wants me to positively impact my school. Being at Cascade has also made it easier for me to obey God. ASB has definitely made that possible,
along with the encouragement and help of this year’s administrators who have been open to student suggestions. I’m very excited for my senior year to see how God will continue to use me at CCHS.”C
Don’t forget the New Student Referral Incentive Program! You can earn a $200 tuition credit when you refer a friend who enrolls at Cascade Christian Schools. See web site for details)
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JuniorSenior Ball (JSB) Annual event reflects CCS values and the hard work of the ASB planning team. by Misty Suggs
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lot of behind the scenes work goes into planning a school event, and the Junior-Senior Banquet (JSB) is no exception. This year’s junior class ASB officers; Madison Carrier, Catherine Moffett, Renee Qualls, Coleton Saunders, and Courtney Stevenson, along with their advisors; Mrs. Long, Mrs. Suiter, Mrs. Bratz and Mrs. Gates, did a fantastic job of putting together all of the important details to make this year’s event held at the Tacoma Art Museum one of the best ever. Students enjoyed access to all three floors of the museum. The first floor featured check-in and pictures. The second floor taught students the “Moving Like Berney,” dance that had everyone laughing. An Italian themed buffet with an ice cream bar was featured on the third floor in addition to a hilarious senior slideshow. After the slide show, seniors were presented with timecapsule gifts made by the planning committee. The gifts included such items as childhood pictures and a CD of childhood songs. Large events take a lot of time and advance planning. Collectively, this adds up to; choosing a location, working within a budget, choosing a theme for food, decorations,
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entertainment, catering, chaperones, safety planning, calling, emailing, and event flow. And as important as planning is, “you have to be able to do everything quickly and prioritize,” says ASB junior class officer, Madison Carrier. “I learned how to plan an event and how important communication is.” Keeping events aligned with CCS values is also a part of the planning process. “I believe everything we do on a daily basis here at Cascade Christian overflows into any event outside of campus,” says Mrs. Gates. “The three R’s (Relationship, Responsibility, and Respect) are always evident anywhere I have been on or off campus. When it is something you experience everyday, it becomes a lifestyle.” ASB junior class officer, Coleton Saunders, sums up his experience in planning and attending this year’s event, “It was really fun, and I’m glad I did it. I felt so relieved when everything went as planned and happy when people came up to me the next day telling me how much fun they had.”C
Before-School Devotions: Mentoring, friendship, and leadership among students By Britney Archer, class of 2011
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’ve been meeting with a small group of junior high girls for two and a half years every Wednesday morning at 6:30. We started off at Forza and just recently moved to Central Perk due to expansion of our group. We prayed to have Cascade overtake Forza, and it happened! Thus, causing us to move across the street. Some of the girls in the group are: Mckenzie Bjornson, Hanna Boyd, Michal Jo Irish, Anna Johnson, Monica Knapp, Holly Suggs, Maddie Taylor, and Maddie Teatro. I am training up Tracey Walrath, so that next year when I’m gone, they can continue with her as the leader.
The girls have grown a lot spiritually. First they developed a passion for the Word of God, and when I realized they had a good hold on that, I began doing a teaching every week. This takes the girls deep into topics they have questions about. I think that this group of girls has some great women in their corner to equip them. They are more prepared with wisdom and experience than we could ever hope for. People need to watch, and they’ll recognize the difference as the girls choose to set themselves apart. Other student-led devotionals also occur throughout the week, morning and evening.C
Annual Trip For 8th Graders: Students Get Inside View of the Spiritual Formation of Our Country
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ighth grade students from CCS have been touring Washington D.C. and New York for many years during spring break. This year’s group of 25 students was led by Ms. Kelsey Sprague and Mrs. Samantha Bratz, and Associate Principal Mr. Terry Broberg along with nine parent chaperones. Travel arrangements are made with Christian Discoveries, a tour company. Ms. Sprague shares, “The trip is an important aspect of our 8th graders’ year for a variety of reasons. Academically, kids are able to grasp history in a very real way by experiencing what we are learning about during the year in U.S. History class. Socially, the students are challenged to work well with others 24/7, but also have a great time developing friendships. They learn the importance of being respectful during tours and at certain sites. Spiritually, they have the opportunity to see the God-connection
in much of our history. By showing the students the documents, writing on the walls, and monuments, they can appreciate how much Christianity has played a part in our nation from past to present.” “My favorite part of the trip was going to the numerous memorials in Washington, D.C.,” Sprague adds. “It was awesome to see how much reverence our country has for our history. Sometimes it’s easy for us to think that so much is wrong with this nation, but visiting these sites positively impacted my patriotism and appreciation for how much our people have sacrificed throughout the years. The students had the same appreciation for the memorials as I did, and through the memorials and Arlington National Cemetery, they were astonished at how many people have given their lives for our country. They also loved having the experience of seeing what everyday life was
like for George Washington at Mount Vernon. Many students liked being able to go up the Washington Monument and seeing how much of an impact he had on everyone. “I really liked going to the historic landmarks like where the presidents are inaugurated! It was a really great experience,” said student Hanna Boyd.C
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Congratulations Class of 2011!
Class of 2011 Facts: • • • • • • • • •
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86 Graduates 799 combined years in Christian Schools (does not include preschool) 9.3 years per student average in Christian schools 4 students with a 4.0 GPA or above (Highest Honors) 22 students with a 3.66-3.99 GPA (High Honors) 38 students with a 3.0-3.65 GPA (Honors) Class Grade Point Average is 3.34 97% planning to attend higher education institutions in the fall 31 students received potential scholarships and grants offered toward college tuition totaling approximately $2,102,500.00 over the next four years. (This is money that does not need to be repaid!) Valedictorian: Sarah Youngmee Im Salutatorians: Noah Andrew Kime and John Westin Lennox
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Commencement Ceremony Friday, June 10, 2011 Champions Centre
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Living on Purpose... Tacoma Elementary music teacher Denise Sievers uses her God-given abilities to bless students, families, and community with spring production of “Annie Jr.” by Misty Suggs
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musical production is no easy task, but Denise Sievers makes it look easy. She started a tradition of large musical productions at her campus in 2006 with Annie. This year’s production, Annie Junior, was possibly the best yet with approximately 85 students, Kindergarten through sixth grades. Mrs. Sievers chose Annie Junior because, “It is one of my favorites. It’s a script written specifically for ages 18 and under, making it ideal for school performances. Plus, the junior version of Annie is only one hour instead of the regular 2 ½ hour version,” she says.
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Sievers explained that a production of this size involves many, including 15 parents who were coordinators in charge of certain areas of the play, and about 35-40 parents under their leadership taking care of a range of duties from baby sitting on up to production.
What do the actors say they learned? Sarah Pemberton, as Grace Farrell
This year was different than previous years because most of the students have never had a large role in the previous plays. Says Sievers, “To see them grow in their confidence and see them coming out of their shells was an awesome experience.”C
Kiriana Shelton, as Miss Hannigan
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“In Annie Junior, I had a bigger part than before. It gave me the chance to learn that I can act on stage and enjoy it!”
Breeann Sherrod, as Annie
Denise Sievers “This has been a big boost of confidence for me. It’s been easier each year. What I have learned will help me in the future – like in confidence in my jobs in the future.”
“Doing the play has helped me to be more responsible by learning my lines, music and cues. Singing and acting have given me confidence. I still get some stage fright, but not as much as before.”
Coby Doubek, as Mr. Warbucks “Before being involved in the plays, I didn’t like to be in front of a crowd. I was afraid I’d mess up. After getting different parts in the different plays, I’m over that. I’ve learned how to overcome and use a mistake as if it was meant to be in the script.”
Inspired: CCHS student, inspired by an I-term trip, writes an award-winning poem by Misty Suggs
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arlee Hart, a CCS junior, participated in the Pierce County Library system’s “Our Own Expressions” contest, winning second place and $75 for poetry in the 11th-12th grade category. “There were over 1,000 entries, and the winners were selected in a blind-judgingsystem. The judge for the poetry division was an actual poet,” said Hart. Her winning poem entitled, “Building Ships” is below. “I wrote ‘Building Ships’ while on the New Orleans mission trip this year during Impact Term,” she said. “I was feeling so close to everyone around me, my teachers, my classmates, and the people of New Orleans. While there, we helped to rebuild houses that had been destroyed in hurricane Katrina. But as I sat on my air mattress one night at the church where we stayed, I thought about how the relationships we build with each other are a much bigger part of what we’re doing than building a simple house.”
Building Ships By Darlee Hart
Down in New Orleans, down by the levy The hammers are knocking, the bricks are piling The wheelbarrows are rolling, the cement is pouring, The drills are buzzing, and the paint is drying Walls go up as the waters go down. In the sun, rain, sleet, and heat We’re building, drilling, stacking, sawing, nailing, Painting, lifting, measuring, digging, carrying…building A house appears…slowly…as if emerging from a mist Walls, foundation, roof, doors, windows However that’s not what we’re building For we build ships, big and small, grand and poor All lasting longer than any structure would In the ships we build, people sail from the island Where they’ve been trapped for so long They sail home, with songs of joy, in the ships we build. But the best ships of all, no one will ever see or sail We build houses with hammers and nails And in the silence between the blows the friendships are built It’s everything but the act of building that truly builds the ships.
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Alumni Profile: Brandon Bowie (Class of ’94) returns to CCS as parent, volunteers as Elementary Baseball Coordinator
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any elementary parents may know his name from all of the elementary sports flyers that were sent out this year, but they may not know who he is. Brandon Bowie graduated from Cascade Christian Schools as the valedictorian of the first graduating class in 1994. His wife, Kristin, is working at the CCS Tacoma Early Learning Center. Both of their sons have attended the Tacoma Campus – Josiah is entering fourth grade and Ethan will be a 7th grader at CCJH in the fall. They have attended CCS for two years, but the family’s connection to Cascade runs deep. Brandon recently shared what he’s been up to since graduation. “After graduation from CCS, I attended Pacific Lutheran University for three years studying mechanical engineering. During my first year at PLU, I met my, Kristin. In 1997, Kristin and I married just before I transferred to Washington State University to study Architecture. While at WSU, our first son, Ethan, was born. College was a challenge while raising a young child, but it was worth it. I graduated cum laude and was hired by an architecture firm in Wyoming. We lived in Wyoming for four and an half years and during that time our second son, Josiah, arrived. In 2005, we moved back to Washington and I began working for
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BCRA (Architects) in Tacoma. I am currently an architectural project manager and have managed a large number of projects including the second phase of the Kids Zone at the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. I began my relationship with the owner of BCRA while attending CCS. His wife was the elementary school principal, and I made a life-long connection with him. BCRA business has similar philosophies to those of CCS. It is one of the only non-church businesses that I know of where there is prayer at every company Christmas and summer party. Cascade Christian Schools has had a significant impact on my life. It helped shape who I am and it has helped prepare me for life. That is one of the reasons why our two boys are attending. CCS blessed me so much that we wanted our children to experience this kind of education. My wife is also investing in CCS. She was hired last October as a teaching assistant and has been working as a preschool 3s lead teacher and a closing supervisor for the Tacoma ELC. At CCS, they helped me become the person God created me to be, and helped me develop lifelong relationships. Last year, my youngest son played soccer for one of my former CCS teachers. My oldest son played trombone in the Tacoma Elementary band which is taught by my elementary school music teacher. CCS was a great place to grow up, and it is a great place to partner with to raise your children. Last spring (2010), our family was preparing for another baseball season and we recalled some of our past experiences with volunteer coaches from city leagues. We had some really good and some very bad coaches. That is when our family thought about how nice it would be to have an all CCS elementary baseball team. We contacted Mark Wagner and Garren Clark (who have been coordinating CCS elementary athletics), and
they loved the idea. Another enthusiastic mother from Frederickson, Kim Sando, and I put the word out to all the campuses. We were able to get two t-ball teams and two coach pitch teams organized, and they played in the Metro Parks League. I took on the task of coaching a coach pitch team that consisted of my youngest son and a group of boys and girls from the Tacoma and Puyallup Campuses. The second year of working with CCS baseball, we were able to build on what was done in 2010 (and over the last decade). We put together three t-ball teams, two coach pitch teams, two 10U baseball teams, one 10U fast pitch team and two 12U fast pitch teams. Of these ten teams, seven of them have kids from multiple campuses. The 10U baseball team that I coached this year was comprised of kids from all three campuses. This has been a blessing as the kids are forming friendships that are bridging the distances between our campuses, and they are forming bonds that will hopefully carry through high school. Elementary sports at Cascade Christian give kids a chance to learn a specific sport, build friendships with Cascade students outside of school, learn to be a good sport, learn to be Christ-like examples to other teams and spectators, and learn how to be a Christian competitor. These goals are what have driven me, my family and several others (Kim Sando, Mark Wagner, and Garren Clark) to volunteer to help coordinate elementary sports, not just baseball, at CCS. I know that I have been blessed by all the kids and the families of the kids that are participating, and I hope that I can be a blessing to them and their families for the next several years.C
“Cascade Christian Schools has had a significant impact on my life. It helped shape who I am and it has helped prepare me for life.That is one of the reasons why our two boys are attending. CCS blessed me so much that we wanted our children to experience this kind of education.”
For the CCS District Fan Page: www.facebook.com/ CascadeChristianSchools ••• Alumni: search for “Cascade Christian Schools Alumni Association”
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2010-2011 Thank you to all of our 2010-2011 Business Partners! Your support means Cascade Christian Schools is better able to fulfill the mission of developing discerning leaders. Platinum Partners
Stuart Rich, DDS, PS
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Gold Partners
Silver Architectural Sheet Metal Arndt, Chris and Kathy Daniel L. Oliveira, D.D.S., P.S. Karl Zeiger, Attorney Living Waters Garden Market Mountain View Financial Scotty’s General Construction, Inc. Tern Christian Counseling
Rob Mitton Director of Development
If you’d like to support quality, Christ-centered education, with God’s purpose in mind for our students, become a Cascade Christian Schools Business Partner. Contact the District Office at 253-841-1776, or go online to www.cascadechristian.org, and click on Support CCS/Business Partners. The
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NON PROFIT US POSTAGE PAID TEKS SERVICES
District Office 815 21st Street SE Puyallup,WA 98372 253-841-1776
See us on the web! www.cascadechristian.org
IMPACT...Living on Purpose-Choosing God’s Way Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”