Cascade Christian Chronicle - July 2013 by Cascade Christian Schools

Dedicated to Developing Discerning Leaders Don Johnson Superintendent of Schools Mary Severeid Assistant Superintendent Early Learning/Elementary Glenna Frederick, Ed.D Assistant Superintendent Secondary/International Tim Kleefeld, CPA Director of Business and Finance Rob Mitton Director of Development Naomi Warren Director of Admissions Susan Crawford Director of Marketing and Communications Junior High & High School Administrative Team: Glenna Frederick, Ed.D (JH) Suzanne Keil Keith Pateﬁeld Dave Peterson Frederickson Elementary & ELC Debi Boyd, Principal and Executive Director

A Class of Unity

Tacoma Campus Presents “Little Mermaid”

Soccer Team Reaches New Heights

Puyallup ELC Karen Curtiss, Executive Director Puyallup Elementary Terry Broberg, Principal Tacoma Elementary & ELC Lisa Metzger, Principal and Executive Director Extended School Kristin Hannus, Director This issue of the Chronicle reported and written by commercial freelance writer and CCS Parent Kristin Bingham. Design and layout by CCS Parent Michelle De Monnin for De Monnin’s Art Studio, Inc. The Chronicle is a publication of Cascade Christian Schools, an interdenominational school district in Pierce County, Washington. On the Cover: CCHS graduates tossing their caps at the end of their graduation ceremony. Cover photo by: Michelle De Monnin Additional photography in this issue by: Michelle De Monnin, Mike Centioli, Stuart Rich, Yvonne Tapia and others

For more information about Cascade Christian Schools:

cascadechristian.org | 253-841-1776 Development/Business Partner information: Rob Mitton Admissions information: Naomi Warren Story ideas for the Cascade Chronicle: Susan Crawford 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.

Dear CCS Friends and Family, Nearing the end of another school year, my thoughts turn to considering whether we achieved the goals we tackled at the start of the year, and what sort of IMPACT we have made on the lives of our students. Being impactful on those around us takes many forms, and often our greatest effect happens when we team up with others. The teams that most benefit our students are the IMPACT Learning Teams (ILTs). These ILTs are teacher teams grouped horizontally (i.e. 8th grade teachers) or vertically (like Preschool through Grade 3), whose focus is evaluating and improving student learning and creating seamless learning transitions from grade to grade. In this Chronicle, you’ll learn how during teacher in-service days, our teachers are giving their professional expertise and energy to fulfill their passion for superior education on behalf of your students. This year, these groups have succeeded in demonstrating student learning growth and increased proficiency in the subject of reading. That’s exciting! In this season of promotions for our students, from preschool to elementary, and from elementary to junior high, we especially celebrate the students of the Class of 2013, our largest graduating class in CCS history. Our prayer is that they will walk out in their future what they have learned here, as discerning leaders who spiritually, personally, and academically impact their world for God. A successful school year would not happen without the faithfulness and commitment of our over 250 employees and the many PfC volunteers who impact our CCS family. We are blessed, as a school district, and I thank you for all you do on behalf our families. Our core team remains our families and parents. So many of you are continuing on to the next grade or developmental level with your children, and we appreciate the opportunity to continue providing your families with the best Christian education available in this region. There are many new families joining us for next year – remember to reach out and welcome them to this wonderful community! It is a privilege to have witnessed the many achievements of our students this year, who learned to more closely follow after God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength – so that together we can IMPACT our world for Him! Hope you have a safe and IMPACTful summer! Don Johnson,

Superintendent of Schools

Locations

Core Purpose

cascadechristian.org

Transforming cultures through teaching and training people in their purpose before God.

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.

IMPACT LEARNING TEAMS

ILT Teams Reach Goals Students are impacted at classroom level Last spring, CCS school leaders met to address student learning goals for the 2012-2013 school year. Armed with data – MAP tests, SAT data, and other assessment data – they determined what they felt was the most important student growth area on which to focus in the coming year.

about comprehension, for some text components were priority. Others determined vocabulary or other areas of reading were the most important.

Then, in the fall, they gathered the Impact Learning Team (ILT) leaders together to do the same. After twoand-a-half days of intensive training and data analysis, the ILT leaders (program supervisors at the early learning level and teachers at the K-12 levels) were in agreement with the school leaders and they formulated a “compelling goal”.

• What do we want students to understand, know and do?

It read, “We will increase CCS district reading growth scores by 5% by June 2013.” Throughout the course of the school year, the ILT leaders met with their district-wide educational-level groups of teachers - Preschool-3rd grades, 4th-8th grades, and 9th-12th grades. Together, they looked at the goal and determined how they could contribute. Each grade would ask “What is it about reading that we need to work on?” For some it was

During these times, they would also ask the following questions to help them focus on their goal:

• How do we know if they know it? • What are relevant instructional strategies for all learners? • What do we do when they don’t learn and when they do? By June 2013, the great news arrived: MAP test scores showed that student growth in reading had risen districtwide by 6.9%, well exceeding the goal of 5%! At the P-3 level, leader Debi Boyd says, “Everyone was excited by the possibilities that collaboration to this extent opens up for our students. (Early Learning) Program supervisors gained vital insights into the preparation required to ensure success of their students at the next

level, and kindergarten teachers gained information about what their incoming students have already experienced before they meet them on the ﬁrst day of Kindergarten.” At the 4-8 level, 8th grade team leader Brooke Sikora reported, “We saw signiﬁcant growth on the MAP testing scores of our 8th grade students. We were able to increase growth over 38% in Reading!” She added, “What is even more exciting is the growth was not limited to Reading but is also exhibited on the Language, Math and Science MAP assessments.” She believes their success is because they empowered their students. They broke the MAP test down into different elements in order to help the students understand the test. Then, they had the students set improvement goals, and students chose activities to help themselves reach those goals. “We saw students really trying and working hard to achieve their goal and celebrating their success when they did!” Sikora said.

(continued on page 19)

VOLUNTEER PROFILE

Bostain Family serves at Tacoma Campus Family took a “first small step” to being involved Originally, Jamie and Chris Bostain enrolled their son Owen into preschool at Cascade Christian’s Tacoma campus because they were looking for a school that would align with their family values. Today, Owen is about to enter the 6th grade, and their daughter Riley is an incoming Kindergartner. However, over the last six years, Cascade Christian has developed from a place their child attends school, to a place they are proud to call their “home”. The Bostains have recently become heavily involved in volunteering at CCS. “We love the community feel to the campus,” Jamie Bostain said. “Our faith led us here, and it has been the best decision for our family and Owen. We look forward to continuing that with Riley. The atmosphere is a total blessing.” When their son was in 4th grade, Bostain was asked to be a room support parent. While originally unsure what that might entail, she soon felt comfortable and was excited about what she could contribute. “I wasn’t sure where we fit in,” she said. “But after that first small step, we began to become more aware, and to work closely with teachers and build relationships. We helped wherever there was a need, and this year we were heavily involved with Tacoma campus’ drama production of The Little Mermaid.” The drama production is overseen by Denise Sievers, who is the Tacoma Campus worship, music and drama director. “To see how she can pull the best out of our kids, it is amazing,” Bostain said. “She uses all of our interests, hobbies and God-given gifts, and allows all of us volunteers to be part of something amazing.” She explained there is a lot of behind-the-scenes work to pull off a yearly production, but also explained there is a place for everyone to pitch in, no matter their skill set. Bostain said her volunteer role has changed over time, and this year she helped Sievers organize “anything that needed organizing,” Bostain said. “I like all my ducks in a row.” She kept notes, contacted people, and rallied help when help was needed to make the play a success. Her husband Chris helped build props and sets for the production. “Our campus is special,” she said. “Mrs. Sievers makes sure every student in the school has a part. This play gives them an outlet to find the gift God has given them and she lets them shine out there. Who wouldn’t want to be involved in that?”

Bostain said their willingness is always rewarded by God’s blessing. From their point of view, family is everything and what they do—they do together. “We have hearts to serve and it brings us joy to serve others,” Bostain explained. “It is our duty. Chris and I both work and have other responsibilities, and at times life can be tiring. But the reality is that God gives us the time to volunteer and we are so blessed because we do.” According to Tacoma Elementary 4th grade teacher Kathi Renn, the Bostains are appreciated more than words can express. “Their hearts are so purely focused on the kids and the Lord; there is nothing they wouldn’t do for our kids or Cascade Christian as a whole,” Renn said. “No matter what needs to be done, or who needs to have it done, they are there for our school.” “There is a whole team of people who help provide an amazing place for our kids to shine,” she explained. There are a lot of other volunteers, and she said they enjoy making it a team effort. While the public’s eye may not readily see the Bostains’ efforts behind the scenes, there are two sets of eyes Bostain said she hopes do notice what they do. “I consider it our legacy to have our children see us serve others,” she said tearfully. “We are role models to them, and I want them to see that if there is a need to be ﬁlled, and you can, then ﬁll it. I want my children to look back on their childhood and feel supported and loved in everything they did. Everything we do is to cheer them on because we are their biggest cheerleaders. If that means we build props and organize, then that’s what we do.” (continued on page 18)

EARLY LEARNING

Early Learning Centers Implement New Curriculum

With the goal of ﬁnding an appropriate new curriculum for all three ELC’s, Karen Curtiss, Puyallup’s ELC director, said the challenge was to ﬁnd a research-based program that had a solid focus on Kindergarten readiness, which still met the needs of Cascade Christian’s mission and values. “We are so excited to offer the Get Set for School curriculum to our students and families at Cascade Christian,” Curtiss said. “This program lends itself to the way we do preschool, as we strive to educate the whole child.” Curtiss said some curricula were not a value match for Cascade Christian, so when they researched this curriculum they were very excited. While some may focus on a theme of the day or month or, in some cases, fantasy, Get Set for School was the opposite. Curtiss said it is an excellent baseline curriculum, but lends itself to adaption based on teacher discretion. The curriculum doesn’t have a traditional Bible component, and Curtiss said they are utilizing the Biblical Worldview Institute material to supplement the curriculum. She added that because of Get Set for School’s adaptability, they are easily able to integrate Biblical aspects into all their teachings. There are three main components to the Occupational Therapist-created curriculum: Numbers and Math, Readiness and Writing, and Language and Literacy. Within those three components, students are also prepared for Kindergarten, as Science, Art, and Music are intertwined in each component. “This program allows teachers a variety of ways to reach young learners,” Curtiss said. “Each component has ways to approach differentiated learning styles; it is hands-on and multi-sensory in approach. All of those things agree with our ELC philosophy.”

After more than twenty years in Early Childhood Learning, Curtiss said she is excited to offer a curriculum like Get Set for School to her students and teachers. She said children grow and develop rapidly during their preschool years, and a program like this is designed to stimulate and sustain learning. “Get Set for School is a program that honors children’s natural curiosity, creativity, and respects what children already know and how much they learn independently,” Curtiss explained. “It also addresses the different ways a student learns and is built on what children already are familiar with. If they are farther ahead in a certain area than a different student, the teachers are able to change activities depending on the student’s need. This enables our teachers to meet the needs of all of our students.” Almost every lesson has a hands-on component for the kinesthetic and visual learners. The Numbers and Math component is designed with a variety of activities and teaching strategies to boost math and number skills in an active and child-friendly way. The Readiness and Writing component focuses on how children write, and is derived from the Handwriting Without Tears curriculum also produced by Get Set for School creators. “The elementary principals are very excited about the new curriculum,” said Terry Broberg, Puyallup Elementary Principal. “It is a big step for us to all be able to help the students have a better presentation of what they know. Our technology-driven culture doesn’t always slow down to be neat and legible. We believe that starting in preschool is the best way to stop bad writing habits.” In June 2012, Get Set for School won two awards from the Association of Educational Publishers. The Pre-K Language and Literacy program won for Best Reading and Language Arts program, and the Handwriting Without Tears website won the Beacon Award for Best Website. The Numbers & Math program was also a ﬁnalist.

EXTENDED SCHOOL

100 Mile Club Kelso and team help students set goals, recognize success At CCS Frederickson Elementary, like the other CCS campuses, you will ﬁnd students actively engaged in academics and aiming to do their best. And if you visit the campus after school, you will also ﬁnd a dedicated group of students building skills in perseverance, encouragement and goal-setting. Frederickson Elementary hosts the largest 100-mile running club in the district. Helmed by Stephanie Kelso for the past eighteen months, the program has grown from just eight students in January 2012, to 39 students today. As of June 2013, those 39 students have logged more than 4,126 miles with two sixth grade students, Tripper Wulf and Dylan Tresch, leading the way. Wulf has already run 206 miles this school year, and Tresch slightly ahead with 212 miles logged this year. There is also a kindergartner who has logged 125 miles. Kelso credits the Lord with blessing these students with a gift of running and often reminds them of Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” “I try to make sure every student knows that if they put their minds to it, they can do it,” Kelso explained. “There is nothing they can’t do in life without a little perseverance.” Kelso describes her coaching style as encouraging and fun. “I love to praise and encourage publicly and am very enthusiastic about my runners,” she said. “When we were smaller in size, I used to run with them, and it became an incentive for them to try to pass me. But now with so many wonderful runners, I need to be able to facilitate the group more, and I don’t get to run with them the way I used to.”

She recognizes that running has its challenges and is not easy for everyone, but said she believes her club has grown because the club members are enthusiastic about each other’s success. “It is amazing to watch how the older runners encourage and cheer on the younger runners,” Kelso said. “We had a younger runner this year that was obviously discouraged. He didn’t like how the older kids were always in front and he didn’t like how it always felt like a race. “Then a fourth grade student came alongside him, provided a little encouragement, and became a mentor to him,” she continued. “Now he loves coming to 100-mile club because he realizes this isn’t a race, this is about being part of a team. When new kids join, there is an immediate group offering for the newer runner to run with them.”

“I try to make sure every student knows that if they put their minds to it, they can do it,” Kelso explained. “There is nothing they can’t do in life without a little perseverance.” Kelso tells another success story she is extremely proud of: “When a 1st grader got really sick and missed a lot of running time due to hospitalization and doctor appointments, the runners got together and walked in her honor and donated laps to her. Because of their kindness, she reached her 25mile mark and received her t-shirt.” The runners practice twice a week after school for 45 minutes. For those aiming to complete their goal by the end of the school year, Kelso said she opened up recess time as a chance they could better their mileage.

“God gave them this gift to run and they work hard to own their success,” she said. “This club is about setting a goal and going for it, no matter what. It tickles me pink to see their success.” Kelso tracks their mileage daily and helps them set goals. The club provides incentive rewards in 25-mile increments and Kelso said she had to add extra incentives because runners were passing their expected goals. An accountant by trade, Kelso said numbers and spreadsheets “just make sense to me.” “When I know where they are at in their mileage count and where they want to go, my spreadsheets help me celebrate their current milestone and look forward to what their next one is,” she explained. “It lets the students see exactly where they are in the big picture of where they want to be.” The 100-mile club has even turned into a family affair. “I had a little kindergartner a few weeks ago approach their 100-mile goal,” Kelso said. “The day they were to achieve that goal they had their mom and dad here running with their child as they hit their 100th mile. Seeing the joy in all of their faces was what we at Cascade Christian and 100-mile club are all about.”

THRIVE SUMMER PROGRAMS

Summer Fun with CCS THRIVE provides options for parents and children dren Extended School Director Kristin Hannus knows better than to ask Kathi Renn to slow down. The Tacoma Elementary 4th grade teacher winds her school year down by kick-starting one of the three sites of Cascade Christian’s THRIVE summer day camp programs. Renn is the site coordinator for the Puyallup site, which utilizes the space at the Junior High/High School. “Come January every year, I am so energized by the thought of camp I can’t say ‘no’,” Renn said with a laugh. “This is more than a camp to me. Yes, it is a summer camp. But because the camp is open to community children as well as to current CCS students, to me it is a pre-Cascade Christian camp.” Hannus concurs. “For our community kids, this is a time when we are all as one. Once you are in our doors, we are all Cascade Christian. Kids grow up in a world today where they need relationship skills, and for our community kids, this may be the only chance they get to hear about Jesus and what it means to be a Christian.” Renn added, “It is my prayer that these children might one day be able to be a full-time part of the CCS family.” Renn is ﬁve years into the summer camp site coordinator role, and said she enjoys seeing children grow and mature and come to know the Lord. “I once had a camper who spent a fair amount of her elementary years with me,” Renn said. “At one point her camp counselor bought this child her very ﬁrst Bible. With tears in her eyes, the child came running to me and showed me her new Bible.” “I am proud to say she now works for THRIVE, and is a prime example of what this camp can do,” she continued. “Those kinds of events speak volumes to a child who may not have what we take for granted. In that moment, she felt love and said ‘this makes sense – Jesus makes sense. I can do this, I need this.’” Kristin Hannus believes one of the wonderful things about THRIVE Summer Programs is that if a student has a particular interest, THRIVE helps foster that interest through enrichment classes and sports camps. “THRIVE is a great way to connect one instructor’s passion for their class topic with students who have an interest in that area,” Hannus said. “THRIVE is about bringing people

us Hann Kristin family and

and partnerships together, people who have the same Christian values— whose values line up with camper interests.” This year, Cascade Christian has partnered with Surrendered School of the Arts and Reality Sports, and is continuing the relationship with Soccer Shots, among others, in order to provide a wider variety of quality choices for our students. Trying to juggle so many campers and a variety of interests might be a challenge, but Hannus said it is God who does all the work. “Every year we are excited to see what we can pull together,” Hannus said. “It might look like hard work, but THRIVE Summer Programs is God’s program, and He lines everything up for us. Every year, Renn challenges herself to ﬁnd new and exciting ways to grow the program. There are some campers who come for a few weeks and some who come for the whole summer. At the Puyallup site, for example, there are approximately 150 campers who return each year. While being a camper is fun for the younger students, a need developed to create something for the junior high students who also attend. Two years ago, Renn created a leadership position of Junior Counselor, so that junior high students could build leadership skills. “I absolutely love watching my counselors be leaders for Christ and lead younger children to Him,” she remarks. For more information, about the THRIVE summer day camp please log onto www.cascadechristian.org or call (253) 841-1776.

EMPLOYEE PROFILE

“Mama Gates” Cares for CCHS Students The Class of 2013 shows their love in return This year’s graduating class of 91 seniors adore, love, respect, and seek wisdom from Administrative Assistant Brenda Gates. In her fifth year at Cascade Christian High School, she says that the feeling is mutual. When Gates was hired, the class of 2013 was in 8th grade. She admits they were challenging at times, but during their freshman year, they united and quickly became the class she could depend on to get something done on campus. They made the decision as a class to leave a legacy of unity. “These kids are the real deal with real problems, and real issues and they just don’t play ‘Christian’,” she explained. “What you see is what you get with this class. They have a heart for the Lord and each other. They are respectful. They are funny, and they are very, very real.”

Because she directly supports all high school activities, she has a special relationship with Associated Student Body officers as well as the Senior Class officers. Her list of responsibilities are extensive and include ASB retreat, back-toschool open house and barbecue, Homecoming banquet, I-term coordination and support of trip leaders, Junior-Senior Ball in the spring, and graduation. Gates was a preschool teacher at Life Christian for sixteen years, then moved on to event planning at the Landmark Convention Center in Tacoma. “I love to plan events and could do so until the cows come home,” Gates

explained. “If there is a party or a project that needs to be planned, I am ready to take it on.” But after three years of event planning at the Landmark, Gates said she missed the Christian work atmosphere. “I couldn’t work in the ‘world’, where I had to compromise my faith,” she said. “So I left the Landmark and found my way to Cascade Christian.” It only takes a few minutes of talking with Gates to see that the love of Jesus shines from her onto everyone with whom she interacts. If you hang out in the school office on any given day, Gates can be found doing the typical things. But then a student will walk in, and it isn’t about the phone ringing or about the tasks that need to be completed, it is suddenly about the student. There is a great chance they may have come in to make a photocopy, or to drop something off for a teacher. But in reality, they come to talk to Gates, to seek her wisdom and insight. They come for a laugh or a shoulder to cry on. They come when they feel they have nobody else to talk to, when they feel overpowered (continued on page 18)

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“Mrs. Gates is such a blessing. She is someone that would cancel her whole day for you, and has such a servant heart. She constantl y makes me laugh, and is such an encouragement. She is a hard worke r, and would go out of her way to ful ﬁll the needs of others. I am so tha nkful to have gotten the opportunit y to work with her in the office, ” ~ Madison DuMars

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CLASS OF 2013: STRONG, UNIFIED,

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READY TO IMPACT THEIR WORLD

CCS FAMILY PROFILE

“You Won’t Regret It” As a CCS Mom and employee, Sandy Fox is thankful for what has been provided In early June, as Cascade Christian celebrated the Class of 2013, Sandy Fox fondly reminisced about her graduating daughter Jamie’s journey through CCS from a busy 2-yearold toddler to a confident young woman about to embark out into the world. “I originally chose Cascade Christian because it was a Christian school and I was impressed by the classrooms and the kids,” Fox said. “But it became much more than just classrooms and kids.” Fox said her daughter’s time at Cascade Christian helped her turn into a confident and godly woman. “When Jamie was younger she was afraid to try something new,” Fox said. “She didn’t like to stand out in a crowd. Today, Jamie knows God has a plan for her and feels called to be part of His ministry as a youth leader. She recently spoke at a youth conference in front of 2,000 kids and has gained so much confidence; it’s amazing.” In the fall, Jamie will be attending Northwest University. Fox said it is hard to watch her daughter graduate, but knows Jamie is heading for college with her feet firmly planted on the knowledge that she is following the calling on her life. “She knows that God wanted her to be obedient and it is exciting to watch her pursue that life,” Fox said. Fox explained that much of Jamie’s character development could be credited to the teachers she had along the way. “She had teachers that pushed harder and held the bar a little higher than she might have liked—but through her rebellious phase they were there for her and told her they believed in her,” Fox said. “They told her she was more than that and that she was better than that.” Fox said she appreciated Cascade Christian because it didn’t just give Jamie love; it gave her God’s love. It was a place for Jamie to grow and become a leader. “I have seen it first hand, the student is Cascade Christian’s ultimate concern all the time,” Fox said. “From the Superintendent on down, the leadership at Cascade Christian is centered around the child, and at the core, that is what CCS is all about.”

Fox said she praises God for the daughter who stands in front of her today. “She is beautiful,” Fox said. “She has an amazing heart, and is so forgiving. She lets things go so easily and only dwells on the positive. She loves to enjoy life and to laugh and has a huge smile to match her heart. She is a magnet.” Fox and a few other parents have been working through a small group Bible study regarding empty nesters, and Fox said it is sad and exciting to have her daughter leaving home. She said she found comfort in working through the material with other parents in the same situation. “We were able to be there for each other and met once a week,” Fox said. “We were able to get together and really celebrate the unique things about our kids.” She said all parents should consider enrolling their student at Cascade Christian. “You won’t regret a Cascade Christian education for your child,” Fox explained. “They will be loved more than words and will come out a leader.”

INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM

Nineteen International studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;from Korea, China, and Vietnamâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;graduated from CCHS this year! In addition, sixteen students attended CCS this year from Whole Person Christian Academy in Korea, and thirty more students in grades 3-12 joined us from Korea, China, and Kazakhstan. Short-term international visits from Japan and Mexico also occurred during this school year.

CCS International Program is Thriving

CREATIVE ARTS

Creative Arts at CCS Creative Expression to Reveal a Creative God

The purpose of our Creative Arts Program is for students to fulďŹ ll their passion and purpose before God through their creative uniqueness.

ATHLETICS

High School Spring Sports Wrap-up

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ALUMNI PROFILE

Josh Johnson, Class of 1997 God used people, experiences at CCS to learn life lessons Looking back on his high school experience at Cascade Christian, class of 1997 graduate Joshua Johnson can see the Lord’s hand on his life and credits his high school experiences and mentors with helping guide him toward the life he has today. Josh explained that his time at Cascade Christian was an important stepping-stone, as God began to reveal His plan for his life. Johnson easily remembers the many experiences and people that God used in his life to help him get through the rough times and, ultimately, to help him learn to persevere. One example was the time he ran for, and lost, the election for Associated Student Body President. “Even though I lost the election for ASB President, Mr. Washburn (the principal at the time), believed in me and my gifts,” Johnson said. “He put me in situations and encouraged me to pursue activities that would cultivate my gifts. His encouragement helped me to pursue a life in ministry.” But it was also in those tough times that Johnson gained some of his most favorite memories. He remembered his junior year, when he was on the basketball team and they were playing in a tournament in Neah Bay. “The first game of the tournament was the first time I went scoreless, and we lost in overtime,” he said, remembering. “I remember blaming myself for the loss and I was distraught. My friend Jeremy sat with me while I dealt with my feelings of inadequacy.” That specific memory impacted him all these years for one main reason. “It really put into perspective what was important – the people I share my life with,” he said. “That game doesn’t matter to me anymore, but it was the teammates that I had and the friendships that I made. I am blessed because I have people like Jeremy in my life.” Johnson also credits a drama class taught by Samantha Horst for helping him. “She was always positive and she instilled in me a love of story,” he said. “Stories can impact the world for the better, and she helped me find my voice, so that I would be better equipped to tell my story.” Johnson has a solid vision of the task at hand, a skill fostered over time, and one he credits to Cascade Christian. Today, living in the Middle East, he and his wife, Meredith, are motivated by one main goal. “We dream that, within our lifetime, movements of

Muslims following Jesus will sweep across the Arab world, transforming it from within,” he said. Together, Joshua and Meredith are working toward “catalyzing a church planting movement among Muslims.” A majority of Josh’s free time is spent learning Arabic, making friends, telling stories about Jesus, and striving daily to show his Muslim friends God’s grace and love. They lead a house church that meets weekly. “Living outside of the United States is a wonderful experience – you get to rely on God for a lot, which puts your life into perspective,” he said. “I love interacting with people from other cultures and seeing what they love, how they live, and what is important to them.” After graduating CCHS, Josh attended Northwest University, graduating with a degree in Secondary Education, and returning to CCHS to teach English. While here, he coached boys’ and girls’ basketball, as well as baseball and volleyball. In 2004, he became the Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach at Whitworth University. In 2008, he moved to Korea and taught English as a Second Language for eighteen months, after which he moved to Kansas City to help lead a group that learned how to outreach to Muslims. Joshua and Meredith married on July 31, 2011, and moved back to Puyallup soon after, where Meredith taught English and Bible for the International program at CCHS. On their first wedding anniversary, they moved to the Middle East.

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DEVELOPMENT UPDATE

2013 Auction Results Through the gifts and efforts of many dedicated givers and volunteers, the auctions made a significant impact this year toward the mission here at CCS. After expenses, $81,900 will be distributed to tuition assistance and quality improvements at all five CCS campuses. Many people made these two nights a success: Auction team members: Aaron and Theresa Smith, Whittney Kamel, Justine Phelps, Preston and Amanda Goetz, Kim Sando, Ronda Gregory, Becky Hanks, Sandy Hilt, Tiffany Wakefield, Tim Kleefeld, Vanessa Tucker, Kristine Lane, Candace Pennick, Anita Bratvold, Kim Newstrom, Jane Bigelow, Michelle Collins, Michelle and Jim Edinger, Tara VanDaam, Ryan Akers, Penny and Aaron Saum, Lisa Petrescu, Cheryl Teifke, Keri Bond, Trisha Hicks, Dana Nuber, Kelly Edwards, Bettina Knack, Tabitha Farrington, Natasha Roscoe, and Jennifer Lowery. Auction help also provided by: Taylor-Made Printing, PB&J Services, Westin Lennox, Katie Miller, Michael Gray, Our CCS Band and Choir students, and Susan Crawford and Kimberly Hankins of the CCS Marketing and Communications Department Net Auction Results: Family and Formal Auctions combined: 2013 2012 2011 2010 $89,100 $86,600 $77,100 $71,000

Creative Arts This Spring, there were sixteen creative arts events held on the five campuses, all of which were well-attended. The High School drama team put on a suspenseful and humorous production of The Murder Room. The elementary schools each had amazing spring performances, to include the Tacoma campus production of â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Little Mermaid,â&#x20AC;? and the JH and HS bands and choirs truly wowed their audiences with the talents of their students. This spring, those attending the events were provided an opportunity to give specifically to our Creative Arts program, and the needs of our Creative Arts classes. Many generous parents, grandparents, and friends of CCS gave to support these programs. Gifts to Creative Arts provide students with opportunities to fulfill their passion and utilize the quality instruments, equipment, and tools necessary to explore and expand their Godgiven talents.

Golf A great time was had on June 4th at the Oakbrook Golf Course in Lakewood. Sunshine, a light breeze, and a wonderful crowd of golfers came out to support our schools and our CCS athletics teams. Participants, donors, and sponsors made the tournament enjoyable for everyone. The funds raised at the tournament will help enhance the quality of the CCS athletic department.

DEVELOPMENT

Hoping to Inspire Others Masenhimer family loves to pay it forward Blair and Tami Masenhimer have found a rather unique way to give. The Masenhimers have recently established a gift of tuition assistance for a student at CCS. The gift is awarded based on financial need, and will cover one third of a student’s tuition. Masenhimer personally does not choose the recipient, but he does hope to meet the child who benefits from their generosity. “We chose to give a targeted gift because it allows us to see what and, more importantly, who we are investing in,” Masenhimer said. “Tami and I want to come alongside a family who is contemplating pulling their child out of Cascade Christian for financial reasons. This gift of tuition assistance is designed to help their child remain at CCS.” “It empowers me to give when I know who I am helping,” he continued. “I am able to see their progress and that brings my wife and I great joy.” The Masenhimer Family Tuition Assistance gift is created in the memory of Masenhimer’s parents, Dr. Harry and Gladys Masenhimer, who have both passed away in the last six years. They were both strong proponents of education. His mom was a second grade teacher for many years, and later in life, a librarian. His dad taught both in medical school and in their church, and Masenhimer said they always exemplified an amazing thirst for knowledge. Both taught Bible studies for many years, and had a true love of the Gospel. “Our heart is to help someone who is already involved with Cascade Christian and is a CCS family,” Masenhimer said. “I love Cascade Christian. I love the vision, and I am excited about what I have seen from my own daughter. I want to keep that going for another family.” Masenhimer is inspired by his parents’ dedication to education and their belief in helping those you can help. “My parents sacrificed so much to bless my brothers and me after their passing,” Masenhimer explained. “I feel a responsibility to reward their memory and to pay it forward. They have entrusted me with part of their legacy and I want to keep it going.” Masenhimer said he hopes his gift might inspire someone else to give. “There are so many deserving students at Cascade Christian, and the prayer of my heart is two-fold,” he said. “First, my wife and I simply want to bless another family with the ability to provide their child with a Christian education. Secondly, I would love it if our gift inspired others to give.” “I really want people to see that when you give and invest in people, especially children, you get so much more in return.” For more information about how to provide a gift to tuition assistance or to discuss other ways of giving, please call the Cascade Christian Development Department at (253) 841-1776 or visit cascadechristian.org/development/ GiveToday.cfm to make a secure gift.

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Volunteer Proﬁle Continued from page 4. However, Bostain was also quick to point out their love of volunteering isn’t solely focused around their children. “Every child has a gift,” she said. “From Ariel (the lead in the play) to the jellyﬁsh, each child is equally as important as the next. All the effort we use to volunteer is worth it when you see the joy on all the children’s faces. All we do is provide the backdrop for them to be amazing.” “I may only have one out there performing that day,” she continued. “But I am hugely proud of all of them.”

Employee Proﬁle Continued from page 8. by the world, and they come bursting through the door when there is joy to share. She celebrates their successes with them and her heart breaks at their defeats. This is what has earned her the nickname “Mama Gates.” “These are amazing kids who love the Lord, and you learn from them what you can’t learn from adults,” Gates said softly. “You learn optimism, you learn hope. Adults complain about data and spreadsheets, but kids, they live in the moment.” Gates received an unexpected honor this year when she was elected as the Farewell Senior Chapel speaker. Overwhelmed with what to say, Gates was originally at a loss for words at the thought. Through prayer and guidance from God, Gates delivered a touching and honest speech to the Class of 2013.

The following is an excerpt: “Some may call you privileged, and that’s ok with me. Because to whom much is given, much is required and I know all of you are up to the task. You have left your mark here at Cascade. You are leaving a legacy of service and love. You have done your senior year very well, and besides black paint during color wars, parking your cool cars sideways in the parking lot, and being a class that might procrastinate just a little, you have shown your underclassmen how to embrace their time at Cascade, and not complain about it. You have shown them how to love each other, how to serve one another and how to shine for Jesus. With all of the happy happy, joy joy going on... You should know that when you go out into the world: You will be lonely...God will give you peace. You will be scared...God will give you courage. You will have doubt...God will give you wisdom. You will sin...God will forgive. You will be in need...God will provide.” The senior class thanked Gates with a standing ovation and there were many tears in everyone’s eyes. “I was so humbled because I didn’t know what to say and there was no way to give back everything they have given to me,” she said. “God showed up that day big time—it was all Him. I hope what I said had impact on them, they are that special to me.” During the 2013 commencement ceremony, graduates showed their appreciation when many of them thanked “Mama Gates” and the other office staff for all they have meant to them during their years at Cascade Christian. “I am so blessed,” Gates said. “I work at a place where we all believe the same

thing. I have amazing co-workers who I can pray with at any time. If I am out of line, the other ladies in the office hold me accountable. They pray with me, they head-check me, and we get to celebrate life together. “I spend more time with my CCS family sometimes than I spend with my own family,” she continued. “We are all vested in the same goal, and that is pouring ourselves into these kids. We owe them that much. These kids are simply amazing and I meant it when I said, ‘I am forever changed (by you), and when I grow up I want to be just like you.’” “Mrs. Gates is one of the most kindhearted people you will ever meet. Everyone knows that you can count on her if you need something, or just need someone to talk to. She very clearly exempliﬁes the purpose of Cascade Christian and its core values. She has impacted my life more than words can express and I know that there are many other students who feel the same way. I will never forget her and I will always treasure her friendship.” ~ Kabrina Kidd “Mrs. Gates has always been there for every student, no matter the situation. She loves us all and cares for us all as if we were her own kids. It’s been an honor helping her in the office or helping her clean up after our senior shenanigans. Having random talks about life is a highlight; she has so many stories and fun events in her life that she shares. She’s made coming to CCS awesome and getting to know her over the years has been a great blessing in my life. She will ALWAYS be my favorite office lady.” ~Scotty Augkhopinee

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Impact Learning Teams

Alumni Proﬁle

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Sikora and the other teachers had the time (during district in-service days) to collaborate and share successful teaching methodologies with each other. They discussed formative and summative assessments, and learned data protocol to help zero in on areas of strength, weakness, focus, and of course, student growth.

Josh is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Social and Civic Entrepreneurship at Bakke Graduate University. In his free time, he loves to watch movies, travel, and play sports.

The ILT process will continue into the 2013-2014 school year, with the teams again meeting in August to form their student growth and proﬁciency goals for the new school year.

Josh’s time at CCS taught him to “value people, encourage others to be the best they can be, to bring the gospel to people who need it, to realize the importance of worldview, and to help instill in others a leadership that uses their giftings, that intersect with the Kingdom of God, to impact the world.” Josh truly believes that his ministry to the people of the Middle East is a continuation of his learning and experiences at Cascade Christian. His future is a blend of passion to share God’s love, and lessons he learned while at CCS.

Johnson is still close with many of his friends from high school, and joked he was especially close with the Superintendent, Don Johnson. For current and future CCHS Cougars, Johnson offers the following advice: “Grades are actually important so that you can get into a good college and jump start your career – especially in this economy,” he said. “Embrace the experience and cherish the time you get to spend with your friends. Get involved in activities outside of class time. Those are the things that I remember and the memories I cherish the most.” “The way the teachers, coaches, and administrators care about the students is remarkable,” he continued. “I love the fact that, at Cascade Christian, we strive to make an impact on the world at home and at large. Not many schools actually encourage students to look outside themselves and give them avenues to do just that.”

mark your calendar CCS Summer Tours THRIVE Summer Programs

First Day of School

June 24 through August 23 (August 16 in Puyallup)

Wednesday, September 4

Summer English Academy for International Students July 15-August 16

SUMMER CAMP & CHILD CARE CLOSED

First Day of Preschool Monday, September 16 No School K-12 Teacher In-Service

Tuesdays August 6, 13, 20, 27 Elementary, JH, HS tour hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Early Learning Center tour hours: 9-11 a.m. and 3-6 p.m. ...or call for an appointment

Friday, September 27

July 4: Independence Day August 28-30: In-Service September 2: Labor Day Go to Want m or c and c ascadec e? hrist lick o ia Onlin n District n.org -w e Cal enda ide r

NON PROFIT US POSTAGE PAID TEKS SERVICES

District Office 815 21st Street SE Puyallup, WA 98372 253-841-1776

See us on the web! cascadechristian.org

2013-2014 Spiritual Theme SOAR on wings like eagles "Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." — Isaiah 40:30,31

Tues day, Augu st 6, Early Learn 13, 20 9:00 i n g , – -

Child 27 and 3 Care and P :00-6 Kind r er :00 p eschool: .m. 11:00 garten th a.m. r to 6:0 ough Gra de 12 0 p.m : Don’ . t see a tim Call f e or an appo that work intme s for you? nt. 11:00

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