OC Knightline - Fall 2015

volume 11 no.1 Fall 2015

Knightline A publication of the Ontario Christian Schools

in this issue q Why Grow Christian Leaders? 03 q Passion and Perseverance 04–05 q New Academic Calendar 24-25

Just Call Him Coach

A tri-annual publication of the Ontario Christian Schools q Preschool thru grade 12 q www.ocschools.org

Contact Information

KnightLine

A publication of the Ontario Christian Schools

Business Office Office Hours: Summer Office Hours: High School Middle School Elementary School Preschool PSP Office

(909) 983.4644 7:30-4:00 Mon-Fri. 8:00-2:00 Mon-Thurs.

(909) 984.1756 (909) 983.1671 (909) 983.1010 (909) 983.2420 (909) 983.4644 ext 183

Administration

in this issue q Why Grow Christian Leaders?

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q Passion & Perseverance

4-5

q Just Call Him Coach

6-7

Interim Superintendent: H.S. Principal: H.S. Assistant Principal: M.S. Principal: Elementary Principal: Preschool Director: Business Manager: Director of Development: Director of Marketing: Director of Technology:

Dr. Ken Bootsma Mr. Tim Hoekstra Mr. David Parkes Mr. Bob DeGroot Mr. Mike Wiersma Mrs. Jane Reichert Mrs. Nancy Geertsma Mrs. Chanin Zaragoza Ms. Regina Wang Mr. Ken Yeh

Board of Trustees

q In the Lord’s Hands q Here for Good

8-9 10

Alan Bos Garett Bruinsma Marc de Falkenburg William De Jong Dave De Koekkoek David Kooiman

Christine Koontz Lisa Vander Meulen Marty Van Leeuwen Brad Verhoeven Gary Voortman Brent Westra

q Introducing a Special Needs Program 11 q So What’s new?

12-13

q The Decline of Christian America?

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q Instilling Hope in Ireland

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q OC Athletes, Where are they now?

16-17

q Remodelled Elementary Kitchen

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q Recent School Events

19-21

q Calendar Revised for 2016-2017

24-25

q Alumni Spotlight: Matt Roeda

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q Market Place Inside Back Cover

The Knightline is published three times a year.

This newsletter is a publication of Ontario Christian Schools at 931 W. Philadelphia Street in Ontario, California. Ontario Christian Schools is a member of Christian Schools International (CSI) and is accredited by CSI and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

The mission of Ontario Christian Schools is to provide a Biblically-based, quality education for the children of Christian parents that nurtures students to grow in knowledge, conviction, and maturity; therefore, our focus is to equip students with the vision and skills to engage all relationships and culture under the authority of Jesus Christ.

The purpose of this publication is to foster strong ties between Ontario Christian Schools and its alumni, supporters, and association members to nurture Christian education in the school and in the family, and to better inform its readers of the activities of Ontario Christian Schools.

Alumni are encouraged to submit news and photos to Nicole at ndevries@ocschools.org.

We reserve the right to edit.

Please inform the school of any address changes by providing both the old and new address.

931 West Philadelphia Street Ontario CA 91762-6218

www.ocschools.org • Member of CSI

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Credits Project Coordinator Design Printing

Regina Wang Central Creative Kindred Corporation

from the superintendent

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Why Grow Christian Leaders?

by Dr. Ken Bootma, Interim Superintendent We are all called to be leaders in His Kingdom – we are here now to prepare for that calling, knowing God’s Kingdom, in all its glory, is history’s final chapter.

Even though we see the ethical decline of our culture and the lack of unifying vision among the people of this nation, do not despair!

Understand that the solutions to society’s decay and the threats to national security will not come from Washington, D.C., nor from military maneuvers in the Middle East, but from individuals.

Great nations, great churches–great Christian schools–are comprised of great citizens. If we lack self-control, intellectual honesty, compassion and strong character, then Ontario Christian Schools, our churches, and our nation as a whole, will also lack these qualities.

When we learn to apply God’s law to our own lives and to our children, we will become voices in the land. OC’s faith-based education can help our children establish the groundwork for a revival, a Jesus movement. Our children, then, will affect the world in their families, vocations and the workplace. We must teach the principles of Biblical justice and righteousness! Pray that God will help us to be faithful! q

Dr. Ken Bootsma

“Probably only the restoration of the notion of COVENANT will provide bonds strong enough to bind a free and diverse evangelical people to God and to each other – within this Christian school community – by securing our unity, while recognizing our diversity and holding us to live a certain way, as well as believe certain truths.”

– From the writings of Os Guiness

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Featured Article

Passion and Perseverance

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The golf course is where William Mouw shines for Christ

by Regina Wang, Director of Marketing In July, William Mouw defeated over one hundred of the top junior golfers from around the globe at the Junior World Golf Championships in San Diego, California.

At age 15, he is ranked as one of the top golfers in his age group, in the world. Past champions of this tournament include Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els and Jason Day—pro golfers who also won this junior title before going to compete on the PGA tour.

William is a freshman at Ontario Christian High School.

Not many of his classmates know of his recent feat. Fewer have heard his childhood stories. At age 3, his parents Billy and Michelle, 1990 OC graduates and high school sweethearts, noticed his love for sports. Billy, who enjoys playing golf himself, bought four-year-old William his first set of clubs. The carpet in their home became a putting green, full of golf balls and coffee cup “golf holes.” Their lawns lost chunks of grass from William’s practice swings.

At 5, he made his first par, from the red tees, at El Prado Golf Course. He shot par at age 7 for nine holes on that same course. His parents, seeing his competitiveness and love for golf, got involved. Billy became his son’s encouraging coach, golf partner, junior tournament transportation and support.

Golf became William’s sport and passion, as well as pure fun. He thrives on the challenge of improvement. “As parents, we never have to tell William to go practice golf,” Michelle says. “He’ll just say, ‘Mom, I’ll be waiting for you in the car. I’m ready to go to the course.’ If I’m taking too long, he starts to honk the horn. When we get to the course, he says ‘Thanks for the ride. Can you pick me up at dark?’ It’s great to see him do something he truly loves.

He had this passion when he was 7, and it is the same today.”

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Growing up on his parents’ egg farm, William is familiar with hard work. He and his siblings—Madison ‘16 and twins Trey and Taryn ‘21—shovel chicken manure, gather eggs and help customers in their drive-thru egg store.

All of them enjoy playing sports and have learned a good work ethic from helping out on the farm.

This year’s Junior World Golf Championship, which took place from July 14-17, tested William’s perseverance. Out of 5,000 applicants, only 155 qualified to compete. On

In tournament play or during a practice round at Los Serranos Country Club, William is eager to talk about his faith. He marks his personal golf balls with a cross.

Rounds of golf can last 5 to 6 hours, and players get to know each other pretty well. He often asks his golfing partners, “Do you go to church?” He has invited several of his golfing partners to church and a few have come.

At age 15, he understands his purpose in life: “God gave me a lot of talent to tell people about Him through golf.

That’s my way of spreading the gospel.”

Right now, William is enjoying his first year in high school. He looks forward to playing golf and basketball and having the chance to win CIF championships with his teams. He dreams of playing golf at either UCLA, Pepperdine, or Oregon—then hopefully onto the PGA tour. He takes on this exciting journey one step at a time, knowing it’s all in God’s hands. q the first day of competition, William shot a 71, putting him in twenty-fourth place. The second day, he shot a 67, and moved up to sixth place, three shots out of the lead.

On the final day, surrounded by camera crews, college coaches, and many spectators, William’s God-given talent shone through. After a grueling 6-hour round, William fired a bogey-free 65 to win the tournament by one shot.

This win and his high ranking have opened the door to many great opportunities in golf.

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

— Colossians 3:17

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photo by Nancy Ziebell

Featured Article

Just Call Him Coach

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One of Ontario Christian’s most beloved coaches, Tom Hamming Jr., is still training the next generation of Christian leaders 15 years into his retirement.

by Regina Wang, Director of Marketing If you played football at Ontario Christian from the late ’60s to the late ’90s, you would remember Tom Hamming Jr., one of OC’s most beloved coaches. You would remember how he led the Knights to the 1982 CIF championship and the 1984 CIF finals. His 10-year head coaching record is 79-38-2, with a .672 winning percentage.

You probably would also remember his memorable quips and funny facial expressions: “I checked the obituaries this morning; I had to make sure I wasn’t in them. ” When he saw a player lying on the field, exhausted, he would walk over to look over him, saying, “Well, get a shovel and bury him.” Then he would turn around and walk away.

Or you possibly had him as an English teacher. He loved teaching literature, even after 30 years. He still holds “To Kill a Mockingbird” dear in his heart. Fifteen years into his retirement, he recites lines from “Romeo and Juliet” with just as much delight: “Did my heart love till now?

Forswear it, sight! For I ne’er saw true beauty till this night.”

If you never had him as a coach or a teacher, you might still recognize him. During football season, he attends nearly every practice and game. He often stands on the field, next to varsity head coach Matt Hoekstra, sharing tips and anecdotes. He has a quiet smile and a spark in his eyes. People of all ages — parents, students, players — walk up and talk to him.

But you probably don’t know why he has so much love for students, a heart for the disenfranchised, and a passion for sports. To understand Mr. Hamming, you need to travel to Whidbey Island, in northwest Washington, close to the Canadian border.

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Tom Hamming remembers how much fun he had with his close-knit family. As the 10th child of 12, he also remembers how poor they were. He started working at age 10 on the family farm, and he bought everything for himself, including his own clothes and bike. “I didn’t know anything different. I was happy to do that,” he says.

At school, he was one of the 50 in his graduating class.

He was interested in sports, but his parents, who spent all their energy making ends meet, did not see much future in sports. Nor did they encourage him to attend college.

After high school he became a sheet metal mechanic.

Years later, he thanks God for the opportunity to learn this trade; he always had a job anywhere he went.

Pete Bouma ’86 will never forget his varsity football coach’s influence. “He was the best coach I’ve ever had.

He was quietly, humbly confident. He made me believe I could do anything if I wanted to do it. I love him.”

But he could also be tough. Garrett Bruinsma ’86 remembers Mr. Hamming’s strict and disciplined coaching style. Now Garrett teases him for having been so tough on them. He is also grateful that Mr. Hamming coached his son Craig ’13, who plays football for Northwestern College in Iowa. “He is the man I trust. I reach out to both as a student and a father,” Garrett says. “Some people grow negative with age, but he is so positive, especially about young people.”

While he was taking classes at a community college, someone asked him, “Why don’t you attend a regular college?” That was an “ah-ha” moment for him. After he graduated from Everett Community College with a degree in sheet metal, in 1962 he applied and was accepted to Calvin College, an institution highly regarded in his Christian Reformed community.

He needed six years to graduate because he worked full-time in a sheet metal shop during school and in summer.

He was the first in his family to attend college and the only one who graduated. He graduated with a teaching degree in English and a minor in physical education. In 1968, he was recruited by Mr. Wally De Jong to teach 10th grade English and physical education at Ontario Christian. There he began coaching.

“My parents never encouraged me. They knew nothing about sports,” he says. “Coaching was always in my heart, my passion. I’m so thankful to God because He allowed me to realize my passion when I came to Ontario Christian.”

In addition to teaching and coaching, he began his lifelong mission: to encourage and affirm students.

Growing up without much affirmation from the adults around him, he knew how badly teenagers needed a pat on the shoulder. Years later, former students would find a way to locate him, thanking him for those kind, encouraging words.

In addition, he has a heart for the disenfranchised. Once, a student cried after Mr. Hamming talked to him, telling him that he was the only one who encouraged him.

Will Libolt, who coached with him and became the head coach after he stepped down for a few years, has seen Mr. Hamming seek out the kids who do not quite fit in and encouraging them. “He is an example of Christian love,” Will says. “I think people see that he cares deeply for these students.”

Sometimes he reaches beyond students, says Rich Slegers ’71. When he hangs out with Mr. Hamming, he sees his fearless friend walking up to strangers at Burger King and Del Taco, encouraging them and sharing the gospel with them. “Tom loves to talk to people about Jesus,” Rich says. “He wants to see God’s Kingdom come.”

These days in his late 70s, Mr. Hamming follows a rigorous exercise regimen: walk three times a week, three miles each time; lift weights and speed-walk on a treadmill at a gym at least twice a week; and 60 situps. He also likes to golf with his friends, Laing Stevens and Gary Zondervan.

He also works on two sudoku and reads two newspapers a day — the L.A. Times and the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin.

He remains a voracious reader and loves historical fiction.

His favorite activity is worshipping at CrossPoint, where he is a charter member.

He plans to continue his mission of encouraging students, because that is what God has done in his life.

“There’s going to be ups and downs in life, but just keep working your way through it with the help of God, and God is always going to help you,” he likes to tell students.

And if they seem doubtful, Mr. Hamming looks them in the eye, telling them the words that have rung true in his life. “When you have a need, He will always help you. Even if you forget him, He never forgets about you, and His love is constant, every second, every day.” q

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In the Lord’s Hands Œ

Alumni News

From a rebellious young man to an Air Force chaplain, Ren Vandesteeg ‘63 thanks God for instilling in him a solid spiritual foundation through Ontario Christian.

by Regina Wang, Director of Marketing During the heat of the First Gulf War, Ren Vandesteeg, senior chaplain for the Air Force base he was assigned to, was suddenly stopped while walking on the flight line at 2 a.m. on a Tuesday morning.

He received an urgent command: “The boss needs to see you. Now.” Vandesteeg was brought to the commander whose face was ashen. “Ren, we just lost one,” the commander said, explaining to him that several B-52 bombers had been shot and one went down.

Although two helicopters rushed to rescue the pilots and aircrew, the results were dismal; three were picked up from the ocean alive, one died, and two were never found.

Ren and Carol Vandesteeg

Vandesteeg calmed the command staff. Then, working alongside the doctors, he prayed and talked with the survivors.

But Vandesteeg could not stop thinking about the Catholic lieutenant who died. He had come to ask for a blessing the previous afternoon before heading off on the bombing sortie. “Our lives are in the Lord’s hand,” Vandesteeg says. “Death is so real. Here I was praying with him in the afternoon. The next morning I was looking at his dead body.”

Such was the life of Colonel Ren Vandesteeg, who served for 31 years served in the U.S. Air Force, 25 as a chaplain.

He served as a pastor, an instructor on faculty at the Air Force Chaplain School, chief of personnel for the Air Force Chaplain Corps and as deputy command chaplain of two major commands.

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He taught his apprentices to always carry a chaplain kit that contained Bibles, pamphlets, plastic grape juice jars and wafers in a plastic tube for communion, a large white cloth, and a brass cross. He instructed them how to set up a communion altar on any flat surface: a tree stump, the tailgate of a pick up, or a box underneath the wing of an aircraft. Vandesteeg found himself in Guam, leading 120 troops in worship in the shade of the wing of a B-52 on the flight line ramp prior to takeoff for the first Iraq War in August, 1990. During the Iraq War, the Bosnian War in 1997, and Kosovo War in 1999, he conducted weekly Bible studies and counseling for enlisted troops and officers in tents or any convenient place he could find. He learned to carry out his duty wherever he was.

“During hostilities, ministry got serious very quickly,” he says.

“At the Chaplain School I’d tell my students, ‘You need to know the Lord yourself. You need to live with a personal faith in Jesus from your heart. You read the Bible, talk to Him, and get as much Bible in your brain as possible, so you’ll be a strong man of God. You are in the middle of hell, but you can minister to people because Jesus is in you.

You can minister anywhere you are. The better you know the Bible, the more effective you will be with your troops, because you won’t have time to look up verses when your troops need them. Battles and war don’t wait.’”

He didn’t aspire to become a chaplain at all. Born in the Netherlands in 1945, he and his family immigrated to the United States when he was 2. Sponsored by a relative in Bellflower, the Vandesteegs chose California as their new hometown and plugged themselves right into the Dutch dairy community. The family eventually relocated to Chino, where Ren entered Ontario Christian as a 7th grader. He recalls being the smallest in his class and was consequently called “Skinny Rinny” by some of his classmates.

Now, as he looks back, he is amazed by the way God prepared him for a life in ministry through Ontario Christian.

Although he was raised in a Christian family, he did not believe in Christ in his own heart. Restless and directionless after high school, he worked as a cow washer and milker,

Upper photos: Ren Vandesteeg was on staff at the Air Force Chaplain School from 1992 until 1995, teaching classes on deployment to groups of 30-40 people. Ren was also deployed for Operation Desert Storm from August 1990 to March 1991. In the lower photos, Ren is shown on the island of Diego Garcia (an island in the Indian Ocean, approximately 1,300 miles southeast of India), where he led a five-person chapel staff.

while he took college classes at Mt. SAC and Chaffey majoring in physical education. He coached middle school basketball and baseball at OC from 1966 to 1967.

But God had a different plan for him.

Harry Sonke ’64 was his varsity baseball teammate and had been continually witnessing to Ren. In the summer of 1967, Harry led him to the Lord, and this conversion profoundly changed Vandesteeg’s life.

He had just led OC to middle school league basketball and baseball championships when he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. In a short time he lost interest in becoming a basketball coach. He still loved sports but he wanted to tell people about Jesus. He went to Calvin College, where he majored in religion and theology with a minor in physical education.

Then he attended Calvin Seminary, graduating in 1974.

He remembers this experience: “I was little. I stuttered a lot as a kid. I was scared of people. But when I felt the Lord’s call to the ministry, God took my fears away, and now I love telling people about Jesus.”

And so he told people about God for the next 40 years.

He still does. After seminary, he pastored two Christian Reformed churches before going to the Army to become a chaplain in 1979. He served one tour in the Army and later transferred to the Air Force chaplaincy. His Air Force assignments took him to California, Kansas,

Virginia, Alabama, North Dakota and Texas. His overseas assignments took him to Okinawa, Japan; the Middle East; Indian Ocean Territory; and Germany. He served on faculty at the Air Force Chaplain School from 1992 to 1995. During the early portion of the Bosnian War, he was deputy command chaplain at the U.S. European Command Headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany. His office was in charge of overseeing all of the U.S. chaplains in Europe.

Life after his retirement from the Air Force in 2004 has been active. He and his wife, Carol, live in San Antonio, Texas, where he served as a director for prison ministries in his county, he pastored for seven years and then as a hospice chaplain. Ren and Carol co-authored a book called “Surface to Air Christianity — Applying Principles of War to Christian Living.” Besides his teaching and speaking engagements, he logs onto Skype to pray for America every Friday with a group of like-minded prayer warriors throughout the United States.

He thanks God and his parents for putting him in a Christian school. He sees now what he did not realize then, that his teachers — Henry Bode, Will Byker, Gary Senti, Ed Talen, Bill Ryskamkp, Ms. DeJong and others — taught him to find God in science classes, sports, chapel time — and nothing has been wasted. “I’m grateful for my upbringing and training years at OC because it served as a foundation for what God had planned for my life. God had it planned all along. God is good!” q

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Here for good campaign

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by Regina Wang, Director of Marketing

Ontario Christian is the longest-standing Christian school in the Inland Empire. It is known for its uncompromising commitment to providing a Christ-centered education. Alumni often return to their alma mater, testifying to God’s work in their lives; many credit their OC days as a spiritual foundation upon which God has continued to build. Some are thankful for that one teacher who put up with them, or loved them, even in challenging situations.

Our alumni are all over the country and the world, leading a faithful life wherever God has called them. We at Ontario Christian want to capture the stories of our students. We want to praise God for the grace that He lavishes so generously on OC. The stories of OC come from Christian teachers, coaches, bus drivers, staff, and counselors — people who have responded to God’s call to raise the next generation of Christian leaders with faithfulness and passion.

We want to share these stories with you. That’s why we launched a campaign this year — “Ontario Christian is here for good” — to testify to the goodness of God, shown through His people. We will publish a series of articles and videos, online and in print, to celebrate the way God has blessed and expanded the one-room schoolhouse, established by faith in 1944. q

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Introducing a Special Needs Program

by Dr. Ken Bootsma, Interim Superintendent The need for academic, social, and psychological help for OC students was recognized years ago, and in 1970, the Student Improvement Program (SIP) was launched.

This program has served hundreds of students over the years and proved to be a blessing to our families and staff.

The interest in a special needs program was introduced a few years ago, and last month, the OC Board of Trustees approved the program that was presented to them at their October meeting.

While such a program has been on the hearts and minds of a number of OC families over the years, serious study began when a committee spent half a day with Sarah Slayman at Redland Christian-Arrowhead Academy. It was an enlightening visit by reason of her insights and plans that she shared with us.

A larger committee, including parents, OC elementary faculty and SIP staff, our K-8 administrators, and a local public school special needs teacher, then met with Opportunity Schools—an independent organization that provides support and direction to schools wishing to launch such programs in southern California.

Eventually, the OC committee decided that “we can do this” by reason of the experienced, degreed, and talented people, some with special needs children, who were already involved in the process of developing such a program.

The current committee includes Rob Behnke, Alan Bos, Julie Bykerk, Bob DeGroot, Judy Hoekstra, Arlys Jasper, Christine Koontz, Carleen Maurer, Megan Moore, Denise Rager, Kourtnie Roberts, Kristina Thacker, Mike Wiersma, and Ken Bootsma.

The document and its attachments “cover the waterfront” and are intended to be the launching pad for our special needs program in grades 1-6 beginning in the fall of 2016, with one grade to be added each year. There is still plenty of work to do, namely hiring a director/teacher who will take administrative responsibility for this and our SIP program, hiring staff and aides as needed, managing the budget, and working with our K-6 administrator and superintendent. A copy of the proposal is available online: http://www.ocschools.org/blog/specialneedsprogram. q

OC Donates Van for use in Ministry to Homeless On Friday, September 25, Ontario Christian donated a 1994 model-year van to the Upland Police Department. The van will be used for outreach to the homeless community, specifically a food ministry which launched on Monday, September 28.

(L-R): Chanin Zaragoza, director of advancement; Cathy Schmeling, director of transportation; Brian P. Johnson, Upland police chief; Ken Bootsma, superintendent; and Julius West, pastor at Sunergeo Christian Fellowship.

Working together with the Upland PD will be Sunergeo Christian Fellowship and a partnership of other Upland-based clergy.

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news and events

So, What’s New? New Gymnasium Inching Closer to Reality

by Dr. Ken Bootsma, Interim Superintendent Many exciting things have happened recently at OC: a totally remodeled kitchen on the K-8 campus; new water-cooled, bottle-filler, drinking fountains at the high school (others will arrive soon at the other campus, thanks to the Jog-A-Thon); the old home on Philadelphia has been demolished; a 2014 Suburban is available for transporting smaller athletic teams; the HS teachers’ lounge has a beautiful new look; the preschool has new fencing and sidewalk, and beautiful banners are being flown on both campuses, highlighting our students and their testimonies.

In addition, a newly-formed committee has been asked to review preliminary documents that highlight the strong possibility of six new tennis courts to be constructed in the dirt area near the intersection of Philadelphia and Cypress, at the east end of the campus.

One of the most exciting developments is this: we hope to see a new gymnasium under construction within the next two years. The location, design and floor plan, have been approved by the committee and the Board, with the contract with Formillus Architecture now under review by the Gaudy Law Firm. Our Conditional Use Permit (CUP) has been approved by the City of Ontario; we’ve met with the fire department and Edison; and we’ll soon be moving forward with civic engineering and soil borings.

The plans call for the gym to be located near the athletic fields, south of the science building and chapel. This gym will contain two basketball and three volleyball courts with seating for 1,200. Locker rooms, offices, weight room, etc. will support our soccer, football, basketball, volleyball, baseball, tennis and other OC athletic teams.

We will have to spend between $750,000 and $1 million on infrastructure to bury the on-campus power lines, water

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and sewer service, and develop two new driveways. So, we have our work cut out for us, both in the committee and in our fundraising efforts. Our lead gift of $2.8 million from the Ernie De Groot family will provide a significant jump-start toward a total project goal of $6 million.

Stay Tuned / Pray / Get Involved! q

gym

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The Decline of Christian America?

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EDITORIAL

by Robert Juarez, Ontario Christian High School Bible Teacher In 1892, the United States Supreme Court declared America to be a Christian nation. The court recognized that not all citizens were Christians. The court also understood that Christianity was not the established religion. But the Supreme Court identified this country as Christian because Christianity “has so largely shaped and molded it.”

Even an honest, cursory view of our history will bear this out. The Mayflower colonists enacted a compact stating that their purpose in travelling to this new land was “for the glory of God and advancement of the Christian faith.” Harvard University, founded in 1636, intended that every student should “ know God and Jesus Christ which is eternal life and therefore lay Christ at the bottom…”

In the late 1700s, Congress approved the printing of Bibles for use in America. Bibles were used in early America as readers that would assist students in becoming literate.

Presidents since George Washington have declared national days of prayer.

Even Thomas Jefferson, the poster boy for non-religious folks these days, attended religious services at the

Robert Juarez nation’s Capitol.

Our currency bears the inscription, “In God We Trust” (just take a look at the $100 bills you carry around). Our Pledge of Allegiance declares that we are one nation “under God.” Even our Constitution concludes with the founders’ affirmation that it was written “in the year of our Lord.”

As grandma used to say, “My, how times have changed!” Our current President has said that we are no longer a Christian nation. Prayer is no longer allowed by public school officials. The Ten Commandments are barred from many public settings. Abortion is protected by law. Pornography is permitted under the guise of free “speech” and, as we are all aware, our current Supreme Court has redefined the definition of marriage that has stood for millennia.

What is a Christian to do? We could throw up our hands and declare that the end is near (again). We could make accommodations and agree with the prevailing secular mindset. To be sure, many religious leaders now concur

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that same-sex marriage can be justified on biblical grounds.

Many within the Church doubt that humans originated from Adam and Eve in the Garden. They reject historical events recorded in Holy Scripture. Science, Psychology, Sociology and Human Reason have become the ultimate authority for many. The words of Scripture no longer shape and mold our society.

Another option is to remember and heed the words of Jesus. He told us to go and make disciples of the nations and to teach them to observe everything He commanded (Mt.28:19-20). This means that we must continue to engage our culture with boldness, humility and confidence in God. As opportunities arise, or as we create them, individually and corporately, the Church is to act and speak on behalf of the God who rules sovereignly over the nations. We are to graciously present the truth of the biblical worldview, understanding that it is this truth that demolishes “arguments and and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God.” It is biblical truth that is able to “take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ” (2Cor.10:4-5). And we should pray. The prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective (James 5:16).

Some would say that the challenge is insurmountable.

After all, the humanists and secularists are the current gatekeepers of society and culture. They dominate our educational institutions. They filter their secular perspective through the media. They control vast amounts of our entertainment. They have infiltrated the Church.

All these things are true. And yet, our God reigns. God has previously brought reformation and revival to many lands and nations, including this one. He has extended His hand of mercy and grace. He can do so again. Let’s always remember that His dominion is eternal and that His kingdom endures from generation to generation. “All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand…” (Daniel 4:35).

So, let us act. Let us pray. q

Instilling Hope in Ireland A mission trip to Ireland helped Bev Gibbon see God’s heart for the youth in Ireland.

by Bev Gibbon, Director of PSP and OC Online This past July my husband Jon and I had the privilege of living out our school’s motto “Growing Christian Leaders.” Grace Christian Church of Cork, Ireland invited Chino Valley Community Church to bring a team of youth to help them host their first VBS. Their request was two-fold. One was to reach the children in and around Cork with the love of Jesus, and the other was to instill a desire into their teens to make a difference in their community. Since Ireland has one of the highest teenage suicide rates in all of Europe, this hope is much needed. Believing that teens are capable of being strong leaders, we spent five months partnering with our youth pastor and his wife, equipping and training our team of fourteen youths to run almost every aspect of a Vacation Bible School. These teens were the ones who would tell the stories, teach the craft time, perform the skits and lead in worship for an expected forty children.

Once we landed in Cork, we learned that in the previous month, seventeen teenagers from one small town near the church had committed a group suicide. Two weeks later, six more teens did the same thing. Our hearts were burdened for the teens in this area, and we prayed that God would somehow use us to offer hope to the youth at Grace. As the week unfolded, we watched God enable our youth team to connect with the teens from Grace Church. Those Irish teens were not accustomed to being in leadership positions, but as they served with our teens, they led not forty, but over eighty children through a week of Biblical truths and fun activities. Children from all faiths, including Buddhists and Muslims, participated in the “Holiday Summer Camp” and some gave their lives to Christ. Not only did our teens grow, but the Irish teens developed their leadership abilities and began to catch the vision that God can use them NOW to reach their communities for Christ. We left them knowing that God had begun a good work in all of us.

One Sunday, two months later, many on our team were tagged in a Facebook video. The teens from Grace Church were leading the children of the church in worship songs that we had taught them in front of their entire congregation. They sang “Wild About God” as they commissioned their children and teens to go into their public schools and share the love of Jesus. For many of them, this would mean being ostracized from friends and even family, but they are excited to see what God can do through them. With tears in my eyes, I praised God for allowing us to help these teens find a purpose for living. What a joy and privilege it was to play a small part in equipping this next generation of leaders around the world. That same privilege extends here at OC as we strive to grow Christian leaders from our school’s youth. Let us not grow weary in influencing our youth for Christ, but instead press, giving glory to God for the work He has done and will continue to do in future generations. q

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OC Athletes Where Are They Now? Travis Booth ‘13

Carly DeHoog ‘13

Brad Gaudy ‘13

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University of Washington

Northwestern College

Sport: Volleyball

Sport: Football

Major: Biology

Major: Business, emphasis in marketing

“I am extremely grateful for my basketball and volleyball coaches while I was at OC and the life lessons they taught me through sports that I’ve carried with me into college. I cherish the relationships that I was able to form with teammates while we competed on the court together and carrying over what we learned from sports into life and our walk with Jesus.”

“The OC football coaches prepared me for college football by holding me to a higher standard on and off the field. They expected the best of me every day. They truly were a major part in my Christian character development.”

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Natalie Dzhandzhapanyan ‘14 4

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California Baptist University Sport: Baseball

United States Naval Academy

Major: Criminal justice

Sport: Soccer Major: Political science

“Ontario Christian High School prepared me for collegiate athletics in many different ways.

I learned to strive to do my best to stay humble on and off the field, to maintain a positive attitude towards other players and teams, and to work as hard as I can to play to the best of my ability and represent my school. Ontario Christian High School was a great place that prepared me for collegiate athletics and academics.”

Craig Bruinsma ‘13

“OC helped me develop as a servant leader and instilled valuable skills in me, such as perseverance, versatility, and the ability to adapt quickly.”

Breann Fox ‘15

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Brandon Hatfield ‘14

Northwestern College

Cal State Long Beach

Texas Christian University

Sport: Football

Sport: Women’s golf

Sport: Football

Major: Mathematics, secondary education

Major: Kinesiology

Major: Sports broadcasting

“Playing football at Ontario Christian prepared me to handle the adversity of college football. The coaching staff at Ontario Christian instilled in me a team- first attitude; I learned how to sacrifice individually for the betterment of the team. This hard work and sacrifice helped me to be successful in high school, and created good habits that carried over into college.”

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Minor: Russian

“Being able to play on OC’s boys’ golf team under the amazing coaching staff of Kevin Knutson and Nick Koning helped me become the person and player I am today! They taught me that playing for an audience of one (God) will always be the most important part of my golf game, and that hard work will eventually pay off!”

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“OC prepared me for college athletics by developing my work ethic and dedication. I played three varsity sports and managed a 4.0 GPA as well. I realized that performing well in college classes is just as important as playing well in college sports.

Working hard in both opens many more opportunities. OC taught me to trust in God and all that He does in my life, to give Him the glory in the classroom, on the football field, and in the community.

Go Knights!”

Hayden Jorgenson ‘15

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Azusa Pacific University

“OC provided coaches and teammates who taught me how to be a great teammate, leader, and most of all, how to play baseball to give all the glory to God. The coaches were great examples of Christ on and off the field/court. Overall, Ontario Christian encouraged me to play sports in Christ’s name.”

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Sport: Football

Major: Athletic training

“OC tennis prepared me to play in college by teaching me the importance of hard work and perseverance. As a team, we had our fair share of losses in the beginning, but we continued to push ourselves to not give up despite the hardships.

Eventually, we achieved an undefeated [season my] senior year. My teammates were my motivators, challengers, and supporters. I would fight to win matches not just for me, but for my team, my family, my sisters in Christ. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”

Robert Mendez ‘14

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Northwestern College

Sport: Tennis

Major: Mathematics

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TJ Spykstra ‘13

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University of La Verne

Sport: Baseball

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Maddie Madewell '14

Major: Business management and marketing ”Playing sports at OC was a great experience! I felt prepared to play college sports in many ways, but the words “PRESS ON” stick in my mind. Each football season a verse was chosen and Philippians 3:14 still resonates with me. When playing a sport, each practice and game will have ups and downs and even unexpected injuries, but the important thing is to continue to do my best, keep fighting, AND remember to press on for the eternal goal!”

Tara Struiksma ‘12

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Westmont College

Master’s College

Sport: Baseball

Sport: Women’s soccer

Major: Kinesiology

Major: Liberal studies/ Teacher education

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“Ontario Christian taught me the importance of education and good time management. Ontario Christian baseball prepared me for college in many ways, but one of the best was teaching me responsibility on and off the field.”

Lexi Mills ‘14

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“Ontario Christian gave me the opportunity to stay involved in school but still play the sport I love at a competitive level. I learned many things while being on the soccer team under Coach Belden for four years, which really impacted my involvement on The Master’s College Women’s soccer team: how to be a leader both on and off the field and how to step up my play when the time calls for it.

Those moments in high school led me to be who I am on the field today.”

Whittier College

Jake Landreth ‘14

Sport: Volleyball 9

Creighton University Sport: Cross country Major: Political science

Major: Kinesiology, sport management emphasis

Joshua Tampio ‘13

“OC prepared me for the challenge of being an example for Christ to my team and school.”

Sport: Football Major: Biology/Ecology

Minor: Business administration “OC helped me prepare to run in college by giving me encouraging coaches. They always supported me as I worked hard to reach my goals. OC also taught to me that I do not run for myself and for my selfish intentions, but I run to glorify God. I praise Him for blessing me with these talents.”

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Northwestern College

Bryan Zarate ‘15

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Master’s College Sport: Soccer Major: Biblical studies

“Ontario Christian helped me create a work ethic that went above and beyond other football programs. The knowledge and experiences I gained at OC have stuck with me, teaching me not only how to win with dignity but also how to give my all and fight for that win.”

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Recent Events at OC

Students Enjoy Benefits of Remodeled Elementary Kitchen

by Regina Wang, Marketing Coordinator

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Renovation:

This summer the K-8 campus kitchen was renovated.

Now the kitchen has a new double-doored refrigerator, an icemaker, windows, epoxy flooring, and white laminate cabinets with stainless steel countertops.

Redesigned Menu:

Since 2007, Manna Foods has provided hot lunches to K-8 students. This summer OC worked with Manna to promote healthy eating habits by redesigning the menu.

As a result, sugar and oil have been reduced. Instead of fried food, students now can have pasta with a crisp caesar salad on the side. Fruit, parfait, and grilled cheese are served à la carte.

Kitchen staff: Gina and David Hwang of Manna Foods

The tantalizing smells lure a throng of kids to David and Gina Hwang’s kitchen. On the stove was a pot of bubbling tomato-and-meat sauce made from Gina’s secret recipe.

The Hwangs sliced the lettuce, simmered the sauce, and baked the garlic bread with gusto and a smile. In Korea, the culture is to share with others. The couple say it is delightful for them to share what they know best — creating delicious meals — with the OC community.

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When delivering the lunch box to a group of young hungry customers, David does it with both hands and a bow. “We love kids and we love to cook,” Gina says. “Every day we pray for the school, the kids, the parents, and the teachers.”

They also think it is important for their two daughters, Grace ‘19 and Jane ‘20, to receive a Christian education.

In fact, the couple immigrated to the United States so that their children would be able to attend a Christian school.

The decision was made with sacrifice. Back in Seoul, Korea, David was a middle school history teacher while Gina worked as a designer for LG Electronics Company.

The Hwangs enjoy working at our school because, during summer, they have the flexibility to go on mission trips with their Chino-based church, East Sarang Community Church. The trips have taken them to Trinidad, Mexico, and Arizona.

The couple cite Matthew 25:40 as their life verse: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” They have made serving others their mission, whether on our school campus or an Indian reservation. q

Homecoming 2015

by Kelly Itatani ’17, ASB member and junior class vice president

Congratulations to the 2015 homecoming court! Top (L-R): Haylee Kloosterman, Tori Westra, Jillian Henry, Jasmine Lee, and Madison Paige.

Left (L-R): James Hammond, Grayson Kline, Ian Lambooy, Elijah Zaragoza, and Jakob Eichor. Right (L-R): Queen Jillian Henry with her father, Tim; sister, Lauren; and mom, Cindy.

On October 24, 2015, approximately seventy-five percent of the Ontario Christian High School student body traveled around the world in one night. Well, at least that was the theme of OC’s homecoming dance.

The gym was beautifully decorated with famous landmarks from around the world: the Eiffel Tower from Paris and a red telephone booth from London.

One highlight was watching King Grayson Kline and Queen Jillian Henry dance to “Thinking Out Loud” by

Ed Sheeran. Then the rest of the homecoming court joined them: Prince Elijah Zaragoza with Princess Haylee Kloosterman; Prince James Hammond with Princess Jasmine Lee; Prince Ian Lambooy with Princess Madison Paige; and Prince Jakob Eichor with Princess Tori Westra.

The homecoming court were treated like first class world travelers and were recognized for their Christ-like behaviors. The students danced, laughed, and made memories. Now they can claim that they traveled around the world in one night. q

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Recent Events at OC

Thank you!

Because of your generous support, we will be able to purchase new drinking fountains for our K-8 campus.

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by Nicole De Vries , Special Events Coordinator Thank you for participating in this year’s Jog-aThon that was held on October 14. We exceeded our goal of $30,000. We raised over $35,000!

All proceeds from this fundraiser will go toward two important projects — replacing/adding drinking fountains and upgrading restrooms on the K-8 campus. We are grateful for your support for Ontario Christian and love for our students.

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OC Boosters Club News

by Bernie Gabrielse, OC Boosters Club President With fall sports winding down and winter sports programs ramping up, Ontario Christian continues to have fun, exciting and competitive athletic programs. We can enjoy watching these young athletes develop, as their positive role model Christian coaches lead the way. If you’re a fan, please come out and support Ontario Christian’s athletic programs. It will be fun.

The Ontario Christian Athletic Boosters Club continues to work behind the scenes. When this edition of Knightline comes out, our Christmas tree sale program will be in full operation. Go to the school office to buy a $45.00 voucher to be used toward the purchase of a beautiful fresh Oregon-grown Christmas tree at the Premier Christmas Tree lot on the corner of Edison and Central Avenue, in Chino. In doing so, $15.00 of your voucher will go toward OC athletics. If you purchase a tree at the lot, $10.00 will go toward OC. So please buy your Christmas tree this year and support OC. We would like to thank all those who supported our club through advertising

OC Boo ster’s Annual La

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Breakcake fa 2015 st

in the Athletic Program or the OC school directory. This money goes directly toward a project to enhance the athletic program at our school.

Finally, we’d love to have you join us! We meet once a month, usually on the 4th Monday, in the OCHS library. If you love Ontario Christian, enjoy athletics, and want to watch young men and women develop as athletes, why not support the programs they belong to? Read more about the OC Boosters Club on www.ocschools.org, Scroll to athletics and then to Boosters Club. If you have questions, please contact a current member of our club. q

On Labor Day we served 760 breakfasts to our OC community and made about $4,500. Some of this money supports our cheerleading and majorette programs, that is why you saw these girls working so hard at our breakfast. Please remember, every Labor Day we host that breakfast, so plan now to attend next year’s Pancake Breakfast and run in the 5K race with Mr. Jon Schaap.

Support OC Athletics

Buy a Christmas tree!

Buy a Christmas tree at Premier Christmas tree lot, located at the Chino Fairgrounds, 5410 Edison Ave., Chino CA 91710, at the corner of Edison and Central Ave. These beautiful, freshly cut Oregon Trees will make your home smell wonderful. Premier Christmas Trees has a great variety of trees, so you will find the perfect one! Purchase a Voucher for $45.00 to be used toward the purchase of a tree, and our OC athletics makes $15.00. Or just bring a OC flyer, and the school will make $10.00.

Also, on June 3, 2016, our club will be hosting the 23rd Annual Boosters Club Golf Tournament. Mark that date and talk to your friends and associates to form your teams. We need golfers, sponsors, and donors. With the help of OC’s golf coach, Mr. Kevin Knutson, our Golf Classic has grown for the last three years. In 2015, 192 golfers participated. The more golfers, the more fun we have, so plan now to help us grow.

The lot opens for business the day after Thanksgiving, so plan ahead to purchase your tree at Premier Christmas tree lot and support Ontario Christian Athletics. Questions? Call Bernie Gabrielse 909-917-3491.

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Employee News

Meet Ontario Christian’s Newest Employees Lance Beckford

David Cellier

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Marriage/Family: My wife Ashley and I have been married for six years. Our dog’s name is Oreo. We’re expecting our first child on April 9!

Marriage/Family: Single.

Born/Raised: Chino, CA. OCS Position: Maintenance

worker.

Born/Raised:

San Dimas, CA. Youngest of 4 children.

OCS Position:

5th-12th grade band director and 5th-6th grade general music teacher.

Nick DeVries

Kristin Kirstenpfad Marriage/Family: Single.

Marriage/Family: My husband,

Born in Pomona and raised in Ontario.

John, and I were married in 2001.

We have two daughters, Emma and Katie who are currently in 4th and 7th grades.

OCS Position:

Born/Raised:

Born/Raised:

I grew Orange County, CA.

Groundskeeper.

up

in

OCS Position: 2nd grade teacher.

Thoughtful and loving friends who wish to honor either living or departed friends and family, may give gifts of remembrance to the Ontario Christian School Foundation. Those honored by such gifts at the commemoration of a wedding, birth, anniversary, retirement, or other events will be notified by an appropriate note as will the family of those honored in death. The name of the person remembered will be listed in our newsletter unless requested otherwise. The amount of the gift is kept confidential and is tax deductible.

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Ontario christian schools

Yes! Yes! ___________________________________ wants to be a Foundation Builder (your name here)

1. $____________ in memory of _______________________________________ 2. $____________ in celebration of _____________________________________ 3. $____________ in support of Christian education

Ontario Christian Schools thanks YOU for your support!

Foundation Builder

OCS Foundation

Meet the O’Neills

by Regina Wang, Director of Marketing Gary and Sue O’Neill have six children who all graduated from Ontario Christian between 1995 and 2007. Sue also worked nine years at the OCHS counseling department. Now, as their youngest daughter finished graduate school, the O’Neills testify to the enduring, positive influence that Christian education has had on their children. For this article, we interviewed the entire O’Neill family.

Gary & Sue: “If there was something the children were involved in, such as student council or renaissance rally, we never worried about their supervision. We knew they were safe and with ‘family members’ who would watch out for them just as we would. For anyone considering Christian education, OC is the best investment and lifetime gift they could ever provide their children.”

Phillip ‘99 (BA: CSU Fullerton, MA: Colorado Tech, business owner): “The benefits of attending Ontario Christian were not visible until after graduation. However, as I continued my education with a bachelor’s and master’s degrees, I was able to tell the difference between the benefits of the public school system versus Ontario Christian. A solid foundation in Christian education has put me further in life than if I had attended public school.”

Cathryn ‘02 (BS: UC Irvine, MD: Ross University, physician) : “OC provided me with the tools needed to learn about life, and thought-provoking teachers urged me to expand my perspective and question my preconceptions.

I have used these skills to excel in all areas of my life, because at OC, I was rooted and grew in the foundation of God’s love.“

Michael ‘95 (AA: San Joaquin Valley Nicholas ‘05 (AA College, business from Community owner): “From my College of the Air first day at OC to Force; currently the last, I treasure all working towards a the memories, both BS at Southwestern the good ones and University, senior those of struggles airman, USAF): “OC or difficulties.

Top row: David (‘98) and wife Jacquee; Gary and Sue; Nicholas (‘05) and wife Amanda; Phillip (‘89) provides the tools Whenever I return to and wife Kaila; Michael (‘95) and wife Nickie holding daughter Dakota and son Wesley. Bottom row: to prepare their visit, I have always Jaclyn (‘07), Talon son of David and Jacquee; Liberty (hiding) daughter of Michael and Nickie; Wyatt, students for college felt at home both son of Phillip and Kaila; Cathryn (‘02) holding Connor (son of Nicholas and Amanda); Alyssa daughter and brings out their with the folks that of Phillip and Kaila. capabilities for STILL work there and success. Students with fellow students can take advantage who now also work of a wide selection of extracurricular activities in addition to just at OC. Ontario Christian will always have a place in my heart. academics. OC gave me a much better education than most of Funny thing is ... I still have the Alma Mater memorized! ” my peers received in public schools.”

David ‘98 (AA: Mt. Sac, working toward his BS from Utah Valley Jaclyn ‘07 (double BA and MA from CSU San Bernardino, Univeristy, sensor operator/pilot): “Being an alumnus of OC entering federal law enforcement): “Ontario Christian provides taught me the value of a quality Christian education and the students with the tools necessary for success. What students do meaning of a strong community. I would not be where I am with those opportunities is up to them. Having a strong Christian today if not for the sacrifices of my parents who ensured I education in high school fully prepared me for college, helping attended a quality educational institution and participated in me to obtain two bachelor’s and a master’s degrees. I can only athletics in a Christ-honoring manner.” say ‘ditto’ to my siblings’ statements.” q

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School news

New Year, New Calendar

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by Regina Wang, Director of Marketing

Ontario Christian has adopted a new academic calendar that will take effect in 2016.

Although an earlier start will mean a two-week shorter summer vacation, the change will make Ontario Christian even more competitive for seniors applying for college and receiving scholarships. OC’s traditional late start has made the fall semester end after Christmas break, but most universities prefer to receive students’ fall semester grades by the first of January for scholarship considerations. In addition, many high school sports activities start well before OC’s classes have begun.

The national average of school days per year is 180. Although OC meets the requirement of instructional hours, its first semester begins much later than 80% of California schools which generally begin by mid-August. Did you know that OC is one of .2% of 556 school districts that start after Labor Day? In addition, OC will launch January Term (J-Term) which will provide middle and high school students intensive three-day classes to to explore subjects outside the curriculum, including engineering, business, sociology, welding, and cabinet making.

These experiences will widen the students’ horizons and equip them with practical tools for the future.

Here are the changes for 2016-17: 1) The first day of school will be Wednesday, August 17.

2) First semester will end on Wednesday, December 21.

3) First semester will be 17 weeks instead of the traditional 18.

4) Second semester will be 19 weeks instead of the traditional 18.

5) The last day of school will be Friday, June 2.

6) Pay plans will be available: • 11 month (July to May) • Quarterly (July, October, January, and April) • Semi-Annual (August and January) • Annual (August 1)

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Ontario Christian Parents Association (OCPA)

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School news

Serve wholeheartedly as if you were serving the Lord.

— Ephesians 6:7 Welcome to the beginning of another school year at Ontario Christian Schools. Some of you may be new to our school, and we are excited to have you here. Ontario Christian is a supportive community; we work together to “Grow Christian Leaders.” As the educational years go by, we become a closer family. This year we are looking forward to the many ways we will see God’s faithfulness to our school through the support of our parents. We recognize that God gives us the strength, vision, and guidance to do the things we do.

We hope you will prayerfully consider committing to an area of service that supports OC. Many opportunities are open for you to support us, beginning with the Harvest Festival and continuing to all the graduation services. Additionally, the Ontario Christian Parents’ Association (OCPA) organizes a fall fundraiser.

Proceeds help pay for classroom equipment that has not been allocated in the regular school budget. Other areas of support include being a room parent, helping out at the book fair, the jog-a-thon, Teacher Appreciation Week, Boosters Club, purchasing SCRIP, attending sporting events, or a number of other ways.

Please prayerfully consider being a board member of OCPA. Board members serve a two-year term and are installed in July. Contact a board member for more information if you are interested in serving. Many opportunities exist for parents to be involved in OCPA.

Ongoing opportunities of support include: SCRIP - This program features a collection of gift cards purchased through the school which can be used for gas, groceries, entertainment, restaurants and many other things we purchase every day. Plan ahead and purchase your gift card from the school and use it as you normally would at your favorite business. You will earn money towards tuition and raise funds for OC. Family Dine Out Nights - OCPA works with local restaurants who return 15-20% of all proceeds to OC, spent

by OC families on a particular day. Connect with other OC families and enjoy a night off from cooking. Family Dine Out Nights are held every month (or every other month). Check dates in the Campus Connection.

BOX TOP for EDUCATION - Collect box tops from General Mills products; each box top earns 10 cents for our school. Students earn an ice cream party. Sign up to receive discounts and coupons, and enter a contest at the Box Top website www.btfe.com.

FUNDRAISER - Family and friends purchase items from catalogues; OC receives a percentage of all sales. Students earn prizes and a party.

ELEMENTARY HOT LUNCH PROGRAM - Manna Foods serves a hot lunch daily to our preschool-8th grade. Menus and order forms are distributed each month. They must be returned promptly with your payment to ensure proper processing of all orders. A portion of the proceeds goes back to OC. q

OCPA Board Members for the 2015-2016 year: Rocio Badiola Kat Blasetti Pattie Montejano Abbey Haagsma Veronica Plascencia

President Vice-President Treasurer Secretary Volunteer Coordinator

Members serve a two-year term of service and are installed each July. Call a board member if you are interested in serving.

Pitctured (L-R): Kat Blasetti, Pattie Montejano, Veronica Plascencia, Abby Haagsma, and Rocio Badiola.

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Why I Chose Ontario Christian A father’s reflection on his daughter starting the first day of school 30 years after his first day at the same school.

by Justin Boonestro ‘98 Claire’s first day of school was bittersweet. She seems to be growing up so fast, and I wish time would slow down — she lost her first tooth the day before school started. However, I had so many great memories of my 13 years on campus, so I was very happy to see her begin making her own memories there. The night before her first day at Ontario Christian, I realized that she was starting exactly 30 years after my first day in Ms. Heuker’s class.

Even before our kids were born, there was no question that they would be going to OC one day. Cally and I have friends who can’t understand why we are always going to high school sporting events, or why we still spend so much time at my old school. They can’t relate to the sense of community at OC. I often explain it like a smalltown living in the middle of a larger one.

I believe that I owe much of my success to the caring, Christian environment and excellent education that I received at OC. Teachers like Mr. Agema and Mrs. Hoekstra took time to encourage and push me. I’ll never forget the impact they made on me.

It’s important to us that our children receive a quality, Christ-centered education, and that they can feel the same sense of community that we feel. We can already see Claire blossoming, and as much as I want time to slow, we can’t wait to see what else is in store for her during her time at Ontario Christian.

Top: The Bonestroo family: Cally, Justin, and their two children: Claire, 5, and Case, 9 months. Middle: This photo was taken 30 years ago during Justin Boonestro’s first day of school in Miss Heuker’s class. Sitting behind him were Derek Vander Eyk ‘98 and Rachel Jorristsma ‘98. Bottom: Three photos of Claire taken on her first day of school.

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Alumni News - Class Notes

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Class Notes 1980s

Ellie (Van Leeuwen) Begley ‘86 worked at Ontario Christian for 18 years as business manager. She now works at Redlands Christian Schools as chief financial officer.

2000s

Jake Knight ‘07 is a youth pastor at GracePoint Church in Ontario. He is working on a MA in youth ministry at Azusa Pacific Seminary. He is a husband to Melissa, and a father to Braden who is almost 1 year old. He also works full-time at Trader Joe’s.

Leslie (Bosch) Jansen ‘04 is married to Ben ‘04. They have two girls: Brynn, 4, and Lahni, 18 months.

Kristin Santana ‘06 and Joe Galvan were engaged in October.

Lynnae (Bosch) Nagel ‘06 graduated from Providence Christian College in 2010, and has worked at California Baptist University as a data technician for the School of Nursing for five years. She married Charles Nagel on September 14, 2013.

Alumni! What’s Your Story?

Email your story to Nicole DeVries at ndevries@ocschools.org.

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Amanda Worthington ‘08 graduated from Vanguard University in 2011, with a BA in communications, and has since been working at ADP.

2010s

Tiffany Aguiar ‘10 lives and works in downtown Los Angeles as a catering sales manager with Wolfgang Puck Catering.

Abby Knight ‘12 will be graduating from the University of La Verne with her BS in athletic training in the spring. She will soon be taking the Board of Certification exam in order to become certified as an athletic trainer.

Laura Hahn ‘12 will be graduating from Northern Kentucky University with a BA in electronic media and broadcasting with a double minor in popular culture and marketing. She has been on the executive board for three different organizations and served a yearlong term as a senator for the student government association.

She completed an internship in Hollywood during the summer of 2014, working in the recruiting and community departments at StyleHaul, a Youtube multi-channel network.

Katelyn McGirr ‘13 is a full-time student at Cal Poly Pomona. She also works as a manager at Chick-fil-A’s City of Industry location.

Mariah Berdin ‘13 works as a personal trainer and a group instructor at Triad Fitness in Azusa.

She majors in applied exercise science, and plans to study physical therapy in graduate school.

Paul Bressler ‘13 studies at the University of South Carolina after spending a year at Chaffey College.

He majors in global supply chain and operations management. He is studying intermediate German and beginner Chinese.

Matthew Mendoza ‘13 is healed from the back surgery that he had a year ago. He has no pain in his back anymore, and his spine was repaired with titanium. “All glory to God,” he says.

Madeline Mumbleau ‘13 is in her third year at UC Davis as a pharmaceutical chemistry major. She joined a chemistry research lab that focuses on improving RNAI activities.

She is also a member of College Life, a campus fellowship, and plays pickup volleyball. She plans to pursue a doctoral degree in the future.

Alumni Spotlight:

Matt Roeda ‘05 After graduating from Ontario Christian, Matt Roeda studied at Calvin College, where his parents and sister also attended. He now works at Wells Fargo as a business systems consultant. On October 10, he married Meagan.

Matt and Meagan’s lives were intertwined as a result of an OC connection.

Sue Roeda, Matt’s mom and K-8 librarian, volunteered for CrossPoint by delivering “blessings bags” to new moms. Sue discovered that one of the new moms, Krystal (Niemands) Johnson ’99, was a family friend’s daughter.

Sue’s husband was classmates with Krystal’s mom at Valley Christian.

Krystal told Sue about her a Godly woman named Meagan for Matt to date. Meagan and Krystal are nurses in the NICU at Loma Linda Hospital. Matt took a step of faith by contacting Meagan through Facebook. The two began dating in August 2013. The rest is history. q

@Ontario_Christian

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1) Mrs. Westenbroek’s kindergarten class experimented with mixing colors by combining red and yellow to create orange for their fall-themed artwork.

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2) 8th graders loved and served others during their service day by sorting donations at 3-Way Thrift, caring for the developmentally disabled at Salem Christian Homes, giving out food at Isaiah’s Rock, and assisting OC Elementary teachers.

3) #Here4Good cookies were given away at the high school.

4) OC girls varsity volleyball team in action against Linfield Christian.

5) 4th graders had a fun and interactive time learning about the history of the Golden State.

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6) Ontario Christian honored veterans during our chapel service yesterday. Superintendent Dr. Bootsma, who served in the Naval Air, led our students to salute those who have served our country.

Later, Navy Chaplain Lt. Lloyd Wicker ‘94 delivered a captivating speech.

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Recent Events

2nd Annual “Pink-Out”

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By Jillian Henry ‘16 This year we held our Second Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Game. The purpose of the evening was to shed a light on this dark disease that has touched so many lives.

John 16:33 tells us that we will have trials in this life, and breast cancer is definitely one of them. Thankfully we can rest in the assurance that God is with us.

We wanted to acknowledge the brave women everywhere who are fighting or have fought this disease. We want them to know that they are important, and that we care for and love them.

Many people supported this event, and we pray that each year more people will support and contribute to the fight against breast cancer. This year we were able to donate over $3,000 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Hopefully we can double or triple this amount in the coming years.

photos by Nancy Ziebel

Thank you for supporting this special cause. q

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Ontario christian schools

Ontario Christian marketplace

embroidery/screening

financial services

moving Services

Plain Jane Promotions

David De Koekkoek CFP, EA

Residential & Business – Local & Long Distance Moving – Serving All the Inland Empire

Embroidery & Screenprint - est. 1988 4852 Francis Ave. Chino, CA 91710 plainjaneembroidery@verizon.net

909-627-5457

Professional Services

Sharon Morff Attorney at Law

3350 Shelby St. Ste. 200 Ontario, CA 91761 909-944-2525 Fax: 909-945-5371 Sharon@morfflaw.com

Real Estate Brent Westra Real Estate/Mortgage Broker Property Management (909) 214-4001 Sandy DuBoise-Real Estate Agent (909) 947-2777

Tax and Retirement Services (909) 467-5433

Move With a Name You Know!

Competitive Rates • Trade Show & Exhibits • Electronic Equipment • Containerized Storage Expert Packing & Crating • Special Care for Valuables & Antiques • Reliable & Timely Do-it-Yourself Containers • Ask for Felipe

CAL T-179172 • US DOT# 125563 I.C.C. No. MC2934

Serna’s Relocation Systems, Inc. 800-590-5006 Agent for Mayflower Transit, Inc.

Family owned & operated Over 25 years experience www.sernas.net

Health Services

Home Services

construction Services

Francisco C. Enverga, D.D.S.

J & T De Vries Pest Control

Wiersma & Sleeger Construction, Inc.

Residential · Commercial · Landscape · AGI

General & Cosmetic Dentistry

(909) 988-9680

2508 S. Grove Ave. • Ontario, CA 91761

Flies · Spiders · Ants · Roaches Fleas · Rodents · Birds · Weeds

Nelson, Vince, and Marty P: 909-467-0351 F: 909-391-1919 Remodeling, additions, patios, finish work, dairy buildings

Bouma A/C & Heating

D & D Contractors Inc.

CompCare Medical Group Chino Hills Pediatric/Adult/Geriatric & Sports Medicine Board Certified Family Medicine Providers

Jim Riezebos Service & Installation 12188 Central Ave. #343 Chino, CA 91710 (909) 673-1075

State License: #491698

David Gonzalez Marin dgonmarin43@gmail.com

P: 951-415-4066 F:909-983-6829 Home Remodeling, Kitchen & Bathroom Upgrades State License B#966076

Alphonso Benton, M.D. 15944 Los Serranos Country Club Dr. Suite 110, Chino Hills, CA 91709

909-606-8767 Guaranteed same day appointments.

Accept most insurances Visit www.compcaremedicalgroup.com for info

Driving School Support the O.C. Marketplace Contact Regina Wang to place your ad 909-983-4644

ALL*STAR DRIVING & TRAFFIC VIOLATERS SCHOOL La Verne (909) 596-6896 R. Cucamonga (909) 948-5363 Norco (951) 817-8554 www.allstardriving.com

Ontario Christian Received

$152,000

3 Way Thrift distributed $152,000 last year to Ontario Christian. The funds were made possible thanks to families & friends of OC donating their clothes and other household items to 3 Way Thrift. Please drop-off used items at either school (use the collection boxes pictured above) or at 3-Way Thrift.

www.3waythrift.org

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Growing Christian Leaders

Ontario Christian Schools 931 W. Philadelphia Street Ontario, CA 91762

non-profit org.

U.S. postage PAID Chino, CA permit 135

Current Resident or

ONTARIO

CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

OC

ocschools.org

DATES TO REMEMBER December, 2015

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 13 14 15 16 20 21 22 23 27 28 29 30

10 11 12 17 (18) 19 24 25 26 31

January, 2016 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

18 11 16 17 18 12/21-1/1

Preschool Christmas Program 1st-4th Christmas Program 5th-8th Band/Choir Concert Jr. K Christmas Program Kindergarten Christmas Program Christmas Break - No School

4 11 11 18 28

School Resumes College Financial Aid Meeting 7:00 PM Boosters Meeting 7:00 PM Martin Luther King Day - No School Kindergarten Information Night 7:00 PM

1 15 22

Records Day - No School 2:00 PM Presidents’ Day - No School Boosters Meeting 7:00 PM

HS Campus

2 7 8 10 18 21 25 3/28-4/1

Jr. K Grandparents Day 9:30 AM HS Band/Choir Concert 7:00 PM 5th-8th Band/Choir Concert 7:00 PM Preschool Grandparents Tea 9:00 AM Auction Boosters Meeting 7:00 PM Good Friday - Half Day Easter Break - No School

K-8 Multi-Purpose Room HS Chapel HS Chapel K-8 Multi-Purpose Room Los Serranos Country Club HS Library

5:30 PM 6:30 PM 7:00 PM 9:30 AM 9:00 AM

K-8 Multi-Purpose Room HS Chapel HS Chapel K-8 Multi-Purpose Room HS Chapel

HS Chapel HS Library K-8 Multi-Purpose Room

February, 2016 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

HS Library

MArch, 2016 S M T W T F S

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