NOVEMBER 2014
C O L L E G E
CHCS News H E I G H T S
Veteran’s Day Veterans Day Program at Spring River Christian Village was a day of special interactions between middle school students from CHCS and the veteran’s that live there. The veterans, families and staff enjoyed the time spent together. It was humbling honor to recognize our Veterans. “My grandma was at the spring river program yesterday and was so impressed by your students. She said the man sitting next to her starting crying when the kids came and gave him a hug. She also commented on how nice your students looked – she said it means a lot to their generation when kids dress up – she wanted me to let you know how great it was.” SRCV Activities Lifestyle Coordinator said “We are so grateful for your attendance today and for the time and effort you and your students took to write those wonderful letters. I read many of them and was very touched, myself, at the maturity they showed. It was so great that you came! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! That kind of attention really matters to these folks.”
C H R I S T I A N
S C H O O L
All School Chapel Twice a year we have a very special day at CHCS. The first of our two AllSchool chapel days was on October 30th this year. Students from Pre-school through twelfth Grade met in the Worship Center for a time of singing, prayer and worship. Mrs Colin, Elementary Principal, and Mr Casey, MS Bible Instructor, reminisced about their days as students at CHCS. Mrs Satterfield’s 3rd grade class celebrated the US Flag through song.
CHCS is are launching a new logo that features our name with a cross and our school mascot, the Cougar. This is our base logo; although at times you may see it being used in slightly different formats. As we begin this transition of switching out all of our logo items, you will see changes over the coming months to our stationary, signage, and eventually our website.
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CHCS Carnival On Saturday, November 8th, CHCS held the annual carnival. Balloon Darts, Lazer Tag, Bounce House, Cardboard Maze, Go Fishing, Cake Walk, Art Walk, and many more fun carnival games were enjoyed by all who attended. Attendees also enjoyed lots of delicious foods and snacks. Some even did a little Christmas Shopping at the 1st grade Art Walk, Rahpa House booth and the Art Department display.
CHCS News
CHCS News
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Cougar Palooza CHCS middle school students enjoyed an exciting all-night event at Victory Ministry and Sports Complex. The Cougar Palooza was a reward for our middle school students who participated in the PTF coordinated fund-raiser. This event helps us raise money for various school related improvements. Thank you PTF for all your hard work!!
Elementary Cougar Run This year’s Cougar Run was full of excitement for our elementary students. For this occasion, bikes and scooters are decorated in cougar colors and riders had fun traveling around the CHCS parking lot with their friends, parents and teachers. Our cheerleaders grilled burgers for all who attended. The Cougar Run is an event that is sponsored by the PTF and gives our elementary students an opportunity to help raise funds for our school.
2014 Fall Blood Drive
by Janene Russell
On Wednesday, November 12th, members of the National Honor Society hosted the Fall CHCS Blood Drive. Many donors came to the school to donate and received t-shirts as a token of appreciation. A total of 144 people came to donate and we collected 88 pints of blood, our highest numbers to date. Our students competed for the most donors recruited throughout our elementary, middle school, and high school and the girls won, getting a dress down day as their reward. NHS seniors did a great job planning a Frozen (Flowzen) themed drive – including snacks and decor that fit the theme. Thanks to everyone who helped to make this a successful event for our community.
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CHCS News
First Grade Serves Mrs. Lorimer’s first grade class has served dinner at Children’s Haven several times so far this year. They began this outreach in September. It has been a great opportunity for first graders to serve the children there. They have prepared meals including, lasagna and meatloaf with sides and desserts. They serve the food, help the children, and clean up.The student’s families have participated and enjoyed the experience. The parents of our first graders know that serving is impacting their child’s life. The class is now looking for other mission type opportunities to participate in. Even the youngest students at CHCS make a difference in our communities.
Truman Library Visit Eighth grade students from Mrs. Ohmart’s Middle School History Classes visited the White House Decision Center at the Truman Library in Independence, MO today. The students spent several hours learning about the decision making process of the Executive Branch of the US government. Afterwards, a quick tour of the library took place. The staff at the library was impressed with our students, stating “WOW! Thanks for a great day with your fantastic students. They are bound for greatness – Martha and I could just see it. Kudos for all you do to educate and engage them”.
Rapha House is a ministry that strives to eliminate human trafficking as well as supports the healing process of children who have been rescued from this horrible crime. Students collected a special offering on November 13th. To date we have raised over $2,000. Funds raised this year will be added to previous years to help purchase a truck. NHS will continue to sponsor additional fundraisers such as No Makeup November and Dress Up December as well as selling dress-code approved Rapha House t-shirts. You can still donate by sending funds to CHCS labeled Rapha House. Many thanks go out to all those who have supported this mission.
CHCS News
All State Choir
by Melissa Belk
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Set Apart
SECOND GRADE
The second grade classes studied Moses and the 10 Commandments recently. God gave His people rules to follow so that they would be “set apart” from other nations. CHCS second graders were “set apart” to make Mrs. Colin proud with their behavior. Both classes wore “Make Mrs. Colin Proud” badges for an entire day. They also learned that they should be role models or good examples for others with our words and actions.
Senior Annie Ashwell (alto) was selected as a member of the 2015 Missouri All State Choir. Only four from each voice part are selected from our district for this honor. Contestants must prepare a contest level solo of their choice, their part of a SATB selection (same for everyone), identify key signatures, and sight read two examples. The choir meets during the State Music Teacher’s Convention in January and performs at the closing concert. Additionally, Senior Casey Garman (Soprano) was selected as an alternate.
Player of the Year SARAH KENT
Celestial Studies
Congratulations to Sarah Kent who was named the Spring River Valley Conference Volleyball Player of the Year! Sarah we are proud of you.
by Deana Fanning
Eight grade science students had to pick a celestial object to research. It could be a comet, a planet, a star, a black hole, a nebula, etc. The students had to make a 3D representation of their object to hang in class, write a two page paper about it, and present it in class. The projects were amazing and displayed in the classroom. They had a lot of fun working on their celestial objects and learned a lot of fun facts about our solar system.
CHCS News
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Tennis Congratulations to the CHCS High School Tennis team on taking Second Place in District Competition. Way to go Lady Cougars!!!
Soccer Season Summary
by Daniel Lewis
The soccer team had a memorable season with our 5th consecutive winning season and 2nd consecutive finish as district runner-up. Other notable accomplishments were the first ever win over Joplin HS. Individual accomplishments include Dylan Zarrabi leading the team with 37 goals and Kellen Grantham leading the team with 16 assists. We had seven players selected to all-district recognition. Moreover, Dylan Zarrabi and Brendyn Taylor were selected to the allregion team (first region selections since 2006), with Brendyn Taylor being recognized as the all-region goalkeeper of the year. Coach Lewis extended his lifetime soccer record to 295-216-20.
Volleyball
by Mary Colin
I was blessed to be a part of an amazing group of girls! We finished the varsity season 24-8-4 overall. The team was runners-up in district 12 and SRVC runner up. Sarah Kent, Sarah Vainio, Alex Bruey, Raven Paige and Erika Larkin all received all-conference honors, with Sarah Kent receiving for the first time ever, Spring River Valley Conference Player of the Year. Also, these five players were selected for the all-district team. Sarah Kent and Sarah Vainio were second team all-region and honorable mention allregion, respectively. These 16 athletes not only contributed on the court, but also to God’s kingdom. They taught each other about selfless acts, loving relationships, overcoming tough obstacles, peer accountability and living strong through adversity!
Cross Country The cross-country team had a very successful season this year. We had steady improvements from all of our athletes throughout the year. The varsity boys had one 2nd place team finish at East Newton Invitational and one 1st place team finish at the Diamond Invitational. Also at the Diamond Invitational, Paul Sherrod won the meet to get the team’s first and only individual win. At districts, though there were several injuries on the team, the athletes really came together and ran their best. Scott Lewis and Lydia Buford both qualified for state by placing 10th and 5th respectively. They both achieved personal records that day, Lydia by over 90 seconds. They also both performed well at state, improving their time and place over the previous years. Congratulations to this year’s Cross Country Team for a great season!
by Emily Beaver
CHCS News
“Seasons of My Missouri Home” by Marilyn Stewart The cold gray clouds of winter rest stretched out above the land. The dry and chilly wind wails out as though it were in command. The trees are naked of their leafy green clothes that in summer are elegantly hung. Their sprawling bare branches reach out in a pattern that resembles a giant brown lung. Wintering birds flutter feverishly around to find food to feed their flight. It may be some seeds from the dried out grass or bugs hiding from the day’s light. Sometimes in the slumbering mood of the season’s expected cold, Shimmering flakes of purest white fall in patterns that are sweet to behold. Treading wistfully over the glistening snow like an ornament of crimson red, A cardinal surveys the surrounding trees for a perch to make his bed. Poking through the frosted soil oblivious to winter’s cold scene, Tiny shoots of winter wheat stripe the ground with a lively green. Slowly like a slumbering cat the sun stretches out to yawn. Reaching outward it descends on the earth like a new and glorious dawn. Moisture builds up in the warming air and softens all that it hugs. Crawling beneath a burgeoning bud is a family of tiny black bugs. As though it were instructed new life finds it safe to rear its fledgling head. In a brilliant array of colors, soft silky blooms begin to spread. Songs of courtship resonate outward in a cacophony of various sounds. The mother deer bear their spotted fawns upon the forest’s hidden grounds. Slithering blithely upon the tepid soil a small snake works its way to the briers. Lightning bugs illuminate the evening sky like thousands of tiny green fires. A moth settles down on a hollow log unafraid of a predator’s might. Its wings unfold patterned looming eyes making it seem a frightful sight. Rains fall down in a steady flow swelling rivers right out of their banks. Leaves on the trees weighted down with the drops bow low as though giving thanks. A soft summer breeze makes the emerald green grass dance about in the heat of the sun. The days are long and the lakes are dawned with kids splashing and having great fun. The farmer’s pond becomes a place for the novice to catch her first fish. Parks with showering wells are surrounded by hopefuls with penny and wish. In rebellion against the efforts of man lacey clover pops up in the grass. Standing strait it is no mere weed but an herb with purpose and high class. In pastures the cows stand like soft furry statues grazing in restful platitude. At dusk the sun’s softened glair lulls a pleasant attitude, As it blankets the flowering meadows with peaceful colors brilliantly subdued. Hues of red and golden yellow appear as a colorful dream. Like showers of rain leaves dance to the ground in an ever flowing stream. Squirrels collect nuts as they scurry around looking for cover to hide their stash. It seems that autumn once again is coming in a flash. The temperate seasons of Missouri I fondly hold dear to my heart. They create both fun and traditions with the changes they impart. But the most endearing trait that makes Missouri my home state, Are all the wonderful friends and family time has served to create.
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Bookfair
Renweb
by Susan Block
Our October book fair was a great success. Total sales from both the online and school fair, along with the All for Books contributions, were $10,932. That gives us an earned profit of $6012.61. That is amazing! We earned enough, along with profit from our previous book fairs, to put Smart Boards in five of our classrooms here at CHCS. Our first and third grade teachers and our middle school science teacher requested Smart Boards for their classrooms this year. Thanks to you we can supply them. In the past we have put Smart Boards in both second grade classrooms and the school library with our book fair profits. We have also recently purchased two listening centers for the teachers to use in their classrooms, a book cart for students to check library books from, and many books to add to our school library. Thank you to all who volunteered their help and participated in the book fair. We couldn’t do it without you!
Parents, don’t forget to take advantage of Renweb, our online school management system. You can check homework assignments, lunch menus, student grades, school calendar, etc. If you are having problems accessing Renweb or have not set up your account, please contact the school. A Renweb phone application is now available. This is a great tool to use to stay informed about your students’ progress.
A Little Jazz The MSSU Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Phillip Wise, visited CHCS on November 18th. Students enjoyed the music from the Count Basie Band, Duke Ellington Orchestra, Woody Herman Herds, Buddy Rich Band and Stan Kenton Orchestra.
FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid which includes Pell Grant, can be filed any time COLLEGE CORNER after January 1, 2015 and will be based on the parent’s 2014 tax information. Missouri Southern is by Patty Kruse hosting a FAFSA frenzy event on Sunday, March 8, 2015, 2:00-4:00 pm. All parents and students are invited to attend. It is NOT only for MSSU students. Southern is a national site for FAFSA workshops and have set the date in March to allow additional time for parents to collect and prepare their tax information. Students need to be diligent about filing their FAFSA forms by April 1st which is the Missouri cutoff date for state monies. Many colleges require any student receiving scholarship money to file a FAFSA form. This includes academic, athletic and performing arts scholarships. The FAFSA is federally funded and if students file before the Missouri cutoff date of April 1st, he or she may qualify for additional state money. The FAFSA worksheet is available at www.fafsa.gov and will greatly assist in preparation for the actual filing process. REMINDER: There are many deadlines either passing or rapidly approaching. Seniors should have applied to the colleges or universities in which they are interested in attending next fall. Any senior who has NOT taken the ACT needs to do ASAP. Be sure to check with the individual institutions for scholarship deadlines. If essays are required, assistance is available in the guidance office. Students who are planning to live on campus also need to complete dorm applications. Timing is critical for dorm reservations which often involve down payments, some of which are non-refundable. SCHOLARSHIP REMINDER: Students interested in additional scholarship money should check the CHCS Guidance Website on a regular basis. Updates for verification are frequently made. Start at collegeheights.org then go to the Guidance Center then Scholarships where there is a choice of the following tabs 1) Scholarship Searches, 2) Financial Aid, 3) Programs and Contests, 4) Local, 5) College and Universities, 6) State & Regional, and 7) National & Corporate. Note: All the scholarships of which we are aware are listed in green print. As confirmation of their activation for the current year is made, they are changed to black print. An additional tab that may be helpful is “College Planning.” Follow the tab to “Search” and several College Search options will be available. ECFA ACCREDITED – On November 12, 2012, the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability announced the accreditation of College
Heights Christian School. Accreditation is based on the ECFA’s Seven Standards of Responsible Stewardship, including financial accountability, transparency, sound board governance, and ethical fundraising. When an organization is accredited by ECFA, it demonstrates its willingness to follow the model of biblical accountability.
MISSION STATEMENT
CHCS glorifies God through excellence as a Christ-centered learning environment that produces servant-leaders with a Biblical worldview.
COLLEGE HEIGHTS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL n 4311 E. NEWMAN ROAD n JOPLIN, MISSOURI 64801 n 471-782-4114 n WWW.COLLEGHEIGHTS.ORG