Lansing Christian School Pilgrim journey fall 2014

PILGRIM Journey Fall 2014

Grateful for our Heritage – Preparing for our Future “That they might set their hope in God.” Psalm 78:7

“That they might set their hope in God,” is still our hope for the future of LCS. God cares about the future, and we believe He cares about the future of our school.

The Lansing Christian School Board of Trustees Gillian Granger, Chairperson Brad Banasik, Secretary Stephanie Buchalski Tamara Cutler Ken Howard Laura Moody Scott Wagoner Rina Woodland Lori Wortz

Written by Wendy Hofman, Head of School

Lansing Christian School has been in existence for more than 60 years. The school verse, “That they might set their hope in God,” serves as the very foundation of our school’s mission. Since 1951, parents have been investing in a Christian education at LCS in order to provide a foundation for their children; a foundation for living a life of faithfulness and service to God. Educating the whole child has been a priority of LCS from the very beginning.

Today, providing multiple opportunities for our students to learn and grow as whole people through our academic, athletic, fine arts, and co-curricular programs, is still a priority and part of what families note is unique about the educational experience at LCS. No matter what decade you were a part of Lansing Christian School, partnership with parents in the education of their children has been fundamental to the school experience. In 2014, families enroll in Lansing Christian School because they want to work in partnership with teachers and school leaders and they want to invest in the education of their children.

As we look to the future, we are currently in the process of strategically planning for the next three to five years. This process will involve broad community engagement, including board members, parents, administration, faculty and staff.

As we actively explore how to effectively bring creativity, innovation, change, and flourishing our Christian school for the years to come, we continue to be grateful for the foundation that was laid by parents more than 60 years ago, “That they might set their hope in God,” to serve as our guide.

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RIGOROUS AND RELEVANT LEARNING Writing Matters

Written by Andrew Kleyn, Academic Dean

LCS DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD Nomination deadline: DECEMBER 19, 2014

The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes loyalty to LCS through contributed time, talent or donations; a high standard of personal integrity and character; community involvement and professional achievement.

See the alumni page under Life at LCS on the LCS website: lansingchristianschool.org

Writing is an important part of our academic program, emphasizing continuity in our curriculum.

Lansing Christian School recognizes writing as one of the most essential skills students can develop. Writing is often the best way for students to communicate their learning. It is also vital to success in college.

LCS has a strong writing program and continues to work to equip students to write clearly and effectively. Several years ago, LCS added Advanced Composition, an intensive writing course for juniors and seniors as another way to help prepare students for the expectations of college writing. Throughout the last couple years, we continue to work on refining our curriculum to focus on the main objectives and understand how literacy skills are a part of these objectives. Teachers cooperate across the grade levels to ensure we are building on prior knowledge and encourage student growth.

Numerous staff discussions and practices have reinforced the importance of incorporating writing into each content area. An example of this emphasis can be seen in the Writing Guidelines website, which provides standards, guidance, and resources for writing at LCS. We recognize that writing is an area for continued growth and focus. This year, the elementary is engaging in a curriculum review to improve their writing program. This program will form the foundation upon which teachers in the middle and high school can build. Collaboration is important. At LCS, writing is a skill that is developed through all courses and across grade levels in order to prepare graduates to communicate effectively in their colleges and careers.

Creating New Opportunites

Written by Katie Emery, Middle School & High School Art Teacher

In the fall of 2014, a group of eight LCS high school students were given an exciting opportunity to explore the growing field of graphic design. Intro to Graphic Design is being taught by an experienced graphic designer, Janelle Koorstra. Students are learning how to use Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign programs.

Each of these programs is taught through project-based lessons, so students will be able to use what they learn in relevant ways. From photo restoration to typography and design history, students are learning valuable skills useful for any designer. Students especially enjoy learning how to edit photographs in Adobe Photoshop. “My favorite part about graphic design is definitely the photo restoration project�, says senior student Kerima Imes. Intro to Graphic Design offers a unique opportunity for high school students to explore a possible career path before heading off to college.

RIGOROUS AND RELEVANT LEARNING

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Teacher Growth – Why is it important? What does it look like?

What are we doing?

Written by Andrew Kleyn, Academic Dean

An essential aspect of Lansing Christian School’s excellence is the commitment to continual improvement. Teachers engage in professional growth to keep education rigorous and relevant in a rapidly changing world.

At LCS, teacher growth is both individual and collaborative. Each year, teachers set individual goals for their own development. These goals provide focus for the teacher’s work throughout the year. Teachers discuss their goals with colleagues in order to receive support and ideas for improvement. To foster further collaboration, teachers visit each other’s classrooms and provide one another with insightful observations.

In addition to these individual goals, our staff also works together on focused areas of improvement. Over the last couple years, we have been making great strides in the articulation and refinement of our curriculum, development of assessment, and incorporation of differentiation. It is such a privilege to be a part of a team that is dedicated to continual improving and working with all their heart to the honor and glory of God (Col. 3:23).

Mathematics and 21st Century Skills Written by Jamie Wernet, K-12 Math Department Lead

Part of the overall academic goals at LCS are that students would be able to use critical thinking, creativity, logic, and common sense to effectively make decisions and solve problems. These goals reflect the 21st century skills we emphasize across the grades and curriculum. Communication and collaboration are also among these skills, which professors and employers consistently report are necessary for students’ future success.

The mathematics classroom is an excellent arena to develop these skills!

Our current elementary and middle school math curricula give students regular opportunities to think about big mathematical ideas while learning different strategies for solving standard and applied problems. In high school, we are incorporating more open-ended problems and use of technology to explore mathematical concepts.

At every level, students are encouraged to share their mathematical ideas

and solution methods with one another, interpret their solutions, and justify their results. These practices will help students develop both mathematical skill and habits that will support their future success.

Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.

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RIGOROUS AND RELEVANT LEARNING Middle School One-to-One Program in Full Swing Written by Wendy Hofman, Head of School

In January of 2014, LCS launched its first one-to-one iPad program in the middle school. Born out of a vision to support growth in the 21st century learning skills of critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity, students and teachers alike are appreciating how students are able work and learn differently with these new tools.

During the initial months of using the new one-to-one iPads, students and teachers noted increased efficiency in student organization and planning. In our surveying of students and teachers last spring, we learned that daily email communication between students and teachers, along with the opportunity to receive quick and frequent feedback on student work, are two areas that had positive impact on student engagement and learning. Teachers also noted that the students were more highly engaged in editing and refining their work with the new technology tools. This year, teachers are accessing more apps for student learning in various content areas.

On any given day, in most any class, students are using technology to research and learn more about a specific area of learning or personal interest. Students are also learning the skills of creating and presenting the knowledge to their peers.

We are pleased to expand the one-to-one iPad program to the 5th grade this year, giving these students these same learning opportunities to organize themselves and engage in the learning in ways that will benefit them in middle school and beyond.

National Honor Society Induction High School English teacher, Jenny Zark reminded students that they are valuable because God has given them value, not because of their abilities, or achievements or honors. “Because God has given you value, what then will you do with your life? What you do matters, not because it gives you value, but because the reason why you do what you do reflects what and who you value.�

34 students were inducted into the National Honor Society on Oct. 16

NUTURING FAITH Fall Retreat

Written by Tim Blamer, Dean of Students

For the tenth year in a row, the annual Lansing Christian High School Retreat was held on the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan at Camp Geneva in Holland. Retreat is a time for students to grow in their relationship with God and with each other and to kick off the spiritual theme for the year. To accomplish the goals for Retreat, the students attend chapels and also participate in activities such as cabin devotions, a volleyball tournament, swimming in Lake Michigan and meals together. It is always a memorable experience for the students!

Our theme this year is “real live faith” and the retreat speaker was Eric Folkers from Vriesland Reformed Church in Holland. We loved having Eric as our speaker as he combined his great sense of humor with a profound love for God and understanding of His word to deliver powerful messages. During his final message on Wednesday evening, he challenged us not to be fence sitters in our relationship with Jesus. Many students either committed or recommitted their lives to Jesus after the message. And, just as powerfully, many students stayed in the chapel well after the dismissal, praying and worshipping together in response to what God was doing in their lives and in the life of the school. It was a blessing to witness.

A significant part of this year’s Retreat was hearing Faith Stories from some of the seniors. We were blessed to hear how God is working in the lives of 18 seniors.

The Faith Stories were inspiring and God-centered and gave the seniors an excellent opportunity to lead and connect with underclassmen. This leadership has continued into the school year after Retreat as the seniors keep looking for opportunities to help each other grow in their faith and to build Christian community.

We were blessed to have an excellent Retreat to begin the year, and we look forward to how God will continue to build on what began at Camp Geneva.

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Retreat is a time when we set aside three days at Camp Geneva on the Lake Michigan lakeshore to focus on building relationships with one another and on growing in our relationship with God in the context of Christian community.

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NUTURING FAITH Praise and Worship

Written by Shelia Dykstra, Elementary Principal

Worship is at the core of what it means to be a Christian. Singing, praying and learning about God’s word draw us closer to Him.

JOIN US!

Beginning our week in praise and worship allows us to gather together and praise Him as a K-5 student body.

HOMECOMING In drawing near to God, we give Him Friday, February 13 the glory for the blessings He has • Boys & Girls Varsity showered upon us and we humbly ask for His help to overcome our basketball games challenges. We want to live every • Homecoming Court • Distinguished Alumni Awards day worshiping and praising our Savior Jesus Christ. Digging deeper in • Alumni Choir Reunion His Word keeps us rooted in our faith singing the National Anthem and allows us to grow and develop • Spirit Week displays our faith in Him. Each day, we desire Watch the LCS website our words and actions to bring glory for more information! and honor to Him.

Elementary Christmas Program Written by Shelia Dykstra, Elementary Principal

The Christmas season is approaching and we are reminded of the tremendous gift we received with the birth of Jesus. Isaiah 9:2a proclaims, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.”

This light is Jesus Christ our Savior. Our 4th annual K-3 Christmas program will share the joy of Christ’s birth through music and scripture in both English and Spanish. We encourage our community

to join us for this event on December 11 at 6:30pm.

FINE ARTS Annual Christmas Concert: A Tradition that Endures

Written by Wendy Hofman (Mrs. Hofman served as choir director at LCS from 2000-2013)

What does it take to make something become a tradition? More than ten

years ago, as I began planning for another Christmas concert, I wondered what it would be like to have the Christmas concert at Lansing Christian School become a well-loved tradition. I am talking about the kind of concert that people look forward to and put on their calendar every year; the kind of concert that engages the entire school community and our Greater Lansing community.

I remember putting this idea in front of my high school students in the year 2001.

They were excited about the idea of drawing in lots of people, of course, but more than that, I think the students were excited about being a part of something big – something bigger than they were. I am grateful to this special group of students that were instrumental in starting what has now become a tradition at LCS.

Thirteen years later, we are still performing what is now known as the Annual Christmas Concert. The concert includes both choirs and bands, and

involves students in grades 4-12. The concert is attended by LCS families and staff, a hearty group of LCS alumni, friends of LCS, and members of our larger community. The singing of the Hallelujah Chorus at the end of the annual concert, now including more than 100 singers, continues to be a well-loved tradition.

The opportunity to sing the traditional carols and perform the music of Christmas in a worship setting brings nearly 800 people to South Church each December. We warmly invite you to join us for the Annual Christmas

Concert this year at South Church on December 18 at 7:00pm.

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JOIN US!

Christmas Concert December 18 at 7pm South Church

Take part in the annual tradition!

Join LCS choirs and bands for an evening of Christmas music.

A thriving fine arts program is an integral and important part of a Christian education.

Each one of our K-8 students participate and receive instruction in the visual arts and in music twice each week, and more than 65% of our high school students participate in a fine arts class.

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FINE ARTS High School Pep Band is Received with Student Enthusiasm Written by Scott Davis, 5 – 12 grade Band teacher

Check out our website: www.http://lcspilgrimbands.weebly.com

On the LCS Band news front there is much positive news to report. This year, we have 15 highly engaged students in the band. Last February, we had to team up with adult players and the middle school band to put a pep band together for homecoming. Now, the high school band is playing that role on its own. The pep band has already played at a varsity soccer game and a varsity volleyball game this month, accompanied by enthusiasm and loud cheers from the student fan section. We learned that the soccer team members got pumped-up to hear the band as well. We look forward to providing exciting school spirit with lively music in our student fan section during the upcoming winter sports season!

Why Theatre at LCS? Written by Michael Partridge

At Lansing Christian, we offer high school students two opportunities to be involved in a show, once in the Fall and once in the Spring. I was asked recently why students should be involved in theatre. Here's my top ten list: 10. It's about learning. When we work to tell stories together we practice the art of learning and sharing. We use the skills we need to succeed in the classroom in order to succeed on stage.

9. It rarely requires any kind of sporting skill. This is not a "jab" at sports, rather an acknowledgement that theatre is an art that can use most any skill level.

8. It's an opportunity to move outside your comfort zone. Let's face it - we like it where we are comfortable. Theatre is about taking chances and expressing ourselves.

7. It brings together students from many grade levels and peer groups. Anything we do that builds community is beautiful.

6. It's the only socially acceptable situation in which you can talk with a fake accent.

Sometimes we all want to pretend we are from England. Theatre makes it okay to pretend.

5. It's balanced - requires some commitment, but leaves room for other activities. There are a lot of activities that take a lot of time in our lives. Theatre should be part of a balanced life - not the ultimate.

4. It's collaborative. Our students are moving into a world that requires them to know how to work together to create great things. Theatre is people working together to create art.

3. It's a great way to boost student confidence. Nothing boosts confidence like a well earned round of applause appreciating a creative effort by a group of students.

2. It's fun. It just is. It's fun to do and fun to watch.

1. It reflects the nature of a creative God. God is the Ultimate Creator.

Throughout time we have been moved to worship by the nature, art, music, sport etc. that God has created through the hands and minds of people. Theatre is a chance to glorify God through creative community. May we do so in ways that honor Him.

These are my top 10.

Perhaps they have inspired you to give the theatre a chance.

PURSUING VICTORY AND HONORING GOD 5K Walk/Run Athletic Fundraiser Written by Coach Wethy, Varsity Volleyball Coach

Fall Festival proved to be more rewarding than I could have ever imagined.

Starting the day with the 5K and participating in the Fall Festival activities created a great environment to connect students and their families with the athletic programs Lansing Christian offers.

The volleyball program from top to bottom had the privilege of working with the youth of Lansing Christian – the future of our program. I was impressed with the turn out, along with the talent we saw. It was great seeing my players actively take on a teaching role with the younger students. It showed that they are learning and are able to utilize what they’ve learned to teach others.

We have some natural athletes coming up, and I’m personally excited to start involving them in the volleyball program. It is rewarding to know that as we continue to grow the program, we have the interest and talent coming up. In a few years, these students will be ready to become a part of the volleyball program in the middle and high school.

Discipling Student Athletes

Written by Dave Miranda, Varsity Baseball Coach

As the head baseball coach at LCS, I am grateful for the opportunity the Lord has given me to disciple and serve as a mentor to our student athletes. As I reflect on how the Lord positioned me at LCS, I see His plan at work. Truth be told, I had aspirations to coach at a public school where discipling and mentoring student athletes would have been very difficult.

When one considers the importance of “discipleship” and “mentorship,” these concepts are often viewed as synonymous. While they are closely related, they are two different concepts. The secular environment espouses mentorship to teach a vocation or a certain skill set. However, it is often devoid of the spiritual truths that are essential in living a fulfilled life. Christ stated in Matthew 28:18 &19, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”

What does discipleship mean? Simply stated, it is showing, teaching and helping a student athlete employ the spiritual truths of Christ. To encourage and show a young man the importance of following the Author of Life is the challenge of the day. In a world where young men today respond with temper tantrums and obscenities, it is my hope that our student athletes would model Christ in their conduct and that our competitors and spectators would witness a positive contrast to what is often displayed in society. As I see it, the Lord has given me this wonderful opportunity! It is a calling that I hope will honor Him in helping our student athletes become more like the “Lord of Lords.”

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PURSUING VICTORY AND HONORING GOD Cross Country

Written by Rich Helder, Cross County Coach

Under the coaching guidance of Rich Helder and Owen Anderson, the Lansing Christian Varsity, JV and middle school cross country teams experienced strong growth and numerous "personal record" runs this season.

The high school team had 17 boys and girls while the middle school team had 13, ten more than last season. The two teams frequently trained together and would support each other at meets. The varsity captains would often help lead the middle school teams in "prayer and pep-talk" prior to their races.

Solid coaching and training was evident as many Pilgrim runners, particularly the middle schoolers, regularly exceeded their "personal record" times, despite competing on some difficult courses.

The varsity boys became the first LCS boys team to qualify for the State Championship Meet in 30 years with a third place finish at the Regional Championship Meet. The entire junior varsity and many middle schoolers were there to cheer them on. Two freshmen were among the Pilgrims top three runners and when they are combined with other Pilgrim underclassmen, and the talent moving up from middle school, LCS cross country will be a program to watch.

Cross Country Beginnings

Written by Cathy Bytwerk 1969, Alumni Coordinator

In the fall of 1976 Rock Campbell, 1969 alumnus and former Biology teacher at LCS, was passionate about seeing the school develop a cross country team. His heart had been impressed with 2 verses that were his driving force. Isaiah 40:31; “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Also, 1 Corinthians 9:24; “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” With these words driving him, the call went out for runners.

Since basketball was the primary sport at that time, those players were the athletes that came out, 25 of them!

Through the course of time Rock put together unique practices that gave the team endurance, agility, focus, and lots of fun. They were able to spend time on Mackinac Island at the close of the summer tourist season to have a retreat workout. The island was theirs to conquer! Not only did the team run, but so did the coach. Rock found those times to be priceless as he was able to interact with the runners and encourage them in their lives as young men. Rock’s teams were State Finalists from 78’-84’and were runners up in 79’. As soccer came into the athletic program Cross Country took a back seat. There was less participation in the sport, but… it has reawakened over the past several years! The dream of taking a team to States came back and on November 1, 2014 they made it to the State Finals…once again.

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A Culture of Giving – the Purpose of the ANNUAL FUND Written by Wendy Hofman, Head of School

One of the ways to see Lansing Christian School thrive in the future is to grow a culture of annual giving. In Christian schools around the country a culture of annual giving that involves parents, grandparents and alumni plays an important and fundamental role in the financial well-being of the school. Participation in annual giving at LCS demonstrates commitment and investment in the mission of our school.

Most Christian schools, just like ours, do not charge a tuition price that reflects the actual cost of what it takes to educate a student. The support that is raised each year through the ANNUAL FUND helps to bridge the gap between the actual cost of an LCS education and the tuition that parents pay.

Your support, no matter the amount, helps to ensure that Lansing Christian School is able to recruit and retain exceptional Christian teachers and implement quality academic, athletic, and fine arts programs that are essential to a Lansing Christian education.

Our ANNUAL FUND goal this year is to raise $50,000 through the contributions from parents, grandparents and alumni by December 30. The goal is 100% parent participation.

We ask that you prayerfully consider a financial gift that demonstrates belief and commitment to the mission of our school, and an investment to ensure an excellent Christ-centered education for each one of our students this year.

To make a contribution to the ANNUAL FUND by December 30, 2014 • Use the envelope included in this publication of the Pilgrim Journey • Make a donation through the DONATE NOW button on the home page of the LCS website • Send a check to Lansing Christian School Foundation– Annual Fund

March 19

Join us for the 2015 Black & Gold Celebration, LCS’s annual fundraising event to raise money for tuition grants and scholarships.

NON-PROFIT US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO 410 LANSING, MI

3405 Belle Chase Way, Lansing, MI 48911 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

GROWING MINDS. NURTURING FAITH. PREPARING LIVES. JOIN US FOR A CAMPUS TOUR Email admissions@lansingchristianschool.org or call 517.882.5779 ext. #107

SAVE THE DATE

Dec 11: K-3 Christmas Concert Dec 18: 4-12 Christmas Concert Jan 22: Elementary Fine Arts Night Feb 13: Homecoming March 19: Black & Gold Celebration March 26: MS/HS Fine Arts Night April 24/25: High School Musical May 1: Spring Fling May 29: High School Graduation For more details, visit lansingchristianschool.org Follow us on Twitter @LCSPilgrims and FACEBOOK

2014 Pastors Breakfast

Lansing Christian School partners with Christian families in their desire to raise their children to know God, to love Him, and serve him with their lives. This is a mission we share with local churches.