PILGRIM Journey Summer 2015
Planning for the Future By Wendy Hofman, Head of School
Another school year has come to a close at Lansing Christian School. Looking back, we see God’s faithfulness as he guided our work with students and helped us prepare for the future. Planning for the future has been an important process we have undertaken this year. During the past nine months, fifty people representing the board, administrative team, faculty, parents and alumni, participated in a strategic planning process to help determine where our school will head in the next five years. On May 18, the Board of Trustees approved the 2015-2020 Strategic Plan for Lansing Christian School. In early fall of 2015, we will roll out the new vision statement for Lansing Christian School, along with specific plans for 2015-16 and beyond that include strategic work in the following areas: • Pursuing excellence in Prek-12 academic, fine arts and athletic programs. • Advancing our vision and mission internally and externally through effective communication, marketing and community relationships. • Ensuring financial sustainability through sound financial management and a comprehensive fund development program. • Recruiting, growing and retaining high quality teachers and administrators.
The Lansing Christian School Board of Trustees Gillian Granger, Chairperson Brad Banasik, Secretary Stephanie Buchalski Tamara Cutler Ken Howard Eric Vander Bosch Scott Wagoner Rina Woodland Lori Wortz
Providing an excellent, Christ centered education from preschool through 12th grade serves as the foundation for the 2015-20 Strategic Plan. Look for more exciting information about the strategic plans for LCS in upcoming editions of the Pilgrim Journey. God has been faithful to Lansing Christian School for more than sixty years, using many people to lead and guide our school. We continue to be grateful for those that came before us and for the people God is using now to accomplish His work at Lansing Christian School.
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RIGOROUS AND RELEVANT LEARNING Advanced Placement Science Courses By Kelly Joos, High School Science Teacher
The variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses offered by the Lansing Christian Science department is phenomenal. Students at LCS have the choice of chemistry, biology and two different physics courses. AP courses give students the opportunity to take college-level courses during high school and potentially receive college credit. The AP exam is scored on a scale of one to five and though colleges vary in their acceptance of scores for credit, a three is considered a passing grade. The College Board is in the process of revising the AP science curriculum to promote deeper critical thinking skills. Since the new AP Biology curriculum was released three years ago, every student who has taken AP Biology at LCS has passed the exam. Way to go Pilgrims!
RIGOROUS AND RELEVANT LEARNING Middle School Science Symposium By Josh Call, Middle School Science Teacher
Each year, our 7th grade students participate in the Middle School Science Symposium. This event provides students with the opportunity to choose an intriguing scientific question from which they create and develop a hypothesis. Using the scientific method, students then research and test their hypothesis. They then create a poster outlining their findings which they present to fellow classmates, parents and the school community. Using the scientific method to write, test and answer good questions is a skill that is developed throughout middle school science at Lansing Christian School. The Science Symposium gives students a platform from which they can apply the scientific method to their own topic of interest.
Hands-on Science
Not only do AP courses allow students college credit, they also help students learn to manage college-level workloads and responsibilities while still in the supportive and structured environment of high school. Students who take on the challenge of an AP science course in high school find the transition to the college workload and lab expectations much easier. We are pleased to offer a high quality program to students and prepare them for success as they pursue their God-given callings beyond the walls of LCS!
By Mike DeLano, 5th Grade Teacher
Engaging in hands-on science labs allows students to understand how science is used in the real world. For this reason, elementary students participate in weekly labs that help them understand scientific concepts at a deep level. One of the highlights of the elementary science lab experience is the 5th grade rocketry lab. Working with their lab partners, students construct and launch a rocket. Through this activity students gain an understanding of Newton’s Three Laws of Motion, plus the forces of gravity and friction. This lab captivates student interest and helps them explore the intricacies of God’s creation.
Science Olympiad
By Omar Bjarki, High School Science Teacher
On Saturday, March 21, fifteen of our high-school students participated in twenty-two different events at the Regional Science Olympiad competition, held at Lansing Community College. The Science Olympiad program allows students to develop their God-given talents by learning advanced science content, practicing problem-solving skills and participating in hands-on engineering challenges. It is also an opportunity for our school to showcase our students and programs in a public arena. This year, our team took first place in Geologic Mapping and Protein Modeling, second place in the Mission Possible event, and finished among the top five area schools in nine other events.
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LCS Teacher Earns Ph.D. in Math Education By Wendy Hofman, Head of School
When Lansing Christian School was seeking a PreK-12 math education leader to help our students develop deeper mathematical thinking and problem solving skills, the solution was right in front of us. Middle school math teacher and PreK-12 math leader, Jamie Wernet, is a former LCS student who served as a high school math teacher at LCS from 2004-2007. She and her husband Kevin have two children attending LCS. Dr. Wernet completed her Masters in math education and then decided to begin a Doctoral program in 2009 at Michigan State University. Her research focused on algebra teaching and learning, with the topic of her dissertation on student engagement relative to different kinds of contextual tasks. Dr. Wernet is excited to spend this time in her career at LCS working with PreK-12 teachers in the area of math curriculum and instruction. We are grateful to have this level of math expertise and leadership in our school. We offer our whole-hearted congratulations to Dr. Jamie Wernet for her notable accomplishment in earning a Ph.D. in math education. We are grateful that she is using her passion for mathematical thinking and learning to benefit students and teachers at LCS.
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NURTURING FAITH
NURTURING FAITH Applying God’s Word
By Eric Thomas, High School Bible Teacher
At Lansing Christian School, we value the practical application of God's Word. Over the past few months our Tuesday chapel series has focused on the book of Philippians, which has many themes that apply to our Christian walk. Speakers from Lansing area churches have led us through each chapter of Paul's letter. A variety of questions have challenged each of us in our faith - questions about our identity, our contentment, our joy and our confidence. It is amazing to think that a letter written almost 2,000 years ago can address topics that we still wrestle with today and still need to hear.
Sharing our Gifts in Worship By Sheila Dykstra, Elementary Principal
Lansing Christian School strives to help each student develop and use their gifts and talents for God’s glory and honor. Using these gifts in worship is a priority from elementary through high school. At our final Praise and Worship service, elementary students were led in music by one of our talented kindergarten students. Using his guitar, he clearly demonstrated that we are never too young to use what God has given us for His glory!
Each theme, each speaker and ultimately God's Word have pushed us in a singular direction, to know Christ and be known by Him. Why study a 2,000 year old letter? Because it points us to the One who is the answer to our identity, our contentment, our joy and our confidence.
Supporting Christians Around the World By Sheila Dykstra, Elementary Principal
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16
Supporting God’s Kingdom work is both our privilege and responsibility. Led by one of our LCS Cub Scout packs, elementary students raised money for Bibles and collected school supplies for Madina Village School in Sierra Leone. The mission of the Madina Village School, founded by Francis Mustapha, an LCS grandparent, is to provide Christian Education to the children of the Madina area and to improve their quality of life through out-reach. The Cub Scouts will continue their efforts to raise support for the school, and we are hoping to develop an ongoing partnership with Madina Village School.
Digging Deeper in God’s Word By Sheila Dykstra, Elementary Principal
Learning about our Christian faith is an integral part of the curriculum at Lansing Christian School. For our students, this education begins at home and in the church where the seeds of faith are planted and carefully cultivated by parents, pastors and Sunday school teachers. In school, students continue to study God’s word and learn from teachers, parents and pastors in the classroom and chapel. These learning opportunities at home, church and school give our students a solid understanding of what it means to follow Christ.
“Chapel and PAWS (Praise and Worship the Savior) are awesome. We have special speakers come in and share with us. It’s one thing when you hear something from your parents, but then when you hear it from someone else you have more confidence.” – 4th grade student
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LIVING AND LEARNING IN CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY Kindergarten and Senior Buddy Program By Sheila Dykstra, Elementary Principal
Elementary Student Ambassadors By Sheila Dykstra, Elementary Principal
This spring, LCS began an Elementary Student Ambassador program. Two students from each classroom were selected to participate. Their primary role is to welcome visiting guests to their classrooms. These twelve students received instruction on how to warmly welcome a guest and shake their hand. From kindergarten to 5th grade, each of our student ambassadors did a phenomenal job welcoming guests to our school. Visitors to LCS frequently shared how impressed they were with our students!
Throughout the school year, each of our wonderful kindergarten students had the opportunity to cultivate a special relationship with a senior student. It has been a joy to see these relationships between kindergarten and senior students grow. Many of the seniors said that spending time with their kindergarten buddy was a favorite part of their senior year! To celebrate the seniors’ final day at LCS, the kindergarten students held an ice cream social for their buddies and invited them to join them for recess. The kindergarten students were also invited to attend high school graduation. Both kindergarten and senior students have been blessed by this relationship.
LIVING AND LEARNING IN CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY
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Congratulations to the Class of 2015 By Wendy Hofman, Head of School
High School Graduation has become a hallmark event at LCS. Members of the senior class were front and center at the May 29 Graduation ceremony for the Class of 2015. Graduating seniors spoke about the value of relationships with teachers and how their teachers not only invested in their learning, but in their lives. Graduates also spoke about opportunities at LCS that helped them develop their own faith and relationship with God through classroom learning, retreats, chapels and the real-life examples of their teachers. This year, almost half of the graduating class attended LCS since kindergarten. These students thanked their parents and their teachers for the valuable investment of a Christ-centered education.
Eighth Grade Graduation - Welcome to High School! By Wendy Hofman, Head of School
The 8th grade Graduation was capably led by a number of 8th grade students who gave testimony to the impact their middle school teachers had on their experience at Lansing Christian School. Featured 8th grade speakers also shared the important learning experiences in and outside of the classroom that helped shape them during middle school and prepare them for high school.
A State Championship Reunion By Erin Lyon
On Friday, May 1st, a special 10 year anniversary dinner event was held for the LCS Girls’ Varsity Basketball players, families and coaches from the 2004 and 2005 State Championship teams. The evening proved to be a wonderful time of reminiscing. Our players were also honored at halftime of the varsity girls’ soccer game that evening. It was exciting to see how these talented young women continue to transform the world for Christ!
Isabelle Bustamante and Trace Henderson, members of the graduating class of 2015, challenged the 8th grade students to surround themselves with others that will help them become the people they want to be in high school. They also spoke about the importance of investing in experiences and opportunities outside the classroom as a way to develop talents and abilities during high school.
Fifth Grade Celebration By Sheila Dykstra, Elementary Principal
The end of the school year is a time to reflect on the accomplishments of students as they transition to the next level of their education. We had the opportunity on May 22 to honor and challenge our 5th grade students as they leave elementary and enter Middle School. At the ceremony, our 5th grade students were challenged to use their gifts and talents to glorify and honor God. The verse chosen for them was 1 Timothy 4:12, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. “ We pray that these talented young men and women continue to grow in their faith and use all opportunities to set an example for others of what it means to be a Christ follower.
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EXCELLENCE IN THE ARTS A Year with Frog and Toad By Michael Partridge, Theater Director
I hope you had a chance to join us for the spring musical, A Year with Frog and Toad. A huge thank you goes out to the parents and community who supported the cast through the whole production. The musical was a great experience for our students, bringing together many arts to tell a wonderful story of friendship. It was exciting to bring together so many students of different ages and experience levels to delight our audience with the amazing music, fun choreography and excellent acting. Our 2015-16 season planning is under way, with the first show performances on November 6 and 7, 2015. Audition information for the 2015 fall show and 2016 spring show will be available on the LCS website in early August.
Outstanding Performances by LCS Solo Instrumentalists
EXCELLENCE IN THE ARTS Growing Through Competition By Katie Emery, High School Art Teacher
Art competitions are an important and enriching experience for high school students. Competing with artists in the greater Lansing community and beyond exposes students to different styles of art and provides them with an opportunity to receive feedback from a broader audience. Competitions validate the important work students are creating in the classroom and provide a broader platform that encourages participation in the larger art community. This year, LCS high school students participated in a variety of art competitions. Seniors Nikki Rakestraw and Lena Shuptar, along with junior Eden Wen, had their art accepted into the Lansing Art Gallery’s Art Scholarship Alert Competition. Eden Wen received the all-area 11th grade award. Senior student Callie Mounsey competed and won an honorable mention in the Josten’s National Photography Competition, out of over 5,000 entries, Callie was one of only 95 students selected to receive an award for her work. Additionally, our graphic design students’ wildlife stamp project was featured on the State of Michigan’s DNR Facebook page. Overall, it was an enriching and rewarding experience to take work students created in the classroom and share it with a broader audience.
By Wendy Hofman, Head of School
The quality of a performing ensemble is strengthened by the contributions of its individual members. This year, high school band students Evan McKay, Keely Burton, Natalie Crandell and Paige Porter each received Division I ratings at the District Solo Ensemble Festival, held at Haslett High School in February. Evan and Keely went on to receive Division I ratings at the State Festival in March. Middle School students Chaemin An and Cayla Ellis each earned a Division 1 rating for their duet at the Middle School Solo and Ensemble Festival.
Intro to Filmmaking
Students learned the basics of making a film the way the professionals do it in an intense two week filmmaking camp. They experienced everything from writing a script, lighting the set and shooting the video to the final stage of editing. To showcase their work, a Black-Tie Screening and Awards Ceremony was held for participants and their friends and family.
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PURSUING VICTORY AND HONORING GOD Pilgrims Finish Remarkable Season as State Runner-up By Erin Lyon
The LCS Girls’ Varsity Soccer team had a remarkable year, posting a 20-5 season record and finishing as the State Runner-Up in the Division 4 Championship game on Saturday, June 13. After a supportive LCS crowd cheered and sent them on their way, their bus traveled to MSU’s DeMartin Stadium for the 1:00pm game. Fans turned out in droves to cheer on our Pilgrims. The girls faced a tough opponent in three-time defending state champions Calvin Christian from Grandville.
Baseball Team Swings for the Fence By Erin Lyon
This year, the Boys’ Baseball Program expanded to include a JV team in addition to a Varsity team. The Pilgrims had several players listed among the area top fifteen in the Lansing State Journal for batting average, stolen bases and pitching. Coach Miranda met with his team often to not only develop their baseball skills, but also to strengthen their faith.
Grandville scored quickly, which temporarily stunned the girls, but they came back strong and played with determination and effort for the rest of the game. Despite another Grandville goal, the team kept working hard and eventually scored off of a penalty kick. Several more shots on goal to equalize the score were attempted, but 1-2 was the final result. The girls and coaches accepted the second place trophy and individual medals with dignity. We are proud of our team! Congratulations also to Coach Joel Vande Kopple for being awarded the Regional Coach of the Year.
PURSUING VICTORY AND HONORING GOD
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Girls’ Varsity Tennis Success Continues By Erin Lyon
Congratulations to the Girls’ Varsity Tennis team. They were named the Southern Michigan Independent Tennis League (SMITL) Tournament and League Champions for the third consecutive year. Eight of our twelve players were named to the First Team SMITL All League Honors. Kelsey Blood became the Regional Tournament Champion at Number four Singles and became Lansing Christian School’s first Regional Flight Champion. Sophomore Grace Haley became the first ever Lansing Christian Division 4 State Finals Qualifierat First Singles. Overall, the LCS girls had a phenomenal tennis seasons!
Golf Team has a Great Showing By Erin Lyon
We welcomed Jason Block as the new golf coach this season. The team of eight boys got off to a good start, competing weekly against the other six league teams. The LCS Golf Team finished 4th at Regionals and freshman Parker Jamieson qualified for the State Competition.
Greater Lansing Activities Conference Awards By Erin Lyon
The Greater Lansing Activities Conference hosted banquets in April to recognize top senior student-athletes. At the GLAC Scholar Athlete Banquet, seven LCS athletes were selected for ranking in the top ten of the class academically and for playing at least one varsity sport this year. Three were also selected as members of the GLAC All-Academic Team. Congratulations to them for all their hard work.
Eyes on the Future By Erin Lyon
This spring, three LCS seniors signed with colleges to continue their athletic careers in various sports. Martin Lang Jr. will play Division I soccer at the University of Detroit Mercy, the first male soccer player from LCS to play at this level. Josh Parks will play baseball at the University of Chicago and Rachelle Trafford will play soccer at Spring Arbor University.
Seniors Represent LCS at State Championship Track Meet
By Bev Henderson, High School Administrative Assistant
The LCS Boys’ Track Team had a successful season. Seniors Hunter Block and Trace Henderson represented LCS at the Division 4 State Championship Meet on May 30 in Hudsonville, MI. Despite steady drizzle, cold and an extremely talented field, both ran strong. Henderson medaled and earned a spot on the podium and All-State honors in the 1600 meter run with an 8th place finish. He followed that with a new school record and personal best time of 10:12.17 in the 3200 meter run which was a 12th place finish. Hunter Block won his heat in the 400 meter dash and placed 16th overall. It is the first time Lansing Christian has had two participants in the boys State Championship Meet in many years.
Lacrosse at LCS By Erin Lyon
LCS added a middle school girls’ team to our Lacrosse program this year. Like our Varsity program, the team co-ops with Lansing Catholic and Waverly schools. Lansing Christian School hosted our first lacrosse game on May 2, where our Varsity Boys challenged and triumphed over Huron Valley.
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“Faith is more than just encouraged at LCS and for me that was huge. My faith is the most important thing in my life and LCS is really where it all started.” -- Elizabeth, LCS Alumnus
SAVE THE DATE Sept 1: First Day Chapel Oct 3: 5K/Fall Fest For information on all upcoming envents, visit lansingchristianschool.org Follow us on Twitter @LCSPilgrims and FACEBOOK
Oct 29: Pastors Breakfast Nov 6 & 7: High School Play Nov 24: Grandparent Day