PILGRIM Journey Winter 2014
LEADERSHIP
Growing and Using our God-Given Gifts By Wendy Hofman, Head of School
Leadership ... giving students opportunities to explore their passions and gifts, and to practice what they are good at.
Photo by Tom Gennara
The Lansing Christian School Board of Trustees Gillian Granger ‘88, Chair Rod Moore, Secretary Brad Banasik Stephanie Buchalski Dave Greydanus Laura Moody Scott Wagoner Rina Woodland ‘85 Lori Wortz
Leadership is something we hear about a lot. We hear about the importance of leadership in business, politics, church, sports and in school. Leadership is important, and is necessary for people to achieve, students to learn, and organizations to advance. But what is leadership? What does leadership mean for students at school? At the most fundamental level, leadership begins with growing and enabling our gifts — what we are good at and what we are passionate about — at any age. At school this means giving students opportunities to explore their passions and gifts, and to practice what they are good at. The next level of leadership involves using our gifts to serve others and to serve needs in our community and in our world. Leaders don’t just take charge; they use their gifts and talents to serve people and serve real needs. They use their leadership ability to bring others along with them. Cultivating student leadership is important. At Lansing Christian, we believe God has given each and every one of our PreK-12 students unique gifts and abilities that He intends to use for a divine purpose in this world and for His kingdom. Giving our students an opportunity to practice using and growing their gifts is important. Giving Photo by Tom Gennara our students an opportunity to practice using their gifts to meet real needs has life-long value. I invite you to read about some of the ways we are working to cultivate leadership in our elementary, middle and high school students here at LCS.
Classroom Learning
Relevant Learning for the 21st Century
Biology Students Raise Funds for Wells and Nets The three sophomore Biology classes learned about the diseases caused by mosquitos and unclean water around the world as part of their Protist and Fungus unit. They raised a total of $5,734.56 which they donated to World Vision to fund a handdrilled well, and mosquito bed nets for two entire villages. We are proud of their efforts to be the hands and feet of Christ to needy families around the world.
Learning to Think Like a Scientist By Sheila Dykstra, Elementary Principal and Kelly Joos, High School Science Teacher
Exploring Science What does it take to be a scientist? Asking questions, exploring problems, conducting experiments, and observing and recording results are skills that scientists use in their work. Our elementary students use these skills every day in our new science curriculum. This hands on, inquiry-based program presents students with a problem, which they must solve through experimentation and application of the knowledge gained throughout the unit. This method of learning promotes problem solving and critical thinking skills. It also encourages students to transfer the concepts they learn to other questions or problems. As students work, they record their hypothesis, observations and results in their science journals.
Studying God’s Creation The AP biology course is one of the collegelevel courses that Lansing Christian offers which provides an opportunity for high school students to focus on a specific interest area. Students with an interest in science conduct an in-depth study of God’s creation focusing on four Big Ideas set forth by the College Board: evolution, energy dynamics, information transfer and interactions from the molecular to the ecological levels. Students learn to think like a scientist – learning to pose questions and determine the variables to investigate. Students learn to design their own experiments, conduct laboratory investigations and activities, and determine how to present conclusions. Learning to think and act as a scientist will help our students become future leaders in scientific fields. 2- PILGRIM Journey
Relevant Learning for the 21st Century
Google Field Trip — Inspiring Excellence By Elissa McAlvey ‘07, 5th Grade Teacher A group of LCS high school students — selected based on an essay describing what makes them “Googley”, such as benefiting mankind, unique, and interesting, etc. — visited Google in Ann Arbor. The Google trip gave students a glimpse into a competitive organization, world-renowned for its entrepreneurial approach to business, marketing, and philanthropy. I wanted to inspire students to aim high and show them a company with high standards as an example. Students heard from two “Googlers” who worked in separate sectors of the company. Then, we Google Hungout (like Skype) with my brother, Patrick McAlvey ‘03, who works in the NYC office. He talked to the students about what Google looks for in employees, such as selfconfidence, communication skills, a high GPA, leadership abilities, and “Googliness”. They look for motivated, unique individuals rather than a specific degree. The visit ended with a tour of the offices, massage rooms and chairs, treadmill work stations, Michigan city-themed conference rooms, mini-kitchens, a cafeteria, and plenty of engaging employees.
Students tried the Google Glass — an eyeball sized computer that only the glass wearer can see. It is navigated by tapping the side of the glasses.
COMMUNICATION AND CULTURE By Andrew Kleyn, High School English Teacher Communication and Culture is a high school course in which students study the elements and techniques of communication and the prevailing worldviews in western culture as presented through the media. The ultimate goal is to build the students’ communication skills and to help them critique culture from a Christian perspective. The course examines a variety of media (e.g., television, magazines, and video games). The purpose of including these materials is not to promote ignorant immersion into immoral media, but rather to empower students to recognize, critique, and combat the anti-Christian worldviews that surround and assail them every day. The students will wrestle with major worldview questions about money, beauty, and violence with questions like, “What should motivate me? What is beautiful? What does it mean to be masculine?” Popular media continually provides teenagers with answers to these questions. It is time we examine those answers. At the conclusion of the course, Communication and Culture students are equipped with communication skills to speak both publicly and conversationally. They have also taken time to discover what the Bible says about important issues of consumerism, masculinity, and femininity. Lastly, they are challenged to be leaders as “salt and light” in a culture that definitely needs Christ’s reforming power.
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Classroom Learning
Relevant Learning for the 21st Century Student Statesmanship Institute LCS seniors participated in a unique two-day leadership training in November, the Student Statesmanship Institute (SSI), Michigan's premiere leadership and biblical worldview training program. SSI Onsite is a very dynamic hands-on legislative experience that provides students the opportunity to quickly learn to analyze data, practice critical thinking and develop team approaches while benefiting from a solid biblical worldview curriculum and instruction in debate and communications.
The LCS Student Statesmanship Institute culminated with the final session held at the State Capitol in the Michigan House Chambers.
Through SSI, students develop practical skills of leadership, teamwork, critical and strategic thinking, debate and communication, and speech writing. They gain a greater understanding of their role as a Christian in society as they learn to distinguish between secular and biblical approaches to life.
It is with gratitude and a sense of responsibility that our middle school students each received their own school issued iPad Air, giving them the opportunity to learn in new ways, with new technology tools.
Middle School Tech Expo Middle School students were the teachers at the Middle School Tech Expo as they demonstrated the variety of educational tools and applications that they use on their iPads.
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Student Life LCS Student Ambassadors By Patti Jacobson, Admissions Director A Student Ambassador is a high school student who represents LCS at the highest level, communicating to new and prospective students and families the mission and values of LCS. The Lansing Christian School Student Ambassador Program was launched in the Spring of 2013 and consists of 35 students. The mission of Lansing Christian School is to provide student life opportunities to enable students to develop their God-given abilities as well as prepare them for life beyond high school. One of the best ways to make new students feel connected and belong to our school is through the kindness and practical help from our own students! Students are challenged to become more like Christ as they reach out to new students and begin to serve others. The ambassadors promote a strong sense of community by showing respect for their teachers, classmates and school. These representatives create a welcoming atmosphere for visitors and provide an introduction to the school. Students experience how to focus on others and in this capacity are role models to other students. The ambassadors play a very important role and contribute to the successful enrollment of new students. Their roles and responsibilities include hosting prospective student shadow days, attending admissions events, and helping to engage and connect new students. Shadow Days provide a prospective student an opportunity to “sample� LCS for a day. The success of this experience can be a determining factor in the decision-making process of whether to enroll or not. Campus visits by prospective students and their families play a significant role in the decision-making process in regards to taking the next step and enrolling. It makes a dramatic impact on families when they are greeted by friendly, courteous students. Photos by Tom Gennara
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Classroom Learning
Serving Others
1st Grade Class Helps Students in Sierra Leone
Betsy Jackson’s 1st grade students collected school supplies, toys and books for the Madina Village School, a new elementary school in an impoverished area of Sierra Leone, Africa. The grandfather of one of the LCS students grew up in Sierra Leone and returned to build the school. Our students were able to help the students at the new school.
7th Grade Bible Students Serve in the School Clarissa Karr's 7th Grade Bible class put their energies to use serving our elementary students in a variety of ways. This helped them see you don't have to go far to serve others in the name of Jesus!
Operation Christmas Child
Photo by Tom Gennara Photo by Tom Gennara
Lansing Christian PreK-12 students collected 265 shoe boxes full of gifts to be distributed by Samaritan’s Purse to children who need to know about Jesus’ love for them. LCS 6th grade student Brianna (below) has sent a box, along with a note, every year since preschool. She shared the letter and picture from the girl who received her gift box at school chapels.
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SOCKS FOR LANSING Lansing Christian National Honor Society students donated tube socks for men, women and children to the Rescue Mission. This service project was part of the Socks for Lansing initiative started by LCS alumna Sarah Garner ’10!
Teaching and Ongoing Learning Growing our Teachers – Broadening our Leadership By Wendy Hofman, Head of School Research tells us that one of the best ways to advance student learning is for teachers to engage in ongoing learning and professional growth. At LCS, engaging in professional learning is very much a part of our daily work together as a teaching staff. Weekly staff meetings are utilized for work on curriculum and instructional strategies, collaboration on new learning experiences for students, and professional reading and research. We also encourage our teachers to visit one another’s classrooms in order to learn from each other and provide helpful feedback. Two years ago a Leadership Council was formed as a way of engaging teachers in moving forward the teaching and learning vision of the school. The Leadership Council is represented by teachers in each level of the school. This group meets monthly, focusing on developing plans and initiatives in the areas of curriculum and instruction and in developing mission-focused learning opportunities for PreK-12 students at Lansing Christian.
Photo by Tom Gennara
One of the greatest benefits of the Leadership Council is the opportunity to grow teacher leadership throughout our school. Broadening our teacher leadership base positions all of our teachers to learn and to grow, to be challenged with ideas and new ways of doing things, and to more effectively help our students learn.
High School Spanish Teacher, Freddy Shofstall ’07 Spanish became Freddy’s focus after his senior trip to Tijuana, Mexico to do mission work. “I was able to apply the Spanish I had learned and it fueled my passion to continue studying.” Freddy taught in Illinois after graduating from Olivet Nazarene University, before joining the LCS teaching staff. WHY LCS? I really love the LCS community and students. When Christians come together with a singular purpose that glorifies the Lord, good things will happen. Great things are happening at LCS. The support, the staff, and the school are conducive to learning. Combine that with the ability, and desire, to teach about Jesus through my subject area and you have a place where meaningful learning occurs. It is wonderful to teach at LCS.
Photo by Tom Gennara
WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT? Mission work! I took every opportunity I could to travel to do work related to missions. I love exploring new countries and learning more about other cultures.
My favorite verse right now is Isaiah 41:10: So don’t be afraid. I am here, with you; don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, help you. I am here with My right hand to make right and to hold you up. (The Voice)
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Classroom Learning
Fine Arts
Performances are an important part of a fine arts program, giving students and teachers a goal to work towards and a target for excellence. Performances also give students an opportunity to work and grow in their area of giftedness and to shine with the support of family and friends.
Students Shine in Performances By Wendy Hofman, Head of School and Sheila Dykstra, Elementary Principal
Kindergarten through 3rd grade students pre-
5th – 8th grade band and choir students performed for an audience for the very first time at the Fall Spectacular. This performance early in the year gave
sented the Christmas
choir teacher Peter O’Neill and band
story in both English
teacher Scott Davis an opportunity to
and Spanish at their
put classroom learning in the context
annual Christmas con-
of presentation.
cert. Through choral
Teaching students early in the year
music and a Nativity
that the mastery of notes and rhythms, good pos-
play performed in
ture, and attention to detail has purpose -- is the
Spanish, they shared
goal of this first performance. The new 5th and 6th
the true meaning of
grade band performed for the very first time at
Christmas.
the Fall Spectacular. It was amazing to see how
Photo by Tom Gennara
quickly these students learned to make sound with their instruments, play the right notes and rhythms, and follow their director, all in the very first few weeks of school. The High School Choir and Band combined for a Concert of Worship through Song at River Terrace Church in November. Choir director Peter O’Neill, designed the concert around the theme of “Assurance.” Students performed music and led the congregation in singing that spoke to God’s character and His faithfulness. The annual Christmas Concert has become a well-loved LCS tradition. The opportunity to sing and perform the music of Christmas in a worship setting brought nearly 800 people to South Church this year. Performances from 4th -12th grade ensembles, audience carol singing, and the singing of the Hallelujah Chorus brought together our current families, grandparents, alumni students and parents, and friends of LCS in a very special way.
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Nurturing Faith Growing in Faith By Sheila Dykstra, Elementary Principal and Carol Feuss, Director of Development Developing each student’s faith is a goal we strive for each day. One way we accomplish this is through classroom devotions. Students share their needs and lift each other up in prayer. They can ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be a Christian. Photo by Tom Gennara
Each day you will also find students studying the Bible during their lunch break. 5th grade girls meet each Friday with Elementary Principal Sheila Dykstra to learn about what it means to trust God and to care for others.
High School students meet with Math/Science Teacher Kelly Joos and Physical Education/Health teacher Garrett Anderson on Tuesdays to search scripture for what it says about who we are in Christ and who God is. Ms. Joos explains, “We are asking God to show us lies we've believed about Him and ourselves and claiming the Truth over those things.” Ms. Joos also meets weekly with 9th grade girls. 9th grade guys meet with Mr. Anderson on Monday’s and 7th and 8th grade guys at Wednesday lunch looking into the questions: "Who is Jesus?" and "How do we know Him?" 9th and 10th grade guys meet with High School Science Teacher Omar Bjarki on Fridays to study Colossians and he meets with senior guys throughout the week to study 1 Peter.
Elementary students worship in chapel Joel Wayner, pastor and LCS parent, taught from Isaiah 6:1-8. He challenged each student to be ready to share the gospel with others. It is our prayer that when God says, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for Us?” we will all say, “Here am I. Send me!”
Opportunities such classroom devotions and Bible studies allow our students to learn what it means to live out their faith.
A New Partnership with Hidden Treasures By Wendy Hofman, Head of School New this fall, Lansing Christian National Honors Society students are engaging in a Volunteer Work Skills program at Hidden Treasures. Store manager, Debra Kelley, is excited to have LCS high school students help meet the volunteer needs of the store, while also giving the students real-life work experience. NHS students volunteer to serve the store for six weeks at a time, learning a specific work role. The students receive training and expectations for performance, and then receive an evaluation that can serve as a reference for future work endeavors. We are excited about this new opportunity for LCS students to meet a real need in our community, and learn important work skills for life after high school. Hidden Treasures Board President Joy Witte presented a $60,000 check to LCS Head of School Wendy Hofman. Thank you to each Hidden Treasures donor and volunteer who helped provide LCS families with an excellent, Christ-centered education! Also of note, Hidden Treasures received the 2013 Best of Lansing Award in the Thrift Shops category. 9 - PILGRIM Journey
Classroom Learning
LCS Community Life WHY LCS? By Karen Schulz, LCS Parent
Their story: Jay and Angie Ford sent their daughter Kiele to Lansing Christian for preschool and kindergarten, and planned to enroll both children at the school. But when Jay — who now works at Johnson Controls — lost a job, the family opted to send Kiele to public schools so that Tyler could attend LCS preschool. This year, grant and scholarship support allowed the Fords to enroll both children at the school. The impact: Both Kiele, a third grader, and Tyler, a kindergartner, are thriving at LCS. “We have been so encouraged and humbled how the Lord has provided faith and peace to pursue LCS for both our kids and then watch Him provide the financial assistance as well!” “There is a peace of mind and heart that comes with our kids attending Lansing Christian,” Jay said. “I know they will get the attention they need as students and as individuals, and I know that what they will be taught will be based on God’s truth.”
Great Grandma visited LCS on Grandparent’s Day!
Why LCS is special to them: “It’s the community,” Angie Ford said. “Our children are individuals and matter to the teachers and faculty. Parental involvement is encouraged and Jesus is the center. What ultimately brought Kiele back was we felt she needed more to her education… spiritual, mental and emotional.”
A Message to Parents By Kaitlyn, 6th grade Every parent should send their children to Lansing Christian School. LCS helps us develop a better relationship with God. Bible class is a time where we read the Bible and discuss the story: what was good or bad that the person did and how the story relates to our lives. We also improve our relationships in PAWS, chapel, outreach ministries and more. LCS offers a variety of sports opportunities through PE, camps and competitive teams. When we work on teams in sports, we work on teamwork, sportsmanship, and most important … play for God. Our coach always is telling us to work hard in practices so we can be better in games. That’s like how Jesus is saying work hard in life on earth and your reward will be in heaven. LCS offers classes to help students advance higher at their own pace in higher reading or math instruction. Teachers also help kids who fall behind on their work to make sure they can catch up. I hope you think about my suggestions and choose to send your children to LCS because of our sports opportunities, advanced classes, and our desire that your children will set their hope in God. 10- PILGRIM Journey
LCS Community Life Alumni Update: Luke Block ‘13 By Cathy Bowden Bytwerk ‘69, Alumni Coordinator It’s always a delight to see alumni stop by after they have graduated from LCS. This past Christmas alumnus Luke Block, class of 2013, took the time to stop in and say hello. Although it has been a short time since graduation Luke has had a full schedule of study and training at the International Alert Academy in Big Sandy, Texas. This academy is a post-high school Christian training and service program that trains young men with the skills and attitudes needed to serve those in need. He is a part of ALERT; the Air Land Emergency Resource Team. Over the past few months Luke has been involved with disaster relief, humanitarian aid, and other opportunities to help those in need. All of this will lead him to be a man of competence and responsibility for whatever occupation he chooses for his future. When asked about how he has changed since graduation he said, “I have a new perspective on the world and a new respect for God ”.
Thursday, March 20 Eagle Eye Golf Club East Lansing Join us for the 2014 Chef’s Challenge, Lansing Christian’s annual fundraising event to raise funds for tuition grants and scholarships.
Attend! Bid! Make your reservations now on line at lansingchristianfoundation.org/ BlackGold Or call 517.882.5779 x103
CONGRATULATIONS! LCS Senior Pilgrims Recruited to Division I Schools! Congratulations to Senior Pilgrim Mikayla Terry (left) signed to play at Northern Kentucky University on a basketball scholarship, and to Senior Pilgrim Kristy Gomez signed to play soccer at Michigan State University.
LCS ISRAEL June 16-27, 2014 For more information, including reservation deadlines, visit lcsisrael.weebly.com or contact Tim Blamer, 517.882.5779 or tblamer@ lansingchristianschool.org
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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
2014 Events — JOIN US! Black & Gold Celebration for Tuition Grants and Scholarships Thursday, March 20, 6:00pm Eagle Eye Golf Course, East Lansing High School Play: The Rules Of Comedy Friday and Saturday, March 28 & 29 Middle School Musical: Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory Thursday and Friday, April 24 & 25 Lansing Christian School Spring Fling Friday, May 2 LCS Class of 2014 Graduation Friday, May 30 Trinity Church For more details, visit lansingchristianschool.org Follow us on Twitter @LCSPilgrims and FACEBOOK
PASS IT ON! Tell one friend about LCS! Invite a friend to an
Admissions Event Preschool Visit Days Tuesdays: March 4, April 15 and May 6, 9-10am Kindergarten Visit Days Wednesdays: March 5, April 16, May 7, 9-10am Middle School Information Night Tuesday, April 22, 7:00pm