Lansing Christian School Pilgrim Journey Summer 2013

PILGRIM Journey July 2013

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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

Wendy Hofman, ‘81

Appointment of the New Head of School

By Gillian Granger, ‘88, Board Chair on behalf of the Board of Trustees

After an exhaustive search that attracted applicants from all over the United States, the Board of Trustees is delighted to announce the appointment of Wendy Hofman as Lansing Christian’s Head of School.

Wendy Hofman has proven to be a strategic leader and visionary educator in serving as our middle and high school principal. She is an alumna of Lansing Christian School and began her teaching career at her alma mater in 1985.

After leave to care for her family and serve River Terrace Church as Worship Leader, she returned to teaching in 2001 and in 2008 became principal of the middle and high schools. Wendy is a highly regarded member of the Calvin College Board of Trustees where she serves on the Academic Affairs Committee. Her career has been marked by a steadfast determination to raise the level of excellence in teaching and learning and a passion for Christcentered education.

Throughout the search, the Committee was guided by the mandate that the School hire a proven leader who will recognize and build upon all that is distinctive about Lansing Christian, while also possessing the clarity of vision, depth of experience, and strength of character to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Wendy has the essential qualities and characteristics necessary to lead Lansing Christian through the next phase of its remarkable history.

We look forward to the exciting months and years ahead as we work together,

by God’s grace, to powerfully advance our mission of ensuring that each of our students will know God and glorify Him in all of life.

Reflecting on a Journey Reflection on my Journey at Lansing Christian School

By Wendy Hofman, ‘81, Head of School

A foundation for Christian education I still remember the day my parents sat down with me and my brother and sisters to announce the news they were sending us to Lansing Christian School. I was in

A deep and abiding faith and purpose in life is cultivated over time, shaped by the influences of home, church and school.

the 8th grade. The reasons I remember hearing from my parents as a 13-year old were about Christian teachers and friends being in an environment where I could learn better and learn about God every day.

What I know now is that my parents were looking for a way to have the school work with them in their efforts to instill Christian values in their children while nurturing a love for God and a growing relationship with Him. My dad reflects now that he and my mother wanted our home, church and school to all “move in the same directions”. They realized that home, church and school were all a part of shaping our lives, our learning and our faith.

A decision for our family A Christian education for our three sons was a priority for my husband and me because of the example that was set by our parents. We knew we wanted our children to be nurtured in the faith by Christian teachers, alongside Christian parents and in the context of Christian community. We wanted a school where our boys could grow in their God-given gifts and abilities and receive an excellent education.

A mission worth pursuing As a former student, parent, teacher and principal, I am honored to serve Lansing Christian as the new Head of School. I believe in our school’s mission and I believe it is a mission worth pursuing. In partnership with Christian parents, acknowledging each student is an image bearer of Christ created with gifts and abilities to be used in service to God and His kingdom gives a Lansing Christian education enduring value and relevance for Christian families.

I don’t think we can underestimate the significance of home, church, and school “moving in the same direction” in the lives of our children. A deep and abiding faith and purpose in life is cultivated over time, shaped by the influences of home, church and school. I look forward to leading Lansing Christian School as we work together to raise young men and women to set their hope in God and serve Christ’s kingdom all over the world.

The Hofman Family; Tom, Wendy, Daniel, Stephen and Joel

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Snapshots from Our Elementary Students’ Journeys

The Math-R-Rama students had a great year. LCS had twenty fourth and fifth grade students competing with their math skills. One LCS team placed 2nd overall out of twenty teams.

The first and second grade students prayed for our nation around the flag pole.

LCS held a special recognition chapel to honor its fifth grade students as they take the next step in their educational journey.

This talented class repeatedly demonstrated their desire to serve God and others.

The verse chosen to inspire and challenge them was Matthew 5:14-16. They were encouraged to “Let Their Light Shine” as they move on to middle school.

The fourth grade students made their way to Detroit, Michigan to visit the Detroit Institute of Art. While touring the museum, they had the opportunity to view work by artists they had studied in class.

LCS elementary students picked up the pace with Sparrow’s Feelin’ Good Mileage Club. 181 students in grades K-5 participated by running or walking a total of 2,029 miles. Mrs. Shackelford’s first grade class won the Golden Shoe Award for walking the most miles. Our top three runners ran over 45 miles each.

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Technology’s Journey at LCS Learning for the 21st Century Education is changing. We talk about it in our staff meetings and in our classrooms. The role of the classroom teacher is changing. The teacher, once the primary source of information in the classroom, is taking on new and different roles with the advancement of technology, student access to vast amounts of information, and the growing need to equip students with new learning skills in a world that has become interconnected.

Education is responding more and more to a world that values creativity, communication, collaboration and critical thinking. At Lansing Christian we are working to provide students with an education that is relevant to the world’s changing needs.

Real World Tools for Real World Learning In the spring of 2011, we began an iPad pilot program, purchasing one cart of 25 iPads to be utilized in grades K-8. In the fall of 2012, we were able to add 90 more iPads on 3 carts enabling daily use in multiple elementary and middle school classrooms.

Education is responding more and more to a world that values creativity, communication, collaboration and critical thinking.

Here are some of the learning results we are seeing: 

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Students are exploring their own interests with more overall emphasis on student discovery and creativity.

Teachers are seeing improved work from students. With more ease in editing and revising, students are producing higher quality writing, projects, and presentations.

Students are collaborating with one another on assignments and projects.

Students say they appreciate the opportunity to communicate with their teachers in a “real world way”.

Students like how they are able to organize themselves in a way that requires less paper!

Students report that “iPads give us access to the world that our teachers are describing.”

Students on the Journey Serving Our Community Once a month, our 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students and their teachers load three buses to travel to Riddle Elementary School in Lansing. Each of our middle school students pairs up with a Riddle Elementary student to read, write or practice important learning skills during the monthly visits. Riddle Elementary principal, Marilyn Early, says one of the biggest roadblocks to student learning at her school is a lack of one-on-one attention for her students.

Throughout the school year, relationships were formed between LCS and Riddle elementary students allowing LCS middle school students to grow in their ability to understand individual student needs.

High School Service Week For more than 25 years, Service Week has become a practical way for LCS students to be salt and light in the greater Lansing community. During the last week of May, 9th and 10th grade students and their teachers served organizations like Youth Haven Ranch, Edgewood Retirement Center, the Stoneleigh Hospice Home, Trinity Church and Hidden Treasures.

At the end of Service Week, student work teams shared their experiences and what they learned with one another in a culminating assembly. Helping LCS students understand some of the needs in their own community and equipping them with the necessary skills and etiquette to meet those needs continues to be an important part of what it means to be a Lansing Christian student.

Cinderella The high school musical has a long standing tradition at Lansing Christian. Most LCS alumni remember being in the cast or attending a high school musical as a part of their LCS experience.

This year’s spring production of Cinderella included a cast of more than 60 high school students, along with numerous parent volunteers. Amazing costumes and beautiful music accompanied by a 15 piece orchestra were highlights in this year’s production, performed at MacDonald Middle School.

While close to one thousand people attended Cinderella, most noted were the number of former parents, alumni, and staff that came out to support this year’s cast and LCS community.

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Share our Journey—Alumni reflections Marathon 2013

By Heidi (DeVries) Hagy, ‘84

I have a story to tell which shows that God is very interested in us, that he hears us and wants us to hear from Him. My brother (Kevin DeVries ‘87) and I ran the 177th Boston Marathon on Monday, April 15th.

It was a miracle that I got to run in Boston. After qualifying in the fall, I was injured and unable to put in the 400 miles over four months to prepare for the 26.2 mile race. Not running for 30 days, then starting back up 3 weeks before a marathon and getting up to 20 miles is unheard of, except in God’s world and timing.

God heard me and he heard my heart’s desire. He let me cross that finish line and even meet the goal that I shared with my family. “To run it around 4 hours coming off an injury would be great!” My time: 4 hours 27 seconds! God’s timing was and is perfect in more than one way.

The race day story. My brother and I agree to find each other after the race at the designated family meeting area. Before we part ways, we pray, thanking God for our safety and for the privilege and joy of the experience. I decide to really enjoy this race, to look around and “take in” the experience. The weather is perfect; I enjoy the bands along the way and am encouraged by the huge poster board scripture verses. I have some pictures taken. It is a good, good day.

Heidi (DeVries) Hagy ,‘84 and brother Kevin DeVries, ‘87

With the “homestretch ahead, I can see the finish banners and the clock. The race is almost over; “rest” is finally in sight. The marathon photographers capture the moment. Everyone is cheering, happy for the runners.

I cross the finish line and shuffle down the shoot, wrapping myself in a Mylar blanket to keep my body warm and my muscles from cramping. Three minutes later, I hear and see two explosions. Automatically I begin to pray out loud! It was the only thing I could think to do and I just knew God would hear me. The race officials and volunteers advise us to find our family/friends and move away from the area.

I find Kevin just before the family meeting area is closed off. We are thankful to have each other. The subway closes down immediately and no taxi is stopping for anyone. We try to make a phone call, but communications are cut off. We duck into a little café to assess our situation. A kind couple strikes up a conversation with Kevin and they offer to give us the hour ride back to the suburbs where we are staying. We are so grateful.

Security allows us to go into an underground parking ramp to get to their car. Shortly afterward, parking ramps were closed off completely. Again, God’s timing.

What “could have” happened that Monday afternoon. Kevin was having a great first half and he entertained the idea that after he finished he would go back to the “homestretch” finish line area and cheer me on as I came in. But at mile 18 his left leg began to hurt. He basically hobbled, hopped, limped and dragged his left leg through the last 8 miles! He was disappointed and puzzled by such a random injury, but he was determined to finish. He was not able to carry out his plan to stand near the very spot where the bombs went off.

We are extremely grateful; God’s timing is perfect.

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This is also the first race that I did not have any fans/family come with me. I would have told them to stand in that area, that they would for sure see me as I took that inside turn. Again, God’s timing is perfect. I got injured, but he healed me “in time” so I could run a race I really worked hard to qualify for and was so looking forward to, and He protected me in these extraordinary circumstances. He does hear us, He does care about us, and He likes to bring us joy. But He also wants us to hear from Him, to have a relationship with Him, that brings Him joy.

Our kids look up to us and they emulate us. I want my kids to know I talk to God. I want my kids to see me hearing from God and know they can hear from Him, too. Runners train and prepare, and just as in our Christian walk, it is a gradual process that takes time and effort. The reward is God’s perfect timing in our lives as we learn to hear from God and run the race that he has set before us.

Buck and Heidi Hagy, (’84), receiving, as a couple, the 2013 Distinguished Alumni Award which recognizes loyalty to LCS, a high standard of personal integrity and character, community involvement and professional achievement.

The Pilgrim That I Want to Be

By Gillian Granger, ‘88, Board President

I’ve come to love the idea of being “a pilgrim” a traveler, one who has come from afar, who is on a journey to a sacred, holy place. As Christians, our “citizenship is in heaven”.

We are simply traveling through this temporal world following after God. So what characterizes a Christian Pilgrim? 

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Strength and determination: Think of Paul and the many times he was beaten and Gillian Granger, ‘88 imprisoned and yet still he was determined to share the gospel. Isaiah 41:10 tells us to “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Perseverance in the face of adversity: Philippians 4:13 reminds us that “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

Hope: Think of Abraham, who left the land of his fathers to follow God to a place He would show him.

Jeremiah 29:11 says “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Contentment: Philippians 4:19 tells us that “God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Think of how God provided manna for the Israelites for 40 years without fail!

Courage: The resolve not to quit, not to give in, and not to turn back. Think of Moses and his many struggles as he led the Israelites to the Promised Land!

But most of all FAITH: A Christian Pilgrim must believe heart and soul that the journey is just a journey and that the destination will be worth it!

When I think about being a pilgrim, this inspires me. This is the pilgrim that I want to be: strong, determined, persevering, hopeful, content, loving, patient, courageous and full of faith.

To be a pilgrim is to joyfully acknowledge that we are simply passing through this world. It is to hold the struggles of this life and the many blessings loosely, and to follow Christ to our heavenly home no matter the cost.

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Journey into Athletics Boys’ Basketball Press to the Breslin The highlight of the boys’ basketball season was a return to the Breslin to play in the state semi-final game.

The trip to the final four came as a result of dedication and diligence. Senior Jay Noyola summed it up, “We grew in strides this past season. We would step on the gas and improve until we were satisfied. Then Coach Ernst would remind us how much potential we had and why we must keep improving.” After a district championship, a regional championship and an opportunity to play in the state semi-finals, Noyola says his lasting memory will be of seeing “all those people cheering for us.”

Jay Noyola, ‘13 Jay Noyola, “13

Jordan Terry, ‘14

Girls Basketball Repeats as District Champions The girls basketball team, led by coach Justin Terry and senior team captain Elizabeth Perkins, continued their reign as district champions.

They had an impressive season that resulted in twenty wins and only two losses, one of which was a disappointing loss at regional finals.

Although the team is graduating some amazing seniors who will be greatly missed, they are looking forward to the 2014 basketball season.

Baseball Strikes Back This year, the LCS baseball team had its most successful season ever. Lead by three senior players, who all played for four years, the team finished with a record of 22-4 and revitalized the program. Senior Josh Lyon put the season in perspective by saying, “We know how to have fun and to do well… and overall, we improved a ton as a team and individually in the Josh Lyon, ‘13

past couple years.”

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Pursuing Victory and Honoring God Girls Soccer—The Story Continues This team’s journey was a remarkable one that epitomized what sports can be for high school athletes. Before the girls’ season even began, the soccer program benefitted from a group of motivated parents, grandparents and other fans who gave of their time, money and efforts to install lights for the soccer field. These lights gave LCS the opportunity to experience the thrill of a night game, as well as host more postseason games such as this year’s regional games.

Despite new milestones, this year’s soccer team also overcame obstacles. Having graduated a number of starting players, having their leading scorer sidelined for the entire regular season with a serious injury, having six games cancelled because of weather and having started the season with three loses and a tie, the girls could have easily lost interest and focus. Instead, the team gathered for a meeting after the first four games to reiterate the goals for the season and to build morale. The three captains, Elizabeth Perkins, Hannah Romero and Kristy Gomez helped the rest of the team stay committed to getting better with every play of every practice and game. The girls heeded their captains’ advice and really blossomed after the rough start. They went on a 12 game winning streak that took them through a tough regional, earning the program its second ever regional title.

Elizabeth Perkins gives a lot of the credit to coach Joel Vande Kopple, “His passion for the game and for Lansing Christian students helps him get the most out of his players. He's done wonders for the Lansing Christian soccer program.” Coach Vande Kopple was recently chosen the 2013 Coach of the Year by the Lansing State Journal.

In a season that could have easily unraveled, the girls came together and did something special.

As Perkins describes it, “There is a higher standard and legacy of excellence for Lansing Christian soccer.”

LCS Loves Tennis The tennis program continues to grow in both numbers and success under the leadership of Coach Dick Winters.

This Spring, they won their first ever League Championship with co-champions Leslie in the SMIL Tournament.

College Athletes Lansing Christian is dedicated to nurturing its gifted students to be ready for life after high school. This dedication includes athletics, and this year we have six students who are going on to play sports in college. See Recent Athletic Achievements under the Athletics pages of the Lansing Christian School website for more details.

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Congratulations Class of 2013 Graduation

By Wendy Hofman, ‘81

One of the best ways to understand a Lansing Christian education is through the lives of our graduates. If you were at high school graduation this year at Trinity Church on May 31, you had the distinct privilege of hearing from nine of our graduating seniors; each one speaking to the enduring value of a Christian education at LCS. A common theme communicated by this year’s graduates was the life-shaping influence of Christian teachers and the importance of growing together in Christian community at school. The senior speakers also shared how much they valued receiving an excellent education where their teachers worked to make learning engaging and relevant for students.

Courtney Meyer challenged her classmates to be thankful for the opportunities they had to grow in faith and in learning together at LCS. She told her classmates to make loving God with heart, mind and soul the priority in the many choices they will face moving forward into the next stage of life.

This kind of living “requires your life,” said Courtney.

As the principal of this extraordinary group of seniors, what I noted most in hearing from our graduates this year was their desire to serve Christ with their lives after high school. There is no greater satisfaction than knowing our graduates are thinking about living the rest of their lives in service to Christ.

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A Journey Ends and Another Begins

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