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GASTON C HR I STI AN SC HO O L
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ANNUAL REPORT
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9 Contents 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
A Message from the Board From the Head of the School Academic Statistics Chapel and Worship Demographics and Summary Standardized Testing Honduras Mission Trips Class of 2016 Graduates Colleges Offering Admission
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ANNUAL REPORT
12 13 14 15 16 17 18 21 22
Early Childhood Education Elementary Education Middle School Education High School Education International Students Program From the Academic Dean Donors Fine Arts Year in Sports
2015-16 BOARD OF TRUSTEES
2015-2016 Board – Back Row: Preston Guy, Tommy Morrison, Kelly Thornburg, Dr. Marc Stout, Ray McKenney and Reid McGraw. Seated: Timothy Roberts, Sharon Spear, Barbara Vaher, Kelly Zukaitis, Dr. Laura Egeln and Ron France.
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t the end of last school year, the previous Board Chair Rhett Melton challenged each of us “to seek His direction, pursue His plan, and never become complacent or content but continue to build on God’s blessings.” On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am pleased to present the 20152016 Annual Report which finds us responding in many positive ways to further God’s kingdom. Dr. Marc Stout has done a wonderful job during his tenure at Gaston Christian and continues not to accept complacency, pushing for excellence instead. While GCS is in a very good place financially, academically, and as a member of the greater community, the Board of Trustees believes that we need to constantly be working for the long-term success of the school. This focus has found the Board undertaking strategic evaluations to make sure that we are staying the course. As we are all aware, our world can be a cruel, hostile, Dr. Laura Egeln non-believing environment and as a Board Chairman Board it is imperative that we continually review the state of the school so that we do not waver from God’s plan and our mission. During the 2015-2016 year the Board read and discussed together “Mission Drift” by Peter Greer and Chris Horst. The premise of the book is to help guide organizations to make sure that they stay focused on their mission and God’s call especially in the times that we are living. Board procedures, guidelines, and policies were evaluated in conjunction with the mission statement to make
sure that we are keeping Christ as the center of how the Board operates. I am pleased to report that overall we are on track but we will continue to challenge each other, Dr. Stout, and our GCS family to ensure that we stay true to our mission: “The mission of Gaston Christian School is to help students mature spiritually and excel academically by offering a Biblically integrated, college-preparatory program that will enable them to impact the kingdom of God by living productive Christian lives.” A major initiative that was worked on this year was the Fine Arts Center. It was not a new initiative as the founders of Gaston Christian had planned for 5 buildings: an auditorium, a gymnasium, and buildings for the elementary, middle, and high schools. The time has come for the auditorium as part of a Fine Arts Center to be built. The Board charged Dr. Stout with raising funds of $500,000 before moving to secure funding for the building. As stewards of God’s provisions, we feel very strongly in not taking on too much debt that could compromise the financial stability of the school. If you have not yet contributed to the Fine Arts Center, I encourage you to donate to the project, as all GCS students will enjoy direct benefits from the facility. I challenge each of us to pray for those in authority both inside and outside of GCS. Romans 15:5-6 reminds us to show unity: “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” What a wonderful witness for our children to see the unity of the GCS family in prayer for leaders during such trying times. Thank you for the opportunity to serve; I look forward to the upcoming year as we continue the work He has prepared for us. ANNUAL REPORT
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DR. MARC STOUT
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From the Head of School
reflection on the 2015-16 year brings great joy, as we saw students mature spiritually, grow academically stronger, and continue in their physical and emotional development. With Micah 6:8 as our theme verse, our various programs made a concentrated effort to emphasize “doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly before our God.� By all accounts we accomplished this goal and more. At our August 2015 Board meeting, we had a discussion about the continued growth of our student body. It was concluded that Gaston Christian School has about reached its capacity, and we will not be doing any construction to increase our enrollment. Over the years, many of our improvements had Dr. Marc Stout been quantitative, meaning we sought Head of School to add more classrooms to allow more students to attend GCS. With almost 1000 students, we feel we have reached our threshold and all future improvements will be qualitative, which are designed to enhance the experience of the students, teachers, and the GCS family at large. While there were no new buildings or dynamic programs added to the campus, there was much work being done for our new Fine Arts Center. Many parents, grandparents, and friends of GCS made donations to our school, which provided the assurance that 4
ANNUAL REPORT
this facility was truly something our school community desired. From meeting with our architect, interviewing builders, facilitating meetings with staff and faculty who will be directly affected by this new building, we have sought to get the best possible facility for the Gaston Christian community. I think you will agree that this will be a great addition to our campus. As this building was being planned, another group of very supportive parents were able to raise funds for a new eight-lane track at our school. Just as the tennis courts have propelled our tennis program, by now being able to practice on campus, provide training for aspiring elementary students and complement our P.E. classes, so our new track facility will take that program to a much higher level. There is much work done that many would never know about. Your Board of Trustees is to be commended for their support, encouragement, and prayers that they invest on behalf of our school. They are a wonderful group of men and women, and I consider it a joy to work alongside of them. Likewise, let me give a word of thanks for the outstanding administrative team we have at Gaston Christian School. Having been at several schools over my career, I can assure you that I have never seen a more diligent, hardworking group of men and women. They take their responsibilities very seriously and you and I are the direct beneficiaries. Please let them know you appreciate their hard work. Lastly, I want to thank each of you who are parents and grandparents at Gaston Christian School; your continued support and prayers are so vital to our success. May God richly bless you and your family. Soli Deo Gloria!!
CLASS OF 2016 BY THE NUMBERS
53
100
%
Graduates in Class of 2016
Going to College or Further Education
SAT scores 1613
Gaston Christian Score
1485 1425 North Carolina Average
45
%
Attended GCS K-12th Grade
7
AP Scholars
Gaston County Average
3.55 Million
$
in scholarship offerings for the Class of 2016
Source: 2016 College Board, AP Scholar Awards
ANNUAL REPORT
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CHAPEL
“And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8
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ANNUAL REPORT
BY THE NUMBERS
STUDENT BODY PROFILE 105 55 16 52 57 66 48 53
452
Early Childhood / Elementary Full-Day Kindergarten Half-Day Kindergarten 1st Grade 2nd Grade 3rd Grade 4th Grade 5th Grade Total EC/EM
Middle School Enrollment
High School Enrollment 61 9th Grade 62 10th Grade 68 11th Grade 53 12th Grade Total HS
64
6th Grade
67
7th Grade
60
8th Grade
191
Total MS
887
Total GCS Enrollment for 2015-16
244
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
FAMILY DEMOGRAPHIC
Fiscal Year July 1, 2015 - June 30, 2016
Operating Revenue $5,987,297...........Tuition and Fees $552,144...........Contributions/Fundraising $279,784...........Miscellaneous $6,819,225..........Total Revenue Operating Expenses $4,207,734...........Salaries and Benefits $408,368...........Operating Expenses $950,141...........Program and Office Expenses $289,205...........Interest Payments $17,257...........Miscellaneous Expenses $5,872,705..........Total Expenses $946,520........ Operating Profit Contributions/Fundraising $277,957...........Annual Giving $111,260...........Building On The Rock Campaign $33,064...........Magazine Sale $43,937...........Golf Tournament $69,422...........Designated Gifts $16,501...........Other
Mount Holly Charlotte
11%
7% Gastonia
Other
46
%
11% Clover, Cramerton & Dallas
19%
Belmont
13%
Other includes: Alexis, Bessemer City, Cherryville, Crouse, Huntersville, Iron Station, Kings Mountain, Lake Wylie, Lincolnton, Lowell, McAdenville, Ranlo, Shelby, Stanley and York.
ANNUAL REPORT
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STANDARDIZED TESTING SUMMARY REPORT
E
ach spring in Grades K-11, Gaston Christian administers the Stanford Achievement Test, a multiple-choice, standardized battery of tests designed to measure achievement (what the student has learned). As a normreferenced instrument, it allows educators to compare their students’ progress in reading, language, mathematics, science, and social studies with that of similar groups nationwide. This year’s Average Basic Battery percentile scores for the GRADE READING LANGUAGE MATH SPELLING BASIC BATTERY GRADE READING LANGUAGE MATH SPELLING BASIC BATTERY
K 95 NA 90 NA 91 6 88 81 90 85 86
1 83 88 91 85 85 7 78 80 82 80 79
Average Basic Battery Elementary Schools Average Basic Battery Middle School Average Basic Battery High School (9-11) Average Basic Battery Grades K-11 Average Reading Grades K-11 Average Language Grades 1-11 Average Math Grades K-11 Average Spelling 1-11
8 80 84 76 83 79
Elementary School, Middle School, and High School are strong, putting GCS students well into the top quartile of students across the nation; within some grade levels, percentile averages place GCS student performance within the top fifth of the nation’s students. Score results for Gaston Christian School reflect the performance of all students for which the group report is given; there is no selectivity of data in scores representative of students at Gaston Christian School.
2 83 84 81 73 80 AVG 82 81.7 82.7 82.7 81.3
3 87 87 88 90 86 GRADE READING LANGUAGE MATH SPELLING BASIC BATTERY
4 85 91 80 81 83 9 76 77 76 78 76
5 78 83 63 82 75 10 71 74 77 75 73
AVG 85.2 86.6 82.2 82.2 83.3 11 82 80 82 77 79
AVG 76.3 77.0 78.3 76.7 76.0
2015-2016 83.3 81.3 76.0 81.0
2014-2015 84.8 77.3 78.0 81.3
Change -1.5 4.0 -2.0 -0.3
82.2 82.6 81.3 80.8
82.2 81.4 82.0 81.8
0.0 1.2 -0.7 -1.0
* International and IEP student scores not included.
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ANNUAL REPORT
HONDURAS MISSION TRIPS
S
tudents from Gaston Christian School participated in two mission trips to Honduras during the 2015-2016 school year. During the week of March 4-11, high school teacher Mark Moore, three high school students, and two GCS parents joined with others from Louder than Words Ministries on a backpacking mission trip through the mountains of western Honduras. These students hiked to five different Lenca villages, sharing the Gospel and distributing Operation Christmas Child boxes to the children. Savannah Witt shared about the impact that these mission trips have had on her: “Honduras means so much to me that I lack the words to describe how the backpacking trip has affected my faith and life. The Hondurans have taught me so much about living a life to serve God, and I hope to return as many times as possible.� During spring break 18 high school students and five parents spent a week ministering in the small mountain village of Las Mesas. The group conducted a daily VBS program, evangelized door to door, participated in homebuilding and renovation, and provided a free dental clinic each day. With funds from several high school groups, they were able to supply a local orphanage with over $1,000 worth of food. What a wonderful opportunity this week provided for the students and adults to share the Gospel of Christ among the Honduran people.
Photos courtesy of Mark Moore/Louder Than Words Ministries
ANNUAL REPORT
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CLASS OF 2016
CONGRATULATIONS, CLASS OF 2016 First row (from left): Mary Elise Monroe, Madison Ramsey, Gabbi Wilson, Hannah Elliott, Casey McNiff (Salutatorian), Rachel Putnam (Valedictorian), Allie Rae Grayson, Connie Revis, Chloe Herman Second row (from left): Mattie Rutherford, Alison Faulkenberry, Brooke Henderson, Kaitlyn Still, Kathryn Davis, BreeAnna Foster, Natalie Rapp, Lauren Lay, Kendall Rouse, Catherine Smith, Audrey Davis Third row (from left): Caleb Goad, Brandon Farris, Carley Price, Caylah Kearly, Kelsey Romero, Ashley Layne, Merideth Cochran, Elisabeth King, Jessie Wang, Taylor Helms, Jacob Littlejohn Fourth row (from left): Alexander Goedl, Griffin Keiser, Matthew Holler, Andrew Walker, Savannah Witt, Caroline Moore, Claire Hardin, Huntley Auten, Marcus Li, Quinton Huffstetler Fifth row (from left): Jay Du, Ocean Huang, Noah Springs, Luke Hovis, Bryce Martin, Joe Painter, Brandon Hostetler, Baker Ferguson, Tucker Knouse, Eric Hawley, Austin Purtell Not pictured: Kyle Weakley
Number of Graduates: 53 Valedictorian: Rachel Olivia Putnam Salutatorian: Casey Ann McNiff Recipient of Opal Parks Award: Ashley Caroline Layne Recipient of M.O. Owens Award: Joseph Thomas Painter Recipients of the Servant’s Heart Award: Claire Jacqueline Hardin Chloe Elizabeth Herman Senior Class President: Rachel Olivia Putnam Scholarship offerings for the Class of 2016: $3,550,000 Photo courtesy of Mark Moore
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ANNUAL REPORT
SENIOR CLASS AT WINDY GAP
COLLEGES OFFERING ADMISSION Agnes Scott College • The American Hair Design Academy • American University • Anderson University • Appalachian State University • Armstrong Atlantic State University • Arizona State University • Auburn University • AZUSA Pacific College • Barton College • Belmont Abbey College • Belmont University of Nashville • Bluefield College • Brenau University • Brevard College • Brown University • Caldwell Community College • Campbell University • Carolinas College of Health Sciences • Catawba Valley College • Cedarville College • Central Piedmont Community College • Charleston Southern University • The Citadel • Clemson University • College at Southeastern • College of Charleston • Columbia International University • Covenant College • Davidson College • David Lipscomb University • DePaul University • Drexel University • Duke University • East Carolina University • East Tennessee State University • Eastern College • Elon University • Emmanuel College • Embry Riddle Aeronautical University • Emory University • Erskine College • Flagler College • Furman University • Gardner-Webb University • Gaston College • Harvard College • High Point University • Hillsong College in Australia • Houghton College • Jacksonville University • James Madison University • Johnson and Wales University • Korean University • Lancaster Bible College • LaSalle University • Lee University • Lenoir-Rhyne University • Liberty University • Lipscomb University • Maine Maritime Academy • Mars Hill College • Massachusetts Institute of Technology • Marshall University • Meredith College • Messiah College • Michigan State University • Midway College • Milligan College • Mississippi College • MIT • Montreat College • Newberry College • New York State University • North Carolina A & T State University • North Carolina State University • North Greenville University • Ohio State University • Ohio Wesleyan • Old Dominion • Oral Roberts University • Palm Beach Atlantic • Peace College • Pennsylvania State University • Pfeiffer University • Philadelphia Biblical University • Purdue University • Queens University • Polytechnic Institute • Regent University • Rensselaer University • Rhodes College • Rollins College • Samford University • Savannah College of Art and Design • Southern Wesleyan University • Singapore Institute of Management • St. Andrews Presbyterian College • Toccoa Falls College • Trevecca Nazarene University • University of California at Irvine • University of Georgia • University of Louisville • University of Mississippi • UNC-Asheville • UNC-Chapel Hill • UNC-Charlotte • UNC-Greensboro • UNC-Pembroke • UNC-Wilmington • University of Rochester • University of South Carolina • University of Alabama • University of California at Davis • University of the South • University of South Carolina at Beaufort • University of Tennessee • University of Washington at Bothell • University of Washington at Seattle • Vanderbilt University • Virginia Military Institute • Virginia Tech • Wake Forest University • Washington and Lee University • Washington State University at Seattle • Western Carolina University • Wheaton College • William Woods University • Wingate University • Winthrop University • Wofford College • Yale University • York Technical College • Young Harris College • YWAM’s University of the Nations at Monroe
ANNUAL REPORT
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EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Walk with God
T
he beautiful verse found in Micah 6:8 which was the theme verse for our school this year was simplified a bit for our very youngest students. “Do right, love kindness, and walk with God,” were the words we used for our version of “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” It’s a tall order, no matter what words you use, and the most mature of us need God’s help to live our lives in a manner worthy of our Mrs. Susan Jennings calling.
scheduled our Christmas programs a bit differently this year. Kindergarten and pre-kindergarten students presented their program in the evening, and the threeyear-olds did a morning program! It seemed to work very well, and we were happy to have the high school choral group come and perform a number with the three’s. It added something special and different to our program.
Principal
We enjoyed a delightful addition to our program for the three-yearold pre-schoolers. Mrs. Rene’ King Crump, Branch Manager of the Union Road branch of the Gaston County Library, came once a month to share story time with the students. She doesn’t just bring a book-she brings music, rhythm instruments, and all kinds of props to enhance the story she reads. It’s so much fun, and the children and teachers loved her visits. We already have her signed up to come and read next year! Because of parking space and available seating, we 12
ANNUAL REPORT
Early Childhood Secretary Debbie Barnhill Early Childhood Staff Charlotte Adams Amanda Chapman Susan Crisp Angel Freeman Sheila Funderburk Jackie Hardin Teresa Hoyle Geny Melton Sandra Parnelle Maureen Patton Vicki Peach Crystal Shields Annette Simmons Anne Tomlinson Katie Williams Teresa Winter School Nurses Melanie High Shawn Zill
It is always a joy to watch our Kindergarten students enter the gym in their caps and gowns for their graduation. Our prayer is that years from now, all our students will recall a Bible verse or a portion of a little song learned many years ago that will help them in the adult world to “do right, love kindness, and walk with God.”
ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
As we work to represent Christ Elementary Secretary Janice Robinson Elementary Staff Glenda Bailey Kathy Byarlay Melinda Cleveland Suzanne Cunningham Amberlee Davis Carole Farmer Tammy Gordon Lisa Grubbs JoEllen Gruver Johnathan Gunter Amy Hawxwell Susie Howard Teresa Hoyle Benita Huffstetler Joan Jones Donna Lyman Geny Melton Todd Melton Lyndsey Miller Sandra Parnelle Kim Patterson Jayda Renfroe Trina Robinson Sherry Simpson Pam Thornburg Jennifer Whitlow Linda Wilson Academic Dean Shirley Huelsman School Nurses Melanie High Shawn Zill
H
e has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 Micah 6:8 was our theme verse for this school year and the Elementary staff and students spent time reflecting on what this verse means for Gaston Christian in 2016. Each part of the verse has something specific for God’s people as we work to represent Christ to our community and to the world. God blessed us with the opportunity to see students make professions of faith in Christ and planted many seeds that we pray will be harvested. We also added a new staff member, Sarah Parker, who joined us as our new Elementary Librarian. Academics
Connor Joyce was the 2016 Gaston Christian Spelling Bee Champion. He went on to represent GCS at the Gaston County Spelling Bee in March. Our 3rd and 5th grades went on new field trips to Camp Thunderbird to do activities in ecology and pioneer living. Enrichment
The Elementary program offered academic enrichment through our Cyberkids Robotics and Brikz for Kidz after-school programs. Students also took part in athletic programs in Girls on the Run, Junior Eagles, as well as our after-school tennis program.
Student Service
The Elementary students gave over $1,000 in Chapel offering this year that will donated to Samaritan’s Purse to be used for earthquake relief in Ecuador. Mrs. Gordon’s First Grade class raised $1,400 for Children’s World Hunger Fund, an organization that provides food with the gospel message to children all over the world. The Elementary students took part in the Walk for Junior Diabetes Research and raised $4,000 to for the organization. Adam Mehaffey We included a Principal Random Acts of Kindness Day during this year’s Spirit Week and each grade level completed a service project for various needs in our community. Our students also joined the Middle and High School programs in giving shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child and the Souper Bowl of Caring Food Drive for Second Harvest Food Bank. Connor Joyce, Maddy McKinley, Mackenzie Karr, Nicholas Welfare, Mo Snipes, Isabella Ferone, Patrick Nanney, Nicolas Harris, Delaney Kaylor, and Katie Walker served as Student Ambassadors for the Children’s Home Society of North Carolina in May. ANNUAL REPORT
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MIDDLE SCHOOL EDUCATION
Lived their faith among others
“T
o act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” What do these words look like in a middle school? We saw these words acted out on a daily basis. What a year of blessings from our students as many lived out their faith among their friends and teachers. Student Servant Highlights
The Junior Beta Club again provided leadership for Operation Christmas Child with the collection of shoeboxes in November. They also began a partnership with the residents of Meadowwood Nursing home creating cards and candy gifts. Under the direction of Miss Freeman, Middle School Guidance Counselor, GCS contributed 2,312 pounds of food items through the Souper Bowl of Caring to be used in local communities. Our Student Government continued to serve our school community through helping with morning announcements, school cleaning projects, and paper recycling. They also led students in contributions for a local food pantry Virgina Conover and candy for a local church’s Fall Principal Festival. Students participated in the Juvenile Diabetes Walk in May. Spiritual Emphasis Day
On October 2, 2015, middle school gathered in the gym for an afternoon of worship. Students were challenged from 1st Thessalonians 1 to be “A Real Imitation” of Jesus as they lived their lives. Academic Highlights
Duke Talent Identification Program (TIP): Twenty-five seventh grade students qualified for TIP recognition in the Fall. Nicholas Cochran and Samuel Ellington received State Recognition and also qualified for the Academy of Summer Studies. Nicole Best, Savannah Kaylor, Andrew Nanney and Maddie Perkins qualified for 14
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the Center for Summer Studies. National Geographic Bee: After many rounds of competition, Molly Jahn won the Geography Bee. Over forty students participated. Science Fair: All middle school students participated in the Science Fair by submitting class projects. Projects from each grade level were then chosen to compete in the final round held in the gym on March 16, 2016. Ribbons and medals were awarded to the following students: Sixth Grade – Jack Hyland 1st Place, Adam Hoyle 2nd Place, Grace Marlowe and Isaac Schmitke 3rd Place; Seventh Grade – Chandler Jones 1st Place, Ela Thomas 2nd Place, Nicholas Cochran and Bennett Stowe 3rd Place; Eighth Grade – Jackson Lee and Jacob Whitesides 1st Place, Emma Plunkett 2nd Place, Bella Reid 3rd Place. The Junior Beta Club inducted forty-one seventh and eighth grade students qualifying for this honor during chapel on Thursday, March 10, 2016. The Einstein Project: Our annual Einstein Contest provided another opportunity for eighth-graders to test their knowledge of science. Using a “Jeopardy” format, Eric Hibbler, Jackson Lee, Bella Reid and Justin Tomlinson competed in the gym before the middle school student body. Jackson Lee earned the Einstein Award. Technology Highlights
The middle school received 72 chromebooks and three classroom carts this past year. Teachers and students enjoyed the new technology and the ability to do many new activities online. Julie Denham also received a Smart TV which was used daily in her classroom. Wacky Wednesday Programs
Middle school students were assigned by gender for STEM groups each Wednesday during study hall. Activities included recreating three dimensional objects based on diagrams, brain teasers, building circuits, and history and math challenges. The middle school welcomed three new staff members this year: Kay Currence, After School Care Director; Pattiann Rabb, Eighth Grade English; Teresa Williams, Sixth Grade English.
HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION
Commitment and Obedience
“A
ct justly; love mercy; walk humbly”: Throughout the year staff and students have focused on Micah 6:8, a verse that challenges us to an inner commitment and a heartfelt obedience to the Lord. Class of 2016: 53 graduates who received numerous recognitions and $3,550,000 in scholarship offers; all members of the graduating class will enter college in August. Spiritual Focus
Spiritual growth and worship are a vital part of the school’s purpose as we prepare our students to “impact the kingdom of God by living productive Christian lives”; each week the high school students participated in chapel services with student-led praise and worship, and small group Bible studies were also available. The annual Windy Gap Retreat in September and the Spiritual Emphasis Day in March were spiritual highlights of the year. In addition, the SGA sponsored a Night of Worship in October and March, a special time for the entire school community to come together for praise and worship. GCHS participated in two mission trips to Honduras. Students and staff donated over $1000 to provide food for the Faith, Hope, and Love Orphanage in Honduras. Academic Focus
New curricular adoptions were implemented for Government/ Economics, Spanish I and AP Biology. The high school offered seven Advanced Placement classes this year and 20 honors courses across the disciplines. In addition, a partnership with SevenStar Academy and participation in the N.C. Career and College Promise Program allowed Gaston Christian to offer courses beyond the traditional classroom. The School Counselor organized Information Nights for each grade level and also a Christian College Fair with 39 colleges represented. The National Beta Club inducted 42 new members, and 34 juniors and seniors were inducted into the National Honor Society. Technology Focus
With the one-to-one initiative of Google Chromebooks for all high school students, integration of technology into classroom instruction continued to enhance learning; e-texts were in use for the following
courses: Government/Economics, World History, US History, AP US History, Psychology, AP Biology, Spanish I. In addition, Introduction to Engineering was added as a semester technology offering. Fine Arts Focus
The Concert Choir, Honors Ensemble, and Band performed at Fine Arts Evenings in December and May; the Visual Arts classes also showcased their work at these programs. The Gaston Christian Players produced The Man Who Came to Dinner in October and Treasure Island in April. The theatre, choral and band programs collaborated to host a Fine Arts Gala Event in February. International Student Program
The International Student Program ministered to 21 students from China. Service Opportunities
The high school students and staff were busy this year serving within the community. The Senior Service Day in March allowed members of the Class of 2016 to witness for Christ through serving at four sites. Other opportunities Nancy McDaniel for students included participation in the Principal Crisis Pregnancy Center’s Walk for Life and Baby Bundles project, CROP Walk, Operation Christmas Child Shoebox project, Juvenile Diabetes Walk, a coat drive, nursing home ministry, and a food drive for Second Harvest Food Bank. Mock Trial Program
Two teams participated in regional competitions in Charlotte and High Point, with the Red Team advancing to state competition and finishing 2nd. Quiz Bowl
The Gaston Christian Quiz Bowl team tied for 2nd place in the Gaston County Quiz Bowl. ANNUAL REPORT
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INTERNATIONAL STUDENT PROGRAM
你好! — Greetings from China!
G
aston Christian School was host to 22 International students from China for 2015-16. We had one 8th grader for second semester only, five 9th graders, five 10th graders, seven 11th graders, and 4 seniors. The heart of our program is our host families. They are vital to the mission of this ministry. The students can read about Jesus in the Bible or hear stories about Him in Bible class, but it is the host family who shows the love of Christ to our students in a very tangible way. We are blessed with 22 host families; we have no double placements. Our host family program includes families with small children, families with teenagers, empty nesters, and grandparents. The host family not only provides for the physical needs of our students, but the social and emotional support as Karen Brooks well. Our host families are called to be Coordinator for on mission for Christ as they serve in International Students their very own homes. They plant seeds and Online Education of faith that, hopefully, one day will take root in the hearts of our students. We are excited that one of our students made a profession of faith this year and followed up with believer’s baptism. 2015-16 brought a significant opportunity for the international students to tour some top 100 colleges/universities (according to U.S. World News and Report ) in the U.S. We toured UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke University over fall break and Harvard Univ., MIT, and New York Univ. over spring break, while experiencing a little
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ANNUAL REPORT
Americana in the beautiful cities of Boston and NYC, the Big Apple. Also over spring break, 4 students (Veronica, Candice, Larry, and Alexander) went to Honduras with the GCS mission team to minister to the Lenca Indians. Out of the International Student Program has come the International Club here at GCS. American and International students work together to help our students become aware of other cultures and participate in mission opportunities around the world. Our primary mission focus is to sponsor and serve Samaritan’s Purse. It is a joy to work with our international students and to help our domestic students become more globally aware. The diversity that the international students bring strengthens our program. One of our internationals, Snow (Ruixue) Zhou, has started an email pen pal program with our 5th graders and middle schoolers involved in an English Club in China. The students will exchange emails and learn more about their respective cultures, school environment, cities, and family life. Candice (Jingya) Ye is in 11th grade and will be attending a summer session open to high school students at the University of California—Berkeley. She has enrolled in a pre-collegiate program that will earn college credit. Also, 11th grader, Tianyi (Alexander) Jiang, will attend Wake Forest’s Summer Immersion Program for Business Technology. We continue to see God at work in the International Student Program as families share their lives with students from across the world. If you would like to be a part of this wonderful ministry as a host family or sponsor an event, please contact Karen Brooks. kbrooks@gastonchristian.org “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” – Hebrews 13:16
FROM THE ACADEMIC DEAN
2015-16 in Academic Review
G
aston Christian School has witnessed several important advancements in the life of our school: For the first time in our GCS Professional Development Program, “Going Green in the Office of the Dean” is possible! Throughout the fall, the Dean worked with Trina Robinson to design a system to allow teachers to submit all documentation digitally. The application for credit and all supporting documentation are now routed to a spreadsheet that the Academic Dean reviews and time stamps; credits are then uploaded to each teacher’s professional development file. GCS teachers can check their professional development files themselves at any time since updates appear automatically — making it easier for teachers to plan and complete their yearly professional development goals! In conjunction with our AdvancED School Initiative #3 to strengthen the learning environment for all students at GCS, the faculty and administrators collaboratively created a position description for a Learning Support Specialist. This individual will provide curriculum and instructional support for students with learning difficulties documented by their psychologists or pediatricians. Instructional work with individual students and student groups will be limited to the Elementary and Middle School Programs; teacher support will be the focus in the High School Program where no modifications of curriculum are allowed. Implementation of this initiative is expected in the 2016-17 school year. As part of the fulfillment of our School Initiative #1 that details the development of collaborative learning communities to improve instruction and student learning, Principals have created position descriptions for discipline/grade level Department Heads in each school program. Designation of Department Heads is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2016. The Dean met with teachers to share the standardized test results of the Stanford Achievement Test for grades K-11; scores have
remained strong. Three new faculty members were welcomed into the GCS Mentorship Program this school year. Their Principals served as their primary mentors; the Dean supported the new faculty’s transition to the classroom through meetings that addressed education topics through the lens of the Christian school perspective. The Dean completed the academic profiles for all eighth-grade students entering the high school program in the fall of 2016. Profiles provide a threeyear history of each student’s Stanford Achievement Test scores, Student Ability Index scores, subject-area grades, grade-point averages, and attendance records. Updated yearly, these profiles are used by high school personnel to support student course selections. New textbooks have been adopted in Middle School Grade 7 Life Science and Grade 8 Earth Science as well as in High School Biology. Our yearly Dr. Shirley Huelsman curriculum review ensures that we Academic Dean offer our students the best textbooks that align with our school’s mission statement. This review is a lengthy collaborative process involving administrators and teachers who seek the materials that most closely match the written goals and objectives of our school programs. GCS sponsored its own two-day conference August 3-4 featuring Merida Brooks, Superintendent of Westminster Christian Academy in Louisiana, and Brian Simmons, Columbia International University professor and former ACSI president. Sessions focused on teaching to reach all students, integrating faith and learning, and ministering to today’s Christian families. These practical sessions refined and clarified the teacher’s calling, purpose, and stewardship in the Christian school. ANNUAL REPORT
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2015-16 ANNUAL FUND DONORS Mr. & Mrs. James Armstrong
J.E. and Mildred Waggoner Family Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Turner Rivenbark
Bank of America Matching Gifts Program
Mr. & Mrs. Mike Jimison
Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Robinson
Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Barton
Rev. & Mrs. Matthew Kuiken
Mr. Daniel Rooney & Dr. Allison Evanoff
Mr. & Mrs. Ty Berry
Mr. & Mrs. Danny Lawrence
Mr. & Mrs. Dan Rooney
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Blake, Jr
Dr. & Mrs. David Layne
Rudisill Enterprises, Inc
Community Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Doyt Ledford, Jr.
Mrs. Bethsy San Millan
Mr. Edward Connell, Sr.
Dr. & Mrs. Edward Lineberger
Mr. & Mrs. Shon Sbarra
Mr. & Mrs. Rhett Cozart
Loyal Systems, Inc.
Mr. & Mrs. Scarborough
Mr. & Mrs. Jim Crisp
Mr. & Mrs. Adam Lynn
Mr. & Mrs. Carl Simms
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Davis
Ms. Jan Mahannah
Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Simpson
Duke Energy Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Woods Martin
Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Spear
Mr. & Mrs. Dan Dunkin
Mr. & Mrs. Leonard Morgan
Dr. & Mrs. Mike Tamberella
Mr. & Mrs. Tom Ellington
Mr. & Mrs. David Nanney
Mrs. Elizabeth Teague
FMC Foundation Matching Gift Plan
Mr. & Mrs. Pat Nanney
Mr. & Mrs. William Thrower, Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. Ronald France
Mrs. Amanda Newton
Mr. & Mrs. John Thrower
Mrs. Becky Garrison
Mr. & Mrs. Ken Parks
Mr. & Mrs. Watson Tomlinson, Sr.
Hannleb Inc.
Mr. & Mrs. John Peoples
Mr. & Mrs. Don Trapp
Mr. & Mrs. W Michael Haven
Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Poche
Mr. & Mrs. Tony Tringali, Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Horsley
Mr. & Mrs. William Porter
Wells Fargo Matching Gift Program
Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan Hovis
Mr. & Mrs. Herbert Price
Mr. & Mrs. Reginald Wilson
Dr. & Mrs. Doug Huitt
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Reynolds
Dr. & Mrs. Robert Zickler
2015-16 CAPITAL CAMPAIGN DONORS Mr. & Mrs. Luke Ellington
2016 COMMUNITY FOUNDATION RUN DONORS Mr. & Mrs. Dennis E. Allen, II
Mr. Harry G. Petrey
Mr. Randy Boyd
PSNC Energy
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Forbes
Mr. & Mrs. Dan Ratchford
Mr. & Mrs. Gerald S. Grahl Mr. & Mrs. Rick Hodges Mr. & Mrs. Scott Howarth Mr. & Mrs. Ricky Keever
Mr. Daniel Rooney & Dr. Allison Evanoff Mr. & Mrs. Carlton Rouse Mr. & Mrs. Robert Rouse
Mr. & Mrs. Tommy Love
Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Scarborough
Mr. & Mrs. J. Reid McGraw
Mr. & Mrs. Dedrick Spargo
Mr. & Mrs. Plato Pearson, Jr.
Dr. & Dr. Mark Zukaitis
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ANNUAL REPORT
2015-16 FINE ARTS BUILDING DONORS Gaston Christian School Fine Arts Center
Mr. & Mrs. Erwin Alexander
Mr. & Mrs. Adam Forbes
Liveops
Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Roberts
Annonymous
Mr. & Mrs. Tommy Forbes
Mr. & Mrs. Francisco Lopez
Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Robinson
Bank of America Matching Gifts Program
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Forbes
LPL Financial Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Rosner
Mr. & Mrs. Eddie Barrett
Rev. & Mrs. James Ford
Mr. & Mrs. Adam Lynn
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Rouse
Mr.& Mrs. Ty Berry
Mr. & Mrs. J. Scott Foxx
Mr. & Mrs. Steve Matolka
Mr. & Mrs. Carlton Rouse
Mrs. Annette Biddle
Mr. & Mrs. Preston Freburger
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Mattera
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Blake, Jr.
Gaston Christian School Art Club
Mr. & Mrs. Arthur McCarter
Mr. & Mrs. Curtis Brooks
Mr. & Mrs. David Gilreath
Mr. & Mrs. Tony McCraw
Mr. & Mrs. Don Brown
Mr. & Mrs. Aaron Goforth
Mr. & Mrs. Sam McDaniel
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Brown Mr. & Mrs. C. Wayne Brown Mr. & Mrs. Keith Burgess Mr. & Mrs. Ned Carpenter Mr. & Mrs. Doby Chapman Mr. & Mrs. Bo Chriscoe Dr. Stephen Cochran, Jr. & Dr. Melissa D. Matulis Community Foundation Mr. Kenneth Connell Mrs. Virginia Conover Mr. & Mrs. Jim Crisp Mr. & Mrs. Joe Cunningham
Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Grahl Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan Griffin Mr. & Mrs. Robert Groner Mr. & Mrs. Keith Gunter Mr. & Mrs. Preston Guy, III Mr. & Mrs. Eric Hanson Mr. & Mrs. D. Scott Hardin Ms. Annette Harris Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Hedges Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Henderson Mr. & Mrs. Grady Herman Mr. & Mrs. Bryant Hill
Mr. & Mrs. Gene McDowell Mr. & Mrs. J. Reid McGraw Mr. & Mrs. Ray McKenney McKenney Dealerships
Mr. & Mrs. Eldon Russ Mrs. Bethsy San Millan Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Scarborough Mr. & Mrs. Peter Setzer Mr. & Mrs. Joel Simmons Rev. & Mrs. Rick Slate Mr. & Mrs. Charles Smith
Mr. & Mrs. Martin McKinley
Stephen G Cochran & Melissa
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Mehaffey
D. Matulis Charitable Fund
Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan Mercer
Dr. & Mrs. Marc Stout
Milanco, Inc
The Howe Foundation Inc
Mr. & Mrs. Jesse Monza
Mr. & Mrs. Craig Thornburg
Mr. & Mrs. David Moody, Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. Don Trapp
Mr. & Mrs. Tommy Morrison, Sr.
Mr. & Mrs. Lonnie Turner
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Nicholson
Dr. and Dr. Harald Vaher
Mr. & Mrs. Tim Nicholson
Mrs. Terry VanZant
Dr. & Mrs. William Current Sr.
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Hines
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Davis
Mr. & Mrs. Rick Hodges
Mr. & Mrs. Jay Diggs
Mrs. Kay Hollowell
Mr. & Mrs. Rich Pasqualone
DPA Appraisals Inc
Mr. & Dr. Glenn Huelsman
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Pearson
Duke Energy Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. David Jennings
Mrs. Faye Porter
Mr. & Mrs. Dan Dunkin
Mr. & Mrs. Kennon Keiser
Mr. & Mrs. Herbert Price
Mr. & Mrs. Jeremy Eastburn
Mr. & Mrs. John Kelley
Mr. and Mrs. Bryce Pursley
Mr. & Dr. William Egeln
Dr. & Dr. Laurence Kish
Mr. & Mrs. James Ramsey
Rev. & Mrs. Wavey Williams
Mr. & Mrs. John Ervay
Mrs. Barbara Knouse
Mr. & Mrs. Tim Ramsey
Mr. & Mrs. Preston Wilson
Mr. M Faison Dewey
Mr. & Mrs. Todd Kuhn
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Rayne
Ms. Barbara Wright
Mr. & Mrs. Jaime Farmer
Ms. Dianne Lambert
Mr. & Mrs. Bill Reinhardt
Dr. & Dr. Mark Zukaitis
First ARP Women’s Ministries
Mrs. Kathy Lee
Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Roach
2015 Magazine Sale
Rev. & Mrs. Roger Overton Dr. M. O. Owens, Jr.
Mrs. Judy Walker Mr. & Mrs. Trent Walker Mr. Michael Ware Mr. & Mrs. Don Warren Mr. & Mrs. Bill Watterson Wells Fargo Matching Gift Program
ANNUAL REPORT
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MIDDLE, HIGH SCHOOL AND ADMINISTRATION PERSONNEL
MIDDLE SCHOOL Principal Virginia Conover Secretary Karen Parker Faculty Melissa Brandon Tina Cook HIGH SCHOOL Principal Nancy McDaniel Dean of Students Kevin Hartley Secretary Barbara Smith ADMINISTRATION Head of School Dr. Marc Stout Administrative Assistant Debra Brown Admissions Director Amber Karr 20
ANNUAL REPORT
Julie Denham Patty Grahl Johnathan Gunter Jonathan Huitt Joan Jones David Morrow Pattiann Rabb Karla Pursley Trina Robinson Joel Peckman Diane Thompson
Terry VanZant
Faculty Melissa Brandon Ken Connell Robin Ferguson Dorothy Groner Johnathan Gunter Ashley Hartley Justin Huitt Renee Jordan Ansley Keiser Adam Lynn Trey McKeown Maralie Medlin
Mark Moore Jill Overton Karla Pursley Bethsy SanMillan Les Schofield Gary Stiltner Thomas Walls Susan Weakley Cathy Whitley Paula Wyatt
International Student Coordinator Karen Brooks
Business Office Kristen Lowe Nancy Roach Karin Slate
IT Specialist David Jordan Academic Dean Dr. Shirley Huelsman Media Specialist Debra Barton
Teresa Williams Athletic Director Michael Slate Counselor Katie Freeman
After School Care Kay Currencew Academic Dean Dr. Shirley Huelsman Nurses Melanie High Shawn Zill Chaplain Tim Barrett
Academic Dean Dr. Shirley Huelsman
Athletic Director Tom Hawxwell Chaplain Tim Barrett Counselor Kim Faulk Nurses Melanie High Shawn Zill Maintenance Chris Brown Greg Farmer Todd Melton Jason Moore
AdvancEd Coordinator Fred Chase
Communications Director Randy Erwin
Operations Director Steve Matolka
Security Director Officer Mike Robinson
FINE ARTS DEPARTMENT
Fine Arts Gala
Theatre Acting Faces from the Art Classes
Treasure Island cast
Team Gunter Band students at Fine Arts Night
Chorus students during Fine Arts Night
The Man Who Came to Dinner cast
ANNUAL REPORT
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BOOSTER CLUB AND YEAR IN SPORTS
Annual GCS Golf Tournament at Pine Island Country Club
T
GCS Booster Club update
he purpose of the Gaston Christian Booster Club is to provide support to the athletic program at GCS through assistance in fundraising, marketing, and promotions. During the 2015-2016 school year, the Booster Club generated gross revenues of $110,770 through gate receipts, concessions, corporate advertising, fall festival, spirit wear sales, golf tournament, softball tournament, basketball tournament and private donations. Our annual golf tournament held last May at Pine Island Country Club was a continued success as the tournament generated over $43,938 of total revenue.
Booster club contributed to the following projects: Purchase of two buses
While there are many awards given to GCS athletes at the close of each season, the following conference and state recognitions were given to GCS athletes or teams: VARSITY BOYS SOCCER MAC Conference Tournament Champions All Conference – Alfredo Cacho, Brandon Farris, Davis McBee, Jacob Neely, JP Rooney VARSITY VOLLEYBALL Finished Second in the MAC Conference Tournament All Conference – Alexys Bean, Lily Chapman, Amber Loftin CROSS COUNTRY Girls finished Third in the MAC Conference Boys finished Second in the MAC Conference All Conference – Favour Spear, Luke Springs, Brendan Rooney VARSITY GIRLS TENNIS Finished Second in the MAC Conference Tournament All Conference – Casey McEown, Lauren Sbarra VARSITY GIRLS GOLF #6th Seed in the NCISAA Tournament All State - Taylor Hinson, finished 4th VARSITY GIRLS BASKETBALL All Conference - Hannah Bonisa 22
ANNUAL REPORT
Track
If you would like to get involved and support the GCS athletic program through the Booster Club, please feel free to contact me or Tom Hawxwell in the Athletic Office. Everyone is welcome to attend any of our meetings during the year to share your thoughts and ideas. For a complete schedule of Booster Club events, please check the school website under the Booster Club section of the athletic page. Sincerely, Booster Club boosterclub@gastonchristian.org
VARSITY GIRLS SOCCER Finished Third in the MAC Conference Tournament All Conference – Taylor Helms, Haley Stewart, Favour Spear, Katie Moore All State - Favour Spear #12 seed for the NCISAA Tournament VARSITY BASEBALL All Conference – Strat Guy VARSITY BOYS GOLF All Conference – Caleb Smyre VARSITY BOYS TENNIS All Conference – Dakota Cundiff, Cutter Stowe VARSITY SOFTBALL MAC Conference Tournament Champions All Conference - Anna Crenshaw, McKenzie Hill, Madison Ramsey #8 Seed for the NCISAA Tournament VARSITY TRACK & FIELD Boys 4x400 Relay - MAC Conference Champions - (Brice Turner, Caleb Thornburg, JP Rooney, Frank Lopez). Boys 4x800 - Finished second in the MAC Championship (Brendan Rooney, JP Rooney, Luke Springs, Brice Turner). 800 mm Dash - MAC Conference Champion - Brice Turner
2015-16 ATHLETIC SEASON RECORDS
Varsity Softball MAC Tournament Champions
Varsity Boys Soccer MAC Conference Tournament Champions
VARSITY SPORTS TEAM Baseball Basketball - Girls Basketball - Boys Cheerleading Cross Country Golf – Girls Golf – Boys Soccer – Boys Soccer –Girls Softball Swim Team – Girls Swim Team – Boys Tennis – Girls Tennis – Boys Track / Field Volleyball JUNIOR VARSITY SPORTS TEAM Boy’s Basketball Volleyball MIDDLE SCHOOL SPORTS TEAM Volleyball Soccer - Boys Tennis - Girls Cheerleading Basketball - Girls Basketball - Boys Softball Baseball Soccer - Girls Tennis - Boys
RECORD 6-13 4-16 5-15 N/A Boys – 3rd in MAC, Girls – 6th in MAC 2-9 7-6 13-6-2 12-7-1 14-9 Finished 6th in MAC Finished 6th in MAC 8-4 10-7 4th in MAC 15-9
Varsity Girls Golf finished 6th in NCISAA State Tournament
Varsity Volleyball placed 2nd in MAC Conference Championship
COACH Tim Brown, John Mullis Arliss Knouse, Chelsea Slentz Travis Holmes,Damorio Jackson Traci VonEgidy , Kirby VonEgidy Jason Moore, Leigh Van Pelt Bart Hinson Derec Smyre Justin Huitt, Johnny Hoover Justin Huitt, Johnny Hoover Mark Foy, Marvin Foy, Hoyle Foy Kristi Costa Kristi Costa Sharon Avants Sharon Avants Jason Moore, Leigh Van Pelt Lisa Revels
RECORD 3-13 5-8
COACH Zip Stowe Wayne Helms, Heidi Tringali
RECORD 1-14 10-6 3-1 N/A 11-3 10-4 11-3 15-1 14-2-1 3-5
COACH Angel Freeman Jonathan Huitt Sharon Avants Rachel Lawing Michael Slate Michael Slate Danny Craig, Kirby Holmes Josh Brooks Jonathan Huitt Sharon Avants
ANNUAL REPORT
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OUR MISSION STATEMENT The mission of Gaston Christian School is to help students mature spiritually and excel academically by offering a Biblically integrated, college-preparatory program that will enable them to impact the kingdom of God by living productive Christian lives. OUR VISION STATEMENT Soaring to Excellence in Christ
GASTON CHR I STI AN SC HO O L 1625 LOWELL BETHESDA ROAD, GASTONIA, NC 28056 EARLY CHILDHOOD (PS3-Kindergarten) Phone: (704) 824-9893 FAX: (704) 824-9895
ELEMENTARY (1st-5th Grade) Phone: (704) 824-9011 FAX: (704) 824-9013
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WWW.GASTONCHRISTIAN.ORG MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL (6th –12th Grade) Phone: (704) 349-5020 (HS) Phone: (704) 349-5030 (MS) FAX: (704) 349-5027