CHAMagazine Official Magazine of Chapel Hill Academy
Winter 2018
HEROIC FA I T H
Passion for Christ. Education for life. Published for Families and Friends of Chapel Hill Academy
FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
Dear Friends, “There is something very special about Chapel Hill Academy.” This is a comment I have heard frequently from parents, teachers, students, and alumni who are warmed by the bond that develops among the staff, students, and families at CHA. Each student who leaves to embark on a bright future will always have a place to call home in this dear ‘family of families.’ This fall, we have seen exciting growth in our enrollment. God has been faithful and gracious to lead families to CHA who desire an academically strong, biblically-based education that provides a foundation for all learning and experiences yet to come. Again and again, as new families continue to enroll, the response has been, “There is something very special about Chapel Hill Academy.” CHA is, indeed, very special because of our dedicated faculty and families working in partnership together. CHA is special because of its commitment to developing each child through leadership, service and missions, fine arts, and athletic opportunities. Most importantly, CHA is extremely special because spiritual formation is the centerpiece of what founded the mission and vision nearly 50 years ago, and remains the essential focus today. In my six years as Head of School, I have observed and treasured that our true blessing is the community of faith that we share. Through our desire to honor the Lord with a commitment to excellence and by following His Word, we are blessed with the opportunity to work hand in hand, together for His glory.
Truly, there is something very special about Chapel Hill Academy. In this edition of CHA Magazine, may you be inspired by the pages which reflect a spirit of faith and community. Please join me in prayer for this ministry and its continued momentum so that more children and families experience what is truly special, and more hearts and minds are touched by Christ now, and in the future. Warmly,
Kassie Grosz, Ed. S. The fifth Head of School of Chapel Hill Academy 952-949-9014 | groszk@chapel-hill.org
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CHAMagazine Winter 2018
Chaplain’s Corner 04 Heroic Faith: Developing a faith beyond belief.
Fall Events Highlights 06 It has been a busy fall as CHA hosts several community events.
Chapel Hill Academy Gala 09 We are excited to host our 18th annual gala at a new location.
Get to Know New Staff 10 Introducing new 2018-19 staff.
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Art Class 12 Take a peek at what our Middle Schoolers have been creating.
Serving Our Community 13 Highlights from our annual service day.
CHA at Big Daddy Weave 14 CHA and KTIS Radio partner for another sold-out event at Grace Church.
Alumni News 16 Christmas at CHA 17 Year-end Giving 18 By the Numbers 19 Athletics 20 Spirit Week 21 Corporate Partner Program 22
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Admissions Corner 23 on the cover: Mrs. Grosz with Jaxson Narvaez, Ivy Lundgren, Avery Koth, Megan Kimble, Jack Lundgren, and Maddie Brands at the SonRun Festival.
Passion for Christ. Education for life.
CONNECT WITH US ONLINE! chapel-hill.org
20 All photos in this publication have been taken by CHA parents, staff, or alumni unless otherwise noted.
facebook.com/chapelhillacademy twitter.com/chapelhillacad instagram.com/chapelhillacademy
chaplain’s corner
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ecently, in a 7th & 8th grade Bible class we spent time studying some of the qualities that Jesus asked of his disciples. It didn’t take long for us to notice the strong directives that Jesus set forth for those who would choose to follow him. Themes such as “do not be afraid” leapt off the pages of God’s word (Luke 8:50, Luke 12:32, Matthew 14:27, John 14:27). Deny ourselves and take up our cross daily (Luke 9:23). Be willing to leave behind everything for the cause of Christ, even to the point of losing family and self for the sake of full surrender to Jesus and his work (Matthew 19:29, Luke 14:26). It is easy to get lost in the extremeness of the message that calls us to sacrifice our most prized possessions for the mission of Jesus and miss the true message that is in the midst of these strong words. It is really quite simple. Jesus is better. Jesus is better than any relationship we have. Jesus is better than any possession we own. Jesus is better than any status we achieve. Jesus is better than any dream fulfilled. Jesus is better than anything that this world has to offer. When we fully grasp that Jesus is better - it no longer feels like sacrifice but more like an infinite investment in joy and perfect love. I am regularly burdened by the fear that our students’ faith is often more defined by tradition, familiarity, morality, family or behavior than it is by a genuine deep-rooted love for the person of Jesus, who is infinitely better than any want or desire we could muster up in our sinfulness. What does it take to establish faith that is not only willing to endure persecution, but as Paul states, to actually rejoice in our sufferings (Romans 5), while having the knowledge that the cost of being a disciple is worth it? These are not easy questions, but these are questions that every Christian family and institution must ask themselves. The purpose of faith is not to produce comfort but commitment.
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Does your faith disrupt your family life? Because it should. Does your faith lend itself to sacrifice? Because it should. Does your faith make you uncomfortable? Because it should. Does your faith come at a cost? These are marks of disciples. If CHA and families are truly in partnership to develop fully-devoted followers of Jesus, we must never shy away from speaking and genuinely modeling the message at both school and home—there is a cost to following Jesus, and the cost is worth it, every time. Because Jesus is better.
Pastor Todd Kardell, Chaplain
Near the end of our class time we viewed a short video clip of Christians living in Pakistan and the reality of the cost of following Christ for many of our brothers and sisters in other parts of the world. Without any fancy churches, without sound systems, without significant resources, and without safety, they commit to serving Christ. From the earthly view, they would benefit from conforming and denying Jesus, but they know that Jesus is better. Despite being considered second-class citizens due to their faith, they find joy in the person of Jesus and consider the cost worth it. Perspective is often an interesting agent for change and reflection. November 4, was the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. I find that this annual event is a great opportunity for us all to take a moment and consider if our faith is capable of enduring the cost of discipleship. I do not claim to know all the best strategies for establishing and building life-long committed faith in people, but I do know that our goal must be more than just church attendance and good behavior. Our goal must be that we truly desire to take up our cross and follow Jesus daily, while believing with our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength that Jesus is better and He is worth it.
Are you striving to make your kids believers or disciples? Let’s commit to doing the harder work and partner in this new year to model disciplelike living. Let’s pursue developing a faith in our children that goes beyond belief and makes disciples!
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fall events highlights SONRUN FESTIVAL On Saturday, September 29, families and friends of CHA joined together to enjoy the 5th Annual SonRun. We had one mission that day and that was for God's love and goodness to shine! Though we did not see a single ray of sunshine, the SON shone brightly! Through His light, people were connecting and enjoying one another. Families were meeting and greeting new friends while savoring wonderful food such as barbeque chicken pizza! This year's SonRun was filled with moments of God's blessing over our community, family, and faith. Thanks to all who enjoyed this special time together!
GRANDPARENTS DAY Traditionally, the first Friday of October, CHA celebrates Grandparents Day where students invite grandparents to join them at school for a special program and classroom experience. This treasured day provides students the opportunity to honor their grandparents and share ways in which grandparents are heroes. This year’s program included a variety of musical numbers. From the sweet singing of the little Jr. Kindergartners, to the talented elementary grades and Middle School choirs, students delighted grandparents with their God-honoring selections. Eighth grade emcees, Anna Jaeger and Seth Luther, underscored the important role that grandparents play in their lives and shared many stories of students describing their grandparents. Ainsley Phillips (8th grade) and Anna Nykanen, (7th grade) shared personal stories about their grandparents as heroes. Topping off the day, grandparents visited their grandchild’s classroom and enjoyed learning activities together. Students were thrilled to demonstrate their growing reading skills, STEM projects, special songs, and art work. Chapel Hill Academy is blessed with tremendous support from our grandparents, and it continues to be a privilege to honor them and thank them for their heroic examples in the lives of our students. 6 | CHA Magazine
VETERANS DAY Every year Chapel Hill Academy honors Veterans and Active Duty military with a reception and special program. The program included the Chanhassen Legion Color Guard and guest speaker, Richard Middleton, a Chapel Hill Academy grandparent, veteran, and retired business man. Mr. Middleton also served as a professor at West Point Military Academy and Northwestern University, St. Paul. He shared the fascinating history of our nation’s flag. Students and guests were able to view many samples of Mr. Middleton’s flag collection from the early Colonial days to the current U.S. flag.
LADIES CHRISTMAS TEA Amid the hustle and bustle of the holidays, the Ladies’ Christmas Tea is a sweet event to invite friends, relax, and enjoy a lovely evening together. It is more then a girls’ night out. This event is a night to be encouraged as we share a heartfelt moment together as women, coupled by a whole lot of fellowship and laughter. Special guest and CHA alumni parent, Carol Zimmerman, performed her Christmas Carols program, kicking off the night with a song about girlfriends. Not an eye was dry after she performed the well-known song, “Mary did you Know,” and wrapped up the night with "Being Your Mom.” Her musical talent left every heart in the room filled with joy as we focused on God's love, blessings, and peace in each of our lives.
After the program and desserts (provided by Sweet Endings Gourmet Sweet Treats), guests were invited to continue the evening by shopping at the Christmas Boutique held in the Commons. This year, over 12 vendors joined us including Pampered Chef products, homemade signs and hats, unique and beautiful nails, clothing, jewelry, and cosmetics. Valeo Health & Wellness sponsored the event and provided FREE massages during the boutique. What a gift! The Ladies Christmas Tea at Chapel Hill Academy has quickly become a holiday tradition you Winter | 7 won't want to miss!
Chapel Hill Academy will host its 18th Annual Gala on Saturday, March 16, 2019. NEW location! NEW table host opportunities! We are delighted to announce that this year we will be hosting our Gala at the Outpost Center in Chaska. Think Chip & Joanna farmhouse style meets Minnesota chic. This special event will not only provide the opportunity to gather and celebrate God’s work in our school, but it also provides the opportunity for community members to learn more about this amazing ministry and support the mission of raising disciples for Christ! Also new this year are table hosts. Our goal for the Gala is that 50% of the participants will guests invited by CHA community members. We need Table Hosts to support, encourage, and connect with our guests through the night! We are looking for 25 parents, grandparents, alumni, and businesses to host a table and invite new friends who will come along and support the powerful mission and vision of CHA. Interested? Contact Nina Stultz below. Evening Schedule 5:30 PM Social Hour and Silent Auction 6:30 PM Dinner, Program, and Dessert Dash 7:30 PM Fund-a-Need and Live Auction Tickets are just $45 per person $85 for two, or $400 for a table of 10!
Purchase tickets and find more information at chapel-hill.org/gala To become a Table Host, please contact Nina Stultz, Executive Director of Business Affairs at nina@chapel-hill.org.
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get to know...
New Staff
Britta Nelson joined the CHA staff this fall as a first grade teacher. She graduated in 2015 from the University of Northwestern, St. Paul with a degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Spanish and a minor in Biblical Studies. Following college graduation, she taught second grade for three years in a bilingual school in Guadalajara, Mexico. She chooses to serve in Christian education because she loves sharing God’s love with students and their families. Miss Nelson enjoys hiking, kayaking, running, rollerblading, finding unique coffee shops, and listening to live music.
Allison Stewart is a second grade teacher at CHA. She graduated from the University of Northwestern, St. Paul with her degree in Elementary Education and Middle School Language Arts. She also has a Master’s Degree from Concordia St. Paul in K-12 Reading and Literacy. This is her eighth year teaching; previously, she aught 2nd, 3rd, reading intervention, and K-6 science. She lives in St. Paul with her husband, Ian, daughter Faye, and cats, Tonks and Lupin. She loves to bake, cook, knit, sew, and read. She chose to serve in Christian education because she loves working with families to help students realize who God has created them to be and how they can use their God-given strengths to point others towards Christ.
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Abby Sindelar joined the CHA staff in October as a teacher in our growing Junior Kindergarten program. She is a recent graduate from Crown College where she completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with a Minor in Early Childhood Education. Her favorite part of Christian education is being able to teach students about the One true God and how He has a plan for each of their lives. Mrs. Sindelar enjoys spending time with her husband, Luke, playing instruments, outdoor activities, and spending time at their cabin.
Yeleika Haley, originally from Colombia, South America, lives in Victoria with her husband, Matt, two daughters, Sofia and Isabella (K and Jr. K at Chapel Hill), and two Shih Tzu puppies. She previously taught Spanish at the Step by Step Montessori school in Chaska and feels blessed to have the opportunity at CHA to continue teaching Spanish to the Junior K students. Additionally, little did she know how much she would enjoy being the new CHA lunchroom manager. She loves interacting with the students and hearing their wonderful stories on a daily basis.
Alana Lund joined CHA this year to lead the Cougar Care After-school Program. She feels blessed to put her past teaching experience to use by making slime, building towers, leading crafts, and facilitating FUN after school each day with our Cougar Care students! Mrs. Lund is a graduate of Trinity Western University in Vancouver, B.C. where she received a degree in Theater Arts and Spanish. It is her hope to incorporate these areas into future Cougar Care programming. Not only is Mrs. Lund a wonderful addition to the staff, she is also a current CHA parent Her twin daughters, Simone and Stella, are in Junior K , and her oldest daughter attends the Spanish immersion program at Clear Springs Elementary.
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art class
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iddle school art students have been learning from several real world projects. Architecture students were challenged with creating a food truck concept complete with a menu, pop-up truck design, marketing ideas, and equipment layouts. A big thank you to CHA parent, Todd Anderson, for coming in and sharing his food truck business as well as helping the groups consider the issues in their design based on their food choices. The unit concluded with a “Food Truck Challenge” where students from other classes were invited to come and vote on their top 2 favorites. During the Christmas season, seventh grade art students were inspired by the story of Hope Academy – a Christian school similar to CHA, set in urban Minneapolis. In an effort to support Hope Academy, they were challenged to create a unique idea to sell at the “Make and Sell Market” following the Christmas concert in December. Students learned real world skills including time management, budgeting, communicating, and problem solving. More importantly, they learned how to connect Biblical values of “giving back” in a way that honors the Lord.
serving our community
FALL SERVICE DAY 2018 To foster a heart of service, grades 5-8 participated in the annual Middle School Service Day on Wednesday, October 10. Service projects included packing food at Feed My Starving Children, making sandwiches for the homeless, creating encouraging cards, sorting shoes to be distributed to those in need, and helping our custodian and elementary teachers with tasks around the building and in the classrooms.
5th/6th Grade Fifth and sixth grade students had a fun time packing food at FMSC and had the opportunity to pray over the food in Spanish!
7th Grade In 7th grade, students had the opportunity to serve and encourage the Schultz family. Gary Schultz, a former parent and recess monitor at CHA, has had ongoing health issues, and students were able to bless their family by putting together cards and other fall decorations to be delivered to their home. In addition, the FOCUS class, Cooking Classroom, made Gary one of his favorite meals, macaroni and cheese!
8th Grade This year, 8th CHA grade students served at a ministry in South Minneapolis called, Good In The Hood (GITH). Each month, Good In The Hood provides practical resources such as new or gently-used shoes, groceries, meals, food for hungry college students, backpacks of food for students, holiday support and more for over 4,500 individuals. Eighth graders had the privilege of helping with the GITH Annual Boot and Shoe Sale. They worked hard sorting through hundreds of items in preparation for the event. The sale is eventually opened to the public where shoppers may purchase extremely inexpensive shoes and boots to help them through the upcoming winter. This sale has a double-benefit: it helps families in need of winter footwear, and the proceeds are entirely reinvested into providing food for those in need within the Twin Cities metro area. The staff at Good In The Hood raved about our students and the work that they did for them. They were delighted to share that the sale raised over $13,000 that will go toward local hunger relief!
Thank you for supporting and encouraging your sons and daughters to show Christ's love through serving others in our community and beyond. It is our hope that providing service opportunities such as these will ignite a passion in our students to use their God-given gifts and abilities to see needs and meet them through service. Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.� -Mark 9:35
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cha at big daddy weave
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n November 10, Chapel Hill Academy teamed up, once again, with KTIS 98.5 FM to co-present the sold-out Big Daddy Weave and Brandon Heath concert at Grace Church in Eden Prairie. Two CHA families won a special behind-thescenes experience as part of a CHA referral program promotion. The families were able to enjoy a private reception with KTIS personalities and meet Big Daddy Weave for a special photo opportunity. Throughout the evening, CHA’s Blue Crew hosted a booth in the commons of Grace Church to help share about Chapel Hill Academy’s programs, community, and all the things that set our school apart. The CHA booth was busy with excitement over the autographed guitar and new full-time ministry employee discount being offered for the 2019-20 school year.
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Big Daddy Weave leads worship with over 4,000 people as they sing, “There will be One Name that I proclaim!”
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alumni news Congratulations to John and Malia Barnett who were married October 21, in Raleigh, NC. John graduated from Chapel Hill Academy, 8th grade, in 2010 and from North Carolina State with a degree in Economics in 2018. A group of Chapel Hill Academy alumni moms made the trip to NC to assist with the wedding festivities. Family of Families – Friends for Life! From left to right: Janet Sweet, Pam Blake, Alea Dye, Maura Barnett (Mother of the Groom), Lisa Sweeney, Jesse Olson.
Engagement News! Malia Grosz, CHA 8th Grade Class of 2008, and daughter of Head of School, Kassie Grosz, is engaged to Ryan Roetman of Bloomington. Malia graduated from the University of North Dakota in 2014 and is employed as a Senior Marketing and Communications Specialist at Optum in Eden Prairie. Her fiancĂŠ , Ryan, is a Crown College alum and employed at 3M in the Health Care Division. They are busy planning a June 21 wedding in Minneapolis.
christmas at cha Elementary School Christmas Musical A treasured CHA tradition, the elementary Christmas Musical this year was called, The Loaned Manger. The story centered on a small western town learning to put Christ back into Christmas. In 1891, the people of Incarnation liked to think of themselves as "the most Christmasy town in the West." Some fretted that all the expected "outsiders" could threaten the peace of their quiet town while others saw the chance to spread the Good News of the birth of Jesus. We rounded up some rambunctious cowpokes, some forwardthinkin' townsfolk, a manger on loan, and a lot of raucous yee-haw for a real Christmas adventure of the Wild West.
Middle School Sounds of the Season Christmas Concert This special concert featured the combined choirs, worship team, and band to celebrate the birth of Christ through song and scripture. With the sounds of Christmas, we worshiped the Lord with familiar carols and inspiring songs, telling the story of Christ’s birth, life, death, and resurrection. Complete with the pageantry of Christmas tradition, this service was all about contemplating and celebrating His coming! Winter | 17
year-end giving Why be a h ero?
Heroes are brave. Heroes make things possible. Heroes put their faith in God, and He responds in faithfulness. We are thankful for the many heroes that help make quality Christian education possible for more families at CHA!
JOIN US AT:
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by the numbers
This past fall we surveyed our current families and here is what they had to say...
99
%
Of families are overall satisfied with CHA
98
%
Of families rate the quality of education at CHA as high or very high
%
100
Of families responded that CHA meets their family's academic needs well or very well
99
%
Of families would recommend CHA to others
96
%
Of families rate the quality of spiritual development as high or very high Winter | 19
athletics
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ne of the great joys of athletics is watching young players grow in more ways than just skills. At Chapel Hill Academy, coaches and staff seek to train athletes in character development as well as skills, and participation in sports provides many opportunities to do so. It is our desire that other schools will see Jesus through our coaches, players, and fans. One of the best parts of watching students compete at Chapel Hill Academy is when we get to see God’s character lived out through them. We may have many wins in the books this season, but the true success comes from the hearts of the players. It is great to be part of a community that encourages and supports character development and values in our players, parents, and coaches. All CHA teams had great success on the field and court this season. The fifth and sixth grade soccer team ended their season with a win over Notre Dame Academy and a 5-1 record. The seventh and eighth grade soccer team had an excellent season going 5-3-2. The CHA gym is continuously filled with eager volleyball players in the fall, and this year was no exception. Five volleyball teams in grades 4-8, competed this year. Many of the teams showed great improvement over the season and competed well in the end-of-season tournament. All teams in grades 4-6 made it to the semi-final round and the Varsity Gold team took 2nd place! Chapel Hill Academy has been blessed with wonderful Christian coaches who have implemented our G.L.O.R.I.F.Y curriculum (Godly Lessons on Reflecting Integrity For Youth) to help train athletes spiritually. This curriculum looks at a variety of godly character traits and explores ways that athletes can grow in knowledge of God and reflect His character through sports. The four character traits of focus this fall include attentiveness, dependability, servant leadership, and success. Coaches will continue with six additional areas of focus throughout the winter basketball season. It is a great blessing to see the character traits instilled and lived out in our athletes as they compete throughout the season!
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spirit week It's Big. It's Back. It's Better than ever.
It's the Biggest Baddest Rally! Join us Friday, January 18, starting at 5:30 PM. In true CHA Blue and Gold fashion we are bringing back your favorites: •
A delicious family meal
•
3-point shoot-off and limbo contest
•
Appearance by Max the Cougar
•
Fun, silly, and crazy games!
Questions YOU can help us answer this year: Who will win the best dressed Cougar fan competition? Will the lucky participant make the 1/2 court shot competition again? Is that even possible...three years in a row?! Join us and see it to believe it. Following the Biggest Baddest Rally is Spirit Week and Winter Olympics, January 22-25.
Students of all grades and ages are welcome to our Pack the Gym Nights. Come enjoy a slice of pizza, take part in special activities, and cheer on our Cougars: January 22 - 7th & 8th grade games January 25 - 5th & 6th grade games
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corporate partner program Because of the generous support from our Corporate Partners, CHA is able to continue developing programs that will enhance learning and enrichment experiences for students. We encourage you to consider supporting our partners by learning how they can help you through the products and services they provide.
Have you met our Corporate Partners? We welcome you to our next Networking Social on Friday, February 2, 8:30-10:00 AM. Interested in becoming a CHA Corporate Partner? Please contact Nina Stultz, Executive Director of Business Affairs at (952) 949-9014 ext. 103 or nina@chapel-hill.org
ATA Chanhassen Family Martial Arts | Veil & Wild Orthodontics Prairie School of Dance | Yellow Parachute Learning Partners | Seedlings Gift & Books
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admissions corner Junior Kindergarten & Kindergarten Preview Day 2019 From four to fourteen and everything in between‌.. As early as four years old, students begin their learning journey at Chapel Hill Academy. Most importantly, they begin a lifetime journey of knowing who Jesus is and how much He loves them. When you walk through the doors of Chapel Hill Academy, the first thing you will notice is engaged teachers and staff, happy kids, and the contagious sound of little giggles. These precious sights and sounds begin in our Junior Kindergarten program (fondly referred to as Jr. K). COME and LEARN and GROW with us at the Junior Kindergarten & Kindergarten Preview Day, Friday, February 8, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM. COME and take that first step to find out more about our character development instruction, strong parent community, and discipleship model community.
LEARN more about why our Jr. K enrollment has doubled in the past year and what additional program benefits will be added in the 2019-2020 school year! GROW together as a family surrounded by a loving, supportive, and prayerful community. This is why we are called, "a family of families."
REGISTER TODAY Junior Kindergarten: www.chapel-hill.org/jrk Kindergarten: www.chapel-hill.org/k Passion for Christ. Education for Life. Winter | 23
306 West 78th Street | Chanhassen, MN | 55317
CHAPEL-HILL.ORG
