1. education
2. school

June 2013
HIGHLAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
How to Be:
....Becoming who He wants us to BE
from
the
cover
Praying
for Treasures
After all the students have gone home for the summer, I reflect on the year.
Painfully aware of human weakness, I usually begin by cataloguing all the
events, work, grades, struggles, and triumphs of the past year. But then in
Grace, God leads me to consider things from a much higher vantage point:
the heights of heaven, where our treasures are stored. As each of you meets
what the Lord may bring to you this summer, I hope you will join me in
praying for the ‘children of promise’ at Highland Christian School.
A Prayer for Treasures
Almighty God, turn their hearts toward You.
According as You promise...
...give them the faith of Abraham to go without knowing where,
why or how long.
...give them the courage of Deborah to speak Truth when leaders are
wrongly silent.
HCS MISSION STATEMENT
In order to honor God,
we nurture and guide students
to see the Father’s creation
to sense order in a world saved by Christ
to serve God through the leading
of the Holy Spirit
...give them the surrender of Isaac to lay still on the altar of sacrifice.
...give them the devotion of Hannah to persevere in prayer to claim
their heritage.
...give them the vulnerability of David to embrace the pain of their
own sin; yet trusting in God’s salvation.
...give them the spiritual insight of Huldah, so they are sought out
for a word of Truth.
CONTACT US
3040 Ridge Road, Highland, Indiana 46322
219-838-0356
www.highlandchristian.org
PRINCIPAL
Ms. Deborah Benson
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
Jody Moes
DIRECTOR OF RECRUITMENT
AND DEVELOPMENT
Jodi Lineburg
SCHOOL BELL LAYOUT
Christina Woo
...give them the boldness of Elijah to stand before kings and say ‘you
are the trouble’.
...give them the historic force of Jochebed while walking humbly to
accomplish monumental tasks with quiet wisdom.
...give them the sacred sorrow of Jeremiah to lament with passion
while confessing Great is Thy Faithfulness.
Almighty God, let these be the treasures that are pursued by the hearts of each
child of promise at Highland Christian School.
Amen.
Written in love, Deborah Benson
Congratulations
2013 Graduates
John Barth
Tabitha Burrink
Christina Camp
Vanesa Huizenga
Caleb Last
Timothy Hoeksema
Tiffany Ketelaar
Elisha Matiscik
Avrey Riemersma
Malik Strong
Whitney Brummel
Anthony Hart
Jared Jonkman
Carla Lopez
John Peerbolte
Norman Standish
Joshua Boender
Elyse Dunham
Michael Johnson
Katie Lineburg
Neal Pawlowski
Jacob Sokolevski
Raena Bass
Jacob Thompson
Joseph Klapak
Jacob Mulderink
Eric Robinson Jr.
Bo Hofstra
Hannah Kortum
Ethan O’Riley
Eden Schipper
Melanie Van Til
Noah Holderman
Victor Ornelas
Sarah Schoon
Matthew Vargo
DaYna Whitehead
schoolbell
June 2013
3
students in action
Service Day
This year we were blessed by another successful
Service Day. The day started with chapel that
was led by the students of Chapel Committee.
They did a fantastic job and summed up
Service Day as a time to give of themselves to
others who needed them, without worry about
any personal honor or glory. They included
a few humorous, but meaningful, skits that
entertained the younger students while making
a point.
This year we also had junior high projects in
the afternoon instead of in the morning. This
gave the students an opportunity to focus on
school work before using the afternoon for
service. We were able to give service to many
places in and around the Highland area. Our
kindergarten and 1st grade students entertained
many older people who were students at HCS
in their youth, by singing at Providence Life
Services. Bethshan and Elim benefitted from
the students who went there to help with the
Annual Fund Drive and making SEED packages
at Elim. Bibles for Missions, e.t.c…, and Hearts
in Motion are thrift stores that looked cleaner
because of our students. The students also
cleaned fire trucks at the Highland Fire Station,
and a few police cars came in to be cleaned, as
well. Beacon Light Church, the Old Firehouse
and Ross Reformed Church all had yard work
done and were ready for the spring flowers to
bloom. Grade 4 made soup packages for Beacon Light Food Pantry, and our school received a “Certificate of Appreciation” for
“hard work in always remembering Beacon Light Food Pantry.”
Wherever, whenever, service can be done. The students are opening their eyes to all the possibilities available to them for
sharing God’s love in the world. Through physical labor, a card of encouragement, or food prepared with love, God’s people
need us who serve.
4 schoolbell June 2013
students in action
Young Authors’ Festival at Trinity Christian College
Watching illustrations come to life,
sharing stories, laughter and singing,
watching improvisational acting,
and meeting new friends. These were
just some of the highlights from
this year’s Festival. The featured
illustrator was Ben Hatke, author
and illustrator of Zita the Spacegirl
and more. Several Christian schools
in the area sent a group of students
to Trinity to participate in this
special day. At HCS, each child in
grades 1-5 writes and illustrates his/
her own book. Then, two “authors”
with outstanding writing and
illustrating are chosen to attend
from each class. This year’s “young
authors” were Julia La Buda, Anastasia O’Donnell, Claire Sawyer, Jada Shotwell, Caleb Ivie, Mandie Van Kley, Nina Koutz,
Jaedyn Long, Ashley Burgess, Brynn McGuffey, Aubrey Porter, Emma De Boer, Michael Moore, Matthew Pyle, Josiah Mireles,
Emily Feikema, Adam Hartman-Graves, Josh Matiscik, Cassidy Derks, and Carli Strbiak.
High Honor Roll
Fourth Quarter 2012/2013
Fourth Grade Service Day
The fourth graders made
Mexican Bean Soup packets
for Beacon Light Food
Pantry on Service Day.
We learned about assembly
lines in Social Studies and
then we got to be part of
one! We scooped beans,
rice and pasta, measured
spices, or worked at “final
bagging stations”. We were
able to make about 150
soup packets and each soup
packet is a meal for
a family.
Barth, Jack
Blink, Emily
Bultema, Collin
Bultema, Heidi
Knoll, Ben
Kuiper, Sarah
LaBuda, Lindsey
Laninga, Cassey
Last, Hannah
Lineburg, Kate
Mapes, Sarah
Margherio, Macy
Montalvo, Emily
Oostema, Julia
O’Riley, Ethan
O’Riley, Sarah
Peerbolte, Catrien
Peerbolte, John
Riermersma, Aslynn
Rinkema, Morgan
Rudenga, Ryan
Schipper, Eden
Terpstra, Victoria
Van Til, Melanie
Vargo, Matt
Wilcox, Rachel
Witham, Seth
Yonkman, Erin
Honor Roll
Fourth Quarter 2012/2013
Armendariz, Lilly
Bapst, Taylor
Bass, Ronald
Bell, Jessica
Boender, Josh
Camp, Christina
Dunham, Elyse
Dykstra, Katherine
Feikema, Andrew
Fulton, Matthew
Groot, Emily
Hofstra, Bo
Johnson, Ben
Jonkman, Jared
Kikkert-Miller, Jordon
Koutz, Chris
Kroll, Jeff
Laballiere, Lily
Last, Caleb
Lenting, Jacob
Lineburg, Colton
Mulderink, Kyle
Otte, Joshua
Schoon, Sarah
Vander Woude, Noah
Zuidema, Kyle
June 2013
schoolbell 5
students in action
Electrical Safety
Do you know how to stay safe around electricity?
The fourth graders do! As part of a science
unit on electricity, we invited Mr. Ingram from
NIPSCO to share his Safety Village. Using a 10
foot model of a village, he demonstrated what
we should do in certain hazardous situations
involving electricity. The model made zapping
and popping noises to show how electrical
energy can flow from one object to the next. After
the presentation, students made electrical safety
posters to display in the hall.
Fourth Grade “Travels Back in Time”
The fourth graders took a field trip to Buckley Homestead in Lowell,
Indiana. The weather was beautiful as they toured the one-room
schoolhouse, the working farm, and the 1850’s log cabin. A guide told
them all about how life would have been different for children their age
back then. The boys would have had to work hard on their family farms
and the girls would have spent a lot more time helping mom with the
difficult household chores. The fourth graders were a little more thankful
for modern conveniences after this trip!
Lake County Farm Bureau
Visits HCS
The fourth graders learned about farming in Indiana and the products
it trades with the world. Larry and Ruth Willy, farmers from Cedar Lake,
come to schools with a program called Agriculture in the Classroom.
They showed students some of the crops they farm and machinery they
use. Then students made a “Beanie Babie” – a soybean in a bag with water
beads – that they had to keep warm and watch grow.
Reading Rainbow
Every year Grade 2 works their way around the library, reading books from different
genres and categories within the Dewey Decimal System. This is to teach them
how the different books are organized within the library and to introduce them to
different kinds of books. They start with a pink card that has every kind of genre
and Dewey Decimal section and each week choose a book that will fill in one
square on the card. When they fill the pink card, they receive an award and then
a yellow card that only has the Dewey Decimal non-fiction sections on it. When
they fill this card, they receive another award and a blue card. The blue card only
has fiction genres on it and the students need to use their knowledge to determine
what kind of fiction book they are checking out. The students who were able to
fill out all three cards this year were: Elijah Blackmon, Bradleigh Graham, Marley
Huizenga, Noah Keift, Caleb Smith, Jenna Strbiak, Nico Sytsma, Drew Witvoet,
Donny Woo, Addison Bandstra, Mason Benitez, Cameron Evers, Caleb Ivie, Abbie
and Mandie Van Kley. Most students enjoyed discovering new books that they liked
and the achievement when they reached each new stage.
6 schoolbell June 2013
students in action
More Fun at Sonshine Enrichment Center
In May, 5-Day Sonshine students were delighted to have a special visitor.
The visitor was Mrs. Gail Van Kuiken, and to our surprise she turned into
a clown named “Patches”!! Mrs. Van Kuiken explained and displayed the
process she goes through in order to change into Patches. It was great fun
to watch the transformation, and we learned that clowns are real people
and not scary at all!!!! We were even more surprised when we learned that
Patches is Mrs. van Belle’s MOM!!! Amazing!
Also, in May, when the cold weather finally broke, all students enjoyed
playing in our new outdoor sandbox. The weather held for our last weeks
of school and we all had a grand time making castles and roads in the
sand. Our heartfelt thanks for the generous contribution that enabled us
to make this wonderful addition to our outdoor play area. We also want
to thank Mr. Glen De Young for putting the box together and Building and
Grounds for filling it with sand! Yea! We feel like we are at the beach!
Our kindergarten-bound students graduated on May 22. We thank God for leading these students to our program and for
blessing us throughout the 2012-13 school year.
Safety Village
On Tuesday, May 21, the 2nd grade classes traveled to the Safety
Village in nearby Schererville for their field trip. The Safety
Village is made up of streets, buildings, and a house that are
used to teach the students about safety. The classes are taught by
police officers and firefighters.
One part of the trip focused on railroad safety. The students
learned how dangerous trains can be and how to safely cross
tracks. They were able to practice the skills they learned outside
and even got to walk through a 100 year old caboose!
Another part of the trip focused on bike, bus, and pedestrian
safety. The students learned how to safely cross streets and
practiced on the streets of the Safety Village.
The final part of the trip was about fire safety. The children
learned about fire hazards in the home and how to get out of a
burning house safely. We all were able to practice feeling a door
to see if it was hot, escaping through a window, and meeting at
the safe meeting spot outside. The highlight of the safety house
was when the upstairs was filled with “smoke” and we all had
to crawl down the stairs and out of the house. It really gave the
students a good feel for what a real fire might be like. There was
even a firefighter in his full gear at the bottom of the stairs!
The new Social Studies curriculum adopted this year teaches the
students about community and services that communities provide,
such as picking up garbage, providing fire protection and police
protection. The trip to the Safety Village engaged the students in
practicing community and personal safety, as well as giving them a
chance to interact with firefighters and police officers.
Afterward, the classes traveled to Wicker Park for lunch and play
time on the equipment. It was a great day of learning!
June 2013
schoolbell 7
students in action
Jr. High
Newspaper
By Melanie Van Til
Newspaper class was a new elective this year
for junior high students and many were eager
to enroll. Over the past school year, students
published seven editions of The Paw, and kids
really enjoyed reading them.
The school newspaper class consisted of fourteen students,
and the teacher was Mrs. Scheeringa. The students in the class
were: Raena Bass, Melanie Van Til, Hannah Kortum, Tiffany
Ketelaar, Eden Schipper, Elyse Dunham, Bo Hofstra, Ethan
O’Riley, Jared Jonkman, Neal Pawlowski, Noah Holderman,
Matthew Vargo, Ben Johnson, and Caleb Last. Each student
received an assignment about once every other week; these
assignments helped them improve their newspaper writing
and interviewing skills.
their own perspective. Some topics were tough to write about
because they were controversial.
There were certain people assigned to each newspaper section
to develop that news. The school news section covered what
went on in school, such as auctions, chapels, family fun
nights, and much more. The nation-wide section covered
events that happened in the entire country and sometimes
in other continents. Students used other newspapers, blogs,
interviews, and magazines as sources and then wrote it from
Students also had the chance to go on a field trip outside
of school and have a guest speaker. The class headed to The
Times main building in Munster to see how a newspaper is
produced. Guest speaker, Mr. Koutz, visited the classroom
and talked about photography.
The sports section covered both school and national teams.
Students interviewed players or read articles to learn more
about the teams. The entertainment section provided a variety
of articles in the paper. Crossword puzzles, word searches,
riddles, and mystery people were some of the fun things that
were created. It may have been the most popular section in
the paper because almost anyone enjoyed these games.
When asked, fellow newspaper students, Raena Bass and Ben
Johnson, said that they learned from their mistakes and that
the class greatly improved their writing skills. In a nutshell,
it was more than just an easy A class. The newspaper period
was as hard as other classes, but students still had lots of fun
participating in it and learning new writing techniques.
Bottle Biographies
Take an empty water bottle, a styrofoam ball, some extra craft supplies, a little
creativity and what do you have? A Bottle Biography! The fourth graders were
studying famous Hoosier inventors and entrepreneurs. Their assignment was to
research their famous Hoosier, write a report, and create a Bottle Biography likeness
of their Hoosier. Madame C.J. Walker (hair and skin products), Charles G. Conn
(band instruments), and Wilbur Wright (airplanes) were among some of the most
popular choices. Students even included props to go with their Hoosier. After the
Bottle Biographies were presented to the class, they were on display in the library for
all to see.
8 schoolbell June 2013
students in action
2003 HCS Alumni, Erika Huizenga
On June 5, Erika Huizenga gave the 5th graders a cultural lesson on Nigeria. Erika
spent the 2012-2013 school year teaching 5th graders at Hillcrest Christian School in
Jos, Nigeria. Using her mom, Mrs. Vicki Huizenga, as a model, Erika explained the
traditional dress of the Igbo Tribe. A power-point presentation helped students get a
glimpse of culture: greetings, dress, food, dance, and religion in one African country.
The HCS 5th graders spent their
final school day at the Museum
of Science and Industry. Many of
the science concepts taught during
the year were brought to life at the
museum.
Highlights of the field trip included:
sitting on a John Deere tractor,
walking around a U-505 submarine,
challenging friends in mind games,
and participating in a live science
demonstration.
Um…Why Are the Halls Lined with Tubing?
You may have been asking just that! Turns out the 5th graders were the culprit. They
were the ones who taped plastic tubing to the walls leading to the gym. They taped
it up, then stood back waiting to launch BB rollercoasters! Investigation led us to
the discovery that PRIOR to the rollercoaster demos, the
students had learned about potential and kinetic energy.
With this knowledge, the 5th graders were challenged to
build the fastest rollercoaster with two hills and one loop.
Rollercoasters were modified and the final designs were
tested. And the winner was? All our amazing students
who actively learned about energy!
Goal Met!
On June 3, 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders celebrated reading at West Beach. Students, who met their reading goals each quarter,
built sand castles, skipped stones, dug holes, played baseball, and hiked the dunes. The AR Program challenges students to
read and develops improved reading comprehension. Way to go, readers!
June 2013
schoolbell 9
students in action
K-5 Spring Program
This year, the students performed songs with a patriotic theme for the
Spring Music Program. Some of the songs taught them about the history
of our country. Other songs helped them memorize all fifty states.
The children enjoyed discussing some of the soldiers they know and
understanding the sacrifices they have made for us.
School House
Rock Live! Jr.
Congratulations on a job well done!
Volunteering at
Cast: Tammy-Hannah Last
Georgia-Avrey Riemersma
Dori-Macy Margherio
Schulie-Tori Ruffolo
Joe-Sarah O’Riley
Dean-Caleb Last
Interplanet Janet-Lindsey LaBuda
Mr. Circulation-Andrew Feikema
etc... a resale marketplace
By Barb Zandstra
Monday can be a very interesting day at etc. I like to go at least an hour before opening at 10 a.m., that way I can search for
any bargains waiting to be found. Usually there is some straightening up to do…often there is a stray shoe, item of clothing
or purse hiding somewhere that does not belong. Often clothes are not on the correct rack…I guess a customer changes their
mind and just hangs an item wherever they happen to be! Oh well, that keeps volunteers like me busy.
Did you know that on Mondays, people can buy display items from the windows and any of the displays in the store? I once
saw a lady set up a lawn chair outside the front door in the freezing cold at least an hour before opening to be sure she got
something she wanted from a window display. People are funny, and at etc, we try to treat each one just like we would like
to be treated. Actually, last week, when we did our devotion/prayer time, an article was read about smiling…a smile is the
badge of a Christian. It is our silent way of telling everyone that Christ is in control. When we greet customers at etc with a
smile, we are telling them that we are glad they are there. Often people ask what cause etc benefits…it is so neat to tell them
it is for Christian education at Highland Christian School. Then I can say that is where my children attended school and so
will my grandchildren!
Anyway, back to Mondays. Those of us who work on
Monday feel like a family. We pray together, cry together,
laugh together and always share coffee and goodies! I
never in my wildest imagination, thought volunteering
at etc would be so much fun and that I would get to
know so many new and wonderful friends!
10 schoolbell June 2013
We’ve hired a new manager!
etc... a resale marketplace is happy to have Kurt
Neumaier on Board. Kurt hales to us from Goodwill and
brings a great wealth of knowledge and a keen eye for
antiques to our very own etc... a resale marketplace!
sports
Cheerleading
6th Grade Boys Basketball
The 6th grade boys’ basketball team had a fantastic season. The team
was an even mix of boys with lots of basketball experience and those
with very little. Everyone learned and improved a lot, and as a coach,
this was great to see over the course of the season. The boys won
the majority of their games and capped off the season by winning
the tournament here at Highland Christian. Way to go, boys! Team
members were: Isaac Sytsma, Kyle Mulderink, Taran Jeffery, Dylan
VanderWoude, Jordan Costello, Ronald Bass, Connor Robertson, Riley
Schutt, Chris Koutz, Josh Otte, Josh Parodi and Isaiah King. The team
was coached by Derek Van Dyke.
The cheerleading team had another great season,
cheering for the 8th grade basketball teams.
Even though this year’s team was small, the
girls worked hard to create cheers and routines,
performed them very well, and always got the
crowd excited. Nice job, girls! Team members
were: Ellie Matiscik, Christina Camp, Raena Bass
and Danielle Porter. The team was coached by
Carisa Beezhold.
7th Grade
Girls Basketball
6th Grade Girls Basketball
The 6th grade girls’ basketball team had a great season. The team
was very close and worked very hard to get better each day. They won
most of their games and took 2nd place at the tournament at Lansing.
Congratulations, girls! Team members were: Katie Dykstra, Aslynn
Riemersma, Lilly Armendariz, Lindsey Labuda, Heidi Bultema, Julia
Oostema, Morgan Rinkema, Emma Groot, Marissa Lopez and Cate
Peerbolte. The team was coached by Mallory Horvat and assisted by
Emily Horvat.
The 7th grade girls’ basketball team had another
good season this year. The girls practiced hard,
played hard and really grew close as a team. They
played in many close games and had exciting wins
over Calvary Academy and Crown Point during
the season. The girls capped off their season with
a 4th place finish at the tournament in DeMotte.
Awesome job, girls! Team members were: Nascha Hladek, Emily Blink, Cassie Laninga, Sarah
Kuiper, Rachel Wilcox, Tori Terpstra, Marissa
Montalvo, Emily Montalvo and Kenna Crowel.
The team was coached by Jori Leeson and assisted
by Mary Mitchell.
June 2013
schoolbell 11
sports
7th Grade Boys
Basketball
Seventh grade boys’ Husky basketball was packed with
excitement and tough competition for the 2012-2013 season.
With a great deal of parity in the league, almost every game
was closely contested. The Huskies’ determination, hard work
and hustle led to the team compiling an overall record of 9
wins and 4 losses, earning a trip to the 7th grade tournament
championship game against Calvary Academy in DeMotte.
The Huskies came up short in that game but enjoyed a very
spirited, hard fought battle. The boys look forward to getting
bigger, quicker and stronger in the off season to get ready for
another competitive season in eighth grade.
Thank you to the parents, teachers and Athletic Director
for their support of this awesome team. Thank you also
to Nathan Rarick for his energy and expertise in helping
coach this terrific group of boys. This year’s 7th grade team
consisted of:
Desmond Bailey - strong rebounder
Jaylin Brantley - multi-faceted scorer
Ben Johnson - scrappy defender
Raijai King - steals leader
Carlos Lopez - quick defender and scorer
Jayshawn Rogers - plays very big for size
Ryan Rudenga - smart defender, high basketball IQ
Maurice Sullivan - strong inside presence
Tyler Torres - tough, hard-nosed player
Noah VanderWoude - excellent free throw shooter
Kyle Zuidema - skilled ball handler and distributor
- Coach Zuidema
8th Grade
Boys Volleyball
The 8th grade boys’ volleyball team was very successful
this year. They went undefeated during the regular season,
but were disappointed by finishing 5th at the Crown
Point Tournament. The boys used that disappointment as
motivation and took first place at the Illiana Tournament
to end their season. Congratulations, boys! Team members
were: Jacob Thompson, Michael Johnson, Ethan O’Riley, JAK
Klapak, Bo Hofstra, Matt Vargo, Jacob Mulderink,
JP Peerbolte, Josh Boender, Neal Pawlowski, Jared Jonkman
and Eric Robinson. The team was coached by Karl and
Sarah Bultema.
7th Grade Boys Volleyball
This year the 7th grade boys had an opportunity to participate in
organized volleyball for the first time. The season began at the
beginning of March with a match against DeMotte Christian.
The next event was a tournament at Crown Point Christian. This
tournament involved six teams – HCS came in 5th place. The
team had two weeks to prepare for the next tournament at Illiana
Christian. During those two weeks the team played Lansing,
Demotte, and Calvin Christian. They improved individually and
as a group. HCS came in third place at the Illiana Tournament.
The players were: Jaylin Brantley, Desmond Bailey, Jake Lenting,
Jeff Kroll, Kyle Zuidema, Kyle Reynhout, Ryan Rudenga, Tylor
Torres, Ben Johnson, Carlos Lopez, Noah Vander Woude and
Andrew Feikema. The team was coached by Clara Krygsheld and
Sara Timmer.
12 schoolbell June 2013
sports
Track and Field
The track and field team competed very well this year. The team persevered through many missed practices and meets due
to rainy and cold weather. Despite all this missed time, the team put in the work to be successful, and it showed during
competition. Our girls’ team was very small this year with only 10 full time members, but despite this, they took many
individual medals and took 5th place as a team at the League Relay Meet. Vanesa Huizenga and Emily Blink took 4th and 5th
respectively at the Octathlon here at HCS. Our boys’ team was much larger and had 23 full time members. They took many
more individual medals than in past years and took 3rd place at the League Relay Meet. JAK Klapak took 3rd in the Octathlon
at HCS and the boys capped off the year by taking 4th at the League Championship Meet. Great work, everybody! Team
members were: Cate Peerbolte, Marissa Lopez, Emma Groot, Morgan Rinkema, Emily Blink, Tiffany Ketelaar, Eden Schipper,
Carla Lopez, Ellie Matiscik, Vanesa Huizenga, Raena Bass, Jacob Thompson, JP Peerbolte, JAK Klapak, Jacob Mulderink, Raijai
King, Josh Boender, Ethan O’Riley, Kyle Zuidema, Tylor Torres, Isaac Sytsma, Josh Parodi, Sam Delahunty, Jake Lenting, Nick
Huizenga, Ben Knoll, Jeff Kroll, Kyle Reynhout, Anthony Hart, Malik Strong, Chris Koutz, Ryan Rudenga and Ronald Bass. The
team was coached by Rick VanderWoude and Derek Van Dyke.
The coaches would also like to recognize Ed Pawlowski for his
work with our shot put and discus throwers.
8th Grade
Girls Basketball
The 8th grade girls had a good season this year. They worked
very hard to improve and it showed on the court in the way
they played. The girls really enjoyed their 8th grade season and
always seemed to have smiles on their faces. We want to wish
them the best as they move on to play in high school next year.
Team members were: Sarah Schoon, Tabitha Burrink, Tiffany
Ketelaar, Elyse Dunham, Avrey Reimersma, Eden Schipper,
Carla Lopez and Vanesa Huizenga. The team was coached by
Zac Hiskes and assisted by Kathi Fulton.
8th Grade Boys Basketball
The 8th grade boys had another successful season
this year. The competition was tougher than last
year and the boys worked hard to improve and
grow as a team. They won their share of games
during the regular season and took 5th place at
the Illiana Tournament. We also want to wish
them the best as they move on to play in high
school next year. Team members were: JAK Klapak,
JP Peerbolte, Jacob Mulderink, Jared Jonkman,
Bo Hofstra, Josh Boender, Malik Strong, Jacob
Thompson, Michael Johnson and Eric Robinson.
The team was coached by Joe Jonkman and
assisted by Jeff Thompson.
June 2013
schoolbell 13
friends in action
UPDATES Joy in the Journey
From the
Foundation
Newly appointed HCS Foundation Board
Members are:
Paul Armendariz
Dwayne Evenhouse
Roger Harasty
Dave Ravesloot
A hearty “thanks” to outgoing Foundation
Board Member for his committed service:
Don Zuidema
New S.P.I.C.E. Board Members:
Gary Meter
Patricia Scheeringa
The Foundation Gift for School Year 2012-13
was $108,315 and each student received a
tuition credit of approximately $321. We
appreciate the Annual Foundation Appeal
Contributions, Estate Gifts, Gifts in Honor
& Memory, and contributions we received
through the Legacy Prayer Patio Paver
program. Your gifts to the Foundation add
strength and stability to the School’s bottom
line while bearing confident testimony to the
goodness of God. Thank you!
From the
Society Meeting
These gentlemen were elected to serve on our
School Board for the coming 3 years:
Jerry Kuiper
Craig Menninga
Frank VanTil
If you know them, please express your hearty
“thanks” to our outgoing School Board
Members for their personal commitment and
the hundreds of hours they have invested in
our school!
Joe Sitter
Russ Rudenga
PJ Wiltjer
The 2013-14 Approved Budget is $2,536,110
based on a projected enrollment of 336 full
time students.
14 schoolbell June 2013
interact connect grow...how to be
By Janet Laballiere
I graduated from Roseland Christian School in Chicago and always
dreamed of sending any child I might have to a Christian school.
It was not because the children (including me) were any nicer than
in public school or that the atmosphere was heaven like. Sin is sin
and even in a place where Jesus is reverenced, not everyone is saved,
not everyone is serious and those who are still sin. No, I wanted to
send my child to Christian school because when I accepted Christ
in 1985, I was already well trained in the word of God. When the
Holy Spirit convicted me and opened my heart to Jesus Christ, I had
a solid foundation in His word. I also had many fine examples of
people who loved the Lord to draw on...a cloud of witnesses who
spend their lives try to help me know Jesus.
I am thrilled that my daughter is hiding the word of God in her
heart because that’s where the Spirit dwells and where the true fight
for human lives is. Satan fights for the mind, the heart and the will
of man. Hiding Jesus’ word there is our defense and our reminder
of who we serve. I am also thrilled that my daughter studies the
Bible and is learning how God’s word can be a part of her daily
experience. It is not just a book of moral stories. It is the living word
of God that separates bone from marrow every day of our lives and
gives clarity to the darkness in which we struggle. I am thankful that
there are examples of joyous, committed spirits around her and that
she is challenged day by day to trust God more.
My child is at HCS because Jesus put her there to meet him, know
him and prepare for his service. She receives a solid education so
that she can compete in the world and a bible education so that she
can serve. That is why my child is at Highland Christian School.
ALUMNI HUSKYPACK
Having once roamed
the halls of Highland Christian School, you now form “the Pack”
that influences the next generation for Christ. Where are you making a mark? We want to hear you howl! Pin your course of study,
professions, family pictures and causes on the HUSKYPACK pin
board at http://pinterest.com/hcshuskypack/boards.
Volunteerism Adding it All Up!
I tried to count it up the other day. After several attempts I crumpled
up my paper and humbly said “Thank you, God for the amazing
folks who make a difference at HCS.”It is amazing how many hours
are invested in our school each year! So if you pulled weeds or
painted walls…chaperoned field trips or sat in classrooms while
our teachers enjoyed a time of fellowship…if you stuffed T.R.I.P.
orders, cut labels, packaged Market Day orders…sold candy, worked
Auction…stuffed mailings, converted data….planned banquets,
hustled athletes to games, created posts on facebook, took pictures,
wrote articles, sorted clothes at etc…or...(the list is endless!)
THANK YOU!
friends in action
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
August 12-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beginning Band Camp
August 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Registration Day
August 19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . School Improvement Full Day
August 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HCS Teacher Inservice
August 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .First Day of School – 1:45 Dismissal
August 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Convocation in the gym – 8:45 a.m.
August 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All School Picnic
August 26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Illiana Inservice – No School
August 27,28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SEC Get Acquainted Nights
August 29 - Sept. 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cookie Dough Sale
Sept. 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ETC Labor Day Sale
Sept. 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Labor Day - No School
Sept. 3,4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SEC First Days
Sept. 9-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kringle Sale
Sept. 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dairy Queen Night
Sept. 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HCS Picture Day
Sept. 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SEC Picture Day
Sept. 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . School Improvement – No School
Sept. 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . See You at the Pole
Oct. 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Husky Hustle
Oct. 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ETC Tailgate Party
October 14-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Audrey’s Cake Roll Sale
Oct. 18 . . . . . . .Grandparents’ Day & Book Fair, 12:00 Dismissal
Oct. 18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No School for SEC
Oct. 24,25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CEA Convention-No School
Oct. 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . End 1st Qtr.
Nov TBD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Community Event (Soup Supper)
Nov. 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1st Quarter Grades Posted
Nov. 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Conferences - 12:00 Dismissal
Nov. 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Teacher Work Day - No School
Nov. 11-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . National Recycling Week
Nov. 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Culver’s Night
Nov. 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No School for SEC
Nov. 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HCS 1:45 Dismissal
Nov. 28,29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Thanksgiving Vacation - No School
Dec. TBA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Banket Fundraiser
Dec. 2-4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Strack & VanTil Days
Dec. 19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christmas Concert - 6:30 p.m.
Beginning Band and Junior High Band/Choir
Dec. 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No School for SEC
Dec. 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HCS 1:45 Dismissal
Dec. 21 - Jan. 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christmas Vacation
2013/2014 HIGHLAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL WISH LIST
DONATIONS & FUNDS DISBURSEMENT When you grant
a wish, simply specify the program area or item that the donation
should be applied towards. Sometimes we are able to purchase
items at a discount or for other reasons, an item is less costly than
expected. If there is a surplus of $25 on any one donation, we will
contact you for directions regarding the reapplication of your gift.
HIGH PRIORITY WISHES
Administrative
Additional emergency radios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $250 each
(2) Carlisle Cateraide 5-gallon beverage server. . . . . . . . . . $135 each
Hot Lunch Program
Laptop with wireless internet access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $850 each
Technology
(2) Wireless choir microphones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $300 each
(5) TV’s for classrooms with hanging apparatus . . . . . . . .$1,000 each
(1) Wi-Fi connector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $375 each
(1) Flat screen TV with cart (preschool) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,000 each
(1) DVD to Digital/Apple TV Converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N/A
(12) Ipad/ Apple TV combo for classrooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . $550 /set
First Grade
(40) Student Scrapbook Picture Journals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5 each
Enrichment activities for special classroom units . . . . . . . . . $50 each
Enrichment games for Math/Creativity Center . . . . . . . . . . $100 each
Fifth Grade
(40) Student Scrapbook Picture Journals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5 each
Enrichment activities for special classroom units . . . . . . . . . . . .$50
Enrichment games for reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100
(20) Merriam-Webster’s Desk Dictionary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12 each
Fourth Grade – Mrs. Jabaay
(25) NIV Adventure Bibles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $19 each
Junior High – Mr. Brink
Bible DVDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $185 each
Junior High – Mrs. Timmer
Creation Museum DVDs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$69.99 each
Scantron Machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $400 each
Library
(55) America the Beautiful State Books. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $38 each
BUILDING & GROUNDS WISHES
Many of the items listed here are for projects we complete during
summer seasons. While we do budget for many of these projects,
contributions made to offset these improvements allow us to make
better upgrades and open the possibility for additional projects.
Thank you for considering; and for partnering with us as we strive to
make Highland Christian School's facility the best it can be.
Roof Project
Tar paper and ice and water shield. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,750 each
101 Squares of 30-year architectural shingles . . . . . .$128 per sq each
Parking Lot Project
Seal all cracks with hot rubber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$2,977 each
Landscape Project
170 yards of playground mulch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $21 per yard
25 yards of landscape mulch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25 per yard
Shrubs, plants and brick ribbon to landscape
the "U" grass area facing the playground . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,200
Transportation
5 GPS’s for buses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $125 each
June 2013
schoolbell 15
A Special Invitation
for You
The Boards of Highland Christian School, P.T.O.,
and the HCS Foundation invite you for an
evening of good ol’ fashion family fun at the
2013
BACK TO SCHOOL
PICNIC
Saturday
August 24, 2013
4:30 to 7:00 pm
$1 Hamburgers
$1 Hot Dogs
$1 Beverages
... the rest is on the house!!
So bring your lawn chairs and come rain or shine;
we’re gearing up for a great time!
Enjoy an end of summer sizzling grill,
lots of laughter, and all kinds of family fun:
live music, bouncy houses, face painting,
photo booth, balloon art and much, much more!
Highland Christian School
3040 Ridge Rd., Highland
Newsletter Sign-up
The latest news at your convenience.
Are you interested in the community at Highland
Christian School? Consider signing up for a HCS
Newsletter! Let us bring our news to you.
BETTER YET Choose the news that interests you:
s HCS Events & News
s Parent Note
s PTO News
s HCS Auction News
s HCS Foundation News
s ETC… News
s Special Invitations to V.I.P. Events
Subscribe With Confidence. AWeber’s
PermissionPledge ™ Protects Your Privacy
and Inbox.
To sign up for email news:
1. Go to www.highlandchristian.org
2. On our home page, click on “Newsletters”
3. Complete & submit the form
Once you have submitted the request form, an
automatic reply will be delivered to your
inbox. You must open and respond to this
email to confirm your request and activate your
subscription to HCS news.
For more information, call 219.838.0356
2013-14 Boards of Directors
“Train up a child in the way he should go and
when he is old, he will not depart from it.
- Proverbs 22:6
SCHOOL BOARD
Tim Abbring
Jill Johnson
Jerry Kuiper
Craig Menninga
Larry Otte
Ed Saxsma
John Stammis
Frank Van Til
Chris Yonkman
Jo Zandstra
FOUNDATION BOARD
Paul Armendariz
Dwayne Evenhouse
Jill Feikema
Tricia Groot
Roger Harasty
Tim Huizenga
Darla Kinkade
Dave Ravesloot
Frank Van Til
Roger Yonkman