“Benchmark” Results Are Encouraging

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
FINE ARTS
CALENDAR
November 18-19
THE
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 8
Palos Heights, IL
Southwest Chicago Christian School Association
12001 S. Oak Park Avenue
Palos Heights, IL 60463
Tel: 708.388.7656 • Fax: 708.388.0452
Website: www.swchristian.org
CCHS Fall Play
“Rehearsal for Murder”
7:30 p.m.
CCHS Auditorium
December 4
CCHS Lessons & Carols
THE
(Continued on Page 2)
VOICE
VOICE
3 p.m.
Ozinga Chapel, TCC
“Benchmark” Results Are Encouraging
By Robert Payne
Superintendent
A Christ-Centered Learning Community
Intent on Restoring God’s World
The Voice:
The Voice is published throughout the year for families,
alumni, and friends of the Southwest Chicago Christian
School Association. Please contact the SCCSA office to
report a change of address or to request a free subscription of the newsletter.
SCCSA Statement of Purpose:
SCCSA provides a high quality K-12 education program in the
Reformed tradition which emphasizes the lordship of Jesus Christ
over all life. It prepares students spiritually, socially, academically,
and physically to serve society effectively and to glorify God by
honoring Him in all aspects of life.
FALL 2011
Southwest Christian – Oak Lawn PK-8
101st & Central, Oak Lawn
708/636-8550
Southwest Christian – Tinley Park K-8
17171 South 84th Avenue, Tinley Park
708/429-7171
Chicago Christian High School
12001 S. Oak Park Avenue, Palos Heights
708/388-7650
Southwest Chicago Christian School Association
12001 S. Oak Park Avenue, Palos Heights
708/388-7656
Ever since adopting A
Christ-centered learning community intent on restoring
God's world as our Vision
Statement, SCCS has maintained this focus by giving
attention to two over-riding
goals: achievement and
discipleship.
When meeting with parents, it becomes clear that their
partnership with us is based on the opportunities their children
will have during some of the most important years of their
lives. Make no mistake: we know our place – we are in the
business of preparing students - elementary and middle school
prepares students for high school, high school prepares
students for college (90%), work (7%), and the military 3%).
However, the numbers given are averages and will vary from
year to year. In the spring, you will read of the experiences our
students have for discipleship. However, in this issue, achievement results are shared.
It is exciting to report that though our percentage of students
meeting all four benchmarks slipped a bit this year, there are
still 40% of our students meeting the "benchmarks" for college
readiness in all four areas: English, Math, Reading, and
Science. A "benchmark" is the score at which a freshman
student has a 50% chance of getting a B or better in a college
freshman class. To put that in context – in the state of Illinois,
23% meet all four benchmarks; and our score of 40% puts us
well ahead of all public schools in our area.
The individual scores for Reading, Math, and English are
significantly above the 40%, but freshman Science classes have
the highest benchmark and are, therefore, the hardest to reach.
While you will read much from both sides of the debate about
the role of testing in schools, we value these scores because
they tell us our students are prepared. Additionally, how
satisfying it was to meet recent graduates at the homecoming
football game and hear from them how well their teachers
prepared them for college work.
While the ACT measures college readiness, very important
to us are the results of the Explore test that our 8th Grade
students take – measuring their preparation for high school
work. We are equally pleased with the scores, going from an
average of 22.5% meeting benchmarks in 2007 to an average
of 40% meeting all benchmarks in 2011. Again, these scores
matter because they get to the core of our purpose – preparing
students for their next steps in life
Another indicator of the preparation level of our students is
the number of Advanced Placement classes and exams taken
by CCHS students. One of the benefits of a K-12 system is the
preparation our 8th Graders receive from their teachers for
Honors and Advanced Placement work. In 2006 our students
took a total of 54 AP Exams; in 2011, they took 147 tests!
With all of this emphasis on preparation for college, one
might well ask if CCHS is the place for students who choose
not to go to college. The answer is a resounding yes; and the
good news is that the education they need to be successful in
the work place is the same education that is needed to be
successful in college. The abilities to think critically and work
collaboratively are the very skills that business leaders are
asking schools to teach.
Finally, though we at SCCS are not responsible for the
choices students make, we are responsible for the choices that
they have. Here is a list of some of the colleges to which the
Class of 2011 gained acceptance: American Academy of Art,
Bradley, Calvin, Concordia, DePaul, Dordt, Eastern Illinois,
Hawaii Pacific, Hope, Illinois State, Iowa State, Loyola,
Millikin, Northwestern, Olivet Nazarene, Purdue, San Diego
State, Seattle Pacific, St Xavier, Trinity Christian, University
of Chicago, University of Illinois, University of Nebraska,
Valparaiso, Wartburg, and more.
FALL 2011
FALL 2011
Page 2
WHAT’S INSIDE
2011 “DUTCH TRE
2011
TR
TREATS”
E ATS” HOL
HO
HOLIDAY
L I DAY SAL
SA
SALE
LE
Mission Advancement Page 3
By Bert Kamp
SCCS Board President
On Saturday morning, September 24, the SCCS Board members, Governance committee members, and SCCS administrators met together at our
annual Board retreat at Trinity Christian College. This provided an opportunity for us to set aside our monthly agendas and spend time focused on
strategic planning. Our goal was to emerge with some ideas for strategic
initiatives as we look to the future of SCCS. Mark Ward, former SCCS
Board member now living in Dubuque, Iowa, facilitated our discussion.
We began by looking at the positive and negative aspects of the context
we find ourselves operating within today. Time was then spent identifying
the key issues SCCS faces as we move forward. Ideas for possible
strategic initiatives that emerged from these discussions included:
1. Who are we, and where are we called to serve? How big is our
geographic area, and how do we best reach those families on the fringes?
2. How can we better market our product, and are there ways to improve
recruiting?
3. Building stronger relationships with supporting and non-supporting
churches.
4. Keeping pace with technology and its impact on the educational
process.
5. Strengthening ties with our alumni.
Our plan is to send these ideas to the appropriate Board committees for
refinement and action steps leading to a formal strategic plan that we can
follow for years to come.
Oak Lawn News
Page 4
Tinley Park News
Page 6
CCHS News
Page 8
Athletic Notes
Page 9
Alumni Update
Page 10
Support Efforts
Page 11
with full payment enclosed, is to be
returned to school by Tuesday, November 22. Make checks payable to GOODWILL CIRCLE.
Complete the following:
Name: _______________________________________________ Phone:________________________
Address: ________________________________________________City:________________________
• Orders may be picked up the week of November 28 or sent home with a student.
Please check one:_______ Week of November 28
FINE ARTS
The 2010 -2011 fiscal year ended July 31, 2011 with a budget
surplus resulting in a positive ending fund balance of $742,000 for
which we are very thankful. Not only did the staff do an excellent
job controlling expenses throughout the year, but we were also
blessed with a larger-than-expected enrollment, including a number
of second semester transfers resulting in this positive balance.
At last spring’s Association meeting, a balanced budget for the
2011-2012 school year was presented and approved. As 79% of the
general operating budget is from tuition/fees and 80% is from staff
and benefits, every fall an adjusted budget is presented to the Board
-or-
_______ send home with student
Student’s name: ________________________________________ Grade: _______________________
Teacher: ______________________________________________ Campus:
CCHS
OL
Qty.
Droste Cocoa (8.8 oz. box)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Bert Kamp, President
Vince Kuyvenhoven, Vice President
Aron Reppmann, Secretary
Cory Ingelse, Treasurer
LyNae Schleyer, Vicar
Julie Sather
Chuck Campbell
Barb Siegers
Sandy Doot
Craig Gallman
Ken Speelman
Joanne Hellinga
Neil Tanis
Dean Kuiper
Ted VanderWall
Joshua Larsen
$12.00
Mixed Fruit Mentos (box of 15 rolls)
$12.00
Cinnamon Mentos (box of 15 rolls)
$12.00
Strawberry Mentos (box of 15 rolls)
$12.00
$5.00
Advent Calendars (with chocolate candy)
$2.00
King Peppermints (box of 36 rolls)
$25.00
King Peppermints (110 mini rolls)
$23.00
Wilhelmina Peppermints (16oz. bag)
$4.00
Wilhelmina Peppermints (17oz. tin)
$7.50
Wilhelmina Peppermints (6 lbs., 6oz. bulk)
$22.00
Wilhelmina Peppermints (box of 36 rolls)
$28.00
DeRuiter Speculaas Spice Cookies (16oz.)
$3.00
Syrup Waffles (9 oz., 8 pieces)
based on actual enrollment, revenues, and expected expenses.
Enrollment did come in lower than projected; however, expenses
were lower due to lower-than-expected costs for staff benefits, most
noticeably health insurance premiums. At its September meeting,
the Board then approved an adjusted budget with a deficit of $9,928.
Tuition assistance was granted at 100% to all requesting eligible
families for 2011-12; and for the third and final year, a donor
provided additional funds for families whose needs were caused by
unusual circumstances.
We thank God that we continue to be able to offer high quality
Christian education for our children in the southwest Chicagoland
location. We are thankful to all the parents, administrators, and staff
who continue to make many sacrifices to make this happen.
TP
$ Total
$7.50
Peppermint Mentos (box of 15 rolls)
Chocolate Wooden Shoes (16/box)
Expense Control, Enrollment Produce Positive Balance
By Cory Ingelse
SCCS Board Treasurer
SUPPORT
BUSINESS
Annual Board Retreat
Yields New Initiatives
$3.00
Almond Paste (per pound)
$6.50
Almond Paste (7# tub)
$45.00
De Heer Milk Chocolate Letters (2.25 oz.)**
$2.00
TOTAL:
** Please specify desired number of chocolate letters (ALL letters now available!)
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Contact us for any special order items.
Spirit Wear, Toy Drive Up Next For Parent-Teacher League
December 8
February 16
Tinley Park Gr 5-8
Band & Choir
Christmas Concert
Prairie State
Jazz Festival
7 p.m.
all day
December 13
February 18
Oak Lawn Gr 5-8
Band & Choir
Christmas Concert
Bi-Annual CCHS
Jazz Festival
7 p.m., Calvin CRC
2-5 p.m.
March 2-3
CCHS Musical
“You’re a Good Man
Charlie Brown”
CCHS Auditorium
7 p.m. Fri & Sat, 3 p.m. Sat
March 12
Tinley Park Middle
School Choir Festival
Congratulations to the approximately 350 grade school students
who completed the summer reading requirement to earn a ticket to
the annual roller skating party held on September 29 at the Tinley
Park Roller Rink!!! Way to go!!
Fall provides another opportunity to purchase Spirit Wear. Wear
an SCCS t-shirt or sweatshirt with a smile to show our school pride!
Check your children’s backpacks for order forms.
Next, we will be gearing up for our toy drive for Restoration
Ministries the first week of December. Keep a look out for some
preseason sales to donate to those in need.
Page 11
PTL is very active in our schools but that is only possible because
of the dedication of parents who provide help for the dozen of
various programs. However, with enough volunteers, a parent needs
only to focus on one project during the school year. PTL program
directly impacts and benefits your child’s teacher and classroom
experience. Please consider joining us at our next meeting on
Monday, January 9, 7 p.m. at Chicago Christian High School or
contact Adrienne Jelderks in Oak Lawn (708/448-3958 or
[email protected]) or Valerie Lott in Tinley Park (708/7121017 or [email protected]) for more information.
FALL 2011
Page 3
FALL 2011
Take Time Out To Count Our Blessings
electronically controlled message board.
In today’s technology age, second to word of mouth recruitment is
our website, especially given the Gen X generation who is connected
to technology 24/7. Therefore, the website is always “under
As you read the paper, talk to friends and neighbors, and/or listen to the
construction,” adding/revising features, posting “in the news”
news, it becomes apparent that some Christian schools are experiarticles about our students, connecting alumni, informing parents,
encing decreasing enrollment or even closing. SCCS is blessed
and the list goes on.
• to be in a strong financial position (see Financial Summary on
Fundraising or Growing Givers – Fundraising provides many
page 2)
opportunities of participation from buying quality products to
• to have strong enrollment. . . 948 students K-12
sponsoring individual student activities to attending events.
• to have a Board, administration, and staff committed to providHowever, at SCCS you have two opportunities that involve growing
ing a high quality Christian education
more than fundraising.
• and, to have you, the reader whether staff, parents, grandparents,
Many Shoes One Path Annual Fund is an opportunity for supportor friends along with our churches providing strong support in every
ers
of Christian education to grow in their giving and partner with
aspect.
SCCS
Board, staff, and parents for the annual / now expense. Many
Recruitment – In preparation for the new school year, last spring
Shoes One Path by its name portrays that many are needed on the
recruitment activities and processes were reviewed with some past
path of Christian education to provide a Christian education for our
procedures dropped, new additions made, and others refined. Therestudents. Therefore, each fall, SCCS parents, grandparents, and
fore, the usual startup activities are in place along with some
friends are provided the opportunity to include SCCS in his/her
changes:
annual giving plan. Your return on your investment is not a consum• 7th grade visit day rather than 8th grade as high school decisions
able product but much more importantly...a confidence that you are
are made at younger ages
• Addition of “in home” gatherings where parents are eagerly
partnering with the school and church to prepare your children, grandsharing their SCCS positive experiences with neighbors, friends, and
children, or friends to make a difference in God’s world after SCCS.
relatives. It cannot be said often enough that the best recruitment that
SCCS Foundation is an opportunity to grow your giving forever
happens for SCCS is “word of mouth.” Therefore, we are working
by including SCCS in your estate plans. Foundation estate/will/
with families to provide materials and oppormemorial gifts provide the principal; SCCS
receives the earnings of the Foundation to
tunities for them to share about SCCS in their
use for budgeted expenses. Since its
homes, at sporting events, in the parking lots,
inception in 1983, the Foundation has
at church, etc.
received $3,045,000 in donations. However,
• Our website, www.swchristian.org, has
it has produced earnings so that to date
been expanded to include students register$3,470,000 has been gifted to SCCS. In
ing for shadow days on line and will soon
other words, $425,000 more has been gifted
have a “virtual” open house for inquiring
to the school than the principal. Your gift
students/parents to visit.
continues to provide now dollars into perpePublic Relations – On Saturday, October
tuity.
22, Palos Heights had the dedication of their
Obviously, SCCS is the recipient of many
“Treasures of Palos Heights” permanent
of God’s blessings. However, there is always
collaborative mural in the Harlem Avenue
much work to be done; but we also know that
Business District. CCHS art students created
a necessary component of our work is
tiles for the project.
acknowledging the sovereignty of our faithful
The 2010 CCHS alumni project was
God and asking for His guidance in all that we
completed in October. . . a new sign which CCHS art student Todd Schleyer shows off do as we prepare His children to be a part of
provides not only a lit sign but also an tiles created for the Palos Heights mural.
restoring His world.
ALUMNI
2006 Alum Marva (Hofman) Riley (center) performed in “Rehearsal for Murder”.
Eerie Ties Bind This Mystery Revival
The cast watches rehearsal.
big set as a backdrop, the actors need to be vibrant. That’s what I
remember about the show, “ said Mrs. Riley, “the really fantastic
characters and the building suspense of the script.”
The production will run November 18 and 19 at 7:30pm in the
CCHS Auditorium. Tickets can be purchased at the door on
either night. They will be $5 for Adults and $3 for Students and
Seniors. Alumni who may have been a part of either former
production are encouraged to come to the Saturday performance and spend some time reliving their fond memories of the
arts at Chicago Christian High.
March 15
Disney Musical
7 p.m., CCHS Auditorium
March 20
Tinley Park Fine Arts
Page 10
Oak Lawn Choir Concert
May 17
April 26
All School
Choir Concert
Oak Lawn
Elementary Musical
Ozinga Chapel, TCC, 7 p.m.
May 21
7 p.m.
May 15
April 23-27
Tinley Park
Middle School Play
CCHS Fine Arts Week
FALL 2011
April 24
2 pm and 7 pm
All School
Band Concert
Ozinga Chapel, TCC, 7 p.m.
CALENDAR
When Cristin (Boersma) Lenters ’90 and Marva (Hofman) Riley
’06 were trying to find a good murder mystery to produce for the
CCHS fall play, it isn’t surprising they both were drawn to the same
show. These two faculty members and CCHS graduates have a lot in
common:
They both spent a lot of time during high school involved in the
theater department.
They both love being able to share that passion with our current
students.
They both believe it is important to give our students the opportunities to be involved in a variety of shows and genres of theater.
They are both committed to giving audiences the highest quality
production that we can.
So, when looking for a great mystery to perform,” stated Mrs.
Riley, “my heart went back to one of my favorite productions in high
school, Rehearsal for Murder. I had a feeling that Cristin might get
excited about it too, because she was also involved in that production
as well.” Not only did Mrs. Lenters help direct that production in
2004, she played the part of Bella Lamb in the production that Gary
Meyer directed in 1989.
Rehearsal for Murder was created as a television movie in 1982,
and quickly became a popular play for high schools to perform. “I’m
excited that we have decided to keep the show in the decade it was
written,” explained Mrs. Lenters. “It reminds me of the fun we had
with it in high school, and I think the audience will enjoy reliving
some of the trends of the 80s.”
The play is about a playwright who creates a new Broadway show,
where he tries to catch the person he believes is responsible for the
death of his fiancé. “A show that is set in an empty Broadway theater
is a little easier to produce, but it will give our students a great
challenge to create outstanding, memorable characters. Without a
MISSION
By Connie Brott
Director of Mission Advancement
FALL 2011
Page 4
By Kris Jousma
OL 4th-grade Teacher
OAK LAWN
To keep September filled with curiosity
and discovery, special guest speakers are
invited to our classroom. The Cook County
Farm Bureau has always been a welcomed
favorite. Mrs. Ramsey is well practiced in
speaking about the agribusiness of Illinois.
One in four students will be employed in
his/her life with a related agribusiness job.
We learned too about some of the crops of
Illinois including produce that no other state
can match. Illinois is the number one
producer of soybeans and pumpkins. We
produce a lot of corn as well, but it is mostly
feed corn.
Mrs. Ramsey brought samples of the
many products made from soybeans that
ranged from food to crayons. Corn products
demonstrated included packing kernels that
dissolve completely in water and hydrosorb,
a white powder that soaks up large amounts
of water. Hydrosorb is commonly used in
fertilizers and disposable baby diapers. We
have a sample in class that will evaporate to
a small amount of powder again.
Did you know Pumpkin facts:
• Morton, Illinois, is the Pumpkin Capital
Chicago Christian ranks in the top of area schools for athletic success in part to the 2010-11 Women’s Volleyball team (left), who won
the State Championship, and the Competitive Cheer Team (right), who placed second in the state.
High Honors Earned For Athletic Success
CCHS ATHLETICS
Crops Serious Business For Illinois
This article was originally published online:http://triblocal.com/palos-heights/community/galleries/2011/08/chicago-christian-ranks-in-the-top-of-area-schools-for-athletic-success/#/4
By Kevin Broene
Students study samples brought by Mrs. Ramsey, a guest speaker from the Cook
County Farm Bureau.
of the world
Agriculture in the Classroom calendar that
• It takes 110 days for a pumpkin vine to
will be shared each day this year to continue
produce a mature pumpkin
learning about our State. Each month
• Pumpkins have flowers of five petals
features a different Illinois farming product
that are edible.
from horses, pumpkins, wheat, corn, and
more to make learning fun and interesting.
• And, giant pumpkins can grow five
pounds larger in a day.
The Farm Bureau also holds classes for
These facts are all provided by the Illinois teachers which I hope to enjoy as well.
.
Each year the Southtown Star Newspaper ranks the athletic
departments in the south side of Chicago based on how each
of their teams finishes in the conference in their respective
sports, and based on how well they perform during each
team's state playoff run. Eleven of the 15 Chicago Christian
varsity athletic teams achieved championship status this year;
winning either a conference title, a regional title, or sending
individuals to State competitions.
The success of 2010-11 was highlighted by our women's
Volleyball Team winning the Class 2A State Championship,
and our Competitive Cheer Team placing second in the state.
Based on these results, you will see that the Southtown Star
ranks us sixth out of 52 schools in the south Chicagoland area.
Information gleaned from Southtown Star news article on July 22,
2011 titled: “2010-11 Southtown Star Cup Standings”.
“2010-11 Southtown Star Cup Standings”
1. Lemont
2. Sandburg
3. Mount Carmel
4. Oak Forest
5. Crete-Monee
6. Chicago Christian
7. Hillcrest
8. Bloom
9. Homewood-Flossmoor
10. Beecher
11. Mother McAuley
12. St. Rita
13. Providence Catholic
4.283
3.883
3.014
2.830
2.655
2.437
2.412
2.355
2.322
2.320
2.109
2.100
1.752
1.708
14. Richards
1.650
15. Illinois Lutheran
1.645
16. Lincoln-Way East
1.572
17. Thornton
18. Lincoln-Way North 1.479
1.414
19. Lockport
1.4125
20. Reavis
1.408
21. Marist
1.300
22. Andrew
1.192
23. Argo
1.185
24. Shepard
1.025
25. Marian Catholic
* All other Chicago south side high schools are ranked. For full rankings visit the
Athletics page at Chicago Christian's website.
Accomplishments
Reach Well Beyond
Courts and Fields
In addition to the outstanding
team success CCHS enjoyed, the
Knights placed over 20 students, in
multiple seasons, on Academic
All-Conference Teams, and 17
seniors moved on to play college
athletics this fall.
Congratulations to the athletes,
their families, and to Chicago
Christian as a whole. Keep up the
great work, be proud of yourselves,
and be proud of your school. Go
Knights!
‘Apple Buddies’ Learn Tasty Lesson
What is your favorite apple to munch? Honey Crisp was voted “top apple” by our 27 kindergarteners and 25
fourth graders. The two classes joined together as “apple buddies” to explore apples. Together the students
painted apple prints, wrote apple-libs, read apple literature, and sampled nine different varieties of apples.
Observing, recording, and graphing kept everyone very busy!
We delighted in the different taste of each apple. Sweet! Sour! Crunchy! Our God is truly an awesome
Creator! Thank you, God, for apples.
The 2010-11 Baseball Team (left)
won a Regional Championship after
its third-straight 20-win season.
Page 9
FALL 2011
FALL 2011
Page 8
Trio Complete Leadership Certification
CCHS
Grandparents Celebration
Students and their grandparents enjoyed various activities
together Friday, October 21. The annual event brought out
generations, including the 99-year-old great grandmother
(left) of Eryn and Myra Thompson.
Student leaders (from left) Julie Kamp, Josh Seiter and Celaine Haan earned national
certification.
to NASC for a final review and approval.
Celaine Haan, Julie Kamp, and Josh
Seiter were approved and awarded for their
efforts after completing these tasks and the
application process. Using their certification, Julie is Student Council President,
Celaine is Officer-at-large, and Josh is Vice
President.
Welcome Mat Out Again
Our International Student Program has provided us with four new
students this year: three from China and one from Korea. Whereas in
the past, our students have been one year exchange students, we, along
with many other Christian schools, are now welcoming students,
primarily from Asia, who seek an American high school experience to
prepare them for admission to American colleges.
The students stay with our families and not only receive an academic
experience but also a cultural and spiritual experience as well. Since
our vision statement says that we desire to restore God's world, we
view this contact with students from other countries as an opportunity
to extend the influence of SCCS beyond our walls as these students
share their experiences back home.
Eighth-grade students get a real outdoors workout on a climbing wall and
other agility equiptment during Snake Road Adventure.
From costumes to athletics, students find their
inspiration during Spirit Week.
Rehearsal for Murder
Tim Xu (clockwise from top left), Nick Seo, Lucy Zha and Catherine
Xia join the student body.
Seventh-grade students study nature during
field trip.
Wonders Of Nature Come To Classroom
Got The Spirit In Them
November 18 and 19
7:30 pm in the CCHS Auditorium
Adults: $5 and Students & Seniors: $3
Tickets can be purchased at the door
By Adeline Larsen
OL 4th-grade Student
In September, my class (fourth grade) had a guest
speaker from the Little Red School House. Her name
was Ms. Peters. She brought in all sorts of cool
things, like real bird talons, a great horned owl’s
wing, and even a real eastern screech owl that was
extremely cute.
Ms. Peters taught us some interesting things. For
example, did you know that an owl has three eyelids,
even though we only have two? This eyelid is called
a nictitating membrane, and it acts as a windshield
wiper and clears dirt out of the owl’s eyes.
We learned about special things that make owls
good hunters, like the sharp talons, the keen eyesight,
the ability to turn their heads so that it is facing
behind them, and the fringed feathers that make the
owl a silent flier.
I love going to school and learning new things, and
I think that it’s great when I can learn and experience
the wonderful things that God created.
Page 5
OAK LAWN
Three members of Chicago Christian
High School’s Student Council have
successfully completed the National
Association of Student Councils (NASC)
Student Leaders program, each earning
national certification as student leaders.
These students are three of approximately
100 students nationwide to earn the award
during the past year.
The rigorous application process involved
the creation of a portfolio of evidence that
demonstrates excellence in a number of
activities including modules on leadership,
goal setting, team building, decision
making, problem solving, group dynamics,
time management, and personal leadership
philosophy.
In addition, they participated in an assessment meeting with their advisers and principals to verify the completion of the requirements. The portfolios were then forwarded
Fourth graders get a visit from a wise little resident of the Little Red
School House.
FALL 2011
FALL 2011
Page 6
Literacy Means Hitting The Books
By Laura Veenema
TP Middle School Teacher
TINLEY PARK
TINLEY PARK
At SCCS Tinley Park campus, achievement in literacy generates
achievement in all other academic areas as well. When our students
excel at the skill of reading with not only comprehension but also
insight and excitement, they read their subject textbooks differently,
too. When our students excel at the skill of reading, they are able to
greet informational, educational, and recreational texts alike with
confidence. When our students excel at the skill of reading, they
distinguish themselves among other candidates for colleges and jobs
and promotions. Achievement in reading propels students towards
success all across the board.
One way we teachers lead students to excel at reading is through
differentiation of literature texts. In reading class, teachers assess a
student’s reading skill before the lessons even start. Once the
teacher knows the student’s reading level, literature is provided for
that student at the given level. A track coach would never ask a
runner who barely clears a mile to run in the Chicago marathon.
Instead, the runner would be challenged to increase distance,
intensity, and confidence until, one day, he/she is fit to run the
marathon. In the same way, reading teachers meet each student at
his or her skill level and work daily increasing comprehension,
accuracy, and fluency.
To achieve high levels of literacy, students at SCCS learn the skills
of reading. In our Middle School classrooms, students use a
literature anthology to learn and practice reading skills such as selfmonitoring, making inferences, and evaluating text structure. The
students practice those skills with fiction and nonfiction texts,
poems, legends, dramas, and short stories. Teachers then assess each
Grandparents Celebration
student’s ability to use the reading skills by providing a brand new
text to read and comprehend. Teaching literacy to our students,
though, happens not just in our Language Arts classrooms.
Across the curriculum, teachers are teaching literacy. We echo the
words of Vicki Phillips and Carina Wong when they say, “Think of
literacy as a spine; it holds everything together. The branches of
learning connect to it, meaning that all core content teachers have a
responsibility to teach literacy” (Focus 33). As our students learn the
skills of literacy, in Language Arts class as well as in Science or
Social Studies or Bible, they are equipped to read a variety of texts
from an array of disciplines at high levels. Our emphasis on achievement in literacy, therefore, enables students to achieve in all other
academic areas as well.
Students and their grandparents enjoyed various activities and
attended some classes together Thursday, October 20. The annual
event is a favorite of all generations.
Fifth-grade students display their Native American projects
for Social Studies class.
Learning Can Be Bubblicious
Second-grade students enjoy the bubble demonstration
during Science class.
Page 7
FALL 2011
FALL 2011
Page 6
Literacy Means Hitting The Books
By Laura Veenema
TP Middle School Teacher
TINLEY PARK
TINLEY PARK
At SCCS Tinley Park campus, achievement in literacy generates
achievement in all other academic areas as well. When our students
excel at the skill of reading with not only comprehension but also
insight and excitement, they read their subject textbooks differently,
too. When our students excel at the skill of reading, they are able to
greet informational, educational, and recreational texts alike with
confidence. When our students excel at the skill of reading, they
distinguish themselves among other candidates for colleges and jobs
and promotions. Achievement in reading propels students towards
success all across the board.
One way we teachers lead students to excel at reading is through
differentiation of literature texts. In reading class, teachers assess a
student’s reading skill before the lessons even start. Once the
teacher knows the student’s reading level, literature is provided for
that student at the given level. A track coach would never ask a
runner who barely clears a mile to run in the Chicago marathon.
Instead, the runner would be challenged to increase distance,
intensity, and confidence until, one day, he/she is fit to run the
marathon. In the same way, reading teachers meet each student at
his or her skill level and work daily increasing comprehension,
accuracy, and fluency.
To achieve high levels of literacy, students at SCCS learn the skills
of reading. In our Middle School classrooms, students use a
literature anthology to learn and practice reading skills such as selfmonitoring, making inferences, and evaluating text structure. The
students practice those skills with fiction and nonfiction texts,
poems, legends, dramas, and short stories. Teachers then assess each
Grandparents Celebration
student’s ability to use the reading skills by providing a brand new
text to read and comprehend. Teaching literacy to our students,
though, happens not just in our Language Arts classrooms.
Across the curriculum, teachers are teaching literacy. We echo the
words of Vicki Phillips and Carina Wong when they say, “Think of
literacy as a spine; it holds everything together. The branches of
learning connect to it, meaning that all core content teachers have a
responsibility to teach literacy” (Focus 33). As our students learn the
skills of literacy, in Language Arts class as well as in Science or
Social Studies or Bible, they are equipped to read a variety of texts
from an array of disciplines at high levels. Our emphasis on achievement in literacy, therefore, enables students to achieve in all other
academic areas as well.
Students and their grandparents enjoyed various activities and
attended some classes together Thursday, October 20. The annual
event is a favorite of all generations.
Fifth-grade students display their Native American projects
for Social Studies class.
Learning Can Be Bubblicious
Second-grade students enjoy the bubble demonstration
during Science class.
Page 7
FALL 2011
FALL 2011
Page 8
Trio Complete Leadership Certification
CCHS
Grandparents Celebration
Students and their grandparents enjoyed various activities
together Friday, October 21. The annual event brought out
generations, including the 99-year-old great grandmother
(left) of Eryn and Myra Thompson.
Student leaders (from left) Julie Kamp, Josh Seiter and Celaine Haan earned national
certification.
to NASC for a final review and approval.
Celaine Haan, Julie Kamp, and Josh
Seiter were approved and awarded for their
efforts after completing these tasks and the
application process. Using their certification, Julie is Student Council President,
Celaine is Officer-at-large, and Josh is Vice
President.
Welcome Mat Out Again
Our International Student Program has provided us with four new
students this year: three from China and one from Korea. Whereas in
the past, our students have been one year exchange students, we, along
with many other Christian schools, are now welcoming students,
primarily from Asia, who seek an American high school experience to
prepare them for admission to American colleges.
The students stay with our families and not only receive an academic
experience but also a cultural and spiritual experience as well. Since
our vision statement says that we desire to restore God's world, we
view this contact with students from other countries as an opportunity
to extend the influence of SCCS beyond our walls as these students
share their experiences back home.
Eighth-grade students get a real outdoors workout on a climbing wall and
other agility equiptment during Snake Road Adventure.
From costumes to athletics, students find their
inspiration during Spirit Week.
Rehearsal for Murder
Tim Xu (clockwise from top left), Nick Seo, Lucy Zha and Catherine
Xia join the student body.
Seventh-grade students study nature during
field trip.
Wonders Of Nature Come To Classroom
Got The Spirit In Them
November 18 and 19
7:30 pm in the CCHS Auditorium
Adults: $5 and Students & Seniors: $3
Tickets can be purchased at the door
By Adeline Larsen
OL 4th-grade Student
In September, my class (fourth grade) had a guest
speaker from the Little Red School House. Her name
was Ms. Peters. She brought in all sorts of cool
things, like real bird talons, a great horned owl’s
wing, and even a real eastern screech owl that was
extremely cute.
Ms. Peters taught us some interesting things. For
example, did you know that an owl has three eyelids,
even though we only have two? This eyelid is called
a nictitating membrane, and it acts as a windshield
wiper and clears dirt out of the owl’s eyes.
We learned about special things that make owls
good hunters, like the sharp talons, the keen eyesight,
the ability to turn their heads so that it is facing
behind them, and the fringed feathers that make the
owl a silent flier.
I love going to school and learning new things, and
I think that it’s great when I can learn and experience
the wonderful things that God created.
Page 5
OAK LAWN
Three members of Chicago Christian
High School’s Student Council have
successfully completed the National
Association of Student Councils (NASC)
Student Leaders program, each earning
national certification as student leaders.
These students are three of approximately
100 students nationwide to earn the award
during the past year.
The rigorous application process involved
the creation of a portfolio of evidence that
demonstrates excellence in a number of
activities including modules on leadership,
goal setting, team building, decision
making, problem solving, group dynamics,
time management, and personal leadership
philosophy.
In addition, they participated in an assessment meeting with their advisers and principals to verify the completion of the requirements. The portfolios were then forwarded
Fourth graders get a visit from a wise little resident of the Little Red
School House.
FALL 2011
FALL 2011
Page 4
By Kris Jousma
OL 4th-grade Teacher
OAK LAWN
To keep September filled with curiosity
and discovery, special guest speakers are
invited to our classroom. The Cook County
Farm Bureau has always been a welcomed
favorite. Mrs. Ramsey is well practiced in
speaking about the agribusiness of Illinois.
One in four students will be employed in
his/her life with a related agribusiness job.
We learned too about some of the crops of
Illinois including produce that no other state
can match. Illinois is the number one
producer of soybeans and pumpkins. We
produce a lot of corn as well, but it is mostly
feed corn.
Mrs. Ramsey brought samples of the
many products made from soybeans that
ranged from food to crayons. Corn products
demonstrated included packing kernels that
dissolve completely in water and hydrosorb,
a white powder that soaks up large amounts
of water. Hydrosorb is commonly used in
fertilizers and disposable baby diapers. We
have a sample in class that will evaporate to
a small amount of powder again.
Did you know Pumpkin facts:
• Morton, Illinois, is the Pumpkin Capital
Chicago Christian ranks in the top of area schools for athletic success in part to the 2010-11 Women’s Volleyball team (left), who won
the State Championship, and the Competitive Cheer Team (right), who placed second in the state.
High Honors Earned For Athletic Success
CCHS ATHLETICS
Crops Serious Business For Illinois
This article was originally published online:http://triblocal.com/palos-heights/community/galleries/2011/08/chicago-christian-ranks-in-the-top-of-area-schools-for-athletic-success/#/4
By Kevin Broene
Students study samples brought by Mrs. Ramsey, a guest speaker from the Cook
County Farm Bureau.
of the world
Agriculture in the Classroom calendar that
• It takes 110 days for a pumpkin vine to
will be shared each day this year to continue
produce a mature pumpkin
learning about our State. Each month
• Pumpkins have flowers of five petals
features a different Illinois farming product
that are edible.
from horses, pumpkins, wheat, corn, and
more to make learning fun and interesting.
• And, giant pumpkins can grow five
pounds larger in a day.
The Farm Bureau also holds classes for
These facts are all provided by the Illinois teachers which I hope to enjoy as well.
.
Each year the Southtown Star Newspaper ranks the athletic
departments in the south side of Chicago based on how each
of their teams finishes in the conference in their respective
sports, and based on how well they perform during each
team's state playoff run. Eleven of the 15 Chicago Christian
varsity athletic teams achieved championship status this year;
winning either a conference title, a regional title, or sending
individuals to State competitions.
The success of 2010-11 was highlighted by our women's
Volleyball Team winning the Class 2A State Championship,
and our Competitive Cheer Team placing second in the state.
Based on these results, you will see that the Southtown Star
ranks us sixth out of 52 schools in the south Chicagoland area.
Information gleaned from Southtown Star news article on July 22,
2011 titled: “2010-11 Southtown Star Cup Standings”.
“2010-11 Southtown Star Cup Standings”
1. Lemont
2. Sandburg
3. Mount Carmel
4. Oak Forest
5. Crete-Monee
6. Chicago Christian
7. Hillcrest
8. Bloom
9. Homewood-Flossmoor
10. Beecher
11. Mother McAuley
12. St. Rita
13. Providence Catholic
4.283
3.883
3.014
2.830
2.655
2.437
2.412
2.355
2.322
2.320
2.109
2.100
1.752
1.708
14. Richards
1.650
15. Illinois Lutheran
1.645
16. Lincoln-Way East
1.572
17. Thornton
18. Lincoln-Way North 1.479
1.414
19. Lockport
1.4125
20. Reavis
1.408
21. Marist
1.300
22. Andrew
1.192
23. Argo
1.185
24. Shepard
1.025
25. Marian Catholic
* All other Chicago south side high schools are ranked. For full rankings visit the
Athletics page at Chicago Christian's website.
Accomplishments
Reach Well Beyond
Courts and Fields
In addition to the outstanding
team success CCHS enjoyed, the
Knights placed over 20 students, in
multiple seasons, on Academic
All-Conference Teams, and 17
seniors moved on to play college
athletics this fall.
Congratulations to the athletes,
their families, and to Chicago
Christian as a whole. Keep up the
great work, be proud of yourselves,
and be proud of your school. Go
Knights!
‘Apple Buddies’ Learn Tasty Lesson
What is your favorite apple to munch? Honey Crisp was voted “top apple” by our 27 kindergarteners and 25
fourth graders. The two classes joined together as “apple buddies” to explore apples. Together the students
painted apple prints, wrote apple-libs, read apple literature, and sampled nine different varieties of apples.
Observing, recording, and graphing kept everyone very busy!
We delighted in the different taste of each apple. Sweet! Sour! Crunchy! Our God is truly an awesome
Creator! Thank you, God, for apples.
The 2010-11 Baseball Team (left)
won a Regional Championship after
its third-straight 20-win season.
Page 9
FALL 2011
Page 3
FALL 2011
Take Time Out To Count Our Blessings
electronically controlled message board.
In today’s technology age, second to word of mouth recruitment is
our website, especially given the Gen X generation who is connected
to technology 24/7. Therefore, the website is always “under
As you read the paper, talk to friends and neighbors, and/or listen to the
construction,” adding/revising features, posting “in the news”
news, it becomes apparent that some Christian schools are experiarticles about our students, connecting alumni, informing parents,
encing decreasing enrollment or even closing. SCCS is blessed
and the list goes on.
• to be in a strong financial position (see Financial Summary on
Fundraising or Growing Givers – Fundraising provides many
page 2)
opportunities of participation from buying quality products to
• to have strong enrollment. . . 948 students K-12
sponsoring individual student activities to attending events.
• to have a Board, administration, and staff committed to providHowever, at SCCS you have two opportunities that involve growing
ing a high quality Christian education
more than fundraising.
• and, to have you, the reader whether staff, parents, grandparents,
Many Shoes One Path Annual Fund is an opportunity for supportor friends along with our churches providing strong support in every
ers
of Christian education to grow in their giving and partner with
aspect.
SCCS
Board, staff, and parents for the annual / now expense. Many
Recruitment – In preparation for the new school year, last spring
Shoes One Path by its name portrays that many are needed on the
recruitment activities and processes were reviewed with some past
path of Christian education to provide a Christian education for our
procedures dropped, new additions made, and others refined. Therestudents. Therefore, each fall, SCCS parents, grandparents, and
fore, the usual startup activities are in place along with some
friends are provided the opportunity to include SCCS in his/her
changes:
annual giving plan. Your return on your investment is not a consum• 7th grade visit day rather than 8th grade as high school decisions
able product but much more importantly...a confidence that you are
are made at younger ages
• Addition of “in home” gatherings where parents are eagerly
partnering with the school and church to prepare your children, grandsharing their SCCS positive experiences with neighbors, friends, and
children, or friends to make a difference in God’s world after SCCS.
relatives. It cannot be said often enough that the best recruitment that
SCCS Foundation is an opportunity to grow your giving forever
happens for SCCS is “word of mouth.” Therefore, we are working
by including SCCS in your estate plans. Foundation estate/will/
with families to provide materials and oppormemorial gifts provide the principal; SCCS
receives the earnings of the Foundation to
tunities for them to share about SCCS in their
use for budgeted expenses. Since its
homes, at sporting events, in the parking lots,
inception in 1983, the Foundation has
at church, etc.
received $3,045,000 in donations. However,
• Our website, www.swchristian.org, has
it has produced earnings so that to date
been expanded to include students register$3,470,000 has been gifted to SCCS. In
ing for shadow days on line and will soon
other words, $425,000 more has been gifted
have a “virtual” open house for inquiring
to the school than the principal. Your gift
students/parents to visit.
continues to provide now dollars into perpePublic Relations – On Saturday, October
tuity.
22, Palos Heights had the dedication of their
Obviously, SCCS is the recipient of many
“Treasures of Palos Heights” permanent
of God’s blessings. However, there is always
collaborative mural in the Harlem Avenue
much work to be done; but we also know that
Business District. CCHS art students created
a necessary component of our work is
tiles for the project.
acknowledging the sovereignty of our faithful
The 2010 CCHS alumni project was
God and asking for His guidance in all that we
completed in October. . . a new sign which CCHS art student Todd Schleyer shows off do as we prepare His children to be a part of
provides not only a lit sign but also an tiles created for the Palos Heights mural.
restoring His world.
ALUMNI
2006 Alum Marva (Hofman) Riley (center) performed in “Rehearsal for Murder”.
Eerie Ties Bind This Mystery Revival
The cast watches rehearsal.
big set as a backdrop, the actors need to be vibrant. That’s what I
remember about the show, “ said Mrs. Riley, “the really fantastic
characters and the building suspense of the script.”
The production will run November 18 and 19 at 7:30pm in the
CCHS Auditorium. Tickets can be purchased at the door on
either night. They will be $5 for Adults and $3 for Students and
Seniors. Alumni who may have been a part of either former
production are encouraged to come to the Saturday performance and spend some time reliving their fond memories of the
arts at Chicago Christian High.
March 15
Disney Musical
7 p.m., CCHS Auditorium
March 20
Tinley Park Fine Arts
Page 10
Oak Lawn Choir Concert
May 17
April 26
All School
Choir Concert
Oak Lawn
Elementary Musical
Ozinga Chapel, TCC, 7 p.m.
May 21
7 p.m.
May 15
April 23-27
Tinley Park
Middle School Play
CCHS Fine Arts Week
FALL 2011
April 24
2 pm and 7 pm
All School
Band Concert
Ozinga Chapel, TCC, 7 p.m.
CALENDAR
When Cristin (Boersma) Lenters ’90 and Marva (Hofman) Riley
’06 were trying to find a good murder mystery to produce for the
CCHS fall play, it isn’t surprising they both were drawn to the same
show. These two faculty members and CCHS graduates have a lot in
common:
They both spent a lot of time during high school involved in the
theater department.
They both love being able to share that passion with our current
students.
They both believe it is important to give our students the opportunities to be involved in a variety of shows and genres of theater.
They are both committed to giving audiences the highest quality
production that we can.
So, when looking for a great mystery to perform,” stated Mrs.
Riley, “my heart went back to one of my favorite productions in high
school, Rehearsal for Murder. I had a feeling that Cristin might get
excited about it too, because she was also involved in that production
as well.” Not only did Mrs. Lenters help direct that production in
2004, she played the part of Bella Lamb in the production that Gary
Meyer directed in 1989.
Rehearsal for Murder was created as a television movie in 1982,
and quickly became a popular play for high schools to perform. “I’m
excited that we have decided to keep the show in the decade it was
written,” explained Mrs. Lenters. “It reminds me of the fun we had
with it in high school, and I think the audience will enjoy reliving
some of the trends of the 80s.”
The play is about a playwright who creates a new Broadway show,
where he tries to catch the person he believes is responsible for the
death of his fiancé. “A show that is set in an empty Broadway theater
is a little easier to produce, but it will give our students a great
challenge to create outstanding, memorable characters. Without a
MISSION
By Connie Brott
Director of Mission Advancement
FALL 2011
Page 2
WHAT’S INSIDE
2011 “DUTCH TRE
2011
TR
TREATS”
E ATS” HOL
HO
HOLIDAY
L I DAY SAL
SA
SALE
LE
Mission Advancement Page 3
By Bert Kamp
SCCS Board President
On Saturday morning, September 24, the SCCS Board members, Governance committee members, and SCCS administrators met together at our
annual Board retreat at Trinity Christian College. This provided an opportunity for us to set aside our monthly agendas and spend time focused on
strategic planning. Our goal was to emerge with some ideas for strategic
initiatives as we look to the future of SCCS. Mark Ward, former SCCS
Board member now living in Dubuque, Iowa, facilitated our discussion.
We began by looking at the positive and negative aspects of the context
we find ourselves operating within today. Time was then spent identifying
the key issues SCCS faces as we move forward. Ideas for possible
strategic initiatives that emerged from these discussions included:
1. Who are we, and where are we called to serve? How big is our
geographic area, and how do we best reach those families on the fringes?
2. How can we better market our product, and are there ways to improve
recruiting?
3. Building stronger relationships with supporting and non-supporting
churches.
4. Keeping pace with technology and its impact on the educational
process.
5. Strengthening ties with our alumni.
Our plan is to send these ideas to the appropriate Board committees for
refinement and action steps leading to a formal strategic plan that we can
follow for years to come.
Oak Lawn News
Page 4
Tinley Park News
Page 6
CCHS News
Page 8
Athletic Notes
Page 9
Alumni Update
Page 10
Support Efforts
Page 11
with full payment enclosed, is to be
returned to school by Tuesday, November 22. Make checks payable to GOODWILL CIRCLE.
Complete the following:
Name: _______________________________________________ Phone:________________________
Address: ________________________________________________City:________________________
• Orders may be picked up the week of November 28 or sent home with a student.
Please check one:_______ Week of November 28
FINE ARTS
The 2010 -2011 fiscal year ended July 31, 2011 with a budget
surplus resulting in a positive ending fund balance of $742,000 for
which we are very thankful. Not only did the staff do an excellent
job controlling expenses throughout the year, but we were also
blessed with a larger-than-expected enrollment, including a number
of second semester transfers resulting in this positive balance.
At last spring’s Association meeting, a balanced budget for the
2011-2012 school year was presented and approved. As 79% of the
general operating budget is from tuition/fees and 80% is from staff
and benefits, every fall an adjusted budget is presented to the Board
-or-
_______ send home with student
Student’s name: ________________________________________ Grade: _______________________
Teacher: ______________________________________________ Campus:
CCHS
OL
Qty.
Droste Cocoa (8.8 oz. box)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Bert Kamp, President
Vince Kuyvenhoven, Vice President
Aron Reppmann, Secretary
Cory Ingelse, Treasurer
LyNae Schleyer, Vicar
Julie Sather
Chuck Campbell
Barb Siegers
Sandy Doot
Craig Gallman
Ken Speelman
Joanne Hellinga
Neil Tanis
Dean Kuiper
Ted VanderWall
Joshua Larsen
$12.00
Mixed Fruit Mentos (box of 15 rolls)
$12.00
Cinnamon Mentos (box of 15 rolls)
$12.00
Strawberry Mentos (box of 15 rolls)
$12.00
$5.00
Advent Calendars (with chocolate candy)
$2.00
King Peppermints (box of 36 rolls)
$25.00
King Peppermints (110 mini rolls)
$23.00
Wilhelmina Peppermints (16oz. bag)
$4.00
Wilhelmina Peppermints (17oz. tin)
$7.50
Wilhelmina Peppermints (6 lbs., 6oz. bulk)
$22.00
Wilhelmina Peppermints (box of 36 rolls)
$28.00
DeRuiter Speculaas Spice Cookies (16oz.)
$3.00
Syrup Waffles (9 oz., 8 pieces)
based on actual enrollment, revenues, and expected expenses.
Enrollment did come in lower than projected; however, expenses
were lower due to lower-than-expected costs for staff benefits, most
noticeably health insurance premiums. At its September meeting,
the Board then approved an adjusted budget with a deficit of $9,928.
Tuition assistance was granted at 100% to all requesting eligible
families for 2011-12; and for the third and final year, a donor
provided additional funds for families whose needs were caused by
unusual circumstances.
We thank God that we continue to be able to offer high quality
Christian education for our children in the southwest Chicagoland
location. We are thankful to all the parents, administrators, and staff
who continue to make many sacrifices to make this happen.
TP
$ Total
$7.50
Peppermint Mentos (box of 15 rolls)
Chocolate Wooden Shoes (16/box)
Expense Control, Enrollment Produce Positive Balance
By Cory Ingelse
SCCS Board Treasurer
SUPPORT
BUSINESS
Annual Board Retreat
Yields New Initiatives
$3.00
Almond Paste (per pound)
$6.50
Almond Paste (7# tub)
$45.00
De Heer Milk Chocolate Letters (2.25 oz.)**
$2.00
TOTAL:
** Please specify desired number of chocolate letters (ALL letters now available!)
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Contact us for any special order items.
Spirit Wear, Toy Drive Up Next For Parent-Teacher League
December 8
February 16
Tinley Park Gr 5-8
Band & Choir
Christmas Concert
Prairie State
Jazz Festival
7 p.m.
all day
December 13
February 18
Oak Lawn Gr 5-8
Band & Choir
Christmas Concert
Bi-Annual CCHS
Jazz Festival
7 p.m., Calvin CRC
2-5 p.m.
March 2-3
CCHS Musical
“You’re a Good Man
Charlie Brown”
CCHS Auditorium
7 p.m. Fri & Sat, 3 p.m. Sat
March 12
Tinley Park Middle
School Choir Festival
Congratulations to the approximately 350 grade school students
who completed the summer reading requirement to earn a ticket to
the annual roller skating party held on September 29 at the Tinley
Park Roller Rink!!! Way to go!!
Fall provides another opportunity to purchase Spirit Wear. Wear
an SCCS t-shirt or sweatshirt with a smile to show our school pride!
Check your children’s backpacks for order forms.
Next, we will be gearing up for our toy drive for Restoration
Ministries the first week of December. Keep a look out for some
preseason sales to donate to those in need.
Page 11
PTL is very active in our schools but that is only possible because
of the dedication of parents who provide help for the dozen of
various programs. However, with enough volunteers, a parent needs
only to focus on one project during the school year. PTL program
directly impacts and benefits your child’s teacher and classroom
experience. Please consider joining us at our next meeting on
Monday, January 9, 7 p.m. at Chicago Christian High School or
contact Adrienne Jelderks in Oak Lawn (708/448-3958 or
[email protected]) or Valerie Lott in Tinley Park (708/7121017 or [email protected]) for more information.
FALL 2011
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
FINE ARTS
CALENDAR
November 18-19
THE
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 8
Palos Heights, IL
Southwest Chicago Christian School Association
12001 S. Oak Park Avenue
Palos Heights, IL 60463
Tel: 708.388.7656 • Fax: 708.388.0452
Website: www.swchristian.org
CCHS Fall Play
“Rehearsal for Murder”
7:30 p.m.
CCHS Auditorium
December 4
CCHS Lessons & Carols
THE
(Continued on Page 2)
VOICE
VOICE
3 p.m.
Ozinga Chapel, TCC
“Benchmark” Results Are Encouraging
By Robert Payne
Superintendent
A Christ-Centered Learning Community
Intent on Restoring God’s World
The Voice:
The Voice is published throughout the year for families,
alumni, and friends of the Southwest Chicago Christian
School Association. Please contact the SCCSA office to
report a change of address or to request a free subscription of the newsletter.
SCCSA Statement of Purpose:
SCCSA provides a high quality K-12 education program in the
Reformed tradition which emphasizes the lordship of Jesus Christ
over all life. It prepares students spiritually, socially, academically,
and physically to serve society effectively and to glorify God by
honoring Him in all aspects of life.
FALL 2011
Southwest Christian – Oak Lawn PK-8
101st & Central, Oak Lawn
708/636-8550
Southwest Christian – Tinley Park K-8
17171 South 84th Avenue, Tinley Park
708/429-7171
Chicago Christian High School
12001 S. Oak Park Avenue, Palos Heights
708/388-7650
Southwest Chicago Christian School Association
12001 S. Oak Park Avenue, Palos Heights
708/388-7656
Ever since adopting A
Christ-centered learning community intent on restoring
God's world as our Vision
Statement, SCCS has maintained this focus by giving
attention to two over-riding
goals: achievement and
discipleship.
When meeting with parents, it becomes clear that their
partnership with us is based on the opportunities their children
will have during some of the most important years of their
lives. Make no mistake: we know our place – we are in the
business of preparing students - elementary and middle school
prepares students for high school, high school prepares
students for college (90%), work (7%), and the military 3%).
However, the numbers given are averages and will vary from
year to year. In the spring, you will read of the experiences our
students have for discipleship. However, in this issue, achievement results are shared.
It is exciting to report that though our percentage of students
meeting all four benchmarks slipped a bit this year, there are
still 40% of our students meeting the "benchmarks" for college
readiness in all four areas: English, Math, Reading, and
Science. A "benchmark" is the score at which a freshman
student has a 50% chance of getting a B or better in a college
freshman class. To put that in context – in the state of Illinois,
23% meet all four benchmarks; and our score of 40% puts us
well ahead of all public schools in our area.
The individual scores for Reading, Math, and English are
significantly above the 40%, but freshman Science classes have
the highest benchmark and are, therefore, the hardest to reach.
While you will read much from both sides of the debate about
the role of testing in schools, we value these scores because
they tell us our students are prepared. Additionally, how
satisfying it was to meet recent graduates at the homecoming
football game and hear from them how well their teachers
prepared them for college work.
While the ACT measures college readiness, very important
to us are the results of the Explore test that our 8th Grade
students take – measuring their preparation for high school
work. We are equally pleased with the scores, going from an
average of 22.5% meeting benchmarks in 2007 to an average
of 40% meeting all benchmarks in 2011. Again, these scores
matter because they get to the core of our purpose – preparing
students for their next steps in life
Another indicator of the preparation level of our students is
the number of Advanced Placement classes and exams taken
by CCHS students. One of the benefits of a K-12 system is the
preparation our 8th Graders receive from their teachers for
Honors and Advanced Placement work. In 2006 our students
took a total of 54 AP Exams; in 2011, they took 147 tests!
With all of this emphasis on preparation for college, one
might well ask if CCHS is the place for students who choose
not to go to college. The answer is a resounding yes; and the
good news is that the education they need to be successful in
the work place is the same education that is needed to be
successful in college. The abilities to think critically and work
collaboratively are the very skills that business leaders are
asking schools to teach.
Finally, though we at SCCS are not responsible for the
choices students make, we are responsible for the choices that
they have. Here is a list of some of the colleges to which the
Class of 2011 gained acceptance: American Academy of Art,
Bradley, Calvin, Concordia, DePaul, Dordt, Eastern Illinois,
Hawaii Pacific, Hope, Illinois State, Iowa State, Loyola,
Millikin, Northwestern, Olivet Nazarene, Purdue, San Diego
State, Seattle Pacific, St Xavier, Trinity Christian, University
of Chicago, University of Illinois, University of Nebraska,
Valparaiso, Wartburg, and more.
FALL 2011