April 2016 - Unity Christian High School

Unity Christian High School
april 2016
TIDINGS
Faith, Excellence, Service . . .
1 EOCS: A Lifetime of Christian Education
2 From the EOCS Principals
Allendale Christian School
Borculo Christian School
Hudsonville Christian School
Jenison Christian School
Lamont Christian School
South Olive Christian School
7 Development News
Celebration Banquet Invitation
Building Unity—April Update
Buy-A-Brick Continues
8 Annual Association Meeting
Annual Association Meeting
Meet the Candidates
9 EOCS: A Lifetime of Christian Education Continued
10 Alumni News
Alumni Spotlight
Calling All Veterans
Advance Notice: Grandparents' Day
12 Revive News
Spring Has Arrived at Revive!
Showers of April Savings Coupon
The Eastern Ottawa Christian Schools (EOCS)
A Lifetime of Christian Education
Christian schools
in eastern Ottawa
County have been
part of the landscape
for many years. The
schools representing
our
community
and what we know
as the EOCS are
Allendale Christian,
Borculo Christian,
Hudsonville
Jerry DeGroot
Christian, Jenison
Christian, Lamont Christian, South Olive
Christian and Unity. Each of these schools
came into existence through the support of
the people and churches in these areas whose
belief was that all are God’s children and
our responsibility is to train and instruct our
children in the Lord.
The Christian schools of the EOCS serve a
community of approximately 10,000 people.
Today, the number of students attending K-12
Christian schools in the EOCS stands at 2,092
students. With varying enrollments ranging
from 80 students to over 900, these schools
are committed to serving the community by
providing their students with a high-quality
Christian education.
You may have attended one of these schools…
or maybe one or several of your children have
gone to or are attending a school in the EOCS.
Choosing to be part of Christian education is
just that—a choice. Within the areas of the
EOCS there are public schools, charter schools
and other learning institutions where students
can attend. But the families that choose
Christian education know the importance of
the faith development of our young people and
how Christian schools use followers of Jesus
to develop other followers of Jesus. Praise
be to God for our parents who commit to
and are faithful in their support of Christian
education!
Unity Christian High School has served our
families for over 60 years. We have graduates
that number over 10,000 and counting. The
educational excellence that these schools
provide has helped our students on their
journey in discerning how and where God is
calling them to serve in His kingdom. With the
move into our new facility we are ready to more
effectively support the students of the future
(continued on page 9)
Unity Christian High School
Annual Association Meeting
Unity Christian High School
5900 48th Avenue
Hudsonville, MI 49426
Phone: 616.669.1820
Fax: 616.669.5760
Website: www.unitychristian.org
Development Office
5340 Plaza, Suite 3
Hudsonville, MI 49426
Phone: 616.662.4011
Fax: 616.662.4006
Email: [email protected]
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
7:00 pm, Unity Christian High School, Room 121
You Are Invited!
If you are a member of the UCHS Association, you have the privilege of voting at Association meetings.
Membership: Parents or guardians of children who attend Unity and persons 19 years of age or older
whose contributions to Unity are not less than $10 per year are members of the Unity Christian
High School Association.
Voting: Members of the Association vote at the meeting to elect board members. You may also cast
an absentee ballot in the event you are not able to attend. Absentee ballots are available in the
school’s office. They must be completed and presented at the school’s office at 5900 48th Avenue,
Hudsonville, MI, by 3:00 p.m. the day of the annual meeting—Wednesday, April 20, 2016.
EOCS Principals
EOCS Principals: Pursuing Educational Excellence in
Christ-Centered Schools
Editor’s Note: This issue of Tidings is a “special edition” showcasing the Elementary and Middle Schools of the EOCS (Eastern Ottawa
[county] Christian Schools). The stories that follow are by the EOCS Administrators (from Allendale, Borculo, Hudsonville, Jenison,
Lamont and South Olive Christian Schools) who share how each of these schools is helping advance the Lord’s kingdom through the
Christian education of His children, and the impact their school is having in the community they serve. Heart to Heart and Jack
Postma's Best Seat column will return in the next issue of the Tidings.
Allendale Christian School:
the school year. We plan service days, where our entire staff and
students leave campus and go into the community to serve and to
be the hands and feet of Jesus to those around us. We have formed
a relationship with the Free Orphan Academic School (FOAS)
on the outskirts of Kampala, Uganda, and are excited about the
opportunity to learn more about our brothers and sisters at that
school, as well as support them by providing necessary resources.
It is an incredible blessing to be a part of a community of believers,
where each school day we have the opportunity to have an impact
on children in the areas of faith nurture, academic growth, and
serving our great God.
Passion, Purpose, and the
Pursuit of Excellence
by Principal Brian Koetje
Passion, Purpose, and the Pursuit
of Excellence – that is how I would
describe the team that I am honored
to be a part of at Allendale Christian
School (ACS). After receiving my
education in the Eastern Ottawa
Brian Koetje
Christian School system—followed by
12 years of teaching at Unity Christian High School—God opened
the door for me to join the ACS team. I have been thoroughly blessed
by my experience working with a team that has a Passion for serving
our Lord and working with kids, is intentional about our Purpose
of graduating students who are prepared to serve God in all walks
of life, and continues to Pursue Excellence both professionally and
personally. At ACS, the staff firmly believes that every student that
walks through the doors is a child of God and we are privileged to
walk alongside them in their faith and academic journeys. We work
hard to serve God to the very best of our abilities, and by the grace
of God, ACS was able to celebrate 100 years of providing Christian
education to the greater Allendale community during the 2014-15
school year. The staff at ACS also appreciates the opportunity to
worship, work, and partner with our dedicated EOCS colleagues
at Borculo, Hudsonville, Jenison, Lamont, South Olive and Unity
Christian in providing top-notch Christ-centered education to
families in the Eastern Ottawa County region.
There are a couple stories that I would love to share to show how
God is working through Christian education. ACS teachers go
beyond just teaching kids about the importance of service. They
live out this calling, both locally and internationally. In the past
couple years, ACS teachers have served in Haiti, as well as a
group of teachers and students that served in Guatemala. This
summer we are excited to be sending five teachers to Uganda to
teach and work at FOAS, our sister school. These selfless acts
of service are an example of how ACS teachers are modeling the
love and compassion that we teach our students. Another story I
love to tell people is about the time that I was called out to take
care of a matter that happened at recess. As I walked outside, I
thought about what a student must have done to get the principal
involved. As I arrived at the blacktop near the playground, a boy
stood nearby with chalk in his hand and a smile on his face. I
looked down and saw that he had written the John 3:16 verse on
the blacktop. Behind his smile, he told me, “Mr. Koetje, I wrote this
out because I want people to know more about Jesus!” That child,
in that moment, summarized for me what Christian education is
all about and what we are doing at Allendale Christian School.
As ACS begins its second century of providing an education that is
Christ-focused, we are very excited about doors that God is opening
for us. We have kicked off a campaign to add to our elementary
wing and provide more opportunities for the community in terms
of child care and program offerings in Preschool and Kindergarten.
There is also a need for extra space for current programs. The
current school year is an accreditation year for ACS. We have the
privilege to be working with Christian Schools International on
re-accreditation. This process has given us the opportunity to hear
from our students, teachers, board members, parents, grandparents,
and alumni, as we continue to pursue excellence in all areas. The
accreditation process has helped us create a School Improvement
Plan, where we continue to focus on student faith and academic
growth, staff development and evaluation, and strengthening our
partnership with our families and the community. We covet your
prayers as we go through this process and remain focused on God’s
will for our future. ACS is also intentional about increasing the
ways that we are able to serve God’s community, both near and far.
Each class takes part in different service opportunities throughout
Thank you for your continued support and prayers for Allendale
Christian School, as well as our brothers and sisters in Christ in
the Eastern Ottawa Christian Schools!
Brian Koetje, Principal, ACS
2
Borculo Christian School:
on making consistent and long-term improvements to our school
system. We have been using the Christian Schools International
(CSI) Accreditation process to help us formulate and develop a longterm school improvement plan and we’re excited to see how this
process better equips us to meet our mission. Once re-accredited we
anticipate having a clear vision for where we want our school to go
over the next five years!
Providing Quality, ChristCentered Education to Develop
Students for Service to Christ
and Others
by Principal Nolan Wiersma
When I look back on my own experiences
in the classroom as an elementary school
student in a small rural community in
Northwest Iowa, or if I reflect on the
Nolan Wiersma
three years I spent as a middle school
math teacher, or if I take a stroll down the halls of the school that I
now lead, I’ve seen that all Christian school systems I’ve ever been
a part of have the same goal – to prepare young men and women to
go into God’s world and transform lives for Christ. With that said,
no two schools go about it the same way and it’s that distinctiveness
that makes each school system so special. It’s my belief that the
Eastern Ottawa Christian Schools are a perfect example of the
unique yet common goal that all of our communities so
deeply wish to attain for their children.
Aside from ensuring that our students are getting a sound academic
education, we’re intentional about making sure our students
are prepared to serve. Throughout the year we take multiple
opportunities to give back to our community and serve others. Our
students spend time raking leaves, caroling to the elderly, skating
and bowling with students from the Ottawa Area Center, and
serving at the Holland Rescue Mission. Although our intent is to
serve others, we often find our students are often the ones who are
blessed by serving within our community.
BCS is also looking forward to a little bit of new construction.
We’ve recently kicked off a fundraising campaign in hopes of adding
additional office space
onto our existing
building and doing
some remodeling of our
current office space.
The new construction
and remodel is meant
to provide a secure
entrance to the school,
enhance the visual
appeal of the building,
and to provide a more
functional office space.
Lord willing, the construction will begin, and be finished, during the
summer of 2016.
At Borculo Christian School our mission is to “…provide
a quality Christ centered education that will allow our
students to develop their abilities to serve Christ and others.”
We take our mission seriously and our teachers often take
time to celebrate and recognize the ways in which we see
our mission being fulfilled within our system. I’ve recently
asked our teachers to share some of the ways in which they
have literally seen our mission being fulfilled, here is what a
couple of them had to say:
“I’ve seen it in action each day that I’ve been at Borculo.
Students have a genuine love for one another and that
has been evident especially in my classroom. The community
of BCS has developed an attitude of love and service to one
another in my students.”
We’re excited to see the plans that the Lord has for Borculo Christian
School, and we’re so proud to be a school that’s represented within
the EOCS! We’re so thankful for the collaboration between the
schools that helps us prepare our kids to continue their Christian
education at Unity!
“I see the Christ-centered piece of our mission being integrated
into our studies of characteristics and origins of life in science.
I get to include the truth about the origin of life and point each
of my students to that truth from day one of creation.”
Much of our staff development time this year has been focused
Nolan Wiersma, Principal, BCS
Hudsonville Christian School:
I have a tremendous passion for Christian education and both my
wife and daughter have chosen to serve Him as teachers in local
Christian schools.
Standing Firm, Moving
Forward
by Superintendent Dan Pott
For as long as I can remember, Christian
education has been an integral part of
my life. Both of my parents worked at
Holland Christian; Dad as a teacher/
athletic director for 41 years and Mom
as an administrative assistant in the
Dan Pott
office. As a young boy, I remember
going to countless school functions so I could spend time with Dad.
Life growing up was all about Christian education; it was not a job,
it was just a part of our family’s life. Today, it is little surprise that
I love to talk to parents and grandparents and, honestly, anyone
in our community who wants to discuss the value of Christian
education and what makes a Christian education distinctively
different. I truly believe Christian education is a mission and
each day, I pray that I, as a leader, can reflect that mission to the
children, parents and the community that surrounds us.
Hudsonville Christian School (HCS) will be celebrating 100 years of
God’s Faithfulness in the next two years. During those 100 years,
He has blessed us in so many different ways. He has brought us
(continued on page 4)
3
EOCS Principals continued
(continued from page 3)
practices in their classrooms. Probably the most important concept,
however, that must always remain in our classrooms is Standing
Firm in His Word.
through the difficult times and sustained us through the loss of
valued staff members. We give thanks, too, for the blessings He has
given to us as well and we celebrate as a community how He has
blessed the mission of HCS and our students. During the last few
years, we have seen significant growth as a school, particularly in
the early childhood area.
As we look to the
future, we know the
mission of Christian
education
cannot
change. We realize,
too, that providing
a
distinctively
Christian education
that is affordable is a
job we must all do in partnership with our community.
We often talk about the timing of Unity Christian’s moving off the
Oak Street campus and on to 48th and how it is such a blessing to our
school to be able to purchase the property and use it for our current
space needs. Some would call it a coincidence, but we know that it
is truly all in His timing.
Along with a growth in enrollment, we have also seen a need for
childcare during the day. The 2016-2017 school year will mark
the opening of “Kids Corner”, a daycare for children who currently
attend our early childhood program. Someday, we hope to be able
to expand to provide opportunities beyond the HCS community for
Kids Corner.
During one of my recent conversations with a faithful supporter of
HCS for many years, the gentleman looked at me and said, “The
Lord has provided for Hudsonville Christian for 99 years; He will
continue to provide for you for years to come.” It is our prayer that
Hudsonville Christian School can continue to be a school that makes
a difference for Him, for another 99 years.
We often use the phrase “Standing Firm, Moving Forward” at
school. We feel very blessed to have a family of teachers who are
committed to academic excellence and will push to provide best
Dan Pott, Superintendent, HCS
Jenison Christian School:
the outside looking in, stood a young man and woman with two
children—a girl who looked about 8 and a boy I guessed to be 5. Offering God’s Grace & Peace
for Students
by Principal Tim Paauw
As I opened the door, the father stepped forward with the boy
hanging onto his leg followed by the mother and the girl. Before I
could introduce myself the father expressed, “We just moved into
Jenison and saw this school. It’s one of the closest schools to our
house. We want a school close to our home for our children. The sign
says ‘Jenison Christian School’. We wondered… May our kids go
here? What does it mean to be a Christian school? Where we come
from, there were no Christian schools. My wife and I are Christians,
and we really want our children to grow up and be Christians too!”
When asked to introduce Jenison
Christian School (JCS) to the UC
Tidings readers, I thought about all the
times I have introduced new families to
Jenison Christian during my six years
as Principal. So, gleaning from the
Tim Paauw
questions and concerns new families
ask me, I indulged in some ‘creative liberty’ to share the JCS story
with you through a fictional scenario. Although the characters are
fictional they do reflect a common experience, and my comments are
all true. Please join me on this special tour of JCS…
“Jenison Christian School is a welcoming and safe community that
embraces and offers Grace and Peace each day,” I answered. “Grace
and Peace are words the apostle Paul uses to greet communities
and he follows these words with ‘From God our Father and the Lord
Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us.’
As the bus drivers closed their doors and slowly eased busses filled
with students out of the parking lot, I waved to the faces pressed
against the bus windows. Students were smiling and waving
goodbye. It was the end of another beautiful October day of school
at Jenison Christian. “Grace and Peace come to life at JCS through relationships. We lead
students to grow together in knowledge of our Creator and Redeemer
as well as every part of His creation. I would love the opportunity to
show you our school and share with you stories of what makes this
place special.”
I left the parking lot and headed back inside while I prayed as I did
most days at this time, “Thank you, Lord, for another day at Jenison
Christian, another day with 350 students learning more about You
and the world You created. May their rides home be safe, and may
they all be healthy and eager to be back tomorrow. With Your
blessing, we will have another great day planned for them.” I turned and
noticed the girl
and boy whose
eyes were now
wide as if to say,
“Let’s take the
tour, Dad!”
I
raised my hand
to get high-fives
and both jumped
to reach my hand.
Yes! The father
And then I wondered and prayed, “Lord, ‘Why wouldn’t every
Christian parent want a Christian education for their children?’ ” I went back into school and headed to my office. I planned to tidyup some details before heading home. As I stepped into my office,
the buzzer sounded, signaling someone was at the door. Rather
than “buzzing” them in, I went out to greet the people. There, on
4
Mr. TerHaar responded. “We promote an environment where
competition and compassion work hand in hand.” The father smiled
approvingly and said to his daughter, “I think you will like PE here.”
nodded and the mother smiled. We were on our way for a tour of
JCS!
Our first stop was to see the preschool rooms where we could talk
with Mrs. Sarah Snider, our preschool director. Mrs. Snider
shared stories about the preschoolers who boom into our school with
excitement. As we entered her 4-year-old preschool classroom, I let
them know that earlier in the day I saw our 3’s and 4’s preschool
students meeting with their Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten
friends for regularly scheduled prayer time—a time when the
teachers lead small multi-age groups (of 3, 4, 5 year olds) to pray
specifically for and with each other.
We left the gym and passed the music rooms. I shared that in these
rooms our students learn rhythm, beats and notes during their
elementary grades which lead to skilled bands in 5th-8th grades like
our Praise Band, Jazz Band, and Concert Band, as well as gifted
choirs like our Concert Choir and Honors Choir.
At this point in the tour we came to our middle school hallway
and commons area for Grades 5-8. I shared how our 5th grade is a
transitional year (from elementary to middle school). Just like 4th
grade, our 5th grade still has a homeroom teacher for a large section
of their school day.” In a middle school classroom I pointed to the
learning-targets that were on the whiteboard and explained, “This
past year we have begun to post learning goals for each period.
Based on research of how students learn best we began a feedback
system that is focused on teachers ensuring each student is learning
and progressing. This includes re-teaching and retesting as needed.
We are preparing our students to be successful when they reach
Unity Christian High School.
As we left the preschool rooms and walked past the eight elementary
rooms (grades 1-4), the young mother asked, “Do students lift up
prayers for their friends and family in each classroom?”
“Yes, every day each class has morning devotions—acknowledging
God’s presence and a time to lift our praises and concerns,” I
answered. “We seek to have each child develop a relationship with
God as followers of Jesus.”
We turned and headed toward our middle school (grades 5-8).
We paused at the Response to Intervention (RTI) and Inclusive
Education rooms. “We have eight paraprofessionals,” I explained,
“who work to ensure each student is met where they are academically
and lead them to where they can potentially be.”
In the middle school student commons area we bumped into Mr.
Payton Ponstein who was playing chess with a few of the middle
school students waiting for their sports practice to begin. I asked
Mr. Ponstein, “How would you describe the JCS middle school now
that you have been teaching here for 5 months?”
JCS’s RTI director Mrs. Marilyn Brower was at her desk
wrapping up her day. We stopped and I asked, “Marilyn, how would
you describe our RTI and Inclusive Education programs at JCS?”
“The JCS middle school is a student body that is vibrant and full of
energy! I love coming to school every day to be with our students.”
replied Mr. Ponstein.
Mrs. Brower smiled and immediately responded, “We are committed
to meeting the learning needs of each student. We do that by
monitoring their progress in math and reading, and then we
provide targeted intervention helping each student meet goals and
standards. We want each student to see themselves as uniquely
created by God and as a competent and a confident learner.”
We headed back out to the parking lot. I shook the parents’ hands
and high-fived with their son and daughter. “Grace and peace is the
very best God gave us,” I concluded. “Extending God’s grace and
peace to His children—our students—in everything all day every
day is the reason for Jenison Christian… and helping them grow
spiritually and academically. God bless you as you make your school
decision. My prayer will be that we have the opportunity to extend
God’s grace and peace to your children at JCS.”
Walking into the JCS gym the boy—noticing the painted mural of
a soccer ball on the wall—said, “Soccer! I love soccer!” Mr. Tim
TerHaar, JCS’s fulltime PE teacher and middle school student-life
leader, stepped out of his office and introduced himself. I prompted
Tim by saying, “Tim, what can you say about our PE program?”
As they walked to their car, I headed back to my office. I offered up
a prayer, “Lord, thank you for this family and each family who seeks
Christian education and wants more than anything to have their
children know You and the grace and peace You extend to us. Amen.”
“Physical Education at Jenison Christian is about recognizing the
value of each child as we equip the student with knowledge, skills,
and the confidence to enjoy a lifetime of healthful physical activity,”
Tim Paauw, Principal, JCS
Lamont Christian School:
years teaching in the public school system, this simple statement on
the wall makes each day special to me. I truly loved my time as a
teacher, but I longed to be back in a Christian school where I could
openly challenge students and staff to learn more about their Maker
every day. As I carry on in my first year at LCS it is evident to me
that there are three areas that stand out to make Lamont Christian
School a truly unique place…
Learning the Wonder and Order
of God’s World and His Ways
by Principal Joe Oosterheert
“Welcome to Lamont Christian
School… Learning the wonder and
order of God’s world and His ways.”
That is the welcome sign that greets
me every morning as I enter the doors
at LCS. Every morning in the dark
Joe Oosterheert
halls, I say a prayer asking for God’s
guidance for the day as I wander to my office. After spending 11
Academics ~ At LCS every subject is built on a foundation of
faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and Creator of this
world, and is presented with a Christian worldview. Teachers are
passionate about integrating their faith into everything they teach
and are committed to nurturing the faith of their students. In a
(continued on page 6)
5
EOCS Principals continued
(continued from page 5)
teachers are able to encourage and challenge students in their
current learning and also
effectively prepare them to
succeed in the next grade
level. A parent shared her
testimony with me last
week about why they came
to Lamont and will forever
stay here. “The smaller class
sizes and individualized
attention is why we first
came to Lamont, but the
tremendous showing of
God’s love every day to my
children is why we will always stay here.”
recent Science unit, our middle school students were talking about
stars and the solar system. They were having a class discussion on
the ages that some scientists believe stars are, compared to what
Genesis says about the age of them. One student responded to the
comment that scientists believe stars are billions of years old and
said, “Scientists may be smart, but nothing compares to the wisdom
and knowledge of our God!”
Community ~ The small-school, family-like atmosphere is one of
the most distinguishable features of LCS. From the moment you
walk through the door there is a genuine sense of welcoming and
belonging. At LCS you’re not just a part of a school, you’re a part
of the LCS family. The staff knows each and every child by name,
even those whom they have never taught. Students across the
grade levels develop deep friendships through split classrooms,
monthly Friendship groups, Middle School Buddies, and all-school
chapels. Parents can be found serving in many ways around school
every day and have a deep sense of ownership and pride in their
school. As one parent shared at our Early Childhood Open House,
“It takes a village to raise a child and LCS is our village!”
In closing, I thank God for leading me to Lamont Christian School
and the larger EOCS system. Every day is a blessing to me and
an honor to interact and teach His children. I am amazed at the
wonderful community established here that I am now a part of.
It is incredible to see our school partnering with families to raise
children to know and love the Lord. I am grateful to be learning the
wonder and order of God’s world and His ways at LCS.
Small-Class Sizes ~ At LCS small class sizes ensures that every
child will receive personal attention resulting in individualized
instruction. Having small class sizes allows the LCS teachers
time to get to know and address the needs of every student. Our
Joe Oosterheert, Principal, LCS
South Olive Christian School:
life and service. We know that we can improve the student’s
chance of graduating from high school and eventually college.
SOCS is an instrument of God for all through its Christ-centered
education including the marginalized and disenfranchised.
The Heart of Jesus & Beacons
of Light
by Principal Kent Ezell
Part of the Christ-centered education is to train our students to be
“Beacons of Light.” SOCS asks the students to look for problems in
this world and fix them for Jesus. This may mean for a 1st grader
to clean his bedroom without a parent asking. It could mean a 4th
grader picking up trash on
the school grounds or in a
park. It could mean an 8th
grader helping an elderly
person. Christ has asked us
to be Christians seven days
a week.
South Olive Christian School has deep
roots in the North Holland area. The
school was founded in 1951 by a group
of families that desired strong, Christcentered education for their children.
Enrollment at South Olive has ebbed
and flowed over the years. In 2014, in
a season of low enrollment, the school board decided to examine
the school’s mission to see if it aligned with the Heart of Jesus.
The board decided to expand the mission to include families that
can and cannot afford Christian education and to include children
from all ethnic heritages.
Kent Ezell
The mission of Christcentered
schools
is
important to His Kingdom.
Psalm 11:7 says, “For the
Lord is righteous, He loves
justice; upright men will see
His face.”
The Heart of Jesus includes children that come from all income
levels. The Heart of Jesus also includes those that don’t come
from families with income that could afford usual Christian
school tuition. South Olive Christian School has open doors to all
regardless of a family’s income.
Please pray for South Olive
Christian School as it obeys
God’s call.
According to the US Department of Education, the high school
graduation rate of low-income students in Michigan is about 63%.
(N.D, http://www.governing.com/gov-data/high-school-graduationrates-by-state.html) In other words, more than 1 out of every 3
low-income students do not graduate from high school.
Kent Ezell,
Principal, SOCS
South Olive Christian School prepares all students for Christian
6
Development News
Celebration Banquet—
Your Banquet Invitation
is Enclosed!
Please join us on Monday, May 2 for the UC
Celebration Banquet 2016 – An Evening of GIVING
THANKS & PRAISE!
Mr. David Pendleton, ventriloquist and follower
of Jesus Christ, will be the entertainment for the
evening. But, most of all, the UC community will enjoy
an evening in fellowship… giving thanks and praise for all
that the Lord has done for Unity, through a faithful and
supportive community!
Location: The Pinnacle Center
3330 Highland Drive, Hudsonville
Invite your friends and family to join you at a table,
and celebrate Unity with dinner on us! (As this is a
fundraiser, you will be asked to help us continue the
mission of developing followers of Christ into leaders through
your financial support!) Come prepared to give generously!
Thank you!
Time: 6:00 p.m. Arrival; Dinner/Program to
start promptly at 6:30 p.m.
RSVP BY: Monday, April 18. Call 616.662.4011
or email [email protected]
Building Unity–April 2016 Update
To keep our community apprised of the on-going efforts for the
capital campaign to raise the remaining funds needed to reach the
goal of being debt-free, here is the latest financial report
$ 21,311,417.21
Cash spent
$ 4,000,000.00
Outstanding pledge balance
$ 3,300,000.00
Pledges/gifts needed to be debt-free!
($ 6,935,000.00)
Borrowed to date
$ 122,468.11
Loan interest paid to date
As you can see, we still need to raise $3.3 million. Please keep these efforts in your prayers… If you would like to give to Building
Unity—either by increasing your previous gift or pledge, or giving an additional gift—please contact Jack Lutke at 616.662.4011, or
email [email protected]. Thank you for your support!!
Buy-A-Brick Continues...
If you haven’t yet purchased a brick for engraving, you can do so at any time! The cost is $150
per brick. These can be engraved with family names, scripture verses, graduation years, etc. – as
long as whatever you choose fits the parameters (listed below.) The next round of brick pavers will
be laid this spring. Here’s what you can do: Pick up a Buy-A-Brick form from the Development
Office, or request one to be mailed to you; email your request to [email protected]
and a form can be sent as an attachment; or, download the form from the UC website
(www.unitychristian.org/BuyABrick.)
Keep in mind:
Each brick can accommodate only three (3) lines of text, limited to
14 characters per line. (NOTE: Each letter, space, punctuation mark or
number counts as ONE character. NO EXCEPTIONS!)
You may order as many bricks as you want!
You will need to fill out an order form for each brick.
When ordering multiple numbers of bricks, please indicate on the form the ORDER
in which you want these bricks to be laid (i.e. numbering each form as 1, 2, 3, etc.)
Thank you for participating!
7
Development News
Annual UCHS Association Meeting 2016
Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.
Unity Christian High School, Room 121, 5900 48th Ave., Hudsonville, MI
AGENDA
1. Welcome – Opening Devotions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Troy Billin, President
2. Introduction of Board Members and Board Nominees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Troy Billin
3. Approval of Board Members (See next page for nominee profiles)
a.The Board recommends to the Association that its slate for Board member extensions and
Board member nominations be approved.
1) Upon receiving a majority approval of the votes cast, Board members recommended for
an extension will have their Board membership extended for three years.
2) Upon receiving an approval of the Board member recommended as nominee, a vote will
be cast to accept the Board nominee as a Board member.
b. Approve three-year extension by voting “Yes” or “No” for Kim Schreur
c. Approve nominee by voting “Yes” or “No” for the nominee to be a Board member: Shane Headley
4. Approve recommended 2016/2017 Budget.
5. Approve recommended 2016/2017 Tuition.
6. Announce Board member three-year extension result.
7. Announce new Board member result.
8. Recognize retiring Board members Barb Baker, Dean Haverdink, Bob Knoper.
9. Adjourn and close with prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kim Schreur, Vice-Gerent
Note: The approval of Board members is by ballot. Approval for the proposed budget and the proposed tuition will be done by
oral vote at the meeting.
CURRENT 2015/2016 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Troy Billin (2nd term through 6/18) – President
Tom Steenwyk (2nd term through 6/18) – Vice President
Dean Haverdink (2nd term through 6/16) – Treasurer
Barb Baker (2nd term through 6/16) – Secretary
Kim Schreur (1st term through 6/16) – Vice-Gerent
Andy Katt (2nd term through 6/18)
Bob Knoper (2nd term through 6/16)
Bryan Lanser (2nd term through 6/17)
Greg Markvluwer (1st term through 6/17)
Bryan Nyeholt (1st term through 6/18)
Adopted
2015/2016
Proposed
2016/2017
BUDGET
$ 5,975,750
$6,063,070 $ 87,320
REVENUE • NON-TUITION
$ 1,225,000
$1,225,220
$
$ 4,750,750
$4,820,950
$ 70,200
$
$
$
$
+ $22/month
+ $20/month
PROPOSED
2015/2016 BUDGET SUMMARY
• TUITION
Full-time at Unity
Unity/Careerline Tech
ENROLLMENT
7,780
6,885
610 Students
8,050
7,130
Increase
(Decrease)
220
600 Students
NOTES TO PROPOSED BUDGET
Recognizing Unity’s educational excellence, Unity’s Board has developed and presents a budget which reflects controlling cost,
while raising funds to continue Unity’s excellence in education.
1.Tuition has been increased $22/month and $20/month respectively for full-time at Unity and Unity/Careerline Tech students.
2.Unity, following CSI guidelines, has increased salary schedules by 3.00% for 2016/2017.
3.Recognizing extra costs beyond tuition, Unity will continue to include all book and technology costs in the 2016/2017 tuition.
8
Meet the candidates
Kim Schreur
Shane Headley
What Christian education means to our family:
Christian education is partnering with parents to
encourage our kids to see their faith as something
real and personal, and showing them God's hand and
purpose in every aspect of their lives. Our kids are
growing up in a world that is hurting and in need
of a Savior. I believe that our kids can be a light in a
dark world. I believe Unity takes seriously the job of
equipping our kids to not only be successful academically, but more importantly to
grow into the young men and women God calls them to be.
What Christian education means to our family:
While continuing to build on a foundation for our
children in this fallen world, Unity is a place where the
light of Christ can be expressed in every aspect of high
school to every student. Knowing that no matter what
life brings, there is always grace at the foot of the cross.
“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is
old he will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6.
• Shane and Rebecca are members of Rusk CRC, Allendale, MI.
• They have four children: Austin, Unity Class of 2013; Riley, senior
at Unity; Alec, sophomore at Unity; Kolby, 6th Grade at Borculo
Christian.
• Kim and Chad are members of Hillcrest CRC, Hudsonville, MI.
• They have four children: Tori, Unity Class of 2010, married to Justin
Oosterbaan, Unity Class of 2003; Tyler, Unity Class of 2012; Colton
and Bryce, both Unity Class of 2015.
• Kim graduated from Unity and GVSU with a degree in Special
Education /Psychology.
• She is currently employed at Hudsonville Christian as Support Staff
in Inclusion Program.
• Kim has served on Hudsonville Christian’s School Board and Unity’s
Board for the past 3 years.
• She served her church in the roles of church school teacher, GEMS
counselor, and leads Baking Ministry.
• Shane attended Borculo Christian, Zeeland High School, and Grand
Rapids Community College.
• He is currently employed at Transmatic Manufacturing.
• Shane has served on Borculo Christian’s School Board for three years.
• He is a current cadet
leader at his church
and a former youth
group leader.
(EOCS) A Lifetime of Christian Education
Christian school student!
(continued from page 1)
The K-8 schools that are part of Unity
are also committed to advancing our
students in both mind and spirit, and
we can all be proud of the excellence
in education that is represented among
the Eastern Ottawa Christian Schools.
Unity and the other schools in the EOCS
are working together to provide quality
curriculum and co-curricular activities
that support students from kindergarten
by providing opportunities and enhancing
the possibilities that exist for young
people today. Well over 200 students are
enrolled in Advanced Placement classes
to ready themselves for their college
experience. In state-of-the-art Fine Arts
spaces we are now adequately able to
support the more than 300 students who
play, sing, act, paint and draw. More
students than ever have been added to our
growing industrial arts program where
students can learn the gift of working
with their hands and exploring careers
in the general trades. With upgrades
in our Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
classes students can discover the world of
technology and learn how to develop and
build products using 3-D printers. With
information at their fingertips, students
have access to the technological advances
in the new Unity that have made research
and discovery only a “click” away. And,
for those students with special and other
support services needs Unity has a staff
ready, capable and willing to ensure
that all God’s children are cared for and
loved. Unity serves a diverse learning
community and is committed to using the
best practices in all areas of education
and faith development to fully support the
The educational excellence
that these schools provide
has helped our students on
their journey in discerning
how and where God is
calling them to serve in
His kingdom
through their graduation from Unity. In
this issue of the Tidings you will meet
the leaders at each school and hear the
story of Christian education taking place
in the community. What you read will
excite, encourage, enforce your beliefs
in Christian education, and make you
9
Upcoming Event
UC Golf Outing
2015 Golfers (l-r) Larry Bruursema, James
Bruursema, Chris Mulder, and Randy Mulder
Plan now to attend the UC Golf
Outing on Monday, June 6, 2016, at
Sunnybrook Country Club on Port
Sheldon Road in Grandville. AM and PM
flights are available, and the registration
fee includes a box lunch. A concluding
buffet dinner will be provided, along with
many prize opportunities. Contact Nick
Balcer at 616.662.4011, or email nbalcer@
unitychristian.org for information
regarding sponsorship or registration.
proud of the Christian Schools in eastern
Ottawa County.
So, enjoy this issue as you learn more
about the schools you support. And, may
God bless the work that is being done in
Christian schools!
Jerry DeGroot, Principal/CEO
Alumni News
Alumni Marriages & Births
Marriages
Jake Mallekoote (‘07) married Erin Mee on
January 2, 2016.
Shelby Rotman (’09) married Jake Visser
(’09) on January 16, 2016.
Births
Evelyn Jean (Evie) Bakker was born to
parents Matt and Jill (Capel '03) Bakker
on February 10, 2016. Both are UC Teachers.
Jackson Bruce Beidler was born on
February 6, 2016 to parents Justin and
Meredith (Meekhof ’06) Beidler, and
welcomed by big sister Addyson (6).
Wesley James Bouwkamp was born on
December 7, 2015 to parents Kyle and Rachel
(Van Dyken ‘07), and welcomed by his big
sister Leah (2).
Kinsler Mae De Mann was born on January
24, 2016 to parents Brian and Jill (Van
Wylen ‘05) De Mann.
Kenzie Alyce Dick and Carter Jay Dick
(Twins!) were born on December 29, 2015
to parents Nate (‘07) and Chelsi Dick, and
welcomed by their big brother Callen (2).
Brittany (Glashower ’04) Van Huis, and
welcomed by his siblings Bode (5), Greenly (4)
and Penella (2).
Hollis Rae Verwolf was born to parents
Brian (‘08) and Rachel (DeVries ‘07)
Verwolf on October 8, 2015. Josiah Chidubem Odoh was born to parents
Harrison and Rachel (Bosscher ‘08) Odoh on
December 2, 2015.
Hudson John Zuiderveen was born to
parents Cody (’09) and Jessica (Horjus ’09)
Zuiderveen on November 20, 2015.
Dominick Mark Scholma was born on
August 27, 2015 to parents Mark (‘03)
and Kellie (Kuperus ‘03) Scholma, and
welcomed by his brother Parker (5) and sister
Frankie (2).
Please submit any Alumni birth
or marriage announcements to:
[email protected],
or call 616.662.4011.
Caden Marc Van Berkum was born on
January 5, 2016 to parents Marc and Niki
(Vander Heide ‘02) Van Berkum, and
welcomed by his two big sisters Alaina (6) and
Taya (3).
Lake Timothy James Van Huis was born
on January 17, 2016 to parents Nick and
Alumni in Missions
Matthew, UC Blue Crew's newest
member, models his UC Onsie!
UPDATES:
Jeff and Melissa (DeJonge ’93) Bos and their three children are serving in
Bangladesh, Africa with Christian Reformed World Missions, since 2003.
A Unity Graduate (who wishes to remain anonymous due to political ramifications)
is serving overseas as an English and World Cultures teacher.
Tessa Glashower (’14) is serving with YWAM on Saint Lucia Island, West Indies.
Please remember in prayer these three alumni and the other members of our
extended Unity Community who are working to advance our Lord’s kingdom
through mission:
Kristen Bosch (’09) – Dominican Republic; Patti (Steenwyk ‘88) Brander –
Mission India/Grandville MI; Ray (‘93) and Angie De Lange – Guadalajara, Mexico;
Jillian (Honderd ’09) and David Draayer – Zambia, Africa; Ryan Elders (’05) –
Eastern Ottawa County, Michigan (Young Life Ministry); John (’74) and Ruth
(VanZalen ’74) Hoekwater – Chicago, Illinois; Eric Hoskins (‘14) – Kyrgyzstan;
Angela (Angie) Johnson – Managua, Nicaragua; Jacob (Jake) Krikke (’04) –
San Jose, Costa Rica (YWAM); Dana Krol (’10) – Zambia, Africa; Jamie (Ponstein
‘05) and Edgar Martinez – Minneapolis, Minnesota (YWAM); Heather Miedema
(’09) – Zambia, Africa; Keala Overweg (’07) – Las Glorias, Mexico; Steve (’95)
and April Palmbos – Malawi, Africa; Matthew (’07) and Rachel Schmitt –
Bloomington, Minnesota; Kimberly (Monsma ‘04) and Matt Schoeck – Belize,
Latin America; Brittany (Roode ‘07) and Tony Troeger – Tegucigalpa, Honduras;
Brenda Vander Schuur (’78) – Guinea; John (‘77) and Cherry Van Farowe –
Japan; and Nathan (‘87) and Brenda Yonker – Haiti.
If you know of other UC Alumni serving in missions, please send their names
and information about their ministries to [email protected],
or call 616.662.4011.
10
(PLEASE NOTE: To celebrate our newest
little ones, we have a FREE “UC Blue
Crew” Onesie that parents/grandparents
may pick up from the Development Office
at 5340 Plaza St., Hudsonville MI. Please
call or email the Development Office and
we’ll put one aside for you. Thank you!
Calling All Veterans
(Reminder)
Unity is planning an event to honor
ALL United States’ military veterans
from the Unity community. If
you or someone you know (parent,
grandparent, son/daughter or some
other relative) have served our country
in the military and support Unity,
please send your/their names, the years
you/they have served and the branch of
service to development@unitychristian.
org, or call the Development Office
at 616.662.4011 ASAP!!! We hope to
have a completed database by April
15, 2016.
Alumni Spotlight
As Unity is very proud of our Alumni, from time to time we receive information on
how UC Alumni are serving in our world in various capacities, or on any special
awards/honors they have received. The story that follows is a story of one of our
Alumni whose family would like the UC Community prayers for safe-keeping.
We invite our community to share such stories. You may contact the Development
Office by email ([email protected]) or call 616.662.4011. Please
note: All stories received will be reviewed by the Tidings Editorial Staff and publication is under their discretion.
Sarah Jasperse (Class of 2008) serves in Law Enforcement as a patrol
officer in a Chicago suburb. After 2 years of Law Enforcement at GRCC
(Grand Rapids Community College), Sarah completed 3 years in Law
Enforcement at Trinity Christian College in Illinois. Sarah had earned a
soccer scholarship through her team participation in Unity’s program that
helped with tuition at Trinity from which she received her B.A. in 2013.
Advanced Notice: UC Grandparents'
Day Friday, September 30, 2016
Class Reunions in
2015/2016
The Class of 1961 will hold their 55th
class reunion on SATURDAY, APRIL
30, 2016 at the new Unity Christian
High School facility, 5900 48th Avenue,
Hudsonville. Please contact Dr. Betty
Velthouse at [email protected] or
Garry VanderPloeg at garry.vanderploeg@
wmich.edu for more information.
The Class of 1956 is planning a
60-year reunion for FALL 2016. Watch
future issues of the Tidings for details. Or,
contact Molli (Marilyn Schut) Brunsting at
[email protected].
Is your class planning a reunion
event in 2015/16? Please contact the
Development Office at development@
unitychristian.org or call 6l6.662.4011
to publish this information in the next
issue of the Tidings. (Class Officers/
Reunion Planners: Class lists are available from the Development Office.)
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

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Unity is excited to announce that we will host our first-ever Grandparents’
Day, to be held on the morning of Friday, September 30, 2016. Come out to
Unity for a time of worship, fellowship, and an experience of Unity Christian
with your grandchild(ren). More details to come at a later date!
Alumni in the Military
Military UPDATES: Brian VandenBerg (Class of 2003) and Ryan Zandstra (Class of 2004) have completed their military service.
We thank Brian and Ryan for their years of service to our country, and thank God for their safekeeping. Please remember to keep all of
our young people listed below in your prayers—and their families as well:
Class of 1987: Chad Geers; Jeff Rozema
Class of 1994: Eric Alan Brew
Class of 1996: Jeremy Molendyk
Class of 1998:Allen Broene; Joon Kee Lee (Patrick Crans)
Class of 1999: Derk Nyenhuis; Ron Thenn
Class of 2000: Steve Bloem; Rick Martinus; Clayton Poortenga
Class of 2001: Seth Allen; Darin Elgersma; Kyle Glashower;
Drew VerHage
Class of 2002: Bryan Flietstra
Class of 2003:Adam Bosma; Jeff Dekkinga; Katy Driesenga;
Justin Oosterbaan (Air Guard); Brian Tucker;
Eric VanBeek
Class of 2004: Kody Fennema; Justin Hatchner
Class of 2005: Brett Jackson; Chris Kitler;
Andrew Niewiek; Stephan Thenn
Class of 2006: Jay Baum; Joshua Lankheet;
David Van Abbema
Class of 2007:Aubrey Bosma; Brandon Dragstra;
Drew Grooters; Quynn Schaaphok; Rachel Scott;
Bobby Sorensen; Lauren Zandstra
11
Class of 2008: Michael Dekker; Kyle Emelander;
Brandon Zomerlei
Class of 2009: Corbin Durek; Kent Schaaphok; Tyler Stroven;
Joshua VanBelzen; Ryan VanVels
Class of 2010:Randy Dragstra; Tyler Wiersma
Class of 2011:Austin Dornbush; Jon Mohr;
Chris Poolman
Class of 2012: Ethan Ritsema
Class of 2013: Wyatt Johnson; Charlie Vrieland
Class of 2014: Jacob Herzog; Gavin Miedema; Joshua
TerKeurst; Nathan VandenBosch
Class of 2015: Trevor Vedders
The names of the Alumni listed above have been submitted by their
families for recognition of their service in the military. If you know
of other Unity alumni currently serving, we would like to recognize
and honor them in the Tidings. Please send their information to
[email protected], or call the Development Office at
616.662.4011. Also, if you have updated information on any of the
Alumni listed, please call or email the Development Office as soon as
possible.
Non-Profit
US Postage
PAID
Permit No. 17
Grand Rapids, MI
UNITY CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL
5900 48th Ave. HUDSONVILLE, MI 49426
Revive News/Update
Spring has arrived at revive!
Revive is full of beautiful spring floral arrangements,
home décor items, and new arrivals in spring and
summer clothing, shoes, purses, and accessories!
Come fill your home and your closet with fresh color
at a refreshingly affordable price.
Revive's Showers of April Savings!
Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10am – 5pm;
Tuesday, Thursday 10am – 7pm;
Saturday 10am – 3pm
Phone: 616.662.3375
Email: [email protected];
Website: www.ReviveResale.org;
3675 Baldwin Street, Hudsonville, MI 49426
www.facebook.com/
ReviveResaleStore