DECEMBER 2013

MountaineerMessenger

Learning & Living for the Glory of God

STRONG LORD

in the

Zion students are

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Finding Our Strength in GodZion’s theme for the 2013-2014 school year is

“Strong in the Lord.” The inspiration for this theme is Ephesians 6:10: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.”

After the tragedy at the Boston Marathon last spring, people across the country tried to put a bold face on their pain by wearing t-shirts that said “Boston Strong,” but we know that we are only truly strong when we’re “God Strong.” Our students appreciate the picture that Paul paints in his epistles of a well-equipped warrior on his knees in prayer. A Christian soldier puts on each part of that gospel armor with frequent and fervent prayer.

Each day our devotional lessons point both teachers and students to these

important realities. We strive to teach the students at Zion that we are

dependent on the prayers of God’s people. Thank

you for praying for us and keeping us

“Strong in the Lord.”

Mark Your Calendars:Christmas Music Program7:00pm, December 161st Byron Center CRC

HomecomingFebruary 7Zion Christian School

Open House7:00pm, March 6Zion Christian School

Spring Play7:00pm, March 27 & 28Grandville Middle School

Mountaineer Pi Run9:00am, April 19Zion Christian School

Spring Dinner6:00pm, April 24Location: TBA

Above: HannahMoelker, Emma Moelker,

& Natalie DeZwaan

Left: Trenton Schuiteman

Front Cover: Benjamin Toonstra, Jacob Rozema, Eric Braam, Aidan Runner, Martin

Ybema, & Bodey Toonstra

Grandparents DayFriday, October 4, was a day of great blessing at Zion Christian School. On that day, the halls and classrooms of Zion were filled with many proud and supportive grandparents and great-grandparents for Grandparents Day. The day included a special chapel which featured a message from Mr. Henk Kleyn. The program also included music from the junior high and high school choirs and the elementary students. It was a wonderful time of worship.

After the program, a team of Zion moms served lunch to nearly 400 students and grandparents. Again this year, the lunch was generously provided by Stroo Funeral Home.

Thank you to Zion grandparents and great-grandparents for their support and prayers. What a blessing to see different generations of God’s people together for a day of fellowship and worship.

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Left: Ethan Parker andhis grandfather

Right, top to bottom: Emersyn Toonstra and her

grandmother and great-grandmother; Allison

Veurink and her grandfather; Robby Schipper and his

grandfather; Nathan Van Laan and his grandmother; Riley & Jayda Steenbergen

and their grandparents

Science Classes at ZionPhysical ScienceAfter completing the Simple Machine unit, students built their own model cars. Most groups used kits, but some students made their cars from scratch. After a grueling week of construction, students had a race to determine the fastest car. The winning team consisted of Wendy Telman, Thomas Tuinstra, and Jared Westendorp. This project encouraged working together and being respectful of each other.

Top Left: The Physical Scienceclass poses with their model cars

Above: Seth Baker, Nicole Veldink, Samantha Kuiper, & Jacob Tjapkes in lab

Left: Olivia Hilton & Cassidy Baker with their model of an energy efficient house

BiologyAfter completing the unit on genetics, students created presentations on genetic disorders. Students appreciated learning about the complexity of human DNA.

ChemistryStudents have been learning about ionic and covalent compounds. Students have completed labs involving melting points, making molecules, and burning magnesium. The class has made good use of the Bunsen burners, hot plates, and chemicals in the science room.

Earth ScienceThe most recent unit in Earth Science was on energy resources and renewable energy. Students created model homes that are energy efficient. Each group researched different resources, including wind energy and geo-thermal energy, and then made models out of various materials. This project was designed to get students thinking about being good stewards of God’s creation.

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Technology UpdateNew ComputersOver the summer, Zion updated all of the computers in the computer lab, as well as all of the teacher computers. Students are grateful for the faster computers and newer software. A hearty “thank you” to the grandparents and other donors who contributed to this major enhancement.

Document CamerasSeveral of the elementary classrooms are now home to new document cameras and projectors. In the third grade classroom, the document projector is almost never off. The versatility and practicality of this small piece of technology has a large effect in the classroom. The document camera allows the teacher to easily show student assignments on the board and model instruction without extra photocopying or having to create overheads. During show-and-tell, students can place photographs, trophies, and other treasures under the camera, allowing every student in the classroom to instantly see each minute detail. Teachers can get creative and use the document camera to project students’ images on the whiteboard while giving a presentation, as if they are giving a report on television. The academic possibilities achievable by using the document cameras in classrooms are positive and varied. Zion has been truly blessed to be able to utilize this new tool in the elementary classrooms.

iPads in LESStudents and teachers in the Learning Enrichment Program (LES) at Zion are excited to have two new iPads in the classroom this year. The iPads provide an engaging and interactive educational tool. Zion elementary students enjoy using these tablets for practicing their math facts, problem-solving activities, phonics games, and sight word fluency. Junior high and high school students benefit by using the iPads to learn Spanish vocabulary, build algebra skills, look up Bible references, and research for science and history papers. Zion is thankful for the opportunities that these devices provide for preparing student for the 21st century, while remaining solidly grounded in the timeless truths of Scripture.

Max BelzRole: English Teacher & Office AssistantCredentials: B.A. Covenant CollegeExperience: Teaching since 2013Church: Harvest OPC

Emily KoningRole: Science Teacher, 2nd Grade Aide, & Office AssistantCredentials: B.A. Grand Valley State UniversityExperience: Office experience since 2011; Teaching since 2013Church: Trinity URC

Chelsea OttenRole: 3rd Grade TeacherCredentials: B.A. Hope CollegeExperience: Teaching since 2010Church: LaGrave Avenue CRC

Rebecca tenHaafRole: 1st Grade TeacherCredentials: B.A. Calvin CollegeExperience: Teaching since 2010Church: American Reformed

Jennifer VosRole: Preschool DirectorCredentials: A.A. Child Development, Kuyper CollegeExperience: Teaching since 1990Church: Dutton URC

New Staff

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Right: Ethan Greenland uses an iPad in his school work

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Teacher AidesAt Zion, high school students have the option of serving as teacher aides for elementary teachers during the school day. Aides receive a grade

and academic credit for their time spent as a teacher aide. Some teachers assign clerical work – such as making copies or grading assignments – to

their aides. However, other teachers have their aides work directly with the elementary students, helping them review concepts learned in class.

First grade teacher Barb Kooreman appreciates the option of having teacher aides. She says, “I love to watch the teacher aides work with the first graders because I feel we accomplish our goal as Christians, working as one body toward various goals.”

Eight different aides join Kooreman’s first grade classroom at various times during the week. The aides work one-on-one with her students, listening to them read and helping

them with their writing. “The first graders learn so much more with the one-on-one instruction from the teacher aide,” says Kooreman.

Kooreman also says that the experience is beneficial for the high school students. “The time spent with the first graders gives the aides a chance to put into practice what they have learned in school,” she says. “It lets the aides experience different learning styles and [shows them] you can’t teach all kids in the same way.”

In addition, the teacher aides enjoy the time spent with elementary students. “Teacher aiding is always the highlight of my day,” says senior Olivia Baker. “I love [the kids’] crazy stories and watching them learn.”

Senior Jeremy Edouard also enjoys working with Kooreman’s students. “I’m always excited to go teacher aide,” he says. “The kids always brighten my day.”

Kooreman says that her appreciation of the teacher aides is heightened by the fact that no other schools where she has taught feature this program. She says, “I thank God that [Zion] is willing to have teacher aiding as a choice for high school students.”

Clockwise, from the top: Mrs. Kooreman’s first grade class with some of the teacher aides; Kyle Kleyn & Jacob Tjapkes; Isabelle Leep & Abigail Miedema; Jeremy Edouard & Landon Doezema; Emersyn Toonstra & Olivia Baker

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Mrs. Julie Groenhof4th Grade Teacher

Timothy WestendorpSenior

Hannah KleynFreshman

Casey Ybema6th Grade

Leah Prins2nd Grade

Gettingto know...

Ring the Bells Russian Hinds’ Feet on High Places by

Hannah Hurdard

Peanut Butter Chocolate Pie

Self- Duplication

JingleBells

Dutch N/A Apple Pie Flying

Thompson’s Jingle Bells

Spanish Beyond the Reflection’s Edge by Bryan Davis

Apple Pie Ability to play all musical

instruments

Hark! The Herald Angels

Sing

Dutch Scout: The Secret of the Swampby Piet Prins

Cherry Pie SuperStrength

Hark! The Herald Angels

Sing

American sign language

I Wish That I Had Duck Feet

by Dr. Seuss

Blueberry Pie Walking through fire

Favorite Christmas

song

Language you’d like to

learn

Favoritebook

Favorite type of pie

Superpower you’d like to

have

Student CouncilZion’s Student Council is composed of student leaders who organize events and activities for their fellow students’ enjoyment and sense of community. Student Council has already been hard at work this school year. There was a student mixer early in the year. This helped students - especially new students - get to know each other as they played games, ate pizza, and dunked their teachers in a dunk tank. Student council also planned a bonfire night, during which students socialized with each other, played capture the flag, and enjoyed a blazing fire. Additionally, Student Council organized several “Spirit Days,” including “The Great Divide” and “Crazy Hair Day.” These special days allow students to express their personalities and imaginations.

However, Student Council does more than just organize social activities; it also provides opportunities for the student body to engage the community through service projects. This fall, Student Council collected food and donations for “Thanksgiving Baskets,” which were delivered to a local food pantry. Student Council also will plan winter and spring service projects, as well as many other social activities, including homecoming celebrations.

Being a member of Student Council is a large responsibility, and the student members strive to be a blessing to the student body and the local community. Please pray for these student leaders and the work they do.

2013-2014 Student CouncilPresident: Joshua Kunnen

Secretary: Thomas Ryskamp

Treasurer: Enrique Kamer

12th Grade: Shelby Prins

11th Grade: Anna Kloosterman, Jacob Tjapkes

10th Grade: Chad Baker, Faith Van Dyke

9th Grade: Hannah Kleyn, Colton Pasma

8th Grade: Cassidy Baker, Nicole DeYoung

7th Grade: Jacob Alsum, Weston Kleyn

Below: The freshmen engage in a tug-o-war at the mixer

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$250,000

$150,000

$100,000

$50,000

The Mountaineer Fund represents the difference between our tuition income and overall educational costs. This year, the Mountaineer Fund totals $250,000. So far, we have raised approximately $100,000. Mountaineer Fund dollars are what allow us to

keep tuition as low as possible, while maintaining the small classes needed for high academic achievement. Please consider helping us reach this goal.

Each year, we count on receiving over 30% of our Mountaineer Fund gifts in December. This totals $75,000 of our $250,000 goal for the year. We acknowledge that meeting this goal will require significant sacrifice for many. However, we also trust a great God to generously provide for our needs.

With this in mind, we boldly ask for a gift of cash, stock, mutual fund, etc. as part of your year-end giving. Christian education at Zion simply would not exist without such generosity.

Zion Distinctives Several years ago, members of the Zion constituency met to formulate a document that would encompass the specific ways in which Zion

seeks to be distinct as a Christian school committed to the Reformed Faith. Borne out of this discussion was the formulation of several statements. These statements may be divided into three sections: Authority of Scripture; Reformed Heritage; and School Life, Academics, and Atmosphere. Each issue of the Messenger will list one of our “distinctives” as a means of reminding us and our constituency of the primary tenets that are critical to a solidly Reformed, Christian education.

Section: Reformed HeritageTenet: Priority is given to the singing of psalms and hymns, as well as the use of the Reformed creeds and confessions, in order that another generation might be profoundly affected by such treasures rooted in God’s Word.

The entire list of “distinctives” may be viewed on the Academics page on Zion’s website.

$200,000

Ashton Steenbergen

Marie DeYoung, Jennifer Edouard, & Lee CarterSamantha Kuiper

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Ace HardwareAction Collision Service, Inc.Advantage Animal ControlAmway Grand Plaza HotelAP Tutors, LLCArbor Gage & Tooling, Inc.Arnie’s Bakery and RestaurantBeaver Island Boat CompanyBig O SmokehouseBittersweet Ski ResortBob’s Butcher BlockBroene’s FurnitureBuild-A-Bear WorkshopByron Center ChiropracticByron Center MeatsByron Family RestaurantCamp Bow Wow - HudsonvilleCareLinc Medical SupplyCelebration CinemaChateau ChantalChemical BankCherry Valley ConcreteCindy’s Hair Care - JenisonCompaan Door of West MichiganCook Funeral & Cremation ServicesCorner SalesCostco WarehouseCountry NeedleworksCulvers - 54th St.Cutlerville Shoe RepairD & D Mobile LocksmithD.J.’s Landscape ManagementDeHaan Tile & FlooringDeppe Mold and ToolingDesign One Salon & SpaDetroit Red WingsDiamond Springs Golf CourseDykstra’s Auto Service, Inc.Dynamic WoodsEastern FloralEdward Jones - Maggie DoornewerdElder’s ApplianceExpress Care Lube & Car WashFarmer’s Co-op Elevator Co.Farmstead Inn & Conference CenterFields FabricsFillmore Equipment - JenisonFirst CompaniesFlier’sForest Hill FoodsFortune Chef RestaurantFranklin PressGerrit’s Appliance Inc.Gilmore Car MuseumGleneagle Golf ClubGordon Food ServiceGrand Rapids Children’s Museum

Grand Rapids Civic TheatreGreen Bay Packers - Lambeau Field AtriumGreen Valley Agricultural, Inc.Grand Rapids GriffinsGroenink’s Elevator & HardwareGrand Rapids SymphonyGrandville FloralGVL ExcavatingGymnastics UnlimitedHeffron FarmsHeidi Christine’s Salon & SpasHelms MasonryHenry Ford MuseumHolland Community Aquatic CenterHolland Special DeliveryHorizon ComplexHouseman’s Ice CreamHudsonville GrilleHudsonville LanesHuizen’s Furniture of Galewood, Inc.Integrated ExteriorsIntegrity Business Solutionsj b johnson photographyJan’s Unique CreationsJohn G. Shedd AquariumJohn Hoeksema, Inc.John P. Sterk & Sons PaintingJoymar CarwashJurgens & HoltvluwerKapteyn FarmsKentucky Horse ParkKoetsier GreenhouseKroll Furnace Co. Inc.Lamphear Service CompanyLands’ EndLumberman’sM & M Tasty Treats - TCBYMac Wood’s Scenic Dune RidesMacatawa BankMacy’sMain Street Bicycle Co.Main Street Sales, Inc.Mani’s PhotographyMaple Hill Golf CourseMeijer - 54th StreetMeyer MusicMiedema AuctioneeringModel Drug and Apothecary Gift ShopMuseum of Science and Industry, ChicagoNapa Auto Parts - GrandvilleNelis’ Dutch VillageOlive Garden Italian RestaurantPaint-A-PotPanopoulos SalonsPeek-a-BoutiquePilgrim’s Run Golf ClubPioneer Seed

Port 72 Fresh MarketDr. Mark PowellPremier Granite & Stone, LLCQuality VacuumRainbow Grill - GrandvilleRedeemer BooksReformed Book OutletRepcolite Paints - Chicago DriveSuzanne Reyenga, Lia Sophia ConsultantRhythm FitnessRichard Engels Jewelers, Inc.Roeda StudiosRozema’s Car Care Center - HudsonvilleRPM MachineryRuss’ Restaurant - CutlervilleSalon CentricDr. Gary Scott, DDSSeif Chevrolet - CaledoniaSenator Mark Jansen7 Seven’s Paint & WallpaperShepler’s Mackinac Island FerrySierra Sands Family Lodge at the DunesSouthkent Veterinary HospitalStarlite Kitchens & BathsState Farm Insurance - Ken JippingState Farm Insurance - Kathleen SullivanSteenstra’s BakeryStehouwer Frozen Foods, Inc.Strider’sStroo Funeral Home, Inc.Superior Plumbing Services, Inc.Swierenga JewelersTarget - Clyde ParkTed Miedema Concrete ConstructionTeerman’sThe Shack Bed and BreakfastTillema Sales & Service, Inc.Town & Country GroupTrue Vine CreationsUniqueLee YouUnited Bank - Byron CenterVan Andel & FlikkemaVander Veen’s Dutch StoreVeldink ConstructionVictor BarnesHarold VoorheesW.W. Greenhouses, Inc.WalmartWarm FuzziesWesseling & BrackmannWest Michigan WhitecapsWhirlpool CorporationWoodwaysWorld Mission ThriftYbema FarmYMCA of Grand RapidsZion Athletic Boosters

The Zion Auction Committee would like to thank those who contributed to the auction. This fall, the auction raisedmore than $77,000 for the Mountaineer Fund. Thank you to those who made phone calls, talked to businesses, and helped with set-up. Without your help, this event would not be possible. Also, thank you to those who purchased items at the auction.

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Auction Donors 2013

As a college athlete, 2011 Zion graduate Nathan Vander Wall discovered an unexpected talent:

racewalking. This talent has allowed him to compete on a national stage, where he has toed the line with Olympians. While at Zion, Vander Wall participated in the combined Zion/West Michigan Lutheran cross country and track teams. He continued running competitively at Cornerstone University, where he is currently enrolled in his third year, studying communication, history, and coaching. During his first year at Cornerstone, Vander Wall struggled with running injuries, which prevented him from training. His coach suggested he try racewalking, because it puts less stress on the body. “I happen to have the form and body type for racewalking,” says Vander Wall, “so I tried it for a few weeks.” In racewalking, competitors must keep one foot on the ground at all times. Also, the leg that is passing under the body must be straight, with no bend at the knee. During races, judges watch the racewalkers and can disqualify competitors for violating racewalking rules. Vander Wall quickly showed promise as a racewalker. In 2012, he qualified for the outdoor NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) National

Championships, placing 8th and becoming an All-American. In 2013, he qualified for both the indoor and outdoor NAIA National Championships, placing 3rd and 5th, respectively, and being named an All-American again at both events. In June, Vander Wall competed in his biggest race yet: the 20 kilometer (20k) racewalk at the USA Track & Field Outdoor National Championships in Des Moines, IA. He qualified for the event by meeting a qualifying standard

at another race. At the National Championships, most of the other competitors were professional athletes. “I definitely felt like I was in a line-up of giants,” says Vander Wall. “I lined-up next to Tim Seamon, who is a three-time Olympian and a multiple-time US champion. To be among them was quite special.”

Vander Wall placed 8th at the National Championship race, finishing in 1:49:39. “I’m very competitive, so I always want to say that I could have done better,” he says. “It was my first 20k, so there were a lot of things that I learned and will have to tweak [in the future].”

Vander Wall hopes to return to the National Championships and claim a national title someday. However, his ultimate goal is

qualifying for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Nathan Vander WallAlumni Spotlight:

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I definitely felt like I was in a line up of giants. To be among

them was quite special.

”“

MOUNTAINEERSPORTS

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Alliance LeagueAll Conference AthletesBoys SoccerSecond TeamJon De JongHonorable MentionJonathan MoormanJonathan Verduin

Volleyball Team Wins Districts, ConferenceThe varisty volleyball team made history this fall by claiming victory in the Class D district finals. This is the first time in Zion’s 15-year history that an athletic team has won an MHSAA District title. The volleyball team also won the Alliance League Championship this fall. Congratulations to coaches Joanna Heerema and Amy Berkenpas and the members of the varsity volleyball team.

Left: The varsity volleyball teamMiddle: Katie Suwyn; Jonathan MoormanBottom: The volleyball team; Jon De Jong; Rachel Postma

Girls VolleyballFirst TeamRachel PostmaKatie SuwynSecond TeamOlivia BakerHonorable MentionCayte Baker

7555 Byron Center AveByron Center, MI 49315(616) 878-9472www.zionchristian.net

Address Service Requested

Non-ProfitU.S. Postage Paid

Byron Center, MI 49315Permit No. 16

Many thanks to the golfers and sponsors who made this year’s Golf Outing a major success. Thanks to your generosity, more than $20,000 was raised for the Mountaineer Fund. The winning team consisted of Brad Steenbergen, Brian Doezema, Kurt Schuiteman, and Matt VanTil.

Next fall, the Golf Outing is scheduled for Saturday, September 20, 2014, at Diamond Springs Golf Course. Mark your calendars now!

Event SponsorsArbor Gage & Tooling, Inc.Dykstra’s Auto Service, Inc.

Grace AdventuresGrace Bible College

Lunch SponsorGVL Excavating

Town & Country Tel-Com

Mountaineer SponsorsDJ’s Landscape Management

First CompaniesHelms Masonry

Integrity Business SolutionsJohn P. Sterk & Sons PaintingPremier Granite & Stone, LLC

Hole SponsorsBuiten Insurance

Cook Funeral & Cremation ServicesDys Insurance

Integrated ExteriorsK&H Concrete Cutting

Golf Outing 2013