pilgrim journey winter 2014
DESCRIPTION
A summary of the achievements at Lansing Christian School in Lansing, Michigan during the 2013-2014 school year.TRANSCRIPT
PILGRIM Journey
The Lansing Christian School
Board of Trustees
Gillian Granger ‘88, Chair
Rod Moore, Secretary
Brad Banasik
Stephanie Buchalski
Dave Greydanus
Laura Moody
Scott Wagoner
Rina Woodland ‘85
Lori Wortz
Winter 2014
Leadership ...
giving students
opportunities to
explore their
passions and
gifts, and to
practice what
they are good at.
LEADERSHIP Growing and Using our God-Given Gifts By Wendy Hofman, Head of School
Leadership is something we hear about a lot. We hear about the importance
of leadership in business, politics, church, sports and in school. Leadership is
important, and is necessary for people to achieve, students to learn, and
organizations to advance. But what is leadership? What does leadership mean
for students at school?
At the most fundamental level, leadership begins with growing and enabling our
gifts — what we are good at and what we are passionate about — at any age.
At school this means giving students opportunities to explore their passions and
gifts, and to practice what they are good at.
The next level of leadership involves using our gifts to serve others and to serve
needs in our community and in our world. Leaders don’t just take charge; they
use their gifts and talents to serve people and serve real needs. They use their
leadership ability to bring others along with them.
Cultivating student leader-
ship is important. At Lansing
Christian, we believe God
has given each and every
one of our PreK-12 students
unique gifts and abilities that
He intends to use for a divine
purpose in this world and for
His kingdom. Giving our stu-
dents an opportunity to
practice using and growing
their gifts is important. Giving
our students an opportunity
to practice using their gifts to meet real needs has life-long value.
I invite you to read about some of the ways we are working to cultivate leader-
ship in our elementary, middle and high school students here at LCS.
Photo by Tom Gennara
Photo by Tom Gennara
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Classroom Learning Relevant Learning for the 21st Century
Learning to Think Like a Scientist By Sheila Dykstra, Elementary Principal
and Kelly Joos, High School Science Teacher
Exploring Science
What does it take to be a scientist? Asking
questions, exploring problems, conducting
experiments, and observing and recording
results are skills that scientists use in their work.
Our elementary students use these skills every
day in our new science curriculum.
This hands on, inquiry-based program presents
students with a problem, which they must solve
through experimentation and application of
the knowledge gained throughout the unit.
This method of learning promotes problem
solving and critical thinking skills. It also
encourages students to transfer the concepts
they learn to other questions or problems. As
students work, they record their hypothesis,
observations and results in their science
journals.
Studying God’s Creation
The AP biology course is one of the college-
level courses that Lansing Christian offers which
provides an opportunity for high school
students to focus on a specific interest area.
Students with an interest in science conduct an
in-depth study of God’s creation focusing on
four Big Ideas set forth by the College Board:
evolution, energy dynamics, information
transfer and interactions from the molecular to
the ecological levels. Students learn to think
like a scientist – learning to pose questions and
determine the variables to investigate.
Students learn to design their own experiments,
conduct laboratory investigations and
activities, and determine how to present
conclusions.
Learning to think and act as a scientist will help our students become future
leaders in scientific fields.
Biology Students
Raise Funds for
Wells and Nets
The three sophomore
Biology classes learned
about the diseases
caused by mosquitos and
unclean water around
the world as part of their
Protist and Fungus
unit. They raised a total
of $5,734.56 which they
donated to World
Vision to fund a hand-
drilled well, and mosqui-
to bed nets for two entire
villages. We are proud of
their efforts to be the
hands and feet of Christ
to needy families around
the world.
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Relevant Learning for the 21st Century
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Google Field Trip — Inspiring Excellence
By Elissa McAlvey ‘07, 5th Grade Teacher
A group of LCS high school students — selected based on an essay describing what makes
them “Googley”, such as benefiting mankind, unique, and interesting, etc. — visited Google
in Ann Arbor.
The Google trip gave students a glimpse into a competitive organization, world-renowned for
its entrepreneurial approach to business, marketing, and philanthropy. I wanted to inspire
students to aim high and show them a company with high standards as an example.
Students heard from two “Googlers” who worked in separate sectors of the company. Then,
we Google Hungout (like Skype) with my brother, Patrick McAlvey ‘03, who works in the NYC
office. He talked to the students about what Google looks for in employees, such as self-
confidence, communication skills, a high GPA, leadership abilities, and “Googliness”. They
look for motivated, unique individuals rather than a specific degree.
The visit ended with a tour of the offices, massage rooms and chairs, treadmill work
stations, Michigan city-themed conference rooms, mini-kitchens, a cafeteria, and plenty of
engaging employees.
By Andrew Kleyn, High School English Teacher
Communication and Culture is a high school course in which students study the elements and techniques of
communication and the prevailing worldviews in western culture as presented through the media. The ultimate goal is to
build the students’ communication skills and to help them critique culture from a Christian perspective. The course
examines a variety of media (e.g., television, magazines, and video games). The purpose of including these materials is
not to promote ignorant immersion into immoral media, but rather to empower students to recognize, critique, and
combat the anti-Christian worldviews that surround and assail them every day.
The students will wrestle with major worldview questions about money, beauty, and violence with questions like,
“What should motivate me? What is beautiful? What does it mean to be masculine?” Popular media continually provides
teenagers with answers to these questions. It is time we examine those answers.
At the conclusion of the course, Communication and Culture students are equipped with communication skills to speak
both publicly and conversationally. They have also taken time to discover what the Bible says about important issues of
consumerism, masculinity, and femininity. Lastly, they are challenged to be leaders as “salt and light” in a culture that
definitely needs Christ’s reforming power.
Students tried the
Google Glass — an
eyeball sized computer
that only the glass
wearer can see. It is
navigated by tapping
the side of the glasses.
COMMUNICATION AND CULTURE
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Classroom Learning Relevant Learning for the 21st Century
Student Statesmanship Institute
LCS seniors participated in a unique two-day leadership
training in November, the Student Statesmanship
Institute (SSI), Michigan's premiere leadership and
biblical worldview training program. SSI Onsite is a very
dynamic hands-on legislative experience that provides
students the opportunity to quickly learn to analyze
data, practice critical thinking and develop team
approaches while benefiting from a solid biblical
worldview curriculum and instruction in debate and
communications.
Through SSI, students develop practical skills of
leadership, teamwork, critical and strategic thinking,
debate and communication, and speech writing. They
gain a greater understanding of their role as a Christian
in society as they learn to distinguish between secular
and biblical approaches to life.
It is with gratitude and a sense of
responsibility that our middle
school students each received
their own school issued iPad Air,
giving them the opportunity to
learn in new ways, with new
technology tools.
Middle School students
were the teachers at the
Middle School Tech Expo
as they demonstrated the
variety of educational
tools and applications
that they use on
their iPads.
The LCS Student Statesmanship Institute culminated
with the final session held at the State Capitol in the
Michigan House Chambers.
Middle School
Tech Expo
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Student Life
LCS Student Ambassadors
By Patti Jacobson, Admissions Director
A Student Ambassador is a
high school student who
represents LCS at the
highest level, communi-
cating to new and
prospective students and
families the mission and
values of LCS. The Lansing
Christian School Student
Ambassador Program was
launched in the Spring of
2013 and consists of 35
students. The mission of Lansing Christian School is to provide student life
opportunities to enable students to develop their God-given abilities as well as
prepare them for life beyond high school.
One of the best ways to make new students feel connected and belong to our
school is through the kindness and practical help from our own students!
Students are challenged to become more like Christ as they reach
out to new students and begin to serve others. The ambassadors
promote a strong sense of community by showing respect for their
teachers, classmates and school.
These representatives create a welcoming atmosphere for visitors
and provide an introduction to the school. Students experience
how to focus on others and in this capacity are role models to
other students.
The ambassadors play a very important role and contribute to the
successful enrollment of new students. Their roles and
responsibilities include hosting prospective student
shadow days, attending admissions events, and
helping to engage and connect new students.
Shadow Days provide a prospective student an
opportunity to “sample” LCS for a day. The success of
this experience can be a determining factor in the
decision-making process of whether to enroll or not.
Campus visits by prospective students and their
families play a significant role in the decision-making
process in regards to taking the next step and
enrolling. It makes a dramatic impact on families when
they are greeted by friendly, courteous students.
Photos by Tom Gennara
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Classroom Learning Serving Others
7th Grade Bible Students Serve in the School
Clarissa Karr's 7th Grade Bible class put their
energies to use serving our elementary students in a
variety of ways. This helped them see you don't have
to go far to serve others in the name of Jesus!
1st Grade Class
Helps Students in
Sierra Leone
Betsy Jackson’s 1st
grade students collected
school supplies, toys and
books for the Madina
Village School, a new
elementary school in an
impoverished area of
Sierra Leone, Africa. The
grandfather of one of the
LCS students grew up in
Sierra Leone and
returned to build the
school. Our students
were able to help the
students at the new
school.
Operation Christmas Child
Lansing Christian PreK-12 students collected
265 shoe boxes full of gifts to be distributed
by Samaritan’s Purse to children who need to
know about Jesus’ love for them. LCS 6th
grade student Brianna (below) has sent a
box, along with a note, every year since
preschool. She
shared the
letter and
picture from the
girl who
received her gift
box at school
chapels.
SOCKS FOR LANSING
Lansing Christian
National Honor Society
students donated tube
socks for men, women
and children to the
Rescue Mission. This
service project was part
of the Socks for Lansing
initiative started by LCS
alumna Sarah Garner
’10!
Photo by Tom Gennara
Photo by Tom Gennara
Teaching and Ongoing Learning
Growing our Teachers – Broadening our Leadership By Wendy Hofman, Head of School
Research tells us that one of the best ways to advance student learning is for teachers to engage in
ongoing learning and professional growth. At LCS, engaging in professional learning is very much a
part of our daily work together as a teaching staff. Weekly staff meetings are utilized for work on
curriculum and instructional strategies, collaboration on new learning experiences for students, and
professional reading and research. We also encourage our
teachers to visit one another’s classrooms in order to learn from
each other and provide helpful feedback.
Two years ago a Leadership Council was formed as a way of
engaging teachers in moving forward the teaching and
learning vision of the school. The Leadership Council is
represented by teachers in each level of the school. This group
meets monthly, focusing on developing plans and initiatives in
the areas of curriculum and instruction and in developing
mission-focused learning opportunities for PreK-12 students at
Lansing Christian.
One of the greatest benefits of the Leadership Council is the opportunity to grow teacher
leadership throughout our school. Broadening our teacher leadership base positions all of our
teachers to learn and to grow, to be challenged with ideas and new ways of doing things, and to
more effectively help our students learn.
High School Spanish Teacher, Freddy Shofstall ’07
Spanish became Freddy’s focus after his senior trip to Tijuana, Mexico to do
mission work. “I was able to apply the Spanish I had learned and it fueled my
passion to continue studying.” Freddy taught in Illinois after graduating from
Olivet Nazarene University, before joining the LCS teaching staff.
WHY LCS? I really love the LCS community and students. When Christians
come together with a singular purpose that glorifies the Lord, good things will
happen. Great things are happening at LCS. The support, the staff, and the
school are conducive to learning. Combine that with the ability, and desire, to
teach about Jesus through my subject area and you have a place where mean-
ingful learning occurs. It is wonderful to teach at LCS.
WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT? Mission work! I took every opportunity I
could to travel to do work related to missions. I love exploring new countries and
learning more about other cultures.
My favorite verse right now is Isaiah 41:10: So don’t be afraid. I am here, with you; don’t be dismayed, for I am
your God. I will strengthen you, help you. I am here with My right hand to make right and to hold you up. (The
Voice)
7 - PILGRIM Journey
Photo by Tom Gennara
Photo by Tom Gennara
8 - PILGRIM Journey
Classroom Learning Fine Arts
Performances are an important part of a fine arts program, giv-
ing students and teachers a goal to work towards and a target
for excellence. Performances also give students an opportunity
to work and grow in their area of giftedness and to shine with
the support of family and friends.
Students Shine in Performances By Wendy Hofman, Head of School
and Sheila Dykstra, Elementary Principal
5th – 8th grade band and choir students
performed for an audience for the very
first time at the Fall Spectacular. This
performance early in the year gave
choir teacher Peter O’Neill and band
teacher Scott Davis an opportunity to
put classroom learning in the context
of presentation.
Teaching students early in the year
that the mastery of notes and rhythms, good pos-
ture, and attention to detail has purpose -- is the
goal of this first performance. The new 5th and 6th
grade band performed for the very first time at
the Fall Spectacular. It was amazing to see how
quickly these students learned to make sound with
their instruments, play the right notes and rhythms,
and follow their director, all in the very first few weeks of school.
The High School Choir and Band combined for a Concert of Worship through
Song at River Terrace Church in November. Choir director Peter O’Neill, de-
signed the concert around the theme of “Assurance.” Students performed
music and led the congregation in singing that spoke to God’s character and
His faithfulness.
The annual Christmas Concert has become a well-loved LCS tradi-
tion. The opportunity to sing and perform the music of Christmas
in a worship setting brought nearly 800 people to South Church
this year. Performances from 4th -12th grade ensembles, audi-
ence carol singing, and the singing of the Hallelujah Chorus
brought together our current families, grandparents, alumni stu-
dents and parents, and friends of LCS in a very special way.
Kindergarten through
3rd grade students pre-
sented the Christmas
story in both English
and Spanish at their
annual Christmas con-
cert. Through choral
music and a Nativity
play performed in
Spanish, they shared
the true meaning of
Christmas.
Photo by Tom Gennara
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Nurturing Faith
Elementary students
worship in chapel
Joel Wayner, pastor and
LCS parent, taught from
Isaiah 6:1-8. He chal-
lenged each student to
be ready to share the
gospel with others. It is
our prayer that when
God says, “Whom shall I
send? And who will go
for Us?” we will all say,
“Here am I. Send me!”
Growing in Faith By Sheila Dykstra, Elementary Principal and Carol Feuss, Director of Development
Developing each student’s faith is a goal we
strive for each day. One way we accomplish
this is through classroom devotions. Students
share their needs and lift each other up in
prayer. They can ask questions and gain a
deeper understanding of what it means to be
a Christian.
Each day you will also find students studying
the Bible during their lunch break. 5th grade
girls meet each Friday with Elementary Principal Sheila Dykstra to learn about
what it means to trust God and to care for others.
High School students meet with Math/Science Teacher Kelly Joos and Physical
Education/Health teacher Garrett Anderson on Tuesdays to search scripture for
what it says about who we are in Christ and who God is. Ms. Joos explains,
“We are asking God to show us lies we've believed about Him and ourselves
and claiming the Truth over those things.” Ms. Joos also meets weekly with 9th
grade girls. 9th grade guys meet with Mr. Anderson on Monday’s and 7th and
8th grade guys at Wednesday lunch looking into the questions: "Who is Jesus?"
and "How do we know Him?" 9th and 10th grade guys meet with High School
Science Teacher Omar Bjarki on Fridays to study Colossians and he meets with
senior guys throughout the week to study 1 Peter.
Opportunities such classroom devotions and Bible studies allow our students to
learn what it means to live out their faith.
A New Partnership with Hidden Treasures By Wendy Hofman, Head of School
New this fall, Lansing Christian National Honors Society students are engaging in a
Volunteer Work Skills program at Hidden Treasures.
Store manager, Debra Kelley, is excited to have LCS high school students help
meet the volunteer needs of the store, while also giving the students real-life
work experience. NHS students volunteer to serve the store for six weeks at a
time, learning a specific work role. The students receive training and
expectations for performance, and then receive an evaluation that can serve as
a reference for future work endeavors.
We are excited about this new opportunity for LCS students to meet a real need
in our community, and learn important work skills for life after high school.
Hidden Treasures Board President Joy Witte presented a $60,000 check to LCS Head of School Wendy Hofman. Thank you
to each Hidden Treasures donor and volunteer who helped provide LCS families with an excellent, Christ-centered
education! Also of note, Hidden Treasures received the 2013 Best of Lansing Award in the Thrift Shops category.
Photo by Tom Gennara
Classroom Learning LCS Community Life
WHY LCS? By Karen Schulz, LCS Parent
Their story: Jay and Angie Ford sent their daughter Kiele to Lansing Chris-
tian for preschool and kindergarten, and planned to enroll both children at
the school. But when Jay — who now works at Johnson Controls — lost a
job, the family opted to send Kiele to public schools so that Tyler could at-
tend LCS preschool. This year, grant and scholarship support allowed the
Fords to enroll both children at the school.
The impact: Both Kiele, a third grader, and Tyler, a kindergartner, are thriv-
ing at LCS. “We have been so encouraged and humbled how the Lord has
provided faith and peace to pursue LCS for both our kids and then watch
Him provide the financial assistance as well!” “There is a peace of mind
and heart that comes with our kids attending Lansing Christian,” Jay said.
“I know they will get the attention they need as students and as individuals,
and I know that what they will be taught will be based on God’s truth.”
Why LCS is special to them: “It’s the community,” Angie Ford said. “Our
children are individuals and matter to the teachers and faculty. Parental
involvement is encouraged and Jesus is the center. What ultimately
brought Kiele back was we felt she needed more to her education…
spiritual, mental and emotional.”
A Message to Parents By Kaitlyn, 6th grade
Every parent should send their children to Lansing Christian School. LCS helps us
develop a better relationship with God. Bible class is a time where we read the Bible
and discuss the story: what was good or bad that the person did and how the story
relates to our lives. We also improve our relationships in PAWS, chapel, outreach
ministries and more. LCS offers a variety of sports opportunities through PE, camps
and competitive teams.
When we work on teams in sports, we work on teamwork, sportsmanship, and most important … play for God.
Our coach always is telling us to work hard in practices so we can be better in games. That’s like how Jesus is
saying work hard in life on earth and your reward will be in heaven. LCS offers classes to help students
advance higher at their own pace in higher reading or math instruction. Teachers also help kids who fall
behind on their work to make sure they can catch up.
I hope you think about my suggestions and choose to send your children to LCS because of our sports
opportunities, advanced classes, and our desire that your children will set their hope in God.
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Great Grandma visited LCS on
Grandparent’s Day!
11 - PILGRIM Journey
LCS Community Life
Alumni Update: Luke Block ‘13
By Cathy Bowden Bytwerk ‘69, Alumni Coordinator
It’s always a delight to see alumni stop by after they
have graduated from LCS. This past Christmas alum-
nus Luke Block, class of 2013, took the time to stop in
and say hello. Although it has been a short time
since graduation Luke has had a full schedule of
study and training at the International Alert Acade-
my in Big Sandy, Texas. This academy is a post-high
school Christian training and service program that
trains young men with the skills and attitudes need-
ed to serve those in need. He is a part of ALERT; the
Air Land Emergency Resource Team.
Over the past few months Luke has been involved
with disaster relief, humanitarian aid, and other op-
portunities to help those in need. All of this will lead
him to be a man of competence and responsibility
for whatever occupation he chooses for his future.
When asked about how he has changed since
graduation he said, “I have a new perspective on
the world and a new respect for God”.
CONGRATULATIONS!
LCS Senior Pilgrims Recruited
to Division I Schools!
LCS ISRAEL June 16-27, 2014
For more information,
including reservation
deadlines, visit
lcsisrael.weebly.com
or contact
Tim Blamer,
517.882.5779 or
tblamer@
lansingchristianschool.org
Thursday, March 20
Eagle Eye Golf Club
East Lansing
Join us for the 2014
Chef’s Challenge,
Lansing Christian’s
annual fundraising event
to raise funds for tuition
grants and scholarships.
Attend! Bid!
Make your
reservations now on line at
lansingchristianfoundation.org/
BlackGold
Or call 517.882.5779 x103
Congratulations to
Senior Pilgrim Mikayla
Terry (left) signed to
play at Northern
Kentucky University
on a basketball
scholarship, and to
Senior Pilgrim Kristy
Gomez signed to
play soccer at
Michigan State
University.
NON-PROFIT
US POSTAGE PAID
PERMIT NO 410
LANSING , MI
3405 Belle Chase Way, Lansing, MI 48911
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
GROWING MINDS. NURTURING FAITH. PREPARING LIVES.
JOIN US FOR A CAMPUS TOUR
Email [email protected] or call 517.882.5779 ext. #107
2014 Events — JOIN US!
Black & Gold Celebration for Tuition Grants and Scholarships
Thursday, March 20, 6:00pm
Eagle Eye Golf Course, East Lansing
High School Play: The Rules Of Comedy
Friday and Saturday, March 28 & 29
Middle School Musical: Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
Thursday and Friday, April 24 & 25
Lansing Christian School
Spring Fling
Friday, May 2
LCS Class of 2014 Graduation
Friday, May 30
Trinity Church
For more details, visit lansingchristianschool.org
Follow us on Twitter @LCSPilgrims and FACEBOOK
PASS IT ON!
Tell one friend
about LCS!
Invite a friend to an
Admissions Event
Preschool Visit Days
Tuesdays: March 4, April 15 and May 6, 9-10am
Kindergarten Visit Days
Wednesdays: March 5, April 16, May 7, 9-10am
Middle School Information Night
Tuesday, April 22, 7:00pm