SPRING 2015 | Vol. 24, No. 1
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“This kind of work makes school fun for Pierce.” Mr. Van Til and Pierce work together in the storage room at West Side Christian School.
Celebrating Pierce’s Gifts: A Blessed Partnership You need to walk quickly to keep up with Pierce. He’s one of West Side Christian School’s hardest workers, and one of the fastest. When he and Reuben Van Til, West Side Christian’s custodian, get together, it’s all business… and Pierce clearly loves it. Depending on the season, Pierce and Mr. Van Til will rake leaves, shovel snow, or work in the garden. “Once it snows, he has his own snow shovel,” Mr. Van Til shares. “Typically at recess he’ll just take that out and clear the sidewalk, without ever being asked.” Pierce came to West Side Christian in fourth grade, after attending a public school. Right away, he began staying after assemblies to help clear the chairs. His teachers also noticed his interest in working with Mr. Van Til. Kim Mast, paraprofessional, remembers,“Pierce would be doing reading, writing, and math. Every time Mr. Van Til rode the tractor or walked by, he was very focused on that. He wanted to see what Mr. Van Til was doing, so we would start watching. That’s how we discovered Pierce’s gifts were in manual work and his interest was in whatever Mr. Van Til was doing.” The next year, Pierce’s teachers arranged for him to officially work with Mr. Van Til. “It makes school much more enjoyable for Pierce,” Mrs. Mast explains. “Just like gym or art class makes school enjoyable for some kids, this kind of work makes school fun for Pierce… It makes for interesting sentences in writing. If Mr. Van Til is the topic, it really helps. It’s so much more interesting to Pierce than other things.”
“If it’s a snow day, Pierce has tears in his eyes,” shares his mother, Koley Hockeborn. “He wants to go and be part of the school. He’s learning from the other kids, too.” Pierce has a cognitive impairment, and was placed in a segregated classroom for his early schooling. A neighbor encouraged his mother to consider West Side Christian for Pierce, noticing that when he was around other kids his ticks and language would improve. After meeting with West Side Christian’s leadership and teachers, “They said they could teach him. It was scary and a big step, but he has improved in leaps and bounds.” Pierce is now reading, he is learning penmanship, and he is doing multiplication.
“They said they could teach him. It was scary and a big step, but he has improved in leaps and bounds.”
“The academic piece is hard for Pierce, but his gifts are his strength and hard work,” explains Maria Bultsma, Educational Support Services Coordinator. “This arrangement is really using Pierce’s gifts as best we can. He’s still spending time in class, but he’s using his gifts to do things like distributing the milk, picking up chairs after chapel, and paper recycling. The scheduled days with Mr. Van Til are motivation for him.”
Pierce’s favorite job is riding the tractor. “Last week when we were doing leaves, we’d fill my trailer full of leaves and he rides in the continued on page 7
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The End – Amen! Everything must eventually come to an end because as the good book says there is a “time and a season for every activity under heaven” (see Ecclesiastes 3 for details). So it is with my tenure as the Executive Director of the CLC Network. To say it has been a privilege to be entrusted with such a mission as ours for the last 34 years would be an understatement. To know that I have had a direct hand in changing the face of Christian Education first in over 50 schools through“To say it has been a privilege out Michigan and now to be entrusted with such across North America is an amazing memory to a mission as ours for the take along with me as I exit last 34 years would be from this post and into an understatement.” semi-retirement. Please know that this journey was not mine to take alone and has been aided over the years by many, many key people – actually anyone who ever donated resources, volunteered or worked for CLC Network has been “key” because as I always would want to tell folks – “we can’t do it without you”! However, please indulge my whim here by allowing me to single out five folks for now (a bigger celebration of first generation leadership is planned for October 20, 2015 – please come join us!) who without their counsel, support, leadership and allegiance to me I could not have prospered as CLC Network’s Executive Director. • Phil Stegink and Doug Bouman were both on staff when I arrived as CLC-N’s new leader back in August, 1981 – and they are still with us today. Both Doug and Phil have been a shining light in my professional life and two of the finest examples of how God calls by name and equips his people for leadership positions. Without their continuous counsel, admonitions, ideas... and stalwart loyalty to both me and the students we serve we could not have prospered as an organization and I could not have coped with being Executive Director for the last 34 years – bravo gents, bravo indeed!
Doug Bouman, Bev Van Noord, R.H. “Bear” Berends, and Phil Stegink circa 1991
• Then if the description of a great Board member is to listen and
be supportive as well as defend the organization by doing what you need to do when you have to, one name sticks out among many, many fine and competent Board members and that is Gale Tien. Gale was our Board President for not quite three years in the late “aughts” and needs to be credited by me for setting things into motion that quite literally saved us from going out of business – kudos Gale, kudos indeed!
• I have served alongside many fine Christian School administrators over the years – however two will always stand out in my mind’s eye.
• Bill Gritter who was the Superintendent of the Grand Rapids Christian Schools when I arrived at the tender age of 29 back in 1981 and was assigned as my mentor. To Bill I can only say thanks for believing in me during those early years because you were right, I didn’t know what I was doing! • Then finally to Bill Van Dyk who had faith enough in a Kingdom vision that was both progressive and risky for the day and still gave us a platform as the Principal at Zeeland Christian back in the fall of 1989 to try this new brand of Special Education known as Inclusion. Without Brother Bill’s irascible commit ment to that vision in those early years it may never have thrived into the national model that it is today – God bless you Bill! So that about does it – my last Director’s Corner for the Inclusive. However, I do have one more thing to clear up yet with you all and that has to do with the big reveal. So the picture of me that we have used for all 37 previous issues of the Inclusive (since Spring, 1996) has not changed over the years – so here’s how the “real me” now looks circa Spring, 2015 – God bless!
Shalom, Bear
Phil Stegink and Doug Bouman at a golf outing, circa 1996
R.H. “Bear” Berends March, 1996
R.H. “Bear” Berends March, 2015
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20 CLC Network’s 35th Anniversary Dinner S AV E T H E DAT E :
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Honoring first-generation leadership, including R.H. “Bear” Berends | Watermark Country Club Visit clcnetwork.org/dinner for details
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Chris and Heather-Lee Wysong Back in December, Chris and Heather-Lee Wysong challenged CLC Network donors and friends to help send CLC Network’s message of inclusion to church leaders around the country. Chris shares, “Too often, group leaders, volunteers, and pastors lack the training to effectively welcome persons with disabilities into church life. Inclusion and understanding of disabilities needs to be the norm, not the exception.” Chris and Heather-Lee offered to match all gifts to CLC Network, up to $2,500, on Giving Tuesday (December 2) in order to send Barbara J. Newman to church conferences this spring, to speak about inclusion in churches and provide practical advice to church leaders. Donors responded by giving more than $3,800! “I was thrilled to be able to introduce the idea of inclusion from a Christian perspective to pastors, church staff, and volunteers who may not have thought about it before,” shares Newman. “This information is so needed by many leaders, and I am grateful to CLC Network donors for helping me make inroads into so many new communities while also supporting communities already welcoming individuals with varied abilities.” The Wysongs got to know CLC Network and Barbara J. Newman through Zeeland Christian School, where their son Pierce attends and is included socially and academically. At their church, they hoped for the same level of inclusion for Pierce, who has autism spectrum disorder. “We attend a large church with someone designated to help those with special needs,” explains Chris. “Even with that commitment from the church, getting one-on-one help so that Pierce can participate in all the activities such as Sunday worship, summer camps, and overnighters, is almost an impossibility.” Since Pierce’s
The Wysong family, from left: Conner, Heather-Lee, Chris & Pierce
disability is more hidden, church leaders, such as volunteer group leaders, often expect him to act in a “normal” way. Instead, Pierce acts as a person with autism spectrum disorder will — from his own unique perspective. As a result, his behavior is not often managed in a helpful way. “I wish that our church leaders, both pastors and lay people, would seek out the training that Barb offers at these conferences and through CLC Network. This is NOT just for the volunteer who is designated for special needs!” Chris reflects. “That’s why we are excited about supporting CLC Network. We don’t want to see kids drop through the cracks at church.” While Pierce no longer attends youth group with his peers, missing out on the opportunity to build friendships and causing the other children to miss the chance to be “Jesus with skin on” for Pierce, he has found a way to contribute to the life of the church. He persistently asked to help with the younger children. Today, he volunteers to help every other week during the service. In addition, he helps out other kids who have special needs.
“That’s why we are excited about supporting CLC Network. We don’t want to see kids drop through the cracks at church.”
Chris explains, “We are sad that Pierce isn’t participating in youth worship and at camp, but there just isn’t the support for his needs. Hopefully Barb’s training for pastors and youth leaders (parents and volunteers) will open more eyes to kids in congregations who are different.” INCLUSIVE | Spring 2015 | 3
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New Book Promotes Faith Formation for Persons with Disabilities
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Barbara J. Newman offers practical ideas and advice to introduce the gospel and nurture faith formation in children and adults with disabilities in her new book, Accessible Gospel, Inclusive Worship, published by CLC Network.
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“Many years ago, I heard a wellknown individual with autism spectrum disorder respond to a mother who asked how she could introduce her daughter with autism to God. My heart broke as the speaker replied, ‘God is too hard for people with autism to understand,’” Newman shared. AM 12/8/2014 8:31:18
“Though we’ve published resources on inclusion and specific disabilities, I wanted to give readers of diverse denominations and roles a way to think about how each person in their congregation can use the gifts God has given them to grow in their relationship with God.” Using the Vertical Habits framework developed by the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship (CICW), Newman provides ideas to foster faith formation among everyone in a congregation through creating an inclusive worship environment. The 128-page book gives the reader a set of tools to get to know the person with a disability and an in-depth guide to integrate the eight Vertical Habits into their faith community.
Thanks to the contributions of Betty Grit, former CICW Worship Renewal Grants Program Manager, Accessible Gospel, Inclusive Worship is the first published resource to use Vertical Habits to foster faith formation among persons with disabilities. “Since 2005, more than fifty schools and churches across North America have adapted the Vertical Habits into their corporate worship. This resource will provide communities with the tools to create a place where all believers can practice the habits together,” said Betty Grit.
John D. Witvliet, director of CICW, remarked, “People of all ages and with all kinds of complementary abilities and capacities who immerse themselves in the practices described in this book will find themselves growing in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.” This book was made possible by an anonymous donor who values the relationship between a Christian school, church, and family. “We are grateful for their support and their love for God’s children at all levels of ability and disability. This donor’s deeply rooted conviction that all children are covenant children is a blessing to each individual who receives this book,” shared Elizabeth Lucas Dombrowski, CLC Network advancement director. Accessible Gospel, Inclusive Worship can be purchased from the CLC Network Online Store at www.clcnetwork.org/accessiblegospel. Thanks to a generous grant from CICW, this book is available at the reduced rate of $10.00 per copy. To date, more than 1,000 copies have already been sold!
Friendship Festival Tells “God’s Story” Each spring, CLC Network and a local school host the Friendship Festival for nearly 200 students at schools across West Michigan. Each student with disabilities has the opportunity to invite two
friends to play games and worship on this special day. This year’s theme emphasized that we are all “Part of God’s Story.” Thanks to Grand Rapids Christian Schools for hosting us at Brookside CRC!
Friends celebrating the day together.
Activities included carnival games, creative projects, and more.
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Auction 2015 Raises More Than $46,000!
Patricia and Sid Helder bid on items during the live auction.
We are so grateful for the support of hundreds of donors and friends who made our Auction a success! On January 31, we enjoyed an evening of food, games, bidding, and prizes at Grandville Calvin Christian Middle School. As we reach out to support new partners from California to New Jersey, we are especially grateful for this community’s pioneering belief that persons at all levels of ability belong in our churches and schools.
Thank you to the efforts of the Auction Committee! From left to right: Jim Sytsma, Ruth Sytsma, Kathy Heidmann, Jan De Jonge, Jane Bouman, and Wendy VanDoeselaar. Not pictured: Sharon Baker, Becca Jasperse, and Roger Wesorick
A special thanks to these donors and sponsors! Cash Donors: • Anonymous • Phil and Cindy Boender • Kamp Oil, Inc. • Micandy Gardens • Standale Interiors • Greg and Sarah Yoder
• Ada Christian School • Joan and Bill Grit • Richard and Sue Lamberts • Mr. and Mrs. George Peereboom • Tillema Sales & Service, Inc. • Zaagman Memorial Chapel, Inc.
In-Kind Sponsors: • Grandville Calvin Christian Middle School • Rottier Auction Service • Russo’s Pizza • Studio BHB • Valley City Linen
Photos courtesy of Studio BHB
AUCTION 2016
SAVE THE DATE
S at u r day, J a n u a r y 3 0 , 2 01 6 New Location!
Calvary CRC
Byron Center Ave. just north of 36th Street Wyoming, MI
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Dutton Christian School Building Community With Restorative Justice Like many schools around the country, Dutton Christian School once had a zero-tolerance policy about bullying. Responding to nationwide concerns about bullying, they wanted to make sure that students were respectful to each other and enjoyed a safe learning and social environment. Restorative justice in schools means asking… What harm has been done? What has been the impact?
What relationships have been ruptured?
But it wasn’t working. “It wasn’t getting at the heart of the issues,” shares Amy Zwiep, assistant principal. “Research shows that zero tolerance bullying policies can make things worse rather than helping.”
Dutton Christian had put together a commitee to How do we restore update the bullying policy, those relationships? but it soon became obvious that their job was going to be much more complex. “It was unanimous. It is so much bigger than bullying,” remembers Zwiep. “We need to address the character of our students and staff to develop Christian character.” At the same time, four Dutton Christian staff members enrolled in CLC Network’s online book study on restorative justice, led by director of educational services Phil Stegink. “Restorative justice is a set of principles and practices the intent of which is to restore ruptured relationships,” Stegink explains. “Restorative justice is not about asking what the consequence is, it’s about addressing what has happened with everyone involved. Even when ramifications are involved, the purpose must be to bring you back to community.” Zwiep and staff at Dutton Christian are launching a new policy, based in restorative justice, to replace the bullying policy. “Developing Christian Character” is a framework for thinking about 6
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discipling students — rather than limiting the conversation to discipline. It provides a direction for guiding their students to Christian behavior. “Many teachers are doing this in practice already, but this gives us an intentional and accountable way to talk about it,” says Zwiep. “From an academic perspective, we would ask, what is our desired outcome?” explains Randy Buist, a board member who serves on the guiding committee addressing this policy. “Mistakes are part of the learning process. Let’s talk about what it means to act according to biblical principles — both with our students and our staff. We are teaching restoration and new social skills in a positive way.” Critics of restorative justice worry about consistency and fairness. At Dutton, they have appointed Discipleship Committees at the elementary and middle schools, to help support each other and oversee the process. Depending on each situational need, the committee will help to ensure that negative behavior is addressed in a way that consistently and effectively restores Christian community and character.
“It’s much more difficult to face those people we may have harmed than to sit in detention and feel wronged.”
“We need to teach each other how to live with each other,” reflects Stegink. “CLC Network focuses on restoring relationships to build community. It’s much more difficult to face those people we may have harmed than to sit in detention and feel wronged. A restorative process is much more difficult because you’re facing your own role in creating pain or healing pain.”
“We are going to take time to be in community, to check in and see how things are going,” explains Zwiep. “And for a kid, that’s pretty powerful. I think everyone will be really surprised to see what will come of it.”
Celebrating Pierce’s Gifts: A Blessed Partnership continued from page 1
trailer. You don’t see him a whole lot happier than that, and it was a big help to have him out there with me,” says Mr. Van Til. “He likes it when we go in the storage room. He takes my keys and opens the door and turns on the lights. He’s a very hard worker, he works just as hard as I do.”
“He and Mr. Van Til took to each other right away, and now he’s learning life skills.” Pierce’s mother has noticed the difference in Pierce. “Pierce’s teachers at West Side Christian know him, they are so in tune with him. He and Mr. Van Til took to each other right away, and now he’s learning life skills. They created this program for him,” Mrs. Hockeborn shares. Mrs. Bultsma credits CLC Network teacher consultants for providing additional brainstorming and encouragement. “They have provided insight to possible options [for Pierce],” she reflects. “Most of all, [CLC Network consultants] have listened to our concerns and have been very encouraging to our staff.” “We are working on goals for his future, what he might do after books and after school,” adds Mrs. Bultsma. “There is a lot of learning going on, a lot of happy things, and a different kind of learning. Pierce has a lot of gifts given to him from God and we’re just trying to figure out how to use those gifts.”
Mr. Van Til shows Pierce how to use the leaf blower.
Before working at West Side Christian, Mr. Van Til built custom cabinetry. He’s had the chance to show Pierce his shop and hopes to teach him about a few tools and their basic functions. “It’s a lot nicer than my garage,” says Pierce. “I got to try the air hose,” he remembers with a smile.
“Pierce has a lot of gifts given to him from God and we’re just trying to figure out how to use those gifts.”
Mr. Van Til and Pierce head off together to complete more projects at West Side Christian.
Watching Pierce and Mr. Van Til together, their connection shines in both of them. As Mr. Van Til reflects, “It’s advantageous for me and for Pierce to be doing this. I feel a little more important when we work together. It’s not the most glamorous job in the world but I’ve always felt called to be here and share some of my knowledge with the kids.”
C L C N E T W ORK Our Mission CLC Network promotes the development of people with a variety of abilities and disabilities to live as active, integrated members of their communities.
Betty Grit Robin Ipema Josh Leo Randy Setsma
The Inclusive newsletter is published in spring and fall by the CLC Network Advancement Office. The entire issue and back issues are available at clcnetwork.org. Editors: Elizabeth Lucas Dombrowski, R.H. ”Bear” Berends
CALIFORNIA Alma Heights Christian
Board of Directors Bob Van Wieren, President Dean Rietberg, Vice President Hugh Groot, Treasurer Tom Hoeksema, PhD, Secretary Lindsay Wieland Capel
MEMBER SCHOOLS 2014-2015
Illinois Calvin Christian Indiana Crown Point Christian Iowa Hull Christian, Netherlands Reformed Christian, Orange City Christian, Rock Valley Christian, Western Christian Michigan Ada Christian, Adams Protestant Reformed Christian, Allendale
Christian, AnchorPoint Christian, Ann Arbor Christian, Borculo Christian, Byron Center Christian, Calvary Schools of Holland, Catholic Central, Dutton Christian, Eastside Christian, Fremont Christian, Grand Haven Christian, Grandville Calvin Christian, Holland Christian, Hudsonville Christian, Jenison Christian, Lamont Christian, Legacy Christian, Living Stones Academy, Moline Christian, New Era Christian, Northpointe Christian, Plymouth Christian, The Potter’s House, Providence Christian, South Christian, St. Thomas the Apostle, Unity Christian, West Highland Christian West Side Christian, Zeeland Christian, Zion Christian New jersey Sussex Christian
Wisconsin Central Wisconsin Christian, Oostburg Christian Administrative Staff R.H. “Bear” Berends
Executive Director
Doug Bouman
Director of Evaluation Services
Elizabeth Lucas Dombrowski Advancement Director
Barbara J. Newman
Director of Church Services
Phil Stegink
Director of Educational Services
Contact Us info@clcnetwork.org (616) 245-8388 clcnetwork.org
INCLUSIVE | Spring 2015 | 7
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GOLF OUTING 2015 THURSday, JUNE 11, 2015 Pilgrim’s Run Golf Club
Students Celebrate Friendships at Annual Banquet For more than 200 West Michigan area high school students and alumni, the Connections Banquet is a memorable evening of fellowship and fun. Planned by students from South Christian, Grandville Calvin Christian, Northpointe Christian, and others, this year’s event was themed “Sand & Sea.” Thanks to all of our donors and volunteers for making this a great night!
Students posed together for a keepsake photo. From left: Kerri Knoll, Jordyn Bykerk, and Jenni Peters.
The Illusionist Tom Coverly (center) entertains the audience with the help of student volunteers Naomi Vroegop (left) and Jesse Koning (right).
Emcees Kevin Bosch (left) and Kevin Offringa led the night’s activities in “Sand & Sea” style.