What's Next: Staff Edition by Northwest Christian School

NCS

2025-2026

TABLE OF CONTENTS NCS

All School

Early Education

Elementary

Secondary

ALL SCHOOL NCS

B , y yp p g communicated with a fervor and feeling that I’ve not experienced in three decades:

I am more excited about the school year ahead than any school year I have ever been involved in launching.

Permit me a moment to convey my reasons!

● With tools like Parent University and Mobile-Serve, we are more fully defining and refining our identity as a covenant-enrollment Christian school We are successfully communicating to our families – u and sticks – that a family’s covenantal commitment to Christ and His Church will be our cornerstone

● We have already enjoyed Biblical worldview training with some of the finest Christian worldview ministries on the planet: Kingdom Education Ministries, Summit Ministries, and the Colson Center for Christian Worldview Nevertheless, we are charging forward within a first-of-its-kind academic affiliate partnership with Colson – through our Colson Fellows program for both faculty and parents – and preparing to launch the pilot

program for Colson Varsity – an intense, opt-in Biblical worldview training program for high schoolers.

● After years of being the butt of countless cafeteria jokes, the Lord has demonstrably made clear that His season for establishing a lunchroom on this campus is now. To our newer teachers, this may seem a bit silly to list here but, I assure you, it is not After moving to establish the new Shortridge classroom building using generosity that I’ve never experienced or imagined, the Lord has – in less than a year’s time – already provided over half of the cash required to build this long-joked-about building. Not only that, my most conservative estimates have us breaking ground for the lunchroom in Spring 2027 and opening in Fall 2028. This isn’t pie-in-the-sky thinking – this is Mike Waypa working desperately to keep up with what God is already doing

● Finally, in the form of our online school, Northwest Christian School mission fulfillment has left the hangar and is now on the launchpad God has brought the resources, the people, and the expertise to see exponential growth in the NCS-brand of Christian education’s impact in culture – not just in our city or state – but around the world

It is in light of all this, that this year we are putting forward an “international” flair to several upcoming campus events – events like the Great Crusader Cookoff and Crusaders Got Talent. As our mission careens towards worldwide impact through the online school and as God uses our Build Here, Build There campaign to establish our cafeteria, I want to push the pause button during this, the final year in which our campus will not have a lunchroom represented, to celebrate the international partnerships that BHBT has fostered: Kids Kingdom (Mexico), Hope Partners (Costa Rica), the International Academy of St. Petersburg (Russia), the City of Joy (Rwanda), and the Sutton Project (United States). This year, in both faculty devotions and events, I’m looking forward to celebrating that as God has been moving to accomplish His purposes at NCS, He has also turned our attention outward For the purpose of modeling “mission” to our students, He has pointed us towards numerous other ministries that are realizing the fruits of His efforts, through our school, within their missions.

To that end, I am looking forward to our annual, and (unfortunately) customarily over-the-top, somebody-please-stop-Geoff “Super Breakfast” at 8:30am on Monday, July 28th. Lisa Ann and I invite you to join us in the Don Sanderson Gymnasium on that morning for

breakfast, fun, and encouragement You will be live on YouTube so that our community can hear about your summers and meet our new teachers You will meet the Colson Center’s Billy Hutchinson who will be explaining our growing partnership. In some ridiculous form, the Great Crusader Cookoff (GreatCrusaderCookoff.com) will kick off its “third season” of fun and prizes in international style Within this Faculty What’s Next? publication, you will find all of the details, times, and to-do’s. As you plan, Super Lunch will run from 8:30 to 10:30am where you will enjoy breakfast together We’ll also be providing a grab-and-go lunch in the Sanderson foyer from 12:00 to 12:15pm.

In terms of God’s designs for His mission and move towards revival on this campus, THIS will be our finest year. I am convinced!

See you soon!

Geoff

Brown Superintendent Northwest Christian School (623)225-5573 (cell) gbrown@ncsaz org

Northwest Christian School

Luther King, Jr Day – No School

FEBRUARY

Open House & Curriculum Showcase

No School - Teacher In-Service

Presidents’ Day – No School

MARCH 2-3 Secondary Parent Teacher Conferences 3:30pm-5:00pm

EE and Elementary Parent/Teacher Conferences 11:00 a m Dismissal – K-12 No School Preschool and Mini Crusaders

EE and Elementary Parent/Teacher ConferencesNo School for Elementary, Mini Cru, Preschool MS and HS – 11:00 a m Dismissal 9-13 Spring Break

Friday – No School

Easter Monday – No School

No School - Teacher In-Service

Senior Final Exams

High School Final Exams – Full Day

High School Final Exams –11:00 a.m. Dismissal (9th-11th Grade) 21 11:00 a.m. Dismissal (Preschool, Mini Crusaders)

Last Day of School – 11:00 a.m. Dismissal (All Grades) 8th Grade Promotion Senior Graduation – 7:00 p.m.

Northwest Christian School

Online Calendar 2025-2026

July 14, 2025

Safe School Plan to Staff and Faculty 2025/26

Dear NCS Staff and Faculty,

Nearly ten years ago, we launched our Safe School Plan and what an incredible journey it’s been! Through your dedication, training, and heart for students, we’ve built something truly special: a campus where safety, care, and community thrive. I’m so proud of how far we’ve come and deeply grateful for the role each of you plays in that mission.

As we gear up for another amazing school year, I’m excited to keep building on this strong foundation. We’ve got great momentum, and I can't wait to see how we’ll continue growing together. Below, you’ll ﬁnd a few updates to help you get ready for the start of school.

Campus Safety Course

We will be running a campus safety course again this year in the same format that we did last year, as a course in Canvas. The coursewillbeaccessibletoyouonJuly14th. Remember that if you get all of it completed before you return, we will give you a $150 gift! Everyone will need to have it completed by the ﬁrst day of school. There will be some training from human resources, the health ofﬁce, and campus safety within the course

ALICE and Stop the Bleed

You will learn more about ALICE and Stop the Bleed in the virtual training Every member of the staff and faculty should be trained in both of these life-saving practices If you have not been trained, please talk to your Principal about next steps

Phoenix Police and Security Guards

We will continue to have officers each school day from 7:30-3:30 The officers will continue to monitor campus in the NCS security cart This cart allows our officers to cover more ground than by foot, and allows them to respond more quickly to any call on campus Please do not approach the officers and ask them to cover specific areas If you see an area of concern, please report it to myself or your principal and we will assess the situation. You all do such an amazing job showing your appreciation to our officers and I appreciate that!

In addition to our Phoenix Police ofﬁcers, we will have a security guard in the early morning hours as well as the late hours of each school day to monitor campus and help with locking gates.

Threat Vulnerability Assessment or TVA

As we anticipate this year, I look forward to continued work with the Phoenix Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security to keep our Threat Vulnerability Assessment up-to-date. I have found this exercise to be incredibly useful because we get to work with experts to ensure that we do our very best to provide a safe campus for all of you and our students. In addition, it gives me peace of mind to know that should an intruder come on campus, we have done our part in ensuring that law enforcement has all of the information that they need to eliminate any threat. We have taken the time to consider various aspects and have made campus improvements based on the recommendations of our law enforcers.

Radios

We are so blessed to be able to have Phoenix PD on campus, however, we also need you! We rely on all of you to be eyes and ears around campus If you see anyone on campus without an obvious visitor badge or anyone with suspicious behavior, please ask them to sign in at the ofﬁce or call the ofﬁce and let us know so that we can check on the situation immediately You may call from your radio or phone We have approximately 100 radios on campus so also feel free to call in if you need one of us to check on something Please remember to keep any radio chatter to a minimum and only use it whenever necessary

Safe School Plan to Staff and Faculty 2025/26

Gates

I am asking that everyone have eyes on the gates Under no circumstances should any gate be unlocked or dummy locked during the school day. As you walk around campus, if you see this done, please take note of the gate number, lock it, and inform the ofﬁce immediately of the gate number and time that you found it unlocked. This is something that we take very seriously. If you have a gate key, please understand that no gate is to be left open or dummy locked during the day under any circumstances. If you have any questions about this, please let me know.

Drills

We will be running drills throughout the year and the dates and times will not be announced. Every lockdown should be treated as a real situation because you will not know if it is real or not. Please note that we will never run an “active shooter” drill unannounced.

Locked Doors

Classroom doors should be locked at all times. I know this is challenging as the weather gets nice, but for the safety of all individuals, please keep classroom doors locked at all times.

We Need You

Lastly, the issue of creating a secure campus is something that needs the participation from 100% of our staff and faculty Each person must feel responsible for campus safety Please watch out for any unusual behavior and report it to the ofﬁce immediately I appreciate all of you and the measures that you take to help keep our students safe

God bless you,

Samantha Maszton Assistant Superintendent and Secondary School Principal

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CALENDAR 2025-2026

PD Dates 25-26

● August 29th

● September 26th

● November 7th

● January 16th

● February 13th

● May 1st

PD Focus 25-26

This year we will be looking at our major recommendations from our latest accreditation visit and using that to reﬂect on how we can grow as educators As always we will focus on Biblical Integration with a renewed focus on service with our students We will look at how each grade level is building on the Biblical Integration of previous years and look at the contribution each grade level has to Pursuing His Purpose.

We will continue to look at achievement and how we can differentiate our instruction to help our struggling students. We will also look at student engagement strategies and how we can help students become active learners We will continue to look at assessments and see how we are using data to drive instruction

Another focus will be to continue to train on how to integrate technology into our classroom that does not distract from the objectives This will include training on how AI is being used in the classroom and by students, as well as looking at tools being used in class and looking at new tools

PD Pillars 25-26

1. Biblical Integration

a. Colson Center

b. Kingdom Education/Summit

c. BIEQ

d. The Biblical Narrative - Creation/Fall/Redemption/Restoration

e. Worldview Training

2. Technology Use

a. Canvas

b. Assessment tools

c. SAMR Model

d. AI

e. Assessment with tech

f. Galileo

3. Planning

a. PLC Norms

b. (BIEQ) Essential Questions

c. Objectives

d. Assessment

e. SMART Goals

f. Content, Skill, Standard

g. Differentiation

4. Literacy & STEM

a Writing chart

b Writing across content

c Writing standards

d Tech in content

5 Student Engagement

a Kagan

b. Collaborative Learning Strategies

c. Socratic discussion

d. Engaging Assessment

6. Campus Safety

a. Stop the Bleed

b. ALICE

c. Lockdown/Evacuation

Staff Childcare

2025-2026

August September

29TH - PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 26TH - PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

All EE staff (including aides) will attend PD - EL Aides to cover childcare

November

7TH - PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

February

13TH - PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

January

16TH - PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

May

1ST - PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

PARENTS

AIDES

DATES TO FIND ALTERNATIVE CHILDCARE

BACK TO SCHOOL TRAININGS

PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES (WHEN EARLY EDUCATION

SCHOOL IS NOT IN SESSION) END OF YEAR CHECKOUTS

BIBLICALINTEGRATION ColsonCenter-RegionalSchoolTraining

ESSENTIALELEMENTSOFINSTRUCTION

Purchase Orders

All orders must be placed through the Business Ofﬁce via a Purchase Order. This PO process also applies to Amazon orders as NCS is often able to secure a discount through our corporate Amazon account. Without a PO, Amazon reimbursement requests may be denied

1. Fill out a Purchase Order including all of the following information:

■ Company Information (Name of Company, Address, Phone Number, Email Address)

■ Name of person making the order request

■ Department name (i.e. Science, Math, etc.)

■ NCS Expense Account Number (if known)

■ Date

■ Items to be ordered, item number, description, unit price and extension

■ Sub-total, shipping, tax and total

■ Please be thorough as forms with missing information will be returned to you for completion

2. Submit the Purchase Order to your area level Principal.

3. Principals will submit approved POs to the Business Ofﬁce. Once approved by the Business Manager, a Purchase Order number will be assigned and the order will be placed, generally within two business days.

Company:

NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

16401 N. 43rdAvenue

Phoenix,Arizona 85053

Phone (602) 978-5134 Fax (602) 978-5804

RequestedBy:

Address: Department: NCSExpenseAccount#:

Phone:

Email:

Date: June5,2025

Check Requests & Reimbursement Requests

Requests need to be pre-approved by your Department Head and Principal and are to be submitted within 45 days of purchase. Requests submitted outside of the 45-day window may be denied.

1. Fill out a Check Request Form including all of the following information:

■ Date needed (ASAP is not a date)

■ Department name (i.e Science, Math, etc.)

■ Account name and/or expense account number if known

■ Complete name and current address of person/company receiving the check

■ Indicate if the check is to be mailed or given to a speciﬁc person.

■ Attach original receipts (Originalreceiptsorinvoicesarerequiredforreimbursement andshouldnotinclude itemspurchasedforpersonaluse. Thereceiptshouldbeforschoolrelateditemsonly.)

■ If there is a registration form or supporting document that needs to be mailed with the check, please attach two copies -- one to send with the check and one for our ﬁles.

■ If you are requesting payment to a vendor please include a W-9 from the individual or company.

2. Submit the Check Request to your Department Head for a signature.

3 The Department Head will submit approved requests to the appropriate area level Principal.

4. Principals will submit approved requests to the Business Ofﬁce for processing. If budgeted funds are not available, reimbursement may be denied.

Checks will be processed on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please plan accordingly to give enough advance notice. Staff reimbursement requests will be processed once per month and need to be picked up in the Business Ofﬁce. There is a $10.00 fee to replace a lost reimbursement check.

Request

INSTRUCTIONS

All money collected from athletic fees, field trip payments, fundraisers, etc needs to be turned in to the accounting office on a weekly basis. Please keep a detailed copy for your records. This will expedite your search for a specific payment should the need arise.

NorthwestChristianSchool

6/5/2025

(Rev. October 2018)

Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service

Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification

▶ Go to www.irs.gov/FormW9 for instructions and the latest information.

1 Name (as shown on your income tax return). Name is required on this line; do not leave this line blank.

2 Business name/disregarded entity name, if different from above

3 Check appropriate box for federal tax classification of the person whose name is entered on line 1. Check only one of the following seven boxes.

Individual/sole proprietor or single-member LLC C Corporation S Corporation Partnership Trust/estate

Limited liability company. Enter the tax classification (C=C corporation, S=S corporation, P=Partnership) ▶

Note: Check the appropriate box in the line above for the tax classification of the single-member owner. Do not check LLC if the LLC is classified as a single-member LLC that is disregarded from the owner unless the owner of the LLC is another LLC that is not disregarded from the owner for U.S. federal tax purposes. Otherwise, a single-member LLC that is disregarded from the owner should check the appropriate box for the tax classification of its owner. Other (see instructions) ▶

5 Address (number, street, and apt. or suite no.) See instructions.

6 City, state, and ZIP code

7 List account number(s) here (optional)

Part I Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)

4 Exemptions (codes apply only to certain entities, not individuals; see instructions on page 3):

Exempt payee code (if any)

Exemption from FATCA reporting code (if any)

Give Form to the requester. Do not send to the IRS. Print or type. See Specific Instructions on page 3.

Requester’s name and address (optional)

Enter your TIN in the appropriate box. The TIN provided must match the name given on line 1 to avoid backup withholding. For individuals, this is generally your social security number (SSN). However, for a resident alien, sole proprietor, or disregarded entity, see the instructions for Part I, later. For other entities, it is your employer identification number (EIN). If you do not have a number, see How to get a TIN, later.

Note: If the account is in more than one name, see the instructions for line 1. Also see What Name and Number To Give the Requester for guidelines on whose number to enter.

Part II Certification

Under penalties of perjury, I certify that:

1. The number shown on this form is my correct taxpayer identification number (or I am waiting for a number to be issued to me); and 2. I am not subject to backup withholding because: (a) I am exempt from backup withholding, or (b) I have not been notified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that I am subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure to report all interest or dividends, or (c) the IRS has notified me that I am no longer subject to backup withholding; and

3. I am a U.S. citizen or other U.S. person (defined below); and

4. The FATCA code(s) entered on this form (if any) indicating that I am exempt from FATCA reporting is correct.

Certification instructions. You must cross out item 2 above if you have been notified by the IRS that you are currently subject to backup withholding because you have failed to report all interest and dividends on your tax return. For real estate transactions, item 2 does not apply. For mortgage interest paid, acquisition or abandonment of secured property, cancellation of debt, contributions to an individual retirement arrangement (IRA), and generally, payments other than interest and dividends, you are not required to sign the certification, but you must provide your correct TIN. See the instructions for Part II, later.

Sign Here Signature of U.S. person ▶ Date ▶

General Instructions

Section references are to the Internal Revenue Code unless otherwise noted.

Future developments. For the latest information about developments related to Form W-9 and its instructions, such as legislation enacted after they were published, go to www.irs.gov/FormW9.

Purpose of Form

An individual or entity (Form W-9 requester) who is required to file an information return with the IRS must obtain your correct taxpayer identification number (TIN) which may be your social security number (SSN), individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN), adoption taxpayer identification number (ATIN), or employer identification number (EIN), to report on an information return the amount paid to you, or other amount reportable on an information return. Examples of information returns include, but are not limited to, the following.

• Form 1099-INT (interest earned or paid)

• Form 1099-DIV (dividends, including those from stocks or mutual funds)

• Form 1099-MISC (various types of income, prizes, awards, or gross proceeds)

• Form 1099-B (stock or mutual fund sales and certain other transactions by brokers)

• Form 1099-S (proceeds from real estate transactions)

• Form 1099-K (merchant card and third party network transactions)

• Form 1098 (home mortgage interest), 1098-E (student loan interest), 1098-T (tuition)

• Form 1099-C (canceled debt)

• Form 1099-A (acquisition or abandonment of secured property)

Use Form W-9 only if you are a U.S. person (including a resident alien), to provide your correct TIN.

If you do not return Form W-9 to the requester with a TIN, you might be subject to backup withholding. See What is backup withholding, later.

ARE YOU SAVING FOR RETIREMENT?

If not, you should be! NCS has a 401k plan available for you right now. Along with your contribution, you will be eligible to participate in our year end matching plan (50% of the first 10% of compensation deferred - when budget allows).

In 2024, NCS contributed almost $158,000 into participant accounts!

To participate, simply log in to www.Transamerica.com to create your account and start your retirement plan.

If you have any questions, contact KLewis@ncsaz.org or at extension 506.

FUNDRAISING POLICY

Northwest Christian School Fundraising Policy

It is the policy of Northwest Christian School (NCS) that any group, club, or individual interested in fundraising on the NCS campus or through the NCS community must receive approval from the Development Ofﬁce.

Interested parties must submit a completed Fundraising Request Form to the Development Ofﬁce for approval at least two weeks prior to the event and/or sale A review will be made for approval or denial of each request

Each group, club, or individual is limited to one fundraiser per school year. Exceptions may be made for additional fundraisers at the discretion of the Development Ofﬁce.

Fundraising activity/event signage and marketing materials (including digital materials) must be approved by the Development Ofﬁce prior to use. Use of the school logo in material is permissible, pending approval of the Development Ofﬁce.

Fundraising efforts that too closely match another fundraiser may be denied in the interest of both groups, clubs, or individuals fundraising success

Accepting Payment

The school offers several payment options upon request, including Venmo, Zelle, and Square. All transactions through the school's Venmo, Zelle, and Square accounts must receive prior approval from the Marketing Ofﬁce. TheuseofpersonalVenmo, Zelle, orSquareaccountsforfundraisingisstrictly prohibited.

Fundraising Request Forms are available atthe requestofthe DevelopmentOfﬁce.

Contact Information

Joni Keith, Marketing & Development Coordinator 602 978 5134 x 128 jkeith@ncsaz.org

Holli Barnes, Director of Admissions, Marketing and Development 602 978 5134 x 524 hbarnes@ncsaz org

Tricia Mucklow, Business Manager 602 978 5134 x 507 tmucklow@ncsaz.org

I am so proud to be a part of a school that looks to make a difference inside as well as outside of its walls. Of course, when we make a difference inside, our 1700+ difference makers will be making a difference on the outside, and I am thankful that we get to have a hand in that! I really love the grade level missions learning projects and seeing how they do make a difference in the hearts of our students and those who we get to come along side of. We have been working on grade level videos to highlight what happens, and if your grade doesn’t have one yet, we will complete that this school year. I am also excited about how the theme for this year lines up SO WELL with Missions Learning. “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Eph 2:10

God Bless,

p.s. For lead teachers, I am including your balance in your Missions Learning budget.

K 2193.22

1st 242.15

2nd 18.11

3rd 1894.57

4th 1870.59

5th 1084.64

6th 661.37

7th 0.00

8th 733.38

BACK TO TABLE OF CONTENTS NCS

EARLY EDUCATION MINI CRUSADERSKINDERGARTEN NCS

FROM THE DESK OF BREE TARBUTTON

Hi Early Ed Teaching Staff,

I consider it a true privilege and honor to serve you, our families, and our students this year. As I have prayed over each and every one of you, I am looking forward to what God has in store for us and how He will use each of your talents and passion to serve our students. It is an honor for NCS to have such an inﬂuential role on the development of each child that walks through our doors I pray that your light continues to shine bright for Christ as we pour into our youngest of learners. May you always remember the value you bring to these families, these children, and this program. You were all created on purpose, for a purpose. I am excited to see God work through all of you this year.

School Theme

I am so excited to share with you the spiritual theme this year; “With Purpose”. The corresponding verse is taken from Ephesians 2:10; For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them

I invite you to continue praying over this academic year and to join me in entrusting our theme to the One through whom all things are possible We remain witnesses to the abundant blessings being poured out upon our school and community. May we diligently seek God’s Kingdom in all our thoughts, words, and actions.

Required Trainings

We are grateful for our ability to continue working with Educational Assistants (EAs) on campus. Educational Assistant’s schedules were given out in May but there have been a few changes. Please reach out if you have any questions. EAs will be given one paid day to come in and help their assigned teacher prior to the ﬁrst day of school EAs will join us for training as each and every one of you plays an important and valuable role here at NCS Compulsory trainings will be uploaded in Canvas with a completion date of August 31st. Parent University Course - Log in HERE

As a reminder, all staff will need to complete the NEW Parent University Course before the beginning of school: BiblicalWorldview Appliedin the Home We are asking for all staff members, regardless of whether or not you have a student at NCS, to complete this course. As we challenge families to live out their faith at home, this course equips us to partner with them more intentionally in that calling.

Communication

Please make sure you are checking your email, newsletters, and Remind regularly as important information will be communicated through those channels. If you do not have a school email address and/or haven’t joined our Remind class, please reach out to me so I can get that remedied.

Playground/Hallway Restrooms

As is typical, classes will be allowed to enjoy all of the play areas each recess and lunchtime Please check recess schedules as there have been a few time changes here and there I will continue to provide Rooms 4 and 5 priority for hall bathroom use These are permanently assigned to Rooms 4 and 5 Your children will have to use your class bathrooms during your recess time. Secondly, we must strictly adhere to the playground schedule as there is little-to-no ﬂexibility in schedule. Please be mindful of other classes and stick to the time you have been allotted. Remember that classes may not overlap with kindergarten in play time at any time.

FROM THE DESK OF BREE TARBUTTON (Continued)

Kindergarten, please be mindful that the hallway bathrooms are dedicated to preschool classrooms. Please use your classroom restroom before your playground time.

Meetings and Devotions

Kindergarten meetings will be held on Wednesday afternoons at 3:15 pm Mini Crusader and Preschool Staff Meetings will be held on Wednesday mornings at 7:30 am. Devotionals will be held Thursday mornings at 7:30 am with some modiﬁed schedules to include Educational Assistant devotions. Kindergarten aides will join Elementary aide devotions on Wednesdays during Chapel in addition to our EA devotion schedule. Details will be discussed more in depth at Back to School Training Please keep in mind that meetings and devotions are required

Professional Development

We will continue to have a rotating schedule of Professional Development. Each Educational Assistant is being asked to sign up for one professional development day in the fall, and one in the spring. MC - 5th grade staff children are welcome to attend childcare if the parent is on campus, attending professional development training, or providing childcare for professional development training

Student Arrivals/Dismissals

Mini Crusaders and Preschool students will continue to be dismissed from the classroom. No child will be allowed to leave the classroom unless they are with a parent, guardian, or identiﬁed adult. Educational Assistants will help to transport students to Extended Care or ASAP classes at the end of the day so that you can meet with parents and take care of the end of the day activities that ﬁll your schedules Kindergarten students will be dismissed at the designated Turf posts

Back to School Info and Childcare

Other than the student visits to your room, dress is casual during our meetings and work in the classroom I have signiﬁcantly reduced the number of trainings this year so you can spend time in your rooms preparing and completing online trainings. Make sure the newcomers ﬁnd friendly faces and help from those of you that know the school so well.

As a point of clariﬁcation, no childcare is available through either Mini Crusaders or Extended Care for teachers children during any training and meetings during this back to school week; these teachers are also preparing for their students for the upcoming school year Thank you for your understanding

Please allow me to introduce the staff for this upcoming school year! Mini Crusaders

● Melissa Blanchette returns with Kimberly Lytle and Amber Jones to staff our baby room. This room is for staff babies only. Therefore no outside babies will be serviced with the baby room conﬁguration.

● Jamie Rupert returns with Missi Chartrand and will staff our young walkers in Room 7.

● Mary Bliss returns and Claudia Rivera joins us to staff our two-year-olds in Room 8. Mary Bliss will serve as our Mini Crusader Lead Teacher.

● Johanna Saavedra returns and Anna Farley joins us to support our Mini Crusaders in Room 7

● Presleigh Bienvenu joins us and Shawna Crawford returns to support our Mini Crusaders in Room 8.

● Jen Zecha joins us and Beth Pageler returns to staff our Mini Crusader Extended Care.

Preschool

● Heather Valerius and Destiny Gipson returns to Room 1

● Brittany Klauka and Tricia Thomas returns on T/TH in Room 2

● Jazmine Greer and Deb Moyer returns on MWF in Room 2

● Crystal Zakarian returns and Mizbeli Lugo joins us in Room 3

● Marcy East returns with Jelena Agbaba (MWF) and Debbie Fankenhauser (T/TH) to Room 4. Marcy is serving as the Preschool Lead Teacher this year

● Lauren Olive moves with Stephanie Murphy (T/TH) and Julie Crow (MWF) to Room 5

FROM THE DESK OF BREE TARBUTTON (Continued)

● Courtney Nelson returns with Heidi Holcomb (T/TH) and Ashley Luster joins us (MWF) to Room 6

● Anne Greenberg joins us as the Playground Educational Assistant. Anne will also serve as the Lead Educational Assistant.

● TBD and Leslie Johnson will continue staff our Preschool Extended Care

● Dottie Bishop returns to staff our Elementary Extended Care. Dottie is serving as the Extended Care Lead Educational Assistant

● Adah Engle and Lilyiana Zavala will staff our front desk from 3:00-5:30

● Amanda LeDuc returns as our Administrative Assistant Kindergarten

● Amber Beiser returns with Jen Freda to Room 709

● Madilyn Currier returns and TBD joins us in Room 710

● Krystle Distler returns with April King (T/TH) and Kristen Thompson (MWF) joins us in Room 711. Krystle is serving as the Kindergarten Lead Teacher this year

● Robyn Getz returns with Carolyn Cornelius (W-F) and Stephanie Carder (MT) joins us in Room 712

Friday July 25th

All Teacher Back to School Training (Mini Crusaders, Preschool, & Kindergarten) 8:30 am - 3:30 pm EE Classroom

All Staff Back to School Breakfast

Monday July 28th

Wednesday - Friday July 30 - August 1

Thursday July 31st

Monday August 4th

Monday or Tuesday August 4th or 5th

EE All Staff Training (MC, PS, K Educational Assistants and teachers)

8:15 am - 12:15 pm (grab and go lunches) 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Gym EE Classroom

Meet the Teacher (Mini Crusaders/Preschool) Scheduled by teacher Classrooms

Meet the Teacher (Kindergarten)

Early Education Parent Orientation (Mini Crusaders, Preschool, & Kindergarten)

9:00 - 11:00 am (Open House) Gym (teachers stationed in classrooms)

5:00 - 6:00 pm (Mini Crusaders/ Preschool) 6:00 - 7:00 pm (Kindergarten)

Cook Center (Mini Crusaders/Preschool) Classrooms (Kindergarten)

First day of school (Kindergarten) 8:00 am Classrooms

First day of school (Mini Crusaders/Preschool) 8:30 am Classrooms

FROM THE DESK OF BREE TARBUTTON (Continued)

Please continue to pray for NCS. The privilege of a Christian education cannot be taken for granted and we must do all we can to provide strong Christian education while we can. Each of you is an important part of the staff and you are a valued staff member. The role you play has an incredible eternal impact on these children and their families What a blessing and honor it is to serve these children! Please reach out if you have any questions Looking forward to an incredible year!

Partnering Together in Christ,

Bree Tarbutton

Director of Early Education and Kindergarten Principal Btarbutton@ncsaz.org 602-978-5134

2025-2026 MINI CRUSADERS CALENDAR OF EVENTS

July

31 - Back to School Parent Night (5:00 - 6:00pm)

August

29 - No school: Teacher In-Service

September 1 - No school: Labor Day

26 - No school: Teacher In-Service

October

2, 3 - No school: Parent-Teacher conferences

6 - 10 - No school: Fall break

November

7 - No school: Teacher In-Service

10 - No school: Veterans Day

26 - Early Release - 11am 27, 28 - No school: Thanksgiving Break

December

19 - 11am school-wide dismissal

22 - Jan 2 - No school: Christmas break

January 5, 6 - School resumes

16 - No school: Teacher In-Service 19 - No school: MLK day 23 - Snow Night - watch for details

February

13 - No school: Teacher In-Service 16 - No school: President’s Day

March

5, 6 - No school: Parent-Teacher conferences 9 - 13 - No school: Fall break

April

3 - No school: Good Friday

6 - No school: Easter Monday 24 - P2 - Preschool Step-Up Day

May

1 - No school: Teacher In-Service 21 - 11am dismissal 22 - 11am dismissal

2025-2026 PRESCHOOL CALENDAR OF EVENTS

JULY

31 Parent Orientation (5:00 - 6:00 pm)

AUGUST

4 & 5 School begins

29 No school - Teacher In-Service

SEPTEMBER

1 No school - Labor Day

24, 25 24. 25 Preschool Picture Day No school- Teacher In-Service

OCTOBER

2 & 3 No school - Parent-Teacher Conferences

6-10

29, 30 No school - Fall Break

Dad’s Day - watch for details

NOVEMBER

7 10 No school - Teacher In-Service No school - Veteran’s Day Observance

24, 25 Grandparent’s Day - watch for details

26 11 am school wide dismissal

27, 28 No school - Thanksgiving Break

DECEMBER

19 11 am school wide dismissal

22- Jan 2 No school - Christmas Break

JANUARY

5, 6 School resumes

16 No school - Teacher In-Service

19 No school - Martin Luther King Day 23 Snow Night - watch for details

FEBRUARY

13 No school - Teacher In-Service 16 26, 27 No school - Presidents Day

Rodeo Day - watch for details

MARCH

5, 6 No school - Parent-Teacher Conferences 9-13 25 No school - Spring Break

PreK - K Step Up Day - watch for details

APRIL

3 No school - Good Friday

6 No school - Easter Monday

MAY 1

7, 8 21, 22 No school - Teacher In-Service

Mother’s Tea - watch for details

Mud Day - watch for details - 11 am dismissal

EARLY EDUCATION STAFFING

MINI CRUSADERS

Assignment/Teacher

Room 440: Baby Room - Melissa Blanchette

Amber Jones

Kim Lytle

Responsibilities: 7:30 - 3:30classroom aide;plus extra hours for specialevents

Room 7: Jamie Rupert

Room 8 MC AM Staff Support

Melissa Chartrand

Johanna Saavedra

Anna Farley

Responsibilities: 7:30 - 3:30classroom aide;plus extra hours for specialevents

Room 8: Mary Bliss (Lead Teacher)

Room 8 MC AM Staff Support

Claudia Rivera

Presleigh Bienvenu

Shawna Crawford

MWF (24 hours) T/TH (16 hours)

M-F (40 hours)

MWF (18 hours) T/TH (12 hours)

M-F (40 hours)

MWF (18 hours) T/TH (12 hours)

Responsibilities: 7:30 - 3:30classroom aide;plus extra hours for specialevents T/TH3:00-4:00minicrusaders extendedcare

Mini Crusader PM Staff Support

Jennifer Zecha

Beth Pageler

Dottie Bishop*

M-F (40 hours)

MWF (18 hours) T/TH (6 hours)

Responsibilities: 11:30 - 3:00MiniCrusader breaks/lunchsupport; 3:00 - 5:30MiniCrusader ExtendedCareplus additionalhours for specialevents

*Dottie Bishop 2:30 - 5:30Elementary ExtendedCare

PRESCHOOL & EXTENDED CARE

Assignment/Teacher

Room 1: Heather Valerius

Destiny Gipson

M-F (40 hours)

Responsibilities: 7:30 - 8:00playgroundaide; 8:00 - 3:00classroom aide; 3:00 - 3:30playgroundaide;plus extra hours for special events

Room 2: Jazmine Greer

Room 2: Brittany Klauka

Deb Moyer

Tricia Thomas

MWF (24 hours)

T/TH (16 hours)

Responsibilities: 7:30 - 8:00classroom aide; 8:00 - 8:30playgroundaide; 8:30 - 3:30(classroom aide);plus extra hours for special events

Room 3: Crystal Zakarian

Mizbeli Lugo

M-F (40 hours)

Responsibilities: 7:30 - 8:00playgroundaide; 8:00 - 3:30classroom aide;plus extra hours for specialevents

Room 4: Marcy East (Lead Teacher)

Jelena Agbaba

Debbie Fankhauser

MWF (24 hours) T/TH (16 hours)

Responsibilities: 7:30 - 8:00classroom aide; 8:00 - 8:30playgroundaide; 8:30 - 3:30(classroom aide);plus extra hours for special events

Room 5: Lauren Olive

EARLY EDUCATION STAFFING (CONTINUED)

Julie Crow

Stephanie Murphy

MWF (24 hours) T/TH (16 hours)

Responsibilities: 7:30 - 8:00classroom aide; 8:00 - 8:30playgroundaide; 8:30 - 3:30(classroom aide);plus extra hours for special events

Room 6: Courtney Nelson

Ashley Luster

Heidi Holcomb

MWF (24 hours) T/TH (16 hours)

Responsibilities: 7:30 - 8:00classroom aide; 8:00 - 8:30playgroundaide; 8:30 - 3:30(classroom aide);plus extra hours for special events

Preschool Playground

Anne Greenberg (Lead Aide)

M-F (40 hours)

Responsibilities: 7:30 - 7:45playgroundaide; 7:45 - 8:00developmentalPE; 8:00 - 3:30playgroundaideplus extra hours for special events

Preschool Extended Care

TBD

Leslie Johnson

M-F (30 hours)

M-F (10 hours)

Responsibilities: Lauren - 2:30 - 5:30PreschoolExtendedCare Leslie- 3:30 - 5:30PreschoolExtendedCare

Elementary Extended Care

Dottie Bishop TBD

Responsibilities: 2:30 - 5:30Elementary ExtendedCare

PM Early Ed Front Desk Adah Engle, TBD

Responsibilities: 3:30 - 5:30Early EdFrontDesk

KINDERGARTEN

Room 709: Amber Beiser

Jen Freda

M-F (15 hours) M-F (15 hours)

M-F (15 hours- combined)

M-F (40 hours)

Responsibilities: 7:30 - 7:55table rotation; 7:55 - 2:55classroom aide; 2:55 - 3:15dismissalaide; 3:15 - 3:30classroom aide

Room 710: Madilyn Currier TBD

M-F (40 hours)

Responsibilities: 7:30 - 7:55table rotation; 7:55 - 2:55classroom aide; 2:55 - 3:15dismissalaide; 3:15 - 3:30classroom aide

Room 711: Krystle Distler (Lead Teacher)

Kristin Thompson April King

MWF (24 hours) T/TH (16 hours)

Responsibilities: 7:30 - 7:55table rotation; 7:55 - 2:55classroom aide; 2:55 - 3:15dismissalaide; 3:15 - 3:30classroom aide

Room 712: Robyn Getz

Stephanie Carder

Carolyn Cornelius

M/T (16 hours) W-F (24 hours)

Responsibilities: 7:30 - 7:55table rotation; 7:55 - 2:55classroom aide; 2:55 - 3:15dismissalaide; 3:15 - 3:30classroom aide

LEAD TEACHERS - EARLY EDUCATION & ELEMENTARY

LEAD TEACHER JOB DESCRIPTION

The purpose of a lead teacher is to provide a forum for sharing and collecting information with a select number of people These positions are likely to change every few years Every teacher will be trained as a Lead Teacher at some point

Lead Teacher: ateacherintheearlyeducationandelementaryprogramthatprovidesleadershipand directionwithintheirgradelevel. Currentleadteachersinclude:

Mini Crusaders Mary Bliss

Preschool

Kindergarten

1st Grade

2nd Grade

Marcy East

Krystle Distler

Taylor Trueblood

Bridget Schumacher

3rd Grade Carrie Holbert

4th Grade Natalie Silva

5th Grade Katie Ramirez

Specials

Position Responsibilities:

Teri Beckner

● agreement to this position which is made by principal appointment. A small stipend is included for working as Lead Teacher.

● regular meetings with principals and administrators.

● providing weekly or bi-weekly meeting times with areas/grade levels in order to provide opportunities for curricular discussions and conversations as well as passing on information to speciﬁc areas as needed.

● involvement in administrative and teacher interviews.*

● involvement with speciﬁc curriculum review as implied by their area as well as the presentation to the board of new curricular adoptions

● involvement with the development and maintenance of Grade level Guidelines within their areas

● involvement with the onboarding of new staff within the area including the mentoring of new staff members

● providing leadership and oversight within the area for speciﬁc professional development for the additional ten hours of professional development not provided by NCS during the school year.

● providing leadership and monitoring the tracking of assessment and data in order to determine strength within the curriculum.

● maintenance of annual textbook inventory.

● tracking the balances of the Service Learning budget within the grade level and departmental areas.*

● tracking the balances of the Homecoming funds and Auctions Funds within the grade level and departmental areas and the spending of those funds

● tracking the balances of the Activity Funds within the grade level and departmental areas that they are used for that year

● oversight of purchase orders within areas throughout the year and in planning for the following school year

BULLETIN BOARD ROTATION

august

Early Ed Office

september

Mary october

Heather november

Jazmine

december

Lauren january

Marcy

february

Courtney march

Jamie/Melissa

april

Crystal may

Brittany

Devotio Rotatio

EARLY EDUCATION PLAYGROUND RULES

General Rules

● No pretend guns, sword ﬁghting, or pretend ﬁghting/wrestling at school

● Sticks belong in the trash unless in sand play; ex. “candles” in sand “cake”; paper towels are not a sand toy – we have plenty of appropriate sand articles.

● Teachers and aides need to circulate continuously around the playground Avoid standing together chatting unless standing back to back to allow full view of students. Move out of the shade if necessary Check inside tunnels Extra attention to gate entrance

● Behind the vehicle barn is off limits

● Kickball is allowed only during organized games within fence and never when parents are bringing or taking student home

● Watch for damage to equipment such as loose bolts, rough edges, splinters, dangerous conditions, etc

● No hand or face washing in drinking fountains. Disinfect fountain if someone does.

● Every child puts 2 toys away when leaving playground Sand

● Sweep sand to maintain required 6 “depth underneath swings and at bottom of slide before leaving playground area – every day, every one

● All playground holes are ﬁlled in on Fridays

● Redirect children from digging holes near the sidewalk edges, all poles and slide

● Children may walk on sturdy sand toys during intentional play Use your best judgment If children are being safe and intentional with their play, you may allow it. If children are not using toys safely or appropriately, redirect them.

● Throw away broken shovels or cracked buckets and let front desk know so we can monitor inventory

● KEEP SIDEWALKS SWEPT; SAND ON CEMENT IS SLIPPERY

● Children rinse and rub sand off hands and arms in bucket of water before washing with soap in sink –sand clogs drains. Sink needs to be cleaned of sand immediately after your class leaves.

● Children may bury lower half of body in sand

● Running on grass and sand only; no running on patio or sidewalks

● No climbing on pads around poles

● Children can jump from large plastic cubes

● Children may jump off tree stumps that are 6ft or more away from concrete or tables

● Shoes on all the time except for Mud Day

● Must have water in table every day

● Children cannot stand on house frame or chairs & tables

● Keep sand low Tower/Slide

● May not jump from tower

● No adults on tower unless conducting “maintenance”

● Keep ALL toys off the tower, especially riding toys!

● Feet ﬁrst, on your bottom, coming down the slide; teach child to wait until clear Riding Toys/Bikes

● Children may use riding toys on the cement bike trail only.

● Trafﬁc ﬂows in a clockwise direction; slow drivers may be passed when safe to do so

● Bikes must be parked by shed, in designated parking area, when child is done using the bike. They may switch with another child, but may not abandon bike on path

● All unoccupied riding toys need to be parked by the shed in designated spaces before class leaves the playground

● Only one person per bike unless it has a double seat

● Younger students may push bike from behind while rider is on; older students may not. (P3 and P4 may push from behind; PK and Kinder may not)

EARLY EDUCATION PLAYGROUND RULES (continued)

Monkey Bars/Swings

● Keep the area beneath monkey bars free of all toys, blocks and children

● If a child is able to climb up on top of the monkey bars unassisted, s/he may, unless someone wants to cross the monkey bars hand-over-hand below; then s/he must get down Please do not lift a child up on to the top of the bars

● Children should observe green (GO) and red (STOP) marking on the monkey bars to maintain one direction

● Keep area beneath swings free of both sand toys and digging children.

● Swing chains must NOT be twisted; belly swing is OK.

Wagons/Wheelbarrows

● Students must be sitting at all times while in the wagon. Hands should be holding to side of wagon for stability; feet should be inside the wagon at all times

● Two students may be in the wagon at the same time as long as safety protocols are being followed

● Walking feet while pulling wagon; no pushing wagon from behind

● Wagons should stay on the concrete path

● Wagons are to be parked next to the shed when not in use

● Wheelbarrows are not considered a riding toy Students may not sit in or ride on wheelbarrows

EXTENDED CARE INFORMATION

Extended Care

Extended Care is designed for children currently registered at NCS who need additional care outside of the regular school day. This service is provided for students in early education, 15 months through ﬁfth grade at NCS. Extended Care teachers are background checked and provide a safe and less structured environment for our before and after school program.

Extended Care is approved based on availability and requires specific forms to be filled out and submitted before attendance. Prior approval must be obtained through the Early Education office for each attended day. Extended Care is not designed to be a holding place for late pick-ups, but rather a class for parents who need additional care in the morning/afternoon. Students who are not enrolled in After Care and are not picked up on time will be transferred to Extended Care and charged a late pickup fee of $25.

If you are signing up for Extended Care on a regular basis, you will be charged $7.00 an hour for your scheduled hours. Extended Care may be used on an occasional drop-in basis, depending on space availability, at $7.50 an hour. All requests for occasional care must be pre-approved on a daily basis through the Early Education ofﬁce.

Early Education Extended Care Hours (Mini Crusaders, Preschool, Kindergarten)

Extended Care is available on school days from 7:30am to the start of class and/or dismissal through 5:30pm. Students enrolled in Early Education must ﬁll out a mandatory Emergency Card before attending their ﬁrst day of extended care

Early Education Mandatory Emergency Card: For Mini Crusaders, Preschool, and Kindergarten students, the State of Arizona requires that the State's Blue Emergency Card be ﬁlled out by a parent or legal guardian annually. These Blue Cards will only be accepted by the Early Education ofﬁce to ensure compliance to all form details. No child may attend until a Blue Card is received. Elementary Students (1st - 5th grade) do not need a Blue Card.

Elementary Extended Care (1st - 5th Grade):

Extended Care is available on school days from dismissal through 5:30pm..

Sign-In/Out Procedure: Each child must be signed in and out digitally on the teacher’s iPad for Extended Care A digital system (Procare) will automatically calculate your balance based on your sign-in/out times. However, you must still physically sign in and out on the iPad with a ﬁrst initial and full last name. If your child is being dropped off by their teacher after school, the teacher will sign the child in. NCS will automatically bill accounts through 5:30pm each time and for each child when a physical sign-out entry is missing

Signing-Up for Extended Care

If you are in need of Extended Care, please fill out the required Extended Care Agreement Form You can find this form as a tile located in your BlackBaud account under the Resources Tab You can also follow this link to fill out the Extended Care Agreement Form.

EXTENDED CARE BILLING

Mini Crusader Extended Care Billing

The Procare system begins charging for Extended Care for sign-ins before 8:25 am. If your child has not been enrolled in the Extended Care program, please do not sign your child in before 8:25 am. The system will also automatically charge for late pick-ups or missed sign-out signatures. Extended Care options include Before Care (7:30 am - 8:25 am); Lunch Flex (11:30 am - 12:30 pm); Nap Room (12:30 pm - 3:00 pm); After Care (3:00 pm - 5:30 pm).

Preschool Extended Care Billing

The Procare system begins charging for Extended Care for sign-ins before 8:25 am. If your child has not been enrolled in the Extended Care program, please do not sign your child in before 8:25 am. The system will also automatically charge for late pick-ups or missed sign-out punches. Extended Care options include Before Care (7:30 am - 8:25 am); After Care (3:00 pm - 5:30 pm).

Kindergarten Extended Care Billing

The Procare system begins charging for Extended care for sign-ins before 8:00 am. The system will also automatically charge for late pick-ups or missed sign-out punches Extended Care options include Kindergarten Before Care (7:30 am - 7:55 am); Preschool - Kindergarten After Care (3:00 pm - 5:30 pm)

Elementary Extended Care Billing

Extended Care options include 1st - 5th Grade After Care (3:00 pm - 5:30 pm). The system will also automatically charge for late pick-ups or missed sign-out punches.

Extended Care Billing vs. Tuition Billing

Extended Care will be billed through Procare. Any questions you have can be directed to the Early Education ofﬁce.

Tuition will be billed through BlackBaud. Any questions you have regarding tuition can be directed to the Business ofﬁce.

Billing Notes for Extended Care

● A delinquent account balance may result in a temporary suspension of Extended Care services. Access may be reinstated once the account is brought current

● Past due accounts that are repetitively delinquent may result in termination in the program.

● Pick up time for all children may not exceed 5:30pm. Late fees are $1.00 for every minute after 5:30pm Chronic lateness may result in your child(ren) being dropped from the program

● Students that are not picked up on time will be charged a $25 late-pick up fee

If you have further questions about Extended Care please contact the Early Education ofﬁce. We will provide the application, blue card (if applicable), and answer any questions you may have about Extended Care

Contacts

Early Education Ofﬁce (Mini Crusader, Preschool, Kindergarten)

Amanda LeDuc

aleduc@ncsaz org, 602-978-5134 x600

Elementary (1st-5th Grade) Extended Care

480-594-2223

Staff Childcare

2025-2026

August September

29TH - PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 26TH - PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

All EE staff (including aides) will attend PD - EL Aides to cover childcare

November

7TH - PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

February

13TH - PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

January

16TH - PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

May

1ST - PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

PARENTS

AIDES

DATES TO FIND ALTERNATIVE CHILDCARE

BACK TO SCHOOL TRAININGS

PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES (WHEN EARLY EDUCATION

SCHOOL IS NOT IN SESSION) END OF YEAR CHECKOUTS

BACK TO TABLE OF CONTENTS NCS

ELEMENTARY 1ST-5TH GRADE NCS

Welcome Back! 7-15-25

I hope you’re enjoying a restful and joy-filled summer! What a great opportunity to recharge, reconnect with family and friends, and find space to reflect and prepare for the year ahead.

As those called to serve in a school ministry, we know how much we all pour into our students, our students’ parents, your classrooms, and our school community. I am truly grateful for the work you do and the heart you bring to it.

I hope this letter serves to encourage you as you begin the process of not only preparing for the first day of school, but to pray for a fresh perspective from the Lord. As you know there are many details and plans that must be in place for all of us to successfully begin a school year, and some of those “to do’s” are still in process as we speak. However, each year in this school ministry, it is important for each of us to also have some personal direction and inspiration from the Lord, which flows out of our relationship with him. If you haven’t already, please begin to pray for that special insight from Him! He is with you and He knows your every need!

Additionally, I am so thankful that we can walk alongside one another in this mission. I’m looking forward to a year filled with purpose and growth and I hope you are as well.

School Theme

We’re thrilled with the spiritual theme this year; “With Purpose” The corresponding verse is taken from Ephesians 2:10; For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Please join us in prayer for the upcoming school year!

We invite you to join us in prayer, committing this year’s theme to the Lord. If we pray and seek him according to this scripture, we know He will be faithful to show up in ways we never expect through this student-led initiative - using it to move powerfully in the hearts and lives of our community.

New Staff and Faculty

Although we have a few part-time Educational Assistant positions yet to solidify, I am grateful to God for bringing Ruth Reichenberger (4th Grade), Danielle Plesher (4th Grade), and Rebekah Emery (Administrative Assistant) to serve with us. I’m excited to watch how our God will walk with them to use their many gifts and talents to love and serve. If I had to label this new group, to a person, they are “loving servants!” Let’s welcome them and encourage them when you see them – as you always do so well!

Update On Class Lists and Schedules:

● We are wrapping up final decisions for math placements this week (as I need to still confirm some decisions with teachers). As you may know, our class lists are nearly complete, but we have yet to add our new students to those lists. I'm waiting on a few more to finish their processes tomorrow Fortunately, we are only adding a handful in each grade level this year, vs. the 110 new students we added last summer! ��

● Our Instructional (Special) Schedule has been revamped a few times this summer, due to our new FLEX plans and some other ideals we’ve been attempting to accomplish. We should be wrapping up those loose ends by the middle of next week.

Summer Accomplishments in 2025:

● EL Office Structure Complete

● First and Second Grade Teachers Fully Trained and Ready to Implement Orton-Guillingham along with Kindergarten.

● The New Reading Intervention Program (Sonday System – An Orton-Guillingham Approach); Sarah Pilkington (Coordinator/Teacher) and Nancy Beldock will begin as our teachers. *This replaces the Barton Program

● New On-Ground Hybrid Options for EL Online FLEX Students: Tues, Wed., Thurs. (Thanks to Courtney Anderson, Julee Hoffner, and Teri Beckner for all their planning and work to serve FLEX Students on Thursdays each week.

● All K-5 classrooms now have 9th Generation iPads. All previous generations have been removed. (Thanks to Ryan Moore and Allison Van Liew)

● New After School Orchestra Strings Program (Thanks to Aryka Pageler)

● New After School Math Support Program via a partnership with Mathnasium - Arrowhead. We’re calling it, “Mathnasium at NCS!”

● New Online Lunch Ordering System, utilizing “MealOrders.com” and “My School Bucks” This will eventually eliminate the need for teachers to take lunch orders!

From Samantha Maszton – Assistant Superintendent and Secondary Principal:

Our

24-25 ACSI Reaccreditation Year

We are thrilled to share that following our recent accreditation visit on April 6–9, we received the ACSI Exemplary Status from the ACSI Regional Commission! This recognition affirms the strength of our mission, biblical integrated programs, and academic excellence, and we are so grateful for the work of our entire staff and faculty in preparing for this last year

As we move forward, we will spend this year addressing the major recommendations shared by the visiting team. Two key areas of focus we will be working on as a staff will be on the evaluation process and strategic planning to create alignment of our mission in all areas. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to excellence, we’re excited to build on this momentum together!

Parent University Course - Log in HERE

As a reminder, all staff will need to complete the NEW Parent University Course before the beginning of school: Biblical Worldview Applied in the Home. This is regardless of whether or not you have a student at NCS. As we challenge families to live out their faith at home, this course equips us to partner with them more intentionally in that calling. Please click the link above to get started.

Campus Safety Course

We will be running a campus safety course again this year in the same format that we did last year, as a course in Canvas. The course will be accessible to you on July 16th just-in-case you would like to get it done early. Please plan on having it done by the first day of school. There will be some training from human resources, the health office, and campus safety. Just a reminder that if you get this and all other training in Canvas done before returning to school on July 28th, you will get a $150 gift.

Certifications and Fingerprint Clearance Card

As you checked out last year, you submitted the expiration dates for your ACSI Certification, Arizona State Certification, and fingerprint clearance card. If any of those are expired or will expire in the next six months, please get applications for them submitted by the first day of school. If you have renewed one recently, please make sure to submit a copy of the documentation to Kate Lewis.

Emergency Contacts

We want to make sure that every staff and faculty member has emergency contacts listed in Blackbaud. Please click on your profile in Blackbaud to ensure that you have updated contacts there. Specific instructions on where to locate this information will be sent with Kate Lewis’ welcome back email.

We sure hope that you enjoy the remaining weeks of summer break and look forward to seeing you soon. Please drop by and say hello if you are on campus in the coming days.

Devotional Thought of the Day: “He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.” (Deuteronomy 32:4)

Blessings,

Eric Dowdle

NCS ELEMENTARY - FIRST WEEK BACK

Monday, July 28

Time Event Location

8:30 am - 10:30 am Superintendent Breakfast Don Sanderson Gymnasium

10:30 am - 12:00 pm Teachers work in classroom

12:00 pm - 12:15 pm Grab-and-Go Lunch Gymnasium Foyer

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm Lead Teacher Meeting Bridget Schumacher’s Classroom

12:30 pm - 3:15 pm Teachers work in classroom

Tuesday, July 29

Time

9:00 am - 12:00 pm Devotions & All Staff Meeting (Teachers and EA’s):

● Devotions and Welcome

● Health Ofﬁce

● Break

● HR

● Business Ofﬁce/Lunch Program

● Break

● New Flex Programming

● Playground - Rules, Afternoon Recess Change/Supervision;

● Admissions Update Choir Room

12:00 pm - 12:15 pm Grab-and-Go Lunch Shortridge Building

12:15 pm - 3:15 pm Teachers work in classroom

Wednesday, July 30

Time

8:00 am - 10:00 am Devotions & Teachers Only Meeting:

● Devotions

● New Chapel Teaching Schedule

● Late Work Policy - Refresher

● Discipline and Dress Code Refresher

● Break

● Reading Intervention

● Orton Gillingham Update

● Accelerated Reader Room 403

10:30 am - 11:30 am Grade Level Math Meetings (Review New

11:30 am - 3:15 pm Teachers work in classroom; Lunch on Your Own

Thursday, July 31

Time Event Location

9:00 am - 11:00 am Meet the Teacher Day NCS Gym

2:15 pm - 2:30 pm Practice "All Call"

Friday, August 1

Please be in your classroom promptly at 2:00 and listen for an 'all-call" announcement from the ofﬁce Please inform your principal if you do not hear the announcement.

Time Event Location

8:00 am - 9:30 am Devotions & Teachers Only Meeting:

● Canvas

● ASAP - Strings & Mathnasium

● Math Follow-Up Discussion

9:30 am - 3:00 pm Teachers work in classrooms

Room 403

Parent University Course - Log in HERE

As a reminder, all staff will need to complete the NEW Parent University Course before the beginning of school: Biblical Worldview Applied in the Home This is regardless of whether or not you have a student at NCS. As we challenge families to live out their faith at home, this course equips us to partner with them more intentionally in that calling. Please click the link above to get started.

Campus Safety Course

We will be running a campus safety course again this year in the same format that we did last year, as a course in Canvas. The course will be accessible to you on July 16th, just in case you would like to get it done early. Please plan on having it done by the first day of school. There will be some training from human resources, the health office, and campus safety.

Teachers: If you complete the Parent University training and all other trainings in Canvas before returning to school on July 28th, you will receive a $150 gift.

Educational Assistants and Office Staff: Please keep track of your time invested to complete the training so that you will be compensated appropriately.

Please Note: The south parking lot will be resurfaced on Saturday July 26. If you plan on visiting your classroom, please park in the north parking lot.

LEAD TEACHERS - EARLY EDUCATION & ELEMENTARY

LEAD TEACHER JOB DESCRIPTION

Lead Teacher: ateacherintheearlyeducationandelementaryprogramthatprovidesleadershipand directionwithintheirgradelevel. Currentleadteachersinclude:

Mini Crusaders Mary Bliss

Preschool

Kindergarten

1st Grade

2nd Grade

Marcy East

Krystle Distler

Taylor Trueblood

Bridget Schumacher

3rd Grade Carrie Holbert

4th Grade Natalie Silva

5th Grade Katie Ramirez

Specials

Position Responsibilities:

Teri Beckner

● agreement to this position which is made by principal appointment. A small stipend is included for working as Lead Teacher.

● regular meetings with principals and administrators.

● involvement in administrative and teacher interviews.*

● involvement with speciﬁc curriculum review as implied by their area as well as the presentation to the board of new curricular adoptions

● involvement with the development and maintenance of Grade level Guidelines within their areas

● involvement with the onboarding of new staff within the area including the mentoring of new staff members

● providing leadership and oversight within the area for speciﬁc professional development for the additional ten hours of professional development not provided by NCS during the school year.

● providing leadership and monitoring the tracking of assessment and data in order to determine strength within the curriculum.

● maintenance of annual textbook inventory.

● tracking the balances of the Service Learning budget within the grade level and departmental areas.*

● tracking the balances of the Homecoming funds and Auctions Funds within the grade level and departmental areas and the spending of those funds

● tracking the balances of the Activity Funds within the grade level and departmental areas that they are used for that year

● oversight of purchase orders within areas throughout the year and in planning for the following school year

ELEMENTARY DROP OFF AND PICK UP

Arrival Procedures for Kindergarten

The elementary school program does not provide formal supervision until 7:30 AM. Classroom doors open at 7:55 AM. To prioritize student safety, a kindergarten student must be in the care of a parent/adult until the teacher has received the student. Extended Care is available for students needing care before 7:55 AM. Morning drop off via drive thru lane is available for students beginning in 1st grade.

If Kindergarten students are using the Extended Care program through NCS and are going home with someone other than the custodial parents/guardians/authorized individuals, the name must be on the required Blue Card provided by the parent/guardian at the start of the school year stating who is picking the child up, with permission from the custodial parent/guardian. Kindergarten Extended Care is a licensed program requiring all names of people picking up children to be on the Blue Card provided by state licensing.

Arrival Procedures for 1st-5th Grade

The elementary school program does not provide formal supervision until 7:30 AM. Students dropped off before 7:30 AM are not provided supervision or support. The formal drop-off time runs from 7:30 AM to 7:55 AM when students go to class for the school day. The Elementary Library will be open at 7:30 AM and students may sit in the Elementary Library to study until 7:55 AM.

Students may be dropped off in the drive-thru lane starting at 7:30 AM*. Parents are asked to use the formal drive-through lane as the only area for drop off. All other parking lot areas are designated for driving or parking to walk children into the school. Elementary parents are asked to use the south parking lot associated with the school for drop off and pick up. Parents may also escort students to the playground or classroom from the parking lot. Elementary students and siblings should not walk through the parking lot alone nor be found in the parking lot unattended or left in cars unattended.

*Morning drop off via the drive-thru lane is available for 1st- 5th grade students. Kindergarten students will need an adult to drop them off at the turf ﬁeld and line up to meet their teacher at 7:55am or be enrolled in Extended Care prior to that.

Dismissal Procedures

At the end of the day, elementary teachers work to know where children are going and who is picking them up. The elementary teacher will keep an informal record of where the student is heading at the end of each school day. This applies to all elementary children through ﬁfth grade. Elementary children will only be released to custodial parents/guardians/authorized individuals/secondary siblings. If a teacher gets permission via email, text or phone call from

ELEMENTARY DROP OFF AND PICK UP

a parent/guardian for release of his or her child to someone other than the custodial parent/guardian/authorized individual, the teacher will verify identity through a driver’s license.

Students may be picked up directly from their classroom. Students will be held in class for parents, secondary siblings, or identiﬁed adults to come and pick up the children unless they are using the Pick Up Zone with the drive-through area. Please see pp. 14-15 in the Elementary Parent and Student Handbook for more explicit drop-off and pick-up directions

We appreciate your willingness to work within these systems for drop off and pick up in the elementary parking lot and hope that this will provide safety and convenience for your family this year. Please feel free to drop by the ofﬁce or give us a call if you have any questions.

Eric Dowdle

Elementary Principal

Northwest Christian School

ELEMENTARY RECESS RULES

Consistency is the key for an enjoyable experience for all staff members on duty and for the students. Please recognize the job of “duty” individuals is to provide a fun and safe experience for the children. We want to provide as many physical activity options as possible for our students. It is not the responsibility of the “duty” to referee the activities Students must learn to interact, communicate, and resolve problems on their own

Rules for Consequences

1) 2 Lap Maximum when required to “walk laps ”

2) Students CANNOT be “kicked” off or “banned” from play areas or speciﬁc games unless approved by Eric Dowdle or Tammy Neitch.

General Rules

1) Walk on the sidewalks

2) NO eating while playing Food is allowed at the lunch areas and picnic tables in the view of Duty personnel

4) Students may play with other grade levels. If the duty feels the game/sport is unsafe for a player due to size/age, he/she need to address the issue.

5) Whistle: 5 short whistles signal 5 5-minute warnings. One long whistle signals the end of playtime.

6) Kendama, yo-yos, umbrellas, etc. cannot be played on ﬁeld/court areas.

7) No playing/chasing around the buildings and grassy areas near the classrooms No playing in the restrooms

8) Volleyball is played only at the Brown Field and Gaga areas.

Yellow Slide Playground

1) Monkey Bars: No climbing on top of the monkey bars Hanging from hands only (no hanging upside down)

2) Slide: One person on the slide at a time No climbing on the outside of the slide

3) Fireman Pole: One person at a time. Slide down only.

4) Chasing Games/Tag are played at the Brown ﬁeld and the Gaga areas only.

Basketball Court

1) Basketball or shooting games are allowed

2) Full-court games are allowed if space is available; otherwise half half-court games will be played to accommodate students.

3) 1st-3rd graders get precedence on the smaller court by the yellow slide; 4th-5th graders get precedence on the bigger caged court. 5th grade always gets priority on the caged court. Before school 4th/5th graders play basketball on the solar court and 1st-3rd play on the caged court During lunch recess, 4th graders are allowed to begin playing on the caged court at 11:40 and 5th grade at 11:50

4) Stealing the ball is okay, but no pushing/shoving

5) No kicking of the basketballs and four-square balls to avoid injuries.

Four Square

1) Four square courts are located at the yellow slide playground, south basketball court, and purple slide area.

2) There are standard PE rules; however, students may use additional rules if desired (ex cherry bombs) If a student does not like the rules of the court, he/she can ﬁnd another activity to play

3) There are no “redos” for four square. If controversy occurs, the “line” makes the call.

4) The “king/queen” of the court chooses the rules for the court to play by.

5) Foot Four Square can be played.

6) Volley four square can be played.

RECESS RULES (continued)

Hopscotch

Hopscotch courts may be utilized on the sidewalk area between 1st grade and kindergarten classrooms.

South/North Fields

1) Students may play with other grade levels. If the duty feels the game/sport is unsafe for a player due to size/age, he/she needs to address the issue.

2) Football ﬂags can be used by all grade levels NO tackle or touch football

3) Wifﬂe balls & bats ONLY

4) Jump ropes are to be used on south sidewalk areas only & dirt area by softball ﬁeld. NO jump ropes on the ﬁelds. Students may jump rope or play jump rope games (ex. mouse trap, helicopter). Jump ropes are for jump rope games only.

5) No hanging/pulling on soccer goals or nets

6) Soccer ONLY on the soccer ﬁeld

7) No laying down or rolling on the ﬁelds

Gully Area

1) Volleyball: No hanging/pulling on poles or nets.

2) Gaga Pit: Enter and exit through the gate only. No sitting or standing on the fencing. Once a game has started, new players must wait for the next game to join in. Gaga Pit rules are posted on the block wall.

3) “Death Valley”: playground balls only; aim for waist-down

4) Wall Ball: tennis ball only; no pegs

5) Fun Hoop: No climbing poles or hanging from the fun hoop.

9-Square

1) 1st-2nd graders can catch the ball and then throw it.

2) 3rd-5th must hit/set the ball

3) No spiking the ball

4) DO NOT hanging or swing on poles

5) Use PE rules only. 9 square rules are posted on the fence.

Reading Intervention for the Struggling Student at NCS

In fall 2025, Northwest Christian School is launching a new system to support the struggling reader in grades 1st - 5th NCS is replacing the Barton reading program with the Sonday System program The Sonday System utilizes an initial assessment to determine the student’s speciﬁc needs prior to instruction, allowing us to create an individualized plan to support the student to grow in his/her deciphering of text and reading comprehension as well. Periodic assessment will also allow the parents, teacher, and administration to monitor progress over the course of the school year The Sonday System also utilizes an Orton-Gillingham multi-sensory approach to instruction, which will align more explicitly with our reading instruction in kindergarten through 2nd grades, where we learn how to read Our K-2 teachers have recently been trained in the Orton-Guillingham approach to reading instruction, so we look forward to our Reading Intervention students experiencing improved alignment with the instruction they will receive in their regular classroom.

The Sonday System will allow NCS Reading Intervention teachers to instruct one-on-one, or even in small groups of 2 or three, depending on the speciﬁc needs of the students

In 1st and 2nd grades, we will prioritize the need to read and spell single-syllable words and build toward multisyllabic words using “Sonday System 1,” by addressing the following skills:

● Review of pre-reading skills

● Phonics using vowels, vowel pairs, and diphthongs

● Consonant blends and digraphs

● Common patterns in the English language

● Phonemic segmentation for spelling

● Phoneme blending for reading

● English language rules

● Compound and non-phonetic words

● Reading and writing ﬂuency

● Handwriting

In 3rd-5th grades, the Reading Intervention teacher will utilize the Sonday System 2 program to focus on the following skills:

● Review of concepts in Imagine Sonday System 1

● Syllable types and division

● Inﬂectional and derivational morphology

● Roots

● Non-phonetic words

Reading Intervention for the Struggling Student at NCS (continued)

How Can Students Enroll in the Reading Intervention Program?

The Reading Intervention Program is reserved for students who are demonstrating a delay or struggle in their reading development or the skills listed above. These are students who may also struggle to accurately decode words when reading, despite being taught phonics. They also may be slow and inaccurate readers and often miss the oral reading ﬂuency benchmarks. Spelling may also be a struggle, especially when writing sentences, stories, and compositions.

● Parents or teachers may initiate the referral process, but the teacher and administrator (either our Principal or Director of Curriculum and Instruction) must approve the student’s participation in the program Data derived from the Galileo standardized test, DIBELS, and the students grades will be used in the approval process.

● Following the decision to approve the child’s placement in the Intervention program, the Reading Intervention Coordinator (Sarah Pilkington), will schedule a time to assess the student’s current strengths and needs as a reader, and work with the child’s teacher to schedule the student’s sessions with one of our Reading Intervention Teachers. We will prioritize Math, English-Language Arts, and Bible instruction, so the student’s sessions may not conﬂict with this instruction

Logistics and Cost:

● Students in 1st-5th grades are recommended to receive Reading Intervention support twice per week at 40 minutes per session.

● Upon receiving the signed “Parent Agreement Form,” the parent will be charged each month in addition to their tuition obligation. ESA funds may be used to cover the cost of the program.

● If the Reading Intervention teacher is absent from school and unable to meet with the student, the teacher will work to make up for that missed session at a different time

● If the child is absent from school, the Reading Intervention Teacher is not obligated to make up that missed session Refunds will not be made due to student absences

● The monthly fee will be reduced for Fall break, Christmas break, and Spring break

● Parents may choose one of two plans: Plan A = Two Sessions per Week

Plan B = One Session per Week

* Fee amounts for the two different plans are being conﬁrmed as of this writing.

As we continue to prepare to launch this new program, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher (after the school year begins), Ms Neitch (Director of Curriculum and Instruction) or Mr Dowdle (Principal) Please look for our table at the “Meet the Teacher” on July 31 for more information!

EXTENDED CARE INFORMATION

Extended Care

Early Education Extended Care Hours (Mini Crusaders, Preschool, Kindergarten)

Elementary Extended Care (1st - 5th Grade):

Extended Care is available on school days from dismissal through 5:30pm..

Signing-Up for Extended Care

EXTENDED CARE BILLING

Mini Crusader Extended Care Billing

Preschool Extended Care Billing

The Procare system begins charging for Extended Care for sign-ins before 8:25 am. If your child has not been enrolled in the Extended Care program, please do not sign your child in before 8:25 am. The system will also automatically charge for late pick-ups or missed sign-out punches. Extended Care options include Before Care (7:30 am - 8:25 am); After Care (3:00 pm - 5:30 pm).

Kindergarten Extended Care Billing

Elementary Extended Care Billing

Extended Care options include 1st - 5th Grade After Care (3:00 pm - 5:30 pm). The system will also automatically charge for late pick-ups or missed sign-out punches.

Extended Care Billing vs. Tuition Billing

Extended Care will be billed through Procare. Any questions you have can be directed to the Early Education ofﬁce.

Tuition will be billed through BlackBaud. Any questions you have regarding tuition can be directed to the Business ofﬁce.

Billing Notes for Extended Care

● A delinquent account balance may result in a temporary suspension of Extended Care services. Access may be reinstated once the account is brought current

● Past due accounts that are repetitively delinquent may result in termination in the program.

● Pick up time for all children may not exceed 5:30pm. Late fees are $1.00 for every minute after 5:30pm Chronic lateness may result in your child(ren) being dropped from the program

● Students that are not picked up on time will be charged a $25 late-pick up fee

Contacts

Early Education Ofﬁce (Mini Crusader, Preschool, Kindergarten)

Amanda LeDuc

aleduc@ncsaz org, 602-978-5134 x600

Elementary (1st-5th Grade) Extended Care

480-594-2223

BACK TO TABLE OF CONTENTS NCS

SECONDARY 6TH-12TH GRADE NCS

From the Desk of Samantha Maszton

Welcome Back

I hope you’re enjoying a restful and joy-filled summer! This season is truly a gift, an opportunity to recharge, reconnect with loved ones, and find space to reflect and prepare for the year ahead.

As educators, we know how much you pour into your students, your classrooms, and our school community. We are so grateful for the work you do and the heart you bring to it. As we begin thinking about the return to school, this letter includes helpful information to guide you through the ﬁrst week back.

We’re looking forward to a year ﬁlled with purpose and growth and we are so thankful to have you walking alongside us in this mission. We sure hope that you enjoy the remaining weeks of summer break and look forward to seeing you soon.

God bless you,

Samantha

School Theme

I am thrilled with the spiritual theme this year; “WithPurpose” The corresponding verse is taken from Ephesians 2:10; For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Please join us in prayer for the upcoming school year!

I invite you to join me in prayer, committing this year’s theme to the Lord. One thing I know with certainty, God consistently shows up in ways we never expect through this student-led initiative, using it to move powerfully in the hearts and lives of our community.

New Staff and Faculty

A great big welcome to Alicia Walters (8th Grade ELA), Jayna Rardin (MS Performing Arts), Sara Zazueta (MS/HS Performing Arts), Noah Craig (Freshman English), Stasi Gibson will move to a hybrid role due to increased enrollment, Calvin Hoffman (MS/HS French alongside Lindsay), and Laura Perez Speaks (HS Spanish to develop upper level classes) We are thankful God has provided such amazing individuals to join our team! We feel very blessed to have such an amazing team of professionals to lead students through some of the most developmentally challenging years of their lives. When you put all of us together, this is a very remarkable team that God has assembled and we are thankful for that! Thank you for answering the call!

Reaccreditation Year

We are thrilled to share that following our recent accreditation visit on April 6–9, we received Exemplary Status! This recognition afﬁrms the strength of our mission, biblical integrated programs, and academic excellence, and we are so grateful for the work of our entire staff and faculty in preparing for this last year.

From the Desk of Samantha Maszton

Master Schedule Notes and Missions Learning Points

JT has spent countless hours working on the schedule this summer, and Julie and Maggie have also been absolutely heroic in helping get it done!

As we continue to build the schedule each year, we’ll evaluate which department might beneﬁt from common planning time and work to align prep periods in a way that supports collaborative efforts during the school day.

This year, the Bible department will have a shared prep period to support the rollout of the new Missions Learning Point requirement for our high school students. The plan is to introduce a middle school version of this initiative within the next year or so.

I’d greatly appreciate your prayers as we walk through this new initiative together and seek to make it meaningful for our students.

Parent University Course - Log in HERE

As a reminder, all staff will need to complete the NEW Parent University Course before the beginning of school: BiblicalWorldview Appliedin the Home This is regardless of whether or not you have a student at NCS As we challenge families to live out their faith at home, this course equips us to partner with them more intentionally in that calling. Please click the link above to get started.

Campus Safety Course

We will be running a campus safety course again this year in the same format that we did last year, as a course in Canvas. The course will be accessible to you on July 16th just-in-case you would like to get it done early. Please plan on having it done by the ﬁrst day of school. There will be some training from human resources, the health ofﬁce, and campus safety Just a reminder that if you get this and all other training in Canvas done before returning to school on July 28th, you will get a $150 gift

Certiﬁcations and Fingerprint Clearance Card

As you checked out last year, you submitted the expiration dates for your ACSI Certification, Arizona State Certification, and fingerprint clearance card. If any of those are expired or will expire in the next six months, please get applications for them submitted by the first day of school. If you have renewed one recently, please make sure to submit a copy of the documentation to Kate Lewis.

Emergency Contacts

We want to make sure that every staff and faculty member has emergency contacts listed in Blackbaud Please click on your proﬁle in Blackbaud to ensure that you have updated contacts there Speciﬁc instructions on where to locate this information will be sent with Kate Lewis’ welcome back email

Middle School

Use the links below or click on each tab at the bottom of the document to complete all of the sign ups. Please follow the instructions on each of the tabs. The documents will be available for sign-ups after our “duty draft” on Tuesday, July 29th.

● Secondary Registration Day Sign-Ups - (You can sign up for these now if you would like) 25/26 Secondary Registration Day Jobs

● Duty, Detention, Devotions, and Thursday Morning Meetings Sign-Ups MS 25/26 Duties, Wed/Thurs Morn, Detention - CHECK TABS ALONG BOTTOM

● One week of emergency sub plans due to Tammy by July 30th - you may get your plans from last year from Tammy and edit them

● The documents will be available for sign-ups after our “duty draft” on Tuesday, July 29th

High School

● Secondary Registration Day Sign-Ups 25/26 Secondary Registration Day Jobs

● High School Camp info 25/26 High School Camp

● Duty, Detention, Devotions, and Thursday Morning Meetings Sign-Ups HS 25/26 Wed/Thurs Morn, Duties, Fine Arts - CHECK TABS ALONG BOTTOM

● One week of emergency sub plans due to Tammy by July 30th - you may get your plans from last year from Tammy and edit them

● The documents will be available for sign-ups after our “duty draft” on Tuesday, July 29th

From the Desk of Samantha Maszton

Welcome Back Schedule

Monday, July 28, 2025 8:15-10:30 Superintendent Breakfast Don Sanderson Gymnasium

↓ 12:00-12:15 Grab-and-Go Lunch Pick up in gymnasium lobby

↓

1:00-2:30 HS Teachers to meet in 308 Orientation - Trish & Jim to visit

Tuesday, July 29 9:00-10:30 HS Teachers to meet in 308 Orientation

10:30-11:30 Open Lab

↓

Room 201 - Feel free to come and go with any questions about Canvas, Gradebook set up, iPads, or technology

1:00-2:00 Duty Draft Samantha will send you a Google link and you will participate while at your desk

Wednesday, July 30 All Day Registration Day Don Sanderson Gymnasium - See sign-up link above

Thursday, July 31 9:00-10:30 MS Orientation in 203 Trish and Jim to Visit

↓

12:00-12:45 New Student Welcome Party All teachers please make an appearance MS: Room 205 HS: Gym

1:00-2:00 Grade level PLC training to discuss student needs MS: Complete 10 minute training in Canvas ahead of training and meet in Room 203 at 10:15

HS: Complete 10 minute training in Canvas ahead of training and meet in room 308 at 10:15

2:15-2:30 Practice “All-Call” Please be in your classroom promptly at 2:00 and listen for an “all-call” announcement from the ofﬁce Please inform your principal if you do not hear the announcement

Friday, August 1 9:00-2:00pm Prepare classroom and for ﬁrst day

From the Desk of Samantha Maszton

Possible Additional Meetings

First Aid/CPR/AED

Training

All teachers must be trained and certiﬁed in First Aid/CPR/AED We offer several sessions at no cost to you If you need training, please contact Kate Lewis for details at klewis@ncsaz org

Stop the Bleed

All teachers are required to be trained in Stop the Bleed. We will be offering training for anyone who has not attended yet. This will take place at a later date that will be communicated to you as soon as possible.

Upcoming Dates

7/24

New Teachers Report Back Coley sent out details via email

7/28 All Teachers Report Back

7/30

7/31

Secondary Registration Day See sign ups above

New Student Welcome Party 12:00-1:00 - All teachers to pop in - MS in 205 and HS in the Don Sanderson Gymnasium

8/4 First Day of School

8/6

First Chapel

8/14 Back to School Night

HS will be leaving for camp but MS will have Chapel at the normal time with Mark and Emily

All teachers should plan on attending

8/28 Picture Day Watch the WAG for more details

8/29 No School for Students - Pro D

9/22 - 9/23 Hearing Screening Grades 7th, 9th, & anyone who failed 2nd screen last year, teacher requests, and all new students

9/26 No School for Students - Pro D

10/13 - 10/17 Homecoming Spirit Week

10/17 Homecoming Parade, Football Game and Activities

HIGH SCHOOL CAMP

Introduction

High school camp stands as one of our most meaningful and time-honored traditions It is an experience that marks the beginning of each school year with purpose, unity, and spiritual focus For many years, this retreat has been the cornerstone of our efforts to orient students' hearts and minds toward Christ As the single largest spiritual retreat of the year, it plays a vital role in shaping the culture and community of our high school During these three dedicated days, we intentionally step away from the busyness of everyday life to reﬂect on our annual spiritual theme, which guides our chapel speakers and sets the tone for the year ahead. This year’s theme, “With Purpose,” is rooted in Ephesians 2:10: “For we are his workmanship, createdin ChristJesus for goodworks, whichGodpreparedbeforehand, thatwe shouldwalkin them.”

In addition to rich spiritual teaching, camp also offers essential opportunities for fun, connection, and relationship-building elements that are foundational to the high school experience We remain deeply committed to this tradition because of the lasting fruit we see in the lives of our students in the weeks and months that follow

Below you will ﬁnd some helpful information as you help your student prepare for camp. Please read the entire letter.

High School Camp Forms & Action Items Checklist

Please read through the entire document and complete the following forms and tasks to ensure your student is fully prepared for camp All links and additional details can be found at the bottom of this page All items on the checklist are due by July 11th

1. Camp Permission Form

○ Complete the required Camp Permission Form in Blackbaud

2 Over-the-Counter Medication Authorization

○ Verify that the Over-the-Counter Medication Form has been completed in Blackbaud

○ If not yet completed, please log in to Blackbaud and submit this form as soon as possible.

3 Cabin Requests

○ Students should submit their Cabin Mate Requests as soon as possible.

4. Lost Canyon Camp Waiver

○ Submit the required LostCanyon Camp Waiver form.

5. Medical Dietary Restrictions

○ Complete the MedicalDietary Restriction Form if your student has any food allergies or dietary needs.

6. Parent Volunteer Form

○ If you are interested in volunteering for camp, please complete the ParentVolunteer Form.

7. Camp T-Shirt Size

○ Complete the form below with your t-shirt size.

HIGH SCHOOL CAMP

Need for Volunteers

It will take approximately 50 parent volunteers to effectively run camp If you are willing to volunteer for the Work Crew, please take a moment to ﬁll out the volunteer form Mrs Thruston has graciously offered to help coordinate the volunteer efforts and will be in touch with more details soon. Should you need to register with Protect My Ministry to complete your background check, we will be in touch via email. Your support plays a vital role in the success of camp, and we truly appreciate your willingness to serve.

Lifeguards

We are in need of 3 lifeguards for camp. If you are interested, please reach out to Mrs. Maszton at smaszton@ncsaz.org for more information.

Cost

The cost of camp is included in your tuition and fees so there is no additional cost.

Dates and Times

There are no high school classes on August 6th - 8th All high schoolers should meet in the Don Sanderson Gymnasium at 11:30 AM on August 6th We will return via bus to NCS on Friday, August 8th at approximately 1:00 PM

Location and Phone Number for Camp

Lost Canyon Camp, 1450 S Perkinsville Road Williams, AZ 86046, 928-635-2900.

Transportation

Students will be transported to and from camp via charter buses.

Cabin Time

Cabin time, held after each chapel session, provides a valuable opportunity for students to reﬂect on the message and discuss how it applies to their personal lives It also provides an opportunity for students and cabin leaders to build relationships that will carry them through the academic year

Rooming Sign Ups

Sign up for a gender and grade-speciﬁc cabin using your school email via the link below, ensuring you select the same cabin as friends if you wish to room together; you can swap later using the same link if space allows. (New students can use a personal email) Please sign up for rooming ASAP by clicking on this link: Rooming Request. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mr. Southall at bsouthall@ncsaz.org.

Waiver - EVERYONE MUST FILL OUT THE WAIVER

Every camp participant must ﬁll out the Lost Canyon Waiver. This includes every student, volunteer, and NCS faculty member.

NCS Permission Form - EVERYONE MUST FILL OUT THE WAIVER

The NCS permission form has been added to your Blackbaud proﬁle Please log on to your portal and ﬁll that out

Food Requests for Medical Needs - ONLY FILL OUT FOR MEDICAL DIETARY REQUESTS

If your student has any dietary restrictions due to a medical reason, please ﬁll this form out Medical Dietary Requests.

T-Shirt Size:

Please take a quick moment to fill out the form with your camp shirt size. We’ll be handing out shirts on Registration Day, and we want to make sure yours fits just right! Click here for the form.

HIGH SCHOOL CAMP

Over The Counter Medication Form

Nurse Anna Johnson will accompany us to care for any student needs while at camp. We will utilize the Over-the-Counter Medication Form that you completed during the re-enrollment process. If you have not yet completed this form, please check the status of your student’s forms by logging in to Blackbaud and clicking on “Files and Forms.” There, you will be able to see if any forms are pending or view those that have already been completed. If you have any additional questions, please contact Nurse Heiser at aheiser@ncsaz.org.

What to Bring

● Camp shirt- will be distributed on registration day, at no cost to the student

● Toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.)

● Sunscreen

● Reﬁllable water bottle

● Snacks

● Lost Canyon will provide a pillow, a pillow case, sheets, a blanket & towel (please feel free to bring your own)

● Flashlight

● Bible, notebook, pen

● Money for Snack Bar/ Coffee Shop at Lost Canyon

● Cell phones – We kindly request that you leave your cell phones in the cabin during worship sessions

Cell phones may be used during free time, but phone usage should be kept to a minimum.

● Theme Items

Class color attire and accessories for class competitions on Thursday afternoon Country Western attire for Thursday night dinner and dance

● Pants, jeans, and shorts (need to be modest)

● T-shirts should be school-appropriate- no inappropriate graphics, vulgar language, or political references, no tank tops, halter tops, or crop tops allowed

● Raingear-just in case

● Jacket or sweatshirt

● Athletic shoes, ﬂip ﬂops, water shoes- be sure to bring more than one pair of shoes in case they get wet

● Modest, one piece swimsuit

● Swimsuit must be worn with shorts and a t-shirt over when walking around

● Guys must also wear a t-shirt with swim shorts when walking around

● Make sure all clothing covers any tattoos, no visible piercings for guys, and ear piercings only for girls

Do not bring

● Firecrackers, matches, lighters, etc

● Weapons of any sort

● Water balloons

● Any items that are not allowed on the NCS campus

Evening and Overnight Expectations

To ensure the safety and well-being of all students during high school camp, we have established clear expectations for evening and overnight hours Students are expected to be in their assigned cabins by 11:30 p m each night, with lights out by midnight This time allows for much-needed rest after full and meaningful days of activities, worship, and community building.

For the safety of everyone, students must remain in their cabins from 11:30 p.m. until 5:30 a.m. the following morning. These boundaries help us maintain a secure and peaceful environment for all campers.

HIGH SCHOOL CAMP

Please note the following important guidelines:

● If a student is not present in their cabin during the Wednesday night bed check, they will be required to return to Phoenix early on Thursday morning The transportation will be the responsibility of the parents

● If a student is not present in their cabin during the Thursday night bed check, they will be permitted to return with the group on Friday as scheduled, but will receive an in-school suspension due to the seriousness of the infraction.

We ask for everyone’s cooperation in honoring these expectations as an important part of fostering a safe, respectful, and spiritually focused camp environment.

Conclusion

This time would not be possible without the incredible dedication of our staff, the generous support of parents, and the many volunteers who help behind the scenes. From transportation and logistics to prayer and encouragement, we are so grateful for each person who helps bring this vision to life. Please join me in prayer for the upcoming school year, that God would use this time to awaken hearts, deepen faith, and call our students to walk conﬁdently in the purpose He has set before them.

God bless you,

Samantha Maszton

SecondaryPrincipal&AssistantSuperintendent

Northwest Christian School