BCS Viking View Winter 2016-2017

BELLEVUE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL MAGAZINE

VIKING

4 10 12 20

Board Report Teaching for Transformation Jog-A-Thon STEM Programming

WINTER 2016/2017

VIEW

Superintendent Message

From Our Superintendent

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ith each new year comes promises to ourselves that the New Year will be different; or at least that we will be different. Most commonly, we will be better educated or become a better, fitter person, or at least be lighter on the bathroom scale.

According to the University of Scranton’s Journal of Clinical Psychology, just under half of Americans make New Year’s resolutions. However, just eight percent successfully achieve them. Young people typically are more successful than older folks. Go figure.

Schools are not much different. While we don’t call them resolutions, the promise to ourselves to be different comes in the form of school improvement plans or strategic initiatives.

This fall, the Board of Directors undertook the task of identifying those areas in which BCS needed some improvement. Distilling data from the Superintendent search, feedback from faculty and staff and their own experience as current or former parents, the Board articulated a vision for Bellevue Christian School: Preparing young people to live faithfully for God. This is the defining purpose of Bellevue Christian School. It is our “north star” that illuminates the path we must take to remain faithful to the vision of our founders, and keeps faith with future generations of students that walk our hallways. Most importantly, it defines us as a godly place. It separates us from those places that may provide a great education, but who are unwilling or unable to tell the whole story of humanity; that we are created in the image of God for a peculiar purpose and redeemed by God’s son Jesus to restore our fellowship with the Father.

As this cohort of teachers and leaders works to realize the vision, we are committed to progress in these areas: academic performance and spiritual development; faculty recruitment/retention and facilities; and educational delivery and branding. You will be hearing more about each of these in the coming months.

The Viking View is the district-wide magazine publication of Bellevue Christian School.

We welcome your comments.

You can contact us at communications@ bellevuechristian.org, 425-454-4402 x526, or via mail at 1601 98th Ave NE, Clyde Hill, WA 98004.

Viking View Editor Kyla De Wit Marketing Manager Lynn Haller Superintendent Kevin Dunning Cover Photo Kristen Hatate Printing & Distribution Lithocraft Direct Mailing Solutions Content Various Contributers

Please know that if you are reading these words, you have a part to play in the success of our efforts. As you make your resolutions for 2017, plan to be a part of enhancing the education and community that exists at Bellevue Christian School. The students, faculty, staff, and administration are all counting on you to help make it a great place to prepare young people to live faithfully for God. In His Service,

Kevin Dunning Superintendent

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Table of Contents

In This Issue

WINTER 2016/2017

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21

Board members share an update on strategic planning.

A look at PTF events for the rest of the school year.

Board Report

PTF Calendars

7

22

Students learn through active ways of seeing God’s word.

An update from VPG and important dates for the rest of the school year.

Preschool

8-9

Elementary

Seeing God through nature and loving community.

11

Viking Parent Group

23

Alumni

Updates from alumni and information about coordinating your class reunion.

Junior High

A feature written by Junior High student Sophie Hinz.

14-15

Senior High

Students participate in disaster relief and receive new science equipment through grant.

16-17

Athletics

Features 5 Leaving A Legacy

What is your story? Leave a legacy with Bellevue Christian School.

10

Teaching for Transformation

Equipping students to own, describe, and act on their faith.

Update on fall athletics and several students named to all-league teams.

12-13 Jog-A-Thon

18-19

20

Arts

8

Raising money and jogging with a purpose!

STEM Programming

Robotics and Coding as part of our Extended Day offerings.

Updates from Band, Choir, and Theatre.

WINTER 2016/2017 | VIKING VIEW | 3

Board Report

FROM OUR

Board of Directors

Did you know . . .

There is an $850,000 gap between our expenses and the revenue we receive from tuition and fees?

Greetings from the 2016-2017 Bellevue Christian School Board. A year ago the School Board and Superintendent Search Committee were in the midst that culminated in the Lord bringing us our new superintendent, This gap represents approximately 10% of ofthe ourprocess operating Dunning.

Since Kevin’shealth/building arrival, the Board has been collaborating with the administration to continue to advance costs thatKevin includes teacher salaries, insurance thebus mission BCS. payments, rides,ofcomputers, student programs, financial aid, etc.

The BCS Board meets once a month as a full Board; in addition, Board members serve on one or more standing Board committees and adChristian hoc committees. to its monthly meeting, the Board took a full day in October for a Your donations to Bellevue School In filladdition this gap. retreat to specifically focus on strategic planning for the next three to five years. Working together with administrators, the Board identified and prioritized the following strategic planning areas:

Academic Performance Spiritual Development Faculty Retention & Recruitment Facilities Education Delivery & Content Brand Identity Development Within these areas the Board developed a list of action items to be pursued during the remainder of the 2016-2017 academic year along with metrics for measuring success. In the next months the administration with support from the Board plans to publish a vision document to further outline the intended longer-range areas of strategic priority.

We have also joined together with Kevin in projects that are making an immediate impact on education at Bellevue Christian School. Earlier this fall, the Board approved spending $100,000 toward further integration of technology in the classroom. The Board has been fully supportive of the piloting of a curriculum planning model called Teaching for Transformation (TfT) in classrooms and has received updates on the progress of the program. TfT is a framework that serves as a guide for our teachers as they continue to bring God’s redemptive story into every part of our curriculum and instruction (read more about TfT on page 10).

Looking to the physical needs of BCS, a Board Facilities Improvement Committee was appointed in November and charged with reviewing our current campuses and making recommendations for modernization. This had been a topic of discussion over the past few years; however, a pause in the process was taken while the search for a new superintendent was underway. With new leadership in place, the Facilities Committee is actively working to discern what possibilities exist for the campuses of BCS. School Board meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month during the school year and are open to the school community.

We welcome you to join us!

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Institutional Advancement

LEAVING A

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hen we enrolled our sons Michael (‘82) and Andrew (‘85) in Bellevue Christian School Elementary in 1974, we had no idea the impact that BCS would have on our family.

Even before enrolling, we had attended parent meetings taught by Dr. Albert E. Greene, Jr., and were attracted to the biblically-based educational philosophy that permeated all learning—and changed the way we thought about our Christian faith. The teachers and staff really cared about our children. We became a part of the BCS community. Our daughter Amy (‘92) entered preschool and continued at BCS through senior high. We have invested many years of tuition money and charitable gifts in BCS.

“

we . . . were attracted to the biblically-based educational philosophy that permeated all learning - and changed the way we thought about our Christian faith.

”

Along the way, we each became involved in serving the school, Al as a Board and Corporation member and Nancy as a volunteer and an employee. Serving together with other parents and teachers, we built relationships that have endured to this day. Bellevue Christian School’s story became part of our family story, influencing our children and now our grandchildren.

“

As we learned about those who had sacrificed to build the school . . . we felt an obligation to make this unique, Christ-centered education available for future students.

As Development Director at the time of the school’s 50th anniversary, Nancy launched the Greene Heritage Society as a recognition of the substantial gifts that had come as donations or bequests at each critical point in the school’s history.

We have made the decision to designate BCS as a beneficiary in our will. As we learned about those who had sacrificed to build the school and maintain it from 1950 to our era, we felt an obligation to make this unique, Christ-centered education available for future students.

With gratitude, Al & Nancy Erisman Greene Heritage Society Members

...what is your story?

How has BCS changed your family’s lives? You, too, can make an impact in the lives of future students at Bellevue Christian School as they prepare to live fully for God in a rapidly changing world.

To learn more about leaving your BCS legacy, please contact Theresa Larsen, BCS Institutional Advancement office, at 425-260-0446 or visit the Greene Heritage Society webpage, http://www.bellevuechristian.org/ghs.

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Upcoming & Recent Events

Auction

Save The Date

FRIDAY • APRIL 21, 2017 Hyatt Regency Bellevue

On Friday, April 21, 2017, the entire BCS community and their friends and family will come together to support the exciting future of Bellevue Christian School. Oh, the places BCS will go!

You’ll have the chance to bid on silent items, live items, enjoy games and activities, and eat a delicious meal. Together we will celebrate God’s provision to Bellevue Christian School over the many years of its existence, and together look ahead to growing the institution from being a good school to a great school.

Look for details coming soon on how to register, sponsor, donate, and more.

bellevuechristian.org/auction

Recent Happenings Iron Sharpens Iron

SATURDAY • DECEMBER 10, 2016 On Saturday, December 10, BCS hosted their annual Iron Sharpens Iron Wrestling Tournament in the Clyde Hill Edwards Gymnasium. Schools from around Washington state come to BCS each year to compete in this unique tournament. This year, participating schools included Cle Elum-Roslyn, Rainier High School, Chelan, Friday Harbor, Nooksack Valley, South Whidbey, Davenport, and Concrete.

Weigh-in was at 8:00 a.m. and matches went on until 5:00 p.m. It was a great day to have Washington state high school wrestlers come together and compete!

Homecoming

FRIDAY • DECEMBER 16, 2016 On Friday, December 16, all BCS alumni were welcomed back to their alma mater to watch the basketball teams take on Coupeville. Students, parents, and alumni came to cheer on the Vikings in a packed house with raffle drawings for alumni at halftime. The Varsity Boys defeated Coupeville 66-38 and the Varsity Girls won with a final score of 49-14. Go Vikings!

Facebook.com/BellevueChristianSchool “Bellevue Christian” or @bellchrisschool 6 | VIKING VIEW | WINTER 2016/2017

Preschool

Living God’s Story

Providing our preschoolers with living and active ways to see God’s word (Hebrews 4:12)

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e are excited to be in partnership with Teaching for Transformation (TfT), a program that supports our mission to help our students see and live God’s story. At preschool, we are introducing this program by using “through lines.” Through lines are a way to invite students to see God’s story at work in the world, to participate actively in His story every day, and to develop a vocabulary for talking about how we see God’s story in our lives.

We are focusing on three of the ten through lines at preschool this year. Here are some examples of the ways our students are beginning to use through lines:

We are community builders when we all work together to make pumpkin soup for our snack, when we help a friend learn a new game, and when we take turns.

We are God-worshipers when we recognize that everything we have comes from God, when we thank God for our food, and when we praise God though songs in class and at chapel. We have a deep hope that our preschool students will learn to look for and name evidence of God in the world around us.

We are creation-enjoyers when we admire God’s creation while we learn about apples and pumpkins.

“

We have a deep hope that our preschool students will learn to look for and name evidence of God in the world around us.

”

- Juliann Phillips Director of Preschools

WINTER WINTER 2016/2017 2016 || VIKING VIEW || 7

Three Points Elementary

God’s Glory Revealed in Nature

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“THE HEAVENS DECLARE THE GLORY OF GOD, THE SKIES PROCLAIM THE WORK OF HIS HANDS.” PSALM 19:1

each butterfly would emerge, students were excited to see he second graders at Three Points just wrapped up “their” beautiful butterfly. About a week after the butterflies a quite memorable science unit on insects. Students were all happily flying around in their cage, the students learned to be order-discoverers and learned what had the exciting opportunity to experience being with the makes a bug an insect, how insect wings work, butterflies. the life cycle of a butterfly, and a host of other things. Each year in “The whole earth is With an eight-foot-tall mesh tent and this unit, students get to observe and filled with awe at your over 35 butterflies fluttering around, document a growing insect in their students gently stepped into the role wonders; where morning classroom—caterpillars. of creation-enjoyers. They learned to dawns, where evening be aware of what was around them, After going to a conference for 2nd fades, call for songs of joy,” not to step on any butterflies as they grade teachers, Marisa Peterson and were inside the tent, and not damage – Psalm 65:8 Dana Underwood were inspired to any butterfly wings. They were in awe enhance our science unit. One of our of God’s creativity in design as the sun streaked through sessions sparked an idea that led to 34 students each the bright colors of the insect’s wings. They learned that it raising their very own caterpillar and eventually huddled is important to take care of the earth and the animals in it. around a mesh tent outside of the classroom intently watching as butterflies landed on their peers.

“I learned we have to be careful with the butterflies and not shake the cage when we are in it,” commented one To begin with, each student observed their own caterpillar second grader. Other students mentioned, “I learned on their desk. Students learned to care for their insects that God uses beauty in the things He makes,” and “God and also be mindful of the insects on their peers’ desks. protected butterflies by designing them with camouflage As the caterpillars grew, students began to ask the to protect them.” These important ideas and realizations question of “What next?” as the tiny caterpillars were are giving second graders a foundation to build upon as quickly growing. After forming chrysalises, the chrysalises they grow up to recognize God’s hand in creation. were moved to a small cage in the classroom. Slowly, as 8 | VIKING VIEW | WINTER 2016/2017

Mack Elementary

“

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.

By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love

for one another.

John 13:34-35, ESV

”

Tim Krell was the Interim Superintendent 2014-2016 and filled in for the principal at Mack Elementary, Debbie Symonds, who was on sabbatical until January.

B

eing at Mack Elementary for a time this fall has been a refreshing experience for me. Until now, I have never had the opportunity to be on a grade school campus for an extended period of time.

The students have a wide-eyed wonder for discovering how God is at work in their midst. Every staff member expresses love shaped by the unique nature of the children under their care. Parents hang around the campus after school at the playground so their kids can play with friends and so they can fellowship with other parents. Jesus demonstrated for us how to love one another.

In an intimate setting in the upper room around the supper table Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another (John 13:34-35, ESV).” He had just washed the disciples’ feet in an incredibly humble act of service. He modeled for us how we are to love one another. Loving relationships are a key component to a BCS education.

One of our foundational principles, Relational Community, is described as “giving and receiving loving support through a community of loving families.” Mack’s Bucket Award is one example of recognizing a student’s love for another. Students caught in the act of serving the school and each other are acknowledged by staff each week during chapel. As principal I hand out a certificate and a shiny new pencil for things like: • Leaving a game of tag at recess to join a friend who had been left alone and was feeling sad

• Gladly using recess time to put away toys without being asked • Having fun on the tire swing and being kind to your buddies • Giving a classmate your food offering for chapel when he had forgotten his On first glance you may think these are small matters. But God sees these acts of love and kindness differently. He sees children as an important part of His Kingdom. Jesus says, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 19:14). We also know that when we do acts of love and kindness to “the least of these . . . you did it to [Jesus]” (Matthew 25:40).

Consider this final story: several weeks ago we put out a request to students and parents to bring supplies for Hygiene Smile Packs for the Haiti relief effort after Hurricane Matthew. We partnered with high school ninth grade students who assembled the packs. At chapel that particular day, students brought provisions that filled bin after bin. We could hardly keep up. Later that day, nineteen boxes of supplies were loaded into a pickup to go to the high school. That is a true demonstration of God’s love expressed through a school community that is living fully for God in a world that desperately needs His love.

WINTER 2016/2017 | VIKING VIEW | 9

Curriculum

Teaching for Transformation (TfT)

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e are so excited to announce that we have entered into a partnership with Teaching for Transformation (TfT), a program to support our mission to prepare young people to live fully for God in a rapidly changing world with the ability to understand, evaluate, and transform their world from the foundation of God’s unchanging values.

TfT comes to us from The Prairie Centre for Christian Education, in Canada. Their focus is to see the story and live the story—we want to invite students to see God’s story at work in the world, and participate actively in His story every day. Bellevue Christian School has a long history and solid foundation of what it means to teach Christianly. TfT will further our mission and build on our foundation, and offers students many opportunities to own both their faith and their learning. An example are the “through lines” already being used in classrooms across campuses. The ten “through lines” are:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

ipp er h s r o w d Go i s c e rne r I d o l at r y - d joyer n e n o i t a C re p er E a r t h - ke e e at o r B e au t y - c r verer o c s i d r e d Or i lde r u b y it n u Comm orker Servant-w e ctor l f e r e g a Im e ke r J u st ic e - s e

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Students have used this language to describe their own lives and learning (I am a beauty creator when I…), to encourage and compliment each other (I saw my classmate being a community builder by…), and to evaluate their academic content (Fourth graders are “earth keepers” when they release salmon; third graders are community builders and justice seekers through their Book Company; fifth graders are creation-enjoyers when they attend Outdoor Education; etc).

We are so thrilled to see our students equipped and using language that helps them own, describe, and act on their faith! And, the use of these through lines is just the beginning! We look forward to continued growth and inspiration for our students and teachers in the important work of seeing God’s story and living God’s story through all of our work and learning!

Junior High

Mrs. Foster’s

EPIC

Adventure Written by Sophie Hinz, Jr. High student Reprinted with permission

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his story I am about to tell you is about an amazing woman with a huge heart for everything she does.

This woman is Terry Foster, the BCS Athletics Assistant. I had the privilege of interviewing her about her remarkable bike trip across the United States. Mrs. Foster started the trip at Deception Pass on July 25, 2016 and ended in Maine on September 24th. She went with six friends and had some join in throughout the trip.

Q: “How did you persevere throughout the trip and did you ever want to quit?” Mrs. Foster said that some days she wanted to quit while riding her bike but she knew she had to keep going especially because she was raising money for kids in Thailand.

Q: “In all your quiet time while biking, what were the main three things you thought about?” She replied by telling me that one of the big things she thought about was her father. Mrs. Foster and her husband were the primary care givers for her father who suffered from Parkinson’s disease. Before she

left on her bike journey, he fell and had a hard time recovering. She knew that she might lose him while on her trip, so she said her good-byes before she left and made a promise to him that if he were to pass away while she was gone, she wouldn’t quit the journey. A month into her trip, he did pass away. The second thing she thought about most were the family and kids she was raising money for. The third thing she thought about most was the practice of living in the moment during her trip.

Q:“How many tires did you pop while biking across the country?” Mrs. Foster brought one bike for herself that popped one tire and her and her husband also road on a tandem bike that went through two tires. All six riders together went through fifteen tires.

Q: “What was your favorite part of the trip?” Mrs. Foster’s favorite part of the whole trip was when she was riding up to Niagara Falls. As she was approaching the falls, she could see the mist coming from the falls and hear the rapids of the river. Once she reached the falls she started crying because she thought she would never see Niagara Falls. The water flowing over the falls was crystal clear and the sight of a little blue boat full of people in yellow ponchos made her happy to experience the moment.

Q: “How did this trip bring you closer to Christ?”

She answered by saying that one of the things that brought her closer to Christ was that she had to trust God to keep her father safe, she also had to trust that God would keep her and her group safe. The trip they were on was risky with open roads and they needed His protection over the journey. This was a small overview of Mrs. Foster’s epic adventure.

WINTER 2016/2017 | VIKING VIEW | 11

Jog-A-Thon

Annual Jog-A-Thon raises funds for campus-specific projects

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n Friday, September 30, 2016, Bellevue Christian School elementary and preschool students at our Three Points and Mack campuses participated in the annual Jog-A-Thon to raise funds for campus-specific needs and projects.

Students approached family members and friends and asked them to support them financially as they ran laps that day. This event is special because students take ownership of the task of fundraising. Year after year, students enjoy getting involved in this process because it is all for a cause that benefits their campus. They get excited about what they are working for and they get to see their work come to fruition at their own campus.

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At the Three Points campus, Jog-A-Thon funds went toward the following:

• Campus Improvements, Campus Technology, and Field Trips • Complete phase 2 of playground equipment, fund class field trips and classroom technology needs such as iPads/tablets.

• Campus Events and Parent Support Programs • Fund special events such as our annual Science Fair, Talent Show, and hands-on science presentations. Host school-wide parent education seminars with special speakers.

Jog-A-Thon

purpose JOGGING

WITH

A

• Tithing 10% of the funds between Ninos Tres Rios - an educational assistance program for children in El Salvador, and Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission.

At the Mack campus, Jog-A-Thon funds went towards: • A new play structure to replace the 20+ year old wooden structure on the upper playground • Donating 5% of the funds to Mack Elementary classroom projects that help others through our Service Learning Work • Donating 5% of the funds to Ninos Tres Rios, an educational assistance program for children in El Salvador

WINTER 2016/2017 | VIKING VIEW | 13

Senior High

Freshmen Participate in Hurricane Matthew Relief

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n October 4, 2016, Hurricane Matthew, a category four storm, pummeled areas of Haiti, a nation with crippling poverty in various regions. With a reported 1.4 million people needing emergency aid, the threat of waterborne and other illnesses, and at least 1,000 dead, the world was called to respond.

On October 19, 9th grade students were privileged to have that opportunity. In partnership with the reputable Children of the Nations (COTN) organization, (www.cotni.org), and through the generous donations of hygiene items from BCS families, freshmen students came together to sort, organize, count and pack 250 “SmilePacks,” containing toiletries that will help Haitian families prevent common illness and disease. These packs will soon be sent to Haiti and distributed by COTN workers and volunteers, reminding those that receive them, we pray, that Jesus sees their suffering and desires to meet their needs and ease their struggles.

In addition to the 250 completed packs, BCS was able to send numerous boxes filled with extra hygiene kit supplies which COTN will be able to use in the future.

In addition to this worthwhile activity, students received time both before and after packing the kits to learn about Haiti and hear from a representative from COTN, as well as time to pray and reflect on what they learned. Following the activity, one student shared, “This experience showed me how much I take the little things in my life for granted, like having soap and toothpaste. I want to try to do a better job of appreciating everything I have.”

Thank you to all BCS community members that graciously donated the items needed for these SmilePacks, and to teachers Kathleen Boone and Sheri Nansen, for leading the charge and coordination of this meaningful and engaging service activity.

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Senior High

New Technology in Science Classrooms Thanks to an anonymous grant given to BCS, the Science Department purchased a wide variety of science education equipment last summer that will be tremendously useful in classrooms from 7th to 12th grade. Students have already begun to utilize these resources in their studies through the fall and winter so far this year.

Equipment purchased with the grant includes: • Digital microscopes for the junior high and senior high that allow the teacher to project what’s being studied real-time on the screen.

• Micro-pipettes, mini-centrifuges and a PCR thermal cycler that allow students to extract and study DNA in high level biology courses.

• A spectrometer that allows molecules and atoms to be identified by analyzing the frequencies of light that they emit. This will be used in chemistry and physics study.

• Equipment for our physics classroom that allows detailed study of motion and gravitational acceleration.

• Software that allows teachers to record video of themselves and computer output (like a PowerPoint presentation) at the same time. This allows classrooms to be “flipped’ so students can watch lectures at home and then apply what they learned and ask questions about it in class.

• General support of our teaching staff by purchasing a laminator and a digital multiple-choice grading machine that allows detailed analysis of student responses.

Many of these items will allow students and teachers to do experimental work that they’ve never been able to support before. This grant provides students with the experience of enhanced learning through improved and available technology in the classroom.

Congratulations, Dr. Ribera!

For the past two years, BCS Bible teacher Dr. Daniel Ribera has been a part of the national Faith and Science curriculum project known as Faith and Science Teaching (FAST). After three years of work the curriculum has been published and is available at www.teachfastly.com. The curriculum team consisted of eight Science teachers and four Bible teachers (one being Dr. Ribera) from across the United States, and was jointly lead/sponsored by the Kuypers Institute at Calvin College and The Colossian Forum in Grand Rapids, MI. We are proud to say that a BCS faculty member played an important role in creating curriculum to bring Faith and Science together. Well done, Dr. Ribera!

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Viking Athletics

From Our Athletic Director

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e have had a fantastic school year so far. Our fall season finished well and we are proud of our student athletes. We are in the midst of a great winter season and we know there are exciting things to come as we begin the spring season.

Athletes at Bellevue Christian School have always been encouraged to be well-rounded individuals. We encourage students to strive for success in the classroom and on the athletic field. Many students participate in multiple sports as well as the arts at BCS while giving honor and praise to our Heavenly Father who has blessed these students with many gifts.

We had several students make a Nisqually All League team during the fall season. The students’ names are listed on the following page, so if you see them be sure to congratulate them on this honor. We will look forward to honoring them at our All Sports Night in the spring.

As always, we are grateful for such a committed and supportive community at BCS to cheer on our student athletes. Thank you for committing time to supporting athletics at Bellevue Christian School.

GO VIKINGS! Mark A. DeJonge Athletic Director

Fall 2016 Athletics Recap BOYS & GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

GIRLS SOCCER The Girls Socer team had an exciting run to Districts this year. They ended their season with a loss to Fife HS and a record of 6-6-2.

The boys finished second in the Nisqually League and fifth in the District Championship.

Congratulations to Jared Donnel on becoming District Champion and for placing 17th at the WIAA State Cross Country Tournament.

VOLLEYBALL

FOOTBALL The Football team had an exciting season and finished with a record of 3-7.

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The Volleyball team had a great season and made it to the District Championship.

After defeating Chimacum HS in the first round, the road ended for them in the second round with a loss to Charles Wright. They had a great season with a record of 9-8.

Viking Athletics

Celebrating Athletic Success Congratulations on the following accomplishments in the Nisqually League 2016 All-League Teams: FOOTBALL Joe Helton, senior - 2nd Team (Wide Receiver, Defensive Back) Peter Besel, junior - 2nd Team (Offensive Line) BOYS & GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY Jared Donnel, junior - 1st Team Josh Clark, freshman - 2nd Team Luke Miller, senior - 2nd Team Congratulations to the Boys Cross Country Team on receiving this year’s All-League Fall 2016 Sportsmanship Award for Boys Cross Country.

VOLLEYBALL Becca Jewett, senior - 1st Team Savien Love, senior - 1st Team Molly Olson, sophomore - 1st Team GIRLS SOCCER Bella Boscolo, senior - 1st Team Maggie Rash, sophomore - 1st Team Camryn Rogers, junior - 1st Team Claire Sirich, senior - 2nd Team Julia Gottlieb, senior - 2nd Team Rachel Berg, senior - 2nd Team

CONGRATULATIONS COACH PAUL ADAMS! Girls Soccer Coach Paul Adams has been named the Nisqually All-League Girls Soccer Co-Coach of the Year. Each year, the coaches within the league vote for who should receive this award. Congratulations Coach Adams!

Students Commit to Collegiate Athletics Seniors Jill Chellis and Becca Jewett recently signed their letters of intent to play their sports at the college level. Jill will be doing crew at UCLA next year, and Becca will be playing softball at Azusa Pacific University.

Congratulations to these outstanding student athletes!

Jill Chellis

Becca Jewett WINTER 2016/2017 | VIKING VIEW | 17

stian.org

The Arts at BCS

Symphonic Wind Ensemble FLUTE Melissa Brady Caroline O’Keefe Andrew Trindle OBOE Grace LeSueur Katie Pippel

Band

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SAXOPHONE Allison Apol Sophia Chaffey Jeff Jewett Mara Staal

TRUMPET High School Choral Concert Kate Reynolds Ryan Wasson Tuesday, March 24, 2015 • 7:30 PM VIOLIN - Performances by - Jiwon Park Kantorei | Concert Choir | Singers CLARINET

BASS/PIANO Tian (Dom) Zhao

Cassadey Porter Christiana Schmer

Believe

TROMBONE Thijs Fortune

Jazz Ensemble ian

Bellevue Christ

ch 24, 2015 Tuesday, Mar

presents

HORN Julia Greene

Clyde Hill Campus • Greene Nickolaus Kang Commons

he bands have accomplished much so far this year. The High School groups are doing fantastic and the Junior High Concert Band has grown ncert ool Choral Co High Sch to the point of needing two teachers in the room filled with 40-plus 7th and 8th graders. The Sixth Grade Band is growing as well. The Band program continues to build in numbers and quality!

Arts Department

PERCUSSION Jared Byargeon Keven Gilbert Ethan Hoshino Sarah Norman Sam Zylstra

School

SAXOPHONE Department TRUMPET RHYTHM orming Arts Fine & perf Allison Apol Josh Clarkpresents Jared Byargeon, drums Summer Cullen Kate Reynolds Carrie Cox, guitar Cassadey Porter Jacob Robblee Daniel Ficca, guitar Mara Staal Zane Jolley-Ruud, Andrew Trindle TROMBONE percussion & drums Keller Harter Sarah Norman, piano Joseph Primas, bass

What

ChiisldThis?

• 7:30 PM

- Performances by rt Choir | Singers Kantorei | Conce

Commons pus • Greene Clyde Hill Cam

The Christmas Instrumental Concert featuring performances by

Junior High Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, & Jazz Ensemble

bellevuechristian.org Jazz Ensem ble SAXOPHONE Allison Apol Summer Culle n Cassadey Porte r Mara Staal Andrew Trind le

TRUMPET Josh Clark Kate Reynolds Jacob Robb lee

Thursday, December 15, 7:30 p.m.

Clyde Hill Campus | Greene Commons

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The fall High School Instrumental concert, Dona Nobis Pacem, was a theme centered around using our breath to praise the Lord as it says in Psalm 150 and the peace and freedom we have in Christ. The concert featured performances by our Symphonic Band, Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble. Believe was the title of their Christmas concert, and it was a wonderful evening of Christmas music including audience participation.

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Sixth Grade students from both Mack and Three Points campuses joined with the Junior High Concert Band for their fall concert, King of Creation. This was a concert focusing on the music of creation and Jesus, the King of that creation.

Pieces included “Praise to the Lord,” “Ancient Times,” “Redshift,” and “Vortex.”

Jazz Ensemble participates in Annual Eastshore Music Region Instrumental Jazz Festival The Jazz Ensemble participated in the Annual Eastshore Music Region Instrumental Jazz Festival which was held at Mercer Island High School on November 3, 2016. They were adjudicated by the following leading teachers and directors in the Jazz Idiom - Jenny Kellogg, Director of Jazz Studies at Eastern Washington University; Chris Bruya (CWU); Darrin Faul (Mountlake Terrace HS); and Phil Dean (Bothell HS).

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October 25, 201 6, 7:30 p.m.

Clyd

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7:30 p.m.

December 12, Monday, Hill Commons Campus | Greene Clyde

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T

he year has been off to a good start for BCS choral ensembles.

Student involvement has increased overall, with Kantorei’s numbers tripled from what they were last year. The Fall Concert was an excellent performance from all Junior and Senior High Choral Ensembles, and the Christmas Concert, O Magnum, Mysterium featured a good mix of sacred and popular Christmas music.

Kantorei Performs at Bellevue Square As they do each year, the Kantorei also performed some Christmas tunes to spread Christmas cheer to shoppers passing by. They did a great job!

BCS Students Chosen for All-State & All-Northwest Ensembles After completing an audition process, five BCS students were chosen to perform as a part of the Washington Music Educators Association (WMEA) All-State and All-Northwest Ensembles. Those performances will take place at the WMEA Conference over President’s Day weekend in February.

Congratulations to the following students for being selected to the following ensembles: All-State Symphonic Chorus Jaci Clark – Alto 1 Alice Sol – Alto 1 Justin White – Tenor 1

All-Northwest Mixed Chorus: Truett Burnett – Bass 2 Christopher Murray – Tenor 2

The Arts at BCS

Theatre

Students and staff put on Fall production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream with a 1920s twist!

T

he Arts Department hosted their fall production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream in the Greene Commons at the Clyde Hill campus on November 17-19. This was a modern take on the play which was originally written to occur in ancient Athens. The setting used instead was New York City in the 1920s. Students and staff involved took on the challenge of changing the setting of this Shakespearean play. It was taken into a time when women had just won the right to vote, Prohibition was enacted, and the Jazz Age was just starting to tap its toes.

A

A particularly interesting piece of this production was the stage and audience set-up. Director Mark Ramquist chose to adjust the theatre space to partially resemble Shakespeare’s own theatre, the Globe, in London. This involved setting up a “thrust stage” with a “surround audience” with the addition of stage pillars as well.

Night’s

Congratulations to Director Mark Ramquist and the entire cast and crew on fantastic performances!

Midsummer

Dream

WINTER 2016/2017 | VIKING VIEW | 19

Extended Day

Extended Day STEM Programming BCS Extended Day classes provide a variety of Robotics and Programming opportunities for students in 2nd-9th grade. Each class is intentionally small to allow students to progress at their own pace with plenty of individualized instruction, support, challenges and encouragement.

Basic Coding (Grades 2-5) skills are developed in classes using online systems. Registration for this coding class gives each student a full year of access to their personal coding program to use in class, at home, or on any device they like. Using a fun, game/activity- like environment, students learn basic grouped coding logic to move characters which navigate obstacle courses, capture items for building projects. More advanced students learn Scratch coding and even create their own unique games.

Our Littlest Roboticists (Grades 2-4) begin with basic programming and building of robots that have moving parts, make sounds and can even speak a recorded message. Imagine cranes that pick up robot giants, birds that sing and flap their wings, alligators that ‘chomp,’ spinning tops and even a soccer kicker, goalie and cheering crowd.

Mid-Level Roboticists (Grades 4-6) delve into increasingly more involved design and programming options. Students work independently or in pairs, bringing their minds and skills together for the best results. Competitions in speed, strength, durability and creativity encourage students to develop their observation, teamwork and creative skills.

This fall, students are building robots that will travel from the classroom and walk along several sidewalks to get to the playground, and then come back. This requires a significant amount of programming and trial/error – the results are exciting!

7th-9th Grade Roboticists are moving into much more in-depth and complicated robots as they expand and excel in their skills. Each student builds their own robot with challenges all along the way in the building, design and programming phases. These robots walk, talk, bark, snore, run obstacle courses, stage battles, turn before obstacles, bite intruders, sing custom songs, play custom music . . . truly whatever the student can program them to do!

Students are exposed to high level, simple programming language and it is exciting to see them develop their skills further in Robotics.

Robotics!

Programming!

bellevuechristian.org/academics/extended-day 20 | VIKING VIEW | WINTER 2016/2017

Parent-Teacher Fellowship

PTF (Parent Teacher Fellowship) 2017 Calendars Three Points Elementary

February 2017 February 2

Talent Show

February 13

PTF Meeting

February 21-24

Staff Appreciation Week

Three Points Campus

February 28

5th-6th Grade Band Concert

Clyde Hill Campus

Three Points Campus

8:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.

Three Points Campus

March 2017 March 13

PTF Meeting

March 17

4th-6th Grade Musical

Three Points Campus

March 27

JH/5th-6th Grade Choral Concert

Three Points Campus

March 27-29

Spotlight on Speech (Grades 1-6)

8:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.

6:30 p.m.

Three Points Campus

Three Points Campus

April 2017 April 17

PTF Meeting

8:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.

April 21

BCS Auction

5:30 p.m.

Three Points Campus Hyatt Regency Bellevue

May 2017 May 2-5

Book Fair

May 5

Be Our Guest Day

Three Points Campus

May 18

Science Fair

Three Points Campus

June 2

4th-6th Grade Track Meet

Three Points Campus

June 13

5th-6th Grade Band Concert

Clyde Hill Campus

June 14

Family Picnic & Field Day

Three Points Campus

Three Points Campus

June 2017

Mack Elementary

February 2017 February 7

PTF Teacher Workroom Day

February 10

PTF Meeting

8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

February 13-16

Staff Appreciation Week

February 28

5th-6th Grade Band Concert

7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

March 17

PTF Meeting

8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

March 20-24

Scholastic Book Fair

Mack Campus

March 27

Honor Choir Concert

Mack Campus

Mack Campus Mack Campus Mack Campus Clyde Hill Campus

March 2017 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Mack Campus

April 2017 April 3-4

Spotlight on Speech

April 21

BCS Auction

April 24-27

5th Grade Outdoor Education

Mack Campus

5:30 p.m.

Hyatt Regency Bellevue

May 2017 May 4

National Day of Prayer

8:45 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.

Mack Campus

May 18

Imagination Celebration

7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Mack Campus

May 19

PTF Meeting

8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Mack Campus

June 2017 June 2

4th-6th Grade Track Meet

June 9

PTF Meeting

8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

June 13

Elementary Band Concert

7:00 p.m.

June 14

Field Day

Mack Campus Clyde Hill Campus Mack Campus

WINTER 2016/2017 | VIKING VIEW | 21

Viking Parent Group

T

he Viking Parent Group (VPG) started the year hosting Locker Days at the Clyde Hill campus for new and returning families. It was a great chance to connect and encourage students starting Junior and Senior High. The VPG also hosted the annual family picnic for all students and families on the campus. It was a fun way to start the school year as a community.

Viking Classic Golf Tournament: The VPG provided volunteers for this important annual event for the athletic program.

Parent Social Night: The VPG hosted this event in October to allow parents of the Clyde Hill campus to meet with current and new families. Thank you to Amy and Andrew Harrison for hosting this event.

Community Carnival: The Carnival is a wonderful annual festival for the entire BCS family that the VPG participates in.

Thank you for giving your time!

“Thanks for Giving”: The VPG had the privilege to serve the Clyde Hill campus facility and staff a “Thanks for Giving” breakfast and lunch. As one of the three service projects for the school, many parents volunteered their cooking talents.

Thanks to their help, VPG was able to provide a hot soup/chili lunch on Monday during conferences and a hot breakfast and snacks for Tuesday’s conference day. Our organizers for this important service were Tracy Ficca, Rebecca Ortega and Amy Harrison.

Christmas Decorations: In the joy of Christmas, VPG decorated the campus for concerts and performances. Thanks to LouWayne Wilson and Holly Furr for their talents and the many hands that helped.

Staff Appreciation Gifts: The VPG provided staff and faculty with gifts of appreciation. The parents arranged for gift items and hosted a work party to put the packages together. Thank you to all those who helped and to Amy Harrison and Tonya Olexer.

VPG Christmas Party: To celebrate the season, Brenda and Jay Zylstra hosted this year’s annual party that was filled with laughter and fun. We appreciate the Zylstras opening up their house to the group to enjoy the season together.

If you would like to join us, contact vpg@bellevuechristian.org or check the calendar.bellevuechristian.org.

Junior-Senior High 2017 Winter/Spring Calendar February 2017 February 14

VPG Principal Meeting, Lg. Conf. Room

1:00 p.m.

Clyde Hill Campus

February 28

VPG Social Lunch

1:00 p.m.

Cactus Restaurant

March 7

VPG Meeting in the Lg. Conf. Room

1:00 p.m.

Clyde Hill Campus

March 14

VPG Principal Meeting, Lg. Conf. Room

1:00 p.m.

Clyde Hill Campus

March 20-24

Staff Appreciation Week

varies

Clyde Hill Campus

March 21

VPG Social Lunch

1:00 p.m.

Cactus Restaurant

April 4

VPG Meeting in the Lg. Conf. Room

1:00 p.m.

Clyde Hill Campus

April 18

VPG Principal Meeting, Lg. Conf. Room

1:00 p.m.

Clyde Hill Campus

April 21

BCS Auction

5:30 p.m.

Hyatt Regency Bellevue

April 25

VPG Social Lunch

1:00 p.m.

Cactus Restaurant

May 2

VPG Meeting in the Lg. Conf. Room

1:00 p.m.

Clyde Hill Campus

May 9

VPG Principal Meeting, Lg. Conf. Room

1:00 p.m.

Clyde Hill Campus

May 16

VPG Social Lunch

1:00 p.m.

Cactus Restaurant

June 6

VPG Meeting in the Lg. Conf. Room

1:00 p.m.

Clyde Hill Campus

June 12

Junior High Graduation

TBD

TBD

June 15

Senior High Commencement

TBD

TBD

March 2017

April 2017

May 2017

June 2017

22 | VIKING VIEW | WINTER 2016/2017

Alumni Updates 2012

Alison King graduated from Whitworth University in May 2016 with a degree in Special Education and Elementary Education with a minor in Reading Instruction. In August, she started her career as a third grade teacher at Clyde Hill Elementary. She is loving life and is thankful for the guidance she received as a student at Bellevue Christian School, along with the continued guidance from God, her family, and friends as she navigates through this new and exciting phase of life.

2010

Hannah Fenske double-majored in Technical Theatre and Sculpture at Western Washington University. She has since worked as a Props Artisan all across the country. She has contributed to productions at the Brevard Music Center, STAGES St. Louis, Florida Repertory Theatre, the Williamstown Theatre Festival, and the Santa Fe Opera. Hannah most recently moved to the midwest to work with Milwaukee Repertory Theater as their Prop Crafts Artisan.

1998

Christopher James was appointed as Assistant Professor of Evangelism and Missional Christianity at University of Dubuque Theological Seminary in 2015. He earned an MDiv from Fuller Theological Seminary and a PhD in Practical Theology from Boston University School of Theology. He completed his dissertation on church plants in Seattle, WA. This research has been featured on King 5, KUOW and the SeattleMet as well as several other media outlets. Dr. James’ forthcoming book with Oxford University Press is tentatively titled New Churches in the None Zone.

For links to his research and media coverage, check out www.chrisbjames.com

1990

Todd Pheifer published his first book, Business Ethics: The Search for an Elusive Idea. Dr. Pheifer teaches at the Art Institute of California - Orange County and Azusa Pacific University, and serves as Development Director at Kingdom Causes Bellflower, a faith-based non-profit organization in Southern California. In addition, Todd and his classmate Dave Kidney co-host a podcast called “Parenting Mistakes.”

In Memoriam 1981

Colleen (McIntyre) Castaneda passed away on September 20, 2016. She spent 28 years living in northwestern Alaska as a teacher, principal, and as a special education director. Her leadership, scholastic achievements, and honors were many and her community involvement truly extensive.

Colleen was diagnosed with a rare and incurable disease that led to progressive disability. Her response was to begin advocating for students and others with exceptional needs.

Colleen was a wonderful wife and mother, an accomplished artist, a faithful believer, an organizer, a counselor, a dedicated friend to many, and a teacher to all. She is survived by her husband, Jesus “Chuy” Castaneda; children Luis and Daniela; father David McIntyre (Ruth); brother David, Jr. (Cathy), sisters Maureen (Mark) and Erinn (John); many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her mother, Lois.

and we want to shar BCS pass away? them! Did youAlumni get ma ried, have a baby, get Send your updates to: new job, or move som Reunions bcsalumni@ bellevuechristian.org where exciting? Or di Wondering aabout lovedyour one with ties t Want to go to class reunion?

BCSreunion? pass away? your The classes of 1957, 1967, 1977, 1987, Want to1997, getand the 2007 will be celebrating Viking View this summer! atmilestones the correct address?

Email bcsalumni@ bellevuechristian.org Want to supportoryour visit bellevuechristian.org/ alma mater? alumni to learn more about planning the reunion for your class. BCS is happy your info: to Update help with logistics and can offer suggestions for bellevuechristian.org/ local venues and activities.

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1601 98th Ave NE Clyde Hill WA 98004

bellevuechristian.org

Viking View Winter 2016/2017

Inside This Issue: • Board Report • Teaching for Transformation • Jog-A-Thon Recap • Hurricane Matthew Relief

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APRIL 21, 2017

Hyatt Regency Bellevue 6 pm-11pm bellevuechristian.org/auction