Voice 2018-19 #1

VOICE

THE MAGAZINE OF CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL • 2018-19 • ISSUE 1

Collaborative artwork by Mr. Bryn Gillette and Senior Claire Burch

Departments

Features 1 ONGOING SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT

CCS received full accreditation, updated its strategic plan and rolled out new curriculum and programs for the 2018-19 school year.

5 FALL SPIRITUAL RENEWAL RETREATS

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BEYOND THE RUINS

Upper School Visual Arts Teacher Bryn Gillette hosts his exhibit “Beyond the Ruins” in the Huge Gallery of his painted prayers for the country of Haiti.

10 MY FAVORITE THING

The annual spiritual retreats are

a highly anticipated time of fun for

the students, connecting with friends

and growing in their walk with Christ.

Send story ideas to laura.goodyear@charchrist.com Send alumni news to alumni@charchrist.com Send address changes to margaret.jackson@charchrist.com

Students share what they like most about Charlotte Christian.

13 KNIGHTS HEADLINES 15 HELLO MY NAME IS 19 ACADEMIC SPOTLIGHT 21 ATHLETIC SPOTLIGHT 23 FINE ARTS SPOTLIGHT 25 DEVELOPMENT 27 ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT 29 CLASS NOTES 31 ANNUAL REPORT

Dear Charlotte Christian Community, Do you remember the hysteria around Y2K? If you are as old as me you can remember the panic setting forth as the calendar chased down Dec. 31, 1999.

The fear was that all computers were programed with 19xx and even our most sophisticated computers controlling the government and the banks were not prepared for a new millennium that started with 20xx. I recall many people calling for the end of civilization as we knew it and buying lots of canned goods and stockpiling essential supplies.

We were living in Florida at that time and though I did not buy into the complete doomsday theory, I do remember a little bit of apprehension.

The change of a calendar year is always an interesting time, in reality it is an artificial time marker; however, it is often significant as we consider the year that has passed and the one to come. In a matter of one second we essentially flip our entire mindset. When the clock hits midnight on Dec. 31 the end of a year collides with the beginning of a new year.

“Behold, I am coming soon, bring my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. I am the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” (Revelation 22:13) As the Holy Scriptures come to an end, Jesus declares himself the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. Jesus is the living embodiment of a new calendar year. He is both the old and the new coming together.

When we went from 2018 to 2019 it was a fleeting second, but Jesus is the beginning and the end for ALL eternity.

This is a paradox that I do not believe our earthly minds will ever truly comprehend; however, as a Christian school we should take note. If we look at our mission, Jesus should be the beginning and the end. If we look at the lives of our students, our instruction should begin with Jesus and end with Jesus. Now there is a lot of in between things like history, grammar, science, and language, but it all begins with Jesus and it ends with Jesus.

The reason I have dedicated my professional life to Christian education is because it transcends an earthy calendar. Yes we mark time by days, weeks and years, but it is the knowledge of our Lord and Savior that is preserved through eternity. This is why we begin each school year with an all-school chapel. We begin with corporate worship of Jesus and acknowledgment that God is at the center of the year to come. This is why we end a student’s time with us at graduation by celebrating them but ultimately giving the glory to God through again worship and acknowledgment of the work God has done and is doing in each student.

May the Lord continue to bless our wonderful school and may we never forget that He is the Alpha and the Omega.

God Bless,

Barry Giller Head of School JK - GRADE 2 CHRISTMAS CHAPEL

Ongoing School Improvement 1

CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Dr. Theresa Kasay Director of Academics

One of the hallmarks of a healthy organization is a commitment to improvement which requires reflective practice, various data points, and a vision for the future. In November, Charlotte Christian School welcomed two visiting teams to campus, Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) and Council on Educational Standards and Accountability (CESA). CESA serves Christian schools in their pursuit of excellence and partnered with Charlotte Christian to conduct an institutional review evaluating leadership, management, academics, and programming. SAIS serves more than 340 independent schools and supports comprehensive professional growth opportunities, leadership development programs, and a rigorous and thorough accreditation process. The SAIS team visit was the culmination of a two-year accreditation process which included a school self-study, stakeholder surveys, constituent interviews, and classroom visits.

Because of Charlotte Christian’s model of ongoing school improvement, the school also submitted a draft of the new 2025 Strategic Plan in addition to the documentation required by each of the review organizations. This past spring, Head of School Barry Giller created strategic planning committees comprised of school leadership, faculty, parents, and students to compose a comprehensive plan to direct future school initiatives and continuous school improvement. Following the visiting teams’ recommendations this fall, Mr. Giller amended the strategic plan to reflect identified opportunities for growth. The final 2025 Strategic Plan, including the overarching areas outlined in the plan, will be shared at the State of the School address in January 2019.

In addition to the all-encompassing institutional endeavor of accreditation and strategic planning, Charlotte Christian School’s Academics Committee is focused on academic growth and improvement and leads sub-committees comprised of faculty members from each division. The committees’ role is to research immerging instructional practices, review curriculum maps, and engage in vertical planning and curriculum alignment. In the past several years, the committees included various faculty members from across divisions and academic disciplines and explored academic topics. Work from these committees, in collaboration with the division principals, has brought about several new changes rolled out over the 2017-18 and 2018-19 school years.

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Newly Instituted Academic Initiatives

Lower School Standards-Based Grading The lower school implemented standards-based grading in grades 3-5, a system already in place for grades JK-2. Students are assessed using standards written for each subject area, and each semester they are scored on a four-point scale for every standard: 4 - Exceeds expectations; 3 - Meets expectations; 2 Approaches expectations; and 1 - Does not meet expectations.

“Standards-based grading allows teachers to better communicate student strengths and weaknesses to parents with narratives in addition to the four-point system,” explained Mr. Brandon Henderson, lower school assistant principal. “Rather than seeing an averaged score, parents see specific information, for example, that their child struggles in word choice, but organizes their papers well.”

This system also communicates better information to students.

By breaking down a letter grade into various standards, the conversation in classrooms can shift from “What do I need to do to get an A?” to “I am still struggling with long division.

Can you help me get better?” Standards-based grading allows students to see and own ways they need to improve while also celebrating success as they master certain standards.

Standards-based grading provides immediate feedback on course outcomes, allowing teachers to modify instruction to meet student needs.

“I know my students better as we are understanding their strengths for the standards and areas to improve,” said Mrs.

Rebecca Stevens, fifth grade teacher. “With the new assessment system, there is a shift to make it more about the learning and less about reaching a grade. The students’ identity is not wrapped up in the number or grade any more but what they are learning.”

Words their Way The lower school rolled out the Words Their Way curriculum for literacy in grades JK-K, a program already in use in grades 1-3. Several years ago Ms. Courtney Broocks, kindergarten teacher, participated in a classroom study to assess the success of the program before it was introduced at Charlotte Christian.

“We needed a program to help with differentiation in phonetics instruction,” explained Ms. Broocks. “Words Their Way meets the needs of our students by allowing them to pace at their own level. Bringing the program to JK and K lets us vertically plan and collaborate with the first and second grade teachers and use other resources from different grade levels when needed.”

middle School In recent years the middle school shifted to a new language arts curriculum (rolled out last year) and social studies curriculum, both published by Pearson.

Social Studies Curriculum This year, the middle school adopted the myWorld Interactive Social Studies program which allows for one unified curriculum across three grades with sixth grade covering world history, seventh grade learning geography and eighth grade diving into American history.

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CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

“This curriculum covers a broad range of people groups and is more interactive for students of all learning abilities,” explains Mr. John Wilson, sixth grade social studies teacher. “It teaches students how to develop critical thinking skills by offering the text in many different forms using cause and effect, sequencing, essential vs. non-essential, verificable vs. non-verifiable and through a timeline.”

There is an online component to the curriculum which allows for students to have access to material at home. The text is also presented in an audio format, and

several interactive components such as videos and maps are incorporated into each lesson to aid in learning.

The social studies department has also rolled out a new Kingdom Citizenship program. “As Kingdom Citizens, we desire to develop cultural competency, recognize and discern Biblical truth, and encourage authentic love so that we are empowered to build positive, Gospel-centered relationships, recognize all cultures as image bearers, and respond empathetically to all people.”

“Our mission says our goal is to impact the culture for Christ, and therefore we need to understand culture as a concept on a middle school level,” shared Mr. Ken Rogers, middle school principal. “What does it mean to be a member of the Kingdom of God and a citizen of that Kingdom. This program offers a middle school application of a biblical worldview around citizenship.”

The curriculum also provides teachers with guidance on how to handle differentiation with tremendous resources for both acceleration and remediation. There is a set of standards for each section for the students to master as well as an online measurement tool to gather real-time data to track how the students are learning and understanding the material. This information allows for teachers to redesign instruction based on those mastery needs.

“We are also increasing the opportunities for our students to write for public audiences,” said Mr. Rogers. “Every middle school student will complete one submission for an off campus competition, and we continue to explore other places to submit samples.”

“Cross-divisional committees are working to articulate the writing progression school-wide and what can be expected for each grade level. We discuss reading selections as well as the types of writing our students are learning.”

Language Arts/English Curriculum The middle school is in its second year of a new language arts curriculum called myPerspectives. Each unit begins with an essential question and from there a variety of authentic literature is provided to help discuss that question such as novel excerpts, blog posts, memoirs, and poetry. With the diversity of authors and literature, the curriculum helps reinforce understanding the perspective of other people.

upper School meetings,” said Mr. Shonn Brown, upper school principal. “We are thrilled about moving to myPerspectives as we continue to prepare our students to be academically competitive when they go to college.”

For the same reasons it attracted the middle school, the upper school saw value in the diversity of perspectives and content; aid in differentiation of instruction; ability to receive instant student feedback; mastery standards and the digital component.

This school year the upper school also adopted myPerspectives and implemented it in grades 9 and 10.

“As we were researching our options in the upper school, we heard overwhelming positive feedback from the middle school about the Pearson curriculum during our cross-divisional

“We are excited to use literature content to teach skills that they can apply in any subject area in real life,” said Mrs. Renuka Szymborski, upper school English department head. “There is a shift in assessments from content-based to assessing based on skills learned and then application of that knowledge in a new way.”

“The grade 6-10 Pearson program helps build and develop skills students need for the pre-college focus of the 11th and 12th grade English curriculum,” explained Mrs. Szymborski.

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Fall

Spiritual Renewal Retreats

At its core, Charlotte Christian School exists to prepare students to impact the culture for Christ. In all areas our goal is to help each student grow in their walk with Christ as they study, understand and obey God’s word and develop a Christian world and life view. One of the most unique and beloved ways this is carried out is through the fall spiritual life retreats/ emphasis days for all students. These days serve as a time for spiritual renewal and relationship building and are often looked upon as highlights of a student’s time at Charlotte Christian.

Gymnasium for team-building games followed by a time of praise, worship and study. Students in grades 4-5 also go off campus one day during the week to spend the day at the Hemby Center, a local YMCA-affiliated retreat complex.

The theme of this year’s S.L.A.M. week was “Taste and See that the Lord is Good” from Psalm 34:8. Ms. Amanda Naeher, lower school P.E. teacher, and Mrs. Christina Sachtleben, lower school spiritual life director, created the Taste and Sea Candy Shop to help visualize the idea that God has given us a chance to taste (experience/feel) and see (remember/consider) all of the good things that the Lord has done.

Lower school students participate in S.L.A.M. (Spiritual Life and Meaning) during which they gather in the Lamb/Johnson 5

CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

“It was so beautiful to watch our youngest students begin to grasp that a life lived with God can be a sweet one,” said Mrs. Sachtleben.

Middle and upper school students traveled to Windy Gap, a Young Life-owned camp in the North Carolina mountains, where they spent two days and nights bonding with their classmates through chapels in the morning/evening and friendly competitions (by class in upper school and houses in middle school) and free time in the afternoon. Typically seniors leave on Sunday to enjoy a night alone as a class. The next morning, the rest of the upper school heads up the mountain to join in the fun. On Wednesday, the buses leave Charlotte to deliver the middle schoolers to Windy Gap and bring the upper school students home.

One of the reasons Windy Gap is held in early fall is to allow students the opportunity to bond with their classmates. Sixth grader Kelsey Mayers, a new student, enjoyed the opportunity to get to know students she does not see throughout the day.

“I enjoyed hanging out with my friends who aren’t in classes with me,” said Kelsey. Kelsey participated in the synchronized swimming competition and enjoyed zip lining and hanging out by the pool with her friends.

Middle School Spiritual Life Director Luke Boythe was this year’s middle school speaker and taught the students to learn to listen for the voice of God. He challenged them specifically with discerning which voice in their life is God’s and asked them to consider their response to what they are hearing. His message had an impact on Kelsey.

“Mr. Boythe helped me to understand that it is easy to listen and not to do anything - but it is important to respond to what God is saying.”

Hurricane Florence threw a wrench in the upper school students’ Windy Gap plans and caused the retreat to be postponed to late October. Though the weather was cooler and a few outdoor activities were altered to reflect the later timing, the later date was a welcome change for many.

Mr. Matthew Deprez, a church engagement specialist from the Fuller Youth Institute, spoke on the topics of “Grace, Forgiveness,

Pain and Calling,” and in addition to their chapel times, upper school students took part in class-specific sessions to explore these themes in their relationships with each other. Led by Ms. Angela Blount, upper school theatre director, the goal for these sessions was to allow time for God to move in a more intimate way while allowing the students time for deeper self-reflection, sharing, as well as hopes for the beginning of healing and restoration. Ms. Blount shared her own testimony and challenged students to share words of encouragement, gratitude, or confession to each other as they sat in a circle around the room.

Mr. Ben Ector, upper school English teacher, has experienced Windy Gap as either a student or chaperone 38 times and called this year’s the best one yet.

“The individual class time with Angela created an atmosphere of belonging, paralleling perfectly with grace, forgiveness, restoration, and the charge regarding a call,” shared Mr. Ector.

“She set the stage for kids to be honest and really love each other. She spoke blessings over them and modeled for them how to do that for each other in a safe environment.”

Mr. Ector also enjoyed going to Windy Gap later in the fall as it broke the routine of school and allowed students a much-needed break.

“In my opinion, this year’s upper school Windy Gap was a sequence of events choreographed by God.”

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Last time.

Best time.

By Senior Claire Burch

wly tober morning. The ne – actually, cold – Oc ol co the on in bin d ca ffe of the s and stu Crunch. I stepped out bundled in fluffy sock re we ich wh t, fee my underneath the lake, and rays of fallen leaves crinkled see mist hovering over uld co I . iet qu s wa p y Ga ound camp. You my tennis shoes. Wind w, treetops dotted ar llo ye d an , ge an or , nds. the vibrant red rming their chilled ha sun peeking through of cocoa or coffee wa ps cu , nd ou nk: ar thi t ng lki bu wa help could pick out people rest of camp, I couldn’t the to bin ca r ou m wn the hill fro As I began the trek do a good one.” here, Claire. Make it “This is your last time l year is – hlight of their schoo hig the at wh S CC h school student at e!” Windy Gap Ask any middle or hig “Windy Gap of cours , be ll wi w llo fo t tha gin the words ool year, and then be there’s a good chance beginning of the sch the at to d ds, ar en rw fri fo w k loo come ne is the retreat we all It’s where new kids be . me ho e rid s bu the ere XT year’s on rious teachers,” and wh counting down until NE u thought were your “se yo o wh of dI e an sid , y ial sill S spec where you really see the er. It is what makes CC oth the to mp ca of s. m one side -filled, wonderful year laughter is heard fro my class for seven fun of t res the th wi p tri the was blessed to make Sunday so iors begin the retreat sen , all of st Fir . elf an experience in its there was a twinge of Senior Windy Gap is a night. I won’t lie – r fo es elv ms the to the next camp all into camp on the buses they get the beautiful ng bli rum l oo sch h the rest of the hig in mid-September sadness when we saw r playground. Usually ou re sha to ve ha is the first ew we would ior year Windy Gap sen afternoon and we kn ) er! tob Oc to d ve s and the trip is mo year is upon you, (unless a hurricane hit lize that it’s real; senior rea d an er oth ch ea nt within my you look at to be a silent agreeme of the lasts. It’s when d me see re the s, thi down. Because of rushing the court and time isn’t slowing we did. I won’t forget n, ma oh d, An e. on n’t forget it a good long losing streak. I wo a whole class: let’s make ter af n wo y all fin 19 dodgeball team ar in a row. I won’t when the class of 20 friend for our third ye st be my th wi m tea lleyball assmen jump coaching the senior vo tching daring undercl wa , op Sh ’ pin Sip noons spent in the forget senior open forget the lazy after eerwine float. I won’t Ch e tur na sig a ed joy e some of while I en all laughing, and mayb into the freezing lake us d ha t tha red sha s and songs were the last one.” Senior mic night, where storie d thinking, “That was an mp ca of t ou g llin pected. God forget pu ed in ways I never ex us tearing up. I won’t nd bo ss cla My et. rg thing I’ll never fo reement; we made it Windy Gap was some pt our class-wide ag ke all we nk thi I d. r expecte worked in ways I neve a good one.

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CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

HOMECOMING 2018 During this year’s Homecoming Week held Oct. 1-5, students enjoyed dress-up days with a “Home on the Range” theme. On Friday, more than 200 alumni and their families returned to campus to reconnect with old friends and former teachers at the annual Alumni Tailgate prior to the football game. During a quarter break, the inaugural alumni awards were handed out to Omar Carter (’07) and Jackie Smith (’03) and at halftime the 2017 Homecoming King and Queen, Jack Curry and Callie Cain, crowned this year’s King and Queen, Nate McGrath and Elisabeth Sachtleben. The Knights ended the evening with a 42-0 shutout victory over Charlotte Country Day.

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Beyond the Ruins

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Beyond the Ruins, a 12-piece art exhibit created around the theme of Haiti, is currently on display in the Huge Gallery in the Center for Performing Arts. A four-year labor of love created

by Upper School Art Teacher Bryn Gillette, this exhibit is a series of 12 painted doors or “portals” with glimpses into the beautiful but broken country of Haiti.

“Since 2000, I have been painting in blessing of Haiti – painted prayers if you will - and my work has been in large part a support of my ‘family’ in Haiti,” shared Mr. Gillette. “I feel like I have been able to be an artistic ambassador for Haiti and have been blessed to create a rich platform of conversations about this beautiful nation.”

In 2000, Mr. Gillette met Daniel Jean who was beginning a ministry for street children in Haiti. Over the course of the next eight years, Daniel Jean, a Haitian orphan himself, rescued and adopted 60 of the most vulnerable children in his area and began providing for their physical, emotional and spiritual needs. In 2008, Mr. Gillette, along with his father, visited Haiti for the first time and were moved by what they saw, leading them to create TeamOne:27, a non-profit organization whose mission was to support Daniel Jean and others like him.

That work evolved over the years from small watercolor paintings specifically created to raise money for each of Daniel Jean’s children to the Beyond the Ruins collection, which was largely inspired by the massive earthquakes in Haiti in 2010.

From 2010-14 the scale and scope of Mr. Gillette’s work changed as he decided he was called not only to meet the needs of Daniel Jean and his family but to show support for the entire nation of Haiti.

CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

“These door-sized portals are my declarations, my prayer visions, my glimpses of God’s heart for Haiti’s destiny restored,” said Mr. Gillette. “The 12 doors encompass my reactions to the destruction of 2010 and include one panel for each of the ‘Seven Spheres of Influence’ critical to national restoration – education, government, family, religion, business, media, and the arts. It is my prayer that this work be a catalyst to the global engagement of Haiti.”

Beyond the Ruins has travelled around the United States for the last four years visiting universities, churches, conferences and more. Mr. Gillette is excited to have it at Charlotte Christian and looks forward to the opportunities it will create.

“It almost looks like it was made to fit the Huge Gallery,” said Mr. Gillette. “I have never been in a place where all 12 doors fit

in one spot. I am excited about the potential to invite members of the community to our campus to view it and the conversations that will take place.”

In January, a Charlotte Christian team will travel to Haiti as part of J-Term 2019. In addition, Charlotte Christian’s National Art Honor Society will use a portion of the proceeds from its annual holiday art gallery fundraiser to support Team One:27 and as such, much of the artwork will reflect themes from Haiti.

TeamOne:27 currently has more than 200 adopted children in three homes in Haiti as well as a church family of more than 500 members. Use a smart phone’s camera to scan the QR code to watch a video of Mr. Gillette explaining the focus of the paintings.

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MY FAVORITE THING

ABOUT BEING A CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN KNIGHT We asked students what they liked most about Charlotte Christian and here’s what they had to say…

“STEM because we learn about science.”

– Christopher Hoyle, grade 2

“My teacher loves me.”

– Elyn Aldrich, grade 2

“I like to answer the question of what school I go to by bragging that I go to Charlotte CHRISTIAN School.”

– Andrew Embrey, grade 11

“I’m surrounded by some of the most kind and selfless people you’d ever meet.”

– Paige Turner, grade 9

“I love how everyone is so close in every grade – it’s kind of like a family.”

– Connie Kofoed, grade 8

“The opportunities you have like learning new languages, playing an instrument, and being involved in the drama department.”

– Anthony Korolos, grade 6

CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

“The Christian culture.

Everybody represents God in their works and they always care for every single one of us.”

– Anna Hinde, grade 6

“My favorite thing is coming to school and having fun playing with my friends.”

– Sam Maddox, kindergarten

“Community and friendship.

You always can count on somebody to have your back.

CCS is awesome.”

– Sydney Fox, grade 4

“Coding the RoboKnights robot with my friends.”

“Knightsfest is my favorite because we have fun things like jumpy houses, vendors with food and the fun time we get to spend with friends.”

– Andrew Goad, grade 8

– Mia McVicker, grade 4

“Being challenged, having relationships with my friends and teachers, and the feeling of a community with Christ at the center.”

“I like recess and the teachers are really sweet.”

– Olivia Friedman, kindergarten

– Katie Caldwell, grade 9

“Opportunity to learn about Jesus and gain a better relationship with God.”

“Going to Windy Gap.” – Sam Goldstein, grade 11

– Alex Del Corso, grade 4 “Being so welcomed when you are new.”

“Being united in Christ with all of my classmates and teachers and being able to pray together on a daily basis.”

“You learn something new every day.”

– Aiden Salas, grade 6

– Eliza Jane Efird, grade 2

“You get to learn so much stuff at this school and lots about God.” – Eva Melio, kindergarten

“The relationships you have with the teachers, students, cafeteria workers, and even janitors.”

– Jewel Lewis, grade 6

– Addison Richards, grade 8

“Going to the football games every Friday night.”

– Andrew Stafford, grade 11

“The feeling of belonging to one big happy family.”

– Megan Dale, grade 9

“Chapel on Thursday is the best!”

– Camille Lingo, grade 2

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KNIGHTS HEADLINES Middle School House Chaplain System This year the middle school has implemented a House Chaplain program consisting of 28 students across seventh and eighth grade.

These students support the director of spiritual life in planning and implementing spiritual life activities in the middle school. House chaplains have a part in the weekly Tuesday morning meetings and chapels. They are also fully responsible for planning and executing two special chapels during the year.

Back Row (left to right): Emma Dunnagan, Lily Golzar, Zaliyah Emmanuel, Anna Phalen, Cate Darling, Grace Armstrong, Logan Fox, Jake Buzanowski, Molly Coles, Casey Griffin, Baker Reale, Derrick Brown Jr., Brock Benton Front Row (left to right): Taylor Robinson-Wooten, Sierra Rogers, Kennedy Rogers, Camryn Bailey, Addison Richards, Anna Dunn, Faith Timperio, Alyssa Blackson, Caroline Crews, Sofia Byrd, Tate Efird, Jonathan Montgomery, Donevin Knight, JD Urban

Lunch Buddies Program Through the newly-formed Lunch Buddies program, upper school students have spent time this semester developing relationships with fifth graders in an effort to encourage character traits like friendship, kindness, and respect. Students meet together during lunch to discuss a Bible verse and then end their time with a prayer.

“Spending time with younger students through the Lunch Buddies program has allowed me to form relationships that stretch over different divisions of the school, which is incredible,” said senior Kaitlin Walker. “I love being able to begin conversations early about treating others with respect and love while sharing Bible verses during the conversation. I am so excited to see how this program grows in the coming years!”

“It is exciting that the upper school students think about us,” shared fifth grader Eden Davis. “It gave me a good example of what I can be when I grow into upper school, and I would like to return the favor.”

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ParentPop! Series Culture of Safety New security initiatives are in place for the 2018-19 school year. Charlotte Christian has committed significant financial resources to ensuring safety and making campus as secure as possible. New this year are all doors are secured and students and employees use security cards to enter buildings; a visitor management system; and a campus-wide public address system.

Please scan the QR code to visit the Campus Security FAQ.

ParentPop!, part of the on-going CCS parent education series, is designed to explore the latest findings in the areas of child development and behavioral health issues. A panel of experts teach and share resources to help parents in this rapidly changing world. The first two of four planned ParentPop! sessions took place in September and October with experts presenting on the topics of “Current Trends With Today’s Teens – technology, social media, anxiety, depression and warning signs of drug abuse” and “Raising Confident Children – body image, anxiety, perfectionism and stress management.”

Make plans to attend the next ParentPop! - “Family Transitions – From Beginning Kindergarten to High School Graduation and All Things in Between” - on Feb. 26 in the Center for Worship and Performing Arts.

Featured speakers will be Pastor Drew Goodson from Christ Lutheran Church and CCS Director of Early Education and Lower School Admissions Allycia Brown. The night includes heavy appetizers and fellowship and will begin at 6:30 p.m. followed by games, prizes and the program at 7 p.m. For more information and to RSVP, visit charlottechristian.com/ parenteducation where you can learn more as the events are posted.

Seniors Awarded Hendrick Scholarships The scholarships are in memory and honor of her daughters, Jennifer Marie Hendrick and Kimberly Paige Hendrick, both Charlotte Christian graduates of the Class of 2000. Their precious lives, along with the life of their father, John Hendrick, family members and friends, were surrendered to the Lord on Oct. 24, 2004 in a tragic airplane accident.

Charlotte Christian School seniors Emily Ketron and Christian Cunningham were named the 2018 recipients of the Jennifer Hendrick and Kimberly Hendrick Memorial Scholarships during chapel held Thursday, Oct. 11. Mrs. Cathy Hendrick established the two scholarships in May of 2005 to provide full tuition for two seniors at Charlotte Christian School who exemplify a humble, Christ-like spirit, and heart of service to the Lord.

Both scholarship recipients have been actively involved in the Charlotte community as well as life at Charlotte Christian. Emily is a member of the Accolade yearbook staff, varsity tennis team, and a member/officer of the National Art Honor Society. She serves as an admissions ambassador and also volunteers in the nursery at her church. Christian is a member of the football team. He is naturallyinclusive and has traveled to the Dominican Republic during J-Term to participate in a mission trip. He also volunteers at his churchsponsored summer camp.

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HELLOIS

MY NAME

OLOGY N H C E T , IA D E M AND P.E DEPARTMENTS

We continue our series on getting to know the different academic departments around campus.

This issue we feature the media, technology, and lower, middle and upper school P.E. departments.

Media Katey Balikian

Mrs. Katey Balikian is the lower school media specialist and is in her first year as a Charlotte Christian employee. She is a graduate of CCS (class of 2012) and received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Wheaton College. Katey recently married her husband, Casey.

Why is your subject the best one to teach?

We, as humans, are drawn to stories. We are fascinated by characters, empathize with conflict, and nothing satisfies us quite like a happy ending. I love the privilege of introducing students to those stories, and drawing connections to the greatest story, that of Jesus Christ.

What do you like most about working at CCS? Charlotte Christian always has felt, and continues to feel like family. Teachers from my time as a student at CCS inspired me to attend Wheaton College, e-mailed me encouragement on my first day of teaching in the Fort Mill schools, and attended my wedding. This sense of community is unique, and I consider myself privileged to now be a part of creating that community for my students.

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Jessica Ramsey

Mrs. Jessica Ramsey is in her 13th year at Charlotte Christian. She taught ninth grade English for nine years and is currently the MS/ US media specialist and runs the CCS Writing Center. She earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from Messiah College and a master’s degree in English from UNC-Charlotte. Jessica and her husband, Cory, have two boys, both CCS students.

Why is your subject the best one to teach?

No hesitation here--writing is an essential skill. I’m a firm believer that everyone should feel competent and confident as a writer, and I believe writing works best within community. We need feedback on our work, something to model at times, and sometimes just a conversation about the piece we are working on. Nothing in my profession gives me more satisfaction than being a part of that process.

What do you like most about working at CCS? During our recent accreditation visit, I was talking with one of the visiting team members and she asked, “What exactly do you do?” I explained that I lead the Writing Center and meet with middle and upper school students about their writing, I purchase books, encourage reading among everyone in our community and help to select books for our curriculum and summer reading at times, and I teach research and conduct research on a regular basis--for various projects, people, and plans. I said, “As a whole, this job is my sweet spot.” She responded, “You’re awfully young to have already landed your dream job.” While I won’t address my age, I completely agree - I’m fortunate to work in a place that allows me to serve God and others with the parts of me that make me feel most alive.

Technology Ruth Wilson

Mrs. Ruth Wilson is in her second year at Charlotte Christian and is the lower school technology facilitator and earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in accounting and Bible from Clearwater Christian College.

Ruth and her husband, John, who teaches sixth grade social studies, have two children, both Charlotte Christian students.

Why is your subject the best one to teach?

I love teaching technology because it can be used in all subject areas and all professions. I like to help our lower school students find useful and creative ways to use technology.

What do you like most about working at CCS? I love that I get to come to work with my whole family, and that CCS desires to impact each child - spiritually, academically, physically, personally, and emotionally.

Kaylah Holland

Ms. Kaylah Holland has been at Charlotte Christian for four years and serves as the middle school technology facilitator and teaches design-based elective classes as well as robotics. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English, a master’s degree in English literature, another master’s degree in instructional design and technology, and will graduate with a doctorate of education in instructional design and technology in May of 2019. She is also a Google Innovator.

Why is your subject the best one to teach?

I do not technically teach one subject; instead, I teach numerous topics all based around the design process. The design process focuses on the idea that perfection is undesirable and instead emphasizes the process of iteration, problem solving, and critical thinking. I love to tell my students that the process is the point.

What do you like most about working at CCS? I love the unique community at CCS. There are numerous people in the middle school and beyond that are not just my coworkers but are my friends and provide support, encouragement, and laughter.

Greyson Bedenbaugh

Mr. Greyson Bedenbaugh is finishing his first year as a member of the Charlotte Christian faculty and teaches digital media, computer science, and manages the iKnights Tech Force. He has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Appalachian State University and working to complete a master’s degree in digital learning and teaching from N.C. State University. Greyson and his wife, Katie, have two children.

Why is your subject the best one to teach?

There is something special about creating a project-based curriculum that allows students to complete something start to finish that is unique to them. There are many times when coming to class is a release for my students because we don’t talk about grades but about their creative processes.

What do you like most about working at CCS? The thing about CCS I like the most is the people. I have worked in many schools over my career, but there is such a sense of belonging and family within the faculty and students. It really is an environment where God’s love is abundant.

Chad Fair

Mr. Chad Fair teaches film production, film studies, public speaking, broadcasting, and junior seminar and has been at Charlotte Christian for 14 years.

He studied at Clarks Summit University where he received a pre-seminary degree, and he and his wife, Emily, have three children, all CCS students.

Why is your subject the best one to teach?

All of my subjects allow students to tackle projects that challenge them both on an individual and group level. I get to see students grow both in confidence and actual tangible skills. Whether it be editing on Adobe Premiere, crafting and presenting a how-to speech, or writing a film analysis of Singin’ in the Rain, students are given opportunities to think critically and create works they are proud of.

What do you like most about working at CCS? The faculty, staff, students, and parents make this feel like home.

I feel cared for on so many levels every day I come into work.

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P.E. Amanda Naeher

Ms. Amanda Naeher is the head of Charlotte Christian’s P.E. department, teaches lower school P.E. and serves as the women’s varsity soccer coach. She received her bachelor’s degree from Messiah College in 2010 and has worked at CCS for eight years.

Why is your subject the best one to teach?

I am hands-on with my kiddos each day. I love seeing them figure out a game and develop skills to be successful. When the light comes on and they “get it” and accomplish the thing they didn’t think they could, the joy that comes on their face is what it’s all about! They realize what it means to work together and be part of a team.

What do you like most about working at CCS? I love the people I work with and the friendships I have through the different divisions and departments I interact with. I feel like I am part of a family and it makes coming to work every day way more fun! And, I receive about 100 hugs every day, you can’t beat that.

Emily Mayes

Mrs. Emily Mayes teaches P.E. to middle school girls and is in her fifth year at Charlotte Christian. She received her bachelor’s degree in P.E. teacher education from Appalachian State University, is married to Ethan, who works in the facilities department, and her mom, Lyn, works in the upper school office.

Why is your subject the best one to teach?

P.E. is the best because we get to play games together all day!

I love teaching the girls about how to develop a healthy, active lifestyle all while having fun.

What do you like most about working at CCS? The thing I love most about working at CCS is the community that exists here.

Donn Truax

Mr. Donn Truax teaches middle school boys’ P.E. and is the head varsity boys’ soccer coach/ program director. He received his bachelor’s degree in recreation, sport and wellness from Gordon College and is in his second year at Charlotte Christian.

Donn is married to Cyndie, the CCS assistant director of development, and has four children, all Charlotte Christian students.

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Why is your subject the best one to teach?

There are so many biblical connections between our lives physically and spiritually.

What do you like most about working at CCS? We have a solid spiritual community that really enjoys serving together.

Jenna Simmons

Mrs. Jenna Simmons teaches upper school weight training and lifetime fitness and fourth grade P.E. and is in her first year at Charlotte Christian.

She received a bachelor’s degree in health and P.E. from Gardner Webb University, and she and her husband, Matt, a CCS alum, are expecting their first child in March.

Why is your subject the best one to teach?

Health and physical fitness are both extremely important and relevant. I love teaching something my students need now and for the rest of their lives.

What do you like most about working at CCS? I enjoy the staff I get to work alongside and learn from.

Matt Korman

Mr. Matt Korman is in his second year at Charlotte Christian and teaches lifetime fitness, weight training and human anatomy in the upper school. He received his bachelor’s degree in fitness and health promotion with a minor in nutrition from Samford University, and he and his wife, Abby, have two young children.

Why is your subject the best one to teach?

I enjoy teaching human anatomy because my students have a ton of personality and every day is interesting. My favorite place on campus is the weight room, so in weight training I get to do one of my favorite things in my favorite place. In lifetime fitness I enjoy getting to know every freshman in a more relaxed environment than the typical classroom setting.

What do you like most about working at CCS? My students - they make every day interesting.

Remembering

Mr. Flenniken

Beloved long-time member of the Charlotte Christian community Mr. Ken Flenniken passed away in October. He came on board in 1974 as the school’s only custodian and retired from CCS in 2015 after 40 years of faithful service on the maintenance team. His wife, Mrs. Joyce Flenniken, worked for 33 years in the business office. Four of their five daughters graduated from Charlotte Christian, and several family members are current employees at CCS: Mrs. Margaret Jackson, his daughter, works in the admissions office; Mrs. Susan Keim, his daughter, is a substitute teacher in the lower school; Mr. David Flenniken, his nephew, and Mr. Kevin Buchanan, his son-in-law, are both members of the facilities’ team. Three of Mr. and Mrs. Flenniken’s grandchildren are current students ,and one is a 2018 graduate. In 2003, the Flennikens were honored for their many years of dedication and service to the school, and the remodeled dining hall was named for them.

Several members of our faculty and staff shared their memories of Mr. Flenniken: “Mr. Flenniken was a behind the scenes servant who worked diligently with our facilities and maintenance team. We are thankful for his Christ-like service to our community and how he modeled to us how to be a faithful servant. We appreciate both Ken and Joyce Flenniken for being pioneers in our school’s early history, and we will forever be grateful to them for their work in Christian education.”

– Barry Giller, Head of School “I had the privilege to be in Mr. Flenniken’s prayer group for a year at Charlotte Christian School. During that year, we were able to grow spiritually and strengthen our faith by sharing our family needs and our own battles in life as well as blessings we had experienced. Mr. Flenniken was a very humble Godly man and a prayer warrior. He taught me about enjoying the little things in life and to trust in the Lord at all times. May the Lord bless his legacy on earth.”

- Fermin Abarca, LS Spanish Teacher “Mr. Flenniken was tremendously proud of his children and grandchildren. His quiet nature didn’t keep him from peeking into the classroom on occasion just so he could get a glimpse of his beloved family. His eyes would twinkle and when he was caught peeking, he lit up like a Christmas tree - and eventually all of junior kindergarten adopted him as their own.”

- Becca Edwards, JK Teacher

“I arrived at Charlotte Christian as an eighth grader in 1976. When I remember moments involving Ken, I think about values, definitions of character and success. Ken’s life and convictions integrated in such a way that, though a humble janitor who worked with his hands, his constancy earned him his own parking slot and, eventually, the dining hall was named for him, even while he was still living.

I came back to work at CCS right out of college, teaching sophomore English. Thirty-three years later, I’m still teaching sophomore English. I got to see Mr. Flenniken around campus regularly for decades; recently only now and then. Several of his family members work here; several of his grandchildren go here. It’s my honor to have worked with Kenneth Flenniken.

Ken felt with his hands. He loved with his hands. He gave with his hands. Men like him show me the measure of success.

Doing what he is called to do makes a man content. Maybe that’s why working where Ken worked has become my place of contentment, a place where living consistently improves my character, a place where I’m called. I’ve never been good at working with my hands, though.

I’ll never be Ken Flenniken, but maybe my handiwork, even though it’s in the classroom rather in the maintenance department, has helped shape me into an individual who does not need fanfare or wealth to be a character whose contentment comes from following a call. I hope so. I hope that for the people I teach as well.”

- Ben Ector (‘81), US English Teacher

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ACADEMIC SPOTLIGHT

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ROBOKNIGHTS The middle and upper school robotics teams competed in the VEX North Carolina VRC Northern Qualifier in Mayodan, N.C. The RoboKnights fielded four teams and battled it out with 22 other high school squads from around North Carolina. All four teams competed well and advanced to the quarterfinals.

NATIONAL SCIENCE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION In November, middle school science and engineering teachers attended the Energize Science: Educate and Engage conference hosted by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA). The conference, held in Charlotte at the uptown Convention Center, offered the latest in science content, teaching strategy, and research to enhance and expand their professional growth.

MATTHEW SIVERLING NAMED 2019 NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP SEMIFINALIST Senior Matthew Siverling was named a semifinalist in the 64th annual National Merit®️ Scholarship Program. More than 16,000 students from across the country were named semifinalists as part of the 2019 National Merit®️ Scholarship Program. Matthew is an AP Scholar with Distinction, treasurer of the National Honor Society and a member of the Academic WorldQuest team and Tri-M Music Club. He is a captain and all-state player on the varsity baseball team and previously played on the JV basketball and JV soccer teams. For the last several years Matthew has helped tutor students living in the Gladedale community and worked as a counselor at Charlotte Christian baseball camps. Matthew has signed to play baseball at Virginia Tech next year.

AP SCHOLARS LUNCH Upper School Principal Shonn Brown, along with members of the upper school administration, hosted a lunch celebrating current students for their accomplishments on Advanced Placement (AP) exams taken in May. The base requirement for earning AP Scholar honors is scoring a 3 or higher on three or more AP exams. A total of 56 Charlotte Christian students, some members of the class of 2018, earned AP honors based on exams taken in May of 2018.

2018 SPELLING BEE WINNERS Congratulations to fifth grader Gabriella Williams (left) on winning the 2018 Charlotte Christian Spelling Bee. On Nov. 30, 35 students in grades 3-8 competed to crown this year’s top speller, and runner-up honors go to defending champion Olivia Kuo (right). Gabriella will represent Charlotte Christian in the Regional Independent School Spelling Bee on Jan. 16.

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ATHLETIC SPOTLIGHT

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NCISAA DIVISION 1 STATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS The varsity football Knights won the NCISAA Division 1 state championship game against Christ School on Nov. 9 with a score of 43-14. The team recorded an undefeated season (11-0) and held onto a 21-game winning streak.

VARSITY TENNIS TEAM This fall, the girls’ varsity tennis team enjoyed its best season in CCS history and finished with a 14-2 record including going 8-1 in conference play. Under Head Coach Gary Brown, the team enjoyed its first victory in a NCISAA playoff match and was led by seniors Alex Dewey, Emily Ketron and Riley Warpula. The Knights played three shutout matches during the season and advanced to the semifinals of the NCISAA tournament. In addition to the seniors, the varsity roster included: freshmen Lilly McNally and Savannah Perry and juniors Margaret Carlton, Lara Crosby and Vivian Yang.

FALL ATHLETIC SIGNINGS On Nov. 14, NCAA National Signing Day, five Charlotte Christian student-athletes signed their national letters of intent to play collegiate athletics.

Trey Donathan Shane Russell Matthew Siverling Paul Hudson J.C. Tharrington

Davidson College, baseball Cornell University, baseball Virginia Tech, baseball Dartmouth College, basketball Appalachian State, basketball

COACHES’ CAREER MILESTONES This season Varsity Football Head Coach Jason Estep reached his 100th career win. In his 12 years he has totaled seven conference championships, six state titles, and two undefeated seasons. On Nov. 29, Coach Shonn Brown earned the remarkable achievement of 400 career wins as head coach of the varsity boys’ basketball team.

SERVICE AND SERVE FOR THE CURE The varsity volleyball team participated in the 17th annual Serve for the Cure tournament.

The team, along with the 10 other participating schools, helped raise $39,393. This past fall the football program served with Rice ‘N Beans, a ministry that provides meals to homeless Charlotteans. The cheerleading, cross country, soccer, tennis and volleyball teams all served in partnership with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Dream Center.

ALL-CONFERENCE/ALL-STATE HONOREES Congratulations to the following students-athletes on earning CISAA All-Conference and NCISAA All-State recognition for fall sports.

All-State Football: JB Awolowo Josh Eboboko Obi Egbuna Sammy Henderson Logan Jones JT Killen Ricky Kofoed Garrett Shrader Ben Williams All-State Soccer: Nathan Collins

All-State Tennis: Margaret Carlton All-Conference Cheerleading: Charlotte Abig Sophie Abig Kalen Bland Morgan Brown Claire Burch Cassidy Levinsky Lily Robinson

All-Conference Football: JB Awolowo LJ Brown Ethan Cherne Mason Diel Josh Eboboko Obi Egbuna Sammy Henderson JT Killen Ricky Kofoed Henry Rutledge Garrett Shrader* Philip Slaughter

Caleb Stephens Ben Williams All-Conference Soccer: Noah Behrmann Nathan Collins All-Conference Tennis: Margaret Carlton* Lilly McNally *also CISAA Player of the Year 2018-19 ISSUE 1 n

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FINE ARTS SPOTLIGHT

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DEAR EDWINA, JR. - MIDDLE SCHOOL MUSICAL Under the direction of Mr. Eric Simpson, the middle school performed the musical Dear Edwina, Jr. in October. The play follows a teenager as she struggles to find her own identity. Mr. Simpson selected the script because although it is a secular production, the theme of embracing who you are is seen paralleled alongside Psalm 139:14, “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” The cast was led by seventh graders Karsen Betzold, who played Edwina Spoonapple, and Jeffrey Wilson, who played Scott Kunkle.

BOOKTIX The Fine Arts Department launched a new ticketing system that allows patrons to select their own seats in the Alkire Auditorium.

The middle school production of Dear Edwina, Jr. was the first production that patrons could view the seats and select them ahead of time. Guests may choose their seats, pay online and print their tickets at home. Use a smart phone’s camera to scan the QR code to view the new ticketing system, BookTix.

CHRISTMAS CONCERTS It was a busy season of singing and performing for the fine arts department. In October, the sixth grade beginning band and orchestra students performed the inaugural Genesis concert in the Huge Gallery and the upper school band, jazz, orchestra and wind ensemble students performed their fall concert. In mid November, band and orchestra students in grades 7-12 performed at the Southern Christmas Show in Charlotte. The Christmas season was ushered in with the annual Lessons and Carols choir concert at Providence Baptist Church followed by the middle and upper schools band and orchestra Christmas concert. To view livestreams of concerts, please visit the Charlotte Christian School YouTube channel using a smart phone’s camera to scan the QR code.

IMPROV NIGHT The CCS International Thespian Society (ITS), led by ITS officers seniors Annslie Burris and Taylor Turner and freshmen Triston Cropp and Xander Hanegraaff, organized the inaugural Improv Night in the Harmon Black Box Theater. Eight teams of four actors, comprised of students in ACT 1 and Introduction to Acting, performed a variety of improvisations and were scored by a panel of judges for their creativity, characterization and composition. Seniors Annslie Burris, Alex Tan and Taylor Turner, along with junior Lilly Mull, took first place.

PATRIOTIC ART AWARDS Charlotte Christian swept the awards at the 2018 Carolina Freedom Foundation’s Patriotic Art Competition. Junior Andrew Knotts earned first place and the prize of $1,000, and senior Nathan Brannon earned second place and the prize of $500. Senior Abbey Barefoot, senior Emily Ketron and senior Sam Goldstein all receive honorable mention awards. This marks 12 consecutive years Charlotte Christian students have come away with one or more awards in this competition, dating back to 2007. Use a smart phone’s camera to scan the QR code to view the pieces of art.

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DEVELOPMENT

Ladies’ Luncheon with

Kristin Young Thursday, January 31, 2019 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. • Crown Room, Calvary Church $35 per person, includes lunch Join Charlotte Christian parent Kristin Young as she shares at the fifth annual Charlotte Christian Ladies’ Luncheon. Mrs. Young is a Bible teacher, writer and fine arts photographer. She and her husband, Bryant, have six children, one of whom is tucked away in Heaven after a two-year fight with brain cancer. After experiencing the ridiculous grace of God and love from Christ’s body, Mrs. Young feels a firm calling to encourage others to look for His hope while in the valley. She is also passionate about helping Christians know and understand solid Biblical truths.

Please visit www.charlottechristian.com/annualevents to register online or contact Mrs. Cyndie Truax at cyndie.truax@charchrist.com or (704) 366-5657, ext. 6505. A special thank you to Charlotte Dentistry for sponsoring the luncheon again this year. Proceeds from the event will benefit Charlotte Christian’s Annual Fund.

Thank you to all the families who generously supported the 2018-19 Annual Fund. More than $425,000 was raised to support multiple campus initiatives.

Please visit www.charlottechristian.com/annualreport for a list of families who have given for the 2017-18 school year.

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Sporting Clays Tournament

Charlotte Christian will host the fourth annual Sporting Clays Tournament to benefit the Annual Fund on May 10, 2019. During the sporting clay shoot, teams of four will compete as they cycle through 15 different stations. Participants will have the opportunity to bid on items through a silent auction. Sponsorship opportunities are available as well; please contact Ms. Sara Blakeney at sara.blakeney@charchrist.com or (704) 366-5657, ext. 6400 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor. The tournament will take place at Meadow Wood, a private hunting and clay shooting club located in Waxhaw, N.C. Registration for the Sporting Clays Tournament will open in late January 2019.

Ladies Tennis Tournament Charlotte Christian’s

The sixth annual Charlotte Christian Ladies’ Tennis Tournament will be on

April 5, 2019

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Country Club for tennis, lunch and fellowship. Participants can play either in a tournament or in a clinic for recreational play. To view this and other annual events, please visit charlottechristian.com/annualevents. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Cyndie Truax at cyndie.truax@charchrist.com or (704) 366-5657, 2018-19 ISSUE 1 n

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

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INAUGURAL ALUMNI AWARDS Charlotte Christian presented a pair of inaugural alumni awards this fall to recognize two alumni for their extraordinary achievements in their field of work and service to the school and community. The award recipients were recognized in an upper school assembly as well as during the Homecoming football game.

The Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to an alum who has made outstanding contributions to God’s Kingdom through their field of work, demonstrated a heart for Christ as a servant leader in their community and shown exceptional dedication to Charlotte Christian School.

The Alumni Service Award honors an alum who has consistently provided exemplary volunteer service to Charlotte Christian School, going above and beyond in devotion to the school. The award is given on an annual basis to an alum whose actions demonstrate outstanding personal service and commitment to the school in promoting either the mission of CCS and/or the CCS Alumni Association.

As a student at Charlotte Christian School, Omar Carter was a two-time, allstate basketball honoree and led the varsity team to the state championship finals. Upon his graduation in 2007, he went on to star at Charleston Southern University where he was named the Big South Freshman of the Year. At the end of his sophomore season, Mr. Carter transferred to Appalachian State University and, as a mountaineer, he earned SoCon Player of the Week, All-Southern Conference, and Second-Team All-District 22 honors. Following his collegiate career, Mr. Carter continued playing basketball overseas in several countries including Brazil and the Dominican Republic.

Upon graduation from Charlotte Christian in 2003, Jackie Smith attended Auburn University where she received her bachelor’s degree in Communications with a minor in Psychology.

After graduation, she attended the Focus on the Family Institute in Colorado Springs and went on to Washington, D.C. where she had the privilege of working for President George W. Bush as an advance representative for the U.S Secretary of Education. Ms. Smith organized events in the United States and around the world including Kenya and Oman.

Mr. Carter’s professional basketball career ended abruptly when his heart stopped due to cardiac arrest while playing in a summer league game in Charlotte in July of 2013. This pivotal moment in his life led him to start the Omar Carter Foundation with a goal of saving lives by teaching one million people CPR.

After leaving this role, she returned to Charlotte to work in the medical field for several years. With an extensive background in leadership, Ms. Smith recently pursued her long-term dream of becoming a residential real estate specialist and now holds professional licenses in Fla., S.C., and N.C.

“As a Charlotte Christian alum, we are proud of Omar’s dedication to community service through his foundation and for his Christ-like response to near tragedy in his own life,” shared Mr. Reid Fronk, alumni liaison. “We are proud to honor him with the 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award.”

“Jackie has a heart bent towards giving back and serves the community through multiple non-profits including her church. She has been instrumental in the creation and development of the Alumni Board, and her work ethic and positivity are infectious and have led to the growth of the overall alumni program at Charlotte Christian,” said Mr. Fronk. “We are proud to honor Jackie with the 2018 Alumni Service Award for her service to Charlotte Christian.”

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ALUMNI ROAD SHOW Members of the Charlotte Christian administration had the unique opportunity to visit with alumni who live in the South and Midwest. At the end of September, Head of School Barry Giller, along with the three division principals attending a CESA conference in Chicago, visited alums who attend Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. In November, Mr. Giller and members of the upper school administration team attending a SAIS conference, caught up with alums living in the Charleston area.

Then in December, Upper School Counselors Jodi Foxx and Katrina Cassier visited the Chattanooga and Nashville areas and made contact with 15 alumni who attended CCS from 1989-2018. The counselors have plans to visit Atlanta in April 2019.

For more information about upcoming stops, please contact Mr. Reid Fronk, CCS alumni liaison.

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HOMECOMING ALUMNI TENT More than 200 alumni attended the annual Homecoming football game and enjoyed the pregame activities. Special thanks to the Touchdown Club for combining efforts so both its members and the alumni and their families enjoyed the tent and the opportunity to network and fellowship together. CCS foam fingers and drawstring bags were a big hit for the children of our alumni!

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CCS CONNECT Alumni Network

Charlotte Christian recently launched the new alumni network called CCS Connect.

This new communications platform is a way for alums to stay engaged with CCS events, network with fellow alumni, and connect with professional opportunities. Features of the site include a job and internship board, the ability to search and message other CCS alums and learn about upcoming alumni events. Visit alumni. charlottechristian.com to sign up today.

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CLASS NOTES

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Connor Clavin graduated from The United States Naval Academy in May and was commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy. He received a degree in Computer Science and is currently serving as a Nuclear Surface Warfare Officer on the USS Carter Hall based in Little Creek, Virginia.

Send your alumni news to: alumni@charchrist.com

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Heidi Ledford is engaged to James Jeninga, from Milwaukee, Wis. The couple met at Calvin College and plan to marry on July 13, 2019 after they both graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in Engineering with Civil/ Environmental Concentrations.

Aaron Walker had a strong fall golf season at Samford University. He shot his collegiate low round of 65 at the Jerry Pate Alabama golf tournament. He finished the fall season with three rounds all under par, and tied for seventh at the Georgia State Auto-Trader Classic in Atlanta, Ga. Alex Watkins graduated in May of 2018 with high honors from Georgia Tech with a degree in Computer Science. He now lives in Herndon, Virginia, and works with Amazon in their web services group.

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Katey Calhoun married Casey Balikian on July 14, 2018 at Belk Chapel on the campus of Queens University. Katey and Casey met at Wheaton College, and are now living in Charlotte. CCS alumni from the class of 2012 - Morgan Gray, Shelley Leazer, Ellie Green Montgomery, and Brewington Rosenblatt - were all in the wedding party. The wedding was photographed by CCS alumni parent Whitney Gray.

Alexander Payne recently received his North Carolina CPA license and joined Dixon Hughes Goodman in November 2018 as a consultant in their Risk Advisory practice.

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Griffin Gum and his wife, Kassidy, welcomed a baby girl, Karsyn Alexis, into their family on Oct. 17, 2018.

Polly Hilton is thrilled to announce she will be spending the year at the 92nd Street Y, in New York City, as the Artist in Residence. Recently, Polly was featured in the New York Times as a writer and lyricist for a brand new children’s musical adaptation of Little Red Ridinghood, which will be returning for encore performances in February of 2019!

Maggie Walker accepted a new customer service role/assistant project manager position with the Marketing Alliance Group in Chattanooga, Tenn.

She is also continuing to market and grow Maggie Walker’s Weddings as owner and consultant in the Chattanooga area.

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Kelby Brown and his wife, Angel, are expecting their second daughter in April of 2019.

ALUMNI ALBUM

Heidi Ledford (‘15)

Courtney Wood Samuelson (‘05)

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Alex Watkins (‘15)

Ryan Furlong (‘04)

Cameron Clavin (‘10) & Connor (‘14) Katey Calhoun (‘12)

Kristy Apple Miller (‘03)

Patrick Downing (‘01)

Cameron Clavin completed the Master of Accounting Program at UNC KenanFlagler Business School after finishing his undergraduate degree in Chemistry at UNC Chapel Hill in 2014. He is currently working in Charlotte as a senior tax associate at Grant Thornton, where he specializes in international tax.

Caroline Edwards recently became engaged to Nicholas Cavello on Sept.

1, 2018. They will be touring venues in Charlotte over the holidays to set a date for 2019.

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Jonathan Young is the codirector of a non-profit he helped to create, Community Empowerment Fund (CEF), along with fellow students and community members while an undergrad at UNC-Chapel Hill.

CEF roots itself in a relationship-based approach to homelessness and poverty, connecting community Advocates with individuals striving towards goals of stable housing, greater income, and financial stability. Now almost 10 years later CEF is a thriving non-profit that works with more than 1,000 members a year, transitioning into more than 100 new homes, 100 new jobs, and savings more than $150,000 each year together in CEF’s matched Safe Savings Accounts.

Griffin Gum (‘11)

Polly Hilton (‘11)

Matt (’99) and Kristin (’02) Timmerman

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Courtney Wood Samuelson was named the 2018 North Carolina Charter School Teacher of the Year. She currently teaches 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade in Fayetteville.

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Ryan Furlong and wife, Catherine, welcomed their third daughter, Anna Carter, on June 15, 2018. Kate, Jane, and Anna are looking forward to the 2030 CCS Lady Knights’ basketball season.

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Kristy Apple Miller and her husband, Ryan, joyously welcomed their daughter Emery Mae, on April 28, 2018.

Patrick Downing and his wife, Jessica, and their family recently moved from Raleigh to the greater Washington, D.C. area where he joined the pastoral staff at McLean Bible Church.

Kelby Brown (‘10)

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Matt (’99) and Kristin (’02) Timmerman welcomed their newest addition, Lochlan, on June 17, 2018 (Father’s Day!) He joins his big sister, Tinsley, and big brother, Tristan. They have all fallen in love with this baby boy - he is an answer to many prayers!

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Brooke Musterman’s podcast, Let’s Talk Art with Brooke, is hitting record downloads. She has also finished the first draft of her second book and has been working on a whiskey brand, McGinn’s Roxborough, which is coming soon.

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Tim Burns currently serves as CFO of Stewardship Partners and is the treasurer of the Presbytery of the Mid Atlantic EPC. He is married and blessed with five children.

Colonel Garrett Miller, USMC recently assumed command of Headquarters Battalion, Marine Forces Reserve in New Orleans, La.

Caroline Edwards (‘10)

Brooke Musterman (‘94) Colonel Garrett Miller (‘91)

Jonathan Young (‘06)

Tim Burns (‘91) 2018-19 ISSUE 1 n

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2017-18 2017-18 OPERATING REVENUES tuition (net) 92.8% other fees/revenues

4.1%

contributions 3.1%

2017-18 OPERATING EXPENSES Salaries/Benefits

64.8%

Plant/Operations

24.6%

Instructional Costs

5.2%

General Admin.

2.7%

Interest Expense

2.7%

The financial results for Charlotte Christian School are audited on an annual basis by an external audit firm and presented to the board of trustees for review. A copy of the audited financial statements or the IRS 990 filing may be obtained by sending a written request to the address below. Questions on the financial data in this Annual Report or on other aspects of the financial operations of Charlotte Christian School may be directed to the chief financial officer.

Charlotte Christian School • Attention: Terry Efird, Chief Financial Officer • 7301 Sardis Road Charlotte, NC 28270 • terry.efird@charchrist.com CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

ANNUAL REPORT

CHRIST-CENTERED. COLLEGE PREPARATORY. EDUCATING THE WHOLE CHILD.

NET ASSETS (at June 30)

TOTAL DEBT OUTSTANDING (at June 30)

2016

$22.4

2017

$25.6

2018

*$27.9

2016

$6.1

2017

$5.4 $1.1

2018

LTD loc

$7.2 $2.0

MILLIONS

MILLIONS

*Net assets increased $2.3 million due to positive operating margin and designated gifts/pledges for capital improvements and endowment.

Long Term Debt (LTD) increased due to $3 million loan added for completion of Center for Worship and Performing Arts. Line of Credit (LOC) increased to bridge timing between construction and receipt of pledge payments.

ENROLLMENT TRENDS

CONTRIBUTIONS - CASH RECEIPTS 2015-16

2016-17

2017-18

2015-16

2016-17

2017-18

Lower school

364

375

404

Capital $1,935,953 $1,987,751 $1,391,239 Improvements

Middle school

271

273

272

Annual Fund

upper school

410

407

409

1,045

1,055

1,085

retention

94%

94%

95%

Endowment Gifts Parent Partnership

diversity

19%

21%

20%

total enrollment

*Enrollment trends based on August data.

Miscellaneous Total Cash Receipts

$555,622

$585,526

$530,965

$11,025

$1,549

$9,896

$68,708

$66,878

$79,886

$421,629

$287,167

$338,836

$2,992,937 $2,928,871 $2,350,822

2018-19 ISSUE 1 n

17-18 Annual Fund Giving With the support of the 2017-18 Annual Fund, continued campus-wide improvements took place; upgrades to existing facilities; continued support of technology initiatives; and new curriculum was purchased.

Campus Improvement Plan:

• Various landscaping projects included sodding the field behind the Lamb/Johnson Gym; new stairwell and landscaping near the Warner Field House; additional shrubbery between the Early Education Building and the Center for Worship and Performing Arts.

• Continued classroom upgrades with new desks, chairs and whiteboards in the lower and upper school. The middle school received new carpet, lighting and paint in the main hallway.

• Bathrooms in the Flenniken Dining hall received a full upgrade with new fixtures, partitions, tile and paint. Booth seating in the atrium area was replaced, and the kitchen added a new charbroiler to their tool kit.

• Enhanced and expanded storage buildings were installed across campus for athletics, fine arts and PTF.

Master Site/Campus Plan:

• Preliminary work for the next phase of the master plan was completed with the installation of underground infrastructure in the summer of 2017 and the demolition of school property in the phase 2 construction zone in 2018.

new curriculum & equipment:

• New curriculum from Pearson was purchased in the middle school called myWorld Interactive Social Studies and new upper school curriculum called myPerspectives English Language Arts for grades 9 and 10.

• Timpani drums and chimes were purchased for the fine arts department.

• A trap drag purchased for baseball and softball programs.

Support of Technology Initiative:

• New MacBooks were purchased for upper school faculty and students, and refinements to the wireless access across campus continued.

• A new Security Plan, supported by the Annual Fund and designated gifts, allowed for controlled access to all campus buildings requiring the use of security cards; a visitor management system; and an external campus-wide public address system.

CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Facility Upgrades:

• Ladies’ basketball lockerroom received upgrades with new paint, ceiling tiles, stools, speakers, vanity area and CCS branding with the Knight logo.

• The Center for Worship and Performing Arts was outfitted with access points integrating the building onto the campus network. New musician chairs, stage and table were purchased in addition to an AED to house in the new building.

• The CCS Swim and Tennis Center received new lighting upgrades inside the bubble; a new heater blower for the CCS swim teams; and the parking lot was paved.

Additional Purchases:

• New water fill stations in the lower school provided by Box Tops for Education funds.

• Buddy Bench for lower school playground purchased through KnightTank program.

• Books for LS and MS/US Media Centers.

• Upper school parking lot was paved.

• CCS Under Armour quarter zip pullovers given to employees.

Professional development: In combination with the Annual Fund and a designated gift, a professional development trip was taken by seven CCS lower and middle school teachers to Haiti this past summer. The teacher group traveled with BlessBack Worldwide to host a week-long professional development seminar for Haitian teachers at Mission of Hope International in Grand Goave, Haiti. CCS teachers led sessions on design thinking, creativity, critical thinking, student engagement, and gamification for close to 50 Haitian teachers. CCS teachers had an amazing time building relationships, sharing their techniques, bonding with each other, and learning about the Haitian culture. The group representing CCS included Debbie Baglia, Julie Bartlett, Katie Billington, Molly Cain, Liz Daniel, Kaylah Holland and Tracy Jackson.

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SCRAPBOOK

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1.

1st Quarter Lower School

Reading Knights

2.

Middle School Pink Day

3.

Upper School Patriotic Art First

Place Winner - Andrew Knotts

4.

Knights Collection Week

5.

Upper School ACT 1 Group

6.

Lessons and Carols Service

7.

Middle School Packs Shoeboxes

8.

Knights Collection Week

9.

All-School Thanksgiving Chapel

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10. Grade 6 King Tut Exhibit 11. Mr. Giller Reads To First Grade 12. Grade 3 Biography Wax Museum 13. Middle School Shark Tank Winners 14. Upper School Shark Tank Winner 15. Gingerbread House Creations 16. Middle & Upper School

NCAIS Honor Band Participants

17. Upper School Model UN Team 18. Kindergarten Fall Centers

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2018-19 ISSUE 1 n

7301 Sardis Road Charlotte, NC 28270 (704) 366-5657 Fax: (704) 366-5678

www.charlottechristian.com

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