Colorado Springs Christian Schools 2017 Q1 Newsletter

DEPARTMENTS High School

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Middle School 6

1 4 11 THE LIONS REPORT Elementary 7

Athletics 8 Alumni 10

BACK TO SCHOOL

INVEST WISELY

CSCS LEGACY BUILDER

First Quarter

2017-2018 Newsletter

Developer

Estee Brunk CSCS Volunteer & Mom of three

SUPERINTENDENT’S NOTE

Editor

Jenny Driscoll CSCS Volunteer & Mom of four Journalists

Cara Davies CSCS Volunteer & Mom of three Jill Kuyper CSCS Volunteer & Mom of three Advisors, Contributors

Roland DeRenzo, Superintendent Shanna Seelye, Chief Financial Officer Diane Meeter, Executive Director Doug Bray, Elementary Principal Chappy Watties, Middle School Principal Mason Young, High School Principal Dixie Harder, PTO President Nadine Kinney, Photography About Us

The Lions Report is published quarterly and provided by the PTO. Colorado Springs Christian Schools 4855 Mallow Road Colorado Springs, CO 80907 (719) 599-3553 cscslions.org

Contact Us

Send story ideas, photos, and alumni information to Estee Brunk at mailestee@yahoo.com.

BE BOLD! I love the start of each new school year because it is full of anticipation and potential. It reminds me of the Apostle Paul stating… “Old things have passed away all things are becoming new….” As we start this new school year, we need to be bold! Joshua 1:9 is our theme verse this year: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” It is a fitting verse for the year because it speaks of the need for us to step up and stand out for the Truth. Our theme this year is to Be Bold!

One of the books I read this summer was entitled Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life ... And Maybe the World by Retired Admiral William H. McRaven. He shares some of the training that Navy Seals go through during their induction. In one chapter, he describes courage this way…

“When we believe, our goal is honorable, worthy and noble, it gives us courage and courage is a remarkable quality. With it no one or nothing can stand in your way.”

Christian education is an awesome mission, and I believe that CSCS is a great place to experience what it means to be “Christ-centered” and to discover what God has for each student. As we begin the 2017–18 school year, I hope and pray that each of you will join with our amazing CSCS faculty and staff and strive to Be Bold! Our students desire it, our culture is desperate for it, and our mission demands it. May God bless you as He continues to bless Colorado Springs Christian Schools.

Follow Us facebook.com/colorado.schools

@CSChristian

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Roland DeRenzo, Ed.D.

CSCS SUPERINTENDENT

SPOTLIGHT ON SERVICE

WOODLAND PARK SERVANT LEADERS

by WP Principal Mike Aragon

CSCS-Woodland Park (WP) has a warm, small town feel. From the time the students and parents arrive, they are greeted by our principal and staff by name. Because of the small classroom sizes, our children, are able to receive more individualized attention. Our 5th graders are quick to help the younger children as though they are older siblings. It is a wonderful and caring school to start your young child's education experience.

Our PTO and volunteers have created a successful hot lunch program. It is strictly run by volunteers and our amazing families to make sure everything runs smoothly from ordering to serving. Three times a week we have created a menu that is nutritious and pleasing to our children.

In addition, this year WP parents have embraced the opportunity to ensure our younger students have the support they need to read, coming in regularly to read with small groups. Thank you to all the wonderful volunteers!

Kelly Anderson (previous PTO president) and Kim Montague (current PTO president): “We are committed to serving at CSCS because we have a lot of faith in Christian education, are invested in our kids, and want to see the school continue to grow.”

CLASS COMMUNITY COORDINATORS THANK YOU TO THE PARENTS THAT HAVE CHOSEN TO BE 3C COORDINATORS FOR THEIR GRADES!

KINDERGARTEN: Jenifer Velasquez & Becky Kenney FIRST GRADE: Suzanna McDowell SECOND GRADE: Cinthia Frame THIRD GRADE: Jill Kuyper & Leah Kleyn FOURTH GRADE: Amy Reed FIFTH GRADE: Val Kemper SIXTH GRADE: Kay Hankins & Jenny Driscoll SEVENTH GRADE: Amber Jackson EIGHTH GRADE: ???

We are looking for 2 representatives for each grade, and we currently need 2 coordinators for 8th grade! Please email Amy Reed if you are interested in fostering community for the students and parents! kevinnamy2003@yahoo.com 2

CSCS PTO President Dixie Harder

We’re excited to begin yet another year as ambassadors for Christ through the ministry of PTO at CSCS! What does the theme “Be Bold” really mean?

I believe there’s much to learn about being bold through the leadership of Moses.

Moses taught us that wise decisions require time. A rushed decision isn’t always the best one.

When we take a slower approach, meditate and pray, we almost always make better decisions.

The 12 people that make up the PTO Leadership Team do just that on a regular basis and have managed to grow our ministry, which has merged into one K–8 entity representing a large sector of our school. They continue to publish the elementary school yearbook, create the quarterly newsletter and manage the FUNd to SERVE annual fundraiser— one of the school’s largest funding sources which provides numerous upgrades around our campus.

From Moses we also learn to be consistent in our Christian walk and keep right relationships that are transparent, and to be faithful over a sustained period of time. We have spent the last 4 years taking time to cultivate relationships and build a strong elementary and middle school PTO. We are excited to serve our K–8th families and teachers through this ministry!

Would you consider joining us this year? Let’s “Be Bold” while we have FUN and SERVE together at CSCS because everything is done “Better Together.”

SCHOOL-WIDE EVENTS

BACK-TO-SCHOOL RALLY

Welcome to CSCS!

The Back-To-School Rally, held on Aug. 21 at the main campus, was a great sucess! Familes, students and staff gathered together on the playground lawn to meet and greet, shop the school volunteer offerings and catch up from summer vacations. It was a special time of worship, prayer and dedication for the new school year!

This is CSCS’s 47th year!

We have 9 new teachers this year, and 2 have come back from sabbatical.

WELCOME New Teachers!

• • • • •

SCHOOL-WIDE HOMECOMING PEP RALLY

• •

Spirit week concluded on Friday, Sept. 29 with a school-wide pep rally led by the CSCS cheerleaders and the CSCS varsity football homecoming game that Friday night!

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Missy Parks: Kindergarten (returning, also as an alum) Jennifer Schooley: 3rd Kathy Burns: 4th (returning) Ginger Pillitteri: 5th Anna Dowell: 8th (History, English, MS Spanish) Amanda Dopps: Study Hall Sarah Perkett: HS (English, Grammar, Honors Grammar, American English) Celleste Weber: HS (Math, Trig, Geomery, Algebra 1) Frank Carber: HS (Ancient History, Health, Student Life, MS Boys PE)

NEW FAMILIES!

We have 117 new families that chose to send their children to CSCS. That means we have 199 new students!

For 2017-2018 CSCS has:

77 legacy students 60 military students 51 international students 3

FUNDRAISING

THE CHARGE

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION: A BOLD INVESTMENT Investing in your child’s future in both spiritual principles and education will be one of the most important decisions you will ever make. Our goal at CSCS is to be a good steward of the resources God has provided. We recognize that paying tuition is a signifcant investment for our families and are committed to making excellent Christian education affordable for as many students as possible. At CSCS, we have been blessed with an outstanding Tuition Assistance Program that comes alongside familes who desire to attend our school but need additional resources to do so. When Christian education goes beyond your means, tuition assistance is made available. Families and friends of CSCS who are able to give financial gifts, donate to those who may need assistance. It becomes a win-win situation for both. One will receive a tax deduction because CSCS is a 501C-3, and the other family benefits from a “We couldn’t have gone here percentage deduction without it. In essence, it helped off their tuition. raise my kids.” - CSCS Parent

CSCS FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES HELP US REACH OUR GOAL OF $85,000!

CSCS Year-End Giving Campaign https://27246.thankyou4caring. org/new-general-donation-page

Since 1971, CSCS has raised funds to provide a Christcentered education. CSCS donors are united by a single, simple passion: to serve and educate students who will make a difference in the world for Christ. From the first students that attended CSCS to the 863 students who began school this year, many lives have been significantly changed by God’s grace, through the CSCS experience.

Thank you for considering a gift to the Joshua Fund. Please refer to the enclosed envelope.

Every gift makes a difference to a child, to a teacher and to our facility!

FEB 6 2018

Our 2018 Lion’s Heart Celebration featured guest speaker will be

SAVE-THE-DATE!

TIM TEBOW!

The event will be Tuesday, February 6, 2018, at the Broadmoor, so mark your calendars! We will also have our auction that night, so we hope you can join us for this amazing fundraiser for CSCS!

“BE BOLD - let’s have FUN and SERVE”

It is PTO’s prayer that this new K-8th grade event will provide substantial financial resources for our school while teaching our students about service to others as Christ instructed. It is our prayer that we raise $40,000 from this event. We are raising funds to upgrade the middle school patio area, supply sit/stand desks for students in K-8th grade, and replace all the classroom blinds in case of emergencies. Would you help us reach this goal? Look for your letters in the mail!

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HIGH SCHOOL

NEW SCHOOL YEAR CHARGE

by Principal Mason Young

New school years bring new starts to everyone. I love the controlled chaos that happens with a new school year. It feels much like seeing a family member or friend that I have not seen in a long time. There is an unbridled affection for a new start, a familiar face, a routine, and a do-over. It is time to take advantage of the new start. If that means a new chance to do right, then we should take it. If it means a chance to step out in faith and obey God outside of our comfort zones, then we embrace it. I love working in partnership as this CSCS family. We’ve got each other’s backs. I am looking forward to a great year!

#RockItHannah

On May 19, 2017, sophomore Hannah Skrastins became the first CSCS student to ever compete in the 100M Paralympic Race at the Colorado State Track and Field Championships. Hannah is an outstanding example of being strong and courageous while battling cancer and maintaining her active lifestyle.

Hannah is visually impaired and has balance issues as a direct result of a tennis ball-sized brain tumor found when she was 12. On June 18, 2014, Hannah was diagnosed with a stage 4, high-risk brain tumor (medulloblastoma) and soon had surgery followed by 6 weeks of radiation and 6 weeks of chemotherapy.

With the life verse of Jeremiah 29:11 at the forefront of her mind, Hannah knows God has BIG plans for her and attacks life with as much gusto after brain cancer as she did before May 2014 ... just in a different way.

Before the tumor was found, Hannah enjoyed May 2017

snowboarding, playing volleyball, running track, and she was in the school play. After cancer, she’s finding new ways to feed her competitive spirit: she started skiing with an adaptive ski program; she learned to snorkel and paddle board on her Make-A-Wish trip; and this past summer she went whitewater rafting, rock climbing, rappelling, and went on a 2-day bike ride in the Rocky Mountains for Children’s Hospital, where she received her treatments.

“We enjoy keeping up with her,” said Hannah’s mom, DeAnna. “We are indebted to all the doctors, nurses, family, friends, teachers and volunteers and everyone who has helped us navigate this part of Hannah’s life so we can adapt and keep her moving forward.”

Hannah attends CSCS in the mornings for her core classes and attends Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind (CSDB) in the afternoon, where she takes Braille, assistive technology and mobility/ orientation classes. Her desire is to graduate from CSCS and be an art therapist for children in the hospital.

CLASS OF 2018 Senior Retreat The class of 2018 senior retreat was held at Silver Cliff Ranch near Buena Vista, CO, in early August. Seniors enjoyed bonding and team building, and watched Captain America while soaking in a hot springs pool. Seniors were challenged by Springs Church Youth Pastor Josh Gallardo to remember that we were made for God, not Him for us, and that God has called us to be radical and set apart from the norm for Him. Several seniors committed to follow God onto the mission field in the next 3-5 years.

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MIDDLE SCHOOL

THE CHAPPY CHARGE

by Principal Chappy Watties

A GREAT PLACE TO BELONG!

I am super excited to see that our “cup runneth over” with 18 more middle school students than last year, including 42 students who are brand new to the school! Our theme verse for this school year is Joshua 1:9, and I am asking God to enable our middle school staff, faculty and students to be STRONG, BOLD and COURAGEOUS for Jesus this year. May God richly bless our CSCS family!

The Gazette covered the solar eclipse story at CSCS!

TESTED FAITH Hi! My name is Madison Walsh and this is my journey through spinal surgery. On Sept. 25, 2017, I had spinal fusion surgery because I had severe kyphosis.

I needed the surgery to correct it or I could become paralyzed. I was very scared but the Lord was with me the whole way. The morning of surgery Mr. Chappy, Mr. Kuyper, and Kenzie prayed over me, and I felt a sense of peace. Joshua 1:9 got me through this trial, which tells us to not be afraid because He is with us and to have courage. The surgery lasted 8 hours and was a complete success!

The surgeons placed 2 rods and 16 screws along my spine. My recovery is slow but I am improving. I am happy to say that I am back at school even though I am only doing half days for right now. It is so good to see my friends and teachers. I couldn’t have made it through this journey without God. He gave me courage, strength, and happiness. If you ever go through something difficult, remember the Lord will be with you always.

“For the region’s largest Christian school, the eclipse also was an opportunity to reinforce the connection between science and religious beliefs. ‘This is part of God’s creation,’ said Diane Meeter, Executive Director of Academic Services. ‘We like our kids to know educationally who’s behind this and who created it to be this way. It’s science in action’.”

—Gazette article, Aug. 21, 2017

For over 25 years nationwide, See You at the Pole has been about one simple act— students uniting themselves in prayer before God interceding for their generation. This year’s theme verse was Hebrews 12:2.

FIX YOUR EYES 6

ELEMENTARY

Be Bold, Elementary Boys and Girls!

by Principal Doug Bray

What does “being bold” mean to me, your principal? Does it mean I want you to go jump off a high ladder to prove you’re bold? No. Do I want you to kiss a pig to let me see how bold you are? Of course not! Here’s what I’d like. I’d love to see you experiment. I’d like to see you try something really hard, so hard that you make mistakes the first time you try. Trying something new takes courage. Giving an answer to your teacher when you’re not sure is kind of scary—it takes courage. Please be bold!

Work hard at a new thing. Make a mistake. I bet Jesus tried cutting some wood in the carpenter’s shop and didn’t do it right the first time. It’s learning!

BUILDING A STRONG FOUNDATION CSCS Welcomes 53 New Kindergartners!

WOODLAND PARK FUNd RUN!

This year the CSCS Woodland Park campus participated in a FUNd RUN for the first time! Students ran, walked, and participated in a variety of fun stations for an hour, including the Bubble Wrap Stomp and the Ring Toss. Our goal was to raise at least $5,000 for purchasing playground equipment. To date, $7,647 has come in! We are excited for the new equipment we will be receiving!

CSCS’ main campus kindergartners had a great time at the Venetucci Farm Pumpkin Patch!

MONTHLY MINISTRY NIGHTS

Ministry Nights are a great way to get involved at CSCS by demonstrating the love of Christ locally and abroad.

Students, siblings, parents and grandparents are welcome to join!

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ATHLETICS Congrats to Rachel Ingram and David Jensen who qualified for the Cross Country State Meet! David took 4th place in the league and 8th at regionals. Rachel is CSCS’s first-ever individual league champion in cross country!

Senior Christine Ajayi broke the school record for digs in a set this year with 17, and tied the school record for season digs with 464!

HS GIRLS VARSITY VOLLEYBALL

She took 1st place at regionals, 8th place at state, and was named the Tri-Peaks League Runner of the Year!

Giving God the glory by shouting "For Him!" before each game MS CROSS COUNTRY

MS GIRLS VB-A TEAM

MS GIRLS VB-B TEAM

HS GIRLS JV VOLLEYBALL

CSCS ELEMENTARY’S Landsharks Fall XC team had 58 runners on our team, which is double what we usually have!

We had several first, second, and third place finishers this season!

HS GIRLS “C” TEAM

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ATHLETICS

HS BOYS TENNIS

They earned 2nd place overall in the Fountain-Ft. Carson Invite and won 5th at regionals!

HS VARSITY FOOTBALL

MS BOYS FOOTBALL Junior Jax Chambon was named TRI-PEAKS LEAGUE ALL CONFERENCE.

Junior Lookens Smith broke 2 soccer school records with 40 career assists and 18 season assists!

HS BOYS GOLF This year we had two 6th GRADE GIRLS VB teams!

HS BOYS SOCCER - League Champions & advanced to semi-finals in state!

VB action photos: Beth Vogt FB action photos: Jen Tyler Team photos: Skrastins Photography

5th GRADE GIRLS VB 9

JV BOYS SOCCER

ALUMNI

Where Are They Now? THE LATEST ON WHAT YOUR CLASSMATES ARE DOING BY JENNY DRISCOLL

2007

Heather and David Jacobson ’07 welcomed their first child, William, into their family on May 19, 2017. He is the first grandchild of Bobbie Jacobson, who has been the Administrative Assistant in the CSCS Elementary office for the past 17 years. David is currently in the Coast Guard stationed in New Orleans.

2010

Lauren and Brian Mellema ’10 became first-time parents to triplets on June 28, 2017. Piper, Susannah and Shepherd are thriving at home. Brian is the graphic designer for Reach Beyond and is a 2nd generation CSCS alum as his dad, Dan Mellema, graduated in ’79. Dan is the Chief Financial Officer at Focus on the Family. His mom, Sue Mellema, was an elementary teacher at CSCS for 14 years.

2012

Kyle Broekhuis ’12 (2d Lt, USAF) graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy on May 24, 2017, with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management. Kyle is currently living in Dayton, OH, working at Wright Patterson Air Force Base and will be in Acquisitions. Kyle played basketball at the USAFA for 5 years (the first year was at the USAFA’s Preparatory School) and was invited to San Antonio, TX, recently to try out for the All-Air Force Men’s Basketball Team.

2012 & 2014

Alleigh Molchan ’14 married Joey Follett ’12 on July 15, 2017 in Colorado Springs, CO. Joey graduated from UCCS in May 2017 and is an 8th grade history teacher at Lewis Palmer Middle School and coaches wrestling at Palmer Ridge High School. Alleigh is building a global health and wellness business from home while also staging homes with local design company Maple & Moss and coaching middle school volleyball at CSCS.

2016

Peter Wilson ’16 and Ben Topper ’16, who are both now sophomore mechanical engineering students at Colorado School of Mines, were honored on April 13, 2017, as part of “Team ExoTech” who created a product that earned the top prize of $25,000. The 5-man team proposed an exoskeleton that protects and supports a mine worker’s spine, which came out of Peter’s suggestion that they “build an Iron Man suit.” Team ExoTech has filed for their provisional patent and are currently using the prize money to work on a 2nd generation prototype to test.

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1989

Commander Abe Thompson ’89 (US Navy, Retired), was named director of SecureSet Academy’s new cybersecurity education programs in Colorado Springs, CO. CDR Thompson served in numerous Cyberwarfare, Information Warfare and Special Forces roles for the Navy from 1989– 2013. Since retirement, he has also served as a pastor, adjunct professor and Christian educator. CDR Thompson has been nationally televised multiple times as an Anthem soloist for the San Diego Padres, Davis Cup and USO. CDR Thompson left his hometown of Colorado Springs 28 years ago to join the Navy, but said, “My heart never left. I’m delighted to return home and do my part to further Colorado Springs’ role as the key destination on the cybersecurity map.”

He is most excited to return to support the ministries of Camp Elim and CSCS. He and his wife, Julie, have two kids at CSCS: Hannah (6th) and Bram (2nd).

Got News?

Drop us a line and let your classmates know what you are doing. Email Charlotte Owens at Charlotte.Owens@cscslions. org. Please note that all submissions must include an electronic photo in highresolution jpeg format to be suitable for printing.

LAST WORD

DAVE MICHAUX: LEGACY BUILDER CSCS Chaplain and Bible teacher Dave Michaux is in his 45th year on staff at CSCS—longer than anyone in the school’s history! CSCS was founded in 1971, and he came on board to teach Bible the third year of the school’s existence. Throughout the years, he went back and forth between teaching Bible and taking on other roles like Pastoral Counselor, Dean of Students, and even High School Principal from 2000–2003.

Currently, Mr. Michaux is teaching 4 classes of Senior Bible along with electives for juniors and seniors, while also serving as CSCS Chaplain and the unofficial school historian. His role as Chaplain includes being the Bible Department Chair; planning high school chapels; vetting prayer requests and informing our different prayer chains; writing articles; counseling staff, students and parents; attending funerals in the school family; and participating in baccalaureate and graduation programs. “People smile when they see me get up to pray at the end of a meeting because they know it’s now over,” Mr. Michaux said.

Mr. Michaux has tried to serve the Lord with all his heart, soul and mind at CSCS, at his local church and everywhere else He leads. “Through the years, I probably have received more than I ever gave to this ministry,” he said.

He recalled a time years ago when he contracted an aggressive virus that was destroying some of his internal organs, and there was no medicine to treat it. As the doctor monitored his illness in the hospital, one night the numbers miraculously got better.

“Later I found out that people from all over the U.S. and even the world were praying for me,” he said. “We had no money for insurance, but when I left the hospital, all my bills were paid for by families and other brothers and sisters that gave. The CSCS senior class actually gave me a large chunk of money they had earned for their senior trip. What an amazing blessing!”

Did You Know?

With Mr. Michaux •C SCS was founded in 1971 with 158 students (K-12) and 13 faculty members.

•T uition in 1971 was $40 a month (with a reduced rate for siblings).

• I n the early years of the school, the MS and HS students were driven to the YMCA Downtown twice a week where they swam, and played basketball and volleyball.

Mr. Michaux believes more and more that our school can be a light in our community and world. “We truly strive to develop Christian warriors who are willing to love like Christ and are equipped with knowledge that will ‘demolish arguments and every pretention that sets itself against the knowledge of God’ (2 Cor. 10:4),” he said.

He said it’s quite an honor to be recognized by people all over the city and introduced as, “This is Mr. Michaux. He was my Bible teacher in high school.”

His two married children went to CSCS (Brian Michaux ’91 and Sara Michaux Larson ’89), and two of his grandkids are current CSCS students (sophomore Tim Michaux and junior Emma Michaux).

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Dave Michaux with his wife, Lynn, and their 5 grandkids, including Tim and Emma (right).