The Cavalier - April 2013

APRIL • 2013

DO WORK

World Ag Sales

“Never tire of doing good.” II Thessalonians 3:13

T

CVC raised $23,000 through ice cream sales this year at the International Ag Show.

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In This Issue CVC School Board . . . . . . .

College Tour . . . . . . . . . . .

Bands in Chapel . . . . . . . .

Winter Sports . . . . . . . . . .

2 3 3 4

5th Grade Revolution . . . .

Where Seeds Grow . . . . . .

KSEE 24 Honors Teacher . .

Looking Ahead . . . . . . . . .

Cinderella . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Of Note . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Alumni News . . . . . . . . . . .

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he Rescue Mission. Visalia Emergency Aid. Viva Blunt Elementary School.

Used Treasures. CKidz Community Center. These are just a few of the places CVC High School students served for a second year in a row during Spiritual Emphasis Week 2013.

On Thursday, February 22, the students—all clad in their “Do Work” t-shirts (designed by senior Kayla Stock) and equipped with the necessary tools—boarded buses with their teams and set out to their work sites around Visalia and Tulare. Some sorted clothes for thrift stores, some picked up trash, others spread bark, and still others sorted food donations. The team serving at Veva Blunt Elementary School finished early, so they found their way to a nearby nursing home and spent time playing games with the elderly.

“Coming out of our own little bubble and branching out into society is something we’re not used to,” said senior Eileen De Raadt, “but it’s a great opportunity.” On both Wednesday and Friday, students heard from Cisco, pastor at The Warehouse, and he reminded them of the Biblical responsibility and privilege to serve others.

On Thursday morning, 20 teams of students descended upon the local communities to serve. Each afternoon the students spent time in corporate worship led by “For All Seasons,” a band currently working at Hume Lake.

Last year the students serving at CKidz Community Center “finished six months worth of volunteer work in one morning,” commented Kristin Pinter, CKidz director. She was enthusiastic to host students again this year, and while 46 students completed a number of jobs on site, it was senior Anthony Garcia’s idea to use the shop equipment to make a CKidz logo sign. Kristin was thrilled with the idea, so six metal shop students (led by teacher Kurt Saltzman) designed, cut, and installed the artwork they created for CKidz.

Pinter was thrilled with the results.

In the afternoon Bible study (written by Principal Larry Baker), students (“DO WORK” continues on page 2)

2 (“DO WORK” continued from page 1)

discussed passages from John, Luke, and Colossians.

They answered as well as asked some big questions.

Specifically, some wondered how spreading bark, picking up trash, and cleaning CVC’s track was serving the least, the last, and the lost. A good question. Ben Houseward (Technology Director) answered it well: “By doing jobs like that, we are freeing up manpower and resources that can be put toward helping those in need.”

Mason Hughes and his crew picked up trash at the Ag Center in Tulare. “As I was talking to the students (about making a difference), a lady walked by who was picking up trash...and she kept saying ‘thank you.’ I felt humbled because she was thanking us for two hours of work when I should be thanking her for her constant, repetitive work for probably pennies.” It’s moments like these when both students and teachers realize the importance of serving in any capacity.

CVC School Board Highlights ▲ The Admissions report was received for information.

871 students are currently enrolled. The enrollment figures for next year (2013 – 2014) are lower.

▲ Dane Moll reviewed the Volunteer Guidelines that

had been drawn up due to a suggestion from our CSI accreditation process.

▲ School safety was discussed with an emphasis on be-

ing able to lock all doors from the inside if a code red is called. Building and Grounds was assigned to look into possibility and cost.

▲ The Board Nominees for upcoming Board positions were approved:

Trinity URC – Jim Laber, John Bushnell Visalia CRC – Trisha Schriemer, Donna Zwart Tulare Community – Tim Souza, Tim Sellers Hanford CRC – Ben Ouwinga, Dave Johnson

▲ The School Calendar was approved for the 2013–

2014 school year. The biggest change will be going a week longer to facilitate not having graduation on Mother’s Day weekend and to allow more flexibility in the schedule for teacher in-service days.

▲ A special word of thanks was extended to Carolyn

Roethlisberger for her many years of service with our Endowment Committee.

▲ The Strategic Plan Task Force Committee gave an It’s a big undertaking to plan and coordinate a work day for over 300 students, staff, and faculty. At the same time, it’s critical that CVC is a physical, serving, loving presence in the local community. And it’s rewarding to see students giving back, to hear stories of thankfulness, and to foster relationships with those in need around Visalia and Tulare. It’s what Jesus spent much of His earthly ministry doing, it’s what we are called to do as His followers, and it’s what we will do for the community around us.

assignment to the school board to review what they have written up as key areas of concern and what to look for under each area.

▲ Mr. Postmus has told us that he will not be returning

for the 2013-2014 school year. Mr. Len Fakkema has accepted the position of Elementary Principal and will be joining the CVC family the first of July.

▲ The Society Meeting will be held on April 23 and the school sale on April 26.

– by Vicki Dykstra, CVC School Board Secretary

– by Alicia Vanden Berg, CVCHS English teacher

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Southern California Christian College Tour Azusa Pacific, Biola University, Cal Baptist, Concordia, Life Pacific College, Vanguard University, Point Loma, San Diego Christian, The Master’s College, Westmont, Fresno Pacific, Hope International — twelve Christian colleges in just five days!

This week was an amazing whirlwind of focused visits to these college campuses. Nineteen Christian college counselors from across the United States (including Hawaii) and I were able to get a real-life look and feel of these phenomenal Christian colleges located throughout Southern California.

I had an opportunity to do exactly what I advise my students to do — visit when classes are session; take a guided tour; ask lots of questions; eat in the cafeteria; make a check list while touring and make notes along the way. A huge bonus was seeing many of our CVC alumni and being able to witness how excited they are to be at the college that truly fits them the best.

Each college offered an opportunity to hear from an academic panel of professors and a student panel as well.

These were extremely informative and offered a unique look at the personalities of each college from the perspective of faculty and students.

In a nutshell, I learned that, above everything else, these Christian colleges are committed to integrating Faith in their curriculum. Each college has its own unique personality (as do our students). Each offers a wide variety of majors, housing options, activities on campus, and “climate.”

An additional benefit from this networking opportunity with other college guidance counselors was their strong recommendation to join the North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals (NACCAP). In order to be accepted into this organization, CVCHS must be in

line with the NACCAP doctrinal statement and have two letters of recommendations from current NACCAP members. Several of the college counselors offered to write these letters for myself and CVC after spending time with me, reviewing our mission statement and checking out our website. If accepted to NACCAP, this will offer additional professional educational opportunities along with staying connected to other professionals in my field.

This hands-on, undiluted experience was the highlight of my professional development. It gave me the opportunity to learn more about these fantastic Christcentered, higher-educational options. It also gave me a network of Christian college counselors who carry the same passion for their work and their students as I do.

– by Lori Reeves, CVC College and Guidance Counselor

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Band Music Fills the Chapel at CVC The hills may be alive with the sound of music, but on Thursday, February 28, the chapel was filled with the melodious sounds of CVC’s jazz, middle school and high school bands.

Presenting a mixed repertoire of secular and sacred pieces, the bands delighted parents and fine arts enthusiasts with such varied selections as Norse Legend, This is My Father’s World, Quad City Stomp and the quintessential jazz staple Smoke on the Water. In addition the program featured the world premiere of a new arrangement by CVC Band Director Steve Daniels of the popular worship song In Christ Alone, originally written by Keith and Kristen Getty.

For many the highlight of the concert came when Tromba Musica, a brass quintet comprised of local professional musicians, took to the stage to enthrall the audience with a couple of numbers. To end the program the high school band joined them on stage to present a moving rendition of Nearer My God to Thee.

For a chapel-full of Christ followers, it proved once again that there’s nothing like an old hymn of the faith to stir the soul, and that the Cavalier music department is yet another reason to give thanks for CVC. - by Blake Hiemstra, CVCMS English teacher

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2013 CVC Winter Sports Boys Basketball The Cavaliers tied for second in the Central Sequoia League and qualified for the Central Section Division 3 Play-Offs. They were led by All-CSL first team selection Austin Moons, CSL Underclassman of the Year Alex te Velde, and CSL second team selection Josh Payne.

Girls Basketball The Lady Cavaliers fielded a young team this season and will return all but one player for the 2013–2014 campaign.

Lindsey Calvin was a CSL second team selection.

Boys Soccer The Cavaliers thrilled their fans with many exciting matches this past season. They finished their league season tied for third place and advanced to the Central Section Division 5 Quarter-Finals. Michael Rosa was named to the CSL First Team and Blake Jacobi, Brent Kamper and Kees Knevelbaard were named to the second team.

Girls Soccer The girls fought through a tough pre-season to win their 11th straight league championship and advanced to the Central Section Division 3 Semi-Finals. Nicole Bouvia was named the Central Sequoia League Most Valuable Player and Lauren te Velde, Emily Whyte and Maddie Potts were named to the CSL first team. Kayla Stock, Taylor Vandenberg and Sara Vander Poel were recognized as second team CSL selections.

Walk Through the Revolution On Monday, February 12, all the fifth grade students participated in Walk Through the Revolution. This program, put on by California Weekly, is designed to give students the opportunity to participate in an exciting and active retelling of our nation’s beginnings.

During this two-and-a-half hour presentation, the classes learn through the use of games, flags, music, storytelling, acting, and battle re-enactments. Students memorize parts and dress up as important historical figures as they “become” famous men and women of the American Revolution.

Congratulations Congratulations to CVC senior student-athletes Nicole Bouvia and Emily Whyte for signing their National Letters of Intent to continue their athletic careers in college. Nicole will be playing soccer for the University of California at Davis and Emily will be playing soccer for California State University San Bernandino.

CVC Phone Numbers Preschool Campus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 734-2050 Elementary (K–6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 734-2684 FAX for Elementary Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 734-2051 Middle School Office (7–8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 734-5273 FAX for Middle School Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334-5283 High School Office (9–12)/Administration/ Superintendent/Business Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 734-9481 FAX for High School Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 734-7963 Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 734-2018 Athletic Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 734-8160

CVC Web Site: www.cvc.org

For example, during a portion of the program, key parts of the Declaration of Independence are read, as students act out the meeting of the Second Continental Congress and the signing of the Declaration.

This exciting event allows the students to better understand the values of American liberty and patriotism on which our country was founded. Walk Through the Revolution is one of the highlights of our year in 5th grade social studies.

- by Sue Wierenga, CVC fifth grade teacher

Where Seeds Grow Many in the community think of the preschool as the “little” school. Others see us as simply a child care option. While CVC Preschool is both, we are also where “seeds” grow!

Nine years ago I came to CVC Preschool from another excellent Christian preschool hoping to find an environment of quality care and amazing, Christcentered teaching. This is exactly what I discovered at CVC. It is a privilege to be part of a staff who introduce children to their first years at Central Valley Christian School. At this age children are the most receptive and impressionable in their views of the world. A tiny seed planted will settle into tender little hearts and grow there. Loving and consistent care provided now, along with excellent teaching and Godly example, will never be forgotten.

I’ve told countless parents over the years that their children might not remember their teachers, but hopefully they will remember what was taught.

We teach the usual academic concepts to prepare children for Kindergarten and so much more. Some children coming to CVC Preschool have never heard about the Lord, but they encounter him in the words and actions of caring teachers. Many years might pass before the seed that we’ve planted is tended to again. But our calling is simply to plant the seeds and pray that others will continue to nurture each child.

In addition to ministering to the children, we also witness to parents. They’ve trusted us with their precious children and are often open to a new or renewed faith in the Lord. When prospective preschool parents tour the school, they are told that the Lord is included in our lessons. Each school year we have the opportunity to teach Bible stories, lead children in prayer, and model Jesus in behavior. We also pray for and with each family as needs arise.

The goals as we prepare to “plant” our new little crop each year are in keeping with CVC’s Mission Statement. Along with ABC’s and 1, 2, 3’s, we endeavor to do the following: ▲ Cultivate children’s hearts to become Godly adults.

▲ Provide healthy nutrients in sowing God’s word in children’s hearts. ▲ Encourage children to grow in Christ for the rest of their lives.

We will plant the seeds and tend to the garden here at the preschool. May the Lord provide many rich harvests of His children for many years to come.

And, yes...we actually do have a real garden as well! ☺ – by Deana McCoy, CVC Preschool Director

KSEE 24 Teacher of the Week Congratulations to Jennifer LaMar, CVC high school Art Teacher. Jennifer was honored as KSEE 24’s Teacher of the Week in March. Below are pictures of her interview with KSEE 24 and students in her art classroom.

APRIL 10

5th Grade State Fair - 8:15–12:00, Elementary MMC 11–13 HS Musical “Cinderella” - 7 pm, Chapel 17 1st – 6th grades Celebration of Writing - 11 am – 3 pm, MMC 18 HS Football Parents’ Meeting - 7 pm, MPR 18–21 ASAPH Tour 19 MS Variety Show - 7 pm, Chapel 23 Annual CVC Society Meeting - 7 pm, Chapel 24 Kindergarten Zoofari Program - 1 pm, Elementary MMC 26 Kindergarten Round-Up - 9 am, Elementary MMC 26 1st Grade Reader’s Theater - 11 am, Classrooms 26 Annual CVC Dinner/Auction - 5 pm, Gym 27 HS Step-Up Powder Puff Football 5 pm, Stadium 30 MS/HS Spring Band Concert - 7 pm, Chapel

MAY 2

8th Grade Science Fair - 8:30–10 am, Elementary Pavilion 2 8th Grade Washington DC Meeting 7 pm, MPR 3 Grades 5–8 CSI Fine Arts Festival 3 1st Grade Mother’s Day Tea - 2 pm, Elementary MMR 4 Good News Jaim & Prison Ministry Walk - 8am–12pm, HS Stadium 4 Jr./Sr. Banquet/Prom 6-9 7th Grade Science Camp/8th Grade Activity Week 7 Last Day for Seniors 7 Sr. Slide Show - 9 am, HS Chapel 9 Disneyland Sr. Grad Night 9 5th/6th Grade Spring Concert - 7 pm, HS Chapel 10 No School for Middle School ONLY 10 Elementary Blue/White Day 11 High School Graduation - 10 am, HS Chapel 13 Counselor’s Coffee for 8th Grade Parents - 8:30 am, MPR 14 MS Choir/Fine Arts Participants Assembly - 2 pm, HS Chapel 14 Preschool Program - 6 pm, HS Chapel 17 Last Day of School - 11:30 dismissal 17 8th Grade Graduation - 6 pm, HS Gym May 26–June 1 - 8th Grade Washington DC Trip

Of Note...

CVC Alumni News

Riley Stockton won the title of Miss Tulare County Outstanding Teen on March 2, 2013. She will continue on this summer to compete for the title of Miss California Outstanding Teen.

Burr Thornton (’08) graduated from Texas A&M College of Agriculture with a B.S. in Ag. Leadership and a minor in Economics on December 14, 2012. He is working for Douglas King Seed Company in San Antonio, TX. CVC ALUMNI – Please keep us informed of any graduations, special awards, marriages, births, etc., for the next edition of The Cavalier.

Abby Sherrill (’08) and Cami Mora (’13) have advanced to the Valley Singer Challenge Semi-finals.

They will have the opportunity to sing with the Tulare County Symphony at the Visalia Fox Theatre on May 11.

Congratulations ladies!

Congratulations to everyone in the CVC High School and Middle School bands, choirs and ensembles. The High School Girls’ Ensemble, ASAPH, and Cavalier Choirs all received “Superior” ratings at the CMEA Music Festival. The Middle School Band and Choir received “Superior” ratings from the judges while the High School Band received an “Excellent” rating.

Thank you Ms. Talsma and Mr. Daniels for your outstanding work with these groups.

CVC to Present “Cinderella” CVC High School will present the classic musical “Cinderella” on April 11–13. The timeless enchantment of a magical fairy tale is reborn with the Rodgers & Hammerstein hallmarks of originality, charm and elegance.

Originally presented on television in 1957 starring Julie Andrews, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” was the most widely viewed program in the history of the medium. The hearts of children and adults alike still soar when the slipper fits.