Cvc cavalier oct 2013

OCTOBER • 2013

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CVC ADMINISTRTIVE PERSPECTIVE

– by Dr. John DeLeeuw, CVC Superintendent

Changing the Tide

W Homecoming Congratulations to 2013 Homecoming Queen Tess Van Grouw and King Tony Dragt!

hile just a figure of speech, this phrase is very relevant for the day and time we live in. The tide that our society today is riding on seems to be ebbing further and further away from biblical truth. Much of the world’s focus is on self and what is in it for me. Whatever pleases me regardless of what it does to others must be ok. Commonly known as hedonism, this has become a way of life.

What do we do as a Christian school? Do we bury our heads in the sand and say it has no effect on us, or try to protect our children from this culture hoping they won’t notice what is going on?

We are naïve to think that this world and culture has not affected our children in some ways already. That is why we have a mission statement that says: Cultivating Responsible Christian Adults Valuing Academic Excellence

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Connecting Biblical Truths with Everyday Living

CVC Social Media

Shaping Christ-like Character

Check out all the great events at CVC on Social Media! Don’t miss a picture or sports score, because you can find it all here.

Follow us on Facebook: w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / C e n t r a l ValleyChristianSchoolVisalia Follow us on Twitter: twitter. com/cvcschool Follow us on Instagram.

Search for centralvalleychristian on your Instagram app on your smart phone.

If you have a picture you would like to submit for consideration on our Social Media pages, email it to socialmedia@cvc.org.

All of our Social Media pages are listed on our school’s web page at www.cvc.org/socialmedia.cfm There are also buttons located at the bottom of the home page at cvc.org. Stay connected with what is happening at CVC and share our pages with your friends and family.

In essence, we want our students to be “agents of change” in this world where we face this changing tide.

Mr. Jeff Blamer, Director of Membership in CSI, puts it this way, “Our schools must spend less time critiquing culture and more time engaging students in culture. A distinct worldview in our schools equips young people to be change agents, shalom-bringers, and advancers of the kingdom of God.” As a school we have had our issues and been less than perfect, but I can already feel a real sense of “Changing the Tide” this school year. Students and staff want to be more intentional in being change agents, and this can be accomplished by being and remaining firm in our faith. This is reflected in our theme verse which states, “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (I Cor. 15:58).

Standing firm in our faith, equipped with a strong biblical worldview can help us “Change the Tide” and advance the kingdom of God. This can only be really accomplished well by partnering with our Christian parents and their churches. Thank you for working with us.

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Ryan Tos Transition

COWs Becoming Extinct What do cows and iPads have in common?

They are both roaming the rooms at CVC. Yes, you read correctly. There are cows in classrooms at CVC, just not your typical black and white variety. COW stands for Computer On Wheels here at school, which refers to a wheeled cart fitted with a computer, speakers, DVD/ VCR unit, projector, and AppleTV. However, COWs are going extinct at CVC as more classrooms are outfitted with a permanent projector mounted to the ceiling that can be used to display what is on the iPad, computer, or DVD to a screen at the front of the room. These tools have changed the way teachers are able to add visual interest and information to their lessons each day. It allows all the students to see the screen clearly without a cart in the middle of the room. The last of the COWs are grazing in the Kindergarten classrooms, Elementary Music and Media Center, and Multi-Purpose Room on the HS campus.

The teachers have been using an iPad in the classroom for a year now, but this year there is a classroom set of 28 iPads available for students to use. Students K–12 can work with a variety of apps to practice handwriting and math facts, write essays and do research, use the camera for critiquing form in PE, practice instruments, and so much more! A special thanks goes to Ben Houseward for his tireless work in keeping our technology working and always exploring new strategies to help the teachers use technology in the classroom.

– by Ben Houseward, CVC Technology Supervisor and Irene Hooyer, CVC Second Grade teacher

Ryan Tos was a part of the CVC family for 13 years, August 2000 through July 2013. He began his career at CVC as an English teacher. He dreamt that one day he might become the Athletic Director. When Mark Gambini was coaching football, Ryan started sharing the duties of the AD. Eventually, Ryan was given the full-time position when Mark moved on to pursue his football coaching career elsewhere.

Ryan played a key role in building a strong vibrant athletic program here at CVC. One of his many talents was organization which he used very successfully in keeping everyone informed of where they were to be and when.

Juggling was another one of his talents. From the hiring of many coaches, the scheduling of buses, obtaining referees, field maintenance and many CIF meetings, Ryan did it all. In the mix of all this, Ryan did his fair share of coaching in basketball and tennis.

A former CVC coach, who is now the head coach of another school, stated that Ryan was the best AD he had ever worked with and that most of our coaches probably have no clue how well Ryan treated them and what he would do for them.

Ryan was looking for bigger challenges and in July of this year was offered the Athletic Director position at Lemoore High School. His new duties have expanded to meet the size of his new program, but he will no longer have to paint or mow the fields. His move was a tough decision for him and a big loss for us.

Dependable and hard-working, Ryan was – and still is – very well-respected among his peers and within the CIF Central Section. He represented CVC well, not only as an athletic institution but as a Christian Institution.

His calm demeanor and willingness to help in any way will be missed by many. We wish him the best as he seeks to serve his Lord. We know that God will use him as a positive influence in the lives of the students, staff, and parents in Lemoore.

– by Dr. John DeLeeuw, CVC Superintendant

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Welcome Len Fakkema As a member of an immigrant dairy family, I always wondered what it would be like to be a city kid. I was the oldest of six children and had many duties that I had to do at home. I was the one who had the majority of chores to do as well as know how to babysit and change diapers. My mom and dad had six children in a matter of ten years. I can’t even imagine how they did it, but they did by the grace of God. I went to Oak Harbor Christian School from first grade until eighth grade.

There wasn’t a Christian high school within 70 miles, so I went to a public high school. After high school, I went to Dordt College where I intended to major in Agri-Business, but God called me into the Education field.

At Dordt, I found my calling as an educator and coach. I met my wife there and we were married the summer between my junior and senior year. After graduation, we moved to Monroe, WA, where I had my first teaching job. I taught and coached everything at this small school. I was responsible for the fifth and sixth combined class. This was quite the way to break in a new teacher, but I survived for three years there. While we were there, two of our sons were born, but we were ready to move on. God called us to Lynden, WA, where I taught Social Studies, Bible, and PE to seventh and eighth graders. In Lynden, we were blessed with our third son. We loved our time in Lynden, and stayed there for seventeen years until God called us to southern California.

We really felt God calling us to Ontario, CA, so we took our youngest two boys with us while our oldest went on to Dordt College. It was difficult taking a senior and a sophomore out of their comfortable surroundings, but God is good, and they loved Ontario Christian. I taught World History and World Geography at the high school for twelve years. June and I loved the community and made great friends there. We miss our friends and church there. Our hearts are heavy because we left a son, daughter-in-law, and grandson there.

Right before Christmas I received a message from Dr. De Leeuw asking if I would consider applying for the Elementary Principal position since Randy Postmus had indicated he was not returning. June and I prayed about it and then decided I would “put my name in the hat” for the position. We felt that if God was calling us to CVC, it would be clear to us. After several meetings and interviews, I was offered the position, and we accepted. Wow! Now we had to sell our house, find a new home, and leave the community we loved.

Transitioning from the classroom to the office has been interesting to say the least. I love my job here at CVC! The community has been so welcoming, and we are truly blessed to be a part of CVC. We are so appreciative of all that has been given to us and the genuine acts of kindness. The staff, students, and Mother’s Club have been just awesome. Thank you so much! We are privileged to be a part of such a loving place.

June and I have always made it a priority to follow God’s will in our life. We came to this community with that in mind, and we hope and pray that we can be a blessing to CVC in some way. Christian education is important to us and always will be. We are called to raise His children as sons and daughters of the King. God is good all the time!

– by Lenn Fakkema, CVC Elementary Principal

2013 Fall Drive Each year, CVCS sponsors a Fall Drive, our largest fund-raising event. The Fall Drive helps keep tuition increases to a minimum by providing for capital expenditures and by keeping our debt load down to a minimum. It is also a tool that helps us offer tuition assistance for those that qualify.

As in past years, your donation will be distributed to Tuition Assistance, Capital Improvements, and the Bus Replacement funds.

This year’s Fall Drive officially begins on October 14 and will conclude on December 20. All Society members and supporters will receive a brochure in the mail in the near future. Our goal for this year is to raise $400,000. All donations are tax deductible. If a school representative has not contacted you prior to this year’s closing date, please contact our financial office at 734-9481.

Thank you for your generous support of the ministry of Christian education at Central Valley Christian Schools.

SYATP See You At the Pole is a day when students at private and public schools all across the U.S. gather to pray for their schools.This year it was observed on Sept. 25.

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Reflections on Christian Education: Academics and Faith in Community What is my greatest prayer? That my children know and love the Lord. Hands down, no doubt about it – nothing else is more important to this mother’s heart. I think most Christian parents would agree. Nurturing a child’s faith is an extraordinary privilege – one given to us by God when He places children in our families. He trusts us to guide them, lead them, and show them the way to Him. Spend too much time thinking about it, and you’ll be undone before you even begin.

When we become parents, we begin a lifetime journey of discipleship with our children. Thankfully, God does not expect us to take this journey alone. He has put into place resources to help parents as we strive to raise our children in faith.

One enormous facet of a child’s journey to faith is their education. What they learn academically and how they learn it will shape the rest of their life. Academic growth and spiritual growth are not two mutually exclusive areas – they are intricately intertwined and connected as a child grows.

My parents knew and understood this when they immigrated to CA in the late 70’s. My dad, Gerrit Griffioen, was an ardent advocate of Christian schools. He was instrumental in the development of Central Valley Christian School. He was passionate about creating a school where academics and faith were consistent and connected. This was not a school that sheltered believers’ children from the world, but rather a community of believers that worked together to prepare their children to live in this world.

When CVC began, my siblings and I were all part of this new school community. It was not just a school for good academic growth – but for the spiritual growth and development that occur when academics are taught from a Christian perspective. This was a community where we could develop a worldview with God at its center.

My parents sacrificed and worked hard for the new school. Building a school takes time, resources, and commitment. But it was worth it. Not only were their children learning within a Christian worldview, they were enveloped in a community that loved, encouraged, and supported them. Looking back, I can clearly see God’s hand at work in my dad’s passion. God was preparing and providing the resources our family would soon need. When I was a senior at CVC, my dad died suddenly. He left behind my mom and 5 children under the age of 18. The community my dad had worked so passionately to build gathered around us.

They supported, loved, sustained, encouraged, and walked alongside our family. Every dollar, every meeting, every sacrifice he had made for the school was paid back tenfold and more.

Today we talk about how times are different. Parents have many other options to educate and disciple their children that may not cost as much or anything at all. Why would they choose to pay thousands of dollars each year to send their children to a Christian school?

For my husband and I, it goes back to the same reasons my parents did. We want our children to develop a worldview that has God at its center. We want their academic growth and faith to be intertwined and connected. But, we also want them to experience the unique and irreplaceable gift of community that a Christian school provides.

Our son had a rather traumatic accident this past winter.

The community at CVC was there to pray, to encourage, and to support us. When he returned to school, it was to a classroom and teacher who helped him work through the implications of his accident. They worked in harmony with us to help him find spiritual growth and meaning in it. He learned to see clearly God’s hand of mercy as he was spared from any permanent injury. He was able to heal in a learning environment that had God at its center.

As we disciple our children and encourage them to grow in their faith, I am so thankful for the resource that God has placed in our community with Central Valley Christian School. It is a blessing to see my dad’s grandchildren learning and growing in the school that he worked so hard for.

What a privilege to be part of this Christian school community.

– by Anneke de Jong, a CVC mother

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Introducing Stacey Soerens I am a graduate of CVC and have a B.A. in Elementary Education from Dordt College. I got my first teaching job at Ontario Christian where I taught third grade for four years. In 2007, we moved to the Valley.

I am now teaching afternoons at CVC in third grade. I teach reading, spelling, and social studies/science. I have been married for almost ten years to Jake who is the IT Manager for Bank of the Sierra. We have three kids; Brayden (first grade), Taryn (four years old) and Bailey (two years old). We love being back in the Central Valley and especially being a part of the CVC community.

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Used Treasures

Young Archaeologists CVC sixth grade students have recently taken on active roles as young archaeologists! Our earth science curriculum, our literature novel, The Golden Goblet, and our study of ancient Egypt have all contributed to this archaeological dig experience. The follow student writing sample will give you a glimpse of this hands-on experience from a “reporter’s” perspective.

I’m Diggin’ This!

I am here at the extravagant archeological dig at Central Valley Christian Elementary School with the sixth grade class. It looks to me like the sixth graders are settin’ it up out here! The weather is sunny and dry and not a cloud in the sky. Over here to my right, the boys are digging for long-lost pottery or stone pieces with information about the past of our civilization. Now, to my left, the girls are busy placing pieces together that seem to match or go together. It appears everyone is busy with some sort of job to help this process along.

Why, they have just asked me if I would like to participate! As I’m helping the girls, I will jot down the pieces that we are placing together. It looks like so far we have five different groups that go together. As the boys bring pieces over, we continue to add tremendously to the groups. Nice work! Just now, two more pieces came in that don’t match the other five. Looks like seven groups now! This is exciting! The kids think there are eight groups total; we will wait and see if they can find all eight!

Oh goodness! We are switching with the boys at this moment! Now I’m digging in the hot dirt with sun beams blazing overhead in my new skirt! I better find something interesting! Hey, I just heard a “clink” with my shovel! What is this? It doesn’t look familiar? I’m running back to the boys to see if they can match it with a group. They cannot! It must be the eighth group! I’m so excited I’m jumping head over my new heels! Now that we have found the last group, we just have a few more pieces to find to complete all the groups.

Well, folks, I’m back at the office submitting my review of the archeological dig. Here’s what I found; digging up actual, physical, important information on pottery pieces is a lot more fun than just digging up information for a newspaper!

Thank you sixth graders, for letting me dig with you and discover something new about myself!

– by Roxanne Mayo, CVC Sixth Grade student

Is your closet overflowing? Have you accumulated an abundance of STUFF? Are you itching to get organized in your home but unsure of what to do with the excess ‘treasures’ in your garage and closets?

Used Treasures is happy to take your gently used items to resell in their spacious Tulare store. The doors of the donation shed located on the CVC middle school campus are open during school hours for all contributions. If you are unable to transport your items, Used Treasures will pick them up when you give them a call at (559) 684-8919.

Many individuals have been blessed by the opportunity to purchase quality, affordable items. Your donation can be a multi-faceted blessing. Feel free to be generous and many will benefit!

Proceeds of sales go to both Sierra Village (a Christian Retirement community) and Central Valley Christian Schools. Last year a Used Treasures representative was delighted to hand a check to CVC for $84,000!

Used Treasures is willing to accept and train volunteers to sort and work at the store. If interested, please contact them for further details. See the ad below for information on store hours and location.

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CVC Alumni News Calling all Alumni! CVC would like to maintain an accurate list of all alumni for the purpose of future class reunions, alumni events, and to remain connected. Please encourage any of your alumni children and friends to go to the alumni link on the CVC web page to enter their current address and email. Alumni will also be placed on the mailing list for “The Cavalier” and be notified of all future alumni events.

Graduations Connor Potts (’10) enlisted in the US Navy as an E3 and graduated boot camp with honors on December 23, 2012. He graduated in San Antonio, Texas, on April 23, 2013, as a Medical Corpsman.

He was the Navy Honor Graduate with a GPA of 97.15. He will now continue on to X-ray Tech School.

Josina de Jong (’11) received her cosmetology degree from Toni & Guy Academy for Hair and is currently working at Tiffany’s Luxury Medispa in Visalia.

Alexandra Gann (’12) recently graduated from Basic Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Airforce Base.

Marriages Jonathan Roybal and Amanda Oliver (’99) were married on June 15, 2013. They are living in Burbank, CA. Eric Miller and Alicia DeGroot (’01) were married in Shell Beach, CA on June 23, 2012. They now reside in Visalia.

Jason Bariatti and Stephanie Messinger (’04) were married October 13, 2013 at Fort Bragg, NC. They are residing in Fort Bragg, NC, where both Jason and Stephanie are in the Armed Forces.

Samuel Kitson (’07) and Kasie Clark were married on June 22, 2013, in San Diego, CA. Nate Witschi (’07) and Yadi Escobar were married on January 4, 2013 in Ensenada, Mexico. They are living in Visalia where Nate is working with Witschi Construction Inc. Brent Aukeman (’08) and Alysse Brunner were married on April 6, 2013. They are living in Tulare, CA. Robbie Kamper (’08) and Jessica Macedo were married on May 18, 2013, in Tipton, CA. They are living in Tipton, CA where Robbie is employed by Bar 20 Farms (associated with Producers’ Dairy) in Kerman, CA. Anthony Guerrero and Leah Fynaut (’08) were married on May 26, 2013, at West Point, NY. They are currently residing in Pennsylvania and will be moving to Washington in November.

Caleb Mainord and Alexandra Messinger (’08) were married August 10, 2013, at Seven Sycamores in Ivanhoe. They are living in Valdosta, GA, where Caleb is stationed in the U.S. Air Force.

Jake Owen and Colby Mouw (’08) were married on June 29, 2013, in Tulare and are making their home in Ontario, CA, where Colby teaches math at Ontario Christian High School and Jake is a sales representative for Professional Hospital Supply.

Tyler Van Grouw (’08) and Elisa Oliver (’08) were married on May 26, 2013, at Tulare Community Church followed by a reception at Evergreen Island in Tulare. Tyler and Elisa are living in Visalia where Tyler works at Rancho Sierra Vista Dairy and Elisa works for Oliver Concrete Company.

Jace Vanderham (’08) and Josina de Jong (’11) were married on June 1, 2013, at JEH Ranch in Bakersfield. They will be living in Tipton where Jace is a dairyman and manages D & V Dairy.

Jeremy Williams and Heidi Albers (’08) were married on June 1, 2013, at Lindsay Secret Garden and are making their home in Visalia, CA, where Jeremy is a heavy equipment operator and Heidi continues working with the family business.

Paul Beno (’09) and Megan Hettinga (’10) were married September 29, 2012 in Tulare.

Chad Reenders (’09) and Ariel de Jong (’08) were married on June 21, 2013, at Trinity United Reformed Church in Visalia, CA. They will be residing in Laton, CA. Chad Scheenstra (’09) and Brittany Rodrigues (’10) were married on February 9, 2013, at Tulare Community Church and are living in Tipton, CA. Brent Mulder and Madison Schotanus (’09) were married on June 8, 2013, at JEH Ranch in Bakersfield, CA. They are now living in Bakersfield while Madison finished nursing school at Azusa Pacific this year.

Mark Weststeyn (’09) and Emily Harris were married on June 22, 2013, in an outdoor wedding in Flagstaff, AZ. They will be living in Flagstaff where Mark will be attending school and Emily will be working as a nurse at Flagstaff Medical Center.

Jesse Jongsma (’11) and Macy Raymond were married April 6, 2013, at Trinity United Reformed Church with a reception following at Victorian Gardens. They are making their home in Ontario, CA, where Jesse is working on a dairy.

Births Eric (’96) and Dena Danzeisen welcomed their third child, Anna Lynn, on August 13, 2013. She was welcomed home by her big brother Thys and big sister Cornelia.

Daniel (’96) and Emily Van Vliet (’96) de Graaf welcomed their fifth child, David Gary, on November 14, 2012. He joins siblings Anna Mae, Johnny, Betty Lou and Willemina.

Jarrod (’98) and Sherry Oliver (’98) Highstreet welcomed Avery Bette on February 20, 2013. She was welcomed home by big sisters Grace and Lola and big brother Lincoln.

Eddy (‘01) and Robyn Montgomery (’02) Boertje welcomed Miles Everett into their family on May 6, 2013. Miles was welcomed home by big brother Wade.

Christopher (’01) and Keli Jongsma welcomed baby Number 5, Blake Daniel, on June 12, 2013. He joins siblings Alexis, Kaitlyn, Tristin and Christopher II. Andy (’02) and Cheryl Frings (’01) Zonneveld welcomed Sonya Christina into their family on May 29, 2013.

Brandon and Laine Koelewyn (’02) Stepp welcomed Paige Elisabeth into their family on April 7, 2013.

Andy (’02) and Cheryl Frings (’01) Zonneveld welcomed Sonya Christina into their family on May 29, 2013.

Brian (’03) and Mallory Kornelis welcomed Annika Ruth to their family on April 5, 2013. Annika was born in Freiberg, Germany. Brian is teaching Bible at an international Christian school, is the chapllina of the school and an associate pastor of a church in Vienna.

Matthew and Amy Leyendekker (’03) McCutcheon welcomed Brielle Joy on May 23, 2013. Brielle joins older sister Kaylin.

Adam and Heidi Zonneveld (’03) DeVisser welcomed Quinn Audrena into their family on January 3, 2013.

Ryan and Natalie Kalmink (’04) Blair welcomed Talan Michael into their family on March 1, 2013.

Steven (’05) and Teresa Verhoeven (’05) Andriese welcomed Kylie Joy into their family on April 29, 2013.

Gerrit and Kristina Boertje (’05) Anker welcomed Gerrit Boudewyn Anker, Jr., into their family on June 10, 2013.

Jimmy and Shelaine Reenders (’05) Goebel welcomed Ella Rose into their family on April 8, 2013. She was welcomed home by big brother Hendrik (Casey).

Kyle (’08) and Devin Te Velde (’08) Tos welcomed Zoe Grace into their family on March 28, 2013.

Parker (’09) and Kaitlin Anderson welcomed Stryder Gregory into their family on November 16, 2012.

A Cavalier Perspective What do you think of when you hear the term “Cavalier”?

If you support Central Valley Christian School, a vast array of bands, choirs, and athletic teams might come to mind. As a history buff, you might be aware that the first Cavaliers were soldiers who served in the cavalry under the rule of Charles I of England. These royalist horsemen of King Charles were noted for their flamboyant dress and a hair style of long flowing ringlets.

Nowadays, if you are not referring to sports teams, the term ‘cavalier’ is most often used to describe one’s attitude. In this context, “cavalier” tends to have a negative meaning. A typical definition of a “cavalier attitude” is “haughty, supercilious, and disdainful.” You see, those soldiers of King Charles had developed quite a negative reputation.

When you step into the gymnasium at CVC, you will find displayed on the wall the intended cavalier of the school. Underneath the familiar picture logo is the phrase, “Servants of the King.”

That king is not Charles I, or any other monarch, but the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Cavaliers of Central Valley Christian School serve King Jesus in all aspects of school life: academics, the fine arts, and athletics. Every activity is to bring honor to the King and advance His Kingdom. This publication, The Cavalier, is intended to focus on individuals, activities, and events at CVC that display the Lordship of Jesus Christ over the various facets of Christian Education.

By Doug Vander Schaaf, CVC Middle School Principal

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CVC Alumni Accomplishments Stephanie Messinger (’04) was promoted to Captain in the U.S. Army in August 2012 and completed her nine-month tour in Afghanistan in July 2013.

She was awarded the Bronze Star for her service during this tour. She is now stationed in Ft. Bragg, NC, with the 82nd Airborne Division.

Kylee Rogers (’10) served an internship with Students International in Guatemala this past summer. She has returned to her studies at Cal State Long Beach.

Hannah Anderson (’11) left April 7, 2013 for Hernhut, Germany, to serve as a missionary equipper. She is assisting in equipping those heading out to the mission field. On June 9, 2013, she and Mac John, her leader from her first YWAM mission, left for Uganda, Africa, where they will be speaking in churches. They will then head to Yei, South Sudan, where they will teach for a week in the Discipleship Training School. They plan on speaking in four conferences in Yei and then holding a conference in Juba, South Sudan. A conference is typically four days of teaching on whatever topics the church asks them to cover.

Joni Van Bockel (’11) just had her first solo art exhibition entitled “Touchy Feely” in the Nazareth Gallery at the University of Northwestern in St. Paul, Minnesota, where she is attending school. She is currently studying art history in Florence, Italy.

If you would like your alumni news – accomplishments, graduations, marriage and births – in print, please send an email with all information to: sdweststeyn@gmail.com

OCTOBER 14-17 K-8 ITBS Testing 14 HS Fall Choral Concert, 7 pm, Chapel 17 Pastors’ Breakfast, 8 am, Elementary Pavilion 18 End of 1st Quarter 19 Jr. Cheer Camp, 8 am, Gym 19 HS Hunkin’ Hitters, 4 pm, Gym 21 MS/HS Fall Band Concert, 7 pm, Chapel 23 MS Experience CVC Day, 8:15 am - 12 noon 24,25 K-8 Parent/Teacher Conferences (No school for K-8 ONLY) 28 College Night for HS Juniors, 7 pm, MPR 30 Elementary Experience CVC Day, 8:15 am - 12 noon 31 HS Experience CVC Day, 8:15 am - 12 noon

NOVEMBER 11 Veterans’ Day - No School 15,16 HS Fall Play - 7:00 pm - Chapel 20 Elementary and MS Experience CVC Day, 8:15 am - 12 noon 21 HS Experience CVC Day, 8:15 am - 12 noon 23 Shoot for the Shop Fundraiser - 10:00 am - 1:30 pm - More details coming 27-29 Thanksgiving Holiday - No School

DECEMBER 2 5 9 10 12 17 20 20

Visalia Christmas Parade - 5 pm HS Christmas Concert, 7 pm - Chapel Christmas at The Fox - 7 pm 2nd/3rd Grade Christmas Program, 7 pm - Chapel K/1st Program, 2:00 pm - Chapel 5th/6th Grade Christmas Program, 7 pm - Chapel End of 2nd Quarter Beginning of Christmas Holiday - School dismissed at 11:30 am December 21 – January 3 Christmas Holiday (No School)

JANUARY 2014 6

School resumes

Of Note...

In This Issue Changing the Tide . . . . . . . 1 Social Media . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 COWs Becoming Extinct . . . 2 Ryan Tos Transition . . . . . . . 2 Welcome Len Fakkema . . . . 3 2013 Fall Drive . . . . . . . . . . 3 Reflections on CE . . . . . . . . 4 Stacey Soerens . . . . . . . . . . 4 Young Archaeologists . . . . . 5 Used Treasures . . . . . . . . . . 5 Alumni News . . . . . . . . . . . 6,7 A Cavalier Perspective . . . . 7 Looking Ahead . . . . . . . . . . 7 Of Note . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

The following CVC juniors were accepted to participate in the Tulare County Farm Bureau Youth Leadership Program for the 2013-14 school year: Ruby Koetsier, Tate Nelson, Blake Rocha, Alex TeVelde and Peter Toms.

Congratulations to Danielle Cardenas (Sr.) who was one of ten local teenagers who participated in the Visalia Teen Idol competition on September 6.

There have been just a few changes in teaching/staff re-assignments this year.

Pat Rainbow (pictured at left) is back in the high school teaching Honors Spanish 4. Teri Girard moved from being a parttime third grade teacher to teaching full time in the second grade.

Len Fakkema was hired as the new elementary principal (see page 3). Stacy Soerens was hired as the new part-time third grade teacher (see page 5). Brian Gilbert was hired as the new high school

athletic director. Brooke Barton is now the middle school athletic director. Dane Moll and Connie Branderhorst have also taken on additional teaching duties in the high school and middle school.

Sports Shorts Congratulations to our fall sports teams who once again won the Milk Bowl against Bakersfield Christian!

Volleyball won the Clovis Tournament and Tess Van Grouw was named the tournament MVP. Girls’ Cross-Country is doing an outstanding job. They are ranked #1 in Division 5 right now. Top runners are Gabby Satterlee, Shani Slabber and Annechiena Knevelbaard.

Football is off to a great start: JV is undefeated so far and Varsity is having its best start in four years with a 4–1 record. Our offense is averaging 30 points per game!

Girls’ Tennis took first place in the Visalia tournament in Division 5.

Girls’ Golf took second in Lemoore and is favored to win the CSL.