DECEMBER • 2013
Family Read Night What a fun night! Over one hundred people attended our Family Read Night held in the elementary library. Most of the children were dressed in pajamas with pillows and pillow pets in hand!
Besides reading together as a family, families also had an opportunity to donate a book to the Camp Read program sponsored by Prosperity Avenue Baptist Church in Tulare. We collected three boxes of books to give to that ministry! Also on the agenda that night was a surprise skit performed by the library teacher and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. Irvine! It was a wonderful night! Thanks to all who attended.
•
CVC ADMINISTRTIVE PERSPECTIVE
– by Doug Vander Schaaf, CVCMS Principal
Celebrating Christmas
A
part of the middle school Bible curriculum is the study of world religions as well as sectarian and cultic groups. It is what might be considered a very basic apologetics class for eighth graders in the second semester. I enjoy teaching the class and find that many students have a considerable interest in what other groups believe and how it compares with what they have been taught in their church, at home, and at school. In studying Judaism, we spend a bit of time on Jewish holidays. There are a number of holidays in Judaism, many of which were instituted in Old Testament times. Some of the standout holidays are Passover, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Succoth and Hanukkah. In our discussion, most students are aware that Christmas and Hanukkah are fairly close to each other on the calendar. In December, one often reads or hears, “Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah.” When asked if they know what Hanukkah celebrates, a common response is that it might be something like a Jewish Christmas. We then go on to learn the story behind Hanukkah and why it is a significant event in the history of Judaism. (If you are unaware of the story behind Hanukkah, be sure to Google it and read some of the many resources.) Eyebrows go up a bit when students are told that Jesus never celebrated Christmas, but He did celebrate Hanukkah. (See John chapter 10 – it doesn’t say Hanukkah, but it is Hanukkah). There is usually at least one enlightened young scholar who insists that Jesus would always have celebrated Christmas on His birthday. This eventually leads to some type of discussion on the observance of “religious” holidays. Some Christians avoid celebrating holidays like Christmas and Easter arguing that they are rooted in pagan customs, are more about commercialism than Christ, and promote activities that are offensive to Christian sensibilities. I get that. I understand and can appreciate their perspectives. Many of us would probably have to admit that our Christmas celebration has more to do with serving ourselves than honoring the name of Jesus. In fact, a Christian friend of mine maintains that he would rather celebrate Hanukkah than Christmas, because he feels it is more meaningful and honorable to God than all the glitz and glimmer of Christmas. On the other hand, why would we not want to recognize these high holy days that focus on the (“Christmas” continues on page 2)
2 (“Christmas” continued from page 1)
greatest gift of God’s love and the promise of eternal life through Christ Jesus. What could possibly be more worthy of honor and celebration? Rather than haggling about whether or not Jesus was actually born on December 25, or raised on the date Easter falls, how about simply acknowledging the incredible truth of these events and pull out the stops to praise and honor God. The real issue might not be whether or not to celebrate Christmas, but rather how to celebrate. Christmas need not always include trees, lights, shopping and gift giving to friends and relatives. Those items and activities are fun and enjoyable but none of them really strike at the heart of what Christmas is about. Perhaps Christmas celebration should include more praise, worship, acts of service and concern for the poor. It would not be difficult to come up with a list of activities that would make for a more Christ-like celebration of Christmas that would be counter to the cultural norm. It appears from Scripture that Jesus honored and participated in the festivals of His time that celebrated the mighty works of God in caring for and preserving His people. We would do well to do the same. So deck the halls, cook the goose, jingle the bells, and raise your voice in carols. Or if it makes you feel better, spin the dreidel and light the menorah. We have much to celebrate. – by Doug Vander Schaaf, CVCMS Principal
ASB Highlights The first semester at Central Valley Christian has witnessed unprecedented school spirit. One catalyst for this change in tide has been the CVC High School Associated Student Body (ASB). The student-led organization has administered a plethora of events throughout the school year, applying innovative thinking to create a friendly atmosphere and advocate school spirit. Some of the events that have occurred in the first semester include the annual Back-to-School dance, Spirit week, and the Homecoming festivities. The 2013 Homecoming was a fusion of fanny packs and tiaras as CVC went to Disneyland for the week. In addition to these typical activities, the ASB has also implemented several new events to CVC. Before the first day of school, incoming freshmen and transfer students were invited to the “New Student Social” which introduced them to current CVC students and provided them with an opportunity to receive a tour of their schedule. Another exciting event introduced this year was the Senior Sunrise. Before the crack of dawn, CVC seniors convened for a morning of communion, breakfast, devotions, and a student-led worship. In addition to these inaugural events, this semester contained the first CVC Alumni Weekend. On September 29, all Central Valley Christian Alumni were invited to a family friendly barbecue that included activities and a setting for past Cavaliers to reunite and reminisce over delicious food. The Central Valley Christian High School is electric with sport playoffs, pep rallies, and invigorated school spirit. ASB continues to work hard to provide events that will further promote an environment that is inviting to both current and potential students. – by Brady Vander Dussen, ASB Public Relations Commissioner
• • ▲ • •
Do You Up-Cycle? Used Treasures in Tulare is the perfect place to find an abundance of items to help feed the need to re-purpose or to up-cycle. Vocabulary has a way of changing over time. Twenty years ago neither of these words were in our vocabulary. Re-purposing is defined as finding new uses for old items without modification, a way of recycling items for a different function. Up-cycling is a process of converting old items into something decorative or useful, modifying the original item and changing the function. Do you find yourself in the re-purposing or up-cycling camp? If so, support your creative habit by shopping at Used Treasures. Visit the store at 232 South K Street in Tulare to find endless items to re-purpose or up-cycle Their phone number is 684-8919. Used Treasures also accepts donations of good used items at the convenient drop-off location at the CVC middle school parking lot.
Cultivating responsible
aluing Vacademic
onnecting CBiblical truths
haping SChrist-like
Christian adults
excellence
with everyday living
behavior
3
Pastors Breakfast It began in early October just as the weather began cooling off. CVC elementary students approached their pastors alone or with a friend, some a bit tentatively, and others with excitement and enthusiasm ricocheting off everything and everyone. Each delivered an artistically customized invitation for the upcoming Pastors Breakfast. What a blessing those brief pastor – child interactions were in and of themselves. But the best was yet to come! With the gift of hospitality in full swing, CVC administrators, staff members, board members, and parents warmly greeted the 58 pastors from 23 different churches to the CVC elementary campus. Pastors got acquainted and visited with one another over a wonderful breakfast ... so tasty that not a theological debate was heard! Good, but not the best. Pastors then moved to the multipurpose room where ASAPH, the middle school Choraliers and a third grade class sang and shared God’s Word with the group. Rev. Tim Spykstra, pastor of Cross Point Church in Chino, CA, masterfully challenged and inspired the group with a message entitled, “Mystery Bread,” from Luke 11:3. Good, really good, but not the best. Physically and spiritually fed, the pastors were given the awesome opportunity to tour the campus and visit the classroom(s) of their student(s). Children, now on their own turf, eagerly and enthusiastically greeted their pastor(s) with life-giving smiles, fist-bumps, high-fives, and hugs. What a gift to connect kids with their pastors and pastors with their kids. Now that gift was the BEST part of the morning! A heartfelt thank-you to the CVC staff and volunteers who made this outstanding, life-giving event a reality. – by Pastor Steve Duyst, Tulare Community Church
“Let the Little Children Come to Me...”
Fall Play – “The Diary of Anne Frank”
Jump Rope for Heart On Friday, Nov. 1, the elementary students in grades 1–6 participated in the Jump Rope for Heart event at CVC. The students, along with their teachers, were able to participate in nine different stations. Each station focused on getting their heart rate up while performing different jumping exercises.
A couple of months ago Rhayana Atherton, a student of mine, came to me with the desire to begin a Bible study with other fourth grade girls. The plan was to meet every Thursday during their lunch recess. Each week Rhayana prepares a lesson. At times she has copied sheets with activities/questions for them to work on. Other times she may use a “game” to reinforce what the lesson was about. There are usually 12-15 girls that attend; however, they are always open to having more girls join them. I asked her to write about the inspiration she had to begin this Bible study. Here is what she wrote: Bible Study Our Bible study started one day when my sister, Rylie, and I were playing with Bible trivia cards. We had so much fun, that we decided it would be a lot of fun to play with friends at school. Soon that turned into Bible verses and Bible related games! Then after a while we started to call it a Bible study, and we would read devotions too. Rylie started her Bible study in second grade, so in second grade I started one too. God is speaking through me and telling me to tell everyone the word of the Lord! God created everyone to be just who they are, and we shouldn’t treat God’s creations and people like they are dirt! When you treat people like they are nothing and saying that someone looks weird, you are saying that God did a bad job at making the world. I am trying to grow closer to God and help all of my friends grow closer too. I have noticed that this Bible study is not just helping others, but it’s also helping me to have a stronger faith in Jesus! – by Lori DeWitt, fourth grade teacher
The event was a reminder to all of us that God has blessed us with the gift of life and the gift of a healthy heart. We jumped for those who have been affected by heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. We jumped for classmates, family members, and friends who have had heart surgery at a very young age. And we jumped for those who have passed away from a heart condition. I am happy to report that the CVC students raised over $9,000 for the American Heart Association. What a wonderful blessing. – by Brooke Barton, Elementary PE Teacher and MS Athletic Director
4
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. Class Reunion On August 3, 2013, the CVC graduating class of 2003 had their 10-year class reunion at The Depot restaurant in downtown Visalia. About 30 alumni and their guests attended the reunion. It was a lovely evening of catching up and enjoying each other’s company. A photo booth with CVC colors was set up and used to make more memories. Graduations David Rainbow (’97) earned a doctorate in Russian History from New York University in September 2013. He is currently teaching history at NYU as a Postdoctoral Fellow and is a Writer in Residence at NYU’s Jordan Center for the Advanced Study of Russia. Trevor Bangma (’07) received his Master’s Degree in Kinesiology/Sports Management from California Baptist University in May 2013. He is currently Assistant Manager at Equinox Sports Club in Irvine and has accepted a job at Cypress College in Orange County as Assistant Sports Information/Media Relations Coordinator. Marriages Joel Ruiter (‘06) and Jennifer King were married October 19, 2013 in Springville, CA. They are living in Monterey where Joel works at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Kevin Kampen (’09) and Michelle Rugg were married on July 21, 2013 in Walnut Grove, CA. They are living in Davis, CA where Kevin is working at Intel and earning his Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from UC Davis and Michelle is a civil engineer. Daniel Leyendekker (’10) and Kelsey Terveen were married on September 28, 2013 in Emery, South Dakota. They now live in Tulare where Daniel is working on the family dairy. Births John (’95) and Kelly Van Dyk were blessed with the arrival of Mason Charles on October 29, 2013. He joins his siblings Kamber, Lauren, and Tanner. Brian and Reanna (DeHaan) (’98) Bergman welcomed Marit Jean into their family on February 19, 2013. Marit was welcomed home by sister Thea, and brothers Hudson and Hans. Robert (’04) and Tracie Bushnell welcomed Caleb Robert into their family on June 27, 2013.
Billy (’04) and Janae De Witt were blessed with their first child, Korbyn Danielle on May 29, 2013. Andrew and Sarah (Stryd) (’05) Quesada were blessed with the arrival of Emmalynna Quesada on Oct. 25, 2012. Arie (’05) and Nikki (Chlouber) (’07) Van’t Zelfde welcomed Hailey Lynn on July 16, 2013. She joins brothers Arie and Gerrit. Accomplishments Paul Sikkema (’08) graduated from the USAF Academy in May 2012. He was the only liberal arts major (Bachelor of Science in Philosophy and Law) to be selected for postgraduate studies. He is finishing his Master’s Degree in Philosophy of Law at Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA. He focused on legal and ethical issues involving the modern phenomena of “targeted-killing” by use of UAVs (unmanned, aerial vehicles...aka “drones”). He will become an Intelligence Officer for the Air Force once he completes training for his special career assignment in late 2014. The present plan is that once he completes sufficient assignments in the field of intelligence gathering, he will be assigned to the Philosophy Department/Faculty of the USAF Academy in Colorado Springs. If you would like to see your alumni news and information in print, please send an email with all information to: sdweststeyn@gmail.com
• • ▲ • •
Remembering Veterans The elementary school classes took just a few minutes from their typical school day to remember. Remember the more than 22 million Veterans who have ever served honorably in wartime or peacetime, in the United States Armed Forces. Remembering is essential since many of our students have a parent, grandparent, or neighbor who is a Veteran or is still in service. The K-6 students listened attentively to Adam Sabourin, a CVC parent and veteran. He informed the children of the various branches of military service. Through pictures taken while deployed to Iraq, he told about the role of the soldiers who help other countries to attain freedom as well as defend our own country’s freedom by serving in places very far from home. The price many brave service members have paid to defend our nation is great. Students were encouraged to be thankful for the precious freedoms they experience each day and the opportunities available here in the United States.
Of Note... Congratulations to Austin Bons and Kaylee Purdy (first year participants) and Emily Brown (second year participant) who were invited to the Regional Honor Choir. This year’s honor choir was held in Stockton on November 14–16. In order to receive an Academic Letter at CVC, students must earn eight quarters of High Honor Roll recognition and have at least three semesters of California Scholarship Federation membership. Our congratulations to the following students for earning their Academic Letters: Seniors – Jessica Bos and Shane Marshall Juniors – John Alzagatiti, Lindsay Calvin, Amber De Groot, Sebastian Elsenbroek, Darren Fagundes, Brandi Hoftyzer, Kris Hopper, Anna Leyendekker, Veronica Nederend, Brent Ritzema, Blake Rocha, Michael Schotanus, Peter Toms, Kari Van Hofwegen, Brady Vander Dussen, Sam Vander Dussen, Kayla Vander Schuur, Erica Vander Wall and Caleb Zwart. Kenneth Shannon (sixth grade, pictured at left) placed first in a chess tournament in Hanford. He is undefeated (5-0) in the unrated division and will now be moved to the rated divsion. Congratulations Kenneth! As a Thanksgiving project, the CVC elementary school collected canned goods and 191 pillows for Love, INC of Tulare County. Faculty Congratulations to the following teachers who have recently been blessed with little bundles of joy! Jonathan and Lisa Maher (HS English teacher) welcomed Ada Mary Ruth on July 6, 2013. She joins big sister, Annie. Eric and Amy Putman (first grade teacher) welcomed their first baby, Brayden James, on July 9, 2013. John (first grade teacher) and Alecia Vanden Berg (HS English teacher) welcomed their first baby, Kamryn Joy, on November 9, 2013. Sports Shorts Girls’ Cross-Country • The girls’ cross-country team finished in first place in Division 5 of the Mt. SAC Cross-Country Invite. It is the largest cross-country meet in the world with over 18,000 athletes that cross the finish line. They also won the CSL Team championship. Gabby Satterlee was the CSL Girls’ Individual League Champion. Congratulations girls! Boys’ Cross-Country • Boys’ cross-country finished sixth as a team in the CSL Championships. Cooper Calvin was all-league and finished in sixth place. Congratulations Cooper! Tennis • Girls’ tennis finished the year and made the Division 5 playoffs where they lost to Roosevelt High of Fresno in the first round. Volleyball • CVC volleyball clinched the number one berth in the Central Section rankings and has now advanced to the D3 Valley Title championship match. They will play Redwood for the D3 title on Thursday, November 21. Football • The CVC Football team received the number two seed for the D4 Central Section playoffs. They had a first round bye and will play Cesar Chavez High School of Delano on Friday, November 22.
DECEMBER 2 9 10
Visalia Christmas Parade Christmas at The Fox - 7 pm 2nd/3rd Grade Christmas Program, 7 pm - Chapel 12 K/1st Program, 2:00 pm - Chapel 16–19 HS Exams 17 5th/6th Grade Christmas Program, 7 pm - Chapel 20 End of 2nd Quarter 20 Beginning of Christmas Holiday (School dismissed at 11:30 am) December 21 – January 3 Christmas Holiday (No School)
JANUARY 2014 6 6
School resumes Mother’s Club Meeting - 8:30 am - Elementary MMC 6 Financial Aid Night for High School Seniors and Parents - 7 pm - MPR 16 4th Grade Night of Praise - 7 pm - Chapel 20 Martin Luther King Day - No School 24,25 HS Honor Band Practice and Performance - TBA 29 Elementary and MS Experience CVC Day, 8:15 am – 12 pm 3 HS Experience CVC Day, 8:15 am – 12 pm
FEBRUARY 1 3
HS Winter Formal - TBD Mother’s Club Meeting - 8:30 am - Elementary MMC 6, 7 Kindergarten Application Days - Elementary School Office 8 Faculty Concert - 7 pm - Chapel 12 Farm Show Day - No School 17 Presidents’ Day - No School 19–21 HS Breakout 26 Elementary and MS Experience CVC Day, 8:15 am – 12 pm 27 HS Experience CVC Day, 8:15 am – 12 pm
CVC Christmas Programs And the heavens were filled with angels and hosts singing...
In This Issue Celebrating Christmas . . . . 1 Family Read Night . . . . . . . 1 ASB Highlights . . . . . . . . . . 2 Do You Up-Cycle? . . . . . . . . . 2 Pastors Breakfast . . . . . . . . 3 Jump Rope for Heart . . . . . . 3 Grade School Bible Study . . 3 Alumni News . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Remembering Veterans . . . 4 Of Note . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Sports Shots . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Looking Ahead . . . . . . . . . . 5
The choirs and bands of CVC have a host of musical opportunities for you to celebrate the season of Jesus’ birth. You are invited to join us at any or all of these performances to glorify God in the highest!!
▲ The Cavalier Band will march in the annual Visalia Christmas Parade on Monday, December 2, beginning at 7:00 pm in downtown Visalia. ▲ The choirs and band of CVC High School will present their annual Christmas concert featuring a festival of Christmas music, old and new, on Thursday, December 5, at 7:00 pm in the CVC chapel. This year a chamber orchestra of CVC students will accompany the choir. ▲ The second/third grade Christmas program, “Go, Tell It!” will be performed Tuesday, December 10, at 7:00 pm in the HS Chapel. “Go, Tell It!” is a powerful musical that reminds us of the wonderful opportunity we have at Christmas to tell the whole world that Jesus is come. ▲ The Kindergarten/first grade Christmas program, “Christmas Present”, will be Thursday, December 12, at 2:00 pm in the HS Chapel. The “Christmas Present” message centers on Jesus as God’s true Christmas present, a gift that gives daily. ▲ The fifth/sixth grades will present their Christmas program on Tuesday, December 17, at 7:00 pm in the CVC chapel. In addition to festive music by the 5th and 6th grade bands, the sixth grade choir will sing the mini-musical, “The Rich Man and Lazarus”.