Messenger The
Spring 2021
Meet Our New Board Members.
State
Champions!
Regional Miss Leads TC Christian to End on Historic Finals Roll
TCCS parents elect three newcomers to the school board.
Campus CloseUp
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Senior Mission Trip
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State Champions! Regional Miss Leads TC Christian to End on Historic Finals Roll
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A Stamp Of Approval
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New Board Member Brittany Watson
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Chris Butz
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Kelli Sutphen
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Sports Highlights
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Spring 2021
The Messenger
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Do You Talk to Your Kids About Money? Here’s Why You Should and How. Where’s the Finish Line?
A publication of Traverse City Christian School 753 Emerson Road, Traverse City, MI 49696 (231) 929-1747 | www.tcchristian.org
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State Champions!
Regional Miss Leads TC Christian to End on Historic Finals Roll As fall sports playoffs commenced, Traverse City Christian was seeking its first ever MHSAA Finals championship in a girls sport.
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Do You Talk to Your Kids About Money? Here’s Why You Should and How. s never too early to start teaching your child about money.
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Where’s the Finish Line? Do you remember the first time you learned to swim? I grew up here, on the Great Lakes, and my grandparents had a pool. We learned to swim like some learn a second language.
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Senior Mission Trip A highlight of every senior at TC Christian is the annual international mission trip. Chelsea Leggett, to learn more about this vital ministry.
Campus Close-Up We love that what we are teaching at home is what they are hearing at school. We love the care that the teachers have for the kids. We love that they work with the parents as a team to raise up our children. We love the community of families. We have so many wonderful families at TC Christian to do life with, and they are teaching their children similar ways to live and follow Jesus.” - TC Christian Parent
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Ava and her 2nd grade class were busy making bee weavings.
5th graders, Luke and Matt, make some music in the warmth of the sun.
Exploring chemical reactions led to some explosive fun for the 8th graders! Students designed their own pop bottle rockets and used a simple chemical reaction to launch them.
Playground fun
Pre-K Reading Time
Whooo’s Reading? TC Christian students love to read. Each year a number of them participate in the ‘Whooo’s Reading’ campaign. This year, the students read a cumulative 186,000 minutes over the course of two weeks and raised over $22,500 for the PTO.
Baby Shower
Reading Buddies TC Christian’s Spring ‘Reading Buddy’ get-together was a hit. Middle and high school students connected with their elementary buddies and spread out around the school to read together. We hope this short video (https://spark.adobe.com/video/ikci97RZfmHMp) gives you a taste of the great time that was had by all.
The middle and high school students and their families held a surprise baby shower for Superintendent, Tyler Van Schepen, in mid-April. Tyler and his wife, Heather, welcomed their daughter - and first child Emerson into the world on May 20. In anticipation, the Student Council organized a collection and gifts were purchased. The shower was a complete surprise and Tyler was blessed to receive a Graco Stroller/Car Seat combination along with a mountain - literally! - of diapers. Cupcakes and a spirited game of corn hole (using, of course, a diaper) followed the presentation. Thanks to everyone who contributed and participated. What a great community we have! The Messenger | 5
In Memoriam In late April, one of TC Christian’s substitute teachers, Julie Westrate, passed away suddenly.
Preschoolers, Sophia and Leila, celebrate their friendship.
TCCS mom and super volunteer, Lindsay Gelinas, strolled the school blessing students with ice-creams to celebrate their stupendous achievements during the Whooo’s Reading Challenge.
Award Winner Congratulations go to Caleb Smith (‘21) on winning the Carla Lamphere Memorial Award for Voice in the Grand Traverse Musicale Honors List for 2021. Great job, Caleb!!
Julie was our “regular” substitute for many years throughout all grade levels. We could always count on her being available in a pinch. She had a huge heart for Traverse City Christian School and the students who attended. Julie would often be seen in attendance at various extra-curricular activities supporting and cheering on our students. Julie was a selfless servant who had a heart to share her love for Christ as a part of the TC Christian community. She was a blessing to our school community and will be dearly missed.
Lauren and her 5th grade class enjoyed the beautiful spring weather by planting sixteen trees on our school campus! That’s what we call “Creation Keepers”!!
Teacher Appreciation Week Let’s face it. This school year has been...different. But we’re getting through it, in large part thanks to our amazing teachers. Whether teaching virtually or inperson, TC Christian’s teachers have provided a much-needed sense of continuity, community, and connection. We paused in early May to highlight the teaching team at TCCS and say thank you! You can see all the profiles on our school Facebook page.
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Tea Party TC Christian 1st grade teacher, Julia Faunce, treated the young ladies in her class to a tea party in early May. Dressed in their finest outfits, the young ladies had their nails done and enjoyed a story and a variety of tasty treats served with tea in china tea cups. Everyone agreed it was a lovely way to conclude a week of school.
Association Meeting TC Christian’s annual Parent Association meeting was held in early May. This calendar gathering has a simple purpose: to update parents on the school’s operations and give them a say in the running of their school. Board Chair, Johanna Rasmussen, Superintendent Tyler Van Schepen, and Finance Committee Chair, Adam Miller, provided a review of major milestones in the school’s operations. These included CSI accreditation (see accompanying story in this issue), a balanced budget, and strong enrollment growth. Two additional items - a comprehensive teacher salary scale and a building addition to accommodate growth of
the student body - have been supported by two lead gifts totalling $1 million. We are incredibly blessed to have support like that. Four staff members were recognized for their years of service: Steve Anderson (15 years); Kim Chesney (5 years); Stacy Ellis (5 years); Brad Williams (5 years). A budget was approved and board nominees were presented by Board Selection Chair, Jake Makowski. Brittany Watson, Chris Butz, and Kelli Sutphen were each elected to three year terms. A profile on each of the new board members is in this issue. Pastor Anthony Weber closed the meeting with a word of thanks to retiring board members, Johanna Rasmussen and Adriano Silva, followed by a blessing.
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State Champions!
Regional Miss Leads TC Christian to End on Historic Finals Roll By Tom Spencer Second Half - MHSAA
Reprinted with permission
That’s good. But those hopes ended at the hands of Leland. If you’re one of the Sabres, that’s bad. Yes, but winter sports were on the horizon and girls and boys Regional bowling titles had been numerous in years past. And the girls team graduated only one member of the 2020 team that reached the Division 4 semifinals and fell 10 pins shy of the championship match. That’s good. Suddenly winter sports hit the pause button. That was bad, and frankly sad for many student-athletes. In February, the pause button was released and the Sabres bowling teams were ready again to pursue Division 4 titles.
(L to R Top): Ella Wndel, Kaia Beebe, Hannah Elenbaas | (L to R Bottom): Ava Wendell, Rebekah Burch, Brooke Smith
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As fall sports playoffs commenced, Traverse City Christian was seeking its first ever MHSAA Finals championship in a girls sport. Then the Sabres’ volleyball team reached the Regional Finals, and thoughts of a state title were on the school’s collective mind.
Fast forward a bit and the girls managed to let the Regional title slip out of their hands, 52 pins short of champion Ishpeming Westwood. They lost a 90-pin lead in the final game. Oh, supporters and the girls would agree that’s bad. Not really, as the Sabres’ runner-up finish qualified them for the Finals. That’s good, right? Indeed! They topped Ishpeming in a semifinals rematch on their
way to claiming the first girls sport Finals championship in the school’s history. “We thought we were going to win one (Regional) this year,” said Brent Wheat, one of the Sabres’ three girls and boys bowling coaches, and the school’s baseball coach. “We were in the lead (at the girls Regional) and the individual mental side of things kind of took over that last game and got in their head a little bit, and it impacted the outcome for the team in the end. “We gave up the lead, and I think that was a big growing lesson for them, and it was a lesson the coaches really hammered in that next week before the state finals.” Kaia Bebe, Rebekah Burch, Hannah Elenbaas, Brooke Smith, Eva Wendel and Ella Wendel comprised the history-making team. Along with Wheat, coaches Andy Radtke and Judy Radtke are also in the history books. TC Christian’s boys bowlers did win their Regional and nearly upset top-seeded and eventual Finals champion St. Charles in the opening round of that tournament’s match play, coming up 21 pins shy of the victory. The Sabres’ Hunter Haldaman, Jeremy Hansen and Ella Wendel also competed in the next day’s Singles Finals, with Wendell finishing runner-up and Haldeman reaching the semifinals as both made the all-state first team. “It was quite a year for TCCS bowling – two conference titles, a Regional boys title and a girls state championship,” noted coach Andy Radtke. “It’s shown them what hard work, teamwork, and a never-give-up attitude can accomplish.”
We gave up the lead, and I think that was a big growing lesson for them, and it was a lesson the coaches really hammered in that next week before the state finals.” talked about it after we won,” Wheat said. “We used to go down there (to the Finals) and look at these teams and go ‘Man, I wonder what that feels like to be that team that wins. I wonder what it feels like to have that program that can compete at that level,’ and all of a sudden we’re sitting in that position,” he continued. “It is hard to process.” Mounting successes are what Andy Radtke points to for the real lack of surprise. Traverse City Christian’s girls had won Regional championships three of the last four seasons entering this one.
The girls team’s character is what impresses their coaches the most. “They encourage each other, and they are respectful to their coaches and opponents,” shared coach Judy Radtke, who also teaches at TC Christian. “It was wonderful for me to have several coaches from other teams at the Finals tell me how much they enjoyed bowling with our girls and how nice they were. As coaches, we seek to use bowling to help build character in our players, and I’m thankful they were able to demonstrate that on such a big stage.” The three coaches, who are all related, aren’t really surprised the girls became Finals champions in less than 10 years of competing. “Andy, my father-in-law, and I The Messenger | 9
Christian’s small enrollment, fewer than 75 students in the high school, is a source of pride for Judy Radtke.
“I’m very pleased, but not surprised,” he said. “During the 201920 season they were conference and Regional champions. “They also did very well at states – finally losing in the semifinals in a very close match,” he continued. “I’m convinced that experience served as a springboard to this year winning the championship.”
“To be able to successfully compete against schools that are significantly larger than ours feels really good,” she said. “Our school has had several girls teams, in all sports, do well in postseason play. “Being able to be the first team to win that Finals trophy is incredibly exciting.” Wheat believes the lessons learned in the second-place Regional finish led to tremendous growth. “They really buckled down and performed above their years from what we
have seen mentally,” he said. “They seemed much more grown up in their competing. Being able to control the mental side of it at that level is the difference in champions versus just coming up a bit short,” Wheat explained. “They were able to work through it largely from what had happened the week before.” The Division 4 Finals title has the school’s athletic director Micah Gallegos beaming with pride for both the girls and boys bowling teams. “We have great kids who work really hard to develop themselves and their game,” he said. “It is evident that we have created a recipe for success.”
Tom Spencer is a longtime MHSAA-registered basketball and soccer official, and former softball and baseball official, who has also coached in the northern Lower Peninsula. Tom previously wrote for the Saginaw News, Bay County Sports Page and Midland Daily News. He can be reached at tomspencer@ chartermi.net.
GET INTO THE SABRE SPIRIT
https://sideline.bsnsports.com/schools/michigan/traversecity/traverse-city-christian-school 10 | The Messenger
Do You Talk to Your Kids About Money?
Here’s Why You Should and How.
It’s never too early to start teaching your child about money. Many Americans did not make as much money in 2020 as years prior due to layoffs, businesses being closed, and kids being at home. But just because money may be a stressor right now, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t talk to your kids about money.
Dr. Meg Meeker, MD
Practicing pediatrician, parent, grandparent, coach, speaker, and author. Say hello @MegMeekerMD and visit Meg’s website: www.meekerparenting.com
Money is often a topic we get wrong with our kids. We don’t know how to talk to them about it, at least not in the right way. So many kids end up in college or in jobs after high school with little know-how on how to save and manage their money. College debt is higher than ever right now, but kids have no clue how to pay it off. Fortunately, you can start instilling good money habits in your child right now. Kids learn about money from what they observe in their parents, whether you’re talking about money with them or not. Because of this, it’s important to both talk to your kids about money and model good money habits. Here are a few tips for how you can navigate the money conversation with your child in a way that will leave her feeling equipped to handle, manage, save
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and spend her own money one day. Talk about it, but don’t complain about it. The first rule about talking to your kids about money is simply that: talk to them about money. When parents keep money a secret or don’t bring it up around their kids, it confuses them. They know money is important, but if their parents never talk to them about why it’s important, how to manage it, and how to spend it, they may think understanding money isn’t important. Then, when their money doesn’t simply manage itself one day, they will feel even more confused. On the other hand, if you talk about money too much around your kids, this could cause them anxiety. If money is tight and you’re constantly talking about what you can and can’t afford, or you’re
arguing about it with your spouse, your child will feel pressure and fear when it comes to money. She could develop an anxious attitude toward it and take on a feeling of responsibility—the family’s money— that isn’t hers. Talk about money with your child in a reasonable and healthy way, and save the stressful conversations for after bedtime. Teach contentment first. Kids learn the most from what you do, not what you say. That’s just how it is. They absorb everything they see, and if they see you being discontent and spending money you don’t have just to keep up with everybody else, that is what they will learn about money— that it is a way to stay in the “in” crowd, to be included, to get what you want when you want it. And as you know, this will not lead to a satisfying life for your child. This will lead to a life of discontentment. (My friend Rachel Cruz wrote a book about this a few years ago that I highly recommend: Love Your Life, Not Theirs: 7 Money Habits for Living the Life You Want.)
If you want to teach your kids the ins and outs of money, you have to teach them contentment first. You do this best by modeling it. Stop talking about wanting to be like so-and-so. Stop complaining about what you don’t have. If you are living with a sense that you want someone else’s life, you will transfer that to your children. Discontent, dissatisfied parents raise discontent, dissatisfied kids. Instead, teach your child how to be content through practicing gratitude in the small and big things.
teach him how to manage, save, and spend his money. He can’t learn this if he doesn’t work. And if he doesn’t get his first job until after his education, he could have a very steep learning curve with that first paycheck. Allow your child to work on the weekends or maybe a couple of hours after school a couple of days a week. Consider it a part of his education. Trust me, this is where he will learn some of his most valuable lessons.
Money is hard to manage as adults, et your child get a job. L but just because it’s hard doesn’t mean I started working as a young teen and it’s a subject you shouldn’t tackle with have continued to throughout my life. your kids. In fact, because it is difficult, I know some parents are afraid to let it is all the more reason to be open with their child have a job while he’s still your kids about it and teach them in the in high school. You’re worried it will best way you can how to approach, deal interfere with his classes or prevent with, and handle money so they will be him from focusing on what he needs ready to handle it themselves. to focus on. But having a job is a great way to learn To read more about how to navigate the money about money. When territory with your child, check out my blog post “The your child is making Most Important Thing You Can Teach Your Kid About his own money, it is Money” and this guest post by money guru Rachel hands-on learning Cruz, “4 Things to Teach Your Kids About Money.” experience that will
SABRE CAR DECALS Contact the Athletics office to get your $5 Sabre Car Decal while supplies last.
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Where’s the Finish Line? Do you remember the first time you learned to swim? I grew up here, on the Great Lakes, and my grandparents had a pool. We learned to swim like some learn a second language. By Shea Petaja
Guest Columnist Life Coach www.sheapetaja.com
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My parents would spread out in the shallow end as one of them released me to swim to the other. As I became more skilled, they would move the finish line, backing up farther and farther as they yelled, “Keep going! Keep going! You’ve got this!” My head bobbing down into the water to gain speed then coming up to get air. My arms and legs awkwardly trying to find a rhythm as my eyes scanned the surface to find them, hoping they would reach for me right before I ran out of steam. They always did.
There was a lot of comfort knowing that I was in the middle of a lesson with two people I trusted to guide me. Those days are long gone, and I’m often left in open water to navigate my way. It’s called “adulting.” Some days I sink and some days I swim. Guess what? That’s how everyone else is doing it. Don’t be fooled by their fancy wetsuit. It takes a lot more than gear to get you past the finish line. It takes purpose, persistence and people to cheer you on. Purpose answers the question, “Where am I going?” If you’re looking for a finish line, it’s up to you to mark it. Your personal mission(s) in life are entirely up to you to co-create with God, who designed you as a creative, resourceful and whole being. You don’t have to
doubt the dreams placed in your heart. Trust them and keep moving. In the words of Dory, “Just keep swimming.” Persistence is a learned behavior where one doesn’t avoid failure but accepts it as part of the journey. Every setback is an opportunity to learn more about who you are and how others operate. It’s not about speed, it’s about strategy. The challenges that happen to you or within you cannot be avoided. They must be faced. If you can embrace that reality, you have already set yourself up to not only cross the finish line, but to enjoy the journey too. The winners aren’t the fastest, they simply don’t give up. People to cheer you on will be exactly what you’ll need to stay the course. You may be in the water alone and doing the work alone, but you cannot go at it alone. And, ironically enough, these folks will not show up on their own. You’ll have to invite them. Ask them to meet you in the water on their SUP board, powerboat or kayak. Their voices of encouragement, correction and direction are more valuable than your physical strength. They will also offer you a place to rest during a storm to save you. When you cross the finish line, they will be your witnesses. The joy shared will be multiplied by their presence.
Our faith is the anchor in our souls to help us reorient when we can’t find the horizon. There are also magical days when we coast along the surface as the sun warms our skin, and everything ahead is crystal clear. All of it is good.
Lastly, this life can take our breath away. We can be overtaken by storms, beaten down by the waves and tossed here and there by the wind. Our faith is the anchor in our souls to help us reorient when we can’t find the horizon. There are also magical days when we coast along the surface as the sun warms our skin, and everything ahead is crystal clear. All of it is good. It’s in our best interest to remember to not take personally what is happening to everyone. The difference is in how you choose to experience it. You got this.
As an alumnus of TCCS, I can vouch for how helpful switching to TCCS can be. I made the switch in the middle of the school year which, while difficult, proved to be very beneficial. All the staff worked quickly to get all my paperwork completed so that I could start at the beginning of the 2nd semester without missing any school at all. I thrived at TCCS, and even fifteen years later am still in contact with some of the teachers from the school. If I was anywhere near local I would be sending my son there in a heartbeat!”
Learn how easy it can be to switch to Traverse City Christian School. https://www.tcchristian.org/or-switch-guide/ The Messenger | 15
The mission team members share testimonies at chapel following their trip.
Senior Mission Trip A highlight of every senior at TC Christian is the annual international mission trip. Each Fall, the senior class heads overseas to provide ministry to a community in need. This year, due to Covid restrictions, the trip was moved to the Spring and the destination set south of the border. Travelling by air and road, the seniors and their leaders connected with their ministry partner, Praying Pelican Missions. PPM facilitates trips like this on a regular basis. Once across the border, PPM drove our team to Ensenada in the Baja region of Mexico where they met their host 16 | The Messenger
church and enjoyed a meal with the church and mission leaders. TC Christian’s key verse this year is ‘Seek to Serve’, taken from Philippians 2:3-4. During their time in Ensenada, the students did just that. The TCCS team worked with area school children, distributed food to local people in need, prayed and led worship for the community, and provided eager hands to rebuild a road and redecorate a widow’s home. All too soon the journey was over, but the friendships they made with the community will linger long in the hearts and minds of our students.
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A Stamp Of Approval
The CSI Accreditation Team with TC Christian’s School Improvement Team (Standing L to R) Dan Day (CSI Chair), Kari Groll (Teacher, Central Lake Public), Jessica Polzien (Teacher, TC Christian), Erica Boven (Teacher, TC Christian), Tyler Van Schepen (Superintendent, TC Christian), Scott Curell (Superintendent, Northern Michigan Christian), Jeff Krosschell (Teacher, Grandville Public ) (Kneeling L to R) Bruce Lucas (Principal, Trinity Lutheran), Sacha Standfest (Elementary Principal, TC Christian), Kelly Dutcher (Administrator, Harbor Light Christian)
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In April, 2021, TC Christian was visited by Christian Schools International to determine if our school met the criteria for accreditation by their national organization. The results are in and we couldn’t be happier. We sat down with TC Christian’s Superintendent, Tyler Van Schepen, to learn more.
First, who is CSI? Christian Schools International is a national organization headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They started in 1920 serving Christian schools and have grown into a leader in Christian education services. Their mission is to support schools like ours in teaching students to know God and His world, and to glorify Him through obedient service. Amongst other things, they provide curriculum development tools and leadership development programs. Why is CSI accreditation important? Accreditation is a very healthy process for a school to go through. Yes, it provides a “stamp of approval” from an outside organization, and that is what many people see as the purpose of accreditation, but it is also much more than that. Accreditation helps measure how well we are meeting our mission, ensures
CSI has a longstanding Christian school tradition and seeks to support schools like TCCS in furthering their mission and improving the product it provides to the area it serves. compliance with state legal requirements, demonstrates educational quality to prospective parents, and helps the school be viewed more favorably by higher education organizations and other companies or foundations with which TC Christian may look to partner. Encompassing all of those, however, is the idea that accreditation equals school improvement. CSI views the accreditation process for its schools as a process of school improvement as the school identifies areas to grow into over the near future.
What is accreditation not about? This does not mean that TCCS had not previously been recognized as a viable school within Michigan. We’ve been operating as a recognized nonpublic school in Michigan since the school began. Accreditation provides an additional level of accountability for us as we continue to look forward. Accreditation with CSI also does not mean that TC Christian is suddenly affiliated with a specific church or denomination. CSI has a longstanding Christian school tradition and seeks to support schools like TCCS in furthering their mission and improving the service it provides to the area it serves.
CSI’s Jeff Kroschell reviews the committee’s findings with TC Christian’s faculty and board
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Who made up the ‘home team’ and what were their roles? Guiding the school through this process was the school improvement team. This team was made up of Erica Boven, Jessica Polzien, Sacha Standfest, and Tyler Van Schepen. These members helped lead the school through the self-study process as well as develop the school improvement plan that came out of the selfstudy. The work of this team is still ongoing as they continue to revise the school improvement plan after the recent site visit. How long did the process take? Understandably, the accreditation process took longer than initially planned due to COVID. The process started during the end of the 2018-19 school year as TCCS applied for accreditation candidacy. During the 2019-2020 school year, TCCS went through a self-study, where teams of board and staff members were tasked with reviewing a particular strand of the self-study to give ratings for our school based on the standards within each strand. At the completion of the self-study, each of these teams identified various strengths and areas of growth, respective to their particular strand. This information was passed on to the school improvement team, who was then tasked to begin creating a school improvement plan based on the results of the self study. This team met a few times over the 20-21 school year to identify 20 | The Messenger
the draft of the SIP, further processing the SIP on items to consider or add.
In 5 years, the process will restart as the school seeks to re-evaluate itself through the selfstudy and make a new 5-year school improvement plan based on the needs identified at that time. and develop the components of the school improvement team. All of these steps led up to a site visit that was held here at TCCS toward the end of April. Initially, this was scheduled for the fall of 2020, but was pushed back to April due to COVID concerns. What did the CSI team do while they were here? Towards the end of April, TCCS held a site visit as part of the accreditation process. Over this two-day period, six individuals helped make up the team tasked with reviewing the self-study TCCS put together, while also conducting numerous interviews with staff, students, parents, and board members. The site visit team was tasked with two main items: validating the self-study (did the self study reflect the culture and feel of the school?) and reviewing
After the final review, what did the CSI team think about TC Christian? At the completion of the site visit, the site visit team shared an initial report to the TCCS staff. The team spoke positively about what they found at TC Christian, including a strong Christian atmosphere, curriculum focused around content standards and biblical truths, a culture of growth and improvement, the emphasis on community through small group and cross-grade interactions, and an attractive and informative web presence. This report to the staff, and the site visit as a whole all led up to the announcement that TCCS was being recommended to the CSI Accreditation Committee for accreditation! Moving forward, what comes next with CSI? Going forward, TCCS will now annually report to CSI on our school improvement plan. This is a way for CSI to see that TCCS is continuing to move forward with the plan it set in place while also serving as an ongoing conversation as the plan may need to be changed. In 5 years, the process will restart as the school seeks to re-evaluate itself through the self-study and make a new 5-year school improvement plan based on the needs identified at that time.
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New Board Member
Brittany Watson We have four energetic kids, one of whom resides in Kentucky with his mom and we drive down every other weekend to spend time with him. On weekends we are in town, we like to hike, bike, snowboard/ski, and hang out on the boat. We currently attend Bayview Wesleyan.
Students at TCCS: Ava (2nd grade) Harry (Kindergarten) and Theo (Pre-K) Why are you interested in serving on the TCCS School Board? I am passionate about Christian education and want to continue what TCCS has accomplished and also be a part of it’s growth.
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What gifts and background experience do you have that would equip you for serving on the board? I have been on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity and March of Dimes. I’m also a young outsider who wants to learn and hear others’ opinions and also share my perspective. I have 3 young children and I want TCCS to be their home
and I want to be invested in that journey. What do you see as the purpose of Christian Education? Christian education teaches truth. It teaches love, responsibility, biblical lessons - things you don’t get in the public schools. I want my kids’ schools to reinforce what they learn at home.
New Board Member
Chris Butz Students at TCCS: Phoebee (8th) Asher (2nd) and Valor (PK) Why are you interested in serving on the TCCS Board? I am interested in serving on the TCCS Board to serve the school and its community. Helping develop and set vision is one of my giftings and I have used it on many different boards over the years. Serving on the Board would be a great way to give back to a school that we have grown to love so much. What gifts and background experience do you have that would equip you for serving on the board? I am a recovering lawyer who has served on many boards in different sectors over the years, including the Leland School Board. This has not only helped those boards from a legal perspective, but gives me a critical method of analyzing and critically thinking through issues due to how we are trained as lawyers. My giftings include visioneering, ideation and leadership that would help in looking at problems and developing solutions and alternative possibilities in how to approach a situation. Chris and his wonderful wife Angie have been married for almost 24 years and have been blessed with 5 great kids. Spending time outdoors in God’s Creation is important to them. They love spending time with the kids doing everything from racing BMX to hiking, boating, fishing and hunting. Their latest project is taking a fully restored 1983 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ45 Troopy and turning it into the ultimate camping, hunting, and fishing rig.
What do you see as the purpose of Christian Education? I see the purpose of Christian Education as being the process of educating our children under the guidance of God and His Word to be better equipped to operate in this sinful world and to be the human redemptive catalyst to help others find salvation in Jesus. Of course, teaching the core foundations of such areas as math, reading, social studies, etc are important and should be done with an eye on the teachings of the Bible, but equipping the next generation to live in this world and direct others to Jesus is paramount.
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New Board Member
Kelli Sutphen We enjoy hosting our small group each week as well as having friends in our home and around a bonfire. As a family, we love spending time outdoors, going for bike rides, hiking and exploring Northern Michigan, playing board games, reading (a lot of reading), mornings at the beach, cross country skiing, figure skating, and learning to downhill ski. I also love cycling and running.
Students at TCCS: Abigail (3rd grade) and Madeline (1st grade) Why are you interested in serving on the TCCS Board? As a graduate of TCCS, and now a parent of two children who attend the school, our family desires to give back to the school and be the best support to TCCS. We see TCCS as a light in our community and want to share the life-changing impact it has had on our own family. In 2019, I deployed to the Middle East for 7 months and TCCS truly filled in the gaps by providing an exceptional amount of love to our family during this period. There is something so special about what is happening in the school and we want to continue being a part in shaping that for the future. What gifts and background experience do you have that would equip you for serving on the board? As an officer in the Air Force for the past 14 years, I have extensive experience in leading large teams in diverse environments and situations. I have been able to integrate personnel of various backgrounds and experiences into cohesive
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teams and have helped navigate difficult obstacles both in the United States and in the deployed environment overseas. I have a strong organizational and administrative background and have managed multiple programs with far-reaching impact across the Air Force. I have also always loved education and learning and am passionate about children falling in love with learning as well. For gifts, I love being an encouragement to others and seek intentional ways to bless others and lift them up. What do you see as the purpose of Christian Education? Christian education is an extension of Christian instruction that takes place in the home and should seek to incorporate God into every aspect of learning. Christian education opens our eyes to deepen the ways we encounter God in academic subjects such as Math, English, and Science. Christian education integrates God and provides a model for students to understand that no area of our life is separate from God. He is in everything and therefore we should seek to find Him in everything we study and do.
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For advertising information call Hannah Bouwmeester at 231-492-7870. The Messenger | 25
Sports Highlights
HUGE YEAR FOR SABRE BOWLERS! State Champions (See feature story in this issue) 26 | The Messenger
(L to R Top): Ella Wndel, Kaia Beebe, Hannah Elenbaas | (L to R Bottom): Ava Wendell, Rebekah Burch, Brooke Smith
Regional Champs
(L to R) Brent Wheat (Coach), Caiden Akerley, Carter Blodgett, Jeremy Hansen, Hunter Haldaman, Luke Rasmussen, Adam Rasmussen, Andy Radtke (Coach)
Individual Regional Champs
Jeremy Hansen (3rd in Regional) & Hunter Haldaman (Regional Champion) qualified for States. Hunter went on to take 3rd place in the state championship final.
Ella Wendell came 3rd in Regionals and qualified for States. Ella went on to win 2nd place in the state championship final.
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Dream Team - Hockey
Congratulations to Ben Polomsky (‘22) for being named to the 2020-21 season Record-Eagle Hockey All-Region Dream Team. Great work, Ben.
Dream Team - Basketball Congratulations to Brock Broderick (‘22) for being named to the 2020-21 season D4 Basketball Dream Team roster (Honorable Mention). Great season, Brock. Go Sabres.
Freshmen cheer on the Sabres at Pit Spitters Stadium 28 | The Messenger
Girls Soccer Hannah Elenbaas finds space to clear the ball upfield. TC Christian partners with St. Francis to offer girls soccer in the spring.
Sabre Tennis Players Warming Up The Messenger | 29
Sabres Take On Kingsley at Pit Spitter’s Stadium In early May, the TC Christian Sabres took on powerhouse Kingsley, in a double header at Turtle Creek Stadium, home of the Pit Spitters. A cool evening didn’t discourage the fans from turning out and a fun time was had by all. Congratulations to Kingsley who won the contest. Both teams enjoyed the experience of playing in a real stadium and said it was the highlight of their season so far.
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30 | The Messenger
Does your child’s educational options leave them lacking in hope and joy? How are your children doing with their daily choices? Let Traverse City Christian School help. Besides offering an excellent educational journey for each student, at Traverse City Christian School our children are taught to seek the Truth from our Creator, Jesus Christ. TCCS helps parents give the best gift you could ever offer to your child, a Christ-centered education in a godly and peaceful environment.
Karen Schmidt Coldwell Banker Schmidt
231-218-4463
KarenSchmidt@ColdwellBanker.com Jessica Polzien listens as Karen shares a story with her kindergarten class.
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